Real info on train subjects with real facts, why is this so hard for community to do

[rrinker]

 And the lack of maintenance done on woodburning fireplaces and especially the chimneys. So many people will just go on and stick a few logs ina nd light them up without having an inspection or anything. My old house, I had the chimney inspected before attempting to use the fireplace. 3 dead squirrels and some major voids in the lining that could have easily set the structure alight had a fire been lit later, it became a decorative fireplace only.
 I don't think this house is in much better condition, so the fireplace is not used. I want to put in a gas insert - those get their own flue pipe that runs up inside the chimney, plus the gas line is right there since the furnace and water heater are right below the fireplace. No desire to bring wood and the critters associated with it in the house - plus there is a fire pit outside I can burn the wood from downed tree limbs and cutoffs. 

 EThanol plants might make great businesses to have on a modern era model railroad, but that stuff is garbage in the real world. Especially on small engines with diaphragm fuel pumps and little rubber fel lines, like blowers and trimmers. Add oxidizer to the fuel - great, on some old motors it will reduce pollution, but any modern car that has any sort of feedback air/fuel system - with oxygen sensors in the exhaust - it just makes them burn more fuel to maintain the correct ratio. Gas companies didn't complain much, the additives are cheaper than gas, and it makes the consumer use more of their product. Luckily the Wawa near me has ethanol free gas available, my truck gets significantly better mileage using it, and has more power. Unfortunately, the octane rating is too low for my car. I also use this for my small engines.

                           --Randy

 

[York1]

My woodburning fireplace has a double steel chimney pipe with cover and screen at the top.  I do clean it every year.  I built the fireplace and chase myself 20 years ago, and I got it inspected by the city engineer before I had my first fire.  I clean it every year before use.

[Pruitt]

York1

My woodburning fireplace has a double steel chimney pipe with cover and screen at the top.  I do clean it every year.  I built the fireplace and chase myself 20 years ago, and I got it inspected by the city engineer before I had my first fire.  I clean it every year before use.

You're the first person I've ever heard of who does that. 

[BATMAN]

York1

I got it inspected by the city engineer before I had my first fire. 

I have had the City inspector out a few times to guide me through changes/upgrades I wanted to make. There is no charge and they tell me what I can change without having to do expensive upgrades elsewhere.

I had the power to the house upgraded to 200 amps from 100 amps and have done a lot of additional wiring myself. Even though it was not required the inspector was happy to pop by for a look. The fact they don't charge means more people are likely to have them come and have a look making for a safer City.