This Cache:
In keeping with the SPACE theme, this cache is located at spot in Newtown that once manufactured aircraft components during WWII. Parts for the B-26 Marauder, the Brewster Buccaneer, the Grumman Hellcat and the C-46 cargo planes were made at this plant. Later, aluminum and stainless steel parts for jet engines, missiles and satellites were produced here.
This plant manufactured the first weather satellite. With RCA providing the communications electronics, the 270 pound device was the first satellite to record TV and send the images back to earth. The factory produced five more of these weather satellites, the famous Telstar communication satellite and the Ranger VII satellite that transmitted pictures of the moon in 1964. Some components for the Apollo missions were produced here, too.
The company moved to Northeast Philadelphia in 1976 where it continued operation until 1999. This Newtown complex, now known as "The Stocking Works" because of a previous occupant, currently houses office space.
Street parking is available on the north side of Sterling street.
To find the second and final stage of the cache, start with the coordinates:
N 40° 13.4AB W 074° 56.1CD
To calculate the missing digits, find the answers to these questions by looking at the tall Pennsylvania historical sign at Stage 1.
A = The number of letters in the name of the satellite made at the plant.
B = Take the first of the two years on the sign, subtract 5 and use the last digit.
C = Take the number of letters of the Aircraft company’s name and add 1.
D = Use the last digit in the second year listed on the sign.
The cache contains a log and a pencil. NOTE: PLEASE, PLEASE use care when replacing the container so it stays where it belongs! It's had to be rescued a couple times and disappeared once.
This Series:
This cache is part of the SPACE 2081: A Geocaching Odyssey challenge.
This challenge contains one cache of each difficulty and terrain combination, plus a final cache which can be found only after finding all 81 caches that are part of the series. Each of those 81 caches will contain a code, which you will use as part of the puzzle to solve the FINAL CACHE.
All the members of the space team are actual cachers who are remaining anonymous for the moment. You can find more info on the series, as well as a complete list of released caches HERE. Please do not post hints or spoilers in your logs. Also, each cache must be signed by any individual cachers going for the final.
Good luck, may the force be with you, live long and prosper.
Space Online: