SPA Modeler

First known as Rome Air Depot in 1942 during WW2. After a series of names and realignments, it was finally named Griffiss Air Force Base in 1948 - serving in many facets during its existence from Air Reserves (1946 - 1949), Air Defense Command during the 50s, Rome Labs, and finally Strategic Air Command when it conducted strategic bombardment readiness, conventional bombardment operations and air refueling operations on a global scale using B-52 Stratofortresses and KC-135 Stratotankers right up until its closure by the Base Realignment Committee (BRAC) in 1993.

The bomb wing served during Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm in 1991. An SR-71 Blackbird also paid a visit to Griffiss for a land refueling in 1986 prior to the US/NATO bombing of Libya.

Various aircrafts made their homes temporarily through the years - particularly the interceptor wings. Partial list:

F-102A Delta Dagger
Corvair F-106A Delta Dart
F-101 Voodoo
F-94 Starfire
F-89 Scorpion

Strategic Air Command - 416th Bombardment Wing

B-52 Stratofortress
KC-135R Stratotanker

My plan is to start a collection of aircrafts that made Griffiss AFB home. I currently have the B-52 Stratofortress kit that included Griffiss AFB markings. Am looking for another kit that was stolen from me by contractors during a house service call several years ago. The B-52 kit I currently have is the G model. The kit stolen from me was the B-52H.

Cool - another one, a great idea for a Theme with some good subjects. When I move to Wales perhaps I should do RAF Valley.

If anyone is interested in reading more on Griffiss AFB, here's a link:

http://www.strategic-air-command.com/ba ... is_AFB.htm

cool project. Almost enough to do a 2-3 year group build project on this type of subject. Wouldn't that be something?