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Chatterbox Fall 2017

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Monday, October 23, 2017 11:15 PM

2-1/2 inches of rain here in 30 minutes.  Put Irma to shame.  Some clean up once basement dries out.

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Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, October 23, 2017 8:01 PM

Norris, I only wish the "s" stood for sunshine...instead, it's a four-letter word that I would prefer not to print out.

Our long-term forecast for this winter says that it will be about average.  To me, "average" in the past few years has been "unusual."  So there you go...we'll take it as it comes.  I'm wondering whether our leaf-sweeper can take care of light, fluffy stuff if needed.

We got another inch of rain overnight, and have had occasional showers since, with more promised tonight and a high tomorrow only in the 40s.  I've been wiped out by a cold since Saturday, and have had no urge to get out.  The gray weather and the departure of our dear old car haven't helped with the gloominess.  

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 Monday, October 23, 2017 6:19 PM

Norm48327
Chilly today, hot tamale fits the best weather description of SD and MI. Don't like today's weather? Stick around; tomorrows will be worse.

Not much different in Northern NY.

One visitor to the Punkin Patch (an adult female) was wearing a lined jacket, mid-calf boots, and cut-off jeans in the "Daisy Duke" range...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
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Posted by Norm48327 on Monday, October 23, 2017 4:41 PM

Norris,

You live in the upper US and should be accustomed to local weather. Chilly today, hot tamale fits the best weather description of SD and MI. Don't like today's weather? Stick around; tomorrows will be worse.

We've had two mild winters and we're wondering what Mother Nature will send us in another month or so.

 

Norm


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Posted by Murphy Siding on Monday, October 23, 2017 3:30 PM

CShaveRR

We have the "s" word in our forecast for a week from tomorrow.  It will be the sloppy stuff, with a high in the mid-40s.

 

You guys are going to get some of that Sunshine too? Whistling

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

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Posted by MikeF90 on Monday, October 23, 2017 3:19 PM

erikem
High temp at work (Poway) Monday is supposed to hit 100F, wouldn't mind a few inches of the "s" stuff o the roof to cool things down a bit. Good news is that forecast for the winds call for gusts on the order of 25MPH which should help keep the fire danger down a bit (remember 2003 and 2007 all too well).

Up the Interstate here near LAX airport the temp just hit 100 degrees F (!!Devil), extremely unusual for this area and time of year. Alien Humidity is just 7%. Apparently no Santa Ana winds to wreak havoc in the brushy zones. Going to put off my yard work for a few days and check out the seldom needed but reliable air conditioning at Denny's.

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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, October 23, 2017 2:37 PM

evening

Rain here in Nw Ohio.The local was uptown for Ns.Chores to do.As for now our young lad here at home wants to be the engineer on bridge projects and such.Will try to keep him on that path.

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 Norm48327 on Monday, October 23, 2017 12:53 PM

mudchicken

Volunteering Saturday was an adventure with a gaggle of Cub Scouts at the railroad museum. Trying to expose them to what engineers (non-hoggers) do. (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.)- now with that done, maybe we can work on the parentsSigh and a generation of clueless buttonpushers.

MC,

Given the age of your audience I'd venture your every word was wasted breath. I's likely most of them were too young to understand and their parents didn't give a rat's as log as a train didn't cause them a brief delay. Wink

Thanks to an aviation forum I know a now retired signal engineer who worked out of Argentine. He was mildly surprised a middle aged railfan could understand his explanations.

Norm


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Posted by tree68 on Monday, October 23, 2017 7:42 AM

mudchicken
Volunteering Saturday was an adventure with a gaggle of Cub Scouts at the railroad museum.

This past weekend was the Boy Scout "Jamboree on the Air" on amateur radio.  I didn't work any of the Scout stations, but heard one or two where hams were letting the scouts get on the air.  It's amazing how tongue-tied the youngsters can get when you put a microphone in front of them...

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 mudchicken on Monday, October 23, 2017 7:35 AM

Volunteering Saturday was an adventure with a gaggle of Cub Scouts at the railroad museum. Trying to expose them to what engineers (non-hoggers) do. (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.)- now with that done, maybe we can work on the parentsSigh and a generation of clueless buttonpushers.

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 erikem on Monday, October 23, 2017 12:36 AM

CShaveRR

We have the "s" word in our forecast for a week from tomorrow.  It will be the sloppy stuff, with a high in the mid-40s.

High temp at work (Poway) Monday is supposed to hit 100F, wouldn't mind a few inches of the "s" stuff o the roof to cool things down a bit. Good news is that forecast for the winds call for gusts on the order of 25MPH which should help keep the fire danger down a bit (remember 2003 and 2007 all too well).

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Posted by rvos1979 on Sunday, October 22, 2017 8:04 PM

Norm48327

Hey Joe,

When I get out of the metro area I get to see the Deere working the fields harvesting beans, wheat or corn. It's an introduction to fall and winter weather for sure. It's the time of year we have to adjust to mother nature's whims.

Stay as warm and dry as nature will let you and I will try to do the same.

The trick is avoiding the deer till I get to farm country. Our county is loaded with opportunities to hit them. So far I have been lucky in avoiding them.

A guy near Topeka, KS, wasn't as lucky in avoiding the Deere, after the dust settled, the combine was upside down in the riverbed.  Sad thing was that it was another farmer's grain semi that hit the combine.  I have the pictures on my Facebook page for those who are on it...........

Camping out next to the CP main line in Winona, MN, tonight, unload at Fastenal in the morning, then to Lakeville MN for a load to Louisiana...........

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

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, October 22, 2017 6:06 PM

Saw lots of deer (without the e) around Old Forge this weekend, but did see the beginnings of a lot of work by Deeres and others in the cornfields of Lewis County when travelling through there...

Spent most of my time out in the woods for our annual Pumpkin Trains.  Carl will remember them - in fact, View had their quilt event again this weekend...

Since there's a lot of downtime between visits of the train to the pumpkin patch (the only official way to get there), I took along some ham radio gear and participated in the "New York State QSO Party," which involves trying to make contact with as many of the NYS counties as possible, as well as states and provinces.  

I got 16 counties and four states - nothing spectacular, but I had a good time.  Apparently very few hams were operating in Herkimer County, as I got a lot of "I didn't have that one yet" replies...   I think if I'd had more power (both transmitting, and just plain power - I was running off batteries and solar), I'd have been a popular guy...

The folks at the Yorktown Battlefield in VA were holding a special event, too.  I made contact with them as well.  It was also the Boy Scout Jamboree on the Air.  I heard some, but never made contact.

Other than the ham radio, though, I was incommunicado for the weekend.  Left the cell phone home and apparently ran out of data on my plan as well...  

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 Sunday, October 22, 2017 2:33 PM

afternoon

The Deere was gone from the field so I was able to get some shots west of town.Csx was still digging around FC today.They found the foundations of the old station and signal too.Csx sent some trains by as well.We are going to pay for this nice weather this coming week.Carl snickers are ok but PB cups are much better please.

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 Saturday, October 21, 2017 10:26 PM

We have the "s" word in our forecast for a week from tomorrow.  It will be the sloppy stuff, with a high in the mid-40s.

Balt, there was a post going around on Facebook about a lady calling in to a talk show suggesting that they move the deer crossing to a safer place because of all of the vehicular traffic.  You could hear the stifled snickers.

(And, speaking of Snickers, we bought Halloween candy today...)

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 BaltACD on Saturday, October 21, 2017 7:07 PM

Norm48327
Hey Joe,

When I get out of the metro area I get to see the Deere working the fields harvesting beans, wheat or corn. It's an introduction to fall and winter weather for sure. It's the time of year we have to adjust to mother nature's whims.

Stay as warm and dry as nature will let you and I will try to do the same.

The trick is avoiding the deer till I get to farm country. Our county is loaded with opportunities to hit them. So far I have been lucky in avoiding them.

Do the deer pay attention to the Deer Crossing Signs?  Wouldn't want the police to have to charge one for not crossing in the designated area!  Big Smile

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by Norm48327 on Saturday, October 21, 2017 2:57 PM

Hey Joe,

When I get out of the metro area I get to see the Deere working the fields harvesting beans, wheat or corn. It's an introduction to fall and winter weather for sure. It's the time of year we have to adjust to mother nature's whims.

Stay as warm and dry as nature will let you and I will try to do the same.

The trick is avoiding the deer till I get to farm country. Our county is loaded with opportunities to hit them. So far I have been lucky in avoiding them.

Norm


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Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, October 21, 2017 1:53 PM

afternoon

Watched CSX at Fc today.They have cleared out the area.As part of the PTC project the are putting in new track on the ND&W with automatic derails.They will be csx dispatcher controlled but they will be closer to the diamond.The signals on the ND&W will not be changed.Also had 3 westbounds waiting to get to Garrett. Couldn't get another shot out west of Defiance.There was a big Deere in the field taking off soybeans.

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 Thursday, October 19, 2017 5:18 PM

evening

work still busy.Ns had a westbound in the siding.One stack train went by when I got off work.Went into Archbold and could see another train coming.It was another stack train passing the freight.Glad tomorrow is Friday.Going to be a nice weekend.Next week guessers are saying that bad "S" word.

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 Wednesday, October 18, 2017 4:52 PM

evening

work busy.Ns was clear when I left work.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 JoeKoh on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 7:24 PM

evening

Ns had a westbound stack train and local when I left work.The ND&W looked like they found another mudhole between Defiance and Jewell.Csx had a couple trains use the SW connection in Deshler.One was waiting to go south.Don't know if he was waiting for the Lima yard to clear or it was an accident in Leipsic.Time to get cleaned up and get to bed.

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 mudchicken on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 6:11 PM

Enbalming fluid, magical stuff...Dead

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 Norm48327 on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 3:25 PM

MC,

About fifteen miles away from me near South Lyon there was (may still be for all I know) a house that looked exactly like that of "The Adams Family" on the TV series. I'd bet they put a hex on anyone who tried to fool with that place.

I hope Morticia is still dead and well. Wink

Norm


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Posted by mudchicken on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 10:48 AM

Herman won in the end. Hope CN does too.

(fitting, considering it's two weeks from Halloween)

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 erikem on Monday, October 16, 2017 11:55 PM

mudchicken

Still watching the pig feathers fly over the gas company major oops at Plainfield IL - I sincerely hope CN-IC makes an example out of these reckless clowns:

Is this the same crew that was trying run a pipeline under 1313 Mockingbird Lane without getting the owner's permission??? Owner of the property being one H. Munster.

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Posted by mudchicken on Monday, October 16, 2017 4:58 PM

tree68

Wet bore - would that be hooking up a hose to a length of pipe and letter water do the work (hydraulic excavation?)

I recall seeing our local DPW doing that years ago in Michigan to run a new water service under a street.  I can see where it could cause inintended consequences...

I see a lot of mechanical boring done around here for that purpose.  

 

In my world, that is referred to as water jetting ...also a capital no-no. Wet boring uses a high pressure water line connected to a turning cradle that, given the wrong control, starts flailng pipe around in the cradle (old method, best left consigned to history as a bad idea - people got hurt regularly when control was lost ... and there was no control of voids along the route of the pipeline) The experts I've worked with cringe at even the mention of wet boring. There are so many other safer and efficient methods out there, the struggle is keeping up with the technology. (Unfortunately there are so many cowboy operators out there that have a machine, but don't understand it's limits. (I'll get reminded of this the every time they drill through a manhole or underground transformer. Happens a lot. Underground utilities are like a bowl of spaghetti in urban areas anymore, just wait until you get under all the sauce and cheese.)

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 Monday, October 16, 2017 4:25 PM

BOB WITHORN
Hey, Tree, was down in your old stomping grounds saturday. Came down past GM proving Grounds on Hickory Ridge to Stobart and over to Kensington to get down south of I96 to see Ken Lingenfelter's Car collection.

Then you drove past where my father started at the "Grounds," the old military and heavy vehicle garage.  It's right there next to the main gate.  I understand they played a lot of euchre there.

Since there's no place to stay in Milford, I usually stay in Hartland (lived on M59 for several years) or Howell, so I use Hickory Ridge a lot to get to Milford.

You also drove past Shultises's, a popular venue of late for class reunions, not too far south of M59.

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 Monday, October 16, 2017 3:29 PM

afternoon

Ns had an eastbound autorack train with BNSF power when I left work.The local was also uptown.Need to get chores done.Happy birthday Carl.

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 BOB WITHORN on Monday, October 16, 2017 2:42 PM
Hey, Tree, was down in your old stomping grounds saturday. Came down past GM proving Grounds on Hickory Ridge to Stobart and over to Kensington to get down south of I96 to see Ken Lingenfelter's Car collection.
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Posted by tree68 on Monday, October 16, 2017 12:44 PM

Wet bore - would that be hooking up a hose to a length of pipe and letter water do the work (hydraulic excavation?)

I recall seeing our local DPW doing that years ago in Michigan to run a new water service under a street.  I can see where it could cause inintended consequences...

I see a lot of mechanical boring done around here for that purpose.  

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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