(Santa Teresa NM)
War Eagles Air Museum displayed a collection of 36 vintage aircraft and 50 antique cars; many in working order. Most were from the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam eras. Additional items included weapons, engines, photos, uniforms, and various military artifacts.
War Eagles Air Museum – P-40 Warhawk
A 64,000 square feet hanger, with extensions, a restoration shop, some outdoor exhibits, a gift shop, and a research library were all on site. Everything was very well presented, with panels explaining things, and 1930-40s era music playing in the background.
P-51 Mustang
PT-17 Kaydet
1936 Packard Super-8 & F4U-4 Corsair
Some of my favorites were the Curtiss P-40E Warhawk, a North American P-51D Mustang, Lockheed P-38L Lightning, North American F-86 Sabre, and Douglas C-47 Gooney Bird. The M-38 Army Willys Jeep, 1914 Ford Model-T Speedster, 1935 Auburn M-85 Boat Tail Convertible, 1936 Packard Super-8 Convertible were also excellent.
1963 Morgan +4, 1954 MG & C-47 Gooney Bird
1935 Auburn Boat Tail Convertible
Air Defense Systems
For military history buffs, the museum was well worth the short side-trip and low entry fee. Since I was so close, I zipped into El Paso to visit the Apple Store in order to ask some questions at the Genius Bar and to see the new iPad Pro.
Camp: Wal-Mart Overnight
Scene: Vintage aircraft, cars, military equipment
I like the fact that the museum featured old cars as well. Having lived in N. VA just outside of Washington for many years, I was the person who had to escort my family visitors to the Nat’l. Air & Space Museum. Once was enough for me, and by the time I moved away I probably had 10 or 15 visits. Just too much space & aircraft to suit me, but I do like to look at the old cars.
I’ve seen several air museums, and this one was more enjoyable than most. Not too big, and a good balance of displays. Plus, it was focused mostly on the WW2 era.