Kyle Kirby's Airplane Petting Zoo

[Rhino]

It's not really a show, it Might be a review, after all. Iron Mike, Rhino, and Mrs. Mike & Her Momma visited The Hickory NC Airport Aviation Museum recently. We had a fine time. Mr. Kirby knows every detail about the Aircraft in his little spot on this Earth, and will relate them to you, should you be fortunate enough to visit while he is there.
Lookie!

I determined, after a short investigation, that the cause of this mishap was the pilot's inability to see through the black paint, on the windscreen, resulting in a ramp strike, and the busting of this A-4 Skyhawk in two.
Close-up of the inlet, and oil cooler in the intake of said stricken A-4 Skyhawk.

Navy Beechcraft T-34C. Sweet, ain't she?

Spanish HA-200, in the flesh. This U don't see everyday.

MiG-28? No, my friends, the venerable Northrup USMC F-5A in Aggressor Camo.

 

[Rhino]

This aging Lady here, is Felix 107. The Grumman F-14D that made the final Tomcat flight @ NAS Oceana, when the F-14 was decommissioned. Watch the Discovery Channel Vid. and see! We unplugged some of her drains, flexed her speed-brakes. Kyle says it take 4 guys to swing her wings out, but it is still possible!

Tailpipe view, without the GE-110 engines

Felix 107's Bu. number

Port vertical stabilizer, with awards!

Head on view, for us modellers, of the tv/flir pod.

Blue Practice Feenie-Bomb!

 

[Rhino]

VF-31 fod cover. Maybe the birds will stay out. Maybe not. Kyle says birds are the Rats of every airport!

McDonnell F-4B Phantom II (Kyle's Favorite Bird)

I asked Kyle to stop talking, while I took his picture. His responce was "I Cain't!" I respect that!

A-4L Skyhawk wheelbay shot.

Another shot of my Beloved F-14D

More A-4L Skyhawk shots,

 

[Sherman 18]

Great pictures thanks for sharing!

 

[Rhino]

North American FJ-4 Fury. First to carry the AIM-9 Sidewinder. This is a USMC Jet. Have a Look-see!

More cool USN Beech T-34C pictures;

If I have a regret, it must be that I didn'y get more picures of The Vought A-7A. Streetcar 313 from the USS America, in 1968. I got a detail shot, for us Model-makin' Maniacs.

Find the book "the rescue of Streetcar 304" for more details about this storied Corsair II.

 

[lupanzer]

Amazing pictures!...great references ...thanks for posting!

Luiz

 

[Rhino]

Inside the Museum, find treasures, such as these!:

Word is, the Smithsonian Museum will be reassembling Mr Best's B-26, without refinishing it, sometime soon. Flak Bait, in the flesh! How cool is that? Flak bAit's Squadron patch. Nifty!!

F-105B Thunderchief Patch

Ejector seat detail shot.

The Rebublic F-105B thunderchief in Hickory NC is the 9th prototype airplane in it's long, time honored line of "Thuds". I hope Iron Mike will fill in more pictures to complete the story. I was remiss. BUGGER!
"Mr. Bird Museum" and Aviation Artist extraorinaire, Kyle Kirby, and your humble Dixie Flyer, Rhino, with Felix 107

 

[Rhino]

:drunk I would encourage any and all Airplane Maniacs, to take the time to visit the Hickory NC Airport,and endure Mr. Kyle Kirby's rapid fire dissertation on his collection of Aviation Museum. He is truly passionate about preserving the history of this proud Nation's aircraft. He says there is a Grumman TF-9C Cougar to add, but we couldn't make time to see it. Hungry, and yet very patient women-people were in our company this day. His Republic F-105B Thunderchief is the 9th prototype off the line, and he is justifiably very proud.
A rare shot of Kyle, and myself, with our mouths closed. I did love it so!

 

[moon puppy]

That's Chris!

 

[Swordsman]

Very Nice ..... Thank you .... Thank you ..... Thank you ....... ldguy

 

[Iron Mike]

Kyle is the first person I have ever met who could out talk Chris Rhiner and actually had him speechless for minutes at a time. :laugh:

Here's a link to the museum's website.

http://hickoryaviationmuseum.org/?page_id=17

Kyle also does some artwork and very graciously gave us each autographed prints of his rendition of the P-47D (another subject for you, Bob?)

I took a ton of photos up there, will get them to my gallery this week.

:drinks

 

[moon puppy]

That's cool! Nice scheme also, anyone got decals?

 

[Sherman 18]

That's cool! Nice scheme also, anyone got decals?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190914624732?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT


Kits World Decals REPUBLIC P-47D THUNDERBOLT Miss Caesar & Helen Jo

http://store.spruebrothers.com/product_p/ksw148114.htm

 

[Iron Mike]

Here's some of what you didn't see.

Hallo? Hallooooo?

I didn't have anything to do with it, just found it this way.

Plumber's nightmare

Kyle's spares bin (NC style)

Look out, Cap'n!

Stout sailor's legs and a license to fly

This SLUF flew several combat missions in Viet Nam, a true veteran as are most of these aircraft.

Oh Billy, Billy, Billy....

"No one's ever been this close to a Mig 28 before."

Here's the "I cain't" shot. :laugh:

Thanks a million, Kyle! We had a blast hearing the back stories and look forward to the next visit!

We made another side trip that day, but that's another story. Stay tuned.

Proost!

:drinks

 

[Rhino]

Well Done Mike!! :stinker

 

[Iron Mike]

I missed this one. Just don't git yo'sef throwed outta tha bar befo' sundown.

B) :drinks

 

[lupanzer]

Fantastic photos , Mike , thanks for posting

Best regards !

Luiz

 

[Adam Baker]

Great pic's. Looks like they've picked up a few more a/c since I was there last, but it's been a couple of years at least since I was there.

 

[reconron]

Dang!Somehow I did mis this one!Really like the close ups,guess you guys had a great time over there!


Gr,Ron.

 

[Rhino]

I've invited Mr. Mark Tutton, CEO of Starfighter Decals, to have a look see, and womp us up some of his very fine decal sheets for Streetcar 304, and 311.