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Trackside Lounge: 1Q 2011

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Posted by CNW 6000 on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 3:21 PM

Gotta be careful Q...we'd miss you too much!

Thanks Nance.  I may have a small amount of time for checking things out...but we'll see.

Dan

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Posted by WMNB4THRTL on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 2:11 PM

Oh no, Quentin! I'm very sorry to hear about your accident. I hope you are OK. Please let us know how you are doing, OK? I'll keep you in my prayers.

Dan, I'm glad you got to go and got there safely w/o incident. Have a good time, hopefully with lots of pics, too!!

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 CNW 6000 on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 2:05 PM

25 degrees and partly sunny in Austin, TX currently.  Everything is brown...ugh.  I miss snow already!  I hope everyone who doesn't like the snow stays safe and warm until they can dig out. 

Supposedly there's a pretty active UP line down here, and not far from my 10-20.  I'll have to go "walkabout" and see if I can see anything.

Dan

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Posted by Modelcar on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 1:43 PM

Bad stuff here in Muncie........But the sun actually peeked out a few minutes, an hour or so ago.

We have a few inches of snow on the ground, but from what passed thru yesterday / last night, everything is coated with a hard crust of ice.

I just {in the past hour}, took a nasty fall on my back / head, trying to go down our slight incline on our 70' drive way on my way to the mail box....It was a nasty fall, and believe the hard coating of ice on some snow broke my contact as my head hit,,,,hopefully saved me from major damage.

Mail and paper still in the mailbox.

We have continued to have power, thankfully.   Wind gusts pretty high today with times of snow...{Just looked out my window here and to my {great}, surprise.....Blue sky...!

Hopefully by tomorrow more sunshine will prevail....But we're to have a very cold morning...low single digits.  Then conditions should slowly improve the next day or so.

No way could I keep my balance when I didn't get my foot stomped down thru the ice and....bang the nasty fall.

Must remember we're not a teenager anymore.

Quentin

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Posted by zardoz on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 12:40 PM

24" of the white crap here in Kenosha a few miles from the lake. Highest wind gust last night around midnite was 59mhp on my anemometer.  In front of my house drifts across the road measure 44" high; in my back yard some of the drifts are above the gutters.  YUK! 

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Posted by WMNB4THRTL on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 12:38 PM

OK, question. I noticed on UP8122 loco that its numbers are down low, not up high near the top of the front. Anyone know: is this common? Is it bc it's a certain make/model? I don't recall ever having seen this before. 

Also, can anyone please tell me why, that quite often when trying to type, my font flips over to tiny and I have to go back up and reset it or at least back up and retype?

Thanks, on both counts.

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 tree68 on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 12:04 PM

They've downgraded our "winter storm warning" to an "advisory" now.  Not much snow (maybe a few inches) but still a fair amount of wind, which is causing drifting.  Good reason to stay in.

I did fire up the snowblower to clear the driveway - that drifted stuff is heavier than the fluff we've been getting.  Then again, due to the way the wind is blowing, part of the driveway was actually bare.

LarryWhistling
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Posted by CShaveRR on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 8:57 AM

We have power, but no way is this groundhog going outside to look for his shadow!  As of this morning, the official snowfall was 17 inches (the area away from the lake generally has 17-19 inches_, with 3-5 more expected).  The lower half of our front fence is buried--we haven't attempted to get the door open.  I think we'll make an attempt at shoveling later today, but it has to be after the wind dies down and before the temp goes down below zero.

We did have one or two thunderclaps last night after we went to bed, but the lightning was underwhelming, probably diffused by all of the snow.

Metra is running its trains on a Sunday schedule today, but not having much luck at keeping even to that (that basically entails trains every two hours throughout the day).  Everyone's been urged to stay at home, but that didn't stop one car from finding itself in the path of a Metra train in Elmhurst.  In fact, my latest service report announced that a UP train has departed Ogilvie and is running on time.  Guess that's unusual enough to merit attention--we'll see how long it lasts.



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 WMNB4THRTL on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 7:21 AM

Good morning all. I hope everyone is safe and has not lost power. We're fine. We actually got much less snow than predicted but I feel guilty posting that bc I know so many are in bad situations. Take good care and 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 CShaveRR on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 2:32 PM

We're back in, and it seems like a white curtain has dropped on us within the past few minutes.  But everything's done--we've got food, TV, Wii, and Internet--that will last us until the power goes!

Al's in Elmhurst (hobby shop) is closing early this afternoon, and won't open tomorrow.  Metra has announced that it will run some pre-rush-hour trains on certain routes to handle people whose jobs in the city will end early today.  While we were out, we saw a few Metra scoots--on our line, anyway, things are pretty much on time so far.  BNSF has had one delay due to switch problems so far.

Dan, I think my daughter flew out of Appleton a time or two when she was at Lawrence U.  Assuming you make this flight, you'll have a lifetime total that's two higher than mine (and Pat's)!  Have a safe, comfortable trip, and see lots down in Texas!



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 WMNB4THRTL on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 2:18 PM

Gee, Dan, I hope you do get to go. Often, it's not the actual path you want to travel that's a problem so much as the planes aren't line up properly. If 'your' plane gets grounded in a stormy city today, you won't have it for tomorrow. Good luck!!

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 CNW 6000 on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 11:31 AM

Be safe when out 'n about Carl.  My flight to Austin via Minneapolis leaves tomorrow at 0640 from Appleton...so I should be avoiding most of the crappy weather.  My 2nd time flying...unless you count driving fast!

Dan

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Posted by CShaveRR on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 9:03 AM

We've got our 1-3 inches on the ground right now.  The plow went through a couple of times overnight, apparently to spread salt and/or keep ahead of things (our street gets cleared because it's used by school buses--the school across the street is in session.

We're going to head out soon and do all of the necessary payday errands--three or four stores, two banks, one post office (maybe a hobby shop!), and perhaps lunch.  It won't be the most pleasurable trip out, but the nasty stuff isn't supposed to come until late afternoon.  The blizzard warning starts at 3:00, and the latest prediction is 12-20 inches, with locally heavier amounts. 

Pat just went out to shovel the walk--I haven't done all of my usual stuff on the computer yet this morning, but that can wait until the snow starts to pile up--our errands can't!

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 WMNB4THRTL on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 8:01 AM

Good morning all. How goes it so far? We're getting steady snow but we only expect 1-3" today. It's tonight and tomorrow that's gonna knock some socks off, maybe. Really though, as long as we don't lose power, we'll be just fine. Take care; stay warm and safe.

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 CNW 6000 on Monday, January 31, 2011 1:34 PM

Thanks Carl.  For some reason things have been getting snarled at Shops - more than usual - during the last couple of weeks.  I'd bet that on Wed or Thur (unless the snow gets too crazy-then Thur or Fri) you could catch a NB empty run back up from Kirk Yard, IN.

Dan

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Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, January 31, 2011 1:20 PM

Well, that made me feel better, Dan--I was afraid I'd left West Chicago just a little too early, but since we had to be somewhere else at 5:00, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have made it by then.

Great pictures, by the way!

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 Monday, January 31, 2011 12:07 PM

I agree on the scanner & website/chat site for a particular area.  Those two things have saved me countless wasted hours.

Carl & Jim,
One of my sources informed me that the train departed Shops at 2:29 PM yesterday...so I hope you could've caught it.  It's down in Kirk Yard now I believe.  Here's my shots of it:
CN 2294 as U780

U780's DPUs

Dan

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Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, January 31, 2011 10:43 AM

Watcha talkin' about, Nance, the sun's shining here!  Wink

Seriously, we're in "brace" mode here.  In spite of payday not being here yet, we're probably doing our shopping tonight.  There isn't much else we can do except let the stuff fall.  Tuesday would have been my day off anyway, but it's times like these when I'll be glad I can just stay inside.  (And I certainly wouldn't have to want to deal with what they're going to find at work after the maintenance shutdown on Tuesday morning!)

The bridge at Burlington has been repaired; no detour moves for us today.

As for employee timetables, I doubt that it has become a federal offense to own a current one.  They're nice pieces of information to have, but these days there's not much "timetable" to them--no schedules for anything except passenger trains.  Your best bet for getting information about shortlines or even the busier lines in your area is to own a scanner, or to tap into web sites for fans of the given railroad, or maybe the railroad itself.

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 WMNB4THRTL on Monday, January 31, 2011 10:09 AM

WHOA!! Carl, I know you're a nice guy and all, but honestly, re: this storm, do you have to share the wealth??!! From the sounds of it, it oughtta have it all out of its system after it's done with you, but no such luck, I'm sure!(note: world's record for most use of a form of 'it' in one sentence Smile, Wink & Grin)

I hope everyone stays warm and safe; it looks like a real doozy!!! Take care.

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 CNW 6000 on Sunday, January 30, 2011 5:40 PM

I believe that it's a violation of Federal law (what I was told) for a non-rr employee to obtain/posess a current timetable.  I certainly hope that's not correct and stand (well, sit-while typing) to be corrected.

Thanks!  I've added a few more locos to the roster.  My CN count is now over 550 and am nearing 1100 total.

Dan

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Posted by WMNB4THRTL on Sunday, January 30, 2011 4:46 PM

All right, uncle (or is that aunt, cousin? Smile, Wink & Grin) already you guys! I'm jealous, in a big way!! Hopefully, it'll be my turn someday!! Glad you guys had such a great day.

PS What's the best way for me to figure out what's running through my area? I mean, I know look at Amtrak Timetable, got that one. Any way to get shortline schedules or is that out now with all the security?

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 Sunday, January 30, 2011 4:36 PM

Back home in time for our "place to be" later this evening.  I was out at West Chicago, but didn't see Jenny, Jenny, Jenny, Jenny, Jenny & Company before needing to head home.  I did, however, catch both Amtrak detour moves, after a fashion.  The westbound came through West Chicago at 1455, with UP 4779 leading Amtrak 193 and 47.  I also saw the eastbound well enough to confirm that the Olympic unit was on the point, but it was on the wrong side of an empty coal train for me to get the numbers off the trailing units.

Still, it's kind of amazing that for all the times Amtrak detours over our line, and all the times I've known about it, and the times I've told others about it, this is the first time I've ever seen one for myself--and made it a double!

My train count on UP was five trains, plus one Metra and two Amtrak, in less than two hours.  (I left my navigator at home; she accomplished lots!)

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 Sunday, January 30, 2011 3:42 PM

I hope you catch 'em Carl!  I did shoot video from the proper 'sunny' side.  Today was a good railfanning day.  I caught (in order):
-A415 (UP 6457 & 6404-an SP patch),
-M341,
-M347X (Extra),
-M340 (w/DPU),
-Q198,
-Q199,
-U780 (Ore train 3x200x2),
-M342,
-A491
As I was leaving town L576 and A416 (return of A415) were approaching Neenah...but my lil' navigator decided he needed to go home (picked him up from Grandma K just after seeing A491. 

I'm not counting the following locals because I didn't 'shoot' them:
-YNE158 (day switch job),
-L523,
-L531,
-L535,
-L595.

16 trains from 0745 through 1330.  Not too shabby IMO.  Pictures and video up later if I get time.

Dan

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Posted by zugmann on Sunday, January 30, 2011 1:39 PM

Seems to be better now...

Maybe my modem was having the fits - I did reset it.  Seems to be working.

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 WMNB4THRTL on Sunday, January 30, 2011 1:36 PM

Carl, Sounds like maybe you should get ready to follow my grandma's advice: Crawl in a hole and pull the hole in after ya!

Zug: You mean the weather guessers were wrong?! Whodda ever thunk it?! Huh! And remember, they make big bucks for that!! Better luck next time with the pics.

PS It seems to be working for me, but then again, ya never know.

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 zugmann on Sunday, January 30, 2011 1:20 PM

So I have today off. Working nights all week (big surprise), I get up really late. But they were calling for 34-38 degrees with lots of sunshine in the afternoon. I have a new lens that I still have not yet given a good trial, thus having it for 2 weeks. 2pm and completely overccast. Unreal. If I did my job like meteorologist, I would have been fired long ago.

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

PS. and is this forum software being a royal pain for anyone else today? Now I can't add paragraph breaks.  Maybe I should just go back to bed.

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 CShaveRR on Sunday, January 30, 2011 12:45 PM

My suspicions are that Amtrak should be getting close to Clinton by now...breaking out my scanner for use on the road!

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 zugmann on Sunday, January 30, 2011 12:09 PM

Paul_D_North_Jr

See this photo (not mine):  http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=352803 

The "ditch lights" are the ones on the front walkway which are not lit.

The "ground lights" are the ones under the cab which are lighting up the sides of the trucks and the ground underneath.  I thought they were also to light up the ground for a trainman who was getting off - to see obstructions, holes, etc. - and to illuminate the steps/ ladder for one who was getting on board. 

- Paul North.   

 

 

There's separate step lights for that purpose - they are located within the step wells.  The ground lights are only under the cab.  There's also walkway lights and engine room lights.

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

  • Member since
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Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, January 30, 2011 12:04 PM

Eastbound Amtrak #6 is crossing Iowa on UP now.  The ATC leader for our line is UP 2002, one of the Olympic SD70 units.  I'm hoping that they get here before dark.  Dan reports that one of the CN ore trains is headed our way, too, with 200 jennies, three units on the point and three units at the hind end.  I think I shall head to West Chicago later this afternoon, and maybe catch 'em both!  We have places to be at 5:00, so I'm hoping to see everything there by 4:30 or so.


Speaking of places to be, I think the place we'll be to welcome in February is home!  Based on the Blizzard Watch that has been issued for our area, we don't want to go further than our local grocery store on Tuesday.  They're talking about up to 18 inches in our corner of the Lake, and up to 24 in Indiana Lake-effect zones.

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 Sunday, January 30, 2011 8:33 AM

Got word this morning of an incident at the BNSF's new bridge at Burlington--an explosive charge for demolition of the center pier of the old bridge went awry, damaging the new lift span.  It may be out of service for a couple of days.  Amtrak will be detouring over UP's line across Iowa and Illinois.

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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