Author Archives: atcDave

About atcDave

I'm 5o-something years old and live in Ypsilanti, Michigan. I'm happily married to Jodie. I was an air traffic controller for 33 years and recently retired; grew up in the Chicago area, and am still a fanatic for pizza and the Chicago Bears. My main interest is military history, and my related hobbies include scale model building and strategy games.

Programming Note

Posted on January 1, 2022 by atcDave

Just a quick FYI for everyone, due to a family health crisis my time for modeling has been impacted. My wife and I are fine, but traveling a lot and dealing with some family business stuff (not the fun sort!). … Continue reading →

Posted in Administrative | 17 Comments

M2 High Speed Tractor

Posted on December 8, 2021 by atcDave

Cletrac This heavy duty tug was designed for use at under prepared airports. With 122 hp and full tracks it could pull even heavily loaded aircraft on almost any surface. It also mounts a winch rated at 10000 lbs, a … Continue reading →

Posted in USA, Vehicle | 6 Comments

Yakovlev Yak-9D

Posted on November 28, 2021 by atcDave

This most numerous and important Soviet fighter of the War is perhaps the best known Soviet fighter as well. Let’s take a look at an important fighter from a unit that really emphasized the World at War.

Posted in Fighter, France, Soviet Union | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Su-122

Posted on November 23, 2021 by atcDave

This Soviet mechanized artillery is somewhat like the German Stug III because it was directly inspired by it. Let’s take a quick look at an idea that worked well for both combatants.

Posted in Armor, Soviet Union | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Theme Build 3 – Complete

Posted on November 3, 2021 by atcDave

Prototypes We looked at a wide variety of prototypes, from the first of a long and famous line to highly experimental. For me this was also an opportunity to dip my toe into “limited run” model kits. I’m pretty happy … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Curtiss XP-55 Ascender

Posted on November 2, 2021 by atcDave

A prototype that was never really considered for a production order, Let’s look at a design meant to tackle difficult aerodynamic issues as new areas of speed and performance were dealt with at the end of the piston-engine fighter era.

Posted in Fighter, prototype, USA | Tagged , | 8 Comments

Supply Chain Drama

Posted on October 28, 2021 by atcDave

I’ve had a bit of minor drama in my life recently. It does not relate to the main them of this website, and in fact building models and writing Plane Dave has been a great source of relief for me … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments

Nakajima B5N2 Kate

Posted on October 21, 2021 by atcDave

One of Japan’s modern types that shook the Western World at the start of the Pacific War. Let’s take a look at a particularly significant example.

Posted in Bomber - Naval, Japan | Tagged , , | 22 Comments

Curtiss Mohawk Mk IV

Posted on October 6, 2021 by atcDave

The Curtiss Hawk 75 had been a popular export product in the years just before the start of World War II. Let’s take a look at one that flew for the RAF.

Posted in Britain, Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

Blohm und Voss BV 141B-0

Posted on October 3, 2021 by atcDave

Symmetry is over-rated. Time for a look at one of aviation’s truly unique designs.

Posted in Germany, prototype, Reconnaissance | Tagged , , | 14 Comments