[FPSPACE] Buran in Oz

[Brett Harrison]

To answer some of your enquiries, the jet-powered Buran is about to go on show
here in Sydney.  It's down near  the Darling Centre in Darling Harbour, almost
opposite (appropriately in a gauche sort of way) "Star City" Casino.

I popped down there yesterday.  The Buran craft is not inside a building, but
under a large tent/cover whose walls don't quite reach the ground. 
Unfortunately, when I arrived, they were still setting up, and one of the
electricians working on the display was on a stretcher being attended by
paramedics - hope he's OK. They allowed me stay for a few minutes because of the
confusion and because they were about to have a press conference before the
private function to be held there that night, and I "looked like a journalist". 
Once the facts were established, however, I was encouraged to leave.  Saw enough
of the lower half to convince me that it's there and real.  There's a large
"CCCP" on the rear ventral area.  (Does this model have a real heat shield?)

Did not try to stick a cardboard facsimile of the island of Tasmania on the
craft at this time.

Officially open the public from Saturday, 9AM-6PM every day thereafter.  Cost
A$19.50 (about 5 cents US currency) for a ticket, and you get to "go inside and
sit in the cockpit".  I'll be in soon!

-- 


"It's just a job.
 Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up." 

 - Muhammad Ali 

--------------
Brett Harrison
Sydney
AUSTRALIA