Leaderboard

The SSN is on the police reports. And I'm not the least bit concerned with how it's starting to look to you or anyone else. People who profit off of stolen valor should be punished, and I have no intention of stopping until I am satisfied.

Tread lightly.

Fun! That's probably my favorite campy zombie movie.

The machine couldn't handel the sheer awesomeness of this knife and craped itself. it's tapatalks fault

  I'm close to that too. I secrete a Monkey's brown snake.

HOOOOOOLLDDDDD ON A MINUTE.....the dekays snake description linked here indicates that when the snake is scared it "secretes a foul smelling substance from its anal gland".......oddly enough I do that too. :)

Bringing down the Hate upon those running dogs in Stage 2....... ........., Too Bad I so locked in on those mutts that I didn't see the two other FULL SIZE targets to my right. Those cardboard punks were so unimpressed with my shooting that they must have figured that it was safe enough to take a picture!!!!!!! "Down Ten & a Failure X 2" :wall:

Lighten up guys. I didn't take this as LEO bashing. Seemed pretty damn accurate to me.

On October 15 CSXT announced they would close the yard in Erwin Tennessee then 5 day later the annouced they would cease operations in Corbin Kentucky this is the tale of one mans last run on the Clinchfield Railroad. ​My last run Following last week’s announcement regarding reduced operations at the Erwin, Tenn., terminal, CSX Engineer Joe Barrdocumented his last run on the Clinchfield Route. Written by Joe Barr Last night and into this early morning has been bittersweet. I want to keep this moment, this memory, for as long as I can, so I have chosen to document it here. It’s 4am and I have just completed my last run out of Erwin on APBR A202 pool turn on CSX's former Clinchfield Route. When all this came about with the closure of Erwin Yard, I was heading into my off days Wednesday and Thursday. The last trains out of Erwin had pretty much come and gone by the time I marked back up Friday at 00:01. It seemed my run was over on my beloved southend pool turn. I even noted on another post that, "If only I had known my last trip was my last trip, I would have savored it a bit more”... I called the Yard Office yesterday afternoon to see if there was anything else to go, maybe I could get just one more. The Yardmaster told me, "I'm sorry Joe, but there is not.” So that’s it. I am 1st out, and it’s over. I picked up my daughters from school, head home and resort back to staring into the void... My natural state for the last few days. Then the phone rang at 15:30, it was the crew caller calling me for a relief job to relieve Q69615 at 17:30. I was to taxi to Marion and take the train to Bostic. This was it, this is my last run. I got it. A short run, but a good one. Thank God. I show up at the yard office where there were a few guys coming in from their last run, others just came in to see who was there. The general conversation was asking what the others were thinking about doing, “Where you going, Nashville? Birmingham? Etowah? Tampa?”. Followed by the “It’s been good working with you”, then the handshakes, the hugs, the misty eyes, the turns and walks away. Same as it has been down here for the last few days. My Conductor and I finally loaded up our taxi with our grips and orders and headed to Marion. He's a fine man, a guy I went to school with who is also an Engineer that has been cut back to Conductor in recent months. He jumped in the front seat, and I got in the back. That’s the way it is. I am sure there is a story as to why, but if I have been told the story, I have since forgotten it. The Conductor sits in the front seat, the Engineer in the back, always, that’s just the way it is... There was some small talk, about where he might go, the kids, where would be the best place for the kids, and schools. But mostly quiet, a bit somber. We arrived at Marion where we relieved a seasoned crew, both were Engineer’s, one a few spots behind me in seniority the other cut back to Conductor. There was the typical chit chat you get when you relieve a crew, but this time it lingered a little more with finally, handshakes, firm hugs, keep in touch, and the it will be alrights... My Conductor and I loaded up, contacted the Dispatcher and started on our way. It was extremely sentimental to me. Not knowing what the future holds, this is my chance to savor the run. I ignored the Automatic mode (Trip Optimizer) and chose to run this train Manual, like I was trained to do years ago by men who were considered giants of the Clinchfield. We tore out of Marion with 4 locomotives (2 of them dead in tow) and 7400 tons of mixed time freight. I pulled them through “Jacktown" then I started to throttle off and set up the dynamics to hold us back down the hill to Prison Curve. Come back on the throttle a couple of notches, then back off to dynamic to get us through the dip at Muddy Creek, where you come off of them again and get back in the throttle. All while maintaining 45 mph. This is where he shared with me, “The fastest I have ever been on a train was right here". He told me what the speed was, it was pretty impressive, but he was a bit reluctant to tell me who the Engineer was. We laughed and he said, “I thought we was going to send it all out in to the cornfield when we hit the curve!”. That’s how most good stories go out here, they are always the kind that in the moment it’s pure terror, "we could die here", kind of stories, but after some time has passed, you can share them with that nervous laugh that comes out when you reflect on the fear, but cover it with the laugh. After the dip at Muddy Creek we started up the hill to “Fero", where you top it, then proceed down Vein Mountain. I set my dynamics up and proceed to bunch the train up against me gently like I have done so many times in the past. Like I was taught, when the slack comes in lightly. “You have to feel it in the seat of your pants” kind of lightly. He said, "this train is all messed up, empty's on the headend and rear, with loads through the middle". I told him, it felt fine. I could feel the loads in the middle of the train slightly come in on us and press us up to 40 mph where I held them with dynamic. Once we got by the 40 mph speed board I put 1st service train brake on and eased up the dynamics. The train responded perfectly, and we cruised down the mountain at 40 and hit the 35 mph speed board at “Sandfill" right on target. Now, this isn’t bragging. This is pride. We still have that on the Clinchfield. Some choose to do it, some choose to do it right. As we glided down Vein Mountain he says, "It's been a honor to work with such a great engineer like you." I buckled, it’s been an emotional week, and to get such a compliment at that moment was unexpected and moved me to tears in the darkness of the cab. I didn't say anything for a moment, then I told him he was one of the best out here, I never heard an ill word about him. My compliment was weak compared to his, but it was all I could muster. We went a couple of miles in silence when he said, "hey man, if you don't care, can I take 'em a couple of miles". This broke me down. Knowing that there may never be another chance again for him to run a train down the Clinchfield, I knew this trip was just as important to him as it was to me. I said, "I got what I wanted, I nailed both speed boards, you take 'em down the big rail. (Meaning, run them through Thermal and on to Logan, the 50 mph track.) He got in the seat, and said "I just don't think I'll ever get to do this again." I said, "take 'em as far as you want". We sat in silence both of us trying miserably to hold back tears as he ran them at 50 mph through Thermal and on to Tate where you hit a pretty good size dip called "Panic Dip” I finally spoke and said “When I started running I always feared this spot", He said, “ yea, I think they named it appropriately”, with a little bit of a chuckle, I had to lightly give a laugh too. He ran them like a champ through the dip right on 50, like he has done numerous times in his tenure on the Clinchfield. He finally spoke up once we were by “Dairy Farm” and said, “Thanks man, you can take them back now." I patted him on the back. We both sat down and continued in silence, I couldn’t dare look at him, the emotions were just too much. We got the train to Bostic, switched it for the outbound, and by the time we were done, the outbound crew showed up to take over and on to Hamlet, NC. We had to hang around there a little while waiting on our final taxi ride home, so we just kind of stood out there and watched our train pull out of the yard. The yard office sits right next to the track so when a train comes in or out, the noise is pretty loud, joints cracking, flanges rubbing the rail. Metal on metal noise… But then the rear comes by, the noise fades, and all you see is a blinking red light silently going the distance up the hill, then disappears in the darkness. After a little while, my Conductor says “I wish I had taken a picture of that engine. I have a picture of the first engine I ran, I would have liked to have one of this one too.” I had thought the same thing earlier, we should do a selfie, our last run on the Clinchfield with engine 233 in the background, but I blew it off. I regret that now… Our taxi finally showed up, and with it was the best driver Bostic has to offer. Just the man we needed for the quiet ride home. A quiet ride where memories play out in your mind knowing this is it, it will all be different now. The ride none of us wanted to take ended two and a half hours later, in the parking lot of the Erwin Yard Office around 3am. Just in time to see the last train of 20 some cars and 8 engines head out of Erwin. This is it. The yard is empty now, no crews, no engines, only a couple of cars for the industry we have left in Erwin, and lonely switch target lights. It’s over. God has been with me all day, I have felt it. Everything has been placed perfectly for this day. The pride held by every man doing the job today, that they have done for years has been immeasurable. Faced with what we have been given, every one of them continues to carry the Pride and Responsibility they have had placed on them by becoming Engineers, Conductors, Carmen, Electricians, Mechanics, Signalmen, Yardmasters, Clerks and so many other titles on the Clinchfield. I pray that where ever they go they have the respect they deserve, because they are simply the greatest people I have ever met. To put it in better words, my brothers and sisters of Erwin Terminal, we are the CLINCHFIELD.

I have read many news reports saying the area was "gripped in fear", well I was concerned, but not gripped in fear, I was however in close proximity to a firearm or 3 that all had grips on them. LOL

that is not a pit viper of any kind

I don't mind fees up to $35 for the transfer.  The gun shop I frequent most has great prices, seldom on handguns is there much of a markup over what I can get online, so I understand they are trying to recoup some margin which is fine with me.  I almost always try to buy from a small shop, but sometimes I cant get what I need/want locally so I have to go online.   One things for sure though, establishing a good relationship with a local shop can have all kinds of awesome benefits when you need something.

We've always operated under the idea that we want the customer to have a Level 10 experience in our store. If we raise prices on something, we damned sure better have more value to add to it at the same time, and the value had better be MORE than the dollar amount of the price that we raised.

How did you get him to lay on his back for the pic?  LOL

I also said 'GOOD'

Step two of the instructions says the following.    Drop the axle or raise the frame up to make room for the assemblies to be put into position between the frame and axle .    ​Therefore, I would recommend getting you some jack stands that you know are properly rated.  You spent 500 dollars on some air bags.  30 bucks for some jack stands aint gonna kill you.   http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-professional-4-ton-jack-stands-one/p-00950163000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4    

Anybody taking their kids out this weekend?  Mine are to old... :(

Believe it or not, they were pushing the B1B for that. Absolutely ridiculous. I'd rather have one A-10 on the way than a dozen B1s if I'm in need. I just saw a story a few days ago that the Air Force is keeping the A-10, so the news is pretty recent. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Totally agree. They had enough time in the episode to show him surviving; I think they are going to get a lot of flack. It's not like they were in a ratings slump or needed a "who shot J.R.?" moment. They will be known as the little boy who cried wolf, and people will stop believing cliffhanger deaths. I'll still keep watching, though.

My biggest take away was you explaining how your dad pulled you over and evacuated your reaction, basically a mini AAR. My kids and I talk about issues as soon as it's reported, then visit it weeks later to see how our views remained the same or changed. I believe like the huge gap of haves and have nots, there is a gap of kids with adult guidance and those without......

I see nothing wrong with the video. I did not see any bashing going on or F the Police. 

I have a lot of thoughts and I’d like to openly discuss them; but this isn’t the place for it. I have never asked a mod to lock a thread, but I would ask you to shut this down yourself; it can’t end well.

That under folder stock is worth a lot.

My Grandfather lived up in the Franklin town square and ran the L&N station in Franklin. He had all those employee magazines bound in to yearly books, so they're about the thickness of a hardback Websters dictionary. Some cool history in those magazines. I got pictures of him in some old steam engines... If y'all want to see, I can dig them up.

I've not had any personal probs with them, but I found the "now you see it, now you don't" nature of their .22 stuff pretty off putting, back when I was looking.  Would appear off and on any number of times just within one day. Also the "back door" shopping cart hack they didn't fix for a good while.   All of this seems to be due to sub par inventory and ordering IT stuff, and sounds like it's still a problem.   Larry touts their sooper dooper shipping system upgrade, but sounds like a few bucks ought to have been put into better real time inventory control.   - OS

I've switched to Brownells, Numrich and some others for a similar issue with Midway. 

I ordered 5000 rounds of Mini Mags, back ordered. One year later order was cancelled even though I wanted to keep the back order open. I understand the shortage but they could have kept the back order open at my request.

In response to the topic update:   BigK, If I'm not mistaken, wasn't it Midway who we ordered that Remington M22 ammo from and then suddenly it was on backorder and they didn't fulfill it for several months? Granted 22 was in shortage but they still oversold.

Gotten 2 calls in 24 hours this week not including previous chats earlier in the year. They are getting persistent about my number for some reason. Guess they want the next nasty response to be worse than the previous. I have fun with most telemarketers.

Here is the response Dave sent me when I asked if they got the machine fixed "No / it's a bizarre issue. We have eliminated a number of possible things it could be. Might be a problem with the machine...... If we can't get any progress in the next week - we may have to start thinking about all black blades or stonewash I'll let you know how it shakes out. Sorry for the delay. " I will keep you all posted on this

"Dammit Billy...you had one job..."

I'm gonna waste a bunch of no shoots.

My money's on corn snake.

Those are some really nice looking rifles.  That .45-70 is built on a US M1917 action....also known as the Enfield P-14.  The original parkerization on 03-A3's do have a slight green tint about them.

He turns 21 next wknd... :woohoo: Passed with 100% on the written test and shooting proficiency of course :) We paid all his class and permit fees for his birthday present... Chip off the ole block :) :) [URL=http://s82.photobucket.com/user/wayne121170/media/IMG952015102995150923_zpstrvz1uy0.jpg.html][/URL]

Congratulations!

CZ 82 9x18

Check out the scales on this one! The Chatoyance in this wood is UNREAL!! I had saved this set as it was an extra little gift from an order I made some time ago and forgot I had it. I don't remember what kind of wood it is. I will try ad find out as it is beautiful!!

Desert ironwood scales really set the look of this off IMHO. They were provided by the customer.

    Good point here.  Shoot it and see how it performs.  More barrels get buggered by obsessive cleaning than excessive shooting. 

Gentlemen, I have received payment from all of you who ordered, thank you for keeping your word on this. I expected to have these knives this week, but Pro Tech is having issues with the machine that makes the two tone blades, there is an Engineer there today who will hopefully sort this issue out Nonetheless as soon as I get a confirmed shipping date from Dave I will update this and gather all of your shipping information,

And eggs were super bad for you 20 years ago and now are considered healthy... How about I eat what I want and ignore all the idiots out there. We are all going to die some day. Some of us may die younger, but we are going to die having enjoyed what we ate.

All those folks that say .40 does no better than 9mm should take a look at this test.

I'll second this sentiment right here. Last year I got screwed pretty good after putting myself out there for someone who needed a little help. After getting burnt I swore I'd never take a risk to help someone unless they were family or close friends. Not two weeks after that I was in a situation which I needed some quick help. A complete stranger came to my aid at a significant inconvenience to themselves. If not for that person I would have been in for a pretty bad day. I never had the opportunity to properly thank him for it either. After that, I realized that I shouldn't change who I am simply because there are crappy people out there. While those people might take advantage of those like you and I from time to time, it's comforting to know that they must live with themselves. Folks like that have miserable lives due to the choices they make. If helping people out is part of what makes you happy, don't let aholes take that away from you. Continue to help those who you think deserve it, and move on from people who show that they don't. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We had a kid get booted from boot camp for failure to adapt after 3 weeks. An honorable discharge certificate will prove service. And yeah, I don't give a damn if your trying to get free beer or keep your kids from being homeless, lying about military service is Stolen Valor. Period. I showed my DD-214 to have veteran added to my DL, and I've showed it to employers who asked. Most people probably won't question your military service unless you start using it as an excuse to get free shit or charity. So if you were to ask for money for whatever reason, and claimed disabled vet status to help your case, I think it's well within the bounds of reasonable to ask for proof. Just like I ask for proof whenever someone asked me to donate to help fire departments or anything else. Sent from behind the anvil

I got no issue calling somebody out. If they are a legit vet it's pretty easy to tell talking to them, but if I had doubts I'd ask for a DD-214, and would have no trouble producing mine if it's asked for. I have no respect or tolerance for people lying about military service. I've got brothers who are permanently scared and a few who never came home, and lying about it is disrespectful to them in the worst way. If she never graduated boot camp then she's not a veteran, and I'm not sure they even give DD-214's for failure to adapt in basic. Ask for help honestly and I'll give you the shirt of my back. Lie to me and I'll laugh at your calamity. 99% of the wounded vets I know have to have it pried out of them, and most veterans won't push their vet status out of humbleness Sent from behind the anvil

Peace on Earth and goodwill to all men.  Just kidding.  I'm hoping Santa brings me a Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun.

I will be out of bubble gum when I see the movie. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

With the trailer and the bed loaded, you may be over your rear axle weight rating. Suspension mods won't help that. I'd load it up and go weigh it so you know exactly what you're dealing with.

  This is impossible with modern flu shots.  If your wife gets sick after getting the shot, she likely contracted the flu virus before or shortly after getting the shot.  It takes a week or two to be effectively protected.   My son caught it last year and this year.  Last year he caught it before shots were available, and this year just before he was supposed to get it.  Had he gotten the shot last week, he still would have gotten sick, and a lay person would attribute that to the flu shot.  That isn't how it works.   ETA: The vaccine isn't 100%.  Not even close.  So many people get the shot and get the flu anyway.  This tends to be the argument for not getting a shot, which actually makes the flu spread even worse.  If people would simply do a little research and accept that science holds more water than wives tales, we might save a few thousand lives this year.