Large Scale Central

Hello from a newbie down under!

General Discussion
#21
TonyWalsham said:
Chris Vernell said:
Fred Mills said:
There of course is the "Battery Mafia" which in itself is a fraturnity of loving souls......!!!!
A salt of the earth, is that battery (nonexistent criminal organization)
Chris, if you think the Mafia is a non existent criminal organisation you are very much mistaken.

Just ask the Russian people, who went from living under one form of tyranny to another. I am sure they could set you straight.


I guess I should’ve put a winking smiley on that one; perhaps the reference was too North American. The “nonexistent etc” is pretty much a direct quote from certain owners of New Jersey landscaping companies … landscaping being a favoured legit front for the Mediterranean variety of the “nonexistent etc” in that state. Very useful to have a business with a legitimate reason for digging holes :smiley:

#22

So which area are responsible for the cement overshoes ? I am intrigued by these connections .

Mike

#23
Mike Morgan said:
So which area are responsible for the cement overshoes ? I am intrigued by these connections .

Mike


Well, it is said that other branches of the hypothetical organization run construction businesses. Also garbage disposal.

My late father-in-law was a New York harbour pilot, and perforce acquainted with yet other “family” members who ran the docks. Charming people, he said, if you weren’t competing with them or otherwise getting in their way; a pilot coming ashore in the small hours would often be met by a limo that would take him back to the pilot office on Staten Island, no charge. “Good morning, cap’n (a proper title; all full pilots had masters tickets). Everything OK with you; no one giving you any trouble?” The implication about what might happen to “trouble” was clear to all involved.

He was a fascinating man. Irish, 5-foot-and-a-fraction, thin as a rail. In the days when he apprenticed “in the boats”, 80-odd years ago, it was still required that one go to sea under sail as part of the basic training, so he did his time before the mast on working tall ships.
Among other things, you also had to memorize every foot of the Hudson River from Sandy Hook, NJ, to Albany, NY, plus all the channels around NYC, and be prepared to draw an accurate chart on demand.
His moment of public glory came during a tugboat strike when he docked the QE by rudder and engines alone; nothing touched the dock until the mooring lines went down, quite an achievement in a tidal harbour with a powerful river current where the slips, at right angles to that current and the tidal flows, were barely wide enough to accommodate the big liners. Cunard commended him.
I admired him immensely.

#24

It was the “nonexistent landscaping and fishing organization” of the New Joisey waterfront who contacted their cousins back in Sicily to help out the Americans when they visited in 1943. It is said that the same courtesy was not shown to our gallant British allies, which is why Patton beat Monty to Palermo. :smiley:

#25
Hans-Joerg Mueller said:
Steve Featherkile said:
Welcome aboard, Dave.

You will sometimes need a thick skin, as some of us tend to speak what is on our minds, but don’t let that send you away as we all do rather respect eachother.

SteveF


Steve,

That’s reassuring. :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:

OTOH when I read certain military rants, I wonder which part of the mind was involved while they were written. :wink: :slight_smile: :smiley:


HJ, I am very passionate about the ideas in which I believe, as you no doubt have discerned. :smiley: Couple that with the fact that I enjoy a good argument (in the nicest sense of the word) and that has the makings of a good donnybrook! My lovely bride signed us up for a class at church. Those poor, smug, folks are still reeling from last nights discussion. After I got the majority to agree with me, I started arguing the other side of the question. My leg is still sore from where my lovely bride was slugging me!

Even though I may disagree with someone passionately, that does not mean that there are areas where we can agree. I try to treat everyone as I would like to be treated, with respect.

SteveF

#26

“Barracking” is Oz for what Americans call “Cheering” (or “Rooting”) for a team. And yes, that DOES involve stirring up the opposition if the opportunity presents itself!

Mike Morgan said:
Ric , I am sure that Tony could explain it better , because not living in Oz , I may miss a nuance . Basically , I think it means barracking (taking the mick out of) each other and the opposing team in order to support one's own team . Done properly , it is damn good fun . Tony ?

PS Dave H —see what an educashnul site yer joined , mate ?

#27

Now that’s what I call a grandfather story! I grew up in NYC, but spent most of my HS/college years in Esopus and Poughkeepsie, about 80 miles up the river. I know the Hudson Valley pretty well, but take my hat off with a sweeping bow to your grandfather.

Docking a big Cunard liner without tugs? The mind boggles!!!

Chris Vernell said:
Mike Morgan said:
So which area are responsible for the cement overshoes ? I am intrigued by these connections .

Mike


Well, it is said that other branches of the hypothetical organization run construction businesses. Also garbage disposal.

My late father-in-law was a New York harbour pilot, and perforce acquainted with yet other “family” members who ran the docks. Charming people, he said, if you weren’t competing with them or otherwise getting in their way; a pilot coming ashore in the small hours would often be met by a limo that would take him back to the pilot office on Staten Island, no charge. “Good morning, cap’n (a proper title; all full pilots had masters tickets). Everything OK with you; no one giving you any trouble?” The implication about what might happen to “trouble” was clear to all involved.

He was a fascinating man. Irish, 5-foot-and-a-fraction, thin as a rail. In the days when he apprenticed “in the boats”, 80-odd years ago, it was still required that one go to sea under sail as part of the basic training, so he did his time before the mast on working tall ships.
Among other things, you also had to memorize every foot of the Hudson River from Sandy Hook, NJ, to Albany, NY, plus all the channels around NYC, and be prepared to draw an accurate chart on demand.
His moment of public glory came during a tugboat strike when he docked the QE by rudder and engines alone; nothing touched the dock until the mooring lines went down, quite an achievement in a tidal harbour with a powerful river current where the slips, at right angles to that current and the tidal flows, were barely wide enough to accommodate the big liners. Cunard commended him.
I admired him immensely.

#28
Dave Healy said:
"Barracking" is Oz for what Americans call "Cheering" (or "Rooting") for a team. And yes, that DOES involve stirring up the opposition if the opportunity presents itself.
Thank you, Dave H., that eplanation I understand. Interesting that I have never thought of a missinterpretation of "rooting", until I read it in your response. So "Cheering", "Barracking", "Rooting" and "Micking" are all somewhat the same thing? Got it.
#29
Ric Golding said:
Dave Healy said:
"Barracking" is Oz for what Americans call "Cheering" (or "Rooting") for a team. And yes, that DOES involve stirring up the opposition if the opportunity presents itself.
Thank you, Dave H., that eplanation I understand. Interesting that I have never thought of a missinterpretation of "rooting", until I read it in your response. So "Cheering", "Barracking", "Rooting" and "Micking" are all somewhat the same thing? Got it.
The meaning of "rooting" changes drastically once in Oz. :D :D :D
#30
Dave Healy said:
Now that's what I call a grandfather story! I grew up in NYC, but spent most of my HS/college years in Esopus and Poughkeepsie, about 80 miles up the river. I know the Hudson Valley pretty well, but take my hat off with a sweeping bow to your grandfather.

Docking a big Cunard liner without tugs? The mind boggles!!!

Chris Vernell said:
My late father-in-law was a New York harbour pilot, ... His moment of public glory came during a tugboat strike when he docked the QE by rudder and engines alone; nothing touched the dock until the mooring lines went down, quite an achievement in a tidal harbour with a powerful river current where the slips, at right angles to that current and the tidal flows, were barely wide enough to accommodate the big liners. Cunard commended him. I admired him immensely.
That certainly was an accomplishment! The sail area on the QE is enormous!

Chris, do you remember if your grandfather ever mentioned how the wind and tide were setting? It takes 20 kts of wind to overcome one kt of current. I’ve put Navy cruisers alongside the pier, a much easier problem to solve, but still difficult. I cannot imagine doing so with the QE. I am humbled.

SteveF

#31
Steve Featherkile said:
Chris Vernell said:
My late father-in-law was a New York harbour pilot, ... His moment of public glory came during a tugboat strike when he docked the QE by rudder and engines alone
Chris, do you remember if your father-in-law ever mentioned how the wind and tide were setting? It takes 20 kts of wind to overcome one kt of current. I've put Navy cruisers alongside the pier, a much easier problem to solve, but still difficult. I cannot imagine doing so with the QE. I am humbled. SteveF
Alas, I cannot remember. He didn't make too much boast of it, but even his fellow pilots said few could have done as well. He was certainly canny and experienced enough to take full advantage of whatever help the wind, tides and river gave him. The real pigs, he said, were the big container ships, about as manoeuvrable as a brick wall.

Incidentally, one of his earlier sea stories was being involved, as junior crew, in the pilots’ attempt to help the Morro Castle, burning off Asbury Park, NJ.

#32

Welcome Dave.

There was another Large Scale chatter from Perth (or nearby) about 3 years ago.

The CFO and I have visited all of the East Coast of OZ having friends in Melbourne & Port Douglas, but the next trip is to the outback and Perth.

Tom Smith
aka LV_Tom

#33

Chris ,
I remember that incident very well .
The QE Captain was very complimentary at the time , and it made Pathe and Movietone news .

Mike

#34
Mike Morgan said:
... it made Pathe and Movietone news .

Mike


That takes me back a bit. Newsreels before the movies – much better than the crappy commercials and promos the theatres make us endure these days.

#35

G’day Dave.
Welcome to the madhouse.
Gentlemen, let’s have a little less talk of ‘rooting’ on this family board!
Yanks, suffice to say that if a cheer leader in Oz is rooting for the whole team she’s gonna get pretty sore & probably need a course of penicillin!

#36

Hey Tom!

When you visited Melbourne, did you get to go out on the coast road towards Apollo Bay? If not, grab the chance if it offers. A more spectacular seaside jaunt you can’t imagine!

“The outback” is most of this country, so you have lots of scope. Western Australia is about the same size as the US east of the Mississippi, and it has fewer people than Brooklyn. If you like elbow room, you’ll find it.

Let me know if and when you’re coming to Perth.

Just taking a break from cleaning tables. I was able to get my hands on seven very solid 5’ X 2.5’ tops. The steel frames and legs are a bit suspect, but nothing that can’t be fixed. These tables aren’t pretty, but they were free (I even got the loan of a truck to cart them away). The same people also let me have a swag of chipboard, scratched and damaged cover sheets from packs that are delivered to their workshop. Again, not pretty but free - and yes, they let me use the truck again!

Dave

#37

Dave,

I’ve had the opportunity to visit your fair city. While I was ship’s company, USS Vincennes made a port call to Freemantle and I took the train to Perth every day for the week we were there. I drank more than my share of your very fine Holy Water, Swann it is called, if I remember right, after that lovely little brook that runs through the middle of your wonderful city.

I’ve always wanted to return. Perhaps someday.

SteveF

Aside to my fellow Yanks… the Swann is a major river, similar in nature to the Columbia, well, maybe the Willamette, but a huge river. It’s a lot bigger than the San Diego River, or the Tijuana River. It’s even bigger than the Rio Hondo River! (The Department of Redundancy Department got a hold of that one. :smiley: )

#38

Welcome aboard Dave. So far I have gotten a real education about non RR related items. This is better than a history book. Later RJD

#39
Steve Featherkile said:
Dave,

I’ve had the opportunity to visit your fair city. While I was ship’s company, USS Vincennes made a port call to Freemantle and I took the train to Perth every day for the week we were there. I drank more than my share of your very fine Holy Water, Swann it is called, if I remember right, after that lovely little brook that runs through the middle of your wonderful city.

I’ve always wanted to return. Perhaps someday.

SteveF

Aside to my fellow Yanks… the Swann is a major river, similar in nature to the Columbia, well, maybe the Willamette, but a huge river. It’s a lot bigger than the San Diego River, or the Tijuana River. It’s even bigger than the Rio Hondo River! (The Department of Redundancy Department got a hold of that one. :smiley: )


Spent some time there myself in 1979…Skylab tried to land on us while on recce in the outback…The SAS Guys at Swanbourne were Great…I acquired a taste for Emu Beer up at the Exmouth Peninsula during the trip. I doubt if I will ever make it back, but it was great once.