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Chatterbox Winter 2018-2019

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, February 17, 2019 7:32 AM

As of 0830 - ISS will pass over Louisiana/Alabama momentarily, and track up the east coast to Maine.  145.800 on your scanner...

LarryWhistling
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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, February 17, 2019 12:40 PM

afternoon

Turning white here in Nw Ohio.Csx ran a few trains by.Was able to watch a few in the old neighborhood.Even saw an old Milwaukee road grain hopper.Matt has to go do dishes for work next.

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 Monday, February 18, 2019 4:32 PM
Tough morning commute. Had 8:30 appointment in Grand Rapids, an hour and 40 minutes away. Enter snow storm, leave Elkhart 40 minutes early, arrive 30 minutes late, they said sorry you'll need to reschedule, so I'll try again next week
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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, February 18, 2019 5:11 PM

evening

Had an error code for some reason earlier.Ns was clear when I left work.Watched the Deshler camera.A crew was in South Deshler to repleace some bad wheels on a tank car.Matt is due to take a college test on Wed. The guessers say a mixed bag of stuff in the morning changing to rain.We'll see how it plays out.

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 18, 2019 7:51 PM

JoeKoh
Had an error code for some reason earlier.

Same here.  

About four inches of snow this AM, and cold.  More cold tonight - already -0.5F here.  Hardly a cloud in the sky, so lots of radiational cooling...

It was plenty cold out on the road this afternoon.  One car lost control in some slush on the road and hit another - both had to be flat-bedded out.  One of the tow companies had a communications problem, meaning we (the FD) ended up hanging around directing traffic for upwards of an hour, waiting.  And waiting.

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 Tuesday, February 19, 2019 4:51 AM

Single digits in the Mile-High City. The cold is squeezing moisture out of the air with a super fine, gritty, snizzle. You almost can't see it.

Struggling with a side effect of PSR here where the the big railroad engineering staffs have been decimated and what was easilly accessed institutional memory is now a bear to find. (The institutional memory is retiring or leaving early and the survivors never got the time to learn from the old heads. Sad. Can confirm CSX, NS and UP have problems. Combined with the EagleOne scam artists making life difficult for BNSF and UP, information gathering for client projects is tougher than in the past.)

What happens when Brand X railroad sells a line to Brand A shortline of which half a mile of track isn't theirs?HmmHuh?Confused

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 blue streak 1 on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 2:47 PM

For shadow:  A new England LTL carrier has filed bankruptcy and is going to shut down.  We cannot understand how any carrier in that area can make a profit?  Cannot see any benefit for RRs in the area?

https://www.ttnews.com/articles/new-england-motor-freight-files-bankruptcy-plans-wind-down-trucking-operations 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 3:16 PM

afternoon

My work ships orders LTL.Places are always looking for drivers.Thing is most people want to do short hauls not cross country trips.Randy can also testify to the 4 wheelers being distracted by cell phones and such.Ns sent a stack train each way after work today.We are under a winter weather advisory for tomorrow morning.Matt's test will probably be re-scheduled.Went uptown and they were finished with our order.Stacey is happy so we are good.

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, February 19, 2019 3:38 PM

Joe - the CSX track geometry train just left Deshler westbound (as of 1630).  Should be in your neck of the woods soon.

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, February 19, 2019 7:37 PM

Our advisory kicks in at 3:00 this morning.  We should have an inch of snow on the ground when we get up, another inch by the time we leave for Pat's physical therapy, then a tiny layer of ice on top of that before it all turns to rain/slush.

We had only four trains per hour at the Peck house today (when two of the four are scoots, that's not very busy).  Two more trains showed up while we were driving home.  A couple were manifests, so I have a little to work with.

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 Wednesday, February 20, 2019 7:35 AM

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.

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 JoeKoh on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 3:43 PM

afternoon

Ns local was uptown when I left work.Snow this morning has changed to a very cold rain.Ran errands in town.Larry I came back from uptown yesterday and saw the Geo. train on Deshlers webcam.He didn't waste any time getting by Defiance.Also he had a stack train following him west on the other track.Matt did get his test in today.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 20, 2019 4:11 PM

We got less than an inch of snow overnight, and it was already doing something else by the time I left to get blood drawn for lab tests.  (It looked and behaved like rain on the car and on clear roads, but if it hit snow or ice it became slick.)  We shouldn't need to shovel anything.

At my chosen medical lab (in Glen Ellyn), I heard a train horn.  I got to the front of the building in time to see the hind end of a manifest freight head east (and now you know why I choose that particular lab whenever possible!).  

After the vampires did their thing, I left for home, and found the manifest stopped at Finley Road.  Its signal was an Approach (yellow-over-dark) when I was driving past the power, but I actually saw it change to yellow-over-green, showing that a route was lined up for this train to cross over from Track 2 to another track (most likely Track 1) at Grace.  I had to work a little hard to get myself blocked by the train (going around a big block, then going the length of another block and doubling back to get into a good position), but it was almost worth it.  I saw a TBOX car that looked very new...I couldn't read the build date from where I was, but when I got home, I could check.  It was built in 12/18.  I still need my first 2019-built freight car...what was more dismaying was that this car's series was shown in the "official" table my friends keep as being built in 1/19--a higher number would have done if for me!  Still, they would need the date I saw to keep the records accurate.

So now I'm back to working on sightings made on Monday after catching those two CP trains on the way (sort-of!) home from our tax preparation.  I'm busy, but still a happy camper.  If I get enough done today, and if the weather turns nice as promised, I would like to take a little saunter to the tracks and a ride to Elmhurst and back.  I already have results from my labs suggesting that I need more exercise, and the three or so miles I'd get on a trip like this will certainly help!

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 Murphy Siding on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 4:33 PM

 

Free snow! Come and get it! Luxurious white hue, about 10” thick with no more moisture than a handful of dust. Hurry- won’t last long!

 

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

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Posted by jeffhergert on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 5:24 PM

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 

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Posted by Deggesty on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 7:45 PM

Carl, your mention of the vampires reminded of my experiences 11 1/2 years ago. Before being dosed with a carcinogen killer, a blood sample would be drawn. Usually, one particular phlebotomist would draw the sample, and I began calling her "Bloodsucker." One day, someone else drew the blood, and, as I was being treated, I saw my favorite vampire about to draw a sample from another man and called, "Hello, Bloodsucker." The other man looked a little worried, and she assured him, "That's a term of endearment."

Johnny

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Posted by blhanel on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 8:29 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 

 

I dunno, looks kinda like IAIS #512 might've gotten a little crumpled...

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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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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 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 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 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 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: Defiance Ohio
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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 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 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 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 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...

  • Member since
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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 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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