Vintage Flying Museum

The Vintage Flying Museum at Meacham Airport in Fort Worth, Texas, is a fantastic spot for anyone into aviation or history. It’s housed in a WWII B-29 hangar and gives you a real feel for vintage aircraft and aviation history.

History

The museum was started in 1990 by William “Doc” Hospers and his wife Charlyn “Chuckie” Hospers. The hangar, originally built for B-29 bombers in the 1940s, was taken apart and rebuilt at Meacham Field. Over time, the museum has expanded to include groups like the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) B-29/B-24 Squadron and the CAF Invader Squadron. These groups help maintain the museum’s impressive collection of historic planes, including the B-29 Superfortress “”FIFI”” and the B24 Liberator “”Diamond Lil.””

How to Get There

You’ll find the Vintage Flying Museum at 505 NW 38th Street, Hangar 33 South, Fort Worth, TX 76106, right next to Meacham International Airport. It’s easy to get there by car, and you can also use public transport or ride-sharing services.

List of Attractions

1. Historic Aircraft: The museum has over 30 vintage planes, including rare ones like the B-29 Superfortress “”FIFI”” and the B24 Liberator “”Diamond Lil.””
2. WWII Memorabilia and Artifacts: Check out exhibits with memorabilia and artifacts from World War II for a deeper dive into the history.
3. Reciprocal and Jet Engine Display: A room dedicated to reciprocal and jet engines shows off aviation’s technological progress.
4. Aircraft Model Exhibit: This exhibit features model planes, adding an educational and visual treat to the museum.
5. Restoration Hangar: Watch the restoration of historic planes in action, giving you a peek into the detailed work needed to keep them flying.
6. Flight Experiences: On regular ride days, you can take a flight in a restored plane for an exciting experience.
7. Rosie the Riveter Memorial Rose Garden: A garden honoring North Texas women who helped with WWII efforts on the Homefront.

Ticket Information

• Adults: $12
• Teens/Seniors: $10
• Children (6-12): $7
• Children under 6: Free

The museum is open Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm. It’s closed on Mondays through Thursdays, but you can schedule weekday tours by appointment.

Tips for Visiting

1. Plan Your Visit: Check their website for special events and exhibitions before you go.
2. Arrive Early: To beat the crowds, especially on weekends, it’s best to get there early.
3. Take a Guided Tour: They offer guided tours that give you detailed info about the planes and their history.
4. Engage with Volunteers: The volunteers are super knowledgeable and passionate about the planes. Chatting with them can make your visit even better.
5. Bring a Camera: There are tons of photo ops, so don’t forget your camera to capture the unique planes and exhibits.
6. Attend Special Events: They host events like the Big Band Hangar Dance, which is a fun way to experience the museum differently.

The Vintage Flying Museum at Meacham Airport is a goldmine of aviation history, offering a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re into aviation or just curious about history, this museum is definitely worth a visit.