Trains.com

Chatterbox Winter 2018-2019

23581 views
375 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 4:23 PM

afternoon

Ns sent an eastbound stack train when I left work.Ran errands in Defiance and Csx sent an eastbound stack train as well.People in the area are still without power.Going to get some leftovers for supper.

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 Wednesday, February 13, 2019 3:02 PM

We survived our ice storm--it coated everything--but we woke up this morning to drifting/drifted snow on top of the ice.  So we had to man the shovels before Pat's physical-therapy session.  

After PT, we went to lunch/shopping/banking/mailing/train-watching in Elmhurst.  It was moderately successful, and by the time we got home, Old Sol had dried off our front walk and initiated the melting process in the driveway.  Our temperatures, though still cool today, will moderate tomorrow and should give us a few openings.

I have an annual physical tomorrow; I'm sure my new doctor will tell me exactly what I'm doing wrong.   

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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 3:12 PM

afternoon

Ice story day 2.Matt was closed.People had ditchfinders on this morning.We were without for power a bit today.Matt followed the plan great.People in town at work need to play big game of pick up sticks.Ns still has a coal train in the siding.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").

 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 10:27 AM

The snow just started here.  Schools either closed outright or are dismissing early - our buses just came through.

They are suggesting upwards of 12" here, the kicker being wind.  And tomorrow might just cap it off with freezing rain.

A person would think it was winter or something...

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
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 7:15 AM

The ice was very real this morning.  It is mostly from freezing rain so the surface is uneven and crunchy when you walk on it.  Most of the streets are being salted so the drive to the station wasn't too bad since everybody was being cautious.  The train was on time which was a plus.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, February 11, 2019 7:35 PM

We are under an advisory here--not a warning--and could be getting a bit of the stuff by morning.  We have to be out in the afternoon, so we're good.  I don't think we'll be getting much more than a few inches of snow through tomorrow, though ice is also a possibility this time.  

Coupled with the snow/ice, a structural defect in one of the bridges on a relatively new section of Lake Shore Drive is crippling traffic in Chicago.

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
    January 2002
  • From: Cedar Rapids, IA
  • 4,213 posts
Posted by blhanel on Monday, February 11, 2019 3:50 PM

That same storm has just arrived here.  We're in the bulls-eye for upwards of nine inches of the white stuff.  Good thing I fixed the snowblower last week...

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Monday, February 11, 2019 3:23 PM

We're under the gun for a storm Tuesday and Wednesday, although it's nice and sunny outside right now (if cold - only +21F).  The ice is supposed to stay south of us.

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
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, February 11, 2019 2:22 PM

afternoon

Ice in the morning round 1 Matt had a 2 hr delay.We'll see about tomorrow.Ns had a coal train in the siding.Chores and meetings 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").

 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Sunday, February 10, 2019 8:35 PM

Thought that big tree had tipped at the roots.  Wrong.  On closer inspection, it broke about five feet up.  Paced it off at over 60 feet tall (when it was standing).

Managed to get two images sent by the International Space Station.  They were broadcasting slow scan TV all weekend.

Today was our annual firefighter safety training day - a lot of work to organize, but the speakers did an excellent job. As for me, I'm beat!

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
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, February 10, 2019 4:02 PM

After church, Pat let me choose the venue for dinner today.  I demurred, so she surprised me by suggesting the Hillgrove Tap in Western Springs, along the BNSF main line (the so-called "Racetrack").  I was blessed with two manifest trains while we were there.  I'm not done assessing my findings yet, but I know I have at least one previously-unreported series of 1000 covered hoppers (EQUX 18000-18999). 

I enjoyed my meal very much, even though my appetite in general has decreased.  It was an assortment of German sausages, each tastier than the next.  As we were leaving, I told our waitress that it was the wurst meal I ever had.  She was mortified, until Pat cracked up (honestly, I didn't know my poker face was that good!) and she finally got the pun.  I seriously think we made her day.  

On the way home, we saw a westbound earthworm, though it was divided by a few gray cars.  You know, there really aren't that many ribbed-side covered hopper cars in premier service any more!

Oh...and the Hillgrove Tap, on the northwest corner of Wolf Road and Hillgrove in Western Springs, is highly recommended--the food's a little pricey, but great, and the view from the south windows is usually unobstructed (especially in the winter--in the summer you have the possibility of outoor dining).

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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, February 10, 2019 10:52 AM

Hi

East wind(Brr) this morning.Csx had 2 trains with DPU's today.The local came into town as well.They were having problems getting some gons to move at Omni.Going to warm up.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").

 

  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: Calgary
  • 2,047 posts
Posted by cx500 on Saturday, February 9, 2019 4:15 PM

After a fairly mild January, it is payback time in Calgary.  Temperature has finally crawled up to -4F at 3pm.  It might be beautifully sunny for photographs but I'm staying in the warm house.  The bike has been parked since Jan 31.

John

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, February 9, 2019 3:06 PM

afternoon

Sunshine but cool here in Nw Ohio.The wind is tolerable today.Csx ran some trains today.Got to say hello again to train q 500.He had to wait at Sherwood Ohio as q 163 passed him.Tomorrow cloudy with some snow.Guessers say Tuesday rain.For people to our north could be freezing rain again.Time to make sure Matt gets ready to do dishes.

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
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Friday, February 8, 2019 7:39 PM

Windy today, as forecast.  One of a line of 5 big spruces in the neighbor's yard blew down.   Fortunately, it stayed in his yard.  There's one or two that could come down into my yard, but that would take a strong northeast wind, and we don't usually get those here.

The International Space Station is supposed to be broadcasting images all weekend, but I wasn't able to get anything on the closest pass tonight.  Maybe later in the weekend.  

If you want to try and listen, the frequency is 145.800 MHz.  Check on-line for when the ISS will be in your neighborhood.  There are apps that allow you to "see" the images - just put your device next to your scanner speaker.

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: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Friday, February 8, 2019 6:20 PM

narig01
 
mudchicken

A damp 40 degrees in Willits CA where trains have not run since 1998Sad ... I understand Denver got walloped while we were out here and the weatherguessers misfired again.

 

 

 

I thought California Western was still running to Ft Bragg?  It's been a long time since I was up that way, 1989 anyway. 

thx IGN

 

CW is running abreviated skunk trains, no freight. A tunnel collapse has cut the line in two. They run both ways out of Willits and Ft. Bragg, but turn back at the tunnel. Engine house at Ft. Bragg is sad shape, about to fall down.

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, February 8, 2019 6:18 PM

Deggesty

 

 
Murphy Siding

 

 
Paul of Covington

   Murphy, that reminds me-- this past fall we had a bumper crop of acorns, and I had to move my car away from an oak tree by my driveway.  With every little gust of wind, it sounded like machine-gun fire from the acorns hitting it.

 

 

 

Laugh Reminds me of a time I moved into a rental house. My roommate and I then went camping on a 3 day weekend and left his car parked under this big tree covered with some kind of blackberries. Apparently the birds liked those berries. When we got home, his white car was mostly purple and we had a bird infestation worthy of a Hitchcock movie.

 

 

 

 

Mulberries?

 

They are not the best eating.

 

Yeah- they're for the birds! 

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, February 8, 2019 2:27 PM

afternoon

Ns had a westbound autorack train in the siding.Chores to do.Mother nature is making it "Chilly" outside.

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
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Friday, February 8, 2019 2:22 PM

Murphy Siding

 

 
Paul of Covington

   Murphy, that reminds me-- this past fall we had a bumper crop of acorns, and I had to move my car away from an oak tree by my driveway.  With every little gust of wind, it sounded like machine-gun fire from the acorns hitting it.

 

 

 

Laugh Reminds me of a time I moved into a rental house. My roommate and I then went camping on a 3 day weekend and left his car parked under this big tree covered with some kind of blackberries. Apparently the birds liked those berries. When we got home, his white car was mostly purple and we had a bird infestation worthy of a Hitchcock movie.

 

 

Mulberries?

They are not the best eating.

Johnny

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Hope, AR
  • 2,061 posts
Posted by narig01 on Friday, February 8, 2019 2:11 PM

mudchicken

A damp 40 degrees in Willits CA where trains have not run since 1998Sad ... I understand Denver got walloped while we were out here and the weatherguessers misfired again.

 

I thought California Western was still running to Ft Bragg?  It's been a long time since I was up that way, 1989 anyway. 

thx IGN

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: S.E. South Dakota
  • 13,569 posts
Posted by Murphy Siding on Friday, February 8, 2019 2:11 PM

Paul of Covington

   Murphy, that reminds me-- this past fall we had a bumper crop of acorns, and I had to move my car away from an oak tree by my driveway.  With every little gust of wind, it sounded like machine-gun fire from the acorns hitting it.

 

Laugh Reminds me of a time I moved into a rental house. My roommate and I then went camping on a 3 day weekend and left his car parked under this big tree covered with some kind of blackberries. Apparently the birds liked those berries. When we got home, his white car was mostly purple and we had a bird infestation worthy of a Hitchcock movie.

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Friday, February 8, 2019 1:24 PM

A damp 40 degrees in Willits CA where trains have not run since 1998Sad ... I understand Denver got walloped while we were out here and the weatherguessers misfired again.

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 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Friday, February 8, 2019 11:19 AM

Murphy Siding
     Squirrely weather- We have a big apple tree over our bedroom. From early fall on, Mr. Squirrel is constantly knocking apples onto the roof. Thud! Bumpa, bumpa, bumpa, bumpa. The last few days we have had brutal weather. Typical was last night. -10 with a 30 mph breeze making for wind chills around -35. The wind blowing frozen apples onto the roof takes on a more sinister sound, like someone hitting the roof with a baseball bat. WHAM! THUNK! THUNK! THUNK! THUNK! That happened about once an hour all night long. Consequently, I’m a little squirrely today. 

     I’m ready for spring and I’m sure Mr. Squirrel is too.

You could have some form of metal roof - to amplify the sounds!

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    July 2010
  • From: Louisiana
  • 2,310 posts
Posted by Paul of Covington on Friday, February 8, 2019 10:56 AM

   Murphy, that reminds me-- this past fall we had a bumper crop of acorns, and I had to move my car away from an oak tree by my driveway.  With every little gust of wind, it sounded like machine-gun fire from the acorns hitting it.

_____________ 

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

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: S.E. South Dakota
  • 13,569 posts
Posted by Murphy Siding on Friday, February 8, 2019 9:00 AM
     Squirrely weather- We have a big apple tree over our bedroom. From early fall on, Mr. Squirrel is constantly knocking apples onto the roof. Thud! Bumpa, bumpa, bumpa, bumpa. The last few days we have had brutal weather. Typical was last night. -10 with a 30 mph breeze making for wind chills around -35. The wind blowing frozen apples onto the roof takes on a more sinister sound, like someone hitting the roof with a baseball bat. WHAM! THUNK! THUNK! THUNK! THUNK! That happened about once an hour all night long. Consequently, I’m a little squirrely today.

     I’m ready for spring and I’m sure Mr. Squirrel is too.

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, February 7, 2019 2:28 PM

afternoon

Rain here in Nw Ohio.Stacey has some coupons.Errands to run.Matt has to go do dishes.Glad 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
    October 2014
  • From: Flint or Grand Rapids, Mi or Elkhart, It Depends on the day
  • 573 posts
Posted by BOB WITHORN on Thursday, February 7, 2019 2:03 PM
With Lake Michigan it's often a north to south air flow on the backside of the rotation that then dumps snow on the west coast of Michigan with the south end especially hard hit to the east-southeast. Can travel US-131 and have heavy snow to the west and light to east side.
  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Thursday, February 7, 2019 1:51 PM

I'm pretty familiar with lake effect snow.  In my youth, I can remember my nieghborhood getting six inches while the rest of the city got less than an inch.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, February 7, 2019 12:31 PM

Deggesty
Larry, you are ot the only one to receive lake effect snow.

For sure - The Great Salt Lake is one of the few bodies of water (other than the Great Lakes and the oceans) large enough and capable of generating enough moisture to cause lake effect.

I've seen lake effect downwind from Oneida Lake, just north of Syracuse.

The feature that makes lake effect here so significant is that winds often run the length of Lake Erie and Ontario, providing plenty of "fetch."  Then the hilly area east of those lakes wring that moisture out, and over populated areas.

All of the Great Lakes generate lake effect.  The fetch across Lake Michigan isn't as long, although you'll definitely see it happen.  The same is true of Lake Huron, although Georgian Bay can be a multiplier.  Lake Superior's lake enhancement falls over some less populated areas of Ontario.  

There have been instances, however, where Lake Superior enhancement has carried over onto Lake Huron, and then down as far as New York State.

 

 

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 Wednesday, February 6, 2019 8:17 PM

The evening news reported various snowfalls in the valley--up to about a foot and a half in some places. For the first time in many years, school districts around here declared snow days--and tomorrow may also be a snow day.

Larry, you are ot the only one to receive lake effect snow. I fear that the Great Salt Lake will be even lower after this storm--and that MC will not get anywhere near as much snow as we have received since yesterday evening--and there will be more tonight.

 

Skiers are delighted--if they can get up the canyons to the slopes; either four-wheel drives or chains are required, and there are snowslides that block the roads from time to time.

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