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Editorial
A trip to TrainTown is currently needed. In my attempts to complete many projects in not enough time, I have neglected my somewhat regular visits for updates. Knowing that the restoration will soon be complete, I know that it is crucial that I view the latest updates. What's more, 765 will have to be lifted again to replace the drivers that were taken out from under her last year. A real sight to behold.
I had planned to feature a report on a trip taken to Chicago aboard the South Shore from Michigan City, IN. Due to current events, this has been pushed back. I might say, though, that commutting in this fashion is like no other. The convenience and ease in which we entered the city was unbelievable. I only wish we still had more commuter trains or interurbans.
Many people love the freedom that automobiles provide in getting from point A to point Z with B and C or any other number of stops thrown in. However, much enjoyment is lost in the drive. Rail travel allows everyone to enjoy conversation, relaxation and scenery at their leisure. I'd love to see a rebirth of passenger service, but, with one exception of a possible high speed service across Indiana, I see little chance of that happening. Never-the-less, the South Shore will be my preferred method of entry into Chicago from now on.
Enjoy February and stay tuned for 765 updates here. See you next month.
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Feature
Farewell Columbia...
First flight of Columbia: April 12, 1981 |
Columbia was the first of the SSTs (Space Shuttle Transporter's) to fly in space. Lift off occured on April 12, 1981. February 1, 2003, Shuttle Columbia was lost during re-entry ending her nearly 22-year long career. May the Lord be with the crew and their families as well as our nation on this sad day.
The fact of the matter is that Columbia, while first to fly, was actually the fourth shuttle airframe; orbitor vehicle number OV-102. Shuttle Enterprise was OV-101 but was merely a test bed for glide tests. Interestingly, Shuttle Challenger was airframe OV-99 and was also constructed as a test platform. Later, Challenger was rebuilt and finished as a complete orbitor. Sadly, she, too, was lost during a lift off mishap on January 28, 1986.
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The Columbia was returning from a sixteen day scientific mission which included Isreal's first astronaut. The typical shuttle dimensions are:
WEIGHTS
Orbitor (empty): 165,000 Pounds (75,000 KG)
External Tank (empty): 78,100 Pounds (35,500 KG)
Solid Rocket Booster (empty): 185,000 Pounds (84,100 KG)
Entire vehicle, Fueled for launch:
4.4 Million Pounds (2 Million KGS)
The first launch of Columbia was carried live by all networks. I watched it as did every kid I knew. It was historic in all aspects. It was the first reusable space vehicle, the crew was large, and it looked like an airplane rather than an arrow. I was enthralled with the shuttle. I dreamed of becoming an astronaut and remember wanting to even more after Challenger was lost. I'd still ride those ships today if I could. As was the case following Challenger, we should stay the course and renew our commitment to the United States Space Program. Tragedies happen so that heros may be born. It will be our responsibility to NOT turn our backs on those heros and continue in the peaceful pursuit of knowledge and exploration.
Farewell, Columbia. May she and her crew forever fly in Heaven.
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