March 20, Titan Missile Museum & Old Tucson Studios

It was a chilly, but sunny morning. 2.6C .

The Titan Missile Museum showcases the dramatic vestiges of the cold war between the U.S and the former Soviet Union. www.titanmissilemuseum.org There were 54 Titan II missile complexes across the U.S. until 1987 - 18 around Tucson, 18 around Kansas City and 18 around Arkansas. This one, Complex 571-7 is the only remaining site (the rest were de-activated and filled in)

We explored the mammoth underground structure on a guided tour, which included the launch control centre and a simulated launch.

The view of the massive 103 foot tall Titan II missile in its launch duct

The silo closure door, which is constructed of 760 tons of concrete & steel. During launch count-down, it would open in 17 - 20 seconds! The door is now permanently blocked halfway open.

Next, we were off to Old Tucson Studios, which has hosted over 300 film & TV productions since 1939, including classics sich as "Rio Bravo", The Outlaw Josey Wales" and "Tombstone". John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Elizabeth Taylor & Kurt Russell are just a few of the legends who have walked these fabled streets. The weather has warmed up nicely.




This is the prop cannon used in "The Alamo", starring John Wayne - 1960.







We witnessed the performance of "The Secret of Santa Maria", a comical gunfight.
Lastly, we went on a guided walking tour of some of the "Hotspots" with a very entertaining and knowledgeble guide.
I have some old movies to watch that were filmed here - McClintock, Rio Bravo & The 3 Amigos.