Take the "A" Train

Take the "A" Train, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The new AeroTrain system at Washington Dulles International Airport features some spectacular architecture. The two glass tubes contain the train tracks. Automatically opening doors in the tubes allow passengers to board and disembark. The system currently serves the main terminal and three concourses. Eventually it will loop around the entire airport. Cost for the project so far $1.4 billion.

Double Trouble

Double Trouble, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Two pristine P-51 Mustang fighters line up for their afternoon flight. An American design powered by a British engine, the P-51 was greatly feared by German pilots during World War 2. Kathy and I waited to see them take off and I have to say there is nothing in this world like the sound of the Merlin engine.

Glory Days

Glory Days, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

I was a little shocked to see the condition of this seemingly famous experimental aircraft. It was rotting away in the boneyard at the Chino Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, CA. It turns out this is just a television prop. It was built and used for a show called Quantum Leap in 1989. The actual X-2 became the first aircraft to fly higher than 100,000 feet with pilot Iven C. Kincheloe at the controls. It was lost after becoming the first aircraft to fly in excess of Mach 3. The pilot Milburn G. "Mel" Apt was killed and the test program was ended.

Lowdown on the A4 Skyhawk

Lowdown on the A4 Skyhawk, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

I had been walking around the USS Midway for about an hour with my camera and tripod shooting HDR sequences here and there. I wasn't really liking the photos I was making though. Looked ok I guess but nothing special. Then I realized that it was my viewpoint that was off. When photographing a car, I almost always collapse my tripod and get a low angle shot. This makes the car look more powerful and the viewpoint is interesting because we rarely look at cars from 3" above the pavement. Why should it be any different for aircraft? The fun part was watching the other Midway visitors puzzling over why I way laying down on the abrasive flight deck peering through my camera.

Phantom on Deck

Phantom on Deck, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This is an amazingly restored McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter bomber on the flight deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum which is located in San Diego bay. No longer in active service with the U.S. military, the Phantom was an all weather, two seat, twin engined aircraft used extensively during the Vietnam war. This aircraft is located in the landing area of the flight deck. A volunteer docent who was a former F-4 pilot with over 600 carrier landings was available to explain how Navy aircraft are recovered aboard.

Oxcart Decendant

Oxcart Decendant, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Mach 3+ SR-71 Blackbird greets guests to the Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport, Chantilly Virginia. This 10 shot HDR sequence was taken using my Gorillapod Focus camera support system. Udvar Hazy does not allow tripods but the guards seemed unsure what to say about my articulated wonder.

Vietnam Era Aircraft

Vietnam Era Aircraft, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Udvar Hazy Center in Chantilly Virginia has multi-level walkways from which you can view the various aircraft that are on the hanger floor or suspended at various levels from the ceiling. I was able to wrap my gorilla pod to the hand rail of these walkways to steady my camera. This allowed me to take my typical 10 shot HDR's and avoid the security guards who zealously enforce the "no tripods allowed" rule.

Sabre Jet

Sabre Jet, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This incredibly restored Korean War era F-86 Sabre fighter's skin is actually quite smooth. The HDR process brings out so much detail that in this case minor imperfections are enhanced. This aircraft is flown regularly and often travels to air shows. The F-86 is considered a "sweet ride" by pilots for it's nimble handling qualities.

Goodnight Sweetheart

Goodnight Sweetheart, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

An experimental Yakovlev fighter witnesses another beautiful California sunset at the Chino Planes of Fame Museum.

I had been at the museum all day and had decided to wait around for sunset to see if it would be a nice one. Closing time had come and gone but I thought if I kept a low profile I might be able to stay inside until the sky got really pretty.

Right after I took this sequence the security guard came over and started closing the hanger doors. When he saw me with my camera and tripod he was ready to give me the boot but I pointed at the dramatic sky outside and asked if I could take a few more sequences. He took one look, said "wow that's amazing!" and agreed to give me a few more minutes.

It's funny how we often don't see the beauty around us until someone points it out to us. 

Tomcat in Repose

Tomcat in Repose, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This newly restored F-14 Tomcat is a great addition to the Yanks Air Museum in Chino California.