The Shit House Wall - Writings On The Wall

Cheap Kitchen

Sat, 19 May 2012 02:22:40 +0000

Cheap Kitchen

I spent nearly two months looking for a cheap kitchen . Then I decided to google the words cheap kitchens and within a second I was spoilt for choice. By far the best was http://www.cheapestkitchensintheworld.co.uk and http://www.forsalekitchens.co.uk and http://www.the-kitchenfactory.co.uk . I had all three of them to call around and give me a price. Finally went for the-kitchen factory and pretty glad I did. Just thought that I would post this comment to help anyone else who may be looking around for cheap kitchens.

It's Worse Than We Thought

Tue, 08 May 2012 23:23:57 +0000

The "Ryan Budget" is worse than first noted. Not only will it reduce our pension benefits to the lower rate of social security payments it will also eliminate the 60/30 provision, eliminate Railroad Retirement Occupational disability for rail workers who can no longer preform their railroad duties due to an on the job disability, it will increase minimum retirement age to 62, increase the minimum age for spousal annuities and reduce benefits, increase out of pocket medical costs paid by retirees, and increase the Medicare eligibility age to 67 with reduced coverages. I vote independent and have for most of my life however Mitt Romeny has already stated he would sign this bill if presented to him by the Congress. I don't like Obama at all but if he will save my retirement he has my vote for no other reason than Romeny will stick his boot up my ass so far my breath will smell like Shineola for the rest of my life.

(Not) Prepared to stop....

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:24:21 +0000

Get ready to pull the seat outta your ass:

https://www.bnsf.com/corpcomm/video/safe...Wellington

Nothing like going full tilt in the fog running on a yellow.

Supposedly, the story goes like this:

"The video shows a westbound train departing Wellington on Main 2 in the fog. The outbound crew was told by the inbound crew that they had came by a yellow signal. The outbound crew had the responsibility to proceed prepared to stop at the next signal until they could see it was other than red. Instead they took off like they were running on clear signals and could see for miles. The eastbound Z train is crossing over from Main 2 to Main 1 at CP 2385. When the crew on the westbound bare table saw what was happening, they put the train in emergency stopping just short of hitting the eastbound Z train. There was another train stopped on the other side of the Z train on main 1 that had the conductor on the ground to line a switch. If they hit the train, then the cars could have easily piled up on top of him."

FRA Tests

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:17:18 +0000

A friend at the FRA told me this morning that every available FRA Inspector across the country will be out testing RESTRICTED SPEED as a result of recommendations made by the NTSB, in light of the several fatal accidents that have occurred in the last year involving restricted speed. This has become their number one project. He also mentioned that their emphasis will be on freight service, as that is where the biggest problem exists however, if there out there, and an Amtrak train is coming down the track there are going to test it. He further stated these tests could go on for several months, and, that the FRA is considering lowering restricted speed not to exceed 10MPH, looking out for all the same stuff.

He also said that when they conduct "efficiency tests" they are usually always straight forward and attempt to recreate an actual event you could encounter. They are not looking to sneak up and spring a trap on the crews so they can take them out of service. He warned however, this may not be the case with officials from the freight railroads, so beware, the freight roads will be conducting their own test also.

A Real Pisser

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:08:57 +0000

Man Dies After Peeing On ‘L’ Tracks In Evanston

April 23, 2012 6:58 AM

EVANSTON, Ill. (CBS) — An Indiana man died overnight, after coming into contact with the electrified third rail as he urinated on the Purple Line ‘L’ tracks in Evanston.

The man was at the South Boulevard Purple Line stop around 11 p.m. Sunday with two other people when he came into contact with the third rail, according to CTA spokeswoman Lambrini Lukidis.

The man, Zachary McKee, 27, of Ossian, Ind., was pronounced dead at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston at 11:52 p.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

It turned out that the man had climbed down to the tracks to urinate when he fell onto the third rail, according to a news release from the Evanston Police Department.

Authorities have not said whether the man urinated on the third rail.

One of the two people the man was with ran down stairs to the booth at the entrance at the station and alerted the security guard on duty to the situation, Lukidis said. The security guard then called Evanston Police and Fire officials.

The London Daily Mail reported that McKee had served four years with the U.S. Marines, in the Anbar province in Iraq and in Iwakuni, Japan. He served in the Marines for four years, until 2010, the Daily Mail reported.

At the time of his death, McKee was working toward his undergraduate degree in political science and government at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, the Daily Mail reported.

McKee’s Twitter page indicated that he was in Chicago for the weekend, and that he had attended a Cubs game at Wrigley Field and visited restaurants in Chinatown. He also tweeted that he stayed in a “jank ass” hotel in Chinatown.

Before his death, McKee tweeted, “There’s no stopping us right now.”

Contrary to legends and lore, the program “Mythbusters” has concluded that urinating directly onto the third rail is unlikely to cause death in itself. In fact, some purported cases of such deaths are actually believed to have involved direct bodily contact with the rail, as appears to be the case in the Sunday night incident.

The Straight Dope reported a couple of years ago that there have been two other local cases of people coming into contact with the third rail after urinating on the ‘L’ tracks.

In 1991, a 14-year-old boy was killed after urinating on the Red Line ‘L’ tracks at the Morse Avenue stop in Rogers Park. While some reports say the cause was urination on the third rail, the Straight Dope concludes that he likely suffered electrocution from direct contact.

In 1977, a man named Sang Yeul Lee trespassed onto the ground-level Brown Line tracks at Kedzie Avenue to urinate. Based on autopsy findings, the Straight Dope says he too likely died by coming into direct contact with the electrified rail.

The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.

The Next Time You Walk By Handicapped Seating.....

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 03:44:23 +0000

Think of this.....

Raise Hell, or Your Going to lose you pension!

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:19:47 +0000

Congressman Paul Ryan introduced a "Budget Plan" that includes REDUCING PENSION BENEFITS TO RAIL WORKERS ON A PAR WITH SOCIAL SECURITY!

This scumbag asshole included reducing our pensions even though the federal government has never contributed a penny to the Railroad Retirement Fund. Whats worse is that this "Bill" has already passed the House, and is now on its way to the Senate.

Call, write, or e-mail your Senator, and raise holy hell!!!

These assholes are going to take away benefits we have been working for 30 years to earn, and it not their damn money! It ours!

If we don't stop this action in the Senate now, were screwed!

If you are the least bit concerned about receiving what will be approximately one third of your pension, (same as social security) as opposed to your full benefits, (a considerably higher sum), then just sit on your ass and do nothing. However, if you feel that your getting screwed, take some action, and do something to insure that this bill does not get approved by the Senate.

If this bill get passed, plan on working till you die, because you won't be able to live on what Congress plans on giving you for retirement.

Remember, its not their money. It's ours, we paid into the fund, not the Government. The Government has no business screwing around with the Railroad Retirement, and they need to be told emphatically, STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM OUR RETIREMENT!

FRA Reports on Amtrak Locos

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 22:49:17 +0000

Prior to purchasing any new diesel locomotives, the FRA wants to insure that Amtrak does not consider buying any more P-40/P-42 type locos. In a "follow up" to a report issued over ten years ago by the FRA's Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado, it had been determined that these locomotives were inherently "under engineered", and inherently unstable. The original report was precipitated by an unusual number of these locomotives derailing in crossing accidents, as opposed to "freight" locomotives involved in similar type accidents. In addition, the FRA suggested that Amtrak submit a "test unit" of any new locomotive it is considering for passenger service to the FRA research and testing facility, prior to awarding any new contract, in an effort to preclude any similar problems from occurring with new units.

FRA's suggestion seems like a good idea. Anyone want to bet on whether or not Amtrak pays any attention to it, and/or gives a damn?

Some Clown...

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 04:59:20 +0000

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/03/...ngham.html

"BELLINGHAM, WASH. - Burlington Northern Santa Fe employees called police to report some clown was on the railroad tracks in Bellingham...."

In case anyone gives a ____

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 05:00:49 +0000

The Sunset Limited schedule is changing back to the historic time slot, with a key wrinkle: one different day of operation (as it was in 1984.)

Enjoy the show!

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/BlobServer...change.pdf

Brother Down...

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:42:52 +0000

One of our brothers is in hospital tonight....time to put away our petty differences for a while and wish him well. He is by far one of the best people I know, as well as a stellar engineer, and we will keep him in our thoughts and prayers around here....I ask you all to do the same...

Back Pay

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:47:54 +0000
Has any other retired engineers received their back pay yet? I have not and have been told by Amtrak payroll that there was a glitch in the computer. Any one else having the same problem?

VIA Rail Puts One In The Ditch

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:56:05 +0000

(click on picture to enlarge)

VIA train derailment: Investigators look to black box for crash clues

February 28, 2012

Three engineers died when a VIA passenger train derailed in Burlington on Sunday.

BERNARD WEIL/TORONTO STAR

The black box aboard Via Train 92 was not immune to the violent crush of metal resulting from the deadly train derailment Sunday — meaning it will take extra time to learn vital information about how the accident happened.

Until then, investigators have more questions than answers following the crash that killed three engineers and injured 46 people just east of Aldershot GO station.

Authorities confirmed Monday that the derailment occurred as the train was crossing tracks, a standard rail maneuver similar to changes traffic lanes. But they cannot say how fast was the train travelling, whether the track change had been properly indicated at signal lights, even who was driving.

Among the only definitives: 40-year-old engineering trainee Patrick Robinson, and veteran locomotive engineers Ken Simmonds, 56, and Peter Snarr, 52, stood virtually no chance of surviving. The impact “destroyed the locomotive cab that the three of them were in,” said Tom Griffith, lead investigator with the Transportation Safety Board.

When asked if Robinson, on board as an observer, may have been at the helm, Griffith said it was possible but he would have been under “strict supervision.”

As a 15-person team of investigators worked on the mangled tracks behind him, Griffith ruled out weather as a factor. An investigation by CN, the owner of the tracks, also determined that track conditions did not play any role, CN spokesman Jim Feeny told the Star.

But TSB officials have not yet determined if speed played a part. While the limit for a passenger train is 80 mph (129 km/h) in that corridor, speed must be significantly reduced when trains are crossing tracks. At these sections, trains cannot exceed a speed of 15 mph (24 km/h).

Once information from the black box can be downloaded — within the next day or so — investigators will know recorded speed, the brake pressure and whether the brakes were applied.

Greg Gormick, a Toronto transportation consultant, said considering the train had just stopped at Aldershot station — approximately 1.5 kilometers from the cross-over point — there wouldn’t have been much time to pick up speed. But he said it would have been possible for the train to exceed speeds of 15 mPh in that distance.

Also undetermined is if there was an issue with the switch changing the tracks or with the light signals alerting conductors to an upcoming cross over.

Of the three tracks in the corridor just east of Aldershot, Train 92 was originally travelling on the middle track, typically used by VIA and CN freight traffic. After it stopped at Aldershot, the train switched over to track three, the line usually used by eastbound GO Trains.

While trains regularly cross tracks, Rex Beatty, president of Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (the union that represents locomotive engineers), said cross-overs don’t typically occur at Aldershot due to the proximity to Toronto.

In this case, it’s believed the train had to cross over because crews were working on the middle track. Griffith said Monday those workers nearby had “nothing to do” with the actual switching over of the tracks.

The switch would have been automatically controlled at the Rail Traffic Controller Centre in Toronto. Along with it, there would have been between two to three light signals indicating a cross over to a conductor, and that they need to reduce speed.

These lights would also indicate a problem with the track switch.

A spokesperson from the RTC, owned by CN, refused to comment on whether there was an issue with the track switch or the signals. Griffith said they had not been affected by an electricity blackout.

The same stretch of track was also the site of a train derailment in 2008, when a freight train skidded off the tracks and crashed into a building housing a crane manufacturing company.

Investigators in Sundays crash have ruled out a connection to that derailment, since the 2008 accident was caused by a broken wheel.

But residents and business owners in the area — now twice struck by a train derailment, both times hitting buildings — are spooked.

Ryan Eardley is the supervisor of Filter Solutions, the company that now works out of the same property hit by three toppled cars when a freight train derailed in 2008.

Eardley, 32, said the VIA trains move very quickly through the corridor. “Those VIA trains are moving twice as fast as the GO Trains and those GO Trains are moving fast enough when they come through here,” he said. “It’s kind of ridiculous how fast they go.”

Asked if he wanted to move locations, Eardley said no because he feels there will now be an in-depth investigation.

“We’re pretty much banking on the issue being addressed, even if it’s as far as maintaining a proper speed limit through this corridor.”

Jim Trickey and his wife Clare, both 64, live in a residential area that backs onto the train tracks, about a half kilometre away from the scene of the crash. Trickey said he wasn’t surprised by Sunday’s crash because he, too, often sees VIA trains travelling through at very fast clips.

The couple said they have had concerns since 1989, when freights and tankers were permitted to stage or park on tracks near their home. They’re concerned that chemicals or gasoline could be stored in some tankers and feel there’s not a proper barrier protecting the community from a spill.

Trickey expressed concern that if a derailment happened closer to his home, near where the tankers park, the outcome could have been quite different. And perhaps even more tragic.

“Allowing that kind of speed in an area with residential on one side, and staging of heaven knows what on the other, is only daring the inevitable to happen,” he added later in an email.

Of the 45 passengers and another VIA employee treated for injuries from the derailment, nine remained in hospital on Monday.

The three most seriously injured were in stable condition, under treatment for a broken back, a broken leg and a heart attack.

In reaction to “a number of calls” inquiring about legal action, lawyer Sharon Strosberg said Windsor-based Sutts, Strosberg LLP alongside Toronto-based Falconer Charney LLP may pursue a class action lawsuit against both Via Rail and CP this week.

Her firm has sued Via and CN before for an April 1999 derailment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Although it's very early in the investigation, it appears there's some evidence that the crew did not operate through the cross-over at the proper speed. Notice how little damage there is to the track -- as if the train literally flew off the rails . . .

Amtrak TrainMaster Job Opening

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:15:38 +0000

JOB Opening Trainmaster Amtrak Salt Lake City
Pay $77K - $97K
Job Reference Code E-90152323
Published: 02/03/2012
Posting End Date: 03/19/2012
https://careers.amtrak.com (search E-90152323)

Stupidity In Rochester, NY

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:10:16 +0000
Expect a new bulletin to come down the pike REQUIRING crew members to hand off any passengers ejected from a train to police -- no exceptions. Making them get off on their own accord isn't acceptable. There's too much of a chance that they'll get themselves killed. They need to be "babysat" by the police. This is all going on the oft-times erroneous assumption that the local police will have any interest in showing up on the scene and doing their job. Why would they want to add an obnoxious druink to the population of their fine city?

Anymore, 90 percent of a conductor's job is protecting the passengers from their own stupidity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ejected passenger dragged by Amtrak train in Rochester dies
Hornell Evening Tribune
Feb. 22, 2012

Rochester, N.Y. — Authorities in Rochester are investigating the death of an Amtrak passenger apparently dragged by a train after being kicked off for drunkenness.

Police tell local media that 44-year-old Troy Patrick Zabawczuk of Schenectady got off the Chicago-bound train for unknown reasons after it arrived at the Rochester station early this morning. They say that when he tried to re-board, the conductor refused to let him back on because he'd disturbed other passengers earlier.

Police say Zabawczuk was apparently intoxicated.

They believe he tried to jump back on as the train left the station and was dragged a short distance.
He was pronounced dead at a hospital around 2:15 a.m.

Amtrak's policy allows it to deny boarding passengers for objectionable conduct. A spokesman says the railroad is also investigating.

The Beginning of the End???

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:15:08 +0000
...Or just a re-affirmation of the benefit of workers?

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/02/19/au...ht-trains/

euro rail tickets

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:19:40 +0000
Does anyone have the name and contact number of the person at amtrak who can arrange euro rail discount tickets? thanks

Board is back up

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 07:41:07 +0000
I don't know if it needs to be said .. but ..

all updated and ready to go ...

board will be down while updating forum software

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:00:20 +0000
My provider suspended my site because the forum software I am using is so old that it is a security risk .. lol ..

So I am in the process of updating the software ... Shouldn't take long.

Railroad Malfunction...

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:17:08 +0000
Of days recent, the Sunset Limited has been a relatively reliable train.

But here's a glowing exception:

Take a gander at those stats! Even better, the train still has some die-hard passengers aboard!

LATE Sunset.jpg (Size: 260.85 KB / Downloads: 51)