Restoration Facility

You might say that more hard work was done IN the restoration building than anywhere else over the years. We have had the pleasure of seeing some of the best aviation and vehicle mechanics volunteer their services over the year. It's also been a place of learning for many people with an interest but not the expertise. Many of the aircraft that have been restored to a most excellent finish were previously delivered to the museum on trailers and flatbed trucks where the first thought when seeing them was "What am I getting into and why did I volunteer for this?" But those with plenty of experience have been more then willing to teach someone new to the field, the secrets if the trade.

The same can be said on the vehicle side, but sometimes to an even more extreme. Most aircraft are aluminum due to the weight restrictions. Vehicles, especial combat/tactical vehicles are designed with the intention of deflecting bullets and the bulk of heavey iron and steel seems to have no bounds. Some of the vehicles arrived as total "rust buckets", many of which were only partial shells of their former glory days. Did that stop the crew? Absolutely not! There's no greater pleasure then seeing one of those "I think it was a truck?" go through a complete transformation from the bare frame up, and then watch it appear in one of the local community parades as though it just rolled off the factory floor!

We are forever grateful for those who volunteered their time and efforts working together with a common goal - the most awesome restoration this museum has ever seen! Great job to everyone who has helped out over the years!