This plane was in the graveyard in Arizona. Several interested people in Kansas City started the organization "Save A Connie". They went to Arizona and got the plane in flying condition to ferry it to Kansas City. Several years were spent restoring it, and now it is one of 6 Super Constellations that are flying. It is the ONLY one fitted in passenger configuration. It has been to Paris, London and other Euopean cities for air shows.
So here's the story:
The old Hobby Terminal/tower was built in 1940 when commercial aviation was blooming. By the middle of the 1960s a new tower and terminal were built, and the original one was abandoned. It saw forlorn until 2000 when a group of enthusiasts formed a foundation to restore the 1940 building to its original glory. To start the fund raising, they organized an event and convinced the organization in Kansas City to bring their Super Constellation down.
I heard about the event and 'jumped through hoops' to allow our Lazarus to be positioned at the nosewheel for photos.
As I sat in Lazarus, one of the Captains came over and asked about Lazarus.
"What kind of car is the?"
"A 1937 Packard Super Eight LeBaron All-Weather town Car" I replied...and I continued...
"I'll give you a ride in MINE, if you give me a ride in YOURS!!!""
"I flew it down...the other pilot will fly it back."
I let BOTH pilots drive Lazarus around their plane.
"What does it take to fly back to Kansas City?"
"For insurance purposes you have to be a member of the organization Save-A-Connie".
I whipped out my checkbook and $100 later I was a member!
Needless to say, the flight to Kansas City was MOST memorable.
After landing, I had to catch a Southwest flight back to Houston....for $128!!!!!
I'm glad I had my camcorder with me to document that experience!
