Tori Mae Fontana

Pilot wife living under the KNFW pattern | @gfontana767 ✈️

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

When you see a tanker show up at the base, and you know there’s an important delivery from Lockheed Martin coming up based on the news…

For the last few days we’ve had the tabletop scanner sitting in our bedroom waiting for the call. Yesterday morning we finally heard what we’d been hoping for. RUMMY01 (KC-46) and RETRO61 flight of 3, the Polish F-35s, requesting clearance.

We raced to our spot, and thankfully the overcast skies meant location on the field didn’t matter too much. Right as the F-35s departed, just before 8am local time, a light rain started moving in. I still need to edit the photos, but for now here are the takeoff videos.

This will probably be the last time I get to see them for a while. Hopefully one day I’ll make it over to Poland for another air show.

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@MidlandAero Good luck!

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@175Wpns @TomcatJunkie She’s looking well loved.

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@TomcatJunkie It’s been doing that to me for a few weeks. Or even saying I have absolutely no messages at all.

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@TomcatJunkie Ooh! Fun!

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

Bummer. I took night shots of it at SUN ‘n FUN, and it was so bittersweet being on the ramp knowing so many of the birds in front of me would soon be retired. The Harriers were right in front of them. Along with some A-10s, but that was before they made the announcement that they would extend it.

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@TomcatJunkie This looks awesome!

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@thatcococat @SR_Planespotter @Tt33operator @indyspotter_ @toystark6886 @tcavphoto @gfontana767 @JakeWoodwardAir @fingergunpewpe5 No problem at all! Glad you were able to make it out and can’t wait to see what you catch next visit!

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@krowspotter1185 That’s awesome!

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

Check this out! Wow! The level of detail.

😍😍😍

[Adam Lesiak @lesiak_adam]

Finally managed to take some photos of my 1/72 Polish F-35A by @tamiyainc

Big thanks to @KpAviationPhoto and @LensOfMae for the reference photos! ❤️

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@MCCCANM Thank you! We’re really excited.

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

We finished stocking for today! We’ll be bringing a little more inventory in the morning when they open, but it’s officially time to announce it…

Come visit us at Mid-Cities Antique Mall in Hurst! We are Booth 51. Watch the video below to see how to find us inside the store! If you have trouble locating the booth, just ask for Booth 51 and someone will be happy to point you in the right direction.

The antique mall is open:
Monday–Saturday: 10:30am–6:30pm
Sunday: 11am–6pm

📍 809 W Pipeline Rd, Hurst, TX 76053

We can’t wait to see you there!

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

How it’s going so far today. 😅😅😅

But honestly, seeing it all finally come together makes every second worth it. This has been such an absolute dream for us. We’re finishing stocking tonight, and we’ll be sharing the address in a few hours!

One of the best parts of today so far, was meeting the nicest guy who told us he can’t wait to see what we keep adding to the booth. Moments like that make me so grateful we took the leap and actually made this happen. Our own little antique booth.

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@thenewarea51 Thank you!

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@DrDave_99 Thank you so much!

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

Thank you all for the kind words on the Polish F-35 videos! I’m still working through the photos and can’t wait to share those soon.

We will be very busy these next 48 hours, and I think it’s finally time to announce why.

We have officially decided to open a booth at a local antique mall! After a lot of brainstorming, we decided to name it Runways and Relics.

The booth will feature a mix of aviation, military, vintage, space, travel, and historic pieces that we’ve been collecting and sourcing. We’re hoping to start moving inventory in tomorrow for Memorial Day Weekend, and I’ll share the location details once everything is ready.

This is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, and we’re excited to finally bring it to life. Thank you all for the support so far. We can’t wait to share the process with you all.

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@DrDave_99 Come visit!

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

We do have to supply all of our own items. The rug wasn’t required, but given the hard flooring, we wanted a little cushion in case someone dropped something. A risk we know we run. So I found a really nice 6x9 rug that fit perfectly.

We love Antique Malls though! We go to one at least once a week. I highly recommend visiting your nearest one. You never know what treasures you’ll find.

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

How it’s going so far today. 😅😅😅

But honestly, seeing it all finally come together makes every second worth it. This has been such an absolute dream for us. We’re finishing stocking tonight, and we’ll be sharing the address in a few hours!

One of the best parts of today so far, was meeting the nicest guy who told us he can’t wait to see what we keep adding to the booth. Moments like that make me so grateful we took the leap and actually made this happen. Our own little antique booth.

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@NZ_Trav @InfantryPilot That is fantastic to hear. Because I must agree, that is also frustrating.

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@au_epstein Fantastic to hear!

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@LadyAstroJet Thank you!

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@TomcatJunkie Thank you!

It’s just a start but we’re so thrilled!

And my husband said I can go to every estate sale I see now!

[Tori Mae Fontana @LensOfMae]

@DaveOTGphotog @gfontana767 @AtlasAirWW Beautiful! Great light.