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Klipsch factory tours?


kenratboy

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John Warren... that is "way cool" indeed!

My favorite jet engine "factory" of sorts was the one on the former Kelly AFB in San Antonio, TX. It was a WWII innovation as a secure facility close by a hangar recently used for C5 maintenance... the perimeter of the hangar is one mile around... and there are no interior posts to obstruct the aircraft. Next to the C-5, the B-52's looked like stepchildren.

In the Vietnam War era, one could watch the parade of military and "bogus civil air carrier" CIA planes landing for routine maintenance. A "air base" down the road about 20 miles held part of our nuclear arsenal... so the area was additionally defended by yet another fighter/interceptor air base.

While the site of so many large aircraft in one hangar was breathtaking... the "factory" was even more so.

It was a large "U"-shaped building with five disassembly/assembly production lines handling five different kinds of jet engines. An "old" engine was put on the "un-production" end of the line and systematically disassembled.

Each old part was grouped with similar old parts and sent for inspection... to be discarded or refurbished to "like new" specs. At the end of the "old" line was a big vat like container built into the concrete floor. The last remaining part was then dipped into this vat of chemicals...

And, after a time, lifted out by overhead crane and placed at the head of the corresponding "new" production line. After inspection, a good base part was then moved down the line to have "new or newly refurbished" parts bolted on.

Each of the stations on the line was connected by computer to hanging baskets high in the rafters. A few minutes before a particular set of parts was needed, a computer generated request was sent and the computer would route one of these hanging baskets toward that particular station... and the basket would drop down with just the right parts at just the right time.

At the end of the line, transportation was waiting to bring the "new" engine to an aircraft on the base that needed one. Parts too worn to be refurbished were recycled.

I am no stranger to production lines... I worked on one as a 16 yr. old kid (in a unionized brewery!) to begin my road to financial independence... and as a paid consultant to improve client production line facilities as an adult. But this particular "factory" was the best example of the government getting it right that I have ever seen.

Sadly, in the days when I toured the installation as a VIP, taking photos was not allowed. On the same excursion, we were taken aboard a C-5A... a magnificent aircraft... but that's another story...

Oh, and if you like vintage aircraft, engine displays, memorabilia, etc., and would like to see what an independent group of volunteers can do... Check out the Vintage Flying Museum adjacent to Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth, Texas. You won't be disappointed! cwm32.gif -HornEd

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Tom, I do have to say that is the American dream indeed. Security, a good salary, good retirement, and, well, the one that gets me, "a sence of pride in the trade (Yes or no)?" I will have to admit, if I was in a position to join a GOOD union and have a better life than non-union, I would definatly carry the card.

John Warren:

Come on, lets here it. Which company? Where is it? Is your job involve a mop or air-impact wrench? I want to know NOW!!!

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Receiver: Sony STR-DE675

CD player: Sony CDP-CX300

Turntable: Technics SL-J3 with Audio-Technica TR485U

Speakers: JBL HLS-610

Subwoofer: JBL 4648A-8

Sub amp: Parts Express 180 watt

Center/surrounds: Teac 3-way bookshelfs

Yes, it sucks, but better to come. KLIPSCH soon! My computer is better than my stereo!

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Ohhhh, sounds like a lot of math. Me like math. 1+1=2. Sounds like a fun job.

------------------

Receiver: Sony STR-DE675

CD player: Sony CDP-CX300

Turntable: Technics SL-J3 with Audio-Technica TR485U

Speakers: JBL HLS-610

Subwoofer: JBL 4648A-8

Sub amp: Parts Express 180 watt

Center/surrounds: Teac 3-way bookshelfs

Yes, it sucks, but better to come. KLIPSCH soon! My computer is better than my stereo!

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Forrest---I've worked for GE (MCIS and APM) several times. They're a good outfit to work for, they leave the Boilermakers alone and we pretty much run the work ourselves. They back you up with the money and tools you need, you say you need a Manitowac Triple-8 they get one. Conditions were always good and the checks cashed. I made lots of money working for GE, I like them. Hate to not behave as you predicted.

This message has been edited by TBrennan on 03-23-2002 at 09:35 AM

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Tom: Manitowac is nice stuff. I have seen one in Reno putting neon signs onto a casino (excuse the stereotype!), I don't think I could get a crane truck in my garage, though Smile.gif. I also like the Oshkosh airport firefighting trucks. I would be uncomforatable driving a $1-2 million truck. At least they are harder to break than a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost ($10,000,000+) My dad used to be a airport firefighter and used to drive the big firefighting trucks. It was fun getting a ride on them. Making a 80,000 pound truck go 65 MPH is fun!!!

Do you work/install BIG boilers or smaller ones, or all types? I remember, in Middle school, the boiler ALWAYS broke (once a wook, if we were lucky), I have no idea who was responcible for the thing.

------------------

Receiver: Sony STR-DE675

CD player: Sony CDP-CX300

Turntable: Technics SL-J3 with Audio-Technica TR485U

Speakers: JBL HLS-610

Subwoofer: JBL 4648A-8

Sub amp: Parts Express 180 watt

Center/surrounds: Teac 3-way bookshelfs

Yes, it sucks, but better to come. KLIPSCH soon! My computer is better than my stereo!

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