September 2nd, 1973. Büchel

[Keflavik69]

Today 50 years ago I visited the Open Door Day at Büchel, the German air base situated in the Eifel area and home of the 33rd Jachtbomber Geschwader. Photographing was a bit difficult because they really liked ropes around the aircraft. But the day was very rewarding with 88 aircraft logged of which were 36 F-104's. I suppose you don't mind this post is a bit heavy on Starfighters.

Büchel 2 September 1973. F-104G 20-94 JG74 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. TF-104G 27-33 JaboG33 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. Do.27 56-96 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. Mirage 5BA BA-30 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. AH-1G 70-15983 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. Buccaneer XV348 16sq. fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. F-100F GT-982 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. TF-35 AT-152 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. U-7A 96-29 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. UH-1B 66-0512 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. UH-1D 73-55 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. T-33A '3' (ex 94-95) fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. CH-54A 68-18455 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. C.160 50-41 LTG63 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. CH-53G 84-34 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. F-104G 20-61 JaboG33 neg fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. F-104G 20-64 JaboG33 neg fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. F-104G 20-67 JaboG33 neg fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. F-104G 20-76 JaboG33 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. JA-37 37029 7-29 1 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. JA-37 37031 7-31 neg fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. Mirage 3E 541/3-IM fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. F-104G 22-00 JaboG33 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. F-104G 22-04 JaboG33 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

Büchel 2 September 1973. F-104G 25-23 JaboG33 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

and the nicest one:
Büchel 2 September 1973. TF-104G 27-34 JaboG33 fc by arnold booy, on Flickr

I hope you found this selection of interest.
Kind regards,
Arnold

[Gordsmith]

Wonderful as always Arnold, the "oldies" among us will remember with happy memories AND perhaps, a dampness round the eyes, of those days and aircraft of yore.
Thanks for the kind comments re my travels in the USA, something that I miss very much.
Best regards, Gordon

[Stratocruiser]

WOW what a real treat!
The stars are the starfighters in this fabulous post and great to see a Skycrane.
As Gordsmith states, I am one such oldie and you have triggered happy memories
You always treat us with quality AND quantity.
Many thanks Arnold.
Best regards, Terry

[Mustang531]

Thanks Arnold, you've provided another great selection for our enjoyment. I don't mind how many F-104 photos are there, always one of my favourites. Nice to see the Danish sled and a couple of bare-metal Viggens too. I think some will love that Buccaneer too. At one time US Army choppers were regular sights, but not so much now. Impossible to pick a favourite, but I know that we all appreciate what you provide. Fifty years ago too.

[Rick]

Aviation filth, fantastic

[TF104]

Thanks Arnold, you cannot have to many F104,s.

[matt e]

Great set especially the F104s and Skycrane

[paddyboy]

Hi Arnold

Yet another superb post populated with what this oldie would call proper airframes

How can a post have too many Hooters in it

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[warthog56]

Great selection of the "cutting edge" types of my youth. How boring the hobby has become with the same type of aircraft operated by multiple operators. It's going to get worse with the F35's being the preferred aircraft for many European air forces. Your photo's Arnold, and those of Gordsmith, are real memory jerkers for me. Please keep posting such gems.

[Petepilot]

Arnold....you spoil us again!!! Quality photographs of quality hardware! I'm prepared to forgive the not-so-intrusive ropes for such quality! Was the T-33 about to be "lifted", by the Skycrane perhaps? - it appears to be wearing a heavy chain! And the Viggen - possibly the first type to carry formation strips?
F104s....my first true love
Many thanks for posting

[mancman]

Cracking set. The US Army UH-1 is interesting, not seen a photo with that missile load before as is the fully loaded Viggen.

[LimaHotel01]

Thanks Arnold, another great set.

Agree the previous comments that you cannot possibly have too many 104 pictures.

I never saw German 104s at their home bases but these bring back many happy memories of seeing them visiting the UK. Always was and always will be one of my favourite types. Love the 16 Sqn Buccaneer shot as well.

Thanks again.

[teeonefixer]

Thankyou very much again Arnold for a wonderful post.
I agree the F-104's are the highlight but the rarities make it interesting (and of course the Bucc with it's ad-hoc intake cover!).
What a beautiful aeroplane the Mirage III is, especially clean !

[adderman]

Hi Arnold
Superb photos, a vote from me for the Skycrane which amazingly is not only still about but airworthy!
After retirement from the US Army it went civvie, now working for Siller Helicopters out of Yuba City CA as N9125M.
Was last noted arriving at Sulphur Springs(SLR/KSLR) in Texas on the 4th of September this year.

Siller's have also used
66-18411 as N2268L now WFU
67-18429 as N429C now WFU
68-18430 as N7095B, active at Porterville 7th Sep.

Plus 2 others with no US Army pedigree.