I never heard the eastbound trains called Falcons; this was the first of those eastbounds. Falcon schedules had been running westward for some time by then; speed had been brought up to 70 by then (but I remember seeing the train order that allowed #245 a top speed of 50 when everything else was restricted to 40--that's how bad things were in those days!).
The intermodal was on the center track, and its head-end had already passed the manifest train on Track 3 (which UP now calls Track 1). It overturned the outside rail on the curve, and the manifest was diverted by the wreckage onto the street. Good thing it was early morning!
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)
CShaveRR Can't help you on that one, PZ--do you remember it as being prior to or after the one in LaGrange that took out the IHB bridge and happened right in front of the Amtrak?
Can't help you on that one, PZ--do you remember it as being prior to or after the one in LaGrange that took out the IHB bridge and happened right in front of the Amtrak?
That one I remember because we were called in on mutual aid to assist. It was in August, 1977.
The DG wreck was around that time, perhaps before it. But not sure. I do remember being there about an hour after it happened, freight cars tossed all over the triple tracks and onto Warren Avenue east of Belmont. Late night, cutting torches everywhere, big RR cranes arriving from both directions to disassemble the wreckage.
I'll keep searching.
Carl, do you recall a CNW wreck near Geneva in 1976?
No, not offhand. We used to have quite a few wrecks back then, but nothing else of the magnitude of the one in Glen Ellyn. Only one wreck from the early 1970s sticks out in my mind--some ore cars on a westbound went over the countryside near Meredith in early 1974. I knew of that one because I was the yardmaster when that train left Proviso.
CNW had another wreck near Glen Ellyn--on the big curve east of town, near the DuPage River--after the big Glen Ellyn wreck. It took most of a day to clear up--that one could be seen as I crossed the tracks in Lombard.
CShaveRR I never heard the eastbound trains called Falcons; this was the first of those eastbounds. Falcon schedules had been running westward for some time by then; speed had been brought up to 70 by then (but I remember seeing the train order that allowed #245 a top speed of 50 when everything else was restricted to 40--that's how bad things were in those days!). The intermodal was on the center track, and its head-end had already passed the manifest train on Track 3 (which UP now calls Track 1). It overturned the outside rail on the curve, and the manifest was diverted by the wreckage onto the street. Good thing it was early morning!
Thanks, Carl.
One of these days I'm going to have to arrange to meet you somewhere; we can reminisce about those "good old days".
For the photographers:
Twenty years ago I used to carry my camera (Pentax K1000) with me as much as possible. I found in the colder weather the temperature of the camera affected its performance. Do digital P&S and/or SLR's have the same problems?
James
Somewhat. Since they live and die by the battery, and batteries are adversely affected by cold, that can be a problem. The shutter mechanism might be affected, though I haven't had a problem with mine yet.
At least you don't have to worry about the film being too stiff to go through the camera....
Larry 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...
When it gets colder, I tend to be underexposed and my shudder speed increases.
Take today, f'rinstance.
(A non-photographer)
The Butler For the photographers: Twenty years ago I used to carry my camera (Pentax K1000) with me as much as possible. I found in the colder weather the temperature of the camera affected its performance. Do digital P&S and/or SLR's have the same problems?
I shoot a Canon Powershot A530 (P&S). I have no problems as long as the camera is kept warm. I try to keep in directly on my person and exposed to "outside" as little as possible. Seems to work fine.
Dan
zardozOne of these days I'm going to have to arrange to meet you somewhere; we can reminisce about those "good old days".
Check your PM, Jim.
CShaveRRWhen it gets colder, I tend to be underexposed and my shudder speed increases.
Happy birthday to Jen, a.k.a. SJ, a.k.a. Mookie!
Just a brief tribute to the best Forum friend / Little Sister / psychologist / curious kitten anyone could ask for.
Bring credentials with you next time, SJ--Metra will let you ride for free!
Thank you for the birthday wishes BC. Going to celebrate with lunch out and....well, what else - train watching.
I look forward to my next ride on the Metra and at free, you can't get any better than that! Old age doth have its perks!
SJ
She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw
Mookie !!!!
You can also get complimentary cups of coffee at McDonalds with that ID, too.
Makes for quite an outing, riding Metra and drinking coffee all day for free.
If you keep a camera too warm (like in your heated car) and bring it out into the cold you risk getting condensation forming inside your lens -- and worse, on the delicate electronics inside the camera, which over time can cause problems. Keeping it under a parka should work best. I always carried two extra batteries in my front pockets to keep them warm. I always dried everything with a hair dryer set to low as soon as I got home.
For Chris, my favorite Ansel Adams quotes:
SJ, I hope your railroad cooperated with your train-watching better than mine did with mine! I had no trains either going into or coming home from work today. This morning I missed the first Railex perishable train by ten minutes. And the eastbound distant signal for Park showed Approach on all three tracks this afternoon--an indication that nothing would be coming or going for a while.
PZ, is a driver's license proof enough of age for the free rides, do you know? Or is some other state form needed? Or a specific transit ID?
(We have Mickey Ds at both Ogilvie and Union Station--otherwise you may have to go a couple of blocks away from the station to find one. We tend to ignore them most of the time in favor of other venues--but when Pat turns 65, that may change, as she pronounces their coffee as "OK". Carl doesn't turn 65 until after Pat does, but there will be no change on his account--he never touches the stuff.)
BC - they ran the wheels off everything overnite Thurs. Then Fri/Sat and Sun were a lot quieter. They are moving really long grain trains - longer than the coal trains and throw in a few freights. Saw 5 motors headed east - 3 of them were ELMOs and didn't seem to be working. (since we have a diesel shop, they may have been worked on here).
I love good coffee and have yet to find it at McD's here. Plus the hassle of having them do your cream and/or sugar makes it just not something I want to do. So we order breakfast with milk and go to a real coffee house and have good coffee. (skinny latte hot, please)
MookieSaw 5 motors headed east - 3 of them were ELMOs and didn't seem to be working. (since we have a diesel shop, they may have been worked on here).
ELMOs?
CShaveRR PZ, is a driver's license proof enough of age for the free rides, do you know? Or is some other state form needed? Or a specific transit ID?
Gotta have a specific transit ID card. I think the RTA card covers both the CTA and Metra. Here's what I found:
"Metra is working with the RTA regarding the Senior Free Ride program. Seniors can use their current RTA reduced fare card to qualify. Those without the fare cards can register for one at any of the RTA’s service locations which can be found by calling (312) 836-7000 or by visiting www.rtachicago.com.
Who is eligible?
CNW 6000MookieSaw 5 motors headed east - 3 of them were ELMOs and didn't seem to be working. (since we have a diesel shop, they may have been worked on here). ELMOs?
The Butler CNW 6000 MookieSaw 5 motors headed east - 3 of them were ELMOs and didn't seem to be working. (since we have a diesel shop, they may have been worked on here). ELMOs? They're small, furry, red, and have a perky personality!
CNW 6000 MookieSaw 5 motors headed east - 3 of them were ELMOs and didn't seem to be working. (since we have a diesel shop, they may have been worked on here). ELMOs?
ELMO - big, blue, white - ElectroMotive
Gosh, that tickled!
Thanks for filling me in Mook.
The ButlerCNW 6000MookieSaw 5 motors headed east - 3 of them were ELMOs and didn't seem to be working. (since we have a diesel shop, they may have been worked on here). ELMOs? They're small, furry, red, and have a perky personality!
And those annoying, squeaky horns. But if that's what it takes to get kids to watch trains...
SJ: ElMo--I like it!
ELMO's..... Toasters...... Hard to say where this could lead in terms of nicknames....
We're in a kinder, gentler age now, Larry. Remember when we had Hoods, Big Blows, and U-boats?
(Pat and I are going to visit our favorite Elmo fans later this morning.)
And torpedo tubes on SD's...
Does anyone know the rule/law on headlights. I've seen old footage of traction and steam where it looked as though the headlights weren't used in the day time. I saw an episode of Trains and Locomotives on Ohio Cenrtal steam and the headlight wasn't always illuminated while running.
From NORAC Eighth Edition (Ninth Edition now in effect, but I don't recall that this changed):
22. Engine Lights a. Headlight The headlight facing the direction of movement on every train and engine must be displayed brightly by day and night. The headlight must be dimmed: 1. While standing or passing through yards where other engines are working. 2. When approaching a station where a Form D is to be received. 3. When approaching junctions or terminals. 4. When standing or moving on a main track at meeting points. 5. When standing or when approaching another train operating in the opposite direction in multiple track territory. EXCEPTION: When approaching or passing over public crossings at grade, the headlight must not be dimmed. Engines in yard service must display the headlight to the front and rear, by day and by night. The headlight on the end coupled to cars may be extinguished.
22. Engine Lights
a. Headlight
The headlight facing the direction of movement on every train and engine must be displayed brightly by day and night.
The headlight must be dimmed:
1. While standing or passing through yards where other engines are working.
2. When approaching a station where a Form D is to be received.
3. When approaching junctions or terminals.
4. When standing or moving on a main track at meeting points.
5. When standing or when approaching another train operating in the opposite direction in multiple track territory.
EXCEPTION: When approaching or passing over public crossings at grade, the headlight must not be dimmed.
And,
b. Auxiliary Lights The leading end of leading engines that operate over public crossings at grade at speeds greater than 20 MPH must be equipped with auxiliary lights. Auxiliary lights consist of two ditch lights (auxiliary lights on steady), two crossing lights (auxiliary lights alternately flashing), or one oscillating light (auxiliary light that moves in a circular or figure eight pattern). Auxiliary lights are considered operative when they illuminate after the engine horn and/or bell is sounded or the auxiliary light switch is activated. Auxiliary lights must be operational before the engine leaves its initial terminal, and must be displayed when the engine is approaching and operating over public crossings at grade.
b. Auxiliary Lights
The leading end of leading engines that operate over public crossings at grade at speeds greater than 20 MPH must be equipped with auxiliary lights. Auxiliary lights consist of two ditch lights (auxiliary lights on steady), two crossing lights (auxiliary lights alternately flashing), or one oscillating light (auxiliary light that moves in a circular or figure eight pattern). Auxiliary lights are considered operative when they illuminate after the engine horn and/or bell is sounded or the auxiliary light switch is activated.
Auxiliary lights must be operational before the engine leaves its initial terminal, and must be displayed when the engine is approaching and operating over public crossings at grade.
Someone else will have to address when using the headlights during the day became required.
The ButlerI've seen old footage of traction and steam where it looked as though the headlights weren't used in the day time.
I'm drawing on memory but as for Traction....I believe I remember the headlights turned on in the daytime at Johnstown Traction Co., Johnstown, Pa....But I'm referring back up to 50 years or more ago.
As for headlights turned on on the nearby B&O running in daytime, I'd say they were not lit. {Same time frame}.
Quentin
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