looks like the ice man cometh no spiders now lol
Clean it off someone, trains in the snow are awesome.
I emailed Webcam@Trains.com, and got an almost-instant reply back:
Hello,We are working with our partners in Rochelle to clear the webcam.Brian-- Brian SchmidtAssistant EditorTrains Magazine
/Mr Lynn
I love the new Trains webcam at Rochelle, especially the addition of sound. Now I can work with the webcam window parked out of the way, and switch to it when I hear a train coming. And the way some of the engineers lean on those air horns is terrific!
Some suggestions:
• Get a lens hood to keep the rain off (it's raining there today).
• Improve the resolution. I know, bandwidth limitations, but it's a lot of fun to hit Full Screen when a train's coming (the grandkids like it, too). It looks neat on my 27" iMac, but more pixels would be even better. The cam is much better than it used to be, though.
• How about some floodlights, so we could see the diamonds at night? I remember staying at the Tunnel Inn at Galitzen, PA, right next to the tunnel entrance, and they had a floodlight on the track. It was fun to sit outside on the deck or lawn, right next to the big NS diesels.
• The City of Rochelle might like to put a sign on that building in the center, maybe "Welcome to Rochelle." Don't light it up, though.
Some questions:
• I'm surprised at the number of foreign locomotives, especially on the BNSF. Are they all loaners, or is there some other arrangement?
• I'm also surprised at the amount of left-running on both lines. I know the UP incorporated the C&NW, which was a left-running road—is the line through Rochelle part of the C&NW? But a lot of the BNSF trains run on the left, too.
• The other day a crew spent a lot of time out on the BNSF part of the diamond doing something, involving welding. Any idea what? There is often a railroad truck parked there, apparently just sitting. What are they doing?
I was getting responses (about the snow) to the post above about the webcam emailed to me, but when I clicked I got an empty page. Apparent the Moderator moved my post (and the replies, which are now ahead of my post) to this very long thread. OK, I guess, but it's kinda buried here. /Mr Lynn
Someone, other than Ma'Nature needs to clear the lens.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Well, the spider is gone ...
ChuckAllen, TX
rdamon Well, the spider is gone ...
Well, yeah, there's that. I almost missed that silver lining.
Folks, it's going to snow and ice and blow in the winter, and the camera points to the west. We'll do our best to keep it cleared, but remember our office is 100 miles from Rochelle and our partners in the Hub City have other obligations to attend to as well. Thanks for your understanding.
Brian Schmidt, Editor, Classic Trains magazine
MrLynn I love the new Trains webcam at Rochelle, especially the addition of sound. Now I can work with the webcam window parked out of the way, and switch to it when I hear a train coming. And the way some of the engineers lean on those air horns is terrific! Some suggestions: • Get a lens hood to keep the rain off (it's raining there today). • Improve the resolution. I know, bandwidth limitations, but it's a lot of fun to hit Full Screen when a train's coming (the grandkids like it, too). It looks neat on my 27" iMac, but more pixels would be even better. The cam is much better than it used to be, though. • How about some floodlights, so we could see the diamonds at night? I remember staying at the Tunnel Inn at Galitzen, PA, right next to the tunnel entrance, and they had a floodlight on the track. It was fun to sit outside on the deck or lawn, right next to the big NS diesels. • The City of Rochelle might like to put a sign on that building in the center, maybe "Welcome to Rochelle." Don't light it up, though. Some questions: • I'm surprised at the number of foreign locomotives, especially on the BNSF. Are they all loaners, or is there some other arrangement? • I'm also surprised at the amount of left-running on both lines. I know the UP incorporated the C&NW, which was a left-running road—is the line through Rochelle part of the C&NW? But a lot of the BNSF trains run on the left, too. • The other day a crew spent a lot of time out on the BNSF part of the diamond doing something, involving welding. Any idea what? There is often a railroad truck parked there, apparently just sitting. What are they doing? /Mr Lynn
MrLynn,
A few comments on some of your points.
Flood lights would be nice, but represent an ongoing operational and maintenance expense. Also there are residences adjacent to the tracks. While they may already are probably used to the disruption of constant rail action and horns it could be viewed as just "rubbing it in" to have additional lights glaring.
On the issue of foreign locomotives this is very common in modern railroading. The main driver of this is avoiding additional delays when handing off from one railroad to the other. The locomotive horesepower-hours are recorded and, periodically, locomotives will be sent from "power-debtor" to "power-creditor railroads to maintain balance. Also, I speculate that some trains (particularly unit trains) have specific agreements concerning power management. Thus, for example, many unit crude oil trains on BNSF have NS engines (sometimes solid sets) since they are assigned to trains that cycle between the Bakkan oil fields and refineries on the NS system. I notice there is muh more of this on BNSF than UP going through Rochelle; The UP trains must have a UP leader due to the specialized CNW train control system. And a final observation: last thursday morning within two hours of each other both BNSF and UP had NS heritge units as respetive second engines on westbound hzardous tank trains, first the Virginian on BNSF and then the Nickel Plate on UP
As for left hand running, yes, the UP line through here is ex-CNW; both tracks are CTC controlled. Left hand running is customary although trains operate on the non-customary main for operational requirements (for example trains coming eastbound out of the Global three yard which is within a mile west of the diamonds have no direct access to main track one and so must run on Main track 2 to the Dement crossovers which are about 2 miles to the east to gain access to Main 1. As for the BNSF the line from Aurora to just east of Savanna (Plum River) is mostly single track with sidings. Rochelle is in the middle of a nine mile two main track section which runs from Steward at the east end and Flagg Center to the west. There are single CTC crossovers about 2-3 miles from each end which are used to "park" outlawed trains, a frequent ocurrance on the BNSF these days. There's also a hand throw crossover a bit east of the diamonds in the vacinity of some industries located geographically south of town. Both main tracks are used in both directions as needed to weave trains through this section.
Finally (whew!) The welders working on the diamonds are from the UP and are trying to correct defects/wear on the UP routes throgh the diamonds. I've noticed that UP trains seem to have lot of car rocking passing over the diamonds, particularly track 2 (nearest the park). The only BNSF maintenance on the dimonds that I've seen was a few weeks ago when a tamper worked on BNSF Main 1 (closest to the park), right between the two UP tracks. Trucks will often sit there, usually to clear for trains running (they work under traffic). Of couse, some of it might just be goofing off but there are many legit factors which can prevent the work from actively progressing.
/Matt
Mr. Lynn, I like the idea of a weather hood above the camera lens, but wonder how well it could stand up to the horizontal snow we've had today (besides, it would probably make things easier for the resident spiders).As for floodlights, they'd have to be aimed very well (and possibly shaded) to mitigate the concerns of the nearby residents and the trains themselves. We had problems like this with one or the other every time we tried to improve the lighting in the yard. I would think that improved lighting of the grounds (with a little overflow onto the tracks where it would help out the observer, the photographer, and perhaps crews doing emergency night work) would be the responsibility of the city. The city itself has been supportive of the park; if anyone could address everyone's problems, they could.And as for increased pixels, I would submit that the Holy Grail should be the ability to read numbers (at least the larger-sized locomotive numbers) off passing trains.
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)
If nighttime lighting is not an option, I would suggest disabling the auto-focus on the camera (would even be a good thing on a rainy day). Whenever things are quiet and dark, the camera tries to focus on the spider web, whether it's there or not.
Brian (IA) http://blhanel.rrpicturearchives.net.
Camera is up and running at 2:35 (or so) CST - and it looks like its been cleaned too! (perhaps by the snow?) Thanks for performing the maintenance! I can now pleasurably waste time like I did before.
Bob
It appears that the morning frosting on the "windshield" has de-iced itself in the afternoon son. Still fairly cool today, though, with lots of that white substance on the ground.
With apologies to those unfortunate souls who live in the North and have to put up with it, I have to admit I kind of like the snow on the ground. The white snow makes some things, particularly the near UP rails, show up much better.
ChuckCobleighthat white substance on the ground
When I lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Delaware, we just called it white s**t.
The UP ran a Eastbound, the make up of which astounded me. Head 20/30 cars Hi-Cube covered hoppers, 10 Autoracks, another 20 or so HC covered hoppers, with the balance of the train being intermixed merchandise freight and autoracks. Glinting through the autoracks made it look like they were loaded with vehicles. There were also 5 units (all UP) on the head end.
I suspect this would have been a train that would fully test the train handling abilities of the engineer.
Just realized a bonus of this weather: I picked up the headlight of an eastbound UP mixed freight long before I heard his horn. Watch for headlights through the trees just below the distant horizon at about 10 o'clock.
cefinkjr With apologies to those unfortunate souls who live in the North and have to put up with it, I have to admit I kind of like the snow on the ground. The white snow makes some things, particularly the near UP rails, show up much better.
If you like my snow, you may keep my snow.
Norm
Norm48327If you like my snow, you may keep my snow.
Uh, no thanks. I had had enough snow (in Western PA) by the time I was 15 to last the rest of my life. Snow is one of the biggest reasons I'm now living happily in Texas.
The attitude of Texans toward snow (and our more frequent ice storms) is: "God put it there; let God worry about it. I'm staying home by the fire." Suits me to a T.
Many thanks, Matt, for the long and interesting response to my queries.
Re nighttime lighting: I'll bet lights could be arrayed in some way that would minimize any problems for nearby residents. But you're right: it would take maintenance (at least changing bulbs) from someone, and someone would have to pay for the electricity. Still, it would make the webcam truly a 24-hour service! I'd be willing to add a few bucks to my Trains subscription to help support it.
Re foreign locos: I did see an NS unit oil train (two NS units) heading towards Savanna (whatever direction that is—could we have a map, showing the nearby yards, etc.?). Can they really record "horsepower hours"? I guess what lengths of time the locomotive is run in notch X? How do they handle periodic required maintenance? Does the host road do it? Probably a topic for a different thread.
I did see the Nickle Plate heritage unit the other day, I think. At full screen, it's hard to distinguish markings.
Re left-running, etc.: I figured there must be a yard or some other jam-up on the UP heading toward and from the Clinton direction. Again, a map of the tracks in the area around the diamonds would really help visualize what we're seeing and your explanation (could be added to the web page—Kalmbach is really good at maps). I guess I could find a map somewhere, but most don't show rail lines in any detail.
Re track work: I thought I saw some welding farther up on the BNSF tracks, too, which is why I thought the guys working on the diamond were BNSF. One time I saw a whole procession of track-maintenance machines, apparently heading home at the end of the day, though I haven't seen any working right at the diamonds.
BTW, there's a BNSF local that I've seen a few times, sometimes taking the switch off to the siding to the N (W?), sometimes not, often running long-hood forward.
Didn't get to the webcam today, but I see that the snow has been cleared.
PS What are the required specs for avatar pictures? I tried to upload one, but got an error (but didn't specify what the error was).
CShaveRR Mr. Lynn, I like the idea of a weather hood above the camera lens, but wonder how well it could stand up to the horizontal snow we've had today (besides, it would probably make things easier for the resident spiders).
Mr. Lynn, I like the idea of a weather hood above the camera lens, but wonder how well it could stand up to the horizontal snow we've had today (besides, it would probably make things easier for the resident spiders).
Probably not much would stop that snow, but a hood would help with normal rain (which right now creates pretty but annoying effects on the lens) and sunlight effects, too.As for floodlights, they'd have to be aimed very well (and possibly shaded) to mitigate the concerns of the nearby residents and the trains themselves. We had problems like this with one or the other every time we tried to improve the lighting in the yard. I would think that improved lighting of the grounds (with a little overflow onto the tracks where it would help out the observer, the photographer, and perhaps crews doing emergency night work) would be the responsibility of the city. The city itself has been supportive of the park; if anyone could address everyone's problems, they could.
As for floodlights, they'd have to be aimed very well (and possibly shaded) to mitigate the concerns of the nearby residents and the trains themselves. We had problems like this with one or the other every time we tried to improve the lighting in the yard. I would think that improved lighting of the grounds (with a little overflow onto the tracks where it would help out the observer, the photographer, and perhaps crews doing emergency night work) would be the responsibility of the city. The city itself has been supportive of the park; if anyone could address everyone's problems, they could.
Sounds like lighting could benefit everyone, and as you say, could be set up to mitigate residents' concerns. Even regular streetlamps could help. As for maintenance, I'll bet there are railfans (and Trains subscribers) who live in the city who would be willing to volunteer with maintenance, like changing bulbs (or clearing snow off the cam).And as for increased pixels, I would submit that the Holy Grail should be the ability to read numbers (at least the larger-sized locomotive numbers) off passing trains.
And as for increased pixels, I would submit that the Holy Grail should be the ability to read numbers (at least the larger-sized locomotive numbers) off passing trains.
Agree. I wonder what the technical obstacles (i.e. costs) are to increasing those pixels. As I suggested above, maybe a WebCam Pro option for fans might be worth a few bucks on top of the Trains subscription.
cefinkjr Norm48327 If you like my snow, you may keep my snow. Uh, no thanks. I had had enough snow (in Western PA) by the time I was 15 to last the rest of my life. Snow is one of the biggest reasons I'm now living happily in Texas. The attitude of Texans toward snow (and our more frequent ice storms) is: "God put it there; let God worry about it. I'm staying home by the fire." Suits me to a T.
Norm48327 If you like my snow, you may keep my snow.
As yes, "T for Texas" (Jimmie Rodgers).
I'd like to be there tomorrow. They say we're going to get 8-10" of pre-Thanksgiving snow. I just fired up the snowblower to make sure it's ready.
/Mr Lynn (Framingham, MA, CSX land)
I CAN SEE! (Apologies to Mel Brooks...)
Just stopped in so check the cam (something I rarely do in the morning). Heard a horn, so stuck around for a few to watch.
The first three quarters of the eastbound UP train could have been a commercial for K-Line. There were a couple dozen other containers scattered through the train (the last quarter of the train was a mix), but the bulk of the containers were red K-Line boxes.
Interesting.
I don't often check the cam during daylight (I'm doing other stuff...), so I don't know if such a consist is common or not.
Larry 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...
MrLynn - That probably was the Nickel Plate heritage unit you saw. I got lucky as it was just coming into view when I logged on to the camera. One more reason to watch the cam more.
Tom
Pittsburgh, PA
MrLynn Re left-running, etc.: I figured there must be a yard or some other jam-up on the UP heading toward and from the Clinton direction. Again, a map of the tracks in the area around the diamonds would really help visualize what we're seeing and your explanation (could be added to the web page—Kalmbach is really good at maps). I guess I could find a map somewhere, but most don't show rail lines in any detail.
Your right! If you go to Google Earth and look at the satelite photos, you will see that their is a large intermodel yard just west of the diamonds on the UP line. That would explain the slow speeds and stoping that frequently happens. Also their is a siding to a large industry that way. The link on the webcam page that says "Learn more about the Rochelle Railroad park" has a small map that identifies the industry as Del Monte.
I would like lights too. Watching the webcam at night is like watching submarine races! Maybe a large parking lot style light at the tip of the park would give us enough light to at least get a glimpse of the trains. Or some ground level floods pointing up at the cars (the way they light some trees at night) would work. As for disturbing the neighbors, I can't imagine it would be any worse than having trains (with crossing whistles) rolling by every 15 mins!
Jim in Costa Rica
Modeling freelance Northern California late 1930s
tree68but the bulk of the containers were red K-Line boxes.
I see that on UP once in a while, like the BNSF trains coming through with a hundred or more J.B Hunt boxes.
Congratulations on the improved webcam for Rochelle. It is indeed my favorite site, even though I’m about 150 miles south of the town. All the more to take a day trip and visit. However, before you updated the website a couple months ago, I had no problem accessing it on my iPod (iOS 7) and even pushing it through the AppleTV onto my wide-screen TV in the living room. (Ah, to watch the trains go by in the comfort of a recliner!) However, with the recent reconfiguration of the website, plus the upgrade to iOS 8.1, it is now impossible for me to access the webcam on a mobile device. All I get is a very large black box and nothing more. I have no problem with the site on my iMac (using Firefox). Is there a problem, or is it simply programming? I would like to again enjoy viewing the trains in the comfort of the living room recliner; it’s not fun sitting back in a computer task chair watching the trains roll by!! Many thanks and respect for your hard efforts and achievements!
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