Very cool pictures!!  Can you give us some text for each one? 

Ken

SuperB60ce

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Picture 1:  Unkown

Picture 2:  8 JUL 72: Steve Ritchie's Paula flight gets de-armed after their return from a MigCAP mission in which Steve Ritchie and Chuck DeBellevue shot down two Mig-21s

Picture 3:  Captain John Madden (3 Mig kills) plays photographer as Steve and Chuck return from Steve's third and fourth Mig kills

Picture 4:  Steve Ritchie and Chuck DeBellevue on 8JUL72 after shooting down two Mig 21s

Picture 5:  Captain John Madden and Lt Art Stark wait to greet Steve Ritchie and Paula Flight after Steve and Chuck DeBellevue shot down two Mig 21s

Picture 6:  F-4 instrument panel

Picutre 7:  Steve Ritchie paints the second red star on the F-4E (of the 58TFS TDY to Udorn from Eglin AFB, FL) he flew as Paula 1 on 8 July 1972 when he and Chuck DeBellevue downed two North Vietnamese Mig 21s. These were his third and fourth kills, leading up to his fifth kill on 28 August 1972 when he became the first Air Force Ace of the Vietnam War.

Picture 8:  Members of Paula flight, 8JUL72, after Steve Ritchie and Chuck DeBellevue shot down two Mig 21s. Back row: Capt Bryan Tibbett, Capt Steve Ritchie, Capt Chuck DeBellevue, Lt John Hamm. Front row: Lt Bud Hargrove, Capt Dwain Houck, Lt Tommy Feezel, Lt Bob Hornack

Picture 9:  Photo of 362 prior to the Midas gun muzzle install

SuperB60ce:

Many thanks for the photo's, looks like they were taken yesterday!

Ken:

Good point about the '260, My kit has slatted wings. I would have to do an OOB for the 1/32 build.

Bockscar

SuperB60ce:

Many thanks for the photo's, looks like they were taken yesterday!

Ken:

Good point about the '260, My kit has slatted wings. I would have to do an OOB for the 1/32 build.

Hi Dom,

I am in no way trying to come off as a expert on the F-4.  This info was bestowed upon me by Berny through many question and answer conversations.  Then someone else and I wish I remembered who, gave me a link to a web page that gave all the sprue descriptions Hasegawa used in all of their F-4 kits.  From this I was able to figure out which kit was the best one to use for this project.

Ken

Ken

Well it bothered me not to remember who gave me the link so I went through all of my posts until I found it and it was Rex (aka TarnShip).  Here is the link:  http://www.modelingmadness.com/splfeat/kr/has48d.htm 

Ken

Hey,,,,,,figures it was TarnShip!

Bockscar

Hey,,,,,,figures it was TarnShip!

You got it!   Really glad he gave me that link.  And it is really cool that people put the work together on that link to show where the difference in each kit are.  A real help!

Ken

Rich and I will be working on a badge,

We will try to incorporate Berny's PhantomPhixer logo, his profile taken from a photo, and with any luck the 2Sick0, Hangar Queen and Fighter Supreme.

We'll keep all here posted.

I can't wait to see it!

Ken

SuperB60ce:

Wow those are fantastic photos! Thanks for posting them.

I have to agree they're bright and clear enough they could have taken yesterday but I can tell from the sideburns they come from the '70s

When I saw the title of this thread I felt pretty sad. Berny was one of the old hands here who really helped me along as I progressed in my modeling skills. Sad to hear he passed, but I'm glad he's being remembered. What a fitting memorial. If I can get my modeling area set up, I'd love to join. I'm not sure what I'll build, but I'll do my best to make it look as good as he could!

Hi RadMax8,

I am sure Berny will be happy to know you are here.  You got a month before we start, and a year to get finished.  We will be looking forward to building with you!

Ken

I had conversed a bit with Berny quite awhile back about the TF-102 he was building.  He mentioned that his conversion kit had suffered some warping from heat in storage or something like that.  Sadly, I don't think that he got to complete it.  I just received my C & H Aero kit for the TF-102, and though it looks like I might be in over my head, I'm gonna have a go at it.  I plan to replicate one that I had experience with many years ago.  I've committed to build it in Stik's Veterans GB, so would also like to enter it here in Berny's honor.

Ken

Hi Ken,

Welcome aboard.  I am sure Berny will be very pleased with having you here.

If you don't mind, I will be interested in picking your brain and watching your build very closely.  I also have the C & H Aero conversion kit for the TF-102.  It is always great to find people who have experience with the aircraft we are modeling!

Ken

Hi Everyone,

Exactly 4 weeks until this group build starts!  I am getting fired up.  I am really looking forward to this build.  I think we are going to have a lot of fun.  I can't wait!

Ken

Damnit, i thought it started already lol. Ive only started the cockpit painting stage. Might have to take a 4 week modelling hiatus. Save up some dosh and buy something really cool.

Son Of Medicine Man

Hi Everyone,

Exactly 4 weeks until this group build starts!  I am getting fired up.  I am really looking forward to this build.  I think we are going to have a lot of fun.  I can't wait!

Ken

I have a Tamiya kit to use as a prototype. Once I get that done I can glue the wings to the Fuselage.....

I may have to cheat Ken, maybe do that over the next 4 weeks.

Yeah, looking forward to this alright.

Bockscar

Son Of Medicine Man:

Hi Everyone,

Exactly 4 weeks until this group build starts!  I am getting fired up.  I am really looking forward to this build.  I think we are going to have a lot of fun.  I can't wait!

Ken

 

First off will be the flame holders for those J-79's.

I have a Tamiya kit to use as a prototype. Once I get that done I can glue the wings to the Fuselage.....

I may have to cheat Ken, maybe do that over the next 4 weeks.

Yeah, looking forward to this alright.

I know what you mean Dom.  Getting hard to resist the urge to turn the lights on the bench and start working. 

Ken

It's true Ken, after Phixer's demise, I too could not get back to the bench.

Given everything that happened, how can I complain?

I'll never forget the lunches at the OC.

He is still laughing at my F-4P.......and so it should be!

I might even build a scale 'resignator' in his honour.

Paperwork included!...lol.....

Hi Everyone,

Okay, I know it is a little early to start talking about my "third" model I am going to build in this group build, but I just ordered it last night at a really good price.  It is the newly released HobbyBoss 1/32 F-84G.  I know it is not in my typical era of aircraft that I build (Vietnam) but I do like the early jets.  And I also have access to a really good technical source in my local IPMS club on the F-84.  I just could not resist! 

Ken

Son Of Medicine Man

Hi Everyone,

Okay, I know it is a little early to start talking about my "third" model I am going to build in this group build, but I just ordered it last night at a really good price.  It is the newly released HobbyBoss 1/32 F-84G.  I know it is not in my typical era of aircraft that I build (Vietnam) but I do like the early jets.  And I also have access to a really good technical source in my local IPMS club on the F-84.  I just could not resist! 

Ken

As Berny said at Dayton:

"I don't know why, but I really like the lines of that jet."

You can't go wrong with that Ken!

Here is the art from the top of the kit box:

Ken

I just realized that I had not discussed what I plan to build as my second build and I am already talking about my third build.  For my second build I will build the HobbyBoss 1/32 F-84E.  Here is the kit box lid art work:

I will be building this one as the "Hoosier Hotshot", which was flown by Don James, an IPMS member in my local chapter!

Ken

Those should be a couple of pretty F-84s, Ken.  I've opened the box of my C & H conversion kit for the TF-102 as shown below.  There are also two vac-formed canopies not in the picture.  From what I see now, I'll be glad we have a year to complete our builds!! 

Ken

Now I'm not sure what to build: just added HobbyBoss A-7D in 1/72 scale (It followed me home! Honest! Can I keep it?) Actually on sale at Squadron at more than 1/2 off and I couldn't resist! It could be a good kit for the Berny build, or continue with the "Thud" or another Phantom, or..... I seem to be developing a fixation for 'Nam era aircraft.

I"m having a hard time keeping my hands off the "SLUFF"

kbuzz01

Those should be a couple of pretty F-84s, Ken.  I've opened the box of my C & H conversion kit for the TF-102 as shown below.  There are also two vac-formed canopies not in the picture.  From what I see now, I'll be glad we have a year to complete our builds!! 

 

Ken

 

Hi Ken,

I have that same conversion kit but must admit, I have never taken that close of a look at it until I looked at your picture.  You are correct, it will take some work.  Still a lot easier than trying to make it from scratch but will still take some skill and patience.

Ken

jimbot58

Now I'm not sure what to build: just added HobbyBoss A-7D in 1/72 scale (It followed me home! Honest! Can I keep it?) Actually on sale at Squadron at more than 1/2 off and I couldn't resist! It could be a good kit for the Berny build, or continue with the "Thud" or another Phantom, or..... I seem to be developing a fixation for 'Nam era aircraft.

I"m having a hard time keeping my hands off the "SLUFF"

Hi Jim,

It is good to hear your humor again!  Congratulations on landing that great deal on that kit!  Very cool!  I have to be honest, I have the A-7D in my stack (1/48 scale) and also intend to grab it in 1/32 scale as well if I can catch a good deal on eBay.  But I think that is one of the most ugliest planes I have ever seen.  It was one of the great work horses of the Vietnam War but my gosh, if looks could kill!  In fact, I have the Two Bobs decals for the Molar Marauder.

Ken

Son Of Medicine Man

 

jimbot58:

 

Now I'm not sure what to build: just added HobbyBoss A-7D in 1/72 scale (It followed me home! Honest! Can I keep it?) Actually on sale at Squadron at more than 1/2 off and I couldn't resist! It could be a good kit for the Berny build, or continue with the "Thud" or another Phantom, or..... I seem to be developing a fixation for 'Nam era aircraft.

I"m having a hard time keeping my hands off the "SLUFF"

 

 

Hi Jim,

It is good to hear your humor again!  Congratulations on landing that great deal on that kit!  Very cool!  I have to be honest, I have the A-7D in my stack (1/48 scale) and also intend to grab it in 1/32 scale as well if I can catch a good deal on eBay.  But I think that is one of the most ugliest planes I have ever seen.  It was one of the great work horses of the Vietnam War but my gosh, if looks could kill!  In fact, I have the Two Bobs decals for the Molar Marauder.

Ken

They were ugly! I remember seeing them at an airshow, the Colorado Air national Guard was displaying a couple of their aircraft and thinking just how ugly they were and wondering if the pilots were embarrassed of them! LOL!. The COANG eventually were given F-16's and the A-7's were retired. There is an Airdoc decal sheet available I wish I had but don't know where to obtain on without ordering from Germany.

Hi Jim,

Hannants carries Airdoc at reasonable prices, so you might look there.  You do have to meet a minimum dollar amount to order there but I have found that they have other items that you can't get any where else so you can easily meet it.  Here is their link:

http://www.hannants.co.uk/ 

Ken

Thanks Ken.

I also found a place called Linden Hill Imports:

Linden Hill

Don't know much about them, but seem to have good prices.

Only info I could find here was several years old:

About Linden Hill