A-12 Spyplane Panorama

A-12 Spyplane Panorama, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

I couldn't stop taking pictures of this aircraft. I don't know if it's the shape and size that attracts me or if it's because I have read so much about it and appreciate it for the amazing thing that it is.

The prototype first flew in April of 1962 yet it still holds several world records for speed and altitude. Everything about this aircraft was revolutionary. Flying at more than 2,000 mph and at altitudes as high as 90,000 ft, its pilots could see the curvature of the earth and out-run missiles launched at it. It's cameras had incredible resolution.

Built almost entirely of titanium to endure the heat of friction generated at Mach 3+ speeds, parts of the aircrafts skin would reach 1,200 degrees. It's twin engines spat out white-hot 3,400 degree exhaust plumes into the super cold air 17 miles above the earth's surface. This unprecedented propulsive power sped the Blackbird at an unbelievable two-thirds of a mile a second.

This was the first stealthy aircraft ever built. It's radar cross section was 100 times smaller than the US Navy's F-14 Tomcat fighter built a decade later.

The Gothic Study

The Gothic Study, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

W.R. Hearst held private meetings and oversaw the operations of his vast business empire from this room. This photo is somewhat monochromatic. This is due to the low light levels used in the castle to preserve the ancient artwork. Tripods are not allowed in the castle so I had to shoot at ISO 3,200 and only bracket 3 shots. This image required quite a bit of noise reduction and post processing to make it look this good. Those of you with Nikon's D3 or D700 are fortunate to have such low noise cameras. Maybe someday...

Heavens on Fire

Heavens on Fire, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Ariel's Grotto, a good place to eat and watch the sun set over Disney California Adventure.

Neptune Pool - Early Morning

Neptune Pool - Early Morning, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Hearst Castle's Neptune Pool - WR Hearst had this pool rebuilt 3 times until it matched his vision of what it should be. This makes it the most expensive pool in any private residence in the world. With a 345,000 gallon capacity it is also one of the largest. It features 2 curved collonnades, an ancient roman temple and beautiful mythological figures carved by French sculptor Charles Cassou.

Neptune Pool at Sunset

Neptune Pool at Sunset, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Hearst Castle's Neptune Pool - WR Hearst had this pool rebuilt 3 times until it matched his vision of what it should be. This makes it the most expensive pool in any private residence in the world. With a 345,000 gallon capacity it is also one of the largest. It features 2 curved collonnades, an ancient roman temple and beautiful mythological figures carved by French sculptor Charles Cassou.

Stairway to Heaven

Stairway to Heaven, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Hearst Castle's Neptune Pool - WR Hearst had this pool rebuilt 3 times until it matched his vision of what it should be. This makes it the most expensive pool in any private residence in the world. With a 345,000 gallon capacity it is also one of the largest. It features 2 curved collonnades, an ancient roman temple and beautiful mythological figures carved by French sculptor Charles Cassou.

RA-5C Vigilante

RA-5C Vigilante, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Vietnam era reconnaissance aircraft photographed on the flight deck of the USS Midway in San Diego, California. It was a beautiful, cool and sunny day. The clouds were particularly dramatic and made a perfect background in addtion to the skyline.

A-12 Trainer

A-12 Trainer, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This is the only 2 seat version of the A-12 spy plane ever built. Operated by the CIA, this aircraft was the predecessor to the SR-71 Blackbird. Only one of 2 Blackbirds not actually painted black. This aircraft is bare metal with the exception of the nose and twin tails. Cloaked in absolute secrecy for most of it's operational life, it's good that the public can see this amazing aircraft now.

F-86 Sabre

F-86 Sabre, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This spit polish F-86 was spectacular and quite difficult to photograph without becoming part of the image. I've visited the Chino Planes of Fame museum many times but have never seen this aircraft before. I think it may have been on a short term loan. It would be amazing to see it fly!

Lockheed P-38J Lightning

Lockheed P-38J Lightning, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

World War II's Pacific theater's premiere fighter the Lockheed P-38J Lightning.