We all saw the video on the evening news last night along with the ambulances, fire trucks, and the lawyers. Now here’s my own first-hand, in-depth story behind yesterday’s headlines.
This is actually two unrelated stories that became one by accident or as Rev. Faldown predicted — a sign from God — though probably not the one he’d hoped for!
Internet multimillionaire Eric Neslo thought he’d come up with the perfect investment. Two years ago he purchased three blimps from the old Goodyear fleet and had them joined together. The project involved converting the bottom third of the largest of the trio and turning it into a luxury hotel/airship for rich high rollers who desired leisurely (average speed only 65 mph) cross-country or transatlantic flights.
The posh airship, named after his website Blogcritics.org, would eventually have 120 luxury staterooms, all looking down of course, a grand ballroom, gourmet dining, a gym, and a casino rivaling any in Las Vegas.
The two customized outer hulls were 242 feet long and 75 feet in diameter; the larger was 305 feet long and 120 feet in diameter. As a unit the entire ship spanned 280 feet across, weighed 43,280 pounds before inflation and incredibly only about 350 pounds after inflation. The builders estimate it had 222 tons of gross lift and would be able to carry a crew of 55 and 240 pampered passengers.
For the trip from New Jersey to Ohio it was fitted with just four, (two on each gondola) continental IO-360 fuel injected engines. Once converted though, it would double that to eight for a total estimated horsepower of 840. After the conversion the airship could carry enough fuel, water for both drinking and ballast, helium and supplies to stay aloft for 48 hours and its weight would increase to an incredible 63,414 pounds.
With the basic construction work completed last month, the grand ship, looking like a UFO out of a bad Buck Rogers episode, was on its maiden flight across Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and on to its final destination to the massive airdocks of Akron, Ohio, where the conversion was to take place over a period of 18 months.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Jet in Columbus
Thanks Mark!
2 - Victor Plenty
To paraphrase Captain Solo, it's too big to be an airship!
3 - Jet in Columbus
Solo or Sulu?
4 - Victor Plenty
Don't make me come over there and confiscate your geek card.
5 - Christopher Rose
Classic!
6 - Jet in Columbus
This is the consequence when no one wanted to suggest what I should blow up next!
7 - gonzo marx
oh....the humanity!
/golfclap
i especially like the photoshop work, fucking priceless
Excelsior?
8 - Jet in Columbus
(whimper) ...forgive me Eric. It's just as well I have my shrink appointment at 1PM today...
9 - Victor Plenty
Speaking of shrinks, Jet, would you be willing to review a book for me? Don't worry, it's not one written by me. I've been meaning to write a review of it for quite awhile now, and just haven't been able to make the time.
10 - Dawn
Yeah, I am all about going down....with the ship!!! Jet, I am starting to worry about you :)
11 - gonzo marx
i....can't....resist....
Dawn sez...
*Yeah, I am all about going down....*
now we all know why the picture of big E is always smiling...
/hides
Excelsior?
12 - Sam
Poorly written unfunny drivel. Expect better of this site.
13 - Christopher Rose
You are aware that Blogcritics tracks unique IP addresses aren't you, "Sam"?
14 - Jet in Columbus
Was I almost taken out by a "sam" missile there Chris?
15 - Jet in Columbus
Victor-Solo the plastic cup???
16 - Jet in Columbus
All right Victor, why didn't someone TELL me I had a geek card?
17 - Jet in Columbus
Victor#9 I honestly would like to help you but with my eyes in the condition they're in, it'd take for ever.
I'm honored you'd ask though...
Jet
18 - Jet in Columbus
Dearest Sam #12, I'm truly sorry, and I'll try to do better next time. Smile for me.... Please?
19 - Jet in Columbus
Christopher Rose, you big lug, you make me blush.
20 - Jet in Columbus
Dawn Olsen, wait till you see what I name the replacement ship!
21 - Andy Marsh
dammit gonzo...I just found this and the first thing that came to mind was...oh the humanity!
22 - Jet in Columbus
Andy I was going to make you the blimp pilot but you were busy in Florida... sorry
23 - Andy Marsh
Sounds like it was a good thing I was outta town!
24 - Jet in Columbus
That's okay Andy, kinda makes you wonder what Mrs. Faldown was doing in the basement doesn't it?
25 - Andy Marsh
You're a funny guy Jet! I actually made that last comment before I realized it wasn't fatal!