October 24, 2008
Pictures of Concorde's return to Intrepid on the Hudson
The Intrepid’s back.
The Concorde’s back.
And the Growler’s in dry dock at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
But by the time the doors reopen November 8 at the Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum, all the historic ships, subs and aircraft will be back in place.
(Although the SSG 577 Growler, which was armed with the 56-foot-long Regulus cruise missile, will not reopen to the public until spring, Susan Marenoff, the museum’s executive director told NewYorkology. The sub will return to its old location at Pier 86 during the first week of November and will then undergo interior upgrades there, she said.)
 The retired British Airways Concorde returned to Pier 86 earlier this week, first by barge and then with a massive marine crane that lifted the supersonic machine into it permanent home on the Hudson.
While the Intrepid was in dry dock and Pier 86 was rebuilt, the Concorde was parked in Brooklyn at Aviator Sports. There, a truck backed into it, damaging the nosecone, which was completely replaced. The only other apparent damage was a front window that appeared to be cracked, but a spokesman said that’s a natural aging process for Concorde glass and it will be replaced before the museum opens.
NewYorkology has already posted a series of videos showing parts of the slow meticulous process from the time the Concorde wheels lift off the barge, swing over the river and American flags and then gingerly down onto three braces mounted on the pier.
The still photos here give you a better idea of the teamwork involved in the delicate procedure as the crews climbed, tugged, pulled, checked and double-checked gears and belts and tires from all different positions.
Wide straps were looped under the front point of the Concorde and slid down by crane and several men. The back straps were actually attached to the landing gear through holes in each wing.
When the museum reopens, a general admission ticket will get visitors access to the Concorde, Marenoff said. You’ll be able to walk under and inside the Concorde, which will contain some memorabilia from the jetliner’s flying days.
More pictures after the jump.
October 24, 2008 1:33 PM in Kids, Midtown, Museums, Sightsology
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