Trains.com

Chatterbox Winter 2017-2018

25933 views
455 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Chatterbox Winter 2017-2018
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, December 21, 2017 3:13 AM

Good Morning

Going to Welcome the winter season.Mother Nature is going to send us the cold just in time for Christmas.Need to get ready for 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").

 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, December 21, 2017 3:23 AM

Last two runs of the 2017 "Polar Express" last night.  Ran with an abbreviated train (helped take several cars off earlier in the day) as this was an added day.  Still a good crowd, from what I could see.  I got to creep back to the station with the train (as engineer) while Santa made sure he visited with all the kids on board.

TGIO!

Snow in the air as I drove home, but the roads were good.  

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, December 21, 2017 3:28 AM

JohKoe
Ran an errand with Stacey.She got her Christmas present a little early.

Also just got back from an EMS call.  A new bundle of joy arrived a little early, too.  Mother and baby doing fine.  Dad had already delivered the youngster (a girl) by the time we arrived.

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 Thursday, December 21, 2017 2:54 PM

afternoon

Ns had a westbound stack train when I left work.Mamma's present was a new sled.Her department raised a bunch for the local food pantries.Tomorrow is Friday.

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
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Friday, December 22, 2017 8:04 AM

Short work day for me today, only eight hours (no OT available).  The weather has been rather mild for the last few days but it appears that we'll be getting a good cold snap beginning on Christmas Eve.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Friday, December 22, 2017 8:18 AM

(When the CEO goes home, the rest of us go immediately afterwards. Overtime? - we just get cheaper after 8 hours.)

Waiting for Elvis to leave the building.

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
    May 2005
  • From: S.E. South Dakota
  • 13,569 posts
Posted by Murphy Siding on Friday, December 22, 2017 9:08 AM

I've got half a crew today and we're overstaffed. Our customers are building contractors and most seemed to have opted for a 4 day weekend.

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: S.E. South Dakota
  • 13,569 posts
Posted by Murphy Siding on Friday, December 22, 2017 9:13 AM

 

Anyone else notice that traditional Christmas songs in public have dropped out of sight? We don’t hear anything like Hark the herald angels sing, Silent Night, or even Jingle Bells. A couple weeks ago I was in the grocery store for about 45 minutes. I’d swear I head 4 different versions of Walking in a winter wonderland and Let it snow. Heck, I’m even starting to miss hearing Grandma got run over by a reindeer.

 

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Burlington, WI
  • 1,418 posts
Posted by rvos1979 on Friday, December 22, 2017 9:20 AM

Picking up my last load in New Berlin,  WI, before the break, slept at home last night and should be home again before 1300. The big snowstorm that was supposed to start yesterday fizzled out to a little drizzle and a light dusting of snow. Merry Christmas, everyone..........

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

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Friday, December 22, 2017 11:22 AM

Murphy Siding
Anyone else notice that traditional Christmas songs in public have dropped out of sight?

Yeah.  OTOH, I heard Snoop Dogg and Anna Kendrick's version of "Let It Snow" at a cafe the other day...

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 Friday, December 22, 2017 11:35 AM

Murphy Siding

 

Anyone else notice that traditional Christmas songs in public have dropped out of sight? We don’t hear anything like Hark the herald angels sing, Silent Night, or even Jingle Bells. A couple weeks ago I was in the grocery store for about 45 minutes. I’d swear I head 4 different versions of Walking in a winter wonderland and Let it snow. Heck, I’m even starting to miss hearing Grandma got run over by a reindeer.

 

 

Yes, you hear winter songs and a few, such as "I'll be home for Christmas"--and, after the First Day of Christmas (25 December) even the winter songs are dropped. There is far more winter wonderland in January and February--but it is not sung about then.

Johnny

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, December 22, 2017 7:32 PM

evening

Ns sent a westbound stack train when I left work. Guessers still calling for snow on Christmas Eve. As for Elvis heard him on 3 different stations singing "Blue Christmas."

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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, December 24, 2017 3:35 AM

Good morning

We are under a winter weather advisory.Going to be a white Christmas here.Saw pictures from a friend in Toledo.Ns is leasing some BNSF "Mookie" power.Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

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
    September 2013
  • 6,199 posts
Posted by Miningman on Sunday, December 24, 2017 1:45 PM

It was -37 this morning here in Northern Saskatchewan warming up to -31..at those numbers it really does not matter if it's C of F ...it's just darn cold. Wind chills are -50 at times. Staying there next ten days. 

It has snowed or flurries every single day since Halloween and the snow banks are so high on my driveway that it is impossible to see a car. 

I'm staying indoors, venturing no where, and the turkey is in the oven.

Trying Firelocks Grandma's trick of putting bacon strips on the top of the turkey to aid in basting ...sounds like a great idea. 2 hours and 15 minutes now. By my calculations it should be a done deal by 6:40 Saskatchewan time. 

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Sunday, December 24, 2017 2:32 PM

+22 here this morning; we had some snow yesterday morning, but not enough to worry about in the valley. I missed the report of snowfall in the mountains yesterday evening becaus I was taken to a family gathering (15 of us there).and got back here in time for bed.

Johnny

  • Member since
    September 2010
  • 2,515 posts
Posted by Electroliner 1935 on Sunday, December 24, 2017 3:34 PM

22 degrees this afternoon as the Bears beat Cleveland  in the snow. Did last minute shopping. Roads slick. Grocery stores crowded. Merry Christmas to all and may your journies be safe and go well.

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Sunday, December 24, 2017 4:00 PM

Electroliner 1935

22 degrees this afternoon as the Bears beat Cleveland  in the snow. Did last minute shopping. Roads slick. Grocery stores crowded. Merry Christmas to all and may your journies be safe and go well.

 

Were they using a snow ball?Smile, Wink & Grin

Johnny

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Sunday, December 24, 2017 4:37 PM

No snow here today, but the weather folks are skipping right past inches and into feet for the lake effect areas for the next few days.  Travel will be trying at best, and inadvisable in some cases...

It warmed up enough (currently +22F) today to take the dog for a walk to the store.  Been a little nippy for the past few 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...

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Southeast Michigan
  • 2,983 posts
Posted by Norm48327 on Sunday, December 24, 2017 5:06 PM

Larry,

It may be headed your way soon. WE had five inches dumped on us this afternoon. I'm glad I Dont live in Grand rapids where they get the lake effects of Lake Mighigan.

Norm


  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Sunday, December 24, 2017 5:53 PM

Norm48327

Larry,

It may be headed your way soon. WE had five inches dumped on us this afternoon. I'm glad I Dont live in Grand rapids where they get the lake effects of Lake Mighigan.

They're talking Monday - just in time to head home from Grandmother's house.

While Lake Michigan definitely has lake effect, westerly winds across Lakes Erie and Ontario are a real problem as that means maximum "fetch" as the cold air crosses the length of both lakes.  Lake Ontario rarely freezes completely over, meaning the possibility of Lake Effect continues all through the winter.

A stiff northerly wind would mean heavier snows south of Lake Michigan.  It's all about the "fetch."

I've seen a northwest wind carry an almost continuous band of lake effect off Lake Superior, then across Georgian Bay (Lake Huron), then over Lake Ontario and into New York.

Lake Ontario is still fairly high, thus lakeshore flooding is also in the forecast.

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 Sunday, December 24, 2017 6:23 PM

evening

Our Church services were cancelled tonight.Heard a Csx train coming through town as we cleaned off the driveway.They were stopping them short of Garrett due to lack of crews.Will be going to G+G house tomorrow.Merry Christmas.

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 Monday, December 25, 2017 11:55 AM

We are up in wesern Michigan (everywhere's the Land of No Trains when you're keeping an eye on the road!).  Last night was a major lake-effect storm in the entire area (and along the entire route).  Some areas of Indiana were expected to get eight or more inches of snow.  Today's windy, and it'll be drifting...I hope the plows will be able to keep on top of it.  We're back from church, and after brunch with my family (those who can travel), we'll be headed home.  I'm more optimistic now tha I was this morning about conditions--we actually got a glimpse of the sun leaving church.  Skies are supposed to clear off in Indiana by the time we get there (but it will still be windy).  

Our Christmas gatherings (last night and today) were marred by kids who had the flu, and two mothers who were dealing with brand-new baby boys (12/20 and 12/23).  This was the "off" year anyway, so it wasn't all that bad ("off" meaning the alternate year, when our families are usually at their respective in-laws).

I had a surprisingly good day in Grand Rapids on the 23rd.  No trains running that I could find, but the cars that were sitting in the various places we could get close to were, as it turns out, totally amazing.   I made nine entries on my notepad, and eight of them consisted of new series, new series to me, new reletterings, and old reletterings for which I could dig up new information.  That was two days ago, and I'm still busy (the next sightings report will go to ten pages, I'm sure!).

Things are smelling mighty good here, with the aroma of cinnamon and baking dough overowering the more natural evergreen smells.  So, before the rest of the family arrives, a very

Merry Christmas!

to all of my Forum friends, and wishes for a joyous, peaceful, and healthy 2018.

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
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Monday, December 25, 2017 12:04 PM

Yes, Merry Christmas to all!

I did not get to church this morning, for my ride apparently forgot to pick me up (he has a house full of company). Some time this afternoon, I expect to go to my younger daughter's house to share CHristmas with her and her two daughters.

We had a light snowfall last night; not enough to bother traffic, and the sun is shining now.

Johnny

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Southeast Michigan
  • 2,983 posts
Posted by Norm48327 on Monday, December 25, 2017 3:54 PM

Carl,

I don't think I can blame lake effect but we got seriously dumped on yesterday and again today. I ain't even thinking about going out in it, and it's going to get colder than h... tonight.

Norm


  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Monday, December 25, 2017 8:38 PM

I just got home from supper at my younger daughter(Ginny)'s house--and came home with a copy of Steam's Finest Hour. When it was published, I felt that I could not afford to buy it--and now I have a copy.

Johnny

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Monday, December 25, 2017 9:14 PM

Deggesty
...and came home with a copy of Steam's Finest Hour.

Daughter informed me that a book I put on the Christmas wish list has been ordered, but is back ordered, so I'll see it when they get them printed.  It's a fire service book - postcards - and I have an autographed copy of another book by that author, who was here for the SPAAMFAA convention last summer.

She said he's called her several times with updates.  That's customer service!

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
    May 2005
  • From: S.E. South Dakota
  • 13,569 posts
Posted by Murphy Siding on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 8:20 AM

-13 degrees this morning on the way to work. The calendar changed to winter last week and Mother Nature flipped a switch. Grumpy

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 12:02 PM

Afternoon

Wind chill advisories here.Watched the CSX local come into town.They were having switch problems at west Defiance.They backed the train from track 2 to track 1 westbound at FC.Then they continued on track 1 east to the yard.Saw a couple other frieghts.Q 200 was eastbound with one engine and a long train.Hope he makes it to Toledo.Matt and I are going to warm up.

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: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 12:26 PM

Bright sun and cold at my house today with sixteen above the current measurement.

Meanwhile, just 20 or so miles south of me, the police are discussing closing the Interstate due to zero visibility.  You can see where for yourself if you check the TYX weather radar.  

http://www.northernchateau.com/northernchateau.htm

You can select any of the cams for yourself, and see where they are.  May I suggest the Montague #2 cam...

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 26, 2017 1:14 PM

Bright sun and +34 degrees here now. I am not sure if we had more snow last night or not. There is still snow, with some bare spots on the roof over the entrance (just below my window).

Johnny

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