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Chatterbox Winter 2017-2018

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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 2:44 PM

afternoon

Ns sent a sand hopper train west when I got off of work.The bakers in California must be distant cousins from the Old Country.I have cousins in Ohio I haven't met yet.Did perk my curiosity like a chocolate cream mousse pie would Mookie.Chores to do here.

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 Tuesday, February 13, 2018 3:30 PM

Dinner

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 3:26 PM

afternoon

Ns had cars in the siding.Also sent a westbound after work today.Ran errands in town.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").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 4:12 PM

Heard the southbound through train in town today, as well as the local coming out after the first had cleared where they had to go.  Didn't get far enough over in time  to see either one, but when I swung over that way discovered that McD's was going to miss the lunch rush.  Seems someone called in a bomb threat (per local news).

At least it's a nice day - temps in the high thirties and mostly sunny during my shopping trip.

Headed back into town tonight for an amateur radio meeting.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, February 15, 2018 3:06 PM

afternoon

Major snowmelt day today.Matt was delayed 2 hrs this morning.Ns had a westbound frieght in the siding after work.Chores to do.Tomorrow is 1/2 day 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").

 

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Posted by CShaveRR on Thursday, February 15, 2018 9:23 PM

Feeling a little crazy today, but wow, what fun we had!

This afternoon we dropped in at our church to deliver a sweater that Pat had made for herself, but was too large for her--but probably not for our pastor.  He was delighted with the color and the fit, so it's his now.

As we were talking with him and his secretary (she now wants one, too!), I heard a train horn surprisingly well.  I walked out of the office to the nearest available window with a view.  It was a lovely manifest freight, headed east.  To go home (the original plan) we'd have to go west.  But Pat, bless her heart, wasn't too far behind me and she knew immediately what was going to happen when I turned east.  

The train cleared Grace Street crossing before I got there, but my plan was to use the lowered gates to make my turn and go further east.  We caught up to the cars in Villa Park, at which time we saw not one, but two westbound stack trains.  Not good enough...we continued east to Elmhurst, where the train had just cleared West Road as we were within sight of it.  I made another right and continued east, catching up to the cars again.  We were able to get onto the street (Park) while the train was still there, running interference for us as we went as far east along the tracks as we could.  By this time the train had stopped, probably to attend to a hand-throw switch in the yard.  I turned around and headed back west, with Pat taking dictation for me as I made notes on the interesting equipment I saw.  Since he was still stopped, I parked (legally) where I could and grabbed the pad and pen to go out for myself.  I was taken slightly aback as the westbound scoot came in and blocked my view for a minute, but was able to stay there and get close-up information on some cars.  

I didn't know what was going to be on the train I saw when I left, but the trip netted me a few good sightings, including a new date for a series that had already been reported, a new series of 375 cars not yet reported in my circle of friends (built last September), and a few other sightings that warrant notes in my own files.

As I said, it was a crazy idea to try and pull that one off, but the results were worth it...to me for the information gleaned and to Pat, who just loves it when I'm feeling the thrill of the chase.  (There may have been times when her eyes were rolling faster than the train's wheels, but I did nothing illegal the entire trip, I promise!)

This weekend I'll go with her on her chase...trying to find good colors for three new sweaters that she expects to need later this winter.  I try to be as helpful as possibe on these trips (I am pretty good at matching or coordinating colors for her), and they usually can be accomplished with trips along the "scenic route" (known in other places as the UP West Line).  

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 Electroliner 1935 on Thursday, February 15, 2018 9:55 PM

CShaveRR
This weekend I'll go with her on her chase...trying to find good colors for three new sweaters that she expects to need later this winter.  I try to be as helpful as possibe on these trips (I am pretty good at matching or coordinating colors for her), and they usually can be accomplished with trips along the "scenic route"

Having a great mate is so rewarding. Love this Carl.

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, February 16, 2018 2:35 PM

afternoon

A bit chilly as the wind was blowing from the Northwest.Ns had cars in the siding and the local was uptown.Took a half day and mamma and I went out to Lunch.Ran errands in Defiance and saw 3 trains on CSX.Chores to do here.Tomorrow will go check up on brother.

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 Monday, February 19, 2018 6:53 AM

Happy Presidents Day, including to the guy on Rushmore that wasn't a surveyor.

Seventy degrees here yesterday, snowing this morning.

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, February 19, 2018 7:19 AM

mudchicken
Seventy degrees here yesterday, snowing this morning.

Too much snow left here for seventy - like to keep the snowmelt down to a reasonable rate.

But it is going to rain, which may be just as bad.

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 Monday, February 19, 2018 11:49 AM

We're getting a steady rain, with a current temperatire of 45, supposed to climb pretty much from here on until sometime tomorrow (close to 60 for the high).  We have plenty of snow to lose, but the drains and gutters are ready for it.

Tax day today (I think we're ready).

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 Monday, February 19, 2018 11:50 AM

Happy to see moisture in any form. Red flag warnings are getting old along with the burned grass ashes floating through the air.

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 Deggesty on Monday, February 19, 2018 11:57 AM

When I rose yesterday, the temperature was in the upper forties, with snow promised to begin about noon. I did not pay any attention to the weather until I went down for supper about 4:30, and saw it had begun to snow.

When I got up this morning, the temperaure was about 28--and it was snowing. It has stopped snowing now, the sun is shinign brightly, and the roof below my window is covered with snow--and the temperature is 27.

Johnny

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Posted by mudchicken on Monday, February 19, 2018 1:42 PM

For Carl/Ed/Hegeswich and the others in the Chicago area, an IHB question:

Any idea when the IHB Whiting Branch was removed from service and abandoned from Burnham/129th Street up to Whiting/Indianapolis Avenue? Question(Big Giggle: The Indiana DOT and the STB identify the thing as abandoned, owner and date unknown) I'm guessing after some major brain damage that its after1983, but no date to confirm. Part of it is now Lake George Trail along Wolf Lake...

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 JoeKoh on Monday, February 19, 2018 2:28 PM

afternoon

Plenty of rain here in Nw Ohio.The ditches are getting full.Ns had a westbound in the siding when I left work.My Dad should go to the window and collect.Just got word that his 21st great grandchild is due in May.(Matt is grandchild 17) 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 BaltACD on Monday, February 19, 2018 3:47 PM

A whole lot of tree sex in NE Florida!  A real orgy!

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by Paul of Covington on Monday, February 19, 2018 5:23 PM

BaltACD

A whole lot of tree sex in NE Florida!  A real orgy!

 

   Here, too.   Temps have been in the low 80's.   Everything's starting to turn yellow with pine pollen.

_____________ 

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

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Posted by edblysard on Monday, February 19, 2018 6:26 PM

Yup, the pines here are kinda getting frisky...

23 17 46 11

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Posted by Deggesty on Monday, February 19, 2018 7:55 PM

According to the evening news, many people had either their ditch finders or othercar finders on today--after the first heavy snow of the winter.

Johnny

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, February 19, 2018 9:26 PM

Deggesty

According to the evening news, many people had either their ditch finders or othercar finders on today--after the first heavy snow of the winter.

We're in for a thaw, which could be a bad thing for drivers when we do get another round of winter weather.  It's like in the week there wasn't any snow they completely forgot how to drive in the stuff.

Fire in an empty warehouse near here tonight.  Two firefighters injured when a wall collapsed.  The injuries are not life threatening, fortunately.

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 BaltACD on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 6:46 AM

tree68
 
Deggesty

According to the evening news, many people had either their ditch finders or othercar finders on today--after the first heavy snow of the winter. 

We're in for a thaw, which could be a bad thing for drivers when we do get another round of winter weather.  It's like in the week there wasn't any snow they completely forgot how to drive in the stuff.

Fire in an empty warehouse near here tonight.  Two firefighters injured when a wall collapsed.  The injuries are not life threatening, fortunately.

The one thing that enables safe driving in snow and ice is space.  Space between you and the other cars - space between the other cars.

In today's urban and suburban areas and on the Interstates - the one thing we don't have is space.  Without space there isn't room to recover from a minor mistake before hitting someone or something.  I don't think drivers are that much worse than they have ever been - there just isn't the room for them to recover from a mistake.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 7:04 AM

BaltACD
The one thing that enables safe driving in snow and ice is space.  Space between you and the other cars - space between the other cars.

The usual problem around here isn't the buffer between vehicles - it's forgetting that the coefficient of friction has changed.  Outside the city the majority of the incidents are single vehicles off 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...

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 10:08 AM

mudchicken

For Carl/Ed/Hegeswich and the others in the Chicago area, an IHB question:

Any idea when the IHB Whiting Branch was removed from service and abandoned from Burnham/129th Street up to Whiting/Indianapolis Avenue? Question(Big Giggle: The Indiana DOT and the STB identify the thing as abandoned, owner and date unknown) I'm guessing after some major brain damage that its after1983, but no date to confirm. Part of it is now Lake George Trail along Wolf Lake...

 
That part of the line seems to have been abandoned some time in the mid 1970's.  The grade crossings where Sheffield and Calumet Avenues meet were paved over (without the rails being removed) about that time.
The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
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Posted by Deggesty on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 10:12 AM

+18 at 6:45 this morning,with plenty of snow on the ground (I have not yet heard how much fell overall). The sun is shining brightly now at 9:12.

Johnny

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Posted by ChuckCobleigh on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 10:16 AM

tree68
The usual problem around here isn't the buffer between vehicles - it's forgetting that the coefficient of friction has changed.  Outside the city the majority of the incidents are single vehicles off the road.

To steal Ron White's answer, this time to, "What's the coefficient of friction?"

"There isn't one."

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Posted by mudchicken on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 11:55 AM

CSSH:

Thanks - just a little weird, in spite of all the digging, that nobody even seemed to notice where they were really supposed to. I know some of the surviving bridges up in there are corroded to death (as in you can see through rusted out flanges and webs), but the Lake County records are awful on how that area became a linear park.The Pennsy branch was explained there (died 1965), but not the IHB.

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 JoeKoh on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 2:43 PM

afternoon

More snowmelt today.More rain in the forecast too.Don't have to get the boat out yet.Ns sent an eastbound stack train 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 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 2:32 PM

afternoon

Ns had a westbound stack train and the local was uptown when I left work.Mother nature might send us some freezing rain tomorrow morning.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 Mookie on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 7:18 PM

We, up north, seem to be in that 5th season - Summerfallwinterspring...

Extra points if you are old enough to know where I got the name.....

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 7:43 PM

Over +60F here this morning.  +36F here now.  The snow's pretty much gone, though.

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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