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Semi-official Rochelle webcam discussion thread

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, September 6, 2014 9:28 PM

traisessive1
They come and go to the same spots so why is one group only being tagged?

One would have to know their routing - the situation where they are loaded, where they might be held briefly while a train is aggregated, where they might regularly go in the hole.  Many of these taggers are pretty efficient.  They know their sign and can turn it out in a fairly short period of time - like the five minutes the cars are sitting in a siding for a meet or the few hours the cars sit waiting for the other section to arrive.

I suspect that if youi were to look closely at the graffiti on any single car, you'd find it's been done by a number of people.

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Posted by fr8tman on Monday, September 8, 2014 6:51 AM

I note that the tank cars in the unit trains are clean of graffitti.

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Posted by cefinkjr on Monday, September 8, 2014 12:15 PM
fr8tman

I note that the tank cars in the unit trains are clean of graffitti.

Loaded and unloaded at secure sites and otherwise keep moving?

Chuck
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Posted by AgentKid on Monday, September 8, 2014 3:33 PM

fr8tman
I note that the tank cars in the unit trains are clean of graffitti.

This issue actually came up on this forum long before crude-by-rail was big business. The feeling was tank cars didn't present the artist with a nice flat pallet on which to work. But it also could be that their will to survive around potentially hazardous materials is more well developed than we had been previously led to believe.

Sadly, earlier this morning I did see refers with the two orange stripes that had graffiti covering most of the lower stripe.

Bruce

So shovel the coal, let this rattler roll.

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Posted by DennisHeld on Monday, September 8, 2014 6:19 PM

Why reefers are tagged while tankers are not is, likely, as simple as point of origin and destination.  Oil unit trains on BNSF originate from the Bakken oil fields.  (North Dakota, Montana).  Reefers on UP are mostly from the vast agrifarms in Southern California.  Which of those points of origin is most likely to have taggers.

Then destination comes into play.  Tank cars go to a refinery or a port.  Both are not that accessible to the public.  Partly for security reasons.  Reefers go to distribution centers.  In fact, I passed through Rochelle, IL and on the east side was a parked long string of white reefers with a couple of UP locos.  Apparently just tied up.  If I had wished, and had a can of paint, I could have tagged about 30 cars just next to the road.  But, alas, my 'artist' part of me ain't so good.  Nor would I wish jail time for vandalism.

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Posted by chrisjmiller on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 4:38 AM

chrisjmiller

Just before 5pm a string of 12 locos went through heading for Savanna.  I assume only the lead BNSF was active, but the rest were in a gray color scheme (hard to be precise at this time of day when the sun is almost directly into the lens).  Were they bound for some short line I don't recognise?

Having just watched the Citirail chase video, they might have been in Citirail livery

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Posted by eolafan on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 10:31 AM
Looking through the raindrops on the camera lens is going to give me a headache today so I think I'll do something else while I wait for the rain to stop and the camera to clear up a bit.
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Posted by ChuckCobleigh on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 10:36 AM

eolafan
Looking through the raindrops on the camera lens is going to give me a headache today so I think I'll do something else while I wait for the rain to stop and the camera to clear up a bit.

Interesting view, more or less.  It has rained before on the new camera with no problem, so it looks and sounds like the very "breezy" conditions have put the raindrops on the front glass.  Maybe we could crowdfund a windshield wiper?StormBig Smile

Edit: Just looked at Bailey Yard and it's breezy enough there that wind socks are pretty much straight out to the south.  It also looks like they have gotten some significant rainfall as well.

Second Edit: Neeevvvveeer mind about crowdfunding a windshield wiper.  I just saw one clear off the front glass.  Clever. Bow

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Posted by tcwright973 on Thursday, September 11, 2014 8:27 AM
chrisjmiller reported above regarding the 12 gray locomotives on the BNSF. Yesterday, I brought the rail cam up & there were hoppers headed towards Clinton on the UP line closet to the camera, but behind it, on the line headed towards Proviso were the tops of a number of locomotives. I counted at least 7 or 8, and what I could see they were also gray. They appeared to be on the head of a mixed freight.

Tom

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, September 12, 2014 3:09 PM

Just had the Rochelle and the Mierlo-Hout cameras up at the same time and was treated to intermodals on both cameras at the same time.  The UP eastbound was a lot longer than the westbound on the Dutch line.  But we knew that.

With sound on both, you can be doing something else and be forewarned of any action upcoming.

LarryWhistling
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Posted by blhanel on Monday, September 15, 2014 9:22 AM

Currently watching a westbound UP unit train consisting of all open-top low gondolas containing a white substance, looks like sand- is that what it is?

EDIT: How convenient, train has stopped, blocking the diamonds.  Headed into Global III?

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Posted by AgentKid on Monday, September 15, 2014 9:33 AM

Did you happen to notice the nose door on the rear facing second unit was open and flapping in the breeze.

I don't know what the stuff in the gondolas is either.

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 cefinkjr on Monday, September 15, 2014 4:05 PM
Heard a BNSF approaching in a minimized window and got the window open just in time to see it come to a (literally) screeching halt. If that was an emergency application caused by a broken train line, I'd look about 5 or 6 cars back. That's what was passing the camera when I heard a quick, loud hiss.

Sure would like to be able to hear the DS channel right now.

Chuck
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Posted by eolafan on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 5:33 PM
Mr. or Ms. Spider has been busy building his/her web over our lens for about a month now and its getting bigger all the time...really a pain when the suns rays hit the web threads just right/wrong.
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Posted by ramrod on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 7:34 PM

Quote Mr. or Ms. Spider has been busy building his/her web over our lens for about a month now and its getting bigger all the time...really a pain when the suns rays hit the web threads just right/wrong.

I believe that would be Ms. Spider and yes, it's annoying, especillay when the wind shakes it.
The Rochelle webcam is good, otherwise. Lots of trains of many kinds. however, it is at a distinct disadvantage when compared to Roanoke ,VA and Mierlo-Hout, Netherlands. You can only see trains during dalight hours. Both the others have enough light from the surrounding area that you can watch both day and night. Would it be possible to mount about four motion controlled outdoor flood lights high in the two poles that are between the diamonds and the camera? Mounted high up, they shouldn't blind train crews. Of course the crews would have to be told they are there so they won't be startled when they come on. Four sets should provide enough light to let us see the trains.
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Posted by traisessive1 on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 10:55 PM

You can. 

http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/ctid/609/web

Click on the railway one. 

10000 feet and no dynamics? Today is going to be a good day ... 

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Posted by eolafan on Thursday, September 18, 2014 7:22 AM
Ramrod, I am certain the folks who live in the homes immediately surrounding the Rochelle diamonds and viewing gazebo would not like blinding flood lights coming on in the middle of the night...but I guess if they can get used to 100+ car BNSF and UP freights rolling by their homes all night and all day blowing their horns they sure can get used to a few lights...but my guess is the cost will be prohibitive.
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Trains Rochelle Web Cam
Posted by Proud Infidel on Thursday, September 18, 2014 7:22 AM

I've been stuck at home recovering from surgery this week and enjoying it, but one thing bugs me, does anyone clean the lens on a regular basis?  a spider web has been across the lens for at least a couple od days now!!

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Posted by Proud Infidel on Thursday, September 18, 2014 3:50 PM

I enjoy watching the Trains Rochelle Web Cam, but will SOMEONE please clean the spider webs from in front of the camera lens?  They've been there for a couple of days!

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Posted by cefinkjr on Thursday, September 18, 2014 4:12 PM
Proud Infidel

I enjoy watching the Trains Rochelle Web Cam, but will SOMEONE please clean the spider webs from in front of the camera lens?  They've been there for a couple of days!

Those webs ARE removed every few days, but we're dealing with a very persistent spider here (aren't they all?). It gets really bad when she leaves her lunch hanging there to ripen. Pretty disgusting.

Chuck
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Posted by blhanel on Friday, September 19, 2014 6:15 AM

I think a single street light mounted on the pole near dead center of the camera's view, pointed down at the end of the fenced-in area, would be sufficient enough to vastly improve night-time viewing.  I suppose the camp-fire folks wouldn't appreciate it, though...

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Posted by cacole on Friday, September 19, 2014 8:45 AM

Who's going to pay to have lighting installed and for the monthly electric usage ?   It would not be free by any means.

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, September 19, 2014 11:59 AM

cacole

Who's going to pay to have lighting installed and for the monthly electric usage ?   It would not be free by any means.

Properly presented (and subject to opposition by neighbors), I'm willing to bet that the city of Rochelle might be willing to add a streetlight to the hundreds they already have.  

Generally speaking, streetlights are paid for at a "group rate," rather than metering each of them, or any of them, for that matter.

Installation notwithstanding, the minimal upcharge for one more streetlight might not be a dealbreaker - especially since the city was the one that built the park in the first place, IIRC.  I'm sure they add and subtract streetlights on a regular basis.

The trick will be in getting a suitable light that will provide enough illumination for the camera without bringing on opposition from the neighbors, or objections from the railroads (ie, blinding the crews).  

LarryWhistling
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Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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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 blue streak 1 on Friday, September 19, 2014 5:29 PM

tree68

The trick will be in getting a suitable light that will provide enough illumination for the camera without bringing on opposition from the neighbors, or objections from the railroads (ie, blinding the crews).  

 
  City close by has installed some LED street lights on existing standards and cross arms..   They seem to be well aimed with very little unwanted side lighting.  Very little light going into the sky.   + some shielding is always available.
 
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Posted by Proud Infidel on Saturday, September 20, 2014 11:02 AM

It would be nice if someone would get rid of the spider that's been spinning webs across the camera lens all this week, I just watched it crawl in front of the lens once again, maybe a can of Raid and a duster would do it some good?

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Posted by cefinkjr on Saturday, September 20, 2014 12:50 PM
Proud Infidel

... maybe a can of Raid ... ?

Don't count on it. I once emptied a can of Raid on a Black Widow (spider, not an SP F-unit) and I swear I heard a contented burp.

Chuck
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Posted by STEVEL on Saturday, September 20, 2014 10:01 PM

there are lights inside the viewing stand. For $500-600  you could run a couple of lines to outer walls on either side of the stairs.  Mount a double 40 w fluorescent water proof housings to the lines'  that should give enough light for the camera to adjust and allow us to see the types of cars and engines.  The 40 w lamps would not be blinding to train crews.  Too bad I live in NJ.  I would gladly do the work myself.  I've been there 3 times, piece if cake job. The only problem is getting the powers that be to approve it.

  

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Posted by AgentKid on Friday, September 26, 2014 10:08 AM

Just saw a WB mixed freight on the UP. The Rio Grande heritage unit was on the point, and there were two widely separated Southern Pacific boxcars in the consist. They are kicking it old school today.

I want to say that this Rochelle Webcam is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but that would be overstating the case, only slightly. Thank you Kalmbach.

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 Paul of Covington on Friday, September 26, 2014 12:13 PM

   Does anyone else have the problem of the cam feed stopping every few minutes?   When I poke the START button (the triangle in the circle), it's good for another few minutes.

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Posted by AgentKid on Friday, September 26, 2014 12:51 PM

Paul of Covington
Does anyone else have the problem of the cam feed stopping every few minutes?

It has been ever thus.

The thought was that if people connected to the web cam, and there was no reload requirement, that the early users would choke off those who came later. You would think there could be a better way to deal with that, but I have been wracking my brain and can not come up with one.

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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