Engines in Storage

This December 2006 trip to some Marshall Space Flight Center warehouses (it is possible that MSFC uses warehouses on Redstone Arsenal, so this warehouse might not be on MSFC proper) is the very definition of the phrase "embarrassment of riches:" There appears to be an F-1 rocket engine, three nozzle extensions, and six J-2 rocket engines.

I am reminded of an old MSFC memo which I once came across where the author seemed a bit exasperated that he had "a couple of big truck loads" of F-1 and J-2 engine parts in warehouse storage.

The F-1 appears to be F-4023, the F-1 which was prepped for display in front of Building 4205. I had previously photographed this engine parked behind Building 4205 prior to it being erected in Propulsion Park during an October 2008 visit. This identification was made primarily based on the stains on the engine handler and the appearance (position and number of stickers, angle of desiccant holders) of the turbopump inlet closures.

As of a September 1986 inventory, F-4023 was stored at the Michoud Assembly Facility and was owned by NASA (i.e., rather than being owned by the Smithsonian, as many other engines were at the time). F-5036, which was erected in front of Building 4200, was similarly owned by NASA and located at Michoud. These photos are 20 years newer than the inventory document, so Michoud must have "cleaned house" and MSFC took possession of the engines.

Although none of the photos of the nozzle extensions show the extension's serial number, the first nozzle extension does have its U.S. government property ID tag reproduced on a laser printed sheet of paper taped to the engine handler, and this ID tag number matches the ID tag number of the nozzle extension displayed with F-4023, so it would seem that the nozzle extension here was paired with F-4023 for display.

I do not know the current status of the six J-2 engines in the warehouse.

Recall that the F-1 and J-2 engines erected on a concrete slab in front of Building 4200 were previously displayed in a different configuration on the lawn in front of 4200.