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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Plans
of Fame - Yanks Air Museum Chino
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By Matthew Martz |
Where else
can one find such an enormous collection of Military aviation
craft and memorabilia under one roof than at the Planes
of Fame Museum located on the grounds of the Chino Municipal
Airport in Chino, California.
The Plans of Fame Museum gives visitors
a chance to view beautifully restored American, war
birds including some very rare ones, including the world's
first all-metal monoplane (the Boeing P-26), and the
sole surviving examples of the Northrop N9MB Flying
wing, Horton brothers glider, as well as various carrier
aircraft, attack aircraft, fighters, fighter bombers,
and the legendary B-17E, “Swamp Ghost.”
They also boast the best collection
of Japanese military warplanes that include the only
flyable Zero-sen with original Sakae engine. Visitors
will peek at history and as they view the remains of
the Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" bomber that was
shot down during an ambush by American P-38 Lightning
fighter planes that were responsible for taking out
Japanese Admiral, Isoroku Yamamoto in WWII.
There are also many vintage aircraft
from Russia, Britain, and Germany, including a rebuilt
Focke Wulf 190, Heinkel Volksjager, Sopwith Pup, and
Messerschmitt Komet.
The museum also lays claim to a small
collection of military vehicles primarily from World
War II, as well as hundreds of artifacts, memorabilia,
and various uniforms from the era.
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There
is a separate building for jet aircraft, and there is a
gift shop. The most unique aspect of the Plans of Fame,
is that many of the museum’s collection is in flyable
condition and for a fee, you can experience a once in a
lifetime experience of riding in the jump seat of some of
these amazing aircraft.
If you are really into aviation history
and aircraft, plan to spend at least a few hours. The
Plans of Fame is open Sunday through Friday, 10:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. And
for those that can’t enough of those magnificent
men and their flying machines, just a stone’s throw
away is the Yanks Air Museum. Lots more aircraft are on
display here in two modern, climate-controlled hangars.
The west hanger houses 37 aircraft, several
vehicles, military armament, and aviation memorabilia
covering a time span of 1903-1931 and consists of a 1918
Curtiss JN-4d “Jenny”, North American Mitchell
III B-25, and a pair of P-51 Mustangs.
The east hanger exhibits aircraft from
1946 to modern day jet fighters, and includes modern aviation
relics and the unique “Evolution of Ejection Seats”
display. There is even an array of decommissioned US Air
Force bombs an extensive model aircraft exhibit, and a
Grumman A-6 “Intruder” flight simulator.
On certain days, visitors are treated
to a rare look into the restoration hangar where you can
view photos and sneak a behind-the-scenes glimpse into
how they restore their remarkable findings. Operating
hours are Monday through Saturday 8 a.m.to 4 p.m.
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Both the Planes of Fame and Yanks Air
Museum is a great place to bring the entire family, and
is definitely and amazing journey through American and
foreign aviation history.
Come for the day, and grab breakfast or lunch at Flo’s
Airport Cafe. Flo's is the only dining choice
at Chino Airport and is a throwback to the days of the
roadside or truck stop diner, and is without a doubt,
the genuine article.
To reach both museums, you can take the 91 Freeway, to the
Route 71 Expressway and exit onto Euclid Avenue, and then
turn right at the end of the exit ramp. Follow Euclid Ave.
north to the traffic light and follow the signs to the Airport.
AAA members get a discount and Active duty military, police,
and firefighters are admitted for free. Parking is always
free. |
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