Presents Opened.
Now that we got what we thought we were getting, its time to take out the contents and start to study what to do next? The model world is almost unlimited to making adaptions to what we have to start with and that is part of the great fun of it!
Wither we make our models to show as accurate copies or for the war gaming table, model railway, boat lake racing, flying in garden or field, it is all really to show to close and wider afield. Now with You Tube and Vimeo and the many other free film formats one can show the world from box contents to the finished and working items.
Paints, glues, clays and tools are the start, but many extras can be made with matchsticks, paper mache and also with cardboard. It really is up to each individual to disguise the diorama with what is at hand, instead of spending more money on sometimes disappointing extras.
Thursday 31 December 2015
Thursday 24 December 2015
'Father Christmas.'
'How does He do It?
Do you know that there is now an app to track the movements of Father Christmas, but I would rather still believe that He will appear and disappear as he always has done every Christmas season. Tradition has added many things to the Saint Nicholas story, of a Greek Monk making gifts for children.
Much of what has become traditional is to do with snowy northern-Europe and the introduction of reindeer pulling a heavy laden sled. In Russia He is known as father frost and many of the tunes associated with him like jingle bells originated there.
When one watches Star trek and similar sci-fi, it is easy to picture some alien ability to move through time and space with immunity. But for many of us back here on earth, we have been told it is a myth because it is an impossibility.
The whole story of Christmas has to do really with the birth of the baby Jesus and the celebrations of His arrival into our world. Father Christmas is really God showing kindness to children who have been good throughout the year and Santa moves in the supernatural, very much like Jesus in his conception and birth, death and resurrection.
Do you know that there is now an app to track the movements of Father Christmas, but I would rather still believe that He will appear and disappear as he always has done every Christmas season. Tradition has added many things to the Saint Nicholas story, of a Greek Monk making gifts for children.
Much of what has become traditional is to do with snowy northern-Europe and the introduction of reindeer pulling a heavy laden sled. In Russia He is known as father frost and many of the tunes associated with him like jingle bells originated there.
When one watches Star trek and similar sci-fi, it is easy to picture some alien ability to move through time and space with immunity. But for many of us back here on earth, we have been told it is a myth because it is an impossibility.
The whole story of Christmas has to do really with the birth of the baby Jesus and the celebrations of His arrival into our world. Father Christmas is really God showing kindness to children who have been good throughout the year and Santa moves in the supernatural, very much like Jesus in his conception and birth, death and resurrection.
Thursday 17 December 2015
48 to 8 Hours.
Getting up to the Space Station.
Twenty years ago it took just over two days to get up to the Russian MIR Space station, this week we saw the three way Russian, ESA, U.S. mission do it in less than eight hours even with a technical fault. What amazing achievements with the tried and tested second generation MM Soyuz-Progress vehicles over that of the flamboyant yet very dangerous U.S. Space shuttle.
Timings into space are speeding up, while duration flights of just over one year at the moment cuts a possible manned trip to Mars in the next 30 years. The joint Moon base, will perhaps prepare us for that giant return trip to Mars, in say 50 years from now.
There remains so many dangers in space travel, after nearly 58 years from Sputnik, that the next 50 will give us enough time to develop better space ships perhaps between the ISS and the Moon base. Familiarity with living their will be the key to any future Mars mission and then further out?
Twenty years ago it took just over two days to get up to the Russian MIR Space station, this week we saw the three way Russian, ESA, U.S. mission do it in less than eight hours even with a technical fault. What amazing achievements with the tried and tested second generation MM Soyuz-Progress vehicles over that of the flamboyant yet very dangerous U.S. Space shuttle.
Timings into space are speeding up, while duration flights of just over one year at the moment cuts a possible manned trip to Mars in the next 30 years. The joint Moon base, will perhaps prepare us for that giant return trip to Mars, in say 50 years from now.
There remains so many dangers in space travel, after nearly 58 years from Sputnik, that the next 50 will give us enough time to develop better space ships perhaps between the ISS and the Moon base. Familiarity with living their will be the key to any future Mars mission and then further out?
Thursday 10 December 2015
France Intervenes.
France is showing off its naval Power.
With the recent attacks in Paris last month in which 130 people were murdered, France has had no choice but to be seen on the offencive against the elusive Islamic Khalifate. The first time deployment of a battle group since the end of the second world war (1939-45) is now well underway.
France has a host of untested combat aircraft type such as the Rafael and its latest Mirage fighter jets. Time will only tell if they are as effective as the Russian bombing missions in eastern-Syria. France has as we have seen has a long history in military equipment developments at sea, air and on land. In fact an interesting fact to be worth noting is that their Surface to Air and air to air missile systems were very effective during the Falklands War. These being Crotale and the Exocet.
Currently this union with Russia may already be under strain, as their aircraft carrier is due to re-deploy to the Persian Gulf. We have to take a historical look at the roles and influences in this region that were marked out by France and Britain 100 years ago in the division up the middle-east, after the collapse of the Turkish Ottoman Empire in 1919.
Meanwhile modern Turkish action recently against Russia, with the downing of a Russian Jet and tensions over the French support and recognition of the Armenian Genocide of 1900, may be one of many reasons forcing France into U.S. Policy for the region, wither they like it or not?
With the recent attacks in Paris last month in which 130 people were murdered, France has had no choice but to be seen on the offencive against the elusive Islamic Khalifate. The first time deployment of a battle group since the end of the second world war (1939-45) is now well underway.
France has a host of untested combat aircraft type such as the Rafael and its latest Mirage fighter jets. Time will only tell if they are as effective as the Russian bombing missions in eastern-Syria. France has as we have seen has a long history in military equipment developments at sea, air and on land. In fact an interesting fact to be worth noting is that their Surface to Air and air to air missile systems were very effective during the Falklands War. These being Crotale and the Exocet.
Currently this union with Russia may already be under strain, as their aircraft carrier is due to re-deploy to the Persian Gulf. We have to take a historical look at the roles and influences in this region that were marked out by France and Britain 100 years ago in the division up the middle-east, after the collapse of the Turkish Ottoman Empire in 1919.
Meanwhile modern Turkish action recently against Russia, with the downing of a Russian Jet and tensions over the French support and recognition of the Armenian Genocide of 1900, may be one of many reasons forcing France into U.S. Policy for the region, wither they like it or not?
Thursday 3 December 2015
MIL Mi-24 Helicopter.
Another Unique Design.
That no western design company has followed, and one wonders why?
The Mil helicopter designers are but a few who built helicopters in the former Soviet Union, Kamov and Yakolev were the other two. The Mil's started with the Mi-1 and then just progressed in size up to the Mi-6/10 and on to the most succesful Mi-17/117, Mi-171.
But the origins of the the Mi-24/25-35 have a much different take, it was the Afghanistan wars of the 1970'-80's that called for a combined helicopter roles so that both specialised troops could be got on to an area fast and protected by heavy fire.
The rocket pods on the Mi-8/17 were not suitable, so it was decided to combine two machines into one, transporter and gunship. There have over the years been many variants from the early glazed noses to the present aircraft style canopies.
The west meantime do not seem to have taken advantage of developing a similar type, but rather have kept to fast transport backed up by supporting helicopter gunships.
That no western design company has followed, and one wonders why?
The Mil helicopter designers are but a few who built helicopters in the former Soviet Union, Kamov and Yakolev were the other two. The Mil's started with the Mi-1 and then just progressed in size up to the Mi-6/10 and on to the most succesful Mi-17/117, Mi-171.
But the origins of the the Mi-24/25-35 have a much different take, it was the Afghanistan wars of the 1970'-80's that called for a combined helicopter roles so that both specialised troops could be got on to an area fast and protected by heavy fire.
The rocket pods on the Mi-8/17 were not suitable, so it was decided to combine two machines into one, transporter and gunship. There have over the years been many variants from the early glazed noses to the present aircraft style canopies.
The west meantime do not seem to have taken advantage of developing a similar type, but rather have kept to fast transport backed up by supporting helicopter gunships.
Thursday 26 November 2015
Modelling. Part-One.
Closest to the Subject.
For many people today the world of modelling allows one to get close to the subject of their interest, wither it be aircraft, space, submarines or missiles. Most of us will see real trains everyday, with shipping and vehicles at easy access to photograph or film.
But the model allows us that chance to have a closer look at the detailing that has gone into the engineering of a machine. Scale, what is the best?
I think it is easier for younger folk to work with the smaller scales, because they are fiddly. Larger scales such as 1:48/35/32 and 25 are perhaps the best for adults and us who are getting a bit older. Detailing of these kits are much easier, especially if ones hands shake.
There is such a variety of model making kits now available from plastic, to metal and of course some can create from just matchsticks.
For many people today the world of modelling allows one to get close to the subject of their interest, wither it be aircraft, space, submarines or missiles. Most of us will see real trains everyday, with shipping and vehicles at easy access to photograph or film.
But the model allows us that chance to have a closer look at the detailing that has gone into the engineering of a machine. Scale, what is the best?
I think it is easier for younger folk to work with the smaller scales, because they are fiddly. Larger scales such as 1:48/35/32 and 25 are perhaps the best for adults and us who are getting a bit older. Detailing of these kits are much easier, especially if ones hands shake.
There is such a variety of model making kits now available from plastic, to metal and of course some can create from just matchsticks.
Thursday 19 November 2015
The Alvis Family. Part-One.
A British Success Story.
The basis of many British military tracked vehicles from 1969 to the present have been based on the chassis and engine of the Alvis. Two of the most popular have been the Scorpion light tank, now known as a ARV (armoured reconnaissance vehicle) and the Scimitarr with its 30mm Cannon.
The Scorpion has tow choices of gun, the standard 76mm or the option for the 90mm Cockerel which has proven superior for the role of this vehicle with the Irish Army on UN duties in South-Lebanon.
There are many other versions, numbering about thirty-three in all from engineering, recovery and command. Alvis was also very successful in their wheeled vehicles such as the Saladin prior to tracked. All of its vehicles have a good story in the exportation of and use world wide.
The basis of many British military tracked vehicles from 1969 to the present have been based on the chassis and engine of the Alvis. Two of the most popular have been the Scorpion light tank, now known as a ARV (armoured reconnaissance vehicle) and the Scimitarr with its 30mm Cannon.
The Scorpion has tow choices of gun, the standard 76mm or the option for the 90mm Cockerel which has proven superior for the role of this vehicle with the Irish Army on UN duties in South-Lebanon.
There are many other versions, numbering about thirty-three in all from engineering, recovery and command. Alvis was also very successful in their wheeled vehicles such as the Saladin prior to tracked. All of its vehicles have a good story in the exportation of and use world wide.
Thursday 12 November 2015
Antonov Family An-24-32. Part-One.
Western equivalents of the De Haviland DHC-5-8 and Fokker F25/50.
In fact there are many western equivalents of this most successful Soviet to present Russian federation series of medium transport aircraft. Both the military and civil airlines always have a demand for a capable 30-60 seat aircraft and Antonov made its tremendous hit from 1960 with the introduction of the first An-24 N.A.T.O. code named Coke transport to meet this role.
All four types are basically improvements of the previous and over 1000 have been built, with licence to China as the Y7-100. Over the years with the diamonds of the war in Afghanistan newer versions, such as the An-30/32 could now cope with landing and take off at higher levels.
The expansion into Siberia to search for more fossil fuels demanded shot take-off and landing (STOL) and the An-32 was well able to meet that requirement with a 2,200 to 4000 km range, while also comping with the colder conditions.
In fact there are many western equivalents of this most successful Soviet to present Russian federation series of medium transport aircraft. Both the military and civil airlines always have a demand for a capable 30-60 seat aircraft and Antonov made its tremendous hit from 1960 with the introduction of the first An-24 N.A.T.O. code named Coke transport to meet this role.
All four types are basically improvements of the previous and over 1000 have been built, with licence to China as the Y7-100. Over the years with the diamonds of the war in Afghanistan newer versions, such as the An-30/32 could now cope with landing and take off at higher levels.
The expansion into Siberia to search for more fossil fuels demanded shot take-off and landing (STOL) and the An-32 was well able to meet that requirement with a 2,200 to 4000 km range, while also comping with the colder conditions.
Thursday 5 November 2015
Commuter Trains. Part-One.
Mass Movement.
The commuter train has become one of the most blandest of train types across the world? They are really box trains sometimes painted in nice colour schemes, but generally they have a dirty appearance of over long term use.
Indian railways and recent films showing the commuter system in Mumbai portray this demand for rush hour traffic! South Africa, Great Britain and Russia also portray a similar image, perhaps with less dirt and more colour.
Terms such as D/EMU (Diesel/ Electric Multiple Unit) is the official name for these trains that are capable of carrying 700 to 2000 people per run. Japan and India have the worst overcrowding problems, while the United States, Denmark, and Israel know deploy double decker carriages.
The commuter train has become one of the most blandest of train types across the world? They are really box trains sometimes painted in nice colour schemes, but generally they have a dirty appearance of over long term use.
Indian railways and recent films showing the commuter system in Mumbai portray this demand for rush hour traffic! South Africa, Great Britain and Russia also portray a similar image, perhaps with less dirt and more colour.
Terms such as D/EMU (Diesel/ Electric Multiple Unit) is the official name for these trains that are capable of carrying 700 to 2000 people per run. Japan and India have the worst overcrowding problems, while the United States, Denmark, and Israel know deploy double decker carriages.
Thursday 29 October 2015
SEGWAYS.
Is this the replacement for the bicyle?
This new form of transport seems to have taken off, how safe it is is another matter. Many of these two wheeled old fashoned lawn mower machines are now finding their way in to airport terminal apron usage.
But they are limited in what they are able to do, hard to drive and also difficult to stop and maintain balance! But are they really a serious contender to replace the bicycle, i do not think so yet. They are not fitted with a seat and cannot carry anything, the bicyle has reamined a very cheap and flexable type of transport and it will be perhaps almost impossible to replace?
This new form of transport seems to have taken off, how safe it is is another matter. Many of these two wheeled old fashoned lawn mower machines are now finding their way in to airport terminal apron usage.
But they are limited in what they are able to do, hard to drive and also difficult to stop and maintain balance! But are they really a serious contender to replace the bicycle, i do not think so yet. They are not fitted with a seat and cannot carry anything, the bicyle has reamined a very cheap and flexable type of transport and it will be perhaps almost impossible to replace?
Thursday 22 October 2015
Sukhoi. Part-Two.
From Sukhoi SU-7 to SU-29.
This company has a long history in Russian aviation from the introduction of the SU-7 with a 1.6 Mac (17,000Km/h) speed to various versions, being deployed in Syria at the present time. The SU-19 laid the basis for many present day Chinese designs, but today the SU-24 Fencer, SU-25 Frogfoot along with the SU-27/29 Flanker are the mainstay of the Russian Federation's help to Al-Assad.
These are state of the art fighters each fulfilling various roles from Bombing, Inteception and ground attack. In fact they all are much better than many current western fighters such as the F-16 and F-14/15.
The SU-25 Frogfoot is perhaps the best multi-role counter/ground-attack fighter aircraft flying, with a vast array of optional weapons carried on its eight hardpoints. This operating systems with the Mil-Mi-24 helicopter gunships and even Mil Mi-28's will prove a defining effect against ISIL/ISIS in the region.
This company has a long history in Russian aviation from the introduction of the SU-7 with a 1.6 Mac (17,000Km/h) speed to various versions, being deployed in Syria at the present time. The SU-19 laid the basis for many present day Chinese designs, but today the SU-24 Fencer, SU-25 Frogfoot along with the SU-27/29 Flanker are the mainstay of the Russian Federation's help to Al-Assad.
These are state of the art fighters each fulfilling various roles from Bombing, Inteception and ground attack. In fact they all are much better than many current western fighters such as the F-16 and F-14/15.
The SU-25 Frogfoot is perhaps the best multi-role counter/ground-attack fighter aircraft flying, with a vast array of optional weapons carried on its eight hardpoints. This operating systems with the Mil-Mi-24 helicopter gunships and even Mil Mi-28's will prove a defining effect against ISIL/ISIS in the region.
Thursday 15 October 2015
Underwater Transport.
1960's Concepts.
Since these ideas of using civilian submarines in the 1960's no progress has at yet been made to bring anything outside the tourism industry to fruition. Australia and Israel are perhaps only two countries in the world to see the value of using submarines to view coral reefs and low level sea plains.
It is either the financial viability, costs and safety that has blocked the serious alternative to surface shipping. It would seem that the Submarine is to remain for some time yet the preserve of the military and Navies of the globe.
The advantages of not having to cope with rough seas and the probability of better speed to deliver goods has it would seem been placed on the sidelines of conventuality.
But perhaps with the need to cut down of fossil fuels and carbon emissions the day of submersed travel might in this century be not far away?
Since these ideas of using civilian submarines in the 1960's no progress has at yet been made to bring anything outside the tourism industry to fruition. Australia and Israel are perhaps only two countries in the world to see the value of using submarines to view coral reefs and low level sea plains.
It is either the financial viability, costs and safety that has blocked the serious alternative to surface shipping. It would seem that the Submarine is to remain for some time yet the preserve of the military and Navies of the globe.
The advantages of not having to cope with rough seas and the probability of better speed to deliver goods has it would seem been placed on the sidelines of conventuality.
But perhaps with the need to cut down of fossil fuels and carbon emissions the day of submersed travel might in this century be not far away?
Thursday 8 October 2015
Road Trains. Part-Four.
Africa.
The Continent of Africa today cannot do without the truck, because it has given up much on its one time colonisers railways. Expense to maintain and get parts was one problem for many of the lesser developed nations, while on the other they just did not have the ability to maintain tracks and signals.
So the truck has become the new transport and in many parts there are seasonal convoys, which get bogged down by mud. But the Africans have on great advantage over many other nations, in that no problem cannot be solved. They are extremely resourceful in finding away out of a problem.
This is because they have to keep those vital links open and keep the goods that are essential moving back and forth. The Iveco truck is one of the most favoured for the variety of roles, there are also many Soviet and Chinese vehicles. Nearly every other vehicle is a Toyota and perhaps the odd civil Landrovers.
The Continent of Africa today cannot do without the truck, because it has given up much on its one time colonisers railways. Expense to maintain and get parts was one problem for many of the lesser developed nations, while on the other they just did not have the ability to maintain tracks and signals.
So the truck has become the new transport and in many parts there are seasonal convoys, which get bogged down by mud. But the Africans have on great advantage over many other nations, in that no problem cannot be solved. They are extremely resourceful in finding away out of a problem.
This is because they have to keep those vital links open and keep the goods that are essential moving back and forth. The Iveco truck is one of the most favoured for the variety of roles, there are also many Soviet and Chinese vehicles. Nearly every other vehicle is a Toyota and perhaps the odd civil Landrovers.
Thursday 1 October 2015
Sukhoi. Part-One.
T-50.
Sukhoi is part of a great Russian legacy in aircraft design and development, which today is being topped with the T-50 Stealth combat aircraft and the Sukhoi-100 Superjets. We first heard this Chinese sounding name in the 1960's with a new generation of Soviet fighters that looked similar to the MIG Jets, but they were different in their own right.
It was the debut of the Sukhoi SU-27 as a naval launched fighter that changed everything for the west. The collapse of Soviet Russia revealed that Sukhoi was one of the leading designers back in the day of the MIG-15 Midget and its aircraft were better, but remained secret.
The T-50 is a revolution in Russian military design and now with the coldness returning, will prove the be one of the main fighters of the new Russian Federation. The Superjet is taking the world market with orders all over the globe.
When Russia gets it right, they get it right for a long haul!
Sukhoi is part of a great Russian legacy in aircraft design and development, which today is being topped with the T-50 Stealth combat aircraft and the Sukhoi-100 Superjets. We first heard this Chinese sounding name in the 1960's with a new generation of Soviet fighters that looked similar to the MIG Jets, but they were different in their own right.
It was the debut of the Sukhoi SU-27 as a naval launched fighter that changed everything for the west. The collapse of Soviet Russia revealed that Sukhoi was one of the leading designers back in the day of the MIG-15 Midget and its aircraft were better, but remained secret.
The T-50 is a revolution in Russian military design and now with the coldness returning, will prove the be one of the main fighters of the new Russian Federation. The Superjet is taking the world market with orders all over the globe.
When Russia gets it right, they get it right for a long haul!
Thursday 24 September 2015
High Speed Trains. Part-Two.
The Future for Every Nation?
It would seem to be the most popular idea today that every nation should have their own version of the well known and established high speed trains, but is this really possible?
Larger countries have the space and the need for this type of travel, because their remain many people with a fear of flying that demand ground speed and comforts.
But some countries do not have the ability or the present need for such systems and perhaps never will have either? The Channel Tunnel between Great Britain has demanded that the European network be extended into HS2, thus connection Scotland and Wales with European cities. Similar projects have worked for Denmark and Sweden, but at this time both Turkey and Ireland, Iceland and Finland are exempt from being connected.
Many nations have done their own things and are perhaps behind in speed, rather than length of track age and perhaps see no need for anything further at the moment.
Freight perhaps will benefit from high speed, over the vast inland areas of Africa, Asia, Australia and the American continents, but they will not be replacing cargo shipping.
It would seem to be the most popular idea today that every nation should have their own version of the well known and established high speed trains, but is this really possible?
Larger countries have the space and the need for this type of travel, because their remain many people with a fear of flying that demand ground speed and comforts.
But some countries do not have the ability or the present need for such systems and perhaps never will have either? The Channel Tunnel between Great Britain has demanded that the European network be extended into HS2, thus connection Scotland and Wales with European cities. Similar projects have worked for Denmark and Sweden, but at this time both Turkey and Ireland, Iceland and Finland are exempt from being connected.
Many nations have done their own things and are perhaps behind in speed, rather than length of track age and perhaps see no need for anything further at the moment.
Freight perhaps will benefit from high speed, over the vast inland areas of Africa, Asia, Australia and the American continents, but they will not be replacing cargo shipping.
Thursday 10 September 2015
Swedish Navy.
Stealth.
Sweden has a long history for its navy from the Vikings to Empire and then decline. Today it boast the most powerful navy in the Baltic sea, apart from the Russian Federation.
Recently the amazing stealth ship design got itself into hot water with Russia after identifying Russian submarines operating in its inshore coastal waters, but in reflection of the sonar data this has turned out to be two World-War-II (1939-45) subs.
The Swedish navy has had a history with the Soviet Union and the Warsaw pact, trying to avoid detection in patrolling the Baltic's and they have been successful up to now in protecting their interests.
Sweden has a long history of quality development in military hardware, such as the Bofors 40mm gun, the Saab Draken, Viggen fighter jets, Volvo trucks, Surface to air hand-held missile launchers and it range of Stealth shipping from fast Patrol boats to frigates.
Sweden has a long history for its navy from the Vikings to Empire and then decline. Today it boast the most powerful navy in the Baltic sea, apart from the Russian Federation.
Recently the amazing stealth ship design got itself into hot water with Russia after identifying Russian submarines operating in its inshore coastal waters, but in reflection of the sonar data this has turned out to be two World-War-II (1939-45) subs.
The Swedish navy has had a history with the Soviet Union and the Warsaw pact, trying to avoid detection in patrolling the Baltic's and they have been successful up to now in protecting their interests.
Sweden has a long history of quality development in military hardware, such as the Bofors 40mm gun, the Saab Draken, Viggen fighter jets, Volvo trucks, Surface to air hand-held missile launchers and it range of Stealth shipping from fast Patrol boats to frigates.
Thursday 3 September 2015
Self-Propelled Guns. Part-Two.
Anti-Aircraft.
With the advent of the missile one would think that the days of anti-aircraft guns have come to an end, but you would be wrong. Every day and night our 24/7 media portrays militants around the world converting Toyota 4X4's for this purpose along with various types of trucks.
Guns from heavy machines U.S. and Russian 12.7, 14.5mm to small cannons of Swiss Oerlikon 20, former Soviet 23mm are used in general clashes. meanwhile bigger cannons are recovered from defunct military vehicles such as in the 30mm calibre.
Despite this many countries still have mobile anti-aircraft guns such as the Russian/Chinese built ZSU-23 quad 4X23mm and various takes on the 30mm rotary cannon and most successful Swedish Bofors 40mm.
All these weapon systems now make helicopters venerable to ground fire more than aircraft, unless they are coming into land or taking off.
With the advent of the missile one would think that the days of anti-aircraft guns have come to an end, but you would be wrong. Every day and night our 24/7 media portrays militants around the world converting Toyota 4X4's for this purpose along with various types of trucks.
Guns from heavy machines U.S. and Russian 12.7, 14.5mm to small cannons of Swiss Oerlikon 20, former Soviet 23mm are used in general clashes. meanwhile bigger cannons are recovered from defunct military vehicles such as in the 30mm calibre.
Despite this many countries still have mobile anti-aircraft guns such as the Russian/Chinese built ZSU-23 quad 4X23mm and various takes on the 30mm rotary cannon and most successful Swedish Bofors 40mm.
All these weapon systems now make helicopters venerable to ground fire more than aircraft, unless they are coming into land or taking off.
Thursday 27 August 2015
Road Trains. Part-Four.
Siberia.
The roads of the Siberian wilderness and great forests go in a straight line it would seem for ever and ever? What cannot be moved by trains or flown in by aircraft or even shipping has to be taken by road. Canada may have its Ice road truckers, but here we have some of the most bravest drivers in the world.
The Russian Federation has been involved in the oil, gas and mineral expansion for well over 50 years now in greater-Siberia. Pipe-lines get out most of the gas and fuels, but the moving of heavy machinery and people, food supplies and those odd bits road is still a vital link.
Russia has always had one of the worlds largest automotive industries and has built quite a variety of trucks over the years. The Ural, Maz, Baz and Gaz have also produced many versions both for civil construction and the military. Older vehicles have a long life in Russia, more on simplicity to repair and reliability they just keep going.
The roads of the Siberian wilderness and great forests go in a straight line it would seem for ever and ever? What cannot be moved by trains or flown in by aircraft or even shipping has to be taken by road. Canada may have its Ice road truckers, but here we have some of the most bravest drivers in the world.
The Russian Federation has been involved in the oil, gas and mineral expansion for well over 50 years now in greater-Siberia. Pipe-lines get out most of the gas and fuels, but the moving of heavy machinery and people, food supplies and those odd bits road is still a vital link.
Russia has always had one of the worlds largest automotive industries and has built quite a variety of trucks over the years. The Ural, Maz, Baz and Gaz have also produced many versions both for civil construction and the military. Older vehicles have a long life in Russia, more on simplicity to repair and reliability they just keep going.
Thursday 20 August 2015
Cruise Liners.
Ever Bigger.
Comfort and pleasure and new experiences are now what is demanded in the cruise liner business. Comfort and styles with good food has been replaced by shopping and thrills. These ships are getting ever bigger and perhaps the future will see glass bottoms and more underwater as well as over water experiences.
Today there are many kinds of vessels operating in this role, by the big companies. but some people demand something more old fashioned and smaller ships from paddle steamers to steam ships are meeting these demands of luxury over gimmicks and avoid mass shopping to a more selective purchases.
Comfort and pleasure and new experiences are now what is demanded in the cruise liner business. Comfort and styles with good food has been replaced by shopping and thrills. These ships are getting ever bigger and perhaps the future will see glass bottoms and more underwater as well as over water experiences.
Today there are many kinds of vessels operating in this role, by the big companies. but some people demand something more old fashioned and smaller ships from paddle steamers to steam ships are meeting these demands of luxury over gimmicks and avoid mass shopping to a more selective purchases.
Thursday 13 August 2015
Self-Propelled Guns. Part-One.
Mobile Battlefield Artillery.
In someways the early development of the tank was the idea to have armoured artillery on the battlefield, but it was not until the 1930s that the United States produced the first SPG as a over armed MBT known as the Lee-Grant.
During World War-II (1939-45) Nazi-Germany became reliant more on their developments of SPG's that they had more of them than actual tanks. The idea of mobile artillery was good as long as that was their primary role, but as the war progressed Hitler in his madness and interference used them for the wrong role.
In Soviet Russia they easily became prey to the light T-34 tanks and in France and Italy to the American Sherman's. After the war Russia and America, along with many other nations saw the value of such a plat form in infantry support and even to this day they are still being developed.
U.S.A. M109 155mm, M109 105mm, SP 122,
Russia, 2S19 152mm, 2S3 152mm.
U.K. AS90.
Sweden Bofors 155mm.
Germany Wegmann 155mm.
Japan Type 75.
France GIAT 155mm.
Italy Palmeria 155mm.
Israel Soltam 155mm.
In someways the early development of the tank was the idea to have armoured artillery on the battlefield, but it was not until the 1930s that the United States produced the first SPG as a over armed MBT known as the Lee-Grant.
During World War-II (1939-45) Nazi-Germany became reliant more on their developments of SPG's that they had more of them than actual tanks. The idea of mobile artillery was good as long as that was their primary role, but as the war progressed Hitler in his madness and interference used them for the wrong role.
In Soviet Russia they easily became prey to the light T-34 tanks and in France and Italy to the American Sherman's. After the war Russia and America, along with many other nations saw the value of such a plat form in infantry support and even to this day they are still being developed.
U.S.A. M109 155mm, M109 105mm, SP 122,
Russia, 2S19 152mm, 2S3 152mm.
U.K. AS90.
Sweden Bofors 155mm.
Germany Wegmann 155mm.
Japan Type 75.
France GIAT 155mm.
Italy Palmeria 155mm.
Israel Soltam 155mm.
Thursday 6 August 2015
NASA's New Propultion Discovery.
The Electric Engine.
A new type of propulsion will see air travel on this planet revolutionised over the next one-hundred years and will also lay the bases perhaps for Martian flight and also on other Moons and Planets in our Solar-system.
You will have the go yourself to the NASA site to check it out, because it is to complicated to explain it here. There are many new ideas about getting into space at the moment and many nations have their own takes, but the questions is who will be the first apart from the United States?
Meanwhile the recent successful Solar powered around the world flight will lead to solar powered machines for mars and the Moons of Saturn and Jupiter!
A new type of propulsion will see air travel on this planet revolutionised over the next one-hundred years and will also lay the bases perhaps for Martian flight and also on other Moons and Planets in our Solar-system.
You will have the go yourself to the NASA site to check it out, because it is to complicated to explain it here. There are many new ideas about getting into space at the moment and many nations have their own takes, but the questions is who will be the first apart from the United States?
Meanwhile the recent successful Solar powered around the world flight will lead to solar powered machines for mars and the Moons of Saturn and Jupiter!
Thursday 30 July 2015
Russian Federation. Part-Two.
Always the sleeping Bear?
Russia is a country that one should really heed advices on starting any military conflict with, there have been many great world leaders and Empires that sought a scuffle with and have ended up in more of a mess than when they started!
Genghis Khan, Sweden, Napoleon and Adolf Hitler have all come to their ends with the stamina of the Russians over the last one-thousand years of history. Today Barak Obama wants to make a name for himself, but if he wakes up this slumbering bear his own people may lynch him up somewhere.
Russia has ordered 40 nuclear warheads and many former Soviet era designs are being updated for joint construction with its close allie China. Russia still has many friends in our world, they might be small but they hold strategic positions and once Russia is ready the U.S.A. may have more than they bargained for with Europe being obliterated, or was that Australia?
Russia is a country that one should really heed advices on starting any military conflict with, there have been many great world leaders and Empires that sought a scuffle with and have ended up in more of a mess than when they started!
Genghis Khan, Sweden, Napoleon and Adolf Hitler have all come to their ends with the stamina of the Russians over the last one-thousand years of history. Today Barak Obama wants to make a name for himself, but if he wakes up this slumbering bear his own people may lynch him up somewhere.
Russia has ordered 40 nuclear warheads and many former Soviet era designs are being updated for joint construction with its close allie China. Russia still has many friends in our world, they might be small but they hold strategic positions and once Russia is ready the U.S.A. may have more than they bargained for with Europe being obliterated, or was that Australia?
Thursday 23 July 2015
Auto-Gyros.
Simple and Cheaper.
The Gyro-Copter is now available to anyone who can afford to buy or to build their own (See Gyro-Planes. Part-One/Two).
New types of plastic and fibre glass have made this concept of combined aircraft and helicopter much lighter from using glass and metal.
The concept was first conceived jointly in the 1930's in Nazi-Germany and the United States, by the late 50's into the 1960's there were several types flying. From one to five seat versions and the British were responsible for building the largest ever. But they never really took off, in one or two of the fictional James Bond movies 'Nelli was a serious contender for a real military version.
It was believed that designer Barnes-Wallis may of built special one offs for the British secret service?
Today there are still many uses for this type of aircraft from patrol of borders to many other similar inspection works, on electricity and pipe lines, other than that it is for sheer pleasure
The Gyro-Copter is now available to anyone who can afford to buy or to build their own (See Gyro-Planes. Part-One/Two).
New types of plastic and fibre glass have made this concept of combined aircraft and helicopter much lighter from using glass and metal.
The concept was first conceived jointly in the 1930's in Nazi-Germany and the United States, by the late 50's into the 1960's there were several types flying. From one to five seat versions and the British were responsible for building the largest ever. But they never really took off, in one or two of the fictional James Bond movies 'Nelli was a serious contender for a real military version.
It was believed that designer Barnes-Wallis may of built special one offs for the British secret service?
Today there are still many uses for this type of aircraft from patrol of borders to many other similar inspection works, on electricity and pipe lines, other than that it is for sheer pleasure
Thursday 16 July 2015
Road Trains. Part-Three.
Helping to Deforestation in Brazil and Indonesia.
Logging world-wide is big business, many countries have taken advantage over the last fifty years of growing forestry mostly pine trees of various kinds. The trucks developed for military vehicle transportation after world-war-II (1939-45), were thus employed to this new role.
Traditionally logging was done with horses pulling one log at a time, but these days are now long gone. Many new machines have been developed, even to cut out manpower and trees are even processed and trucked to the various mills.
Brazil and Indonesia are seeing the worlds fastest deforestation, with little or no new growth being introduced. In Brazil deforested land is used for farming, while in Indonesia natural forests are being replaced with Palm oil trees that are not suitable.
Logging world-wide is big business, many countries have taken advantage over the last fifty years of growing forestry mostly pine trees of various kinds. The trucks developed for military vehicle transportation after world-war-II (1939-45), were thus employed to this new role.
Traditionally logging was done with horses pulling one log at a time, but these days are now long gone. Many new machines have been developed, even to cut out manpower and trees are even processed and trucked to the various mills.
Brazil and Indonesia are seeing the worlds fastest deforestation, with little or no new growth being introduced. In Brazil deforested land is used for farming, while in Indonesia natural forests are being replaced with Palm oil trees that are not suitable.
Thursday 9 July 2015
Terrorism. Part-Two.
Adaption.
The movies like 'Black Hawk down' allow us to see how various groups use their vehicles to fit heavy guns, but it is in the news footage that we glimpse some of what appear at first hand to be silly adaptions. Most common guns are between 12.7 to 20mm and sometimes in pairs.
If they work, they will be used and if not then attempts to capture the real 'McCoy will be made. The problems with this type of small unit warfare is that bulky items such as MBT and other tracked vehicles eventually have to be abandoned, just because they are hard to hide.
Many modern armies around the world employ spacial forces in their counter-measures operations, such the U.S. Seals, Russian Spetnatza and the British SAS. All of these, plus a few others have improvised vehicles that are light to meet their limited capability of lightening strikes.
It is perhaps only the Israelis who operate, as a disguised army and have the best world-wide reputation for being effective.
The movies like 'Black Hawk down' allow us to see how various groups use their vehicles to fit heavy guns, but it is in the news footage that we glimpse some of what appear at first hand to be silly adaptions. Most common guns are between 12.7 to 20mm and sometimes in pairs.
If they work, they will be used and if not then attempts to capture the real 'McCoy will be made. The problems with this type of small unit warfare is that bulky items such as MBT and other tracked vehicles eventually have to be abandoned, just because they are hard to hide.
Many modern armies around the world employ spacial forces in their counter-measures operations, such the U.S. Seals, Russian Spetnatza and the British SAS. All of these, plus a few others have improvised vehicles that are light to meet their limited capability of lightening strikes.
It is perhaps only the Israelis who operate, as a disguised army and have the best world-wide reputation for being effective.
Thursday 2 July 2015
Terrorism. Part-One.
Improvisation.
Terrorists usually operate with light arms, RPG's (Rocket Propelled Grenade Launchers), SAM's (Surface to Air Missiles) and occasional Cannons up to 23mm calibre. But some are more than a small group and could be described as a little army.
ISIS/ISIL Now come into to join the PLO, Hezbollah, FARC and the Al-Quida/Mujaheddin-Taliban.
Many of these groups have commandeered existing occupation military equipment and have adapted it to suit their own environments such as Libya, Somalia and Iraq/Syria. From Toyota pickups to heavy armour are being converted or worked down, rather than reinforced.
Terrorists usually operate with light arms, RPG's (Rocket Propelled Grenade Launchers), SAM's (Surface to Air Missiles) and occasional Cannons up to 23mm calibre. But some are more than a small group and could be described as a little army.
ISIS/ISIL Now come into to join the PLO, Hezbollah, FARC and the Al-Quida/Mujaheddin-Taliban.
Many of these groups have commandeered existing occupation military equipment and have adapted it to suit their own environments such as Libya, Somalia and Iraq/Syria. From Toyota pickups to heavy armour are being converted or worked down, rather than reinforced.
Thursday 25 June 2015
Russian Federation. Part-One.
Re-Armament.
With European Union sanctions now being placed on Russia, it has caused it to re-arm with new MBT, the order of Nuclear warheads and missile systems. Many world leaders are defending the rights of the expansion of Europe into the Baltic States and the Ukraine and this all has echoes of Nazi-Germany.
Russia wanted peace and made great efforts to comply with the west to do so from the day of Gorbachev, but sadly the weak leadership of Barak Obama has allowed a third world war crises to be on the brink.
The Russian Federation has plenty of military equipment available and with economic co-operation with Iran and the Peoples Republic of China, it will find it easy to develop more and more newer and advanced types equiptment and defence systems.
With European Union sanctions now being placed on Russia, it has caused it to re-arm with new MBT, the order of Nuclear warheads and missile systems. Many world leaders are defending the rights of the expansion of Europe into the Baltic States and the Ukraine and this all has echoes of Nazi-Germany.
Russia wanted peace and made great efforts to comply with the west to do so from the day of Gorbachev, but sadly the weak leadership of Barak Obama has allowed a third world war crises to be on the brink.
The Russian Federation has plenty of military equipment available and with economic co-operation with Iran and the Peoples Republic of China, it will find it easy to develop more and more newer and advanced types equiptment and defence systems.
Thursday 18 June 2015
The Australian Navy.
Tri-Ships.
It is now perhaps Australia that is leading the world in marine design say that over Sweden, with its generations of tri-ships. These large catamaran designs have proved more effective to handle the conditions of the southern-Oceans and the Pacific.
The Polynesian peoples knew a thing or two about how to build wooden boats and hop from island chain to chain. These ancient boats covered all aspects of the sea from trade to fishing to war and raiding parties.
Australia's biggest problem at the moment is illegal fishing and immigrants hoping to cross the Indian Ocean, but we can be sure that there are many other illicit activities where these types of ships and patrol craft can handle better than single hull vessels.
It is now perhaps Australia that is leading the world in marine design say that over Sweden, with its generations of tri-ships. These large catamaran designs have proved more effective to handle the conditions of the southern-Oceans and the Pacific.
The Polynesian peoples knew a thing or two about how to build wooden boats and hop from island chain to chain. These ancient boats covered all aspects of the sea from trade to fishing to war and raiding parties.
Australia's biggest problem at the moment is illegal fishing and immigrants hoping to cross the Indian Ocean, but we can be sure that there are many other illicit activities where these types of ships and patrol craft can handle better than single hull vessels.
Thursday 11 June 2015
Road Trains. Part-Two.
Problems.
The problems with road traffic is the quality of the roads, from Highways to dirt tracks. This is what limits the use of heavy haulage traffic who need to keep on the smooth, rather than getting stuck on broken ground.
Russia, China, America, Brazil and many other better developed nations can take advantage of this type of long distant haulage and there are many new concepts coming on the the commercial market. The moving of machinery is the main need for some road trains, but it can be animals and general goods that would be cheaper than flying or sailing them in?
The one disadvantage seems to be the side moving bus development is still not available to heavy haulage and would be of benefit to expand into countries with worse road conditions?
The problems with road traffic is the quality of the roads, from Highways to dirt tracks. This is what limits the use of heavy haulage traffic who need to keep on the smooth, rather than getting stuck on broken ground.
Russia, China, America, Brazil and many other better developed nations can take advantage of this type of long distant haulage and there are many new concepts coming on the the commercial market. The moving of machinery is the main need for some road trains, but it can be animals and general goods that would be cheaper than flying or sailing them in?
The one disadvantage seems to be the side moving bus development is still not available to heavy haulage and would be of benefit to expand into countries with worse road conditions?
Thursday 4 June 2015
Aviation Lifters. Part-Two.
Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, Antonov An-124/224.
These are currently the three largest giants of the aviation world in the area of heavy lifting, as yet there no cargo version of the civil Airbus A380 on the cards. Lifting of oil and drill rigs parts are the main uses today, apart from the ability to Carry ICBM (Inter-continental Ballistic missile) components. Russia, Canada and Australia along with the Amazon in Brazil are the areas for this type of work.
We do not hear much about this, because these aircraft really are military more than they are civil. But now with exploration and the ever increasing demand of fossil fuels by developing nations, such as China, India and Brazil there is a demand for commercial contract flying.
These are currently the three largest giants of the aviation world in the area of heavy lifting, as yet there no cargo version of the civil Airbus A380 on the cards. Lifting of oil and drill rigs parts are the main uses today, apart from the ability to Carry ICBM (Inter-continental Ballistic missile) components. Russia, Canada and Australia along with the Amazon in Brazil are the areas for this type of work.
We do not hear much about this, because these aircraft really are military more than they are civil. But now with exploration and the ever increasing demand of fossil fuels by developing nations, such as China, India and Brazil there is a demand for commercial contract flying.
Thursday 28 May 2015
Space and Under the Oceans.
The race is on?
The need now to develop a replacement of the U.S. Space shuttle is now well underway with Boeing taking the lead, all of this is based on British ideas from forty years ago of designing a re-usable space plane. The former Space shuttle was a great spacecraft, but it became a glider on return, Soviet Russia developed a totally robotic version known as the Buran, but it was also technically a glider on return to Earth.
Britain and Europe were working on a rocket aircraft that was manoeuvrable going up and coming down and could be diverted if the weather was causing problems. Meanwhile there are many new underwater developments, which are connected as much to future space travel to planets and Moons in our solar system, which may have oceans worth investigating either with robotic and eventually manned missions.
The need now to develop a replacement of the U.S. Space shuttle is now well underway with Boeing taking the lead, all of this is based on British ideas from forty years ago of designing a re-usable space plane. The former Space shuttle was a great spacecraft, but it became a glider on return, Soviet Russia developed a totally robotic version known as the Buran, but it was also technically a glider on return to Earth.
Britain and Europe were working on a rocket aircraft that was manoeuvrable going up and coming down and could be diverted if the weather was causing problems. Meanwhile there are many new underwater developments, which are connected as much to future space travel to planets and Moons in our solar system, which may have oceans worth investigating either with robotic and eventually manned missions.
Thursday 21 May 2015
High Speed Trains. Part-One.
From the Bullet to ICE.
Over the last seventy years Japan with its Bullet, France and the TVG and now Germany and the ICE have made serious breakthroughs in speed and comfort to get people from A-B/Z. Japan was the first to develop a really high speed train and despite Earthquakes and many other disasters the system has expanded and continues to grow.
France was determined to have a similar system to fan out from its capital Paris and be also part of a wider European network, even before there was one. The Channel Tunnel has allowed a serious extension to be made, but within the U.K. this remains limited and future plans are being delayed.
On the other hand Germany has joined the European network with its own sleek version known as ICE, while Italy, Switzerland are also developing their versions and linking up with France and Germany.
Over the last seventy years Japan with its Bullet, France and the TVG and now Germany and the ICE have made serious breakthroughs in speed and comfort to get people from A-B/Z. Japan was the first to develop a really high speed train and despite Earthquakes and many other disasters the system has expanded and continues to grow.
France was determined to have a similar system to fan out from its capital Paris and be also part of a wider European network, even before there was one. The Channel Tunnel has allowed a serious extension to be made, but within the U.K. this remains limited and future plans are being delayed.
On the other hand Germany has joined the European network with its own sleek version known as ICE, while Italy, Switzerland are also developing their versions and linking up with France and Germany.
Thursday 14 May 2015
Road Trains. Part-One.
Haulage.
Generally most trucking in Europe is a combination of one vehicle plus a trailer, but in Australia, Canada and the United States along with Russia and China there are more possibilities to have a number of trailers forming a train.
What limits haulage is other alternatives such as shipping and railways, because in the long term they are much cheaper on fuel costings.
The movement of livestock is perhaps one of the best usages for this type of haulage in the outback of Australia, were the alternatives are limited.
Thursday 23 April 2015
Aviation Lifters. Part-One.
From civil to Military.
Air freight is one thing, but to lift specialist loads aircraft have been designed for the job. Initially these types of aircraft started off as the heavy bombers of the early years in aviation history and during World War-II (1939-45) they were developed for the movement of mass troops and long range flying boats.
After the second world war there was a demand for the movement of main battle tanks and missiles components and so began the need for bigger and bigger aircraft.
Soviet Russia had its giant Antonov An-22, while the United States developed the C-141 Starlifter, Boeing 747-100-400/8, Globemasters 1-111 and the C-5 Galaxy.
Russia replied with the need for an aircraft to carry its robotic space shuttle Buran and so was born the Antonov An-124 Ruslan and 224 Mirya.
Air freight is one thing, but to lift specialist loads aircraft have been designed for the job. Initially these types of aircraft started off as the heavy bombers of the early years in aviation history and during World War-II (1939-45) they were developed for the movement of mass troops and long range flying boats.
After the second world war there was a demand for the movement of main battle tanks and missiles components and so began the need for bigger and bigger aircraft.
Soviet Russia had its giant Antonov An-22, while the United States developed the C-141 Starlifter, Boeing 747-100-400/8, Globemasters 1-111 and the C-5 Galaxy.
Russia replied with the need for an aircraft to carry its robotic space shuttle Buran and so was born the Antonov An-124 Ruslan and 224 Mirya.
Thursday 16 April 2015
Cargo Ships. Part-Three.
Differing Loads.
Most of today's cargo traffic is part of the container world, the container protects goods and also hides them from prying eyes. But not all goods that need moving by sea can fit into a container and so a group of ships have been designed to meet this criteria in the term General Cargo.
Some vessels carry odd shaped loads, other pre-built housing and machinery, others have been adapted as internal tankers, others for fertilisers, various types of ground down rocks and still others for coal. They all fit the category for sea and large canal operations and are flexible in what they take from A-to-B.
Today there are thousands of these types of vessels operating right across the world, some are quite aged and still chugging along while newer ones are more state of the art with low loading and their own cranes.
Most of today's cargo traffic is part of the container world, the container protects goods and also hides them from prying eyes. But not all goods that need moving by sea can fit into a container and so a group of ships have been designed to meet this criteria in the term General Cargo.
Some vessels carry odd shaped loads, other pre-built housing and machinery, others have been adapted as internal tankers, others for fertilisers, various types of ground down rocks and still others for coal. They all fit the category for sea and large canal operations and are flexible in what they take from A-to-B.
Today there are thousands of these types of vessels operating right across the world, some are quite aged and still chugging along while newer ones are more state of the art with low loading and their own cranes.
Thursday 9 April 2015
In the Big Country. Part-Two.
Canadian Pacific.
Canada has that awesome feel about it, it is only one of a few countries that can claim that feeling still today. Most of Canada is lonely and remote and its has temperature differences much like Russia, the need of long distant travel is a necessity that cannot be done without.
The railroad from Vancouver in British Colombia to the east remains the focus of this vital link covering the southern areas and the centre. Going north and north-west is a continuing problem, because of the cold and harsh winter conditions.
That is why we have the 'Iceroad Truckers,' who take vital supplies of equipment to isolated mining sites. Modern Air travel has facilitated the opportunity to get people and general freight from A to B. But it is the railroad and the need to expand it that perhaps will remain the back bone of Canada.
Canada has that awesome feel about it, it is only one of a few countries that can claim that feeling still today. Most of Canada is lonely and remote and its has temperature differences much like Russia, the need of long distant travel is a necessity that cannot be done without.
The railroad from Vancouver in British Colombia to the east remains the focus of this vital link covering the southern areas and the centre. Going north and north-west is a continuing problem, because of the cold and harsh winter conditions.
That is why we have the 'Iceroad Truckers,' who take vital supplies of equipment to isolated mining sites. Modern Air travel has facilitated the opportunity to get people and general freight from A to B. But it is the railroad and the need to expand it that perhaps will remain the back bone of Canada.
Friday 3 April 2015
Easter Eggs.
Transportation of Eggs.
People tend to forget that the egg was one of the hardest commodities to transport, it was easy enough to go from the root to the home with the basket. The problems started initially on the carts and waggons and the age old problem was solved with the development of the egg carton.
The invention of the train demanded the development of wooden racks and waggons designated just for eggs with ceiling vents, these were usually painted white to start with and later blue and white. What had been gained here went on to trucks and vans, as long as the eggs could not move to much they stayed intact.
Today with the cartons, accidents will still happen but new development in controlled cooling allows the egg to have a slightly longer life to enable it to travel longer distances than ever before!
HAPPY EASTER.
People tend to forget that the egg was one of the hardest commodities to transport, it was easy enough to go from the root to the home with the basket. The problems started initially on the carts and waggons and the age old problem was solved with the development of the egg carton.
The invention of the train demanded the development of wooden racks and waggons designated just for eggs with ceiling vents, these were usually painted white to start with and later blue and white. What had been gained here went on to trucks and vans, as long as the eggs could not move to much they stayed intact.
Today with the cartons, accidents will still happen but new development in controlled cooling allows the egg to have a slightly longer life to enable it to travel longer distances than ever before!
HAPPY EASTER.
Thursday 26 March 2015
In the Big Country. Part-One.
Railways in their own Right.
Australia.
To get from A-to B railways are the best for the movement of goods and minerals, Melbourne to Perth and Darwin to Melbourne via Alice Springs in now part of the life line of this Island continent. Australia's out back is harsh, lonely and extremely dangerous.
The trains that cross these wildernesses are operated by hard crews and their machines are some of the best in the world. Australia has plenty of mineral resources from copper and Iron ore to bauxite and Uranium. Many areas of mining are now undertaken by robotic controlled trucks, because of their toxic nature.
The railroad is inland and safer, some countries may use their coasts for shipping, Australia does not have that option, because the mineral's are located in the heart of the continent.
Australia.
To get from A-to B railways are the best for the movement of goods and minerals, Melbourne to Perth and Darwin to Melbourne via Alice Springs in now part of the life line of this Island continent. Australia's out back is harsh, lonely and extremely dangerous.
The trains that cross these wildernesses are operated by hard crews and their machines are some of the best in the world. Australia has plenty of mineral resources from copper and Iron ore to bauxite and Uranium. Many areas of mining are now undertaken by robotic controlled trucks, because of their toxic nature.
The railroad is inland and safer, some countries may use their coasts for shipping, Australia does not have that option, because the mineral's are located in the heart of the continent.
Thursday 19 March 2015
Air Freighters. Part-Five.
Freighters of the 21st Century.
Many older aircraft as we have seen in this series remain in service for these roles of freight and postal use, but now with the rise in Internet shopping their is an even greater demand on 'Mail order and many traditional carriers such as FedEx and UPS are turning to the Boeing 777, because of its cubic space.
The Russian Antonov An-124 Ruslan, Ilyushin Il-176, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and Boeing 747-8, are able to lift those really cumbesome loads.
Meanwhile the market for large business and executive jets, with a combi capability has provided most manufactures to develope varians such as the sucessful Boeing 737 BBJ, 777, Embraer is now adopting their E-190's and Airbus is offering a version of their A319 for this role.
Aircraft both civil and military large, medium and small will always be found a useful role in cargo, post, and private use.
Many older aircraft as we have seen in this series remain in service for these roles of freight and postal use, but now with the rise in Internet shopping their is an even greater demand on 'Mail order and many traditional carriers such as FedEx and UPS are turning to the Boeing 777, because of its cubic space.
The Russian Antonov An-124 Ruslan, Ilyushin Il-176, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and Boeing 747-8, are able to lift those really cumbesome loads.
Meanwhile the market for large business and executive jets, with a combi capability has provided most manufactures to develope varians such as the sucessful Boeing 737 BBJ, 777, Embraer is now adopting their E-190's and Airbus is offering a version of their A319 for this role.
Aircraft both civil and military large, medium and small will always be found a useful role in cargo, post, and private use.
Thursday 12 March 2015
Driverless Vehicles. Part-Two.
'More common that we Realise.'
Many modern tram, mono rails and rapid transit systems are now robotically controlled around the world. The most famous of these is perhaps the London Docklands Light Railway, were millions of people each day put their hand's in their driver less trains.
This now extensive network that serves East and South-East London is controlled from one centre at Poplar, while the main depot is at Becton. This line also goes underground now in two places from Tower Hill (Gateway) to Bank and under the River Thames from Island Gardens on the Isle of Dog's to Greenwich (Cutty Sark).
Many of the newer monorails in Germany are also driver less, not as extensive as the London DLR and the new London Ski Lift they are automatically controlled. In time more and more systems and trams will be automated, perhaps with only a conductor or ticket collector to give re-assurance of human contact!
Many modern tram, mono rails and rapid transit systems are now robotically controlled around the world. The most famous of these is perhaps the London Docklands Light Railway, were millions of people each day put their hand's in their driver less trains.
This now extensive network that serves East and South-East London is controlled from one centre at Poplar, while the main depot is at Becton. This line also goes underground now in two places from Tower Hill (Gateway) to Bank and under the River Thames from Island Gardens on the Isle of Dog's to Greenwich (Cutty Sark).
Many of the newer monorails in Germany are also driver less, not as extensive as the London DLR and the new London Ski Lift they are automatically controlled. In time more and more systems and trams will be automated, perhaps with only a conductor or ticket collector to give re-assurance of human contact!
Thursday 5 March 2015
Artificial Intelligence. Part-Two
Knowing.
This is some realy old stuff, but back in the 1970's West-Germany, the police introduced a robotic policeman to guide traffic and for years no one actually ever knew that he was not real.
This robot in a police uniform had authority and respect, he stayed out in all weathers and no one ever thought anything was strange.
Today our train driver or other roles could be in the hands of robots, and we being so busy now with technology, emails and the various sharing sites, would not take notice.
This is some realy old stuff, but back in the 1970's West-Germany, the police introduced a robotic policeman to guide traffic and for years no one actually ever knew that he was not real.
This robot in a police uniform had authority and respect, he stayed out in all weathers and no one ever thought anything was strange.
Today our train driver or other roles could be in the hands of robots, and we being so busy now with technology, emails and the various sharing sites, would not take notice.
Thursday 26 February 2015
Back to the Past. Part-One.
'Cold War Tactics.
It would now seem that both the United States and European NATO are on the verge of another Cold War with the new Russia or as propaganda wants us to believe the Dictatorship of Putin. Meanwhile it looks like both America and Britain are openly supporting Ukrainian Neo-Nazism being held at bay by the European Union German and French leadership of Merkle and Holland.
NATO Air forces are reported now to be intercepting Russian Tupolev TU-95 Bears on a regular bases over the English Channel and off the west-coast of the Republic of Ireland.
The TU-95 is the only survivor of the former Soviet maritime reconnaissance type, it is unique in that it has propellers that rotate in opposite directions on each engine. This effect is known to be very fuel officiant giving the Bear a long operational distance.
At the moment the United States and NATO have no equivalent type to do this role.
It would now seem that both the United States and European NATO are on the verge of another Cold War with the new Russia or as propaganda wants us to believe the Dictatorship of Putin. Meanwhile it looks like both America and Britain are openly supporting Ukrainian Neo-Nazism being held at bay by the European Union German and French leadership of Merkle and Holland.
NATO Air forces are reported now to be intercepting Russian Tupolev TU-95 Bears on a regular bases over the English Channel and off the west-coast of the Republic of Ireland.
The TU-95 is the only survivor of the former Soviet maritime reconnaissance type, it is unique in that it has propellers that rotate in opposite directions on each engine. This effect is known to be very fuel officiant giving the Bear a long operational distance.
At the moment the United States and NATO have no equivalent type to do this role.
Thursday 19 February 2015
Cargo Ships. Part-Two.
Container World.
It was the introduction of the container that has changed the world, we now can have anything and everything exported and imported in a metal box. The mordern world is built around the container, which can be carried by road, train, large transport aircraft and shipping.
These containers are available in various sizes, I have noticed that in India and Ireland they are smaller and are perhaps easier to handle without the need of a fork-lifter or crane. But the disadvantage with conainers is that they are good for hiding criminal goods and are hard to detect by police and customs.
Old containers are not heading directly to the scap yard, but now being used in housing projects both in the United Kindom and the Netherlands, while in Canada units are employed for small business start ups.
It was the introduction of the container that has changed the world, we now can have anything and everything exported and imported in a metal box. The mordern world is built around the container, which can be carried by road, train, large transport aircraft and shipping.
These containers are available in various sizes, I have noticed that in India and Ireland they are smaller and are perhaps easier to handle without the need of a fork-lifter or crane. But the disadvantage with conainers is that they are good for hiding criminal goods and are hard to detect by police and customs.
Old containers are not heading directly to the scap yard, but now being used in housing projects both in the United Kindom and the Netherlands, while in Canada units are employed for small business start ups.
Thursday 12 February 2015
Driverless Vehicles. Part-One.
Robotic Vehicles.
What is behind the idea to have a driver less vehicle? Is it a way to control speed and cut out joy riding and motorway incidents! What advantage do we have without the human over ride, if one is not fitted and will these vehicles be monitored by the police and security to know were we travel too?
The benefits may come in slower speeds and helping people with disability, but a lot will be lost perhaps to the freedoms of driving we currently have. The individual choice of a sports car over and small family car may be lost in us only having the types provided.
Will these new cars be driven by petrol engines or electric, will they be fitted with hidden sensors even to the point of security cameras to gather behavioural information?
They are questions worth answering before the world goes down the road of more state control. What will happen to the vehicles we now have, will they become obsolete, banned or limited in their use and what about the rest of the world?
What is behind the idea to have a driver less vehicle? Is it a way to control speed and cut out joy riding and motorway incidents! What advantage do we have without the human over ride, if one is not fitted and will these vehicles be monitored by the police and security to know were we travel too?
The benefits may come in slower speeds and helping people with disability, but a lot will be lost perhaps to the freedoms of driving we currently have. The individual choice of a sports car over and small family car may be lost in us only having the types provided.
Will these new cars be driven by petrol engines or electric, will they be fitted with hidden sensors even to the point of security cameras to gather behavioural information?
They are questions worth answering before the world goes down the road of more state control. What will happen to the vehicles we now have, will they become obsolete, banned or limited in their use and what about the rest of the world?
Thursday 5 February 2015
Artificial Intelligence. Part-One.
Mans fear of A.I.
It would seem that there are a number of scientists and writers who at this time are trying to warn the world that A.I is developing at an alarming rate. They are warning that within 100 years Humanity could be extinct and replaced with self-thinking and repairing robots.
The Robotics industry has now moved on from automobile manufacturing to the various 'Asimo type humanoid machines. Honda of Japan has been one of the leaders in this field of robotics, but so has Germany and Russia.
But it all lies in the construction of U.S. Military self thinking processors that have been fitted to Predator and Raptor drones being used in Afghanistan, N-Pakistan and now the Syrian-Iraqi ISIL (Islamic State in Levant) front. Many other experimental types of U.S. robotics have been deployed in Yemen, Somalia and the Kenyan-Ethiopia region.
I want to look further into this and see the benefits of these Robots and why there are fears arising?
It would seem that there are a number of scientists and writers who at this time are trying to warn the world that A.I is developing at an alarming rate. They are warning that within 100 years Humanity could be extinct and replaced with self-thinking and repairing robots.
The Robotics industry has now moved on from automobile manufacturing to the various 'Asimo type humanoid machines. Honda of Japan has been one of the leaders in this field of robotics, but so has Germany and Russia.
But it all lies in the construction of U.S. Military self thinking processors that have been fitted to Predator and Raptor drones being used in Afghanistan, N-Pakistan and now the Syrian-Iraqi ISIL (Islamic State in Levant) front. Many other experimental types of U.S. robotics have been deployed in Yemen, Somalia and the Kenyan-Ethiopia region.
I want to look further into this and see the benefits of these Robots and why there are fears arising?
Thursday 29 January 2015
Modern trains and Metros. Part-Two.
Upgrades and Extensions.
Many countries around the world today are starting to see the value of what they have in relation to joint rail and Metro systems and have began the upgrading of stock. Meanwhile some have also extended their networks, lines and have brought other closed or planned sections back into operation.
In some cases the advancements being made in design, speed and comfort may look good to the eye, but sometimes they fail on reliability and age.
The United Kingdom, France and Germany have been able to do much, while some south-American countries Brazil, Argentina have the opportunity to start new projects along with Australia and New Zealand. India is trying and has started to grasp the need for the metro network.
Eastern Europe and Russia and many other nations have perhaps neglected what thy have and are now in financial constrains to start doing anything. The far-east Singapore, Japan, China and south-Korea in my mind always has the vision to take full advantage, but has to turn back to Europe and the United States for the design and engineering that is required.
Many countries around the world today are starting to see the value of what they have in relation to joint rail and Metro systems and have began the upgrading of stock. Meanwhile some have also extended their networks, lines and have brought other closed or planned sections back into operation.
In some cases the advancements being made in design, speed and comfort may look good to the eye, but sometimes they fail on reliability and age.
The United Kingdom, France and Germany have been able to do much, while some south-American countries Brazil, Argentina have the opportunity to start new projects along with Australia and New Zealand. India is trying and has started to grasp the need for the metro network.
Eastern Europe and Russia and many other nations have perhaps neglected what thy have and are now in financial constrains to start doing anything. The far-east Singapore, Japan, China and south-Korea in my mind always has the vision to take full advantage, but has to turn back to Europe and the United States for the design and engineering that is required.
Thursday 22 January 2015
Cargo Ships. Part-One.
General.
This is the official term used for most shipping under that of the Bulk carrier, Chemical and Oil tankers. The general cargo ship comes in various sizes and they are used for a mixture of cargo's, basically what ever order or contract they can get.
Timber, fertiliser, gravel, grains scrap, rubbish are some of the general cargo's, they operate into and out of all sizes of ports and facilities. Some of this ships are in fact glorified river barges, while others at one time were known as Coasters because they kept close to the coasts in their travels.
Most of these ships today carry their own excavators or small cranes, if the quay has no facility.
Today there are so many specialised ships that are dedicated to various roles, but the cargo ship will live on because of the demand to move all sorts of small amounts of goods and 'that is a great thing in its self.'
This is the official term used for most shipping under that of the Bulk carrier, Chemical and Oil tankers. The general cargo ship comes in various sizes and they are used for a mixture of cargo's, basically what ever order or contract they can get.
Timber, fertiliser, gravel, grains scrap, rubbish are some of the general cargo's, they operate into and out of all sizes of ports and facilities. Some of this ships are in fact glorified river barges, while others at one time were known as Coasters because they kept close to the coasts in their travels.
Most of these ships today carry their own excavators or small cranes, if the quay has no facility.
Today there are so many specialised ships that are dedicated to various roles, but the cargo ship will live on because of the demand to move all sorts of small amounts of goods and 'that is a great thing in its self.'
Thursday 15 January 2015
Air Freighters. Part-Four.
The 1970's onwards.
From the 1970's and the advent of the McDonnell-Douglas DC-10 to the 11F, Lockheed Tristar and the rise of the Jumbo jet, Boeing 747-100/400 the age that we live in has now occurred. From day one these aircraft had the potential and the Boeing 747, MD-11F soldier on with many specialist airlines operating all around the world.
Apart from post and parcels (DHL, UPS, FexEx, TNT) many are employed in the movement of military equipment of various type. Airlines such as Kalitta, Atlas, Gemini, Air Bridge cargo, Aerologic all carry sometimes unlisted loads using the above mentioned types.
Meanwhile the Boeing 757, earlier 737's and the newer 777 are now converted fro this role. The European Airbus manufacturer has also used its older types for freight, Post and general cargo. Some of these types were intially offered in the combi-configuration, especcially the Boeing 747-200. it looks like that his will continue to be the case.
From the 1970's and the advent of the McDonnell-Douglas DC-10 to the 11F, Lockheed Tristar and the rise of the Jumbo jet, Boeing 747-100/400 the age that we live in has now occurred. From day one these aircraft had the potential and the Boeing 747, MD-11F soldier on with many specialist airlines operating all around the world.
Apart from post and parcels (DHL, UPS, FexEx, TNT) many are employed in the movement of military equipment of various type. Airlines such as Kalitta, Atlas, Gemini, Air Bridge cargo, Aerologic all carry sometimes unlisted loads using the above mentioned types.
Meanwhile the Boeing 757, earlier 737's and the newer 777 are now converted fro this role. The European Airbus manufacturer has also used its older types for freight, Post and general cargo. Some of these types were intially offered in the combi-configuration, especcially the Boeing 747-200. it looks like that his will continue to be the case.
Thursday 8 January 2015
UAV.UCAV and Drones.
Will they replace manned combat?
Computer technology is now moving at a alarming rate that Stephen Hawking's has joined the concerned camp that humanity might be overrun by Robots. Could he be right?
Most missions that are today being carried out in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Horn of Africa are done by robotic drones controlled from NATO bases in Europe or from ships in the Indian ocean.
This new type of warfare is saving human lives of pilots and special operation ground troops, but it is not saving civilians. This is because Jihadi militants have the habit of using human shields were ever they are operating from.
The technology employed in the drones gives 3D mapping of the terrain and is able to update by the minute with live day and infra-red imagery. Missiles can now be targeted and launched 90 miles from the target, meaning that the UAV/UCAV is neither seen nor heard by the enemy.
These drones are also deployed at sea, surface and underneath, there are a various array of robotic vehicles that also can be more effective without human capacity.
Computer technology is now moving at a alarming rate that Stephen Hawking's has joined the concerned camp that humanity might be overrun by Robots. Could he be right?
Most missions that are today being carried out in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Horn of Africa are done by robotic drones controlled from NATO bases in Europe or from ships in the Indian ocean.
This new type of warfare is saving human lives of pilots and special operation ground troops, but it is not saving civilians. This is because Jihadi militants have the habit of using human shields were ever they are operating from.
The technology employed in the drones gives 3D mapping of the terrain and is able to update by the minute with live day and infra-red imagery. Missiles can now be targeted and launched 90 miles from the target, meaning that the UAV/UCAV is neither seen nor heard by the enemy.
These drones are also deployed at sea, surface and underneath, there are a various array of robotic vehicles that also can be more effective without human capacity.
Thursday 1 January 2015
A new take on the Bicycle.
Many new Ideas..
But are all these new inventions really viable or safe over the clever design of the bicycle? At the moment nothing has really come about to seriously replace the original concept, this is perhaps because again and again inventors are not really trying.
The United States and Australia would seem to be the only countries who are trying out new ideas, but what is stopping them is that they can always rely on fossil fuel power.
The bicycle has the great advantage that it could become its own energy producer, peddle power combined with solar could help the cyclists to get up hills without having to do much of the work.
Meanwhile going down the hill would produce enough power re-charge the re-chargeable battery, so it would be ready for the next hill.
Weight of components is perhaps one of the draw backs and most of the new designs lack the seat, which takes the strain off ones back.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
But are all these new inventions really viable or safe over the clever design of the bicycle? At the moment nothing has really come about to seriously replace the original concept, this is perhaps because again and again inventors are not really trying.
The United States and Australia would seem to be the only countries who are trying out new ideas, but what is stopping them is that they can always rely on fossil fuel power.
The bicycle has the great advantage that it could become its own energy producer, peddle power combined with solar could help the cyclists to get up hills without having to do much of the work.
Meanwhile going down the hill would produce enough power re-charge the re-chargeable battery, so it would be ready for the next hill.
Weight of components is perhaps one of the draw backs and most of the new designs lack the seat, which takes the strain off ones back.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
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