New August Coffee Pot. 10 years old. For those to visit and chat. Open to all. Besides coffee; soft drinks, water, oatmeal and GRITS.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Mowed yard.  Worked on one project.   Talked to Lucas.  He is ok.

Mike C. from Indiana

 

[Brutus]

Spent the afternoon trying to get things lined up in the new bathroom - we moved where the sink was going to go and needed to get some replacement parts for the drain/trap and also had problems with the light fixture.  Oh well, nothing really got done but I did exercise my cussing skills much to my wife's amusement.

[Banks]

Hello all,

Low 60's  with rain showers here.

In early again, big bid due today

Buckeye Riveter

I have been in Bret's favorite town, State College, PA.  Had a great meeting and then stayed with friends at a small lake in Northern PA.  

On the road again this week. 

Buckeye

You were less than an hour away from one of the greatest engineering feats of all time and you missed it!!!!!!

Glad to see Roy is helping Don's recovery

Any word on Jeffry?

Best get busy

Prayers for those in need

[Demay]

Konbanwa,

Happy Monday to everyone.  I was lazy and slept in this morning which meant I did not run this morning.  It is okay to miss a day every now and then, but I will be back at it tomorrow.  The workday was uneventful and I left the office a few minutes early.  The wife made tostados tonight and they were delicious.  The boys are playing the Wii and I already played two games of baseball on the Wii with the older boy: we each won one game.  It’s about time to get the kids ready for bed now.

Dennis – That would make sense to me as studying music tends to make one think in a different manner than they’re used to.  Interestingly, there was a study that showed people who practiced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu were better at solving problems than those who didn’t.  It has to do with the component of trying to figure out what your opponent is going to do one, two, three, etc. steps ahead of you; kind of like chess.

RT – I hope the evaluation went well.  The photos of your collection are great.

John – I’m glad your mom is feeling better.

Jon – Thanks for the information.  I will look into it once we return to the States, but I will definitely need to brush up a bit.

SP Ray, Dennis, and Jon – Those are some great musicians and singers.  Even though I’m only 38, I truly enjoy big band music and jazz.  I even enjoy watching Lawrence Welk on PBS; I think somehow that is my parents fault.

AF Ray – Thank goodness Mo got that save last night, and it seems as if the Yankees are going to make a run. 

Brutus –

Sayonara,

Joe

[Demay]

Banks - I believe Jeffrey is doing well, and is posting on some other forums where he normally posts.  

Joe

[Buckeye Riveter]

Banks

Buckeye Riveter

I have been in Bret's favorite town, State College, PA.  Had a great meeting and then stayed with friends at a small lake in Northern PA.  

On the road again this week. 

Buckeye

You were less than an hour away from one of the greatest engineering feats of all time and you missed it!!!!!!

Banks.... I have been there before and after. I have sat in bridge conferences to hear the reasons and watch the animation of why it blew over.   

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill........

It is a cloudy 70 degrees. Going up to 80 today with more rain.

Today is a busy day. I have a bunch of chores to do and will be busy until lunchtime. Then a nice nap. Not much else new here.

Cheerios for breakfast on the dining car.

Y'all have a great Monday.

Chuck

[Banks]

Buckeye Riveter

Banks

Buckeye Riveter

I have been in Bret's favorite town, State College, PA.  Had a great meeting and then stayed with friends at a small lake in Northern PA.  

On the road again this week. 

Buckeye

You were less than an hour away from one of the greatest engineering feats of all time and you missed it!!!!!!

Banks.... I have been there before and after. I have sat in bridge conferences to hear the reasons and watch the animation of why it blew over.   

Buckeye

I was referring to the Word Famous Horseshoe Curve near Altoona.

Why did the bridge blow over. Never heard that story.

Glad to hear Jeffrey is doing well

[lion88roar]

Mornin' Fellas

Not much happening. Matthew is starting his journey learning to crawl and he has also started his journey learning to talk. He is babbling "Dada" now... much to Mommy's chagrin. I was able to get down to the train room this weekend. I started the layout map that I will use to tape the control panel. Yesterday I spent about an hour messing up the wiring. I found that I was missing a set of insulating connectors on the lower level, so I put them in and now have no power where I once did, and the track that is dead is between the power drop and the new insulating pins... and of course as Mr Murphy has stated... this is under the mountain where I have the storage bins making it nearly impossible to get to . Hope to get it sorted over the next couple nights.

[ChiefEagles]

Morning.  Guess What????  You guessed it.  Its raining.  We did go 24 hours without rain.  Hunters Haven [David] is coming in a few to fix holes in the wall and ceiling in old train room.  Yes, his day job is finish carpenter.  I don't do drywall.  [well I can ,but hate it]. 

Got County Commissioners and Mayors' Assoc. meetings this afternoon and night.

Prayers for Jeffrey's recovery.  Shake and Bake is too hard headed to stay down long.

Banks, you have to explain things in detail for folks from Ohizo.

Have a great week.

[cnw1995]

Aloha from a sunny and warm Chicago. It has been a whirlwind since the bride got her new job on Thur. I came down with a bug Sat and stayed in bed most of the day reading old CTTs. But she's all set with her uniforms, reference books and supplies - she has today to learn their computers and the kids show up tomorrow. 

My youngest is taking the trumpet through the school music program starting this fall. (I play the flute - and still am teaching myself Fife's favorite stringed instrument)

Jon, I remember that episode of Mr. Rogers with Dizzy. I was fortunate to see several artists when they'd show up at Chicago's Green Mill Tavern after their regular gigs - my favorite was a concert by Frank Sinatra (with Steve and Eydie), 

Great to see Don and Roy. Glad Lucas is OK too.

 

[blownout cylinder]

Morning!!

Sunny and warmer today...high of 80 feeling like 93.....back to deep summer days here...

So...I also discovered that whatever budget I thought I had for my recording studio is now in pieces because SWMBO has to get her workspace done first...yay...not...sigh

So...off to work on that space...growl

continue for Jeff Don and anyone else in need!!

[dbaker48]

Good Morning!

Had an outstanding weekend! Leg seems to be doing well.  Was able to get up using crutches!  Hobbled around a bit, used the wheel chair, and really felt great to be vertical.  Most annoying issue remains to be my left thumb.  The bruising makes it extremely difficult using the walker or crutches.  Going to see the surgeon later today, so see what the prognosis for the leg is, and correct treatment for the thumb.

Friday was pretty much a day of mobility.  Was extremely pleased with the progress I was making.  Then Friday pm, found out the Roy was in the area and there was a possibility he might be able to break away for a little bit on Saturday.  As it turned out Roy was able to come buy Saturday evening.   I had done some preliminary checking things out in the train room, but the projects I had been working on prior to the accident, were still scattered about.  We did get to operate for a little bit, but "my leg" just wasn't ready.  We had a wonderful time discussing various topics including kids, future hobby trends, and so much more.  It was a real surprise, and a great pleasure having Roy here for dinner and a visit. 

Sunday, turned out to be a good day as well.  Kay and I went to Knotts to get some clothes from my locker, and pick up my pay check.  Had no problem getting there and back.  Saw about a 1/2 dozen people, all of course were curious as to what had happened.  Then had the In-Laws come over for dinner.  Since Chris was finalizing his trip to Michigan,he was spending a few days with relatives in Milwaukee, before coming home.  So we were all able to "Skype", turned out to be a lot of fun.

Hopefully, today will see what happens with the Dr office.  So more later.

[SPMan]

Hi Don,  glad to hear that you are moving around a bit.  Nice of Roy to pay you a visit.  Good luck with the doc today and hope you get a good report.  Took wife to the local outpatient part of the hospital today for mamogram.  All went well and I even found a parking place close to entrance which takes some doing nowadays.

Sad local news this weekend about two homeless men that were murdered at a car wash not far from me.  I think they were sleeping there for the night.  Police have two suspects in custody.  Hope it's not a homeless man I know of who you see around town that lots of folks give a handout to once in a while.  He never ask for anything but people have been good to him.  I think he is some what mentally disabled.  I sure hope it's not him.

Got another report on my sister in Virginia this morning.  No change since last report a couple of days ago.  She has some kind of infection going on in the blood stream.  They are taking cultures and trying to pin point what it is.  Meantime, lots of antibiotics.  I guess they are doing the shotgun approach until they find out what it is.  Her lung function is very weak and she can barely talk without running out of breath.  She is on a canula again with some type of heated oxygen theraphy and breathing treatments.  She is trying to avoid having to wear the full oxygen mask unless she has to.  Tough situation.

Looked around the internet for airline schedules etc. just in case but it's very hard to get anything on short notice.  As for frequent flyer miles, forget it!  Most flights are full and this is a bad time of year for using it.  Only a couple of flights a day out of Ontario and they leave at some ungodly hour of the morning.  Even Southwest has few flights to where I want to go from Ontario.  Looks like L.A. would be the place to go.  Would need a letter from my doctor too for using portable oxygen concentrator and must give the airlines advance notice.  Too many impediments for me.

later,

Ray

[SPMan]

Demay

Konbanwa,

Happy Monday to everyone.  I was lazy and slept in this morning which meant I did not run this morning.  It is okay to miss a day every now and then, but I will be back at it tomorrow.  The workday was uneventful and I left the office a few minutes early.  The wife made tostados tonight and they were delicious.  The boys are playing the Wii and I already played two games of baseball on the Wii with the older boy: we each won one game.  It’s about time to get the kids ready for bed now.

Dennis – That would make sense to me as studying music tends to make one think in a different manner than they’re used to.  Interestingly, there was a study that showed people who practiced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu were better at solving problems than those who didn’t.  It has to do with the component of trying to figure out what your opponent is going to do one, two, three, etc. steps ahead of you; kind of like chess.

RT – I hope the evaluation went well.  The photos of your collection are great.

John – I’m glad your mom is feeling better.

Jon – Thanks for the information.  I will look into it once we return to the States, but I will definitely need to brush up a bit.

SP Ray, Dennis, and Jon – Those are some great musicians and singers.  Even though I’m only 38, I truly enjoy big band music and jazz.  I even enjoy watching Lawrence Welk on PBS; I think somehow that is my parents fault.

AF Ray – Thank goodness Mo got that save last night, and it seems as if the Yankees are going to make a run. 

Brutus –

Sayonara,

Joe

Joe, don't feel bad.  I watch Lawrence Welk too.  It's about the only music variety show left on TV that resembles anything like a big band.

Ray

[fifedog]

Evenin' boys.  Took the grandtoddler on his first railfan excursion.  We stopped by St Denis, MD, where we caught 2 CSX freight trains, then it was off to the B&O Museum for several hours.  All-in-all, nice experience, and fun age.  One of our old posters, Chooch123, recognized me and said hi.

SPMan - for sister.

dbaker - If I were to break a foot or hand or tailbone or something, do you think Roy might visit me and re-wire my layout...?  Obviously, sawing one's leg off like Brent doesn't work...

cnw1995 - Richard G's Ukulele site.

[rtraincollector]

Well just had to share this, heres some redneck fun and if you look at it you will agree its some thinking to come up with this.

http://screen.yahoo.com/blogs/screen-blog/crazy-sports-weirdos-crazy-011100066.html?vp=1

Evening all just relaxing did my 8 hrs so I could suport the chiefs SSI next month.

Not much else going on other than have to goto Charleston again next tuesday. (27 august)

[Buckeye Riveter]

Banks

Buckeye Riveter

Banks

Buckeye Riveter

I have been in Bret's favorite town, State College, PA.  Had a great meeting and then stayed with friends at a small lake in Northern PA.  

On the road again this week. 

Buckeye

You were less than an hour away from one of the greatest engineering feats of all time and you missed it!!!!!!

Banks.... I have been there before and after. I have sat in bridge conferences to hear the reasons and watch the animation of why it blew over.   

Buckeye

I was referring to the Word Famous Horseshoe Curve near Altoona.

Why did the bridge blow over. Never heard that story.

Glad to hear Jeffrey is doing well

Banks...I have been to the Curve and the Gilitzen tunnel a dozen or more times.  Last year I attended a banquet at the Altoona Railroaders Museum, too.  Road the Pennsylvania RR through the curve when I was a kid. 

Now back to the bridge.  I was closer to the Kinzua than the Curve after I left State College for Dubois. Basically neglect took the bridge down.  http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/KinzuaBr.html  I know of railroad bridges that have been hit by high winds and tornadoes. 

[wrmcclellan]

fifedog

dbaker - If I were to break a foot or hand or tailbone or something, do you think Roy might visit me and re-wire my layout...?  Obviously, sawing one's leg off like Brent doesn't work...

Fife - Absolutely! Of course, like with Don I will only be able to get to the part where I cut all your wiring loose - hopefully I will get to connecting it back on my next visit!

Don - good to hear Sunday was also a good day for you.

Ray - for your sister and what you are having to deal with personally.

Brent - soon it will be "Dada - car keys please...."

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Work was quiet.  Boys lost first game 5-1.  Girls first game is Tuesday.

Mike C. from Indiana

[lion88roar]

The Kinzua Bridge was also the site of an episode of Finding Bigfoot.

Roy - Christina has already informed Susan... "Mama I NEED car keys"... at TWO YEARS OLD!!!! On Sunday while I was installing the LED Light upgrade to the interior of my car, she say in the driver's seat and said "I drive"... UGH!!!!!!

[dbaker48]

Good Evening

Been thinking about Buckeye's work situation, and my current situation.  (He is an overworked stressed bridge inspector, I am an under challenged trestle inspector, so why not pool our services??)

Discussed the situation with Roy, and the Chief, they both thought it was a great idea!  So I sent the following email to Buckeye.

August 19, 2013

 

Frank O’hara

Baltimore, Ohio and Wabash RR

Columbus, Ohio

 

 

Re: Interim Bridge Inspector Assistant

 

Frank,

As you are aware I have recently experienced a situation allowing me to expand my personal skills and at the same time providing some benefit to a worthy cause, be it philanthropic or just benefiting the local community.

 

Specifically, I was thinking it would be mutually beneficial if I were to join you, assisting you performing the bridge and trestle inspections that you are required to do.   As you know, I DO have experience with trestle inspections.  (1 Trestle, 65 feet long, constructed of concrete abutments, and welded underbody. Top surface is 90lb rail, secured via common railroad ties.)  To date have successfully inspected said trestle at least 6 times, and no reports of structure failure subsequent to my inspections.

 

I am certain that this experience would be excessively advantageous for myself.  (As we have only two types of tresstles/bridges at the park, I sure assisting you would provide me with exposure to many more types of structures.  And, as a benefit to your inspection service I would be able to provide a more indepth cosmetic inspection.  (As my inspections would be much slower due to crutches, I would certainly be able to add even more thoroughness.)  

 

So, just let me know when and where you would like for me to meet up with you.

 

Don  

 

P.S.  Don’t need to worry about any potential disability claims, (they are taken care of), I have my own safety equipment (slighty used, and optional walker with crutches.)

So will be making arrangements with the Dr tomorrow.  This sounds like a great plan!  What do you think Chuck?

[ChiefEagles]

lion88roar

 

Roy - Christina has already informed Susan... "Mama I NEED car keys"... at TWO YEARS OLD!!!! On Sunday while I was installing the LED Light upgrade to the interior of my car, she say in the driver's seat and said "I drive"... UGH!!!!!!

My new BMW convertible.

Long day.  Sleep tight.  

[Demay]

Konbanwa,

I started the day with a brief 3-mile run this morning, followed by some pushups and sit-ups.  The workday was full of the usual meetings and paperwork and nothing eventful happened.  My wife made version of chicken cacciatore for dinner and it was great.  The wife and older kids are at the indoor pool right now so the youngest and I are hanging out.  I’ll probably finish the latest CTT tonight.  I received it a few days ago; that is one of the benefits of getting the digital version. 

SP Ray – I’ll pray for your sister.

Don – It’s good to see you in such good spirits.

Sayonara,

Joe

[Banks]

Hello all,

Foggy low 60's here this AM

Banks...I have been to the Curve and the Gilitzen tunnel a dozen or more times.  Last year I attended a banquet at the Altoona Railroaders Museum, too.  Road the Pennsylvania RR through the curve when I was a kid. 

Now back to the bridge.  I was closer to the Kinzua than the Curve after I left State College for Dubois. Basically neglect took the bridge down.  http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/KinzuaBr.html  I know of railroad bridges that have been hit by high winds and tornadoes.

Buckeye.....if you're in the area again let me know. I live about 20 minutes from the RR Museum. Interesting info I never knew about the bridge.

Best get busy

Prayers for those in need

[Buckeye Riveter]

Dear Inspector Want to Be Don,

Are you a certified scuba or hard hat diver?  Our only opening at the current time is for underwater bridge inspectors that are not fearful of huge catfish and toxic chemicals. We also require an agility test where one is required to walk a 300 foot steel beam over noisy and rushing traffic during sub-freezing temperatures.  In light of your current agility testing results at the Farm, I'm not sure you are qualified.  

Also, you did not mention if you owned your own mule or donkey.  As one works their way into the back country, a mule to carry the 500 lbs of gear is very helpful.  If you don't have a mule then as the inspector in training, you will be replacing the mule.  

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill..............

It is a clear and sunny 62 degrees.  Going up to 82 today with sunshine.

Today is a busy day. Chores and a project to do. I need to repair some wood on the back deck. Busy until lunch.  Then a nice nap.

Dining car has rolled in with Cheerios for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Tuesday.

Chuck

[cnw1995]

Aloha. Another summer day here in Chicago, TOnight I have my last class of the quarter. It has gone well but I'll be happy it's done. Nice ride on the TARDIS with Charlie, SJ and Brutus last night. Can I share a funny (to me) story?  My son left his summer job at Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio to drive home yesterday. He was nervous about it so I gave him fatherly advice - get on the tollway and follow the signs for Chicago. Well, he had to go and get a GPS, then misprogrammed it to avoid tollways - he meandered an extra 3 hours through three states before getting to Illinois. I was kind to him...

Fife, I will check out that site! 

[dbaker48]

Good Morning!

Didn't get back on line yesterday, (was to excited about the potential bridge inspector opportunity).  But, the Dr. visit was cancelled and rescheduled for Wed. am.  Bummer!

Chris is due home this evening.  So that will be great, he has been planning on having a party this weekend since last May.  Wanted to have one bash with his local friends since he has been gone all summer.  Can't blame him for that!  Especially since he starts the fall semester next Monday.  It will be interesting with me laying around here during the party. 

Doug, I think that is fantastic!  Lots learned there!  IMO the most important being that relying on todays hi-tech, can get you in trouble and is NOT always 100% accurate.  When I was teaching Chris to drive we took a road-trip to Bristol, TN from here.  (bit excessive).  But anyway on one leg of the trip, Bristol to New Orleans, I told Chris he could drive but had to do a few things per my rules;

1 - Cannot use a GPS, maps only

2 - Stay off Interstate Hwy System, Local highways OK

3 - Plan so that we are at a city for a motel before dark.

Result was; a really fun time, and he learned a lot.  He subsequently prefers using maps to GPS, but finds GPS convenient for finding various businesses.  The biggest issue today is finding MAPS!

Buckeye, Thanks for your quick response!!  I thought I would let you know where I am on those specific areas you identified;

-

Buckeye Riveter

Dear Inspector Want to Be Don,

Are you a certified scuba or hard hat diver?  As you are aware, certifications for the most part are somewhat overrated.  I do not have a scuba rating, (our pool is only 9' deep and havn't had a need.  And yes I do have a Hard Hat.  I havn't had to wear it diving though, but it probably would be a good idea if you were to dive into the shallow end of our pool.  Our only opening at the current time is for underwater bridge inspectors that are not fearful of huge catfish and toxic chemicals.  I am not concerned about the huge catfish in the rivers.  Since I have had this unscheduled time off, it has affording me the opportunity for additional research.  To this end I have been watching "Gator Boys", and as luck would have it I have the episode on "Canoodling" recorded, so I can review it more.  The toxic chemicals won't be a problem because the California EPA has pretty much insured that all our clothing protects us from anything toxic.  We also require an agility test where one is required to walk a 300 foot steel beam over noisy and rushing traffic during sub-freezing temperatures.  .In light of your current agility testing results at the Farm, I'm not sure you are qualified. Wow! this partrcular requirement may be dificult.  But after thinking about it a bit, (using my analytical strenghts), I think I have found a solution. I could simply break the elements of that test down to its incremental components.  - Locate a simulated 300 foot steel beam (cardboard), on the shoulder of a bridge overpass, while traffic is crossing below.  Wearing a pair of headphones with simulated traffic sounds, while having ice packs strapped to strategic locations of my body.  As you can see this test would ALSO demonstrate my sincere commitment to this position.

Also, you did not mention if you owned your own mule or donkey.  As one works their way into the back country, a mule to carry the 500 lbs of gear is very helpful.  If you don't have a mule then as the inspector in training, you will be replacing the mule.  Regarding the mule, I'm sure I could resolve that issue without too much effort,  all I would need to do is mention to a friend of mine that I have an opportunity fo visit a few remote locations that are considering opening some "Outdoor Fishing/Hunting" stores, and would he like to go.  Problem solved!

So as you see Buckeye, got the situation under control!  No problem!!  Now where is it you would like for me to meet up with you?  Oh yeah, dont forget I am OTTS Certified.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Dear Don,

Please send at least six references before further consideration.  We also will require you to submit your tax returns for the last 10 years and perform a California pee in a cup test.  Also we will arrange to have you fingerprinted at the California Highway Patrol.  I assume they already know you.

We hope to see you in Ohio this Thursday, so hurry up and get everything done.  Transportation and lodging costs are not part of this agreement.  Neither is food, but you do get a credit for giving blood. 

Buckeye

PS. Go ahead and send in the Chief's name as a reference and see how far that will get you.