by Barry Perlman, Vintage Red Barn Co-Chair
Mary and Jim LaFevre ready to depart and tour the flightline with 16 more guests.
After 33 years, it is time to increase the visibility of one of the gems of EAA’s convention – the Vintage Division’s Tram Tour. Begun in 1984 and run each convention since then by your hosts Jim and Mary LeFevre, who have overseen the tram tour all these years, this tour is the best way to get a close up view of the wide variety of vintage aircraft parked along our two mile flightline.
Running during convention from Monday through Sunday and lasting approximately 45 minutes, the Vintage Tram Tour takes you through all of the vintage aircraft parked at convention. Up one row and down another – why walk all those miles? – you not only get to view the aircraft, but listen to an informed commentary about the planes you are riding past.
What a wonderful experience, and it is free of cost! The Vintage Tram Tour leaves from the Vintage Welcome Center – the Red Barn – each day on the hour (or approximately so from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m.). Each tour is first come, first served, and holds 16 people. The tour is handicap accessible as well. Hop aboard. A helpful tip – consider taking the tour early in convention week – more planes to look at.