CShaveRRSounds like the Board of Directors wasn't happy with him, either.
Still sounds like more of the same......Sure seems to me, changing leaders so often on Amtrak, certainly can't be productive in the positive direction.
Quentin
Just saw a news report that said that Amtrak President Alexander Kummant has resigned. Sounds like the Board of Directors wasn't happy with him, either.
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
The ButlerAnother question for y'all. On the TV show "Modern Marvels," they showed the operation of a steam locomotive
I'd say your assumption is correct. Steam must enter each side of the piston as it make it's cycle....and exaust each side too....
A trivia note: Has anyone else noted on the "Modern Marvels" program, at the opening, displaying the adjustable wrench how the position the wrench is just at the tip of it's "jaws" onto the bolt head...I cringe every time I see this. Guess I might be too critical, but let's push the wrench all the way onto the bolt head and use the wrench properly.
tree68 The shot I took from the pit below the Pacific at Greenfield Village struck me as merely "interesting" when I took it. Once I saw it full screen on my computer I was awestruck - it's a very powerful image.
The shot I took from the pit below the Pacific at Greenfield Village struck me as merely "interesting" when I took it. Once I saw it full screen on my computer I was awestruck - it's a very powerful image.
I really like it....A very dramatic shot....Different and revealing too. A clear view of the main workings of a steamer's mechanicals....And not to miss a good view of a brake shoe too.
The short answer is yes, that's true--it may be an oversimplification of what's going on, but that's what the valve gear is controlling. On the opposite side of the engine, the piston meets the axle a quarter of a turn away, so that for every revolution of the drivers you have four piston strokes--two out and two back. The alternative (using momentum to bring the piston back) would be unthinkable when power is needed.
Another question for y'all. On the TV show "Modern Marvels," they showed the operation of a steam locomotive. Their animation showed steam entering the front of the cylindar pushing the piston towards the rear, then steam entering the rear of the cylinder and pushing the piston towards the front. Is this true of all steam locos? They had an intake valve in both the front and the rear of the cylinder?
James
CShaveRRI was told by a now-departed mentor that film was the cheapest part of the photography process--and to use it liberally. I guess pixels are even cheaper. I should remember that, but with as many pictures as I take, it's still going to be a few years before I get a "keeper". But, as you say, Larry, I'm sure I have some that are better than nothing! I've forgotten, Tim--is there a walkway on that side of the bridge at Highlands? (Larry, you'd love this place!)
I was told by a now-departed mentor that film was the cheapest part of the photography process--and to use it liberally. I guess pixels are even cheaper. I should remember that, but with as many pictures as I take, it's still going to be a few years before I get a "keeper". But, as you say, Larry, I'm sure I have some that are better than nothing!
I've forgotten, Tim--is there a walkway on that side of the bridge at Highlands? (Larry, you'd love this place!)
That is probably the best thing about digital, is "editing on the fly" as it were. It's nice to be able to throw out the crap shots right away, but sometimes, I'll wait until I view it on the computer screen, because what looks bad on the LCD screen on the camera, will sometimes look better on the computer screen.....
There isn't a walkway on the east side of the Highlands bridge, I was using a telephoto lens to get that shot. Also, that signal bridge is gone now, I believe, I don't remember seeing it last time I was there, but then, that's not saying much. I love the Highlands bridge, especially in the summer, during the evening when the sun is setting, it lights up WB trains nicely. During the morning shooting EB stuff over the west side of the bridge isn't too bad, but you get a lot of shadows from the trees along side the tracks. My favorite bridge is that pedestrian one in Wheaton, over the UP. I have to get back up there before it gets too cold.
I have been pursuing outdoor photography as a hobby since the mid 1970's, and while I would not go as far as saying that I am a pro, a lot of people over the years have told me that my work is very good. I was taught by a gentleman who was the Director of Admissions at the University of Sioux Falls who on the side was a professional at photography. Other things I learned on my own through a process of trial and error. I shoot with a pair of Nikon 35 mm SLRs and am not ready yet to try digital photography.
There is a book that I would recommend to everyone, if you can still find it, it is the "Photography Field Guide", published by the National Geographic Society. It is about 350 pages in length and would fit nicely in most camera bags.
Now, I wish I could figure out how to post some of my own images in these forums.
CANADIANPACIFIC2816
Larry....It is a powerful shot, I love the perspective, and the detail of the drive wheels, the piston, and even the brake shoes. I have had a few "grab shots" that have turned out to be pretty good ones, and one of my grab shots was even used by Amtrak last winter. They contacted me in regards to using a photo that I shot of the Illinois Zephyr just after a snow storm last December. The converse of the "grab shot" being the best thing on the roll (or memory card these days) is the carefully set up and executed shot coming out less than desireable.... I have had a few of those.
CShaveRR But, as you say, Larry, I'm sure I have some that are better than nothing!
Hence the value of taking lots of pictures. Sometimes the "grab shot" turns out to be the best thing on the "roll".
A trip to the Chicago area is on my list. Just don't know when.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
tree68Tim - I really like that Highlands shot - unique perspective. I took a couple of photography courses at our community college. I learned some a lot of stuff, but mostly that there aren't usually a lot of keepers on any given roll of film. The flip side of that is that you still want to keep everything you shoot. I have an aunt who was "cleaning house" and threw away any picture that didn't have someone she recognized in it. Who knows how much history went into the trash? And we've all read stories about people who thought they had wasted their film on something, only to discover years later that they'd captured something that was now significant.
I took a couple of photography courses at our community college. I learned some a lot of stuff, but mostly that there aren't usually a lot of keepers on any given roll of film.
The flip side of that is that you still want to keep everything you shoot. I have an aunt who was "cleaning house" and threw away any picture that didn't have someone she recognized in it. Who knows how much history went into the trash? And we've all read stories about people who thought they had wasted their film on something, only to discover years later that they'd captured something that was now significant.
Dan
Tim - I really like that Highlands shot - unique perspective.
Chad.... yeah, I thought I was a regular O Winston Link when I first started shooting pictures. I still remember, with rather painful clarity, the first time I took film in to be developed. There I was, camera in hand, taking my freshly shot film into a camera store in LaGrange to be developed. Confident in my abilities, and figuring I had some "wow" shots, I chatted up the store clerk, talking about photography (He had to have had me pegged as a know-nothing beginner). I left my 3 rolls of 36 exposure Kodak 400 speed film, yes sir, 108 photos just waiting to be developed, and to expose my artistic ability......I went back two days later, and out of 108 photos, I had less than a dozen that were actually exposed properly. As the guy told me, the 12 or so photos he saved were all that were worth saving. He pulled out the rest to show me just how over, or under exposed the large majority of my shots were, in addition to the blurry and out of focus shots. And believe me, they were. A large number of them were just white, because I was either shooting into the sun, had too slow of a shutter, or too large of an aperture, words that I didn't even understand.... So, properly humbled, I went home and decided to read that book about photography that the girlfriend had laying around the house, it seemed like a good idea at the moment.....
I slowly began to realize, that in order to take a good photo, I needed to understand the workings of the camera, and gradually, the photos improved, but, since I thought I knew what I was doing, it took longer than it should have for me to, well, basically get over myself, and spend some real time learning how a camera works so I could take those awesome photos. I think I am just about there, maybe.... but, then that's for those of you who look at my work to decide.
And then, there's Chris.....
Nice shots Tim !!!! Doesn't that old stuff seem so much better then it did back then?
Well, I dug deep into the archives, (i.e. went rifling through the photo drawer) and found a few of my "best" photos from back when I was doing film, and was just starting. I scanned the images at 1200dpi, and then adjusted them in GIMP 2.6.1, and then you can be the judge of the results.
This is from, I believe the fall of 1993, or perhaps the spring of 1994, not sure which, but I caught this CP transfer run, headed up by a Soo Line SD-40, I believe. Anyway, I shot this with my Minolta X-GM 400 speed Fuji color film probably at 1/1000 and f/4.5. I did brightness and contrast and some color saturation as well. I also cropped a very annoying high tension power line tower out of the left side of the shot...too bad I couldn't get more of the fence out of the photo as well.
This one is probably from fall of 1995, but it could be 1996 (see how good I am at archiving this stuff?). It's a BNSF intermodal through Highlands Station in Hinsdale. I thought framing the lead locomtive in the signal bridge would be a great idea.... Shot at 1/1000 400 speed Fuji color fim, and probably an arpeture f/4.5 or larger, because the photo was pretty bright before I corrected brightness and contrast in GIMP 2.6.1. I used a Minolta telephoto lens (135mm equivalent) for the shot.
There are a few more, but not many of them are worth putting up. Boy, I learned alot about composition, and lighting and such over the years. Many of my older photos from this time period are full of annoying and distracting elements in the scene. That was back in the day when all I thought you had to do was point and shoot...
Poppa_ZitClick here. There's other stuff mixed in, but it will give you an idea of what's out there
P Z: I have checked in on ebay and found some entries but the more the better.....Thanks for sharing.
Modelcar ....Have a simple question. Can anyone tell me the price range of antique Steam Locomotive brass bells....? Thanks for any help.
....Have a simple question. Can anyone tell me the price range of antique Steam Locomotive brass bells....?
Thanks for any help.
Q --
Click here. There's other stuff mixed in, but it will give you an idea of what's out there.
Is there an online resource that will give division and sub-division names of routes near by?
I understand that today is Walt's birthday--you'll usually find him lying around the Cafe. Hope it's been good.
You're in good company--in his press conference, our President-elect referred to himself as a "mutt".
TimChgo9 My dad had a brass steam engine bell, but he got rid of it a couple of years before he passed away. I will have to ask my mom what he sold it for (if he sold it, I am not sure what he did with it)
Interesting story on your father's bell Tim....A friend of mine over in Pennsylvania has his eyes on one and I'm simply trying to get a basic handle on their value. Thanks for comment.
My dad had a brass steam engine bell, but he got rid of it a couple of years before he passed away. I will have to ask my mom what he sold it for (if he sold it, I am not sure what he did with it) It was a big bell, and sat in the garage for years, he planned on doing something with it, but he never got around to it. The bell was still on it's, whatever you call it, the part that attaches to the top of the locomotive that allows the bell to rock back and forth. The bell and it's attachments sat on a wheeled dolly that he built for it, so he could move it around if necessary, it was dreadfully heavy.
The ButlerModelcar, a few years ago, I was surfing the net for bells and every steam engine bell was thousands of dolars (4 figures).
Thanks James, for your info...Appreciate it.
Mudchicken, thank you.
Carl, you were right, be patient.
Modelcar, a few years ago, I was surfing the net for bells and every steam engine bell was thousands of dolars (4 figures). Church and school bells were in the tens of thousands.
The Butler Does the government need to be involved when a railroad takes a line listed as o/s (out of service(?)) and starts running trains on said line? I thought the Lounge would be a good place to ask these simple questions (see my CB&Q post). If the regular visitors don't like it , let me know.
Does the government need to be involved when a railroad takes a line listed as o/s (out of service(?)) and starts running trains on said line?
I thought the Lounge would be a good place to ask these simple questions (see my CB&Q post). If the regular visitors don't like it , let me know.
In what sense?
AAR (not government) will post reason of embargo removed in its listings.
If you are talking ICC/STB "discontinuance" under 49USC10502 Out of Service Class Exemption requires little more than formal notice that service is resuming to the STB and the local PUC.
http://www.stb.dot.gov/stb/docs/Abandonments%20and%20Alternatives1.pdf
...passing through.....
{Trains.com threw out my question and if it is not appropriate here, tell me so.}. They put my question over on "Steam & Preservation" where there is practically no traffic for any answer.....
nordique72The problem that the 1988 suffered is indeed a serious problem- it's gonna be sidelined for a while, ironically it's had this happen before in April 2006 to the #3 axle. The traction motor locked up and did almost exactly the same thing- it was taken to North Little Rock for repairs then. The unit started dropping parts on the ex-ATSF main line near Monica (where the parts were spotted), which is the first station west of Edelstein. The engine- after the BNSF crews did their ad hoc repairs- was dragged up to Broadmoor which is on the former CNW about 15 miles north of Edelstein. I find it interesting they set it out initially there since there are available industry tracks at Speer and Camp Grove. The unit is now reported at Global 3- as of 0150 this morning.
The unit started dropping parts on the ex-ATSF main line near Monica (where the parts were spotted), which is the first station west of Edelstein. The engine- after the BNSF crews did their ad hoc repairs- was dragged up to Broadmoor which is on the former CNW about 15 miles north of Edelstein. I find it interesting they set it out initially there since there are available industry tracks at Speer and Camp Grove. The unit is now reported at Global 3- as of 0150 this morning.
UP 1988 (The Katy Heritage unit) came in to Proviso as the trailing unit on one of the manifests from the SI line. When I saw it, it was in the lead, headed from the receiving yard to the diesel ramp. The headlights were lit, so it evidently wasn't completely dead.
(Can't believe this was three pages ago--seems like just last week!)
Thanks for clearing that up, James. Give it a couple of days, and if MC or someone doesn't answer, then I'd say to give it a separate try. Be specific about the line in question--it might help!
CShaveRRNo problem at all, Jim--as Larry said, that's what we're here for! I can't find your "CB&Q thread" to see what exactly you're talking about. However, there's a bit of a difference between "out of service" and "abandoned". My gut feeling is that an out-of-service line could be restored to service with little oversight from the Government (assuming that they do it right and bring it up to the appropriate FRA track standards). Perhaps if you direct us to your post, one of the real track guys (Mudchicken) will weigh in with a positive answer.
No problem at all, Jim--as Larry said, that's what we're here for!
I can't find your "CB&Q thread" to see what exactly you're talking about. However, there's a bit of a difference between "out of service" and "abandoned". My gut feeling is that an out-of-service line could be restored to service with little oversight from the Government (assuming that they do it right and bring it up to the appropriate FRA track standards).
Perhaps if you direct us to your post, one of the real track guys (Mudchicken) will weigh in with a positive answer.
However the question about o/s trackage my be a little more involved than I thought. Should I start a thread about this on the General Discussion page?
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