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Methusala

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Everything posted by Methusala

  1. Methusala
    "To forget is human. To forgive is NOT library policy!"
  2. Methusala
    This is not true with peak demand for energy falling around 6pm. Solar pv is a definite daylight hours source but SA is committed to solar thermal in a small way. Wind is more comprehensive in its hours of supply. Modern computer driven demand management is a great tool not yet entered into the mix. Batteries and pumped hydro are expensive but essential in moderating demand fluctuations. The largest solar array is the recently opened Nyngan plant (102m/W).
  3. Methusala
    Thermal generators are quickly reaching the end of their life and so some capital investment is required to replace it. Being no expert in the economics of energy I have to believe the commonly quoted statement that renewables are less costly than replacement by new coal. There is a lot that can be done through demand management so pumped hydro becomes a moderating factor in supply. The T3 equipment is probably already committed but smaller units can be built in optimum locations.
  4. Methusala
    Pumped hydro (Snowy Mk.2) will never become a reality. As mentioned before, the head at 750+m is not within the working range of hydro generation. Then there is the problem of managing a column of water 15m dia x 55 km in length. The civil cost of construction would be horrendous. Pumped storage is also in use at Waste Pt where water is pumped from Jindabyne (Snowy R) to Island Bend and hence to Murray or Tumut sides of the scheme. There is also a question in my mind as to whether Jounama Pondage could cope with the output of the theoretical Tantangara-Talbingo scheme. Pumped hydro could work well in many smaller sized systems which are not located in a semi-wilderness. PV installations are becoming very cheap to install and could be dedicated to pumped storage.
  5. Methusala
    I learned to fly with the Canberra Gliding Club. I agree with the points made by Mike Borgelt. Taking off and flying the aircraft was learned fairly quickly. Landings require so much judgement and experience that the student is challenged to absorb with (obviously) only one per flight. I never soloed in the Blanik but instead in the Pteradactyl ultralight that I was building at the time. I think that for most people, calm conditions in the early morning are best for initial training.
  6. Methusala
    Drage airworld became a facility for restoration of historic and vintage a/c. Saw some fascinating stuff including a scavenged P38 - Lightning.
  7. Methusala
    I beg your pardon contributors,but... I am no closer to understanding what Kaz meant by her cryptic post. Can't believe that we are running a secret society here.
  8. Methusala
    I share a hangar with a Tiger Moth that has 29 HTTSN Excuse me but...I don't understand this cryptic post. Regards Don
  9. Methusala
    A friend a few years ago discussed fine wire electrode spark plugs. Said that having a far smaller radius to the tip meant that lead could not foul plugs as easily because the spark always originated at the tip, not moving around as on a broader surface with thick electrode. That and the superior voltage available from cdi ignition meant that they never had plug fouling with their competition 2 strokes that ran on avgas. For what its worth, Don
  10. Methusala
    This takes "Obsession" to a new level. Don
  11. Methusala
    Hey Bex, did you see the one about Credlin being caught DUI. Guess what? Nothing happened. The same thing applied to Kate Carnall when she was 1st Minister in ACT. Laws are never applied equally. Politics is a winner take all game. Poorlean is on a $200,000 cream cake ride and should be careful. Remembering how it turned out last time around.
  12. Methusala
    There is the question of the notoriety of the person involved in the action. She is a Senator and perhaps, being on the public payroll as a LAWmaker it may be appropriate that her actions are held to a higher level of scrutiny. It is incumbent on parliamentarians to be aware of their public profile and to act accordingly. The body politic stand at historically low levels of approval. Who is to blame for this? Why blame the press for someone's irresponsible action?
  13. Methusala
    Lived in Canberra for 56 years. No better city I know of to live. Love visiting Melbourne.
  14. Methusala
    Mr Eighty Knots, I believe scientists (99% can't be wrong). Perhaps you believe that aircraft defy gravity and the reason is magic? We are recording historically unprecedented temps and the global ice caps and glaciers are melting (see Polar bears). Just a friendly heads-up. Don (in Canberra)
  15. Methusala
    Here's a pick of Tony and Al next to C182 WEW at Frog's Hollow on Sunday. We flew from Michelago on a perfect CAVOK day. A great time was enjoyed by all courtesy of FH's hospitable members. Don
  16. Methusala
    Life is unpredictable. QF 32 is not the only "technical problem" faced by Qantas. I recall numerous ones attributed to Jetstar. The reporting of this engine failure was, I think, a little over the top. Commercial flying is the safest form of mass transport. An airliner the other day, lost a fan blade which took out the side of the engine nacelle. Don't kid yourself, you can spend a life time playing it safe and get hit by a car.
  17. Methusala
    Beautiful photos Frank. You wouldn't believe how different the weather is down here, Don (& Rhonda)
  18. Methusala
    Re-building an Eastwood Tyro some years ago I used Araldite 134 on the major joints fixing the long fuselage member to the down tube and the horizontal seat carrier. I thought that it would take a huge force to dislodge the joints. They were plated with 3mm 6061 T6 and rivetted with very large 3/16 pop rivets. This method would certainly prevent the joints from "working".
  19. Methusala
    HITC, I yield to your more intimate knowledge of Sanda's building techniques. My source of information is a friend who owned a Thermite for a while. I have never owned or closely studied a Veenstra a/c. Don
  20. Methusala
    Sanda Veenstra used that combination ("No More Nails" on aluminium) to lasting effect on many of his creations. Never heard of any failing in that way. Don
  21. Methusala
    I don't get it!!!
  22. Methusala
    ASIC card required at CUNAMULLA!!!!
  23. Methusala
    Drifter owned by property owner. Council has arrogantly only granted permission for 3 movements (by owner only) per day.
  24. Methusala

    Vp-2

    Methusala commented on Methusala's gallery image in Recreational (3 axis)

    Vp-2
    Gooday Toothman, My VP2 also safe and stable- also heavy on the ailerons and not strong in the climb. Built in the 70's by Chris Leon, an engineer who flew less than 10 hrs in her. Sold her to a Melbourne member of SAAA who did a lot of work including having a redesigned U/C with rubber donuts replacing the cable stays. I flew for 11 years (550hrs) finally stopping in 2006. Sold the wings to another pilot who wrecked his with engine failure out of Wedderburn (Posa carb). Fly a Kitfox and Thruster now. Had a lot of fun and flew to Narromine, Mangalore, Temora, Moruya and many other places. I also built the turtle deck from plywood, oregan stringers and fabric. Improved the airflow over the tail giving greater rudder authority and eliminating the dutch roll. Cheers don
  25. Methusala
    Hey Phil, Years ago (maybe 15-18...dunno) a neat little very open biplane came to demonstrate its stuff at Canberra. It was a MIG powered by a 582. The pilot was employed by MIG. His demo was Great+++ but we never heard any more. Do you know anything about this aircraft? Don
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