A few weeks ago I contacted fellow member Tpa05 (John) about an ad where he was looking for a BF-109 or FW-190 for his son’s birthday. I responded telling him that I had a 109 Nightfighter that needed some work. The tail stabilizers were broken off and would need some work. Well he responded back and we started talking $’s when I realized the stabilizers were MIA! In the conversation he offers a P-38 “Wine Women and Song” for trade if I have anything else that is in good condition. I offer a “Seeman” MIB and we agree on a trade. Later that night I get a message from John asking if we can talk over the phone about the trade. So I give John a call and he wants to describe the P-38 condition down to the tiniest scratch. As I was listening to John I was starting to wonder how bad of shape the bird was in. The next day John sent me pictures of the P-38 and I was wondering what the heck he was talking about. Other than a MIA pilot and rockets I could not see anything wrong with it. By this time we have talked on the phone, e-mailed, and texted several times. So we are all go for a trade and John tells me to take as long as I want to look over the P-38 when I get it and if I’m happy go ahead send the 109. On Monday the 27th of February I find myself opening a box with a P-38 inside! I have got to tell you all that John KNOWS HOW TO PACKAGE A PLANE FOR SHIPPING! He had t-shirt material wrapped around the fuselage to protect it where ever the ties were to keep the plane secure. I thought that was a real touch of class on John’s part. And, the plane was in beautiful condition! I texted John right away after opening up the bird. I think I said something like “This plane is awesome!”. Later that evening I called John to thank him for all of his efforts in packaging the plane. We talked for a while and I asked if I could wait until later in the week to ship the 109 because I had a huge presentation the next day for school and two mid-terms later in the week. John said it would be ok even though his son’s birthday party was Saturday. He said his son knew what he was getting so it was no big deal. I responded saying I would have it on a UPS truck the next day Tuesday the 28th. It was the least I could do for someone who cares enough about a stranger to package and describe a plane above and beyond what was necessary. Friday I got the call from John that the 109 arrived safe and sound and he would be able to get it wrapped and ready for his son’s birthday.
The true moral of this story is that there are GREAT members on this board! And, I think we need to hear about someone like John from time to time! Also, COMMUNICATION! I lost count of how many time we spoke, e-mailed, and texted each other. Both of us knew exactly what was going on, and we had tracking #'s to see the progression of our packages.
John, if you are reading this THANK YOU for your efforts, your time talking on the phone, and just being an all around cool guy! You always have a friend in Indiana!
Jim
Now my TRU's version has a wingman
"Wine Women and Song"
