Sunday, December 27, 2020

Disney Bomb WW2 American Sub bunker buster

 I never heard of the disney bomb until today. This bomb was ww2 American sub pen buster.  The bomb could only be carried by the B-17.  I learn some new everyday.




Six PAck F-106's photos from Ed Gumbko collection

I had not joined the 191St at the time they had F-106's.   This is was the name six pack came from. The beginning of the ADC fighter Squadron.















 

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Clarence Wentzel fellow modeler passing

  I have known Clarence since the early 70's,  He was one of the regulars at the old squadron on John R and Seven mile.  The old shop was the meccia for modeler in the Michigan area.  There the Friday night crew and Saturday gang.   Clarence would be there without fail on Saturday.    Friday night when the "New Stuff" came in.  Friday night crew was a little tough and tumble.  Salty language with adult humor.  Saturday this was not allowed.  Lot of children and Mom's.   

Clarence was guy that would sharing anything he knew.  Tips on mixing paint. Building a kit and it pitfalls.  Loss track of Clarence when he moved to Kalamazoo.     





Clarence E. Wentzel of Kalamazoo, MI passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2020, at the age of 80 after losing his short battle with COVID-19. 

Clarence was born in Chicago, IL on May 30, 1940, to father Clarence Julius and mother Mary Bowen. He graduated from Constantine High School in 1957. It was there he met his wife Marcy . Following high school, he enrolled at Trine University (formally Tri-State) where he graduated with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering in 1960. He was hired out of college by Fisher Body and remained with General Motors for 38 years. His career at General Motors was expansive, encompassing both domestic and international operations. Despite his knowledge of cars, aircraft remained his first passion. As a life-long modeler he built both wooden and plastic airplanes and became very skilled and prolific, assembling numerous museum-quality replicas.

Clarence was a smart, kind and humble man who lived a full and active life. He traveled the world, learned foreign languages, loved to read, watch movies, work in his yard, jog and golf. One of his defining traits was his generosity, and he cherished most his time spent with his wife, other family and his many, many friends.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Mike Bowen. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marcy Wentzel; children James Wentzel (wife Bernadette), Lee Wentzel (wife Cindy Kay) and Lisa Messina (husband Dominic); and grandchildren Irena Wentzel, Jason Messina and Daniel Messina.  

People wishing to honor Clarence can donate in his memory to the Air Zoo in Portage, Michigan (https://kalamazoo-aviation-history-museum-dba-air-zoo.snwbll.com/imagine-inspire-ignite).

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.  Memorial services will be held at a later date.  Arrangements were entrusted to Eley Funeral Home, Constantine.  Online messages can be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

A-7K 80-0291

 One of the two K-car the unit had. Still researching the history of the aircraft










A-7D 74-1752

 LTV A-7D-16-CV Corsair II/74-1752

  • 1977: USAF 23rd TFW.
  • 1979-80: USAF 76th TFS (23rd TFW).
  • 1981: USAF 75th TFS (23rd TFW).
  • 1987-88: Michigan ANG 107th TFS (127th TFG).
  • 1991-92: Ohio ANG 162nd TFS (178th TFG).
  • 8/1992: Struck off charge.
  • Sent to be a target on the Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD.


A-7D 74-1740

 LTV A-7D-16-CV Corsair II/74-1740

  • USAF 355th TFW.
  • USAF 23rd TFW.
  • USAF 355th TFW.
  • Michigan ANG 107th TFS (127th TFG).
  • 4/1988: Put into storage at the AMARC bone yard.
  • 5/1992: Salvaged.