From the Flight Deck: World's largest model airport

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

World's largest model airport

Sitting here in Vancouver with SOME time and Cedarglen (Craig) sent me this link. I thought it was cute.

Some people have train sets but this model trumps them all. Apparently it's a mock up of Hamburg, Germany airport.

Gone flying

Captain D

16 comments:

: Anonymous said...; I know, cute! I saw this on Bas's site. Creative.; May 25, 2011 4:35 PM
: jack said...; That's pretty amazing. Those aircraft don't have much runway space though:); May 25, 2011 5:19 PM
: Adam aka "The Winnipeger" said...; Wow! I saw this on the discovery channel about a months ago! It is really cool! I can't imagine how much time that took to build!
Safe Flying,

Thanks,
The Winnipeger,
Adam; May 25, 2011 6:14 PM
: Gary said...; OMG I'm in to trains. But this tops it. I didn't know that this could even be done. I'm totally impressed.; May 26, 2011 1:05 AM
: Gary said...; how large is the layout?; May 26, 2011 1:07 AM
: Captain Doug said...; Gary. Not sure how large the room was but it looked the size of a gymnasium.

They even included functioning green taxi lights.

Forget about train sets, looks like airport models are the way to go. LOL; May 26, 2011 10:33 AM
: Jonathan said...; That's awesome !!!; May 26, 2011 11:29 AM
: carlton said...; Wow!

"Forget about train sets, looks like airport models are the way to go. LOL" - Gemini Jets (die-cast airliner model manufacturer) actually produce a model airport terminal, complete with airbridges etc as well as a matt set which includes all the taxi ways etc (it even has lighting)- they are expanding their range and produce maintenance hangers etc.

I have dreamt of having one to display my models for a long time - but my missus say's no!; May 26, 2011 12:51 PM
: Christoph said...; This Airport Model is actually part of a huge minature train set in Hamburg.

My brother lived close by and went there a few times - he was really impressed. Still on my to-do list though...

Some interesting stats and pictures on their homepage: http://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/exhibit/wunderland-sections/airport/airport-facts/; May 26, 2011 4:12 PM
: Bas said...; Cool huh! :) I saw it on TV some time ago, really would love to go there some time!; May 27, 2011 3:40 AM
: Captain Doug said...; Carlton. I'm surprised the "missus" would said "no" to a model airport terminal.

Aviation is your passion. How could she? :(((; May 28, 2011 9:17 PM
: Captain Doug said...; Christoph. Thanks for the link and the info! I see it cost 3.5 million Euro.

And thanks for dropping by!

Captain Doug; May 28, 2011 9:32 PM
: JohnN said...; The June issue of "Airways" magazine has an extensive article on the model. The attention to detail in animation is something else. All the lights on an aircraft, both interior and external are modeled. When an aircraft docks all the support vehicles come out and are properly positioned.

I want to see this sometime.; June 5, 2011 11:07 AM
: Captain Doug said...; JohnN. Thanks for the heads up. Maybe I can post the link to the magazine article? Do you have it handy?

Captain Doug; June 5, 2011 12:23 PM
: JohnN said...; Actually, I "cough" bought the paper version. It still actually comes that way. On paper. Sort of a high resolution, flexible, read-only screen. Sorry, hahaha.

Actually, they don't post much online content, but here is what they have
http://www.airwaysmag.com/channels.html?article_id=229&channel_id=16; June 5, 2011 7:34 PM
: Captain Doug said...; JohnN. I'll check it out when I get home.

The hotel has given us a one hour limit of the internet.

Captain D; June 6, 2011 12:00 AM

Here are a few websites to buy my book:

1. Amazon.ca

2. Amazon.com

3. Aviation World

4. Barnes and Noble

5. Wings Magazine (Bookstore)

6. Amazon.co.uk

7. Amazon.co.jp (Japan)

Credits and Disclaimer

I would like to thank Brian Losisto (Air Canada's photographer) for always allowing me to post his pictures. (The above thrust lever pic is his). Then there is Kelly Paterson from Calgary and plane spotter "Erik" from Germany. Of course, I have lots myself.

Feedback

Received Friday the 13th.... :)

I have been following your From the Flight Deck blog ever since I discovered it. I absolutely love it! I find myself checking it every couple of days hoping for more to read! I also just finished reading your amazing book. I love the insights, humour, interesting stories, and the countless interesting facts about the aircraft. The book really opened my eyes with how many different departments are involved with a flight - from maintence to flight dispatch, it's unbelievable. You have truly opened the door of the flight deck for everyone!

Even more recent feedback:

Hi Doug,

I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying your book. Even my wife is reading it!

My in-laws were sitting at a table next to you in a Williams Coffee shop (I think on Dundas Street in Mississauga) a few weeks ago, and someone was getting you to autograph your book. They noticed it was about flying, and since I am a pilot (private) they decided to find the book and bought me a copy.

................... (edited)

Anyway, I’m going through your blog now …well done!

Recent Feedback.....

From Australia

This email came all the way from Australia today (Jan.14th)

Doug
Just like to a small moment of your time to thank you for the great blog. I'm a student pilot completing my training here in Perth, Western Australia. A great inspiration to keep going. Thank you and take care.

Airbus A319

As you know I write the caption for the first page of the ALTITUDE section in enRoute.

This is what made the cut...

Airbus A319. The Nose Wheel turns the aircraft on the ground and, unlike the main gear, has no brakes. The silver portion is called the oleo (AKA, shock absorber)

On Cloud Nine

So where did this euphoric, blissful expression “on cloud nine” originate from?

A commonly heard explanation is it originated from a cloud chart made up of ten clouds. Cloud nine denotes the fluffy cumulonimbus type considered so attractive and leaves one feeling on top of the world…floating.

Meteorologists call it a cumulonimbus or Cb for short. It’s Latin for cumulo (accumulated/billowy) and nimbus meaning rain.

Maybe someone out there can further enlighten the rest of us. Stay tuned when I discuss the weather lore….”cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey.” No it's not dirty.......

I thought if I wrote a weather book it would be loaded with weather trivia so I'm just amassing a few.

Cloud Nine

It forms from an abundance of moisture, a lifting agent and air far from stable.

It ascend to heights only airliners dream of flying.

Passengers see it as a “white, puffy, billowy” cloud that’s serene and silent from inside the cabin.

Pilots look at it as one of the nastiest phenomena they will ever contend with.

It’s a cloud of many guises.

They are destructive, loud, with strobe blinding lightning.

For me, I’ll keep away from that big puffy cloud and give it lots of respect.

Captain D

Recent feedback from a relatively new follower

...The basic tone of your blog suggests a fellow that not only loves his job, but also takes it very seriously...

You have an important message to share, my friend. You have both the experience and the necessary gifts to do so. When WE watch the hit statistics on your blog, WE recognize that you have an awesome following. I know why. The typos do not matter, beyond you need to maintain the ‘professional hat.’ Since you are so public about your affiliation, it always reflects on AC as well...

For about the nth time, I do enjoy reading your blog posts. I understand most of the details, but nearly always learn something new. Some of the things that set your blog apart from so many others are your (usually) excellent writing. (One can tell when you are rushed or have not proof-read . You are willing to confront potential safety issues and offer reasonable solutions, yet while avoiding serious confrontation and mostly by being nice and polite in every encounter. (Hey, being ‘nice’ is a natural gift for some. In my profession, a lot of it is learned skill. No matter the origin, it is an effective tool in nearly every encounter. It works!)

Feedback

First off, I'm a fan! I've been following your blog for a couple months now and I think you have an amazing talent for writing. Your posts are always captivating and I learn something new almost every time!

My favourite is when you talk about weather patterns and when you give us an inside look on the inner workings of Air Canada operations.

Your posts are all so interesting that I decided to get your book earlier this summer. I went to two different Chapters and a Renault Bray stores here in Montreal but no luck( sold out?). I ended up ordering it on Amazon. Your book was, as expected, very well written and very informative. You managed to make it interesting for aviators and non-aviators alike. I am a pilot too,so reading your book and your blog, I can often relate to stories about sacrifice early in your career, the anguish of getting laid off, having to make career decisions in uncertain times etc etc ...

I also must mention how respectful of a person you seem to be. Your post about "things they don't teach you in flight school" last week was a good reflection of that. I dont remember ever reading something negative about any of your coworkers on your blog. You must be an absolute pleasure to fly with.

I was an FO on a Dash 8 for Air Labrador before they ceased operating last year. We might have flown the same planes? (FXON GLON GAAN are ex AirNova or Air Ontario I think). Before that I was first officer on TwinOtter based in Goose Bay. Good times ... My goal is to get hired with AC! I still have a few hours a build before being eligible thought I think, I'm only up to 2800hours. But if the timing is right in a year or two I really hope to get on!

Meanwhile I'll be reading your posts ;)

Keep up the good work !

Artsy fartsy

Artsy Fartsy Section

Here is something for you Barbara Jean.....

Much water under the bridge has passed... so everything is different

But it doesn't mean anything has changed.....

Captain Doug April 9th, 2011

Choices! You can’t live with them and you

can’t live without them. :))))

Captain D

From Up Here

Everything looks perfect….the intent from the one above.

Yet many senses are deprived.

The sound of hustle and bustle and the din below...muted.

Smells don’t ascend to flight level… so the flowers emblazoning a backyard go unnoticed.

Our sense of touch….worthless.

The smell of spices, the underground doings of a city or a frigid February wind does not exist.

The sounds of toilets flushing, a ferocious dog's bark, the scent and heat of romance ...oblivious.

Yet, a town of insignificance on foot looks pristine from up here.

Things seem to stop.

Death is put on hold, the awakening baby’s cry is unheard and misdoings are just thoughts.

Political boundaries go unnoticed. Religion is just a concept and hatred is erased.

But that’s from up here...aloft from reality…

Captain D

There's no thrill in easy sailing
when the skies are clear and blue.
There's no joy in merely doing
things which anyone can do.

But there is some satisfaction
that is mighty sweet to take,
when you reach a destination
that you thought you'd never make.

...Spirella