February 2023 Chapter Visit to the Museum of Nuclear Science

Photo of NM BMW CCA in front of a B29.

The BMW Car Club of America New Mexico Chapter visited the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History on Saturday, February 18, 2023. We met at Sandia BMW Wheels and Coffee, kicking tires amongst the plethora of BMWs present along with a few exotics including a Ferrari 458 Italia and 488 GTB. We then caravanned to Bombs Away Beer Company in Southeast Albuquerque, for lunch near the museum.

Lunch was both tasty and fun as Bombs Away offers military-themed brews, food and atmosphere. Owner John W. Degnaro spent 14 years of serving in explosive ordnance disposal in the Air Force prior to opening the establishment where beer is free for veterans. We dined on sandwiches such as “Atomic Turkey”, “Cubano Missile”, “Patriot” (roast beef), “Rendered Safe” (vegetarian), “General Purpose” (grilled cheese) and “Fully Armed Reuben”. The staff were friendly and accommodating, letting our BMWs stay in their parking lot while we walked to the museum. On the way, we serendipitously encountered a BMW 600 unceremoniously placed on top of a nondescript building.

At the Museum, we entered as a group and gathered at the B-29 bomber for a photo. From there, each went their own way, discovering various exhibits on the history, science and technology of atomic energy. It was also “Discover STEAM Day” (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) with many hands-on activities directed by local engineers, physicists, and technicians from a variety of organizations.