True (short) Story: 2 years ago I was at my favorite tobacco shop in Walnut Creek around the Holiday Season and we were talking about plans, etc... The owner told me that he was going to drive to L.A. with his wife and kids to see Family & Disneyland. I suggested that - on his return leg - to stop by Castle AFB & I preceeded to tell him about the outdoor displays. He had never heard of it before so I gave him basic directions going north (home) on 99. *fast* *forward* *2* *months* *later* I was back in his shop and I asked him how his trip went. This was his response: "My Family Loved it! My kids said it was the best part of the trip! We had a wonderful time! Thank you for suggesting it!"
This is a low-key museum with an impressive collection. Dust from nearby farms coats the aircraft sitting outside and yes, they're dirty. But they're there. Recommended.
Sorry I opened my big mouth, I know how dusty it is around there, the volunteers are doing a great job with the aircraft, I didn't realize how many more aircraft were there now, lots more than when I was there last. You guys are doing a great job.
Hi Yogenh! Yes, there are more than 70 airplanes. I didn't capture them all because it was 105 degrees and my phone started overheating and shutting down. I was melting too. I got most of them. Thanks for stopping by! 👍
I lived 15min from CASTLE afb would see t-38s twice a month or c-130s so some f-15s from the fresno air national guard also saw F-35cs a couple of time from lemoore naval base my house was on final approach from the base i lived on santa fe and beachwood in merced but i moved to UT this feb and i live 9 min away from hill AFB now i see f-35s every day! Great video .
Spent many of my post Marine Corps days at Castle AFB as my Dad retired at Castle and I worked for maintenance engineers on base doing the lawn maintenance for Castle and the Museum. Even have a photo of my Truck with the SR-71, I remember the car shows they used to have Wings and Wheels. I miss Atwater and Merced after the base closure the towns were never the same again.
My late Father-in-Law flew as an Electrician/Gunner on B-36s and later as a boom operator on KC-97 and KC-135s. He and I shared some great "airplane stories"! RIP MSGT Richard V,.Crosby.
That's great, I would have loved to hear those stories. My late Uncle was a mechanic on B-36's and F-4's during a 30yr Airforce and Navy career, most of his stories was how much he disliked the military, I guess thats why he stayed in for most of his life.
The Canberra's country of origin is the UK, not the USA. They were built under licence by Grumman but were UK designed. UK built ones were flown by the RAF and several other air forces.
Thanks Tim!! Appreciate the comment and correction. I used data from the museum itself, perhaps that particular aircraft was built by Grumman. Thanks again 👍👍
If I lived in the area I would volunteer to help with maintenance, they are letting these rare aircraft get in terrible condition. The B-36 is very rare and so are many of the others. I'm sure they can afford a spray washer etc. to at lease spray them down once per month etc. I was at the AFB in San Antonio, they have rare aircraft on display, they wash them down often and they all look like new still.
Hi David! How are you doing? I understand what you're saying. Some of these birds do really need some TLC and some seems to be in very good condition. I'm sure the folks at the museum are doing the best they can. I'm sure they depend on donations and volunteers. All in All it's still a great museum. Thanks for stopping by! 👍
The B-36H is actually an RB-36H recon version - this one never got the long rear bomb bay conversion so could not carry the MK-17 bomb displayed with. The “Rascal” missile also displayed was only tested never put into service.
Hi John!! That was the information at museum. My guess !! It’s more about the airplane and not about that particular version. Thanks for the info!! It’s pretty cool!! 👍👍
Yes they must mean the basic airplane. Thanks for showing it - haven’t seen it recently but was there three times - when they brought the B-36 parts in on railcars, when it was half assembled, and the dedication ceremony. It’s the only RB left and the only one with guns.
More useless trivia: plane should have three ECM domes underneath behind the bomb bay - these were removed at some point when it sat as display/training for many years at Chanute AFB near Chicago. Plane is special as was sent to Chanute in the 1950’s and didn’t get the usual long bomb bay conversion and “featherweight” gun removals. One mystery is the tail section arrived at Castle with no lower-aft gun sighting blister - it had been professionally plated over. Has since been cut open - can only guess was victim of sheet metal repair training at Chanute.
@@johnwatson3948 great to have passionate people like you that really love these old historical planes . Im just so glad that I could see and touch( most of the displays you can touch, walk under) at this museum. And on selected dates walk into them.
Hi Chris!! No! I am a retired airline mechanic. As much as I would love to volunteer, I live so far away. I just tried to register this great museum and the awesome work the real volunteers are doing!
@@jrcardosotravel I agree they do amazing work! I wish they'd add some kind of Snack Bar like they used to have back in the 90's! They made an awesome Burger and Fries! I've flown into Castle with friends of mine who were pilots and one those friends rented a really anchient 152 because he just got his license and he needed hours. Anyway when we left we were so slow that by the time we reached 2,500 feet, we still hadn't cleared the runway! (lol) Sadly I have to drive there now from the Bay Area because that one friend married and moved, and my uncle who used to fly down there w/me had to hang it up due to age. Sign o' the times I guess.
Dam, they have the "mighty Vulcan". The most capable of all cold war bombers. I remember them screaming over our house as the flew away for training and operations.
Last flight of the mighty B-47? 20 June 1986. China Lake to Castle AFB CA. Day, VFR flight, crew of two. Final modification on the B-47 was made on landing - no airspeed indicator, slow in the flare, scraped the #6 engine on landing. No problem though, the great folks accepting the jet took a hammer to it and some paint. Looks as good as new! I took my initial qualification check ride in the mighty KC-135A on that day. Q-1! Miss Castle AFB, Atwater, and Merced. Great and fun times in the valley.
I was on duty that day as crew chief of the P-15. I thought for sure I was going to have to roll in and dump my 6,000 gals. of water and 515 gals of foam all over the runway.
Hello yes the B-29 is haunted , I volunteered there for cpl years and witnessed a hatch at the rear open. Once a Highway patrolman came in to tell the lady in the gift shop to say we left the running lights on the B-29. There are no lights working or power to the aircraft. A lady told me that her husband was air police in late 80s and he listened to the engines running even though the props we’re stationary. We believe the spirits represent a Korean War crew as the plane is made up from 3 B-29s two of which served in the Korean War and had casualties.
What organization is responsible for the upkeep of that many historical aircraft? Almost every aircraft on display in your video deserves a minimum amount of wash to remove dirt and grime. While complaining, I might mention the weeds encroaching on the entire facility. It looks more like a junkyard. In addition, the unprotected cockpit glass is ruined.
Hi JB ! The Museum is a non-profit organization . The aircrafts had been neglected and used for weapons testing before the museum rescued them. They receive no Government assistance whatsoever . It survives on the generosity of local businesses , individuals ,volunteers and members of the museum. Besides I visited the museum in mid June which is very dry and dusty in that area. Thanks so much for watching the video. Thank you. 👍
I am sure they would appreciate your volunteering to stop by and pull weeds or wash down the planes. If you cannot do that, monetary contributions are always welcome.
Nicely done, he Museum has grown since we left in 1994
Oh yes, great video, I've been to Castle several times, I've left the area and miss going there, Thank You.
Thanks so much!!!!!! Appreciate it !!👍🇺🇸
True (short) Story: 2 years ago I was at my favorite tobacco shop in Walnut Creek around the Holiday Season and we were talking about plans, etc... The owner told me that he was going to drive to L.A. with his wife and kids to see Family & Disneyland. I suggested that - on his return leg - to stop by Castle AFB & I preceeded to tell him about the outdoor displays. He had never heard of it before so I gave him basic directions going north (home) on 99. *fast* *forward* *2* *months* *later* I was back in his shop and I asked him how his trip went. This was his response: "My Family Loved it! My kids said it was the best part of the trip! We had a wonderful time! Thank you for suggesting it!"
This is a low-key museum with an impressive collection. Dust from nearby farms coats the aircraft sitting outside and yes, they're dirty. But they're there. Recommended.
Thanks Dan!! it's impossible to keep them clean. It was summer 105 !!! great museum!!!
Sorry I opened my big mouth, I know how dusty it is around there, the volunteers are doing a great job with the aircraft, I didn't realize how many more aircraft were there now, lots more than when I was there last. You guys are doing a great job.
It's all cool my friend!! 👍👍
I grew up in fresno, its only about an hour or so south of this place. Ive been to this Museum atleast 10 times. Never gets old.
they have a lot more planes there now than when I was at Castle. I was there from 1982 to 1992. I worked on the B-52 and the KC-135.
Hi Yogenh! Yes, there are more than 70 airplanes. I didn't capture them all because it was 105 degrees and my phone started overheating and shutting down. I was melting too. I got most of them. Thanks for stopping by! 👍
I know about the temperature try working on the top of the engine on the B-52 when you are on the wing to do it!
Super video.
I hadn't realised how long and sleek some fighters are!
Thank you Rose!! Appreciate it!! Beautiful airplanes!! 👍 Thanks for stopping by !!
I lived 15min from CASTLE afb would see t-38s twice a month or c-130s so some f-15s from the fresno air national guard also saw F-35cs a couple of time from lemoore naval base my house was on final approach from the base i lived on santa fe and beachwood in merced but i moved to UT this feb and i live 9 min away from hill AFB now i see f-35s every day! Great video .
Thank you so much!!👍👍✈️
I was stationed there 1963 / 1966 93rd FMS
I hope the video brings you good memories! Thanks for watching.👍
Spent many of my post Marine Corps days at Castle AFB as my Dad retired at Castle and I worked for maintenance engineers on base doing the lawn maintenance for Castle and the Museum. Even have a photo of my Truck with the SR-71, I remember the car shows they used to have Wings and Wheels. I miss Atwater and Merced after the base closure the towns were never the same again.
The choice of music in no way makes this video better. Would have been much better with just natural ambience, or narration.
Thanks!! Appreciate the tip!!👍
I few right seat on the delivery of the HU-16, cool
Hi Michael!! Really?? That’s awesome!!!👏👏
My late Father-in-Law flew as an Electrician/Gunner on B-36s and later as a boom operator on KC-97 and KC-135s. He and I shared some great "airplane stories"! RIP MSGT Richard V,.Crosby.
Thank you so much for sharing that with us. Thanks for yours and his service.
That's great, I would have loved to hear those stories. My late Uncle was a mechanic on B-36's and F-4's during a 30yr Airforce and Navy career, most of his stories was how much he disliked the military, I guess thats why he stayed in for most of his life.
I remember reading somewhere that the B-29 seen @2:33 is thought to be "haunted" and is often referred to as "Castle's Ghost".
The Canberra's country of origin is the UK, not the USA. They were built under licence by Grumman but were UK designed. UK built ones were flown by the RAF and several other air forces.
Thanks Tim!! Appreciate the comment and correction. I used data from the museum itself, perhaps that particular aircraft was built by Grumman. Thanks again 👍👍
B-57s were built by Martin. WB-57F modified and developed by General Dynamics.
Thanks for the input, appreciate it !!👍
If I lived in the area I would volunteer to help with maintenance, they are letting these rare aircraft get in terrible condition. The B-36 is very rare and so are many of the others. I'm sure they can afford a spray washer etc. to at lease spray them down once per month etc. I was at the AFB in San Antonio, they have rare aircraft on display, they wash them down often and they all look like new still.
Hi David! How are you doing? I understand what you're saying. Some of these birds do really need some TLC and some seems to be in very good condition. I'm sure the folks at the museum are doing the best they can. I'm sure they depend on donations and volunteers. All in All it's still a great museum. Thanks for stopping by! 👍
The B-36H is actually an RB-36H recon version - this one never got the long rear bomb bay conversion so could not carry the MK-17 bomb displayed with. The “Rascal” missile also displayed was only tested never put into service.
Hi John!! That was the information at museum. My guess !! It’s more about the airplane and not about that particular version. Thanks for the info!! It’s pretty cool!! 👍👍
Yes they must mean the basic airplane. Thanks for showing it - haven’t seen it recently but was there three times - when they brought the B-36 parts in on railcars, when it was half assembled, and the dedication ceremony. It’s the only RB left and the only one with guns.
👏👏👍👍
More useless trivia: plane should have three ECM domes underneath behind the bomb bay - these were removed at some point when it sat as display/training for many years at Chanute AFB near Chicago. Plane is special as was sent to Chanute in the 1950’s and didn’t get the usual long bomb bay conversion and “featherweight” gun removals. One mystery is the tail section arrived at Castle with no lower-aft gun sighting blister - it had been professionally plated over. Has since been cut open - can only guess was victim of sheet metal repair training at Chanute.
@@johnwatson3948 great to have passionate people like you that really love these old historical planes . Im just so glad that I could see and touch( most of the displays you can touch, walk under) at this museum. And on selected dates walk into them.
You didn't say what that transport plane was @ 8:58 & it's history.
Hi David!! Yes!! You’re right!! Curtiss C-46D Commando. My mistake!!! Thanks for watching!!👍👍
Did they ever get a chance to restore the B58? I was there in 2018 and only part of the plane was on display.
Hi Chris!! No! I am a retired airline mechanic. As much as I would love to volunteer, I live so far away. I just tried to register this great museum and the awesome work the real volunteers are doing!
@@jrcardosotravel I agree they do amazing work! I wish they'd add some kind of Snack Bar like they used to have back in the 90's! They made an awesome Burger and Fries! I've flown into Castle with friends of mine who were pilots and one those friends rented a really anchient 152 because he just got his license and he needed hours. Anyway when we left we were so slow that by the time we reached 2,500 feet, we still hadn't cleared the runway! (lol) Sadly I have to drive there now from the Bay Area because that one friend married and moved, and my uncle who used to fly down there w/me had to hang it up due to age. Sign o' the times I guess.
@@jrcardosotravel nb fhxvvgf
8:45 Curtiss C46 Commando
Dam, they have the "mighty Vulcan". The most capable of all cold war bombers. I remember them screaming over our house as the flew away for training and operations.
Last flight of the mighty B-47? 20 June 1986. China Lake to Castle AFB CA. Day, VFR flight, crew of two. Final modification on the B-47 was made on landing - no airspeed indicator, slow in the flare, scraped the #6 engine on landing. No problem though, the great folks accepting the jet took a hammer to it and some paint. Looks as good as new! I took my initial qualification check ride in the mighty KC-135A on that day. Q-1! Miss Castle AFB, Atwater, and Merced. Great and fun times in the valley.
So great to hear these awesome stories!!👍👍
I was on duty that day as crew chief of the P-15. I thought for sure I was going to have to roll in and dump my 6,000 gals. of water and 515 gals of foam all over the runway.
Que maravilha se vídeo, me amarro na aviação principalmente a militar.
Wow!! Obrigado!!!👍👍👍
Hello yes the B-29 is haunted , I volunteered there for cpl years and witnessed a hatch at the rear open. Once a Highway patrolman came in to tell the lady in the gift shop to say we left the running lights on the B-29. There are no lights working or power to the aircraft. A lady told me that her husband was air police in late 80s and he listened to the engines running even though the props we’re stationary. We believe the spirits represent a Korean War crew as the plane is made up from 3 B-29s two of which served in the Korean War and had casualties.
Interesting!!👍👍
Demais!!👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
C 119 and C 123 retired April 1975 , South Vietnam Air force
Hi Rick!! Thanks!!!👍👍
Top!! 👏👏
the f16 cockpit is the wrong one sorry
Hi Michaell !! Thanks for taking the time. That was the best of my research. Hopefully it will people research it . Thanks for the input. 👍
hey! "Maverick" just flew an f-14 recently!! asterisk!!! (LOL!)
Lol!! Both of them came out of retirement!!! Thanks for stopping by!!👍
@@jrcardosotravel yup!!
👏👏👏👏
Old SAC base.
What organization is responsible for the upkeep of that many historical aircraft? Almost every aircraft on display in your video deserves a minimum amount of wash to remove dirt and grime. While complaining, I might mention the weeds encroaching on the entire facility. It looks more like a junkyard. In addition, the unprotected cockpit glass is ruined.
Hi JB ! The Museum is a non-profit organization . The aircrafts had been neglected and used for weapons testing before the museum rescued them. They receive no Government assistance whatsoever . It survives on the generosity of local businesses , individuals ,volunteers and members of the museum. Besides I visited the museum in mid June which is very dry and dusty in that area. Thanks so much for watching the video. Thank you. 👍
I am sure they would appreciate your volunteering to stop by and pull weeds or wash down the planes. If you cannot do that, monetary contributions are always welcome.
Black. Bird
B25 special so I
Nice video. Music sucks. fit for a gay bar grand opening.
Hi Dave! Thanks for the feedback!! Always welcome!
Music sucks! I stopped watching after 4 minutes.
You.guys are abusing them
Wild animals should be in the wild