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nomadpete

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Posts posted by nomadpete

  1. I was at Tarong PS when it was being built, and many many times over the years. Initially the electrostatic precipitators were great at removing particulate content from the stacks (it's a 4 in 1 stack - 4 boilers, 4 turbines). Early on there was no sign of smoke. Over the years, the quality of coal got worse, maybe more dirt as you dig deeper? They tried trucking coal from Acland and that burned better but it was hard coal - you should have heard the racket from the ball mills trying to pulverised it! (They burn coal dust in the furnace) So back to using dirtier than usual coal. I was told that those cooling towers use 80 megalitres a day. Not good in a drought. The other stack is the newer Tarong North power station. I don't know why but it doesn't smoke.

     

     

  2. Hi Bex. By the time you read this you will be back with us. If I'd seen your post before you went under, I would have been able to offer you some reassurance about your big adventure. Well, that is what I called it when I went through a similar mitral valve repair last year. Its a sobering thought to know that someone will be literally holding your heart in their hand. In my case they stopped my heart for almost 4hrs, as there was a bit of extra work they had to do while they were in there. Or maybe the surgeon just wanted to trade his Bremer in on a new Tesla.  They did warn me that when i wake up, to expect to feel like I'd been hit by a bus. Glad they warned me otherwise I'd have been worried about what they fluffed up!

     

    Anyhow, it's all worth the journey.

     

    Now I've got back the energy I used to have.

     

    Enjoy your new lease of life!

     

     

  3. I look up every day when they track right over our place. Usually two runs a day. As you said, Marty, there is often a pair travelling within sight of each other (never too close though). I'd judge the cloud base by their height and visualise their view of the tiger country that they were traversing every day. Its rugged country. Although I've never met any of the pilots, it feels like I've lost a friend.

     

    Sincerest condolences to all affected by this tragedy.

     

     

    • Like 2
  4. There is a large budgetary differential between Zenair and Lightwing.

     

    My only complaint about the Lightwing is that it is a little difficult to get into it. Once inside it is good. When i went looking for an affordable plane I found that my height prevented me from sitting in a Gazelle - my head hit the cross member behind. My Lightwing is capable of ground looping but only if I fall asleep. Fun aero and affordable.

     

     

  5. Also, on the monetary side of things, remember that using "unimproved" ingredients (like grandma used to do) immediately gives a 10% reduction in cost your food bill. At least, I'm pretty sure that raw ingredients don't attract GST.

     

    Correct me if I'm wrong.

     

    In that case, I'll have to work on my veg garden

     

     

    • Like 1
  6. Don, there is a Taylor sitting in the back of one of our hangars. It has been there for some time. I heard that it got as far as initial taxi trial runs, but had a problem with the undercarriage. Also heard that the U/C was repaired and/or modified as a result of the incident. I haven't met the owner but if you like, I can seek out more information for you.

     

    (Peter)

     

     

  7. I think there is a big difference between a rusty stain and a rust pit. Also, as any sailor knows, it is the unseen rust inside the wires that are the stress raisers that result in instant failures. Sailboats have been losing masts to this ever since stainless steel started being used the hold masts up. Aviators should know by now.

     

    Well done Frank

     

     

    • Like 1
    • Agree 1
  8. What a lovely forward thinking transport infrastructure plan. It makes so much sense.

     

    However, Government blue prints are no more than 'pie in the sky' dreaming. And it's not often that a government will spend up big on public transport.

     

    It's likely that fast trains run best on standard gauge tracks - (not like our Statewide narrow gauge that we are presently saddled with). That's another reason we probably won't be actually getting high speed trains in Qld anytime soon.

     

    Pity about that.

     

     

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