dakotafrediven your mature philosophy about the weather, why would an old railroader move from the center of the railroad universe to boring old Florida? Or do the dogs run faster down there?
IMHO, "boring" is highly underated. I feel that one should often seek excitement, challenge and entertainment. But, at a somewhat advanced age, such things should be sought out rather than thrust upon us. For example, I no longer enjoy having my truck go down an icy road sideways. And I certainly do not enjoy waking up to find two feet of white "Global Warming" covering my driveway.
But you are right. Florida is definitely in the railroading minor leagues compared to Chicago. Some years ago I did a contract job in Orlando. I would go out to see the trains. I noticed it was all single track. And that just ain't major league railroading like we have around here.
But, all in all, I can enjoy a minor league game as much as I enjoy a major league game. Loosing the snow and ice will be nice.
And yes, the best Racing Greyhounds do tend to run in Florida. (I seem to like things that run on tracks.)
I believe I've started and contributed to my share of both railroad and model railroad threads on the TRAINS forums, thank you. I'm not "hectoring" anyone, just sharing an opinion in a polite way. And, while we're at it, using my real name.
John Timm
edblysard SALfa Beware - down here mosquito repellant ranks right behind food, clothing and shelter as a necessity of life. Wait, you found one that works?
SALfa
Beware - down here mosquito repellant ranks right behind food, clothing and shelter as a necessity of life.
Wait, you found one that works?
Maybe deterrant would be a better description than repellant. Nothing works totally. I spray on a heavy dose, and wear one of those gadgets on my belt. Plus, if I'm sweating a lot the smell would stop a charging rhino, which helps a little.
SALfan edblysard SALfa Beware - down here mosquito repellant ranks right behind food, clothing and shelter as a necessity of life. Wait, you found one that works? Maybe deterrant would be a better description than repellant. Nothing works totally. I spray on a heavy dose, and wear one of those gadgets on my belt. Plus, if I'm sweating a lot the smell would stop a charging rhino, which helps a little.
Johnny
DeggestyI thought that perspiration was a "come hither" to mosquitoes rather than a repellant.
I think it depends on your diet - some food items are more repellent to skeeters than others.
Regardless, I've heard that it's the CO2 in your exhaled breath that attracts them. Unfortunately, holding your breath for long periods of time isn't usually all that easy...
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...
If rather opt for the "Polar Opposite or a Chevy Vortex".
Modeling the "Fargo Area Rapid Transit" in O scale 3 rail.
Central Minnesota is forecast for 10" of snow Monday thru Tuesday. This is a typical time to get significant snow as the air still has some moisture and a cold air mass from Canada can trigger significant snow. Right now it is snowing across MT and ND and that will slide into MN by Monday. Should be the end of the Empire Builder for the season (already 5 hours late eastbound and that was before the snow). I suspect all the contingency plans in the world won't help when the snow hits.
desertdog I believe I've started and contributed to my share of both railroad and model railroad threads on the TRAINS forums, thank you. I'm not "hectoring" anyone, just sharing an opinion in a polite way. And, while we're at it, using my real name. John Timm
Concerning nasty winter weather...
Look folks, I've tried and tried to get a work party together to weather-strip the Canadian border and keep the cold up there where it belongs, but I can't get anyone interested.
So don't blame me.
I live in the south - so a nice polar vortex will bring some nice fall like weather to us. Sorry for all you folks up north - but you can always move to Florida :-)
I am originally from the UK - when it snows there EVERYTHING stops. I remember waiting for a train to arrive one Christmas and we got about 1/2 inch of snow - just a few flakes. The train was delayed for about 5 hours - go figure.
One positive aspect is that the kids will get "snow days" - or maybe that aint such a positive for you mom's and pop's out there.
Chris.
Loco Guy - is a state of mind - not an affinity to locomotives.
Sit back and enjoy your track...
My position has always been that, as much as possible, we should try to take a child-like attitude toward winter and snow, enjoying the beauty and the play possibilities. Remember those?
Granted, this is sometimes a hard thought to hang onto when one has to fight to go to work every day and attend to other duties associated with winter.
Nevertheless ...
As long as we've chosen or are fated to live in the North ... we might as well be good-humored about it. Let those more favorably situated think we enjoy it, even when we don't ... and worry that they might be missing out!
dakotafredMy position has always been that, as much as possible, we should try to take a child-like attitude toward winter and snow, enjoying the beauty and the play possibilities. Remember those?
I still view winter as a challenge. I'm not a winter sports type - skiing and snowmobiling aren't my forte. But there's something to be said for the satisfaction one gets upon seeing one's driveway all cleaned off. At least until the snowplow comes by again....
That's why I have a snowblower.
I've heard several people who moved out of the north woods say they loaded their snowblower in the back of their pick-up, then drove south until someone asked what it was. Then they knew they were far enough south...
Firelock76 Concerning nasty winter weather... Look folks, I've tried and tried to get a work party together to weather-strip the Canadian border and keep the cold up there where it belongs, but I can't get anyone interested. So don't blame me.
I hope you realise that the border to weatherstrip is that between Alaska and Canada. Much shorter than the 49th parallel, and then we both get the benefit.
John
tree68 dakotafred My position has always been that, as much as possible, we should try to take a child-like attitude toward winter and snow, enjoying the beauty and the play possibilities. Remember those? I still view winter as a challenge. I'm not a winter sports type - skiing and snowmobiling aren't my forte. But there's something to be said for the satisfaction one gets upon seeing one's driveway all cleaned off. At least until the snowplow comes by again.... That's why I have a snowblower. I've heard several people who moved out of the north woods say they loaded their snowblower in the back of their pick-up, then drove south until someone asked what it was. Then they knew they were far enough south...
dakotafred My position has always been that, as much as possible, we should try to take a child-like attitude toward winter and snow, enjoying the beauty and the play possibilities. Remember those?
Occasionally, MC will blame me for letting bad weather cross the Rockies to the Front Range--I'm INNOCENT!
Katie and I are going to have to buy a new snowblower this fall; mine has an electric starter, but it clogs up quickly if the snow is wet; hers did not clog up, but was very hard to start, and it was uneconomical to repair. I got by without snowtires last winter, but I had to be careful as to the streets I drove on (the north-south streets in the Avenues are steep, rising about 800 feet above most of the city) and not all are plowed quickly after a really noticeable snowfall.
Child-like attitudes depend on location. And thank you for the opportunity to make this rail related. I was on Buffalo New York's light rail line. When I went into the underground station it was not snowing. When the train came out of the subway onto the street snow was falling. A school kid on board said to his companion "Is it snowing again" in a tone that was completely foreign to my memories from my school days in sun drenched Philadelphia.
google is your friend, 1st link from "i'm marching inland from the shore". I remember it as "a sure fire way" instead of "the perfect way". And I thought this late in the season, and since my sailboat's in the yacht club yard now, I would have no more tries at the Columbus award, Sat about 4pm, less than an hour after high tide, and in full view of my club, I ran aground sailing somebody else's boat. We hung out at the club in relative comfort, except for everybody giving me a hard time, till the next high tide, went back out about 2:30 am and got the boat free around 4am.
http://www.tomlewis.net/lyrics/marching_inland.htm
Words & Music by Tom Lewis (Recorded by Tom Lewis on Surfacing! and Poles Apart) Lord Nelson knew the perfect way to cure your 'mal-de-mer', So if you pay attention, his secret I will share, To any sea-sick sailor he'd give this advice for free: "If you're feeling sea-sick, sit underneath a tree!" Chorus: I'm marching inland from the shore, over m' shoulder I'm carrying an oar, When someone asks me: "What - is that funny thing you've got?" Then I know I'll never go to sea no more, no more, Then I know I'll never go to sea no more! Columbus he set-sail to find out if the world was round, He kept on sailing to the West until he ran aground, He thought he'd found The Indies but he'd found the U.S.A., I know some navigators who can still do that today. Drake he's in his hammock and a thousand miles away, Grenville's REVENGE is at the bottom of the bay, Many's the famous sailor never came home from the sea, Just take my advice, Jack, come and follow me. Sailors take a warning from these men of high renown, When you leave the ocean and it's time to settle down, Never cast your anchor less than ninety miles from shore, There'd always be temptation to be off to sea once more.
Patrick Boylan
Free yacht rides, 27' sailboat, zip code 19114 Delaware River, get great Delair bridge photos from the river. Send me a private message
gardendanceI would have no more tries at the Columbus award, Sat about 4pm, less than an hour after high tide, and in full view of my club, I ran aground sailing somebody else's boat.
Sounds to me as if you need new lyrics: I'm marching inland TO the shore...
Years ago I wrote a friend in Ohio that the serious cold weather had arrived and I was going to have to start plugging in my car overnight.
"You have an electric car?" he wrote back. He had never heard of head-bolt heaters.
We had a funny local radio guy who fielded a call from a listener who had also never heard of plugging in your car at night.
"Listen," said the jock. "Up here, we plug in the trees."
Deggesty Katie and I are going to have to buy a new snowblower this fall; mine has an electric starter, but it clogs up quickly if the snow is wet; hers did not clog up, but was very hard to start, and it was uneconomical to repair.
His and her snowblowers? Man, that's too much winter even for me!
dakotafred Years ago I wrote a friend in Ohio that the serious cold weather had arrived and I was going to have to start plugging in my car overnight. "You have an electric car?" he wrote back. He had never heard of head-bolt heaters. We had a funny local radio guy who fielded a call from a listener who had also never heard of plugging in your car at night. "Listen," said the jock. "Up here, we plug in the trees."
I made a similar mistake way back in May 1976. I had arrived at my duty station with INS in Grand Portage MN and noted the electrical outlets in front of the parking spaces. I went in to report for duty and asked about those outlets, promptly being advised of the need for block heaters during the winter.
dakotafred Deggesty Katie and I are going to have to buy a new snowblower this fall; mine has an electric starter, but it clogs up quickly if the snow is wet; hers did not clog up, but was very hard to start, and it was uneconomical to repair. His and her snowblowers? Man, that's too much winter even for me!
dakotafred My position has always been that, as much as possible, we should try to take a child-like attitude toward winter and snow, enjoying the beauty and the play possibilities. Remember those? Granted, this is sometimes a hard thought to hang onto when one has to fight to go to work every day and attend to other duties associated with winter. Nevertheless ... As long as we've chosen or are fated to live in the North ... we might as well be good-humored about it. Let those more favorably situated think we enjoy it, even when we don't ... and worry that they might be missing out!
DakotaFred,
I still remember as a child in the UK the excitement of some snow around Christmas time. I know it's hard for some people to battle the elements but I was part of the Blizzerd of 96 in NJ were we got 3 feet of snow. No work for about 2 weeks but what a memory.
Opened the Garage and the snow was from the floor to the top of the garage door. How can we let there memories pass us by?
dakotafredHe had never heard of head-bolt heaters.
I haven't heard of them either -- and I've been a block- and pan-heater man for decades. Tell me more.
I don't care much for the usual sort of light-truck coolant heaters, especially the kind that go through a freeze-plug hole and prematurely spot-cook the coolant rather than keep the important stuff (the lube oil!) warm in all the places it needs to be. If it's warm in the pan, it MIGHT get to the upper works of the engine in time as cranking is done... on the other hand, I'd be happier with a good preluber that provides operating-temperature (or at least good-lubricosity) oil to all the critical moving parts up top, as well as the cam, crank, and rod bearings. But none of this speaks to head bolts, or would involve special heated head bolts, so I await enlightenment.
Overmod dakotafred He had never heard of head-bolt heaters. I haven't heard of them either -- and I've been a block- and pan-heater man for decades. Tell me more. I don't care much for the usual sort of light-truck coolant heaters, especially the kind that go through a freeze-plug hole and prematurely spot-cook the coolant rather than keep the important stuff (the lube oil!) warm in all the places it needs to be. If it's warm in the pan, it MIGHT get to the upper works of the engine in time as cranking is done... on the other hand, I'd be happier with a good preluber that provides operating-temperature (or at least good-lubricosity) oil to all the critical moving parts up top, as well as the cam, crank, and rod bearings. But none of this speaks to head bolts, or would involve special heated head bolts, so I await enlightenment.
dakotafred He had never heard of head-bolt heaters.
Sorry, Overmod, I'm so little a mechanic that it's just a name to me. I do know the inventor, the late Andrew Freeman, went on to head up Minnkota Power Cooperative, one of the outfits we depend on to keep the chill off up here.
I wonder if what I knew as a head-bolt heater isn't the same thing as a block heater.
Back in the '60s our Volkswagen bus had what I believe was a heater for the oil (there being no other precious bodily fluids to warm).
I'd guess that the the term "head-bolt hater" dates back to the days of the flathead engines where a head-bolt would extend well into the block. Same thing with floor boards, at one time car floors would be wood boards - my uncle's 1950 GMC pickup had wood boards held in place by metal strips.
Block heaters can do some extra good if the engine is equipped with an oil cooler. On a similar note, my uncle said that it was common in eastern Montanato cover the hood with a blanket to keep the whle enine warm. He also said that it was common practice to leave the car/truck in the gear that he'd drive out on as it would take a few hunder feet of driving for the tranny oil to warm up enough to allow the gears to be shifted.
OK the first blast has hit the eastern norther tier. Any one with reports on how NS & CSX are doing. CSX reported areas of 6 feet of snow around Buffalo. Here is link to CSX bulletin.
http://www.csx.com/index.cfm/customers/news/service-bulletins/customer-service-advisory-snow-impacting-the-buffalo-area/?keywords=service advisory
Did CSX have enough traffic that the locomotives could keep the tracks some what cleared ?
Looked it up with Andrew Freeman, and lo and behold, it was actually what it said it was -- an electrical element inside a head bolt replacement (!)
See US patents 2487326 and 2611066.
Part of the original design appears to involve a design of head stud that goes all the way through the block into a water passage, with the element actually in the part of the stud in the passage. Optimized for inline flathead engines, I think. And yes, it's exactly what I said I didn't think it would be. Enlightenment has followed.
In my view this is similar to the kind of block heater that goes through a core plug opening with a resistance element in the coolant.
Mentioned several places just in my brief checking as the first electric block heater in the world.
Reportedly snow is falling at 5-6 inches per hour.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Yikes! Good luck in keeping 'em rolling, CSX and NS!
Wonder if FRA gave a blanket exemption to HOS so no crew members stranded away from a terminal ? Also Amtrak to prevent endangering passengers ?
Is this going to be a time when all the RR museum pieces of snow plows will be called out ?
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.