Most underrated aircraft of the US military during WW2

 Let me say you will surprised at what aircraft they are....   How about he PBY for one...  SO grab you beer and chips. Sit back and enjoy.

AIrfix official video for 2021

 Airfix releases for 2021.  

191st F4-D crew chiefs late 80's to the F-16A era

 In my continuing series on the 191st Fig.  I have a list of the the crew chief during the last years of the Phantoms the unit.  This would be the F4-D  87-90.   Let say they were a spirited group of guys. When the F-16A showed up in was the beginning of the rifts. A lot folks would be losing the positions.  Or forced to transfered to Battle creek.  Sadly by 1995 is would be worst as the C-130E the unit got for California.  Were not in the best of shape. Plus they fighters would be got and the unit didnt need all of those technicians.

The fabulous  F4-D Crew chief.

Name                                            AKA

Jeffery Badlow                             "Lumpy"

Richard Anderson                        Rev

Tommy Tucker                         T.N.T

Dwayne Salibury                        Sal

Richard Burl                              Dickie

Ed Gumbko                                 Ed

Jimmy O'neil                               The Iranian

Doug Firman                               Jed / Farmer

Eugene Head                               The Dream

Keith Anderson                           P.D.

Martin Wolicki                            Wookie

Robert James                             Fat Head

Ken Symanski                            Ski

Jake Williams                           The L.O.B.

Rick Ross                                 White boy Rick

 Cass Maciejewski                       Cosmo

Larry Bishop                             L.B

Mike Galea

Tim Pelign                                 Timmy /Beaker

Sheldon Wood jr                        Woody / Woodpecker

Marty Hiler                               I-Rock

Jack Lochran                             Flash

Thanks to everyone who helped with the correct nicknames.   8/31/2021

Tim Peliquin & Doug Firman/ Pilot Doug Barier

Jimmy Hanna

Mike Galea

Mike, Galea, Ed Gumbko, Cass & Ziggy

Doug Firman and Ed Gumbko

Ed Gunn and Jake William.  Part of the squadron honor guard

Why was the FW-190 so fast?

 Here is the answer to this question.   The video is very informative.

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.

 

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.