Submitted by Steve Winicker.
LAST WEEKENDS SHOP ACTIVITY
Actually, the last couple of weeks as I was too wiped out to get around sending out the report last week. In any case, the engine continues to perform with only minor issues. Trips were run from South Milford to near Hamilton the first weekend and then this past weekend from Angola to near Hamilton and Saturday and Sunday repeated trips from Angola to just past Pleasant Lake. Following the last trip, the engine was shut down at Hudson Sunday night.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
The last weekend of public trips is coming up this weekend. Prior to that we need to do a bit of work to get the engine ready to fire up Friday morning. Wednesday I will be draining the boiler and cleaning the grates on the engine. The water alkalinity was getting a bit high on Sunday, and we feel draining out the water in the boiler and replacing it with new water should take care of the problem. Thursday the engine needs to have coal put in the firebox, water in the boiler along with water treatment getting it ready to light off early Friday morning. Assistance would be greatly appreciated either of those two days. Washing and painting could also be done if I have some help. If you are feeling the need of some end of the season time with the engine, let me know.
SAFETY SENSE
Remember the saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone?” This is really the case with your hearing. Exposure to loud noise and failure to wear hearing protection can make you lose your hearing before you know it.
This loss occurs so gradually; you may not realize it’s happening. You may not be aware until it’s too late. Physiologically, loud noise severely damages the inner ear. The damaging potential of noise depends on the length of exposure and the sound pressure level.
Although you may have the earplugs in place, are they really “in”? Make sure you’re getting the full protection from your ear plugs by rolling the plug up between your fingers, pulling back your ear and inserting them completely in the ear canal as intended.
The Society maintains a stock of earplugs at the Shop and in the tool car. A limited supply is also in the locomotive cab.
