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Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, June 9, 2014 2:13 PM

SJ, as innocuous as the new title looks, the Monster still doesn't like it.  I had to crawl in the other way again just now.

("The Monster" is what everyone called the IBM 360 or whatever that sat in the Proviso administration building to handle yard reports...used punch cards...  That machine was eventually thrown out as so much junk.)

Got my wires crossed today; guess Johnny isn't returning as soon as was expected.  I went down to Chicago to meet the Cardinal, and...no Johnny!  But it was a good trip, anyway.  Lots of interesting sights on the way there and back.

--we crossed over to Track 3 from Track 1 at Grace on the way into town, then back to Track 3 at Park.  I didn't see a reason for that--the ballast train on Track 2 shouldn't have been a problem.

--a parking garage in Oak Park has installed what appears to be a canopy over its top deck, along with a sign that it's "going solar"!

--the E. J. Brach factory (of Brach's Candy fame) is well on its way to being leveled, with correspondingly large piles of cracked and pulverized concrete in what used to be the parking lot.

--freight trains everywhere!  A manifest on Track 2 between Wolf Road and 25th Avenue, an ethanol train between Vale and Oak Park, a stacker east of Oak Park, and a manifest and a stacker on the Rockwell Sub at Kedzie, one on each track.  (On the return trip, the Rockwell manifest was gone, but everything else was pretty much the same...turns out the Rockwell manifest was just entering Proviso when we went by, having run around all of those other trains.)

--I got off at Lombard and noticed a green signal for an eastbound.  It came before I could get away from the tracks, a manifest that may now be the only one from North Platte, judging from its sheer length (and a DP unit mid-train).  Included on that train was a new car of a type that I hadn't expected to see being built any more--a non-mechanical (and non-cryogenic, for the record) refrigerator car, lettered for Cryo-Trans, numbered 6015 (series is 6000-6049), and named "Ervin".

Now I'm home, running late, and about to go work in the yard, where trains can always be heard, never seen...

 

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 Sunday, June 8, 2014 10:45 PM

Ms Mook - Penny wise and pound foolish....   What's a nine volt battery going for these days?

It often happens that folks doing their own work on a house run out of money before it comes time to buy insurance.  Same thing - for the want of a few dollars, they lose everything.

Decent weekend on the railroad.  After our scheduled run Saturday, we left the train and made a run down the line (30 miles) light to pick up a car.  The engineer and I traded hats and we graded each other on our performances.  Annual requirement.  It's tougher to check ride some of our engineers as conductors, as some rarely work as conductors.

Sunday we ran a train up to a 50's themed restaurant.  I got to relax on the way back as I had a student conductor and I gave him the reigns...

Time for bed.


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 Sunday, June 8, 2014 4:40 PM

Thank you Paul - that's the one.  It is really a beautiful house, as are all of those in that area.  You can see the sun porch where I would have spent many peaceful afternoons! 

And if anyone is old enough to remember Charles Starkweather, this house is within a block or two of the house where Charlie murdered the residents.  I was in the junior high school at 22nd and Van Dorn at the time.  Little historical trivia.  Probably best forgotten. 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Sunday, June 8, 2014 3:55 PM

Mookie
. . . Note to Tree:  House fire about 6 blocks down the street from us.  Nice 2 story w/attic - big house, wrought iron fencing around it.  House sat on back of good sized lot.  About $350K range.  Attic fire.  Owner removed dead battery from smoke detector in attic about a month ago and didn't replace it.  Rain water leaked in roof and made a connection with something electrical and now he has about $100k damage and still no battery.  Probably no smoke detector, either. 

Sigh

They had a sunroom on the west side that I always thought was so cool.  It is still there, but not much behind it.  

See:

http://www.1011now.com/home/headlines/Fire-Crews-Respond-To-House-Fire-262231891.html 

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
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Posted by Mookie on Sunday, June 8, 2014 2:56 PM

Happy Happy!  An exciting day to train watch!  2 hours - 4 coal, 5 freight, 1 light, and 1 very late Amtrak!

Foreign power - CSX, NS, KCS. CP and CN @ the diesel shop & one UP on a freight, which is almost more scarce than than the rest.  We have UP still switching some locals in town, but don't usually see a UP engine in BNSF service. 

Note to Tree:  House fire about 6 blocks down the street from us.  Nice 2 story w/attic - big house, wrought iron fencing around it.  House sat on back of good sized lot.  About $350K range.  Attic fire.  Owner removed dead battery from smoke detector in attic about a month ago and didn't replace it.  Rain water leaked in roof and made a connection with something electrical and now he has about $100k damage and still no battery.  Probably no smoke detector, either. 

Sigh

They had a sunroom on the west side that I always thought was so cool.  It is still there, but not much behind it.  

 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by Mookie on Sunday, June 8, 2014 2:04 PM

Looks like it going up north again where they really don't need anything else.  Maybe more in Murphy's area. 

He may need to buy the "Duck!". 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by mudchicken on Sunday, June 8, 2014 1:55 PM

(1) Dry tornadoes on the plains....(Hugo, CO - UP KP Line)

(2) Tornady thingies in the hills...(Fairplay)

Everybody east of here - watch the skies today. Weather Alerts out the gazoo - Tornado on the ground south  of Denver.. Just missed us. Too much electricity in the air to go outside with a bar of soap.

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 JoeKoh on Sunday, June 8, 2014 8:19 AM

Morning

spent yesterday doing chores then watching Csx's parking lot parade.Trains were "growling" as they were running at approach or restriced speeds.Had 2 CP sd 40-2's taking some BNSF grain cars back home.Trains were pulling into sidings at south Deshler,Leipsic,Ottawa,Cario and Totogany all day on the Toledo sub.Mookies your cotton candy is making my yard white.Bad for allergies and air conditioners.Matt's school(Tinora) brought home the state Baseball championship.The girls also brought home state track and field championships.Going to relax today.

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, June 7, 2014 9:21 PM

I am thinking about "I Give Up!". 

However, if I leave out the punctuation and the #'s - it seems to let me in the normal door.  That was Brother Carl's idea.  He thought it might have an affect on the "entry". 

But I am open to suggestions...

 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Saturday, June 7, 2014 9:09 PM

Mookie what are you going to change the title to next ?

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Posted by Mookie on Saturday, June 7, 2014 5:01 PM

Went to the dam today, but no fishing.  More rain overnite, so the lake is now up to the parking lot.  So we sat and people watched. 

Lots of sail, paddle, windsurf and kayak boats.  Good stiff north wind to boot.  And men and their sons.  Close to the boat ramp is where we park and there is a dock that extends out into the water.  About 1/3 of the dock is underwater, so people had to either get their shoes wet or go barefoot through knee deep water. 

One man and his 2 sons - about 8 and 10 - he gave them each what looked to be a fairly heavy tackle box and a pole.  Oldest boy dropped his both in the water.  The tackle box didn't sink very far, but boy did that pole!  Dad waded in the water for about 10 min before realizing he wasn't going to be using that pole today. 

You fish only about 20 feet from your car, so why not pack what you need and leave the tackle box in the car.  And 3 people and 6 rods just isn't necessary.  Well, you get the idea.  Felt bad for the dad, but really, he wasn't on a trip to Minnesota to catch Walleye.  He would, at most, maybe get some bluegill or maybe a catfish.  Stick, string and some kind of non-live bait.  Especially when 8 and 10. 

And Cake to my friend who is up to his shirt buttons in alligators!  Kisses

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by Mookie on Friday, June 6, 2014 4:49 PM

Joe:  Cotton candy comes in white now.  It was all over the sky during our grocery store outing.  And looks like it is heading somewhere over there. 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, June 6, 2014 4:12 PM

evening

got home and got the yardwork done.Going to pick up Matt from G+G house.We are also picking up supper on the way too.Saturday good day.Sunday maybe some rain.

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 Thursday, June 5, 2014 8:39 PM

jeffhergert

Deggesty
Mookie, I looked out in Lincoln this morning, but did not see anybody. I have long appreciated getting a real newspaper when passing through Omaha eastbound. This morning's paper had quite a bit about the hailstorm--hail the size of baseballs that not only broke much glass, but also broke through roofs. I must go and board my train.

 

You might be able to get a good deal on a new car up in Blair, NE.  That is if you don't mind a few dents or broken windshields. Over 4300 vehicles with hail damage.

Jeff

Jeff - one interview they did for the news was 2 ranchers.  They said they only needed a good motor/drive train.  They want to pull cattle around and cattle don't care about dents!

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by CShaveRR on Thursday, June 5, 2014 7:59 PM

Uh-oh...back window again, just now.  Time for a re-tweak?

Spent the entire day editing my own book.  Shouldn't have taken this long, but that happens when others do some of the work.  I'm not as qualified to do layouts and so on using any sort of computer-aided system, but others aren't as qualified to write...

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 jeffhergert on Thursday, June 5, 2014 7:30 PM

Deggesty
Mookie, I looked out in Lincoln this morning, but did not see anybody. I have long appreciated getting a real newspaper when passing through Omaha eastbound. This morning's paper had quite a bit about the hailstorm--hail the size of baseballs that not only broke much glass, but also broke through roofs. I must go and board my train.

 

You might be able to get a good deal on a new car up in Blair, NE.  That is if you don't mind a few dents or broken windshields. Over 4300 vehicles with hail damage.

Jeff

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Posted by Mookie on Thursday, June 5, 2014 6:24 PM

Joe - we had an SD9 here a few years ago.  It was a yard engine and when it would come toward you, it always looked like it had a broken back.  There was a very slight dip right in the middle of the top.  Always knew from a distance which one it was before  you saw the #.

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, June 5, 2014 6:14 PM

evening

well Ns had a frieght in the siding at work.The ND&W here in Defiance got another toy. An SD-9 locomotive.That would make it 7 locomotives.Unless csx screwed up a delivery.It's labeled LTEX for Larry's truck and electric with a norange bnsf paint scheme.Friend did some digging it was actually an original B&O engine!! Might feel at home here in Defiance.Chores to do.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 Deggesty on Thursday, June 5, 2014 6:09 PM
Mookie, I looked out in Lincoln this morning, but did not see anybody. I have long appreciated getting a real newspaper when passing through Omaha eastbound. This morning's paper had quite a bit about the hailstorm--hail the size of baseballs that not only broke much glass, but also broke through roofs. I must go and board my train.

Johnny

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Posted by Mookie on Thursday, June 5, 2014 5:04 PM

BC - I think Omaha received around 5 inches of rain, heard central NE had 100 mile straight winds - no tornadoes. Guesstimate around 1/4 inch of rain and short wind gusts.  Radar showed it cruising just above Lincoln heading to Iowa.  Omaha had a direct hit, which is always east of us.  Omaha gets hit and Iowa ducks!

Sir C - they are not predicting much more than rain, which still hasn't amounted to any gully washers.  Just nice, polite rains with no damage. 

Murphy - that sounds more like what was all around us on Tuesday.  Poor bunny!  They are showing your storm beating the daylights out of NW Iowa. 

 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by Murphy Siding on Thursday, June 5, 2014 4:26 PM

     We just got socked.  Thunder, lightning, rain, hail, 60 mph wind, tornadoes all over, including some on the ground 6 miles south of us right now, heading away from us.  We got a little worried at one point, as it seemed like we could hear the freight train sound.  Then we figured out it was the breeze in the big power lines that run on the edge of the parking lot.

     At our other yard 6 miles away, they had tornadoes spotted nearby.  As the crew was headed for the basement, huge hail was falling.  A hailstone bonked a bunny running through the parking lot and knocked him out for a minute or two.

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

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Posted by mudchicken on Thursday, June 5, 2014 3:52 PM

And Lincoln's weather tomorrow is just pushing over the hill into Denver....Better get ready to bail with a bigger Dixie-cup!UmbrellaStormLightning

 

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 CShaveRR on Thursday, June 5, 2014 3:48 PM

Sort of like your fingers and toes getting all "pruny" when they've been thoroughly soaked?

It sounds like Omaha got plenty of rain...you folks didn't?

We had about a quarter-inch of rain yesterday; it took most of the morning to fall. 

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 Mookie on Thursday, June 5, 2014 2:04 PM

From the pictures of central and northern Nebraska, we are no longer flat.  We are flat with dimples now. 

Wow - hail, yes!  And Lincoln missed it all, except for some wind.  But we always have wind!

Life is good!

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 3:24 PM

afternoon

good soaking rain today.Ns had a westbound autorack train in the siding.Time for some chores inside.

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 Wednesday, June 4, 2014 2:01 PM

Fish 0 Driver 2

Almost sat in the car in the parking lot to fish.  Dam water up over the sidewalk.  He caught a nice one just beyond the waters edge.  Silly fish - stay out of parking lots! 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 9:01 AM

blue streak 1

Tree:  Time for you to go to disaster city, Texas ----------

http://www.teex.org/teex.cfm?pageid=ESTIprog&area=ESTI&templateid=1944

Neat facility.  

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 blue streak 1 on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 4:49 AM

Tree:  Time for you to go to disaster city, Texas ----------

 

http://www.teex.org/teex.cfm?pageid=ESTIprog&area=ESTI&templateid=1944

 

 

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 10:28 PM

We got rain earlier in the day (about a third of an inch), but most of the afternoon was partly cloudy.  A couple of cells popped up in the evening, but they missed us.

I think we're looking at a chance of rain Wednesday, too.

Made a quick trip down to the railroad to put up some advertising in the form of a banner out front of the station.  Hopefully that'll bring in a few more riders.  This part of the season is usually slow anyhow.

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
    January 2002
  • From: Cedar Rapids, IA
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Posted by blhanel on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 10:20 PM

I thought for sure we were gonna get a soaker tonight, but it keeps falling apart before it gets here.  So far, we've received 0.02".

They just showed video of baseball size hail hitting Norfolk, NE.  Wow.

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