Hi all!
Quick question for you. If you had to choose one museum to go to, which would it be? The Planes of Fame museum or the March Field Air Museum? Anyone been to both? How are they?
Thanks!
Eric
I have been to both several times, although the last trip was about 10 years ago. Both are excellent, but quite a bit different. Chino Planes of Fame is a working museum where they are restoring several different planes at any given time. They have the museum divided into a couple or three different sections and you should definately visit each section. The March field museum is strictly static display of retired military planes that are no longer flying. They do have quite a selection.
Darwin, O.F. [alien]
havn’t been to neither, but I’ve been to Dayton Muesam. It was great!
I’ve been to the Planes of Fame museum in Chino. It is very nice. You won’t be dissapointed. Sorry, I can’t compare it to the other. I haven’t been to it.
I haven’t been to Planes of Fame, but it’s pretty much older propeller aircraft (why I’m not in a hurry to go). March is a pretty nice place. They have alot of air force jets, cold war era mostly. They are restoring an F-4E (e-??) to flyable condition. They have one of the original F-14 test a/c. An SR-71 (quite a few in southern california). If there is one day to go, it’s open house/open cockpit day. If you have small children, they’ll enjoy it. There is one coming up in March?? Tthere were alot of vets on hand to tell you all about the aircraft you were in & it’s history. B-52 was AWESOME!! check the website.
I been to both… chino recently. What are of planes do you like. Jets you want March… props Planes of fame.
Or just go to Seattle for both! 
They were restoring an ME262 when I was in Chino. Very cool.
Thanks for the great info, guys! Me personally, I subscribe to the ol’ “If it ain’t got a propeller then it ain’t no airplane” school of thought. However, my brother-in-law was a Phantom Phixer back at Holloman AFB in the 1980s. I’d say he leans more towards the jet age but it all boils down to the fact that any and all planes are good. Transblu, you mentioned the restoration of an F4-E. That was the plane he worked on the most so he might go for that.
Thanks again for all the great info!
Eric
I’ve been to March Field as a volunteer on the B-17G " Return To Glory" It was an experience I wont soon forget!!![:D] I spent the day “behind the scenes” which was cool, this was at the end of June. They were working on the F-4E while I was there, they also had another Phantom totally torn down. Lot of Jets but, a few prop jobs there, their collection inside is worth checking out too. I haven’t been to Chino yet, but will in time!!
Eddie
I just visited the Air Museum at March two days ago. What I saw would make an old crew chief weep. In all fairness though let me say the museum could use some more money to keep some of the exhibits out of the weather. The Klimov VK-1 Engine is rapidly deteriorating to a sad condition. I had taken some pictures of it a couple years ago to use a as source of info to correctly paint a model of the engine. I’m 67 years old and yes I still build model aircraft (from kits). Boats I 've been carving from scratch.
However, I digress. to answer the question, Planes of Fame or March Air Museum? There is no doubt in my mind, hands down, it’s Planes of Fame [8D]
Also,if you’re ever in Florida, try the “Fantasy of Flight” museum in Polk City. They claim to be the worlds largest private collection of flying war birds, no static displays. Once a day they roll one out,start’r up, and do a mini air show, with a diffrent bird everyday. They featured an FI-156 Storch when I was there. Amazing aircraft! It could take off in less than 100 feet, and then just hang there. They have 3 huge hangers full of planes,a complete restoration building,plus a seperate shop for engines. Wonderfull tour,gift shop,restaraunt,even rides. I went up in a 1925 D28 New Standard. It was absolutely fabulous. Highly recommend this place. Check Fantasy of flight.com for details.
dragonfly
Why not go to both? They’re only about an hour apart.
I have been to both several times. March Museum has an F-89J that was in the 319th FIS that I probably worked on. When I inquired when and if it could be repainted to 319th colors (with financial help from the 319th FIS Association) I was told them need help from volunteers also. I’m not pitching a call for help for them I’m just telling it like it is. I would be there pitching in but I live to far away and unable to.
Now , the Planes of Fame evidently has a lot more help financially and volunteer wise, because most the planes are sheltered and have been returned to pristine condition with authentic color schemes. So this is why I say for a modeler, Planes of Fame is the placeHaving been in the aviation world for 31 years both military and civilian, I have visited quite a few aviation museums . In my opinion The Champlin Fighter museum is the best, with the San Diego one tied with the Planes of Fame with the exception that the San Diego planes are not flyable and Planes of Fame .are. [8D]