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Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 7:45 PM

Nice day here today.  The thunderbumpers that were forecast don't seem to have materialized.

Spent a significant part of the day replacing the brakes on the truck.  One was definitely in bad shape, which would tend to indicate that the others might be as well.  In fact, it was the metal-on-metal that clued me into the problem in the first place.

So, new pads all the way around.  Now it stops on a dime and gives change!

Opening weekend on the railroad this weekend.  There have been some trips already, but the official start of the season in Memorial Day weekend.  I'm kicking things off with a wine/beer train on Friday night (none for me, please - I'm driving).  I've got Saturday off, but I'm sure I'll end up helping the on-duty crew somehow.  Gotta get the camp car going, too.

Sunday I'm conductor for the Thendara local.  

Monday I think I'll chase down a parade or two around home.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
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There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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Posted by CShaveRR on Thursday, May 22, 2014 8:36 AM

I'm expecting to be working trackside for a few hours today.  It ought to be a welcome change from the brutal lifting and climbing of Tuesday and the 16-mile bike trip yesterday.

On that note, the bike trip was to include a visit to the hobby shop in Elmhurst.  So when I got there, I was stunned to find that they had closed earlier in the month...out of business.  They'd been the best around!

Question for Eolafan Jim, if you have your eyes on:  were you successful in catching NKP (DLMX) 190 when it went through Sunday afternoon?  I would have loved to see it, but visiting grandchildren took priority.  I got to see a few trains with my grandson, so it was good.

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 JoeKoh on Thursday, May 22, 2014 2:34 PM

got to go on a field trip uptown at work today.looking for a new piece of equipment.Ns had some big $$ on the rails.A set of Case combines was waiting to go east.They still have a westbound in the siding.Time to go into town and then finish painting when I get home.tomorrow is friday.

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 tree68 on Thursday, May 22, 2014 2:38 PM

JoeKoh
tomorrow is friday.

I'll bet you're enjoying having a calendar the same as most everyone elses...

Who says tourist railroading isn't exciting?  Got a call a little while ago about some switching we need to do tomorrow night during the wine train...   Wheeeee!

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 Mookie on Thursday, May 22, 2014 5:26 PM

Tree:  Happy start of a new season.  Have a good time.  And whine all you want!  Won't get you into trouble at all!  Yes

 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by jeffhergert on Friday, May 23, 2014 9:58 AM

JoeKoh

got to go on a field trip uptown at work today.looking for a new piece of equipment.Ns had some big $$ on the rails.A set of Case combines was waiting to go east.They still have a westbound in the siding.Time to go into town and then finish painting when I get home.tomorrow is friday.

stay safe

Joe

I just checked the line-up, there's another load of combines coming your way this morning. I deadheaded out last night. It ruined my weekend. If I had worked a train I would have received at least 48 and probably 72 hours off. Which would have been over the weekend. The deadhead allows my clock to reset. Funny thing is I was part of two crews who deadheaded and then they deadheaded three more a few hours later. Now the line-up has two deadheads home on it.

The other day a single engineer was deadheaded home. No corresponding conductor went home with him. At the time no one knew why. Last night they said he had failed the color blind test, but was allowed to take a train out. (I imagine he had his hearing and vision tested by the UP's visiting occupational nurse while waiting for his train. Otherwise he probably wouldn't have been called to duty. Boone has the equipment to do those tests. I still use a medical clinic in Ames myself.) I guess there is a new color blind test and more people are failing it.

Those who fail are taken out to look at signals in the field. If they can distinguish the different colors on the signals, they are deemed OK.

Jeff

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Posted by Norm48327 on Friday, May 23, 2014 11:05 AM

Jeff,

Lots of discussion going on on the aviation forums regarding the color tests. Seems the indoor test under fluorescent lighting is flunking pilots as well. Outdoors, under natural light the same folks don't have a problem. Something wrong with the tests perhaps?

Norm


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Posted by Paul of Covington on Friday, May 23, 2014 11:07 AM

jeffhergert

Those who fail are taken out to look at signals in the field. If they can distinguish the different colors on the signals, they are deemed OK.

Jeff

   Why don't they just use the field test to begin with?

 

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  "A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, May 23, 2014 12:16 PM

Norm48327

Jeff,

Lots of discussion going on on the aviation forums regarding the color tests. Seems the indoor test under fluorescent lighting is flunking pilots as well. Outdoors, under natural light the same folks don't have a problem. Something wrong with the tests perhaps?

Many color tests rely on those weird patterns from which one is expected to pick out numbers.  Flourescent lights might well skew the results thereof.

We have a crew member that has trouble with those tests.  Given placards of primary colors, he can pick them out in a flash.

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 jeffhergert on Friday, May 23, 2014 3:18 PM

I know in the past we've discussed color blindness and the tests for them.  At the time I found a story on line about those tests where you pick out the number, I forget the name for them or actually the spelling for it, and how they may not be the best tests for color blindness.

I've read how in the old days they used to use pieces of colored yarn.  I think now that way of testing is specifically forbidden by the CFR.  Probably because it doesn't require a professional to give that type of test.  Neither does the field test, just have a company officer take him out to look at signals.

Just don't use a couple of the block signals out in western Iowa.  At night until you get fairly close to them, the green is a very blue color.  Even when going past them, they still have a strong bluish tint to them.

I'm surprised they let him go out after the failure.  Even if the test or conditions it was given under were highly suspected to lead to the failure, if something bad had happened it would give some lawyer an opening when the trial came.  Even if it would have had no bearing on the incident.

Jeff

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, May 23, 2014 4:54 PM

wow Jeff didn't know you came by my workplace.Will keep an eye out for you if we can.There is a westbound train still in the siding.Looks like some of the cars would come for uptown.Yardwork is done and truck is loaded.Tomorrow we go to see what csx can move through Deshler.Going to be a perfect weekend.Willy don't change the setting on the machine.

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 Saturday, May 24, 2014 6:53 PM

Raising my glass of - milk! Toasting Memorial Day weekend.  So much and so many to remember.

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, May 26, 2014 5:52 AM

good morning

Deshler was nice yesterday.There were 2 trains waiting to get through when we left.Going to "Remember" why we have our freedoms this morning.Have a great day.

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 CShaveRR on Monday, May 26, 2014 10:47 AM

We're both thinking about our dads, both gone for years, but both of whom served in World War II (mine in the Army, Pat's in the Navy).

Our own day will consist of a walk up to the cemetery later this afternoon, when a new gravestone for a former veteran will be dedicated (that will be the last of about seven or eight unmarked veterans' graves in that cemetery--ranging from the War of 1812 through World War II--that have received new monuments thanks to a program by schoolchildren to raise funds for this).  There will also be a 21-gun salute and Taps performed by the local VFW for all of the veterans laid to rest there.

We had another great train-watching day yesterday, this time in Indiana.  We met a fellow railfan and his wife (contributors to Trainorders.com from Ohio) and had dinner with them, then showed them a few sights around Michigan City and Porter, Indiana).  Over the past four days I've gotten pages and pages of freight-car sightings to check out, two reporting marks I hadn't seen before, added hundreds of cars to the new-builds table that my fellow carchaeologists maintain, and solved a mystery or two.  

So there will be quite a report to finish today.  Our "picnic" will be indoors and Pat and I will probably be at our respective posts (me on the computer here and Pat on her sewing machine, where a dress for a high-school friend of ours is being finished now.  Beautiful holiday weather this morning, though we're expecting rain in the afternoon and evening.

I hope everyone's Memorial Day is fun, exciting, meaningful, memorable, or all of the above!

 

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 Norm48327 on Monday, May 26, 2014 2:55 PM

Watching the weather this afternoon. Looks like Houston Ed may be getting some much needed rain.

Norm


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Posted by mudchicken on Monday, May 26, 2014 8:25 PM

Sounds like Houston Ed is gonna need his frogman scuba suit down there in da' swamp. He may need to pull the flange wheeled submarine out of storage....Our rain finally quit here and the rice paddy that used to be a backyard has now been mowed and bagged. The mobile real estate (Collbran mudslide, was nowhere near any railroad, operating or defunct, but Uncle Pete is still swarming with motor track inspectors all over the western slope, especially in Glenwood Canyon, North Fork branch and around the Book Cliffs.)  Contrary to the news media reports, Collbran is a 'fer piece from Denver*. The mountains got a noticeable fresh coat of white.

Local flooding north of Denver around Greeley and Ft Collins is manageable, no drama so far.

 

(*)News Media's GIS is about as unreliable as what TRAINS published of late.

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 tree68 on Monday, May 26, 2014 8:39 PM

As I recall, recent radar estimates of rainfall near Houston are upwards of 6-8".  

We got some light mists this AM, but then things cleared off nicely in time for the parades and other ceremonies.

We're due the storms tomorrow that are running through Chi-town tonight.  A few spots south of here got their fill of rain late last week - the creeks and rivers are running a bit highter than usual.  Old Forge got hammered with hail - enough to plug the roof drains and cause problems inside the school.

Much as I hate to, I think I'm going to have to dig out the bulb garden this spring.  The weeds are just too well entrenched, and the only cure will be to dig down 6-8", line the bottom with landscape fabric, then put all new, clean dirt.  Sounds like work...

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 Mookie on Monday, May 26, 2014 9:01 PM

Sir Chicken - I just got an e from Houston and he said so far it has been just a good soaking rain.  You know - the kind he really loves to work in. 

The first thing I thought when I heard of the mudslide was if there was any rails nearby and how much work you would get out of it.  Glad to hear this won't show up on your work roster.

Tree:  didcha' find some Annie Greensprings over the weekend?  Drinks (giggle)

I have had a backache all day and now know it is because you are thinking of digging in the dirt.  That is real work that gets your hands (gloves) really dirty.  But the end result is always so nice.  If you find a gladiolus bulb or two, I would be pleased! 

Our resident robin is becoming more of a comic.  He waits right at the backdoor and when the Driver comes out the door, the robin runs ahead of him to the "drop" site and looks up to make sure he is being followed.  I think we have a robin named Lassie? 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by Deggesty on Monday, May 26, 2014 9:30 PM

Lassie? No, it seems to me that that robin's name is "Decoy."

Johnny

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Posted by Mookie on Monday, May 26, 2014 10:18 PM

Deggesty

Lassie? No, it seems to me that that robin's name is "Decoy."

Well, Decoy will work until the Driver doesn't move fast enough - then it will change to "Rambo!"

I guess this robin is of the "me" generation.  He almost stomps over other birds to get to the head of the line. 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 3:13 PM

afternoon

have some muggies.guessers say some thunderstorms are possible.work is busy.engineers are checking out department while maintanence crews are moving bits and pieces for another line.Getting crowded in there.Ns has a westbound frieght stopped in the siding.Heard csx is making some changes as well.Have a new diamond to put in Deshler but not sure when it will be installed.

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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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 4:47 PM

Ms Mook - I was the designated driver Friday night....

Nice day today, threat of thunderboomers tonight.  The rest of the week is looking decent.

Now that I've recovered from the weekend, maybe I'll get some work done outside.

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
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
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Posted by CShaveRR on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 8:14 PM

Thunderstorms have arrived here.  Well, the thunder has, anyway--we could use a little more rain to go with it (I have grass seed out there).

I've finally gotten my sightings report ready to mail, which I'll do in the morning, in the event that a vital piece of information comes in overnight.  I didn't go far from the house either yesterday or today, and nowhere near the tracks.  Tomorrow, though, will have some errands that should make trackside a bit more expedient.

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)

  • Member since
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Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 4:40 PM

muggies gone.weather will be great.ns siding is clear.They have some empty cars to pick up in town.tomorrow is another day.

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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Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 4:47 PM

JoeKoh
muggies gone.

And decent temperatures along with them...

It's back to sweatshirts for a few days.

Hasn't stopped the lawn from growing though - may need to pay attention to that tomorrow.

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
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 8:42 PM

Muggies backed up - about 89 today with 70% humidity and a little short on the breeze..  But we did have a sport fishing contest - Driver 1, small bass 0.  He (the fish) wasn't out of the water too long - we don't need more pets. 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by jeffhergert on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 10:14 PM

Yesterday, took an empty ethanol train to the Cargill plant at Blair.  One of the contract switching company's engines was formerly a GP30.  Still looks like one from the cab forward.  Behind the cab however, not so much.  Looks like it has been converted to a gen-set.

Today, brought home a loaded ethanol train that originated at Doulom, NE, going to Chicago and points east.  Although we were held a couple places for track work, and probably just because, we made it OK, with about 15 minutes to spare. 

No one hurt, nothing torn up, no fire or explosions.  Just like the majority of trains handling hazardous materials.  Since you won't see that in the morning paper or on the evening news, I thought I should let you know.

Jeff  

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Posted by AgentKid on Thursday, May 29, 2014 2:30 AM

Good job! Thank you very much.

Bruce

So shovel the coal, let this rattler roll.

"A Train is a Place Going Somewhere"  CP Rail Public Timetable

"O. S. Irricana"

. . . __ . ______

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Posted by Mookie on Thursday, May 29, 2014 6:57 AM

Jeff - where is Doulom NE? 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by edblysard on Thursday, May 29, 2014 9:24 AM

Maybe she should have been named Natasha....

Now if I can just teach her the Cossack dance.

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