Today my wife brought in the mail and there was a small package for me, it was from a fellow I did a favor for over the summer. Backing up a few steps keeping it short, early summer I was scratching building a pair of Phantom ejection seats. I was then contacted through email by Bill Curtis who saw the seats and was impressed. Over the weeks we talked by the phone, I learned that he flew F-4’s and SR-71’s. I also learned that Bill ejected safely from a SR-71.

Here is an insert…

YF-12A 6936/ #1003
Lost on 24 June 1971, Edwards AFB, CA. While in the traffic pattern at Edwards AFB, a fire broke due to fuel line rupture, while on final the entire aircraft became engulfed in fire and both crew members ejected safely, Lt. Col. Ronald Layton, and Major Bill Curtis.

Well over the weeks I’ve learned a lot from this man, the in and out’s of the ejection seat, every function, parts and steps. I heard some great stories and picked up a lot of info. Well I decided to offer him one of the seats which he insisted paying for. I told him I would not have it. After awhile Bill accepted and it was mailed to him. Bill called me as soon as he finished opening up the package and was very pleased with it.

Anyhow in today’s mail was a small package for me, it was from Bill. After opening it up I was astounded from what I found.

A mach 3 patch from 1969
A caster from Skunk Works
A few photos
And one of his Mach II pins.









Here are the ejection seats, they are in 1/10th scale.



Anyhow I’d thought I’d share it with you.
Happy Modeling,
Joe

Nice reward for being a nice guy Joe.

Very cool man!!!!

That is really nice.

That is fantastic Joe, something to hang on too and there cant be too much of that stuff around.

Thats stunning Joe!
You should be proud
Nige

It takes things like this to convince me that everyone in the world doesn't suck. You should both be proud.

Shaun

Nice to see a good reward for a Wow fantastic seat you made their.

Great work Joe

That is great Joe. I'm sure that your model means more to him than gold and his gifts mean a great deal to you. That is a great story!