Ths is Union Pacific’s 4014, Big Boy returning from a coast to coast tour celebrating the United States 250th anniversary. Big Boy is a1.2 million pound steam locomotive that was restored by Union Pacific and now tours mosstly through the mid-west. The “Big Boy” engines were the largest ever made. Union Pacific (UP) needed aContinue reading “Big Boy on its way home”
Author Archives: Ted Engler
F-15 Fly By
The Blue Angels made an appearance at the St. Louis Spirit Air Show. We were able to watch from a bluff overlooking the event airport allowing us to look directly at the planes. Here they are flying their F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. Low flying and precision acrobatics made for a lot of excitement. Click here toContinue reading “F-15 Fly By”
Mallard on the Rocks
Mallard ducks are highly abundant throughout the waterways and lakes of Forest Park in St. Louis. As part of the park’s thriving urban wildlife ecosystem, they are heavily tracked by local researchers via the Forest Park Living Lab. Whether you are looking to photograph them, bird-watch, or simply relax by the water, several primary areasContinue reading “Mallard on the Rocks”
Forest Park Egrets
Egrets are a common and highly visible sight across Forest Park, serving as a prime destination for local birdwatchers and photographers. While these elegant, white wading birds spend their days foraging throughout the park’s expansive waterways, their presence is closely tied to a fascinating, unique urban phenomenon just outside the park boundaries. While egrets feedContinue reading “Forest Park Egrets”
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXc
The Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXc is an iconic World War II British fighter. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin 60 series engine, it was famously designed as an emergency response to counter the Luftwaffe’s Fw 190. The “c” designation indicates its wing armament configuration. This Spitfire is performing at the 2026 Spirit of St. Louis AirContinue reading “Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXc”
F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor is combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities. The Raptor performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions allowing full realization of operational concepts vital to the 21st century Air Force. Click here for complete air show photos.
The “Warthog”
The A-10C Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against light maritime attack aircraft and all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. Click here for the all photos from theContinue reading “The “Warthog””
Blue Angels at the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels currently fly the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (specifically the single-seat F/A-18E and the two-seat F/A-18F). They transitioned from the older “Legacy” Hornet to the larger, more powerful Super Hornet to showcase the maximum capabilities of modern naval aviation. These are spectaculr to watch. Phots were taken at the 2026 SpiritContinue reading “Blue Angels at the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show”
23 Skidoo
An afternoon on Fishtrap Lake
Fishtrap Lake is in Northern Wisconsin near the town of Boulder Junction. This is a great place to see Eagles, Loons, ducks and a great place to fish. Click here to see more of Wisconsin.