Trains.com

Chatterbox Summer 2017

31276 views
493 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 9:48 PM

For general winds (probably surface), there's a site https://www.windy.com/.  It's pretty handy, even without a storm in the area.

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
    July 2010
  • From: Louisiana
  • 2,310 posts
Posted by Paul of Covington on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 10:41 PM

   Remember our discussion about squirrels a few days ago?   Some of our squirrels in a New Orleans neighborhood must have heard about someone electrocuting squirrels and formed a vigilante committee.   There have been four incidents of squirrels attacking people.   Here's a link to the story, but the site is a little squirrely:

http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/orleans/neighbors-report-squirrelly-problem-in-lake-vista/474168341

_____________ 

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

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 7:31 AM

Don't hand feed the wildlife....

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: S.E. South Dakota
  • 13,569 posts
Posted by Murphy Siding on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 9:16 AM

Mookie

Don't hand feed the wildlife....

 

 

     We have a city ordinance against feeding geese in city parks. It’s supposed to keep the geese from getting too lazy to go out and find food on their own. The bigger problem was that the more aggressive geese were demanding to be fed, and were very in your face about it.

      An attack by a rat with a fluffy tail would be an annoyance. An all-out assault by a raging beast with razor sharp teeth who has seen old Alfred Hitchcock movies is a tad more serious.

 

 

 

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    October 2014
  • From: Flint or Grand Rapids, Mi or Elkhart, It Depends on the day
  • 573 posts
Posted by BOB WITHORN on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 10:00 AM

 

Dr. Linda got 2nd and a couple grand, good for her.

Bob

  • Member since
    October 2014
  • From: Flint or Grand Rapids, Mi or Elkhart, It Depends on the day
  • 573 posts
Posted by BOB WITHORN on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 10:09 AM
Spent the weekend in Dayton, Oh. at the 380th Bomb Group reunion. Fantastic time talking to the 3 group veterans that were able to attend. The stories of their time flying in B-24s in the SouthPacific made the trip. Getting a private pre-opening, behind the ropes opportunity to inspect the B-24 at the Air Force Museum was really special on friday. USAF had us in an hour before opening, pulled back the 'people ropes' and opened up the rear access hatch. Should have seen the 3 vets light up!! a pilot and 2 bombardiers, worth every minute.
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 10:17 AM

(SHHH ... secret mission to flatten Grand Island Nebrasky underway)

BOB WITHORN

 

Dr. Linda got 2nd and a couple grand, good for her.

Bob

 

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, September 13, 2017 11:55 AM

Yesterday, I had an e-mail note from my niece who, with her husband, lives just outside Orange Park in Florida. She said that the only damage at their house was a tree that fell in the front yard (missing everything but the ground), and they have cut it up. They were without power for twelve hours.

Mookie, I expect to breeze through your home town early next Tuesday morning (A in 0631). You won't need your stilts to look in on me when I return, for I will be in H in 0531--leaving Chicago 1:35 late the next Tuesday afternoon.

Because of trackwork in Colorado, I will cross Wyoming when going east--and Amtrak says that I shoud arrive here 4:30 late Thursday morning. I calculate that we will lose 2:55 going from Chicago to Denver.

Johnny

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 12:17 PM

Johnny - I have been tracking Amtrak thru Lincoln for a couple of days.  They seem to be about 3-4 hours late each way.  (3 hours late going east @ Omaha this morning)  They also seem to have made them part of a quiet zone in Lincoln.  I used to be able to hear them even with the windows closed, but now just silence.  The paper sez they are thinking about routing them thru the yard to keep them out of the city.  So, I am not sure where or when or even if you still go thru Lincoln, or if they helicopter you in from the weeds to the depot.  

The ever exciting star city - but they can't stop the loud stereos that shake the windows or the loud motorcycles....Grumpy

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 4:33 PM

evening

Ns had cars uptown when I left work.Went into town at home and ran errands.CSX sent a frieght each way.Local paper has picture of the 765 going eastbound through Continental yestaerday.It is over at the CVS in Akron the next couple weeks.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").

 

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 10:12 PM

MC, no need to flatten Grand Island...that gal lost tonight, I was told.  I'd hate to have that flyover revert to a set of diamonds!

Coming in second, in that game, was no cause for shame.  It was pure luck--had Linda been able to get even one of those Daily Double answers she would have left ol' what's-her-name in the dust.  As it was, she made no wrong answers at all...the winner made two, and Linda then answered both of those questions correctly.

I thought she sounded a little tense, but things weren't getting to her, and she kept her cool.  The amount that she had at the end would often have been enough to win the day.  Of course, that amount isn't what her "take" is based on...she gets a couple of grand before Uncle Sam and Uncle Moonbeam get their hands on it.

We're very proud of her, and her Facebook page suggests that people all over the country and beyond were rooting for her.  

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
    December 2001
  • From: Sunny (mostly) San Diego
  • 1,920 posts
Posted by ChuckCobleigh on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 11:45 PM

CShaveRR
We're very proud of her, and her Facebook page suggests that people all over the country and beyond were rooting for her.  

Count me in that group, though I haven't watched Jeopardy! in quite a while.  Two impressions: (1) Linda looked quite healthy and I hope that continues and (2) seeing Alex Trebek reminded me of how I reacted to a lot of the folks at my latest (50th) HS reunion several years ago: wow, has he aged. (Of course he has a few years on me, not so much as I'd prefer, but I can't help that.)

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Thursday, September 14, 2017 7:21 AM

Zug thought of the day:

 

I don't know which is nerdier - that someone wrote a Harry Potter quote on a hopper car, or the fact that I recognized it.

 

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
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Thursday, September 14, 2017 12:58 PM

I wouldn't have recognized a Harry Potter Quote, Zug!  

So you must be 'way nerdier than I am!  Wink

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
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Thursday, September 14, 2017 1:08 PM

ChuckCobleigh
 
CShaveRR
We're very proud of her, and her Facebook page suggests that people all over the country and beyond were rooting for her.  

 

Count me in that group, though I haven't watched Jeopardy! in quite a while.  Two impressions: (1) Linda looked quite healthy and I hope that continues and (2) seeing Alex Trebek reminded me of how I reacted to a lot of the folks at my latest (50th) HS reunion several years ago: wow, has he aged. (Of course he has a few years on me, not so much as I'd prefer, but I can't help that.)

Sadly, Linda doesn't look quite as healthy any more, as this episode was filmed in April.  Even at that point, the hair was a wig.  She'd just come off a regimen of radiation for cancer that had reached her brain...the average survival length after that radiation is five months, and she passed that last month.  She's still sounding good, and is glad to have made it this far.

Wow...Alex is 77?  I guess he's entitled to look old! 
(Both Pat and I had our 50th reunions last month--some of our classmates looked great, and some look like they've been through the wringer.)

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
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, September 14, 2017 2:25 PM

CShaveRR
Wow...Alex is 77?  I guess he's entitled to look old! 

(Both Pat and I had our 50th reunions last month--some of our classmates looked great, and some look like they've been through the wringer.)

Went to my 50th three years ago.  Had been to my 25th and recognized most of the attendees.  At the 50th I was wondering who all these old people were - to me at least, the question was "Who are all these old people?" and I am certain, without the name tag they would not have recognized me either.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, September 14, 2017 2:45 PM

afternoon

Ns sent trains each way after work.Also had the local uptown.As for class reunions was never able to attend one until our 25th.Was a late bloomer and had grown upwards.Need to start walking more with Mamma so I can stop growing outwards.Chores to do here at home.

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 2008
  • From: Calgary AB. Canada
  • 2,298 posts
Posted by AgentKid on Thursday, September 14, 2017 3:00 PM

BaltACD
At the 50th I was wondering who all these old people were - to me at least, the question was "Who are all these old people?"

Until recent years I volunteered in the campaign offices in many elections. About 25 years ago I worked with a fellow who later married the woman who is now the Premier of Alberta. When she won I was watching the 11 o'clock news when they ran the clip of them coming out to give her victory speech.

I said to myself "Look at that old guy with gray hair and glasses!" Then I said, "WAIT A MINUTE!! I have gray hair and glasses." That was a real shock.

Bruce

 

So shovel the coal, let this rattler roll.

"A Train is a Place Going Somewhere"  CP Rail Public Timetable

"O. S. Irricana"

. . . __ . ______

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, September 14, 2017 4:40 PM

BaltACD
Went to my 50th three years ago.  Had been to my 25th and recognized most of the attendees.  At the 50th I was wondering who all these old people were - to me at least, the question was "Who are all these old people?" and I am certain, without the name tag they would not have recognized me either.

Any more, it's customary at our reunions (and surrounding classes are often invited) to include on the name tag one's yearbook picture.  There are some folks in my class who  look like they've stepped of the pages of the yearbook, and some that make you wonder who they are, and what they did with the person on the name tag...

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
    October 2014
  • From: Flint or Grand Rapids, Mi or Elkhart, It Depends on the day
  • 573 posts
Posted by BOB WITHORN on Thursday, September 14, 2017 6:16 PM
We don't do HS reunions. In 46 years there have been exactly 2, the 12th and the 23rd. What an odd group we were. Not enough interest since there were only 632 of us. I think we scared each other off at the 23rd.
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, September 14, 2017 9:48 PM

BOB WITHORN
We don't do HS reunions. In 46 years there have been exactly 2, the 12th and the 23rd. What an odd group we were. Not enough interest since there were only 632 of us. I think we scared each other off at the 23rd.

I think our class has done more, but I only have attended the 25th and 50th.  Our 'prime' graduate that is in the NFL Hall of Fame didn't attend either.

Out of a graduating class of 227, supposedly 200 were still alive in 2014 (which I found surprising as one of the members completed class but was killed before graduation).  What I also found surprising that most of us that attended, came from out of the area - those still living in the area couldn't be bothered to attend.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, September 14, 2017 10:16 PM

BaltACD
What I also found surprising that most of us that attended, came from out of the area - those still living in the area couldn't be bothered to attend.

Which is disappointing on two levels - the folks you could see "tomorrow" aren't there, and everyone else is headed for the airport in the morning...

We had 316 in our class.  For the 20th, I did a lot of research and we ended up contacting just over half of them.  The actual reunion had around 120, and that included some spouses from outside the class.

We know we've lost some folks - but since some haven't been in contact with much of anyone since graduation, we'll never know for sure.

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: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, September 14, 2017 10:19 PM

And on another note - there's an amateur radio event going on right now focussing on Route 66.  Hams are operating all along the route, from Chicago to CA.  I've picked up four, and made contact with one - in St Louis.  I'll be trying again over the next couple of days, but the odds of getting all 20 or so of the stations are slim for me.

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
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Friday, September 15, 2017 5:39 AM

Zug thought of the day:

 

Sugar is not a good locomotive traction aid.

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
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Friday, September 15, 2017 8:17 AM

zugmann

Zug thought of the day:

 

Sugar is not a good locomotive traction aid.

 

details?

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Friday, September 15, 2017 8:33 AM

Mookie
details?

Not really needed.  Does smell like cotton candy, though.

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
    May 2005
  • From: S.E. South Dakota
  • 13,569 posts
Posted by Murphy Siding on Friday, September 15, 2017 1:09 PM

zugmann
 
Mookie
details?

 

Not really needed.  Does smell like cotton candy, though.

 

how many of those little packets do you have to put down to get any traction?

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Friday, September 15, 2017 6:55 PM

You put it in the sandbox, Norris.  Then when it goes under the wheels, it caramelizes, or burns slightly, giving off that smell. 

In other words, his locomotive unit is equipped with...

...with...

Burny sanders!

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
    May 2005
  • From: S.E. South Dakota
  • 13,569 posts
Posted by Murphy Siding on Friday, September 15, 2017 7:38 PM

CShaveRR

You put it in the sandbox, Norris.  Then when it goes under the wheels, it caramelizes, or burns, slightly giving off that smell. 

In other words, his locomotive unit is equipped with...

...with...

Burny sanders!

 

Chuck, chuck, chuckle.

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Friday, September 15, 2017 8:53 PM

If the wheels slip, do you get cotton candy?

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...

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