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Chatterbox Fall 2015

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  • Member since
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  • From: Calgary AB. Canada
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Posted by AgentKid on Thursday, October 15, 2015 9:14 AM

tree68
Laws regarding how long a crossing can be blocked notwithstanding, I'd think the city fathers would be letting CSX know that such delays are potentially endangering the public.

I was wondering about that myself. But then I wondered if these extra trains Blue Streak 1 was seeing are due to the Carolinas being pretty much washed out. As a prairie kid I can't believe the stories and pictures coming out of that area both on the TV and TRAINS Newswire.

It was a bad day for emergency responders in this part of the world yesterday. Three children out four in a farm family were killed in an accident on their farm west of Red Deer. They were just playing around one of the many dangerous areas encountered on any farm. It was near a very small hamlet where everybody knows everybody and there are only volunteer fire and ambulance services. And most of them knew the family. Even our province's Premier was moved to tears when the media asked her for a comment.

We are having what my Grandmother used to call an open fall. No frost yet, and some days the highs have been up to the high 60's. Lots of wind though.

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 Thursday, October 15, 2015 12:06 PM

   Speaking of long waits at RR crossings, a couple of months ago in Hammond, La., I wound up waiting about a half hour.    No trains showed up, so I gave up and went on home.

_____________ 

  "A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner

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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, October 15, 2015 3:27 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear when I left work.Mother nature is sending wind and sprinkles.Calling for our first frost/freeze this weekend.Chores to do.Need to check on Matt's homework.

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").

 

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Posted by CShaveRR on Thursday, October 15, 2015 10:53 PM

Paul, I don't want your luck!  I plan on going to Indiana tomorrow (through Hammond, not to it), and I want to be blocked at the crossings!  The slower the trains move, the happier I'll be.

Promise of frost here tomorrow night, too.  But they're talking about 70s again next week.

 

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)

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Posted by Paul of Covington on Thursday, October 15, 2015 11:39 PM

   Frost!   We hit 90 deg. today.    And our Hammond (old IC, now CN) is usually pretty light as far as traffic goes.

_____________ 

  "A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Friday, October 16, 2015 7:19 AM

CShaveRR

Paul, I don't want your luck!  I plan on going to Indiana tomorrow (through Hammond, not to it), and I want to be blocked at the crossings!  The slower the trains move, the happier I'll be.

Unfortunately, downtown Hammond isn't quite the train-watching spot that it used to be.  EL and Monon are long gone, and Hohman Avenue now crosses the IHB on an overpass.  I used to be able to shoot an entire roll of Plus-X in a day without working at it but it takes a little more time now.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
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Posted by CShaveRR on Friday, October 16, 2015 7:26 AM

I remember that one of my first railfanning trips was to that crossing in Hammond, walking along the Monon (including over the bridge) from State Line (also busy!).  We'd come into Chicago from Michigan by train, and taken the South Shore back to Hammond.  The highlight of the day for everyone was a brand-new Monon U23B sitting in Hammond.

Today I'm planning on going to the crossings at Clark Road in Gary and just camping out, if they'll let me.  If they won't let me, I have a Plan B.

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)

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Posted by CShaveRR on Friday, October 16, 2015 7:31 AM

But before I go, a little poetry for y'all:

Happy birthday to Tree!
(I'm still older than thee.)

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)

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, October 16, 2015 11:01 AM

CShaveRR

But before I go, a little poetry for y'all:

Happy birthday to Tree!
(I'm still older than thee.)

Thanks, Carl, and Happy Birthday to you, as well.

My big "gift" this year is my Medicare card...

No railroad today (most of the leaves are gone, and with them, most of the riders), but we're running a couple of trips tomorrow.  So I'm spending today getting a few things ready for next weekend's Pumpkin Trains.

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...

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, October 16, 2015 2:36 PM

afternoon

Ns had a westbound autorack train in ther siding.A westbound stack train passed it when I got off work..Had a brief downpour now bright sunshine.Calling for a frost and a freeze this weekend.Stacey said she would work tomorrow.Wonder what Matt and I will do???

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").

 

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Posted by Deggesty on Friday, October 16, 2015 6:44 PM

I'm afraid to even guess.Devil

Johnny

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Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, October 17, 2015 5:22 AM

good morning

Freeze this morning.Going to get breakfast.Matt and I are going to see what CSX is running.

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").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, October 18, 2015 9:31 AM

Well, my excitement for Saturday was taking a three car train up a 1.1% hill with an RS3.  Normally, that's not a problem, but yesterday was also in the fall (leaves on the tracks) and it was in the middle of a snow storm...

Took the "easy" route and ran sand all the way up the hill (five miles worth).  Got there on schedule! 

A lot of people came to ride the train to see what was left of the fall colors, and got treated to a winter wonderland instead...

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
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  • From: Defiance Ohio
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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, October 19, 2015 6:37 PM

Larry you should have another RS3 in your area.Was trying to see when CSX would send it but wasn't able to watch it go by.Tried to help brother hook up TV but it turns out he needs a new box.Ns local was working when I left work.Need to give hugs tomorrow after work.

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").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, October 19, 2015 8:18 PM

JoeKoh
Larry you should have another RS3 in your area.

Yep - 8255 is coming to us.  Not sure when it'll be in service here, but odds are I'll run it from time to time...

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
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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 6:03 PM

evening

gave hugs.came home and helped neighbor clean up after some tree trimming.Nice fall afternoon today.Ns had a frieght in the siding when I left work.On my way along 24 I noticed the ND&W had 2 grain cars in a siding.I know they have upgaded the track but were not aware of them hauling grain.Chores inside to do.

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
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Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 6:24 PM

evening

busy day at work.Ns had a frieght in the siding when I left.Got Matt to confirmation class.Need to go pick him up soon.

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").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 7:24 PM

Well, the back of the pickup is full of grave stones, Halloween variety (ie, Styrofoam).  I added "concrete" bases (more Styrofoam) so they'd be easier to secure to the ground and not flop in the breeze so much.  Unfortunately, what used to fit easily in two boxes now takes all of three.  Still, they'll be an improvement!  

This is the end of our summer season - the colors are gone and with them the "leaf peepers."  Time for a break anyhow. 

Next week I'll be focused on getting my ham antenna in the air, so I can get on the air.  

 

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
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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, October 22, 2015 3:58 PM

evening

Ns was clear when I left work.Matt and I finished chores outside.Glad tomorrow is Friday.Saturday helping sis with a "BIG" project.

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").

 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, October 24, 2015 4:40 AM

morning

Rain here in Nw Ohio.Went to Deshler after work yesterday.Saw q 324 make the turn and go north.D743 had to sashay around it's train to go back to Lima.A rail train came into town and parked at West Deshler(track 4).Dispatcher told eastbounds they would hold up at Attica because Willard was out of crews.Going to help sis here in a bit.

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
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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, October 25, 2015 3:39 PM

Beautiful fall afternoon

Went out after church.L 324 on CSX was waiting for it's air to come up at West Standley.It had interesting cars on it as always.Also 2 phospahte trains passed each other.The westbound had a chessie car.The eastbound had a NOKL car still labled"spencerville and elgin".Checked on the ND&W too.They have new signs for crossing emergencies on the crossings.One crossing on 281 is going to be worked on Thursday.They also had an old CN&W hopper in the yard.Time to get things around for tomorrow.

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").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, October 26, 2015 1:14 PM

The Pumpkin Patch is in the books for 2015.  Saturday wasn't bad, but Sunday was damp, damp, damp.  After rain overnight, it drizzled pretty much all day.

Maybe the video will play for you.

On the Railroad

 

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
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, October 26, 2015 2:56 PM

NS was clear when I left work.Going outside to do some chores.Rain from Patricia is coming our way.

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").

 

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Posted by switch7frg on Monday, October 26, 2015 4:09 PM

Question Tree, for your area are you using a 1/2  or full wave tenna? based on the power of your set. Hamming it up is an amazing world, sometimes due to  weather conditions  I could get  Europe and then I could not get across the county without trimming the tenna.  I gave it all up25 yrs back.

 

                                      75mmcannonball

Y6bs evergreen in my mind

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, October 26, 2015 4:53 PM

I'm working on putting up a 102' horizontal dipole I bought at a hamfest this past summer.  The material for one mast is on hand, and half of what I need for the other end is here as well.  The IC746 I'll be using has an internal match system, which will save a lot of other trimming.

I've already got a dual-band vertical in place for 2M-70cm for that radio, and will be putting up a J-Pole for the 2M on the IC746.  

If the weather cooperates, I can have the dipole up this week or so, then it's running coax between the antennae and the radios.  I've got plenty of that on hand, too...

Something to help keep me busy this winter, for sure, once it's all running...

For tomorrow, I've got to fix a flat on my trailer (still in Thendara) so I can deliver the pumpkins left over from the Pumpkin Patch to another location, then I'll probably head to Utica to help unpack NYC 8255.

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
    February 2005
  • From: Cordes Jct Ariz.
  • 1,305 posts
Posted by switch7frg on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 10:33 AM

SmileLarry, sounds like you have the begining of a nice "radio shack". That internal match is a good thing. My friend "meter wanderer" told me long ago he had a fine "tenna trimmer"  his 12ga.shot gun~~ he was just kidding.

                               73s to you,  Cannonball

Y6bs evergreen in my mind

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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 3:01 PM

afternoon

Ns local was around when I left work.Cloudy but no rain yet. Neighbor had her phone out.City or county was digging for something else and cut the phone line.That's going to be a big bill.Chores and need to check Matt's homework.

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
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Posted by CShaveRR on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 3:52 PM

I can't let the day go by without saying "Happy Kalmbach Day!" to the Founders of the Feast, as it were.

If people don't understand what we're referring to here, I'll let someone else "address" the issue.

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
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  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
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Posted by Deggesty on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 4:50 PM

CShaveRR

I can't let the day go by without saying "Happy Kalmbach Day!" to the Founders of the Feast, as it were.

If people don't understand what we're referring to here, I'll let someone else "address" the issue.

 

Carl, sad to say, I am not able to make the trip to Milwaukee next month. I expect to still be here, where I am getting the therapy I need, into December. I do hope to take my usual spring trip in April.

Johnny

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Posted by CShaveRR on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 11:57 AM

Sorry to hear that, Johnny.  We'll miss you...but look forward to seeing the revitalized version in April!

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)

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