Hell on Wheels

[jbrock27]

I agree with that and dislike the nauseating overabundance of "reality" shows on TV now in general.

[GG1onFordsDTandI]

Ive got a 18yr old living here now, so I recently got cable again for the first time in 4 years. Still watch the local networks the most. What a waste of time and money. What a waste of train time, and train money.

[Doneldon]

Like so many others who have posted on the issue, I'm also disappointed with the History Channel now. I enjoy the occasional Pawn Stars or Pickers but the Mountain Men and Swamp People seem to e the same thing over and over so I don't watch them.

Roger: I think the alligator shooters are earning a living and reducing what must be perceived as an overabundance of crocodilians, so what they do is understandable, but I agree that showing shooting after shooting is borderline pornography. This is something I didn't know about, and I found it interesting for a show or two, but now it kind of sickens me so I don't watch.

H2 sometimes has some worthwhile historical material and so does the Military Channel. BBC America has worthwhile stuff from time to time. Mostly, though, I find myself discouraged about what's available on TV. It used to be that there was a great selection on the dish but now it's mostly junk. We find ourselves turning off the TV and going back to books more and more. Or wasting time on the Internet. (NB: that does NOT include this board which I enjoy a lot.)

                                                                                                                                                      -- D

[ebtnut]

It's eyes on the tube that sells advertising.  Pawn Stars, Pickers, Duck dudes, etc. bring viewers.  Trains, apparently, not so much. 

[jbrock27]

All true statements eb.

[Johnson Bar Jeff]

Mostly, though, I find myself discouraged about what's available on TV.

This is why I've spent the summer mostly watching 30-50-year-old programs on the "nostalgia" channels.

They say, "Everything old is new again," and for me that certainly applies to shows that aired so long ago I don't remember them (or, at least, particular episodes)--or programs that aired before I was born. 

[GG1onFordsDTandI]

I enjoy the occasional Pawn Stars    -- D

I saw one last night. While the "kid" was watching he called me over. A man had a rail inspection tool. It was two inline wheels on a about a 2ft frame, each wheel had an inside and outside flange for straddling a rail. There was a long handle for guiding while walking, and a mirror, mounted low off the side, angled to reveal the underside inside corner area of the rail, without kneeling down, face on the ballast. Before the x-ray checks, they would walk along, and visually inspect the rail for cracks. Once every 8 months was said to be the frequency of the visual checks. An interesting piece of equipment. The owner wanted $1500, got offered $50 , I think they are both nuts.   

[rogertra]

IIRC, the track inspection device is called a "Rail Inspection Walking Stick", modern ones are electronic and can scan for cracks and other defaults.

[jbrock27]

Anyone disappointed this is its final season?

[the Bach-man]

Hi. All,
I record Trains and Locomotives every week on RFDTV.
Always enjoyable!
Have fun!
the Bach-man

[Terry Toenges]

I'm disappointed. I wish Cullen would continue work for one of the railroads on TV. It's about the only show I really look forward to on TV.

[jbrock27]

Yep. One of the only 2 I will actually take time to watch, aside from sporting events.

[GN.2-6-8-0]

Yea, the History Channel is horrible now. Its the Pawn Stars channel now. What ever happened to Trains Unlimited ?

And way too many of these stupid "pickers' shows, shooting crocs shows (just cruelty) etc., etc..

speaking of picker shows saw one where now their running around people's yards with a metal detector and a garden shovel digging up treasures.......ahhhh jeeeeez!😂

[jbrock27]

Anyone else finding this final season to be less than stellar?

[Jhanecker2]

Newton  Minnow was correct  several decades ago when he said  of Television  " Vast cultural Wasteland "  .  It also applies  to most forms communication , a lot of noise  and little information  .   So Sad !!!  John 2 .