Blueberry: Glad that's fixed!
Don: I read somewhere that the Gandy Dancers would spin around in circles with 'the tool' (no inference suggested) (no one seems to be specific as to what this is) forcing ballast against the ties.
As for extra curricular ballet viewing activities....lets keep that between you and the chief. BTW Fifedog, maybe you can spend those Washingtons bonding with your new SIL!
Kurt
cheapclassics - I've been watching the WAR. It's good, and pretty graphic, but still not as grabbing as Burns' CIVIL WAR. An underlying theme is how the US Gov't withheld casualty info, and controlled media coverage. After TARAWA, all bets were off... Of particular interest is the story of the Japanese American internment camps.
dbaker48 - You mean the Chief is making up ALL of this stuff...? What do I do with this stack of ones I just picked up from the credit union...?
Seems this "little" voice out of the South is back in town, and casting vicious rumors -
Don Baker, understand you are real tired this AM. Something about swinging from a pole with some naked lady. " border="0" /> Something about a police report involving the removal of vehicles blocking your street and loud music and noise into the wee hours of the morning. Police said the party was really going strong and several "ladies of the night" were in attendance. " border="0" /> Are you sure the "club" is the train club you are going too? Hope your wife returns soon. " border="0" />
I believe if the truth were to be known, their is a major case of false recognition going on. Most likely confusing "trip" activities with realities. (Remember a post about being in Texas, and while everyone else was at the track, he was amusing himself?)
Anyway the only dancing I've been doing is acting like a "Gandydancer" ..............
Gandy dancer is a slang term for workers who maintained railroads in North America.
The term originates from the late nineteenth century. It is often said to derive from the Gandy Manufacturing Company, a Chicago-based tool manufacturing company, but several sources cite an absence of any record of this company's existence. Hand crews used specialized hand tools known as gandies (of unknown etymology) to lever rail tracks into position.
Oral history from some railroad towns has it that the term originated from the gandydancer's original job of positioning rails to be nailed to ties. These were carried by the crew straddling the rail at intervals and reaching between their feet to lift and carry it into place, in the process looking like a line of waddling geese. They became known as ganders and the process as gander dancing, ultimately corrupted to gandydancing.
Though rail tracks were held in place by wooden ties (sleepers outside the U.S.) and the mass of the stones (ballast) beneath them, each pass of a train around a corner would, through centrifugal force and vibration, produce a tiny shift in the tracks. If allowed to accumulate, such shifts could eventually cause a derailment; work crews had to pry them back into place routinely.
For each stroke, a worker would lift his gandy and force it into the ballast to create a fulcrum, then throw himself sideways using the gandy to check his full weight (making the "huh" sound recorded in the lyrics below) so the gandy would push the rail toward the inside of the curve. Even with all impacts from the work crew timed correctly, any progress made in shifting the track would not become visible until after a large number of repetitions.
Rhythm was necessary for this process, both to synchronize the manual labor, and to maintain the morale of workers whose exertions produced only a minuscule effect; hence "gandy dancers". The songs sung in this occupation have been recognized as a major influence on later blues music; one such song is reproduced below.
The same ground crews also performed the other aspects of track maintenance, such as removing weeds, tamping down ballast, and replacing rotten ties. The British equivalent is "Navvy" from "Navigator", originally builders of canals or "inland navigations". In the U.S. Southwest and Mexico, Mexican and Mexican-American track workers were colloquially "traqueros".
Now our beloved southern ambassador, most likely is referring to his recolections of a "Candy Dancer". And, it surely could be understood that while your (him) setting in an airport waiting area, whileing away hours, and reflecting on the trip activities, and most likely getting confused with posts that he may have read. Where he could become confused with what is reality vs. fantasized. So being the considerate and forgiving soul that I am. I will defer any efforts to initiate any litigation at this time. I have however contacted Dr. Laura, for moral advice as to what actions may be necessary in the future.
Don
Nice bridge pictures....RR Charlie
Well, the A/C is fixed. Found a new " A " coil, and tested the system out. Recharged it and it's working like new. It's nice to be cool again. Now it will snow, tomorrow
Hi Brutus and all; A picture is worth 1,00o words or so they say so what follows are 19,000 words about Lionel's Swing Bridge and Lift Bridge:
Swing bridge on depressed bench work
PRR train waiting for bridge to open
Swing Bridge in closed position
West pier of swing bridge
Close up of bridge resting on pier
Bridge raised before beginning to swing open
Bridge swinging open
Bridge swinging into "Anthracite Hollow"
Side view of bridge in "Anthracite Hollow"
Looking through open bridge into "Anthracite Hollow"
Side view of open swing bridge
PRR train approaching Lift Bridge
PRR train waiting for bridge to go up
Bridge beginning to lift
Bridge lifted to top
Close up of East tower
Close up of West tower
PRR train passing through Lift Bridge
"Anthracite Hollow" was in response to the fact that the bridge hit the wall before it opened fully. I couldn't change the track, so the wall "had to go. Cut hole in paneling and then through the plaster, filled with expandable foam, carved out space for bridge, and painted black. Hope you all enjoy this photo essay.
Mel Hazen, Jacksonville, FL
Mel Hazen; Jax, FL Ride Amtrak. It's the only way to fly!!!
ChiefEagles wrote:A turn to the TRUTH and not Northern lies. I told those guys not to drink and take their weapons with them. Heavens to Merkatroid. Foiled again. [from Trains newsletter] Two arrested for trying to "hijack" CSX trainPrint | Email | Contact Us September 17, 2007 KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Two men were arrested last week for trying to hijack a CSX train in Knoxville, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported. The incident happened about 10:35 p.m. Sept. 11 as a CSX train was stopped on CSX tracks that run parallel to Volunteer Boulevard near Cumberland Avenue in Knoxville. The pair came up on the nose of the engine and told the engineer they needed to get out of town immediately for some unexplained reason and "he was going to take them." The men also "might have threatened" the CSX employee, a Knoxville Police officer said, although it was later discovered that neither of them was armed.The engineer ordered them off the train but they ran to another engine and hopped aboard, prompting the engineer to call for police help. Police took the men into custody and indicated the pair could end up facing federal charges. Both men had been drinking alcohol.
A turn to the TRUTH and not Northern lies.
I told those guys not to drink and take their weapons with them. Heavens to Merkatroid. Foiled again. [from Trains newsletter]
Two arrested for trying to "hijack" CSX train
Print | Email | Contact Us September 17, 2007 KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Two men were arrested last week for trying to hijack a CSX train in Knoxville, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported. The incident happened about 10:35 p.m. Sept. 11 as a CSX train was stopped on CSX tracks that run parallel to Volunteer Boulevard near Cumberland Avenue in Knoxville. The pair came up on the nose of the engine and told the engineer they needed to get out of town immediately for some unexplained reason and "he was going to take them." The men also "might have threatened" the CSX employee, a Knoxville Police officer said, although it was later discovered that neither of them was armed.The engineer ordered them off the train but they ran to another engine and hopped aboard, prompting the engineer to call for police help. Police took the men into custody and indicated the pair could end up facing federal charges. Both men had been drinking alcohol.
You need to go lie down. Put a cool rag on your forehead.
Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
ChiefEagles wrote:Interesting morning on the History Channel. How the Yankees lied to the Native Americans. Especially after the War of Northern Aggression. Last Confederate General to surrender to the Yanks was a Native American.
Interesting morning on the History Channel. How the Yankees lied to the Native Americans. Especially after the War of Northern Aggression. Last Confederate General to surrender to the Yanks was a Native American.
You make all of this stuff sound like a bad thing. Was Billy Ray Cyrus hosting this too? What was the general's name - Fulla Bull? Did you read my politically incorrect e-mail about the History Channel? That network has really taken a turn, boy.
Think I will do some trains. They are waiting very patiently.
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
Morning all. David, good looking apples. I had a dozen. Late freeze got peaches and apples. Grapes did good but birds enjoyed more of them than I did. Don Baker, understand you are real tired this AM. Something about swinging from a pole with some naked lady. Something about a police report involving the removal of vehicles blocking your street and loud music and noise into the wee hours of the morning. Police said the party was really going strong and several "ladies of the night" were in attendance. Are you sure the "club" is the train club you are going too? Hope your wife returns soon.
Busy this AM. Chat later.
Nick,
Sorry to hear you got the wind up. Was that your trampoline I saw on Telly? Good job there was no one waiting for a bus. Glad the De-Lorean is OK! Never heard a thing here in jolly Stockport. Must be getting near to Autumn, the rain feels colder.
Just downloaded a MS upgrade for IE7-Smiley's done a bunk! You would think that MS with all its nerds etc. would get things right before turning them loose on an unsuspecting public. My spellcheck on Outlook only works in Frog! And all the fixes I have tried just leave me fuming.odd that, Smiley's shrunk in the wash.
Jim, I don't think any one has a Heelan Coo in 7mm (or any other scale for that matter) I guess it might be due to the very fragile nature of those long horns. I didn't know the real ones came in white as well as black. Surprising what one learns through this forum.
Posted my housing application the other day, they tell me I could be moving within 4-6 weeks, which my experience of beaurocrosy tells me probably means months.
John Baker
Good morning from a cloudy and cool Chicago where I hope to have an easy day at work today. Got big band music on pandora.com and a few projects to begin, fueled by room-temperature Mountain Dew. Mmmm good.
Don, that is a hilarious story about the moving house. David, the bride came home Monday with a half-bushel of picked apples from a local orchard. Guess that's what I'm going to be eating all winter. Yours look great. We have a few trees in the backyard - crab apples - that some years surprise me with fruit.Welcome back, Chief!
HI GIZ,
67 and humid here today going to get close to record 92?
Didn't put on AC last nite slept bad woke up to many times. Oh well.
BRUTUS mow this weekend, it will be much cooler. I mowed last nite and could have let it go a few more days.
All be safe.
laz57
MORNING FOLKS
Storms and rain in Mi. but we just got a little rain, not even wet out. Neighbor is home, Drs. are still going with the gall bladder theory. Said stomach gas could have cut off blood supply when she bent over. My wife is going for one of those 2hr stress test today as the Dr. suspects some blockage but her circlulation is good. so we will see. hum rain just started sounds like one of those just passing through kind. yep quit already. Going to watch youngest grandson for a short time today........guess we will have to run some trains, that will keep a 2 yr. old busy for about 5 minutes. Time for a free cupcake and coffee, Sir James
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
Good morning all,
It is raining in SE Indiana with temps in the 70s today. Should be some good train weather for tonight. "My" soccer girls lost a tough one last night as they were trailing 3-2 when the game was called in the second half due to lightning. At least they finally scored. My wife and I went to the YMCA for some trackwork and we watched Helio Castro-Neves on "Dancing with the Stars". He did the best of the guys according to the judges. Is anybody watching the Ken Burns show on WW II on PBS? I have been taping it for a later time, but I have been seeing bits and pieces. It looks pretty good. There was cereal and cinnamon rolls on the dining car from "Points East" this morning. I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
Morning all,
Just finished handing out assignments and checking email at work. Going to be busy.
Ran trains a bit last night. Put the 312 SIT on and let her streach her legs. It is neat to see the loco smoke in neutral!
Got to go
MAy God bless
Jim
Good Morning from Blueberryhill....
It is a partly cloudy 62 degrees. Sun is trying to come out. Going up to 82 today with a chance of rain, later.
Today is a busy day around the house. I have a few things to do. Still awaiting word on the A/C coil, in the shop for repair. Need some luck. Otherwise all is quiet. Train show is getting closer. It will be good to get out and see some good friends. May run trans later, depending on how the day goes.
Dining Car is here and we will have breakfast. Later.
Y'all have a great Wednesday.
Chuck
Morning!
Great story Donnie! You know that's a relocated southern'r...They said "we've moved fer 'nuff, and weer stayin'. Weeeeel doggies!" They were seen inside eatin' grits, as the helicopters were circling.
Great idea on the holloween trains! Everyone seems to grab and dash! I have been going with my girls since she was 1. Just so I could meet the neighbors! She gets heavy after about a hour!
I'll get the Christmas layout in early, hook up a fog machine, some of those purple christmas lights, and some of those mini pumpkins! Just to keep the cost down.
Last night went and picked the apples from my backyard orchard. Watered the orchard for 2 months as we've only had about 2 good rains in that time period. Had plums in June but no peaches or pears, as the mid-April blizzard killed the blossoms. Hopefully we'll get those next year plus a good grape harvest. Temps in mid-90s today as summer continues holding on.
Morning to All.
Made a fresh pot. Not much to post , train-wise or other-wise. Just checking in. Work is fine, kind of boring with no kids. I'll take boring for a little while.
Mitch
Bob Mitchell Gettysburg, PA TCA # 98-47956 LCCA# RM22839
Evening all, (Morning to most).
Wife has made it to Cedar Bluff IA, they have had a lot of wet weather along the way. Apparently today was clear and dry. They are headed for Superior Wis, should arrive there probably Thursday.
Pot Pies were OK, let me think I guess tomorrow will be fast food. We will be going to train club most likely. So have to grab something to eat on the way. Very limited time available.
Tonight did more clearance checking with multiple engines. Everything working well! Spotted track in the Engine Yard area. I think its going to be pretty good. Making provision for a cabeese spur near the engine house. Wore a blister on my thumb switching the switches manually while checking the clearances. I still am surprised it all fits as well as it does. Do have a lot of rough spots that will require a little work. Going to have a couple of sheet metal "bridges" cut to accomodate of walk through points.
Hope everyone has a great day! And remember to be good to everyone!!! (Unless they tick you off)
Left some brownies and fresh coffee, just turn it on.
Lights out
ChiefEagles wrote: rtraincollector wrote:Was wondering with planes being grounded around memphis if that might afect the chief as he was I thought supose to fly back today from Texas ( LA. LOL)Nope, just flushed toilet twice over your house. Home!!!! Finally. Had dinner and meeting with Wake Co School Board. Tired. Unpack and do reports tomorrow. Long day. Good flights.Later
rtraincollector wrote:Was wondering with planes being grounded around memphis if that might afect the chief as he was I thought supose to fly back today from Texas ( LA. LOL)
Nope, just flushed toilet twice over your house.
Home!!!! Finally. Had dinner and meeting with Wake Co School Board. Tired. Unpack and do reports tomorrow. Long day. Good flights.
Later
good to see your back safe there chief . Oh by the way you missed my place by just that much believe it or not.
Well got the B&O on display nex have to get the Viginian's and the southern up there. May even do the Santa-Fe befor its all over (lots of shelves) all diesels Guess don't have room for the steam well we'll see before it all done and said. Will try to put some new pics in the sunday photo this coming sunday.
Need to get some smaller radius track than I have in gargraves I have o64 think I need atleast to go down to 042. the B&O Passenger cars look great on the O64 but I don't have room I have about 6" of straight between my 1/4 turns on one wall and about 18" on the other wall and if I can get this to a loop will be strange in shape I will need a lot tighter on one set of curves. Have to make room for door to open as low ceilings. Ceiling about 2 1/2" above door.
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
Dougdagrump - wrking on plan for portable layout for garage - thanks for the idea!
Nick! Sure glad to hear you are okay! That was a close one! My wife was in a house as a kid babysitting and a tornado went by one house over while she was watching - she's scared to death of them now! We get our share in MO, too. Have to go in the basement about once a year or so just in case.
88 - sounds like a great haul!
Fife/Tmcc - LOL
Don - that house story is hilarious! I emailed that to several buddies! D'oh!!!
Laz - I need to mow too and supposed to rain tomorrow. I didn't mow Sunday. Thought about doing it yesterday while I was off waiting for the cable guy, but didn't want to miss the call or something. Oh well, it's pretty bad, but will wait on Thursday I guess. Going to be down below 80 this coming weekend and no OT offered, so don't feel guilty for not working!
RT - Watch out for that BLUE ICE Chief dropped on your house!
Mel, those bridges sound cool! Any pics?
RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.
Nick;
I have both bridges. The Lift Bridge is easier to install and doesn't take up much room. Just put in place of two or three straight sections. It is a neat piece of equipment.
The Swing Bridge has some instalation issues: 1) You have to have a space on either side of the tracks as wide as half the length of the bridge. 2) If the base of the bridge is sitting on your bench work, you will need to raise the track about 3 or 4 inches from bench level to track level on the bridge or put the base of the bridge in a depressed area. It does work well and looks neat as a moose as it raises about an inch off the base before it swings to an open position.
Hope this helps.
Evening all,
Just got home from work. Bride on her way home from work, 12 hours in pedetrics she is an RN. Got instructions to nuke some leftovers, now that's my cookin'.
Fife-Daughters can be a huge source of frustration when it comes to boyfriends. Sometimes the more you dislike one the more "attractive" their appeal is to your daughter, go figure. I found you are in a no win situation. If daughter is looking for a long term relationship try to convey to her you MUST be friends first, then bonds of attraction form from there. What starts as lust rarely becomes meaningful friendship. In the end your mate should be your best friend. I do pray for you and your daughter and all the rest of you with tenn daughters. It breaks my heart to see the anguish my oldest daughter lives with.
Need to get supper ready for my best friend
Hot one here today hit 90. Ran a slooo 3 miles in the heat. Took dog for walk later she jumped in pond to cool off. Cut grass dirst time in 2+ weeks. DRY. Too be like this again tomorrow. Then rain for friday eve.
All be safe,
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