Just purchased this. Boeing Missile TEL

[Frank]

Just received this from Aviation Mega Store in the Netherlands.
This will be my next build.
Military Models
Boeing Missile Transporter Erector Loader.
I have been on a three year waiting list to get one.
So far this year they have made three kits.
The adventure begins soon.
Frank

 

[Heavens Eagle]

 

[Flyingbabydoc]

That looks really cool. Looking forward to your build.

Cheers

Alex

 

[moon puppy]

I was supposed to train on this when they switch to a conventional commitment before I got out of the USAF, not the missile loader but the tractor.

Can't wait to see inside!

 

[Gator]

Very cool! I like the out of the ordinary kits.

 

[helios]

This is cool. I toured the Minuteman Training Silo at the South Dakota Air & Space Museum (Ellsworth AFB). They have a whole Cold War area in the museum itself too. It's a cool stop if you are ever passing through South Dakota.

I'm assuming the tours are on hold due to COVID restrictions. https://www.sdairandspacemuseum.com/tours-and-events

 

[moon puppy]

if you are ever passing through South Dakota.

Heavens Forbid!! Oh it's North Dakota I don't need to see again.

 

[Barney]

I ran the VECB (Vehicle, Equipment Control Branch) shop at Whiteman AFB for 6 months. We had these suckers and pulling PMIs was always an adventure.

 

[Rhino]

WILD! Do you launch the missile from this vehicle or is it just for loading the Bird in the silo?

 

[moon puppy]

Transport Erector Loader for this one, Transport Erector Launcher is another thing. I can't think of any US Launchers like the Soviets had, could be wrong.
This thing only carried the missile, not the entire assembled weapon with warheads and all.

 

[jeaton01]

That is not going to be a small model!

I wonder if the Detroit V12 was a 12V71 or 12V92. In my misspent past I have worked on everything from the 4-53 to the 8V92T and the 12V71.

Well, I wondered enough to go looking and found that that V-12 was two gas V-6's put together in a common block, not too impressive for a 100,000 GCVW! We had those V-6's in a pickup and a truck, both 1960 models. You wouldn't want to get stuck behind one of these on a hill! The V-6 was 304 cid, so the bore or stroke is a bit more in the 12. I also found photos of the trailer being pulled by a Peterbilt cabover.

 

[Duke Maddog]

Wow, this is magnificent! I would love to have one of these, even if it is a resin model. It is so unique that I'd love to have one in my collection.


I'll be watching this one with extreme interest.

 

[Frank]

I ran the VECB (Vehicle, Equipment Control Branch) shop at Whiteman AFB for 6 months. We had these suckers and pulling PMIs was always an adventure.

Barney,
What year where in at Whiteman?

Transport Erector Loader for this one, Transport Erector Launcher is another thing. I can't think of any US Launchers like the Soviets had, could be wrong.
This thing only carried the missile, not the entire assembled weapon with warheads and all.

Bob,
I drove the semi that hauled the extras. That was a kick.
When I got out they were starting to rejuvenate the silos for the next gen missile (MX or Peacekeeper, as it became know). 50 would be placed there. I could have made Tech Sgt for reenlisting. I got out an come home to learn to fly helicopters, but that is another story for a later time.

 

[Barney]

Barney,
What year where in at Whiteman?

Bob,
I drove the semi that hauled the extras. That was a kick.
When I got out they were starting to rejuvenate the silos for the next gen missile (MX or Peacekeeper, as it became know). 50 would be placed there. I could have made Tech Sgt for reenlisting. I got out an come home to learn to fly helicopters, but that is another story for a later time.

I was at Whiteman from Dec. 83 - July 87. First in RV Maintenance, then VECB (I lost my PRP because of an injury in an auto accident), and then I worked as a Logistics troubleshooter/dog robber for the DCM. When I found out that only 41% of Ammo 1st Lts made Captain in prior years (vs. the quoted 98% of all 1st Lts.), I decided to go into the Guard/Reserves. Twenty years later I retired.

 

[Frank]

Barney,
Sorry for the late reply.
I was is Cheyenne from Sept 77 to Mar 81.
I had a friend in Whiteman during the same time period, (that I was in Cheyenne).
Visited the base a couple of times for parties, when I was on leave.

 

[Barney]

Frank,

Just remember: Missille Men have more thrust, but they only get one shot.