It's amazing how highly trained soldiers can miss everyone they shoot at. Then again, no body count, the cops wouldn't look too hard.
I'm little surprised, I got more references than usual.
Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
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Simon Darkshade
- Posts: 1177
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Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
That particular feature is a hat-tip to how the A-Team would blast away with their Mini-14s, but never seem to actually hit anyone (due to the rating and timing of the programme).
The Maltese Cow is a reference to an A-Team episode where Murdoch is on a Bogart/Sam Spade kick.
In terms of Easter Eggs, March 16, 17, 28 and 31 were fun to write.
The Maltese Cow is a reference to an A-Team episode where Murdoch is on a Bogart/Sam Spade kick.
In terms of Easter Eggs, March 16, 17, 28 and 31 were fun to write.
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Rocket J Squrriel
- Posts: 665
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 5:23 pm
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
LOLMarch 11: Walkers in Scotland report witnessing the rare sight of a mass migration of wild haggis across a windswept Highland moor during daylight, belying their usual nocturnal habits and emerging earlier than expected from hibernation deep in the ancient forests. Naturalists speculate that an earlier than usual emergence of the haggis could be a sign of a warm spring and summer to come.
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jemhouston
- Posts: 4340
- Joined: Fri Nov 18, 2022 12:38 am
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
A-Team was a live action Warner Brothers Cartoon. The actors were upset by the film version having a body count.Simon Darkshade wrote: ↑Fri Dec 13, 2024 2:06 pm That particular feature is a hat-tip to how the A-Team would blast away with their Mini-14s, but never seem to actually hit anyone (due to the rating and timing of the programme).
The Maltese Cow is a reference to an A-Team episode where Murdoch is on a Bogart/Sam Spade kick.
In terms of Easter Eggs, March 16, 17, 28 and 31 were fun to write.
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Simon Darkshade
- Posts: 1177
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:55 am
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
March Notes
- Project Martello is very much an ahistorical response to differing threats and differing perceptions of/reactions to the same. They are a replacement of earlier post WW2/1950s manned guns with automated and remotely operated dual purpose guns; this is perhaps an overreaction married with taking somewhat erroneous lessons from past experiences, along with providing the seeds for a future story hook, well down the line. Only a few are located on the coast per se, with the majority replacing older former AA Command emplacements
- Aircraft hijacking is receiving a stronger reaction, particularly in light of certain developments in 1973; some more conspiratorially minded observers have questioned as to how this group was able to avoid sky marshal defences, and they may well be onto something. King Zod is nothing if not zealous. Oh, and by the by, experimental tractor beams…
- March 5’s event refers to Fallout New Vegas
- IBM and other U.S. computing/hi-tech companies aren’t taking the curious (almost preternatural) British technological advantages in electronics and computing lying down
- Patty Hearst is rescued by the A-Team. Their leader was heard to remark that he loves it when a plan comes together
- Canada is very well positioned on a different trajectory to @
- Baedeker’s guides are still going on strong
- The USAF had to be pulled squirming and squealing into even considering the YF-18, as they have their own perspectives and internal political positions regarding their future fighters
- The wild haggis event was inspired by a spoof David Attenborough short on the elusive Scottish animals
- WA’s railways are rather more extensive than the @ SE corner, whilst other Australian lines are being extended, reflecting different climatic conditions in the interior of the continent
- Passenger submarines emerge a bit earlier; they aren’t quite going to certain depths
- Ethiopian hydroelectric developments are an example of the different trajectory of the country
- Eddie Slovik is alive, having never been reclassified from 4-F, and has the dubious luck of getting a brand new Edsel
- Wagner is based on the @ 1983 film, with some different events reflecting the life of Ludwig II, some meetings with other notable 19th century figures, and some very interesting acting roles from TW, Ahnold and of course Groucho Marx as the founder of communism
- Amid the detritus of the canals of Venice is an offhand reference to Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
- Rather than the @ attempted kidnapping of Princess Anne (who is great with child), we see the prevention of an attempt on a more minor royal, showcasing some ‘interesting’ (in the Chinese sense) capabilities
- The US Motion Picture Production Code remains very strong; some of its aspects are slightly different. In effect, this means a lack of swearing in mainstream/legal pictures, less adult content and rude bits, but gradually relaxed approaches to some aspects of violence and war (even outside of newsreels)
- The Baltic Sea anti-dumping treaty is broader and stronger
- Rhodesia makes use of a familiar image
- Tanna’s attempted secession gets a swifter reaction
- The Chinese are up to something, but many rival powers aren’t too unhappy of getting an extended look at their cutting edge stuff
- Whilst welfare spending is lower than historical in terms of GDP percentage, there is quite a bit of available slack that allows a doubling of the dole, particularly the much smaller rate of structural unemployment
- The rise of the Windies and their pomp is coming a few years earlier
- March 28 is a reference to Kindergarten Cop, with a different title as the punchline. By the by, Kimble reportedly does not have a tumour
- The Terracotta Army is approached in a different manner, with a bit of an Easter Egg reference to one of The Mummy pictures
- Artax is not a ‘stick in the mud’ horse
- Carrie gets a nicer ending, courtesy of The Tomorrow People
- Project Martello is very much an ahistorical response to differing threats and differing perceptions of/reactions to the same. They are a replacement of earlier post WW2/1950s manned guns with automated and remotely operated dual purpose guns; this is perhaps an overreaction married with taking somewhat erroneous lessons from past experiences, along with providing the seeds for a future story hook, well down the line. Only a few are located on the coast per se, with the majority replacing older former AA Command emplacements
- Aircraft hijacking is receiving a stronger reaction, particularly in light of certain developments in 1973; some more conspiratorially minded observers have questioned as to how this group was able to avoid sky marshal defences, and they may well be onto something. King Zod is nothing if not zealous. Oh, and by the by, experimental tractor beams…
- March 5’s event refers to Fallout New Vegas
- IBM and other U.S. computing/hi-tech companies aren’t taking the curious (almost preternatural) British technological advantages in electronics and computing lying down
- Patty Hearst is rescued by the A-Team. Their leader was heard to remark that he loves it when a plan comes together
- Canada is very well positioned on a different trajectory to @
- Baedeker’s guides are still going on strong
- The USAF had to be pulled squirming and squealing into even considering the YF-18, as they have their own perspectives and internal political positions regarding their future fighters
- The wild haggis event was inspired by a spoof David Attenborough short on the elusive Scottish animals
- WA’s railways are rather more extensive than the @ SE corner, whilst other Australian lines are being extended, reflecting different climatic conditions in the interior of the continent
- Passenger submarines emerge a bit earlier; they aren’t quite going to certain depths
- Ethiopian hydroelectric developments are an example of the different trajectory of the country
- Eddie Slovik is alive, having never been reclassified from 4-F, and has the dubious luck of getting a brand new Edsel
- Wagner is based on the @ 1983 film, with some different events reflecting the life of Ludwig II, some meetings with other notable 19th century figures, and some very interesting acting roles from TW, Ahnold and of course Groucho Marx as the founder of communism
- Amid the detritus of the canals of Venice is an offhand reference to Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
- Rather than the @ attempted kidnapping of Princess Anne (who is great with child), we see the prevention of an attempt on a more minor royal, showcasing some ‘interesting’ (in the Chinese sense) capabilities
- The US Motion Picture Production Code remains very strong; some of its aspects are slightly different. In effect, this means a lack of swearing in mainstream/legal pictures, less adult content and rude bits, but gradually relaxed approaches to some aspects of violence and war (even outside of newsreels)
- The Baltic Sea anti-dumping treaty is broader and stronger
- Rhodesia makes use of a familiar image
- Tanna’s attempted secession gets a swifter reaction
- The Chinese are up to something, but many rival powers aren’t too unhappy of getting an extended look at their cutting edge stuff
- Whilst welfare spending is lower than historical in terms of GDP percentage, there is quite a bit of available slack that allows a doubling of the dole, particularly the much smaller rate of structural unemployment
- The rise of the Windies and their pomp is coming a few years earlier
- March 28 is a reference to Kindergarten Cop, with a different title as the punchline. By the by, Kimble reportedly does not have a tumour
- The Terracotta Army is approached in a different manner, with a bit of an Easter Egg reference to one of The Mummy pictures
- Artax is not a ‘stick in the mud’ horse
- Carrie gets a nicer ending, courtesy of The Tomorrow People
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Bernard Woolley
- Posts: 819
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:06 pm
- Location: Earth
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
Although the large gentleman wearing gold chain was heard to express his dislike of air travel.Their leader was heard to remark that he loves it when a plan comes together
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jemhouston
- Posts: 4340
- Joined: Fri Nov 18, 2022 12:38 am
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
Given the state of air travel outside of DE, do you blame him?Bernard Woolley wrote: ↑Sat Dec 14, 2024 1:58 pmAlthough the large gentleman wearing gold chain was heard to express his dislike of air travel.Their leader was heard to remark that he loves it when a plan comes together
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Simon Darkshade
- Posts: 1177
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:55 am
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
Given the particular leanings of Dark Earth, he’ll have a great deal of high speed rail to choose from.Bernard Woolley wrote: ↑Sat Dec 14, 2024 1:58 pmAlthough the large gentleman wearing gold chain was heard to express his dislike of air travel.Their leader was heard to remark that he loves it when a plan comes together
That gives me an idea for a future television programme “Great Railway Journeys with Mr. T”
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Simon Darkshade
- Posts: 1177
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:55 am
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
On a carrier related note, the planned Air Wings assigned to the projected Majestic class fleet carriers:
24 x de Havilland Vanguard fighters
24 x Hawker-Siddeley Phantom fighter/attack
24 x Blackburn Buccaneer attack bombers
24 x English Electric Scimitar fighter-bombers
16 x Fairey Firefly or Hawker-Siddeley Merlin strike fighters
16 x Supermarine Excalibur strike bombers
12 x Fairey Swordfish ASW
4 x Armstrong-Whitworth Watchman AEW
4 x Blackburn Stalker EW
4 x Fairey Rotodynes
4 x Westland Sea King GP/ASW
This compares to the projected USN CVW for the Ticonderogas:
24 x Northrop-Grumman F-14 Tomcats
24-36 x McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantoms
24 x Northrop Grumman A-6 Intruders
24-36 McDonnell-Douglas A-4 Skyhawk IIs
12 x Lockheed-Martin A/S-3 Vikings
12 x Boeing F-111M Vindicators
4 x North American-Convair A-3 Skywarriors
4 x Northrop-Grumman E2 Hawkeyes
4 Northrop-Grumman EA-6 Prowlers
4 North American-Convair RA-5 Vigilantes
8 Kaman Rotodynes
Both of these are larger than the largest USN CVWs of @ of 90-100 aircraft. This reflects the greater DE advances in C4I and command and control of such a size of air group (cf the early Midways to see how they did not), as well as being markedly larger ships.
The primary difference is the RN having a different approach to the light strike/fighter-bomber, not having the benefit of the capable Skyhawk II, as they prefer the greater legs of the Scimitar/Firefly combination.
The Red Navy has broadly similar air groups on its CVAs and CVNs, with the latter having analogous strengths to the Anglo-Americans, at least insofar as numbers are concerned.
32 MiG-23K strike fighters
16 Su-17M fighter-bombers
16 Tu-110 attack bombers
32 Yak-30 light attack fighter-bombers
12 Su-24K strike bombers
12 Kamov Ka-25 helicopters
4 Ilyushin Il-52 AEW
What they are missing is a counterpart to the Tomcat and Vanguard, or a genuine first rate carrier air superiority fighter. The MiG-23 is a decent plane and is in the general class of the Phantom, but technology and aircraft don’t stand still.
And wrapping up the major carrier fleets, we have France:
24 Dassault Mirage F3 fighters
24 Breguet-Citroën Jaguar attack aircraft
18 Sud-Dewoitine F4 Phantom fighter-bombers
18 Morane-Saulnier Super Etendard strike fighters
18 Nord-Renault Durandal strike bombers
12 Fouga-Potez Épaulard II ASW aircraft
4 Breguet-Citroën Br.123B Corbeau AEW planes
and Japan:
16 Fuji A15F strike fighters
24 Mitsubishi A12M fighters
24 Nakajima A10D Phantom fighter-bombers
16 Honda B12H attack aircraft
16 Kawasaki B10C strike bombers
4 Sumitomo C7S AEW
24 x de Havilland Vanguard fighters
24 x Hawker-Siddeley Phantom fighter/attack
24 x Blackburn Buccaneer attack bombers
24 x English Electric Scimitar fighter-bombers
16 x Fairey Firefly or Hawker-Siddeley Merlin strike fighters
16 x Supermarine Excalibur strike bombers
12 x Fairey Swordfish ASW
4 x Armstrong-Whitworth Watchman AEW
4 x Blackburn Stalker EW
4 x Fairey Rotodynes
4 x Westland Sea King GP/ASW
This compares to the projected USN CVW for the Ticonderogas:
24 x Northrop-Grumman F-14 Tomcats
24-36 x McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantoms
24 x Northrop Grumman A-6 Intruders
24-36 McDonnell-Douglas A-4 Skyhawk IIs
12 x Lockheed-Martin A/S-3 Vikings
12 x Boeing F-111M Vindicators
4 x North American-Convair A-3 Skywarriors
4 x Northrop-Grumman E2 Hawkeyes
4 Northrop-Grumman EA-6 Prowlers
4 North American-Convair RA-5 Vigilantes
8 Kaman Rotodynes
Both of these are larger than the largest USN CVWs of @ of 90-100 aircraft. This reflects the greater DE advances in C4I and command and control of such a size of air group (cf the early Midways to see how they did not), as well as being markedly larger ships.
The primary difference is the RN having a different approach to the light strike/fighter-bomber, not having the benefit of the capable Skyhawk II, as they prefer the greater legs of the Scimitar/Firefly combination.
The Red Navy has broadly similar air groups on its CVAs and CVNs, with the latter having analogous strengths to the Anglo-Americans, at least insofar as numbers are concerned.
32 MiG-23K strike fighters
16 Su-17M fighter-bombers
16 Tu-110 attack bombers
32 Yak-30 light attack fighter-bombers
12 Su-24K strike bombers
12 Kamov Ka-25 helicopters
4 Ilyushin Il-52 AEW
What they are missing is a counterpart to the Tomcat and Vanguard, or a genuine first rate carrier air superiority fighter. The MiG-23 is a decent plane and is in the general class of the Phantom, but technology and aircraft don’t stand still.
And wrapping up the major carrier fleets, we have France:
24 Dassault Mirage F3 fighters
24 Breguet-Citroën Jaguar attack aircraft
18 Sud-Dewoitine F4 Phantom fighter-bombers
18 Morane-Saulnier Super Etendard strike fighters
18 Nord-Renault Durandal strike bombers
12 Fouga-Potez Épaulard II ASW aircraft
4 Breguet-Citroën Br.123B Corbeau AEW planes
and Japan:
16 Fuji A15F strike fighters
24 Mitsubishi A12M fighters
24 Nakajima A10D Phantom fighter-bombers
16 Honda B12H attack aircraft
16 Kawasaki B10C strike bombers
4 Sumitomo C7S AEW
Last edited by Simon Darkshade on Tue Dec 17, 2024 1:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Simon Darkshade
- Posts: 1177
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:55 am
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
The Royal Family (1974)
Queen Elizabeth II is in the 22nd year of her reign and at 48 is in her prime; like many in Dark Earth, she appears notably younger than at this time in @ due to various rejuvenation spells and treatments (mentioned in Fall and Rise regarding Churchill).
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is now long retired from active duties in the Royal Navy, and has many other roles, including as presidency of the WWF, the Privy Council, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Captain-General of the Royal Legion of Frontiersmen, President of the Football Association and the MCC, Ranger of Windsor Great Park, senior roles on the Committee of Imperial Defence and the Joint Intelligence Committee, leadership of the major military knightly orders of the Church of England and many more. He enjoys polo, riding, carriage driving, jousting, hunting and the sword.
Princess Margaret married the then Crown Prince Gustav Adolf of Sweden on May 30 1959 and has been Queen of Sweden since his coronation in 1973. She has six children - Crown Prince Carl Gustav (b 1960), Princess Christina (b 1962), Prince Magnus (b 1964), Princess Victoria (b 1965), Prince Sigurd (b 1966) and Princess Mary (b 1967). The Swedish and British Royals have a ‘special relationship’, with the Scandinavians visiting Sandringham each January.
Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother is the matriarch of the Royal Family, and remains one of its most popular members, with many different public duties.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (November 14, 1948) m Princess Victoria of Ruritania on October 17 1969
- William Arthur Phillip Louis George (b December 1970)
- Mary Alexandra Louise Elizabeth (b February 26 1972)
- Henry Charles Albert Richard (b February 26 1972)
- George Albert Charles Philip (b September 13 1973)
Prince Charles is a serving RN officer, although he is gradually shifting sideways and upstairs for formal duties. One of these is likely to be G-G of Australia, and then possibly roles in other Dominions. He is passionate about art, nature, architecture, music, history, elvenkind (being named Elf Friend), farming, environmental protection, animal rights, polo, fishing, hunting, jousting and the performing arts. He is regarded as having many talents, compared by some already to Frederick II.
Princess Anne (August 15, 1950) m Prince Christian of the Netherlands
Prince Andrew (January 28, 1959)
A 15 year old pupil at Gordonstoun
Prince Edward (August 29, 1961)
A 12 year old pupil at Heatherdown prep school
Princess Alice Elizabeth Victoria Mary (September 20 1963)
A 10 year old student at Benenden School
Princess Sophia Louise Charlotte (July 18 1965)
An 8 year old student at Benenden School
Prince Richard (April 3, 1966)
Prince George (April 3, 1966)
7 year old boys living at home prior to beginning boarding at 8
Princess Mary, Princess Royal (b 1897) m Henry Lascalles, Earl of Harewood
- Prince George, Earl of Harewood (b 1923)
- Prince David (b 1924)
Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (b 1900- ) m Princess Alice
- Prince William of Gloucester (b 1941)
- Prince Richard of Gloucester (b 1944)
- Prince Victor of Gloucester (b 1948)
The Duke of Gloucester is a retired British Army officer and former Governor-General of Australia
Prince George, Duke of Kent (b 1902) m Princess Marina of Greece
- Prince Edward of Kent (b 1935)
- Princess Alexandra of Kent (b 1936 ) m Crown Prince Harald of Sweden
- Prince Michael of Kent (b 1942) m Princess Benedikte of Denmark
- Prince Albert of Kent (b 1945)
Prince John, Duke of Sussex (b 1905) m Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia
- Prince Alexander (b 1927)
- Prince George (b 1930)
- Princess Helen (b 1934)
The Duke of Sussex is a retired RN officer and former Governor-General of Canada
Queen Elizabeth II is in the 22nd year of her reign and at 48 is in her prime; like many in Dark Earth, she appears notably younger than at this time in @ due to various rejuvenation spells and treatments (mentioned in Fall and Rise regarding Churchill).
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is now long retired from active duties in the Royal Navy, and has many other roles, including as presidency of the WWF, the Privy Council, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Captain-General of the Royal Legion of Frontiersmen, President of the Football Association and the MCC, Ranger of Windsor Great Park, senior roles on the Committee of Imperial Defence and the Joint Intelligence Committee, leadership of the major military knightly orders of the Church of England and many more. He enjoys polo, riding, carriage driving, jousting, hunting and the sword.
Princess Margaret married the then Crown Prince Gustav Adolf of Sweden on May 30 1959 and has been Queen of Sweden since his coronation in 1973. She has six children - Crown Prince Carl Gustav (b 1960), Princess Christina (b 1962), Prince Magnus (b 1964), Princess Victoria (b 1965), Prince Sigurd (b 1966) and Princess Mary (b 1967). The Swedish and British Royals have a ‘special relationship’, with the Scandinavians visiting Sandringham each January.
Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother is the matriarch of the Royal Family, and remains one of its most popular members, with many different public duties.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (November 14, 1948) m Princess Victoria of Ruritania on October 17 1969
- William Arthur Phillip Louis George (b December 1970)
- Mary Alexandra Louise Elizabeth (b February 26 1972)
- Henry Charles Albert Richard (b February 26 1972)
- George Albert Charles Philip (b September 13 1973)
Prince Charles is a serving RN officer, although he is gradually shifting sideways and upstairs for formal duties. One of these is likely to be G-G of Australia, and then possibly roles in other Dominions. He is passionate about art, nature, architecture, music, history, elvenkind (being named Elf Friend), farming, environmental protection, animal rights, polo, fishing, hunting, jousting and the performing arts. He is regarded as having many talents, compared by some already to Frederick II.
Princess Anne (August 15, 1950) m Prince Christian of the Netherlands
Prince Andrew (January 28, 1959)
A 15 year old pupil at Gordonstoun
Prince Edward (August 29, 1961)
A 12 year old pupil at Heatherdown prep school
Princess Alice Elizabeth Victoria Mary (September 20 1963)
A 10 year old student at Benenden School
Princess Sophia Louise Charlotte (July 18 1965)
An 8 year old student at Benenden School
Prince Richard (April 3, 1966)
Prince George (April 3, 1966)
7 year old boys living at home prior to beginning boarding at 8
Princess Mary, Princess Royal (b 1897) m Henry Lascalles, Earl of Harewood
- Prince George, Earl of Harewood (b 1923)
- Prince David (b 1924)
Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (b 1900- ) m Princess Alice
- Prince William of Gloucester (b 1941)
- Prince Richard of Gloucester (b 1944)
- Prince Victor of Gloucester (b 1948)
The Duke of Gloucester is a retired British Army officer and former Governor-General of Australia
Prince George, Duke of Kent (b 1902) m Princess Marina of Greece
- Prince Edward of Kent (b 1935)
- Princess Alexandra of Kent (b 1936 ) m Crown Prince Harald of Sweden
- Prince Michael of Kent (b 1942) m Princess Benedikte of Denmark
- Prince Albert of Kent (b 1945)
Prince John, Duke of Sussex (b 1905) m Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia
- Prince Alexander (b 1927)
- Prince George (b 1930)
- Princess Helen (b 1934)
The Duke of Sussex is a retired RN officer and former Governor-General of Canada
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Rocket J Squrriel
- Posts: 665
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 5:23 pm
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
What is the difference between the Northrop Grumman A-6 Intruders and the McDonnell-Douglas A-6 Skyhawk IIs?
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Simon Darkshade
- Posts: 1177
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:55 am
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
A typo that somehow slipped through. That should read A-4 Skyhawk II; they are very much advanced from the originals in the manner of the Hornet/Super Hornet. The naming is a bit of a way to squeeze through the procurement, as discussed in 1973.
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Rocket J Squrriel
- Posts: 665
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 5:23 pm
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
Figured as much.Simon Darkshade wrote: ↑Tue Dec 17, 2024 1:49 am A typo that somehow slipped through. That should read A-4 Skyhawk II; they are very much advanced from the originals in the manner of the Hornet/Super Hornet. The naming is a bit of a way to squeeze through the procurement, as discussed in 1973.
So the updated version would be like the A-4AR Fightinghawk that Argentina got in OTL but on steroids.
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Simon Darkshade
- Posts: 1177
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:55 am
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
Emphasis on the 'on steroids' part:
"August 23 1972: First deliveries to the USN of the McDonnell-Douglas A-4R 'Skyhawk II', a lightweight supersonic multirole light attack jet based on the now legendary Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (although looking similar, it bears relatively few common parts and the relationship is more reminiscent of that between the Vought Crusaders and Crusader IIs) suitable for operation on new light and escort carriers, as well as airborne platforms; the USMC has expressed strong interest in acquisition of the type for a continued light attack capacity, in addition to the planned VAX strike aircraft."
The engine is an afterburning P&W F100, allowing a theoretical top speed of Mach 1.7 (for a clean aircraft carrying no bombs or ordnance), but in practice the type is transonic with a supersonic burst capacity. The Skyhawk II is 25% larger than the original Douglas plane, with a bombload of up to 16,000lb, and carries two 25mm Vulcan cannons. As said, I was trying to envisage a Skyhawk version of the Vought YA-7F 'Strikefighter' as well as the other comparisons (Crusader and Hornet).
It is a luxury aircraft, reflecting the ability of the US to develop a niche light attack plane even as the VAX is coming.
"August 23 1972: First deliveries to the USN of the McDonnell-Douglas A-4R 'Skyhawk II', a lightweight supersonic multirole light attack jet based on the now legendary Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (although looking similar, it bears relatively few common parts and the relationship is more reminiscent of that between the Vought Crusaders and Crusader IIs) suitable for operation on new light and escort carriers, as well as airborne platforms; the USMC has expressed strong interest in acquisition of the type for a continued light attack capacity, in addition to the planned VAX strike aircraft."
The engine is an afterburning P&W F100, allowing a theoretical top speed of Mach 1.7 (for a clean aircraft carrying no bombs or ordnance), but in practice the type is transonic with a supersonic burst capacity. The Skyhawk II is 25% larger than the original Douglas plane, with a bombload of up to 16,000lb, and carries two 25mm Vulcan cannons. As said, I was trying to envisage a Skyhawk version of the Vought YA-7F 'Strikefighter' as well as the other comparisons (Crusader and Hornet).
It is a luxury aircraft, reflecting the ability of the US to develop a niche light attack plane even as the VAX is coming.
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
We are in the seventies now and things are ahead of OTL, right? I propose Germany build a Transrapid maglev intercity net. It was shot down by techphobes in OTL and deserves a role in fiction at least.
For a German TV LE legend, it would be awesome to see a scruffy, unkempt and mustachioed plainclothes cop in an old M65 field jacket and jeans - and a very uncouth way of talking - turn up in the Ruhr area in 1980-ish, maybe interacting with dwarves inhabiting and exploiting the coal (and other) mines in the area. I am of course talking about Horst Schimanski.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horst_Schimanski
For a German TV LE legend, it would be awesome to see a scruffy, unkempt and mustachioed plainclothes cop in an old M65 field jacket and jeans - and a very uncouth way of talking - turn up in the Ruhr area in 1980-ish, maybe interacting with dwarves inhabiting and exploiting the coal (and other) mines in the area. I am of course talking about Horst Schimanski.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horst_Schimanski
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Simon Darkshade
- Posts: 1177
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:55 am
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
I like both of those ideas and welcome any others for Germany. Schimanski might work well for an idea I've got percolating involving Bielefeld.
I missed out on an event in 1973 of Jonny Buchardt getting a crowd at the Cologne Festival to respond to "Sieg" with a "Heil" ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ang6Fw9Ff2k ), so I might have to slot it into 1974.
Insofar as German railways are concerned, I do have DB running at 83% punctuality, with the two 5000mm lines of the former Breitspurbahn between Cottbus and Aachen and Hamburg and Munich leading at 92%. Transrapid maglev here we come.
I missed out on an event in 1973 of Jonny Buchardt getting a crowd at the Cologne Festival to respond to "Sieg" with a "Heil" ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ang6Fw9Ff2k ), so I might have to slot it into 1974.
Insofar as German railways are concerned, I do have DB running at 83% punctuality, with the two 5000mm lines of the former Breitspurbahn between Cottbus and Aachen and Hamburg and Munich leading at 92%. Transrapid maglev here we come.
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
Another internationally known fictitious LE personality is Inspector Stefan Derrick, a more stolid, patrician and dull - conventional - version of a TV criminalist. He could be some sort of "good" undead in the employ of the criminal police in Munich. Take one look at the bags under his eyes, and you know what I meanSimon Darkshade wrote: ↑Wed Dec 18, 2024 11:50 am I like both of those ideas and welcome any others for Germany. Schimanski might work well for an idea I've got percolating involving Bielefeld.
I missed out on an event in 1973 of Jonny Buchardt getting a crowd at the Cologne Festival to respond to "Sieg" with a "Heil" ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ang6Fw9Ff2k ), so I might have to slot it into 1974.
Insofar as German railways are concerned, I do have DB running at 83% punctuality, with the two 5000mm lines of the former Breitspurbahn between Cottbus and Aachen and Hamburg and Munich leading at 92%. Transrapid maglev here we come.
His assistant Harald "Harry" Klein could be his servant or familiar..."the Renfield", in other words.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_(TV_series)
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Simon Darkshade
- Posts: 1177
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:55 am
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
I know Derrick from my television watching youth; SBS, the ethnic/foreign channel here used to air episodes along with Inspector Rex and Der Alte.
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Simon Darkshade
- Posts: 1177
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:55 am
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
Dark Earth Museum Ships (1974)
Portsmouth: Indefatigable (1784), Hood, Victory, Warrior, Mary Rose, Argus and Dreadnought
Plymouth: Golden Hind, Sovereign of the Seas, Implacable (1805), Majestic, Queen Elizabeth, Vanguard
London: Nelson (1812), Waterloo (1829), Warspite, Belfast, London and Ark Royal
Liverpool: RMS Titanic, Prince of Wales, Hermes (1936), Liverpool
Sheerness: Temeraire (1796)
Belfast: Impregnable (1810), Lion, Eagle, RMS Oceanic, Caroline
Glasgow: Temeraire, RMS Queen Elizabeth, Glasgow, Shropshire
Newcastle: King George V, Newcastle
Bristol: SS Great Western, SS Great Britain, Marlborough (1850), Duke of York, Sheffield
Pembroke: Duke of Wellington (1848)
Southampton: RMS Queen Mary
Portsmouth: Indefatigable (1784), Hood, Victory, Warrior, Mary Rose, Argus and Dreadnought
Plymouth: Golden Hind, Sovereign of the Seas, Implacable (1805), Majestic, Queen Elizabeth, Vanguard
London: Nelson (1812), Waterloo (1829), Warspite, Belfast, London and Ark Royal
Liverpool: RMS Titanic, Prince of Wales, Hermes (1936), Liverpool
Sheerness: Temeraire (1796)
Belfast: Impregnable (1810), Lion, Eagle, RMS Oceanic, Caroline
Glasgow: Temeraire, RMS Queen Elizabeth, Glasgow, Shropshire
Newcastle: King George V, Newcastle
Bristol: SS Great Western, SS Great Britain, Marlborough (1850), Duke of York, Sheffield
Pembroke: Duke of Wellington (1848)
Southampton: RMS Queen Mary
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Bernard Woolley
- Posts: 819
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:06 pm
- Location: Earth
Re: Dark Earth Timeline Discussion
Is it Ark Royal (91) that’s preserved?
Just MHO, but as Clyde built ships, Hood and Vanguard should be preserved in the city of their birth.
Also, poor Leith misses out! 
Just MHO, but as Clyde built ships, Hood and Vanguard should be preserved in the city of their birth.
Also, poor Leith misses out!