View allAll Photos Tagged Guideline,
The only one rule that I am still following in terms of photography is: Keep it simple.
Making it simple in composition is very useful guideline for everyone.
There is the snow capped mountain and the flowers at Agassiz Tulips Festival. And these are what I need in the frame.
This is just repost of an archive picture taken in 2009.
Happy Thursday!
- Bean soup
- Sopa de fríjol
_______________________________
INGREDIENTES
Esta é apenas uma orientação geral. Pode-se acrescentar outros tipos de carnes.
Rendimento: 15 porções
- 1 kg de feijão tipo carioquinha
- 250 g de linguiça calabresa defumada
- 250 g de bacon
- 2 tabletes de caldo sabor feijoada
- 1 envelope de sazon vermelho
- 1 cebola média picada
- 1 maço de cebolinha picadas
- 1 maço de salsinha picadas
- 3 dentes de alhos picados
- Sal e pimenta a gosto
INGREDIENTS
This is just a general guideline. You can add other types of meat.
Yield: 15 servings
- 1 kg of beans like pinto
- 250 g of Calabrian smoked sausage
- 250 g of bacon
- 2 tablets of feijoada flavor broth
- 1 envelope of red sazon
- 1 onion chopped average
- 1 bunch of chives chopped
- 1 bunch of parsley chopped
- 3 cloves chopped garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
INGREDIENTES
Esto es sólo una guía general. Usted puede agregar otros tipos de carne.
Rendimiento: 15 porciones
- 1 kg de frijol pinto como
- 250 g de Calabria salchicha ahumada
- 250 g de tocino
- 2 pastillas de caldo sabor feijoada
- 1 sobre de Sazón roja
- Media picada 1 cebolla
- 1 manojo de cebollino picado
- 1 manojo de perejil picado
- 3 dientes de ajo picados
- Sal y pimienta al gusto
45049 "The Staffordshire Regiment" (British Railways, allocated to Toton Depot).
8J43 : 0844 Whitemoor to Temple Mills mixed freight.
Broxbourne - c1100 - 09/12/81.
When I had symptoms of the virus last week, I decided not to upload any more "Golden Oldies", due to the large number of people, totally ignoring the "lockdown" & continuing to photograph trains, using all manner of lame excuses, to justify their journeys.
Here's one that "caught my eye" from yesterday:-
"The weekend shopping has lasted just four days and by this afternoon we'd run out of fruit and croissants so the mid week shop was again required. The Tesco near the Wicker in Sheffield was chosen as it is also within a mile of Woodburn Junction and the evening passage of the 1Q50 1340 Derby RTC to Doncaster West Yard top and tailed by 37423 and 37424".
However, this would penalise my friends, who like me have not taken any photographs during the "lockdown" (First time I haven't photographed a train in April since 1975!!!) or have combined it, with a single period of exercise (not leaving the house two, three or four times a day, for two, three or four hours)!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"No wonder the UK is the worst in Europe for coronavirus – our ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude let it happen", if people can't keep to the guideline of 1 hr for daily exercise, with the Belstead Banker doing 2 hours or more in the last three days.
Pictured in Bourton-on-the-Water is GC68 PUP, a Mercedes-Benz 516CDI Sprinter/UNVI C19F coach new to Guideline, Chelsfield, Greater London in October 2018.
Want to find out more? Join The PSV Circle - Details at www.psvcircle.org.uk
Copyright © P.J. Cook, all rights reserved. It is an offence to copy, use or post this image anywhere else without my permission.
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-:- ( 1 ) - ( 2 ) - ( 3 ) - ( 2X5 ) - ( 6 ) - ( 7 ) - ( 8 ) - ( 9 ) - (2X10) -:-
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With some Haiku Notes:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Other dimensions
providing information,
just don't look; but see.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Take aim and you'll see
truth behind reality
in both yin and yang
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's all in your mind
concentrate and be mindful
sense reality
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Noble Eightfold Path describes the way to the end of suffering, as it was laid out by Siddhartha Gautama. It is a practical guideline to ethical and mental development with the goal of freeing the individual from attachments and delusions; and it finally leads to understanding the truth about all things. Together with the Four Noble Truths it constitutes the gist of Buddhism. Great emphasis is put on the practical aspect, because it is only through practice that one can attain a higher level of existence and finally reach Nirvana. The eight aspects of the path are not to be understood as a sequence of single steps, instead they are highly interdependent principles that have to be seen in relationship with each other.
1. Right View
Right view is the beginning and the end of the path, it simply means to see and to understand things as they really are and to realise the Four Noble Truth. As such, right view is the cognitive aspect of wisdom. It means to see things through, to grasp the impermanent and imperfect nature of worldly objects and ideas, and to understand the law of karma and karmic conditioning. Right view is not necessarily an intellectual capacity, just as wisdom is not just a matter of intelligence. Instead, right view is attained, sustained, and enhanced through all capacities of mind. It begins with the intuitive insight that all beings are subject to suffering and it ends with complete understanding of the true nature of all things. Since our view of the world forms our thoughts and our actions, right view yields right thoughts and right actions.
2. Right Intention
While right view refers to the cognitive aspect of wisdom, right intention refers to the volitional aspect, i.e. the kind of mental energy that controls our actions. Right intention can be described best as commitment to ethical and mental self-improvement. Buddha distinguishes three types of right intentions: 1. the intention of renunciation, which means resistance to the pull of desire, 2. the intention of good will, meaning resistance to feelings of anger and aversion, and 3. the intention of harmlessness, meaning not to think or act cruelly, violently, or aggressively, and to develop compassion.
3. Right Speech
Right speech is the first principle of ethical conduct in the eightfold path. Ethical conduct is viewed as a guideline to moral discipline, which supports the other principles of the path. This aspect is not self-sufficient, however, essential, because mental purification can only be achieved through the cultivation of ethical conduct. The importance of speech in the context of Buddhist ethics is obvious: words can break or save lives, make enemies or friends, start war or create peace. Buddha explained right speech as follows: 1. to abstain from false speech, especially not to tell deliberate lies and not to speak deceitfully, 2. to abstain from slanderous speech and not to use words maliciously against others, 3. to abstain from harsh words that offend or hurt others, and 4. to abstain from idle chatter that lacks purpose or depth. Positively phrased, this means to tell the truth, to speak friendly, warm, and gently and to talk only when necessary.
4. Right Action
The second ethical principle, right action, involves the body as natural means of expression, as it refers to deeds that involve bodily actions. Unwholesome actions lead to unsound states of mind, while wholesome actions lead to sound states of mind. Again, the principle is explained in terms of abstinence: right action means 1. to abstain from harming sentient beings, especially to abstain from taking life (including suicide) and doing harm intentionally or delinquently, 2. to abstain from taking what is not given, which includes stealing, robbery, fraud, deceitfulness, and dishonesty, and 3. to abstain from sexual misconduct. Positively formulated, right action means to act kindly and compassionately, to be honest, to respect the belongings of others, and to keep sexual relationships harmless to others. Further details regarding the concrete meaning of right action can be found in the Precepts.
5. Right Livelihood
Right livelihood means that one should earn one's living in a righteous way and that wealth should be gained legally and peacefully. The Buddha mentions four specific activities that harm other beings and that one should avoid for this reason: 1. dealing in weapons, 2. dealing in living beings (including raising animals for slaughter as well as slave trade and prostitution), 3. working in meat production and butchery, and 4. selling intoxicants and poisons, such as alcohol and drugs. Furthermore any other occupation that would violate the principles of right speech and right action should be avoided.
6. Right Effort
Right effort can be seen as a prerequisite for the other principles of the path. Without effort, which is in itself an act of will, nothing can be achieved, whereas misguided effort distracts the mind from its task, and confusion will be the consequence. Mental energy is the force behind right effort; it can occur in either wholesome or unwholesome states. The same type of energy that fuels desire, envy, aggression, and violence can on the other side fuel self-discipline, honesty, benevolence, and kindness. Right effort is detailed in four types of endeavours that rank in ascending order of perfection: 1. to prevent the arising of unarisen unwholesome states, 2. to abandon unwholesome states that have already arisen, 3. to arouse wholesome states that have not yet arisen, and 4. to maintain and perfect wholesome states already arisen.
7. Right Mindfulness
Right mindfulness is the controlled and perfected faculty of cognition. It is the mental ability to see things as they are, with clear consciousness. Usually, the cognitive process begins with an impression induced by perception, or by a thought, but then it does not stay with the mere impression. Instead, we almost always conceptualise sense impressions and thoughts immediately. We interpret them and set them in relation to other thoughts and experiences, which naturally go beyond the facticity of the original impression. The mind then posits concepts, joins concepts into constructs, and weaves those constructs into complex interpretative schemes. All this happens only half consciously, and as a result we often see things obscured. Right mindfulness is anchored in clear perception and it penetrates impressions without getting carried away. Right mindfulness enables us to be aware of the process of conceptualisation in a way that we actively observe and control the way our thoughts go. Buddha accounted for this as the four foundations of mindfulness: 1. contemplation of the body, 2. contemplation of feeling (repulsive, attractive, or neutral), 3. contemplation of the state of mind, and 4. contemplation of the phenomena.
8. Right Concentration
The eighth principle of the path, right concentration, refers to the development of a mental force that occurs in natural consciousness, although at a relatively low level of intensity, namely concentration. Concentration in this context is described as one-pointedness of mind, meaning a state where all mental faculties are unified and directed onto one particular object. Right concentration for the purpose of the eightfold path means wholesome concentration, i.e. concentration on wholesome thoughts and actions. The Buddhist method of choice to develop right concentration is through the practice of meditation. The meditating mind focuses on a selected object. It first directs itself onto it, then sustains concentration, and finally intensifies concentration step by step. Through this practice it becomes natural to apply elevated levels concentration also in everyday situations.
An Additional Haiku Note:
=============================
Take time be aware
we are no-thing but our thoughts
so said the Buddha
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Personal Thoughts from August 07, 1976
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Energy is one.
Individuals are parts of that one.
Individuals through a source such as Love
(or other emotion or virtue) are one.
Thoughts are a source of energy.
Energy is neither created or destroyed.
Thoughts are neither created or destroyed.
Individuals are tuned-in to thoughts.
We do not think; we experience thought.
Our level of development is how we use
these thoughts to experience other
thoughts.
We are actually experiencing energies.
Our level of development is how we can
tune-in to these energies.
Our true purpose is to think and develop;
think and develop; become the source of energy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
On our last day in Turin we managed a quick visit to the famous Fiat Lingotto Factory. It's probably most famous for the rooftop racetrack which briefly starred in The Italian Job'.
Unfortunately we didn't get to see that properly as although it's included with entry to the Modern Art Museum on the roof we didn't have enough time available to justify the cost. Anyway, it's always good to leave a couple of things for a return visit........
Click here to see more of my photos from various trips to Italy : www.flickr.com/photos/darrellg/albums/72157603213111374
From Wikipedia : "Lingotto is a district of Turin, Italy, and the location of the Lingotto building in Via Nizza. This building once housed an automobile factory built by Fiat.
Construction started in 1916 and the building opened in 1923. The design (by young architect Matté Trucco) was unusual in that it had five floors, with raw materials going in at the ground floor, and cars built on a line that went up through the building. Finished cars emerged at rooftop level to go onto the test track. It was the largest car factory in the world at that time. For its time, the Lingotto building was avant-garde, influential and impressive—Le Corbusier called it "one of the most impressive sights in industry", and "a guideline for town planning". 80 different models of car were produced there in its lifetime, including the Fiat Topolino of 1936.
The factory became outmoded in the 1970s and the decision was made to finally close it in 1982. The closure of the plant led to much public debate about its future, and how to recover from industrial decline in general. An architectural competition was held, which was eventually awarded to Renzo Piano, who envisioned an exciting public space for the city. The old factory was rebuilt into a modern complex, with concert halls, theatre, a convention centre, shopping arcades and a hotel. The eastern portion of the building is the headquarters of the Automotive Engineering faculty of the Polytechnic University of Turin. The work was completed in 1989. The track was retained, and can still be visited today on the top floor of the shopping mall and hotel."
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Harris's SWH 67 stands in Wellington Street Coach Station in Leeds. It is a Mercedes O303 integral coach, new in 1989 to Guideline, London SW16 registered F235 OFP.
The SA-2 changed aerial warfare as we know it: after shooting down the U-2 of Gary Powers, it soon proved itself to be the number one danger to planes in the air in many later conflicts, including Vietnam and the Six Day War by downing more enemy planes than MiGs.
The missile is actually quite big, about 10 meters long. To operate it successfully, one also needed a decent supply - this is why Evan is building a transporter truck (also known as "transloader"). I am looking forward to take some photos of the entire deployment together.
Brewing coffee drink can be done in several ways, but here are the basic steps for brewing coffee using a drip coffee maker:
Measure the Coffee: Measure out the desired amount of coffee using a coffee scoop. A general guideline is to use one to two tablespoons of coffee per six ounces of water.
Prepare the Filter: Place a paper filter in the coffee maker's filter basket. Make sure the filter is centered and that the sides of the filter touch the sides of the basket.
Add Water: Fill the coffee maker's water reservoir with the desired amount of water. Make sure to use cold water and not hot water, which can lead to over-extraction.
Add Coffee: Pour the measured coffee into the filter basket.
Brew: Turn on the coffee maker and wait for it to finish brewing. This usually takes a few minutes.
Pour and Enjoy: Once the brewing is complete, pour the coffee into a mug and enjoy. Add any desired milk or sweeteners, if desired.
Keep in mind that brewing coffee can vary depending on the type of coffee maker you are using, as well as the type of coffee and roast level you are using. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific coffee maker and experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios to find the perfect brew for you.
You can buy my postcards in here or buy me a coffee!
Photo by Girl Travel Factor
Seen on the M74 motorway at Uddingston is Rigby Coaches of Blackburn former England Football Team Coach FA15ENG which is an Irizar i6 bodied Scania new to Guideline of Battersea.
photo rights reserved by B℮n
The Nan Province is located in the north of Thailand and borders Laos. It is one of the lesser known provinces of Thailand, but is known for its natural beauty and culture. Nan is a historic city and is known for its rich culture and ancient temples. The temple Wat Phumin is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in Nan. Wat Phumin is one of the most visited and iconic temples in the region. What makes this temple so special is the unique design of the Viharn (prayer hall). The Viharn has four entrances, each with a hand-carved wooden canopy with detailed decorations and beautiful nail sculptures. Inside the Viharn you will find a beautiful central seated Buddha, known as Luang Pho Cha, surrounded by four dressed, seated statues representing local peoples. One of the most interesting features of the temple is its murals. On the walls of the Viharn you can see vibrant frescoes depicting scenes of the daily life of the Nan people, such as trade, agriculture, culture and traditional festivals. These paintings are a masterpiece of art and provide a unique insight into local history and culture. The atmosphere in the temple is calm and peaceful, making it an ideal place for meditation and reflection. If you ever get a chance to visit Nan, Thailand, Wat Phumin is definitely a must-see attraction.
In Buddhist temples, you will often see monks sitting in the prayer room or other special area where they can devote themselves to meditation, study, and receiving offerings and donations from believers. Meditation is an essential part of the Buddhist path as it helps to develop insight, wisdom and compassion. In Buddhist traditions, believers often give offerings to monks as a way of showing their respect for the Buddhist path and building merit. These offerings may consist of food, water, flowers, or other necessities. Receiving offerings is not only a way for monks to make a living, but it also enables believers to gain merit through generosity. Monks usually sit on a special raised platform on the floor known as "Thabat." Here they can meditate, pray, teach and receive offerings. In some cases, monks also use chairs, especially if they are elderly or have health problems. It is important to emphasize that monks dedicate themselves to a simple and humble lifestyle, leaving behind material possessions and comforts to focus on spiritual growth and service to others. They follow the Buddha's teachings of humility, generosity and compassion as a guideline for their daily life in the temple community.
De provincie Nan is gelegen in het noorden van Thailand en grenst aan Laos. Het is één van de minder bekende provincies van Thailand, maar staat bekend om zijn natuurlijke schoonheid en cultuur. Nan is een historische stad en staat bekend om zijn rijke cultuur en oude tempels. De stad Nan heeft een rijke geschiedenis die teruggaat tot het begin van het koninkrijk Sukhothai, dat in de 13e eeuw werd gesticht. De tempel Wat Phumin is een prachtige boeddhistische tempel gelegen in Nan. Wat Phumin is één van de meest bezochte en iconische tempels in de regio. Wat deze tempel zo bijzonder maakt, is het unieke ontwerp van de Viharn (gebedsruimte). De Viharn heeft vier ingangen, elk met een handgesneden houten luifel met gedetailleerde versieringen en prachtige nagelsculpturen. Binnenin de Viharn vind je een prachtige centrale zittende Boeddha, die bekend staat als Luang Pho Cha,. In boeddhistische tempels zie je monniken vaak in de gebedsruimte of een andere speciale ruimte zitten waar ze zich kunnen wijden aan meditatie, studie en het ontvangen van offers en donaties van gelovigen. In boeddhistische tradities geven gelovigen vaak offers aan monniken als een manier om hun respect te tonen voor het boeddhistische pad en om verdienste op te bouwen. Deze offers kunnen bestaan uit voedsel, water, bloemen of andere benodigdheden. Het ontvangen van offers is voor monniken niet alleen een manier om in hun levensonderhoud te voorzien, maar het stelt ook gelovigen in staat om verdienste te verwerven door vrijgevigheid. Het is belangrijk om te benadrukken dat monniken zich toewijden aan een eenvoudige en bescheiden levensstijl, waarbij ze materiële bezittingen en comfort achter zich laten om zich te richten op spirituele groei en dienstbaarheid aan anderen. De sfeer in de tempel is rustig en vredig, waardoor het een ideale plek is voor meditatie en reflectie. Als je ooit de kans krijgt om Nan, Thailand te bezoeken, is Wat Phumin zeker een must-see attractie.
A morning at Stonehenge today (18/07/2025) to burn up some spare time I'd accrued actually working! Although not many of the 55 coaches that turned up caused any great excitement, a few did in the shape of a rather gorgeous Setra S511HD from Austria, a 25-plate Irizar from Westbury (courtesy of James Underwood), and an unusual local bus running on the Stonehenge tour from Salisbury. A pleasant morning with friends.
Day 194 ~ Flights of Fancy
This is one of those “ahhhhh” photos for me and it’s going into my nature portfolio next time I update it. There is a compositional guideline called the Golden Triangle where the lines follow a diagonal the subject falls at a 90-degree angle to the diagonal. This image is almost a perfect example of a GT. The barn swallows, parents and young, are all flying around every evening. I captured one getting ready to take off from our roof. I LOVE this photo.
Uploaded on 06-02-2020
Our two parties, Democrats and Republicans, are still divided and mocking each other while our cities are being burned, looted and destroyed. Why are the protesters being allowed to demonstrate while ordinary citizens are being told to stay home because of the pandemic? Even peaceful assembly violates the guideline set by the government for stay home order, curfew and social distancing.
Let-them-vent policy doesn't work. It's laughable. Enough is enough. The citizens are pissed. Start cracking down on the looters as a start. It's not OK to loot. Many businesses are already more than hurting.
This model will be shown in August in Brickfair Virginia as part of a larger collaboration. Yes, for the first time during my builder career I have decided to go there in person!
Scania K400EB6 Irizar PB
YS2K6X20001883866
New to Guideline, Battersea
Ex Harlequin Coaches, Livingston
Plymouth 440GTX Superbird (1970) Engine 440 cu in (7200cc) V8
Decals Sox + Martin
Registration Number SKK 337 H (First registered in the UK in 2002 on an age related number first allocated to Maidstone)
PLYMOUTH SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623690509863...
Introduced in 1970, at the height of the NASCAR aero wars period. For the 1969 season Chrysler and Dodge had debuted the aerodynamic Dodge Charger Daytona a car that featured an elacvated spoiler raised 23 inches off of the boot by upright pylons and an aerodynamic nose cone. But both cars struggled against the fastback Ford Torino Talladega and Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II in 1969. to make matters worse the Richard Petty team, Petty Engineering had switched to Ford, winning 10 races in 1969 and finished second in the NASCAR points championship.
To meet NASCAR homologation rules and also to bring Petty Engineering back to Chrysler, it was decided that Plymouth would get its own version of Dodge's winged wonder for the 1970 NASCAR season.to homologate the new car NASCAR required a manufacturer to build one unit per dealer. Production was 1,935 for the US market. Superbirds were available with three different engines. The most popular was the basic Super Commando 440 V8 with a single four barrel carburetor rated at 375 bhp next was the 440 Six Barrel rated at 390 bhp fiollowed by the more potent 426 Hemi, rated at 425 bhp. The Superbird was based on the Roadrunner with the aerodynamic nose, airfoil, and basic sheet metal differing from Daytona. The special nose added 19-inches (483 mm) to the overall length against 18 inches for the Daytona and the two foot high rear spoiler more angled. Although it created quite an impression on the street, the wing was not needed at normal highway speeds; it was designed for speedways, to keep the rear wheels to the ground at 150 mph plus
Due to increasing emissions regulations, combined with insurance hikes for high performance cars and NASCAR's effective ban on the aero cars, 1970 was its only production year.
SOX and MARTIN TEAM
Although the Superbird was designed for NASCAR oval track races, it also featured strongly inNHRA racing, chiefly through the Sox and Martin team. During the 1960-70s, Ronnie Sox and Buddy Martin were the number one Super Stock racing team in Plymouth. teaming up in the 1960s tghe team went on to become the most sucessful team of the muscle car era. in Stock and Superstock. As well as burning up the tracks, the two racers also worked with Plymouth by setting up the Sox & Martin Super Car Clinics featured at many Plymouth dealerships. This feature became a popular guideline for high performance enthusiasts among Mopar fans. As part of the promotional effort, Sox & Martin Drag Racing Clinics toured dealerships across the country to offer racing advice and to speak to their fans about high performance vehicles
Ronnie Sox was born in 1938 and passed away 22nd April 2006 at the age of 68 due to prostrate cancer, during his carreer he had won five National Hot Rod Association championships and more than 59 events
Many thanks for a fantabulous
46,510,670 views
Shot Brooklands New Years Day Gathering, 01.01.2016 - Ref 111-345
+++ DISCLAIMER +++
Nothing you see here is real, even though the conversion or the presented background story might be based historical facts. BEWARE!
After the Saab 38 (also known as B3LA) had been cancelled in 1979 in favor of the more advanced Saab JAS 39 Gripen multi-role fighter, Saab presented in 1991 a new trainer design to the Swedish Air Force as a replacement for the Saab 105 (Sk 60) transitional trainer, light attack and reconnaissance aircraft. This new aircraft was internally called "FSK900". The aircraft was a conservative design, with such a configurational resemblance to the Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jet that it is hard to believe Saab engineers didn't see the Alpha Jet as a model for what they wanted to do. However, even if that was the case, the FSK900 was by no means a copy of the Alpha Jet, and the two machines could be easily told apart at a glance. FSK900 had a muscular, rather massive appearance, while the Alpha Jet was more wasp-like and very sleek. The FSK900 was also bigger in length and span and had an empty weight about 10% greater.
The FSK900 was mostly made of aircraft aluminum alloys, with some control surfaces made of carbon-fiber / epoxy composite, plus very selective use of titanium. It had high-mounted swept wings, with a supercritical airfoil section and a leading-edge dogtooth; a conventional swept tail assembly; tricycle landing gear; twin engines, one mounted in a pod along each side of the fuselage; and a tandem-seat cockpit with dual controls.
The wings had a sweep of 27.5°, an anhedral droop of 7°, and featured ailerons for roll control as well as double slotted flaps. The tailplanes were all-moving, and also featured an anhedral of 7°. An airbrake was mounted on each side of the rear fuselage. Flight controls were hydraulic, and hydraulic systems were dual redundant.
Instructor and cadet sat in tandem in a common cockpit, both on zero-zero ejection seats, with the instructor's seat in the rear raised 27 centimeters (10.6 inches) to give a good forward view. The cockpit was pressurized and featured a one-piece canopy, hinged open to the right, which provided excellent visibility.
The landing gear assemblies all featured single wheels, with the nose gear retracting forward and the main gear retracting forward and into the fuselage, featuring an antiskid braking system. The twin engines were two Williams International FJ44-4M turbofans without reheat, each rated at 16.89 kN (3,790 lbst). These were the same engines that Saab had also proposed for Saab’s Sk 60 modernization program, even though a less powerful variant for the lighter aircraft.
The FSK900 could be fitted with two pylons under each wing and under the fuselage centerline, for a total of five hardpoints and a total external payload of 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). The inner wing pylons were wet and could take 450 liter (119 US gallon) auxiliary tanks. External stores included a centerline target winch for the target tug role, an air-sampling pod for detection of fallout or other atmospheric pollutants, jammer or chaff pods for electronic warfare training, a camera/sensor pod and a baggage pod for use in the liaison role. The aircraft also featured a baggage compartment in the center fuselage, which also offered space for other special equipment or future updates.
Potential armament comprised a conformal ventral pod with a single 27 mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon with 120 rounds (the same weapon that eventually went into the Saab Gripen). Other weapons included various iron and cluster bombs of up to 454 kg (1.000 lb) caliber, unguided missiles of various calibers and the Rb.74 (AIM-9L Sidewinder) AAM. A radar was not mounted, but the FSK900’s nose section offered enough space for a radome.
The Swedish Air Force accepted the Saab design, leading to a contract for two nonflying static-test airframes and four flying prototypes. Detail design was complete by the end of 1993 and prototype construction began in the spring of 1994, leading to first flight of the initial prototype on 29 July 1994. The first production "Sk 90A", how the basic trainer type was officially dubbed, was delivered to the Swedish Air Force in 1996.
A total of 108 production Sk 90s were built until 1999 in several versions. The initial Sk 90A trainer was the basis for the Sk 90B variant, which carried a weather radar (this variant was not adopted by the Swedish air force but sold to Austria) and the C variant with a set of cameras in the nose for the Swedish air force. In service, the type was regarded as strong, agile, and pleasant to fly, while being cheap to operate. Swedish Sk 90As flying in the training role were typically painted in the unique “Fields & Meadows” splinter camouflage, although decorative paint jobs showed up on occasion and many aircraft received additional dayglow markings. Some of the few aircraft given to operational squadrons, which used them for keeping up flight hours and as hacks, had been painted in an all-grey camouflage to match the combat aircraft they shared the flight line with.
Despite its qualities and potential, the Sk 90 did not attain much foreign interest, primarily suffering from bad timing and from the focus on domestic demands. The aircraft came effectively 10 years too late to become a serious export success, and in the end the Sk 90 was very similar to the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet (even though it was cheaper to operate) - at a time when the German Luftwaffe started to prematurely phase out its attack variant and flooded the global´market with cheap second hand aircraft in excellent condition. Furthermore, the Saab Sk 90 had, with the BAe Hawk, another proven competitor with a long operational track record all over the world.
Potential buyers were Malaysia as well as Singapore, Myanmar, Finland, Poland and Hungary. Austria eventually procured 36 Sk 90 Ö in 2002, replacing its Saab 105 fleet and keeping up its close connection with Saab since the Seventies, and a late customer became the independent Republic of Scotland in 2017, initially with a dozen leased Saab Sk 90A trainers.
This procurement was preceded by a White Paper published by the Scottish National Party (SNP) in 2013, which stated that an independent Scotland would have an air force equipped with up to 16 air defense aircraft, six tactical transports, utility rotorcraft and maritime patrol aircraft, and be capable of “contributing excellent conventional capabilities” to NATO. Outlining its ambition to establish an air force with an eventual 2,000 uniformed personnel and 300 reservists, the SNP stated the organization would initially be equipped with “a minimum of 12 interceptors in the Eurofighter/Typhoon class, based at Lossiemouth, a tactical air transport squadron, including around six Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules, and a helicopter squadron”.
According to the document, “Key elements of air forces in place at independence, equipped initially from a negotiated share of current UK assets, will secure core tasks, principally the ability to police Scotland’s airspace, within NATO.” An in-country air command and control capability would be established within five years of a decision in favor of independence, it continues, with staff also to be “embedded within NATO structures”.
This plan was immediately set into action after the country's independence from Great Britain in late 2017 with the purchase of twelve refurbished Saab JAS 39A Gripen interceptors for Quick Reaction Alert duties and former Swedish Air Force Sk 90A trainers for the nascent Republic of Scotland Air Corps (RoScAC), locally called Saab Sk90A “Iolaire” (Eaglet) T.1. These machines either came from operational Swedish squadrons or were put back into operation from mothballed overstock.
All machines were delivered to Scotland in the Swedish all-grey paint scheme, the machines taken from operational service had their original Swedish markings just painted over. The were all exclusively allocated to the newly established Eaglais a' Bhaile Ùir Flying Training School at Kirknewtoun (a former RAF air base) near Edinburgh. In 2019, the RoScAC’s first brand new aircraft arrived in the form of TF-50 “Golden Eagle” fighters from South Korea, which, as multi-role two seaters, complemented the Saab Sk 90’s in the advanced trainer role and also took over air space patrol duties from the Scottish JAS 39.
In early 2020, the leasing contract for the Sk 90s with Sweden was changed into a formal purchase, and the Iolaire fleet (as well as the Gripen fighters) gradually received the RoScAC’s new camouflage scheme in grey and green, which had been introduced with the TF-50s.
General characteristics:
Crew: two pilots in tandem
Length incl. pitot: 13.0 m (42 ft 8 in) for the A trainer, 13.68 m (44 ft 10 in) for the S variant
Wingspan: 9.94 m (32 ft 7 in)
Height: 4.6 m (15 ft 1 in)
Empty weight: 3,790 kg (8,360 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 7,500 kg (16,530 lb)
Powerplant:
2× Williams International FJ44-4M turbofans without reheat, rated at 16.89 kN (3,790 lbst) each
Performance:
Maximum speed: 1,038 km/h (645 mph)
Range: 1,670 km (900 nm)
Armament:
No internal gun; five hardpoints for 2,500 kg (5,500 lb) of payload and a variety of ordnance
The kit and its assembly:
This whif is a rarity among my builds, since it is an alternative reality model. A fictional air force of an independent Scotland crept into my mind after the hysterical “Brexit” events in 2016 and the former (failed) public vote concerning the independence of Scotland from the UK. However, the situation bore some serious storytelling potential: What would happen to the military if the independence would have actually taken place and British forces had left the country?
The aforementioned Scottish National Party (SNP) paper from 2013 is actually real, and I took it as a guideline. Primary focus would certainly be set on air space defense, and the Gripen appeared as a good and not too expensive choice. An advanced trainer would also have been needed, and the Sk 90 (a personal invention and already built as a Swedish and Austrian aircraft) would fulfill a complementary role.
A Scottish Sk 90 had been on my agenda since 2016, and now materialized as an addition to my Scottish TF-50 and two Sk 90s (a swedish and an Austrian one). The Saab Sk 90 is basically the 1:72 Kawasaki T-4 from Hasegawa, and since it was to depict an original Sk 90A, formerly operated by Sweden, it was built without modifications. The kit is relatively simple and fit is quite good, even though some PSR was necessary on almost any seam – there are actually two T-4 molds, and this one is the more recent offering.
Painting and markings:
I wanted to depict a RoScAC aircraft of the first hour, so I went for a Swedish look with tactical markings from the new operator. Since I already had a Sk 90 in Swedish “Fields & Meadows” camouflage, I decided to go for a Gripen-esque grey-in-grey livery.
Swedish JAS 39 carry a two-tone livery; the upper tone is called pansargrå (tank grey, which is, according to trustworthy sources, very close to FS 36173, Neutral Grey), while the undersides are painted in duvagrå (dove grey, FS 36373, a tone with the confusing name ”High Low Visibility Light Grey”), and the simple pattern was faithfully adapted to the T-4.
After checking a lot of Gripen pictures I selected different tones, though, because the colors appear much lighter in real life. I ended up with FS 36231 (Dark Gull Grey, Testors 1740) and RLM 63 (Lichtgrau, Testors 2077) – in combination, these tones come IMHO quite close to the real thing?
After a light black ink wash I emphasized single panels with Humbrol 165 and 147. The cockpit interior was painted with Revell 47 (Mausgrau) while the landing gear became glossy white.
For the RoScAC look I added some manually overpainted patches where the former Swedish roundels and tactical markings would have been. As a trainer, I also added orange dayglow markings on the fin and the wings, created with generic decal sheet material (TL Modellbau). The de-icing devices on the wings’ and fin’s leading edges were created with black decal stripes instead of paint, a very tidy and simple method. Decal strips in silver were used on the fin’s rudder and on the flaps. Small things, but they grade the grey model up visually.
Another creative field were the national markings: how could fictional Scottish roundels look like, and how to create them so that they are easy to make and replicate (for a full set for this kit, as well as for potential future builds…)? Designing and printing marking decals myself was an option, but I eventually settled for a composite solution which somewhat influenced the roundels’ design, too.
My Scottish roundel interpretation, already used on my RoScAC T-50, consists of a simple blue disk with a white cross – a straightforward solution since it’s different from any other contemporary national marking, esp. the UK roundel, and easy to create from single decal parts. In fact, the roundel discs were die-punched from blue decal sheet, and the cross consists of two thin white decal strips, cut into the correct length with the same stencil, again using generic sheet material from TL Modellbau.
Another issue was the potential tactical code, and a small fleet only needs a simple system. Going back to a WWII system with letter codes for squadrons and individual aircraft was one option, but, IMHO, still too complicated. However, for individual aircraft identification I adopted the familiar British single letter aircraft code, and since the RoScAC would certainly not operate too many squadrons, I rather adapted a system similar to the Swedish or Spanish format with a single number representing the squadron – or, in this case a letter, because the fictional Flying Training School would not be a front line unit.
The result is a simple 2-digit code, and I adapted the German system of placing the tactical code on the fuselage, separated by the roundel. Keeping British traditions up I repeated the individual aircraft code letter on the fin, where I also placed a Scottish flag (scratched from the same decal material as the roundels. A small serial number, created from single black letters (once more Tl Modellbau material) was added on the rear fuselage, and, for some local pride, I added a self-printed coat-of-arms of Edinburgh to the air intakes.
Finally, after some light weathering, the kit was finally sealed with matt acrylic varnish (Italeri).
Creating this whif, based on an alternative historic timeline and with a near future perspective, was fun – and it might spawn more models that circle around this story. A certain future build is a Saab Gripen in RoScAC colors and there might also be an entry level trainer (Shorts Tucano?), some helicopters for the army or SAR duties and maybe a transport aircraft, but not a big one. The foundation has been laid out, now it’s time to fill Scotland’s alternative recent history with detail and hardware proof. ;-)
Here's SBC Engineering of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex FA08 ENG.
It's a tri-axle Scania K420EB6 with Irizar PB C52FT bodywork which was new to Guideline Coaches of Battersea, London in June 2008 as the 2008 England Football team coach.
It's seen here parked up in the coach park for The Needles at Alum Bay, The Isle of Wight.
Date: 26.06.2013 13:53
although its first 'kill', Gary Powers' U-2- is unlikely to be surpassed.
My mistake- the SA-2 brought an RB-57D down in 1959. Powers was in 1960.
Yep, Center of US Diseases Control new guideline is relaxing even not wearing mask outdoor as long as all covax shots taken. So is for travelling abroad, or small gathering indoor outdoor.
My guess CDC doing that to encourage everyone to hurry up with getting vaccines instead of delaying. Mostly, young people and/or conspiracy believers are still shy from doing this herd immunity duty. Some I talked too still fearful of potential deadly vaccines reaction. Some simply opposes it. One private school even refuses employment for staffs who got vaccine shot. Don't take my word for it. Read it here:
www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-vaccine-miami-centner-academy-...
Lots of misleading still everywhere that keep people from cooperating to bring down pandemic soon as possible. There're more news about kids admitted in hospital than older adults, and higher fatality news from youth now. A young boy, likely under 10, died of C19 while on Hawaii vacation w/ his family. So tragic, so sad, so unfortunate.
people.com/health/young-boy-dies-of-covid-hawaii-vacation...
I really wish everyone, who refusing covax, would wake up soon and doing the right thing for the sake of everyone. And do it now, without delay. Every ONE is counted on to defeat this deadly microbe and its variants.
Got to trust science, people.
Confession: I do not take many portrait photographs. Paradoxically, it is why I am so interested as a photographer in the subject.
This weekend I went to an art museum in Indianapolis to contemplate art from the point of view of a photographer. When I am at an art museum, I have a rare chance to see what great artists outside of photography did. Can I use something in what they have created in my own photographs?
As I walked by this portrait hanging in the art museum, what immediately popped out to me were two key elements: the candidness of the subject and the framing of her in the canvas. Frankly, this painting made me stop dead in my tracks.
The authenticity of this image, which in this case is reflected by the candor of the subject checking out her teeth for lipstick smudge marks, is arresting. By the way, I see a lipstick spot that she missed.
The painter has focused tightly on her subject's face. Notice how the hat and arms are cropped, while both of the subject's rather busy hands are showing. Okay, I'm taking note: I should try to use a subject's hands to draw attention to the face, to frame the face. And if I show a hand, I should show the whole hand. Don't clip off a finger.
The painter is not having the subject look at us. That normally is not good. But by having the subject look into the compact, we the observers feel like we are privileged to see something that we normally would not see.
It looks like the painter has used the photographer's rule of thirds in framing a subject, or is it that photographers borrowed the rule of thirds from ancient portrait artists? I don't know. Notice how her eyes are above the center of the canvas. Those eyes fall right on the top third bar. And the eyes, nose and teeth are not in the vertical center of the canvas but rather fall on an invisible right vertical guideline as if the painting were divided into three evenly spaced vertical and three horizontal bars.
Do you see it?
Artist: Isabel Bishop, American, 1902-1988
Title: Tidying Up, 1941, Oil on Masonite
Venue: Indianapolis Museum of Art, Newfields
A new addition to the Coachpoint of Aldershot fleet is Scania K360EB6 / Irizar PB C52FT FA12ENG. The coach, new to Guideline of Battersea in 2012, is for a new venture being set up in Stoneleigh, Surrey. 'Epsom Explore' is about to launch a new coach tours operation and will be using this coach for their trips.
Seen in Woking in August 2020, FA12ENG kicked off its new career with some rail replacement work before it receives appropriate fleetnames.
The SA-2 is responsible for about 200 US fixed wing aircraft shot down (source) over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam conflict (from about 1600 total according to this report). It saw numerous modifications and improvements over the years as the "Desna" and "Volhov" modifications, which make it still relevant today.
Seen passing Buchanan Bus Station is Gardiner NMC of Morpeth Irizar PB bodied Scania WSV568. New to Guideline of Battersea as England Football Team Coach FA12ENG.
To Flickr Guideline Enforcer: This picture is art. This picture somehow reminds me of edward weston's photos... The clean lines and even tone of the figure provide the reduced sensory expression yet effectively portray the artistry of the subject. The negative space reflects to the postive shape, and continues to another positive shape, in a repeating triangular composition pattern, which stablizes the figure, yet in a dynamic pose. The contrast and the irony are the center of this picture...
To the rest: Her skin's texture is just so fine under this lighting condition. It really makes this picture very lively and intriguing...
The COVID epidemic has brought lots of uncertainty to this year's Halloween celebrations. Rather than have a uniform guideline for the Province of Ontario, the government has left it up to municipalities to each issue their own guidelines based on the local situation. As a result, there is a good deal of uncertainty regarding celebrations.
It remains to be seen how many families will be trick or treating this year in Toronto. I don't think it is safe and we will not be participating, but decorations are beginning to appear two weeks before the 31st and they are fun to see. Decorations are a safe way to celebrate and I'm glad some families are keeping that tradition going. It's a shame that children have been deprived of so many experiences this year, but a global pandemic is a really big deal and the safety of the public must come first.
Update: The Province has now listed Toronto as a zone of high transmission and recommends that families not trick or treat this year but find alternative, safe ways to celebrate.
Another data leak 3 years later would give us a look at a company guideline that was used for the construction of the vehicle – despite the attempts from APPAR to silence the leaks, this aided people in performing their own modifications to their Modulos, as well as small companies starting up specializing in the production of bespoke modular attachments for their cars.
Instructions can be found at rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-82667/Admiraltyphoon/modulo-podd...
~ adjusted to the mood & spirit that August carries {or at least is supposed to carry} with, soft greys, whites, naturals & touches of blue have been used for the packaging of some recent orders. {some handmade, paper boats here & there, too}
~ I try to keep the packaging in our shop always fresh { and the mind creative ;)}, avoiding repeating the same design more than a few times, though of course a certain guideline & style have been established.
~ if you have recenlty placed your order, this is a clue to what you will be receiving.
~ sincerely hope you to like it!
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An ultimate guideline to see the photo:
So imagine this is a boat that can take you to the land of dreams. You have to row by yourself, since only you know where you really want to go. And since no oars are provided (cheeky Finns), you have to dream them out as well. Somewhere in the background you can hear an alarm clock, but in the back of your mind you delude yourself that if you concentrate on the boat long enough, you might be able not to realise that it is time to get up already.
former Guideline Coaches.
Preston Train Station, 06.03.16
Images are Copyrighted to Gregg Collins unless stated otherwise.
All rights reserved means just that, I will not tolerate photographs to be taken and reused without permission.
CLICK TO READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE
One of the most basic and effective strategies for composition is the well-known Rule of Thirds. In a tic-tac-toe fashion, you mentally divide the image into nine rectangular areas by drawing two equally spaced horizontal and vertical lines. The result will give you three equal horizontal and vertical layers, with four points where the lines intersect.
Once you mentally divide the image into that nine part grid, you then place the elements of the scene according to that grid. There are several possibilities:
1. Place elements, especially important subjects, at one or two of the intersection points, what some call the “power points.”
2. Place elements along the vertical or horizontal lines. For example, put the horizon on the bottom line to emphasize the sky, or on the top line to emphasize the landscape.
3. Place elements neatly within the horizontal and/or vertical layers.
4. Combine these strategies in interesting ways.
But how exactly do we “place” elements? It happens in one’s ability to see a scene through the viewfinder according to this grid. That visual skill might come naturally for some people. Others might have to work at it. Bryan Peterson recommends getting a piece of glass or clear plastic with dimensions similar to the camera viewfinder, using a marker to draw the grid onto it, and then looking at the world though it while trying to compose shots. If you take shots that roughly approximate the Rule of Thirds, you might later fine-tune the proportions by cropping.
Why is the Rule of Thirds so important in visual design? The human mind doesn’t particularly like disorder and chaos. It naturally seeks out patterns and quickly detects their presence, often on an involuntary, subconscious level. The three part geometry of the Rule of Thirds is particularly catchy to the eye. It feels interesting, dynamic. It conveys tension and energy, especially at the power points. As I mentioned in the chapter on diagonal lines, the number 3 is psychologically compelling, sometimes even mystical. Think of mother/father/child, the love triangle, the Pyramids, the Holy Trinity. Think of the Three Stooges and the Three Little Pigs.
Here’s a more subtle aspect of the Rule of Thirds grid. Hopefully, the dimensions of the nine rectangular areas are aesthetically pleasing, as in the “golden ratio” of 8:5. The frame of the typical camera is very close to this ratio, which results in nine areas that also approach those dimensions. Applying the rule of thirds to images of unusual dimensions may result in divisions with proportions that are not as aesthetically pleasing.
Taking the Rule of Thirds as a rigid “rule” is a mistake. It’s best to consider it a guideline. Strict placement of elements according to the grid may be too predictable, too obviously geometric. A more subtle and loose interpretation stimulates that satisfying reaction in which our mind perceives order, but we cannot immediately verbalize why. Place elements near the lines or power points, but not right on them. Organize fields of color and texture close to the horizontal and vertical layers, but not squarely within them. Place a prominent subject at a power point and other elements more loosely around the grid.
In Pensare the subject’s head appears at the upper right power point, which creates a feeling of mental activity, while the blue blanket rests more peacefully within the lower third layer. In Weed the crabgrass lands directly on the lower right power point (a hint of its tenacity) while the slate stepping stones suggest a vertical division of thirds without falling directly on the horizontal lines.
In the photograph at the top of this page, the old tree rests comfortably within the right side layer, with its extended branch in the upper third, its trunk in the middle third, and its base in the bottom. The various layers of the background fall loosely within these vertical layers, while the three smaller trees emphasize the sensation of thirds. We tend to think of the lines and shapes of nature as being continuous, intricate, and flowing together in very complex ways. When the eye senses, perhaps subconsciously, that a photograph organizes this complexity according to a familiar geometry of thirds, the results can be very appealing.
In an image with a single subject and lots of background or negative space, we might apply the Rule of Thirds by creating twice as much background or space as subject. Usually, we would place the subject in the right third. Based on how people read, in many cultures the eye moves more naturally from left to right, so the viewer will feel more secure entering the background or space on the left and moving naturally to the subject on the right. The position of the subject will look more grounded. However, in some shots, we might instead place the subject on the left to create a sense of uneasiness and tension. The eye lands on the subject, trails off into the empty space on the right, and then tries to jump back to the subject, resulting in a “shifting” feeling. The photograph Suspicion illustrates this uneasy shiftyness.
We aren’t limited to Rule of Thirds proportions. We might also apply a Rule of Halves where the grid contains two lines, two vertical and horizontal halves, four rectangles, and only one intersection point at dead center. Usually we try to avoid placing subjects right at the middle of a shot because it looks static and boring. We also usually try to avoid dividing an image in half, which tends to create the appearance of two separate images and no unity. But in some shots a Rule of Halves geometry might be quite interesting.
It’s also possible to design an image based on a Rule of Fourths or a Rule of Fifths, as long as the viewer’s mind can detect this underlying pattern. If the placement of elements becomes too geometrically complex, the viewer might not sense any order.
Of course, we might completely ignore any guidelines based on geometric patterns. Breaking the rules can lead to very interesting compositions because they defy the traditions.
* This image and essay are part of a book on Photographic Psychology that I’m writing within Flickr. Please see the set description.
Some background:
The VF-1 was developed by Stonewell/Bellcom/Shinnakasu for the U.N. Spacy by using alien Overtechnology obtained from the SDF-1 Macross alien spaceship. It was preceded into production by an aerodynamic proving version of its airframe, the VF-X. Unlike all later VF vehicles, the VF-X was strictly a jet aircraft, built to demonstrate that a jet fighter with the features necessary to convert to Battroid mode was aerodynamically feasible.
After the VF-X's testing was finished, an advanced concept atmospheric-only prototype, the VF-0 Phoenix, was flight-tested from 2005 to 2007 and briefly served as an active-duty fighter from 2007 to the VF-1's rollout in late 2008, while the bugs were being worked out of the full-up VF-1 prototype (VF-X-1).
The space-capable VF-1's combat debut was on February 7, 2009, during the Battle of South Ataria Island - the first battle of Space War I, and was the mainstay fighter of the U.N. Spacy for the entire conflict. Introduced in 2008, the VF-1 would be out of frontline service just five years later.
The VF-1 proved to be an extremely capable craft, successfully combating a variety of Zentraedi mecha even in most sorties, which saw UN Spacy forces significantly outnumbered. The versatility of the Valkyrie design enabled the variable fighter to act as both large-scale infantry and as air/space superiority fighter. The signature skills of U.N. Spacy ace pilot Maximilian Jenius exemplified the effectiveness of the variable systems as he near-constantly transformed the Valkyrie in battle to seize advantages of each mode as combat conditions changed from moment to moment.
The basic VF-1 was deployed in four minor variants (designated A, D, J, and S) with constant updates and several sub-variants during its long and successful career. Its success was increased by the GBP-1S "Armored" Valkyrie and FAST Pack "Super" Valkyrie weapon systems, the latter enabling the fighter to operate in space.
After the end of Space War I, the VF-1A continued to be manufactured both in the Sol system (notably on the Lunar facility Apollo Base) and throughout the UNG space colonies. Although the VF-1 would eventually be replaced as the primary VF of the UN Spacy by the more capable, but also much bigger, VF-4 Lightning III in 2020, a long service record and continued production after the war proved the lasting worth of the design.
One notable operator of the VF-1 was the U.N. Spacy's Zentraedi Fleet, namely SVF-789, which was founded in 2012 as a cultural integration and training squadron with two flights of VF-1 at Tefé in Brazil. This mixed all-Zentraedi/Meltraedi unit was the first in the UN Spacy’s Zentraedi Fleet to be completely equipped with the 1st generation Valkyrie (other units, like SVF-122, which was made up exclusively from Zentraedi loyalists, kept a mixed lot of vehicles).
SVF-789’s flight leaders and some of its instructors were all former Quadrono Battalion aces (under the command of the famous Milia Fallyna, later married with aforementioned Maximilian Jenius), e. g. the Meltraedi pilot Taqisha T’saqeel who commanded SVF-789’s 3rd Flight.
Almost all future Zentraedi and Meltradi pilots for the U.N. Spacy received their training at Tefé, and the squadron was soon expanded to a total of five flights. During this early phase of the squadron's long career the VF-1s carried a characteristic dark-green wrap-around scheme, frequently decorated with colorful trim, reflecting the unit’s Zentraedi/Meltraedi heritage (the squadron’s motto and title “Dar es Carrack” meant “Victory is everywhere”) and boldly representing the individual flights.
In late 2013 the unit embarked upon Breetai Kridanik’s Nupetiet-Vergnitzs-Class Fleet Command Battleship, and the machines received a standard all-grey livery, even though some typical decoration (e. g. the squadron code in Zentraedi symbols) remained.
When the UN Spacy eventually mothballed the majority of its legacy Zentraedi ships, the unit was re-assigned to the Tokugawa-class Super Dimensional Carrier UES Xerxes. In 2022, SVF-789 left the Sol System as part of the Pioneer Mission. By this time it had been made part of the Expeditionary Marine Corps and re-equipped with VAF-6 Alphas.
The VF-1 was without doubt the most recognizable variable fighter of Space War I and was seen as a vibrant symbol of the U.N. Spacy even into the first year of the New Era 0001 in 2013. At the end of 2015 the final rollout of the VF-1 was celebrated at a special ceremony, commemorating this most famous of variable fighters.
The VF-1 Valkryie was built from 2006 to 2013 with a total production of 5,459 VF-1 variable fighters with several variants (VF-1A = 5,093, VF-1D = 85, VF-1J = 49, VF-1S = 30, VF-1G = 12, VE-1 = 122, VT-1 = 68) and ongoing modernization programs like the “Plus” MLU update that incorporated stronger engines and avionics from the VF-1’s successor, the VF-4 (including the more powerful radar, IRST sensor and a laser designator/range finder). These updates later led to the VF-1N, P an X variants.
However, the fighter remained active in many second line units and continued to show its worthiness years later, e. g. through Milia Jenius who would use her old VF-1 fighter in defense of the colonization fleet - 35 years after the type's service introduction!
General characteristics:
Equipment Type: all-environment variable fighter and tactical combat battroid
Government: U.N. Spacy, U.N. Navy, U.N. Space Air Force
Accommodation: pilot only in Marty & Beck Mk-7 zero/zero ejection seat
Dimensions:
Fighter Mode:
Length 14.23 meters
Wingspan 14.78 meters (fully extended)
Height 3.84 meters
Battroid Mode:
Height 12.68 meters
Width 7.3 meters
Length 4.0 meters
Empty weight: 13.25 metric tons;
Standard T-O mass: 18.5 metric tons;
MTOW: 37.0 metric tons
Powerplant:
2x Shinnakasu Heavy Industry/P&W/Roice FF-2008 thermonuclear reaction turbine engines, output 650 MW each, rated at 11,500 kg in standard or in overboost (225.63 kN x 2)
4 x Shinnakasu Heavy Industry NBS-1 high-thrust vernier thrusters (1 x counter reverse vernier thruster nozzle mounted on the side of each leg nacelle/air intake, 1 x wing thruster roll control system on each wingtip);
18 x P&W LHP04 low-thrust vernier thrusters beneath multipurpose hook/handles
Performance:
Battroid Mode: maximum walking speed 160 km/h
Fighter Mode: at 10,000 m Mach 2.71; at 30,000+ m Mach 3.87
g limit: in space +7
Thrust-to-weight ratio: empty 3.47; standard T-O 2.49; maximum T-O 1.24
Design features:
3-mode variable transformation; variable geometry wing; vertical take-off and landing; control-configurable vehicle; single-axis thrust vectoring; three "magic hand" manipulators for maintenance use; retractable canopy shield for Battroid mode and atmospheric reentry; option of GBP-1S system, atmospheric-escape booster, or FAST Pack system
Transformation:
Standard time from Fighter to Battroid (automated): under 5 sec.
Minimum time from Fighter to Battroid (manual): 0.9 sec.
Armament:
2x internal Mauler RÖV-20 anti-aircraft laser cannon, firing 6,000 pulses per minute
1x Howard GU-11 55 mm three-barrel Gatling gun pod with 200 rds fired at 1,200 rds/min
4 x underwing hard points for a wide variety of ordnance, including
- 12x AMM-1 hybrid guided multipurpose missiles (3/point), or
- 12x MK-82 LDGB conventional bombs (3/point), or
- 6x RMS-1 large anti-ship reaction missiles (2/outboard point, 1/inboard point), or
- 4x UUM-7 micro-missile pods (1/point), each carrying 15x Bifors HMM-01 micro-missiles,
or a combination of above load-outs
Optional Armament:
Shinnakasu Heavy Industry GBP-1S ground-combat protector weapon system, or
Shinnakasu Heavy Industry FAST Pack augmentative space weapon system
The kit and its assembly:
The second vintage 1:100 ARII VF-1 as a part of a Zentraedi squadron series, the canonical SVF-789. This one was inspired by a profile of such a machine in the “Macross Variable Fighter Master File: VF-1 Valkyrie Part 1” Art Book – true robot porn and full of valuable detail and background material for anyone who’d consider building a VF-1.
The SVF-789 machine shown in the book is a simple VF-1A, but with Zentraedi language markings and in a rather unusual livery in all dark green, yellow and black trim and grey low-viz roundels. While this does IMHO not really look sexy, I found the idea of a squadron, manned by former (alien) enemies very interesting. And so I took up the idea and started fleshing it out – including the idea of SVF-789’s initial base deep in the Amazonian jungle (justifying somehow the all-green livery!?).
This second build was to represent a flight leader’s aircraft, and consequently the basis is a VF-1J kit (which only differs outwardly through the head). In order to set the machine a little more apart I decided to incorporate some “Plus” program updates, including a different nose tip for the updated radar and two small fairings for IRST and laser designator sensors above and below the nose section, respectively. The fins’ tips were also modified – they were elongated a little through styrene sheet replacements.
This update is a bit early for the official Macross timeline, but I just wanted more than a standard J Valkyrie in a more exotic paint scheme.
Otherwise, this VF-1J fighter kit was built OOB, with the landing gear tucked up and the usual additions of some blade antennae, a pilot figure and a custom display stand in/under the ventral cannon pod.
The ordnance is non-standard, though; in this case the aircraft received two pairs of air-to-ground missiles (actually some misshapen Soviet AAMs from the Academy MiG-23 kit – either very fat R-60 ‘Aphid’ AAMs or very poor renditions of vintage K-6 ‘Alkali’ missiles?) inboards and four AMM-1 missiles on the outer pylons, with the lowest missile replaced by scratched ECM and chaff dispenser pods. The gun pod was also modified with a new nozzle, with parts from a surplus AMM-1 missile – also inspired by a source book entry.
Painting and markings:
This was planned to be a more exotic or extravagant interpretation of the profile from the book, which was already used as a guideline for the VF-1A build. The overall design of an all-green livery with a white nose tip as basis was kept, together with yellow trim on wings, fins and the stabilizer fins on the Valkyrie’s legs. The VF-1A already deviated from this slightly, but now I wanted something more outstanding – a bold flight leader’s mount.
Zentraedi vehicles tend to be rather colorful, so the tones I chose for painting were rather bright. For instance, the initial idea for the green was FS 34079, a tone which also comes close to the printed profile in the book. But it looked IMHO too militaristic, or too little anime-esque, so I eventually settled for something brighter and used Humbrol 195 (called Dark Satin Green, but it’s actually RAL 6020, Chromoxyd Grün, a color used on German railway wagons during and after WWII), later shaded with black ink for the engravings and Humbrol 76 (Uniform Green) for highlights.
The nose became pure white, the leading edge trim was painted with Revell 310 (Lufthansa Gelb, RAL 1028), a deep and rich tone that stands out well from the murky green.
In order to set this J Valkyrie apart from the all-dark green basic VF-1As, I added two bright green tones and a light purple as flight color: Humbrol 36 (called Pastel Green, but it’s actually very yellow-ish), 38 (Lime) and Napoleonic Violet from ModelMaster’s Authentic Line, respectively. 36 was applied to the lower legs and around the cockpit section, including the spinal fairing with the air brake. The slightly darker 38 was used on the wings and fins as well as for the fuselage’s and wings’ underside. On top of the wings and the inner and outer fins, the surfaces were segmented, with the dark green as basic color.
As an additional contrast, the head, shoulder guards and additional trim highlights on the legs as well as for a double chevron on the breast plate were painted in the pale purple tone. A sick color combination, but very Zentraedi/Meltraedi-esque!
The cockpit interior was, according to Macross references, painted in Dark Gull Grey. The seat received brown cushions and the pilot figure was turned into a micronized Meltraedi (yes, the fictional pilot Taqisha T’saqeel is to be female) with a colorful jumpsuit in violet and white, plus a white and red helmet – and bright green skin! The gun pod became dark blue (Humbrol 112, Field Blue), the AMM-1 missiles received a pale grey livery while the air-to-ground missiles and the chaff dispenser became olive drab. As an additional contrast, the ECM pod became white. A wild mix of colors!
This was even enhanced through U.N. Spacy roundels in standard full color – their red really stands out. The squadron emblem/symbol on the fin was painted with a brush, but in this case in a smaller variant and with two USN/USAF style code letters for the home basis added.
Since I can not print white letters onto clear decal sheet at home, the aircraft’s tactical code ‘300’ was created with letters from the human alphabet. A simplification and deviation from the original concept, but I found the only alternative of painting tiny and delicate Zentraedi codes by brush and hand just to be too risky.
Finally, the kit was sealed with a sheen acrylic varnish – with the many, contrasting colors a pure matt finish somehow did not appear right.
Building was relatively simple, just the rhinoplasty was a little tricky – a very subtle modification, though, but the pointed and slightly deeper nose changed the VF-1’s look. The standard Zentraedi-style VF-1 of SVF-789 already looked …different, but this one is … bright, if not challenging to the naked eye. Anyway, there’s more in the creative pipeline from the Zentraedi unit – this aircraft’s pilot in the form of a modified resin garage kit.
A new addition to the Coachpoint of Aldershot fleet is Scania K360EB6 / Irizar PB C52FT FA12ENG. The coach, new to Guideline of Battersea in 2012, is for a new venture being set up in Stoneleigh, Surrey. 'Epsom Explore' is about to launch a new coach tours operation and will be using this coach for their trips.
Seen in Woking in August 2020, FA12ENG kicked off its new career with some rail replacement work before it receives appropriate fleetnames.
Scania K360IB4, Irizar i6 (C53Ft)
Guideline (Kent), Chelsfield
St George's Road, Portsmouth
03 December 2017
Escavalier - The Cavalry Pokémon.
Bug / Steel Type.
"They fly around at high speed, striking with their pointed spears. Even when in trouble, they face opponents bravely. These Pokémon evolve by wearing the shell covering of a Shelmet. The steel armor protects their whole body."
This is probably my new favorite Pokémon of the Gen V games (Black FTW!). I didn't think it would translate well into LEGO, but I really like how this came out.
I used Slushey's Tutorial as a guideline for this picture.
This is a quick summary of the chart I use for comparing strength, agility, and intellect for my characters. It is meant as a guideline on how I rate abilities and powers. It's also based on Marvel, so I could answer some questions on how those heroes or villains are rated by comparison. Enjoy.
Once the project took shape I knew immediately that I would give it a try in Olive Green. This limits the parts tremendously, so I was forced to use Light Bley as the alternative in a few places. Another challenge was that I could not find decent scale drawings, so this is quite a bit an improvisation based on available photos.
Handy tip: tape two fabric marking pens together, so you can draw the seam allowance the same time you draw a guideline for for where to sew. Saves time and effort! :)
(You can read more about this in my blog, a link to which you can find in my profile.)
WHAT:
Release Event for the SPECIAL DELIVERY Portland 2011 Book,
as well as an Art Show Benefiting the artists participating in this year’s SPECIAL DELIVERY Bay Area 2012 Mural Exhibit (which will open September 8th 2012).
WHEN:
Saturday July 28th, 2012 (Last Saturday) at 7pm
WHERE:
Famous Four Colors Gallery
1525 Webster Street
Oakland, CA 94612
FREE EVENT! All Ages!
ABOUT THE 2011 BOOK:
Full Color, 64 Pages, $16
Special Delivery 2011 was a mural exhibit that filled a 6,000 square foot warehouse in South East Portland. It showcased over 40 artists who have put in a lot of work on the streets of Oakland, San Francisco and the greater Bay Area of California.
Read more about the book…
www.EndlessCanvas.BigCartel.com/product/special-delivery-...
ABOUT THE BENEFIT ART SHOW:
Many of the artists whom will be participating in this years Special Delivery Mural Exhibit (Optimist, GATS, Upfuk, Attica, Broke, Nart, Dead Eyes, etc.) will be showcasing prints and works on canvas at F4C Gallery (Famous Four Colors) for ONE NIGHT ONLY to raise funds for paint.
Read more about SPECIAL DELIVERY Bay Area 2012…
www.EndlessCanvas.com/specialdelivery2012
Invite your friends to the Special Delivery Bay Area 2012 facebook event page…
www.facebook.com/events/127714507368174
DON’T BLOW UP THE SPOT
Please don’t tag the venue or the immediate surroundings the night of the event.
Thank you to all the writers that always show respect and help us socially enforce this guideline so that we can keep getting invited back to throw awesome events for you guys.