July, 2020 No: 2009
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Woodland Auto Display
It's Historical!
Come Grow With Us!
The Estrella Warbirds Museum is now the #2 "Go-To" place to visit in the Paso Robles area!  We welcome visitors from all over the world.

We are always looking for volunteers to help us greet visitors, show people around the museum and to hear about your own military experience.

Perhaps you enjoy tinkering or restoring vehicles or aircraft (or just want to learn).  We'd love to meet you and for you to join us as part of our growing team!  Its a wonderful place to make new life long friends!

Contact us today!  We'd love to hear from you.
 
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805 610-2333
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805 674-3939
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The Latest News

Time for some good news, bad news.

Bad news first. Still no monthly dinners. We need to wait until the county allows dinner gatherings for more than 50 people. Dinners are on hold. We've also had to cancel the Warbirds Wings & Wheels event scheduled for September as there are too many variables in play with the current COVID situation. We want everyone to be safe. If you've already registered, you should receive a letter this week concerning refund or option to move your registration to May 8th, 2021.

Now for the good news and there's lots of it!
1. 2020 is already half way over! Sorry, no re-boot. But we do  have 2020 vision and we are always looking out for your safety in these  perilous times.

2.  The museum is open and functioning!  Yes! We started off with a bang! Or maybe that was  the thunder caused by the two F18E Super Hornets that dropped in to visit and it was wonderful seeing all the people that showed up to welcome the pilots and get an up close look at some incredible warbirds.  It was awesome!  

3.  We are back to our regular hours, Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (no reservations necessary).  You will notice some new one way signage throughout the buildings, but that's not stopping visitors from meandering through all the new displays and artifacts.  California is mandating facial masks, so if you don't recognize your favorite docent, ask! They may just be in camouflage.

4.  We may have been closed for almost two months, but some of our staff and volunteers never stopped working.  You will need to revisit soon to check out some of the new items.   See below for some of the updates.

5. The 4th of July falls on Saturday. We can celebrate our country's freedom together so you can bring the whole family on down for an exciting time.

6. New construction project is underway! The cutorial storage area expansion to Freedom Hall has begun!  Don't worry, construction won't be in your way of having a wonderful visit!
M-29C Water Weasel

If you happened to stop by Estrella Warbirds Museum recently, you may have seen Scott Stelzle driving around the grounds on a strange looking tracked vehicle.  Say hello to our newest vehicle addition, a Studebaker M-29C Water Weasel.  These are sort of rare.  You won't find too many of these vehicles around, especially in good operating condition.

Originally designed for traversing snow and harsh winter conditions, the M-29 Weasel was a predecessor to the more modern Armored Personnel Carrier. It was used to transport up to four personnel and/or ammunition through the snow. Originally planned for a WWII Norwegian expedition, the M-29 proved its worth and was utilized in various arctic expeditions. Air ballast tanks and rudders were added to the next generation (M-29C) to insure flotation (if the ice broke). Later numerous larger naval landing craft also carried the M-29 to help ferry people and ammunition to dryer ground.   We don't have a lake at the museum, but it traverses well over a sea of sand! For more information, click on the picture above.
OV-10A Refresh

North American Bronco OV-10A restoration  is one of those projects that has been on the back burner for a while. However, while the museum was closed, the restoration crew took advantage of the added time to take on a much needed spruce up job for our Bronco.

As as static display, it will not fly. The aircraft has been missing engines and propellers after we received it when last used in service by CAL Fire.  The paint scheme has been updated to pay tribute to those who flew the OV-10's during the Gulf War.  Sporting a desert tan camouflage and now with propellers, the aircraft is undergoing its finishing touches and will be returned to its proud static display.  Special thanks to all the restoration crew that went out of their way to make this project happen! You guys have once again done an outstanding job!  Click on picture for more information on the OV-10A Bronco.
Master Ship Builder

When you tour through Freedom Hall, you will find an incredible detailed collection of US Navy ships.  The attention to detail is absolutely incredible and you have to wonder who it was that took the time to assemble each one of the intricate parts of the naval ships.  

Meet Lon Allen, Historian, EWM patron and master ship builder!  Lon is standing by his recreation of the USS Cole and displays of models he scratch built for the museum's World War II collection. If you happen to see Lon wondering the halls, stop and let him know what a wonderful work he has done!  Thanks Lon! You work is seen by many and appreciated by all!
Woodland Auto Display

The Woodland Auto Display contains one of the finest collections of historic, classic, vintage, dirt track, sprint cars,  and unique vehicles  in Central California. Did you know, it's not just about automobiles and race cars? This 1919 Indian Datona Racer is just one example you will find here on the grounds at the Estrella Warbirds Museum.

If you have not visited in a while, be ready for some fantastic new displays.  It's always worth the while to spend a few extra hours when visiting the museum just to allow yourself enough time to wonder through 4 adjoined buildings housing this incredible collection.  
Win This Commemorative Wine Bottle!
New Drawing Date! 
Click image to purchase your raffle tickets

Flown on board Betsy's Biscuit Bomber during the commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and signed by dignitaries in Normandy, this piece of history could be yours!  All proceeds go towards the construction of a new hangar at Estrella Warbirds Museum, which will house the C-47B. Click here for more information on this unique opportunity.

Due to our recent temporary closure, we felt it best to move the drawing to a time when we know everyone has the opportunity to be present.

Are You a Member?
Membership has its benefits! Why become a member? The museum is supported solely from private sources.  Minimal membership dues go a long way in helping to preserve history for tomorrows generation. Membership gives you free access to the museum and our wonderful research library. Individual memberships are pro-rated at $75/year or $125/year for families. We have six different categories.  You can find more information on membership and how to sign up the the link listed below. 
Yes! I'm interested in membership with Estrella Warbird Museum