Trains.com

Chatterbox 2.0

45392 views
585 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,023 posts
Posted by tree68 on Friday, May 30, 2014 5:45 PM

Had to look up the Sabre Dance to put some music to the name.  Knew the music - didn't know the name!

That's one of those pieces that you almost expect to show up on YouTube being played by some passerby on a "play me" public piano (maybe it already has!).

Nice day today.  Got the law mowed - it was up there, but dry, so I didn't have to slog through it.

Saw my resident milk snake the other day - he/she is getting big.  Aside from startling me from time to time, I don't mind - helps keep some of the little bugs (and maybe even the mice) down some.  

Off to the railroad this weekend.  Should be interesting - I haven't run our RS-3 since last fall, so that 6 brake will take some getting used to, again.

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 Friday, May 30, 2014 5:32 PM

Joe:  Congrats!

When I was just old enough to understand a phonograph plays music, the Sabre Dance was playing on a record.  It has been my all time favorite since then!

Sweet! 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,323 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, May 30, 2014 5:16 PM

evening

swamp is mowed and trimmed.going to run errands tomorrow.Performed "Sabre Dance" with classmates for a high school music contest.We got a 1(superior) for that.Guessers say another nice weekend.Will see if csx can get stuff moving.

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
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Thursday, May 29, 2014 11:02 PM

CoffeeIck!...more like Diet Dr Pepper/ 55 Gallon IV drip Indifferent....,

At the moment, trying to figure out what to do with something I was told about a certain phony railroad operation here....extortion? theft? robbery? (IF something goes from hearsay to fact, TRAINS could have one heckuva story)

 

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
  • Member since
    March 2002
  • 9,265 posts
Posted by edblysard on Thursday, May 29, 2014 10:41 PM

Carl,

I think he has coffee every once in a while with Stephen Hawkins, and they discuss how big the universe will get.

MC,

I wish it would slow down to simply hectic, with that one at three and the other at four years old, hectic would a step or two down!

23 17 46 11

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Thursday, May 29, 2014 10:34 PM

MC, you never fail to impress...spelling Aram Khachaturian's name correctly, and knowing about his greatest hit!

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
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Thursday, May 29, 2014 8:45 PM

I wish I looked that good in my winter hat!

 

 

 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Thursday, May 29, 2014 8:21 PM

Insert Khachaturian's "Sabre Dance".....sound track to the manic goings-on at Houston-Ed's house....Smile, Wink & Grin

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
  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Thursday, May 29, 2014 8:09 PM

edblysard

Maybe she should have been named Natasha....

Now if I can just teach her the Cossack dance.

Why, bless me!  It's Little Miss Fezziwig!

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
    February 2002
  • From: Muncie, Indiana...Orig. from Pennsylvania
  • 13,456 posts
Posted by Modelcar on Thursday, May 29, 2014 7:31 PM

.....Took a peek at the Roanoke Rail cam yesterday early evening and happened upon a coal train headed west....It was going at a speed I've not seen thru that area before....It really surprised me.

I wonder if all that track re-location and work in view of the cams there has something to do with me seeing the higher speed......?

Haven't seen another go thru since then...Wonder if anyone else has noted this.....?

 

PS:  Just now took a look over there and bingo....watched a grain train go thru {west again}, being powered with {2} BNSF engines, and {2} NS power units....and it seemed to be going at the speed I've been used to....So, don't know what that was I saw last evening...Didn't see the power on it.

 

 

Quentin

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Thursday, May 29, 2014 6:20 PM

Joe - congrats to Matt and to you for helping him along!  In what will seem a few minutes, he will be graduating college.  Wow!

Why do truck drivers not understand that 15' means 15' - not 17.  Grumpy  Job security for all those who have to investigate and clean up!

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,323 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, May 29, 2014 5:58 PM

evening

busy day.went into town.seems little brother jefferson ave also likes semi trucks for snacks.city is going to put up electric signs for that one too.saw a westbound oil train on csx.Matt got his great grade card back today.Tomorrow is his last day.Next year it's jr.high.

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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,023 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, May 29, 2014 1:30 PM

edblysard
Now if I can just teach her the Cossack dance.

That

will be a Kodak moment....

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
    March 2003
  • From: Central Iowa
  • 6,901 posts
Posted by jeffhergert on Thursday, May 29, 2014 10:02 AM

Mookie

Jeff - where is Doulom NE? 

Out around Columbus.   I think just a few miles east of town.  It might just be the railroad name for the ethanol plant's location.  If there isn't/wasn't an actual town there, the name may have come from the township.  I know some of our control points where there aren't any near by towns will be named after the township they are located in.

Jeff 

  • Member since
    March 2002
  • 9,265 posts
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.

23 17 46 11

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Thursday, May 29, 2014 6:57 AM

Jeff - where is Doulom NE? 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    August 2008
  • From: Calgary AB. Canada
  • 2,298 posts
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"

. . . __ . ______

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Central Iowa
  • 6,901 posts
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  

  • 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

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,023 posts
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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,323 posts
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
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,023 posts
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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,323 posts
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
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
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

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
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

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
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

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,023 posts
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...

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
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
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Southeast Michigan
  • 2,983 posts
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


Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy