M4 Sherman

Posted on August 19, 2014 by atcDave

The M4 Sherman is one of the most immediately recognizable symbols of American power and industry in World War II.  And yet it is also one of the most controversial.

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Let’s take a brief look at this American tank. Continue reading →

Posted in Armor, USA | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Bell P-400 Airacobra

Posted on August 17, 2014 by atcDave

The very stylish, but underachieving Airacobra was the second most numerous American fighter at the start of the war.

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Let’s look at what was right, and what was wrong with the little Bell. Continue reading →

Posted in Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

de Havilland Mosquito NF Mk II

Posted on August 14, 2014 by atcDave

The Mosquito is a well known aircraft that served a variety of roles.

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So let’s look at a night fighter variant of this versatile aircraft. Continue reading →

Posted in Britain, Fighter - Night | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Scale Matters

Posted on August 12, 2014 by atcDave

Why work in only one scale?  And why did I choose the scale I did?

Two front line fighters of World War II. One was in front line service at the very start of the war, one at the end. But that diversity, and pace of development that makes the war endlessly fascinating.

Two front line fighters of World War II. One was in front line service at the very start of the war, one at the end. But that diversity, and pace of development that makes the war endlessly fascinating.

The simplest answer would be that 1/48th just looks right to me.  But after the jump, I’ll offer the longer version of that answer. Continue reading →

Posted in Dave's Essays | Tagged | 14 Comments

Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress

Posted on August 10, 2014 by atcDave

This is another of those immediately recognizable types.  The Flying Fortress is most famous for flying daylight strategic missions against Germany.

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After the jump, a look at an American Heavy. Continue reading →

Posted in Bomber - Strategic, USA | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Thunder Over Michigan – 2014

Posted on August 9, 2014 by atcDave

Really a fun airshow this year.  Its always great when one of the military precision teams shows up, and this year we had the Thunderbirds.  I’ve seen far more of the Blue Angels in the last decade, so this was a good change. Continue reading →

Posted in Air Show | Tagged | Leave a comment

A Day at the Museum of the United States Air Force

Posted on August 9, 2014 by atcDave

As my summer staycation continues, I enjoyed a day at the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio.

The first glimpse of the displays is, fittingly, a Wright Flyer

The first glimpse of the displays is, fittingly, a Wright Flyer

At over three hours from home, this was a longer day trip than I normally do.  But with my specific interests, its pretty much paradise.  After the jump, I’ll share the most photo intensive post you’re ever likely to see at this site! Continue reading →

Posted in Museums | Tagged , | 8 Comments

Messerschmitt Me 262A-1a

Posted on August 7, 2014 by atcDave

This is another of those iconic aircraft. The Me 262 was the first operational jet fighter in the world. It was a design of great, if ultimately unrealized potential.

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Let’s look at one of the revolutionary aircraft of World War II. Continue reading →

Posted in Fighter, Germany | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

A Day at The Henry Ford

Posted on August 6, 2014 by atcDave

Well, the Museum anyway….

“The Henry Ford” is several linked attractions, the Museum and Greenfield Village being the biggest, and located right next to each other.  But today, was all about the Museum for me.

More than just cars!

More than just cars!

 

So let me share just a little of a fun afternoon. Continue reading →

Posted in Museums | Tagged , | 6 Comments

1942 Ford Sedan

Posted on August 5, 2014 by atcDave

Ford had just introduced an all new car in 1941. It was considered very modern and state of the art. Only a few tweaks were done for the 1942 model year. But the coming of war in December of 1941 changed the automotive landscape considerably.

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Let’s take a look at the wartime product. Continue reading →

Posted in USA, Vehicle | Tagged , | 3 Comments