The Official F-4 Phantom II Group Build 2011

"I wish I were in Tijuana.....eating bar-b-que......"

Sorry about that,

yeah, man, you are running out of space!....LOL....that thing might just eat Raven....

Like I said..  That's why he doesn't have free run of the house.  LOL  I sometimes play that tune in the living room to remind him of his status..

Bockscar

"I wish I were in Tijuana.....eating bar-b-que......"

Sorry about that,

yeah, man, you are running out of space!....LOL....that thing might just eat Raven....

Rich, XB-70 styrene kits actually will fly, with a bit of nose weight.

Cool!  I didn't know that.  I'll have to try mating some A83 Estes engines to my big kit and give her a blast off..  Actually, no, it's too expensive a kit..  Maybe I can find one of the old 1/144 kits.

Bockscar

Rich, XB-70 styrene kits actually will fly, with a bit of nose weight.

berny13

Son Of Medicine Man:

Has anyone heard anything about Berny yet?  He was supposed to have his surgery yesterday morning.

Ken

 

Jim, you have more paint than the local Hobby Lobby.   

I am doing OK.  I have a very sore neck and am on some good pain killers.     The doctor could not get all of the cancer removed, without going very deep into the neck muscle.  If he did that it would limit my right arm movement.  We go to the chemo doctor today at 2:00 PM.  We will discuss my options for treatment.

Hi Berny,

Good to hear from you again!  What did you find out from the chemo doctor?

I wanted to let you know that I ordered the Tamiya 1/32 F-4C/D kit today per your advice on which kit would produce the best F-4D.  I look forward to your advice and suggestions when I start on it.

I sincerely wish you a fast and complete recovery.

Ken

The news from the chemo doctor wasn't good.  The cancer is growing and spreading very fast.  There is only one type of chemo treatment that will work on this type of cancer.  It is a very strong chemo and would make me very sick and bed ridden for at least four months.  It would only give me another three or four months of survival.  If I elect to take no treatments I have two to three months, if it grows as fast as it has been.  If it slows down I could have six to eight months at the most. 

I made the decission right there in the doctors office that I would not take treatments.  The hardest part is notifying the family. 

Berny, first may I say how very sorry I am to hear the news. I saw my dad go through a long illness that occupied my whole middle life, so I have some experience of what cancer does to folks, family as well as patients.

Please PM me when you can, there's something I'd like to discuss off the board.

Mike

Berny..  I am soo sorry.  I don't know what to say.  Have you tried to get a seccond opinion?  My Wife's Uncle was diagnosed with a brain tumor about 20 years ago.  They told him he had 3 months, but he lived another 15 years.  What I am saying is that you shouldn't give up hope, and you should seek other medical opinions.  My Wife is a CMA and she has said that the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and Dana Farber are two of the best.

Rich

berny13

The news from the chemo doctor wasn't good.  The cancer is growing and spreading very fast.  There is only one type of chemo treatment that will work on this type of cancer.  It is a very strong chemo and would make me very sick and bed ridden for at least four months.  It would only give me another three or four months of survival.  If I elect to take no treatments I have two to three months, if it grows as fast as it has been.  If it slows down I could have six to eight months at the most. 

I made the decission right there in the doctors office that I would not take treatments.  The hardest part is notifying the family. 

well, Berny,,,,,,,,as a Jarhead, I don't know what to type right now,,,,,,but, if you read my line in quotes to Mike,,,,I know you will "get my meaning"

"Mike,,,,,I am putting my Navy jets farther down the list,,,,,please change my entry to a Fujimi 1/72 RF-4C, the cockpit parts are interchangable anyway in those kits"

all we have in common are Phantoms, and FSM,,,,,,,the above line should say it for me

Rex

Hi Berny,

I am so, so sorry.  I was so afraid that would be the diagnosis.  I have no words to describe how bad I feel.  I wish so badly there was something I could do to help you.  I know that I am only a "cyber" friend, but I feel that I have come to know you well enough that you most certainly do not deserve this.  You have always been willing to help anyone with any questions, and I am sure you have been asked the same ones over and over.  But still you show patience and generosity to share your expertise every time.  I hope we still get to chat with you.  But if you feel the need to share your time with your family and we never hear from you again, I know I will totally understand.  You are truly one of the great ones.

Ken

berny13

The news from the chemo doctor wasn't good.  The cancer is growing and spreading very fast.  There is only one type of chemo treatment that will work on this type of cancer.  It is a very strong chemo and would make me very sick and bed ridden for at least four months.  It would only give me another three or four months of survival.  If I elect to take no treatments I have two to three months, if it grows as fast as it has been.  If it slows down I could have six to eight months at the most. 

I made the decission right there in the doctors office that I would not take treatments.  The hardest part is notifying the family. 

Berny, that is a very tough blow, for all of us.

I took my dad to chemo at the Princess Margaret Hospital for over a year, it gave him about a year.

If there is anything I can do, I have no idea what, please let me know.

Maybe I could drive some of these guys down for a beer.

No worries, Rex, all done.

Cheers, M/TB379

Hi Dominic,

I was thinking the same thing about driving down to meet with Berny.  I am totally in for that.

Ken

Hi Bernie,

Words cannot express how shocked and sorry I am to hear of this news. I was hoping to hear of a better outcome. Like everyone on here I have appreciated your knowledge and your patients over the years to giving us advise and help. You are truely one of a kind and I will remain hopeful that something can  be done to reverse this diagnosis. If there is anything I can do to help in any little way let me know. We are all behind ya buddy

Steve

I have the best chemo doctor in the state of Florida.  He is listed as one of the ten best chemo doctors in the United States.  He has many articles printed in many medical journals and has written a book on cancer treatment for patients.  He has always been very honest with me and as he told me yesterday, he would have made the same decision.  He did not try and talk me out of it so he could make money giving me treatment that wouldn't work.   

I am going to try and finish my Phantom, but if I can't, at least I will have some part in the build.  From Sidewinder missles, decals, cockpits, pylons, stabs, fuselage halves, and what else I have sent to members of this build.   

PHANTOMS PHOREVER 

Berny, I am so sorry! I admire your courage and dignity you are showing in the face of this!

A question was asked about the difference between the seats on USAF, RAF, German and USN Phantoms.  Below is a site that would be of interest to any one needing information on any ejection seat. 

http://www.ejectionsite.com/frame_sg.htm

That's a great site.  I stumbled upon it a few months back when looking for that Aires Martin Maker type 7 AM resin set.  They had some great info and such on the RAF F4 MB7 seats.  I had to call it quits on my one Monogram kit.  That glue foaming issue killed it, but I had another at the bottom of my stash I completely forgot I had.  I bought it like three years ago at a yard sale and stuck it in the stash and just forgot it was there.  It's the 1/48 OLD Phantom II kit from Monogram.  The Olive Drab one.  I am building it as a C model.  I have a lot of it done, and I will send up some images when I find my camera...  Marissa's kit is going along great and is waiting with my FGR.2 until I get the green one caught up to the same stage. 

Marissa is getting really really good at sanding and contouring.  I am not surprised.  She's won several art competitions and has a great eye for detail.  I asked her what she wants if she wins the one she is entered in on the 3rd of June, and she just said "Something REALLY BIG!"  she likes larger kits.  Bombers and 1/32 fighters.  I may just get her some 1/48 kits that I can actually afford.  She is now starting her own stash.  She is the one I had do most of the paint on the Aries resin seats for me.  She is also learning everything she can about the aircraft she builds kit of.  She actually likes the research as much as the build which is why she likes that site..

I can't thank you enough for all the info and spare parts you have helped me out with Berny.  I was wondering...  Which Squadron and Wing were you mostly assigned to?  I was thinking of building the C as one from that squadron as a thank you for all of your help.  If they don't have decals for it, I can make my own as long as I can find a good image of the markings.

Rich

berny13

A question was asked about the difference between the seats on USAF, RAF, German and USN Phantoms.  Below is a site that would be of interest to any one needing information on any ejection seat. 

 

http://www.ejectionsite.com/frame_sg.htm

i am so sorry berny. plese know that ive always read your posts with avid interest and have gotten quite a feel for your personality; and i just wish more of the members hereon the forums  were 1/10 of the person you are. i just know that i have taken much knowledge  from your posts. if you need anything PM me as well.

Sparrowhyperion

I can't thank you enough for all the info and spare parts you have helped me out with Berny.  I was wondering...  Which Squadron and Wing were you mostly assigned to?  I was thinking of building the C as one from that squadron as a thank you for all of your help.  If they don't have decals for it, I can make my own as long as I can find a good image of the markings.

Rich

 

I never was a crew chief on the C model.  I went from the RF-4C in Nam to the F-4D in Thailand.  From there to the 2952 CLSS at Hill AFB where I spent the next year and a half traveling all over SEA repairing battle damaged F-4's.  Then to Eglin AFB, FL on the F-4E, to Zaragoza AB Spain where I worked in QC on the F-4.  My next F-4 assignment was Kadina AB, Okinawa, Homestead AFB, FL, both on the F-4D.  From there to Spangdahlm AB Germany on the F-4E/G and finally to George AFB, CA on the F-4E.  The last aircraft I was Crew Chief on was F-4E 69-260 at Eglin AFB, but only for a very short time as by then I was a TSgt and became more of a supervisor than a mechanic.

berny13

 

Sparrowhyperion:

 

I can't thank you enough for all the info and spare parts you have helped me out with Berny.  I was wondering...  Which Squadron and Wing were you mostly assigned to?  I was thinking of building the C as one from that squadron as a thank you for all of your help.  If they don't have decals for it, I can make my own as long as I can find a good image of the markings.

Rich

 

 

 

I never was a crew chief on the C model.  I went from the RF-4C in Nam to the F-4D in Thailand.  From there to the 2952 CLSS at Hill AFB where I spent the next year and a half traveling all over SEA repairing battle damaged F-4's.  Then to Eglin AFB, FL on the F-4E, to Zaragoza AB Spain where I worked in QC on the F-4.  My next F-4 assignment was Kadina AB, Okinawa, Homestead AFB, FL, both on the F-4D.  From there to Spangdahlm AB Germany on the F-4E/G and finally to George AFB, CA on the F-4E.  The last aircraft I was Crew Chief on was F-4E 69-260 at Eglin AFB, but only for a very short time as by then I was a TSgt and became more of a supervisor than a mechanic.

Bockscar

berny13:

 

Sparrowhyperion:

 

I can't thank you enough for all the info and spare parts you have helped me out with Berny.  I was wondering...  Which Squadron and Wing were you mostly assigned to?  I was thinking of building the C as one from that squadron as a thank you for all of your help.  If they don't have decals for it, I can make my own as long as I can find a good image of the markings.

Rich

 

 

 

I never was a crew chief on the C model.  I went from the RF-4C in Nam to the F-4D in Thailand.  From there to the 2952 CLSS at Hill AFB where I spent the next year and a half traveling all over SEA repairing battle damaged F-4's.  Then to Eglin AFB, FL on the F-4E, to Zaragoza AB Spain where I worked in QC on the F-4.  My next F-4 assignment was Kadina AB, Okinawa, Homestead AFB, FL, both on the F-4D.  From there to Spangdahlm AB Germany on the F-4E/G and finally to George AFB, CA on the F-4E.  The last aircraft I was Crew Chief on was F-4E 69-260 at Eglin AFB, but only for a very short time as by then I was a TSgt and became more of a supervisor than a mechanic.

 

Berny, any resemblance to reality:

With the damage to the left intake, I doubt the left engine would be operating, especially in after burner.  I have seen some come back with more damage than that.  I have also heard of some going in with less damage.  It depends on where it takes a hit.  I remember one I was called in on, I don't see how the wings stayed attached.  The main keel was broken and the wings were held on only by small attachment screws.  The wings snapped off after we got it on the jig and cradle.   

Well, as luck would have it.  this kit can be built as a D as well.  I'll see what I can come up with for decals and markings.

Rich

berny13

 

 

I never was a crew chief on the C model.  I went from the RF-4C in Nam to the F-4D in Thailand.  From there to the 2952 CLSS at Hill AFB where I spent the next year and a half traveling all over SEA repairing battle damaged F-4's.  Then to Eglin AFB, FL on the F-4E, to Zaragoza AB Spain where I worked in QC on the F-4.  My next F-4 assignment was Kadina AB, Okinawa, Homestead AFB, FL, both on the F-4D.  From there to Spangdahlm AB Germany on the F-4E/G and finally to George AFB, CA on the F-4E.  The last aircraft I was Crew Chief on was F-4E 69-260 at Eglin AFB, but only for a very short time as by then I was a TSgt and became more of a supervisor than a mechanic.

Sparrowhyperion

Well, as luck would have it.  this kit can be built as a D as well.  I'll see what I can come up with for decals and markings.

Rich

 

berny13:

 

 

I never was a crew chief on the C model.  I went from the RF-4C in Nam to the F-4D in Thailand.  From there to the 2952 CLSS at Hill AFB where I spent the next year and a half traveling all over SEA repairing battle damaged F-4's.  Then to Eglin AFB, FL on the F-4E, to Zaragoza AB Spain where I worked in QC on the F-4.  My next F-4 assignment was Kadina AB, Okinawa, Homestead AFB, FL, both on the F-4D.  From there to Spangdahlm AB Germany on the F-4E/G and finally to George AFB, CA on the F-4E.  The last aircraft I was Crew Chief on was F-4E 69-260 at Eglin AFB, but only for a very short time as by then I was a TSgt and became more of a supervisor than a mechanic.

 

In Udorn Thailand I was with the 432th TRW, 13th TFS.  At Kadena AB I was assigned to the 18 TFW, 25th TFS/AMU and at Homestead AFB I was with the 31 TFTW, 308th TFTS/AMU.   

13th TFS tail code OC, ZZ at Kadena and ZF at homestead 

I found 69-260.  Is this your last crew chief gig?

berny13

 

I never was a crew chief on the C model.  I went from the RF-4C in Nam to the F-4D in Thailand.  From there to the 2952 CLSS at Hill AFB where I spent the next year and a half traveling all over SEA repairing battle damaged F-4's.  Then to Eglin AFB, FL on the F-4E, to Zaragoza AB Spain where I worked in QC on the F-4.  My next F-4 assignment was Kadina AB, Okinawa, Homestead AFB, FL, both on the F-4D.  From there to Spangdahlm AB Germany on the F-4E/G and finally to George AFB, CA on the F-4E.  The last aircraft I was Crew Chief on was F-4E 69-260 at Eglin AFB, but only for a very short time as by then I was a TSgt and became more of a supervisor than a mechanic.

 

 

 

 

In Udorn Thailand I was with the 432th TRW, 13th TFS.  At Kadena AB I was assigned to the 18 TFW, 25th TFS/AMU and at Homestead AFB I was with the 31 TFTW, 308th TFTS/AMU.   

13th TFS tail code OC, ZZ at Kadena and ZF at homestead 

It's incredible that some aircraft with less damage go in and another with it's wings about to fall off makes it back!

Great shot.

I hope it's tthe right one.  It took me 2 hours of searching to find it.  Paint scheme would be easy, but the markings are another matter.

Bockscar

Great shot.

Sparrowhyperion

I found 69-260.  Is this your last crew chief gig?

 

berny13:

 

I never was a crew chief on the C model.  I went from the RF-4C in Nam to the F-4D in Thailand.  From there to the 2952 CLSS at Hill AFB where I spent the next year and a half traveling all over SEA repairing battle damaged F-4's.  Then to Eglin AFB, FL on the F-4E, to Zaragoza AB Spain where I worked in QC on the F-4.  My next F-4 assignment was Kadina AB, Okinawa, Homestead AFB, FL, both on the F-4D.  From there to Spangdahlm AB Germany on the F-4E/G and finally to George AFB, CA on the F-4E.  The last aircraft I was Crew Chief on was F-4E 69-260 at Eglin AFB, but only for a very short time as by then I was a TSgt and became more of a supervisor than a mechanic.

 

 

 

 

In Udorn Thailand I was with the 432th TRW, 13th TFS.  At Kadena AB I was assigned to the 18 TFW, 25th TFS/AMU and at Homestead AFB I was with the 31 TFTW, 308th TFTS/AMU.   

13th TFS tail code OC, ZZ at Kadena and ZF at homestead 

 

That's her.  The last I heard she was at Holliman AFB, NM.  She was also among the last batch of F-4G's built.  When I worked on her she was in standard SEA paint and after we left Thailand after Linebacker she carried two kill marks on the left splitter vane.

Great!  Now I just need a good image showing the squadron graphic and the placement markings. Hmmmm..

berny13

 

Sparrowhyperion:

 

I found 69-260.  Is this your last crew chief gig?

 

 

berny13:

 

I never was a crew chief on the C model.  I went from the RF-4C in Nam to the F-4D in Thailand.  From there to the 2952 CLSS at Hill AFB where I spent the next year and a half traveling all over SEA repairing battle damaged F-4's.  Then to Eglin AFB, FL on the F-4E, to Zaragoza AB Spain where I worked in QC on the F-4.  My next F-4 assignment was Kadina AB, Okinawa, Homestead AFB, FL, both on the F-4D.  From there to Spangdahlm AB Germany on the F-4E/G and finally to George AFB, CA on the F-4E.  The last aircraft I was Crew Chief on was F-4E 69-260 at Eglin AFB, but only for a very short time as by then I was a TSgt and became more of a supervisor than a mechanic.

 

 

 

 

In Udorn Thailand I was with the 432th TRW, 13th TFS.  At Kadena AB I was assigned to the 18 TFW, 25th TFS/AMU and at Homestead AFB I was with the 31 TFTW, 308th TFTS/AMU.   

13th TFS tail code OC, ZZ at Kadena and ZF at homestead 

 

 

 

 

That's her.  The last I heard she was at Holliman AFB, NM.  She was also among the last batch of F-4G's built.  When I worked on her she was in standard SEA paint and after we left Thailand after Linebacker she carried two kill marks on the left splitter vane.