My trip to U505 in Chicago...

[don prince]

Hello all,

First, I would like to thank the Subcommittee Officers for helping me resolve the issue with my original posting. Sometimes strange things happen in this world wide web/internet through no fault of mine or theirs; gentlemen, thank you...

I will post a few photos of my trip to U-505 at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. However, I was very down about the fact that they would not allow any photos to be taken inside of the U-Boat. The whole reason for my trip to Chicago that cost well over $1000.00 was to take lots of photos of the E-Motor Switchboard.... MY wife Maureen took most of the photos that I have. I even paid for the special tour on Sunday morning in hopes of having more time for photo shots. In addition, you can not enter the forward and aft torpedo rooms either (Bummer!)...

The last few photos are of my OTW Type VIIc and the Andrea die cast U-Boat crew member. These guys are very difficult to paint because of the scale size....





















My U-96 crew by Andrea die cast (Spain)....









And my wife Maureen, who puts up with this crazy old man and his interest in U-Boats....



Regards,
Don_

[novagator]

great pictures, thanks for sharing.

great pictures, thanks for sharing.

[ojm]

Hi Don, Thanks for posting

Hi Don, Thanks for posting some great pics, if ever i get the chance to get to visit myself i bloody well will!
Here in the U.K. all we have is a U-Boat that they cut in half!
Well actually into thirds! but its not quite the same as seeing a real relic that is in one piece, ok i should visit laboe which is actually closer!
But thankyou for posting your pics.
Guy.

[don prince]

Hi Guy,

I plan on visiting

Hi Guy,

I plan on visiting Laboe Germany in a few years. From what I understand; you can take your time and photograph anything inside U-995. If I am incorrect, then would someone please let me know...

Regards,
Don_

[JWLaRue]

Don,

Did you get any idea

Don,

Did you get any idea why the museum no longer allows photo taking on the inside? That's definitely a change from when Jim Butt and I made a day trip to visit the U-505.

...here's a photo I took inside the aft torpedo room.



-Jeff

p.s. Jim Butt just reminded me that my ability to take photos may have been related to the 'special tour' that we had arrange with the museum curator.......

[crazy ivan]

Jeff, you may be right

Jeff, you may be right about that special tour. When the Rochester Gang visited U-505 in '06 we were also in the company of the curator through most of the museum. However, when we got to the boat, he left us with the regular guide who banned any photo taking. Once inside, we were treated to a canned lights & audio production as we moved from one compartment to another. I am under the impression that a camera flash would disrupt the a/v synchronization of this show. Stopping for a photo may possibly have messed up the timing as well. We were just as disappointed as Don, considering we had the 'inside' connection.

[don prince]

HI Jeff,

I sent an email

HI Jeff,

I sent an email to the museum and here is the response they sent to me....

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It does state on the Museum's Web site as well as on the map that photography of the interior of the submarine is prohibited. We apologize if there was any confusion.

Best regards,

Brian J. Packer
Public Relations Coordinator
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regards,
Don_

[robert f.]

That e-mail only states that

That e-mail only states that taking photographs is not allowed. It does not give any reasons for that policy. In my opinion, it's more of a non-response.

I have had similar experiences in museums over the years. More often than not, there are no real, valid reasons for prohibiting inside photography.

The excuse most used is that paint colours fade because of the flash light.
Well, that holds true for centuries old costumes, tapestries, paintings and the like. But I really can't imagine paints used in war machines in harsh conditions (like subs) deteriorating because of flash light. And even if it would, that process would be so terribly slow, who'd notice?

I think it's mainly a matter of unwillingness to keep an open mind and regularly review the way you do things. After all, routines are easier to live with.........


Robert

[tabledancer]

I did the special tour

I did the special tour also,which I will say cost more,but we did it early on a Sunday morning and had the run of the entire sub and display area.I was permitted to take all the pictures that I wanted and if I can find them I`ll try to post them here.There were only 5 people in my group,maybe that had something to do with the picture problem.But it was better because I got more to eat at the breakfast that they provided!Also I did the tour 2 yr. ago.





TD

[don prince]

Hello All,

I went to the

Hello All,

I went to the special scheduled Sunday 9:00 AM tour that included the Continental Breakfast and the presentation about U-505 and the capture from the Museum staff. We went through the U-505 tour in about 15 minutes at the most; well before the Museum was opened. However, we were NOT permitted to go back in and take photos...

My whole reason for the trip was to capture info on the switchboards. Don't take me wrong, I did enjoy seeing U-505 and it was a once in a lifetime experience.

Regards,
Don_

[steve jensen]

E-room photos

I have a few photos of the E-room, from 2005, after the new paint job. If you wish I could collect them and perhaps forward them to you, in a series of E-mails.
I have some 'issues' with sending attachments, which is why it would take a few separate E-mails.

You can contact me at my regular E-mail address.

Oh...and don't 'tell on me' for this. LOL
Regards,
Steve Jensen