Trains.com

Chatterbox winter 2015-2016

21205 views
547 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    March 2002
  • 9,265 posts
Posted by edblysard on Thursday, December 24, 2015 4:49 PM

CowboyWhy?

23 17 46 11

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Thursday, December 24, 2015 4:44 PM

tree68
Had to re-do my Pandora as I lost complete track of the UserID and password. So I'm having to retrain it as to what I like and don't like in my feeds...

Pandora:  "You like that song?  You will never hear it again!"

My truck has a Pandora app, so I listen to that a lot when in it.  But SPotify has some soundtracks I like that are not on Pandora, so I listen to both as of now.

 

Was shifting the train last night in short sleeves.  In December.  That is just wrong.

 

Someone set up a Christmas tree in the yard office.  It was without decorations, so we took the liberty of adorning it with various shop/engine tags.  They were removed and proper holiday balls put in it.  I guess it's more traditional, but the other way had a certain RR flare...

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

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, December 24, 2015 3:41 PM

Paul sorry about that.Csx was being naughty today.They had x 324 come to the yard to drop off an engine.They stretched from West Standley(milepost82.2) just past west Defiance(85.2).They just blocked the hire road crossing.When they are that long they cross from track 2 back to track 1 at west standley and come into the yard.Need to get ready for Church tonight.Merry Christmas everyone.Guessers say Santa will have a full moon to guide the sleigh tonight.

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
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Thursday, December 24, 2015 10:52 AM

PDN: As old as the viaduct is, CSX's predecessor may have built the thing on its own dime to avoid surface running in a congested area. There are a good number of old bridges in the US that have contractual language that make current day railroad counsel cringe when they read it. The railroads are no longer the high and mighty and local government is no longer the omnipotent/benevolent folks they once thought they were. Still have a number of timber hump backed bridges in small towns out here that cannot take the current abuse, (there is one in Bellville, KS that is just plain frightening and another at Smith Center not much better) that are putting shortline railroads in a bind. Usually, most of these towns have forgotten and lost those earlier lopsided agreements, but some actually exercised some responsible recordkeeping. The budget knife can cut projects up many ways. I've dealt with some northern Indiana places that are absolutely clueless on what they agreed to, threw out any paper documents they had, failed to record much of anything and are now broke and in such a deep hole that the future is pretty bleak. (The current politicos can not BS their way out of the hole rtheir predecessors created. )

Suspect Joe's people managed to hang onto the agreement and that the trump card would make any arrangements with Ohio's PUC tough for a new structure or solution.

Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Thursday, December 24, 2015 9:50 AM

CSSHEGEWISCH

 

 
tree68

Speaking of daughter - she called today to tell me that someone had called her to report the pup was out of my yard (her phone number is on a tag on the collar).  Thought the dog was awfully quiet.  A neighbor soon showed up with the pup in tow.  It appears I neglected to latch the gate, so she just walked out.  Thought she might have jumped the fence, but that's not looking so likely now.

 

 

I can sympathize with trying to keep the pooch in the yard.  We have two rather quiet chihuahuas and my son and I recently had to add some hardware cloth (wire mesh) to the back gate so they wouldn't escape.

 

Paul, you should not have to explain what hardware cloth is; everybody should know--but, I know there are some sheltered types who never had the opportunity of working with it or selling it.Smile

The streets are mostly clear and dry (at least what I can see out front), and we do expect more snow tonight and tomorrow. If MC does not have a white Christmas, he may well have a white Boxing Day.

Johnny

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Thursday, December 24, 2015 9:24 AM

tree68

Speaking of daughter - she called today to tell me that someone had called her to report the pup was out of my yard (her phone number is on a tag on the collar).  Thought the dog was awfully quiet.  A neighbor soon showed up with the pup in tow.  It appears I neglected to latch the gate, so she just walked out.  Thought she might have jumped the fence, but that's not looking so likely now.

I can sympathize with trying to keep the pooch in the yard.  We have two rather quiet chihuahuas and my son and I recently had to add some hardware cloth (wire mesh) to the back gate so they wouldn't escape.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Allentown, PA
  • 9,810 posts
Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 8:17 PM

Thanks for that update, Joe.  (P.S. - Since 2014 is well past and we're almost into 2016, perhaps you might want to update or modify your 'tagline' in some way ?)

mudchicken - perhaps CSX is offering that funding just to avoid the nuisance and disruption to it that would be caused by replacement of the viaduct - such as 'slow orders' while passing the work area and/ or negotiating a curved 'shoo-fly' bypass, etc. - even if the actual construction work is at the City's sole expense.  For example, I'm not aware of any state-level Public Service Commission-type decision that would compensate the railroad for added indirect expenses due to additional crew hours and overtime and other increased labor costs, more in-service operating hours for locomotives, additional car hire (per diem) costs, rebates/ refunds for late priority (e.g., UPS) trains, 'ripple effect' disruptions to other operations on the system/ network - nearby yards, other connecting trains, etc., etc.  I believe there's another member here who is better qualified to comment on that aspect . . .  

Plus, most of the necessary major components - underpinning the piers and abutments, excavating the street for additional vertical clearance, repaving it, installing a better pumping system, etc. - would either have to be done anyway, or other items would be even more expensive, with a total reconstruction of the viaduct.  With modern construction equipment and methods, lowering the street is a more feasible proposition than in the past.  An honest cost estimation/ value engineering would confirm that, I think.     

- Paul North. 

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 5:36 PM

CSX has had the sidewalk supt.s comment on bridge appearance before (Covington KY accross from Cincinnati comes to mind). Unless the bridge engineer or steel bridge inspector finds something, not much is gonna happen. Love to see what's in that old agreement that is such a hotbutton issue for CSX. Something in that agreement isn't normal.

Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 5:35 PM

Another "kick back" day - told daughter the other day that I needed a "reset" after being so busy for the past month or so.  So that's what I'm doing.

Speaking of daughter - she called today to tell me that someone had called her to report the pup was out of my yard (her phone number is on a tag on the collar).  Thought the dog was awfully quiet.  A neighbor soon showed up with the pup in tow.  It appears I neglected to latch the gate, so she just walked out.  Thought she might have jumped the fence, but that's not looking so likely now.

Had to re-do my Pandora as I lost complete track of the UserID and password.  So I'm having to retrain it as to what I like and don't like in my feeds...

A green Christmas is assured now.  Today's high at the house was +60F.  As for the "payback" when winter weather finally arrives - hmmmmm.  Glad I've got a snowblower...

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 Wednesday, December 23, 2015 4:58 PM

MC

Csx offered 200k for the project the last time.People in town are also saying how bad the other viaducts are looking as well.In Hicksville Csx has plywood on the sides of bridges to prevent rocks from falling on the roads.

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
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 4:19 PM

JoeKoh

As far as the clinton st can opener,Csx has offered another proposal to lower the pavement.City says show us the $$$.We'll see what happens. Joe

Must be one interesting contract with the city that built the viaduct in the first place.

Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 4:03 PM

After having to use my laptop for communication since in July, I am now able to use my desktop computer, thanks to a little gadget Katie gave me for Christmas--and I, just now, enjoyed hearing the horn of a locomotive as it approached the crossing in Rochelle and the noise of the wheels as they ran over the frogs. I knew that the sound on the laptop was miserable and abominable, but I forgotten just how sorry it is.

Johnny

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 3:34 PM

Rain here in Nw Ohio.Ns was clear when I left work.Matt needs to be at church at 630.Good to be done at work for the rest of the year.As far as the clinton st can opener,Csx has offered another proposal to lower the pavement.City says show us the $$$.We'll see what happens.

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
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 1:21 PM

Paul of Covington

 

 
BaltACD
Obviously their hearing has long since departed, and the only thing they can hear are the major vibrations they feel.

 

    My next door neighbor who is an audiologist would say, "More future business for me."

 

The lack of thought on the part of the people who think that everybody enjoys what they like has always amazed me. Many years ago, we would occasionally hear such a vehicle on our street, and I would have appreciated a silencer.

Snowfall yesterday, bright and sunshiny today, snow promised for Friday.

Johnny

  • Member since
    July 2010
  • From: Louisiana
  • 2,310 posts
Posted by Paul of Covington on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 12:46 PM

BaltACD
Obviously their hearing has long since departed, and the only thing they can hear are the major vibrations they feel.

    My next door neighbor who is an audiologist would say, "More future business for me."

_____________ 

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

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 12:15 PM

tree68
Paul_D_North_Jr

It always tickles me when I see one that's got a sound system inside that's worth more than the car.  The body panels usually rattle to the bass as they're going down the road...

I hate it when the Rice Burner with the sound system gets your own doors bumping & grinding as you pass them on the highway.  Obviously their hearing has long since departed, and the only thing they can hear are the major vibrations they feel.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 10:29 AM

Paul_D_North_Jr
I want one to use on those obnoxiously loud 'boom box' cars ("ghetto sleds") which can be heard 1/4 mile away, and when closer deafen and shake you . . .

It always tickles me when I see one that's got a sound system inside that's worth more than the car.  The body panels usually rattle to the bass as they're going down the road...

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
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 6:29 AM

Paul_D_North_Jr
I want one to use on those obnoxiously loud 'boom box' cars ("ghetto sleds") which can be heard 1/4 mile away, and when closer deafen and shake you . . . - Paul North. 

I am with you.  We live on a busy street, very close to a stop light and at 2 am it is a thrill to wake up to your windows rattling!  

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Allentown, PA
  • 9,810 posts
Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 4:56 AM

tree68
[snipped - PDN] . . . There is already an RF "gun" that will supposedly disable most consumer UAVs.  It's intended for secure facilities, but we'll see how long it is before they show up in other hands, or find themselves regulated as transmitters... . . .

I want one to use on those obnoxiously loud 'boom box' cars ("ghetto sleds") which can be heard 1/4 mile away, and when closer deafen and shake you . . .

- Paul North. 

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Allentown, PA
  • 9,810 posts
Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 4:52 AM

hey Joe -

What's the latest with the Clinton St. Viaduct ?  Has it been replaced yet ?  Haven't seen any updates (but I may well have misssed them).

- Paul North. 

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 8:32 PM

mudchicken
...until somebody flies the thing too close to an operating airport or helipad. (Don't fly 'em anywhere near Deer Trail, CO. - Elmer Fudd's cousins have already set up anti-aircraft batteries.)

The certificate has a list of "Don't do this..."  

One has to wonder (I haven't researched it) whether flying a qualifying UAV without the registration would be more expensive (as in fines) than flying one in a prohibited manner.

There is already an RF "gun" that will supposedly disable most consumer UAVs.  It's intended for secure facilities, but we'll see how long it is before they show up in other hands, or find themselves regulated as transmitters...

For the most part, if folks fly them smart, there won't be any issues.  It's things like that fellow who was spying on some sunbathing teen girls...

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
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 5:00 PM

Perish the thought Mooks! Must not threaten Lincoln's supply of Chocolate cake.

Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 4:56 PM

tree68

They're talking +52F Christmas Day here.   Even the snow that did fall this past weekend will be gone...

Just registered my UAV - or rather got the license that officially lets me fly them.  I suspect that this will be something like CB licenses used to be.   Most people got the license, but nobody paid any attention...

...until somebody flies the thing too close to an operating airport or helipad. (Don't fly 'em anywhere near Deer Trail, CO. - Elmer Fudd's cousins have already set up anti-aircraft batteries.)

Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 4:38 PM

They're talking +52F Christmas Day here.   Even the snow that did fall this past weekend will be gone...

Just registered my UAV - or rather got the license that officially lets me fly them.  I suspect that this will be something like CB licenses used to be.   Most people got the license, but nobody paid any attention...

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
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 4:35 PM

It snowed here this morning and in the early afternoon. When Katie came down to take me to a doctor's appointment a little after ten, she said that about six inches had fallen since around five this morning. So, MC may well get more tomorrow, especially if the breezes pick more snow up on the way they did a few days ago.

My occupational and physical therapists say that they are done with me; I am not fully back to where I really want to be, but they cerainly moved me a long, long way towards my goal.

Johnny

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 4:01 PM

Well, maybe snow from Sir Chicken, maybe some rain from AZ/NM so maybe ice for Christmas.  Ice cream would be better!  Guess I don't need to say on top of....choc cake....

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 2:46 PM

afternoon

work not so busy today.Momma is uptown running errands.Matt and I are going to do chores.Ns had a westbound frieght when I left work.One more day to go.

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
    July 2010
  • From: Louisiana
  • 2,310 posts
Posted by Paul of Covington on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 12:36 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH
The TV weather people out here reported a 0% chance of a white Christmas for us.

   Yup, we have a 0% chance of a white Christmas, too.   Lotsa rain, though.

_____________ 

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

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 12:36 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH
It should be interesting to see what sort of outdoor activity the youngsters and middle-agers have in mind after Christmas dinner.

X-Box and cell phones....

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
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 12:33 PM

About 90% sure that we will have a white X-mas here, 1-3 inches worth... and the bottom is supposed to fall out on the Mr. Thermometer on Saturday. (Johnny?) The mountains west of here are looking at 1-2 Feet in the next few days.

The 'Box will have a moment of science for Mr. Andy Senti at BLM who passed away last night after 67 years at BLM after three years of Army service in WW-2. He never retired. There are an awful lot of railroad surveyors who considered him mentor and friend in this country. Sadly BLM did not allow him to groom a replacement to carry on with his knowledge. Saved this surveyor's bacon more than once. 

Joe & Mooks - Be watching for tubes after New Years.

 

Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy