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The Trackside Lounge 4Q 2012

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Posted by WMNB4THRTL on Friday, December 21, 2012 7:43 AM

Oh no, Dan!! I wondered what happened! Full and speedy recovery - pronto!! And do be careful!!

Nance-CCABW/LEI 

“Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” --Will Rogers

Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right! --unknown

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Posted by zardoz on Friday, December 21, 2012 9:06 AM

CNW 6000

Thanks for the kind words Carl.  I'm lucky I didn't lose any digits.  Trying to type one-handed for now.  I thought the auger had stopped...but not the second stage impeller.  I'm lucky that I only broke two fingers.

Can you drive?  Sometimes the loss of function of a certain digit can drastically reduce the level of communication between drivers.

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Posted by mudchicken on Friday, December 21, 2012 10:58 AM

Dan: Ouchalready - hope it heals quickly (Zardoz' pun aside - I'll stick to the trusty old shovel)

I'm hoping Santa ordered enough unit coal trains this year, I see a special delivery for some folks in western Colorado coming.

Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
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Posted by CShaveRR on Friday, December 21, 2012 12:03 PM

Jim, I think you're taking about the third-stage impeller. Wink  From what I heard, that's probably still functional.

Our severe storm dropped perhaps an inch of snow around here, disappointing many show-admirers but gladdening the hearts of those of us who have to drive somewhere this coming long weekend.

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 zardoz on Friday, December 21, 2012 2:33 PM

CShaveRR

Jim, I think you're taking about the third-stage impeller. Wink  From what I heard, that's probably still functional.

Our severe storm dropped perhaps an inch of snow around here, disappointing many show-admirers but gladdening the hearts of those of us who have to drive somewhere this coming long weekend.

:"Third stage impeller"  I like that euphemism--very succinct. 

We got about 1.5" of snow, with about 1/2 inch of ice underneath the snow.

After Christmas, I'll be ready for spring.

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Posted by edblysard on Friday, December 21, 2012 5:53 PM

Wow,

Now I feel bad…we got 59 degrees, clear blue skies, soft north breeze.

Guess living in a swamp has its perks after all!

Live oaks still green too!

Dan, guess you won’t check the blower again till the engine is completely off, yes?

23 17 46 11

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Posted by CNW 6000 on Friday, December 21, 2012 10:11 PM

Ed,

It was off but was jammed w/ice. Impeller released energy when ice broke loose. Was able to run blower tonight to finish job of punching through the snow drifts blocking the walks. Did get some help from the neighbor so that helped. Some drifts were up to 40" or so.

I hope to get reasonable news from the ortho doc Wed. 

Dan

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Posted by Mookie on Saturday, December 22, 2012 8:58 AM

Dan - might want to think about a whip and a chair before you get very close to that snow blower again.

Shy

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by CShaveRR on Saturday, December 22, 2012 1:32 PM

I know just where you could get the chair and whip... Whistling

But the vacuuming and dusting is now done, and we're awaiting the arrival of our California contingent tonight.  Their flight was reported as delayed an hour already (probably the "domino effect" from the bad weather a couple of days ago). 

Trust me...incoming family (or getting rid of them after the visit) is about the only thing that could get me to the airport on a busy weekend when it's too dark to see trains on the way!  And the fact that they will be hungry and we'll probably hit Portillo's on the way home is perhaps the only thing that gets me out of the house today!

Carl

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

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Posted by rvos1979 on Saturday, December 22, 2012 4:38 PM

Dan, may I suggest an acetylene torch with a rosebud tip next time?  That should take care of any Ice buildup you may encounter......

Got home Thursday afternoon, after running to Hartford in the morning.  Had five inches of snow to worry about, waited for our shop to plow out the yard before taking off.  State roads were actually better than US41, just had to worry about the customer, and he plowed out the dock, thankfully.  Got about three inches of snow on top of an inch or so of ice at the house, made for rough shoveling.  WSOR had issues as well, on my way back from Hartford every crossing signal in Richfield was stuck on, guessing due to the over an inch of rain we got.

Put new batteries in the pickup today, had to punch out and replace the bolts in both negative battery cable clamps, the one was completely eaten away, the other was not far behind.  Got everything cleaned up and protected, and the truck starts up a lot better now.

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 Paul_D_North_Jr on Saturday, December 22, 2012 5:45 PM

Dan, glad you're OK, kind of - the "it could have been a lot worse" variety.  Hope it wasn't the 'camera hand' ?  

Some safety advice I follow with regard to such powered equipment, to paraphrase a Canadian Mountie in an Ian Fleming James Bond short story: "Never put a hand where you can first send a tool."  I have a large collection of sticks, blocks, hooks, and especially a big & long screwdriver that I use to clean out such openings.  

A lot of farmers around here are like the old railroad brakemen - you can tell how long they've been at it by how many fingers and arms they're missing . . . 

Glad you're on the mend !  

- Paul North.  

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
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Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, December 23, 2012 10:11 PM

Greetings from The Land Of No Trains...western Michigan.

We got bad news and good news today.

The bad news:  our three grandchildren (and consequently their parents) are unable to come up and join us as we visit our families.  Number One has a fever.

The good news:  Number Four is expected this summer.

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 CShaveRR on Monday, December 24, 2012 10:16 PM

A very Merry Christmas to everyone here in the Forum!  One hour away from Santa time, here in the Eastern time zone.

I was allowed, by today's schedule of activity, to hit just about every hiding-place in two counties where freight cars can be seen...out of the six or so cars documented, I actually got two that I needed:  one build date for a previously-observed series and one renumbering.

In addition to our prospective grandchild, we found out tonight that both of my sisters are also going to become grandparents (one for the first time)!  And all three babies are due within a time frame of less than a month (my mother will be nearly doubling her great-grandchild count).

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 tree68 on Monday, December 24, 2012 10:21 PM

CShaveRR

The good news:  Number Four is expected this summer.

Congrats!  I'm still waiting to hear from daughter that they're expecting.  Last time I mentioned it, I got a real non-committal answer.  I'm pretty sure they want another one, but I'm not sure when they're going to go for it. 

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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Posted by WMNB4THRTL on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 3:07 AM

Hearty congrats to Carl & Pat

and Merry Christmas to all!!

Nance-CCABW/LEI 

“Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” --Will Rogers

Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right! --unknown

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Posted by CShaveRR on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 8:47 AM

Christmas on the road has become sort of a tradition for our family.  It's about to take place again. 

Merry Christmas and safe travels to everyone!  And to all railroaders who are traveling or working today, have a safe trip, and our thanks (run 'em where we can see 'em, OK?)!

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 CShaveRR on Thursday, December 27, 2012 12:02 PM

It was eight years ago today that our first grandchild popped out to check out the dinky going past the delivery-room window in Hinsdale.  The vaccination didn't take--she's not a devoted railfan.  But she appreciates the fact that "Grandpa knows all about trains"--at least in her mind.

Happy birthday, Kates--see you soon!

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 CNW 6000 on Friday, December 28, 2012 9:17 AM

A snowy good morning to you all. 17°F and up to 3" of snow today. 

It's nice to be back on here...even if I have to slowly type one handed. Doc says my left hand keeps the pins in for around 4 weeks. At least I still have fingers! I go back for the next eval on1/2. Apparently the bone that broke was in 8 pieces. Lots of bruising & swelling elsewhere.

If i can swing it I'm going to go trackside tomorrow.

Dan

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Posted by CShaveRR on Friday, December 28, 2012 9:35 AM

We're getting snow down here, too. 

One of us is excited.  I would be happy to borrow Ed Blysard's "snow shot" to express my feelings.

But it will be nice to walk through a winter wonderland to go to lunch with Chris and Linda this morning.

Dan, you'd mentioned your thumb earlier...is that all right now, or at least set? Try to get someone else to do your shoveling, and stick around the Forum a bit more...that's safer (I think!).

Still researching the Itel-family pigs, and putting down lots of data.  I just wish I could get some ancestry on the PEYX cars that are now hauling windmill blades.

I think our daughter or son-in-law has posted an announcement on Facebook now, so the secret is out.  Now we await the coming Charmageddon--four babies in one month, starting in late July (if all goes well with everyone, of course!).


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 CNW 6000 on Friday, December 28, 2012 11:16 AM

Carl, I broke the tip of the thumb which was a "simple" fracture and not splintable. So I just have to be careful. The Tylenol helps but I refuse to take the narcotics I was prescribed. 

Once I get a chance to process some pictures I'll post some shots of BCOL 4644, one of three British Columbia Railways C44-9WL's not in CN paint. This unit in particular had eluded me for years.

I also see that I may need to get back to my moderator panel again...

Dan

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Posted by CShaveRR on Friday, December 28, 2012 1:30 PM

I forgot what I was prescribed that stuff for, but I never took it, either. 

I'm pretty sure I saw one of those BCOL wide-nose units when I was at Duplainville last month.

Our snow has stopped falling, so we now have white ground with plenty of grass showing.  The 32-plus temperatures aren't helping it stick around.

Oh, goody...new paneling for the Lounge!  Moderation is good--in moderation!

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 The Butler on Friday, December 28, 2012 2:09 PM

I will bring my saw, hammer and nails.  We will have that paneling up in no time! Big Smile

James


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Posted by Deggesty on Friday, December 28, 2012 10:22 PM

The Butler

I will bring my saw, hammer and nails.  We will have that paneling up in no time! Big Smile

Ah, we are remodeling and not moving into new quarters for the new quarter? Smile

Johnny

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Posted by CNW 6000 on Saturday, December 29, 2012 9:12 AM

Per previous instructions - on 1/1/13 we will still move.

Dan

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Posted by The Butler on Monday, December 31, 2012 8:54 AM

To all Forum members,

    I hope you have a happy New Year's celebration and the new year smiles upon you.  Maybe this year I'll make it past 10 PM. Smile

    I shall see all of you in the new Lounge.


James "The Butler" Chylik

James


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Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, December 31, 2012 11:02 AM

Before we leave the old for the new (paneled) lounge--better paneled than padded!--wish a very happy birthday to master railroader, carver, herpetologist, and storyteller Ed Blysard--who says they never have blizzards in Houston?

Our guests--all 2.2 of them--left for home very early this morning; we saw them off at O'Hare.  No chance to check for trains in the area; it was still dark when two of us returned home and one of us crawled back into bed.

James, I'm in your boat...we're usually warm and comfortable in bed early, and asleep before midnight...at which point there's usually someone in the neighborhood shooting off something and waking us back up.

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 tree68 on Monday, December 31, 2012 12:43 PM

Indeed - if Houston Ed posts something, it's gonna be good.

Don't know if I'll stay up on purpose tonight, but I might.  Not going out partying - might better be ready to deal with those who don't quite make it home.

Lots to do to "change over" at the FD.  new pages in the report book, compiling reports for the past year.  That'll be tomorrow morning's project.

Happy New Year! 

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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Posted by zugmann on Monday, December 31, 2012 3:56 PM

I'll be in bed early.  This first shift stuff is for the birds.

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

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Posted by CNW 6000 on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 12:01 AM

Dan

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