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Chatterbox Spring 2018

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Posted by BaltACD on Sunday, May 27, 2018 11:10 AM

Race 1 of Racetivus in the books.  Daniel Ricciardo won Monaco GP.  Next up the Indy 500 and then the Charlotte 600.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, May 27, 2018 9:08 PM

First weekend of regular season operations in the books.  Ridership was about average, and no problems, it was a good weekend.

Stayed dry, too.  A couple of sprinkles was about it.

Tomorrow is Decoration Day, and my forebears knew it, and Memorial Day for the rest of us.  Let's all take a moment and consider the meaning of the day, amongst the picnics, parades, and other activities of the day.

And if you're driving, drive safely.  The police are usually out in force, and those of us who have to respond if you have an accident would appreciate being able to kick back a bit, too.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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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 Sunday, May 27, 2018 9:15 PM

Central Maryland has been hit by severe thunderstorm this afternoon.  Rainfall at various locations ranged between 5 and 10 inches - within a 2 hour span - with the higher number flooding Ellicott City again for the second time in just less than two years.  Main Street was devastated by flash flooding in July 2016 - and it has been devastated again.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, May 28, 2018 3:50 PM

Afternoon

Warm day here in Nw Ohio.Alberto will be coming with rain this week.Took time to remember today.Back to work 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 Electroliner 1935 on Monday, May 28, 2018 4:33 PM

To all the veterans out there, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

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Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, May 28, 2018 4:55 PM

Alberto is delaying us by a couple of days.  We spent an extra day in Birmingham yesterday, visiting Railroad Park (which doesn't have a train-watching platform, but a couple of the walking paths work all right), the Vulcan Statue (which doesn't have pointed ears), and the Sloss blast furnaces (where we didn't have a blast because rain started falling).

So we're waiting out the storm and driving around it.  Instead of taking one day to go from Birmingham to Mobile via Montgomery, we're taking two days of short travel to go to Mobile via Meridian, Mississippi.  We should be going around the worst of the storm, and coming to the Gulf coast behind it.  To satisfy the requirement that we visit states we haven't been in yet, we'll go to Pensacola tomorrow or the next day before heading west.  That way, by the time we set foot in Louisiana on Wednesday, we'll both have visited--by car--all of the lower 48.

Meridian seems to be quite the railroad center!  Who knew?  

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, May 28, 2018 5:56 PM

OK - You've now warned Birmingham to Gadsden about me? Uh oh...was supposed to be there Tuesday morning, but little friend Alberto pushed the courthouse tour back a week to 10 days....Embarrassed

Finally got rain at the house today (mixed with pea-sized hail) and northern CO gets nailed again. Wish southern CO would get rain in CopCar land - 2200 acres burned up in less than a day on the AAR/TTC test track grounds and the chemical weapons depot next door was getting really nervous.

Joseph: folks on the train oughta get a good look at the railroad recovery going on. (not getting much press, but the places I've been lately have  been busy [KP being the lone exception])- looks to be an interesting remainder of the year.

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, May 28, 2018 6:19 PM

MC

Story is Uncle Pete is sending a buisness train east on NS on Wed.The Up 1943 unit is to be on the point.Alberto is due that day up here.Might see it from inside at 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").

 

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 7:26 AM

Got out to Elmhurst yesterday for pictures.  Freight traffic was kind of light (it was a holiday weekend) but the two inbound Metra runs that I saw were packed with rush-hour loads with people standing in the vestibules.  Weather was very hot but enough shade was available to keep it not too unbearable.

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 CShaveRR on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 4:42 PM

We adroitly sidestepped Alberto.  It apparently gave Birmingham a direct hit today; we left there yesterday.  This evening we'll be in Mobile after our foray (and lunch at Ruby Tuesday, for old times' sake) into Florida.  47 for Pat, 48 for me (she'll catch up tomorrow).  We caught sight of a train on the Terminal Railway Alabama State Docks on the way to our hotel.  As can be imagined, "the way to our hotel" gave the telephone's map app fits.

We're good...just two days late.

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 Tuesday, May 29, 2018 5:03 PM

evening

Ns this morning had some Deere tractors waiting to go east.The local was waiting with cars for uptown when I got off work.Don't know how much rain we are to get from Alberto.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 BOB WITHORN on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 2:12 PM
Alberto sure put baling hay this week on hold.
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Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 2:25 PM

BOB WITHORN
Alberto sure put baling hay this week on hold.

I'm waiting to see if the system turns east, and when.

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 Wednesday, May 30, 2018 2:59 PM

afternoon

Bob some farmers haven't got their crops in yet here in Nw Ohio.Was not able to see any special train on Ns today.Matt has finished school for this year. He went west of town and watched the ND&W do more trackwork.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 Thursday, May 31, 2018 4:31 PM

Evening

Rain at work..none here at home.Ns was clear when I left work.Took care of the swamp.Matt and I will go into town tomorrow after work.A cool down is coming.

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 Friday, June 1, 2018 4:03 PM

evening

Ns sent a westbound stack train when I left work.The S&A heritage unit is looking rather rough.Doged rain drops and went into town to mow.Csx sent 2 westbound stack trains when we were mowing.Matt is getting ready for tomorrow.We are running trains with a friend at Auglaize Village west of town.Chores to do here at home too.

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 switch7frg on Friday, June 1, 2018 5:52 PM

Huh? Hello Bob,wet hay sure is a set back.I know you folks know how to handle wet hay.Out here in AZ.  it is cut and the windrows are just left a day or so.  Then the baleing  begins, sounds good. However, green(hay) will generate lots of heat and when it is put up it will catch fire. This has happened here once or twice a year. Bye Bye plastic  ( hay shed).I guess you folks will be busy turning the rows over a few times to dry in between rain showers.

Y6bs evergreen in my mind

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, June 1, 2018 8:38 PM

switch7frg
However, green(hay) will generate lots of heat and when it is put up it will catch fire.

That's cost many a farmer a barn here in the north country.  Virtually every fire department was guaranteed to roll on a couple three barn fires every year, either in their own district or as mutual aid.

With the advent of the large square and round bales, less hay is being put in mows, instead being stacked in the field where cut or put in pole barns.

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, June 3, 2018 2:39 PM

afternoon

Second day done at Auglaize village.Had a few people wander in.We waved to passengers as they took a speeder ride around the village.Heard some interesting things on the scanner as well.Was able to tell the visitors who is on the radio and why they are talking to trains and where they are at.Matt needs to get ready for work.Some chores to do here as well.Back to work 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 BaltACD on Sunday, June 3, 2018 8:25 PM

Rain started 3 PM Saturday and continuing all weekend.  Flood Warnings in effect.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by zugmann on Sunday, June 3, 2018 8:26 PM

BaltACD

Rain started 3 PM Saturday and continuing all weekend.  Flood Warnings in effect.

 

yeah.. this stuff is getting old.  Had to put a new boot on my vent pipe on the roof. 

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 tree68 on Sunday, June 3, 2018 8:44 PM

Our rain didn't start into well into our second run for the day.  But it's been keeping up since.  The rate alarm went off on my weather station for a bit.  I think I've got it set for an inch an hour.

OTOH, we kinda do need it.  Been pretty dry lately.

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 Sunday, June 3, 2018 11:26 PM

tree68

Our rain didn't start into well into our second run for the day.  But it's been keeping up since.  The rate alarm went off on my weather station for a bit.  I think I've got it set for an inch an hour.

OTOH, we kinda do need it.  Been pretty dry lately.

 

Southwestern Colorado would love to have your problem. Durango & Silverton just got shut down for the week, The 416 fire is threatening the area around Hermosa.

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, June 4, 2018 2:23 PM

afternoon

Matt took me to work this morning.He saw plenty of Ns this morning.The local was working when I got off of 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, June 5, 2018 3:01 PM

afternoon

Ns had a stack train in the siding,an eastbound frieght and the local was uptown.Saw some red and blue tractors on the frieght train.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 Tuesday, June 5, 2018 5:13 PM

Dry enough to mow the yard today.  It was getting shaggy.

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 Tuesday, June 5, 2018 10:57 PM

I wouldn't mind a splash of rain on my head and arms!  Here in San Antonio the temperature got up to 100 officially (McArthur says it was 104).  We hope to break out of this hot streak by heading north tomorrow.

I know you wish to know who McArthur is...he's the little digital readout of the temperature in our car (M'car thermometer).

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 blue streak 1 on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 11:52 PM

Screwed up PTC strikes again. Local crossing here had gates down with no trains in sight. Crossing located 200feet north of PTC interlocking.  6 hours later CSX signal mintainers  (2 or 3 ) still trying to clear problem at both signal crossing bungalow and interlocking bungalows (3)

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Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 3:58 PM

afternoon

Ns had cars uptown when I left work.Took care of yardwork.Matt will be going uptown tomorrow to take care of that.Met new neighbor tonight.Have other 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 zugmann on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 9:19 PM

CShaveRR
(McArthur says it was 104)

Ya sure that wasn't the speedometer?

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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