I've taken to flying around Europe in a number of classic warbirds lately after a visit to a local Warbird museum near my house, so I found myself in Brussels, Belgium at the start of this months FOTM, after several weeks of careening around cities in Western Europe in Alpha Sims (now freeware on FS.com) Spitfire, the FSX Acceleration P-51, and the F4U Corsair by team Alpha Blue Ciel (also on FS.com).  I set out across the channel towards Woodford in the FSX Acceleration P-51, and saw a few sites before heading over the water.  On the way out of Brussels, I passed this strange structure, a water tower perhaps?..

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/P-51Brussels.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/P--51BelgianCoastline.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/P-51ParkedWoodford.jpg

 

 Next day I set out from Woodford towards Edinburgh.   To keep with my Warbird theme as of late, but to slow down a little and take in some scenery, I chose to transit up at a relaxed pace in a De Havilland Tiger Moth.  The sightseeing was great, if a bit chilly this time of year.

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/TigerMothWoodford.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/TigerMothOverManchester.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/30miSouthEGPH.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/EGPHRWY6.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/Edinburgh.jpg

Upon arrival, I did a little sightseeing in and around Edinburgh. 

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/EdinburghBridge.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/EdinburghOverview.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/FootballStadium.jpg

Upon setting out for the Orkney Islands, I wanted something a little more more comfortable and enclosed, especially after reading Alastair Monk's account of his trip this far North.  I decided to forego another warbird trainer for the moment and settled on the FSX Mooney Bravo, which I had yet to fly in this version of the sim.  This plane seemed pleasant enough and the 270 hp Textron Lycoming pulling this thing proved to be a blessing as I encountered some thunderstorms after passing RAF Kinloss Northbound.  Easily made the transition from 5000 to 14500 feet to smooth thigs out for a bit after I let myself get uncomfortably close to the imposing cumulus and lightning.  Things did get a little bumpy though.  I do wish Microsoft would dispense with the 3D cockpit views when you look left, right, and back in 2D mode.  I'd feel more immersed if there was simply nothing at all, like on some of our FSFC Airways Mike Stone imports into FSX.  I do appreciate being able to view weather conditions at multiple locations in map view though.  Armed with the weather diagnostic at Sumberg, I decided to press on after encountering the rough WX.  Overall, I had a blast flying over this gorgeous highland scenery and enjoyed re-visitng Ediburgh, a city I was lucky enough to visit once when I was very young and one I frequently make detours to in FS.

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/LeavingEdinburgh.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/Mountains.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/Mountains2.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/RAF.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/CumulusLightning.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/Rain.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/FL14.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/Sumberginsight.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/Cliffs.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg11/entenzac/Sumberg.jpg