Weird News

[DanaC]

Awesome.

[xoxoxoBruce]

But, but, he had an arsenal in his house, a shotgun, pistol and machete... so obviously the sky is falling and he's an alien agent bent on world domination, and taking away our BBQs.

I agree it's an excellent idea, but it's not as profitable, so I don't hold much hope for it to become commonplace, especially on the net.

[footfootfoot]

I got pissed off about a recent HuffPost headline something like 74 school shootings since Newtown. And a call for action, ie gun control. I am all for licensing guns and registering them as one would with cars, but how about another call to arms? Stop glorifying the shooters. Don't give them any recognition.

[Carruthers]

Bruce Campbell calls a retired Boeing 727 aircraft home. (Image source: AirplaneHome.com)

For Bruce Campbell, it’s home. The 64-year-old told TheBlaze Monday he’s been living in the retired aircraft for years now.

“It’s genesis was sort of a slowly developing element,” he explained. “As a kid I saw videos of aircraft boneyards on TV and the concept sank in early in life and that just slowly evolved into use of a retired aircraft for a home.”

theblaze.com

Google Maps

Occasionally, stories emerge of people who live in converted railway carriages, often in considerable comfort, but I really don't think that I could adapt to either accommodation.

However, each to his own and Mr Campbell seems quite happy there.

Come to think of it, I would have no trouble adapting to the location itself. Seems pretty much idyllic.

[DanaC]

I got really excited when i saw the name Bruce Campbell - but it's a different Bruce Campbell. Disappoint.

(awesome pics though and equally awesome concept)

[xoxoxoBruce]

As I recall he bought it surplus for like $100,000 then spent that same amount moving the damn thing to his lot, plus the site prep costs. Not a cheap home and anyone who's flown on a 727 knows they're pretty damn small. The other drawback is, as everyone knows, you can't smoke in the bathroom.

Oh Christ, he's an engineer alright, don't see a wife either.

[Carruthers]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

As I recall he bought it surplus for like $100,000 then spent that same amount moving the damn thing to his lot,

I haven't seen any indication as to how it was moved. I assume by road with fuselage and wings being transported separately.

There are easier ways of setting up home, but he's happy so good luck to Mr Campbell.

ETA: Just been looking at Mr Campbell at the top of the stairs at the rear of the aircraft.
They never found D B Cooper and that 727 was hijacked over Oregon.
Spooky.

[xoxoxoBruce]

I remember another set up where they mounted the plane on a pivot so it would turn with the wind like a weather vane. The rational was it could turn into a bad storm, presenting the smallest, strongest and safest profile. Considering the problems that presents like sewer, water, and electric connections which also pivot, along with the increased cost, I'd hate to think they did it for shits and giggles. I do, however, remember thinking from the statements at the time, they did.

Here's a pivoting set up for sale. http://www.airplanehomes.com/details.html

[xoxoxoBruce]

Here's one in Costa Rica that shows the construction photos.

[Sundae]

If East Midlands is the airport I think it is (just outside Cov) then the plane is larger than the actual airport
When I went there it was little more than a shack in a field. The lady in the catering "building" aka shed - left me in charge while she went to get change for my bacon cob! I only had a £20 note as I had my holiday money with me, drawn out that morning.

The Bureau de Change was a machine...

It was strangely charming, especially for someone who has only flown from London airports previously (and I thought Stansted was provincial!)

[Carruthers]

Originally Posted by Sundae

If East Midlands is the airport I think it is (just outside Cov) then the plane is larger than the actual airport
When I went there it was little more than a shack in a field. The lady in the catering "building" aka shed - left me in charge while she went to get change for my bacon cob! I only had a £20 note as I had my holiday money with me, drawn out that morning.

The Bureau de Change was a machine...

It was strangely charming, especially for someone who has only flown from London airports previously (and I thought Stansted was provincial!)

East Mids is about two thirds of the way from Leicester to Derby. Quite a big freight hub plus 'bucket and spade' flights to the usual holiday destinations around the Med.

I think that Coventry Airport has made efforts to take trade from Brum and East Mids but hasn't been too successful. I doubt if you'd be able to get a holiday flight from there anymore, let alone a scheduled service. If memory serves, all the overseas mail coming into the country arrives at Coventry to be processed at the Royal Mail centre there and I believe that a number of parcels companies also have operations at the airport. Not entirely without success, but still not a bustling international hub.

[xoxoxoBruce]

You were lucky to see that bird, can't get any rarer than that.
The Wright Brothers could have staged their first flight inside that thing.

The paper was impressed it was coming.

[Gravdigr]

Re: Antonov An-225

...Largest aeroplane ever built...

It's got the Spruce Goose built by Howard Hughes beat in the serious categories for "large", but the Spruce Goose (Hercules H-4) has a wingspan of 320 ft 11 inches, compared to just 290 ft for the An-225. The An-225 is 275 ft 7 in long, the Goose is just 218 ft 8 in. The Goose is 79 ft 4 in high, compared to 59 ft 5 in for the An-225.

And now the tale gets told:

Empty weight for the Spruce Goose is listed as 250,000 lbs.. Empty weight for the An-225? 628,317 lbs.!

Loaded weight for the Goose - 400,000 lbs..

Loaded weight for the An-225 - 1,410,958 lbs..

[Gravdigr]

Dateline: Lake Whitney, Austin, Texas

Problem: My house is falling down a cliff.

Solution: Set it on fire.



Because the only thing cooler than watching a house fall down a cliff, is watching a house fall down a cliff while it's on fire!

[Undertoad]

Originally Posted by Carruthers

East Mids is about two thirds of the way from Leicester to Derby.

It's not a destination airport on the travel sites.

(I'm visiting Derby soon and will travel through Heathrow, underground to St Pancras, and East Midlands train north.)