Retired in Merced, CA: USMC Lockheed TO-1 Shooting Star

 This Lockheed TO-1 Shooting Star found its honorable retirement in Merced, CA, c. 1969.  

Manufactured at Lockheed's Burbank, CA plant in 1947, this aircraft was originally ordered for the USAF as a P-80C, but was never taken up and was diverted to the USMC (BuNo 33850).  It was flown by Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311, which received the first fighter aircraft to be introduced to Marine aviation, and it is probable that 33850 was among that early batch.  VMA 311 was stationed at Yokosuka at the time, and would be stationed in Pusan by 1950, flying CAS missions during the Korean War.  By 1949, however, the squadron had transitioned to the F9F2 Panther, so 33850 was re-designated as a TV-2 (trainer variant) and used for land-based training. 

33850 in her actual operational markings, 1948

By 1969, she was decommissioned and was acquired for display at McCready Field, Merced CA.  She is probably just a shell, as engines and armaments have obviously been removed, and it is likely that all of her avionics and other systems were, as well.  Her markings are fanciful, as she was never flown by the USAF.  The reason for the change is unknown.  

 

Sources: https://www.airhistory.net/   http://www.joebaugher.com/   http://www.aerialvisuals.ca

Off the Ways

Wargaming is both a pleasurable hobby and an intellectual exercise, and in one form or another I have been wargaming since my teens.  Over the years, my interests have been refined, gradually narrowing to specific eras, conflicts, and even modes of warfare.  As the title of my blog suggests, my main interest (although by no means my only one) is in naval wargaming of various periods.  Since my life is centered around my family, the gaming groups of my younger years are no more and I prefer solitaire gaming, both for its pace and its solitude; wargaming is my version of “going fishing” for a few hours.  

This blog is my Ship’s Log of gaming, as it were.  I have some old favorites that I will discuss as I dust them off, and there are new games constantly being developed and released that I will review, as well.  Along the way, I will share some of the insights into the hobby that I have been granted over the years, as well as opinions on ancillary matters such as miniatures, Dice vs. Card-Driven, naval history sources and books, etc.  I will also be sharing information about military displays and relics that I come across from time to time.

I hope you enjoy reading my posts and take some value from them, and always feel free to leave comments and observations of your own.  

Welcome Aboard. 

Launch of USS Puffer (SS-268) 11/42.