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THE FLAT WHEEL CAFE Locked

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Posted by mudchicken on Sunday, September 14, 2008 8:46 PM
 Mookie wrote:

Notes:  Joe - saw the two CSX 7841 and 9002 engines you sent me.  That was nice, but they looked a little sad.  I will have to notify CSX and get them a new manicure.  Either that or they could get a manicure here, but it would be CSX in Ugh Orange!  Ugh.

Sir Muddy - At the depot...red, white and blue....all by itself.  DOTX 217 FRA Office of Safety motorhome on wheels.  Approve [^]  Let's see - they are here.....checking on...  No clue.  Maybe left over from the state fair?  Maybe lost?  Looking for a home for cold weather?  Need help here!

I know Sir Chicken is a tad busy right now, so maybe someone else can help me out? 

Stayin' for Sunday Dinner - need to find a bib. 

Little windy, sun shining finally.  Looks like a full week of clear and blue.  And warm.... ah....

Mooks: Re DOTX 217 (Geometry car), look here: http://www.atipsafety.com/public/about/DOTX_217.pdf

The "Ride Quality Management System" is an improved version of what we used to sarcastically call the "Empty Beercan on the Dashboard Test". Hope FRA and Ensco debugged the thing by now. Got really tired of chasing down phantom track defects. I suspect that car has some armour yellow paint underneath from its original owner. We saw the new UP self propelled geometry car Friday in Glenwood Canyon, heading to Denver. Suspect BNSF is getting its bi-annual check-up on its Amtrak and Powder River lines.

- Scraped frost off the windows the past few mornings (guess what's coming?).

- Working right across from Sardy Field at Aspen, a fox just out on its own has been watching us with a great deal of curiousity.(or waiting for one of the busses we have been playing chicken with to create a little roadkill dinner -it is also tormenting the dogs in the kennels at the county animal shelter)...Watching all the small airliners drop-in to this place (Sardy Field) is quite a site.

- Good to hear that snowman came out of his encounter with Ike relatively OK.

Sunburned Feathers

 

 

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 Mookie on Sunday, September 14, 2008 8:48 PM

Welcome Alex.  We have a resident young man here that is in his teens.  Willy2 pops in from time to time, so we always enjoy hearing from the younger citizens.

Mookie

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Sunday, September 14, 2008 9:04 PM
No problem, thanks for the welcome!

I'll leave you all with my latest:

The photo is a terrible edit on a screencap from the video.

CN 309 first does some switching duties at Coteau, and preforms the same move as the OCR. He crept up behind the OCR on the same siding, cut the cars off, and proceeded to the crossover. He backed over the crossover, and reversed to Coteau to drop and pickup cars.

Later, we saw him again, at Landcaster, Ontario. That is the caption photo. Although you can't see all that well, the crew was very friendly to us over the scanner, since he saw we had one. A couple of toots on the horn and a nice big wave.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=uX-R_Q9EYC0




Alex

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, September 14, 2008 9:16 PM
Looks like Ike is here - hearing numerous dispatches for wind damage to trees and wires.  We haven't gone out yet (knock on wood). 

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 cherokee woman on Monday, September 15, 2008 6:21 AM

Good Monday morning, everyone, and welcome to the Flatwheel Cafe, Alex!  Very good to have you aboard. 

Well, when we went out to tour the area last night, it was really something to see.  A few blocks west of us, trees were down in the street, along with tree debris in yards and on sidewalks.  Saw a lot of traffic lights not working.  And people were actually adhering to the 'first one at the intersection goes" routine, so that everyone got to leave the intersections without causing an accident.  

My sister and her husband are without power, and two of their three children's homes are powerless.  Haven't heard anything from my twin brother.  Tried to call, and only get his voice mail/answering machine.  Mutt's sister called from Northern KY., to find out if we were all o.k., had power, etc.  She has a lot of tree debris in her yard, mostly from next door neighbor's tree.  But she has power.

Guess when it gets light out, we'll get outside, and see about putting the section of privacy fence back up, pick up all the branches and whatever else outside.  

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by Modelcar on Monday, September 15, 2008 6:39 AM

.....61 degrees and just a touch of wind.  Ike is long gone....At least the bulk of it.  It's to clear later this morning and be nice and sunny all week.  Believe the most of it streaked north of us.

Edit:  After reading my rain gauge I find Ike left us with just .04" of rain.

Quentin

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Posted by grampaw pettibone on Monday, September 15, 2008 6:40 AM

Good morning Paula. Sounds like your area took a solid slap from Ike. Watching KHOU on the net, it looks like portions of Galveston and the Bolivar peninsula are simply gone, with large areas inacessable. The big concern is how many tried to ride it out and lost. They interviewed one guy who refused to evacuate and he was squalling about who was gonna help him now.... At present, here in Carolina, 74 and fog on the way to 91 and of course lightning later.

Welcome aboard Alex. Lotsa fine people here with a lot of knowledge and insight abour RRs and lots of other stuff too. Hang around and this place grows on you

Tom

COAST LINE FOREVER

It is better to dwell in the corner of a roof than to share a house with a contentious woman! (Solomon)

A contentious woman is like a constant dripping! (Solomon)

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Posted by CANADIANPACIFIC2816 on Monday, September 15, 2008 7:13 AM

I am glad to hear that the Louisville area did not get hit any worse than it actually did with the remnants of Hurricane Ike. And if no one got hurt, that's the big point. I've looked at today's weather forecast for Louisville and it looks like Walt, Paula and Sarah will be enjoying some much cooler weather, with the temp at 72 degrees or a little better than that.

Right now in Sioux Falls, South Dakota we have a temp of 41.9 degrees. It is supposed to warm up here to about 70 this afternoon. I have today and the next three days off this week, and I am going to try catching up on reading, I have a few issues of Trains Magazine awaiting to be read. And I figure at some point this week I will grab one of my Nikons, a couple lenses and go looking for some trains to shoot in this area, the BNSF or the Dakota & Iowa.

I hope the rest of you out there all have a good day!

Ray     ooo    ooo ooOOOOOo

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Posted by Mookie on Monday, September 15, 2008 9:23 AM

Really dull weather-wise here in the true Midwest.  80 and wall-to-wall sunshine all week.  I am pleased! 

Saw LV got 75 mph winds and Tree should have been standing in water according to weather reports.  Ike was a mess - good riddance.

Sir C - mental head slap - I couldn't get past the red, white and blue to realize it was a geometry car.  Even tho I have only seen one or two, it just never registered.  Had it been in yellow, maybe it would have registered.  Kind of like that pig with lipstick..........couldn't get past the cosmetics to see what it really was!  It is on the tracks right next to Amtrak so my guess is your guess is right on.

Foxes are great to watch.  Such interesting little things. They make you forget they are wild and predators.

Well, now that my desk is cleared of problems I will take on the heavier task of domestic goddess. 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, September 15, 2008 10:25 AM

Morning

Bonjour Alex. welcome to the diner.Cw thanks for lunch.time for a nap.Mookie hope you have enough feathers in your duster.

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 cherokee woman on Monday, September 15, 2008 10:36 AM

I've got soup and sandwiches ready for lunch:  BLTs, grilled cheese, roast beef, turkey, burgers, cheeseburgers; and soups:  tomato, potato, vegetable, and cream of broccoli.

Mutt and I took a short walk, and discovered that no buses (TARC, public transp) can get through the next block south of our house:  two blocks west, the street is taped off to traffic.  Wonder when that will be closed before they take the tape down.

Anyone have any ideas/suggestions for  supper tonight?  If so, let me know, or else I'll try to think of something.

 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by tree68 on Monday, September 15, 2008 12:10 PM

Well, my back yard is full of twigs.  The rain wasn't a problem, but we certainly got some wind.  My weather station showed a 27.9 mph gust at 2:48, and it's rather wind sheltered.

Every fire department in the county was out, I think.  Lots of trees down and trees on wires.  There was one house fire, but I'm not sure if it was actually storm related.  Still hearing some calls even 12 hours later, I suppose as people actually look in their yards.

Took the day off - needed my beauty sleep...

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 Railfan Alex on Monday, September 15, 2008 2:42 PM
Good Afternoon!

Ike hit us early this morning, and caused more sleep deprivation than anything else. I went to bed just after midnight, only to wake up around 4:30. It wasn't the storm that woke me up, it was really the few electronic devices in the house that started beeping because the power went out...
So I pretty much sat around in the dark with a flashlight, and figured I would complete the homework I didn't do over the weekend. There was lots of wind, and not much rain. A few older trees did fall in my area. And of course, lots of twigs and LOTS of leaves everywhere.

See y'all later!

Alex

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Posted by cherokee woman on Monday, September 15, 2008 5:12 PM

Think most everything is cleared up outside (at least as far as tree branches and other debris).  Still need to take care of the section of the privacy fence, and the one piece  of siding.  

Supper tonight:  I've fixed some more hamburgers and cheeseburgers (bacon available to put on  either, along with the regular additions of onion, pickles, etc.)  You also have a choice of fries or onion rings, and there's freshly made garden salad.

Wind damage update for elsewhere in Jeff. Co., and other counties in KY:  Governor has activated the National Guard, to assist in cleanup along with the Nat. Guard MPs to help patrol the streets, and for intersections.  State police is coming in to patrol the interstates around the metro area.  Schools are cancelled for tomorrow.  They're going to decide on a day-to-day basis.  Metro Fire Department called in all off duty personnel and they're telling everyone NOT to start fires to burn tree debris.  Burning is illegal here in Jeff. Co.  Guess that's about it for now.  

Going to be very cool tonight/in the morning.  Supposed to get down in the low 50s; so guess after we have supper, I'll get a load of clothes in, such as sweat jackets and fleece jackets, so we can keep semi-warm in the morning.  

Everyone take care, and have a good evening.

 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by tree68 on Monday, September 15, 2008 5:17 PM

Still about 5,000 without power in the tri-county area tonight.  One school may still be closed tomorrow.  My area is pretty well cleaned up, though.

There was significant damage along the shore of Lake Ontario - including a surge and some pretty significant waves.  Many docks were damaged or destroyed, along with a number of boats.

Meeting tonight was cancelled, but I've got plenty to do...

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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,315 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, September 15, 2008 6:00 PM

Cw thanks for supper.time to get cleaned up for work.

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 Mookie on Monday, September 15, 2008 6:36 PM
I completely forgot to ask Mudchicken if he was going home and telling Bosshen that he "saw a real fox today!"   Evil [}:)]

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Monday, September 15, 2008 9:55 PM
Finally finished Monday's homework...

Too bad, school almost got canceled, because there was no power, but then I found out MY SCHOOL'S STREET had to be the one hooked up the the emergency hospital line... Banged Head [banghead]

Alex

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Posted by mudchicken on Monday, September 15, 2008 10:51 PM

 Mookie wrote:
I completely forgot to ask Mudchicken if he was going home and telling Bosshen that he "saw a real fox today!"   Evil [}:)]

-followed by a stay in a real doghouse?Shock [:O] (Da Boyz are laying claim to my pillow already)

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 cherokee woman on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 4:49 AM

Good Tuesday morning, everyone.  Here in Louisville, we have a current temp of 57 to 59 degrees,depending on the area you live.  Very comfortable sleeping weather overnight.  

We still have over 200,000 homes & businesses without electricity.  My sister has power back, and I think both her two oldest children have power back.  Still haven't heard from brother.  

Coffee, juice(s), hot water for tea and hot chocolate are ready this morning.  

On the breakfast/warmer bar:  turkey bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, hash browns, bagels, bear claws, raisin & spice, and regular oatmeal, toast, homemade buttermilk biscuits w/sausage gravy.

I guess we'll have Tuesday Produce today.  I had one lady call me, around 9:30 last night, to ask me, and I told her that I never hear anything in advance, so just plan on showing up this morning, like always.  

You all have a good morning.  

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by Mookie on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 5:04 AM

Produce hmmm?  In that case, I will take one carrot.  Thank you CW.

It is so quiet - and dark, too!  15 minutes and will get pan and spoon and wake the Driver for work.  Mischief [:-,]

BNSF ran a lot of southbounds last nite.  Connections must be ok at least in KS/MO.  I am getting the feeling that they run south overnites and east during daylight. 

Forum and weather kinda quiet.  Nice change for awhile!

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by CANADIANPACIFIC2816 on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 5:55 AM

I woke up this morning at 4:00 and was unable to go back to sleep, so I've been up for a while. Currently it's 52.5 degrees here in Sioux Falls and it's shaping up to be a pretty nice day.

Today is my 54th birthday, and I am not sure what I will do to celebrate it. I will probably spend most of my day here at home, listening to my favorite conservative radio commentators such as Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingaham and Mike Gallagher.

I am working on a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle, it is a painting of a passenger train pulling out of Ophir, Colorado bound for Ridgway, "Spirit of the Mountain" by Nicholas Trudgian. The time period for this piece of artwork is roughly 1890, it's a real beauty and a tough challenge!

Ray

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Posted by Modelcar on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 6:49 AM

.....The start of the day here finds us with clearing skies, sunshine peeking thru the trees, 59 degrees....and it's to be sunny and nice now for a week....!

Yard was fertlized again yesterday so that guarantees me job security of mowing for some time yet....

Quentin

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 7:16 AM

Ray - Happy B-Day [bday]

Storm cleanup continues here, although most folks who lost power have it and all the streets are clear.

A casualty of the storm that most of us may not have thought of - the acres and acres of tall corn, now substantially lower (reclining, actually) due to the high winds.

While our 3-4 hour bout with Ike may not seem like much, (and comparatively speaking, it wasn't), it still gives one a taste of what those who felt the brunt of the storm at its peak had to deal with.

More or less caught up with my sleep and back at work today.  Time for a tea and bearclaw break!

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
    November 2005
  • From: Florence, SC
  • 1,614 posts
Posted by grampaw pettibone on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 8:22 AM
Happy birthday, Ray, and many more happy ones. 72 and sunny in Carolina on the way to 79 and more lightning. Take care

Tom

COAST LINE FOREVER

It is better to dwell in the corner of a roof than to share a house with a contentious woman! (Solomon)

A contentious woman is like a constant dripping! (Solomon)

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,315 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:38 AM

Ray

happy birthday.Busy at work as usual.time for a nap.

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: Louisville, KY
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Posted by cherokee woman on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 11:15 AM

Yes, Ray, Happy Birthday! Happy B-Day [bday] Happy B-Day [bday] Happy B-Day [bday] Happy B-Day [bday]

We only had 36, or 37 people show up for Produce this morning.  The truck showed up about 10:15.  We got potatoes, corn on the cob, broccoli, carrots, shredded lettuce.  And none of it was beginning to spoil.  So that's a welcome respite from some of the things they have brought to us lately.  

In between writing down names, I helped pick up twigs and small branches, and pine cones (the pine cones blew up there, from our pine tree in our front yard!).  Now, my back is hurting.  

Here is the menu for this afternoon and for supper tonight:

grilled chicken breasts, baked potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and fresh garden salad.

Think I'm going to go take a short nap, then get started on things around the house.  

 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by CNW 6000 on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 11:23 AM

Happy Birthday Ray!  Many returns!

Paid the caterer, cake maker, and DJ today so I hope lunch is free...cuz I'm broke!  4 days and about 4 hours to go....

Dan

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Posted by locomutt on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 11:38 AM

Happy B-Day [bday] Ray, Many, Many more!

 

Dan, YOU Know Lunch here is always Free!!

Hope your alls "Reception" is not "Windy"!!

 

Signal maintainers for ALL the local RRs have been Very busy making sure

they have gasoline for the generators at several locations so the stanby

batteries don't get discharged; no "local power" yet.

Being Crazy,keeps you from going "INSANE" !! "The light at the end of the tunnel,has been turned off due to budget cuts" NOT AFRAID A Vet., and PROUD OF IT!!

  • Member since
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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 4:18 PM

Mutt

csx had that same problem this past summer.had to fill generators from holgate to Deshler.Cw hope you feel better soon.Dan the song goes "I owe i owe off to work i go!!".Speaking of its time to get cleaned up and ready to go.

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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