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Origins Lend Lease 2014 - The Farewell

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06:30 am Karl & me woke up and I asked him for a coffee in the Lobby. With tea, coffee and pastries we’re talking a little bit about the Aerodrome, the WW II Pacific theater and new Wings of Glory projects.

07:20 am Time to say goodbye to Randy, Karl & Glenn and to check out.




07:35 am We were on our way to the United States Air Force Museum near Dayton / Ohio.


Since 2000 I’m the first time back on US Highways. I enjoyed the short trip with Keith and Riley on the backseat. The girl is still tired. No wonder she showed stamina during the 3 days of full time gaming.

08:55 am We reached the museum, that occupied an incredible huge area. I’m really impressed.



09:00 am Riley woke up and asked for some breakfast. There was a cantina in the museum but no guarantee that they have something to eat before 10:00 am.

I’ve got two children of my own and instead of being in company with a hungry girl, we decided with Eric & Suu to have a quick meal at a nearby fast food restaurant.




09:45 am Back on the museum’s parking place we spottet a DeLorean. The Oberst is a great automobile fan.

Cappy Tom, Michael and Ken already waited for us.

Thank you for the patience.




10:15 am We have so many great pictures of the WW I planes from the museum here at the aerodrome, that I looked for something special.

There are so many interesting stories and original pieced to explore…

This is a painting of the Caproni bombing raids at the Italian front from WW I.

Good historic background stuff for more bombing missions.




A WW II flight jacket of a B-17 crew member.

We'll get with the “Memphis Belle” a great WGS mini, but “Stinky” sounds cool, too.




Music instrument, flight jacket and boots of one of the most famus US WW II aces: Major Richard Ira "****" Bong



The Ohio Wing Commander in front of a Mitsubishi Zero. We had a great time, Tom.



A P40E Warhawk with the markings of the “Flying Tigers”.

It’s great to see the originals of our WGS miniatures.




Unfortunately no time to read all the interesting stuff.

Like RAF pilots, the pilots of the Flying Tigers squadron had scarves with maps printed on them.




The “Strawberry Bitch”, a B-24 Liberator bomber. Is there any hidden meaning in this name?



Another great WW II plane: Catalina Flyboat.

Keith pointed out that this plane could be of great use for WGS gaming. Of course, this type served all around the world during WW II and was in use for many functions.

Michael, Eric and Sue had not visited the museum before, like me. So it was a pleasure to explore the WW I & WW II section together.

There was a great, interesting section with US-planes planes that were on duty between WW I & WW II.



12:00 pm We had explored only 20 % percent of the Museum and went for a last drink together in the Museum’s Cantina.

Ken told me that you need three days to see all the stuff inside. I believed him.

An amazing place, which made me wish to return for another visit, soon.



Michael showed us a balancing trick with a Dollar bill. He entertained Riley so often and teached her a few legerdemains.

We had a really good time.




01:00 pm A last group picture in front of the memorial for the “Mighty 8th”

We had to say goodbye after this picture.



Eric and Susan left for Chicago.



A last picture of the front of the US Air force museum.




A picture of the Columbus skyline.



To the airport on the highway.



I gave Keith and Riley a close escort to their gate. The Oberst entered a plane to Chicago.



04:00 pm Enough time until my plane was ready to depart at 05:30 pm to Detroit – Amsterdam – Munic.

I found this funny sign with a whirlwind beside the restrooms and needed a few minutes to realize that this isn’t the logo of a cleaning company. It’s a shelter area for heavy weather and tornados :erc:




Goodbye and thank you Ohio.

It was a trip I’ll never forget. The experience to be a Lend Lease member made a dream come true.

I hope I’ll see all the friends, comrades & wingmen again, some day.

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Comments

  1. Black Sheep One's Avatar
    As do we, Sven. We will meet again soon. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. It was an honor and pleasure to experience it with you. Kümmern mein Freund...
  2. Jager's Avatar
    Sven; I truly hope we will meet again. Until then, Clear Skies.
    Karl
  3. Flying Officer Kyte's Avatar
    Thank you for the very erudite commentary on your trip Sven.
    Rob.
  4. CappyTom's Avatar
    Sven it was great getting to know you in person. I hope we meet again too. God bless and take care.
  5. gully_raker's Avatar
    Very well done my Wingman.
    So glad you had such a wonderful time & now have met so many of your Forum pals.
  6. Black Sheep One's Avatar
    Sven, you commented how large the museum is. It is going to get even larger. They are going to build another wing on the museum to hold the Presidential aircraft as well as other planes:

    http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/new...p?id=123412958
  7. predhead's Avatar
    Sorry I missed this! I haven't been active on the group and certainly could have joined you at the museum. Glad you were able to come to the States and see the museum, it is quite nice.