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Posted by CShaveRR on Thursday, April 17, 2008 5:06 AM

Went through Elmhurst at 9:38; by us in Lombard at 9:31.  It was moving, all right--once it got past Nelson it didn't slow down for too much.  A hot piggyback train that had been close to an hour ahead of it at Rochelle beat it through by only 15-20 minutes.

It didn't sound like a typical EMD (or pair of them!) as it was approaching--couldn't hear the turbos as much as I expected to.

I think it was worth it, though.

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 nanaimo73 on Thursday, April 17, 2008 2:06 AM

This is on the IC Yahoo group-

Straight from top-ranking and CREDIBLE UP SOURCES!

APRIL 17th THURSDAY
Depart Proviso 6am
Depart Butler 8am
Arrive Adams 1030am
Depart Adams 1040a,
Depart Altoona 1310 (110pm)
St. Paul Westminster St via BNSF St Paul
7th Street Mankato
Western Ave St Paul 1510 (310pm)
Valley Park tie-up 1530 ( 330pm)

April 18th FRIDAY

Dp St/ Paul Western Ave 6am
St, James MN 830am
Sioux City 1430 (230pm)
Missouri Valley 1600 (400pm)
Council Bluffs 1630 (430pm)

Happy hunting everyone!

Dale
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Posted by TimChgo9 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:13 PM

Hung around at Elmhurst until about 8:40 or so, and it was a no show.  If it hit Rochelle at 8:30 that would have put it at Elmhurst around 9:45, way too late for the kiddies to be out. 

Maybe next time, if there is a next time.

"Chairman of the Awkward Squad" "We live in an amazing, amazing world that is just wasted on the biggest generation of spoiled idiots." Flashing red lights are a warning.....heed it. " I don't give a hoot about what people have to say, I'm laughing as I'm analyzed" What if the "hokey pokey" is what it's all about?? View photos at: http://www.eyefetch.com/profile.aspx?user=timChgo9
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Posted by CShaveRR on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:05 PM

Tomorrow's train is scheduled to depart Proviso at 6:00 a.m.  It is expected to hit the Milwaukee area by around 8:00, and Adams by 10:30.  Good luck, all!

(We're staying up--should be getting close to Peck fairly shortly, so that's about 20 minutes away.)

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 Wednesday, April 16, 2008 7:43 PM

So what are they calling tomorrow's train, Max?  I can't find it.

I'm just about to the point of abandoning hope on catching this beast--I should be resting up for tomorrow's work by the time it's due to arrive Proviso now (after 9:00), and it probably will have left for points north and west by the time I get there tomorrow.

It also doesn't look like it will get to the Webcam before dark.  Edit:  Passed the Webcam at about 8:32--a few lights visible late in the train, plus headlight arrangement, were the only clues.  Arrival set for 75 minutes from Rochelle.

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 Wednesday, April 16, 2008 7:20 PM
Get some good pics Max (and everyone else).  At $3.53/gallon for regular unleaded I can't afford the trip at this point.  Guess I'll just have to live vicariously through you guys...

Dan

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Posted by Lord Atmo on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 5:23 PM

ah. well, i just got the schedule for tomorrow off of a yahoo group. i'll have to be in Altoona pretty early. but i can do it! i'll have my parents wake me up in the event my alarm fails again as it commonly does.

i'm taking every precaution here. i CANNOT miss this train!

Your friendly neighborhood CNW fan.

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Posted by CShaveRR on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 4:01 PM
Looks closer to a 7:20 arrival now (semi-officially), but to me that's suspect--he isn't out of South Pekin yet.

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 Lord Atmo on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 11:17 AM

He's due into Proviso around 6:00 PM. but the phone trace is quite notorious for giving terrible ETAs.

either way, tomorrow is an action day for sure!

Your friendly neighborhood CNW fan.

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Posted by TimChgo9 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:11 AM
I think I am heading to Proviso this afternoon to see if I can see him .  I would like to go this morning, but I have to get the daughter from kindergarten at 11:30, so that puts me in Elmhurst pretty close to noon, and then I have all of 2 hours and hope he comes by at that point.  Probably cant' get up there this evening.......
"Chairman of the Awkward Squad" "We live in an amazing, amazing world that is just wasted on the biggest generation of spoiled idiots." Flashing red lights are a warning.....heed it. " I don't give a hoot about what people have to say, I'm laughing as I'm analyzed" What if the "hokey pokey" is what it's all about?? View photos at: http://www.eyefetch.com/profile.aspx?user=timChgo9
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Posted by CopCarSS on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 8:34 AM

Good Morning Everyone,

So I went out chasing along the Greeley Sub last night, but didn't get much. I saw plenty of trains, but was never able to compose anything that I really liked. I'm starting to appreciate why O. Winston Link switched to night photography for the majority of his work documenting the N&W. While his shots took a lot of time to plan out and even more to set up, he had control over light. Considering that photography is "painting with light," that's a pretty big advantage. Maybe I need to invest in some more strobes?

At least I'll have an opportunity to shoot some steam this weekend. CRRM is firing up #346, so I think I'll be out there. If the weather is looking good, I think I'll be bringing out the large format camera. I haven't shot any 4x5 B&W's in awhile, so I think that would be a lot of fun. Of course, it might be a little melancholic shooting out there. The last time #346 was fired up was for the Richard Kindig event. Sadly, I couldn't make it out there, and Mr. Kindig passed away less than a week afterwards. I missed my last chance to meet one of the great rail photographers of the last century. Sad [:(]

Well, I had better get to work. I hope you all have a great day.

-Chris
West Chicago, IL
Christopher May Fine Art Photography

"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." ~Ansel Adams

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Posted by CNW 6000 on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 3:12 PM

Carl and Max,

You're right-I forgot it's Thursday when she's comin' by.  Either way I doubt I can get south far enough to see her.  Unless I can talk the fiancee into going with me.  She's off of work.

Dan

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Posted by Lord Atmo on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 2:23 PM

before noon? seems about right. i'm banking on an Altoona arrival in the afternoon thursday.

Dan, i'm pretty sure he's gonna come past you on thursday, not tomorrow. in a run from Butler or Proviso to St Paul. I would hope he doesn't get here before noon as i might still be sleeping then. woke up at 10:00 AM today after all.

and there may not be a next time. that's why i'm desperate to see him

Your friendly neighborhood CNW fan.

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Posted by CShaveRR on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 9:42 AM

Dan, wouldn't you be better off doing it Thursday instead of tomorrow?  I suspect that it would go by you (depending on where you head to catch it) before noon.

I'm just hoping that its arrival here tomorrow isn't past my bedtime.  Also hoping I'll be able to look up from my work and see it moving around the Horn as it heads north on Thursday.

Sorry you missed it, Chris (we've missed you around here--better buried by the plans than the concrete, though!).

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 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 8:47 AM
I wish I had an excuse to go see her tomorrow.  Trouble is I don't have the day off to sit trackside.  Next time I guess...lol.

Dan

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Posted by CopCarSS on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 8:44 AM
Alas, I was buried under a pile of plans and didn't get a chance to chase 6936. For those of you interested, Kevin Morgan took some shots and posted them up on his site. After looking at those, I wish I had ducked out from work to get a shot. I've seen 6936 trailing 844, but never on the point of a train. She's a good looking loco!

-Chris
West Chicago, IL
Christopher May Fine Art Photography

"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." ~Ansel Adams

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Posted by mudchicken on Monday, April 14, 2008 11:00 PM

Uncle Pete's techo & retro toys were through here today (albeit late), they are crawling into Sharon Springs, KS as we type. Wonder if Chris caught it, or was he slogging thru Monday with the rest of us??

Weather? - You want it, we got it this week.

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 TimChgo9 on Monday, April 14, 2008 10:38 PM
 CShaveRR wrote:

Tim, I shall be in touch on Wednesday concerning UP 6936.  Nothing to report today.

Thanks, Carl..... I appreciate it!! 

"Chairman of the Awkward Squad" "We live in an amazing, amazing world that is just wasted on the biggest generation of spoiled idiots." Flashing red lights are a warning.....heed it. " I don't give a hoot about what people have to say, I'm laughing as I'm analyzed" What if the "hokey pokey" is what it's all about?? View photos at: http://www.eyefetch.com/profile.aspx?user=timChgo9
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Posted by Modelcar on Monday, April 14, 2008 10:00 PM

...Yes, remember that issue.....Time flies.  Not sure just how far back that was.  Perhaps last summer.

Quentin

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, April 14, 2008 9:52 PM
Dig out your past issues of Trains.  IIRC, they recently did a story about that whole concrete thing, including Tunkahannock.  Got to dig my own out...

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 Modelcar on Monday, April 14, 2008 9:39 PM

.....It makes one wonder where a company got financing for such majestic structures....!

Interesting RR structures.

Quentin

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Posted by Murphy Siding on Monday, April 14, 2008 9:36 PM
     Larry- I'm jealous!  There aren't too many railroad landmarks here is flat corn country.

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

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Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, April 14, 2008 9:05 PM

Larry, check your PM--I sent you something this morning.  I'm glad your observations kind of fulfilled my prophecy!  Thanks for the photos.

The Lackawanna probably was one of the most well-built rights-of-way around, at least in those parts.

Tim, I shall be in touch on Wednesday concerning UP 6936.  Nothing to report today.

I also visited my granddaughters today, and watched the older one (3) go through her stuff in gymnastics.  Kind of strange, seeing behavior that almost exactly mirrors her mother at that age!

Tomorrow looks like a good day for bicycling to Elmhurst for train-watching, and possibly meeting Pat for lunch at Fontano's.

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, April 14, 2008 8:17 PM

As an aside to trips that I drive (like down to see my son and family in MD), I'll occasionally make a side jaunt to someplace I'd like to visit. 

Imagine my surprise when I took a close look at where Tunkahannock Viaduct was located - just 8 miles off I-81!  So on the way home from a visit with new granddaughter Evie, I got off the beaten path and wandered over to Nicholson, PA:

It's really hard to get how big this thing is from a few pictures, but here's another:

Instead of heading straight back to the Interstate and some construction, I headed up US 11, which proved serendipitous.

After passing several old overpass tunnels:

I rounded a curve and saw this:

The little brother of Tunkahannock!  It's not as long and not as tall, but it was obviously built using the same basic blueprint.  It's just south of Kingsley right on US 11. 

Shortly thereafter I spotted what appears to be an abandoned interlocking tower, but I have no idea why it was where it was - in the middle of pretty much nowhere.  I'd love to wander down there, but the track is still active (NS?) and it'd be a hike from the nearest crossing.

Neat end to a great weekend!  (of course, I still had 3 or so hours to drive to get home...

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 Modelcar on Sunday, April 13, 2008 9:51 PM

....Enjoyed your photos.  What a sad sight looking at that ex depot...

Most RR's did have an eye for architecture....Wonder just how that got started.

Quentin

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Posted by Lord Atmo on Sunday, April 13, 2008 9:36 PM

ah that day is coming up soon. i'll be ready!

 

well i'm back from a long and fun weekend at the menomonie train show. here's some shots i took:


first up is this old CNW bridge over the river. no longer in use. but still present


here's the old CNW depot in Menomonie. the tracks are gone now.


finally we come to the show itself. here's my friend jo jo's train. he models GBW as seen here. 


another member had this steam train out and about.


here's my train. it is as anyone would expect. most of the rolling stock is CNW too.


here it is headed away


then i tried to back it up when i lost some load. and i didn't see the head end around the corner. then i looked and found this....

yes indeed my train had pulled a CSX on me.  

Your friendly neighborhood CNW fan.

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Posted by Noah Hofrichter on Sunday, April 13, 2008 2:48 PM

Tim, The schedule I was informed of for the DD40's movements through this area looks something like this:

April 16, 2008: Sedalia, Jefferson City, St Louis (via IM), Ridgley, Peoria, Nelson, Park, Proviso

April 17, 2008: Proviso, Milwaukee Adams Altoona, St. Paul 

And the next day it returns to Council Bluffs. 

I haven't heard any times, just the route. Like Carl said, it was reported into Pocatello yesterday, which is on schedule from what I've seen.

Wish I could make it out to see it, but right now it looks like I'll have to miss it. School just always seem to get in the way... 

BTW, I don't think I ever thanked you for the comments on my photos a few pages back. I appreciate them. You take some neat photographs yourself too.

Noah 

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Posted by TimChgo9 on Sunday, April 13, 2008 12:00 PM

Carl...

Any more info on the DD40???  Just wondering how long it will be hanging around up here....

 

"Chairman of the Awkward Squad" "We live in an amazing, amazing world that is just wasted on the biggest generation of spoiled idiots." Flashing red lights are a warning.....heed it. " I don't give a hoot about what people have to say, I'm laughing as I'm analyzed" What if the "hokey pokey" is what it's all about?? View photos at: http://www.eyefetch.com/profile.aspx?user=timChgo9
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Posted by blhanel on Saturday, April 12, 2008 8:06 PM
 CShaveRR wrote:

Interesting--how did they fit four axles under that thing?  Usually four-axle scale test cars are a bit longer (the ones I've seen most recently on UP are converted tank cars and gondolas, full length). 

Couldn't make out the markings on it, Brian--do you know whose it is?

Unfortunately, I was running out of time when I snapped the shot- I had to get back up the bike trail to Joanie's massage therapist's office before she got done, and I was in work clothes (dress shoes) and couldn't run or get off the paved trail.  So, the best I could do was grab the shot and turn around.  All I could make out on the car in the dim light was the stenciled "Scale Monitor" label.

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Posted by CShaveRR on Saturday, April 12, 2008 7:55 PM
The inspection special was supposed to terminate at Pocatello tonight.

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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