AgentKid I look at the Rochelle Web Cam most days, and except for a handful of them since Christmas, our weather here has been warmer and drier that what I see there.
I look at the Rochelle Web Cam most days, and except for a handful of them since Christmas, our weather here has been warmer and drier that what I see there.
It must be warmer and drier than I realized. I was just talking to my cleaning lady and we both noticed the City of Calgary has already started the annual practice of adding more treatment chemicals to our drinking water. This normally happens in the spring, just before the winter melt starts, because the river levels drop so much over the winter that the city has to put water through the plants quicker than they would like to meet demand, so they add enough treatment that you can taste it.
When I say spring, I'm thinking more the end of March or early April, not the last week of February.
It is 54º F and sunny right now.
Nice to hear from you Quentin.
Bruce
So shovel the coal, let this rattler roll.
"A Train is a Place Going Somewhere" CP Rail Public Timetable
"O. S. Irricana"
. . . __ . ______
rvos1979 Stay warm, everyone...........
Stay warm, everyone...........
Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.
zugmann BaltACD Personal observation - the new LED emergency lights - at night are blinding. I suspect, because of their brightness some drivers have a 'target fixation' response and are drawn to the lights like moths to a light. Mnay of those lightbars can be dimmed. But for whatever reason, that feature doesn't seem to be used very much. Plus the wild disco patterns (with tons of clear lights - takedowns, alleys, reverse lights etc.-) are extremely annoying.
BaltACD Personal observation - the new LED emergency lights - at night are blinding. I suspect, because of their brightness some drivers have a 'target fixation' response and are drawn to the lights like moths to a light.
Mnay of those lightbars can be dimmed. But for whatever reason, that feature doesn't seem to be used very much.
Plus the wild disco patterns (with tons of clear lights - takedowns, alleys, reverse lights etc.-) are extremely annoying.
afternoon
A young lady wanted to get extra lights on her car.The guy told her she could have any color except red blue or white.Those were reserved for emergency vehicles.She the asked "what's an emergency vehicle??"
had errands to do after work.Ns took the train out of the siding and replaced it with another train on Saturday.Just the cars are in the siding.The local had cars ready to shuffle when I left work.Now that the ports are going to re-open work is going to be busy busy busy.MC tell Nigel I have a comfoy pillow and sleeping bag too.
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").
Perhaps so - but it finds me, I don't go looking for it. Still, for years - no, decades - I've said that I have no need to go to amusement parks or casinos for excitement . . .
- PDN.
Paul, you live dangerously.
Johnny
mudchicken Amen - and just try to take the offender's driving priviledges away because he/she did something BEYOND stupid.
A passed-out drunk wrecked his car at an intersection (Tobyhanna, PA 611 & 423, not far from the Del-Lack RR's ALCo's) in one of my work zones late one Thursday afternoon last October. Angels must have been watching over all of us, because he just barely missed 2 traffic signal masts (the tires left scuff marks on the anchor bolts of one of them !), a bunch of smaller signs, and didn't turn over after the car went up and down an 8' high embankment, didn't hit any vehicles as he rolled across a 4-lane highway and into a turning lane at the intersection, nor did he hit any of the pipeline workers, traffic control devices, or construction equipment. When they broke the window and pulled him out of the wreck, he came to and became combative with the EMT's and responding police officer, who put him in handcuffs. Because he was unresponsive when they arrived, he was Med-Evac'ed to a big-city hospital for evaluation of concussion, brain trauma, etc.
A few weeks later I picked up the police report on the accident. Yep - the "Alcohol-Involved ?" box was checked. But the "Breath-alyzer" and "Blood sample" boxes were both "No". Huh ? Why not ? What's going on here ?
Well, on the next page, in the narrative the officer wrote something like "accident appears to have been caused by seizure". In Pennsylvania, that's automatic revocation of license, until an MD signs off that the person is fit to drive, which can take as long as 2 years even if there are no serious underlying medical issues. That's a whole lot more effective penalty than the usual Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) result = 30 days or so license suspension, fine, re-education classes, community service, etc. So there may be some justice after all.
A couple weeks before, a older guy in a 1999+/- Camaro backed into me at a gas station convenience store (same area). I asked for his insurance card - didn't have it on him. So I called the police. Turned out his license was expired, so he was cited for that ($125 fine). Cop gave him 5 days to submit proof of his insurance. That didn't happen, so he got cited again for that ($250, as I understand it).
Last Weds. morning on PA 314 beween Swiftwater and Pocono Manor some clown ran past a flagger's STOP paddle, and then passed me in a double-yellow line zone at well over the speed limit (45 MPH) about 1 mile up the road (2-lane winding country highway). We compared notes - I had the license number and a partial description of the car, she got a better (but not good) look at the driver. Responding cop knew from just the description right away where the vehicle came from - "That's a busy house", but proving the ID would be tough because "They all look alike there" . . .
Then there's the lady who was following me too closely about a month ago (same road), and (fortunately) went off the road into a snow bank when I slowed to make a left turn - in the middle of a long work zone, lots of orange signs and cones, people and electric line trucks all over the place, yellow blinking light on the back end of the roof of my car, turn signal on in plenty of time (of course) . . . Wrecker truck driver said we're nuts to work out on that road, he's there all the time picking up people who go off the road or collide with each other . . . he may be onto something, at that . . .
- Paul North.
BaltACDPersonal observation - the new LED emergency lights - at night are blinding. I suspect, because of their brightness some drivers have a 'target fixation' response and are drawn to the lights like moths to a light.
They can be blinding, and oftimes can be dimmed. My personal vehicle lightbar cannot, and being blue it is even more blinding at night than red. In fact, neither of our new trucks with LED light bars can be dimmed.
Most apparatus automatically kill any white flashing lights when the brake is set or placed in "park." Both of our new apparatus give us the ability to kill the whites enroute as well, which most of us will do at night.
We also make it a practice to turn off the headlights at highway scenes so you can see traffic control personnel.
Studies have shown that drunks tend to be drawn to red lights. We've known that for a while.
At least one major fire department kills all red lights on the scene, using amber instead.
The quandry comes with the fact that many folks will essentially ignore amber lights - it's "just" a wrecker or a highway crew.
I was recently reading that a version of the red elements for traffic lights which contains strobing white LEDs as an additional attention getter in high hazard areas is falling out of official favor. I kinda like them.
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...
To larry/ tree68's post above:
"+1" x about 5.
Used to be a big sign at the guard post for traffic leaving the Willow Grove Naval Air Station ("WGNAS", about 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia, PA), something like this:
"You are now entering the most dangerous area in the U.S. - a public highway."
I've tried to find a photo of it or a similar one on-line, but no luck so far . . .
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
tree68 Modelcar I'm really surprised the trucks and all vehicles come blasting thru the wreck scene even if the clearance is a bare minimum, and....men working at the scene seem {to me}, to be in some danger from it. That's why there are now move over laws which have the intention of saving responders lives. We've taken to putting big, extremely expensive fire apparatus between oncoming cars and our people when working on a scene. You'd think that people would see a big vehicle with lots of flashing lights and reflective material, but somehow those blocking vehicles are hit with amazing regularity. And some drivers manage to go around the blocking vehicles and hit responders anyhow. We're also mandated to wear hi-viz apparel when working in and around the roadway. Ironically, the first firefighter struck at a scene after the law took effect was wearing his hi-viz gear. It's a dangerous world out there.
Modelcar I'm really surprised the trucks and all vehicles come blasting thru the wreck scene even if the clearance is a bare minimum, and....men working at the scene seem {to me}, to be in some danger from it.
That's why there are now move over laws which have the intention of saving responders lives. We've taken to putting big, extremely expensive fire apparatus between oncoming cars and our people when working on a scene. You'd think that people would see a big vehicle with lots of flashing lights and reflective material, but somehow those blocking vehicles are hit with amazing regularity.
And some drivers manage to go around the blocking vehicles and hit responders anyhow.
We're also mandated to wear hi-viz apparel when working in and around the roadway. Ironically, the first firefighter struck at a scene after the law took effect was wearing his hi-viz gear.
It's a dangerous world out there.
Personal observation - the new LED emergency lights - at night are blinding. I suspect, because of their brightness some drivers have a 'target fixation' response and are drawn to the lights like moths to a light.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Amen - and just try to take the offender's driving priviledges away because he/she did something BEYOND stupid.
ModelcarI'm really surprised the trucks and all vehicles come blasting thru the wreck scene even if the clearance is a bare minimum, and....men working at the scene seem {to me}, to be in some danger from it.
Come work an accident scene with me some time - that's normal behavior. And if you stop them and tell them they need to slow down, they get huffy...
Welcome back, Quentin. Who's that handsome guy in your avatar?
AgentKid zugmann I kind of like Highway thru Hell. The 2nd season seems to have less phony drama than the first, thankfully. FWIW, the CPR men working in Revelstoke, BC are saying if you want to see real snowfall you should come up to the Rogers Pass! Interesting reading all of the weather comments lately. I look at the Rochelle Web Cam most days, and except for a handful of them since Christmas, our weather here has been warmer and drier that what I see there. It seems winter is happening in new locations this year. Bruce Highway Thru Hell is interesting....I'm really surprised the trucks and all vehicles come blasting thru the wreck scene even if the clearance is a bare minimum, and....men working at the scene seem {to me}, to be in some danger from it. No wonder we're seeing so many heavy trucks {on that program}, envolved in these wrecks.....Driving way over conditions in front of them. Quentin...
zugmann I kind of like Highway thru Hell. The 2nd season seems to have less phony drama than the first, thankfully.
I kind of like Highway thru Hell. The 2nd season seems to have less phony drama than the first, thankfully.
FWIW, the CPR men working in Revelstoke, BC are saying if you want to see real snowfall you should come up to the Rogers Pass!
Interesting reading all of the weather comments lately. I look at the Rochelle Web Cam most days, and except for a handful of them since Christmas, our weather here has been warmer and drier that what I see there. It seems winter is happening in new locations this year.
Highway Thru Hell is interesting....I'm really surprised the trucks and all vehicles come blasting thru the wreck scene even if the clearance is a bare minimum, and....men working at the scene seem {to me}, to be in some danger from it.
No wonder we're seeing so many heavy trucks {on that program}, envolved in these wrecks.....Driving way over conditions in front of them.
Quentin...
Quentin
Left for the train show this morning under dismal skies, drove into some sunlight, then into more gray skies. But the temperatures weren't bad, and aside from some black ice on the way (I felt it, after another driver ended up into the guardrail ahead of me), it was a decent trip, and a decent day. Too bad the attendance at the train show was equally dismal. Not sure why.
After stopping into daughter's place for supper and a visit with the grandkids, headed home. Stopped for gas nearby and noted a "mist" of snow falling. The further north I went, the worse it got.
Stopped at the grocery store for a couple of items. When I came out, the snow had stopped, and stayed stopped the rest of the way home.
Sheesh!
From what I got from the scanner, CSX might be a little bound up around Syracuse. Several trains waiting recrews, and Amtrak had to thread their way through standing freights at least once.
Long day. Time for bed.
It was in the upper 20s when I went to bed last night, upper teens when I got up this morning, 7 above right now, and going down to 6 below overnight. Not much relief in sight for the next week; chance of a couple of bouts with the snow.We have a little trip to make next weekend; it will probably be colder yet where we're headed. Any railfanning will probably be done from the confines of the car. (Going to see what CP and Downton Abbey have in common. I must know somethin', but I won't say nuttin' else.)
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)
mudchicken Finally getting some moisture, and as usual, the weather guessers flunked their audition. (A foot over the last two days and not when they predicted it) Nigel the weatherdog is starting to get a little of this weary of this as he slowly plows through the back yard. He's voting for extra snooze time in front of the fireplace.
Finally getting some moisture, and as usual, the weather guessers flunked their audition. (A foot over the last two days and not when they predicted it) Nigel the weatherdog is starting to get a little of this weary of this as he slowly plows through the back yard. He's voting for extra snooze time in front of the fireplace.
She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw
Would someone mind turning the heat back on?!? Three above in Fond Du Lac, plummeting to negative 12 for a low tonight. Guess I could have stayed at the house longer today, load they gave me doesn't pick up until tomorrow morning. Maybe that will give the south time to get rid of the ice that is forecast to fall tomorrow..........
Randy Vos
"Ever have one of those days where you couldn't hit the ground with your hat??" - Waylon Jennings
"May the Lord take a liking to you and blow you up, real good" - SCTV
BaltACD it was a mixed frieght train.I think they pulled it down the siding further and took the power.The power was there yesterday when I left work.Today it's a group of cars.The tail(fred) end is at our parking lot where I work.snow still falling.Matt is out on the snow mountain with the neighbor kids.Mamma made chilli for lunch.
JoeKoh afternoon another day for the Ns train in the siding.Nothing uptown for the local.Ran an errand in town after we got home.Tow truck was busy with a fender bender.Work is busy so tomorrow I must go. stay safe Joe
another day for the Ns train in the siding.Nothing uptown for the local.Ran an errand in town after we got home.Tow truck was busy with a fender bender.Work is busy so tomorrow I must go.
What type of train is it that the NS has been holding for 7 days and counting?
Cold here @ a temp of 20 deg( on the back porch thermometer this morning.. Overnight the 'forecast' has changed,( are we victims of some sort of weather foreplay, or weather people not hitting their targets with their darts? Not sure why.. Still a range of twenty to thirty degrees overnight predicted over the next week.
Slightly overcast, the weather today is to the East of us, and moving in sort of a notheasterly direction...Like Larry(tree68), said; Not a lot of traffic in this area , couple overnight, but nothing so far this morning.. The usual early morning COFC/TOFC has not blown though yet.
saw the following headline this morning @ http://wtop.com/sprawl-crawl/2015/02/cracked-rail-cause-problems-orange-silver-lines/
"Cracked rail, switches cause problems Metro, VRE"
The cracked rail was reported just after Metro opened at 5 a.m..."
A balmy -2.4F as I write this at 9:30AM, up only slightly from the low of -6.3F overnight on my weather station. Think I'll drive down to get the mail. Even though the sun is shining brightly, it's too nasty to walk.
The graph for this week shows psychotic temperature swings, ranging from -28F on Monday to +29F on Wednesday. The wind picked up slightly yesterday, bringing credence to the wind chill warning that's still out.
Didn't see any trains in motion yesterday, although I heard a few here and there on the scanner.
Murray You actually get weather...not reality shows!!!! And you can stream it live on your computer.
You actually get weather...not reality shows!!!! And you can stream it live on your computer.
Minus 19 here this morning.
Norm
Thank you, Carl.
Our trips are usually day trips. Steelville is only an hour away. I haven't taken her railfanning, yet. She has seen a few videos and TV programs and has said she likes the steam locomotives over the diesels. She knew very little about trains and railroads before meeting me. She was surprised to learn the being on railroad tracks was trespassing.
That lack of knowledge appears to be quite common in this area.
James
Here is a good alternative to the Weather Channel:
http://www.weathernationtv.com/
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