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03 Aug

A Vanishing Hobby?

model airplanes

Captain Billy’s (Significantly Scaled Back After a Move) Model Collection.

As mentioned in my previous post, growing up in a small (very small) New England town in the 50s and 60s, one of my strongest connections to the world of aviation was the small store on Main Street, Danbury, Connecticut, called The Hobby House. I was also exposed to new, and old, aircraft on the TV shows of that era. Shows such as, Air Power, Sky King, Steve Canyon, The Whirly Birds, and of course, Victory at Sea, to name a few. It was on those programs that I sat on the floor, with dad in his chair, and saw the modern day, for the 50s and 60s, aircraft and those of World Wars I, II and Korea. There were few, if any, airshows back then around my area. So, my only connection was the TV, books from the small aviation section of the Danbury Library, or seeing them on display at the hobby store.

As I mentioned, it was tough to decide how to best spend that dollar, and which model I would add to the collection on the top of my dresser. I am presently looking at an old Aurora kit from 1963 that is marked $.50 and now is listed on eBay for $64.95. Also, since I was the one who was going to build it on my own, it needed to be simple. Most of mine were done out of the box. No painting, just the decals. They never came out like I imagined them, since I never had the skill of that master model builder from my childhood. I have come close recently.

Today, the small, privately-owned hobby stores are just a memory in most areas. Along with, I believe, the desire of today’s youth to take the time and patience it requires to build one. At one point in my adult life, I had collected some 250+ model kits. I still enjoy building models, and taking the time to finish them, like I remember from that old wooden and glass case. As you can see my “stash” is somewhat reduced from what it was.

Today, one of the remaining chain stores is Hobby Town, which I frequent. There I can wander the aisles, see models hanging from the ceiling, and sometimes find a treasure. Another of my relaxing things to do, besides build and write, is to sit down in the mornings with a cup of coffee and peruse the latest edition of the Squadron monthly catalog and sales circular. I enjoy the feel of the paper. Now, all of this is also available on line @ hobbytown.com and squadron.com as well as others such as hobbylinc.com if that is your desire. From these, and others, you can see pictures and box-art of models from not only, Revell/Monogram but HOBBYBOSS, MINICRAFT, TAMIYA, TRUMPETER, AIRFIX, MPC, ACADEMY, ITALERI, as well as custom kits from SQUADRON.

My question is this… Has this become a vanishing hobby of just the older generation? Or have today’s youth, like many I know personally, become more content with the instant electronic gratification than building something of their own creation? I wonder?

Blue Skys and Tailwinds,
Captain Billy

01 Aug

The Danbury Hobby House

The Danbury Hobby House on Main Street in Danbury, Connecticut was my ‘source’ as a kid. It was my connection to the world of plastic and wood models. Whenever the opportunity availed itself, I would visit my “Dreamland.” The Hobby House was a small store located on the West side of Main Street, just north of the Danbury Library. Whenever Mom had to go downtown, I would always go along and stop by. Even if it was only to press my nose on the window to see what was new.

The store front was built to resemble a small house. Get it now? Hobby House, clever huh. The front door was recessed, giving the look of two Bay Windows on either side. It was painted white with blue trim, as I remember, with the name “Hobby House” proudly displayed over the small gabled roof that finished off the house look.

I only entered that front door if I knew I had the cash, and planned to buy something with my dollar allowance. My brother Bob and I each got a dollar every Friday from Dad’s pay envelope. Yes, that’s right I said pay envelope; cash, no checks. Once inside, it was a feast for the eyes and the mind; a “Feast for the Senses,” as they say. The store was small, with an L shaped wood and glass display cabinet that ran along the left side and back of the store. Hanging from the ceiling were models, which I assume were built by the proprietor. They ranged from large, 44” wingspan, Radio Control and U Control aircraft to small plastic aircraft models. I never went in to just look or browse, or “Poke” as my Aunt Anne and Mom use to say. I was on a mission. Once I went in, I never came out without a treasure.

In the wooden case were built-up plastic models of every type to whet the pallet with dreams of owning one just like it. The walls were lined with shelves, and on those shelves were the model kits. There were hundreds of models by manufacturers, some now defunct, such as Aurora, Comet, Lindberg, Monogram, Revell, and Renwall. There were the wood kits by Sterling, Berkeley, Guillows and Comet. All were “Made in the USA,” truly a rare commodity today. Those walls held a true cornucopia of dreams, a rainbow of color, a dizzying array of types and sizes of boxes filled with many hours of pleasure, and frustration. It was a dream for a kid with a buck.

The rear of the store had a small opening in the wall that separated the store front from the back room. The opening was covered with a curtain of sorts, to hide the place where the “Magic” happened. Believe me the Wizard of Oz had nothing on this gentleman. The aromas and smells that wafted over the wall and from that curtained door were inspiring. Enamels, plastic cement, wood glue (oh, the smell of the Original Ambroid!), and of course the Butyrate Dope, used for covering the wood models. I do believe he built most, if not all, of his display models. The aromas were “Magical.” I still say, “If it don’t stink it don’t work.”

I remember the man who owned the store had what I consider to be the “Patience of a Saint.” How does one make up one’s mind on which one to buy, when you can only afford one? Decisions, decisions, decisions. What was a boy to do? I am sure now, looking back, that he cringed whenever he saw Master William enter his establishment. Not to forget my Mom and Dad, who had to stand there as I decided.

I don’t know whatever became of the Hobby House, the models, or for that matter, the owner. Seems like one day it was there, and the next it was gone. Probably gone the way of many “Mom & Pop” establishments and probably, with my change in buying habits, partly my fault.

The Danbury Hobby House and its owner will always hold a special place in my heart, and my childhood memories. Every time I go back to Danbury, I always drive down Main Street and look at where the shop once stood. I’m always hoping that it may one day “Magically” re-appear.

Blue Skys and Tailwinds,

Captain Billy

27 Jul

My Return to Flying

On 3/30/2010, I returned to where it all started. I took to the air for the sole purpose of flying. Not to get anywhere, or because of someone’s schedule, but for the pure joy of the act.

I took off from Dallas Executive Airport, RBD, headed south, climbing to 2500’. There I took in the spectacle that is the VAST TX countryside. I saw wooded areas starting to turn to green of various shades. Young and old trees. The old ones responsible for the young ones being. The fields that spread before me as far as the eye could see were a palette of colors. Various stages, from the most parched to the vibrant green of young growth to the dark browns of newly plowed soil.

As I cruised along at an astounding 100 knots following this strange thing called a “propeller” I tried some old skills not used in the past 21 years. Steep turns and a few stalls. What is this strange thing called “P factor?”

After a short practice, I headed for an “Uncontrolled Field,” to practice the lost art of “Touch and Goes.” After a half dozen or so, I pointed the nose of the aircraft on no particular heading, for I just decided to “Follow the Road,” I believe it was RT 67, till I saw I-20, and low and behold I actually found the field I had departed from 1.4 hours ago.

I called the Tower, my 4th radio transmission of the day, and entered downwind for RWY 17, turned left base to a “Short Final” and landed. The winds for the day were around 190-210@15G24. A sporting day to say the least. As I taxied to the tie down, I had a smile that would not leave for quite a while. For I had returned to “Flight” as it was meant to be enjoyed. Flying for the sake of just that. For the sheer pleasure of being one with the wind and the sky. To enjoy the earth from a vantagepoint where life can be treasured. I have often said in the past that “I have spent 17 years at 35000’ doing Mach .80 and now I wanted to see it all from 3500’ doing 80 knots.

I began that journey on 3/30/2010. The “Head is Clear, the Mind is Free and the Muscle Memory is Intact.” My “Friends in Flight,” take the time to enjoy flying for what it was meant to be.

Blue Skys and Tailwinds,
Captain Billy

25 Jul

Mr. Golder and the Little Wooden Airplane

Young Capt Billy

Young Captain Billy In One Of His First Roles as Captain

Mr. Golder was a friend of my Dad’s. I don’t remember his first name, as my Dad always had us address someone by Mr. or Mrs., etc. It was that old-school, military-style respect thing I got from him. I’m not sure of the exact connection, but I believe he was either a classmate of Dads, from the Military, or Dad just knew him from his growing up near Mr. Golder… anyway, no matter, or “Mox Nix” as Mom use to say.

We used to visit Mr. Golder occasionally on our “Sunday Jaunts.” He and his family lived in a small, white, wood house on the outskirts of town in the Middle River district. It sat on a slope of land at the intersection of Franklin Street Extension, South King Street and Filmore Street. His driveway was made up of two small, white stone tire paths and pea gravel, with a center section of grass. He had a garage, but not for his automobiles; it was his workshop. As I remember, it had a concrete floor, and was a ‘Magical Place’ for a young boy. Mr. Golder liked to “Build Stuff” and, as I remember, he was a wood worker. There were examples of his handy work hanging from the rafters, and he always had some sort of project on his bench. I also remember his wife, and the milk and pastries in the kitchen.

I remember talking about airplanes when we went there, and our visits usually coincided before or after our Sunday trips around the airport. On one of our visits, Mr. Golder surprised me with a hand made, solid pine, wooden airplane. It was complete with wheels and a propeller. It was a solid model that I latched on with two hands as I admired it, and thought of how it would be to fly the real thing. I believe it resembled a Piper Cub. It was not finished, no paint or details, just plain wood. That is where Dad and Mr. Golder made their mistake. They had shown it to me. Now I had to take it home. They tried to talk me out of it but I wasn’t having any of that. I would paint it later. It was BIG. Then again, I was small.

If I remember correctly, there is a black and white picture somewhere of my holding the finished project in my Grandmother Viskup’s side yard. Dad painted the fuselage red and the wings yellow. You see, my favorite airplane at the time was, and still is, the Aeronca Champ, and the ones at the airport then were red and yellow. I flew that thing all over my Grandparents’ yard; we were living with them at the time on 8 Blaine Street. I flew it through the trees, around the bushes, and held my eye close to the cockpit to make believe I was inside looking out. Much like a boy, me of course, would lie down to watch a toy train. Ah, the imagination of youth, where did it go?

Sadly, I don’t know what became of that treasure. I will always remember Mr. Golder, his kindness and generosity, and of course Dad for sharing in this experience. To this day, I love giving away Model Airplanes, just for the joy they bring the recipient. I believe I have Dad and Mr. Golder to thank for that. Thanks.

Many, many years later I experienced the joy of a child with his first model once again. My Grandson Aiden, my son David’s boy, saw a model hanging in my condo in California on one of his visits. He wanted that model. I could tell by the look in his eyes. It was a large plastic model of the Flying Tigers Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk. He called it “the shark airplane.” I took it down and gave it to him one day while we were by the pool. I watched as a small boy, around two, grinned from ear to ear and flew his airplane around the pool area, just as I had done so many moons ago when I discovered model planes and imaginary flight.

I’ve also introduced model airplanes to my Daughter Laura’s son, Liam, while I stayed with her family. I have built several for him and have started him on the way to building his own. I treasure that connection and continue to nurture, some might use the term brainwash, the love of Aviation and Flight.

Blue Skys and Tailwinds
Captain Billy

20 Jul

Luke Air Force Base

Where Captain Billy Found Tommy

Luke Air Force Base
Luke Field is located just West of Phoenix Arizona. The land was purchased by the city and leased to the U.S. Army Air Corp for one dollar a year. It was selected as a training base, near Litchfield Park, and activated in February of 1941. It was named after Arizona’s own, Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient from WWI. He was with the Air Corps and was killed in action on September 29, 1918.

On March 24, 1941 orders to start construction were issued. Three months later, the first aircraft to land at Luke Field took off from Sky Harbor Airfield. That aircraft was a North American T-6, just like Tommy.

Luke has a long and distinguished history as a training base for tactical fighter pilots. It has been decommissioned and re-activated as necessary since 1941, to train pilots, not only in the T-6 Texan in WWII, but also serving as a jet training base with F-80 Shooting Stars, F-84 Thunder Jets, F-86 Sabres for Korea, and then F-100 Super Sabres during Vietnam. It has also been the training ground for fighter pilots on F-16 Falcons, F-15 Eagles and today for the new F-35 Lightning II.

Luke Air Force Base, formerly Luke Field, was my first Permanent Change of Station (PCS) during my four-year stint as a weapons specialist from 1966-1970, AFSC, or Air Force Specialty Code, 462, in the U.S. Air Force. I spent 18 months there on the F-100 with the 4510th Combat Crew Training Wing in 1967-68.

I would encourage you to look further into the Military Base near you, and even those you have read about and seen on TV. They all have a storied history. Though some have been decommissioned, and even disappeared, their history, and the part they played in our Country’s history, can be both interesting and fascinating.

Blue Skys and Tailwinds
“Captain Billy”

18 Jul

A Thank You!

thank you

In a previous entry, I addressed the ‘Method to my Madness’ and the inspiration and thought process behind “Tommy.” So, now I wish to say a public thank you to the people behind the book. To let you know who was involved and the role they played in getting this project off the ground. Pun intended.

In the past, I have put forth my written ramblings to many. Some have read them, some even responded with constructive criticism, while others simply ignored them. I continued to write, nonetheless, always with the dream of seeing my work in print.

After writing “Tommy,” I shared it with my family. Three members to be exact. One, my cousin Marcia, or CUZ, was the first to respond with a most positive assessment. She has encouraged me from the beginning and is a large part why I continued my quest to get “Tommy the Texan” published. Thanks’ CUZ!

Thanks, also, to the three ladies whom I chose to review the manuscript sans illustrations. I hold each of them in very high regard. I knew I would get an honest assessment from each of them, while getting different perspective on it because of their varied expertise and backgrounds. Had they come back with anything less than enthusiasm, I would still be looking. I am proud to have had them review it, and for graciously allowing me to put their names in my first book. Many thanks to Erika, Gretchen and Carol.

Thank you to William Curry and Gwen Ash of Archway Publishing. I am grateful for William’s patience with my situation, allowing me to proceed at my own pace. Gwen, as my concierge, was handed a somewhat different challenge, to say the least. While the original contract called for them to handle everything, editing, layout, cover and illustrations, it changed drastically and they were thrown a curveball, putting it mildly. When I started in January, all I had was an unedited manuscript. No illustrations and no cover. That all changed.

Enter the other two who profoundly changed the direction and production of the book. My daughter Laura and my son David. I asked Laura if she would take a look at the manuscript. She agreed. I asked David if he would be interested in doing the illustrations. He was honest and, although he wanted to, he was very busy and did not want to commit to something he may not be able to fulfill. After a phone call to Archway, a time table was established for a late summer delivery, and David was able to work with the new schedule.

The next five months were the best time of my life. Working hand in hand with my two kids; Coffee meetings with Laura every Tuesday, affectionately known as “Tuesdays with Laura,” and a couple of phone calls per week with David, some with all three of us, we set out on our journey.

Laura knows me and how I write. She edited without tampering with my writing style. I wanted those who knew me to hear me as they read the book. David was handed a list of proposed illustration when we worked the NHRA race together in Las Vegas. I trusted his knowing his Dad, and his artistic vision to create what I saw. I gave him an idea for the cover. He created it, exactly how I envisioned, and then some.

What you see in “Tommy the Texan” is a compilation of the three of us. It is our creation. When it came time to submit all the pieces, we created a mock-up and just said, “Here, print this.” To the credit of Laura’s editing and David’s illustrations and cover, there were no problems and no adjustments. It went from mock-up to print. Almost 8 weeks early.

In closing, I believe that this book has, if possible, brought the three of us even closer than we were. We continue to work together on the marketing and media. We are truly Blessed. Thanks, you Two, we are a TEAM!

Finally, thanks to all who have purchased our book. You, and your children, are the reason I set out to publish “Tommy the Texan.”

Blue Skys and Tailwinds,
Captain Billy

13 Jul

The Story Behind the Epigraph

Writing - Aunte Anne - Mentor and Muse

Aunt Anne, My Mentor, My Muse

Most people have someone in their lives that have inspired them. My Aunt Anne, that’s Anne with an e, was mine. She is the person who, without overtly telling or encouraging me, inspired me to write. Aunt Anne was like a second mother to me. I am more like her in so many ways than my own mother. In my love of writing, reading, travel and a shared hatred of yard work. Our personalities are a lot alike, as well.

It began with a thoughtful gift back in 1974. She had a knack of knowing what to gift without asking you. I had just acquired my private pilot’s license, and amid some turmoil in my personal life. She wrote a note to me in the beginning of the book, which is why it is included as part of my first book. She was one of my most staunch supporters, along with my dear “CUZ,” in my quest to fly. But, unbeknownst to her, and me at the time, she inspired me to not only pursue my love of aviation, but a passion for writing.

Her gift was a book of short, non-fiction stories by Richard Bach titled, “A Gift of Wings,” now out of print. This book is one of my most prized and precious possessions because it came from her. It inspired me to capture my experiences, as well. It started me on the road to writing for no other reason than to just write. And write I have. Many of my past life experiences are written down, with a plethora more to go.

During my tenure as an airline pilot, I was privileged to have traveled to many places others can only dream of, or wish for. All on someone else’s dime. She was always there with me in spirit. Whenever I returned home from a trip, exhausted and, like a horse on a cattle drive, “Feeling like I had been rode hard and put away wet,” I would always, without fail, find a note or card from her. She had a knack of putting a smile on my face and making me chuckle. I would put down my suitcase and the old leather flight bag, and before I trekked upstairs to shower, I would read her note. Sometimes she would get carried away and write so much it would continue up one side of the margin, down the other and around to the back. It would make the tiredness and stress melt away.

She truly was and still is an inspiration to me. So, this first book is very much a part of her. Because of her I read. Because of her, I write.

Thank you, my Mentor, my Muse, My Aunt Anne, with an e.
Love Always, Billy

Blue Skys and Tailwinds
Captain Billy

11 Jul

Why the North American T-6 Texan?

North American T-6 Texan

North American Plant – Dallas Texas

Why not write a story about the glamor of the Fighters of WWII? The North American P-51 Mustang, The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, or the Vought F4U Corsair, to name a few?

Why the T-6 you might ask? Well, because…

The North American T-6/SNJ was the aircraft that all those pilots learned to fly BEFORE stepping into almost ANY aircraft in WWII and Korea.

It was, and still is, called the “Pilot Maker.” Even today, if you should be so inclined, and financially able, to purchase a million or multi-million-dollar War Bird, you will usually get some time in a T-6/SNJ.

Since there were no two-seat fighter/trainers back in the late 30s early 40s, an aircraft with the flight, takeoff and landing characteristics of a high performance aircraft was needed to train the pilots. The North American T-6 won the contract and fit the bill.

The T-6 Texan, nicknamed so because it was built in Dallas, Texas, “Just up the road a piece” from this writer’s home, went on to train pilots all over the globe. Many nations have trained their pilots with some variant of the “Pilot Maker.” It was the trainer used to train the infamous “Tuskegee Airman.” It was even slightly modified to become a Japanese aircraft in most of the war movies produced.

There were several variants used in early COunter INsurgency (COIN) roles, as some were equipped with “hard points,” or pylons for carrying weapons, as well as two wing-mounted machine guns. There was also a gun mounted just in front to the right of the pilot.

Some would call it the best airplane ever built.

I would encourage you to “Google” the T-6/SNJ or visit your library to learn more about this famous trainer aircraft.

As “The Adventures of Tommy the Texan” continues in this series, the reader will learn more about the T-6 and it’s flying characteristics. As we follow Captain Billy and Tommy as they take the all-important test flight, known as a “Shakedown.” As they visit a Formation Clinic, the Air Show Circuit at Sun-n-Fun and Oshkosh, and race in the T-6 Class at the famed Reno Air Races.

So, you see that the North American T-6/SNJ is indeed a special and important part of the training and education of pilots around the world. Both then and now.

Blue Skys and Tailwinds,
Captain Billy

06 Jul

The Method to my Madness

Or – Why was the book designed this way?

Author

Four years ago I was inspired to write a children’s book based on how I felt after my first experience flying in a North American SNJ, the Navy’s designation of a T-6 Texan. Through this Formation Clinic, I experienced for the first time the exuberance of a kid at Christmas. The excitement of a new flight experience. After all my years, totaling over 13,000 hours of flying time, it was like my first time being airborne. I wanted to share, and hopefully excite, and educate kids, of ALL ages.

My first attempt had left me wanting. I wrote it, but it begged the questions of where, when, why and how. Where did this story take place? Where did “Tommy” come from? What was the time frame? Why was I writing it and How would I both entertain as well as educate those who read it?

My background is teaching. Whether it be aviation, electrical, or other technical subjects. In fact, my son, David, has often been heard to say, “Dad, stop teaching.” Ask me the time, I’ll tell you how to build the watch. I have been teaching since the age of 21, in 1969, serving in Thailand with the Air Force; another story for another time. But I digress.

T6-Formation

This story of “Tommy the Texan” languished in my computer, my file cabinet, and my head. I finally decided to start from the beginning, to address where “Tommy” came from and how he met “Captain Billy.”

Even then, after writing it, I was left wanting for more. How do I teach about the T-6 and not get too technical, but gradually address aviation and flying? I also wanted to include subtle, but important life lessons within the story. Structure, organizational skills, neatness, comradery and friendships, to name a few. Co-operation between “Captain Billy” and the three people, Doug, JAC and Bobby Z, who help and are essential to the restoration and operation of “Tommy.” I wanted to show how it takes a team effort to accomplish this task.

Then there are the additional inserts at the back of the book. Taken from an actual WWII, 1945 U.S. Army Air Force Technical publication. An AN 01-60FE-1 Pilots Flight Operating Instruction Manual, or A-1. The information provided whets the appetite of young readers desire to learn more. They also serve as resources for parents to encourage and guide their young reader to delve deeper into the sources on the readers list. To search “Google” and find more. To look at the maps and the legends and learn about geography and the world of aviation navigation.

It is my goal to produce a series of books that not only entertains those of all ages, but will also be an interactive activity and educational adventure for a child and their parents to explore aviation together.

Blue Skys and Tailwinds
“Captain Billy”

03 Jul

Why Danbury Airport You Might Ask?

Danbury Airport

Photo Courtesy of Brenda Grover

The home of “Tommy the Texan” is a local airport located on the West side of a small New England City/Town. Danbury Municipal Airport, DXR, in Danbury Connecticut.

When I was very young, around 4 or 5, this small uncontrolled, now towered, airport became the focal point of my very existence. Dad would take me there on the weekends as part of our morning run to get me out of mom’s hair, sit me on the roof of our 1951 Chevrolet 2 door green coupe, so I could watch airplanes take off and land.

It was then, and for the most part still is, a small airport much like those all over rural America. It has two runways situated in somewhat of a bowl, surrounded by the hills on three sides. One facing East, 080, West, 260, and North, 350, and South, 170. Done so to avoid the hills as much as possible.

It was then and still is my “Mecca.” My home field, where I learned about Aviation and learned to fly. It was a time when kids, followed by their parents, could wander the old grass and uneven cracked and faded asphalt ramps as they gazed and dreamed of flight in so many types of aircraft. The Aeronca Champs, Piper Cubs, Pacers, Vagabonds and the ‘New” Tri-pacer. There were the Cessnas, 120s, 140s and 170s. And on occasion, the elusive Beechcraft Stagger Wing or Fairchild. I have many fond memories of those drives with my Father. My Mother never wanted me to fly.

I lived just about three miles from the field so a buddy of mine and I would take off on our bikes, a 26” Huffy in my case, and traverse the hills with our lunch in a brown paper bag, headed off to see what was new at the airport. There is a road that completely encircles the field so we could visit all four FBOs, or Fixed Base Operators, all but one of which were friendly. All were in the sales business, and had all the latest airplanes.

My buddy got himself hired on and was washing and sweeping the hangar for rides. Soon, I joined in. We rode the back seat of an Aeronca Champ at the (now defunct) Danbury School of Aeronautics. A precious thirty minutes in the air for a weekends worth of washing, waxing, fueling, and sweeping the hangar. We at times listened intently to the Instructors and others ‘Hangar Flying’ on their down time, while sitting in the white and green metal ‘Sea Shell’ chairs. The chairs were lined up along the front of the old round top roof, glass and cinderblock hangar. All at the age of 14.

So, you see it was only fitting that this series of stories of “The Adventures of Tommy the Texan and Captain Billy” should call Danbury Airport home. It is where it all began for me.

Blue Skys and Tailwinds,
Captain Billy