The What Do You Do Thread

[tworail]

Interested to know what people are up to, work or otherwise? It's great to see some more activity on the board, so I thought I would share some more info about myself.

I'm 27, work at a Internet media company as a Senior Systems Administrator that has a ton of discussion forums (like this but more active ;) ) have been there since I graduated college in 2001. I also took a year and worked at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on the team that manages the website (http://www.cbc.ca)

I've been into trains of one kind or another since I was 8 after getting my first HO setup from Athearn many years ago. Luckily enough I got Chicken Pox shortly after Xmas, so it was a great time to be 'sick'.

Outside of that I'm also a long distance cyclist, and a Mazda Miata enthusiast.

Here are some pics of the toys, not train related:

http://carbonrecord.com/albums/Miata/DSC_0026.sized.jpg

http://carbonrecord.com/albums/ev4/DSC03370.sized.jpg

http://carbonrecord.com/albums/More-Bikes/axis.jpg

Yup that is me :o

[Boston&Maine]

Well, my life is sort of dull, LOL... I am currently a freshman at college studying to become and accountant... I made the Dean's List my first semester, 3.92 GPA :D... I could have had a shiny 4.0 if I did my English homework, but writing bores me :o...

I also like riding bicycles, although I am a mountain biker, muddy terrain FTW http://www.fordforums.com/images/smilies/toocool.gif

PS: That is one clean Miata!!!

[shaygetz]

I do the bike thing but my backyard needs a bigger seat than your bike can offer:o . I also like small working steam and gas engines. I don't spend any real coin on them though as I've been amazed at what people will leave when they move out of my property...

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p96/1shaygetz/DSCF6578-1.jpg

[paceway]

Just to keep things going... I started building railroads (HO) when I was twelve, 54 years later I have moved to Large Scale... I can't even see the HO any more, let alone build them. My fingers are what they used to be.

After fourty years in the graphics/printing business I am now retired. I can work on the trains when I want to, that's the best part.

I also build bridges and trestles and supply scale lumber & hardware for g scale model builders to keep myself busy. It does keep me busy. So busy I don't have time for my own RR enterprize.

Oh well... things don't really change much over the years.

[tworail]

Well, my life is sort of dull, LOL... I am currently a freshman at college studying to become and accountant... I made the Dean's List my first semester, 3.92 GPA :D... I could have had a shiny 4.0 if I did my English homework, but writing bores me :o...

I also like riding bicycles, although I am a mountain biker, muddy terrain FTW http://www.fordforums.com/images/smilies/toocool.gif

PS: That is one clean Miata!!!

Congrats on the deans list!! I barely made it out of high school, LOL

Thanks for everyone who has replied.. after I made this post it was not getting any replies at all! Good to see people lightening up :D

I have a mountain bike too .. doesn't see alot of seat time though but I'm hoping to change that this spring!!

[Boston&Maine]

I have a mountain bike too .. doesn't see alot of seat time though but I'm hoping to change that this spring!!

Dual-shock, eh? Mine is only has the front shocks... I had a dual once and personally did not like it for some reason...

I do not have any of my own pics of my bike to post because I put it in storage for the winter... It is a Trek 820 though, the cheapest one, LOL...

Here is a stock photo of it... Pretty basic, but it gets the job done on the trails around here... Notice the large rear cog... I have never met an incline on the trail yet that I have not been able to get up...

http://bandlbicycles.com/merchant/914/images/site/820_rallybluesilver.jpg

[TrainK1ng]

Wow, everyone is into biking here.

I have a mountain bike as well, but mostly i surf and play online :)


Honestly, i need to ride it more this summer. I bought it new last year and the cable already stretched on the shifter.
http://www.modeltrainforum.com/gallery/files/2/5/4/dsc00723.jpg


Nice Bianchis

[tworail]

Nice Kona, TrainK1ng. You need a real mud fender though. And some mud.

[Boston&Maine]

Another person on here who bikes sweet... Hmm, there seems to be some sort of odd connection around here between model railroading and biking? LOL, who knew :D

[tworail]

Yeah it's totally weird. I was never one for 'real' sports, and I dislike all professional sport (except cycling :) ) so it was a natural path.

[alfalfa]

I have a mountai bike also. It has a couple flat tires and I have never done any serious mountain bikng. There are some great trails in Colorado for any kind of biking.
I am semi retired at the moment. I was a total math geek in school and went to college. Just never got a degree. :rolleyes:
I have been into trains as long as I can remember I just never got serious about the hobby till a couple months ago. Now I don't think I will ever give it up. :D

[tworail]

You're in the mountain bike mecca of the world! Pump those tires and get out there!

:)

Very cool. :thumbsup:

[alfalfa]

You're in the mountain bike mecca of the world! Pump those tires and get out there!

:)

Very cool. :thumbsup:

I hardly ever ride anymore and hate to admit that I get the shakes when I get on a bike anymore.
I am denitaly going to do some biking this summer no matter what.
I got a fully equipped camper last year that I can put a couple bikes on and take off in. :D

[Boston&Maine]

http://www.fordforums.com/images/smilies/bump.gif because I want to see what everyone else around here is into...

Also, grades just came in for college, straight A's! I can not believe that I pulled off an A in communications class, I thought I was going to get an A- :cool:

[train4myboys]

http://www.fordforums.com/images/smilies/bump.gif because I want to see what everyone else around here is into...

Also, grades just came in for college, straight A's! I can not believe that I pulled off an A in communications class, I thought I was going to get an A- :cool:


Congrats on the As, keep it up. I guess you did well on that speech, eh?

I wish I could say I'm retired, but I'm taking on more than ever! I'm a commercial real estate appraiser, have been for too many years. I tried to escape a couple of times, even going through law school and becoming an attorney. Stayed there for long enough to meet my wife, then went back to a less stressful job. I find myself in court more often than my law school buddies though, but on the other side of the witness stand (expert witness testimony).

I've got a pair of 2 year old twin boys who absolutely LOVE trains. We drove up to Denver over the past weekend and I kept hearing them yell: "choo choo!" They were seeing trains on the horizon that I could barely even make out. We tried to make it to the boulder train museum, but the upcoming second set of twins didn't make it easy on my wife, and we gave up.

My other big hobby is working on cars, right now I have a 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and a 1950 Ford with a flathead V8.

[Boston&Maine]

I tried to escape a couple of times, even going through law school and becoming an attorney. Stayed there for long enough to meet my wife, then went back to a less stressful job. I find myself in court more often than my law school buddies though, but on the other side of the witness stand (expert witness testimony).

I would never be able to be an attorney or anything like that, definitely not my cup of tea... Now that I am 18 I am just joyfully wating to get my jury duty letter in the mail someday, not! Can they even call in someone who is in college? :rolleyes: :dunno:

[alfalfa]

http://www.fordforums.com/images/smilies/bump.gif because I want to see what everyone else around here is into...

Also, grades just came in for college, straight A's! I can not believe that I pulled off an A in communications class, I thought I was going to get an A- :cool:

:thumbsup: congrats.

[Casey-Jones]

Nice toys. Throw a set of skis in there and you have me down.
I do nothing but ski, bike and hike. No work all play. Had to break most of my body for the vacation though. I'd rather work and not be in pain 24/7.
I agree this is a good forum. I try to get here a couple times a week but been forgetting. A Casey Jones thing if you know what I mean:);)

[ntrainlover]

I dont bike alot but i enjoy it and I have a mountain bike that I use for scouts, It has 18 speeds and dual shocks. I have to get a picture.

[MacDaddy55]

Well guys I"ve been a Chef for about 35 years, Starting in the U.S.N. and ending up in Wisconsin for about 28 years. Wife ,married 27yrs, two almost grown kids, and a penchant for trying to kill myself playing 30-over basketball during the winter. When I'm not slaving in a hot kitchen ,The Neighborhood Pub & Grill.com(gotta get that plug!!), I'm riding my GIANT 12spd mountain bike up & down every road/hill I can find.....with a little elevation!! My son will be studying abroad(no not that BROAD) in Scotland....I might just fly over there and check out some trails(theres the whiskey trail....Glenn Fiddich Scotch is calling me!!! Theres a Website Ride Scotland Trails.com that is really cool....anyway if the moneys right and vacation time is aligned then my wife says its a GO!!!

[train4myboys]

My son will be studying abroad(no not that BROAD) in Scotland....I might just fly over there and check out some trails(theres the whiskey trail....Glenn Fiddich Scotch is calling me!!! Theres a Website Ride Scotland Trails.com that is really cool....anyway if the moneys right and vacation time is aligned then my wife says its a GO!!!


Sounds like a great trip. We did Ireland a couple years ago (before kids!) and it was by far the most enjoyable trip we've ever taken. Granted we didn't do it on bikes, but the only reservation we made was for a car. Every other house is a bed and breakfast, and the people are the friendliest in the world. Next time, once the kids are big enough, we'll be doing northern Ireland and Scottland.

[tworail]

what is up with henry1964?:mad:

Henry1964 is a spammer, and he died a quick death. We don't like them kind around here :)

[Chiefmcfuz]

I'm a Professional Babysitter I work the over nite shift, I watch my kids during the day while wifey works too, I am a Volunteer fire chief (second time around actually) , I enjoy Reefing, Leopard Geckos, Music, RC Car building, Comic books, Computer building and repair, PC games, we just got a wii and that's great fun, and now trains. I rarely watch TV but when I do it's wrestling, sci fi (Battlestar Galactica is awesome can't wait for the new episodes in 2 weeks) or sit coms. Forgot to add that I am most often found on my reef site Manhattan Reefs where I am a mod there.

[gratefulsmoker]

I run my families stairparts manufacturing company during the day and on the weekends I compete in BBQ competitions...hints the name GratefulSmoker. I am also a SSGT in the Oklahoma Air National Guard so I travel quite a bit with them. I'm new to the hobby of Model Railroading, but am looking forward to learning as much as possible...Railroading has played a huge part in our family, My Father and Uncles were all engineers with Santa Fe.

[Chiefmcfuz]

Smoker,

Thank you for serving this country and selflessly protecting our freedoms. Happy and healthy new year to you and your family. Be safe!

[gratefulsmoker]

Thanks Chief! I see that you are a fire chief...My first job in the AF was being a firefighter..I absolutely loved it! But, if I wanted to advance in rank I had to find a different AFSC (Job). And, I just happen to have a couple Losi trucks and buggies setting in my garage that my Uncle gave me a while back just a little too busy to mess with them right now.....hopefully soon I can get them out and play with them.

[mikeintoronto]

Well I'm new here but I work for a pharmaceutical company in the QA/QC department. It's not what I really want to do but I sort of got trapped here.

I also got straight A's in college, even in English; 21 A+'s and 9 A's. I was even given the Silver Medal award by the Chemical Institute of Canada for highest grades. But I'm not trying to steal away any of your glory B&M, ;) (All kidding aside, congrats on the great grades.)

I don't have any additional hobbies, right now. I used to do marine aquariums up until 2004. I used to keep and breed reptiles up until early 2008. Now I'm avoiding the animal related hobbies and sticking with something that doesn't impede my ability to leave the house for longer than a couple days.

[MattKin]

I too am from Toronto and quite new to trains. I work as a sales rep for an optical company, married with an eight year old son. I'm
37 years old.
My Toys include: An Aquila T-6 mountain bike from Racer Sportif on Bloor St. in T.O. but when I'm not doing outdoor stuff or messing with the trains I'm pretty big into Home Theatre.
I've got a 7.1 surround sound setup with 106" screen ( High-def Sanyo PLV-2 projector) A Blue Ray player, a Toshiba HD player, an Xbox 360 and three sweet theatre recliners. That's my other BIG hobby.
Matt


http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=273&stc=1&d=1233204349http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=275&stc=1&d=1233204579http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=274&d=1233204414

[Boston&Maine]

It must be awsome to play Forza on a setup like that Matt! :smilie_daumenpos:

[MattKin]

Oh yeah! It'll make you sick to your stomach if you play too long. Call of Duty 4 & 5 are incredible too!
I don't even go to movies anymore, we just wait for the Blu-Ray and watch 'em at home.
Matt

[tworail]

Cool setup!!

Matt if you ever want to go mountain biking hit me up. I haven't gone in ages but that is mostly because I got tired of going by myself :)

[arthur]

trains being #1, my other enjoyment is writing books. I haven't been able to post lately as much as I would like to due to just getting a book published. Not about trains , fiction-novel. it is listed on www.authorhouse.com in their bookstore
The cross-over chronicles. now that it is listed I'll start posting as I continue to work on the big project (layout).

[MattKin]

Maybe in the summer Tworail.
You're pics look like The Beaches, I'm at Vic Park and York Mills.
I ride the Don fairly often in summer what about you?
Matt

[tworail]

Maybe in the summer Tworail.
You're pics look like The Beaches, I'm at Vic Park and York Mills.
I ride the Don fairly often in summer what about you?
Matt

I used to ride the Don alot years ago and now I pass through on my road bike.

I'm at Oakwood / St Clair - west of Bathurst, south of Eglinton.

Today was nice I actually took my bike out to get a sub at Subway!! :D

[Jabba]

I am an HVAC Designer fer a consulting engineering firm in Indianapolis.

I am 40, and a father to a 2 year old son.

I was in the Navy for 5 years and was a nuclear machinist mate, 2nd class on board the USS Omaha. SSN 692. Until I broke my back while on board.

I ride a Honda Valkyrie, drive a Dodge Magnum RT, and my main hobby is hunting. I have German Shorthaired Pointers as house pets that ocassionally get to hunt pheasants, grouse and quail. I turkey hunt and deer hunt.

I have been remodeling extensively for the last few years including building a 2nd story on my ranch house, and remodeling almost everything else in it. My brother and I have done everything in it except paint the exterior, lay the carpet and put up the guttering. Including, plumbing, electrical ,HVAC, siding, roofing, framing, design, cabinets, trim, hardwood floors, concrete and masonry.



Jabba

[ezrunner]

I work for ATT Mobility selling cellphones. Worki in my dad's trainshop whenever I can!!!

I used to mountain bike but not much here in Virginia Beach to ride so I ride on a cannondale road bike ALOT

Running is my true passion but I am unable to do that currently so I cycle.

4 years active Marine Corps then 4 Years reserve.

Don't have near as many trains as I would like but who does?

"O" Gauge is my personal favorite

[Chiefmcfuz]

4 years active Marine Corps then 4 Years reserve.

Thank you.

[Southern]

Thank you.


I thank you also.

John Shefte
USA

[tworail]

I used to mountain bike but not much here in Virginia Beach to ride so I ride on a cannondale road bike ALOT

Road biking kicks ass :)

Welcome to the forum.

[stationmaster]

I've ridden across the country, form Atlantic to Pacific, twice in my high school and college days with a Christian fellowship group.

Bob

[tworail]

I've ridden across the country, form Atlantic to Pacific, twice in my high school and college days with a Christian fellowship group.

Bob

Awesome.. I myself am a long distance roadie, but the last couple years have not been very productive. I want to get back to doing 300km (200mi) days :)

[Southern]

wow. I ride my bike to work in good weather. I have never ridden close to 200mi. in a week let alone a week.

john

[Boston&Maine]

I think my longest ride was somewhere between 40 and 50 miles...

[stationmaster]

When I rode with Wandering Wheels, I road a 15-speed Bianchi. Quite a bike for that time. Some of the climbs on the west coast were murder.

Bob

[Jabba]

I have done 800 mile days and have ALMOST pulled the trigger on an Iron-Butt ride, which is 1000 miles in 24 hours... but that's on a Honda. They don't make bicycles that are very comfortable for guys like me. 6'3" and 325 lbs.

I do ride a el-cheapo mountain bike around the neighborhood ocassionally though.

Jabba

[earlyworm1]

Don't ride anything that doesn't have a motor on it.

[full maxx]

I am 40 with a wife and a 4yo son . I work as a heating and air conditioning service tech. My only other hobby of three years is 1/8th scale nitro rc monster trucks (Losi) ... I say trucks but I only have 2 and one is on ebay now ...more cash for trains for my protege I hope, my boy has loved trains since he could push the wooden ones (brio) around on the floor , this will be his first electric and I'm sure it will grow...

[TulsaFlyer]

I'm 44yrs. old with a wife and two daughters (One married, one still at home).
I work in the Aircraft simulator industry running a water-jet.
I've been building plastic models and R.C. aircraft for most of my life. (That's my dad's fault.:laugh:)
I've just recently joined the model railroad crowd and I'm still trying to decide on "my" scale. Although HO is inching ahead.
As for biking......I'd love to ride more often, but too many people have been killed in this area because of drivers not paying attention. So it will have to stay off road.

Jody

[Reckers]

*grins* and now we know where MacDaddy got his Mac!

As for me, I work in management for a trucking company. I love cooking, though I don't have Mac's talent or culinary skills. I live with a wonderful, incredibly patient woman I don't deserve, but I'm lucky enough to understand that!

[Rob Snyder]

I quit riding anything with 2 wheels 6months ago after the doc told me it was causing my hernia to get worse. I sure do miss firing that panhead up and screaming down the road on it though. As for what I do, I work for a small trucking company that moves cranes and heavy equipment all over the U.S. and Canada as a driver. Economy has us hurting and we haven't done much since November. I'm 29 and I've got a 6 year old little girl who lives with my ex-wife and a 6 year old stepson who lives with my fiancee and me. Since I'm not allowed on 2 wheels anymore, I thrash on my Neon, Cherokee, or my diesel rabbit pickup when I'm not in the basement playing with my trains or in the doghouse for opening mouth and inserting foot.

[big ed]

I quit riding anything with 2 wheels 6months ago after the doc told me it was causing my hernia to get worse. I sure do miss firing that panhead up and screaming down the road on it though. As for what I do, I work for a small trucking company that moves cranes and heavy equipment all over the U.S. and Canada as a driver. Economy has us hurting and we haven't done much since November. I'm 29 and I've got a 6 year old little girl who lives with my ex-wife and a 6 year old stepson who lives with my fiancee and me. Since I'm not allowed on 2 wheels anymore, I thrash on my Neon, Cherokee, or my diesel rabbit pickup when I'm not in the basement playing with my trains or in the doghouse for opening mouth and inserting foot.


I got a couple of friends in Jersey that do that for a living for the last 25 years. They got those monster 1000 wheeled trailers with a driver turning the back in a picked truck. They move some huge stuff. Over-length, over- height, over width. Got to have police escort them sometimes. They disconnect power lines and more. Sometimes a 100 mile trip takes 3 days.:laugh:

Fantastic pay!

I haven't seen them for a while they probably slowed down too.

Trans American they work for.

[Rob Snyder]

We usually don't have to have police escorts but, the permits are such a migraine. Especially going into Canada, Jersey or New York. Vermont has to be the worst of them all though. I enjoy doing it and the money is amazing. Although the 3 or 4 days to go 200 miles really gets old.

[choo choo]

Interested to know what people are up to, work or otherwise? It's great to see some more activity on the board, so I thought I would share some more info about myself.

I'm 27, work at a Internet media company as a Senior Systems Administrator that has a ton of discussion forums (like this but more active ;) ) have been there since I graduated college in 2001. I also took a year and worked at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on the team that manages the website (http://www.cbc.ca)

I've been into trains of one kind or another since I was 8 after getting my first HO setup from Athearn many years ago. Luckily enough I got Chicken Pox shortly after Xmas, so it was a great time to be 'sick'.

Outside of that I'm also a long distance cyclist, and a Mazda Miata enthusiast.

Here are some pics of the toys, not train related:

http://carbonrecord.com/albums/Miata/DSC_0026.sized.jpg

http://carbonrecord.com/albums/ev4/DSC03370.sized.jpg

http://carbonrecord.com/albums/More-Bikes/axis.jpg

Yup that is me :o

Hey two, :)

That's a good idea to help stimulate a little conversation...
Maybe there is some kind of mystical connection between bicycles and trains. Nice cf Bianchi! :thumbsup: I've been a gearhead for 55 years, and pedalling around is just as much fun today as when I was kid. Just finished building up a 1974 Raleigh Reynolds 531 Touring frame. Gotta have low gears around here because of the really steep canyon roads...
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/bicycle/IMG_3286.jpg

Also ridden motorcycles for 44 years, not competitively, but just for everyday utility transportation and fun... http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/_DSC8979-Edit.jpg
(that's me riding in the canyons where I live)

Been an electrician in my own business for 30 years. My wife and I love rural living so we built our little home next to a State Park...
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/adobehousepic2.jpg



Greg

[therailchannel]

I am the owner of a video production company and an Internet "TV channel" that only plays train videos, so I guess you could call me a professional railfan. I used to work in radio and TV for some well known and some little-known companies. It's good to be self-employed.

[dkirksey]

Hey I have a Bianchi too its an old dinosaur but it does the job.

[Dave Winther]

I biked as a youth with a bike team in Wausau, WI - we even ran several triathlons as a team (I did the swim as I was a better swimmer then cyclist)

But now days I train my Dog for and run him in AKC Hunt Tests and Field Trials.

For work I am an RF Cell Site Technician.

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs501.snc3/26317_1394857356513_1384587628_1101067_3242290_n.j pg

[Jeff]

I don't ride unfortuantely. I play squash isntead.

In my unfree time, I work as an electrical engineering officer for the state government owned corporation that owns the high voltage electricity network in NSW. I sit on my back end designing and testing control systems. I have 2 trainees that work for me thankfully so i can offload all the shotty jobs i get given (i am pretty low in the food chain so there art quite a few).

Pay is rather exceptional especially for a 21 year old that hasn't been to uni so i have a bit of cash to blow on trains. Am getting married in a couple of months so there isn't going to be much in the way of trackbuilding for a bit.

[supermunk]

I'm 27, work at a Internet media company as a Senior Systems Administrator that has a ton of discussion forums (like this but more active ;) ) have been there since I graduated college in 2001. I also took a year and worked at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on the team that manages the website (http://www.cbc.ca)



You did what at the CBC!?!?!? (Faint)
Wooooooooooow!
Oh my...........
You are soooo lucky!
I listen to cbc ALLLLL the time!

[flyboy2610]

I work at a factory here in Lincoln that makes parts for Honda cars seats. I am an inspector/rework welder. The robotic welder screws up the parts, and I have to fix them. Technology is wonderful! It ensures I will have a job!:D:D
Spare time I enjoy riding my bike, reading, and working on the house. We moved into our house in April of '08, and there is always something that needs to be done!
As Mark Lowry once said "When I lived in an apartment and something broke, I just called the maintenance man. Now, I own my own home. The first time something broke, it hit me: I AM the maintenance man!"

[big ed]

I work at a factory here in Lincoln that makes parts for Honda cars seats. I am an inspector/rework welder. The robotic welder screws up the parts, and I have to fix them. Technology is wonderful! It ensures I will have a job!:D:D
Spare time I enjoy riding my bike, reading, and working on the house. We moved into our house in April of '08, and there is always something that needs to be done!
As Mark Lowry once said "When I lived in an apartment and something broke, I just called the maintenance man. Now, I own my own home. The first time something broke, it hit me: I AM the maintenance man!"

When I lived in an apartment and I was the maintenance man too!:rolleyes::D

It kept my rent from going up for ten years.:thumbsup:

[tjcruiser]

When I lived in an apartment and I was the maintenance man too!:rolleyes::D


And, amazingly, there just happens to be a photo of Big Ed in his Mr. Maintenance days filed away in the MTF archives ...

http://denveater.typepad.com/denveater/images/2008/02/15/harrington725920.jpg

Lookin' pretty smooth there, Ed ... pretty smooth ...

:thumbsup::laugh::thumbsup:

[Reckers]

Swaaaaaahhhh-vayyyyy, Ed!!!!!!!!!

[Reckers]

I work in management for a trucking company---I handle Safety, State and Federal Compliance, and anything to do with leasing/renting/repairs/maintenance on the tractors and trailers. Translation: I go to meetings, do paperwork, and argue with people for a living!

[modeltrainhead]

i wish i could have money going to middle school

like i read in a book ur a small weak kid vs people who are already shaveing


im 13 and go to school at a middle school in michiana


two rail i play football for my school and gladly play

HOW COULD YOU NOT LIKE FOOTBALL!!! :D

[tworail]

LOL, guess I put my foot in my mouth back there somewhere... :P

I don't mind playing football now and then. Much prefer that to watching it.

[Littlefoot14]

Im 15, i play football, run indoor and outdoor track for sports. Im an Outside Linebacker and a Tight End for Football. Im a distance runner in track. My mile time is around 5:30, my 800m is a 2:20 or so. My 400 is a 60s. Kayaking, pick up games of baseball and football are alot of fun for me. Hunting, Fishing, camping at our camp and in our travel trailer, four wheeling, and just hanging with my friends are some of my favorite things to do. Other than that, i like making money. Thats why i took 3 jobs this summer :o. I guess you could call me a junior entrepenuer. I do lawn maintenance for my families restuarant and foreclosed properties. I also do dive work on a local lake. Dive work includes removing pond weeds and assisting in maintenace of docks and pipes, ect. Youd be surprised what rich people would pay for a job that seems difficult :D One of my other favorite things to do is buy low and sell high, i just love making a deal lol. Ill be sure to post some pictures of the kayak soon.

[tjcruiser]

One of my other favorite things to do is buy low and sell high ...


Ha ha ... Good for you, Littlefoot ... we should all be so lucky! Send a little of that "buy low, sell high" magic over our way, when you get a chance, will ya'?

Cheers,

TJ

[Littlefoot14]

TJ- Its not so much about making a profit, but i love making deals. Trades, buying, selling, i like meeting new people and making money doing it.

[sstlaure]

I'm 37 - A Mechanical Engineer for Ford Motor Company (going on 11 years now.) I'm married and have 2 kids (3 & 6 yo). I work in Supplier Quality - specifically restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts, steering wheels, etc.) and seating.

In the summer I golf, kayak, bicycle (mountain - full suspension) and work on my never-ending vehicle project - 1974 Bronco. I'm hand building everything on it - basically a Baja1000 race truck. I'm in about $4K on the suspension alone. 500hp Supercharged 03 Cobra Mustang motor, etc. I do all of the fabrication myself (welding, body work, painting.) I did have the fenders/bodysides made by a company in CA custom for my truck - 4" flare on each bodyside. 6" flare on each fender (truck is ~12" wider than a stock Bronco body.)

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4891&stc=1&d=1287762495

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4892&stc=1&d=1287762495

In the winter I'm an avid skiier and National Ski Patroller, I'm also a NSP Instructor in emergency toboggan handling (the kind to evacuate people from the hill, not the sled that causes injuries ;)) and Outdoor Emergency Care.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4889&stc=1&d=1287762495

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4890&stc=1&d=1287762495

[tjcruiser]

SST,

Great introduction! Sounds like you have an active life, especially with two small kids in tow (like me!).

So, does the Bronco go to Baha in a couple of years ???

Cheers,

TJ

[sstlaure]

SST,

Great introduction! Sounds like you have an active life, especially with two small kids in tow (like me!).

So, does the Bronco go to Baha in a couple of years ???

Cheers,

TJ

Ha.....hoping to finish before I'm 40. (Bought when I was 29 with no kids and had plenty of time to work on it - man things change.) It will be pristine when finished - show quality (House of Kolors paint - everything perfect.) THEN IiM GOING TO BEAT IT LIKE A RED-HEADED STEP CHILD. Cause that's what it's built for. I'll never race it, but I'll definitely go ~90-100mph off-road and jump the snot out of it. My truck is underpowered compared to my friend's - he's over 1000hp (734hp on the motor + 2 stages of NO2) His 68 carries the front end of the truck for a good 40 ft on launch. Tons of fun.

Here's a couple pics of us beating on his truck which we completed a few years ago (the design/manufacture of this vehicle and it's suspension system was my Master's Thesis project back in 2003)

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4893&stc=1&d=1287763316

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4894&stc=1&d=1287763316

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4895&stc=1&d=1287763316

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4896&stc=1&d=1287763527

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4897&stc=1&d=1287763527

[tjcruiser]

JEEZ! Do you need FAA clearance when that thing gets airborne ??? (And helmets on the head at all times, I hope ...)

Cheers,

TJ

PS ... as a serious question ...

You're an auto engineer guy. As I look at something like that and imagine where the VCG is located, and look at the limited wheelbase width, I can't help but think you'd be plagued with transverse tipping problems ... lateral stability and all that. If you hit a bump and go into a roll, how do you stop the thing from tipping over?

[sstlaure]

Sand provides a ton of lateral drag, and the suspension weighs a ton on that truck so the CG is lower than it may look (no roof structure, glass, etc. to keep it high) The interior is very basic as well. It's actually amazingly stable. On accident one time we were in a complete sideways slide at probably a good 40-50mph across the tops of 2' tall bumps...paddle tires don't provide any lateral traction so it doesn't tend to catch, but rather skim across the surface. A little throttle made the paddles bite and it pulled out of it. (It is still 4wd as well)

Not to mention those rear wheels/tires are wide as hell. I want to say they are 18" wide wheels. It's as wide as a dually.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4901&stc=1&d=1287766019

We don't wear helmets, but the cage is fully tied into the frame, they are race seats and full 5-point harnesses. Anywhere someone's head can come anywhere near to contacting is covered in race certified head impact foam (no pipe insulation here.) We go fast, but want to be safe doing it. Helmets just aren't practical with all of the traffic on the dunes. Way too much blind spot IMO.

[tjcruiser]

SST,

Thanks! Rear view does show WIDE wheels. Yeehaa! Have fun, be safe!

TJ

[Bman]

SST is that Silver Lake? My brother is into building trucks, he's on his second one now. He's more into mud bogging but he loves going to silver lake, says it's a blast. He's goes twice a year, I guess I'll have to hitch a ride next time he heads that way, the sand looks real fun!!

[sstlaure]

Silver Lake it is....Nothing like high horsepower summertime fun. I love the smell of race fuel in the morning.

[Southern]

Dam that looks like fun.

[GSC]

I'm almost 56, married 27 years, 23yo daughter giving us a 3yo granddaughter and twin boys almost a year old. 40+ year volunteer at NJ Museum of Transportation / Pine Creek RR of Allaire NJ (licensed and certified in steam and diesel loco in passenger service).

Real life: Published author, movie theatre projectionist, and satellite transmitter engineer. Former live TV technical director, 18 wheeler owner-operator, painting contractor, and building supply salesman.

My wife manufactures wooden cremation urns (somebody makes them, right?)

[andersley]

I am retired, which means I am twice as busy as before retirement! Before retiring I had my own company producing US N scale freightcar kits in cast pewter, particularly spine cars and double stacks, etc. For several years, me, a Brit, was the only producer of American N scale spine cars! Wierd. :rolleyes:

[cabledawg]

Well geez, where to start. I'm 31, been married 12 years, have 4 kids ranging in age from 11 to 3, and currently serving inthe US Air Force. I've had a myriad of jobs to include store manager for Radio Shack, salesman/installer for Sears, grocery bizz (bagger, dairy, produce and checking), auto detailing, milked cows, and lift opertor for a ski resort. And that's before I joined the military. =)

I work primarily as a comm troop for the AF, but I've also done contracting, Honor Guard, and right now work as a Facility Manager (basically a building custodian and escort official for contractors).

In what little time I have away from work, I'm a shadetree mechanic, love offroading, recently got back into model trains, bike mechanic (kinda), build model cars and Legos. I'm a well rounded person, and I did it all without a college edumukashun =)

[StarterTycoon]

Like cabledawg I am also in the Air Force. I have been married for 1.5 years, have 2 daughters (wife's previous) and a son on the way.

What I do, when I originally left basic I was an F-15E Crew Chief, stationed in UK for 4 years and just got back to the states last year. I am currently an A-10 Crew Chief, and I love it. I miss the power and sound of the 15 but the A-10 is so much more maintenance friendly! Still work the long days and in the Tucson sun. It's amazing how 130F doesn't seem so hot anymore. Anywho, I have always liked trains, and recently my daughters asked me if we could set some up. That's what brings me here, hoping I can learn from you and apply the knowledge to get a great turnout.

[tjcruiser]

Thanks for the service, Tycoon. Lookin' at 20 on your end at some point? (My wife's retired AF ... had a nice career.)

No more catchin' up on the morning news on the company computer for you. I heard that the AF put the big lid on having anyone's computer visit any website associated with the wikileaks mess. Good thing the Model Train Forum has always proudly waved the red-white-and-blue and been on the up and up!

Enjoy the Tucson Christmas sun!

TJ

[nikole95]

Nice Kona, TrainK1ng. You need a real mud fender though. And some mud.

Another person on here who bikes sweet... Hmm, there seems to be some sort of odd connection around here between model railroading and biking? LOL, who knew

[jbmombasa]

It is funny how many people there are here who bike. Oddly, I haven't been on a bicycle in 15 years, yet follow pro cycling with a passion. I confess I'm entertained by the offseason soap opera drama as much as the sport itself.

I'm a business analyst for an airline. But I'm more creative than I am analytical. So I turn to my hobbies. One is screenwriting.

[Robes]

Retired now,... 35 yrs in finance. Enough of the 900 mph with your hair on fire stuff. Now,.. I can devote my time to two of my main passions..
http://www.hangoutstorage.com/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/medium/5822-114161120112007.jpg

[Robes]

and http://www.hangoutstorage.com/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/medium/5822-1371413992010.jpg

[Major]

Currently responsible for the operations of Dept of Social Service centers in Baltimore City. I have been with the state of MD for 18 years. Retired from the Army reserve in 1999 after 13 years active duty and 12 years in the reserves.

Will start getting my Army retirement this year as I turn 60. I still however run around in the woods and fields doing Civil War and WW2 Re-enacting. Just did a WW2 re-enactment in PA this past week end.

[raleets]

Operate my own mobile disc jockey service, specializing in classic car shows and cruises throughout Southeast Michigan (92 last year), along with oldies dances, class reunions, retirement parties, etc.. No weddings anymore. Got tired of the drunks and rude yuppies! Check out www.cruisinwithbobsteel.com
Was a District Sales Manager with the Federal Govt. Market Group with Motorola Communications, Inc. for 14 years before taking an early buy-out and opening the DJ business.
Was an on-air DJ in local radio prior to joining Motorola.
My life is now better than ever, since I make my own schedule(s) and work as much (or little) as I desire. I also own three fully restored classic Buicks
('56 Special, '62 Skylark convertible, '91 Reatta convertible) that I drive in the summer when not working a car show or cruise night.
Got into the model RR hobby to fill the long, cold winters here in Michigan. So far I'm lovin' it! Great hobby, with lots of super cool folks on this forum.
Keep cruisin',
Bob

[NS_Fan_2010]

I thought I replied to this thread...........I was wrong :o

Soooooooo because im the kind of new guy, heres some history about me:

im a former firefighter/EMT for a small rural volunteer fire company that averages about 30 or so calls a YEAR (real tiny community)

I now work at my local animal shelter that is operated by the local city police department, also worked as a school crossing guard which I had a blast doing (wish I was still one, but I was a substitute).

[novice]

I'll chime in also - am/was a Computer consultant/Systems Designer (in other words I design computer software systems for large to small corporations - I'm now semi-retired.

I still do SEO and website promotion work for a few clients, including the wife who is in real estate and perhaps my best/worst client lol.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Computer consultants must be a dime-a-dozen here, that's what I did before retirement. :D My primary field of expertise for the last 15 or so years was aerospace systems, and specifically fuel systems and cockpit instrumentation for commercial and military aircraft. I also spend about 10 years building trading systems and equipment for Wall Street firms and the exchanges.

[novice]

Computer consultants must be a dime-a-dozen here.

We're everywhere like gnats :D

[gunrunnerjohn]

It's a plague. ;)

[raleets]

I've ALWAYS considered computer folks to be pretty darned bright people!
The ability to comprehend the difference between bits, bites, fights, and kites is pretty amazing.:p
Then, when I get a virus, they magically type in a few little words and VOILA, it's suddenly gone :thumbsup: How cool is that?
The best part, IMHO, is that no matter how badly the damned thing treats them they seem to know how to put it in it's place! Me? I just sit there and turn beet-red in rage, pound the table, and threaten to throw the friggin' thing out the window :mad:
Let's give a big cheer for all the "computer geeks" in the forum. Lordy love 'em! :)
Bob

[gunrunnerjohn]

Kites? What part of the computer are they in? Did I miss a whole part of the picture? :p:p:p

An updated anti-virus like Microsoft Security Essentials (http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/) and Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (http://www.malwarebytes.org/) are my weapons of choice for most issues. If it's more serious than that, then I have to follow a whole involved process of booting into safe mode, running stand-alone cleaners, etc. :)

[raleets]

gunrunner,
Kites are a HUGE part of my computer! You see, I collect vintage kites. Particularly those that relate to petroleum companies and automobiles. That being the case, kites are in my "search" file on eBay, etc., which is visited most every day.
Not only that, but "kites" rhymes with bits, bytes, and fights. :)
Does that clear the picture?
Bob
P.S. I have the Malware thingie on my box and use it at least once each week.

[gunrunnerjohn]

You're halfway to becoming a computer consultant. ;)

[N to O]

I'm retired now and spent my last 34 years of work with an aerospace company in So. Cal. First 17 years with them as a machinist and the last 17 years as a calibration tech running the calibration lab. Actually there was just me mainly, trying to do everything. The last couple years it had gotten beyond a 1 person operation, so I decided it was time to go, too old to handle the pressure and stress, but overall I enjoyed it. Now it's trains, trains, and more trains. Oh yeah, a little yard working, and wood working.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Which aerospace company? The last major contract I worked on was for Northrop Grumman on the X-47 UCAV program fuel system.

[Canadian Car Knocker]

I worked at Versatile Tractor works as a pressure welder for 4 years. Decided a career change was in order and left to become a Carmen at CN Rail in Winnipeg. First time I actually am excited to go to work. What a great feeling :)

[N to O]

Which aerospace company? The last major contract I worked on was for Northrop Grumman on the X-47 UCAV program fuel system.

Circor Aerospace in Corona. Used to be Circle Seal Corp.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Never dealt with that company, but I'll bet we probably had contact. There are a lot of plumbing in fuel systems! :D

[N to O]

Never dealt with that company, but I'll bet we probably had contact. There are a lot of plumbing in fuel systems! :D

Yep. They manufacture all kinds of valves for aerospace, airlines, commercial, ect. and Northrup was one of our customers. Being in calibration, I saw and handled Auditors from all the big companies.

[gunrunnerjohn]

On other projects, I also worked on a number of projects for Boeing and Raytheon Aircraft.

[BrooklynBound718]

I am 36 years old and married. No kids yet. I will be graduating from college this Spring with a Bachelors degree in Social Work. I will be going to graduate school for social work this Fall. I tried my hand at RC helicopters. That proved disastrous. However, I have had much better success with RC foam planes. I like to cook, grill, take photographs and travel. I am glad to have found this hobby and operating and working on my small layout. I hope this forum continues to operate with the current personality that it has. I have been on other forums and have run into some real jerks.

[sdbknight]

47 Public school administrator. I Enjoy bikes also. However big ones with motors. Have collect and built HO layouts for many years. My 19 year old son convinced me to merge hobbies, landscape design and architecture. so I have started a large G scale in back yard.

[concretepumper]

My pic. Should explain it all. Lol!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a229/LightzonlyCast/mostinterestingman.jpg

[gunrunnerjohn]

Well, I see the beer is handy. :p:p:p

[concretepumper]

Well, I see the beer is handy. :p:p:p



Funny part is I don't drink. I just think the commercials with this guy are hilarious! :laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Canadian Car Knocker]

Molson Canadien commercials are THE best beer commercials.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Funny part is I don't drink. I just think the commercials with this guy are hilarious! :laugh::laugh::laugh:And here I thought that really was your picture. ;)

[5thGenRR]

Hi all, I touched on this in the introduce yourself section but thought I would build on that here. My name is Chris and as my forum name ststes I am a 5th Generation Railroader working for UP in Roseville CA. Althought my dad worked for SP/UP for 39 years it is my moms side that goes back that far. She quit SP when I was born but my Grandfather retired from SP & started his career in da'Burgh for P&LE. My Great Geandfather workerd for the PRR and I don't know who my Great Great Grandfather worked for but they think it was either PRR or P&LE. I highered out as a Fireman & Oiler right out of high school in 01. I went through an Apprenticeship & am now a Machinist working on Locomotives.

I married my Highschool sweetheart and bought a house 7 years ago this June. I don't recommend doing those 2 stressfull things at the same time.

My hobbies are Guns, Going to the Drags, Camping, 4x4ing the Sierra Nevada's & working on one of my 3 Classic/Muscle/Truck's sa well as taking them to cruize in's. I have a 63 NovaSS (restored), 71 Chevelle (my first car thats in pieces), and a 70 Custom/10 that is getting to be the beater with fast drivetrain. Lastly I love model RR'ing but since 1994 haven't had any room to do anything. I kinda have a place now so I thought I would try my hand at it again.

[choo choo]

Hi 5th, :)

I'm glad you found us, and being a real world railroader, I'm sure any experiences you can share with us will be read with great interest. You'll also find more than a few gun/car guys here.;)

Take Care,

Greg

[concretepumper]

Hi Chris, Welcome to the forum. Lots of great Model Railroaders here to help.
I bet a guy like you could build a great layout . If you do please take pictures and share them with us.

Rick :cool:

[gunrunnerjohn]

Guns? Did someone say guns? :D

[choo choo]

...now we're going to have to start calling it "the g word".:rolleyes:

Greg;)

[TONOFFUN80]

Don't mind GRJ he gets this way sometimes:laugh:

[Major]

Did some one say "Guns and Trains" That works for me! Way cool!:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[gunrunnerjohn]

Now, if I could just take my guns on the train... ;)

[raleets]

Hi 5th,
Welcome to the forum. We always have room for one more, particularly I guy who works with REAL trains! :thumbsup::laugh:
My Dad worked for the SF out of San Bernadino when I was still in diapers back in the 40's. I loved to hear the train stories while growing up :)
Have fun,
Bob

[Canadian Car Knocker]

5 generations? Wow that's impressive. I'm a 4th gen all with CN Rail.

[JackC]

Nothing. My wife once asked me what I did one day. I said "Nothing". She said you did that yesterday so I told her I wasn't finished.

Actually I retired early on a disability. After the service worked for a airline in the overhaul facility, then moved and got involved in racing so had to become a bodyman/mechanic. Worked in a antique car restoration shop where I took up drinking,,heavily.Then got into insurance as a appraiser/adjuster mainly doing commercial stuff. I have been to the AMTRAK facility several times to inspect damage to locomotives after they've struck cars. Trains always win.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Trains always win.Ain't that the truth! :D

[Massey]

Well I figured I should let you all know a little about me. My real name is Mike but I go by Massey online. I served in the US Navy for 5 years as an Aviation Electronics Tech, stationed at Oceana and Norfolk, I have served onboard the USS Stennis CVN-74 and the USS Truman CVN-75. Let me tell you those carriers are absolutly awesome ships. After the Navy I worked a few odd jobs until I moved home to Spanaway, WA and now I work part time one day a week at a local autopart store (just for fun) and my real job is at Madigan Army Medical Center working one of the computer help desks and doing IT admin kinda stuff.

I have been modeling HO scale since about 2004, I have built 3 layouts, one around the walls in a 11X12 room, a 4x8 in that same room after we converted the room for my new baby boy, and another 5x10. Right now I am playing with the idea of using some of the wood I have from tearing down the 5x10 to make a couple of modules.

Other hobbies of mine are model boats, and Americal Muscle cars. I currently own a 1999 Camaro V6 that I am modifying to handle like it is on rails, and also a 2000 Z28 which is my wife's daily driver. My kids are always #1 on my favorite things list and I usually have one or both hanging all over me when I am out working on the cars or when I am working on a train my daughter needs to be on my lap watching everything I do.

Massey

[tjcruiser]

Massey -- Good bio! Thumbs-up on your Navy service. And enjoy those kids ... the days are long, but the years are fast!

TJ

[gunrunnerjohn]

Another Navy man, I spent my time on the Shangra La, a CVA based in Jacksonville FL, that should tell you how long ago I was in the navy. I had a really tough job, I ran Special Services for most of my time on the ship! :D It's a dirty job, but someone had to do it. :p:p:p

[Massey]

CVA-38... I never got to see her in person but at the National Air Museum in Pensacola FL. her Bell is in a case there next to a very nice scale model of the ship.

One of the most memorable moments I had in the Navy was telling a Leutenant to get the .... out of my shop and let me do my job. He wanted me to get a piece of gear that his plane needed to fly back to his maintainers in 20 minutes... Hell it took 20 minutes just to hook it up to the test bench, and according to the book it takes 2.5hrs just to run end to end. Yea that does not account for the T-shooting time either. He would not let me do my job so I told him if he could do my job better than me then here is the bench. He started on with the "Im a pilot" routine, I didnt like his additude so I kicked him out. A few minutes later I had just about the entire IMD department and his maintainance department in my shop asking me what the f... was going on. I explained the pilots demands and additude and how the repair process worked and that no I would not have his stuff done in 20 minutes. His CO escorted him out with the rest of his people and my department laughed and said I had a brass set for doing what I did.

Massey

[gc53dfgc]

Well some of you already know me and what I do but I figured I might as well lay down most of my cards. My real name is David and I go by 2 online names. the first being gc53dfgc or gc for those who prefer it and the second Capt. Kirk for another forum and Steam. Since this is about what I do/did I will now delve into that. Back in the seventh grade i agreed to do a little lighting for them. Nothing special a little strobe here or there, a black light, and a Chauvet LX10 on the bass drum. I also used the stages theatrical lights to but that was jsut a simple RGB. Now fastforward a year and I had accumulated about 1k of lighting equipment and was doing the jr.highs school dance and that band once or twice. Now in the Ninth grade I have around 4-5K in lighting equipment includeing stands and trussing and am always expanding. I now do that jr. highs dances, work the lighting for a dj, switched to a better more active band, do some lighting for a festival, trying to take over the High School dances as well and me and a buddy are doing the lighting and djing together. So now with a gig comeing up on the 9th and starting to actually get paid for all the hard work and seeing it all pay off. Now this is mainly a side thing but since I don't have a real job this is kind of the main thing at the moment until I get a job. I love doing the dj/lighting aspects of it just about as much as I love my trains. Will get some pictures of the complete setup on the ninth so you all can see my fledgling buisness that me and my buddy call Newthought Entertainment. Oh I forgot to mention I live in Ohio and my setup is the best lighting setup in the entire area that I have found so far, just a little tidbit of info.

[gunrunnerjohn]

I guess old CVA-38 is razor blades now, it once was a proud ship. :D

[JackC]

USAF. June 1965-May 1969. 46 months, 2 months early out. Did 12 months in Thailand, 15 months in Vietnam. No shortage of work for airframe repair.
Made E-5 in 3.5 years. Christmas Eve 1968 I'd been drinking,,Old mans jeep was in front of his "office". I washed it down and remained a E-4.:D

[gunrunnerjohn]

We overlapped. :D I was in from Nov '61 to Mar '66. ;)

[Massey]

I missed you guys by miles... Dec 2001- Nov 2006

Massey

[gunrunnerjohn]

And a hell of a lot of years! :D

[rybredd]

I'm 32, hung fire sprinklers "pipe fitter" for 16 or so yrs...hurt my back, so i started tattooing....was a tattoo artist in fla, and alabama for about 5 yrs....now my back wont let me sit or walk for very long, and i have a weight restriction of 10lbs, so I'm mr. mom now hahaha.....wifes working..

Now i build tattoo machines and watch the kids "19 month old twin boys" Its definitely different, but its fun and it feeds my forum addiction pretty well

Ryan

[tjcruiser]

Hey Ryan,

Just out of curiosity, with your tattoo experience, are you handy with an airbrush? Some custom train paint jobs in your future?

TJ

[rybredd]

Hey Ryan,

Just out of curiosity, with your tattoo experience, are you handy with an airbrush? Some custom train paint jobs in your future?

TJ

Not a lot, have used one some, and painted cars in a body shop for a year or so..I mostyl use rattle cans 2 paint and womens make-up, chalks, or stains for weathering. but if i get a deal on an airbrush id love to give it another go!

Ryan

[jzrouterman]

Well I guess it's about time that I jumped in here for a few moments. My real name is John. I'm 62 and retired. To begin with, I served five years in the army. I served in Germany for a year, and then served two tours in Vietnam. I was in the 3rd Armored Division (Friedburg, Germany), the 101st Airborne Division, and the 1st Infantry Division (both in Vietnam). I remember the battleship, the USS New Jersey sitting off shore and the 16 inch rounds it would hurdle over our heads. I was always worried about short rounds. LOL. I also passed through the Phillipines, Japan and Alaska. The rest of my second enlistment I served as a member of permanent party in an OCS school in Fort Benning, Georgia. My rank was Sgt, E-5.

Following my discharge, I worked five years as a forklift driver unloading railcars and loading semis. I worked part time on weekends as a lifeguard at the city pool. During this same period, under my GI bill, I was attending college in the evenings and was able to earn a BA in commercial art. It was a hard grind to say the least, but it was all worth it.

I then got into signpainting. I designed and lettered signs, billboards, banners, trucks, boats and etc. I also did cartoons and a number of other types of graphics for different companies and people as well. Along the way, I began building furniture sort of as a sideline. I did all this until I retired. I still putter with woodworking. I've built all the wooden furniture in our house. My wife will ask for a piece, and I'll build it to her spefications.

I've dabbled into model trains just about all of my life, but at first just here and there. I didn't really get into them fully until 1980. I've seen several changes in the industry since then, all I think for the better. I've seen some manufacturers either begin or expand, while others along the way bit the dust and rightly so. I can tell you that right now is a fantastic time to be in the hobby, Moreso than it's ever been.

Routerman

[tjcruiser]

Nice bio, John ... thanks for your military service. I worked on the Jersey for a while (while she was in drydock being refit), and I can say this: those shell charges pack a powerful punch! No lobs!

Sounds like your artistic background is a huge asset when dabbling with trains. It shows in your work.

Cheers,

TJ

[jzrouterman]

I worked on the Jersey for a while (while she was in drydock being refit), and I can say this: those shell charges pack a powerful punch! No lobs!

Though it really made us nervous while she was sending her giant projectiles over our heads (because of the possibility of a short round), the sound they made whizzing over was music to our ears and we'd all cheer. It was times like that, that I was sure glad and extremely thankful that there was a navy.

Nice bio, John ... thanks for your military service.
Sounds like your artistic background is a huge asset when dabbling with trains. It shows in your work.

Cheers,

TJ

Thank you. And thank you for what you did as well. A beautiful and awesome ship like that could have never held it's greatness without people like you

JZ

[Smokinapankake]

Maybe I'll throw my two bits in as well:

Birth name Jody Vance (which I hate - thanks a lot mom n dad), I just turned 39 in August. Spent 4 years in the Army at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs. 4th aviation brigade, then 52nd Engineer battalion, then 64th Forward Support battalion. Never went overseas, or saw any combat. It wasn't too likely I would as I was a Chaplain Assistant, basically a clerk who worked for the Chaplain. I served from 90 to 94. Took my college fund and GI bill to get a degree in Non-Destructive Testing.

For work now I perform ultrasonic inspection on zirconium bar stock and tubeshell that is used in the manufacture of nuclear fuel rods. It has its moments of frustration, but also can be interesting, so I can't complain. Hey, at least I'm working, right?

For fun I mountain bike, and also am interested in motorcycles, mostly Suzuki GS's. Last year I completely rebuilt my 82 Katana. Went full retard on it with powdercoated frame, forks, wheels, swingarm, etc... Honed the cylinders, lapped the valves, and rewired the whole thing. I had never done that kind of work before so it was interesting and loads of fun. I also have an 84 Suzuki Katana with the pop up headlight. These never were imported to the states, so it's kind of an interesting anomaly. I have pics of these if anyone is interested.....

I got involved with mountain biking while in Colorado Springs, and can say it is the one passion I will probably never give up. In 03 I had a frame custom built by a guy up in Washington state, Doug Curtiss, and again did the full monty on it - Full XTR components (top of the line stuff) and have loved every minute of it! Recently I've gotten interested in vintage mountain bikes, say from '83 to '90 ish and have found several nice examples to add to my collection. They usually come from the thrift store so I don't pay a whole lot for them. I've got an 85 Peugeot Canyon Express, an 84 Diamond Back Apex, an 87 Fat City Cycles Wicked Fat Chance, an 88 Giant Boulder, and an early 90's Montagna Sommita. All for less than $40 each. They are fun, but my wife thinks I'm an idiot. She's usually right.

As far as trains go, I got my first set from Tyco when I was 8 for Christmas. I've had trains in one form or another for my whole life and have built several layouts. I've never finished them because I usually decide to make major changes before they get done. Oh well, that's what a hobby is for - to amuse and occupy some spare time, right? I'm a big fan of Athearn blue box stuff, and at last count had 19 locomotives. I did the N scale thing for a long time, but decided I like the heft of the larger stuff better.
I'm currently working on a double decked round the walls tourist type operation featuring some rare and exotic diesels as the main attraction - a FM trainmaster, a PA/PB set, and Alco C628, and a few GE U boats for fun. Of course, you gotta have the old standby EMD's for when the esoteric stuff breaks down, right? SD40-2's are my EMD of choice.....

My two children are 6 and 8, Zach is 8, Autumn is 6. They are the light of my life, and are constantly involved when I do stuff on motorcycles, or bikes, or trains. They both love trains, and Zachary has decided to be a train engineer when he grows up. I hope he does so he can give me rides in the cab!

Thanks for reading!

[trainbuffmargaret]

hi marg here as well as train modelling i love flying model helicopters ,fishing and am going to purchase a sit on kayak. live near beach

[Reckers]

Hey, Marge: I'm an overweight guy and tried to use one of those sit-ons to do a river, once. That thing tried to drown me. My son was about 16 and skinny, so he had no problem, but every time I got near any rapids, it was too top-heavy and and rolled me right over! They're great if you like looking at the surface from below, but if you're heavy, they're killers!

Best of luck with it!

[sstlaure]

Marg....I've got a couple sea-kayaks that are an absolute blast.

Man Reckers...I've ridden sit-on tops and I was surprised at how stable they were. It all depends on the design of the hull though. If it had a really rounded bottom, that would certainly cause it to be tipsy. I like the sit-on tops as they make a great snorkeling platform - pretty easy to get on/off and they are self-draining.

[tjcruiser]

Jody (Pankake) -- Nice bio. Proud Dad! Hey, any significance to the "K" rather than a "C" in "Pankake"? Just curious.

Marg -- it's always great to have some Down Under sanity here on our otherwise crazy forum!

Cheers,

TJ

[Smokinapankake]

TJ,

No, not really. Just seemed to "fit" better than a c....:confused:

[flyvemaskin]

I worked nights for Home Depot til my heart attack last month. I'm just working on getting back to myself, then I'm going to quit and retire. Am 62 now. My social security begins in January. I'll move to our cabin in New Mexico and get out the Phoenix, AZ area. I grew up on a cattle ranch so hate the big city. Once up there I get to build a hobby shed, and do my layout in a community of 199 souls, no traffic, no noise, just peace and quiet. We have elk, turkey and bears in our yard in the early mornings so that's fun to watch, that and my bird feeders. We havea 10X60 ft deck on which to enjoy the pines. Cant wait to get there. No more Homo Depot!!!!!!!

[tjcruiser]

Fly,

Best wishes for a continued healthy recovery. Peace and quiet and some gentle outdoor R&R seem like just what any doctor must have ordered!

TJ

[flyvemaskin]

It's really frustration because the doc won't let me go up there because of the change in altitude and the reduced amount of oxygen in my system right now. I want to go so bad I can hardly stand it, but no dice yet.

[Snape]

Hi everyone!

I have recently joined this forum.. and actually wanted to know what do the people here, who are so passionate about their hobby do in real life.. and i must add.. i am awestruck!
I am a management post grad and currently a writer :)

[shaygetz]

Hi everyone!

I have recently joined this forum.. and actually wanted to know what do the people here, who are so passionate about their hobby do in real life.. and i must add.. i am awestruck!
I am a management post grad and currently a writer :)

Welcome...

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p96/1shaygetz/emoticons/WelcometotheGroupCup.gif

...Public Housing Inspector here...

[gunrunnerjohn]

Professional bum! :D

[JJones]

Name: Jonathan Jones
Age: 27
Occupation: Lift Boat Captain

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll63/jonathjon/2011-01-26_06-44-11_331.jpg

not the boat i run anymore but i dont have any pics of the new one im on now

[hoscale37]

Well, I thought I would throw in my 2 cents here....

I'm 37 (I'm not old! Let's see who gets that reference).... recently rediscovered all of my HO scale trains that I had as a kid growing up in the late 1970s/early 1980s. My father and his brother were into trains-so I have a good amount of Atlas track, as well as Model Railroading magazines that date back to 1965.

By day- I am an Assistant Director of Audio Visual Services for a large corporate company. I've been doing Corporate Audio/Visual for the better part of 8 years, and overall been in the A/V production business for 16 years (starting in 1995). I've worked as a photographer, writer, producer, director, audio engineer, camera operator, etc. Any type of A/V job you can think of- I've probably done at one point in my career. I also host a weekly Saturday Morning (6AM-8AM Eastern) prog rock radio show titled, "The Aisle of Plenty" (88.9 FM/89.1 FM in Cincinnati, and at classxradio.com); where I spin music off of vinyl and cd (The way that Radio was meant to be heard.) You can also listen to encore broadcasts at deliciousagony.com weekly Friday Afternoons (4PM-6PM Eastern).

I have a 4 year old son and have been married since 2003 to a great and supportive wife. I also enjoy working on my cars- self taught in most major repairs on Saturn S-Series cars, of which I have owned since 1997.

That's what I do :) A love of my family, trains, media, and cars... what could be better then that ;)

[agiantfan]

OK My turn!!! LOL I am 46 year old kid at heart!!! In 2005 I suffered a stroke. So I'm disabled. Happily married to a wonderful lady. I have always enjoyed trains.Now I have a chance to build a layout!! WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!

[Denuch]

Well I'm 43, divorced and employed part time as a janitor. I am into r/c cars and i like riding my motorized bicycle(No pedalling for me):D. Also like to fish. I have a pet ball python as well, his name is professor.
http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff365/denuch/009.jpg

[DaveInTheHat]

I'm a model builder. I work second shift for a company that produces models for new products and inventions. I never know what I'm going to be working on next. I do most of the complicated painting, small stuff and anything that needs to be clear.

[njoffroader]

im an automotive technician. im 18 years old. i go to Lincoln tech for automotive. i work at two shops learning the trade.

[ptl5spd]

I am 20 years old, graduated from the local technical school with a certificate in multimedia and video production, in the NTHS, and on the community college school board.

After finishing my tech school courses I was going to continue on to community college but got a job as the production department (yes the entire thing, scripting, filming, editing, authoring, no help for me!) for a small advertising company. I make 3-6 commercials a month, from concept to airing. I also do graphic design and web design for some of our clients who do not have product logos or websites. My hobbies are photography, computers, cars, and in the last few months, model railroading.

[tommyboy]

I'm 16 year old high school student, play basketball as my big thing.
I enjoy working with my hands and have always been involved with modelling for most of my life.
Bit of an adrenaline junkie, I wake board for most of the summer at my family cottage up north in muskoka (cottage country in Canada)

[Justin9]

28 years old
Married w/ 8mo Daughter

Work as a Government Grant Administrator... I help small rural communities get grants to build new infrastructure, or get new fire trucks and equipments.

Decided to get back into Model Railroading as a hobby, since I can no longer afford to race go-karts anymore. All my old trains are Ho, and nothing really special, so this time I'm going N scale.

[big ed]

28 years old
Married w/ 8mo Daughter

Work as a Government Grant Administrator... I help small rural communities get grants to build new infrastructure, or get new fire trucks and equipments.

Decided to get back into Model Railroading as a hobby, since I can no longer afford to race go-karts anymore. All my old trains are Ho, and nothing really special, so this time I'm going N scale.


Can you help me get a Grant for my RR?:D

[Justin9]

I can't even get one.....

[Prospect193]

Well I work in the Film Business here in the Gold Coast, Australia. I have been with an American Camera rental company for the last 5 years, i'm sure many of you have heard of them "Panavision" or at least seen there insignia at the end of many films. I've been in the business 20 years and absolutely love it, met many stars back when i lived in Toronto, Canada, visited many cool locations and worked on some very famous and awarded films including an Academy Awards "Best Picture" film.

Pat

[Southern]

Well I work in the Film Business here in the Gold Coast, Australia. I have been with an American Camera rental company for the last 5 years, i'm sure many of you have heard of them "Panavision" or at least seen there insignia at the end of many films. I've been in the business 20 years and absolutely love it, met many stars back when i lived in Toronto, Canada, visited many cool locations and worked on some very famous and awarded films including an Academy Awards "Best Picture" film.

Pat

Cool, nice to meet you.
John

[Southern]

I am still working on odd cars. I am rewiring a 1936 Rolls. All of the cloth covered wires are in need of replacement. The first photo is of the new wire on the back side of the dash.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15535&stc=1&d=1329284651

This is the car that the dash is out of.
http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15536&stc=1&d=1329284651

[Southern]

But some cars just come in for an oil change.This black one is getting a little body work on the frount bumper.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15537&stc=1&d=1329285045

[gunrunnerjohn]

That Rolls would look great in my garage! :D

[tjcruiser]

This black one is getting a little body work on the frount bumper.


Oops. I wonder if someone backed into him while parallel parked? We all "tap" on occassion, but I always try to be extra careful with any nearby upscale cars.

Sweet Rolls ... yummy yummy sweet Rolls!!!

TJ

[tdeuwaite@gmail.com]

This is a great thread. I will read the whole thing.

Me? I've done some stuff. I had a freshman Political Science prof pull me aside one day, "You can already write" he said. "Don't spend your time learning how to write a story. Go out into the world a learn how to TELL us a good story." So that's what I did. Today, I can say "Hello, Don't Shoot" and "How much" in nine languages.

My roots are Southern, but I tell people that I was born in the U.S. Air Force. We lived all over the world. I went to Jr. High and High School on Guam, during the close of the Vietnam War.

Dad was a retired U.S.A.F. Major, a B-17 man. You can look up his ships: Boots I, II, III and IV. My oldest brother's brassed booties hung in the cockpit window. His last twenty years in the air was as a Flight Standards Officer in the F.A.A. His next-to-last office was in Saigon.

I spent way too much time around airplanes. I joined the submarine service. 5 knots, 100 feet; those are my kinds of numbers.

Today, I work from home and collect a small pension. My wife and I are battling cancer. She is a fighter. There is no 'quit' in my Kansas girl.

However, you can still send prayers her direction at will.

Richard

[Prospect193]

Sent!!!!

[tjcruiser]

Sent, again. Prayers to both of you. The battle can often be won. Keep your spirits up!

TJ

[gambrinus]

Richard, Stay positive and keep positive people around you. Cancer isn't a death sentence. I've been in remission from Hodgekins Lymphoma for 32 years, and the only complication was a benign tumor I had removed 4 years ago.

John

[gambrinus]

I work for a semiconductor company that makes chips for high frequency use as in cell phones and radar systems.

In my spare time I ride my bicycles, dabble with Amateur Radio (KE7WNB), do Recreational shooting and now am building an N scale freelance layout. As I grew up in NJ I run PRR locomotives but have the layout generic enough that UP, BNSF and the local P&W trains aren't out of place either.

Below is a photo of me after a bike ride where I lost a battle with some light rail tracks :)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii90/gambrinus97223/IMG_1849s.jpg

[tjcruiser]

You should have seen the tracks, too ... got the worst of it, I think!

Hey ... sidebar ... a nice article in our local paper yesterday. Middle school kids hooked up with a local ham radio club, and were communicating with people fully around the world. A global "get kids involved in ham" day, or something like that. In today's ipod/skype world, it's nice to see some traditional technology carried forward with young kids.

Cheers,

TJ

[New Berlin RR]

lets see what do i do? get up, east, play with my model trains, work, sleep....not a lot...looking for an IT job sadly :(

[Nevada wheel]

I was in the Air Force for 20 years and now I do the same job as a civilian in the same shop at Nellis AFB NV-- Aircraft support equipment Mechanic--23 years now this is me with a unit we call a "Mule" pretty messy and noisy
http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff517/spacelord2112/mulemania.jpg

[tdeuwaite@gmail.com]

Sometimes I want to drive the train...then I see stuff like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g11qWro1LzQ&feature=g-vrec&context=G2dbe1eaRVAAAAAAAAAA

[New Berlin RR]

now I work for the Geek Squad...more or less



oh and I also surf this youtube "boob tube" thing (at home of course)...yes I get bored because I don't have a layout to model on :(

but hey I did find an interesting song and it ironically is a train video of sorts!! LOL!!!

ZrlclYr-RAk

Hopefully the vid will show for you guys :) and please do enjoy :) I know i did!!;)

[tjcruiser]

New Berlin,

I fixed your video link. Next time, just stick the YouTube portion of the URL address that's to the RIGHT of the equal sign ... not the = sign itself, nor the stuff to the left.

Oh ... and I got a little dizzy watching the video! :retard:

TJ

[OverTheHill]

Design fiber optic cable routes.

Tom (Overthehill)

[avidesk]

I'm a mechanical engineer at a company that manufactures all kinds of custom machinery. We do some rail-related business. We have a contract with LORAM where we fabricate and build some of their maintenance of way equipment.

Here's a picture of a grind car during testing on CN track near my old house. It had just left the assembly area a few days earlier.
http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16815&stc=1&d=1332300776

My other hobbies include computer programming (can't wait to get a PR3 and hopefully write some neat applications to interact with my railroad) and riding my motorcycle.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16816&stc=1&d=1332300776

[tdeuwaite@gmail.com]

Hello Iowa! My first new street bike was a 1977 Bonneville. Cool train, too. You've got neat stuff.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Nice looking bike. :) I had a an old 650 Triumph in 1960, quite a change!

[Nevada wheel]

grind car??? what does it grind up?

[avidesk]

grind car??? what does it grind up?

It grinds/re-shapes the rails to make them good as new.

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/pictures/77732/DSCN1992.JPG

[Xnats]

Now that is pretty cool. Is it a dry grind or more of a wet polish?

[avidesk]

It's dry, it throws a lot of sparks. They will have a water tank car trailing behind with sprayers to put out any potential grass fires along the tracks.

Here's a video of one in action, but the one in this video is larger size for freight rail. The ones in my picture are for light-duty or commuter rail. Rail Grinder Loram RG-309 at Glen Nevis (http://youtu.be/1uFhJtgyxN4)

LORAM makes even wilder stuff, unfortunately the company I work for hasn't built any of their ballast processing machines.. Check this out:
LORAM Ballast Cleaner (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXIAkggXbUc)

[gc53dfgc]

It's dry, it throws a lot of sparks. They will have a water tank car trailing behind with sprayers to put out any potential grass fires along the tracks.

Here's a video of one in action, but the one in this video is larger size for freight rail. The ones in my picture are for light-duty or commuter rail. Rail Grinder Loram RG-309 at Glen Nevis (http://youtu.be/1uFhJtgyxN4)

LORAM makes even wilder stuff, unfortunately the company I work for hasn't built any of their ballast processing machines.. Check this out:
LORAM Ballast Cleaner (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXIAkggXbUc)

Your not kidding! They make machines for everything you could need, even things you would never think of.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUOUXnuCLOU&feature=related

Alright somebody please show me how to embed YouTube videos directly here. I know how to do it on more modern forums using the YouTube brackets and the short part but it is not working on this forum for some reason.

[tjcruiser]

Copy the YT URL address -- but only the stuff TO THE RIGHT OF THE EQUAL SIGN.

Then, using the Go Advance option down below, use the YT tool to paste that address between YT image tags.

ZUOUXnuCLOU&feature=related

TJ

[THE TYCO MAN]

Well... I'm 20 and a soon to be shif leader manager at Krystal's. Going to college to get a 2 year degree in Heating, AC and Refridgeration Tech. I do like slot cars, and model cars.

[cabledawg]

Just got a new job a few weeks ago: Post Office! I'm a clerk as well as a carrier and since I'm military, I can do both without a raise ;) It's not a bad gig, but our new civilian supervisor made some changes to the routes and mail handleing that dont make sense and have created more work for us than needs to be done. Oh well, she gets paid more than I do so my opinions dont count.............

[manchesterjim]

. Oh well, she gets paid more than I do so my opinions dont count.............

:laugh: What's that old saying...."Its above my paygrade"?? :D

[manchesterjim]

I don't remember if I posted here or not but:

I'm a Television and Radio Engineer.....I basically design and build stations. Until recently I was self-employed and living in New Hampshire but I got an offer I couldn't refuse from a company here in the DC area :D

So now I'm in the process of moving! (Anyone want to help unload our truck when it gets here??) :rolleyes:

Jim

[dablaze]

I run two businesses, www.theequipmentguy.com where I by and sell used printing and signmaking equipment, and in the summertime I am a Factory certified Harley tech. The fact that my wife rides a Triumph is probably why I am not a full time Harley tech, lol.

Craig

[Carl]

Well....as previously stated, I had retired. For the past 9 months, I have been spending a lot of time in 2 states that have retained myself and a few of my associates in providing advice and council regarding the BP spill that impacted the Gulf Of Mexico. This has taken away time for scratch building, will I fully enjoy.