09/14/2013 - FoF Golden Hill

I finally made it over to the Golden Hill storage facilities of Fantasy of Flight (FoF) while out on a weekend motorcycle ride. The really nice thing about having an anuual pass to FoF is that I can do things like this when the mood and the opportunity strike without having to feel like I have to make a day of it to get my money's worth.

Golden Hill is comprised of two large metal buildings where many of Kermit Weeks' acquisitions are stored as they await restoration or other fates. A walk through this place is every bit as fascinating as any other part of the FoF complex. Seeing these aircraft in their acquired condition as compared to the aircraft in the main display areas serves to give perspective as to what it takes to bring these historic treasures to life in a restored and flyable condition.

The variety and scope of aircraft found in the Golden Hill storage facility is truly awe inspiring. Highlights include a B-17, a B-29, an F6F, and even a WWII-era Japanese Zero. Added to these "famous" historic treasures are row upon row of interesting planes, helicopters, engines, and assorted parts.

Golden Hill is certainly worth your time and effort to visit and it adds another layer of appreciation and understanding for the overall FoF experience.

Planes of all manner and type and in varying conditions line every square foot of the Golden Hill complex:

It's amazing to think that the FoF restoration guys can turn these dismembered hulks into flyable, museum quality restorations:

Wings seem to be removed from just about everything, probably as a space-saving strategy. The racks seen in the background contain crates and pallets marked with exotic plane parts descriptions:

Spotting this B-17 along the back wall of the first building was a pleasant surprise:

Of course I had to stick my head into the B-17 to get a look around:

And then there was the B-29:

And not just the nose section of a B-29; the whole entire plane is there for your perusal:

Over in the second building, this WWII-era Zero was on display:

Just around the corner from the Zero was this P-38 Lightning:

So, if you're any kind of aviation enthusiast, by now your desire to visit FoF's Golden Hill complex has to be piqued. By all means, take the time to visit this great window into history, FoF's collection, and the daunting challenge that is restoration of these historic aircraft.

 

Posted with Blogsy