Goodnight Sweetheart

Goodnight Sweetheart, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

An experimental Yakovlev fighter witnesses another beautiful California sunset at the Chino Planes of Fame Museum.

I had been at the museum all day and had decided to wait around for sunset to see if it would be a nice one. Closing time had come and gone but I thought if I kept a low profile I might be able to stay inside until the sky got really pretty.

Right after I took this sequence the security guard came over and started closing the hanger doors. When he saw me with my camera and tripod he was ready to give me the boot but I pointed at the dramatic sky outside and asked if I could take a few more sequences. He took one look, said "wow that's amazing!" and agreed to give me a few more minutes.

It's funny how we often don't see the beauty around us until someone points it out to us. 

Tomcat in Repose

Tomcat in Repose, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This newly restored F-14 Tomcat is a great addition to the Yanks Air Museum in Chino California.

Jet-Age Rivals

Jet-Age Rivals, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Russian built Mig-15 Fagot and the American F-86 Saber jet fighters were adversaries during the Korean war. Very closely matched, either could be deadly in the hands of a good pilot.

Boneyard - Ghost Flightline

Boneyard - Ghost Flightline, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Panorama of the Planes of Fame airplane boneyard. These aircraft are awaiting restoration to flight status.

Merlin Undercover

Merlin Undercover, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The P-51 Mustang "Wee Willy II" awaiting its afternoon flight. The amazing Rolls Royce Merlin engine transformed the Mustang from a lackluster low altitude patrol aircraft into the premiere front line fighter of world war 2.

Wee Willy II - Plate 3

Wee Willy II - Plate 3, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

P-51D Mustang "Wee Willy II" shining in the late afternoon light with its hanger in the background.

Wee Willy II - Plate 2

Wee Willy II - Plate 2, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Planes of Fame museum in Chino, California has monthly events where a single type of aircraft is featured. Guest speakers and a flight of the featured aircraft make for a memorable and fun day at the museum.

Ghost Squadron in Fading Light

Ghost Squadron in Fading Light, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

These historic aircraft are awaiting funds and skilled hands to restore them to flight conditon. Making history by saving it, the Chino Planes of Fame museum is an amazing place.

Intruder's Resting Place

Intruder's Resting Place, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Saved from the wreckers ball, these two A6-E Intruders await restoration at the Yanks Air Museum in Chino California. The two seat all weather aircraft saw service beginning in the Vietnam conflict serving the fleet as light bombers.

Earthbound Enterprise

Earthbound Enterprise, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The only space shuttle ever built that never flew in space. The space shuttle Enterprise is on display at the Udvar Hazy center near Washington D.C.