A Vist To The Spruce Goose

[MT930]

Like many aviation enthusiasts I have read a lot about the Spruce Goose and have wanted to see it it since I was a kid. Learning that the Evergreen museum could be in trouble.

I made a point of dragging the family through a day at the museum and a private flight deck tour.

I had to to see this wonder of Aviation history. Highly recommended for the Aviation types.

Hughes H-4 Hercules - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Spruce Goose | Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum | Wings & Waves Waterpark | McMinnville Oregon

[MT930]

[Brown747]

I own a Spruce Goose!

[BeyGon]

Those are great pictures, I got to tour it when it was still in Long Beach. It was great.

[fanaudical]

My understanding is that the museum is open and operating in a sustainable way. Are you hearing something different?

[Nickshu]

I stopped by there a few years ago. Very cool museum... Highly recommended for anyone who is passing thru the area.

[jorian]

I would like to see it.

Amazing testament to Hughes and engineering that it flew.

[Tobra]

I remember checking it out when it was in Long Beach. That is a big ass boat for sure.

[sc_rufctr]

This plane has always interested me. The fact that it's made from wood is just insane.
Howard Hughes must of had the best engineers of the day working for him.

A few years ago all I knew about HH was from the movie The Aviator. (probably Leonardo's best movie)

I did some searching afterwards and he was a truly impressive human being. The stuff he got done puts any of today's billionaires to shame.

(The Senate Hearing videos are on YouTube if your interested)

[Scuba Steve]

It's strange to me how much it looks like a C-5, at least the forward parts at least. Very cool pics!

[bri450sl]

So cool!

[herr_oberst]

Great Pictures! You look good in the hat, too. Howard would be proud.

One thing that fascinates me about that museum is how fast technology changed during the early years of aviation. I really like looking at the cutaway of the 28 cylinder P/W off to the side of the display. Someone developed this in the 1930's with a slide rule.....

[scottmandue]

I also saw it in Long Beach... funny how it looks big from the outside but looks huge once you are inside.

[cashflyer]

Originally Posted by fanaudical

My understanding is that the museum is open and operating in a sustainable way. Are you hearing something different?

A brief search turns up articles about a Chapter 7 filing in 2013, and some money transfers between the museum and the air operating company triggered an investigation.

IRS headaches for Evergreen Air and Space Museum - Portland Business Journal

[rick-l]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

One thing that fascinates me about that museum is how fast technology changed during the early years of aviation. I really like looking at the cutaway of the 28 cylinder P/W off to the side of the display. Someone developed this in the 1930's with a slide rule.....

That engine was developed during WW2 and was the last technical advancement of the piston engine before jet engines took over.

The engine had a supercharger on the intake and a turbo that was tied into the crankshaft called a power recovery turbine. It was also called a parts recovery turbine due to the low reliability of the engine.

[cashflyer]

Originally Posted by rick-l

That engine was developed during WW2 ....

True, but it was developed from the earlier Wasp designs that date back to the 20's.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by MT930

Somewhere, there's a picture of me, 10 years old and my grandfather sitting at the controls in Long Beach under the dome. Wearing fedoras too.

[enzo1]

[daepp]

great photos - thanks for posting!

[pete3799]

Amazing aircraft. Wife and I saw it in Long Beach also.