Originally Posted by Don(Cerritos):
Talk about hot, I have 3 layers of clothing on, all cotton, and of course our weather really warmed up too! Think I will definetly be loosing weight.
Don, I buy Gatorade by the case in the summer...
Congratulations Don! Sounds like a great job and fun to boot!
Congrats Don: You got one of the best jobs in SoCal. The other ones are 5 miles to the Southeast. A close friend was a Knott's Engineer for about 5 years, he had to quit because having your leg against the firebox caused problems with his diabities. I thought he should have tried auto racer's Nomex underwear. Funny thing about George, when they interviewed his for the job, they handed him the saftey manual and asked how familar was he with it. George said "very familar, I wrote it for the 3751."
UPDATE: Been on the job for 2 weeks now, REALLY enjoying IT!! So far I have done the following;
- Working as Fireman on C-19, #41. Begining to get the "hang" of it. Even been able to work 3-4 hours unsupervised, other than the Engineer. "New Guy" events have included, water injector valve freezing up, and bell rope breaking! Was told not my fault, but sure felt bad about it happening on my watch, being so new.
- Learning the operation o"Little Toot", a 24" gauge steam engine in Camp Snoopy. Single person operation, having to perform as both Engineer and Fireman. Doing a lot better! Eliminated slipping the drivers, and since it is propane fired, "firing" the engine is a lot easier! Only need to watch boiler pressure, do injections, blow downs, blower, maintain water level, operate throttle, bell, whistle, and brakes. Loving it.
- AND Operated the Galloping Goose #3! The biggest thrill to me has been being able to operate such a significant piece of rail history.
- Finally, worked as a "Gandy Dancer"! Replaced about 6 ties, didn't do too bad for an old man. But definetly realized operating a jack hammer isn't for me. Can't say this is the best part, but want to "pull" my own weight. (Knott's is respectful of the older guys, and I expect after a couple of weeks, will probably be assigned round house duties, like sanding, painting, etc..)
Thanks again for all the comments, and I am "Living My Dream"
