#2 RV's and the Zoo

Probably everyone knows that Elkhart, Indiana is the capital of RV manufacturers and so its no surprise that our coach, a Newmar Dutch Star, was also built right near here in Napanee. Newmar offers factory tours, and we were surprised to learn that they will also let you camp on their property if you are having service done and even if you are just passing through. The camping facility offers water and electric sites and concrete pads. Pretty nice for free!

Camp Newmar

The factory employs about 400 now and produces 3 coaches per day, both about 1/3 of what they did several years ago. Newmar is privately owned and employees work on piecework that allows them to leave work when their tasks are done. It also gives the company the flexibility of adjusting work schedules to demand - all coaches are built to order, so when orders are low, fewer hours are required.  

Newmar is only using Cummins engines now, and they come into the plant on the chassis from come into the plant from Ford, Freightliner, or Spartan. The aluminum framework, slides, front and rear caps, roof and all amenities are built from the bottom up in just 4 days. All cabinetry is made on site. Painting takes five or six more days before the coach rolls out the door:

Although Newmar definitely has a quality reputation, we were a little disappointed that not much was said about the quality program. When we asked about it, we were told that an inspector releases the vehicle for the next station when he approves quality. The tour guide was touting Newmar's new driving feature that returns the steering to straight ahead after a turn and even compensates for wind. Sounds interesting. We asked about how many engineers are employed by Newmar, and learned that the number is "about 15". Not many! And they probably don't even have a metallurgist! Drat!


Well, we got back on the road for a short drive to Kalamazoo where we visited with our cousin Ted, who is working here for a while. Before heading out, we decided to visit the Air Zoo museum in Kalamazoo. Another gem, the museum is located just 2 miles from I94. Boasting the largest painted mural in the world (800 feet long!), the exhibit areas are surrounded by floor to ceiling views of various ground and flight scenes. The exhibits range from vintage aircraft to an SR-71 Blackbird. 

Many exhibits included life-like figures. We especially liked the 'Jenny' which was the plane Anne's grandfather flew after WWI - giving rides in one of those new fangled flying machines.

In addition to many historic planes, the museum has several rides for the kids and a 3D theater, all nicely integrated into the exhibits.

Several vintage motorcycles and cars also complemented the airplanes. An interesting cycle was this '40s machine with two twin cylinder motors. Yes, two motors simultaneously driving the transmission. It is said it can run in high gear anywhere from 10 to 110 mph.

A particularly cool aspect of the museum is the 3D theater complete with special sound effects and seats that give you a good jolt when the movie action calls for it. We saw a short video of a WW2 bombing raid that was narrated by an 81 year old man who was in the raid. You accompanied the crew on the raid and experienced their mission as it happens. Some pics of the screen:

The plane was eventually hit by ground fire and the radioman - narrator bailed out, but all his crew were lost.


The Air Zoo museum was quite a place - and all for just $8 admission and $4 for the video.