Tribute to a "Real Leither"

His association with ships was in the fact that he used to land aircraft onto them and more than anyone else for that matter.

One of the most famous British pilots, Capt Eric "Winkle" Brown, has died at the age of 97.

He was the Royal Navy's most decorated pilot and held the world record for flying the greatest number of different types of aircraft, 487.
During the Second World War Capt Brown flew fighter aircraft and witnessed the liberation of Bergen Belsen concentration camp.


"Eric was the most decorated pilot of the Fleet Air Arm in which service he was universally known as 'Winkle' on account of his diminutive stature.
"He also held three absolute Guinness World Records, including for the number of aircraft carrier deck landings and types of aeroplane flown."
Born in Leith on 21 January 1919, he was educated at Fettes College and the University of Edinburgh, where he learned to fly.

More on the story from the BBC website

Replica "TITANIC" may yet be built?

Would you fancy a cruise on a replica ship, if so then what better than a replica TITANIC
Complete with all the modern aids to safety at sea of course, although still maned by humans and expected to make a profit (A bit like the replica of the BOUNTY?)

The rendering as seen above keeps pretty much with the original look of the ship although reports say that she will be some 4 metres wider than the original (Dont know how this will effect her stability, may even make it better) and she will of course have her full compliment of lifeboats as per SOLAS requirements.
I for one am all for replica ships being built, would just prefer if it was being built in Europe or in the States rather than China, as there pedigree with shipbuilding still leaves a bit to be desired shall we say.
Slated for a launch date some time in 2018 after being delayed or put back a couple of years it will be interesting and full on publicity should it happen.