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2011: Jump Out of a Jet In Your Swim Trunks

We appreciate when a large thing has more going for it than just swollen volume, its builders boldly pushing beyond first-level “World’s Largest” thinking.   “We could just create an immense wooden Trojan Horse,” they say, “but let’s build one with strobe light eyes and a go kart track for intestines!”

747 positioned for water slide duties.That same one-step-beyond spark is now firing in McMinnville, Oregon, where the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum has completed the latest phase of its loopy scheme — to transform a mothballed 747 jetliner into the world’s greatest novelty water slide.

The “Wings and Waves” slide will cost a reported $25 million. The jumbo jet — 225 feet long, weighing 320,000 pounds — was lifted by two industrial cranes to a lofty framework that will eventually house a wine bar and a wave pool, among other amenities. When complete in May 2011, water will be pumped up to the roof and through the hollowed-out jetliner, where sliders will sluice through its exit doors into one of four clear plastic tubes that wind their way into a pool over 60 feet below!

It won’t be exactly the same as jumping out of a plane ditched at sea, but we expect that it’ll be a lot more enjoyable.

Sections: Attraction News, Coming Soon 2 Comments »

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Spruce Goose and Space Museum

Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum

Address:
500 NE Capt. Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR
Directions:
Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. Two miles east of town on Hwy 18/Dayton Bypass. On the north side, across the road from McMinnville Municipal Airport.
Hours:
Daily 10-5 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
503-434-4180
Admission:
Museum $20. Extra $ to tour the Spruce Goose flight deck.
RA Rates:
Major Fun
Save to My Sights

2 Responses to “2011: Jump Out of a Jet In Your Swim Trunks”

  1. Robot Greg Says:
    May 10th, 2010 at 6:39 pm

    Now THAT is someone thinking correctly! Kudos to them!

  2. ADalton Says:
    May 12th, 2010 at 8:41 pm

    You could get some cool photos of that.

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