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Post by Mark O on Feb 9, 2013 6:28:02 GMT 9
I just found this photo on eBay. It's from the Seattle Times dated Feb 25, 1962. Note the speed brakes in this photo are painted. I suspect this was done to indicate what flight the aircraft belonged to within the squadron, but have never seen this on any photos of the 318th I have seen.  I'm going to send this to Ernie ("Sixfixer") for his insight. I didn't see anything on his 318th FIS website with the speed brakes painted either. Anyone else know anything? |
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Post by oswald on Feb 10, 2013 21:05:18 GMT 9
First time I saw the speed brakes painted like that too. Are they possibly opened?
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MOW
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Post by MOW on Feb 10, 2013 21:25:22 GMT 9
Yes, odd paint scheme with those speed brakes. I don't think they're open it's just the paint.
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Post by Mark O on Feb 11, 2013 3:31:01 GMT 9
First time I saw the speed brakes painted like that too. Are they possibly opened? No, and they are not in shadow either. Definitely painted. I still haven't heard from Ernie, but if anyone knows he probably will. (Unless we have someone who was there!) |
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Post by Mark O on Feb 11, 2013 8:46:51 GMT 9
Opposite side view with the painted speed brakes. 59-0062, and 59-0054 this time, but I suspect the photos were taken the same day. I'm also including the back of this photo with the info from The Seattle Times. Feb 25, 1962. Edit: You know, I was just thinking about this photo, and although it was published in February, 1962, I am pretty sure it was NOT taken in February. Look at the snow cover on Mt. Rainier. That's mid to late summer! So, that said, my guess is this is a 1961 photo at the latest. Maybe even summer 1960 since the 318th got their Sixes in March of that year.BTW, all of these photos I found on eBay are being listed for $28 & change + shipping! Nice pics; but not worth that much.   |
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Post by Mark O on Feb 11, 2013 9:18:01 GMT 9
Just for reference I'm throwing this photo of a couple 539th FIS Sixes in to point out what I THINK was their version of marking aircraft that belonged in specific flights. I could be WAY off on this, but it makes sense to me. I know we talked about these specific markings before, but what the heck. Notice the stars on the tails. One is yellow (gold), and the other is blue. To the best of my knowledge, markings like these were pretty much up to the squadron/group/wing commander as a means of building a bit of friendly competition/team spirit/etc. It was the same thing with the different colored F-106 triangle patches the crews wore. Different colors for different flights. The problem with putting the colors on aircraft was usually a question of scheduling. Your flight didn't always get your colors to fly! So the aircraft were all marked the same (squadron unity), and the colors stayed on your uniform. Does that make sense? (Also notice this is a good side-by-side shot showing speed brakes open, and closed.) |
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Post by Diamondback on Feb 11, 2013 9:39:00 GMT 9
So THAT explains the variety of different-colored Six patches my grandfather had... Thanks, Mark!  Always wondered what was up there. |
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Post by Mark O on Feb 11, 2013 22:35:44 GMT 9
I got this e-mail from Ernie ("Sixfixer") late last night... "Yep, 318th used the markings on the speed brakes for a very short time, I've only seen a few aircraft with their doors painted in that time frame, the colors are dark blue & light blue for sure, and I believe white was the other color. I'm not sure if the 498th coming on station, with all of the aircraft swaps, had something to do with the 318th stopping the use of the markings.
Late in their stay at McChord, the 325th's F-102's also had speed brake marks, 3 colors I believe the Duces wore were yellow, green & white. The particular picture on e-bay was also used on the 1962 base guide - luckily in color - - I've attached it to this e-mail.
Have a good one!
Ernie"
And here is the photo...  |
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Bullhunter
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318th FIS Jet Shop 1975-78
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Post by Bullhunter on Aug 6, 2016 17:00:27 GMT 9
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Always wondered what was up there.
