Blackhawk, Inside and Out

If you ever wondered what a US Army Blackhawk helicopter looked like on the inside and out, take a look at this video I made. This particular helicopter was part of a show at my local airport. The crew was very accommodating, allowing us wing nutz to take a seat at the controls. Here’s the video:

The control panel is not one of those multi-function displays, but rather clusters of individual instruments. You’ll also notice the spartan construction, no fancy woodwork or even smooth sheet metal. Just a raw panel with instruments bolted fast. Makes it easy to replace and repair, which is an important factor in military operations. Since I don’t have my helicopter rating, there was no chance of a jaunt in the this bird, not that it was in the cards if I had the ticket. Still, it was interesting to meet the crew, check out their machine, and learn a few things.

Published in: on September 26, 2011 at 12:08 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Thomas the Tank Engine!

Thomas the Tank Engine arrived in Strasburg, PA to thrill children and adults alike. The Strasburg Railroad served as host, with their rolling stock providing seating for people to ride toward Paradise, PA and back, through the surrounding countryside where the Amish have their farms. I took the following video showing Thomas pulling into the station, then backing out, and returning again. Take a look.

I was amazed by the number of children standing by the tracks, calling out to that little blue engine. In this age of electronic gadgetry, it was a joy to see kids interested in an old-time attraction like a steam engine. More footage of the steam trains at Strasburg and elsewhere will becoming soon. Keep an eye out here at The Bent Page.

Published in: on September 24, 2011 at 7:56 pm  Leave a Comment  
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The Sultan, directions and food

Regular readers of The Bent Page have seen posts about The Sutlan, a middle-eastern restaurant located in Aruba. Well, here’s another post about this place, including a video with driving directions and a look at the food. You’ll also see the menu. Take the opportunity to use the “pause button” to check out what’s on offer and the prices. Those numbers are in florins, divide by 1.75 to get dollars. Here’s the video:

The footage was taken on a Sunday when a local bed and breakfast operator hosts his guests at the large table. What a spread The Sultan puts on for them! A sampler of most all the dishes that people can feast upon as they desire. This is a great way to try the many flavors without ordering an entire plate for yourself. One of the things I like most about the restaurant is the consistency, always hot and tasty. La Sultana is the nice young lady who provides table service. She’s from Colombia, hence the moniker, “La Sultana.”

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on September 23, 2011 at 1:21 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Aruba’s Windmills

Several years ago, a series of ten large windmills were set up in Aruba. Each one has the capability to generate about 3 megawatts. Given the steady tradewinds that blow in from the east, these turbines run near full power for about 9 months of the year. Here’s a view of several taken from a helicopter.

They stand about 300′ above the ground, facing east into the breeze. You can see the rugged shore at the edge of the frame. Here’s a look at a single unit.

In earlier posts, I showed how the bases were constructed. They’re rather stout, and they better be, because sometimes that easterly blows in excess of forty knots, generating a tremendous amount of pressure against the tower. There is talk of more turbines coming to the island. In the mean time, large reciprocating power plants (think big diesel engines) have been installed at the WEB plant in Balashi. Either way, Aruba enjoys one of the most reliable power grids in the Caribbean.

Bon dia.

Published in: on September 21, 2011 at 2:30 pm  Leave a Comment  
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