Balbraeker Balbrae, Bloomfield What is this place? Honestly, it's nothing more than a reason for me to link to the fascinating story of Amelia Earhart's secret Connecticut wedding. And some other stuff. And it happens to be located mere minutes from where I live. But I'll start with another nearby mansion on … [Read more...]
414. Pratt & Whitney Hangar Museum
HangArn a Minute! East Hartford (Google Maps location) May 7, 2019 After I left my job at LEGO in late April 2019, I had a few weeks before starting at my new place of employment. With some free time, I did what anyone would do and began seeking out a bunch of museums that are only open during weekdays. … [Read more...]
ASME: Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp Radial Engine
ASME Landmark # 260 (1925) Pratt & Whitney, East Hartford May 2019 Everything I read online tells me that there’s an original 1925 Wasp engine up at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks. And I’m 100% sure there is. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers National Landmark plaque is probably up there … [Read more...]
229. New England Air Museum
This Place is Fly New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks (Google Maps location) April 19, 2012 The New England Air Museum (NEAM) is a monster. Easily one of Connecticut’s largest museums, writing up a visit is daunting. Writing up a visit with a tired and difficult Damian is impossible. So, dear readers, I’m sorry. … [Read more...]
Wintonbury Flying Club
Fly me to the Moon Wintonbury Flying Club Fly-In, Bloomfield September 2015 You can take a nice hike around this place too. I won't pretend for one second to understand the first thing about the world of giant radio controlled airplanes. All I know is that a bunch of people love this hobby, some of the planes … [Read more...]
ASME: Hydromatic Propeller
ASME Landmark #149 (1938) Hamilton Standard Hydromatic Propeller New England Air Museum Windsor Locks In a way, this might be the hardest of the CT ASME landmarks to find. This is because it resides in the massive New England Air Museum and, let’s face it, isn’t exactly the draw to the museum. Not with 80 … [Read more...]
Fidelco Guide Dogs
Fidelco Guide Dogs/Kaman Company Bloomfield April 16, 2011 Another cold and dreary spring weekend here in Connecticut with a bored special needs five-year-old, who NEEDS to get out and about or we ALL go crazy. What to do, what to do… Oh I know, we’ll go see some doggies! Damian loves dogs! And, truth be … [Read more...]
Plane Spotting at Bradley (RIP)
De Plane! De Plane! Viewing Area at Bradley Int'l Airport East Granby, CT [2015 Update: this lot is closed off by a wall of Jersey barriers. Oh well.] I know, this is silly, but I once got an email asking me if I knew if there was a place to "plane spot" in Connecticut. I guess this is what they mean; a place … [Read more...]
Towers, Bridges, Tunnels, Roads, Canals, Dams, Fishways, Airports, & Ferries
Civil Engineering I don’t think I need to write an explanatory intro for this page. It is exactly what it says it is. And it's awesome. Jump down to: Observation Towers and Views Bridges, Covered and Otherwise Canals, Dams, Levees, & Fishways Highways, Roads & Tunnels Airports & Ferries … [Read more...]
Robertson Airport
Planeville Robertson Field, Plainville April 8, 2009 I had never heard of Robertson Field before my visit to the Plainville Historic Center. There, my guide offhandedly mentioned that Robertson Field was the oldest airport in Connecticut. My ears perked up and I noted it, but pretty much forgot about … [Read more...]