Working for CSX Transportation (Railroad) at Russell Yard in Russell Kentucky as a carman/welder. As the rail cars come into the yard, Carmen inspect and repair Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and American Association of Railroads (AAR) safety and brake defects. We also perform air brake test to insure the brakes work on 100% of the cars departing the yard for other locations. Carman ensures rail cars are safe, and all components are working efficiently.
Other Comments:
I worked for the same railroad before my Air Force career, building and repairing rail cars at the Raceland Car Shops, from 1977 to 1982.
1984-1991, KC-135 Stratotanker
From Year 1984
To Year 1991
Personal Memories
Stationed at Offutt AFB, Ne. 55th Field Maintenance Squadron, Metals Technology Shop.
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KC-135 Stratotanker Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
The Boeing Company's model 367-80 was the basic design for the commercial 707 passenger plane as well as the KC-135A Stratotanker. In 1954 the Air Force purchased the first 29 of its future 732-plane fleet. The first aircraft flew in August 1956 and the initial production Stratotanker was delivered to Castle Air Force Base, Calif., in June 1957. The last KC-135 was delivered to the Air Force in 1965.
Of the original KC-135A's, more than 415 have been modified with new CFM-56 engines produced by CFM-International. The re-engined tanker, designated either the KC-135R or KC-135T, can offload 50 percent more fuel, is 25 percent more fuel efficient, costs 25 percent less to operate and is 96 percent quieter than the KC-135A.
Specifications StatsCentral Model Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker Length 136.25 ft | 41.53 m Width 130.84 ft | 39.88 m Height 41.67 ft | 12.70 m Engine(s) 4 x CFM F108 turbofan engines generating 22,000lbs of thrust each. Empty Weight 106,307 lbs | 48,220 kg MTOW 322,503 lbs | 146,285 kg Max Speed 610 mph | 982 km/h | 530 kts Max Range 2,880 miles | 4,635 km Ceiling 41,719 ft | 12,716 m | 7.9 miles Climb Rate 1,290 ft/min (393.2 m/min) Hardpoints 0 Armament None. Accommodations 3
