FANTASY OF FLIGHT at POLK CITY FL

We had heard that Fantasy of Flight is closing down on April 6th, so we hurried and made plans to see it.  We have since heard that it is to have an upgrade to compete with other Disney attractions in the area.  Our friends, Jeff and Judy, went with us to Polk.  Of course, us girls knew that we will later get to go to Michael's!  We need scrap booking supplies!

Walking to the museum from the parking lot, we watched the young people using the zip line training obstacle course.  Looks like fun but too young for these old bones!



Entering the museum we were greeted by "Rosie the Riveter"



As you come into the museum, you go through WWI era and then into an WWII era, very well done, indeed.

Gary and Jeff watching war film in the clouds.

Who is in the cockpit?

Tight squeeze working.

Gary is learning much from Jeff!!  He is in awe of how
informed Jeff is on many, many things!!



NAVY Corsair 

Miss Los Angeles and toys.

Gee Bee R-2 Super sportster built in 1932



Ford 5AT Tri-motor, corrugated sides and wings
 was built in 1929

In the mid 1920s, Henry Ford could see aviation had a bright future. Accordingly, he undertook aircraft development and testing. The Tri-Motor was developed from several earlier designs and became America’s first successful airliner.

1944 Short Sunderland

Fokker DR-1 Triplane built in 1917

Trautmann Roadair built in 1959



North American P-51C Merlin powered Mustang
built in 1944

Bachem Natter Viper built in 1944

Men's Toys or Boy's Toys?

DC 3/Military Version used today by
Buffalo Airways in NW Territory of Canada



Amphibian airplane out on the apron by the hanger

Stinson Tri-motor built in 1931
Jeff and Judy looking it over.
 

There were many, many more, too many to show.  They were packed in the museum like sardines in an exceptionally clean setting, so with the right changes it could be a great attraction.  I thought I had a picture of the Constellation of Howard Hughes' that was flown in from Sanford Airport north of Orlando.  It had been sitting idle for so long that they had to go over it completely to make sure it was capable of making a flight.  Then they brought in a pilot from Texas who had flown every type of Constellation made. But I guess I missed that picture???  Commonly known as a Connie, it was outside in the field near the parking lot.  Hughes story in a short film in the museum was quite interesting!

 

After leaving, we realized that there was a very nice looking RV Resort nearby.  It would be a nice location to be in to do all of the Orlando and Kissimmee attractions sometime in the future.  We will have to keep that in mind.  Then we went off for lunch at Bob Evans (Jeff says, always a great choice).  Then on to Michael's for a short shopping spree and then home.  What a way to wile away a day!!