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Western Museum of Flight
Neighborhood: Torrance
3315 Airport Dr
Zamperini Field Red Baron Hgr #3
Torrance, CA 90505
(310) 326-9544
3315 Airport Dr
Zamperini Field Red Baron Hgr #3
Torrance, CA 90505
(310) 326-9544
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
3 reviews for Western Museum of Flight
If you're like myself and a fan of historical plane memorabilia and aviation history, you should check out this museum. I'd recommend you check out their website before you visit if you want to make sure a specific plane is on display and not being refurbished somewhere else.
I went today and was disappointed to not find their P-51 or YF-23 on display. But the other planes quickly made me happy that I went and made my $5 donation. For example, I saw a F5-A (and climbed into the cockpit), a replica of the 1883 Montgomery glider, and 1 of 3 JB-1 "Bats" known to be left in the world.
It was also cool to see on display a BD-5 micro plane (the one in the James Bond movie "Octopussy" ) and F86 Sabre jet bomber.
There's also missle drones on display like the RP-76, and NASA space probes, the Pioneer 1 and 5, hanging from the ceiling.
If you have the time, check out their library of books. You could easily spend hours combing through their collection of vintage books.
I posted pictures.
"Look, up in the sky!"
"It's a bird!"
"It's a plane!"
"Yes, it's a plane, Sparky."
I attended the Grand Opening of this Air Museum and because I was invited by an elder docent, I actually met with John Northrop and scads of pilots, gunners, dreamers and those that love them. There were also some local and state politicians all looking for the best photo op but I didn't bother shaking their hands as I was eating a sandwich and I didn't want to get any more grease on my pulled pork. They had dozens and dozens of fighter aircraft, most representing WWII and I was allowed the thrill of sitting in the driver's seat of several of them. Actually, I think they allowed me to do this so they could look down my blouse but whatever, I'm not shy, why should they be?
I've posted some photos and brochures as well as the announcement so you'll get an idea of the types of aircraft on display and it was all very impressive a showing for the South Bay. I've seen the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum as well as the air museums in Dayton and Warner-Robins and this is but a mini-version of these great halls...but it's all ours, in our own backyard.
And while I was all agog with the big guns and stuff, what made it all very special for me was talking with the heroes who flew in those big sitting ducks... the B-17 Flying Fortress. Unable to maneuver or avoid doodly-Nazi-squat, they had to remain in their assigned positions (peeing streams, no doubt) while German fighters shot them up with machine gun and cannon fire. That had to be the most terrifying of experiences but amazingly, these guys maintain the best of humor. I guess you'd have to after staring death in the face for 40 missions, if you lasted that long.
So if you want to take the kiddies (or daddy) out for a cool day of "Oohs" and "Aahs", this is a great venue at the cheap (zip for kids, $5 for adults). And here's a little Top Secret planning recommendation...eat before getting here. The caterer used today needed to do a much better job...like get some help!
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This "blink-and-you'll-miss-it" museum is on a exterior corner of the Hawthorne Airport at Jack Northrop Field, named after the founder of Northrop Aircraft.
It's not the best laid-out or maintained museum. The last time I was there, most of the exhibits were somewhat organized in the interior of an unused hangar. The display aircraft sit on the tarmac outside, making this a less-than-desirable destination in inclement weather.
They're strictly cash-only and have weird hours - check them on http://www.wmof.com. However, considering the rough neighborhood, perhaps it's better that they're not open later in the evening.
So what makes this place worth 4-stars? For Northrop warbird (military plane) fans, this place is THE destination for B-2 memorabilia and souvenirs. Additionally, this is the only place I know of where civilians can see a YF-23 Black Widow - the prototype for the F-22 Raptor - up-close and personal. Sure, it's been demilitarized by the removal of engines and avionics (what, you thought they were going to give rides in it?) but it's still cool to see.
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