[Zeke]

I'be been in Long Beach most of my life and born here. I was only 2 when it flew and was put away. But I was here when they finally opened the doors to the water side hanger some time after Hughes' death. Then they built a huge dome to house the thing and I went there, climbed the stairs and visited the tiny cockpit. The enormous size of the plane is fully appreciated as you walk under the the wings near the 8 engines. The wings cover more area than a lot of parking structures (width wise anyway).

And of course, it's wood. Not painted wood either. I'd see it again if I was in OR.

Not surprised about the money situation. Didn't make it on its own here. We use the dome for ocean cruise liner terminals and sometimes exhibits plus filming.

It takes a lot more 'amusement' these days to make an amusement/museum venue. The Queen Mary has never made a profit but it's a fabulous place to go — once.