I didn’t plan on writing a blog post about our visit to the Museum of Flight. I thought it would be a quick in-and-out to attend a short event about Victory Vertical pianos. More on that later. But I found that I couldn’t leave without snapping a few iPhone photos.
If you’ve visited the museum, you’ll know that I’ve only scratched the surface of the vast array of interesting airplanes, spacecraft, and historical exhibits on display. Consider this a teaser to encourage you to come and explore for yourself.
I’m no expert, but I believe the yellow plane is a Taylorcraft L-2. My Uncle Arch had one. It’s very basic, fabric-covered with a joystick, but no fuel gauge. A length of clear fuel line runs through the cockpit. When you can no longer see fuel, you know it’s time to land.This Red Cross plane reminds me of my Bill Davidson commuting bike. Neither has done much travelling lately.Do you remember the Glossamer Albatross? It’s a human-powered aircraft built by American aeronautical engineer Dr Paul B MacCready’s company AeroVironment. On June 12, 1979, it completed a successful crossing of the English Channel.“Beware of Intake” strikes me as sound advice.This is a Lockheed Model 10 Electra, similar to the one flown by the ill-fated Amelia Earhart.No idea what this is, but it looks fast and I love the color.Gotta love radial engines!An early commercial passenger plane. The interior resembles a yacht, with lots of wood.The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbirdspy reconnaissance plane. I love that the smaller third engine has its own wings!Love the color, love the folding wings.I think it would look scary to a cowering peasant even without the teeth.In case there was any doubt, these things are complicated inside.A flight trainer. I think I’ve seen these in front of convenience stores. Insert a quarter for a ride.
Now for something completely different, the MIG-21 Project.
Who would not want to cover an old Soviet warplane with beads? This is a scale model.A beaded airplane needs a beaded crew.
OK, enough of airplanes. We came to the museum to learn about Victory Vertical pianos. If you’re Steinway and it’s World War II, what are you going to do? Build over 3000 of these little “made to travel” instruments, that’s what.
Besides learning something of the history, we got to see three restored instruments: one blue, one beige, and one olive green. We were also treated to a short performance featuring hit songs of the period.
Well, those tiny vertical pianos are trim and lightweight! Maybe one would fit in your boat cabin for midnight Debussy on the water?Hammond organs also sent out small instruments to soldiers—with a booklet on how to destroy them completely, if the electronics might fall into enemy hands!
I love your stories, and witty and observant captions.
Now about that clear-hose fuel “gauge”. . . What happens when the tube goes clear and the tower says “low visibility—circle in a holding pattern—or re-route to Spokane!”?
I guess that’s when you kick in the Albatross pedals? Did the albatross come in a tandem model? Love, MEB
Darrell
August 18, 2025 4:11 pm
From your title I assumed the “pianos were some strange flying mechanism. So much for my quip about keyboard players getting high. Very interesting place. Glad you took all the pics.
Thank you for your Stories!
Well, those tiny vertical pianos are trim and lightweight! Maybe one would fit in your boat cabin for midnight Debussy on the water?Hammond organs also sent out small instruments to soldiers—with a booklet on how to destroy them completely, if the electronics might fall into enemy hands!
I love your stories, and witty and observant captions.
Now about that clear-hose fuel “gauge”. . . What happens when the tube goes clear and the tower says “low visibility—circle in a holding pattern—or re-route to Spokane!”?
I guess that’s when you kick in the Albatross pedals? Did the albatross come in a tandem model? Love, MEB
From your title I assumed the “pianos were some strange flying mechanism. So much for my quip about keyboard players getting high. Very interesting place. Glad you took all the pics.
That’s a low pun, even for a trombone player.
Outstanding pictures!