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Chatterbox Summer 2019

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  • Member since
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Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, September 22, 2019 8:35 AM

I'm sending the form back with a note of my own.  I can write; you can imagine.


Carl

Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)

CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)

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Posted by Miningman on Saturday, September 21, 2019 11:48 PM

I hope someone at Kalmbach reads that. 

The insert should have read:

'Thank you for your lifetime subscription in effect since 1967. It has been subscribers such as yourself that has contributed to our long term success. We all hope you enjoy Trains magazine for many many more years to come'.

Or something like that along those lines.

Very bad ju-ju, ominous and totally impersonal. Computer generated nonsense with no oversight. It's disappointing.

Wishing you the very best. 

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Posted by CShaveRR on Saturday, September 21, 2019 11:34 PM

I just received my November issue of Trains, with a renewal-notice envelope inserted.  The label says something like my old subscription expired in May 2012.  The thing is, my subscription doesn't expire until I do--I bought a lifetime subscription back when they were still available for $75.00 (1967, I think).  I think I've gotten my money's worth, but it's a terrible notice to receive the day after I was diagnosed with returning cancer.

(No fears there--we have a plan of attack and a very high probability of success thereon.)

Carl

Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)

CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)

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Posted by AgentKid on Saturday, September 21, 2019 12:51 AM

JoeKoh
Had a cp run through with unit 8939.It had a Strathcona's label on the front.

Hello Joe, and all the other Chatterbox contributers.

Here is a bit about Lord Strathcona's Horse from Wikipedia.

Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH [RC]) is a regular armoured regiment of the Canadian Army. Currently based in Edmonton, Alberta, the regiment is part of 3rd Canadian Division's 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. Members of the regiment are commonly called Strathconas or Strats as a short form. It was one of the last regiments in the British Empire to be created and raised by a private individual, Donald Alexander Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal.

Donald Smith was a co-founder of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Bruce

 

So shovel the coal, let this rattler roll.

"A Train is a Place Going Somewhere"  CP Rail Public Timetable

"O. S. Irricana"

. . . __ . ______

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, September 20, 2019 11:33 PM

JoeKoh
Didn't make the the southside residents of Butler too happy with the crossing being blocked.

A fellow in Deshler today took matters in his own hands and drove up the ROW (on and over the tracks) from Marion Street to the rail park.  I'm sure the CSX crew blocking the crossing was looking on with amazement (as were we all).

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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  • From: Defiance Ohio
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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, September 20, 2019 7:00 PM

evening

Took brother out tailgateing at the Butler library.Had some old fashioned chicken noodles and mashed potatoes.Ns ran some trains by.Had a cp run through with unit 8939.It had a Strathcona's label on the front.There was a train on the wabash side waiting for a northbound.I think the northbound got stuck at St.Joe due to Csx traffic.Didn't make the the southside residents of Butler too happy with the crossing being blocked.Need to get a shower.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Friday, September 20, 2019 12:30 PM

tree68

 Remember that red line around jet engines? As I understand it, that was where the compressor blades were, and if said fan came apart, in line with the plane was not the place to be...

 

Turbo props and recip engined airplanes also had some markings on some aircraft.  The Electra had  reinforced band around the fuselage in the prop plane.  What material reinforcement  have no idea.

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Posted by zardoz on Thursday, September 19, 2019 10:34 PM

CShaveRR
I need a good train fix!  It's been nearly two weeks since I've made any meaningful observations.

FWIW, UP pulled one of the hopper trains (not WEPX--a mix of reporting marks) that has been sitting on the outer loop at Pleasant Prairie ever since the plant stopped accepting coal. I was amazed at how much rust had formed on the wheels in such a relatively short time. Still one train's worth of actual WEPX hoppers sitting there on the inner loop.

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Posted by rvos1979 on Thursday, September 19, 2019 9:21 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH

I can only imagine how far the shrapnel flies when the engines or drive trains self-destruct.

Not very far, actually. NTPA has extensive rules concerning engine and driveline shielding that protects both drivers and spectators. Some items are shared between sanctioning bodies (blower restraints and clutch/transmission blankets, for example), and others are unique to the sport, like cabling wrapped around the engine block between #1 and #2 cylinders of inline engines. This prevents the top half of the engine block from launching itself into the driver should the engine block fail in a run. NTPA even has their own specifications for roll cages for various classes........

Randy Vos

"Ever have one of those days where you couldn't hit the ground with your hat??" - Waylon Jennings

"May the Lord take a liking to you and blow you up, real good" - SCTV

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, September 19, 2019 5:46 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH

I can only imagine how far the shrapnel flies when the engines or drive trains self-destruct.

Remember that red line around jet engines? As I understand it, that was where the compressor blades were, and if said fan came apart, in line with the plane was not the place to be...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, September 19, 2019 2:25 PM

afternoon

Ns sent an eastbound stack train when I got off work.Chores and errands to do.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, September 19, 2019 7:34 AM

CSSHEGEWISCH
I can only imagine how far the shrapnel flies when the engines or drive trains self-destruct.

Don't know about tractor pulling, but the NHRA and other drag racig organizations required the use of various kevlar blankets on their blown cars as protection against some of the shrapnel that exploding engines create.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Thursday, September 19, 2019 6:48 AM

I can only imagine how far the shrapnel flies when the engines or drive trains self-destruct.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
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Posted by rvos1979 on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 8:05 PM

BaltACD

Watched Tractor Pulls at the Ohio State Fair a couple of decades ago.

Was most impressed with what they were calling 'Super Stock Tractors'  Diesel farm tractors that had been 'breathed' on!  Turbo whine coupled with a black smoke exhaust jetting skyward for 100 feet or more.

The multi-engined Unlimiteds were fun - and then someones GMC blower would let go.

The Super stock class has split into two classes now, diesel and open. Open allows alcohol for fuel, and they usually make more power than diesels.........

My DVD library this week includes several volumes of the series 'Wild Rides, Wrecks, and Fire', which is basically what happens when things go wrong in the sport. With the Super Stock class making between 200 and 300 psi of boost, you can imagine what happens when something lets go. As one announcer is noted for saying, it's nothing that about forty thousand dollars won't fix........

Randy Vos

"Ever have one of those days where you couldn't hit the ground with your hat??" - Waylon Jennings

"May the Lord take a liking to you and blow you up, real good" - SCTV

  • Member since
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Posted by CShaveRR on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 4:46 PM

We did our flu shots yesterday, too.  Debating the shingles vaccine, but not yet.  

Today I cleared out about 30 square feet or more of weeds in our back yard.  I'm hoping for a miracle that will turn that into lawn. Right now it looks pretty green, but it isn't pretty.

That was this morning.  Then I went to cardiac rehab this afternoon, and did all right.  Pat and I bagged my harvest after we got back home.

I need a good train fix!  It's been nearly two weeks since I've made any meaningful observations.  I have another rehab session tomorrow morning (they're increasing my resistances almost imperceptibly).  Eventually I'll be increased from two sets per session to three (then four, down the road).  I can handle it.

What I was trying to say before the rehab got in the way is that we have our weekly session at the Peck Homstead tomorrow afternoon.  I certainly hope we get more freights (and not just intermodal!) through there than we did last week.  

Carl

Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)

CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
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Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 2:40 PM

afternoon

Heard some Ns going by after work.Stacey and I went together and got our flu shots.Stacey is asking Matt what happened to the strawberries.Chores to do.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 7:39 AM

CSSHEGEWISCH
That was in addition to the electrically heated flying suits that Dad and his crew wore.  They could be described as form-fitting electric blankets.

Happened to catch part of a show about B17s on one of the premium channels last night.  The cold was definitely part of the discussion.  The cockpit got a little heat piped in from the #3 engine.  The rest of the plane was pretty much wide open to the elements (at -40F at times).  That's bad enough when it's calm - having the wind whipping through the side gun ports is another story altogether.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 7:06 AM

BaltACD
 
CSSHEGEWISCH
 
tree68 
BaltACD
What we see in movies and videos makes them seem much larger than they are in real life.   

Seeing a P51 flying alongside an F15/F16/F18 provides a similar comparison.

I got the opportunity to "self guide" myself on a tour of a B17 some years ago.  I barely got into the nose, and almost didn't get out...  The ball turret was not an assignment I'd get on one of those aircrews. 

And to add to it, the plane is NOT pressurized and is poorly heated at best.

 

Heat?  Why do you think the developed the fur lined leather bomber jackets, gloves and pants.!

 
That was in addition to the electrically heated flying suits that Dad and his crew wore.  They could be described as form-fitting electric blankets.
The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
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Posted by BaltACD on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 8:59 PM

rvos1979
 
ChuckCobleigh

There is nothing quite so attention-getting as a big, multi-engined piston-engine prop aircraft flying nearby. 

Until said aircraft piston engines are installed in a Modified tractor chassis and used in tractor pulling.........

NTPA has had Allison aircraft engines running for years, although the only Grand National level tractor left is a twin engine named Top Gun, the triple Allison Money Pit has had her engines changed out for automotive style V8s. Just heard the other day that NTPA is getting its first radial engine tractor, the rules committee is allowing it to compete in competition next year........

The real fun ones to watch are the guys who come out with multiple helicopter turbine engines installed on a tractor..........

Watched Tractor Pulls at the Ohio State Fair a couple of decades ago.

Was most impressed with what they were calling 'Super Stock Tractors'  Diesel farm tractors that had been 'breathed' on!  Turbo whine coupled with a black smoke exhaust jetting skyward for 100 feet or more.

The multi-engined Unlimiteds were fun - and then someones GMC blower would let go.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Burlington, WI
  • 1,418 posts
Posted by rvos1979 on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 7:48 PM

ChuckCobleigh

There is nothing quite so attention-getting as a big, multi-engined piston-engine prop aircraft flying nearby.

Until said aircraft piston engines are installed in a Modified tractor chassis and used in tractor pulling.........

NTPA has had Allison aircraft engines running for years, although the only Grand National level tractor left is a twin engine named Top Gun, the triple Allison Money Pit has had her engines changed out for automotive style V8s. Just heard the other day that NTPA is getting its first radial engine tractor, the rules committee is allowing it to compete in competition next year........

The real fun ones to watch are the guys who come out with multiple helicopter turbine engines installed on a tractor..........

Randy Vos

"Ever have one of those days where you couldn't hit the ground with your hat??" - Waylon Jennings

"May the Lord take a liking to you and blow you up, real good" - SCTV

  • Member since
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  • From: Defiance Ohio
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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 4:47 PM

Update

The 765 took the NKP route east today.Boss said it was in Edgerton.I said Indiana or Ohio.(oops) At least he tried.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

  • Member since
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  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 4:21 PM

afternoon

Heard an Ns Eastbound coming into town after work.Went into town here to run errands.Saw a Csx stack train go east.The ND&W still has plenty of cars to move around.Didn't see too many cars in the CSX Defiance yard.I wouldn't think the crews would go across the road due to the strike at GM.Came back around town and saw the ND&W crews working on the crossing signals in town.Going to get some supper.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

  • Member since
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  • From: US
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Posted by BaltACD on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 2:17 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH
 
tree68 
BaltACD
What we see in movies and videos makes them seem much larger than they are in real life.   

Seeing a P51 flying alongside an F15/F16/F18 provides a similar comparison.

I got the opportunity to "self guide" myself on a tour of a B17 some years ago.  I barely got into the nose, and almost didn't get out...  The ball turret was not an assignment I'd get on one of those aircrews. 

And to add to it, the plane is NOT pressurized and is poorly heated at best.

Heat?  Why do you think the developed the fur lined leather bomber jackets, gloves and pants.!

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 1:56 PM

tree68
 
BaltACD
What we see in movies and videos makes them seem much larger than they are in real life.  

 

Seeing a P51 flying alongside an F15/F16/F18 provides a similar comparison.

I got the opportunity to "self guide" myself on a tour of a B17 some years ago.  I barely got into the nose, and almost didn't get out...  The ball turret was not an assignment I'd get on one of those aircrews.

 
And to add to it, the plane is NOT pressurized and is poorly heated at best.
The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
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  • From: Northern New York
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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 1:45 PM

BaltACD
What we see in movies and videos makes them seem much larger than they are in real life.  

Seeing a P51 flying alongside an F15/F16/F18 provides a similar comparison.

I got the opportunity to "self guide" myself on a tour of a B17 some years ago.  I barely got into the nose, and almost didn't get out...  The ball turret was not an assignment I'd get on one of those aircrews.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 1:00 PM

tree68
 
CSSHEGEWISCH
According to Dad, the most beautiful airplane ever built. 

As big as they look, they'll fit (with the wings removed) inside a C5A...

Visited the Combat Air Museum at Forbes Field, Topeka, KS several years ago.  Their primary displays are all fighters.  In viewing them I was taken by how small they all were.  What we see in movies and videos makes them seem much larger than they are in real life.  

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 12:18 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH
According to Dad, the most beautiful airplane ever built.

As big as they look, they'll fit (with the wings removed) inside a C5A...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 10:18 AM

CSSHEGEWISCH
 
mudchicken

Late  yesterday morning, heard a peculiar noise outside our 11th floor window at the office. It was a B-17G with a bright red tail slowly moving west. They must be around town flying between the two big civilian airports drumming up business. 

According to Dad, the most beautiful airplane ever built.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 10:08 AM

mudchicken

Late  yesterday morning, heard a peculiar noise outside our 11th floor window at the office. It was a B-17G with a bright red tail slowly moving west. They must be around town flying between the two big civilian airports drumming up business.

 
According to Dad, the most beautiful airplane ever built.
The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul

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