#Diesel Engine Protection

[doxalubes]

Maximize Your Engine's Performance with Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil

When it comes to diesel engine maintenance, choosing the right oil is crucial. Whether you’re operating a heavy-duty truck, construction equipment, or a passenger diesel vehicle, Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil is the premium choice for ensuring your engine performs at its best. Its advanced formula offers superior protection, improved fuel efficiency, and extended engine life compared to conventional oils.

What Is Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil?

Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil is a high-performance lubricant specifically engineered for diesel engines. Unlike conventional oils, it’s made with synthetic base stocks and advanced additives, providing superior protection under extreme temperatures and heavy loads.

The 15w40 viscosity ensures versatility, delivering excellent lubrication at both low and high temperatures. This makes it the perfect choice for diesel engines operating in a variety of conditions, from long hauls on the highway to demanding off-road applications.

Key Benefits of Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil

Why should you switch to Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil? Here are the standout advantages:

Enhanced Engine Protection Full synthetic oil minimizes wear and tear on critical engine components by reducing friction. Its advanced formulation prevents sludge and deposit buildup, ensuring your engine remains clean and efficient.

Superior Temperature Performance Whether it’s a freezing winter morning or a scorching summer day, Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil maintains its viscosity and delivers consistent performance. This ensures your engine starts smoothly and operates reliably in all climates.

Extended Oil Change Intervals With its superior stability and resistance to breakdown, this oil allows for longer intervals between changes, saving you time and money on maintenance.

Improved Fuel Efficiency By reducing internal friction, Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil helps your engine operate more efficiently, leading to better fuel economy.

Compatibility with Modern Diesel Engines This oil is ideal for both older and newer diesel engines, meeting the stringent demands of modern emission control systems like diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems.

Why Choose Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil?

Diesel engines are built to handle heavy loads and tough conditions, but they also require a lubricant that can match their performance demands. Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil is specifically formulated to handle the challenges of high-pressure diesel engines, providing the protection and efficiency they need to perform at their peak.

By investing in this premium oil, you’re not just ensuring better performance—you’re extending the lifespan of your engine and reducing costly repairs.

Tips for Using Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil

To get the most out of your oil, follow these tips:

Follow Manufacturer Recommendations: Always check your engine manual to ensure compatibility with synthetic 15w40 diesel oil.

Regularly Monitor Oil Levels: Maintain proper oil levels to prevent engine wear and overheating.

Schedule Oil Changes: Stick to recommended oil change intervals to keep your engine in top condition.

Where to Buy Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil

Ready to give your diesel engine the best possible care? Visit Doxa Lubes to purchase Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil. With its advanced formula and unbeatable performance, it’s the ultimate choice for protecting your engine and maximizing its efficiency.

Conclusion

Your diesel engine deserves the best, and Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil delivers just that. With its superior protection, enhanced fuel economy, and extended oil change intervals, it’s a smart investment for anyone who relies on their diesel-powered vehicle.

Make the switch today and experience the difference of premium synthetic oil.

Explore more and order now: Full Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil

[bluechemaustralia]

Enhance Engine Performance with BLUECHEM Diesel Power Additives

In the world of diesel engines, performance is paramount. Whether you're powering through long-haul journeys or tackling tough terrain, you need your engine to deliver optimal power and efficiency every time. That's where BLUECHEM Diesel Power Additives come in - specially formulated to elevate your engine's performance to new heights.

Unlocking the Potential:

BLUECHEM Diesel Power Additives are engineered to unleash the full potential of your diesel engine. Designed with cutting-edge technology and decades of expertise, these additives target key areas of engine performance to ensure smoother operation, increased power, and improved fuel efficiency.

Boosting Cetane Levels:

One of the primary functions of BLUECHEM Diesel Power Additives is to boost cetane levels in your fuel. Cetane is a measure of a diesel fuel's ignition quality, with higher cetane numbers indicating better combustion efficiency. By increasing cetane levels, these additives promote quicker and more complete fuel ignition, resulting in improved engine performance, reduced emissions, and smoother starts, especially in cold weather conditions.

Cleaning and Protecting Critical Components:

In addition to enhancing combustion efficiency, BLUECHEM Diesel Power Additives also clean and protect critical engine components. Over time, diesel engines can accumulate deposits of carbon, varnish, and other contaminants, which can hinder performance and lead to costly repairs. These additives work to dissolve and remove these deposits, restoring engine cleanliness and efficiency while providing ongoing protection against future buildup.

Achieving Peak Performance:

Whether you're a fleet manager looking to optimize fuel economy across your vehicles or a diesel enthusiast seeking to maximize performance in your personal vehicle, BLUECHEM Diesel Power Additives offer a simple and effective solution. With regular use, you can achieve peak engine performance, prolong engine life, and enjoy a smoother, more responsive driving experience mile after mile.

Experience the Difference Today:

Ready to take your diesel engine to the next level? Experience the difference with BLUECHEM Diesel Power Additives. With their proven track record of excellence and commitment to innovation, you can trust BLUECHEM to deliver results you can rely on. Unlock the full potential of your diesel engine and enjoy a smoother, more efficient ride with BLUECHEM Diesel Power Additives.

Contact- Web - https://www.bluechemaustralia.com.au/diesel-power-additive/ Mail - info@bluechemaustralia.com.au Ph - 0498 880 115 Address - UNIT 4, 63 Brunel Rd, Seaford VIC 3198, AU

[batboyblog]

Things the Biden-Harris Administration Did This Week #38

Oct 11-18 2024

President Biden announced that this Administration had forgiven the student loan debt of 1 million public sector workers. The cancellation of the student loan debts of 60,000 teachers, firefighters, EMTs, nurses and other public sector workers brings the total number of people who's debts have been erased by the Biden-Harris Administration using the Public Service Loan Forgiveness to 1 million. the PSLF was passed in 2007 but before President Biden took office only 7,000 people had ever had their debts forgiven through it. The Biden-Harris team have through different programs managed to bring debt relief to 5 million Americans and counting despite on going legal fights against Republican state Attorneys General.

The Federal Trade Commission finalizes its "one-click to cancel" rule. The new rule requires businesses to make it as easy to cancel a subscription as it was to sign up for it. It also requires more up front information to be shared before offering billing information.

The Department of Transportation announced that since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration there are 1.7 million more construction and manufacturing jobs and 700,000 more jobs in the transportation sector. There are now 400,000 more union workers than in 2021. 60,000 Infrastructure projects across the nation have been funded by the Biden-Harris Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Under this Administration 16 million jobs have been added, including 1.7 construction and manufacturing jobs, construction employment is the highest ever recorded since records started in 1939. 172,000 manufacturing jobs were lost during the Trump administration.

The Department of Energy announced $2 billion to protect the U.S. power grid against growing threats of extreme weather. This money will go to 38 projects across 42 states and Washington DC. It'll upgrade nearly 1,000 miles worth of transmission lines. The upgrades will allow 7.5 gigawatts of new grid capacity while also generating new union jobs across the country.

The EPA announced $125 million to help upgrade older diesel engines to low or zero-emission solutions. The EPA has selected 70 projects to use the funds on. They range from replacing school buses, to port equipment, to construction equipment. More than half of the selected projects will be replacing equipment with zero-emissions, such as all electric school buses.

The Department of The Interior and State of California broke ground on the Salton Sea Species Conservation Habitat Project. The Salton Sea is California's largest lake at over 300 miles of Surface area. An earlier project worked to conserve and restore shallow water habitats in over 4,000 acres on the southern end of the lake, this week over 700 acres were added bring the total to 5,000 acres of protected land. The Biden-Harris Administration is investing $250 million in the project along side California's $500 million. Part of the Administration's effort to restore wild life habitat and protect water resources.

The Department of Energy announced $900 Million in investment in next generation nuclear power. The money will help the development of Generation III+ Light-Water Small Modular Reactors, smaller lighter reactors which in theory should be easier to deploy. DoE estimates the U.S. will need approximately 700-900 GW of additional clean, firm power generation capacity to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Currently half of America's clean energy comes from nuclear power, so lengthening the life space of current nuclear reactors and exploring the next generation is key to fighting climate change.

The federal government took two big steps to increase the rights of Alaska natives. The Departments of The Interior and Agricultural finalized an agreement to strengthen Alaska Tribal representation on the Federal Subsistence Board. The FSB oversees fish and wildlife resources for subsistence purposes on federal lands and waters in Alaska. The changes add 3 new members to the board appointed by the Alaska Native Tribes, as well as requiring the board's chair to have experience with Alaska rural subsistence. The Department of The Interior also signed 3 landmark co-stewardship agreements with Alaska Native Tribes.

The Department of Energy announced $860 million to help support solar energy in Puerto Rico. The project will remove 2.7 million tons of CO2 per year, or about the same as taking 533,000 cars off the road. It serves as an important step on the path to getting Puerto Rico to 100% renewable by 2050.

The Department of the Interior announced a major step forward in geothermal energy on public lands. The DoI announced it had approved the Fervo Cape Geothermal Power Project in Beaver County, Utah. When finished it'll generate 2 gigawatts of power, enough for 2 million homes. The BLM has now green lit 32 gigawatts of clean energy projects on public lands. A major step toward the Biden-Harris Administration's goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035.

Bonus: President Biden meets with a Kindergarten Teacher who's student loans were forgiven this week

[chipsarescran]

Okay so due to me having constant arguments with myself while writing Starlight Express fanfiction, also after reading it and reading other people’s interpretation of the humanoid versions of these trains.

I’ve decided to explain in my terms, for people who may read my fanfiction when I’ve put it up on how these trains actually work while not actually being physical trains. (After long and extensive research, I have an essay due)

Also sfw! You freaks…

So, to start off trains actually do have skin it’s actually in the costume design for the many Greaseballs of the original productions and Bochum (we’re going to get to Wembley in the minute!), here is where in the “context of starlight express” Greaseball had his bare skin (this applies to other trains too.)

The red arrows point out his “bare skin” which dictates yes, they have bare skin. Again in the sense that trains actually have metal and probably wouldn’t have skin? But in most fanfiction like mine, I ignore this and again just give them human like skin. But in reality their skin should be a silver.

The actual inner workings!

So, they also have a chassis (sort of think of metal ribs in this context) that shields their engine (we’re specifically talking about engines here) and pistons, plus wiring from damage from work, races etc. If this gets ripped or torn, it can mean damages to their definition of their insides.

Coache and Freight chassis’ protect their oil tanks (essentially the heart) and their wires. Which is just as essential as protecting an engines engine.

In the heart area, an oil tank is in its place which can be refilled at the back of the train, coach or freight. The oil and coolant generate around the body through the wiring and to the pistons to make the train work like clockwork.

They then have a built in radio which has a dial that can be used to tune to radio channels and stations, yards, other trains etc. The speaker is just in the middle of their upper chest. (As I’ve mentioned before in my cute little GreaseDinah hcs)

Also small add, on their lower backs usually on the right there’s a panel that has a switch to turn the engine off. It doesn’t really mean anything, except deceleration, it’s usually used in situations like an engine being a danger and needing to be turned off or something.

Digestion

It’s an avid headcanon Greaseball doesn’t have anything if it’s not diesel, which to be fair trains that are diesel powered wouldn’t run like they do without it. So her diet has to consist of diesel constantly, but she can eat food like many trains can.

Steam trains don’t eat without coal but they’re foodies at heart loving hot meals, so it would make sense their many meals consist of coal sides. (A favourite headcanon of mine is that Rusty drinks coal beer which leaves him with an ash type moustache)

Electric trains don’t eat, they don’t require any type of fuel. They spend most of their time charging. (Dinah became terribly upset at this due to her love language being baking for others)

Coaches and freight kind of eat what they want usually, but sometime depending on who they’re coupled up with and powered by they’ll eat a similar diet to their engine. This is seen when Dinah is coupled with Greaseball, she’s more likely to eat diesel dishes, while Pearl practically ate nothing in her time being behind Electra. (This is due to passenger carriages and freight trucks being powered by the locomotives that pushes them to their destination)

The wheels

So due to the whole roller skate fiasco that is Starlight Express, it is hard to describe what they are like when they’re moving around while speaking in the context of a train.

So you have the axle, which is the like the main body of foot of the rollerskate and then the wheels which are essentially like the toes of these humanoid trains. It’s like an amputation to get rid of a wheel for a train.

(I have a headcanon that they can remove their axles but it can make them vulnerable and uncomfortable, so it’s not often you’d find a train without it)

“Plates”

In the productions before Wembley it’s actually seen that many characters wear casual attire while in the yard and they do, even some characters like the coaches for example wear normal clothing.

But on top of their already rough inner interior to prevent injury during work and races, they’re made wear two separate type of “plates.”

The racing plates are put over their chassis, shoulders, legs and a helmet is put on their head. These plates which are just extra metal, is to prevent injury especially around the chassis area which holds a trains insides essentially. (Think of what the characters in Wembley wear, including the other racing packs from other productions.)

The working plates are essentially the same, but they have things such as thermal heating for longer and colder journeys, they’re heavier and less breathable t than racing plates due to mostly being used for hard labour. Engines have thicker versions of these plates, while Coaches and Freights have lighter ones. (They also don’t have any colour, much to Greaseball’s dismay.)

This is kind of more for me when I’m writing but you can have a sconce too 🙏 (please correct me on any wrong information about trains, I’ve been doing sm research sometimes it can get lost)

[locomotive-paws]

Monster Engines

Finally developing my own style for monster engines. First up Steamies:

Steamies I based on cat/dragon.

Diet: Coal and carrion/ carnivores, may some vegetables.

Fur: Upper legs have long fur, lower legs soft velvet fur. Face fur will vary by regional origin. Tender engines have tufted tails.

Other: Steamies can breathe fire to protect them. They have very cat like behaviors, including liking to be clean and a strong dislike of rain.

Diesels:

Diesels I based on dog/feathered dinosaurs/dragon.

Diet: Diesel oil and seafood. Will eat any high oil fruits and vegetables also. Nuts/seeds are always a treat.

Feathers: body and legs covered in fluffy protofeathers, tails and legs will have primary feathers. Oil glands coat feathers to make them water resistant.

Shunting: Legs are strong and have boney plates to protect them from unruly trucks. Tails are shorter with less feathers.

Mixed Traffic/Express: Thinner legs with more feathers. Tails are fully feathered and the length of the body. Tails are used for protection from the weather.

Express: Males have retractable dewclaws on back legs for protection.

These are just my development sketches. Big thanks to these inspiring artists:

@thefluffyrailway-official

@steam-beasts

@superarti

[railfangxy]

The Embodiment of Streamline Moderne

Most steam streamliners have shrouds to bring the engine into a Moderne style. Be that styling the engine to look as new as its consist does on the inside, OR embracing a look that borrows from contemporary diesel power.

Seems the Pennsylvania Railroad T1's were the exact opposite, at least at first. A futuristic design concept by Raymond Loewy was adapted to fit the outline of a steam engine

Just look between these two and the resemblance is clear

The T1's are already fairly modern machines as far as steam locomotives go. True, they are reciprocating machines so they still use cylinders and rods compared to individual steam motors, or a steam turbine drive. However, there's two or three aspects about them to complement their forward styling.

First is the duplex drive. The concept was to create a locomotive that was easier on the track at higher speeds by splitting up the driving wheels. More cylinders are needed, but the actual reciprocating mass is reduced. The T1's weren't the first iterations of this, on or off their home railroad, but they came with something else.

Second is poppet valves; more familiar with stationary steam engines, and persist today in internal combustion engines. Compared to piston valves, poppets allow for more precise timing of admission and exhaust to the cylinder, thus more power can be obtained. Poppet valves were tried a few times in the US in the 20s, and saw use elsewhere, but almost nothing like what the T1's had

Lastly is the Franklin System of Steam Distribution. This is a form of valve gear, large based on Lentz gear as it uses oscillation cams and has valves positions more like a piston. However, there's multiple sets of these valves, and the actual reciporicating mass is miniaturized and housed in a gearbox casing. In addition to the slight power boost offered by poppet valves, this further reduction of weight means the engine puts less energy into moving itself compared to its train. In addition, this protected the motion and meant maintenance requirements were actually lower compared to conventional valve gear.

If you know anything about the T1 that last part may sound odd, but the first engine to use the Franklin system did indeed require less maintenance than others in its division. The streamlining made access tricky, but it was really a problem when it came to making repairs not general maintenance.

All this and more set the T1 apart from anything that came before, or really since. It's only fitting they look the part of being a vision of the future. Just had no idea where the styling originated for them to look so much more modern on the outside, when they were already steps forward on the inside.

The best part about the iconic profile is that it never really left. I don't just mean the later T1's or the similar looking diesels. The prototype T1's kept the Loewy influence up front right til the end. Just iconic

[greatwesternway]

Thomas and Friends S13E03 "Tickled Pink"

You forgot "Tickled Pink" was this early in the CGI era, didn't you? Third episode in and we've already got an episode most people remember and like.

So aside from an oft repeated and rephrased comment that made me harrumph enough to do this in the first place ("The CGI sucks"), another reason I wanted to do these is because Tug's recap of Season 13 also just came out and he claimed to have so little to say about it that he had to fill the last ten minutes of his video with some unpleasant skit where one of his friends resentfully shouts through a door about having to talk about this season.

But one of the few things Tug did find to say I quite agree with!

The exposition of the episode involves James being told to go get repainted, being sanded down, and then given a protective pink undercoating to keep water out.

This is a sort of practical train maintenance and operations detail that we don't see so much of in a story at this point, but we're not just painting James in bee stripes because Percy decided so this is a stark improvement. There is an actual reason to paint James pink like this and they explain that purpose to you. They also bring this detail back in The Adventure Begins.

The great strength - and great irony - of Thomas and Friends is that aside from the talking trains with faces, the original books and most of the best parts of the show are very much grounded in reality. The show does forget this sometimes, but we generally all like it best when the trains are busy, are observing correct railway procedures, and no one is giving an engine too much human responsibility.

So yeah, James gets painted pink for a very serious and non-silly reason.

But before he can be given his proper top coat of red paint, Sir Topham Hatt shows up and says James must fill in for Emily at the last minute and take his granddaughter and her friends to a birthday party. Kind of silly allocation of resources, but this is also the cotton candy economy.

James is a fragile and sensitive little train though. When he encounters Emily in the siding at the junction, she laughs at his pink paint. He caint let that stand so he resolves not to let anyone else see him in the stupid outfit his mom Sir Topham Hatt made him wear.

But Sodor Karma is a fickle mistress and though James didn't actually do anything wrong yet, his decision to hide from other engines risks his being late and so must be severely discouraged.

First he happens upon Toby coming in the opposite direction and hides under the branches of a weeping willow tree. But Gordon also comes rushing by and blows all the branches about, revealing James to Toby, who obviously laughs.

Then James happens on Diesel who's shunting a bunch of trucks about. James hides behind some of them, but Diesel - fastest shunter on the roster - cleans the yard out only too quickly.

You know what though? Of all the engines who have and will laugh at James today, Diesel was actually the most restrained about it. "You're a big pink steamie!" and then, like, a second and half of "heheh". Not a mirthful guffaw, not a prolonged chuckle. Barely even a remark upon a such novel sighting.

But somehow Diesel was worst of all. Hmm.

Now James really is almost late so he decides to take a shortcut through a tunnel. Fine and well, except Gordon then approaches... from the same direction that he approached from before? Seems logistically wrong, but whatev.

James pulls back into the tunnel to hide so Gordon won't see, but Gordon's on the same track as James. Luckily, Detective Gordon saw James' steam billowing out before he just charged into him. Gordon demands that James come out because he's holding up the express, but James just backs in deeper.

Then Thomas and Percy show up and now the conversation sounds like someone locked themselves into the only bathroom in the office. Remember Salaryman Thomas? This is like if you crossed that with the set piece from The Simpsons' episode "Stark Raving Dad" where Homer had to go to work in a shirt that had been dyed pink in the wash.

Anyway, James rationalizes that now he's making everyone late, including the children, so he nuts up and leaves the tunnel. Percy, Gordon, and Thomas all laugh heartily at him and it's bad but somehow not as bad as Diesel.

But now he ain't got no time to ruminate on that 'cause damn it, those children need to get to the party! He meets Spencer and Henry along the way, who also laugh at him but even though that's embarrassing, James has committed not to let it stop him.

What's interesting here is, he hasn't committed to not care that other engines are laughing. He very much does care that he looks silly. He's just not letting it stop him from working. That is a great life lesson. Sometimes you can't not care, but that's okay. Sometimes you feel the way you feel and sometimes you can't set it aside, but you still have to finish the job you're doing.

As the ancient Project Runway wisdom goes, "You better cry and cut."

And James does! Although he has one last point of hesitation because he's worried the children will laugh at him, he arrives to pick up the children on time.

What he finds is that not only do the children not laugh (they're all girls which was a fact carefully hidden until this point), but Sir Topham Hatt's granddaughter is delighted that James is pink. It's her favorite color and the party is pink themed.

Even at that age, she must know enough about trains to realize how special it is for an engine to dress on theme for a party.

The moral of the story is sometimes your mom is going to send you to school in an outfit she thinks is just darling but that is definitely gonna get you picked on today. You're allowed to hate it, but you still have to go to class and for what it worth, you probably do look darling.

[khaohomies]

Some more ttte ocs!!! 😁😁😁

(I didn't know diesel locomtive's wheels would be that hard to draw)

Some extra lores under the cut! V

Roland "Roland King" LMS Kitson 0-3-0ST

Roland is a hard worker since day one! Despite him being a small shunter, never underestimate his size! He might not be as strong as the other engines but he has a heart of a lion. He is not afraid of picking fight with anyone who have conflict with him or his friends. But being tougher than your real strength can have it downfall sometime. Losing his peers to modernization and dieselization, having Madeleine and Archibald being the few still standing by his sides. Roland is highly protective of them. He's willing to ignore and look past all of their flaws and throw hands with anyone who disagree.

Honeybee and Cooper are the first diesels he fully open up with, eventually becoming friends outside of his own little circle.

He's that one aggressive short friend

100% will help you bury a body and tell no one

Dandy "Dalan 'Dandy' Robinson" BR Class 52

A goody two shoes one might say. Dandy is a perfectionist. He absolutely want things to go smoothly always. Unlike Shepherd who do it out of his own bossiness, Dandy do it out of pure fear, the fear of getting scrap like his sibilings and other engines. This boy feel the NEED the impress people, he need to show his worthiness to stay, He want the others to thing he's perfect both mentally and mechanically and there's nothing that could go wrong with him!(Oh how wrong he was) Leading him to often push himself beyond his limit. This combinded with the flaws of the class 52 caused him to breakdown sometime, leaving him distressed.

He have sight problem, His old crews somehow managed to convinced the higher up to install glasses on him

Point out any of his flaws and he'll think about it for the next 3 weeks

Madeleine "Mary Rosalie Sabilline" L&YR Hughes 4-6-4T

The most sensible and open minded of the steam trio. She's often one of the few voices of reason on their railway beside Hila, the first diesel she fully open up to(YURI ALERT!!!) The only thing that hold her back from solving the conflict is her insecurity. She's very wary of how the others think of her, especially her best mates, Roland and Archibald. Because of this she's very careful with her usage of words and how she spoke with the other engines, she doesn't want to upset anyone afterall!

Want to keep Roland and Archibald from doing stupid shit but scared it might damage their friendships

Hila helped her become more confidence

ERMM, I THINK THAT'S ALL FOR NOW!!

[reasonsforhope]

"These frozen smoke belchers are Minnesota school buses that were set for a retrofit with diesel engines in 2012. New evidence, however, from a small town in Colorado suggests that another retrofit is needed—to electric motors and batteries.

That’s because the West Grand School District is finding that in the frigid winter temps of -30°F, their electric buses outperformed their diesel-powered ones, both in running costs and reliability.

EV skeptics and critics are quick to mention the reduced range of a battery pack when exposed to such brutal temperatures, but no Minnesotan or Coloradoan needs reminding about those especially cold mornings when the car won’t start.

Kremmling Colorado is one of the coldest towns in the country, and the school district that encompasses this hamlet of 1,500 people was able to begin using an electric bus in their fleet starting in 2020 thanks to grants from the EPA, along with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

“What we are seeing is that these buses are doing great in cold weather they still maintain a battery charge even when it’s cold,” said Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) representative, Casey Becker.

OTHER EV NEWS: Number of Electric School Buses More than Doubled in the U.S. in Past Year

“It averages 26 cents per mile and the diesel buses, just for fuel not including oil changes, filters, lubes, is 58 cents per mile,” said West Grand County School District Director of Transportation, Bethany Aurin.

Becker told Fox 9 News [Note: Video at link!] that there will be a total of 49 electric school buses heading to nine Colorado School Districts, including four in Summit County and three in Steamboat Springs."

-via Good News Network, March 5, 2024

[luciacaminoz]

GIVE US DA RYAN DEETZ!!!!!!! pls and thank u <3

i went crazy w this forgive me but it was so fun once i started LMAO

CODEX ENTRY:

Ryan Donahue

Bail Bond Enforcer

Name: Ryan Michael Donahue

Aliases: “Montana” (Cartel & Bounty Hunter associates), “Sharkbait” (Miami repo circuit), “Saint Gringo” (affectionately—Mrs. Gutierrez, 68, his widowed hallway neighbor and pseudo-abuela that he’ll repair anything and everything for, free of charge and at the drop of her oversized sunhat)

Birthdate: March 14th, 1990 (Pisces sun, Taurus moon, Sagittarius rising) | (meets Sol in 2017 at the bar Cactus Moon, the AU is set 8 months later in 2018 so he’s just turned 28 when they reunite at Club E11EVEN.)

Height: 6’3 | Weight: 210 lbs (8% body fat)

Nationality: American (Montana-born, Florida-raised)

Affiliation: Independent Contractor (bail bonds, repossession, occasional problem-solving for organized-crime-adjacent clients)

PHYSICAL PROFILE:

Appearance: Caucasian, eternal tan-lines, dirty blond hair (buzzcut fade in 2017, grown-out more by 2018), light stubble, dark blue/gray eyes

Build: NFL Tight End meets Carpentry Jesus — broad shoulders, tapered waist, legs thick from hauling ass.

Maintains physique via manual labor and gym rat habits, dawn weightlifting (235lb bench, 485lb deadlift), weekend MMA sparring with The Boys, and dragging dickheads out of McMansions and meth labs.

Distinguishing Marks/Features:

Medium-sized birthmark on his right shoulder blade

Prowling Tiger backpiece (Japanese traditional/irezumi, 18hrs, Miami Ink, 25th Birthday)

“LIVE FREE” knuckle tattoos (at 20, just ‘cause)

Regrettable star tramp stamp (blackout during Spring Break, Key West ‘07). (Also almost got his grandad’s rodeo belt buckle tattooed: “Giddy Up or Giddy Gone”.)

Scars:

Faint knife slash along ribs on his left side (bar fight)

Burn mark on his left palm (welding accident at 16)

Faded .22 graze above his right knee from Miami PD ‘friendly fire’

Scent: Coppertone sunscreen, Dial Spring Water soap, Cuban espresso; sawdust and gun oil occasionally.

Blood Profile: tastes like sea salt, cedar smoke, a 90-proof shot, the tiniest hint of caramel

Style: Just Some Guy ™️ mixed with Florida Man Drip ™️ and a little athleisure — tank tops, unbuttoned tropical camp shirts, slim-fit henleys with the sleeves rolled. Jeans, sweatpants, board shorts. Dressed up: short-sleeved dress shirts and Cuban-collar linen in solid-colors (creams, bourbons, navies, as well as pastels), silver pinky ring (grandad’s)—he has literally never gotten more formal than that…

Voice: Baritone drawl (Montana gravel honeyed with half a life spent in Miami), laughs like a diesel engine turning over

Language(s): English, kitchen-table Spanish (bad pronunciation always to Mrs. G’s and Sol’s amusements)

BACKGROUND (Lite):

Born in Butte, MT, to a roofer dad and ER nurse mom. Has a sister 4 years older, Lisa. Spent summers on grandad Frank’s ranch mending fences, tracking elk, learning to spot rattlesnakes by sound. Family moved to Miami after dad’s death (‘99) and mom remarried (‘01). HATED the city until he discovered his love for the ocean.

Dropped out of FSU Marine Bio program when mom got sick after her divorce. Fell into repo work to help pay chemo bills, found he had a knack for persuasion. Has twin nieces—Lisa had baby girls Elle and Frankie in 2014.

Collects vintage bottle openers and plays Animal Crossing: New Horizons to unwind

PERSONALITY & PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT (Lite):

Enneagram: Type 8, bounces between 8w7 and 8w9

Symptoms of Mild OCD

Core Fear: Helplessness

Core Desire: Autonomy

Fatal Flaw: Assuming everyone is as straightforward as him

MBTI: ISTP (The Virtuoso). Tries to fix what’s broken while ignoring what’s making things complicated

Defining Traits:

Preternatural Calm (BP stays 120/80 even evading gunfire)

Moral Flexibility (steals from criminals, lies to cops… repos yachts, not souls—but hey, if the cash is REALLY good…)

Protective Without Paternalism (you’re a grown ass woman Sol for fuck’s sake act like it)

Sunset Nostalgia (prone to unprompted childhood stories, buying overpriced cowboy boots and expensive artisanal coffee grounds for Mrs. G, FaceTiming his sister’s kids)

Resilience (survives Sol accidentally over-feeding with only mild anemia and a request for Waffle House)

Sunburn (Celtic genes + Miami UV = often in Lobster-mode)

SKILLSET & MISC:

Combat: Krav Maga basics, Dirty Boxing (street rules), Expert Marksman (Glock 19, sawed-off Mossberg)

Mechanical: Rudimentary engine repair and maintenance, hotwiring (down to 13.2 secs avg) (Sol is 8.3 when he tests her. Girl was born in the garage what do you expect)

Wilderness: Tracking, decent survivalist camping (though would be incredibly rusty), fly-fishing (GRAMPS)

Digital Footprint: Instagram (@ryan.donahue, 3,284 followers. Posts: sunsets over Biscayne Bay, his nights out with The Boys, an octopus called Dale that was found in the glove compartment of a repo’d Lamborghini Aventador in 2016.)

Safehouse: 1 bed condo in Little Havana. Bachelor pad IKEA minimalism, some nautical kitsch.

service top

[unknowns-musical]

Okay, starting off this is gonna be my little brain dump for how I think the trains are made in this universe. So, prepare for a lot of text and silly scribbles. If you make it to the end, I'm gonna explain why I first came up with this idea and that it links to Hermes and his past.

To start off with, the trains are toys they can't be born but made. Even as toys, Control sees them as real trains/people, meaning that they have to be made in his world and not just in the real world as their toy forms. But, since he sees them as people that also means they can age and I do believe this is a thing considering Momma, Poppa and og Belle are older than the rest of them, and have a history from when they were younger. If any of you know transformers, I'm basically gonna describe cold constructs in my way.

The first step is to make a base form of what kind of engine or car you want. A simple frame work that contains their internal structure that holds their power source and lets them keep their form. In a way like their version of a skeleton, organs and muscles. You want to make an engine? Their chest would contain the engine part, and the rest is spread out under their "skin". For a freight or coach? They still have a power source, only it's smaller as to make room for their original purpose to hold/carry things or people in their chest cavities.

This is just a rough idea of what they would look like in my head. Kinda like a puppet, a basic form that can be changed and molded to what they're being made for.

However, in this state they are just lifeless, an empty shell of what they should be. So, to give them life they need a spark to give them life. That power that the engines have the strength and speed to race, that power that gives the Freights and Coaches that energy to do what they need to do. That spark is shared to give these base forms life.

The spark doesn't always work though, it won't give these base forms life if they were made incorrectly most of the time or if the user is incapable of sharing the spark in some shape or another. Be that age, an injury, or a fault in their own system.

If they spark can be shared then it is a race to finish the base form before difficulties arise. The spark not only gives them life, but the last bit of energy needed to finish the outside of the body. An outer shell that can fuse to their form, that gives them protection and allows them to grow as they get older. Giving them an overall human appearance, which varies on what you make. A Steamer needs a form of chimney or vent to let their smoke and stream out. The electrics need extra padding to prevent themselves from shocking others on accident and prevent rain from getting into their systems. Diesels need several vents to let out their smoke like steamers, but also a large room to for their internal controls and to monitor their engine, as well as store their oil.

The energy is used up at this point to finish off the form and give them life, creating a child of a varying age depending on how old they were designed to be. Usually they're about six to eight, sometimes older if they're in a rush for them to get to work faster since they have less time to reach that maturity. But creating them younger is overall more beneficial as it gives them more time to learn about the world and develop properly.

Now we're onto why I created this idea and how it links to Hermes. His backstory is very basic: he was found as a toddler by CB who was a child at that point and was adopted into the family since he looked similar to him and CB wanted a little brother. That lead me to thinking about his backstory more... If the trains are created, then like a birth certificate they would have a certificate of manufacturing. Saying who made them, where and what their original purpose was. What kind of train or car they are, so in future if they had to be converted they could convert them without harm.

Yet no one knows who made Hermes or where he was made they have no where nearby that a child like this could come from, which gave me the idea of what if he wasn't complete? If he wasn't complete, then he wouldn't have a certificate of manufacturing, meaning something happened that stopped his creator from finishing him and somehow got separated once he gained consciousness. But if he wasn't finished, no one knows what he was meant to be so the Freights, and their guardians attempted to finish him without knowing what he was. So, the body he has when he is older isn't his true form.

Now, I will say who made him and what he was meant to be but no one in the yard knows. Og Caboose was his creator, his father and by default Hermes was meant to also be a Caboose like his dad and technically his bio brothers as well. What stopped him from fully finishing Hermes I don't know, I have yet to decide. Despite being incomplete being a Mail Freight in a sense is close enough to his original purpose. He carries both people and mail, for long journeys and travels a lot.

Now, being incomplete I had the idea that the extra energy that was meant to be used to finish off his form never left. It was meant to be used up before he gained sentience, but it was never used up, so instead it stays with him. That energy is why he is always energetic and why he is so fast, even faster than the engines.

As a byproduct it creates two issues: he rarely gets tired and he wears out his parts faster then everyone else. With all that extra energy, it's hard for him to get tired in general so he has to work twice as hard and twice as long just to tire himself out enough to sleep. Then we have the wearing out his parts faster than the others, being on wheels more often his wheels and pistons are gonna wear down from over use. Easy enough to replace and fix, but annoying to deal with since it means he needs more medical attention compared to others.

That's everything I have so far and thank you for reading this if you made it all the way through!!

[mwolf0epsilon]

Railway Mimics AU - Info Post

Yet another one of my silly AUs where the engines are beasts, but this time instead of being experimented on, they've always been some strange species of marsupial-monotremes that supposedly evolved to mimic locomotives (and other vehicles/utility machines).

How do they do this, you may ask?

Why, by consuming the whole thing and assimilating its attributes of course!

AU Info under the cut ---

Summary: During the peak of the industrial revolution the world was plagued by a rather peculiar infestation. Creatures once considered to be a kind of highly troublesome fae, had begun to consume and assimilate newly arisen technology. Giving way to behemoth beasts that mimicked the things they'd consumed (primarily vehicles and steam locomotives) and that threatened both the safety and livelihoods of the local human populations. As the years came and went, however, this once-loathed infestation soon transformed itself into something quite unexpected, indeed: A mutualistic relationship between railway men and highly intelligent beast.

---General Info---

What are the mimics? - No one is entirely sure. In ancient times they were considered to be a kind of minor but troublesome fae that acted under a queen (kind of like bees or ants), but zoologists have dismissed this notion entirely and have been studying them for years. All anyone's managed to figure out is that they're some kind of missing link between marsupials and monotremes with a highly (and very unusual) specialized diet.

Were engines always alive in this world? - No, in this AU the engines (and other vehicles and heavy machinery) were not originally alive. They were just completely normal inanimate objects. This is what made the mimics such an issue in the beginning, since they were actively invading workshops and factories and eating what was essentially months/years of hard work. Not only that, but before anyone discovered that they could tame the mimics, a fully grown steam locomotive mimic could cause all kinds of chaos after gaining the attributes and size of such a powerful machine.

Are the mimics friendly? - Yes and no. A fully tamed/domesticated mimic is your friend because it has realized the benefit of having a mutually beneficial relationship with a human (protection from the elements, free food and healthcare, and less of a chance of being shot at by a frightened person that wants them off their property, and many more perks at the cost of some fairly easy labour that they don't mind doing at all). A wild mimic on the other hand will not hesitate to kill you if it feels threatened by your presence or thinks you're encroaching on it's territory (which is understandable, this is a highly intelligent beast after all, but still a beast). And this isn't even taking into account what happens when a tame mimic ends up going feral...

What do mimics eat? - It depends on the type of mimic, since their diets change depending on what kind of machine they assimilate! Steam locomotive mimics, for example, are omnivores (which comes in handy because they're not overly picky of what they eat, with some exceptions such as personal preference). Diesel locomotive mimics, on the other hand, are obligatory herbivores (which is one of the reasons why the Railway Industry began to push for the acquisition of Diesel Mimics). That said, there is one thing all mimics ultimately need to function properly, and that's their specific fuels. No one is sure why.

Are the mimics magical? - Despite what zoologists would rather believe, the original myths behind the mimics are true to some extent, and they are in fact a kind of minor fae... Whether or not that means fae are just very odd animals, or that the mimics are just pretending to be mindless beasts, is up for debate. But it's hard to deny the fact they seem intelligent enough to understand how a railway service works.

Mimic Compaction Abilities - Mimics are capable of shrinking down to smaller more compact sizes, and then expanding to their original size when the situation calls for it (such as dealing with extreme temperatures). Zoologists believe this is something similar (albeit more advanced) to the shrew's ability to lose between 30% and 50% of their body weight, but most people just write it off as magic. Gold Dust Inc. has figured out that a very specific kind of recipe of feed can force the process, and since then it's become a staple of Railway management. It's much easier to care for a smaller critter than a behemoth after all!

Gold Dust Inc. Feed™ - A special kind of feed for mimics that's used to either shrink them, or make them grow back to proper size. It seems to be completely nullified by carbonation in drinks, however, so there's posters all over the Railway Stations advising for both workers and passengers to avoid leaving their soda cans/bottles unattended.

Feral Mimics - A feral mimic is a mimic that has seemingly been abandoned and returned to the wild. They are highly aggressive and have re-adapted to surviving in wilderness, so they grow larger than their mimicry's basis, return to their original coloration/configurations, and grow noticeably shaggier fur and tusks. These mimics are considered extremely dangerous and there's a Hunter's Guild Association branch specifically commissioned to dispose of them, since they have no real fear of encroaching on human spaces.

---Extra Info/Fun Facts---

Steam Locomotive Mimic Personalized Locomotion

"Upgrading" A Mimic's Shape

The Mystery behind "Feralization"

Mimic Intellect

The Uncomfortable Reality of Mimic Railway Shows & More

The Mimic Language

Logistics Matter

Stealworks and Dieselworks Veterinary Services

Three Different Eras of Mimic Taming

Examples of Mimic Taming Methodology

Hiro and Spencer, the Half-Feral Mimics

Spencer the Outlier of A4 Pacific Mimics

Mimics and Food

The Duke of Boxford vs Specialists

Two-Headed Mimics

The Dark Origins of the Hunter's Guild Association's Mimic Control Branch

The Great Railway Show Incident

You Can't Out-Changeling A Changeling

Why Some People Shouldn't Be Allowed To Own Mimics

Size-Shifting 101

Sodor's Only Unplanned Mimic

Coaches and Trucks

Mimics and Affection

Sense of Duty

The Uncanny Valley Effect

Are There Mimics Who Have Spoken to Humans?

---Fics/Dialogue Posts---

One Night At The Sheds

Rude Questions

Young Cub Wishes and Cubhood Memories

---Art---

Edward, BoCo & the Twin Terrors

Henry & Crew

Percy & James and Special Jobs

Gordon & Thomas and Cause and Consequence

Gordon's Comeuppance

One Angry Cranestacean...

Edward Would Like Some Chips Please!

Gordon Pays Scot Out

A Merry Mimic Christmas

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

Circle of Cone of Shame

Happy Henry Day!

Young Gort & Baby Menaces

Gordon and Tabitha

Mimic BoCo Blender Sculpt

Mimic Scot Wants Salami

---OC Art---

Adeline and Dorothy (Gift for Rogue)

Cavan, Abraham, Junebug and Edmundo

No Thoughts, Head Empty

1/2 of Edmundo chasing Cândida

Seagull Mimic Meetup

Mimic Abraham Blender Sculpt

Bowler and Wish (Commission for Gronkgal)

Mimic Edmundo Blender Sculpt

Mimic Dorothy Blender Sculpt

Mimic Cirrus

Mimic Blaidd

The Portuguese Railway Mimics

---Fanart---

Victor and Hiro

Victor and Hiro (Again)

Hiro the Really Useful Boy!

Mimic Yoltzin!

The Duchess of Boxford holding Spencer

Yoltzin's First Day on Sodor

Loafing Victor

Mimic Cirrus

Mimic Hiro Discovers Fried Chicken

Mimics Devouring Their Creator

Mimic Abe Birthday Gift

Victor and Kevin Wearing Their Service Vests

Yoltzin and the Mimic Union

Mimic Cirrus with Flame Markings

[viccyfics]

can you do 14 + 11 , Hydra/Tassita? 😓

Thank you for the prompt!

(prompt list)

TW: near death, burning

READ UNDER THE CUT OR ON AO3

Having a leaking Engine was bad, everyone knew that, but it was worse for Hydra, he didn’t get the warning signs like a Diesel or a Steamer, even Electric’s had them, but Hydra didn’t he had nothing until it was too late.

He couldn’t smell the leak, or feel it, all he felt was the rapid decline in energy, but he thought he was just feeling tired from a hard day of working, that was until Rusty sped past him and his wheels sparked against the track and Hydra was screaming in pain.

The explosion wasn’t loud, but it was sudden, a rush of heat twisting inside of Hydra’s body and bursting out, every inch of his body was burning, and he could do nothing to stop it, no one could, at least not safely, they couldn’t even get close enough without making it worse.

Rusty was staring at him horrified, and Hydra could just make him out before his eyes clamped shut in pain, the Steamer was shaking, he was scared, he was blaming himself. The fire was everywhere, his body felt like it was being turned inside out, nerves shorting, joints melting and locking, coolant boiling in his eyes, every breath he tried to take scorched him from within, and worst of all, no one could even see the flames, unless they knew better he would look crazy.

Hydrogen didn’t look dangerous, or sound dangerous, especially not with how often Hydra boasted about it, but that’s what made it so lethal, it burned without smoke or flames, making it much harder to put the fire out and rescue the Engine being tortured by it.

“Somebody help him!” Rusty shouted, his voice cracking, “Help!

Hydra continued to writhe on the floor, begging for this to be over quickly, begging his body to shut down and kill him so he wouldn’t have to feel this pain anymore, it was unbearable, it was agony.

One tech ran forward out of the shed he was in, holding an insulated sheet with trembling hands, but was immediately pulled back.

“Don’t, don’t even try. you touch him and we lose both of you.”

“But he’s…he’s burning!”

“I know!”

Hydra couldn’t hear them anymore. His auditory processors burned up and melted, he couldn’t see, he couldn’t hear, and all he could feel was the white-hot pain covering his body. He tried to vent, the ports hissed, but nothing escaped, they were clogged. Melted.

Everything was melting.

Rusty continued to yell and scream, begging someone, anyone to try and do something, to try and save the Freight, but no one moved, no one dared to. Hydra's body started to jerk, it had to have been over, the fire had finally put itself out, but that didn’t stop the pain.

“Hydra!” Tassita’s voice cut through the crowd as he raced forward, not caring if he got burned too, he threw himself onto Hydra’s side, sobbing as he saw the melting metal sticking to the gravel underneath them, hoping he wasn’t causing more pain by touching the Engine, but as far as anyone could tell, he was gone.

"Hydra,” Tassita sobbed, “please, please, stay with me, okay? You’re not burning anymore. You’re okay. You’re going to be okay.” Hydra didn’t respond, he couldn’t hear anything but when he cracked an eye open, he could see a blurry Tassita in his view. An insulation sheet was thrown at them which Tassita quickly wrapped around Hydra the best that he could, not wanting to move Hydra too much until the medical crew and engineers got there.

Hydra’s one open eye tracked him weakly, unfocused. His processor was overloaded, everything hot and glitching, but Tassita was here.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Tassita kept murmuring, more to himself now than to Hydra. “I’ve got you. I’ve got you.”, Hydra tried to focus on reading his lips but it was too blurry. Engineers and medics in full protective gear, heat sensors scanning, foam suppressants at the ready. A few of them flinched when they saw just how bad Hydra looked. One technician pulled Tassita back gently, but he refused to fully let go of Hydra’s hand.

“He’s alive,” Tassita said, barely above a whisper. “He’s still here.”

“We’ve got him now,” one of the medics reassured softly. “You did good. But we need to move him.”

Tassita nodded, shakily backing off just enough to give them room, “I’m coming with you, I’m not leaving him.”

They didn’t argue, maybe they just knew better than to separate them for Hydra’s sake.

Tassita followed every step of the way to the medical bay, trailing just close enough to hear the muttered diagnostics, none of it made sense to his ears but Tassita absorbed each one like a dagger. Hydra was still alive. That was the part he clung to. Alive.

The repairs would take time. Hours. Maybe days just to stabilize him enough for deeper restoration. Most of the engineers expected Tassita to leave, to rest, to be somewhere else until the worst of it was over. But he refused.

They set up a cot in the corner of the medbay. Tassita didn’t use it. He sat next to the diagnostic slab Hydra had been laid on, one hand resting gently on the edge of his Engine’s warped plating, careful not to touch any exposed internal lines.

He carefully scrubbed away at the soot and blood with a towel and warm water, focusing on Hydra’s face for the most part, they’d shut down Hydra’s remaining systems, keeping him in what felt like a coma.

Later that day, when Tassita had gone quiet, too exhausted even for his usual murmuring, he felt the slightest twitch under his fingers. Just a flicker of movement, barely there. He snapped upright, eyes wide. “Hydra?”

The optic twitched.

Tassita leaned closer, heart slamming against his ribs. “Hydra, I’m here, can you hear me?”

There was no verbal response, but Hydra’s fingers curled slightly, trying to reach, Tassita caught his hand in both of his, grounding him.

“It’s okay,” Tassita whispered, eyes burning. “I’ve got you. You’re safe. You’re not alone.”

Hydra didn’t speak but the faint movement of his fingers continued, tentative, weak. Tassita squeezed his hand gently.

“You came back.”

And finally, Hydra blinked open that one damaged optic, flickering and dim, but unmistakably alive. Tassita laughed, breathless with relief, forehead pressing gently against Hydra’s as he whispered, “I told you I wouldn’t leave.” This time, Hydra’s fingers squeezed back.

[jnnul]

first love chronicles

first love comes in all shapes and forms. and every single one of them is every as beautiful as the rest. i have poured my soul into each one of these so i hope that you find love in these, for each of these stories have been filled with it.

something about these mirrors

you and shotaro have always been friendly with each other. as in, you have to be friends with each other because you've been each others' dance partner for the past twelve years. it's as though no matter how old you grow, how many different styles you try, or even how far apart you move, the two of you always manage to find each other on the dance floor. it's a blessing and a curse but when a dance competition for charity brings the two of you together after years apart, something about the way your body moves with his makes shotaro rethink all your years of dancing together.

find love here: still searching for love

mr. brawn and ms. brain

you hate athletes. eunseok is an athlete. eunseok is in love with you. it doesn't take a genius to see that there's an issue with this equation. after a one-sided love for the past three years, eunseok is saved when the two of you are partnered to work on an english project together. which means that eunseok's first step of getting you to fall in love with him is done. next step: get you to give him the time of day...

find love here

why ares fell in love with aphrodite

sometimes first love doesn't come in the form of sandbox friendships or in shared popsicles under sweltering sun. sometimes, first love is the smell of diesel from revving engines. or the feeling of cool beer cans under your fingertips. or the look in someone's eyes when you know that you shouldn't be caught dead with them. sometimes, when first love is learning that ares fell in love with aphrodite because love can be just dangerous as war.

find love here: still searching for love

listening to the ocean with the seashell you brought from home

there's something about permanent fixtures in life. parents, best friends...siblings. and sometimes most importantly, siblings' best friends. park wonbin has always shone a little too bright. the kind of bright that gives you butterflies, even though you know that he's never meant it in that way. you've loved wonbin from the day your brother had brought him home. so why is it that thirteen years later, you still love him?

find love here: might have found love...

and i feel it now

seunghan sees his kid sister as just that: a kid. he's always been the overprotective type, chasing his sister around with sweatpants to go over the micros she preferred. and by proxy, as her best friend, you've kinda always been someone that seunghan has felt protective and somewhat overbearing towards. but when he sees you for the first time in years at college graduation, seunghan is forced to face the reality that all the boundaries he'd created in his head were just in his head and that maybe he'd never quite seen you as the kid he'd always thought you'd be.

find love here: still searching for love

slip away

sohee knows two things: he wants to be a singer and he wants to grow old with you. he doesn't quite care about in which form that he grows old with you but sohee can't even imagine a world where you don't exist. you're just as necessary to him as food or water. but as the two of you grow older and start to grow apart, sohee understands that distance only makes the heart grow fonder and that he's been in love with a long damn time with you.

find love here: still searching for love

i like me better

there are a few givens in life: birth, death, and the fact that neither you or anton will ever confess your feelings to each other. even though the two of you have been in the same friend group for years, and everyone around you know not to make a move on either of you because you were spoken for, those three words would never come out. but then the summer that changes everything comes and you find yourself realizing that matters of the heart never stay hidden for too long.

find love here: still searching for love

[paigeparty]

Thomas & the Shining Rails - The Shunting Champion

"You trying to protect that conductor is quite a sight to behold, Thomas. You've matured since we last spoke... and I'll give you props for that. But, you never seem to learn that these sorts of predicaments are never about you.

It's why you're always caught up in trouble, shunting yourself in another engine's business. To be what, a hero?"

Diesel 10 snapped, recounting all the times the small blue tank engine had gotten in the way of everything, just for an adventure. A story to tell his friends back at Tidmouth Sheds, something to boast and brag about. It was annoying, infuriating.

"You wouldn't have been in this position if you kept to yourself! Even as scrap, you'd be everywhere, always somewhere in a different yard."

Pinchy had pointed to the conductor that Thomas was protecting.

"I hope your conductor friend knows that Mother Lady can't come get her child, for she has no idea where you are... Teresa Belle."

Diesel 10 had laughed, watching as the conductor's face went pale from terror. He knew everything about her, down to every last detail about how she got in this position in the first place.

"From what I know, would she even want to save you in the first place? It's not like you were her first pick as a driver."

"You stole your sister's dream. You took away her passion." He commented, swaying Pinchy around as it opened and closed its menacing jaws. Some of the teeth were faintly stained with what both Thomas and Teresa could only hope were rust and oil.

"That isn't true! Madeline wanted me - because she was gonna -"

"Die? I know all about that. Yet, her and I made a... little deal, should I say. And, I need to be really useful to my new controller." He interrupted the woman, hoping that the little drops of hints were enough to terrorize Teresa, to know that her very own sister has sided with such a vile being.

With Diesel 10, he now had access to gold dust, which made him on par with the Golden Engine herself. He felt like someone different, a new ascended being to rid the earth of scum. A destiny he waited his whole life for.

He dreamed of ridding the world of Thomas, after everything since the beginning. A waste of coal, a waste of a shed, a waste of a number. Teresa being with him felt like fate intertwining with life, as if she dies, the Golden Engine won't steam anymore, destroying harmony and him replacing it with destruction, to fuel his own utopia.

"Enough of this nonsense!" A voice boomed, it progressingly getting closer and closer to the diesel. The sounds of a steamie's pistons pumping, ready for a strike.

Diesel 10 glanced to the engine in his peripheral, but it was already too late for him to react.

"What?"

The engine slammed into the siding of the diesel, her buffers pressing deep into the metal, making a dent that only got bigger as she dug deeper. Steam wheeshed from her mouth as her whistles yelled in anger. Pinchy snapped at the engine, grabbing onto her funnel, but she didn't back down despite whincing in pain. She continued to push into him, and Diesel 10 could feel his wheels starting to come off the tracks.

'This lunatic is trying to derail me -' He thought before a firm voice introjected.

"Whish out diesel smoke, it'll make her back up."

He did just that and she backed up for a moment, choking on the smoke as parts of Diesel-10's cab flaked off like old paint chips. But, this was a chance to get a good look at the steamie who was unfearing of such a monster.

A mountain engine vibrantly painted in an array of colors hissed out steam once more as a warning. Her class was known to carry heavy cargo up steep inclines and was the backbone of transportation before more efficient engines came along.

India's Greatest Shunting Competitor, Ashima.

She had won the Shunting Competition in the Great Race a year and a half ago, and although her placement on the podium was shared by Thomas, many speculators declared her the true winner of that event. Though, if you ask her, Ashima finds that sharing her spot with the blue tank engine to be a special memory that sparked days of laughter and warmth.

Ashima wheeshed a warning to the diesel, blowing her whistle once more. Despite several dents and scratches on her, she was determined to either have him run off or she would run him off the tracks.

"Choose." She panted.

Despite what Diesel-10 had in mind, corrupted gold dust kicked up from the winds, surrounding the diesel.

"Pointless," Madeline's voice spoke. "Take a look at the rods on her head."

There was a string tied on the engine with a diverse decoration of beads on it. They glistened like stars, and upon further inspection, glimmets of gold dust hung in the air.

"She has one of my sisters' friendship bracelets. Most of them are run of the mill, but this one must have been infused accidently. Gold-dust can act as a GPS to another entity that possesses it, as it prefers to travel in clumps. It's how we found Teresa, but also how Ashima found us. We couldn't have expected this, which is why we have to back off."

Diesel 10 took in Madeline's words and sighed in defeat. He didn't want to leave, as rage boiled within', continuing to stare down Ashima.

"I hope you know that you are now one of my greatest targets. It's one thing to get in the way, but another to DENT ME." He snapped, though the steamie didn't seem to care about his threats, and instead backed away, circling around to be next to Thomas and Teresa.

"Are you okay, jaanu?"

That was the last thing Diesel-10 heard before disappearing into a cloud of corrupted, dead, gold dust. It was a saying he'd remember and grow increasingly furious at until they met up again. For he knew that Ashima told him not outright, that she couldn't care less for herself, but rather who she cared for the most.

[beautification-tales]

The Hard Hat

A Caption Tale

Kara entered the construction zone in her gray kitten heels. The cacophony of metal clanging against metal and the growling engines of machinery filled the air. She squinted against the dust that danced in the beams of the setting sun, feeling out of place amidst the hard hats and heavy boots. "Excuse me, can I help you?”

Kara turned to see a burly man in a yellow vest, a hard hat perched on top of his sweaty forehead. "I'm looking for the foreman," she called over the din. "I have an appointment."

The worker nodded, wiping his dirty hand on his even dirtier jeans before extending it to her. "That'd be me," he said with a smile that was surprisingly gentle amidst the chaos. "Jackson."

Kara took his hand firmly, feeling the calloused skin against her own. "Kara," she replied, raising her voice to be heard. "I'm here about the new office development."

“Of course ma’am. We just need you to put a hard hat on.” He grabbed one from the side of his toolbox and handed it to her. Kara smiled as she looked around the site and took notes. The air was thick with the scent of fresh concrete and diesel fumes, but she felt oddly alive amidst the chaos. She slipped the hat over her perfectly styled hair.

“Whoa looking good mama!” A whistle pierced the air, and Kara’s cheeks flushed as she spun around to face the culprit. A young worker in a tight-fitting T-shirt had stopped his hammering to leer at her. She rolled her eyes and followed Jackson’s lead as he marched over, his boots echoing with authority.

“Back to work, Tom,” Jackson bellowed, his gentle smile replaced by a stern look. The young man’s grin disappeared, and he hastily turned back to his task, mumbling an apology. Kara felt a strange mix of gratitude and annoyance—gratitude for the protection but annoyed that she had to be protected in the first place.

“Damn who’s this fine piece of ass?” Another whistle, this one closer, made Kara’s grip tighten around her notepad. She ignored it, focusing on the blueprints spread out before her on the makeshift table, her eyes scanning the lines and numbers as if they could shield her from the leers.

“You’re going to need some safety googles in this section ma’am. Can’t have you getting dust in those pretty eyes,” Jackson said, handing her a pair. Kara took them with a smile of thanks, slipping them over her face. Jackson smiled as he noticed her lips had a fuller look with wet lip gloss applied. Kara licked her lips with a confused face. “Why am I wearing lip gloss?” She thought as she followed Jackson.

“Oh mama, I’ve been a bad boy!” The lewd remark was accompanied by a wink from a worker as he strutted past. Kara’s jaw clenched, and she felt a flash of anger. She decided she would say something about it. “You are definitely deserving of a good spanking then naughty boy.” She replied her voice dripping with sensuality. The worker froze in his tracks, his eyes wide as he processed the unexpected response. A chuckle rumbled from Jackson’s chest, and the tension around them lightened.

Kara looked down in embarrassment, confused on what possessed her to talk like that. Kara felt warm as her scalp began to itch under her hard hat. Jackson grinned as he watched her scratch her head. “Are you feeling ok ma’am? Apologies about my workers, they tend to get raunchy around the fairer sex.”

Kara nodded, swallowing hard. “Yeah they probably need to release all that pent up energy with a real good time.” Jackson raised an eyebrow at her statement. “What do you mean ma’am?” Kara placed her hands on her hips and swayed to one side. “I’m talking about giving them something to enjoy.” Kara didn’t understand why she was acting so differently but she also couldn’t stop herself.

She pulled out her cell phone and played “Deli” by Ice Spice. Kara felt her body move on its own. Her hips swayed to the beat as she began to dance in the dusty construction zone. The workers stopped what they were doing, their eyes glued to her as she strutted closer to the group of men. They stared in a mix of shock and awe as she dropped her notepad and began to twerk, her pants shaking with her legs and ass. The music blared through the speakers of her phone.

Jackson put his hand in his pocket to adjust himself as he watched her dance. Kara put a hand on her hard hat as her pants morphed into fishnet stockings. They were loose as her heels grew taller and black. The blue shirt melted down her body resting on her hips and exposed her chest and bra. She smiled as she noticed more eyes were upon her. She felt so wet as she let go letting the music guide her.

Kara’s eyes rolled back as her yellow vest shrunk but her body grew. Her flat ass billowed out and began to clap as she twerked more proficiently with the music. The workers whistled and applauded as her curves increased with her skill. Jackson motioned one of the workers to hand him a chair as he sat down.

Kara slowly walked up to him and sat and grinded on him. She could feel her breasts expanding as her thighs got thicker stretching her stockings. She turned her head and could see Jackson’s face contort in approval. She turned her head forward as she felt his bulge get bigger and bigger. Kara bucked her hips wildly as Jackson grunted in glee.

Suddenly the music stopped, and Kara’s head snapped up. The workers had formed a circle around her, their expressions a mix of shock and lust. The foreman looked at her with newfound respect and desire. She felt a thrill run through her body as she realized she had the power to control the room. She slid off the chair and sauntered over to the group of men, her newly enhanced body moving with a confidence she had never felt before.

She went over to her phone and played Latto.

“Who’s Next?”