Well all, I'm back again today. First off, comes this important article from the local ABC affiliate, followed by the FRA report. Enjoy!
Federal Inspectors Find 199 Violations by CSX
Syracuse (AP/WSYR-TV) - A focused inspection of CSX operations in 23 states uncovered 199 serious cases of noncompliance with federal regulations, including 13 possible violations in New York, the Federal Railroad Administration reported Tuesday. FRA officials conducted 583 inspections over a four-day period in January and found a total of 3,518 defects or evidence of noncompliance with federal rail safety or hazardous materials regulations in the 23 states where CSX operates. The inspection results "demonstrate that despite general improvement by CSX, the railroad is still not doing enough to make safety a top priority," said FRA Administrator Joseph Boardman. "Indeed, our FRA inspectors identified problems in every area of the company's safety performance, including track, hazardous materials and on-track equipment," Boardman said. A defect, per se, does not indicate an imminent hazard, said FRA spokesman Steve Kulm, However, FRA inspectors recommended that civil penalties be assessed against CSX for 199 violations. However, those numbers are preliminary and presently being reviewed by FRA regional offices and headquarter staff for technical and legal issues before they are formally presented to CSX, Kulm said. Historically, about 95 percent of recommended violations result in civil penalties against the offender, he said. In New York, 60 inspections revealed 376 defects, including 13 violations. Systemwide violations cited include failure to replace defective rails and joint bars, rail cars standing on mainline tracks with no hand brake applied, failure to properly maintain records on signal testing, mechanical crews working on equipment without safety signals and tanks cars of hazardous materials found with loose closures, the report said. The focused inspection was not related to a special track inspection effort started last week in Albany following the derailment of an 80-car freight train near Oneida on March 5. At least five tanker cars - two carrying liquid propane, two loaded with liquid petroleum and one containing the solvent toluene - caught fire or exploded in the wreck, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents. Jacksonville, Fla.-based CSX operates a 22,000-mile rail network, covering 23 states, the District of Columbia, and two Canadian provinces. The company holds primary responsibility for making sure its tracks are safe. The FRA inspections were ordered by Boardman following a CSX derailment in East Rochester on Jan. 16 that capped a seven-week stretch in which CSX had eight freight train derailments in four states. "This scathing report confirms our worst fears about CSX's safety record in upstate New York and across the country," said U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, who is pushing for tougher penalties for fatal rail accidents and negligent railroad companies. "It's not a coincidence or just bad luck that there has been a rash of accidents and near misses. CSX is simply not putting the energy, effort, and resources in to safety," Schumer said. Kulm said that inspection - being done with a special computer-equipped car - is nearly complete in New York. He said those would be made public as soon as possible. CSX officials declined comment on the report because they hadn't seen it. However, the company said it would operate rail test cars that use ultrasound technology to search for internal defects in rails on all main lines in New York state. That additional testing is expected to take 30-45 days to complete. Also planned are: weekend visual inspections of track between Erie, Pa. and Selkirk, N.Y., in addition to the normal twice-weekly inspections conducted now; and the running of track geometry cars on all main lines between Erie and Bergen, N.J., via Selkirk, at least three times a year.
Copyright 2007 CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS
Federal Railroad Administration
Findings from Focused Inspection on CSX Transportation
Conducted January 19-22, 2007
Following the January 16, 2007, CSX derailment in East Rochester, NewYork (and other recent CSX accidents*), Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph H. Boardman directed that a focused inspection be conducted on CSX properties in each of the 23 states where the railroad operates. The focused inspection was conducted around the clock during January 19-22, 2007, and involved a concentrated effort by federal rail safety inspectors in each of the five safety disciplines of track, operating practices, motive power & equipment, signal & train control, and hazardous materials. Approximately 20 percent of the FRA inspector force was involved in this focused inspection activity.
FRA inspectors conducted 583 inspections and found a total of 3,518 defects, or evidence of non-compliance with federal rail safety or hazardous materials regulations. A defect, per se, does not indicate an imminent hazard, but it is something the FRA inspector notifies the railroad of and it must be corrected. FRA inspectors also recommended that civil penalties be assessed against CSX for 199 violations. A violation is a serious case of non-compliance with federal regulations.
The 199 violations recommended for civil penalties are presently being reviewed by the FRA regional offices and headquarters staff for technical and legal sufficiency before being transmitted to CSX. Historically, about 95 percent of the violations that are forwarded from the regional offices satisfy FRA legal review and result in civil penalties being assessed against the offending railroad.
Inspections / (NY)
Defects / (NY)
Violations / (NY)
Track
99 / (12)
666 / (5)
17 / (0)
Operating Practices
149 / (21)
269 / (11)
22 /(2)
Motive Power & Equipment
169 / (11)
2178 / (319)
101 / (10)
Signal & Train Control
88 / (7)
229 / (39)
25 / (0)
Hazardous Materials
78 / (9)
176 / (2)
34 / (1)
Total
583 / (60)
3518 / (376)
199 / (13)
______________________________________________________________________________
*January 16, 2007, East Rochester, NY, CSX derailment
January 16, 2007, Brooks, KY, CSX derailment with hazardous material fire
January 15, 2007, Patio, KY, CSX runaway railcars
December 19, 2006, Selkirk, NY, CSX employee struck by train at yard crossing
December 15, 2006, Woodstock, MD, CSX derailment
December 14, 2006, Syracuse, NY, CSX employee struck by train and killed at yard crossing
December 10, 2006, Cheektowaga, NY, CSX derailment
November 30, 2006, North Baltimore, OH, CSX derailment followed by collision with another train
Federal Railroad Administration / Office of Public Affairs March 27, 2007
Examples of Defects and Violations
Found By FRA During CSX Focused Inspection January 19-22, 2007
Defects
Violations Recommended for Civil Penalties (presently under FRA legal review)
//signed// John Powell President / CEO CNY Transportation Corp (fictional)
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s303/nuts4sports34/
Hunter - When we met in January of 2000, you were just a 6 week old pup who walked his way into this heart of mine as the only runt in the litter who would come over to me. And today, I sit here and tell you I am sorry we had to put you down. It was the best thing for you and also the right thing to do. May you now rest in peace and comfort. Love, Dad. 8 June 2010
I love you and miss you Mom. Say hi to everyone up there for me. Rest in peace and comfort. Love, John. 29 March 2017
JPowell wrote: According to Evans, the engine was between 1,200 feet and 1,400 feet from the site of the explosion and subsequent fire. Oneida firefighters who first responded to the scene remained at least 1,500 feet away from the burning tankers, said fire Chief Don Hudson.
According to Evans, the engine was between 1,200 feet and 1,400 feet from the site of the explosion and subsequent fire. Oneida firefighters who first responded to the scene remained at least 1,500 feet away from the burning tankers, said fire Chief Don Hudson.
I'm a captain with the Sundown fire dept as well as the dept's Safety Officer. We had a derailment in this area not too many years ago with quite hazardous conditions. When one of my fire fighters asked me how close we would be getting to it I told him to hold up his thumb and put it between himself and the scene. I told him "if you can see any of the scene on either side of your thumb, you are too close!". Until we're called to go in, we have to sit tight and wait.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Jeff - This is CSX we're talking about, come on now....lol.
In all honesty, if my fire dept responded to one of these incidents and I was on the crew, I'm sure we would do the same - stay away and protect the homes. Trees, shrubs and grass will grow back in the future, but houses and lives don't come back so soon.
One more thing....
Have any of you tried mixing dirt with paint or using dirt on top of wet paint? If so, which method did you use? How were the results? What color paint did you use? If you used white paint, did the dirt change the color? Any help is grateful as I am on vacation this week and am about to break out a ‘section' of the ‘old' tabletop and experiment with various ideas, etc. I'll be heading to the LHS Friday for some scenery, flex track and roadbed (if you model in HO, did you use HO roadbed, N or none before laying track?)
On a different note - or 2 -
1) I called it ‘quits' w/ the new lady. Other than hockey, we had nothing else in common.
2) I went out and bought a new truck yesterday. I traded in my 2000 Jeep Cherokee for a 2005 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab. Very nice vehicle if I may say so myself!
3) I'll be buying a new digital camera (I don't have one yet) this week so I can take photos of the experiment and post for you all to see.
Ok, lunch time!
hey guys. I made a replacement slide show in 30 min today in study hall! I'm saved!!!
Colby
der5997 wrote: PC: Dick - It would not surprise me one bit if they are PINK!…Lest we forget, the pink isn’t Fergie’s idea, the pink loco was sent him by Teffy. Anyone heard how Bob’s doing BTW?
PC: Dick - It would not surprise me one bit if they are PINK!…Lest we forget, the pink isn’t Fergie’s idea, the pink loco was sent him by Teffy. Anyone heard how Bob’s doing BTW?
Dick - It would not surprise me one bit if they are PINK!
What? I'm innocent I tell ya....innocent!
Afternoon!
How about a tall glass of ice water, Chloe! Thanks....that wet the ole whistle!
pcarrell wrote:Hey Ryan, did your boy ever get any of those model cars put together? If so, got any pics to share?
Philip, he has yet to build any of them! Recently he has gotten into sports (football and most recently basketball and hockey). Ben has spent a lot of time with friends from school and from around the neighborhood playing sports. If he is not on the phone with one of them he is outside playing hoops or football near the house. I can't complain much though he is on the A/B Honor Roll at school and plays the clarinet in the school band too. He never seems to slow down much; we even have a hard time getting him to sit at the dinner table for more than 10 minutes every night. The children sure do grow up quick!
Dick, yep so far the truck is running like it was before the "pop" last week. But for some reason I am still getting a vibration from the front end that seems to increase on acceleration when the engine RMP's are around 2,000 to 2,500 no matter what speed I am going, and not sure what that is? Any ideas?
Mike and Hoople, we lived in Champagne/Urbana for 2 years when I was a little tike in kindergarten. My dad was getting his masters degree at the University of Illinois and we lived in an apartment. I was only 3 or 4 years old then but I can remember the 3 to 4 feet of show in the winters and the ice storms. Even at that age we kids would run all around the neighborhood and no one was worried about us as long as we came home before the sun went down.
Hey Mike is that a photo of the Ham and Beans recipe that includes a few ashes from the fire?
Colby, take the advice from Dick and remember to save often, even after every sentence. It becomes habit forming and I find myself saving everything about 100 times throughout the day.
Garry, yea, 18 years in the restaurant industry and there are quite a few stories to be told.
Here is a short history of the places I worked: Hyatt Regency Hotel - New Orleans I started out in 1983 as an apprentice chef and then finished up as the Saucier making the soups, stocks and sauces for the entire hotel restaurants, worked there for about 2 years. Then worked for 2 years at the Columns Hotel on St. Charles Avenue and started there in the pantry/cold food prep then worked up to Sous Chef position. Then I worked for a catering company Innovative Catering for a year as the chef at a prominent law firm. Then I worked as a Chief Steward for Perry Oceanographics and was working offshore on the J. W. Powell research vessel off the coast of Maine and N.S. then we steamed to the coast of Miami and the Bahamas, and did that stint for about 9 months. This was interesting work feeding a 5 man boat crew and up to 10 scientists that would come on board for undersea research. Then I came back to New Orleans and worked at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant as a day shift sauté cook and worked under the wings of French chef Daniel Bonnot. Then I went into the health care industry and became chef at Elmwood Medical Center for a year, then 2 years as chef at Meadowcrest Hospital and eventually became Food Service Director at The Rehabilitation Institute of New Orleans and stayed there for 4 years. Then I went to work at Copeland's of New Orleans as a dining room manager for about 10 months. Then I taught culinary arts at Delgado Community College Culinary Arts Department for one semester leading all the Garde Manger classes, that's French for cold food preparation, ice carvings, mirror displays, etc. Then I opened my own restaurant Boudreaux's Restaurant for a year and lost my shirt in that venture. Then became a manager at Cuco's Mexican Restaurant chain and stayed with them for 2 years. After that I worked for Club Corp and became the Food and Beverage Director for Premier Athletic Club until they closed and then transferred to Belle Terre Country Club in the same role located in LaPlace, LA until July of 2000 when I made my career change to IT at that time.
Trust me, that is the short history of my 18 year restaurant career!
Trent, glad that things are starting to get together with you now, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
JP, CSX has quite a problem that needs attention it seems. Thanks for the postings on CSX.
Der John, anytime! If you want the whole Jambalaya song lyrics, check out this link:
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/williams-hank-jr/jambalaya-947.html
Cheers,
Ryan
Ryan BoudreauxThe Piedmont Division Modeling The Southern Railway, Norfolk & Western & Norfolk Southern in HO during the merger eraCajun Chef Ryan
SilverSpike wrote: pcarrell wrote:Hey Ryan, did your boy ever get any of those model cars put together? If so, got any pics to share?Philip, he has yet to build any of them! Recently he has gotten into sports (football and most recently basketball and hockey). Ben has spent a lot of time with friends from school and from around the neighborhood playing sports. If he is not on the phone with one of them he is outside playing hoops or football near the house. I can't complain much though he is on the A/B Honor Roll at school and plays the clarinet in the school band too. He never seems to slow down much; we even have a hard time getting him to sit at the dinner table for more than 10 minutes every night. The children sure do grow up quick!
I know right where you're coming from! They do grow up fast! Maybe those models will be good rainy day projects this spring.
Afternoon all
Trent Good the hear you are getting things worked out.
Thought I would let you see some of the progress on my layout but be warned, it is still a construction zone and it has been stalled since about January due to the situation with my dad. I will only put up about 4 at a time because of those on dial-up.
Ryan I haven't received the schedule for Apex,but I think the spring meet is the last full weekend of April.
That's about it
Talk to you later
Duke
Well now would you look at this,TOTP,so belly up all.
"Don't take a wooden nickel,because it isn't worth a dime" by my Dad
"There are only 3 things you need out of life:A gentle grade,the wind in your face,and cinders in your hair.....But keep an eye on the water glass!" Jack Evans
the only track you can see is on a turn table even then I not sure if there even IS track on it. well at least it looks like the main bean work is done. (no offence)
Hey Duke, the benchwork is coming along nicely I see! Looking forward to the continued updates too.
So Apex spring meet is just around the corner eh! Are you going to be making your way to the event for April?
Never a dull moment here. A Jehovah's witness walked through my glass window on my side porch today.
Jehovah's Witness opened sliding glass door. Jehovah's Witness entered side porch. Jehovah's Witness closes sliding glass door. Dog barked at Jehovah's Witness. Jehovah's Witness ran through 1/4 plate glass.
Dog: Free
Glass replacement: $375.00
Having the police arrive and laugh at Jehovah's Witness: Priceless!
Will be submitting claim to Churches Insurance this week!
Jehovah's Witness: These doors are required to be Plexiglas
Police Officer: That only applies to businesses.
Jehovah's Witness: That pit bull scared me!
Police Officer: That's a Labrador Retriever there in the house barking through the window and over there is a Boxer on a leash tied in the back yard, both have proper tags.
Jehovah's Witness: It's my fault I'll pay for everything.
Church woman: We have really good insurance.
BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret) L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes
Hello everybody
Well, lee, you just don't know what to expect, right? Hope the J W was not hurt, though.
Duke ......... that's sturdy benchwork ! Congrats!
Colby...good the slide show is okay.
RYAN .................. WOW what a resume! It no doubt puts anything I cook to shame! .... but......... now you're in IT......... uh oh!.............. I'll not find any good food at any eatery in wake forrest, I suppose.........
TRENT ......... you're still on the prayer list......... keep us informed!
Everybody ............. sounds like many of you have interesting backgrouns as does ryan........I'd be interested if others share theirs......
Worked on locos and cars in the train room today for awhile
bye
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
LSWrr wrote: Never a dull moment here. A Jehovah's witness walked through my glass window on my side porch today.Jehovah's Witness opened sliding glass door. Jehovah's Witness entered side porch. Jehovah's Witness closes sliding glass door. Dog barked at Jehovah's Witness. Jehovah's Witness ran through 1/4 plate glass. Dog: FreeGlass replacement: $375.00Having the police arrive and laugh at Jehovah's Witness: Priceless!Will be submitting claim to Churches Insurance this week!Jehovah's Witness: These doors are required to be PlexiglasPolice Officer: That only applies to businesses.Jehovah's Witness: That pit bull scared me!Police Officer: That's a Labrador Retriever there in the house barking through the window and over there is a Boxer on a leash tied in the back yard, both have proper tags.Jehovah's Witness: It's my fault I'll pay for everything.Church woman: We have really good insurance.
Reminds me of a time when i was younger my brother 4 years older than I worked nights and one came knocking on the door till brother answered (very mad at this point) they started speel brother went to shut door in face they put foot in door brother put barrel of 357 in face they haven't stopped at that house in 30 yearas about talked to present owners about a year ago told me they hit every house in neighborhood except theres didn't know why till I told them story.
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
Thanks Garry and I still have a long way to go.
Good evening everyone....sh opping with the wife today and then we went to see the movie WILD HOGS. That was one funny movie....people were roaring. The ending was quite a surprise too.
LEE: JW's visit us a couple of times a year. I used to be upset because they seemed to come when I was right in the middle of a project that I just could not stop to talk ( like sealing the asphalt driveway). The last few years I tried a new tactic, I try to convert them!! I have a ball with that one...we get going into heavy religious background and history.
DER JOHN: Ahhhh, so that's where the infamous pink locomotive came from!!! TEFFY the tiger!! I have not heard from Teffy in a while, I hope his wife is OK.
DUKE: Nice progress, but where is the hi-tech level, I don't see it on the bench?
JP: That is quite a rundown on the big CSX accident. I hope they address the safety issues expeditiously, it could sink their ship financially if they don't get their act together.
Later, guys,
Ok guys, here's what I have planned (am thinking...) -
Home Depot for some adhesive to secure the 2" pink foamboard to the plywood base; Best Buy for the Digital Camera for tomorrow's project; Mom and dad's for the 2 2'x4' pink foamboards I have stored there; then back here to work on the 1st part of the experiment.
I am thinking I will do 2 different one's since I have 'scrap' table tops - 1 will have white paint mixed with dirt and sprinkle more dirt on top while still wet. The 2nd will be w/ brown paint and sprinkled w/ dirt while still wet. Then from there, I'll let you all know when I get to that point.
Well time for some beers and bed.
Take care!
Evening gang: We took the daughter and grand daughters to the airport.They are at home and we are trying to get back to normal. I have a rip roaring cold. I had a ripping head ach last night and on the way home I really started to feel bad. My nose is running lke a fauset. I went to Wally World and got some night quil. I hope that I'll have a good nights sleep.
Trent: I'm happy to hear that you now know the problem. Now the doctors can get to the cure.
Well I'm pooped so I'll say Good Night.
Dick
but where is the hi-tech level, I don't see it on the bench?
JPowell wrote: Have any of you tried mixing dirt with paint or using dirt on top of wet paint? If so, which method did you use? How were the results? What color paint did you use? If you used white paint, did the dirt change the color?
Have any of you tried mixing dirt with paint or using dirt on top of wet paint? If so, which method did you use? How were the results? What color paint did you use? If you used white paint, did the dirt change the color?
I sometimes help to paint home interiors. One method of getting a low cost textured finish for the paint is to mix sand with the paint and just brush it on. Sometimes the sand would change the color a little but only if too much sand was used. It makes a dynamite textured surface. I used it in my own home.
You know what? I'm hungry! And since Trent's buying - Töten Sie die Kreditkarte, Jungen!
I'll have a Dagwood Special!
JP:
Have any of you tried mixing dirt with paint or using dirt on top of wet paint? If so, which method did you use? How were the results? What color paint did you use?
However, dirt sifted onto wet paint (I was using a general brownish latex on that layout) worked out not too badly. Dick will get on our case about sterilizing the dirt first, but I didn’t bother, and no harm resulted. I’d be careful not to gather dirt from an obviously toxic area however…and I didn’t try with white paint, but expect the water soluble material in any dirt would bleed off into the white.
Looking forward to your photos.
Ryan: Thanks for the Hank Williams url.
Dick:
I have not heard from Teffy in a while, I hope his wife is OK.
This afternoon should have been more ballasting, but I thought I’d fix a problem in the track where the next ballast would go before I sealed it “forever”. One thing led to another, and while the fix is done, it wasn’t pretty, and since it was on the outside of the curve below the upper level, you can see the spot here..…it involved using a mirror to see where to solder!
Time for bed.
Good night all, and God Bless. Prayers for all in need of healing, comfort, and peace.
"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.
Hi,
BIG HUGS BACK TO ALL FROM GLORIA
She is home, her lungs appear to be cleared, her blood O2 level is back to nomal and the pinch never has worked itself out but she has bronchitus which will likely remain. She has to get xrayed and blood tested every week for the next few months. I feel better that she is home but I keep wondering if it is too soon... The cat has not left her side since she got back in the house. I think he missed as much as I have...
Again we thank you so much for your kind words.
Der John - Are you still planning on going to the show on Sunday?
Hope you all had a great day.
Happy MRRing
der5997 wrote:[IMG] BTW, Fergie’s tip of adding black to the wetting water does work very well indeed to instantly weather the ballast.
[IMG] BTW, Fergie’s tip of adding black to the wetting water does work very well indeed to instantly weather the ballast.
Why Thank you...Thank you very much
Bob is Bob no matter which way you spell it! He's fine as I talked to him about a week ago.
Luct: I really was out of touch as I wasn't aware of Gloria's condition but am happy she is on the mend.
Well still working out the bugs on dad's place but I will make it to the MR show Saturday morning... I hope! I'm slowly turning my President's Choice (aka Mehano) into a CN T1-a Santa Fe as I rec'd the SP Vanderbilt Hicken Tenders this week. So yes things are looking up and would you know i, The sky isn't falling! A pleasant change Knock on wood
Later All
Fergie
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
Good Evening, Chloe - just stopping by briefly for now. On-call tonight and can't stay long.
Duke - the benchwork looks good; you've been busy!
Luc - good news, and now keep an eye on Gloria and don't hesitate to have the doctor's number on your speed-dial. Will be continuing to keep her (and you and Bre'r Cat there) in my prayers.
Trent, good to hear on your progress, too (and will keep you in my prayers, also).
Colby, congrats on getting the slide show done!
Hoople, hang in there - that Consolidation will (finally) arrive.
Time to head for bed in case I get a late night call out.
Blessings and prayers,
Jim in Cape Girardeau
hello...
Okay......... which is taller.......... der's mountain, gearjammer's mountain, or Jeff's sandwich ?
LUC ! GREAT NEWS ....... cheers to Gloria .......purrs to the cat
fergie ........... the CN 2-10-2 must be quite a challenge......... I'll be interested in your progress.
Paul ............ good you had a visit from daughter and grandkids. ... nothin' better, right?
G'nite all..........
Good morning ! from Indiana.
03-29-07
Bill Tidler Jr.
Near a cornfield in Indiana...
Good morning and top 'o' the day to all of ye.
Today's Weather for: Sundown, LA 71446-6114 3/29/2007 Live Conditions 8:27 AM
Sundown Fire Dept., Station 23
Wind Chill: 69°FHumidity: 84%Dew Point: 64°F So Far TodayHigh: 70°FLow: 66°FRain: 0.00"Rain Rate: 0.00"/hGust: 9mph SSE Your Local Forecast Today High: 82 Patchy dense fog in the morning...becoming partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 80s. South winds 10 mph. Tonight Low: 62 Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s. South winds around 10 mph in the evening becoming light and variable. Da Duke die Ehren heute hat, werde ich seine Kreditkarte heute benutzen.
Töten Sie die Kreditkarte, Jungen!