El Cajon, California: Atlas Rocket and Other Aircraft

This out-of-the-way place is where the San Diego Air and Space Museum has its restoration and replica workshops. The Atlas rocket stands out front: an unusual 2-B, built on April 4, 1960. More than 500 Atlas rockets were built in San Diego.

San Diego Air and Space Museum: Gillespie Field Annex

Address:: 335 Kenney St., El Cajon, CA
Directions:: San Diego Air and Space Museum: Gillespie Field Annex. Northeast edge of the city, near the intersection of Hwys 52 and 67.
Hours:: Rocket always visible; museum open M, W-F 8-3 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 619-258-1221
Admission:: Free

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Winged car.

Gillespie Field - Rocket and Plane Restoration

There's an interesting aircraft collection about 15 miles northeast of San Diego's Air & Space Museum, at Gillespie Field. It's a facility where retired aircraft workers perform restoration and replica creation of planes, missiles and other items that may end up at the main museum, so it's more of a warts-and-all view of flight history. The Gillespie Field Annex Museum is free, and there's always something to see. Don't drop by on a weekend, as we did; they are open during the work week.

We spotted a winged car, the Flying Citroen, which might be a replica, and didn't appear to be capable of spending much time in the air...

The upright Atlas rocket in front of the museum is permanent, and an easy visual aid for finding the museum.

[03/12/2014]