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by emmelaich 7 days ago
The Aus Navy had a computer simulation of Sydney Harbour, dating from the 70s or maybe 80s. One particular feature of the system was a disk drive about 1m in diameter with about 12 heads. Cost a bomb, but I guess it was worth it.

When I saw a demo, they had an easter egg of a Loch-Ness type monster in it.

There's also a topographical map of the harbour at St Ives showground but it's purely non-hydrographical. But it's almost disappeared now through neglect.
2 comments
cucumber3732842 7 days ago
>The Aus Navy had a computer simulation of Sydney Harbour, dating from the 70s or maybe 80s. One particular feature of the system was a disk drive about 1m in diameter with about 12 heads. Cost a bomb, but I guess it was worth it.

Meanwhile the Soviets probably found a little inlet somewhere that was "close enough", evicted anyone who lived there and excavated it to match.

Some junior engineer probably had to wake up at 1am to take a kayak out to "Little Kotlin Island" to change the tape in the recording equipment in time for the tide change.

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contingencies 7 days ago
Interesting about the St Ives showground map. Where is it exactly? They have a nice orchid show. Usually it seems to be mostly a bunch of HK dudes playing with RC cars.
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emmelaich 5 days ago
I think it is under heritage order now. I looked for it last time I was there; maybe it's covered up ready for restoration?

It's actually a topographical map of the whole Sydney basin.

This article has a pic: https://www.neighbourhoodmedia.com.au/post/st-ives-showgroun...

[edit: Seems to be where the RC cars race!]

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contingencies 5 days ago
Awesome local history, thanks. I vaguely recall seeing it myself.

Another page on that site mentions Eben Gowrie Waterhouse OBE CMG (1881–1977) ... while he is known for Camellia cultivation my research suggests he met with Mussolini and the Japanese government around war time and was a bit of a fascist. They don't mention that bit.

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emmelaich 4 days ago
Huh, your mention of camellias immediately (to me) suggested Eryldene.

And sure enough: https://www.eryldene.org.au/

Interesting guy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eben_Gowrie_Waterhouse

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