Trackside Lounge: Sep.-Dec. 2009 Edition

[tree68]

A joyous Natal Day to our resident weather phenomenon!

Hopefully New Years Eve will be placid - it is, unfortunately, "amateur night" as far a drinking goes.  Let's hope everyone has a designated driver and the sense to use them.

I'll be resting up for the long drive over to Conway, NH, and a photo outing on the Conway Scenic.  Tickets are in hand!  Apparently there is at least one bus coming up from the NYC area for this.  I'm staying in town, so I can slide over well early and check out the goings on.

 

[CNW 6000]

Happy Birthday Ed!  Echoing (again) what Carl said...have fun tonight folks, but we don't want to see anyone on COPS anytime soon...have a Happy New year!

[CShaveRR]

And today, we extend our best wishes to Ed Blysard, on his birthday. Congratulations, and many more!

I think I'll claim overtime in honor of Ed today, 'cause they're working our assignments today. I guess we have some business.

Speaking of blizzards and other cold things, today is a Blue Moon day. The moon won't actually be blue, of course, just the second full moon this month. In our neck of the woods, it probably won't even be visible.

Daughter and son-in-law return to California today. Since I'm working, I don't even get to see them off. Since we can't drive 'em to the airport, they've worked out a trip that involves both Metra and CTA.

Everyone please celebrate sanely tonight. We want to see you all happy and healthy next year!

[CNW 6000]

Happy Birthday Bob!  Many returns.

I suppose we should think of the approaching 2010...some folks are calling it "oh-ten"...kinda bugs me but I don't know why.  Back to the regularily scheduled programming I guess...

[CShaveRR]

I knew I should have dropped in here before work--I missed the opportunity to be the first to wish Bob ("Spokyone") a happy birthday. I guess we just have to follow Aledo this time.

No luck with the trains on the Madison trip,except for a brief glimpse of a westbound MILW...I mean, SOO...I mean, CP...I mean, IMRL...I mean, ICE...I mean, CP! ...freight train fresh out of Bensenville, on MILW...I mean, Metra! ...trackage. We were too late to return via Rochelle.

[CShaveRR]

Larry, the toy vacuum cleaner at my grandchildren's house (no noise, but it moves its eyes as it rolls along) is the favorite toy of my grandson, and all of his male cousins seemed to take delight in it when they got a chance at it.

We're on the road today, with daughter and son-in-law. We might luck out in the railroad department, but that isn't the primary reason for going: we're visiting my daughter's former viola instructor and her family in Madison, Wisconsin. Pat has some quilt shops she wants to hit, and I might just have to lobby for a return to Chicago via Rochelle.

[tree68]

I also attended a party on Boxing Day - good friends of my son and DIL.  It included kids of several young ages and the usual boisterous activities - although the game the adults were playing was almost as loud.

Granddaughter seems to love to "turn on" the toy vacuum cleaner (with sound effects) I got for her - and then just walk away.  Fortunately it times out after a while.

Back to work today.  Friday I hit the road again for Conway, NH and a steam photo trip on the Conway Scenic.  Long drive, but it should be fun!

[CShaveRR]

Just got back from a loud, boisterous, out-of-hand party--who knew that granddaughter Katelyn (now five!) and her six cousins could deafen three older generations simultaneously!

As we came in, I asked Katelyn to see if her mother would let me change into my birthday suit. The answer "Absolutely not!" was eventually relayed back to me, but not before the innocent little five-year-old asked "Can I see your birthday suit?" (I told her to ask her mother that, too.)

I was allowed to come up from the basement shortly before food was served...

On the subject of my favorite little people, Katelyn and her sister Emily combined with their mother and Grandma Pat to give me a very special gift this Christmas. Ellen had taken them to a fabric store to pick out about a dozen quarter-yard pieces of fabric that they liked for their grandmother to use in her quilts. One of the girls said that one material "looked like Grandpa's shirts" (which are often plaid, and tend toward greens and blues). So Ellen called Pat, got the correct yardage, bought the material, and managed to smuggle it to her for making the shirt--and I had no idea what was going on until they presented me with it! It's not plaid, and my greens don't usually include chartreuse, but I wore it to the party tonight, and will wear it often when I'm with them.

[CShaveRR]

Thanks, Cher. You, too.

It must be Boxing Day--work today felt like I'd gone a couple of rounds. Put the first car of the day down the wrong track, and the rest of the problems were everyone else's.

Saved the day for a co-worker friend of mine who would have lost her two days' holiday pay had she not gotten to work today (she'd been bumped). She's working Tower C right now.

Unfortunately, they've called a Winter Storm Warning for our area this afternoon--instead of one to three inches, we could get up to six. Daughter and son-in-law (the ones without the kids) are out in this, enjoying their return to Chicago, which must be gorgeous to them, compared to snowless (mostly) southern California. They can take care of themselves, and I'm sure they'll stay warm! We'll have to pick them up this evening when the train brings them back to Lombard.

Find your joy in the little things, and share what you can. May Christmas last forever!

[cherokee woman]

Carl, thank you for finding this one!  I had completely forgotten about this story of Ed's.  Glad you refreshed my memory.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.

[CShaveRR]

CShaveRR

And, as long as Ed Blysard is receiving requests, I'd like to find and reprint his tale from a few years ago about the Christmas wish he and his crew granted to a young wheelchair-bound train-watcher. That was one of the most touching things I ever read on this Forum.

It may be a little late for "An Early Christmas Tale", but, believe me, it's never too late for what's in this one! Thanks again, Ed!

http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/81541.aspx?PageIndex=1

Ed, do you still see these folks? Have there been any further developments?

[CShaveRR]

We're back, after a joyous and fun-filled trip to Michigan. The roads were mostly wet, save for the skating rink we had to traverse near my sister's driveway. We are now joined by my daughter and son-in-law from San Diego, who will be here with us until the 31st. Other daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren also made the trip to Michigan (and back, the same day). The rest of us returned today, barely beating the snow.

Highlight for me: watching granddaughter Katelyn's Aunt Linda show her how to play "Twinkle" on Great-Grandma's grand piano, carefully allowing Kates to play all of the notes herself.

We hope that everyone has had as happy and meaningful Christmas as we did! Now, back to work tomorrow, opening up the yard with one to three inches of ice and snow.

[AgentKid]

Merry Christmas to the TRAINS Magazine staff, the forum members, and other readers. I hope you have a wonderful day.

Bruce

 

[Modelcar]

.....Weather could be worse here....a lot worse.  Mild {seasonal}, temps and overcast.  Seems to be the same these past several days.....At least no big snow mess and or freezing rain now, and with projected temps, perhaps we'll get by pretty good.

Enjoy everyone.....Merry Christmas to all on here.....  Be safe.

[CShaveRR]

The weather outside is frightful, but not as bad as it could be. After a noontime appointment with my physician (who reaffirms that I have a heart, by the way), we can head out for the North Country.

So, before I close the door for now here, a very Merry Christmas to everyone, including those Willy-haters in the Diner (he's only the messenger, guys, and that's all he'll ever be!). Enjoy the holiday, drive safely, enjoy your families, and stay comfortable.

And, as long as Ed Blysard is receiving requests, I'd like to find and reprint his tale from a few years ago about the Christmas wish he and his crew granted to a young wheelchair-bound train-watcher. That was one of the most touching things I ever read on this Forum.

[CShaveRR]

Ow, Bruce!

Mend quickly!

I'm hoping that I can convince my wife that we need to shop at the Trader Joe's in LaGrange rather than one of the closer ones--I've been cooped up here for three days, and am ready to see something on the outside.

Edit: I was glad to get out (though not much was seen on BNSF), but just as glad to get back in. Errands are run, driveway and walks shoveled, gutters cleared to the drains (we're going to get a lot of rain, it appears). Time for a nap.

[AgentKid]

Just wanted to let folks know I am still checking into the lounge. Unfortunately, two Thursday's ago I fell and fractured two fingers on my right hand. I have really had to cut back on my computer usage as too long using a mouse is painful, and I can only type using a bizarre technique of touch typing with my left hand and one finger typing with my right. It is none too efficient.

I have made a few posts since the mishap, but they have been very brief on a few other threads. I don't think I will be doing long winded ones until after Christmas. So, I guess that is enough for now.

Bruce

 

[tree68]

CNW 6000

Maybe the hogger and conductor wanted some quiet on the head end!

That's an awful expensive shove platform.....

Carl - I was just skimming down through the thread when your story about your granddaughter hit home.  This past weekend I had several parents stop me as I moved through the train because their little one had a question about the train.  None were really technical, but it's obvious the little ones were thinking (and amazingly smart!).

[CNW 6000]

CShaveRR

Dan, is there a chance that the train could have opened up after the head end went past you? It is possible to operate the DPUs at a different throttle setting, if necessary, just don't stretch the slack. Bunching the slack (which would be happening in your case, most likely) could be bad, too, if the head end came across a serious obstruction, e.g. a large snowbank.

It could have...but I don't know for sure.  I was listening for the sounds of throttle up from a GE (GEVOs have a unique chug which I thought I'd hear) but the DPUs sure sounded like they were at that throttle setting for a while.  Maybe the hogger and conductor wanted some quiet on the head end!  It was only snowing to the total of 2"...so I doubt drifts were an issue.

Caught a pair of SBs tonight at Neenah.  A C40-8M made an appearance which I thought was noteworthy as I haven't seen of of them f*ugly things for a while.  Otherwise the usual cluster of SD70/75Is abounded.

[CShaveRR]

Dan, is there a chance that the train could have opened up after the head end went past you? It is possible to operate the DPUs at a different throttle setting, if necessary, just don't stretch the slack. Bunching the slack (which would be happening in your case, most likely) could be bad, too, if the head end came across a serious obstruction, e.g. a large snowbank.

We've had no snow here, which is a relief. I stayed home from work, due to a persistent fever and other maladies. But our snow is supposed to hit Wednesday, after work. Latest report says four to eight inches--if it all falls as snow. Some of it might make things icy.

[tree68]

Wish I had more time to 'fan when I'm working our trains out of Utica, since we're right next to the Chicago line, but it's usually limited to a quick glance or just noting which track their on.   Track one is pretty close to our platform, meaning extra vigilance if we have passengers in the area.

As we were closing up the train after our last trip Saturday a westbound stack train came through.  Wish I'd been able to listen to the detector a couple of miles down the track.  We're used to them flying through the station pretty quickly (50-60), but that train certainly appeared to be "flying." 

[CNW 6000]

Saw something interesting on a run-through DPU'd coal train the other day.  Lead units (ES44AC and SD70MAC) rolled north in what I'll guesstimate in about notch 2 or 3 pulling a long, long, loaded coal train.  I was impressed that they were able to keep the train rolling at the speed they were at (25-30 mphish) at such a 'low' power setting.  This considering it was snowing at the time.  Then I heard the rear of the train coming long before I could see it.  When it came into view not one, but two SD70ACEs were shoving pretty dang hard (guessing notch 6+!) considering the speed of the train.  I thought the head and rear ends would be in the same throttle setting if DPU'd.  Either way...it sure sounded nice!

Heading to see what's goin' on w/CN today.  Haven't heard a thing for a while so that usually means we're "due" for some action.

[CShaveRR]

Here is a trend I can live with...

Coming home from work yesterday, as I entered Lombard, a westbound manifest was blocking the Grace Street crossing, expediting the right turn I had to make there. I got to the corner just before the hind end cleared, and couldn't catch the train as it went through town (my speed limit was 25; theirs is 70, though they weren't hitting it). I did my best, though, and caught sight of the hind end again as I turned for the Elizabeth Street crossing. But the gates weren't going up, and I had to wait for an eastbound manifest. I was probably the least disgruntled (most gruntled?) driver there, frustrated only by how far back I was.

Well, today on the way home I came up to the Grace Street Crossing just as the gates had gone down. This was for a westbound stack train, and I saw all four units on the point. He, too, was moving a bit faster than I, but I managed to be second out at the Elizabeth crossing for this train--and an eastbound coal train that was also going through by this time (one unit on the point and a DPU on the hind end). After these trains cleared, the gates stayed down, and an eastbound stack train came through. He was moving slowly, just starting up from having "staged" at Finley Road for a while.

Unfortunately, I don't see the trend continuing, as we have only three tracks at this point.

_________________

Here's some info that somebody else might be able to use: UP Heritage Units 1996 and 1995 should be about ready to go from Proviso on a stack train to Long Beach, California. They're on the point--it should be three units leading and one DP on this train. Their routing will take them via Global 3, Nelson, Edelstein, Fort Madison, Armourdale, and the Golden State route. First light tomorrow should find the train west of the River.

_________________

And more information for other folks (we're probably preaching to the choir here): Today I noticed that new warning signs have been posted at the Elizabeth Street grade crossing, warning drivers that the (state?) law says they should not enter the crossing until after the gates have stopped moving and the lights have stopped flashing--subject to a hefty fine.

[CShaveRR]

The description I've heard of Dowty noise is like a backhoe scraping its bucket over a concrete surface. I suppose it could be gotten used to.

This encounter with Katelyn was over lunch yesterday. I don't know whether her anxiousness to sit next to me was because she wanted to ask the question, but I'm sure the question was her own. She might have asked her mother first, but she (my daughter) probably told her to ask me. We had the model railroad used for food delivery right in front of us, making her question (and my answer) a bit easier.

She's also the one who found a UP shield on the caboose of the scenicked model railroad there, then noticed a similar logo on my railfan shirt (different color) and the more modern version on my jacket.

Yes, it was a special day, Paul, if for no other reason than that all three grandchildren were at their brightest, best, and most amusing.

[Paul_D_North_Jr]

Carl, you're welcome - at least you were, until I got to that awful pun.  Since I never saw or heard it anyplace else before, though, you get a free pass on that one. 

And you redeemed yourself with the 'handbasket' comment.    I wonder how many others 'get it' - you might have to be of a 'certain age' . . .   You might be able to get a woven screen or wallpaper with that kind of a print at one of the big craft-type stores . . .

The Dowty retarders - as I understand it - can be set for specific speeds, by proper sizing of the orifice.  They're really kind of like shock absorbers, only for a different kind of application.  At any speed faster than that, and they impose a lot of resistance force on the wheel flange; any slower speed, and they depress rather easily.  I also believe that they are calibrated to not deliver too much force so as to derail a light car - the remedy for a heavy car is many more retarders, to ensure that they slow down.  The ones at the far end of the bowl tracks can be set up with very high forces/ low speeds, to essentially 'trap' any car that rolls that far to a stop.  I suppose that could be a challenge for the 'trimmer' switch engine that then has to pull a cut out over those few 'high-force' retarders, but it would only be a car or two at a time - unless there is some way to 'release' them ?

They supposedly make a 'ping - ping' sound at the wheels contact the mushroom cap piston tops - just like a hammer hitting a small poilished steel surface or piece.

Glad you enjoying your grand-daughter, Carl - I'm sure that was a special event and day.    Best wishes for many more !  I suppose I'm still several years away from those experiences myself . . .

- Paul North.

[CShaveRR]

The thing that every railfan should be able to hear at least once in his life:

"Grandpa, I have a hard question for you. It's about trains."

Her question had to do with ties, and why they were necessary. Not really very hard to answer, but it showed that our little four-year-old is keeping her eyes open.

One of these days, she'll have to go train-watching with me. Had the weather been better today, I'd have given her mother the chance to do some Christmas shopping without Katelyn hovering too close.

She got an extra-special hug after we went to lunch today.

Oh, by the way, we've found yet another railroad-themed restaurant geared to kids--this one's in Naperville at Route 59 and 111th. Choo-choo Johnny's has a good, slightly overpriced menu, G-scale trains to deliver the food, and a couple of other operating trains to look at. Their TV screen was showing real trains instead of Thomas!

[CShaveRR]

Another weekend just beginning here...watch a live Nativity presentation tonight, then back to the hectic pace of family Christmas activities.

(Bubba)Justin, happy birthday!

Euphoria is seeing two eastbound greens at the Park control point in Elmhurst (the most you can possibly get), both for trains making crossover moves...and having the eastbound perishables arrive first, and clear just as the stacker comes into view, moving even faster. Both had to clear out before the scoots were due, in 20 minutes. And they did.

[CShaveRR]

The slower the cars are, the less resistance the plungers are supposed to offer. In theory, a car traveling the proper speed will not be hindered by these. I've never been to a Dowty-equipped yard, but I understand they're pretty noisy--of a different type of retarder noise than I've become accustomed to.

Dan, Aedan is right on the money.

[CNW 6000]

Modelcar

Paul_D_North_Jr

Dowty is a different type of car retarding system, which was invented in Great Britain in the 1980's

 

Wow....They look like they could double {under some circumstances}, as a derailer....such as a light car and  unloaded....even some strong wind, etc....

Maybe they're designed for light cars, etc because rail cars...I mean "wagons" as they're called over there (right?) aren't as 'heavy' as a standard US car.  I dunno...it's a thought.  I just asked Aedan and he simply looked at me and burped...so I'm going with the theory I just mentioned.