I spied on the NS local after I took Matt to his class.They are waiting for a crew.Zugman we have new people go through video training,forklift training then when it comes to work,they decide to go somewhere else.Time for bed.
stay safe
Joe
Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").
Got several pictures via text message of a fire in La Jara, CO. Apparently, fire hoses were laid across the tracks (former DRG&W - now a short line), but they got the train stopped in time. At one point the train crew thought they'd have to back up...
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...
JoeKoh I spied on the NS local after I took Matt to his class.They are waiting for a crew.Zugman we have new people go through video training,forklift training then when it comes to work,they decide to go somewhere else.Time for bed. stay safe Joe
One matter that was emphasized in these classes was the dangers presented by driving unsafely--including death. Perhaps the trainees who quit do not trust themselves to drive safely?
Johnny
Well, I have gotten as far away as I could, and I start back from Boston tomorrow, heading home. So, I will be going through Lincoln early Saturday morning, in Bedroom D in car 0531 (the first one behind the diner).
We made some good time above Philadelphia this morning--covering several miles in less than 30 seconds to the mile. Above New York City, we did not move anywhere nearly that fast, and I could not see the mileposts very well in Rhode Island, but we did move fast. Leaving Providence, we were behind an MBTA train, which slowed us some; we even stopped at a signal and then crept up behind him in one place (I talked with the engineer briefly after we arrived).
The arrangement to keep a constant tension on the catenary is interesting--a series of blocks and weights from time to time along the way. There is quite a difference between the catenary supports above New Haven and those below New Haven--I-beams standing up, and, where there is a support across the tracks, it looks like a U-beam (I could not get a good look at them). The station in Providence is changed considerably from what I saw in 1982, and the Boston station is also changed quite a bit from what I remembered it has having been in 1997; the station in Wilmington is much improved over what it was in 1984. Providence and Wilmington both have elevators to the track level (down and up, respectively).
Ah, Johnny - my favorite traveler! You are probably one of only 2 people on the forum that come thru my home town on a regular basis. The other is my favorite chicken.
And if I had the chance to travel, I would make sure my sleeping area was right next to the dinning car! Any refrigerators to raid?
I read all your travels and have decided you have more miles on you than my old Plymouth Valiant of many years ago! We went everywhere together and yet never really went anywhere!
But for now, I travel in your stories and always have a great time, no matter where "we" go.
She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw
We're losing a lot of them, too. I'd probably leave, too if I were them. Too damned dangerous out here to be set free like that. Not like there's brakemen lists anymore.
Absolutely disgusting.
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
Mookie Ah, Johnny - my favorite traveler! You are probably one of only 2 people on the forum that come thru my home town on a regular basis. The other is my favorite chicken. And if I had the chance to travel, I would make sure my sleeping area was right next to the dinning car! Any refrigerators to raid? I read all your travels and have decided you have more miles on you than my old Plymouth Valiant of many years ago! We went everywhere together and yet never really went anywhere! But for now, I travel in your stories and always have a great time, no matter where "we" go.
Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.
Ah, Murphy - MoPar to you in the chick dept.
(that hurt my brain!)
A Dodge Dart - wow - be still my heart!
Murphy Siding Mookie Ah, Johnny - my favorite traveler! You are probably one of only 2 people on the forum that come thru my home town on a regular basis. The other is my favorite chicken. And if I had the chance to travel, I would make sure my sleeping area was right next to the dinning car! Any refrigerators to raid? I read all your travels and have decided you have more miles on you than my old Plymouth Valiant of many years ago! We went everywhere together and yet never really went anywhere! But for now, I travel in your stories and always have a great time, no matter where "we" go. Define regular basis. I was in Lincoln once, about 27 years ago. I didn't have a Valient, but I had the macho version- a '67 Dodge Dart! It was a chick magnet. Chickens stuck to it like crazy.
Define regular basis. I was in Lincoln once, about 27 years ago. I didn't have a Valient, but I had the macho version- a '67 Dodge Dart! It was a chick magnet. Chickens stuck to it like crazy.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
BaltACD Murphy Siding Mookie Ah, Johnny - my favorite traveler! You are probably one of only 2 people on the forum that come thru my home town on a regular basis. The other is my favorite chicken. And if I had the chance to travel, I would make sure my sleeping area was right next to the dinning car! Any refrigerators to raid? I read all your travels and have decided you have more miles on you than my old Plymouth Valiant of many years ago! We went everywhere together and yet never really went anywhere! But for now, I travel in your stories and always have a great time, no matter where "we" go. Define regular basis. I was in Lincoln once, about 27 years ago. I didn't have a Valient, but I had the macho version- a '67 Dodge Dart! It was a chick magnet. Chickens stuck to it like crazy.
Mookie, remind me next week to look up the record of my travels in civilized comfort (though two nights especially were not comfortable, such as spending the night in an unheated washroom from Jesup to Atlanta in January--people who had boarded in Jacksonville after the Gator Bowl game had taken the available seats--and spending the night in an Amtrak I daycoach--the seat back did not recline very far--from Providence to Wilmington). About the most comfortable night in a coach was spent in one of Southern's coaches with walkover seats--I took the seat next to the washroom and could fully stretch out on it.
JoeKoh...we have new people go through video training,forklift training then when it comes to work,they decide to go somewhere else.
The training requirements for volunteer firefighters are taking a toll now, too. In today's two-job, kids-in-a-dozen-activities households, people can't find the time for the 120 hours required for the initial training - and we have one of the shortest requirements in the country. Years ago, volunteer fire departments were social centers in their communities - and the membership roster reflected that. A lot of fires were "surround and drown" operations, and the materials involved were a lot different, besides. Today, firefighters need to be skilled technicians, including hazmat, and a lot of people aren't up to the job.
That's not to say that fire departments of old didn't have those skilled technicians, but the number of such members amongst an 80 member roster might have been 10-15 - about the number of total members the same fire department might have today.
Mookie Ah, Murphy - MoPar to you in the chick dept. (that hurt my brain!) A Dodge Dart - wow - be still my heart!
afternoon
rain here in Nw Ohio.Look's like the 765 is going eastbound.(765.org)Keep an eye on it's moves.Ns local was back with more cars for us.The problem we have is when it's time to work,people don't want to.I have to do what???.I could go on but don't want the thread locked.Chores to do inside.
Slushmageddon! (at least it's sorely needed water)
...'68 Plymouth Valiant = 1st Car; 74 Dodge Dart was the second (I sold it at 215,000 in 1984....it's still running in southern Colorado)....the 225 was bulletproof and outperformed the GM 250 straight six, no complaints.
Norris, that 225 was also in the first car Pat and I owned post-marriage, a '73 Duster (a Valiant, for those beating hearts out there). It lasted us until 1983, when we traded it in on a "K car", after 196,000 miles of good performance (our engines have a history of outlasting the bodies they were mounted on). Our current car, the fourth we've owned in 42 years of marriage, has 190,000 miles on it. It's being given a vacation while we're out west here. All cars have been Chrysler products; the current one is a Dodge, after we outlasted the Plymouth brand.Linda is doing all right; so far none of the nausea that plagued her in the hospital. Her appetite has returned, and her strength is also returning, albeit slowly. Next dose of chemo is Monday. Linus has settled down to a good routine, and is very happy to have his mom home. We provide support, running errands, helping Linda get into and out of her "clamshell" brace which supports her while she's sitting or standing, and keeping Linus out of mischief. He's a little angel while riding in the car or the stroller, but otherwise...It's looking more like mid May before we can go home again.
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)
mudchicken Slushmageddon! (at least it's sorely needed water) ...'68 Plymouth Valiant = 1st Car; 74 Dodge Dart was the second (I sold it at 215,000 in 1984....it's still running in southern Colorado)....the 225 was bulletproof and outperformed the GM 250 straight six, no complaints.
I had a 71 Dodge Dart Swinger with the 225, bought used in 1975 for $600....wanted a Dart Demon, but couldnt find anyone willing to sell theirs...the Dart had 60,000 and change on the clock when I bought it..tipped over the 100 mark when I sold it after high school a year later, for the same I paid for it, $600.
But, it had a factory 8 track AM/FM, so....
Great car, the 71 thru 74s were the last series of Darts that had any style...the 75 year Dart looked like a shoe box on wheels and had zero get up and go due to the EPA junk
23 17 46 11
Acquired a '69 Roadrunner in a property division settlement. RR Orange - and most know how I intensely dislike orange - except on a real one. That was pre-Valiant and while the Valiant was a little old lady - I loved it best!
Then car-sat a '65 Ford Mustang convertible for a couple of years. (owner traveled) That one was nice for a Ford. Mellow pipes on it and fire engine red w/white top. Owner said to be sure and drive it rather than let it sit....so I did!
edblysard I had a 71 Dodge Dart Swinger with the 225, bought used in 1975 for $600....wanted a Dart Demon, but couldnt find anyone willing to sell theirs...the Dart had 60,000 and change on the clock when I bought it..tipped over the 100 mark when I sold it after high school a year later, for the same I paid for it, $600. But, it had a factory 8 track AM/FM, so.... Great car, the 71 thru 74s were the last series of Darts that had any style...the 75 year Dart looked like a shoe box on wheels and had zero get up and go due to the EPA junk
Murphy Siding Factory AM/FM and 8-tack? Livin' high. Two dumb teenagers- my brother and I- put in my 8-track. He said he knew how to find a hot wire. He did, and the 8-track played like it was supposed to, whenever the door was open and the dome light was on. Sadly, it probably prolonged the lifespan of your average 8-track tape. When I mowed road ditches for a farmer, we had to walk the ditch first, picking up hubcaps, beer bottles and dead 8-track tapes.
Too funny!
Randy Vos
"Ever have one of those days where you couldn't hit the ground with your hat??" - Waylon Jennings
"May the Lord take a liking to you and blow you up, real good" - SCTV
I sold my first car - a 1962 Chevy II, for the same $200 I paid for it. Never had an 8 track in it. It had been a telephone company car. Three on the tree and a four-banger. The tranny would get hung up in second every now and then, and I'd have to pull over and play with it to free it up.
Dad worked for GM at their Proving Grounds, so GM cars were the choice du jour for us. At the time, Ford was #2, and Chrysler was #3. Aside from a few niche companies (imports) that was it.
Getting stuff ready for NORAC Rules class tomorrow - an annual rite of passage if one wants to run on the railroad. Fortunately, the GVT companies also run under NORAC, or we'd be going through two sets of rules...
Then I've got to rush back home so I can be on TV (PBS auction) tomorrow night... Wheee!
Murphy Siding Mookie Ah, Murphy - MoPar to you in the chick dept. (that hurt my brain!) A Dodge Dart - wow - be still my heart! Oh yeah! 8 track tape player, fancy aluminum rims the goof before me had put on, and the famous Dodge 225 cubic inch, slant-6 motor. You could just feel the power as that baby moseyed up a hill.
Oh yeah! 8 track tape player, fancy aluminum rims the goof before me had put on, and the famous Dodge 225 cubic inch, slant-6 motor. You could just feel the power as that baby moseyed up a hill.
Wish I could find a set for my current Dodge Challanger....would make it look a lot more "retro"...The Chip Foose folks will make me a set for $900.00 a rim.
Not that in the retro look!
I still have an 8-track player. It's a humongus clock/radio, that also can run a turntable. (For the record, pun intended, a record player turntable.) It had been my parent's and I've had it for over 30 plus years.
Until just a week or so ago, I even had some 8-track tapes. My wife and I are moving to a new house, closer to work (not that I was that far away) with a bit more room. Especially for the important stuff, like my N-gauge empire. Anyway, I got rid of the 8-tracks. While the player still works, it has ate a tape or two. I wasn't going to keep it, but nostalgia has reared it's head and it's going to stay. As long as the clock still works anyway. (Along with the 40 plus year old encylopedias. I know it makes no sense, but I remember my parents kind of sacrificed to get them back then. I just can't bring myself to dispose of them.)
Jeff
jeffhergert (Along with the 40 plus year old encylopedias. I know it makes no sense, but I remember my parents kind of sacrificed to get them back then. I just can't bring myself to dispose of them.)
My ex bought the encyclopedias, along with the "yearbooks" for quite a few years. They might have gotten cracked a few times, but the prospect of having to look something up in the basic set, then having to go through each of the yearbooks to find changes was more than I was willing to put up with.
Nowadays the 'Net makes life just that much easier in that respect.
The whole pile got recycled...
Not sure what happened to our family set (as purchased by my parents). You might have had a newspaper in hand that held their remains, too..
Never had an 8 track. I do still have my reel-to-reel and all of the tapes I burned from LP's. There's one I've been meaning to find - a live recording of a jam session of sorts recorded while I was overseas. One of the folks that was there with us asked me about it a while back and I haven't found it yet...
evening
busy day today.Young man decided to barricade himself in his house near our plant.Was able to pick up mamma and get home.Got home and we had power problems.(nice day what happened???) Saw in the paper the ND&W has some track to fix in Napoleon.Matt went swimming with cousins tonight at the YMCA.Saw a westbound train on CSX when we got ice cream afterwards.Tomorrow another nice day.
joe
Joe - did you happen to see a squirrel with a power strip? That is what usually causes our outages during a sunny day.
Our state has been grass green all day with rain, however, it has yet to materialize. We show .02 for today. Just can't get the moisture to stop here long enough to hit the ground.
Save some strawberry ice cream for me!
8-tracks were a most interesting concept. I never had one but my brother had an 8-track recorder while we were in college (NIU for me, IIT for him) in the early 70's. During the summer I would listen to his homemade 8-tracks of Yes and Jethro Tull on headphones after working second shift at the US Steel warehouse (switched by EJ&E on my shift).
Made the mistake of getting an eight track instead of cassette tapes for my 78 Dodge van. ( last year 8 track offered as choice ). Since van is now my truck have stored away the 8 tracks as van seldom used. Quickly gave up trying to find new 8 track selections since they were manufactured discontinued.
Squirrel ate thru our transformer guard and blew the transformer fuse. Local power truck was driving by and only lost power for about 10 minutes. Dead varmit stunk ! For some reason they really like our power pole which caused power company to install guard in first place.
Mookie don't know if it was a varmit or what.Lot's of people out and they had the cars and bikes out too.Brother enjoyed the ride today.We watched as the local grain elevator loaded a grain train for csx.Looks like they are set for a crew to pick up the train.Waiting to see when cousins are done with Matt.Just feed him and he'll do good work.
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