yardbird78 Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Very interesting pictures. As a 20+ year truck driver, I can feel for what that driver was doing keeping that load from hitting anything. Darwin Link to post Share on other sites
karl h Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 this is really cool - thanx for the pics Link to post Share on other sites
Fouga23 Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Great shots, glad she did not kiss any bridges! I know first hand how much fun that adds to a project.bill Bill, I wonder, how was the damage repaired? New tail, tips? Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Mullen Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Great pics David, thanks for sharing Link to post Share on other sites
Su-34 Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 On The Road Low flying Tomcats :wub: Very unusual sight i think... Link to post Share on other sites
Sig Saur & Son Posted February 16, 2007 Author Share Posted February 16, 2007 (edited) It was on hold for the longest time to eventually go to the Naval Academy, but I guess there were some transportation issues in getting it there that could never be worked out, so this ended up being Option B.It's funny--by complete chance, this Tomcat's my current desktop wallpaper. Daniel The delivery of 162916 yesterday ended a four year quest for a Tomcat. We lost one over a year ago because of a glitch in the paperwork. Then we were informed we could have 162916 because the USNA had passed on it in favor of a Blue Angel Hornet. Then we were informed we needed $20K for transportation 10K more than we budgeted for. The local community and post raised the required funds in no time. I must say, Helen Watson at Pensacola has been outstanding through the entire process. Good friend and post member Gary Kopp stayed with the project long after I gave up all hope of obtaining a Tomcat. As for transportation, it was supposed to be here January 8th. Then there were issues with the permits. Va and MD only allowed it to move at night, PA only during the daylight hours. Then there were weather related issues with MD not allowing it to pass due to a storm a week or so ago. Then there was the bonding issue with PA not allowing it to move because the trucking company was not bonded in PA. We hired a different company. The load reached the PA line yesterday morning where the State Police conducted a MISAP inspection. Something I used to do years ago. They discovered the trailer brakes were out of adjustment and one wheel and tire rubbed the steering box when turned hard over. These adjustments were made on the scene and the rest is history. The wings and stabs arrive this morning with a crane and we hope to have her assembled by sunset. The paint scheme will change over my dead body. Once a Gypsy...Always A Gypsy! We hope arrange a VFA-32 Flypast for the dedication or Memorial Day or Veterans Day, whenever they are availabe. 162916 Forever Baby! Edited February 16, 2007 by Sig Saur & Son Link to post Share on other sites
Phantomologist Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 Any news of a successful "unplucking"? Link to post Share on other sites
usnavyam3 Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 (edited) I remember seeing her almost every day for 5 or 6 months sitting on that trailer. Finally glad to see her leave and go somewhere she's wanted and not the desert. Edited February 17, 2007 by usnavyam3 Link to post Share on other sites
Frank Steffens Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 Its great to see she's gettting a good home. Link to post Share on other sites
Almansur Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 One of the toughest structures ever built by man. Awesome. Link to post Share on other sites
Sig Saur & Son Posted February 18, 2007 Author Share Posted February 18, 2007 (edited) Sorry it has taken this long to get these images to you. I just spent a very chilly weekend camping with the Scout Troop. Anyway, I was on hand bright and early Friday morning to capture the lift and placement of 162916. Despite the chilly temps, with wind chills around zero, the all volunteer crew lifted, placed and reassembled 162916 in record time. BRAVO-ZULU. Tomcats Forever Baby! Edited February 18, 2007 by Sig Saur & Son Link to post Share on other sites
phantom Posted February 18, 2007 Share Posted February 18, 2007 Thats a productive day!!!! Link to post Share on other sites
Sig Saur & Son Posted February 18, 2007 Author Share Posted February 18, 2007 (edited) Here's a shot of Gary Kopp, (in the orange hat), the man who made this all happen. He stayed with the project after I became too frustrated with the Navy's bureaucracy. Edited February 18, 2007 by Sig Saur & Son Link to post Share on other sites
Scot M Posted February 18, 2007 Share Posted February 18, 2007 (edited) Even though I may never get to personally visit this museum ( I live in Okla.!!) You,Gary and all they guys that volunteered(sp?) to put this historic aircraft in a place that it will be taken care of,deserve a HUGE pat on the back..... and a big thanks from all of us F-14 lovers... I must say that I wish I could have helped in some sort of way... Tomcats Forever Baby! Most definately!!! Edited February 18, 2007 by Scot M Link to post Share on other sites
Sig Saur & Son Posted February 19, 2007 Author Share Posted February 19, 2007 (edited) Here's a shot of 162916 during her first squadron assignment with VF-142. Here's a shot of 162916 serving with VF-102 in May 1997. Edited February 19, 2007 by Sig Saur & Son Link to post Share on other sites
GreyGhost Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 Dave, only you would be able to plan out how to go Tomcat spotting down the Interstate ! Great Pics Sir, Thanks ! Gregg Link to post Share on other sites
Phantomologist Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 Great job thus far on 162916! :) Hopefully in about 30 days I will catch up with you guys. Link to post Share on other sites
Ken Middleton Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 Dave, what a great and unique set of images. That is something you certainly do not see veryday. Congratulations to all involved Link to post Share on other sites
neu Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 I'm really glad she found her new home! Thanks for all for the hard work making it possible! Greetings, neu www.deploymentproductions.com Link to post Share on other sites
SimFixer Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 Are those just the GE nozzles bolted into place? I don't think they would have given ya two engines along with the jet, right? Link to post Share on other sites
Sig Saur & Son Posted February 20, 2007 Author Share Posted February 20, 2007 Colin, I plan to get back to the post this week and snap some more shots. Simfixer, Those are just the cans. I'm gonna talk the post into installing some type of glowing lights in them to simulate afterburners at night. Cheers, Dave Link to post Share on other sites
Synthale Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 Thank you for sharing your pictures. Impressive sights!! grtz, Sven Link to post Share on other sites
Sig Saur & Son Posted February 22, 2007 Author Share Posted February 22, 2007 If anyone has any information or images concerning the service of 162916, I would appreciate hearing from you. So far, I know she served with VF-101, VF-142, VF-143, VF-103(maybe), VF-102 and finally with VF-32. Any details of her service would be appreciated. Tomcats Forever Baby! Dave Link to post Share on other sites
Karl Sander Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 I just can't believe a BuNo starting with 162 is on sticks, whereas most of my operational time is logged in stuff that starts "158..." and "159..." and I've only been doing this for 7 years :huh: Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew D. the Jolly Rogers guy Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 I'm assuming that was with -103 during the Sluggers Days? Link to post Share on other sites
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