STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Tampa Zero One" by Artist Craig Tinder

This signed and numbered limited-edition relic artwork is offered in Gallery-Wrapped Canvas presentation. The 18×12 edition is limited to 30 total pieces, and the 30×20 edition is limited to 20 total pieces. Each artwork includes an authentic historical relic and Certificate of Authenticity and is hand-signed by artist Craig Tinder.

The Story Behind the Print:

On 20 May 1967, Colonel Robin Olds, one of the most celebrated fighter pilots in U.S. military history, led a daring mission during the Vietnam War. As the commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, flying under the call sign "Tampa 01," Olds led two flights of F-4C Phantom IIs to provide air cover for a wing of F-105 Thunderchief bombers targeting the heavily defended Kep airfield in North Vietnam. The mission was expected to encounter fierce opposition from North Vietnamese fighters, and the enemy did not disappoint.

As Olds and his flight of eight F-4s arrived at their checkpoint, they were suddenly ambushed by 16 North Vietnamese MiG-17s. What followed was an intense 15-minute dogfight, one of the most dramatic air engagements of the Vietnam War. Despite being outnumbered two to one, Olds and his pilots skillfully maneuvered their F-4 Phantoms to take on the MiGs. In the chaos of battle, Col. Olds personally shot down two MiG-17s, marking a significant achievement in his already storied combat career. Despite the fierce opposition and heavy anti-aircraft fire, Olds and his wingmen managed to protect the F-105 bombers, allowing them to complete their bombing run on Kep airfield.

Olds returned to base safely, though running dangerously low on fuel after the extended engagement. His actions on 20 May solidified his reputation as a fearless and highly skilled pilot. By the end of the Vietnam War, Olds had achieved four confirmed kills, adding to the 12 victories he had already scored during World War II, making him a triple ace across both conflicts.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!

ABOUT THE RELIC

The relic fragment included with this art piece was once part of an aluminum slotted missile panel used to house the AIM-7 Sparrow missile beneath the forward belly of the F-4 Phantom II. The AIM-7 Sparrow, a radar-guided air-to-air missile, was a key component of the F-4 Phantom's arsenal, designed to engage enemy aircraft at medium to long ranges. Part number 32-31725-4, stamped on the panel, identifies its specific function and location on the aircraft. While the exact aircraft from which this artifact was salvaged is unknown, the panel was recovered before this particular aircraft was officially retired from service."Tampa Zero One" F-4 Phantom canvas with actual F-4 relic (aircraft serial unknown)

As F-4 Phantoms were gradually phased out of active duty in the 1990s, parts such as this missile panel became increasingly rare, representing a piece of aviation and military history. This relic serves as a reminder of the technological advancements and the pivotal role the F-4 Phantom played during its decades of service in multiple air forces worldwide.Part number 32-31725-4 - F-4 Phantom slotted missile panel for the AIM-7 Sparrow Missle

Markings on panel

Slotted Missile Panel on belly of F-4 Phantom

Artist, Craig Tinder, holding the slotted missile panel that is included as the relic in the "Tampa Zero One' limited edition prints

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

HERITAGE ALLOY™

Heritage Alloy™ is the next generation of Aces In Action Relic Artwork. Made from a rigid aluminum composite material, its smooth surface delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail with a luminous quality that is difficult to fully capture in photographs.

Each Heritage Alloy™ edition incorporates our exclusive Artifact Dock™, integrating the authentic historical relic, its provenance, and limited-edition identification directly into the artwork. Available Ready to Hang or finished in a solid black wood frame.

GALLERY-WRAPPED CANVAS

Select Relic Artwork editions remain available on our traditional gallery-wrapped canvas while inventory lasts. Canvas provides a classic, textured fine-art presentation and is available Ready to Hang or finished in our traditional black floater frame.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Heritage Alloy™ or Gallery-Wrapped Canvas; Ready to Hang or Framed
  • 30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Heritage Alloy™ or Gallery-Wrapped Canvas; Framed
  • Custom sizes may be available upon request

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready for display. 18" × 12" Heritage Alloy™ Ready-to-Hang editions include an installed rear wall-mount bracket, while Gallery-Wrapped Canvas arrives ready to hang without an external frame. Framed editions include installed hanging hardware. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

RELIC MATERIAL & VARIATION

Unless otherwise stated, the relic included with your artwork is a fragment taken from the larger historical component shown in the reference photos. The size, shape, color, markings, and appearance of each relic may vary based on the original material available. Reference photos are provided to document and illustrate the source of the relic material and may not depict the exact fragment included with your artwork.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

ARTIST • HISTORIAN • RELIC CURATOR

Craig Tinder has spent more than two decades creating historically researched artwork that connects collectors with the people, machines, and events that shaped history. His work goes far beyond illustrating an aircraft, ship, or vehicle—the research and historical artifacts behind each piece are an integral part of the artwork.

Craig works with museums, aircraft and vehicle restoration organizations, veterans, historians, collectors, and other historical institutions around the world to locate and document authentic artifacts with meaningful connections to the subjects he depicts. He supplements this physical evidence with extensive research using museum collections, military records, historical photographs, archives, and other primary and secondary sources from around the world.

In his workshop, Craig carefully prepares and incorporates these genuine historical relics into his signed and numbered artwork, preserving their provenance while giving artifacts that might otherwise remain unseen a new way to tell their story.

Meet Craig Tinder →

SHIPPING & CARE

SHIPPING

Each Relic Artwork edition is individually handcrafted and completed by Craig Tinder. From engraving and assembling the Artifact Dock to preparing the relic, framing the artwork when selected, and completing the final inspection and packaging, every piece is finished specifically for its collector. Please allow additional time for this hands-on process before your artwork ships.

Gift wrapping is available for Relic Artwork, making it ready for presentation upon arrival.

DISPLAY & CARE

All Relic Artwork arrives ready to display. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed.

Premium Relic Artwork editions are designed for long-term display. Keep artwork away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive moisture, and extreme temperature changes. Dust gently with a clean, soft, dry cloth and avoid household cleaners or abrasive materials on the artwork, frame, relic, or Artifact Dock.

ACES IN ACTION JOURNAL

Explore Further

Discover the people, missions, machines and events behind this artwork with the complete story in the Aces In Action Journal.

Robin Olds and Tampa Zero One: F-4 Phantom Combat Over Vietnam

Read the Full Story

THE RELIC ARTWORK EXPERIENCE

Authentic History

Each edition incorporates an authentic historical relic, presented on a custom laser-engraved Artifact Dock with details connecting the artifact to its history.

Handmade by Craig Tinder

Every Relic Artwork edition is assembled in Craig's studio, where it is signed, numbered, crafted, inspected, and prepared for its collector.

Made for Collectors

From the Certificate of Authenticity to the finished presentation, each detail is designed to create a collectible that preserves a tangible connection to history.