Just plane amazin'

Just past the windswept Flintstones campground and its Fred's Diner was a real reason to stop.

For an aviation buff like myself, the Planes of Fame Grand Canyon museum could not be missed, not with the rare tri-tailed Lockheed Constellation parked out front. A satellite of the famous Chino, Calif., museum, it didn't disappoint. In fact, I bounced around inside the hangar like a kid on his third bowl of Froot Loops.

Particularly fascinating was the Me-109, one of the few flyable examples left of the famous German fighter. It was captured in late 1944 after only a few missions. Given how many were shot down at that point, and that the rest were mostly scrapped after the war, it was exciting to see one with an oil pan underneath. A museum mechanic told me it was all original except for the propellor hub, which somebody stole years ago while the plane was being transported to a show.




I also liked the 1930s Grumman biplane, the last to fly off carriers, and the replica Japanese "Val" dive-bomber made for the movie "Tora, Tora, Tora." But neither could top the Constellation outside, which required separate admission and a guided tour by Shirley, a museum manager. What was the big deal? Gen. Douglas MacArthur used it as his personal plane during the Korean War. He flew on it to his famous Wake Island meeting with President Truman, and it took him back home after he was fired. Before that, it also was among the 10 Constellations modified by the Air Force for the Berlin Airlift. On the tour, we saw MacArthur's lounge chair, where he was briefed; his private aft quarters; the overhead pullout beds for staff members; the gleaming, stainless-steel galley with its art deco toaster; and at the navigator's station. The boys took turns spinning in the swivel chair -- not nearly as fun, though, as the F-86 jet fighter cockpit simulator.

Unfortunately, we had to go after an hour. More adventure awaited, and I didn't want to strain my family's patience, although I practically had to pry John Michael from the simulator's joystick. Too bad we couldn't camp with Fred and Wilma for the night: The Chino's P-38 Lightning fighter was scheduled to fly in the next day. But the Painted Desert called.