[AMD] B-99

Moderator-- This probably pushes the limits of the site but maybe you
will allow it!

[Mod notes: cough-cough]

I recently posted a photo of my 1/72 B-99 that I did for an old 99
pilot who is now flying Airbus 330s. I received this message from him
this morning and thought that I would share it with the group.
Hopefully it will introduce you all to the impact that a model
airplane can have on one who flies for a living.

-----------
Hi Don,

Got in from London last night. The "box" was here. Should I open it
now or get some sleep and wait till morning? I was so tired I could
barely stand up. Ever been there... I'm sure you have - I decided to
wait till morning.

I was up first thing and got to coffee pot going. Now time for the
box.

First off, the 99 was a hot airplane! It was fast and very light on
the controls. In the hands of a 25 year old it was pretty close to a
military airplane. Those PT-6 engines made the neatest sounds when you
poured the coals to them. And when you landed and pulled them back
into "ground fine or reverse" - well, they sounded pretty damned sexy.
I loved every minute I was flying them. They were a bitch to land
though and many times the approach was letter perfect only to end in a
pretty good thump on landing. Talk about frustration - it really was
like a woman at times, everything could be perfect and she'd remind
you, and in not so subtle ways, who was really in charge. But, when
you got it right it was as close to perfect as it could be... almost
like a tango dance I guess - every move or touch was subtle and
graceful and totally in sync. A real thing of beauty.

Don, it's beautiful. You got it right! Thanks for the antenna on top
and the detail is just great. I'm still looking at it. Sitting it on
my desk and just turning it around and looking at different angles.
Brings back a flood of memories. Funny how we forget the bad parts of
things and just focus on the people and the experiences. This was the
first airplane I ever checked out on as a captain. I was 25 years old!
Where did that guy go? Man, I was a real hot shot and I knew it. My
life has changed so much from those days - fly all day and party all
night. I think I could live on 2 hours of sleep... long as I could fly
the next day I was up and at it.

I know this is all pretty personal stuff. But, you did a real good
job - got it right and I'm happy. I think I'll go look at it again.
-----------

I made my living flying airplanes since I was 18. I love them now as
much as I ever did. I can't afford to fly what I would like to. I
simply cannot afford it any more. Building them is a nice replacement
for the real thing. There are always the memories!

Don Schmenk, OWX

------------------------------------

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