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Chatterbox Winter 2018-2019

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  • Member since
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Posted by blhanel on Sunday, February 24, 2019 2:04 PM

mudchicken

Two weeks from now I'm back in the Wilds of Iowa near (west of) BrianH.

 
Better hope things calm down here weather-wise between now and then...
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Posted by BaltACD on Sunday, February 24, 2019 1:16 PM

zugmann
 
BaltACD
Road crew may not be aware of 'local oddities' in things that 'normally' aren't something they are doing. 

If you don't know how to get to the donut shop - you aren't qualified!

Knowing the donut shop exists and a route to get there is being qualified.  Knowing the most effective way to get to the donut shop is experience.  Qualifications and Experience are two different things.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by mudchicken on Sunday, February 24, 2019 11:54 AM

Came along I-80 on the southern edge  of Wyoming from Green River to Cheyenne. Good move on your part there Randy. Saw plenty of blowing snow and blown over semis & travel trailers after my Tour-de-Idaho. (overnighted in Rock Springs - wonder what happened to MiniWyo?) Uncle Pete still hasn't completely cleaned up the site of the October 4 wreck and derailment. (seems odd)....

Raced to get home in advance of a snowstorm hitting Idaho - Arrived back in Denver a few hours after an eight inch dump that then froze. Fun (not!) shovelling. Two weeks from now I'm back in the Wilds of Iowa near (west of) BrianH.

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 zardoz on Sunday, February 24, 2019 11:09 AM

zugmann
If you don't know how to get to the donut shop - you aren't qualified!

Are we talking taxi driver or cop?

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Posted by rvos1979 on Sunday, February 24, 2019 10:02 AM

Extra day at home today, too windy to drive, no need to be a hazard or to get blown over. Friday turned into a fiasco, got to my customer and the fifth wheel refused to lock completely. A half hour of beating, pulling and cussing by me and the road service guy succeeded in releasing it, and I bobtailed back to Gary for a complete fifth wheel inspection and lubrication. We wound up bobtailing home from there........

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 JoeKoh on Sunday, February 24, 2019 8:53 AM

morning

Staying home today.Wind is rocking the web cam at Deshler.Had some snow/ice blowing outside too.Good day to work on the layout.Have a crockpot of chili for lunch and supper.Matt has to go do dishes later.

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 Sunday, February 24, 2019 6:42 AM

zugmann
He needs requalified.

He knew where the donut shop was - just didn't know that one of the two locks on the gate was a CSX lock...

OTOH, I have run into taxi drivers that didn't have a clue where they were supposed to be.  All they knew was the MP.

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 zugmann on Saturday, February 23, 2019 10:51 PM

BaltACD
Road crew may not be aware of 'local oddities' in things that 'normally' aren't something they are doing.

If you don't know how to get to the donut shop - you aren't qualified!

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 BaltACD on Saturday, February 23, 2019 10:19 PM

zugmann
 
tree68
When he saw that I had opened the gate, he commented that he wished it had been open before he took the l-o-o-o-o-n-g way around to reach said donut shop. Didn't have the heart to tell him that he had the key to open the gate all along (switch lock)... 

He needs requalified.

Road crew may not be aware of 'local oddities' in things that 'normally' aren't something they are doing.  In many cases before I retired, train crews going on the law at a location were not able to instruct taxi drivers how to access their locations on the highways and byways of the area.  This frequently happened on 'inter-divisional' runs and the crew was territory that they 'had not grown up on'.

When I was a Train Order Operator, accessing some of the towers could be very difficult the first time.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, February 23, 2019 10:03 PM

tree68
When he saw that I had opened the gate, he commented that he wished it had been open before he took the l-o-o-o-o-n-g way around to reach said donut shop. Didn't have the heart to tell him that he had the key to open the gate all along (switch lock)...

He needs requalified.

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 zugmann on Saturday, February 23, 2019 10:02 PM

Convicted One
Has your area lost many large, 3 shift manufacturing operations? Quite a few support businesses around where I am at, who were famous for 24/7 operations for decades, have now scaled back their hours with so many plants now being closed. (changing customer habits, in other words)

Not really.  This isn't the first store in the chain to scale back hours. 

 

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 Saturday, February 23, 2019 5:59 PM

I can recall when a trip to the hospital in the ambulance (as an EMT) after midnight meant zero places to stop for a snack, coffee, etc.  Even the radio stations went off the air locally (city of about 25,000).

Nowadays, you can generally find someplace open - we've got a lot of chain convenience stores that didn't exist 30+ years ago.

On a railroad note, I arrived at the yard early one morning to take out one of our trains.  I found the entrance drive blocked by a CSX train making a pickup.  It sat, and sat, and sat, (and I sat, after opening the gate) until the conductor arrived with a tray of coffee and goodies from a well-known donut chain.

When he saw that I had opened the gate, he commented that he wished it had been open before he took the l-o-o-o-o-n-g way around to reach said donut shop.  Didn't have the heart to tell him that he had the key to open the gate all along (switch lock)...

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 Convicted One on Saturday, February 23, 2019 2:31 PM

zugmann
The 24 hour grocery store I usually hit up is now changing their hours to 6am-midnight.  That blows.  I was there at 5am this morning.  They only ever have the self-checkouts open at night, and there usually isn't anyone there watching over them, so I don't get the reasoning

Has your area lost many large, 3 shift manufacturing operations? Quite a few support businesses around where I am at, who were  famous for 24/7 operations for decades, have now scaled back their hours with so many plants now being closed. (changing customer habits, in other words)

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Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, February 23, 2019 2:00 PM

afternoon

Made a quick trip south.Seemed like people had cabin fever or were stocking up before the wind storm comes tomorrow.Saw trains on CSX,I&O and NS.Q 507 had a dpu in Wapak.The I&O was switching on 4rth street in Lima.Ns had plenty of trains to run on the old NKP line near Continental.One eastbound had a scale test car rolling with it.An eastbound had a brand new locomotive on the point but a "trip reset" feature(?) on the computer was causing the crew fits.Matt is working on the layout before he has to go do dishes.Hopefully the racoon family will not be in the dumpster when he takes out the trash tonight.

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, February 22, 2019 10:08 PM

Zug

When I worked for a 24 hour store we had a dedicated group of customers.You take care of the customer they will keep coming back.Csx serves a scrap yard on Sunday.They have a key to the gate.

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 narig01 on Friday, February 22, 2019 9:37 PM

I guess I shouldn't mention it is 53° here in SW Arkansas. With a high on Saturday of +60°f. The bad news it's gonna rain.

Stay warm.

IGN

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Posted by zugmann on Friday, February 22, 2019 8:06 PM

The 24 hour grocery store I usually hit up is now changing their hours to 6am-midnight.  That blows.  I was there at 5am this morning.  They only ever have the self-checkouts open at night, and there usually isn't anyone there watching over them, so I don't get the reasoning.  There's still another store open all night (for now), but I don't like that one as much.  I don't like shopping when there's lots of other people in the store.

 

In other news, we're starting our PSR stuff.  7 day a week service everywhere, but with no increase in employees or motive power.  Considering most of our customers aren't open on the weekends, be interesting to see how this pans out.

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 Friday, February 22, 2019 7:55 PM

Paul of Covington
I heard on the news that Chicago had -19°F, and they were still making the kids go to school. 

We were below that - and I'm pretty sure the kids still went to school.  It's more a chill factor issue than plain temperature.

I used to see a kid waiting for the bus in sub-freezing temperatures in shorts and a short-sleeved shirt...

They are running out of snow days, though, and some are curtailing vacations.

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 Paul of Covington on Friday, February 22, 2019 5:33 PM

tree68
Unlike some areas, where the mere threat of a winter snow event closes schools, the only reason for delaying schools around here is either poor visibility or having to get the parking lots cleaned out...

   You mean like about three weeks ago when you northerners had that super cold spell?  I heard on the news that Chicago had -19°F, and they were still making the kids go to school.  Meanwhile, they were predicting a slight chance of brief snow flurries overnight and that the ground was too warm for it to stick.   Some of the towns around here announced that the schools would be closed.

_____________ 

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

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, February 22, 2019 4:08 PM

MikeF90
I chuckle when folks east fret about a few inches;

Not here - Tug Hill, a few miles south of me, has some of the highest snowfalls east of the Rockies.  They're a little light this year at 81.5" so far.  Last year they were over 200", and 300" years aren't unusual.

Unlike some areas, where the mere threat of a winter snow event closes schools, the only reason for delaying schools around here is either poor visibility or having to get the parking lots cleaned out...

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 MikeF90 on Friday, February 22, 2019 3:41 PM

mudchicken
Single digits in the Mile-High City.

Thank you for making me feel warm here in the SFBA; 'very cold' in these parts means the mid-30s.

Last week we had an unusual cold snap that resulted in very low snow elevations (~1500 ft!). The good/bad news for us is the above average snow fall in the Sierras (our water supply) and frequent closures of I-80, US 50. I chuckle when folks east fret about a few inches; High Sierra accumulation is often over eight feet so a second floor entrance to dig out is mandatory.

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, February 22, 2019 2:31 PM

afternoon

Ns has a coal train in the siding.Chores and errands to do.Matt gets to do dishes tonight.

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, February 21, 2019 7:35 PM

Fostoria residents are talking about a big stink(landfill) south of town.The permit is coming up for renewal.Possibly no more trash trains on Csx to that area.Saw it on the local news tonight.

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
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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, February 21, 2019 2:51 PM

afternoon

Ns has a stack train in the siding.Local was also uptown.Chores and errands to do.Matt gets to go do dishes tonight too.Need to see if Sis and I are going south on Saturday.Might make a stop in Wapak on the way.

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 Thursday, February 21, 2019 2:14 PM

rvos1979
Will make a quick trip to Kendallville, IN, tomorrow, then home again.........

Be glad you aren't headed west - I understand I-40 is closed in AZ...

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
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  • From: Burlington, WI
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Posted by rvos1979 on Thursday, February 21, 2019 1:35 PM

mudchicken

Hope the County has a sufficient reserve fund to pay for the locomotive repairs. (and they can get the seat cover exhumed from the truck driver)

It should come out next time he sits in the bathroom, though I wouldn't want to fish it out of the toilet afterwards..........

Got hit hard with the flu last Saturday, didn't work again until Tuesday. Will make a quick trip to Kendallville, IN, tomorrow, then home again.........

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 Deggesty on Thursday, February 21, 2019 10:29 AM

Yes, Carl, in the early days of my going to that facility, I would be ushered into a room that was set aside for phlebotomy. One day I hesitatingly spoke to the young lady about the "vampire's cave," and she responded pleasantly. Later, the blooddraw was taken in the same room wherein the treatment was given--and "Bloodsucker" was an older lady (still younger than I was).

Johnny

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Posted by CShaveRR on Thursday, February 21, 2019 9:52 AM

Johnny, nowadays they're likely to introduce themselves as vampires--bringing a smle to most people.  I guess superstitions about such things aren't as common as they used to be.

I'm currently debating whether to take my saunter today or tomorrow...or both!  I couldn't get my work completed yesterday, despite the fact that I was not distracted from it by the television in Pat's physical-therapy lobby or by the arrival of the postal-person or the television at home.  I shall take the computer with me when I go, I guess.

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 Wednesday, February 20, 2019 9:54 PM

jeffhergert

Iowa Interstate 1, Polk County (Iowa) snow plow 0.  Or maybe -1, -1 snow plow that is.

https://www.weareiowa.com/news/local-news/polk-county-snowplow-hit-by-train-near-altoona/1795870345 

Jeff 

 

Hope the County has a sufficient reserve fund to pay for the locomotive repairs. (and they can get the seat cover exhumed from the truck driver)

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 mudchicken on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 9:50 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH

Monday was a holiday for me.  After shoveling the walks I got out to exercise the Canon A-1 in snow conditions.  It wasn't that cold (upper 20's) but accumulated snow made things a little messy.  Managed to get a picture of a Sperry car at Barr.  In 50 years of taking pictures with 35mm cameras, that's only the second time I got a Sperry car on film.

 

Dude - Go to East St. Louis near the old National Meat Packing Plant...would appear to be where they retire and are reborn.

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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