[R-390] Re: F104

[krk@ix.netcom.com]

  Speaking of F104's, I finally found some of my old pictures. I was stationed at a 
German airbase (if I tole ya I'd have to shoot me) for two years (1969-1970) and got 
some pictures. These are scans of prints. I can't find the negatives. The first one is a 
two place trainer. The bottom two are the result of an engine failure (flame out IIRC). 
We only lost two planes in those two years - this one and another that the pilot flew 
right into his target. One of the problems with F104's in the German airforce was that 
the term of enlistment for a German soldier was only 1.5 years. By the time they got 
trained and competent, they were out. As a result, maintenance was not always what 
it should have been. Noisy ass plane but fast. Fun to watch a launch after a major 
engine overhaul. They took off clean (no external tanks) and went vertical until they 
disappeared. I have a complete pilots manual if anyone wants to read more. I think 
we had F104G's. Go to http://home.netcom.com/~krk/pics/f104pics.jpg to see the 
pics.

  Just to keep things sorta on topic, we had some Army guys running 
communications. I think they used Collins S-line stuff. They wouldn't let anyone in 
their shack. Every time they transmitted, I could hear it on my stereo. It was SSB 
(quack quack). Many more stories but so off topic...

73 Ken kb7rgg

ps -   The F104 in the bottom picture was a fine machine. The base was in 
Westphalia. The horse is their symbol. The extra art work was not official.