Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Building a B-24 bomber at Williow run Michigan

 Found this on facebook.   The was a massive undertaking by Ford Motor Company.  Also it was the last building design by Albert Khan.   My mother in law work at the plant during the war. She was only 18 at the time.  Juanita was about 5'1" tall.   Actually is of English descent. She mother give this because she had read a book. In the book one of the main character had that name.   Mom worked in inspection. Because of her size Ford Motors had crawling inside of the wing tanks to inspect them.    All I known she worked ends hours at that plant during the war.   In a way the post is a tribute for her...  Love you Mom.


Here is the video.

 

191St F-106 beginning of the "Six Pack"

Finding photo of F-106's that the 191St Fig had has been a difficult process.   During that time digital cameras are new and expensive.  Because of this the photo are from film camera.  More than like there are great photo hidden away in personal photo albums.  I have found these pictures on the internet and people I worked with facebook pages.   Many of these photo are from Eddie Gumbko facebook page.  Eddie took a lot of picture during his time with the 191st.  I believe he started at the end of the RF-84 era through the RF-101, F-106, F-4 C/D, F-16 ADF and C-130's. 
 As for the name "Six Pack" not hundred percent how the unit got that call sign.  I heard it came about after the F-106 got the vulcan gun mode.  But they folks in the unit knew how to party.  Maybe it for the six of beer...  That is a mystery I still need to solve.

  My greatest thanks goes out to Eddie.

Now for the pictures.

       The initial Squadron tail marking,  Glad they came up with the checker board












Ed Gumbko with his F-106B



Assed 2/15/2022



Tuesday, July 28, 2020

A4 Marine Skyhawk out of Chu Lai, Vietnam Part 1

All of these photos are from Marines who where stationed in Chu Lai during the Vietnam war.  There is a lot of history here.  Great photos of A4 that flew close air support in Vietnam.  There are a lot of ground pounder who owe their live to there Marines.   As you will these aircraft had been flown hard.  Aircrews where on constain runway alert.   In some cases flight multiple mission in a day.  This is where the term "Turn and Burn" came about.  I ws based out of Chu Lai 1968-1970

I salute these Marines... Siemper Fi.



















Monday, July 27, 2020

Links to other aviation blogs

Okay I shameless borrowed this from another blog.  There are some great blogs here.  The should keep you entertained for hours.

Aviation in detail

Friday, July 24, 2020

Flight Test F-15 paint scheme

Here are some view of the F-15 test aircraft.  The views are for the McDonnell-Douglas modeling club.  The info with off the factory paint scheme drawing..  Hope you like them.






Sunday, July 19, 2020

Update on River Rats C-47

After battling with trolls on face books.  I finally got an answer about this colorful C-47.

Image may contain: airplane




Bill Walton Are you guys absolutely sure this wasn't the famous/infamous VC-47 occasionally commandeered by the 355th TFW (PACAF's Pride/River RATS) when they were based at Takhli RTAFB flying Thuds from 1965 to 1970?

Robert Archer 44-76338 was assigned to the 355th TFW at Takhli from 31 May 1967..transferred to 6486th ABW at Hickam on 30 June 1970.. Quite possible the scheme was applied for one of the special occasions mentioned above.. Subsequent fate unknown.

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Soon to be released long range P-51D from Iwo Jima.

Looks like another home run for Eduard.  I just wonder if they will include the long range tanks for the P-51...