Look in here

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3902.m38.l1311&_nkw=steam+locomotive&_sacat=See-All-Categories

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Guide to Model Trains Scale and Gauge

Although Lionel offers several kinds of model trains and track, most of their sales come from O gauge trains. What’s an O gauge train? To better understand that, you first need to know a few things about scale and gauge.

Let’s start with scale. Model trains are scaled down trains--that is, smaller versions of real trains. A model train’s scale tells us its proportion in relation to the real train version. For example, a Lionel train is an O27 train, with a scale of 1:48 . This means that the Lionel train is 48 times smaller than its real train counterpart, with one-quarter inch equal to one scale foot. Due to their larger size, Lionel trains are easy to work with, especially for beginners--but they may not be the best choice as the available product line is smaller than that of standard gauge trains, or HO (half-zero).

Gauge--gauge is the distance between the rails of a railroad track. Standard track gauge is 4’ 8.5â€. O gauge tracks are 1.25†apart. Something to be aware of, though, is that gauge and class specifications can vary internationally, so always check the exact measurements before buying internationally.

As O27 trains, Lionel trains are a bit different from standard O gauge trains. They run on O27 track, which is a bit shorter and narrower than standard O track. The difference can be seen when O27 track is laid out in a circle--an 8 piece circle of O27 track will be 27†across (an 8 piece circle of standard O track is 31†across). Love Lionel trains but have a lot of O track from other set-ups? That’s okay because you can use O track and O27 track together without any problem. Raise your track a little by using a shim, widely available at hobby shops.

Some companies, like Conrad, NZG, and Corgi manufacture die-cast, or metal, model trains that are also compatible with O scale track. This can lead to some interesting track set-ups, and die-cast trucks, cars, buses and construction equipment are popular with collectors.

Lionel trains are a good choice for many reasons. Beyond the ease of running an O27 train, they are also great for modelers looking to perfect model and replica trains. Their size is easy to work with (unlike the smaller N and Z gauge trains), and a great choice for children interested in railroading.

About the Author

Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Lionel trains toys. Click here to download a free model trains guidebook filled with hobby tips, ideas and information.

they sure will ,they,ll mess up the hood real good if they come down on it,the right way ,but when they start down the best thing is not be under them they wont stop coming down either,be careful though ,stay clear of them,good luck.

Railroad Crossing Dangers on Highways: Why you may need a Texas Injury Lawyer

Railroads have been a part of American lives since the mid-1800s and continue to serve us both for passenger needs and supply transport. The difference between trains in the 19th century and trains of the 20th century is the speed of travel. With the advent of the stimulus package in early 2009, the government is funding improvements to passenger rail, which is raising train speed. Because of this, railroad crossings are becoming increasingly dangerous as trains are topping out at speeds close to 90 mph. While freight trains only hit a speed of 45 mph on the average, highway crossings still present a dangerous intersection for travelers.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there have been nearly 1,000 collisions between a train and motor vehicle at highway railroad crossings since January of this year. Out of this total, close to a quarter of the accidents resulted in a fatality, and 75 percent of those involved sustained a serious injury. Texas has tallied the highest number of these types of injuries due to the large number of drivers on Texas highways and more demand for railroad commerce.  In the event of such a collision, it is recommended for the injured party to hire a Texas injury lawyer.

Dallas in particular is home to a large number of railroad accidents. Tarrant County, the seat of Fort Worth, was ranked second in the state for highway-railroad casualties. Drivers in this area are encouraged to contact a Fort Worth injury lawyer if they fall victim to a railroad crossing accident. Railroad accidents can be caused by a number of factors. Most commonly, accidents occur from defective crossing signals, negligent train or vehicle drivers, poor train operating practices, inadequate train track and rail inspection, defective highway railroad crossing warnings, and excessive train speeds.

While there are a number of safety measures to abide by when driving, some safety guidelines for railroad crossings include the following: always expect a train (even if you don’t see one), obey all crossing laws, never drive under closed gates or drive when there are lights flashing, approach a railroad intersection with extra caution, and when possible, stay off of the tracks unless it is absolutely necessary to cross.

As railroads continue to be an important mode of transportation in the United States for passenger and supply transport, it is important to understand the risk involved with highway railroad crossings, and know your options if an accident does. Drive with a high level of caution and be aware of your surroundings whenever you find yourself at a railroad crossing.

About the Author

Ms. Smith attends the University of Texas at Austin and is currently a fourth year, Pre-Law student. She is interested in having her own practice in personal injury and learning about Texas Law. Currently, she is interested in studying the legal practices of Texas personal injury lawyers and Fort Worth trucking accident lawyers.

Kew Bridge
http://www.kbsm.org/railway/

Check all of the preserved railways here
http://www.heritagerailways.com/

Health & Safety Code Requirements of a Salad Bar or Buffet Display. How to Prevent a Food Poisoning

Except for the high end establishments, just about every type of restaurant these days has some form of customer self-service buffet or salad bar serving ready-to-eat foods. Even El Pollo Loco and other Mexican style restaurants allow you to pick and fill up from a choice of salsas. Asian style all-you-can-eat restaurants are another big one with many popping up in most big cities. Then there are of course the restaurants that focus entirely on buffets and salad bars.

The health and safety laws governing these displays have developed over the years to address the uniqueness of this type of set up and some of the unique hazards or risks to consumers. Noted below are most of those requirements as well as my own recommendations from years of experience inspecting restaurant buffets and salad bars:

--One obvious requirement is that all open exposed ready-to-eat food must be shielded so as to block a direct line between the customer's mouth and the food on display. This shield is generally known as a sneeze guard for the larger displays of food and is usually glass or transparent plastic, angled above the food enough to block possible contamination coming from a customer's mouth (saliva from sneezing, coughing, talking, etc.). The shield can also take the form of a container with a tight fitting securely attached lid, normally with hinges. If there is no evidence of a shield or lid then the display is most likely not approved and should be avoided.

--A separate utensil with a handle is required for each food displayed for self-service. No customer is allowed to touch any of the exposed food with their hands.

--There must be clean plates and other tableware at or adjacent to the buffet or salad bar and customers should be reminded, or notified if need be, that only clean tableware is to be used when returning to the buffet.

--The proper temperatures must be maintained. The food is usually displayed on ice (and actually should be buried in ice), or the containers are sitting either in a refrigerated unit or warmer, or the food is sitting under a heating lamp. Look for steam coming from the warmer or steam table and even the food itself. Do not trust a chafing dish for long term holding (more than 2 hours) of foods. You will generally only see chafing dishes at a temporary buffet setting. They are large shallow metal platters with one or two canned gas lighted flames underneath, attempting to keep the food warm. They are maybe good for short periods of time only, and are not to be trusted or definitely not approved for a more permanent buffet setting. Heat lamps usually fall into this same category. They also are not the best means of maintaining hot holding temperatures for long period of times.

--Employees should be constantly monitoring and maintaining the buffet or salad bar. They should be doing everything from replenishing it to cleaning and checking temperatures frequently.

--No sulfites or sulfiting agents. Sulfites used to be a common preserving agent especially in fruits, maintaining a fresh appearance. Most if not all states prohibit any food facility from applying sulfating agents to fresh fruits and vegetables intended for raw consumption, or to any potentially hazardous foods. Sulfites are still allowed on fruits and vegetables not sold in the raw state, such as dried fruits and grapes used for wine.

--Absolutely no flies or other types of vermin (cockroaches, rodents) can be present. Contrary to what you may have heard, there is no acceptable number or amount of vermin allowed in a food facility. Vermin are strictly illegal in all areas of the establishment. They harbor and can transmit dangerous microorganisms as well as general filth to your food and should not be tolerated.

-- No leaking and pooling waste water on the floor area, either from melting ice, or the refrigeration or warmer unit.

--Most foods should have a label identifying the common name of the food, sauce, dressing, condiments etc.

Learning the requirements and potential hazards of a buffet or salad bar is just good consumer awareness and can give you the advantage in preventing a serious food borne illness.

About the Author

Mr. Doom has worked as a Environmental Health Specialist for more than 20 years. He has conducted thousands of inspections and educated more than a thousand, food facility owners, managers and employees on food sanitation and safety, and how to prevent food poisoning hazards. To learn more visit http://www.FoodPoisoningPrevention.com.

maybe look here under "active hump yards"??

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Pacific_Railway

Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp. - Financial Analysis Review---Aarkstore Enterprise Market Research Aggregation

Summary

Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp. (Pacific Rubiales) is a Canadian based company engaged in the production of heavy crude oil and natural gas. It is focused on identifying opportunities primarily located within the eastern Llanos basin of Colombia as well as in other areas in Colombia and northern Peru. The company carries out its operations through its wholly owned subsidiary RHL. RHL has working interests in the Rubiales, Piriri and Quifa concessions and the Caguan, Dindo, Rio Seco, Puli B, La Creciente, Moriche, Guama, Arauca, Jagueyes and Tacacho blocks in Colombia and blocks 135, 137 and 138 in Peru.

Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp. - Financial Analysis Review is an in-depth business, financial analysis of Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp.. The report provides a comprehensive insight into the company, including business structure and operations, executive biographies and key competitors. The hallmark of the report is the detailed financial ratios of the company

Scope

- Provides key company information for business intelligence needs
The report contains critical company information – business structure and operations, the company history, major products and services, key competitors, key employees and executive biographies, different locations and important subsidiaries.
- The report provides detailed financial ratios for the past five years as well as interim ratios for the last four quarters.
- Financial ratios include profitability, margins and returns, liquidity and leverage, financial position and efficiency ratios.

For more information, please visit :

http://www.aarkstore.com/reports/Pacific-Rubiales-Energy-Corp-Financial-Analysis-Review-28878.html

Or email us at press@aarkstore.com or call +919272852585

Aarkstore Enterprise

Tel : +912227453309

Mobile No: +919272852585

Email : contact@aarkstore.com

Website : http://www.aarkstore.com

Blog: http://blogs.aarkstore.com/

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About the Author

Aarkstore Enterprise is a leading provider of business and financial information and solutions worldwide. We specialize in providing online market business information on market research reports, books, magazines, conference at competitive prices, and strive to provide excellent and innovative service to our customers. Our customers include more than 700 leading financial institutions, professional service firms, consulting, law and accounting firms and other corporations throughout the world.

Google makes the money. I agree it shoudn't be done. But no one listens to me.

Get a Stake in Pvc Fencing

PVC fence markets are posting rapid gains, prompting profile extruders to install new machines by the dozens and convert existing plants from pipe and siding production. New players are jumping in, too including makers of wood-filled composites.
As occurred in PVC siding and windows a decade ago, fence profiles are now seeing explosive growth and rapid plant expansions, including conversions of entire plants from pipe, siding, and other construction profiles. While demand for all types of fencing typically grows 5-7% a year, the PVC sector has been surging ahead by 20-30% annually, and this year’s growth could hit 50%, according to David Lawrence of Outdoor Advantage in Snohomish, Wash. “The only limiting factor may be the shortage of PVC,” adds the president of this two-year-old start-up, which operates PVC fence-profile plants in Florida and Texas.
Unlike windows and siding, fence makers such as temporary fence,wire mesh,fence manufacturers,steel fence post,wire fence,portable fence face few hurdles in the form of building codes or ASTM standards. There are a few notable exceptions. Acoustical fence must meet stringent performance tests. Pool fences and deck rails have to withstand specified lateral loadings. Ranch fence needs to be robust enough to keep horses in. And any fence in Dade County, Fla., must stand up to 120-mph hurricanes. But otherwise, fence requirements are mostly aesthetic, which has helped PVC profiles to become a mainstream product in just a few years. Forty-six percent of the current PVC fence market is in residential fencing, 36% in ranch (post and rail), 12% in encapsulated-metal railings, 4% in decking, and 2% in lawn and garden.
“Fences are at critical mass now, where a lot of processors are doing well and expanding rapidly,” says Harlan Doering, v.p. of Kansas American Tooling, McPherson, Kan., a maker of dies and calibrators for fence profiles. From a standing start in the early 1980s, PVC fence sales grew to about $350 million last year, industry sources say. “The larger market of wood fences is $2 billion a year, so there’s still a lot of replacement potential out there,” says the sales director of one big vinyl fence company.
In the past year alone, Krauss-Maffei Corp., Florence, Ky., says it has delivered 16 conical twin-screw extrusion lines to three PVC fence processors, all of which are running dual strands for maximum output. “Usually with that kind of growth, you’d expect the product to be cheaper than the alternative, but PVC fences are more expensive,” says Michael Riese, product manager at Lawrence McCoy in Worcester, Mass., a distributor of vinyl, wood, and aluminum fences. Even a 10-15% price increase early this year hasn’t dampened sales, he notes.
What triggered this year’s explosive growth is sudden, broad customer acceptance of PVC fences, especially among smaller contractors and buildings-supply houses. They offer PVC as a high-end choice to customers. “There is clearly a shift to maintenance-free building products. It’s not that people love a product that looks plastic,” Riese explains. “But people are not in love with scraping and painting their fences, either, and they’re willing to pay more not to have to do it.”
“Ranch,” or post and rail, is the commodity end of the PVC market, and is the most price-competitive with wood fencing. In fact, some PVC fence makers say they can undersell wood in some cases. At the high end, residential fence sells for 30% to 300% more than wood, depending on the complexity of the fence system. But even in this sector, all the new extrusion capacity flooding the market is starting to depress profit margins, notes William Zell, sales and marketing manager at Westech Fence in Mt. Vernon, Ind.
The explosive growth of PVC fences, even at a price premium to wood, isn’t lost on the makers of wood-composite decks and rails. They are eyeing fences as their next potential market. Wood-flour-filled polyolefins and PVC have already gained acceptance in non-structural profiles for decking and in metal-reinforced railings. They have the advantage of the look and feel of natural woodgrain, which plain PVC fencing can only imitate with streaks of pigment.

About the Author

David ZHENG is the CEO of http://www.china-fence.com .A company specialized in selling all kinds of fence products such as temporary fence,wire mesh,fence manufacturers,steel fence post,wire fence,portable fence etc.

For authentic information for any class of fares between any two stations, visit Indian Railways official website: http://www.indianrail.gov.in/

You can have many more additional useful information at this site relating to your journey by trains anywhere in India.

Analysis on the Value Chains of Chinese Railway Transportation Industry, 2009

The railway industry is an important part of China's economy.  The key investment point of China's railway is the railway construction. 60% of the fixed asset investments are used to the constructions of railway lines.

From 2008 to 2020, China will newly construct 40-thousand-kilometer railways with the total investments breaking through 5 trillion Yuan (730 billion USD).

According to Chinese government’s plans, the approved railway construction will be about 10 thousand kilometers with the investment scale of 1 trillion Yuan (146 billion USD) in 2009 and another 10 thousand kilometers with the investment scale of 1 trillion Yuan (146 billion USD) in 2010.

The railway projects in the plan can be divided into three big categories:

One is the Beijing-Shanghai railway express, the passenger railway lines and interurban railways from Beijing to Guangzhou, Harbin to Dalian, Tianjin to Qinghuangdao, Ningbo to Wenzhou, Wenzhou to Fuzhou, Fuzhou to Xiamen and Nanjing to Shanghai etc. By 2010, the construction scale will reach to more than 16 thousand kilometers.

The other is the coal transportation railways, including Baotou to Xi’an, Taiyuan to Zhongwei (Yinchuan) and Zhungeer to Shuozhou etc. by 2010, the construction scale will be near 10 thousand kilometers. After the completion of the coal transportation railways, Chinese coal transportation capacity will be enhanced greatly and the coal transportation tension especially the coal for electricity will be eased.

Another is the western main line railway projects for the resource exploitation, including Guizhou to Guangzhou, Nanning to Guangzhou, Lanzhou to Chongqing and Hetian to Kashi with the construction scale exceeding 15 thousand kilometers in 2010. Through these projects and the technology reforms of the present railways in the central, western and northeastern regions, the railways will be covered more Chinese lands and strengthened the transportation infrastructure in the central and western regions. The investments in Chinese railways are characterized as large investment amounts and long industry chains. In 2009, the investments in the railway infrastructure are planning to finish 600 billion Yuan (87.6 billion USD). The investments will create 20-million-ton steel product demands, 120 million tons of cements and 6 million employments. It is predicted that the investments in Chinese locomotive purchase are about 300 billion Yuan (43.8 billion USD) in 2009 and 2010.

More following information can be obtained in this report:

- Compositions of Chinese Railway Value Chains

- Investment Opportunities for each Value Chain of Chinese Railways

- Promotion Functions of International Financial Crisis on the Investments in Chinese Railways

- Analysis on the Investments Plans of Chinese Railways in Recent Years

To get more details, please visit  http://www.shcri.com/reportdetail.asp?id=281

About the Author

Alice is an industry analyst in this field for more than 5 years with depth insight in the recent market trends. Based on the database, Interviews and research methods from China Research and Intelligence, she analyzes the development and opportunities in this industry clearly.

Venice Gondolas - Ten Things You Did Not Know

Few tourists enjoying the romance of Venice, Italy, can resist a ride in a gondola. The gondolier and gondola have become, for millions of tourists, the very symbols of Venice.

1. The Venice gondola is made from nearly 300 pieces of wood.

Not all the same wood either. A genuine Venetian gondola is built with seasoned mahogany, elm, lime, oak, walnut, larch, cherry and pine. There are more than 280 separate pieces of wood used in gondola construction. When finished, most gondolas are 11 metres length and weight about 600 kilos.

2. All Venice gondolas are painted black

It wasn't always so, Once wealthy gondola owners tried to outdo each other with gilded prows, elaborate carvings, brightly coloured paint and ostentatious seats and cushions. It all came a head in 1562 with a city edict which ruled that gondolas must be uniformly black - the colour of the waterproofing pitch used in their construction. The black colour rule persists to this day.

3. One side of a Venice gondola is longer than the other

Take a measuring tape to a gondola and you will find that the left side is about 24 cm longer than the right. The modern twisted gondola design emerged in the 19th century when the skewed construction raised stern and helped improve manoeuvrability. It compensates for the weight of the gondolier and his single oar. The bottom is also flat, so the gondola can sail in just a few centimetres of water.

4. There were once at least 10,000 gondolas in Venice.

In 1600 there were an estimated 10,000 gondolas in daily use in and around the canals of Venice. Nowadays there are only about 500 and their use is limited almost exclusively to the tourist trade. And with an estimated 20 million visitors to Venice each year the gondoliers rarely wait long for a customer.

5. Venice gondolas are only built in "squero"

The "squero" is a special Venetian boatyard. The name probably comes from the Greek "eskarion" (harbour) but some think the name is derived from the "squara", a special tool used by carpenters. There were once hundreds of such boatyards in in Venice. Today there are only five, each turning out a new gondola every three months with a price tag of at least €20,000. At the "squero" of San Trovaso in Dorsoduro you can still watch the craftsmen at work.

6. The metal prow of a Venice gondola always has six teeth

The toothed metal nose on the front of every gondola helps to balance the weight of the gondolier. It always has just six 'teeth' in a decorative double S design. The stylized shape represents the S of the Grand Canal and the six teeth are the six "sestieri" or areas of the city of Venice. The backward facing tooth represents island of Giudecca.

7. Venice gondolas once had cabins

Before being used exclusively for tourism, gondolas often had a removable cabin called a "felse" for use in the winter or at night. It came with a door, sliding windows and curtains. The "felse" offered protection for passengers from bad weather and prying eyes.

8. Venetians build special gondolas for racing

The gondolino is a fast boat similar to a gondola but much more difficult to row. It is used exclusively in the annual Historic Regatta (Regata Storica) race. This annual event is a trial of strength and skill for the city's gondoliers. It begins with a grand procession of historic craft along the Grand Canal course followed by races. The gondolino dates from 1825. It looks like a gondola but is shorter at 10.5 m and it weighs only 160 kilos.

9. Venice gondoliers use a paddle, not a pole

Contrary to popular belief the gondola is never poled; the waters of Venice are too deep for that. The gondoliers' oars are large paddles made out of well seasoned beech. They must have a special taper to work properly and building the oars requires great skill. Specialist carpenters called "remeri" were once dedicated to it..

10. The Venice gondola was first mentioned in 1094

The gondola of Venice is mentioned for the first time in an official document in 1094. in a decree from the doge Vitale Falier in which he allows the citizens in the south of Venice to use a "gondulam".The origin of the name is very uncertain. Some date it back to the Latin "cymbula" ( little boat) or to "cuncula" ( shell). Others claim it is from the Greek "kundy" ( navigate) or "kunto-helas"( paddle boat).

About the Author

Andrea Delucia is a city travel guide writer for
TravelSavvy Venice

Take a Gondola Ride in Newport Beach

Over 800 years old, the gondola is a regarded as a symbol of romance. Although thinking of a gondola may bring thoughts of Venice Italy, the gondola ride found in Newport Beach can be just as romantic when it comes to the symbol of romance.

Once you sit in the black yet sleek gondola, you'll be steered into the fairy-tale setting of the hidden canals beyond Newport Beach. Most of the time, the individual steering the gondola will appear discreet yet mysterious, hearing nothing and saying nothing.  

With this sense, the boat will almost appear to be moving by magic, gliding along with nothing to disturb the soft music. Occasionally, you can hear the splashing of a fish breaking the surface of the water, which actually adds to the music and the tempo of the gondola ride.

With the gondola floating so close to the surface of the water, you'll feel as if every sense you have is being tapped. The warmth of the sun, the smell of the water, and the lapping of the waves will set your mind off like never before.

As you travel through the canals, you'll find yourself wondering if the houses are deserted and just how romantic the atmosphere and setting make you feel. Even though you may have the urge to dangle your fingers in the water, the relaxing feel of the gandola will make you feel as if you are too relaxed to move a muscle!

When the sun sets, you'll pass other gandolas as they travel through the canals. On a couple ride, the gandola can help to rekindle the flame or just take you to a whole new world. Once you return to the docks, you'll probably find yourself wishing that the ride would never end.

If you've never experienced a gondola ride, it's one thing that you simply must try. As a wedding ride, honeymoon ride, couple ride, or just a couple of friends, the gondola ride is something that will make you feel as never before.

While there are a few providers of gondola rides in Newport Beach, each one offers you the ride of a lifetime. The gondola ride brings a touch of romance to Newport Beach, which is something each and every couple should have the pleasure of experiencing.

If you plan on visiting Newport Beach or if you already live in the area, a gondola ride is something you shouldn't hesitate to try. It brings a whole new sense to the word romance and can easily make you forget everything that has troubled you in life - if even for a brief moment.

About the Author

To learn about dorset sheep, hampshire sheep and other information, visit the Knowledge Bin website.

Wow. Your question takes a team of interpreters.

Let me see if I can help.

Shelving of loads in storage:
Yes. When train cars are not in use during off peak seasons, i.e. non-harvest, the train cars are put onto sidings called 'storage tracks'.
However, before they're stored, they are empty and clean, to avoid spoilage and mold.

Diesel locomotive storage:
Yes. When shipping demand drops below the need for horsepower, locomotives are stored on sidings and in freightyards. There are more engines in storage now because of the downturn in economics, and the replacement of 2nd generation locomotives.

Prizes for storing train cars & locomotives?
Only the executives that do not deserve it manipulate the corporate funds to benefit themselves. The people that deserve bonuses & prizes get nothing because of corporate greed.

That's all I can decipher for you.