How not to photograph a firestation...

I was walking down the street the other day, and I saw this lovely old fire station.  They even had what looked like a vintage fire truck there.

So I just had to take some photographs. I like shooting the trucks from low down, there are two reasons for this.  The first is that you can really get some fun details, like the eagle or phoenix atop the bell, the chrome around the head lights reflecting a neighbouring truck, of the texture of the radiator, or klaxon.  The second reason for shooting low is to get a kids eye view.  Grownups look at fire trucks where kids look up to them, in every sense of the phrase.  You can add to the size by being low, you can re-kindle memories.

I'm definitely happy when all I'm exploring the details of a fire-engine, every nuance of design, be it a Mack, Pearce, La France, Seagrave or whatever.  Sometimes I get a little too focused.

But usually I notice when the engine starts up, or the firemen shout at me to get out of the way.

Citroen Avant

 

 

 

Our new small library

I found this at Alameda Point. It's a small public library, rather a high tech solution, still we are in The Bay Area. Bookmobiles only come around once a week, this is here always. Don't think I'll get to use it often though.

Again, San Francisco.

 

San Fransico at the far side of the runway.

The domed city of San Francisco

Yes, that is a real photo, all I did was crop and dust removal. Geodesic dome over the city

Pelican Goes Fishing...

Alameda Naval Airstation is a great place to go pelican spotting.

Niles Canyon Railroad

They were obviously getting ready for the Labor day weekend, when they use the steam engines to pull the tourist trains through Niles Canyon.  I never thought of that and just ended up in Niles on a whim this morning (Friday 2nd Sept).

DS has got the modelling bug

My eldest (12) has restarted painting wargaming 28mm figures.  He's opted for Warhammer Orks, and is doing an excellent job of it all.

He did do Warhammer 40K Kroot a few years ago, no where near as polished as these guys.

Architecture of Emergency (my new blog)

Yes folks, I've decided I need a new blog with a new agenda.  This one will be recording the styling I like in buildings and vehicles associated with the emergency services.

This picture of Chesters old fire station is one example, as is the following image of a Pearce engine below