In 1994 I flew into the airport in Roswell, NM with my cousin..This plane was in front of a hangar. A mechanic let my cousin and me tour the aircraft. The cabin was gutted back then, but you could see outlines where the furniture had been. The mechanic told us that the plane was being refurbished at would be placed in a museum. This is some great aviation history being preserved for future generations.
It was the Columbine II that you probably saw. It was the presidential plane before this one and the only presidential plane that the government let go of. There are videos out there on the progress they have made to refurbish it that you may be interested in, particularly since you remember it in its rough condition. It has an interesting story too, and was actually the first plane in which the Air Force One call sign was introduced. The Air Force flew this plane, Columbine III to the museum on its last flight in 1966, and I remember being on it was I was a kid, although it moved building since then. This is based on the Super Constellation while the earlier plane was the “regular” Constellation.
@Zach_OnTheMap Intersting - I will check it out. What was odd --- is that about a month before seeing the plane in Roswell -- I had visited the Eisenhower Museum in Abliene and saw a picture of the plane in the museum. When I landed in Roswell, I was shocked to see the same plane with the Blue Columbine lettering. I think the mechanic said it was headed to Massachusetts after he was done with it. This was 1994 -- so I am a little fuzzy on the details.
Thank you so much!!! I loved seeing where my late husband would have been sitting when on Air Force One! He was a Presidential Radio Operator for Eisenhower and Kennedy and was in the Air Force from 1959-1963. Again, THANK YOU for this video!
I’m so happy that this was able to bring you that joy! We are thankful for his service. I’m sure he was able to share many stories of his experiences! Thanks for sharing and letting me know.
Absolutely! It’s incredible that this museum exists and that so much care and effort has gone into preserving these artifacts. It’s amazing to think how these airplanes and artifacts continue to tell such important stories, allowing us to connect with history in such a tangible way. I’m glad you had the chance to experience it!
That’s awesome! What a fantastic experience to have carried your whole life. That was such a great time in aviation…certainly compared to flying commercial today.
In the summer of 1975, I was working as a ground crew on a forest pesticide operation in St-Honoré, Québec, Canada. The American Company flying these planes had bought a couple of them and gutted almost all of the interiors to make room for the pesticide tanks. The pilots were very friendly and having the chance to fluently speak English (most people in the region at the time, where speaking French only), I had the privilege to visit and even fly on the plane. The pilot told me that this particular plane on which I flew was once Eisenhower's Air Force One. I could still see some of the interior appointments. It was almost 50 years ago, but I'm sure I recognize the front part of the passenger section, which was the only part left intact at the time. I remember the pilot explaining to me that the plane had "Water Injection" which allowed more power from the engines during takeoff. Beautiful plane. If anybody can find the name of the company that operated the plane at the time, I would be glad to know it.
www.firstairforceone.org Columbine II, which was the plane before this, not the Super Connie but the standard/original, is the plane that is tied to the crop dusting company. Christler Flying Service, based in Wyoming.They bought several planes at auction as part of a lot. It was my understanding that they didn't fly the plane. That it was in the worst shape of the planes they bought and were going to use it for parts. And then at some point the Smithsonian contacted them and told them what they had. They are now restoring it and have had it in the air. There are several videos out there on that plane. But Christler was the name of the company and its owner, and Columbine II was the name of the airplane.
I appreciate it! Thanks for sharing the memory and adding to the conversation. We have spent a lot of money over the years flying our presidents to and from the golf course!
Your comment made me kind of curious about Eisenhower and golf. I found this on Google. Ike and Mamie's vacation home was an easy stroll from the greens at the Augusta National Golf Club. interesting.
@ronaldlindeman6136 Thanks for sharing and adding to the conversation! I recently saw a short video of Eisenhower doing a press conference and he was being asked by the reporter about government waste, and the reporter made a comment about him flying to the golf course, which Ike did not like! But in fairness he apparently had a home there too. To follow up, I looked up how much it costs in modern times to transport the president to play golf. There were 2 examples, one for Obama and one for Trump, and it averaged $3.5 million per trip. That’s the use of the plane, cars, all the security and so on. Wherever he goes, you have these costs, but it’s harder to swallow when you know it’s to play golf.
@@Zach_OnTheMap Well, I read what was a very different article, with probably different motives. They explained what President Obama would do on trips is, go to the golf course that was somewhat near to the airport that he was flying out of. And then time it so they flew out the airport after Obama finished with golf or went to the golf course right after they landed at the airport, to keep expenses down. trump would mostly only play at his golf courses and stay at his hotels, and have the entire cost picked up by the Government.
Ha! Yes, if I share data points like that I have to be careful and do averages or just not share. I would like to hope a channel like mine can be an escape from the politics of the day. It's less emotional for people when you talk about events in the 50's!
When I was a little kid, I would see Pres. Eisenhower on the Columbine and not knowing about the flower, I wondered why they would name a plane for a piece of farm equipment -the combine
@Jamie-zs8ok The Sacred Cow was the plane built for FDR but mostly used by Truman before he got “Independence”. Are you suggesting I do a dedicated video to “Sacred Cow”? I do have a video that goes inside “Sacred Cow” and also covers the other presidential aircraft at this museum.
My father worked for Eastern Airlines, so as a child I flew on Constellations several times. Back then, when they introduced a new aircraft, they were all configured first class. I believe on the Constellations, they (Eastern) called it Golden Falcon service.
Thanks for adding to the conversation. That must have been a great time in aviation history. It’s hard for me to fully comprehend what it would have been like to fly on an airliner like that. So different from what flying has become.
Not aircraft specific. Eisenhower's presidential library is in Abilene, Kansas. He's buried there, and there are a ton of his military and presidential artifacts on display, including his Cadillac wartime staff car, military uniforms, documents, golf clubs given to him by Bobby Jones, and so much more. It's a very worthwhile visit. I highly recommend.
Thanks! I'll have to check it out. I need to plan a trip to Kansas and do several things. It's not like I'm going to just pass through the way I might be able to do with a lot of other places. I drove San Fran to Cincinnati over the summer but went through Nebraska.
Great video. I went through all of the air force one planes that are at that museum. Your video quality is great- even through the plexiglass. The elevator that took FDR into the Sacred Cow and the fact they had the poker chips and cards out on the Independence for Harry S Truman were interesting touches.
Though I never got to fly on the Super Connie, I did work for an airline that flew the smaller, original version of it. The history behind the Presidential version of it must have been fantastic! Thanks for showing us this beautiful aircraft!
Thanks for adding to the conversation! When I made this video I didn’t realize how much affinity there is for the Connies. I am sure there is a lot more I can learn! It sort of makes me long for the golden days of air travel.
All the glass that I see in your video… Was that there when the plane was in use? What a beautiful aircraft. I might’ve flown on some thing similar in 1963 from New York to Iceland, and then on to Edinburgh.
That’s really cool that you were flying in those days. That’s an era that I missed! The glass is museum glass, trying to preserve everything so hopefully my grand children will be able to walk through there some day many years from now and learn about the history too. I always say we are fortunate to have access to the interior at all, because I’m sure if the Smithsonian had the planes, they would be completely closed off. No way they would allow people inside, with or without the glass.
Thanks for sharing.. The story of the tail from what I know is that Howard Hughes/ TWA was the launch customer for the connie.. and HH said he would would refuse to accept these aircraft if they didn't fit in the main TWA mx hangar in Kansas City.. MKC.
It’s fantastic that it has been so well preserved, and that we are able to have such public access. It’s like she’s frozen in time. She landed after her last flight and there she sits.
That’s interesting…I hadn’t considered that. I suppose that would be a structurally sound area and also it would keep him away from the engines and props. Is that your thought or is there more to it?
If I had a chance to fly in one, I would be willing to find another way home too! I don’t think there are any left flying in the US today, so that’s a unique experience now 25 years latter.
I know it! I was thinking that too in some of these old planes. There are so many things that have changed but some things they just figured out early on and they kept them that way.
I highly suggest a tour of Pima Air & Space Museum near Tucson, AZ. They have the VC-118 (DC-6) that also served as AF One at various times to access shorter runways. Would have been used by JFK to fly home to Brookline, MA.
Peak of "old analouge" technology..Constellation was likely the largest pressurised fuselage at its inception..enabling comfortable flying above dangerous weather
It was very advanced in its time. It’s amazing what we had then vs. what we have now. You look back now and think on one hand, we have it so much better, but on the other you think, wow, they were really ingenious to figure out how to do things with the tech they had at the time. We wouldn’t have the engineers now to figure all of that out because we are trained to know such different things.
The shielding is in the way of a better experience but I’m sure they wouldn’t let people on at all if they thought anything could be damaged. It’s an original interior, or least original to the time the plane was retired. I would bet if the Smithsonian had the planes that there is no way they would let anyone inside.
Remember when the first jet airliners came out and they all had a set of windows above the windscreen, those were for using a sextant. Even in the jet age they were using the same navigation methods that they used to cross the ocean on sailing ships. The B-52 also has a sextant port.
Absolutely, it’s amazing how quickly things changed with GPS and the digital age. It wasn’t that long ago that we were using sextants and analog instrumentation. The engineers of today wouldn’t even have the expertise to create something like that now, what we teach and learn from s so different. And how many people could even use a sextant today? I know I wouldn’t know how to!
It still baffles me sometimes. I’ll just stop and think of what we used to do vs. now the information is just there. Military use for sure, but remember having to stop at a gas station to ask for directions? Not that long ago. I do worry what happens if something someday goes wrong. We sure do count on those satellites for a lot. I would guess the military has some backup options, but there’s a lot that wouldn’t work anymore without those satellites.
For at least part of the time this plane was in service, there was no ATC - that was stood up in the late '50s. Other than that, thanks for a terrific tour of a classic airplane.
Thanks, I appreciate it. I think you are referring to the FAA in the late 50’s and the creation of a centralized ATC with the designation it has now. But even in the earlier days of this plane of course there was air traffic control with towers and controllers issuing clearances, coordinating take offs and landings, maintaining distances between aircraft and along designated airways. And this plane would have been in communication with that network. Air traffic control was even using radar at larger airports when this plane went into service.
It seems like there were strong ties between Eisenhower and Augusta. The man sure liked golf! That’s cool that they used a photo of him with his plane at the dealership. I would think that someone who appreciates the engineering and design of a Mercedes may likely appreciate the engineering and beauty of this plane.
This aircraft has the most beautifully proportioned fuselage, but unfortunately that whole feeling is lost when you get inside and realize you're inside a glass case.
This plane was named for the state flower of Colorado. Denver was Mamie's home town, and the plane would fly them frequently to Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, which was considered the White House of the West.
Were you able to visit after hours to make this? Looks like you had the place to yourself! It would be cool to get a guided tour from someone who's retired AF to point out obscure things onboard that a layman might miss. Great tour.
I love that you noticed and commented on that! It is strategic. The museum opens at 9:00 AM, so the trick is to get there at 9:00 on a weekday. The presidential gallery is in the last of 4 buildings in the complex, and most people start in the first building. So if you get there at 9:00 and go straight to the fourth building, you have quite a while before anyone else gets there.
I have had tours of the planes at this museum, and I’ve learned a lot. I have also learned that you can’t take anything they say at face value, because I have had a single guide tell me multiple inaccuracies in a single tour. They are knowledgeable but can’t know everything about everything, just like me because we’re all human. I want to be clear that they are invaluable and I do appreciate that they volunteer their time to do this. I just have to check what they say and hope I don’t repeat inaccuracies. Because I’ve had that happen and the internet trolls eat me alive! Those errors are the only thing some people are willing to comment on, God bless them.
@@Zach_OnTheMap That's a shame. It's an amazing place. I'm a member. Heck I go there occasionally just to read a book outside and reacquire my center from time to time..
My father-in-law was out there a few months before me and he also told me I need to go, but again, not with young kids. He has been to most presidential libraries and I think it’s on the top of his list.
@@Zach_OnTheMap Every 6 months or so the Library will display a special exhibit. Last year it was artifacts from the Holocaust only to been shown at the Library & nowhere else in the States. 4 years ago was artifacts from Pompeii. It keeps the Library from becoming stagnant..
That’s great. And some of that helps attract people who might not otherwise visit the museum. I have seen the Pompeii exhibit. I took my son when it was at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. I think it’s still traveling around.
The museum opens at 9:00 AM, and the presidential gallery is in the last of 4 buildings. If you get there at opening on a week day and go directly to the last building, it will feel like a special arrangement!
This plane has been a museum artifact since 1966, so I would guess it hasn’t run since then. I understand the appeal of keeping an aircraft airworthy, but it’s such a historic piece that I don’t think it would be wise to take a chance on hurting it.
I’ve never heard that before but I don’t know. I would guess that if anything happened to one of them in air that the others would have the skill set to make do. And if they knew there was an issue before they left the ground, I would guess that the Air Force would be prepared, as you say, to have someone ready.
I'm sure they have new tech to replace whatever was cutting-edge back then! But it is cool to think how secure it would have been back in the day, and now you can just go in walk through there like it's nothing.
They have the “luggage must fit” type frame you have to walk through before going up the stairs. I hear people laugh about it. Not everyone is going to make it!
@@Zach_OnTheMap i must say the frame you have to walk through before going up the stairs looks very smal and you right not every one is going to make it.
It’s good they have a way to let people know ahead of time if they are going to struggle or not. I was touring a submarine over the summer and noticed an older gentleman who had bought his ticket but only when he was trying to get in did he realize he wasn’t going to be able. I felt sorry for him and he may have had some embarrassment, and it seemed like there could have been a way to give him a hint of what he would have to deal with before he got his ticket and made the effort. This just put me in mind of that.
That’s the truth! A similar comparison: Columbine III cost $2.6 million in 1954, which is about $28 million with inflation in 2024. We are spending $3.9 billion, with a “B”, on the new pair of 747 based planes, so call it $1.95 Billion each. So each of the new planes cost 70x what Columbine III cost even when factoring in inflation. We could have had a fleet of 140 Columbine III’s for what we are paying for the pair of 747’s. And what’s even more ridiculous is that Boeing says they are losing money on the project. I realize there’s a lot more to it, but it’s crazy to think about in that context.
Thank you for this! Surprised they actually let people into the plane. The AF is So ANAL about that. I used to volunteer at an Air Museum, and ALL of the planes they leant to us, People are not allowed into the Planes! I always thought, what s the point of having a Museum!? VERY frustrating as a volunteer and a Patron. Blessings.Subscribed
Thanks! As long as I remember we could tour the presidential planes, and I’ve been going to that museum since the 80’s. So it is really nice, although they have most everything behind plexiglass so that helps protect them. While there are a handful of other planes you can board (mostly cargo areas) most of the planes at the museum can only be seen from the outside. The foundation that funds the museum projects does occasionally have fund raising events where they will open a few planes that people can enter, like a one night only type thing. But in those cases they can have someone right there looking after those few planes.
For as much as Howard Hughes got attacked by the Government during this period, they still used his company's airplane. I got a tour of this plane when it was not on display several years back. It was in a hanger that the public had to be taken to. They did a nice job restoring it for exhibit. To let you know Eisenhower did have nuclear codes during his administration, they referred to it as the 'black bag' or 'satchel'.
Yes, the presidential planes were in a secure area of the base, really just on the other side of a fence from the museum. They had a shuttle bus that would go back and forth with guests. When they built the fourth building in 2016 they were able to move them into the main museum. The issue with the bus was that a lot of people didn't know about it and it took a lot of time, because you had to get on a list, and then wait for the shuttle to and from the other building.
When I was working on the video and the guide mentioned the safe, I looked into the nuclear code item because I thought that was a bit early for that. From what I read...and that doesn't mean I'm an expert...they were still building the process out during the last years of Eisenhower, and that it wasn't until after the Cuban Missile Crisis that we had a system more similar to what we know today. And I'm sure it's evolved leaps and bounds since then too. They had a bag as you mention, but they didn't have the system in it. And from what I understand, even now, the bag doesn't contain the codes...the president caries the codes on his own person. But I'm just going off what I read and would need to read more to feel confident on the subject.
The Howard Hughes thing reminds me a bit of Elon Musk today. He gets a lot of headlines but there are thousands of engineers that are making it happen, and I guess it's important to draw a line between a CEO that is a bit unhinged at times, and the fact that they are landing rockets upright on a small barge floating on the waves of the ocean.
It’s amazing. Of course two world wars were in there too, so there’s the whole necessity being the mother of invention thing at play. When mankind puts their mind to it, they can accomplish amazing things. Kitty Hawk to the moon in 66 years.
That's cool to see things you remember in a museum. Sometimes it makes me feel old! But it's fun to live enough that you can have that unique perspective on the past. I think you look at history through a new lens when you realize you have been part of it!
That was this plane’s predecessor… Columbine II, the only primary presidential aircraft the Air Force sold-off. This plane is original and was flown to this museum as soon as it was retired from Air Force service. But the story of the Columbine II’s post service history is great!
They have the, “does your luggage fit” style box that you have to walk through before climbing the stairs on each plane. I hear so many people making comments to their friends and laughing about it. It’s narrow!
I remember the story of how they found this plane, had to wheel and deal to get it, and then get it airworthy to fly to Virginia to refurbish. It's nice to see it finished.
That’s actually this plane’s predecessor, Columbine 2, the only presidential plane the government let go of. This plane was sent directly to the museum after it left Air Force service, so it’s all original. But the story about Columbine 2 is amazing, and I’m happy they had enough people with enough passion for it to salvage it and get it in the air. I’m sure it’s an expensive process!
The square windows made my think of the first jet, the DeHavelin comet mysteriously disappeared on several flights then a fisherman found part of the wreckage of one which was examined and the failure was blamed on the square windows. Also do you have anything on the “Sacred Cow” FDR’ plane which was the first presidential plane. It had an elevator, I saw it at the AirForce museum before it was restored. It was full of bird poop and the wings had been cut off with a chain saw. The Smithsonian had previously had and there was a custody battle fought over it. The AirForce got it because President Truman signed the legislation creating the AirForce on it in1947. I sat on FDR’s bed.
I remember hearing about the Comet’s square window issue. It seems they hadn’t accounted for the pressurization cycles and the stress those would create on the materials. I believe it ultimately came down to metal fatigue around the windows. I hadn’t noticed the window shape on this plane either-thanks for bringing that up and adding to the conversation!
I do show that plane in my Air Force One Museum video! I hadn’t realized it was in such rough shape before its restoration or the story you tell about the Air Force winning out because of the National Security Act of 1947, but I do remember hearing that the Smithsonian had it for a while without doing much with it. That seems to happen often-they receive so many incredible donations but have limited resources and display space. In the video, I highlight the elevator and even FDR’s wheelchair. It’s amazing to think that he only flew on the plane once before he passed away. Thanks for contributing to the conversation! ua-cam.com/video/PsmAjOEv5h4/v-deo.html
@@Zach_OnTheMapsomewhere I have pictures of my kids sitting on the bed. I am not. Too computer savvy so I don’t know how to send them to you if I can find them. I think we were there in 1985. They had to get an airplane for F DR so he could go to one of the Big 3 conferences without being in danger of nazi subs. Liked your video possible the museum did a lot of restoration and on the plane since it was a whole lot fancier than when we saw it. Possibly this was done for HST
Yes, they may have had to freshen it up a bit. It's amazing what conservators can do to preserve artifacts, making them look good while keeping them original as possible. There's often that "interim of neglect" when people know maybe the artifact is worth keeping but it's kind of stowed away and no one pays a lot of care to it. And then eventually the "old" thing becomes a "precious" thing and suddenly it's all behind glass.
I hadn't thought about what types of aircraft leaders of other nations flew on during this time period. It seems to me also that other presidents and leaders of other nations relied on modified military aircraft, not built specifically for the leader. Thank you for adding that to the conversation.
Ha! They all have a funny smell, more like old airplane…but that might be one of the scents mixed into that. I’m sure it was the dominate smell at one time.
What would you do if you were the museum? The Smithsonian’s solution is to keep the door closed on planes and no one goes in. The alternative is that all of the original interior is destroyed over time. What would a good solution be?
I get it. And I agree it would be nice to not look through the glass. What most museums do is they keep the door closed and put ropes around the perimeter. And having been in a lot of museums, I am appreciative they made the effort at this one and let people inside these planes.
Are you referring to the military industrial complex? I wonder how much his travels influenced his perspective on these big issues. He had a lot of insight.
I’m glad you liked it! The engines on the early versions of the plane, based on what little I know about it, had a tendency to over heat, and I think that’s where the joke came from. I think they got that figured out after a while and I would assume they weren’t flying the president on three engines. I think it’s cool how many people comment on this airplane. Seems like they were really special planes.
I agree that it takes away from the plane but there is no way they could let people in there without it. It’s all original from the 1950’s. I am sure if the Smithsonian had it, they wouldn’t let people in with or without the glass. A necessary evil perhaps.
Eisenhower seemed to like flying and probably flew hundreds of times. There are stories that when flying in the smaller presidential aircraft, he occasionally would sit in the right seat and take the controls, under supervision of the pilot. Of course most of his Army career was before the Air Force was established, so Army men flew the airplanes until after the National Security Act of 1947.
How sad they can't re-name it: "We like Ike!" The Colorado school massacre ruins our initial interpretation of this airplane. I was born during Ike's administration. * Cav *
Ha! I hear that. The first time I noticed the plane name, I thought the same thing...unfortunate name that hasn't aged well. I don't think about it anymore because I have talked about the plane enough and it just isn't so much of an association. I also think though that the flower had the name first, and then the plane and the school, and the event happened latter. And I know the school kept the name and kept it for a reason. And I like that they didn't let these home grown terrorists hijack the name and its meaning. I'm glad they let the school stand and the name stand. And hopefully over time people won't think of a terror attack when they hear the word "Columbine". So then we won and not the bad guys. It takes time though.
That story is connected Columbine II, which was the predecessor to this plane and the only primary presidential plane that the government let go. The story is that it was part of an auction lot of Constellations. The company that bought them converted them to crop dusters but since the Columbine II was in worse shape than the others, they never converted it, opting to use it for parts. The story I heard was that they didn't know what they had until the Smithsonian called years latter, and after that, the owner tried to preserve it. But the interior was pretty well gutted before he got it. When the Air Force was ready to retire the plane in this video, they flew it to Wright Patterson Air Force Base for preservation, where it has been since.
Apparently not. I don’t know that that became a thing until the current 747 based planes. It was a lot tighter quarters in these smaller planes. But I also don’t think the president traveled as much as he does now. I also wonder even now how much the president would sleep in flight?
Ha! I don’t know. There is definitely a smell those old planes have anyways, so if it’s there it’s part of a conglomerate. I was passing through Reno over the summer and I stopped at the old Circus Circus to let the family play the arcade games for an hour. I couldn’t believe people could smoke in there. Not the arcade but the smoke came through from the casino. I don’t remember the last time I was in a place where people could smoke. Ohio outlawed that so many years ago. It was so strong. I can’t believe that used to be the norm. And that’s my memory of Reno…probably won’t stop if I pass through again!
Good point! It didn’t look like very comfortable sleeping quarters in general…sleeping on a fold down couch with a bunch of people around. But then again I’ve been tired enough that it would look pretty good!
Turbo-compound, not turboprop. The turbo-compound was a piston engine that used an exhaust driven turbocharger to put additional power onto the output shaft to the propellor.
Constellations were one of the most beautiful planes ever made .
flew in one in 1964 from baltimore to California. shipping to Korea for 13 wonderful month's
If you are a fan of wales maybe
Art and function all in one !
Yep!
Hey! I was just gonna write that! LOL
In 1994 I flew into the airport in Roswell, NM with my cousin..This plane was in front of a hangar. A mechanic let my cousin and me tour the aircraft. The cabin was gutted back then, but you could see outlines where the furniture had been. The mechanic told us that the plane was being refurbished at would be placed in a museum. This is some great aviation history being preserved for future generations.
It was the Columbine II that you probably saw. It was the presidential plane before this one and the only presidential plane that the government let go of. There are videos out there on the progress they have made to refurbish it that you may be interested in, particularly since you remember it in its rough condition. It has an interesting story too, and was actually the first plane in which the Air Force One call sign was introduced. The Air Force flew this plane, Columbine III to the museum on its last flight in 1966, and I remember being on it was I was a kid, although it moved building since then. This is based on the Super Constellation while the earlier plane was the “regular” Constellation.
@Zach_OnTheMap Intersting - I will check it out. What was odd --- is that about a month before seeing the plane in Roswell -- I had visited the Eisenhower Museum in Abliene and saw a picture of the plane in the museum. When I landed in Roswell, I was shocked to see the same plane with the Blue Columbine lettering. I think the mechanic said it was headed to Massachusetts after he was done with it. This was 1994 -- so I am a little fuzzy on the details.
I absolutely love the look of the Super Constellations.
They are a really beautiful design. And the unpainted aluminum of the day adds to it. And of course the big props.
Thank you so much!!! I loved seeing where my late husband would have been sitting when on Air Force One! He was a Presidential Radio Operator for Eisenhower and Kennedy and was in the Air Force from 1959-1963. Again, THANK YOU for this video!
I’m so happy that this was able to bring you that joy! We are thankful for his service. I’m sure he was able to share many stories of his experiences! Thanks for sharing and letting me know.
That museum is absolutely awesome.
It’s a gift that future generations have been given. We are fortunate to have it, and it’s free admission 7 days a week.
Great video! Thank you for sharing!
I visited the museum a few weeks ago. Totally blown away! What a collection!
Absolutely! It’s incredible that this museum exists and that so much care and effort has gone into preserving these artifacts. It’s amazing to think how these airplanes and artifacts continue to tell such important stories, allowing us to connect with history in such a tangible way. I’m glad you had the chance to experience it!
The fuselage of this plane is very beautiful, like a work of riveted sculpture.
Yes, it's very striking.
I just went through it two weeks awesome. And this entire museum should be on everyone’s bucket list who is interested in the history of aviation.
Well said! And admission is free. We are all fortunate there is a place like this preserving these artifacts and stories.
Thanks, I flew the shorter version of this plane when I was a kid, NY to Paris. Loved it.
That’s awesome! What a fantastic experience to have carried your whole life. That was such a great time in aviation…certainly compared to flying commercial today.
In the summer of 1975, I was working as a ground crew on a forest pesticide operation in St-Honoré, Québec, Canada. The American Company flying these planes had bought a couple of them and gutted almost all of the interiors to make room for the pesticide tanks. The pilots were very friendly and having the chance to fluently speak English (most people in the region at the time, where speaking French only), I had the privilege to visit and even fly on the plane. The pilot told me that this particular plane on which I flew was once Eisenhower's Air Force One. I could still see some of the interior appointments. It was almost 50 years ago, but I'm sure I recognize the front part of the passenger section, which was the only part left intact at the time. I remember the pilot explaining to me that the plane had "Water Injection" which allowed more power from the engines during takeoff. Beautiful plane. If anybody can find the name of the company that operated the plane at the time, I would be glad to know it.
www.firstairforceone.org
Columbine II, which was the plane before this, not the Super Connie but the standard/original, is the plane that is tied to the crop dusting company. Christler Flying Service, based in Wyoming.They bought several planes at auction as part of a lot. It was my understanding that they didn't fly the plane. That it was in the worst shape of the planes they bought and were going to use it for parts. And then at some point the Smithsonian contacted them and told them what they had. They are now restoring it and have had it in the air. There are several videos out there on that plane. But Christler was the name of the company and its owner, and Columbine II was the name of the airplane.
I remember hearing on the news that Eisenhower, on Columbine II, was going here and there. Often to Palm Springs to golf.
Thanks, really good video. 😊
I appreciate it! Thanks for sharing the memory and adding to the conversation. We have spent a lot of money over the years flying our presidents to and from the golf course!
Your comment made me kind of curious about Eisenhower and golf. I found this on Google.
Ike and Mamie's vacation home was an easy stroll from the greens at the Augusta National Golf Club.
interesting.
@ronaldlindeman6136
Thanks for sharing and adding to the conversation! I recently saw a short video of Eisenhower doing a press conference and he was being asked by the reporter about government waste, and the reporter made a comment about him flying to the golf course, which Ike did not like! But in fairness he apparently had a home there too. To follow up, I looked up how much it costs in modern times to transport the president to play golf. There were 2 examples, one for Obama and one for Trump, and it averaged $3.5 million per trip. That’s the use of the plane, cars, all the security and so on. Wherever he goes, you have these costs, but it’s harder to swallow when you know it’s to play golf.
@@Zach_OnTheMap Well, I read what was a very different article, with probably different motives.
They explained what President Obama would do on trips is, go to the golf course that was somewhat near to the airport that he was flying out of. And then time it so they flew out the airport after Obama finished with golf or went to the golf course right after they landed at the airport, to keep expenses down.
trump would mostly only play at his golf courses and stay at his hotels, and have the entire cost picked up by the Government.
Ha! Yes, if I share data points like that I have to be careful and do averages or just not share. I would like to hope a channel like mine can be an escape from the politics of the day. It's less emotional for people when you talk about events in the 50's!
When I was a little kid, I would see Pres. Eisenhower on the Columbine and not knowing about the flower, I wondered why they would name a plane for a piece of farm equipment -the combine
That’s funny! I have things like that from when I was a kid, and I hear it happen with my kids.
What about the sacred cow?
@Jamie-zs8ok
The Sacred Cow was the plane built for FDR but mostly used by Truman before he got “Independence”. Are you suggesting I do a dedicated video to “Sacred Cow”? I do have a video that goes inside “Sacred Cow” and also covers the other presidential aircraft at this museum.
Very interesting vid. I really enjoyed this. TY sir👍
Thank you!
You have a very pleasant speaking voice! Your tone and cadence are perfect for listening to on a video like this 👍🏼
Thank you so much for your kind words!
It’s a wonderful and informative video. You did a great job. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much for leaving a comment to say so. I appreciate it!
My father worked for Eastern Airlines, so as a child I flew on Constellations several times. Back then, when they introduced a new aircraft, they were all configured first class. I believe on the Constellations, they (Eastern) called it Golden Falcon service.
Thanks for adding to the conversation. That must have been a great time in aviation history. It’s hard for me to fully comprehend what it would have been like to fly on an airliner like that. So different from what flying has become.
Very nice tour, I've always had an interest in VIP aircraft. Particularly the US Presidential aircraft. Thank you!
Not aircraft specific. Eisenhower's presidential library is in Abilene, Kansas. He's buried there, and there are a ton of his military and presidential artifacts on display, including his Cadillac wartime staff car, military uniforms, documents, golf clubs given to him by Bobby Jones, and so much more. It's a very worthwhile visit. I highly recommend.
Thanks! I'll have to check it out. I need to plan a trip to Kansas and do several things. It's not like I'm going to just pass through the way I might be able to do with a lot of other places. I drove San Fran to Cincinnati over the summer but went through Nebraska.
Awesome tour, thanks!
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it? Thanks for taking the time to say so.
Great video. I went through all of the air force one planes that are at that museum. Your video quality is great- even through the plexiglass. The elevator that took FDR into the Sacred Cow and the fact they had the poker chips and cards out on the Independence for Harry S Truman were interesting touches.
Thanks! It’s fantastic that we have access to these pieces of history.
Gorgeous
Shes a fantastic plane to explore. What stood out to you the most?
Though I never got to fly on the Super Connie, I did work for an airline that flew the smaller, original version of it. The history behind the Presidential version of it must have been fantastic! Thanks for showing us this beautiful aircraft!
Connies were all so beautiful.
Thanks for adding to the conversation! When I made this video I didn’t realize how much affinity there is for the Connies. I am sure there is a lot more I can learn! It sort of makes me long for the golden days of air travel.
Had no idea he flew on a Connie. Great video!
Thanks!
Great video. Enjoyed the explanation of various parts of the plane.
Thanks! These planes have so much history to share.
All the glass that I see in your video… Was that there when the plane was in use? What a beautiful aircraft. I might’ve flown on some thing similar in 1963 from New York to Iceland, and then on to Edinburgh.
That’s really cool that you were flying in those days. That’s an era that I missed! The glass is museum glass, trying to preserve everything so hopefully my grand children will be able to walk through there some day many years from now and learn about the history too. I always say we are fortunate to have access to the interior at all, because I’m sure if the Smithsonian had the planes, they would be completely closed off. No way they would allow people inside, with or without the glass.
Thanks for sharing.. The story of the tail from what I know is that Howard Hughes/ TWA was the launch customer for the connie.. and HH said he would would refuse to accept these aircraft if they didn't fit in the main TWA mx hangar in Kansas City.. MKC.
Love your videos please keep up the great work 👍
Thanks! I appreciate it.
Absolutely stunning!
It’s fantastic that it has been so well preserved, and that we are able to have such public access. It’s like she’s frozen in time. She landed after her last flight and there she sits.
This is very interesting. Thank-you.
Very interesting video, thank you for sharing with us!
Thanks! I enjoyed learning about it too.
Wonderful video! Thank you.
Thank you for this video!
Thanks! I enjoyed learning about the plane and sharing the exhibit.
Fabulous museum
Yes, it’s one of my favorite museums!
Thanks for sharing. I noticed that the presidential area was behind the wing root, a very safe area.
That’s interesting…I hadn’t considered that. I suppose that would be a structurally sound area and also it would keep him away from the engines and props. Is that your thought or is there more to it?
@@Zach_OnTheMapThat's what I'm thinking. I've always heard that sitting on top or behind the wing is the safest.
Nice video!
Thanks!
I love a Super Connie! I had a chance to fly in one back in 98. From Indy to Wright Pat. Unfortunately I did not have a ride home.
If I had a chance to fly in one, I would be willing to find another way home too! I don’t think there are any left flying in the US today, so that’s a unique experience now 25 years latter.
@Zach_OnTheMap A watch company has one in Switzerland I believe. But it is not allowed to fly passengers in the U.S.
My dad was a flight engineer on the Super Constellation for MATS then NATS
Thanks for sharing! I love how many people have connections to these airplanes and I love hearing about it.
We are so lucky in South East Australia that we have a flying Super Connie painted in 50's Qantas livery.
Yes, I think it’s the only one in airworthy condition!
Excellent video💪, from UK.
Thanks! I enjoyed learning about it and making the video.
I love how the little individual air conditioner vents look exactly the same in modern day
I know it! I was thinking that too in some of these old planes. There are so many things that have changed but some things they just figured out early on and they kept them that way.
I highly suggest a tour of Pima Air & Space Museum near Tucson, AZ. They have the VC-118 (DC-6) that also served as AF One at various times to access shorter runways. Would have been used by JFK to fly home to Brookline, MA.
Yes, it’s a premier air museum.
Nice presentation
Thanks! I appreciate it.
Really interesting! May I suggest that the video could be enhanced with some footage of the aircraft and the President ?
Thanks!
This plane is as beautiful as a Tupolev Tu-114 turboprop airliner. Similar in the interior though the Tupolev was much noiser around the wing area.
And that’s what the USSR used to carry Khrushchev, I believe.
Peak of "old analouge" technology..Constellation was likely the largest pressurised fuselage at its inception..enabling comfortable flying above dangerous weather
It was very advanced in its time. It’s amazing what we had then vs. what we have now. You look back now and think on one hand, we have it so much better, but on the other you think, wow, they were really ingenious to figure out how to do things with the tech they had at the time. We wouldn’t have the engineers now to figure all of that out because we are trained to know such different things.
Watching from Ireland.
Thanks for watching from Ireland! It’s great to share with our friends across the pond!
Loved the walk through
Thank you!
Great video. Pity about all that Perspex. I get they have to protect it but doesn’t made for a very immersive experience.
The shielding is in the way of a better experience but I’m sure they wouldn’t let people on at all if they thought anything could be damaged. It’s an original interior, or least original to the time the plane was retired. I would bet if the Smithsonian had the planes that there is no way they would let anyone inside.
Ty for the future
You are welcome!
Interesting video. I have never heard of this Air Force One predecessor.
Thank you. Yes, it's interesting to see. Every president since FDR (late in his presidency) had access to a purpose built presidential plane.
Great vid mate, never knew you Yanks had such a thing as AF1 so far back👍👍✈️
Remember when the first jet airliners came out and they all had a set of windows above the windscreen, those were for using a sextant. Even in the jet age they were using the same navigation methods that they used to cross the ocean on sailing ships. The B-52 also has a sextant port.
Absolutely, it’s amazing how quickly things changed with GPS and the digital age. It wasn’t that long ago that we were using sextants and analog instrumentation. The engineers of today wouldn’t even have the expertise to create something like that now, what we teach and learn from s so different. And how many people could even use a sextant today? I know I wouldn’t know how to!
@@Zach_OnTheMap I was in the USN and when we first got Sat Nav in 1993 we got a fix the put us about 25' from where are DR track showed us
It still baffles me sometimes. I’ll just stop and think of what we used to do vs. now the information is just there. Military use for sure, but remember having to stop at a gas station to ask for directions? Not that long ago. I do worry what happens if something someday goes wrong. We sure do count on those satellites for a lot. I would guess the military has some backup options, but there’s a lot that wouldn’t work anymore without those satellites.
Great video! Just discovered your channel. Subscribed! 😎
Thank you!
For at least part of the time this plane was in service, there was no ATC - that was stood up in the late '50s. Other than that, thanks for a terrific tour of a classic airplane.
Thanks, I appreciate it. I think you are referring to the FAA in the late 50’s and the creation of a centralized ATC with the designation it has now. But even in the earlier days of this plane of course there was air traffic control with towers and controllers issuing clearances, coordinating take offs and landings, maintaining distances between aircraft and along designated airways. And this plane would have been in communication with that network. Air traffic control was even using radar at larger airports when this plane went into service.
you must have been there on a weekday. that place is packed on the weekend
It can get busy, and you are right about weekdays.
There's a photo of Eisenhower in front this plane at the MB of Augusta dealership.
It seems like there were strong ties between Eisenhower and Augusta. The man sure liked golf! That’s cool that they used a photo of him with his plane at the dealership. I would think that someone who appreciates the engineering and design of a Mercedes may likely appreciate the engineering and beauty of this plane.
This aircraft has the most beautifully proportioned fuselage, but unfortunately that whole feeling is lost when you get inside and realize you're inside a glass case.
I agree. Of course from the museum’s perspective, it isn’t protecting a Constellation so much as it is a presidential aircraft. But you are right.
You didn't show enough and detail of the aft restroom!
You can’t enter. It’s glassed in.
This plane was named for the state flower of Colorado. Denver was Mamie's home town, and the plane would fly them frequently to Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, which was considered the White House of the West.
Thanks for adding to the conversation! I think it’s amazing how well people remember this airplane. It helps show how historic it really is!
I've seen this plane up close and went inside it.
I'm glad you got to experience in person. It's awesome that they allow it to be toured.
Sweet❗ 👍👍👍👍👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for watching!
Were you able to visit after hours to make this? Looks like you had the place to yourself! It would be cool to get a guided tour from someone who's retired AF to point out obscure things onboard that a layman might miss. Great tour.
I love that you noticed and commented on that! It is strategic. The museum opens at 9:00 AM, so the trick is to get there at 9:00 on a weekday. The presidential gallery is in the last of 4 buildings in the complex, and most people start in the first building. So if you get there at 9:00 and go straight to the fourth building, you have quite a while before anyone else gets there.
I have had tours of the planes at this museum, and I’ve learned a lot. I have also learned that you can’t take anything they say at face value, because I have had a single guide tell me multiple inaccuracies in a single tour. They are knowledgeable but can’t know everything about everything, just like me because we’re all human. I want to be clear that they are invaluable and I do appreciate that they volunteer their time to do this. I just have to check what they say and hope I don’t repeat inaccuracies. Because I’ve had that happen and the internet trolls eat me alive! Those errors are the only thing some people are willing to comment on, God bless them.
I flew across to the Philippines spent the at CLARK FIELD
FINALLY LANDED IN.THAILAND. 1955.. MY DADS FIN ACTIVE DUTY STATION..
Good stuff, thnx for the post.
If you haven't visited Regan Library yet I can highly recommend doing so..
Thanks! I would like to go. My wife and I drove LA to SF over the summer and considered stopping but our kids wouldn’t have wanted to. Next time.
@@Zach_OnTheMap
That's a shame.
It's an amazing place.
I'm a member.
Heck I go there occasionally just to read a book outside and reacquire my center from time to time..
My father-in-law was out there a few months before me and he also told me I need to go, but again, not with young kids. He has been to most presidential libraries and I think it’s on the top of his list.
@@Zach_OnTheMap
Every 6 months or so the Library will display a special exhibit.
Last year it was artifacts from the Holocaust only to been shown at the Library & nowhere else in the States.
4 years ago was artifacts from Pompeii.
It keeps the Library from becoming stagnant..
That’s great. And some of that helps attract people who might not otherwise visit the museum. I have seen the Pompeii exhibit. I took my son when it was at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. I think it’s still traveling around.
Why were there no other visitors to this aeroplane? Was it a special arrangement you had?
The museum opens at 9:00 AM, and the presidential gallery is in the last of 4 buildings. If you get there at opening on a week day and go directly to the last building, it will feel like a special arrangement!
@@Zach_OnTheMap 😃👍
Tricks of the trade!
Interesting
Thanks for watching!
Can it still fly?
This plane has been a museum artifact since 1966, so I would guess it hasn’t run since then. I understand the appeal of keeping an aircraft airworthy, but it’s such a historic piece that I don’t think it would be wise to take a chance on hurting it.
I wonder if they had to have two crews of 4 pilots (including the Flight Engineer & Navigator) just to be on the safe side.
I’ve never heard that before but I don’t know. I would guess that if anything happened to one of them in air that the others would have the skill set to make do. And if they knew there was an issue before they left the ground, I would guess that the Air Force would be prepared, as you say, to have someone ready.
Wow can't believe they let you film that. I was sure it would be stopped for national security and classified reasons
I'm sure they have new tech to replace whatever was cutting-edge back then! But it is cool to think how secure it would have been back in the day, and now you can just go in walk through there like it's nothing.
@Zach_OnTheMap oh I don't disagree. I just know my government doesn't like to let anything out
Which government is that?
@@Zach_OnTheMap the United States government
Ha! I get it.
Beautiful airplane but i must say it is quite tight.
They have the “luggage must fit” type frame you have to walk through before going up the stairs. I hear people laugh about it. Not everyone is going to make it!
@@Zach_OnTheMap i must say the frame you have to walk through before going up the stairs looks very smal and you right not every one is going to make it.
It’s good they have a way to let people know ahead of time if they are going to struggle or not. I was touring a submarine over the summer and noticed an older gentleman who had bought his ticket but only when he was trying to get in did he realize he wasn’t going to be able. I felt sorry for him and he may have had some embarrassment, and it seemed like there could have been a way to give him a hint of what he would have to deal with before he got his ticket and made the effort. This just put me in mind of that.
Weird that with all the modern miniaturised electronics that they now need a plane about 3 times as big!
That’s the truth! A similar comparison: Columbine III cost $2.6 million in 1954, which is about $28 million with inflation in 2024. We are spending $3.9 billion, with a “B”, on the new pair of 747 based planes, so call it $1.95 Billion each. So each of the new planes cost 70x what Columbine III cost even when factoring in inflation. We could have had a fleet of 140 Columbine III’s for what we are paying for the pair of 747’s. And what’s even more ridiculous is that Boeing says they are losing money on the project. I realize there’s a lot more to it, but it’s crazy to think about in that context.
Thank you for this! Surprised they actually let people into the plane. The AF is So ANAL about that. I used to volunteer at an Air Museum, and ALL of the planes they leant to us, People are not allowed into the Planes! I always thought, what s the point of having a Museum!? VERY frustrating as a volunteer and a Patron. Blessings.Subscribed
Thanks! As long as I remember we could tour the presidential planes, and I’ve been going to that museum since the 80’s. So it is really nice, although they have most everything behind plexiglass so that helps protect them. While there are a handful of other planes you can board (mostly cargo areas) most of the planes at the museum can only be seen from the outside. The foundation that funds the museum projects does occasionally have fund raising events where they will open a few planes that people can enter, like a one night only type thing. But in those cases they can have someone right there looking after those few planes.
@@Zach_OnTheMap Yes, "California Air Museum" is like that....when we have fund raising Shin Dings, etc.. Curious...what type of work do you do?
Back in the day, Eastern Air Lines occasionally assisted with maintenance support on these Presidential Connies.
Thanks for sharing that! The connections between Presidential aircraft and commercial aviation are definitely an intriguing topic to explore.
For as much as Howard Hughes got attacked by the Government during this period, they still used his company's airplane. I got a tour of this plane when it was not on display several years back. It was in a hanger that the public had to be taken to. They did a nice job restoring it for exhibit. To let you know Eisenhower did have nuclear codes during his administration, they referred to it as the 'black bag' or 'satchel'.
Yes, the presidential planes were in a secure area of the base, really just on the other side of a fence from the museum. They had a shuttle bus that would go back and forth with guests. When they built the fourth building in 2016 they were able to move them into the main museum. The issue with the bus was that a lot of people didn't know about it and it took a lot of time, because you had to get on a list, and then wait for the shuttle to and from the other building.
When I was working on the video and the guide mentioned the safe, I looked into the nuclear code item because I thought that was a bit early for that. From what I read...and that doesn't mean I'm an expert...they were still building the process out during the last years of Eisenhower, and that it wasn't until after the Cuban Missile Crisis that we had a system more similar to what we know today. And I'm sure it's evolved leaps and bounds since then too. They had a bag as you mention, but they didn't have the system in it. And from what I understand, even now, the bag doesn't contain the codes...the president caries the codes on his own person. But I'm just going off what I read and would need to read more to feel confident on the subject.
The Howard Hughes thing reminds me a bit of Elon Musk today. He gets a lot of headlines but there are thousands of engineers that are making it happen, and I guess it's important to draw a line between a CEO that is a bit unhinged at times, and the fact that they are landing rockets upright on a small barge floating on the waves of the ocean.
One thing I didn’t see I would imagine there would be emergency parachutes.
I agree...they probably had them.
When this aircraft was built it was only 50 years from the Wright brothers first flight.
It’s amazing. Of course two world wars were in there too, so there’s the whole necessity being the mother of invention thing at play. When mankind puts their mind to it, they can accomplish amazing things. Kitty Hawk to the moon in 66 years.
It was very long 😪 ago like my ago 😢 very long ago like 1966 😅
COLLINS RADIO MY DAD USED THOSE..
That's cool to see things you remember in a museum. Sometimes it makes me feel old! But it's fun to live enough that you can have that unique perspective on the past. I think you look at history through a new lens when you realize you have been part of it!
Is this the plane that was sold, lost, and refurbished recently?
That was this plane’s predecessor… Columbine II, the only primary presidential aircraft the Air Force sold-off. This plane is original and was flown to this museum as soon as it was retired from Air Force service. But the story of the Columbine II’s post service history is great!
People were thin
They have the, “does your luggage fit” style box that you have to walk through before climbing the stairs on each plane. I hear so many people making comments to their friends and laughing about it. It’s narrow!
Fedora racks at 1:55? Definitely the pre-JFK age.
I had noticed that but didn’t understand what it was. That’s amazing! Hats seemed to go away over a very short period of time.
👍🏻🏴
Thanks for watching!
I remember the story of how they found this plane, had to wheel and deal to get it, and then get it airworthy to fly to Virginia to refurbish. It's nice to see it finished.
That’s actually this plane’s predecessor, Columbine 2, the only presidential plane the government let go of. This plane was sent directly to the museum after it left Air Force service, so it’s all original. But the story about Columbine 2 is amazing, and I’m happy they had enough people with enough passion for it to salvage it and get it in the air. I’m sure it’s an expensive process!
The square windows made my think of the first jet, the DeHavelin comet mysteriously disappeared on several flights then a fisherman found part of the wreckage of one which was examined and the failure was blamed on the square windows. Also do you have anything on the “Sacred Cow” FDR’ plane which was the first presidential plane. It had an elevator, I saw it at the AirForce museum before it was restored. It was full of bird poop and the wings had been cut off with a chain saw. The Smithsonian had previously had and there was a custody battle fought over it. The AirForce got it because President Truman signed the legislation creating the AirForce on it in1947. I sat on FDR’s bed.
I remember hearing about the Comet’s square window issue. It seems they hadn’t accounted for the pressurization cycles and the stress those would create on the materials. I believe it ultimately came down to metal fatigue around the windows. I hadn’t noticed the window shape on this plane either-thanks for bringing that up and adding to the conversation!
I do show that plane in my Air Force One Museum video! I hadn’t realized it was in such rough shape before its restoration or the story you tell about the Air Force winning out because of the National Security Act of 1947, but I do remember hearing that the Smithsonian had it for a while without doing much with it. That seems to happen often-they receive so many incredible donations but have limited resources and display space. In the video, I highlight the elevator and even FDR’s wheelchair. It’s amazing to think that he only flew on the plane once before he passed away. Thanks for contributing to the conversation! ua-cam.com/video/PsmAjOEv5h4/v-deo.html
@@Zach_OnTheMapsomewhere I have pictures of my kids sitting on the bed. I am not. Too computer savvy so I don’t know how to send them to you if I can find them. I think we were there in 1985. They had to get an airplane for F DR so he could go to one of the Big 3 conferences without being in danger of nazi subs. Liked your video possible the museum did a
lot of restoration and on the plane since it was a whole lot fancier than when we saw it. Possibly this was done for HST
Yes, they may have had to freshen it up a bit. It's amazing what conservators can do to preserve artifacts, making them look good while keeping them original as possible. There's often that "interim of neglect" when people know maybe the artifact is worth keeping but it's kind of stowed away and no one pays a lot of care to it. And then eventually the "old" thing becomes a "precious" thing and suddenly it's all behind glass.
В то время это вероятно был первый и единственный президентский самолет подобного рода в мире.
I hadn't thought about what types of aircraft leaders of other nations flew on during this time period. It seems to me also that other presidents and leaders of other nations relied on modified military aircraft, not built specifically for the leader. Thank you for adding that to the conversation.
Does it still smell like an ashtray?
Ha! They all have a funny smell, more like old airplane…but that might be one of the scents mixed into that. I’m sure it was the dominate smell at one time.
C'mon! Subscribe to the guy!
Thanks!
The glass casing isn't for me.
What would you do if you were the museum? The Smithsonian’s solution is to keep the door closed on planes and no one goes in. The alternative is that all of the original interior is destroyed over time. What would a good solution be?
@Zach_OnTheMap they should just leave it and put a guard on duty instead or something.....who knows, but the experience is a bit too sterilized....
I get it. And I agree it would be nice to not look through the glass. What most museums do is they keep the door closed and put ropes around the perimeter. And having been in a lot of museums, I am appreciative they made the effort at this one and let people inside these planes.
Love this post
Thanks! I had fun learning about it and making the video.
Nobody heeded his warning, unfortunately.
Are you referring to the military industrial complex? I wonder how much his travels influenced his perspective on these big issues. He had a lot of insight.
Wow. Eisenhower and a Connie. Not much better than this. I have seen these called "The best three engine airliners"...........................Jay
I’m glad you liked it! The engines on the early versions of the plane, based on what little I know about it, had a tendency to over heat, and I think that’s where the joke came from. I think they got that figured out after a while and I would assume they weren’t flying the president on three engines. I think it’s cool how many people comment on this airplane. Seems like they were really special planes.
I really wish they wouldn’t plexiglass everything off.
I agree that it takes away from the plane but there is no way they could let people in there without it. It’s all original from the 1950’s. I am sure if the Smithsonian had it, they wouldn’t let people in with or without the glass. A necessary evil perhaps.
Only one bathroom... that's hard to believe.
No, I believe the crew had one behind the galley. The one in the back was likely private for the president.
Wonder how many times an army man flew.
Eisenhower seemed to like flying and probably flew hundreds of times. There are stories that when flying in the smaller presidential aircraft, he occasionally would sit in the right seat and take the controls, under supervision of the pilot. Of course most of his Army career was before the Air Force was established, so Army men flew the airplanes until after the National Security Act of 1947.
Pres. Eisenhower earned a private pilot certificate at some point in the 40's or early '50's. Perhaps even prior to WWII.
How sad they can't re-name it: "We like Ike!" The Colorado school massacre ruins our initial interpretation of this airplane. I was born during Ike's administration. * Cav *
Ha! I hear that. The first time I noticed the plane name, I thought the same thing...unfortunate name that hasn't aged well. I don't think about it anymore because I have talked about the plane enough and it just isn't so much of an association. I also think though that the flower had the name first, and then the plane and the school, and the event happened latter. And I know the school kept the name and kept it for a reason. And I like that they didn't let these home grown terrorists hijack the name and its meaning. I'm glad they let the school stand and the name stand. And hopefully over time people won't think of a terror attack when they hear the word "Columbine". So then we won and not the bad guys. It takes time though.
I heard at one time this plane was used a crop duster spray plane . True?
That story is connected Columbine II, which was the predecessor to this plane and the only primary presidential plane that the government let go. The story is that it was part of an auction lot of Constellations. The company that bought them converted them to crop dusters but since the Columbine II was in worse shape than the others, they never converted it, opting to use it for parts. The story I heard was that they didn't know what they had until the Smithsonian called years latter, and after that, the owner tried to preserve it. But the interior was pretty well gutted before he got it. When the Air Force was ready to retire the plane in this video, they flew it to Wright Patterson Air Force Base for preservation, where it has been since.
Is there no dedicated sleeping area for the President?
Apparently not. I don’t know that that became a thing until the current 747 based planes. It was a lot tighter quarters in these smaller planes. But I also don’t think the president traveled as much as he does now. I also wonder even now how much the president would sleep in flight?
Could you still smell the cigarette smoke?
Ha! I don’t know. There is definitely a smell those old planes have anyways, so if it’s there it’s part of a conglomerate. I was passing through Reno over the summer and I stopped at the old Circus Circus to let the family play the arcade games for an hour. I couldn’t believe people could smoke in there. Not the arcade but the smoke came through from the casino. I don’t remember the last time I was in a place where people could smoke. Ohio outlawed that so many years ago. It was so strong. I can’t believe that used to be the norm. And that’s my memory of Reno…probably won’t stop if I pass through again!
Not sure how anyone would have been able to sleep on such a plane with four turboprops just ahead!!!
Good point! It didn’t look like very comfortable sleeping quarters in general…sleeping on a fold down couch with a bunch of people around. But then again I’ve been tired enough that it would look pretty good!
Turbo-compound, not turboprop. The turbo-compound was a piston engine that used an exhaust driven turbocharger to put additional power onto the output shaft to the propellor.