Any model related goals?

PatW

To finish a Pocher Mercedes 1930's cabrio that my wife bought me on gaining my first major management job in 1988!

All of the chassis/engine/gearbox/brake cables etc and running gear is finished, but the upholstery that is supplied just won't fit right onto the two sprung seat bases. I bought a new set of upholsetery last year, but still haven't got round to it! 

I have a feeling you mean the real 1:1 car, not a kit, correct? If so, WAY COOL!!!! 

Gary Mason

Mopar Madness

To stop buying new kits and build what I have!  Yeah right! 

 

Preach on brother.....

My plan is to build every jet the Marine Corps operated from Vietnam on as well as the vehicle I operated in the Marines, the AAVP7A1 RAM/RS and probably an M1A1, maybe even an LAV despite them being junior Amtrakers.  Cuz, you know....YAT-YAS....

I plan on building every version of the F4U Corsair, including all of the "Only One Built" projects, like the XF4U, the XF4U-3, etc. I'm also toying with building all versions of the A6M Zero, and have a few kits in the stash already for that, but haven't decided firmly as of yet.

I just want to finish something. It's been a couple of years since I've put up a finished model. I started Trump's Leopold back in December, but after six months on it I just lost interest. I started on Bandai's Y-Wing fighter a couple of weeks ago. It's my first syfy kit and so far, the best fitting kit I've ever built. Hopefully it's small enough to keep my attention long enough to complete it.

GMorrison

Keyda no doubt you've read the wiki page. It has a list no doubt quite incomplete of some squadrons.

I find the footnotes for a Wiki article to be pretty useful. Or lack thereof, which usually means that the article isn't valuable.

There's quite a few for the base, including a couple that look like military base histories.

As a more general research tool, I like Google images. They come with their own links which often go straight to the source.

 

Yep, I've read the wiki page several times, lol.  Googled images as well.  I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.  So I guess I'll just be waiting until I hear back from the base, and if all else fails go with what I have.

Keyda no doubt you've read the wiki page. It has a list no doubt quite incomplete of some squadrons.

I find the footnotes for a Wiki article to be pretty useful. Or lack thereof, which usually means that the article isn't valuable.

There's quite a few for the base, including a couple that look like military base histories.

As a more general research tool, I like Google images. They come with their own links which often go straight to the source.

I have a much smaller stash than most of you, and I get a bit nervous if it gets down to low, say under a dozen kits.  I feel like a dozen or more is a good number to have.  I like to have choices, lol.  Prop or jet, USAF, Navy, Marines, or Army. 

Still waiting on a reply back from the base.  I want to make sure there aren't any holes in my research.  I can not for the life of me seem to find a picture of a C-46 Commando that was stationed here.  I'm trying to be as accurate as I can possibly stand, and get the proper registration numbers and markings.  I know this will entail making my own decals, which is fine as long as I have the proper reference.

Hmmm. I'm with Tojo. finish what I have....., except it strangely keeps growing. 

Like Tojo, my long-term goal is to build my stash before I can't build anymore.  But in the short term, my goal is to at least get my stash under 100 kits (I have over 150 right now).  I also have a goal of a diorama of as many German jet and rocket powered WW II planes as possible (I currently have kits of the Me-262, the He-162 Salamander, the Ba-349 Natter, the Arado 234, and the Messerschmitt P-1101 - should make quite a diorama!).

GMorrison

http://www.americanairmuseum.com/aircraft/3875

https://home.brightok.net/~gsimmons/memorial2.htm

Here's more reference to the same aircraft.

AR for Ardmore Army Air Field, Ardmore OK. I don't think this particular aircraft ever went overseas.

 

Good find GM. Thats the one thats missing from the serial website and it has to be the same one from Dwaynes pic.

I wounder if a crew that trained on it then went to England and gave there B-17G the same name.

Keyda81

Wow!  I need you guys to do my research!  Lol.  I suppose it helps in knowing where to look.  Google and Wikipedia are my go tos for now.  I have scrounged up quite a bit of info lately.  I have some pictures of most of the aircraft, but not all.   A lot of the pictures are in black and white too, so how do you guys go about finding out what colors things were?

 

That the key Keyda, its not about knowing every thing, but knowing where to look. Its somthing you just pick up over time. I had not looked at that serial website for ages, but as soon as i saw the post, i knew where to go to.

ManCityFan

 

 

Bish

 

 

ManCityFan

Hey Bish, I am pretty sure it says Full House...twice.  I went to the website, and couldn't find my father listed as a crew member.

I am going to have to dive deep into my attic.  I am almost positive this picture is a smaller copy of an original.  I think the original lists the members of the crew, and if I can find the name of the pilot, that would be helpful.  I also know my dad kept a diary during the war, and if I could find that, he listed the missions he was on.

Thanks for doing the research,

D

 

 

 

 

I enjoy doing stuff like this. In fact, i have just come across somtyhing i had not seen before. Another B-17G called Full House but of a differant BG and this time in 1944. I had not known aircraft to carry the same name, i always thought they would add a II. So, it seems there were at least 3 with that name.

It would be interesting if you could find your dad's diary. But i am going to take a guess here. You didn't mention that your dad spoke to you about flying in B-24's. If thats the case, it could explain a lot.

The groups of course needed replacments, for those lost in action as well as those who had gone home after their tour. So i am guessing that your dad didn't come to England with the 34th, but joined later, as a trained B-17 crew most likely after Sept 44.

Its likely that the aircraft in the pic was what they trained on in the states and may have been a Vet of the 8th AAF itself, sent back home after being replaced by a newer model.

Been interesting to see what your dad's diary says.

 

 

 

 

Hey Bish.  My father was definitely in a B-17, and he had a lot of affection for that aircraft.  He also had affection for the P-51s that flew with them.  

Obviously this is not the plane he was in while in England.  Memory did not serve me well regarding that conversation.

I will look for the diary.  I found it when I was a teenager, but all I can remember is him saying a nice English lady taught him how to kiss and that they did supply drops in the Netherlands.  I do seem to remember him saying they bombed submarine pens, and that was the worst flak he had ever seen.  

He had nothing but nice things to say about how he was treated in England.

Thanks GMorrison for the research.  This is getting really interesting.

D

 

You do have been to be careful when talking to vets, and i speake as one myself. When they are recounting events from many years ago, especially given the circumstances they were in, things can get a little mixed up. I bet if i was talking about things i did 20 odd years ago in Ireland, i would get confused.

But your comment about dropping supplies into the Netherlands makes sense. That was Operation Chowhound (Op manna for the RAF) which took place in late April/May 1945. The Dutch were on the verge of a famine and with the agrement of German forces, the Allies dropped food supplies.

So given what you said earlier about your dad flying, i think you said 23 missions, that would confirm he arrived in England either late 44 or early 45.

You can read about the supply opertions here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operations_Manna_and_Chowhound

To finish a Pocher Mercedes 1930's cabrio that my wife bought me on gaining my first major management job in 1988!

All of the chassis/engine/gearbox/brake cables etc and running gear is finished, but the upholstery that is supplied just won't fit right onto the two sprung seat bases. I bought a new set of upholsetery last year, but still haven't got round to it!

My mother- in - laws family name was Billi.

My f- in- law went to USAAF Technical school. He owned a Beaufighter named "Miss Billi", a P-61 named "Miss Billi II" and was headed for the PTO and a B-29 when VE Day happened.

Later in life he went everywhere in his RV "Miss Billi III".

Exactly. A generic name like Full House or Hard To Get is going to appear on several aircraft more than likely. Whereas a name for a sweetheart like Glamorous Glennis or such will get suffix on any aircraft that pilot is assigned to fly beyond the original.

A lot of popular aircraft names made it onto more than a few noses.

I think I've seen at least three or four different "ruptured duck" ones.

This business of II or III, or XXVII, is when a pilot, or more often a Crew Chief, cycles through a few.

Bish

 

 

ManCityFan

Hey Bish, I am pretty sure it says Full House...twice.  I went to the website, and couldn't find my father listed as a crew member.

I am going to have to dive deep into my attic.  I am almost positive this picture is a smaller copy of an original.  I think the original lists the members of the crew, and if I can find the name of the pilot, that would be helpful.  I also know my dad kept a diary during the war, and if I could find that, he listed the missions he was on.

Thanks for doing the research,

D

 

 

 

 

I enjoy doing stuff like this. In fact, i have just come across somtyhing i had not seen before. Another B-17G called Full House but of a differant BG and this time in 1944. I had not known aircraft to carry the same name, i always thought they would add a II. So, it seems there were at least 3 with that name.

It would be interesting if you could find your dad's diary. But i am going to take a guess here. You didn't mention that your dad spoke to you about flying in B-24's. If thats the case, it could explain a lot.

The groups of course needed replacments, for those lost in action as well as those who had gone home after their tour. So i am guessing that your dad didn't come to England with the 34th, but joined later, as a trained B-17 crew most likely after Sept 44.

Its likely that the aircraft in the pic was what they trained on in the states and may have been a Vet of the 8th AAF itself, sent back home after being replaced by a newer model.

Been interesting to see what your dad's diary says.

 

Hey Bish.  My father was definitely in a B-17, and he had a lot of affection for that aircraft.  He also had affection for the P-51s that flew with them.  

Obviously this is not the plane he was in while in England.  Memory did not serve me well regarding that conversation.

I will look for the diary.  I found it when I was a teenager, but all I can remember is him saying a nice English lady taught him how to kiss and that they did supply drops in the Netherlands.  I do seem to remember him saying they bombed submarine pens, and that was the worst flak he had ever seen.  

He had nothing but nice things to say about how he was treated in England.

Thanks GMorrison for the research.  This is getting really interesting.

D

Eight crewmembers of B17F, 42-29929, bailed out, June 14, 1944, when No. 2 and No. 3 engines failed approximately 35 miles south of Salina, Kansas. The aircraft was on a seven plane formation high altitude bombing mission from Ardmore to Wichita to Salina to Kansas City to Ardmore. The aircraft piloted by 2nd Lt. Padrial B. Evans and 2nd Lt. Harold R. McGahan, landed safely at Smokey Hill Army Air Field. The navigator, 2nd Lt. Joe M. Pavin, and bombardier, 2nd Lt. John N. Dozier, landed in a wheat field owned by Thomas Tucker about five miles north of the airfield. Pavin received a sprained ankle; Dozier received internal injuries to his back. Flight engineer, Sgt. Charles E. Koegel, who bailed through the front escape hatch, received a sprained ankle. The tail-gunner, Cpl. Franklin J. Brown was the first man to exit the waist position. He landed in a cornfield, was picked up and joined the crew at a farmer's home. Cpl. Robert K. Winther, ball turret gunner, was the second man out. The left waist gunner, Sgt. George J. Ferenchak, was third. Just prior to leaving the aircraft, he observed that radio operator, Sgt. Edward M. Ragsdale, was making final adjustments to his chute harness. The right waist gunner, Cpl. Ernest L. Crawford was the fourth man to jump. None of the gunners were injured. Sgt. Ragsdale was not observed leaving the aircraft by these men. He was declared missing until his body and open parachute were located a day or so later. His parachute was fully deployed. Having exited the aircraft last, the heavy gloves and flight jacket might have caused problems in his pulling the rip cord soon enough to slow his fall. Fast Forward Note: Mr. and Mrs. John Paul Ragsdale were featured in Life Magazine, November 20, 1944, along with several other parents who had lost son/s in WWII. At the time of the story,"Families Speak for Their War Dead" a son, Lt. John Paul Jr., had been killed earlier on a bombing mission over Germany. Sgt. Ragsdale had died parachuting in Kansas five-months prior to the story. Another son, 19, was also an Army flier. It is unknown if the remaining son survived the War. Mr. Ragsdale was a veteran of WWI. In the previous month of October alone, 19,183 Americans had died. Roosevelt and Truman had just been reelected as President and Vice-President previous to this issue of Life.

-from the Ardmore site above.

http://www.americanairmuseum.com/aircraft/3875

https://home.brightok.net/~gsimmons/memorial2.htm

Here's more reference to the same aircraft.

AR for Ardmore Army Air Field, Ardmore OK. I don't think this particular aircraft ever went overseas.

You're quite welcome D. I'm quite happy to help. Good luck on this. I always love builds that have a personal connection. 

My friends uncle or great uncle, I can't remember which now, was a ball turret gunner on B-24s in the MTO. He had some interesting tales form his wartime experiences. IIRC, their aircraft was shot down, he bailed out and ended up with the Partisans in Yugoslavia. 

For some time, I have been wanting to build a 1:350 scale model of the ship I served on while in the Navy, as well as the vessels my father and grandfather served on during their time. 

I served on a Spruance class destoryer, USS Paul F Foster DD-964, the only Spruance class still afloat (all the others have been used as target practice and sunk or sold for scrap). I have a Spruance class model already, and it's going to need quite a few minor modifications to turn her into the Foster.

My father served the bulk of his time on a Natick class tugboat, the Cheraw YTB-802. I have found a 1:350 scale resin model of a Natick tug. It will look tiny in comparison at only about 2 1/2" long.

The ship my grandfather served on will be the problem. I don't know what ship he was on, nor does my mother; and unfortunately, neither he nor my grandmother are with us any longer. I do know that he was enlisted during and possibly witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor; he never really talked about his service, but mentioned that he was in the Pacific Fleet and saw Japanese planes attacking US ships. That doesn't necessarily mean he was at Pearl Harbor, but he definitely saw combat. We found an old ship's pin in his desk a few years back, the USS Mifflin; but the Mifflin was commissioned and launched after my grandfather would have been discharged; so I'm not sure where that one came from. I'll likely have to visit the National Archives to figure it out, which as it happens, military records for WWI to present are stored in NPRC in St. Louis, fairly near where I work. Of course, there's always the chance that the ship he served on does not have a respective model, so it's still up in the air.

stikpusher

Ok, I went down the Joe Baugher serial number route like Bish. No luck ther, but there were B-17's with serial numbers 42-29928 and 42-29930 listed (B-17F-75-BO), so I figured he missed that airframe, because the Army does not randomly skip serial numbers. So I googled "B-17 42 29929" and boom, up came that aircraft here at Avaition Archeology:

http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/dbaat.asp?theAT=B-17&offset=750

That B-17F was lost on June 14,1944 due to engine failure while assigned to 222 CCTS (Combat Crew Training Squadron?) out of Ardmore Army Air Field, Ardmore OK, while at Smoky Hil AAF, Salina KS.

So then I googled up 222 combat crew training squadron and came across these photos of B-17s at Ardmore AAF with the same 4 digit nose numbers. 

 

 

 

 

Based on all that, I'm gonna say that photo of your dad with 9929 was taken   stateside while that aircraft was a training ship 

 

Wow Stik, thanks for the research!  It is very much appreciated. 

So this was the training plane.  If I can find the name of the pilot in his crew, I might be able to track down some more info.

Thanks again,

D

Keyda81

Wow!  I need you guys to do my research!  Lol.  I suppose it helps in knowing where to look.  Google and Wikipedia are my go tos for now.  I have scrounged up quite a bit of info lately.  I have some pictures of most of the aircraft, but not all.   A lot of the pictures are in black and white too, so how do you guys go about finding out what colors things were?

 

Colors are not too hard if the aircraft is in a standard scheme. Most military aircaft are painted according to whatever regulations are in effect at that time. But an aircraft may wear several schemes during its' service life. So knowing the type of aircraft and time and location of service will narrow down your colors. And of course squadron/unit markings have their own guidance as well. Example 67th Fighter Squadron- that squadrons color is red.  So any trim color on that squadrons aircraft is red. 555th Fighter squadron is green. Etc. Within a Wing or Group only one squadron has that color. Group/Wing leaders aircraft will have trim or stripes of all squadrons. I am talking USAF practices here, which go back to AAF and Army Air Corps.

To do better with each build.

Wow!  I need you guys to do my research!  Lol.  I suppose it helps in knowing where to look.  Google and Wikipedia are my go tos for now.  I have scrounged up quite a bit of info lately.  I have some pictures of most of the aircraft, but not all.   A lot of the pictures are in black and white too, so how do you guys go about finding out what colors things were?

Ok, I went down the Joe Baugher serial number route like Bish. No luck ther, but there were B-17's with serial numbers 42-29928 and 42-29930 listed (B-17F-75-BO), so I figured he missed that airframe, because the Army does not randomly skip serial numbers. So I googled "B-17 42 29929" and boom, up came that aircraft here at Avaition Archeology:

http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/dbaat.asp?theAT=B-17&offset=750

That B-17F was lost on June 14,1944 due to engine failure while assigned to 222 CCTS (Combat Crew Training Squadron?) out of Ardmore Army Air Field, Ardmore OK, while at Smoky Hil AAF, Salina KS.

So then I googled up 222 combat crew training squadron and came across these photos of B-17s at Ardmore AAF with the same 4 digit nose numbers. 

Based on all that, I'm gonna say that photo of your dad with 9929 was taken   stateside while that aircraft was a training ship 

Doubt I'll get to it anytime soon but my 1/350 Tamiya Enterprise has been waiting since the mid 80's. Patient old gal, she is. I pretty much grew up with her; we were both born in 1961. But I don't think I'm going to the scrapyard just yet.

Got the GMM PE set for her, decal sheets, extra aircraft to fill the deck, and I see Toms Modelworks does an aftermarket hangar bay.

Bish, that could be the last four of the serial number/radio call sign. Or it could be a "plane in group" number, which were assigned like squadron codes and have no relation the the call/serial number.

The B-17F in the photo, Full House, is from a fairly early F production block, but not one of the initial F blocks. It has the later raised navigator astro dome window, instead of the early flush square window. But the cheek gun windows are the early flush style, and not the later protruding/angled type. It may be a fiscal year 41 serial number.