RidgeRunner Posted March 9, 2017 Share Posted March 9, 2017 (edited) Hi all, A few more and a different subject. This time a few B&Ws from the Autumn visit by the JFK to Portsmouth in 1976: F-14A "Swordsmen" F-14A "Top Hatters" F-14A "Top Hatters" RF-8G VFP-63, I think.... need to dig my logs out I hope you like and my continued posting.... Martin Edited March 10, 2017 by RidgeRunner typo 15 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F4u Posted March 9, 2017 Share Posted March 9, 2017 Superb keep posting Martin. Guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted March 13, 2017 Share Posted March 13, 2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giorgio N Posted March 13, 2017 Share Posted March 13, 2017 More great pictures, thanks for sharing ! The RF-8G should indeed have been from VFP-63, this unit provided detachments of recce Crusaders to the fleet. The RF-8 only lasted for another few years. Of note for modellers is the detail of the original 7-grilles style gun gas purge system on the three Tomcats. This was replaced with the 2-grille style on the following production block. This later style can be seen on AB220, the Tomcat behind the Crusader in the bottom picture Another interesting detail: the two Tophatters cats carry on the tail the markings used by VF-14 during the celebration of the USA Bicentennial, very elegant markings 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Posted March 13, 2017 Share Posted March 13, 2017 Great set of photos. I remember seeing similar pictures in the Airfix Magazine at the time and never realising that you could get on an aircraft carrier. Probably around that time I realised that the Tomcat is such a beautiful aircraft. Also note that the Tomcats had the early radome. Yes Martin please continue in the same vein. Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted March 13, 2017 Author Share Posted March 13, 2017 (edited) Thanks all. When I get a little more time I'll get more posted. Yes, it was (relatively) easy to get on carriers at that time. On this day there were hundreds of spotters on board ;). Getting out to the carrier and back in the carriers lighters was an experience in the relatively rough waters. It was the Public Affairs Office at the US embassy that coordinated things. Martin Edited March 13, 2017 by RidgeRunner Added text Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gekko_1 Posted March 13, 2017 Share Posted March 13, 2017 Those were the days! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted March 13, 2017 Author Share Posted March 13, 2017 (edited) They certainly were - variety of types, still many machines that were powered by avgas, the regular sound of heavy props - radials and often sleeve calves Leonides, variety of colour, varied schemes, freely given access with having to subscribe and spend my life savings just to be one of a handful of individuals to visit aviation sites. Yes, those really were better days :). Martin Edited March 13, 2017 by RidgeRunner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huvut76g7gbbui7 Posted March 13, 2017 Share Posted March 13, 2017 Thanks for posting these. I saw her anchored in the Forth. The RF-8Gs were active over Oban for a few days before the flypast of A-7s from VA-46 'Clansmen' over Dunollie castle. The CO was a relative of Lady MacDougall. I have never seen the pictures taken by the RF-8s. Hopefully you have some more ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammy da fish Posted March 14, 2017 Share Posted March 14, 2017 Ah yes I remember going onboard her back then, I have still got the pamflet with all the tail numbers on, oh what memories. GREAT TIMES. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted April 28, 2017 Author Share Posted April 28, 2017 On 14/03/2017 at 11:01 PM, sammy da fish said: I have still got the pamflet Yes, I've still got the pin badge they were giving out Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Latinbear Posted April 30, 2017 Share Posted April 30, 2017 Incredible to think that was 41 years ago! Remarkable how times have changed in the sense of these days you wouldn't be allowed anywhere near it. Great shots and ta for posting. Please keep them coming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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