Getting up close and personal with Concorde, Concordski, and Buran

The Register's recent visit to the Technik Museums in Speyer and Sinsheim, Germany, highlighted the impressive collection of engineering marvels, including an Air France Concorde, a Soviet Tupolev Tu-144 (Concordski), and a Buran prototype. Established in 1981 by vintage vehicle enthusiasts, the museums showcase a variety of military hardware, aircraft, and automobiles, with a focus on accessibility for visitors. The Sinsheim museum features both the Concorde and Tu-144 mounted on the roof, allowing public access to their interiors, while the Speyer museum houses the Buran prototype alongside other space artifacts. The museums emphasize preserving the integrity of their exhibits while providing interactive experiences, such as remote-controlled tank turrets. The collection is largely maintained by a community of over 5,000 supporters, ensuring the vehicles remain operational. Visitors can expect to spend at least a day at each museum, with a two-day pass available for those wishing to explore both locations. The museums are easily accessible from major airports and offer a range of ticket prices, making them a worthwhile destination for enthusiasts of technology and history.

- The Technik Museums in Speyer and Sinsheim feature notable aircraft including a Concorde and a Tupolev Tu-144.

- The museums prioritize visitor accessibility while preserving the integrity of their exhibits.

- A community of over 5,000 supporters helps maintain the collection, ensuring many vehicles are operational.

- A two-day pass is recommended for a comprehensive visit to both museums.

- The museums are easily reachable from major German airports and offer various ticket options.