Christmas.

In light of a wet Christmas in the U.K

Perhaps everyone across the northern hemisphere has had some ammount of snow, the U.K. has seen very violent storms, winds rain with severe flooding. Instead of sleds, it has been the boats and inflatables to the rescue.

The inflatable, Zodiac and even the standard rowing boat continues to be part of the invaluable tools used for basic search and rescue across the globe, in all types of flood zones. Little and easy to inflate, they can work in tight spots. Speed is also an essential element to small craft used in this role along with depth levels changing suddenly.

I think we sometimes forget so easily about the very little machines that we use around us, that they do thr very simple jobs and roles. We also tend to forget how much, we could not do without them.

The Age of the Steam Train.

'How Long?

With a hike in the price of coal in many countries, the question must be asked how long has the steam trains left? Is it still viable to run them, even in the state of preservation and how do you raise enough funds to make a profit anyway?

There are still a few nations around the world with access to coal, that will continue to run some steam perhaps for another few more years. 

The problem with Steam is that it is dirty and polluting, many people do not want to be covered in the soot, as these trains pass through built up areas.

Some of the older Diesel locomotives are now cheaper to run, than newer versions and still cheaper than even electric trains. Much of this has to do with infrastructure and planning of railways, if you did the plan 50 years ago then you will be fine. 

One can budget rail for your own economic needs, and then there will be no problems.

The Concorde Story. Part-Two.

Supersonic Bombers.

Both the Concorde and the Soviet Tupolev TU-144 Charger were civlian off shoots of their military counterparts. It was inreality only the super powers of Soviet Russia and the United states that employed these types of aircraft. 

Toay many of the survivors of the 'Cold War era' have other uses, than what they were initially intended for. America has its B1 and B2, while Russia its Tupolev Blackjack and Backfire.

These types of aircraft have been superceeded by more advanced fighters such as the F-14/15, MiG-31/33 and Sukhoi Su-50. On the otherhand we also have the ICBM and new missile platforms today along with longrange drones. 

Floating Cities.

This would appear to be a new concept?

 Currently this is being developed in the Netherlands to relieve the use and price of land. But there are already many waterborne city dwellings found in China and Hong Kong and many other places around the globe.

Many people have chosen to live on boats in Marinas, harbours and on canals, but this new idea plans to commit to floating houses and apartments. With land running out for some countries around the world, this might be a good idea.

Would you want to live on a barge?