Old Bridge Metal Militia Reunion Concert featuring Twisted Sister and More!

Old Bridge is a town in New Jersey that was the heartland for the metal scene on the east coast of the USA in the 1980s. The Metal Militia helped out up and coming metal bands back in those days. They would give them a place to stay and get them to play gigs in basements and stores around town. Johnny Z had the famed record store Rock’n Roll Heaven and he was the founder of record label Megaforce Records which gave many of the classic metal bands a great start in their early careers. These bands included the monsters of metal today such as Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax but included so many more.

Superstorm Sandy was the deadliest hurricane to hit the eastern seaboard of the USA in 2012. It devastated parts of New Jersey and many people are still struggling financially as a result. The Old Bridge Metal Militia decided to do something to help out. The idea of a reunion concert based around a gig that Johnny Z organized in 1983 in Staten Island to raise some money for charity to help the victims of Sandy came to fruition on May 11th, 2013 in the township of Freehold, New Jersey. In addition to help raise more money they were raffling off signed instruments by bands like Slayer and Metallica. I am happy to say I was lucky enough to be in the crowd to see this special show which was sold out in advance with around 1,800 people attending.

Old Bridge Metal Militia with Eddie Trunk

This was a 30 year reunion concert with some of the best metal bands to either come from or play in New Jersey back in the 80′s. Just check out this lineup who all donated their time to the cause and played a 45 minute set:

Lords of Mercy

Lords of Mercy a local Jersey metal band opened the show in style. They were then followed by The Rods (New York) – Lead by  David “Rock” Feinstein (a cousin of Ronnie James Dio) on vocals and guitars, Gary Bordanaro on bass and Carl Canedy on drums played a great set with a lot of humour about the old days. The Rods first formed in 1978 and played at one of the original concerts organized by Johnny Z in 1983 in Staten Island. After a long hiatus since 1986, they reformed in 2011. I am glad they did as it was a brilliant performance on the night and included “The Night Lives To Rock“, “Let Them Eat Metal” and “Power Lover“.

The Rods

The Rods – Carl Canedy

The Rods – David “Rock” Feinstein

Raven (UK) were up next and also played at that 1983 concert. One of the many New Wave of British Heavy Metal bands that metal fans love so much (myself included). Raven (brothers John and Mark Gallagher - vocals/bass and lead guitar respectively and Joe Hasselvander on drums)formed in 1974 and have been rocking on ever since. They played a blistering set that included “Rock Until You Drop“, “Breaking You Down” and “Don’t Need Your Money“. John still hits those high notes perfectly. They were about to rip into one last song when they got cut off. A shame as the crowd were loving it but Twisted Sister were up next!

Raven

Raven – John & Mark Gallagher

Raven – John Hasselvander

Raven – Mark Gallagher

Raven – John Gallagher

Twisted Sister the legends of heavy metal who started in New York but played many a gig in New Jersey before they became MTV stars and were the main draw card for most people to this show (I had wanted to see them play live for 30 years). The hair, makeup and costumes are no longer there, but the awesome vocals of Dee Snider and the music of the band (the same members of when they were at the peak of their success in the 1980s: Jay Jay French - lead guitar, Eddie “Fingers” Ojeda – lead guitar, Mark “The Animal“ Mendoza – Bass and A.J. Pero on drums) are still as hot as ever!

Twisted Sister

Twisted Sister – Dee Snider

Twisted Sister – Eddie “Fingers” Ojeda

Twisted Sister – Jay Jay French

You would expect that they would have been the headlining act of the night, but the promoters wanted to save that for a Jersey band, so Twister Sister came on in the middle of the show (which Dee Snider fairly couldn’t help but comment on!). They were happy to be there to support the charity and Dee mentioned the girls of Jersey had always shown them a “very, very good” time over the years (nudge nudge, wink wink), so they were more than willing to give something back!

Dee Snider & Mark Mendoza

Dee & Eddie

Twisted Sister – Jay Jay French & Mark “The Animal” Mendoza

Twisted Sister – Dee Snider

Twisted Sister – Jay Jay French, Eddie Ojeda & Mark Mendoza

Twisted Sisters blistering set included ”What You Don’t Know (Sure
Can Hurt You)“, ”Destroyer“, “Burn In Hell“, “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock” (huge sing along moments!). Dave “The Snake” Sabo of Skid Row (a New Jersey band formed in 1986) also joined Twisted Sister to play guitar on “Under the Blade“. Unfortunately after Twisted Sister left the stage a big part of the crowd did likewise (apparently the beer started to run out too!), it would have been great if they could have played longer, but the show must go on!

I wanna rock!

Snake Sabo joins Twisted Sister for Under The Blade

Goodnight Twisted Sister

Anvil (formed in 1978 in Canada) – the thrash metal band who never gave up came on next (Dee Snider said he was warming the crowd up for them). They also played at that 1983 gig in Staten Island. Steve “Lips” Kudrow, Robb Reiner and Sal Italiano played a great set including ”666“, “Winged Assassins” and a couple of new tracks from their upcoming album “Hope In Hell” including the title track and “Eat Your Words” which were both played live for the first time.

Anvil – Lips

Anvil – Robb Reiner

Anvil

Anvil – Robb Reiner Drumming up a storm!

“Lips” played the guitar on one song using his famed dildo which is always an amusing highlight! They finished their set with the metal anthem “Metal on Metal“. Like all performances in the night, it was never going to be long enough but a lot of fun anyway. \m/

Lips and that dildo!

TT Quick (NJ formed in 1980) – local legends that tore the stage up to end the show (despite some microphone problems at the start of the set) and included their song “Child of Sin” and “Metal of Honour“. Lead singer Mark Tornillo performs these days with German metal act Accept, so this was a really special reunion for the night.

TT Quick

TT Quick

TT Quick – Mark Tornillo

There was meant to be an all-star jam at the end of the night, but things seemed to be running a bit late and we had to take off (not sure if it happened?). Although John Gallagher from Raven briefly joined TT Quick to sing on cover of Black Sabbath’s “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” at the end of their set.

In addition the guys from That Metal Show - Eddie Trunk (MC for the night), Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson who all grew up in New Jersey and went to all the metal gigs back in the day were a big part of the show. These guys have kept metal in the public view through their TV talk show and radio shows and they reminisced about the old days and the clubs that no longer exist. It must have been a crazy and fun time back then?

That Metal Show – Jim Florentine, Eddie Trunk & Don Jamieson

It was a memorable night, certainly one to remember and something special for all involved. Especially for this one Aussie who grew up on the “wrong side” of the World when it came to the metal scene of the 1980′s. I found this link on youtube that has highlights from the show, please take a look and enjoy. The event ended up raising over $40,000 for charity which is fantastic! \m/(>.<)\m/

Elfreth’s Alley – Old Philadelphia

Elfreth’s Alley known as “Our nation’s oldest residential street“ has been a home to the citizens of Philadelphia since 1702. Today there are 32 houses along the alleyway that were built between 1728 - 1836.

These houses form one of the last intact early American streetscapes and are a National Historic Landmark, yet by the turn of the early 20th century it was nearly all lost as the alley had become run down and faced demolition. Luckily in 1934 the Elfreth’s Alley Association was formed by resident Dorothy Ottey and not only did they save and preserve the street, the association continues to do so today.

Next time you are in the old town part of Philly take a wander down the alley and soak up all that history.

In Chino Sometimes Lightning Strikes 5 Times!

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The Planes of Fame 2013 Air Show in Chino, California was  a special one this year. 5 Lockheed P-38 Lightning  aircraft from the World War Two period flew together at the show. There are only 7 P-38's flying in the world today (6 in the USA and 1 in Europe - unfortunately the 6th US one could not make it), so for the past 60 years this has been a very rare event to see this many flying together!

Read more… 1,121 more words

P-38 Lightnings at the Chino Planes of Fame Air Show 2013

Panda Bears and so much more at the San Diego Zoo!

BABY PANDA!!!!

Xiao Liwu

Now that I have you attention lets focus on what the massive San Diego Zoo has to offer (it spans 100 acres!). Yes Panda Bears for one – they have four, including a very cute baby male called Xiao Liwu who was born on July 29th, 2012. The adults are  Bai Yun, Gao Gao and Yun Zi. But these are just a fraction of the various animals you can see at the zoo.

San Diego Zoo

Xiao Liwu

Xiao Liwu comes down to see his Mum

Pandas – so much fun!

Pandas eat a lot of bamboo and for most of the day

Just chillin

I love bamboo

There are over 4,000 animals from 800 different species within the zoo from regions including Africa, Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, North America, the Pacific Islands and South America. Zoos are not for everyone but the San Diego Zoo does their best to provide as natural as possible and interesting enclosures for their animals. Some such as the Lowland Gorillas and African Elephants in particular have very large well-kept enclosures that are as natural for the animals as possible, which is great to see.

Eyes of the Python

A huge Python!

Visayan warty pig (from the Philippines) – love the mohawk!

Okapi – quite an unusual looking animal – sort of a mix between a Zebra and a Giraffe!

African Elephant looking for some food

Got it!

Female Lowland Gorilla

Gharials

Babirusa

Babirusa – quite a unique Asian creature

Warthog – ugly yet adorable

Llama

Bactrian Camel from the rugged Russian Steppes

Giraffe

The zoo will be opening a special Australian Outback exhibit later this year. It was a work in progress during my visit but looks like it will be great. There were a few Aussie animals on display including Kangaroos, Kookaburra’s and Koalas.

An Aussie Koala doing what they do best……sleep

Apart from Panda’s there are a number of Bear species on display including Andean, Grizzly, Manchurian, Polar and Sun Bears. Watching a Polar Bear eat a giant pile of carrots was an entertaining way to pass some time (he looked very content!).

You can never have enough Panda action!

Who knew Polar Bears liked carrots?

Actually by the looks of it they love carrots!

A very content Polar Bear

A Sun Bear very engrossed in its Rock Melon / cantaloupe

Manchurian Brown Bear

Big Cats are also predominate with African Lions, Malayan Tigers, Leopards (including Snow Leopards), Jaguars, Puma and others on display. I was lucky to see most of these as often they are hidden out of view sleeping during the day. On my recent visit they were mostly very active.

The stern look of a Lioness

Check out that tounge! Massive!

Malayan Tiger

Look at those teeth!

Do not get in the way of a Malayan Tiger and it’s meal!

Let sleeping Leopards lay

Jaguar

Jaguars frolicking

The Great Apes are a major feature of the San Diego Zoo. Along with the Gorillas there are also Orangutans, Bonobos (once known as the Pygmy Chimpanzee) Baboons and many other species of Ape and Monkey to see. To come so close to a huge Silverback Lowland Gorilla looking back at me through the glass wall was quite an experience!

The big Silverback Lowland Gorilla

Heres looking at you kid

The amazing hand of a Silverback

Lowland Gorillas relaxing

Sleeping Silverback

Orangutan

Bonobo

Wise old soul

Allens Swamp Monkey San Diego Zoo

The zoo also displays a multitude of birds from the very small to Eagles and huge Andean and Californian Condors. There are many aviaries and enclosures dotted around the zoo, and as always birds are busy creatures going about their daily business. The Californian Condors almost seemed to be showing off with their massive wingspan!

Flamingos

Stellers Sea Eagles

Californian Condors

Given the size of the San Diego Zoo it is a full day excursion and well worth it. Given this is America, there are plenty of forms of transport to move those who don’t want to leg it around the 100 acres of the zoo. As I said earlier zoos are not for everyone, but this is certainly one of the best in the world and well worth visiting on a trip to San Diego.

Giraffes

Behold the awesomeness of the Californian Condor!

The mighty wingspan of a Californian Condor (a Vulture) is something to behold!

Behold my awesomeness!

These carrion feeders are seriously big birds (one of the largest) and can live for up to 60 years. They can weigh up to 13 kilograms / 29 pounds, have a wingspan of 2.95 metres / 9.7 feet and be up to 1.4 metres /4.6 feet in length! The huge wings provide some impressive flight capabilities too. The Californian Condor can fly at speeds up to 88 kph / 55 mph and climb to an altitude of 4,600 metres / 15,000 feet! Impressive!

Sadly the Californian Condor is a species on the critical risk list and are only found in the wild today in limited areas where they have been reintroduced in California, Arizona and Baja California in Mexico. Habitat destruction, poaching and poisoning decimated this species and 30 years ago it was estimated only 22 remained in the wild.

Breeding, reintroduction and conservation projects lead by organisations such as the San Diego Zoo have brought this population back to around 400 Californian Condors today, of which just over half are now living in the wild. Protection of their habitat in wooded mountains and scrublands is now the key to their ongoing survival.

The USS Midway (CV-41) in San Diego

The USS Midway (CV-41) is a former US Navy aircraft carrier that served from 1945 to 1991. Today she sits at the San Diego waterfront as a museum (opened in 2004) in tribute to the US Navy servicemen and women who served on aircraft carriers either as sailors, pilots, air crew or marines.

USS Midway in 1984

USS Midway today

The USS Midway is a massive ship and an impressive place to take a look around. She is 296 metres / 972 feet in length, with a beam of 41.5 metres / 136 feet and the flight deck width is 75.5 metres / 238 feet and powered by 12 boilers and four geared steam turbines with four shafts producing 212,000 shaft horsepower capable of a speed up to 33 knots. In her final operational years Midway would typically carry 68 aircraft (36 F/A-18 Hornets, 18 A-6 Intruders, 4 EA-6 Prowlers, 4 E-2 Hawkeyes and 6 Sh-3 Sea King helicopters), a complement of over 4,700 personnel (2,828 crew, 1,860 air wing and 72 marines) and total displacement weight was 67,000 tonnes fully loaded. Modern day nuclear carriers are even bigger. The Nimitz class nuclear carriers for example are 333 metres / 1,092 feet in length, weigh 88,000 tonnes, carry around 80 aircraft and have a ships complement of over 5,000 personnel (crew of 3,000-3,200, air wing of 1,500 and 500 others such as Marines etc.).

Vought F-8 Crusader you are clear for takeoff

The Midway served with distinction on a number of tours during the Vietnam War (April to November 1965, May to October 1971, April 1972 to February 1973 – apart from combat missions, 48 rescue missions of downed pilots were also conducted by helicopters from Midway during this last tour). The Midway and Carrier Wing CVW-5 received the Presidential Unit Citation (Navy) from Richard Nixon for extraordinary heroism displayed during the period of 1972 to 1973 on the carriers last combat tour of Vietnam.

USS Midway 1963

Midway pilots from Fighter Squadron VF-21 “Freelancers“ flying the McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II scored the first 2 air to air kills of North Vietnamese MiG’s (MiG-17′s) by US forces on June 17th, 1965; and the last air to air kill of that war on January 12th, 1973 (also a MiG-17) was achieved by the crew of an F-4B Phantom II from Fighter Squadron VF-161 “Chargers“. Air to air combat was not a major function of Navy pilots during the Vietnam War but Midway crews were credited with 8 confirmed air to air victories and the aircraft silhouettes are still painted on the ships island today (6 MiG-17′s and 2 MiG-19′s of the North Vietnamese Air Force).

F-4B “MiG Killer” of VF-161

USS Midway MiG Kills (Source: http://www.midwaysailor.com)

The “Island”

Although combat operations for USS Midway ceased in Vietnam in 1973, she performed one last major mission in that theatre in 1975, Operation Frequent Wind. Following the full invasion of South Vietnam by the North Vietnamese Army in 1975 the carrier was despatched to the South China Sea with only helicopters onboard to assist in the evacuation of hundreds of US personnel and South Vietnamese citizens on April 29th, 1975.

Operation Frequent Wind 1975

Operation Frequent Wind 1975

One amazing incident during Operation Frqequent Wind was the landing by South Vietnamese Air Force Major Buang-Ly in a Cessna O-1 Bird Dog aircraft that had onboard not only himself but his wife and 5 children! He dropped a message onto the deck stating who was onboard and navy personnel actually pushed millions of dollars worth of helicopters over the side of the carrier into the sea so he could land safely! He and his family made it!

A South Vietnamese UH-1 is pushed overboard on the USS Midway in 1975

Major Buang-Ly lands his O-1 on the Midway

A recreation of that famous O-1 landing aboard the Midway today

After the people were rescued and safely deposited on other ships, 100 South Vietnamese helicopters and aircraft were either landed or transported onto the deck of the Midway and transported to Guam. Saigon fell and the rest is history.

South Vietnamese UH-1 helicopters aboard USS Midway in 1975

The Midway served on many more missions and tours around the globe, including the first Gulf War in 1991. This was to be the last combat tour before this proud ship of the US Navy went into retirement.

It is fantastic that today as a museum the USS Midway still serves in a way and people can get a hands on experience of carrier operations. You can go on guided and unguided tours around the ship and there are numerous presentations to explain carrier operations. You can enter the crew quarters, operations rooms, officers quarters, the captains quarters and the Admirals rooms (the latter quarters are much more roomier than the general crew quarters!).

Crew Quarters – crowded to say the least (but not bad compared to submarines)!

Junior Officer Quarters

Flight Commanding Officer Quarters

Captains Quarters

Captains Dress Uniform

Admirals Quarters

Admirals Quarters

One of the engine rooms is open for display and you can even enter the brig (an onboard jail). Dont miss the pilot ready rooms either. These were where pilots and crews would be briefed or debriefed on missions and contain lots of memorabelia and models (most are accessed by stairs on the side of the flight deck).

The massive anchor chains

Engine Room Number 3

The controls for Engine 3

The Brig

Communications Room

F-4 Phantom II Pilot Ready Room

F-4 Phantom II Pilot Ready Room door symbol

Pilots Gear

Today the USS Midway is not only a museum in which you can tour the inner workings and flight deck of the carrier, it also has on display 29 former US Navy aircraft and helicopters that served on carriers from World War Two and throughout the Cold War to the present day. Aircraft are located on both the flight deck and hangar deck.

Douglas SBD Dauntless

Vought F4U Corsair

A busy flight deck

Douglas A-4 Skyhawk

Grumman F-14 Tomcat

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet Aggressor

North American A-5 Vigilante

An A-1 Skyraider, F9F-8P Cougar & A-5 Vigilante

The aircraft displayed on the Midway represent some of the greatest naval aircraft to ever take off from a US aircraft carrier. They are beautifully restored and well maintained.

Lockheed S-3 Viking

Grumman A-6 Intruder

Grumman E-2 Hawkeye

Flightdeck and “The Island”

The flight deck is always busy

Its a long way from end to end on the flight deck

Vought A-7 Corsair II

Helicopters are an integral asset to carrier operations

Navy Helicopters

Grumman F9F-8P Cougar used for photo recon

Douglas A-3 Skywarrior

Once you are done looking at all the aircraft on the flight deck you can go up into the carriers “island” on a guided tour to see where she was controlled and where flight operations were monitored. This area gives a great view of the entire flight deck. All in all the USS Midway is a very interesting place to spend a day.

The launch deck view from “The Island”

The view of the flight deck from “The Island”

The view of the flight deck from “The Island”

The view of the flight deck from “The Island”

Across the bay from USS Midway you can see the current super carriers that serve in the US Navy on Coronado Island. On my recent visit I saw USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and USS Nimitz (CVN-68 – with her full complement of aircraft on deck and ready to sail). The past and the present are never far apart in San Diego bay.

Looking across from USS Midway to USS Ronald Reagan and USS Nimitz

The Past: USS Midway (CV-41)

The Present: USS Nimitz (CVN-68) loaded up and ready to go

The Present II: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)

The Present III: USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)

A US Navy Seahawk keeping a watchful eye

A walk by San Diego Bay

On the San Diego waterfront is a fantastic US Navy aircraft carrier and naval aviation museum; the USS Midway (CV-41). A carrier which proudly served the US Navy from 1945 to 1991.

USS Midway (CV-41)

Nearby to USS Midway are a number of military memorials and tributes including one to Bob Hope (1903-2003) who provided a lot of well needed humour for troops during his USO tours from 1941 to 1990(!) which included visits to frontline troops in World War Two, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. In 1997 Bob Hope became the first honorary veteran of the US Armed Forces. At the tribute statues they play sound bytes from his tours which is a lot of fun.

A Bob Hope USO show in Germany 1945

Bob Hope Tribute

Bob Hope

Bob Hope brought smiles to the faces of the men who fought in battles around the globe

Thanks for the memories Bob

Go Bob!

Bob Hope performed USO shows from 1941 to 1990

Next to the Bob Hope tribute there is also the “Unconditional Surrender” memorial, featuring a giant couple kissing in celebration of the end of World War Two. This statue was inspired by a famous photo taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt in Times Square, New York City on VJ Day August 14th, 1945.

“Unconditional Surrender”

That kiss! VJ Day 1945

A quick trip across the bay to Coronado Island by ferry provides the vista of the San Diego skyline along with the waterfront and navy yards. Coronado Island has more than just great views and is a great little day trip with lots of restaurants, bars, shops to enjoy.

Coronado Island Ferry

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) & USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)

Coronado

“You stay classy San Diego” – Ron Burgundy, Anchorman (2004)

The Hummingbird – Nature’s little wonder

I was at the San Diego Zoo yesterday and whilst there this little Hummingbird appeared right next to where I was standing. I have never seen a Hummingbird up so close! They are fascinating little creatures to watch in flight and a small one like this is probably beating it’s tiny little wings on average about 53 times per second!

An amazing little creature

Lizzy Borden – 30 Years of American Metal Tour 2013

I got to go back in time somewhat this week. The setting could have been 1985. On Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California hanging out in the famed bars and clubs of the strip such as The Rainbow Bar & Grill (alas no Lemmy) and Whisky a Go Go. These were the epicentre of LA metal back in the day.

Outside the Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood

I had come to see Lizzy Borden celebrating 30 years of American Metal. This band was formed in Hollywood way back in 1983 and they were part of the LA “Glam Metal” scene. In 2013 they are more a “shock rock” type of metal band with gothic and gory undertones and had come home to celebrate in style with a great performance. 

30 years of American Metal

Lizzy Borden back in the day (1986)

Lizzy was ably supported by 5 opening acts – Black Mourning, Fall of Man, Chemical Burn, Faded Sun and White Wizzard. This was all for under $25! You can’t beat that especially in such a famous place.

On this tour the show involved lots of fake blood, stage props, numerous masks, costumes, great heavy metal and even go go dancers! Got to love LA metal!

Ready to rock the Whisky a Go Go

Lizzy Borden

Great stage show

Metal and dancers!

The setlist played by Lizzy included the following songs:

Red Rum

Eyes of a Stranger

Rebel Yell (Billy Idol cover)

Master of Disguise

Me Against The World

American Metal

Give Em’ The Axe

Lizzy

You want blood?

You got it!

In a great metal moment I got splashed across the face with fake blood from a bloody rose that Lizzy threw into the crowd! It was dripping down my face and I looked a mess. I doubt I will ever get to say that again (wish I had taken a photo)! Loved it, what a night!

Here come the bloody roses!

30 years of American Metal

Rock on \m/(>.<)\m/

Space Shuttle Endeavour – California Science Centre

I arrived back in Los Angeles yesterday for the first time since September 2012 and just had to head back out to the California Science Centre to see the new and impressive addition to their air and space exhibits -  Space Shuttle Endeavour (Orbiter Vehicle OV-105). Endeavour was first launched in 1992 and completed her last space flight in May 2011.

Space Shuttle Endeavour

Space Shuttle Endeavour

Interestingly the shuttle sits on this huge metal stand which has been designed to protect Endeavour in the advent of an earthquake. The shuttle will move with the shaking of the earth to avoid damage that would occur if it was affixed to plinths or sitting on concrete.

The belly and nose of Endeavour

Space Shuttle Endeavour Rocket Engines

A Space Shuttle rocket engine

Endeavour was delivered to Los Angeles by NASA on September 21st, 2012 on the back of a special Boeing 747 shuttle transporter. This shuttle delivery completed a career of 25 space missions by Endeavour for NASA, including delivering the first US component of the International Space Station.

Space Shuttle Endeavour over Ventura, California September 21st 2012 (source: NASA)

Unfortunately I missed Endeavour’s arrival last year by just a few days, and I also missed the spectacle of transporting a Space Shuttle by road from the airport to the museum. They show a great short film at the museum on the slow and meticulous process to deliver Endeavour safely through the streets of Los Angeles whilst barely missing trees, poles and houses!

Space Shuttle Endeavour transported through the streets of LA in 2012 (Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Endeavour was one of 5 Space Shuttles to serve with NASA on operational space missions. The other operational shuttles were Challenger (OV-099) – first launched in 1983 and tragically the first shuttle lost in a disaster in 1986 with the loss of all onboard; Columbia (OV-102) – first launched in 1981 and tragically also lost with all her crew in 2003; Discovery (OV-103) – first launched in 1984 and retired from space missions in March 2011 and Atlantis (OV-104) the last operational shuttle, she was first launched in 1985 and completed her last space mission in July 2011.

Challenger lifts off just moments before disaster in 1986 (Source: MPI/Getty Images)

There actually are two other shuttles of sorts. One is Enterprise (OV-101) which was used to perform shuttle test flights in the atmosphere, with the first flight taking place in February 1977. Although it looks like the other shuttles, Enterprise was not capable of space flight as it was not fitted with heat shields or engines. At one stage NASA did consider refitting her for space flight but due to design changes in the operational Columbia shuttle it was deemed too expensive to refit and never went ahead. In 1985 Enterprise was retired and sent to the Smithsonian Aviation Museum in Washington D.C. and later transferred to their Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Centre in Virginia (today it is on display at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City after the Smithsonian received Discovery in 2012).

Space Shuttle Enterprise 2010

The other “shuttle” is the Space Shuttle Trainer (FFT – Full Fuselage Trainer) used by NASA for 30 years to train all shuttle crews. It was never a complete shuttle and was only used on the ground to train crews under simulation. Today the trainer resides in the Museum of Flight in Seattle where it was delivered in 2012.

Shuttle Trainer (Source: NASA)

I have seen a number of these shuttles over the years including Discovery, Atlantis, Enterprise and the trainer (in pieces). I first saw Discovery in 1998 on a tour of Cape Kennedy as it was awaiting launch a few days later (I never saw it get launched, but this mission eventually returned the then Senator John Glenn into space – he was the first American astronaut to be sent into orbit around Earth in 1962 aboard a Mercury spacecraft and this shuttle launch was only his second time into space). The only shuttle launch I ever saw was Atlantis at Cape Kennedy in 2010. That was an amazing experience – the noise and vibration in the air was incredible!

Space Shuttle Atlantis 2010

I saw Enterprise at the Smithsonian in Virginia in 2010 and the trainer components following their delivery to Seattle aboard NASA’s amazing looking transport aircraft the Super Guppy in 2012. The trainer is now complete and on display at the Museum of Flight (this is the only version of the shuttle that you can tour inside of).

Space Shuttle trainer nose component – Seattle 2012

Enterprise 2010

In addition to the NASA shuttles I have also been inside the Soviet Union’s version of the shuttle, Buran when it was on tour in Sydney, Australia in 2000 and I have also seen a test unit Buran in 2007 in Gorky Park, Moscow. The Buran program had only one unmanned space flight in 1988. The program was eventually cancelled due to cost and the fall of the Soviet Union.

Buran 1988 with a MiG-25PU chase plane

Buran test unit at Gorky Park, Moscow 2007

The size and scale of the shuttles are impressive. To see Endeavour up so close and to be able to walk around underneath it gives you a great insight into the construction and size of the shuttle. Especially seeing all the heat shield tiles that make up the underside of the fuselage and wings to protect the shuttle upon reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere.

Endeavour Heat Shield Tiles

The science centre has provided some specifications  and important statistics for  Endeavour as follows:

• Inaugural launch date: May 7, 1992
• Total number of fliers: 173
• Total number of orbits: 4,671
• Total distance traveled: 197,761, 262 km / 122,883,151 miles
• Time in space: 299 days
• Orbiter length: 37.2 metres / 122 feet
• Orbiter height on runway: 17.4 metres / 57 feet
• Wingspan: 23.8 metres / 78 feet
• Manufacturer: Rockwell International Corporation in Palmdale, California

I thoroughly recommend a visit to the California Science Centre to see Endeavour. Entry into the museum is free and the only cost to see the shuttle is a $2 timed entry booking fee. Well worth it!