Winding Up The TSI Project!

 Today I finished the main body of this TSI project. The southwest corner, the northeast corner, and maybe a little in the southeast corner are all that needs to be finished. Then, on to the next CRP tree planting project!

The Husqvarna 550 XP is a great saw for this type of work. It is light to carry around and has enough power and speed for cutting tree after tree, or for double girdling. The 272 XP worked great, too, but it is heavy, and it was wearing on me. The little Stihl 170 is light as a feather, but the fuel tank is too small and you have to go fill up often. The 272 would run 1 1/2 hour or more on on fillup. The 550 was going for two hours, but it restarts easily and I was shutting it off between cutting projects.

Tied Together On The North And South Ends

 I can really see the end now. I know where all the unfinished areas are. The middle-south, the southwest corner, the northeast corner, and a bit between the area we did today and the old corn crib. The heat is on this week so I have to get out early tomorrow while the temp is tolerable. The 550 XP is repaired and running again. It is much easier to pack around than the 272 XP, and it hot starts easily.

Tuesday Torque: Mogul 30-60 Startup

 Merle sends me more subjects than you can shake a stick at! It is hard to choose, but you can't go wrong with IHC Moguls. Thank You, Merle!

The Work Goes On!

 I've been burning two tanks of fuel on my trips to the TSI project. That is about three hours of cutting, plenty for an old guy. Saturday was nice and I went out for another outing after lunch and burned another tank of fuel. Today was warm, and I had a lot of wedging to do, so two was my limit. I will be out there again tomorrow, so...

Back To The Old Grind!

Bonus Vid!

Weekend Steam II: New Hope And Ivyland 2-8-0

 Merle sent the link to a short video, and I looked for more with great success! You have to go to Pennsylvania for this railroad. Thank You, Merle!

Taters!

 The tops are all dead on one row of potatoes, so Susan dug them today. The rest are a different variety and are still green.

Union Pacific Donations Train!

Merle's pick this week is not embeddable, so please click over to YouTube to watch it. Thank You, Merle!

                                              Click The Photo To Go To The YouTube Video.

 History was made on Friday, November 11th 2022, as the UP Steam Crew pulled a small assortment of historic equipment out of Cheyenne, WY. This assortment of historic locomotives and cars had been donated by Union Pacific to such preservation groups as the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America, and the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. Much of this equipment (including the world-renowned "Challenger" #3985, and 2-10-2 #5511) had called the city of Cheyenne 'home' for a time spanning greater than 65 years. Alas, we viewed as this beautiful assortment of railroad history was towed out of town for what may be the very last time...

In this video, watch from the US Highway 85 bridge above the Cheyenne Yard as the UP Steam Crew prepares the heritage equipment for the move West. Along with the 2 big steam engines are UP DDA40X 6936, a UP CA10 caboose, an ex UP/Amtrak E9B, and Ex-CNW F7A #401. As soon as the equipment is ready, UP 5716 helps the equipment out of Cheyenne with the assistance of UP 8198 and UP Steam fireman Ted Schulte at the throttle. The Wyoming wind was relentless, the cold November air was bone-chilling, and the UP's famed "Overland Route" was buzzing with activity. Come take a look! Rate, Comment. Subscribe. ENJOY!!! Copyright Nick Valdez Railroad Photography 2022

Yard Mama

 

I believe you could hit her tail with a box of Morton Salt. She is almost friendly. We walk and drive right by her almost daily. A groundhog has invaded the compound  and I will have to see about that.

Rufus Has A Home!

We had many applications, and choosing the best home for a special boy like Rufus was difficult. We settled on a retired gentleman who flew A7s in his younger days. He drove in yesterday and had dinner with us, then we handled the paperwork and sent them on their way. We are always a bit sad when a Schipperke leaves our care, but Rufus is in good hands and we have a larger Schipperke family. 

 

Hydrate, Hydrate!

 Chainsawing and wedging on 90 degree days will make you sweat. The work is rewarding, though, and I am forging ahead. Get a cool shower as soon as you get in, and set your boots where there is air movement so they can dry out overnight. Spend some quiet time with your saw every day before you go out. Grease the clutch bearing every few days. Touch up the chain, knock the dust off the air cleaner, etc. Carry water with you.