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Chatterbox Winter 2018-2019

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  • Member since
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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.

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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
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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...

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  • From: Defiance Ohio
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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").

 

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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

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  • From: Defiance Ohio
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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").

 

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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)

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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...

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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").

 

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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...

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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...

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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)

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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
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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...

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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").

 

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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
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  • From: Defiance Ohio
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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").

 

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Posted by Shadow the Cats owner on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 6:09 PM

Everyone please keep myself and family in your prayers as my husband had major surgery today.  He had a gastric sleeve done and is having a hard time controlling the pain and nausea right now. 

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, February 14, 2019 6:28 AM

Tragic fire early this morning in Watertown - three dead, three injured.  Five of the victims were children.

One of the worst fires in this area in years, casualty-wise.

Caught snippets of the radio traffic -things were a bit frantic for a little while.

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 Thursday, February 14, 2019 9:16 AM

Mrs. Shadow, having had stomach problems (Barrett's) in the past, I probably know only a little of what your husband is going through.  Get that pain under control, and get him to take it easy (not always the easiest thing to do).  If he's comfortable in a car, go watch trains...calmly!

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
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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, February 14, 2019 2:33 PM

afternoon

Ns sent an eastbound mixed freight after work today.Hope everyone has a nice Valentines day. Matt has no homework tonight but gets to go 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").

 

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Posted by mudchicken on Thursday, February 14, 2019 11:13 PM

Red Flag Warning, Winter Snow Warning and High Wind Warning (60-90mph gusts) all on the same day. Ma Nature getting a bit schizoid around here?

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 ChuckCobleigh on Friday, February 15, 2019 2:29 AM

tree68

Tragic fire early this morning in Watertown - three dead, three injured.  Five of the victims were children.

One of the worst fires in this area in years, casualty-wise.

Caught snippets of the radio traffic -things were a bit frantic for a little while.

Local news is saying there were no working smoke detectors in the house. Think I'll check mine tonight, off schedule. Had to replace a CO detector this year when the old one went "end of life" on us. We just had a CO fatality in the county, sad but preventable.

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, February 15, 2019 2:26 PM

afternoon

Ns had a big mixed frieght to go west in the siding.They also sent an eastbound stack train after work as well.Was going to go on a trip south with Sis but those plans are on hold.Guessers say snow on Sunday,maybe more on Wed.Need to run errands in town.Matt gets to go 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").

 

  • Member since
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Posted by tree68 on Friday, February 15, 2019 2:59 PM

ChuckCobleigh
Local news is saying there were no working smoke detectors in the house.

An all too common problem - apparently especially with rental properties.  Replacing older smoke detectors with the new 10 year version will help remedy that.

The two daughters who survived the fire have now succumbed to their injuries, leaving the 13YO who ran to the neighbors the sole survivor.

The father apparently tried to rescue the other girls.

CO detectors have a finite life.  Most people don't bother to read the instructions.  If they did, they'd realize that periodic rapid beeps (or a similar alert) indicate it's time for a new detector.  I've been out on a number of "CO detector" calls for that very reason.  

We get to the residence and discover a CO level of zero.

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 ChuckCobleigh on Friday, February 15, 2019 4:40 PM

tree68
CO detectors have a finite life.  Most people don't bother to read the instructions.  If they did, they'd realize that periodic rapid beeps (or a similar alert) indicate it's time for a new detector.  I've been out on a number of "CO detector" calls for that very reason.  

I think ours alerted us with beeps and then displayed something that indicated end of life. The replacement is supposed to be a 10-year, as opposed to 5-year, model. Got both at our local Costco and the new one lined up with the screws in the wall, so minimal problem on the replacement.

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Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, February 16, 2019 3:53 PM

afternoon

Went a little west this morning.Saw a triple crown and local on Ns cross CSX a St.Joe.Also saw Csx working on a big train at Garrett.He almost made it to Auburn Jct.NIPSCO was busy with pole and line work in Auburn so I decided to come back east.I saw him at the Ohio/Indiana state line.Csx sent a westbound q 091 as well.Had an impatient driver waiting for the train on track 1.Going to relax 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 Saturday, February 16, 2019 3:55 PM

The crossing at stateline is a crossing/viaduct combo.You cross track 1 and go under track 2.The driver did a u turn then came back flying down the road after q 091 finished going west.

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 tree68 on Saturday, February 16, 2019 4:00 PM

I've been monitoring the International Space Station through the weekend - they are broadcasting slow-scan TV images until around noon Sunday.

If you have a home scanner, you may well be able to hear them on 145.800 mHz.  Generally, it's a two minute transmission, followed by two minutes of silence.  

Smartphone apps and computer programs are available to turn the signal from beeps and boops to an image.

As an amateur who does other digital stuff, I've got the hardware necessary.  So far I've caught around a dozen images including a couple of duplicates (they're using the same dozen or so images over and over).

There are sites that will tell you when the ISS is passing over you.  Just be careful about the sites that only tell you when that will happen at night (when you can see it going over), as radio doesn't care if it's dark or light.

Fun stuff!

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 Sunday, February 17, 2019 5:58 AM

Good Morning

Need to get ready for church.Matt's group is back at the local center to do lunch.Snow on the way.Will see what Csx runs.Matt has to do dishes again 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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