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Chatterbox Summer 2016

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Posted by Mookie on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 9:41 PM

mudchicken
As far as"large & in charge"(me), it's been mentioned on here before that afew of us on here could fill up a hallway in a hurry.

MC - I will take a whole hallway!  Shy

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by mudchicken on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 9:21 PM

CShaveRR

I'm sorry...if ayone else knows what a huge, imposing figure MC is in person, you can see why I take a certain perverse pleasure in thriving in the urban jungle that gives him the willies!  (Apologies to our onetime Forum meterologist!)

(What was the third PRR leg?  The one to the west that Wabash also used?)


Today's prep day...I get to eat nothing but desserts all day.  As long as they're Jello and Popsicles (and as long as they aren't red or blue).

 

CShaveRR

I'm sorry...if ayone else knows what a huge, imposing figure MC is in person, you can see why I take a certain perverse pleasure in thriving in the urban jungle that gives him the willies!  (Apologies to our onetime Forum meterologist!)

(What was the third PRR leg?  The one to the west that Wabash also used?)


Today's prep day...I get to eat nothing but desserts all day.  As long as they're Jello and Popsicles (and as long as they aren't red or blue).

 

SC&S (PRR Subsidiary)owned the south track and R/W from Clark Junction West and it was the lead to a herd of industrial leads serving the backside of the Whiting refineries. They sold their half to B&OCT who showed up about 12 years later (dividing line fell between the two main tracks)...PRR kept rights up until PC and the line segment showed up in USRA line codes and then PC/CR walked away from it. (for reasons unknown...ICC/STB record is missing or misplaced...)....aka "State  Line & Indiana City Branch", hooked-up the industrial leads known as "Right of Ways 1, 2 & 3"and ran off toward Hammond.

As far as"large & in charge"(meEmbarrassed), it's been mentioned on here before that afew of us on here could fill up a hallway in a hurry.

 

Last day for me encroaching in BALT's backyard. He gets to watch the Virginia Ave Tunnels. (CSX has their hands full pulling that off). I got to see it at about 1/3 complete.Wow!

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
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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 9:18 PM

Our high topped out about +90F today, although my home weather station came it at +94.5 - undoubtedly sun affected.  But the humidity was livable all day, and there was enough wind to make it all tolerable.

The temperature rose from about +56F to +85F in less than two hours, after the sun rose.

We're still in a drought here.  There's the promise of rain possibly tonight and tomorrow, but I'm not holding my breath.  The county north of us has a significant (for this area) brush fire going.  It's not covering a lot of ground, but it's been very stubborn.

Heard a northbound talking to the dispatcher today on the scanner, but didn't see the actual train.  Rumor is we're going to start seeing a hot IM or two on the line soon.  There's been some IM traffic, but usually mixed with some general freight.

LarryWhistling
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Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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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 Mookie on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 6:28 PM

JoeKoh
Muggies here in Nw Ohio

Joe - we had temps in the 90's and humidity in the 70's.  But the alternative is temps in the -20's and no humidity.  Pick your poison!  

I'm lucky - I don't have to go out for either extreme - usually.

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 5:01 PM

evening

Muggies here in Nw Ohio.Work busy.After lunch break did see the Ns local engine going back west.more fun 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 CShaveRR on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 8:57 AM

I'm sorry...if ayone else knows what a huge, imposing figure MC is in person, you can see why I take a certain perverse pleasure in thriving in the urban jungle that gives him the willies!  (Apologies to our onetime Forum meterologist!)

(What was the third PRR leg?  The one to the west that Wabash also used?)


Today's prep day...I get to eat nothing but desserts all day.  As long as they're Jello and Popsicles (and as long as they aren't red or blue).

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 mudchicken on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 6:23 AM

If you go straight south from the cement plant, to Clark Jcn. (BOCT/PRR ...confusing ownership because PRR owned 3 legs of the x-ing at one point) the reeds out there are soooo thick you have to lean into them to get through there. Finding a section corner in that mess (fell on the south B&O R/W line well east of CP 501) that took half a day to get to and find. Urban Jungle?

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
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Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, August 8, 2016 8:10 PM

Bob, the casino is actually quite a distance from where I was watching the trains (Clark Road crossing), but I just followed a road past a few interesting landmarks (CN's new flyover, a cute little industrial locomotive, a cryogenic gas plant, the ruins of a cement plant, and all sorts of industrial wilderness) before coming out at a stop sign just outside the casino's parking lot.  

I might have to consider going in that way; might give Pat a conniption (she's a staunch non-fan of gambling).

The road to the casino actually has a bridge that crosses over the NS main line and what's left of a couple of other railroads' lines through there.  I didnt see any good parking places there.


More blood drawn today, and an EKG and chest X-ray.  (They found that, despite some inferences made to the contrary, I do have a heart--as shown by the EKG--and it's in the right place--as shown by the X-ray.)

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 Mookie on Monday, August 8, 2016 7:09 PM

ChuckCobleigh
Maybe the driver thought he/she was a Blue Angels or Thunderbirds pilot?

Operative word being "thought"....

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, August 8, 2016 6:14 PM

evening

work busy.Ns had some empties to pick up uptown.Chores to do.Ma nature is sending the muggies back for the rest of the week.

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 ChuckCobleigh on Monday, August 8, 2016 5:38 PM

Mookie
No one seems to pay attention any way, so driving upside down shouldn't be any trick at all....

Maybe the driver thought he/she was a Blue Angels or Thunderbirds pilot?

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Posted by Mookie on Monday, August 8, 2016 4:53 PM

Just sitting here listening to my police/fire scanner and yet another rollover with vehicle on top.  Maybe the car mfgs should consider an 8 wheeled vehicle - 4 normal and 4 on top....

No one seems to pay attention any way, so driving upside down shouldn't be any trick at all....

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by BOB WITHORN on Monday, August 8, 2016 6:15 AM

CShaveRR, (My question now...if the surveillance camera caught me exiting the drive from the casino at Buffington Harbor, would anyone else believe that I'd just been train-watching?). Of course WE would all believe you, obviously the casino just happens to be on the property of a train watching site, who knew.

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Sunday, August 7, 2016 11:10 PM

Something new with rail grinding.  Was out mowing this morning and spied a south bound Loram rail grinder appproaching on CSX.  Was the standard power unit, water car, 3 grinding cars, water car, & another power unit. 

Immediately made sure was long way from the track.  Observed that is was a very new clean unit not using old locomotives.  After passing the standard Hi-rail car came along and then surprize another Loram 2 unit came along.  It appeared very new.  First car appeared to be some kind geometry car and second was another grinding unit that did spot work.  Both these units had internal water tanks.  Then another Hi-rail truck followed.

All this and the Lorams had to wait 30 minutes for 3 north bound trains to pass.  Second one was very long exceeding siding length but pulled by 2 heavy locos 3200 and 3300 number.

 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, August 7, 2016 4:37 AM

Good Morning

Matt and I took the pieces of the stage and choir steps over to the grove.Going to go set up chairs soon.Matt's couisins get to sing this morning.Went to Deshler.Csx sent q 511 south with a "Jersey Girl" as the 3rd unit.Saw some interestings cars as well.Q 368 had some tractors and Cats on it but it was too dark for pictures.Hope everyone has a good day.

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 blue streak 1 on Sunday, August 7, 2016 2:13 AM

Something is going on in my neck of the woods but don't hav time to determine.  CSX's  A&WP sub south of  Atlanta has become extremely busy.  Count other day of at least 4 trains per hour and tonight 3 so far in 40 minutes.  Work somewhere else detouring trains ? 

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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, August 6, 2016 11:37 AM

BaltACD
Wouldn't recognize you in the video's unless you were wearing 'The zugmann Super Powers cape' and switching cars with a single push of your hand!

"Be not afraid of greatness.  Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them."


― William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

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

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Posted by BaltACD on Saturday, August 6, 2016 3:28 AM

zugmann
Found some videos on facebook/youtube today of my crew working.  After all these years and it is still weird.  Nope, no links will be provided.

Wouldn't recognize you in the video's unless you were wearing 'The zugmann Super Powers cape' and switching cars with a single push of your hand!

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, August 6, 2016 12:13 AM

Found some videos on facebook/youtube today of my crew working.  After all these years and it is still weird.  Nope, no links will be provided.

But did spend part of the day in a classic arcade.  Could easily spend a whole day just playing the 20 or so pinball tables they had.  Fun stuff. 

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

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Posted by CShaveRR on Friday, August 5, 2016 5:15 PM

We had an ash tree removed about four years ago when some of our other trees were spruced up (sorry, wrong species).  One of our three maples in the backyard is showing signs of stress, possibly introduced when our addition was put in.  There are bare branches near the top.

My trip to northwestern Indiana was an experience--heading out too late in the morning, soming home too early in the afternoon put ne in some unusually heavy traffic both ways.  Pine Junction did not disappoint, in terms of train frequency.  However, I think CSX was about to wait the extra four hours for a new day to depart a train from CN's yard--it just happened to be strung out over what I heretofore thought was the only way out of there.  Amazingly enough, it's not, though I can't guarantee that I could find this route again.

My question now...if the surveillance camera caught me exiting the drive from the casino at Buffington Harbor, would anyone else believe that I'd just been train-watching?

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 JoeKoh on Friday, August 5, 2016 4:58 PM

evening

yep we have ash tree troubles here too.Mother nature sent us a sprinkle today.Matt got his class supply list too today.Need to work on chores.Plenty to do 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 Mookie on Thursday, August 4, 2016 9:31 PM

tree68
Ooh - that's not good - if it's an ash.  We're having problems with them up here (emerald ash borers).

Yeah, guess our state got the first box of them!  Let's see - we lost our Dutch Elms, our flowering pear didn't last and now the ash trees.  Is this what global warming will look like?  Bunch of bare sticks?

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, August 4, 2016 8:08 PM

Mookie
It is bored,

Ooh - that's not good - if it's an ash.  We're having problems with them up here (emerald ash borers).

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 CShaveRR on Thursday, August 4, 2016 7:50 PM

I've seen pictures of that kid--when he outgrows these, will he hand 'em down to you?

Hoping for a good day of train-watching in my playground next door tomorrow.  Pat may or may not join me.  It will be a sort of last hoorah before I have to settle down and get ready to be taken apart 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 Mookie on Thursday, August 4, 2016 7:49 PM

All you comedians:

Re the tree:  It is bored, you are not doing anything to help it, so it is leafing.  

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, August 4, 2016 6:10 PM

evening

still busy at work.Ns was clear when I left.Still warm here in Nw Ohio.Maybe a chance of rain here tomorrow.Weekend busy with church festival and Deshler days.Larry a car show is scheduled for Sunday in Deshler.Tax free weekend for back to school sales here in Ohio.Our growing boy needs some new duds for school.Chores 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").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, August 4, 2016 4:37 PM

ChuckCobleigh
If the tree is stressed, maybe stop pouring coffee under the branches?

How do you massage a tree (this one notwithstanding)?

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 ChuckCobleigh on Thursday, August 4, 2016 4:26 PM

Murphy Siding

 

 
Mookie

Murphy - my totally unprofessional guesstimate is that it is stressed.  My folks had a silver maple in front yard and it was always getting an iron shot and feeding and trimming from the local nursery doctor - and is now the biggest tree on the block!  Godzilla!  Beautiful, but with all that attention, who would want a tree that should be on a lot by itself?  

 

 

 

So, what are you thinking?  I should sprinkle the lawn with Once a day Multi-Vitamins with iron?  Or would it be better if I just sat down and had a talk with the tree to find out what's on it's mind? 

If the tree is stressed, maybe stop pouring coffee under the branches?

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Posted by Murphy Siding on Thursday, August 4, 2016 3:27 PM

Mookie

Murphy - my totally unprofessional guesstimate is that it is stressed.  My folks had a silver maple in front yard and it was always getting an iron shot and feeding and trimming from the local nursery doctor - and is now the biggest tree on the block!  Godzilla!  Beautiful, but with all that attention, who would want a tree that should be on a lot by itself?  

 

So, what are you thinking?  I should sprinkle the lawn with Once a day Multi-Vitamins with iron?  Or would it be better if I just sat down and had a talk with the tree to find out what's on it's mind? 

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, August 4, 2016 12:46 PM

Frankenmuth is a good muster.  One of these days.

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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