Been planning a trip to the Wright-Patterson AFB Museum for several years.
Weather, an engine problem stopped me in years past.
The first try was in 2017 when I bought my airplane. Tornados in several places along the route stopped me.
Then in 2019 I tried it again. As I was climbing up over the Cascades near Seattle, my engine started running really rough. Hammering effect actually. An exhaust valve was hammered into a "tulip" shape. It would not seal and my compression was really bad. I limped home to Alaska.
This year I made it.
On the 18th of June, a day that started off hot with clear skies.
My plane was parked at First Flight Aviation at the Wright Brothers Airport KMGY. They have what is called a courtesy car, a vehicle that airports let you use, you just need to fill the tank and check the fluids before returning.
Was my second day, Staybridge hotel about three blocks from the airport was where I was staying. Super nice hotel, with real fridge and stove/dishwasher in each room.
First day was spent changing the oil and a few maintenance issues. Airport was short handed, so the owner allowed me to change it myself. He told me a new mechanic was due to start work the following Tuesday.
My courtesy vehicle was a full size Chevy Van. The air conditioner didn't work so down came the windows. Hotter than hot is the best way to describe the temp that day.
In fact everyone was having record highs along my path. Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota, Illinois, Ohio. Route was north to visit several landmarks, Tetons, Yellowstone, Devil's Tower, Mt Rushmore.
Anyway here are a few photos:
Wright Brother Bicycle
Fokker
Curtis Challenger 600 Cutaway engine
Could not find a Pratt & Whitney R1340 anywhere in the museum, would liked to of got some photos of the accessories etc...
Forgot the name of this one
Self explanatory
Dyna-Soar X-20 model
Vapor Super Car
Self explanatory
The main reason for the visit XB70
A few more of the 427 photos I took follow.
Mike