"Ed Rasimus" wrote in message
...

Eric, I was teasing you. The airplane has been called "Thud" for a
long time. It was initially a derogatory term because of the poor
record in achieving initial operational status. It was not used by
those who flew it (with a couple of exceptions) until late '66.

Since then it has become a term of affection and respect for the
airplane. Most folks use it as an honorific not an insult.

Slight divergence - just outside of Omaha there is an F-105 on a pedestal
next to the interstate, tail numbers JJ 069. Is there a site where I can
find out the history of this a/c?

Glenn D.