Classic British Flight Sim

Hi all,

A chap at work told me about this the other day. I assume many folk already know about it but for those who don't or perhaps can't access FSX then Google offer a free alternative 'fun sim' which hides within the Google Earth program.

I have been on it and its good fun and offers incredible FPS!

Basically to access it. Download and install Google Earth if you have'nt already got it on your PC.

Then press CTRL + ALT + A and away you go.

Indeed Eddie

A long time now and been discussed before....a good repost as obviously not everyone knows about it

Garry

I like your lights Mate

Havn't Manchester issue you with those sexy slim line ones that John Law over here sport (I was looking at a Highway Patrol car - the strobe bar is two inches high!!) It makes spotting you gents so much harder!!!



Leif

DispatchDragon wrote:I like your lights Mate

Havn't Manchester issue you with those sexy slim line ones that John Law over here sport (I was looking at a Highway Patrol car - the strobe bar is two inches high!!) It makes spotting you gents so much harder!!!



Leif

Hey Leif, up here, they are using those thin strobes on the traffic cars, and what's more, on a few of them, they actually recess into the roof and pop up when activated. They've also switched to a few silver cars, so it's nigh on impossible to know if they're behind you...... and that's before we start on the 'family cars' that are totally unmarked and only have strobes flashing from behind the radiator grille......

Having said that, I just potter along at legal speeds...!

I know this is changing the subject from Google Earth but with my job I often come into contact with the traffic police and this is not meant in any way to be discourteous to them but I have always found that they are very much a different breed to that of the police officer you see occassionally out of their cars and walking about.....Sorry Eddie...only a pun....honest!!

They often appear to be quite distant in their approach, whether it is through driving high performance cars and feel that they are special I'm not sure...friendly enough, don't get me wrong but when in company of the local officers there is often much more to discuss generally as well as having a laugh and a joke.

Regards
Nigel.

Interesting analysis Nigel.

I think that perception goes back to the old days where traffic officers were catergorised, especially by colleagues not on the traffic unit.

Many traffic officers saw themselves as a kind of unofficial elite field of men & women who had made the grade - by getting into traffic.

As a result many would like to stand out from the rest by making themselves look smarter (ie polished shoes instead of patrol boots, walking around inside buildings with their white hats on, segs in their heels. I could go on.)

And with this came the 'them and us mentality' which these days has pretty much filtered away. However some traffic officers are still thought of like this and there are a few old school dinosaurs with a long level of service still out there.

These days most specialist departments are trained in identical skills and receive advanced courses & tactical training.

I have worked with several officers from traffic. Most are fine but then again I suppose its the same with any job - nice people and complete knobs.

Community beat officers and divisional officers are in the thick of the public domain. Popping into premises and discussing concerns and crime prevention. Building bridges if you like. The public like this.

On the other side of the coin, many traffic officers are faced with performance targets and must produce a certain amount of process every month to keep themselves away from any nasty performance related action plans. Therefore the publics perception of the traffic units is indeed going to be poor, especially as the only time they see or speak to them is when you are sat in the back of their car and they are issuing you with a fixed penalty or summons or maybe you spot them parked up with a speed laser somewhere.

And of course when you are being reported or issued with a fixed penalty, the officer isn't going to be having tea and biscuits with you and chatting about the community and joking. So naturally people have a different opinion of them.

And with the nature of what they do they have to distance themselves from the public as I don't think any officer enjoys giving tickets out. Its not pleasant but unfortunately due to the mentality of the small minority that drive like idiots or have disregard for others - Its completely neccessary.

I suppose its a no win situation.

Hi Eddie, I think you just about hit it on the head with that reply, as I previously stated nothing wrong with the guys as I do get on with them as with other officers but, as you said, they are not in constant contact with members of the public on day to day issues as you are or were (until you got your jammy posting) a completely different kind of working day in comparison to other officers.

Interesting reply Eddie, many thanks.

Regards
Nigel.

On the other hand, I suppose the traffic guys must see so much stupidity from Joe Public it's no wonder they come over the way they do sometimes.....

OK, I should call this quits but.......If any-one has seen on TV the programme 'Cops with Cameras' the guy who films it has been mingling in all the action here in Lincoln!! So, if any-one thought that this 'Cathedral City' is anything but dull.....tune in when it is shown, no different to any other town or city when it comes to that, puke neatly plastered on the pavements, inebriated bodies laid out in doorways, drunks taking two steps forward then three sideways followed by two backward movements which would put the competitors of 'Strictly Come Dancing' to shame, oh of course, silly me, forgot also to mention the out-door sporting activity for men and come to that some women after consuming a number of alcopops lager and more alcopops and that is ignore the toilets of the pub you have just left and find the most interesting place to relieve yourself..... a letter box perhaps or even the window of a shop, mind you, just like to see how a woman would compete with that!!

Nigel.