Weekend Steam: Nickel Plate Engine #765

 That's some nice stack talk and whistle work, Merle! Great Pick!

"Just Put A Thumb In It" Kentucky Ballistics

SLAP is an abbreviation for Sabot Light Armor Penetrating. The penetrator is held in a polymer sabot in the cartridge. It is possible that part of the sabot was lodged in the bore while the penetrator went on. That happens occasionally with WWII era armor piercing .30-06 rounds, just in case you come across some of those. If you use those bullets you should check your bore after every shot so you don't blow up your M1 Garand.

Brassman Bart: Bugle Call Rag, by Carey Morgan and Eubie Blake

We Saw A New Critter!

 We think this is a Broad Head Skink. It was up in a hollow hickory tree that is frequented by gray squirrels. We read up on it a bit, and they supposedly have a strong bite if you bother them. 

Proud Parents

We have two pairs of goose parents this year, and both of them brought out their goslings for a first outing yesterday. One family has three, and the other, four babies. We are keeping an eye out for coyotes.

 

 

Tuesday Torque: Henry Ford's First Automobile

Stops like Fred Flintstone's car!

 

Got Some Of This Planned This Week

                                                               Back To The Old Grind!

Weekend Steam II: World's Longest Backyard Railroad Trestle

 Good One, Merle! Thank You!

S.S. Jeremiah O'Brien Triple Expansion Steam Engine

 The S.S. Jeremiah O'Brien is one of two Liberty Ships that is still serviceable. 2710 were built during World War II. The ship is fired up once a month and the engine is run for the public to see. Thanks for spotting this great video, Merle!

Make A Plan For Every Tree You Cut!

We go through the planning process for every tree we cut, large or small. One of our viewers asked a good question about cutting a leaner, so we drew out the problem and figured out whether he needed to do anything special, and it looks like dropping his tree will be pretty much straightforward.