All of us in our Caravan took another tour at Airstream today. This time we took the Touring Coach Factory Tour. This was over at the old factory and is where all their models of vans are made. It was just as interesting as the main trailer factory tour. I was only disappointed that they were not giving out samples. LOL While there, near the service center, we also bought parts for our Airstream. It’s always nice to have that opportunity.
The afternoon took us all separate ways. Everyone had different local tourist spots to experience. Tape measure in hand Tim and I went back to the Heritage Center. We had more to explore (and measure for reference) there and really didn’t feel like we had spent enough time there yesterday. Well I am sure my phone is about to explode now. I have taken so many photo’s including a bunch of reference photos for our Airstream Liner that we are restoring.
Special notes on a few specific trailers there:
A precious gem the 1948 Airstream Wee Wind named Ruby. My favorite trailer here. Named after her first owner and donated by another owner, Fred Coldwell, she is probably one of the most original, unmolested rigs here. 3003 is her serial number. Meaning she was the third one ever built. At only 16 feet long she is a beautiful piece of preserved Airstream history.
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Wally’s famous number 1 trailer is here! This unique 1955 Airstream Cruiser was used by Wally and Stella Byam on the 1956 European Caravan. Wally painted this Airstream white to match his tow vehicle, a white Cadillac, which helped him to stand out as the caravan leader. Wally often tested new designs and ideas in his travel trailers, while on the road, and the famous white trailer has many unique features. Tim and I followed on social media the painstakingly tedious task, rivet by rivet, of its restoration by the Goranson Family. They were afraid to take it out after it’s restoration because of its historic significance and are so grateful it will now be kept safe here at the Heritage Center.
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The 1957 Airstream World Traveler. During the 1956 European Caravan, Wally‘s wife Stella designed the floor plan for her ideal trailer to maximize living in storage space for two. That dream would ultimately become realized in the original floor plan of the iconic gold trailer used by Wally to lead the famous Cape Town to Cairo caravan. Wally had new design ideas built into his trailer so he could test the ideas on the road and the gold trailer was no exception. Built in the spring of 1957 in the Jackson center factory the gold Airstream served as the test unit for the International self containment package.
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1941 Airstream Clipper. Restored by Silver Lady Restorations and on loan from The Gulley Museum Collection!
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1938 Clipper known as Old Grand Dad!!
Just so much to take in. We will be coming back AGAIN next week!!
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