Malaysia and Indonesia.

Three Airliner Losses.

Is there something going on here that we do not fully know about yet? Three commercial aircraft from two countries in  the region have lost their aircraft, one disappeared from radar on a flight to China, a second was shot down in the Ukraine by unknown hostiles while on a flight from the Netherlands to Australia. Now we have a possible thunder and lightening strike on this Indonesian aircraft flying to Singapore.

The first loss is an enigma? Australian security specialist suggested it was Cyber Hijacked and this type of crime has recently been seen emanating from North-Korea in relation to a Sony film. 

Second we have the conflicting reports of who and how the aircraft over the Ukraine was destroyed, was it shot down by a Russian missile or by a Ukrainian fighter jet mistaking it for a Russian commercial overflight?

This last one would seem it was struck by lightening, while trying to divert from developing storms. But as yet these are all ideas. The one thing which does not seem to be urgently addressed, is the essential need to secure the transponder and black boxes, so that they continue to ping long after an aicraft disappears or crashes?

It's Christmas. Part-Two.

Ice Vehicles.

There is a whole plethora of tracked, sled and four plus wheeled drive vehicles across snowy world to come with both permanent snow and winter conditions. But it amazes me that still the U.K. is not able or wants to be able to operate normally in snow.

Back in the 1970's British Rail always excused its stock problem delays with its the leaves on the line or I once hear on a train 'its the BR pork pies.'

It is claimed by many experts that snow varies from country to country and that is why it's not worth investing here in the complex machinery needed. Airlines and rail enjoy making money out of the traveller and it would seem sensible to not cause them delays.

Anyway Happy Christmas to you all.

It's Christmas. Part-One.

Sleds.

Father Christmas is on his way to bring good kids their presents this season. There are many countries still using animal powered sleds for the Christmas novelty. 

But it is he motorised sled business, which is continuing to boom in Alaska, Canada, Finland, Greenland and Russia. This is were they are really the only viable way to get from A-Z.

The sled is one of the most interesting means of movement, apart from the wheel and track. Many machines, including aircraft and helicopters are fitted with sleds to cope with icy conditions.

Model World.

Modelling.

The hobby of modelling those machines that we like to look at, film and photograph can be some times the closest we will ever get to seeing how they are designed and made. From Space to trains and automobiles to ships, there is nearly a model for every machine that has ever been created.

Owning a model layout or a racing track to a model diorama is knowing that you have put it together and can adapt and change it at any time.

Wither these models are glued or remote control, racing cars, boats or a model railway they will bring us hours of pleasure.

The model world is not for everyone, but for many it is a great joy and past time. I wonder what Father Christmas will be bringing us this year in our over sized stocking?

Clutha.

One Year On.

After the sad crash of a Eurocopter, now Aerospastial EC-135 in Glasgow last year, there is still no report published on what was the cause of this crash. Eurocopter has meanwhile changed hands, is this a clue to an ongoing problem with the type or just business.

The EC-135 was the development of the Kawasaki-117, which was a great step foward in helicopter design. 

Meanwhile the helicopter is and will remain an essential kit for the emergency service, search and rescue and the military until the Boeing V-22 Osprey and its succesive types become more popular.