Semi-official Rochelle webcam discussion thread

[DennisHeld]

I don't believe UP or BNSF use the track to the south of the diamonds as any interchange.  I do know that BNSF, the Rochelle RR (or whatever it's name is) and another short line using BNSF trackage rights from the northwest all switch the yard.  

UP does have a spur coming off the south track to the east of Rochelle which serves the east side industries and they set out many refrigerated cars from time to time.  I think the Rochelle RR handles it.  

[Brian Schmidt]

There is a connection with the Union Pacific through a small yard "around the corner." BNSF uses the track in question to reach a few customers with joint access to both railroads. It seems to run once a day on weekdays only.

[tree68]

STEVEL

That is a example of the earliest metal track.  it's a thin strip of iron attached to a wooden timber. There was a sign there years ago that gave info about it.  

There's a short blurb about it, and an illustration, here:

http://www.buffalohistoryworks.com/ptracks/chapter4/chapter4.htm

[STEVEL]

That is a example of the earliest metal track.  it's a thin strip of iron attached to a wooden timber. There was a sign there years ago that gave info about it.  

 

[cefinkjr]

So it does. OK, so back to the original question: Any idea how often it's used as a connecting track? Does UP switch that industry? Any idea what the industry is / does?

[Semper Vaporo]

Look further west and you will see that it does eventually connect to the UP line.

[cefinkjr]

Deggesty

About how often is the connecting track between the UP and the BNSF used?

If you're asking about the track that leaves the BNSF and curls around to the left, it's not a connecting track. It serves a good-sized industry but, as far as I know, there is no UP connection. Check Google Earth. Can someone tell us what that industry is? The wide variety of cars I've seen being switched in and out makes me wonder. Or are there more industries there than I've spotted?

[Deggesty]

About how often is the connecting track between the UP and the BNSF used?

[cefinkjr]

nyc#25

What are those bars that resemble a piece of panel rail (but obviously is not) that are just to the left of the benches in the foreground?

I believe that's a decorative (?) roof over a picnic table at the bottom of the adjacent stairs. Whatever it is, I've seen several kids walking on the "rail". I know they're just being kids but I cringe every time I see that. I'm expecting a twisted ankle at best; a tumble to the lower level at worst.

[nyc#25]

What are those bars that resemble a piece of panel rail (but obviously is not)

that are just to the left of the benches in the foreground?

[ChuckCobleigh]

Semper Vaporo

The 'old wives tale" is that you have to destroy a web 3 times before it will give up on that location and move on, but that just hangs an "Available" sign for the next spider.

Location.  Location.  Location.

[Semper Vaporo]

The 'old wives tale" is that you have to destroy a web 3 times before it will give up on that location and move on, but that just hangs an "Available" sign for the next spider.

 

 

[cefinkjr]

I wonder if a garden hose might not do the trick. Most spiders are not real fond of getting wet.

[Mookie]

Happened to catch something just before dark that swiped the lens.  Spider gone so far this morning. 

[Semper Vaporo]

Gotta be careful suggesting that "someone" go "take care of" the spiderweb... those cameras and their mounts are not really all that rugged, and at the distance the "broom" would have to reach (without the aid of a ladder to get on the roof and then up the slope of the roof to the camera at the peak), the "helpful person" would have a difficult time doing the desired task without whacking the camera, either breaking it or getting it pointed at the sky or the roof.

[cefinkjr]

vsmith

Seconding request for broomsticking the spider web. Can someone take care of this? Its very annoying to have a dead bug in a web jiggling in the direct center of the diamond 

Sick in bed all day so didn't get to admire the spider's most recent catch. I say "most recent" because the one I complained about and the whole web were gone for a few days. In all fairness though, spiders are very persistent critters and, when they find a productive location for a web, it takes a lot to move them. And forget most insecticides; they don't seem to notice Raid. I suggested a broom (to sweep the web away) but maybe broomSTICK (to persuade the spider to relocate) might be better after all.

[northwesterner]

Does anyone know what BNSF is loading/unloading with the cars on the Del Monte spur? I just saw a number of boxcars, and a  lumber spine car being pushed down the spur. Thanks for your help!

[vsmith]

Seconding request for broomsticking the spider web. Can someone take care of this? Its very annoying to have a dead bug in a web jiggling in the direct center of the diamond 

[cefinkjr]

The Rochelle web cam is beginning to interfere with my getting other things done on my computer. I'm trying to watch trains, listen to music, monitor emails, and program all at once. (OOPS, just missed the DMU at the end of a UP coal train; had this window open in front of the web cam.)

[trainfan1221]

Just went to it, seconds later a UP intermodal went past. Nice!

[cefinkjr]

Just watched BNSF roll 110 tank cars WB, with 2 NS units and a covered hopper on the point, and another covered hopper and 2 more NS units on the rear. I'm assuming this is an empty crude oil train (since it was going west). Very nice example of why railroading is so fascinating to me.

[tree68]

Must have hit a quiet spell.  I have a tendency to do that.  Better get off line so others can see trains...

[traisessive1]

Virginia Railway Express coaches just went through eastbound on UP, sandwiched between two flats. Pulled by a patched ex CNW.

[blhanel]

So's the spider...

[AgentKid]

ChuckCobleigh

Good times.

Yes.

And the image does seem clearer.

Very glad it is back.

Bruce

[tree68]

Brian Schmidt

We are aware that the webcam is down Tuesday morning and will look into it.

Don't forget to wave!  Oh - you mean look into the problem...

[ChuckCobleigh]

Well, at 3:53 CDT today I see pictures and hear sounds again.  Sounds and looks like the camera and the town survived the severe thunderstorm yesterday.  Good times.

[rdamon]

Damn Hippies!!

[Brian Schmidt]

We are aware that the webcam is down Tuesday morning and will look into it.

[eolafan]

Semper Vaporo

Did you read the previous few posts just before your post?

MY BAD Semper Vaporo...you're right as you normally are...I did NOT read the previous few posts otherwise I would not have asked such a dumb question...thanks.