Author Archives: atcDave

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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.

Dewoitine D.520

Posted on October 5, 2015 by atcDave

Among the less well known, and more outrageously marked air forces of World War II was that of Vichy France. After the jump, I’ll take a brief look the role played by this combatant.

Posted in Fighter, France | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

Panzer II Ausf B

Posted on September 28, 2015 by atcDave

Blitzkreig was a new and shocking type of warfare practiced by the Germans at the start of World War Two. This light tank was the most numerous of the German made vehicles serving in the Wermacht at that time.  Yet … Continue reading →

Posted in Armor, Germany | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII

Posted on September 21, 2015 by atcDave

Ooops… Every modeler has built the kit that fought them every step of the way.  But in the end, if you get the replica you wanted, its all good. But sometimes the problems go deeper than a tricky kit.  What … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Britain, Fighter | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

North American P-51D Mustang

Posted on September 14, 2015 by atcDave

John C Meyer The Mustang was flown by many famous aces, including Major John C. Meyer. After the jump, a look at one of his mounts.

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

Heinkel He162A-2 Salamander

Posted on September 6, 2015 by atcDave

The German aviation industry was very advanced.  But they were also desperate.  So late in World War Two they pushed a number of desperation projects aggressively. After the jump, I’ll take a quick look at an attempt at something revolutionary… … Continue reading →

Posted in Fighter, Germany | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Bell P-39Q Airacobra

Posted on August 31, 2015 by atcDave

The P-39 Airacobra soldiered on in US service into 1943, long after it was obvious it wasn’t the best fighter for most jobs.  But it took time to get newer types into service. After the jump, let’s look at a … Continue reading →

Posted in Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

Thunder Over Michigan – 2015

Posted on August 29, 2015 by atcDave

This year’s air show was a lot of fun.  Rain threatened, but missed us; so we had a perfect high overcast for a backdrop. A number of rare antique aircraft flew, and some more modern ones gave good performances. Sorry … Continue reading →

Posted in Air Show | Tagged , | 12 Comments

Thunder Over Michigan – 2015

Posted on August 28, 2015 by atcDave

A big reminder to everyone in Southeast Michigan, or can get to Southeast Michigan… Big airshow this weekend.  The Blue Angels are the headliners, but there will be significant other performers; B-29, DeHaviland Mosquito, Fw190, Me262, Avro Lancaster and many … Continue reading →

Posted in Air Show | Tagged | 2 Comments

Nakajima Ki-44 Tojo

Posted on August 23, 2015 by atcDave

Another atypical Japanese fighter, designed in direct response to how the Japanese saw international trends in aerial combat. After the jump, a Japanese interceptor.

Posted in Fighter, Japan | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Grumman (General Motors) FM-2 Wildcat

Posted on August 16, 2015 by atcDave

The Wildcat will always be best known for its role in the epic battles of 1942; from Coral Sea to Midway to Guadalcanal.  But this type actually remained in production until 1944! After the jump, a brief look at a … Continue reading →

Posted in Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 11 Comments