MUSEUM NEWS 

01 JANUARY 2005

Construction plans are now being finalized for the housing of the museum’s C-141B Cockpit Procedures Trainer (CPT). The Base Simulator Section donated this training device to the museum a few years ago.

 Nearly 33,000 training hour were logged in this CPT from its arrival in 1983 to its retirement in 2001.  Since there is insufficient space in the existing museum gallery for the trainer a small addition to the museum will be built to assure its adequate display. Visitors will enter the simulator through the museum gallery. 

Museum volunteer Hal Edvolds has graciously agreed to supervise the building of this structure and anticipates the beginning in March of 2005. This will be for the most part a self-help project enabling the (McChord Air Museum) Foundation keep the costs as possible. Hal has estimated the cost to be at approximately $6,000. Accordingly, the Foundation Board of Directors has decided a capital fund drive is necessary to prevent a serious depletion of existing savings.  

We are well aware that several of our Foundation Members have (some on a annual basis) contributed more than the regular amount.  To all for the m we once say thanks. We will appreciate any donations to assist in this project to preserve an important part of the history of the C-141. 

In addition the room for the CPT, there is a need to construct a display pad for the following aircraft engines:

• Wright R-2600 “Cyclone” radial (used in the North American B-25 Mitchell, the PBY Catalina “Super Cat” and the Grumman F6F Hellcat)
• Pratt & Whitney R-4360 “Wasp Major” radial (used in the Douglas C-124C Globemaster II, Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar)
• TF-33-P-7 (used in the Lockheed C-141 StarLifter)

This pad will be located on the west side of the museum building. The engines will be protected by either a cantilevered roof or suitable canopy. The estimated cost of this engine display project is $4000.00. Again, self-help will be utilized to the degree possible.

Both the Cockpit Procedures Trainer and the engines have been in storage and we want them to be made available for public viewing. We appreciate your support for these projects. If you wish to help this or any of our ongoing projects, please visit our Donations page or send your Tax Decidable contribution to:

The McChord Air Museum Foundation, P.O. box 4205, McChord AFB, WA 98438. Thanks for your assistance !