Airships On Budget

(c. Bioethermia – originally at http://bioephemera.com/ ; now at http://www.scienceblogs.com/bioephemera/ . An excellent site, with a recent smart article on RL “Insect Jewels” – mechanical insects which are quite impressive!)
I write this small piece as the infamous US holiday of “Black Friday” takes place (that being the day in which retailers theoretically “enter the black”, or make a profit for the year.) I consider myself fortunate since I have been able to avoid standing in outrageous lines at 4am to purchase an item or two. Though saving a few dollars is always a good idea, all things considered.Speaking of which, purchasing a full price airship can be a daunting choice for those who are undecided if they wish to indulge in Steampunk-era flight the thought of spending hard-earned lindens on what might end up being an expensive item that sits unused in inventory is a tad disappointing. That being said, there are a number of aero-vessels that are low cost (even free) that one can use to “try out”, and see if Steampunk travel is a choice that is appealing.

My goal was to locate vessels that were both era-fitting airships, and under L$50. I was fortunate to find a few offerings within the chosen parameters, and ready for one’s perusal…Steam Era Paddle Ship (L$1)
http://www.xstreetsl.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=340123
Copy/Mod/Transfer{My first airship, the Steam Era Paddle is quite useful little item to indulge in aero flight}

AERO CAR STEAMPUNK – FREE (Punky Pugilist)
http://www.xstreetsl.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=936686
Copy/Mod
* An interesting note, Punky also has a barn for the airship car, for L$0 a smart place to keep your vehicle safe from the elements!

SS Camerone M1, boxed (L$1)
http://www.xstreetsl.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=486259
Copy only

{A bit sparse in construction and appearance, but runs well}

Steampunk: Dream Cloud (L$50)
http://www.xstreetsl.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=693394
Copy/Mod

{Nice appearance, but haven’t yet had the opportunity to fly it, as of this writing}

SteamPunk Gyrocopter (L$10)
http://www.xstreetsl.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=679473
Copy/Mod {Clever little ship, but has issues crossing sims.}

Wasper Airship (L$25)
http://www.xstreetsl.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=211637
Copy only {Not a bad ship, just wish it had mod permissions}Well, this is about as close to “Black Friday” shopping as I intend on engaging! Please do provide feedback if you have tried any of these ships, or if you know of other, easily available (and inexpensive) ships that can be used to entice budding new airship captains!