NAS Richmond

In an email from the EAA today, the newsletter included a link to this video telling a bit of the history of NAS (Naval Air Station) Richmond located in Florida. NAS Richmond was one of the many blimp bases built along the east and west coast of the US during WW2, and perhaps the largest.

To learn more about Naval Air Station Richmond and the history of naval airships, visit the Gold Coast Railroad Museum page on the topic at gcrm.org/naspage.aspx

Airships over Ft. Worth, Then and Now

This isn't the first time a Zeppelin has visited Ft. Worth. Back in October 1928, the USS Los Angeles, built in Germany, flew over downtown Ft. Worth. Yesterday, Eureka posed for a similar picture, 73 years later. You'll notice she is a bit higher over the building -- these days we have rules to follow regarding altitude!

Thanks go to Bob Adams and the B-36 Peacemaker Museum for helping us recreate a historic image of the first Zeppelin visit to Ft. Worth in 1928. If you're in the D/FW area, stop by the museum to learn about the city's Zeppelin history.

ZR-3 USS Los Angeles, 1928

N-704LZ Eureka, 2011

Ft. Worth

We're here!

Our shadow over downtown Ft. Worth.

(Thanks to MK for these and other pictures today)

Running Along the Border

The Oklahoma-Texas Border that is...

The Oklahoma Side

The Texas Side - Border Runs Along River

Making Way for Ft. Worth

After a number of delays waiting for a part to arrive from Germany, we are on our way to Ft. Worth.

Here is the view passing Oklahoma City...

Zeppelin Spicy Wheat Ale

When in Oklahoma... Drink Zeppelin Beer? Matthew found this gem on our recent stay in the OK state.

"A unique spin on a classic style, this spicy wheat ale starts with a blend of Maris Otter, white wheat, and a hint of rye, which is then infused with Cascade hops and fermented on German Hefe’ yeast. Notes of clove and banana can be found along with hints of spice from the rye."

Sounds good to me. Prost!

A4 Rocket

Taking a walk in Germany recently, I came upon a memorial at the location of an old V2 production facility and associated forced labor camp in Friedrichshafen. The parts not already having been destroyed by allied air attacks during the war, were removed by the French after the war. It is today forest and field. Like many other German companies during that period, Zeppelin was pressed into service in support of the war effort, and contributed to the testing and production of the V2 ballistic missile (also known by the German Army designation A4, for "Aggregat-4").

Zep Brand Industrial Cleaner

We won't be using this on the ship (!), but we did pick up a batch for doing a bit of cleaning around HQ in preparation for Eureka coming back to base next month. (Thanks Pam!)

Our Arrival in Kansas City 09-11-2011

Hello Kansas City - here we are!

Kansas City Arrival

Kansas City Bound

After a number of delays, the weather and ship are in alignment and she is on her way.

The ship left St. Louis a few hours ago, and will be arriving to Kansas City this evening.

Helium Hunters

Helium has been hard to find the last week or two, especially in the St. Louis area.

With the holiday weekend approaching, it was getting even harder, but Troy managed to find a supply a short drive away.

Here Chris and Mark celebrate a little helium victory.

Victorious Helium Hunters