Submitted by Steve Winicker
LAST WEEKENDS SHOP ACTIVITY
Friday found me looking for arch brick patterns until Rich W showed up and went to work on the Wabash Caboose. Spent most of the day putting in one tensioning Rod that also goes through a bolster. As nothing lines up, we winged it and largely due to Rich’s effort got the rod installed and tightened up. The remaining rods look easier, but I may just be overly optimistic. Tim and Jeremy spent the afternoon going through the pile of used rods, reestablishing threaded ends on them. At some point we will need a few new ones but there is more than enough for the time being. Rich also reported he has all, but a couple of rafters made and curing in his shop. WD and Carson showed up to do some switching.
Saturday, Bill Martz and Sarah Eason spent some quality time in the firebox cleaning the flues. Black smoke rolled from the stack and most of the rest attached to Sarah. The flues and tubes look reasonably clean now and the firebox has at least one layer of dirt removed. We collected some oil samples and called it a day. Not to fear there are more dirty jobs available in future weeks. Cleaning work was beginning on our new diner soon to be souvenir car.
Sunday was spent investigating arch brick patterns and becoming increasingly confused. I may think about it tomorrow while the dentist works on my teeth and in the cloud of tooth dust may see the answer to the questions on size. If not, I will attack it later in the week.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Rich W is hoping to be out late in the week to do more work on the Wabash Caboose. With luck we may delve into cleaning out the front end, scaling the insides of the tender and drilling staybolts. I am relatively sure those projects will give us all the work we need. Also, on the agenda is beginning to set up for the Santa Trains. We can find more work if there is a crowd available to do it.
SAFETY SENSE
Calling 911 . . . We all know the number, but do we know “How to best use it if we have to?”
Here are some guidelines….
· Stay calm. As difficult as it is it’s important to take a deep breath and not get excited. Any situation that requires 911 is, by definition, an emergency. The dispatcher or call-taker knows that and will try to move things along quickly, but under control.
· Know the location of the emergency and the number you are calling from. This is especially important if a cell phone is being used to make the contact. Even though many 911 centers can see your location on the computer screen — they are still required to confirm the information. If for some reason you are disconnected, at least emergency crews will know where to go and how to call you back. As the call progresses, you may hear clicking – do not hang up!
· Wait for the call-taker to ask questions, then answer clearly and calmly. If you are in danger of assault, the dispatcher or call-taker will still need you to answer quietly, mostly “yes” and “no” questions.
· Let the call-taker guide the conversation. He or she is typing the information into a computer and may seem to be taking forever. There’s a high probability, however, that emergency services are already being sent while you are still on the line.
· Follow all directions. In some cases, the call-taker will give you directions. Listen carefully, follow each step exactly, and ask for clarification if you don’t understand.
· Keep your eyes open. You may be asked to describe victims, suspects, vehicles, or other parts of the scene.
· Do not hang up the call until directed to do so by the call-taker.
· Be prepared to have someone meet the first responders and guide them to the location of the emergency.
The 911 system is an invaluable service designed to rapidly respond to medical and other types of emergencies, Following the above guidelines will further expedite the arrival of the necessary emergency services.
SAFETY IS JOB 1
SAFETY FIRST ALWAYS
