North Dakota Air Base Birds 1 (Fargo)

[Steven M. Dennis]

Some of you fine folks here asked to see what all was on display at the Fargo Air Base, so I thought I would start a couple of new threads on these North Dakota birds. The early morning sunlight didn't make for the best picture taking conditions, but you work with what you're given....

F-16A S/N 82-1012


F-101B S/N 58-0341


F-102A S/N 55-3432


F-89J S/N 53-2604


P-51D S/N 44-74407


F-4D S/N 64-0972


F-4D S/N 66-7478


I think I've got all of the serial numbers right, but if not, feel free to make corrections.

Steve

[mike furline]

The Mustang canopy seems lower in profile than what I'm used to seeing. Is that what would make the difference between a "D" and a "K" canopy?

Second question,

Is anyone making new Mustang canopies for current restorations or are they original old stock?

Regards,
Mike

[Steve Nelson]

Those are gorgeous!

I hate it when they paint over the canopies, but I understand why they have to for outdoor displays.


SN

[Curtis Block]

I know Aero Trader has a glass shop now. I think they will do original spec. Mustang bubles.

Curtis Block

[chico]

Those are gorgeous!

I hate it when they paint over the canopies, but I understand why they have to for outdoor displays.


SN

I assume it's for protection for UV light. I wonder if there's a better solution out there than just paint over the glass?

[Andy Marden]

Steve,
Many of these aircraft are in false marks:

F-4D 67478 is actually 66-7693.
F-16A 82-1012 is actually 80-0605.
F-89J 32604 is actually 53-2465.
F-102A 53432 is actually 56-1502.

Regards,
Andy Marden

USA Military Out oF Service

[Steven M. Dennis]

Steve,
Many of these aircraft are in false marks:

F-4D 67478 is actually 66-7693.
F-16A 82-1012 is actually 80-0605.
F-89J 32604 is actually 53-2465.
F-102A 53432 is actually 56-1502.

Regards,
Andy Marden

USA Military Out oF Service

Thanks for the excellent information Andy! I was using Joe Baugher's site to verify the serial #'s painted on the aircraft. What is confusing is that on most of these, Mr. Baugher has both serials (yours, and the one painted on the aircraft) listed as being on display at Fargo... A data entry error on his part, or do a few of these old girls have a case of schizophrenia?

Again, thanks a lot for posting these corrections. Now, my big question, how do you keep all of these serial #'s straight? It sounds like you must have a pretty resource library on this stuff.

Steve

[Andy Marden]

Steve,
I have been collecting information on surviving out of service military planes for over 20 years. It started when I got fed up with going somewhere, only to find out when I came back that I had missed a rare bird on my route because I did not know it was there.
One of the problems with Joe Baugher's site, which is an excellent resource nonetheless, is precisely the problem that you note. There is no way of cross-referring the entries and thinking "hold on a second, there's only one F-89 at Fargo". Many of my records come from checking with base personnel or with the many type specialists around the world - Bill Peake immediately springs to mind in connection with F-4s.
I first produced "USA Military Out of Service" in 1998, which produced a whole load of new information. It's now on its 4th Edition (2007). I have also co-produced "European Military Out of Service 2007" with my Dutch colleague Otger van der Kooij.
The next project is "World Military Out of Service 2008", which will be the second edition (the first was published in June 2003. This will be twice the size of its predecessor. It's amazing what's out there to be discovered!
Regards,
Andy Marden

[mrhenniger]

Andy,

You should tell us where we can order these books. I have ordered the US Out of Service, but the other two are new to me. I think self-promotion is acceptable here.

Mike

[Steven M. Dennis]

Andy,

You should tell us where we can order these books. I have ordered the US Out of Service, but the other two are new to me. I think self-promotion is acceptable here.

Mike

I agree with Mike on a little self-promotion here Andy. I too would be interested in purchasing these books. Please let us know how we can order them.

Thanks,

Steve

[Andy Marden]

Steve, Mike,

"European Military Out of Service 2007" is available from the publisher, Scramble. Note that it does not cover the UK, which is the subject of the well-known "Wrecks and Relics". See their shop:

http://www.scramble.nl/shop.htm

"USA Military Out of Service 2007" is available from the publisher, Mach III:

http://www.aviationretaildirect.co.uk

I have heard that delivery to North America from them can be a bit slow. It can also be obtained from:

http://www.midlandcountiessuperstore.com

With regard to "World Military Out of Service", the current 2003 edition is getting a bit long in the tooth now. A new version wil be published next year.

Regards,
Andy Marden

[mrhenniger]

What is the latest edition of Wrecks and Relics? Anyone know?

I am looking at few used copies on line.

Mike

[Django]

I know Aero Trader has a glass shop now. I think they will do original spec. Mustang bubles.

Curtis Block

And there is an article on just that in the new Warbird Digest.

[Andy Marden]

Mike,
The latest edition of Wrecks and Relics is the 20th, published April 2006. A new edition should be published next year.
Regards,
Andy Marden