Trains.com

Chatterbox Summer 2019

14156 views
254 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Sunday, August 18, 2019 3:16 PM

zugmann
 
BaltACD
however, I am told portions of that route and I85 are the prime route for truck between the Northeast and Southeast, as it avoids all the tolls that are on a i95 route between Richmond and New York. Once off I95 the route is nominally all 2 lanes in each direction - so truck passing truck is a big impediment factor. 

81 is nothing but solid trucks MD and PA.

Virginia too

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, August 18, 2019 3:11 PM

afternoon

Mother nature sent us a downpur.Saw the local working Gm when I came home.Time to get stuff for 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").

 

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Sunday, August 18, 2019 8:42 AM

BaltACD
however, I am told portions of that route and I85 are the prime route for truck between the Northeast and Southeast, as it avoids all the tolls that are on a i95 route between Richmond and New York. Once off I95 the route is nominally all 2 lanes in each direction - so truck passing truck is a big impediment factor.

81 is nothing but solid trucks MD and PA.

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

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Sunday, August 18, 2019 7:26 AM

blue streak 1
Balt I-81 in the Carolinas?

I routed from Jacksonville to MD one time  - I95-I26-I77-I81 - I forget where the change off between 77 and 81 happened - however, I am told portions of that route and I85 are the prime route for truck between the Northeast and Southeast, as it avoids all the tolls that are on a i95 route between Richmond and New York.  Once off I95 the route is nominally all 2 lanes in each direction - so truck passing truck is a big impediment factor.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Sunday, August 18, 2019 5:23 AM

Balt I-81 in the Carolinas?

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Friday, August 16, 2019 9:00 PM

tree68
The open road was a pain.  The semi drivers seem to like to pass each other with about a half mile per hour difference in their speed.

And when I did pass a slower driver, it seemed that while there was no one in sight behind me when I started the pass, there was almost always someone on my bumper about half way through the pass, eager to race on...

I-81 through the Carolina's and Virginia - half a MPH difference between semis passing each other would be 'buzzing the tower' - more like 0.01 MPH difference - one time was stuck behind 1 truck passing 1 other truck from one exit to the next.  Never again.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, August 16, 2019 8:53 PM

evening

Ns was clear after work.Took brother out this evening.Went down to New Haven and was he was able to see the 765 as they were shutting down for the day.Csx and Ns both were having problems where to put trains.We saw  L 75 and L 91 on Ns both with high hood locomotives still in use.Matt is still doing dishes right now.

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
    January 2002
  • From: Cedar Rapids, IA
  • 4,213 posts
Posted by blhanel on Friday, August 16, 2019 8:36 PM

tree68
 

The open road was a pain.  The semi drivers seem to like to pass each other with about a half mile per hour difference in their speed.

And when I did pass a slower driver, it seemed that while there was no one in sight behind me when I started the pass, there was almost always someone on my bumper about half way through the pass, eager to race on...

 

Sounds real familiar to me currently- Joanie and I are finishing up a cross-country trip to Florida and back.  Tonight we're in Hendersonville, NC- gonna run through Great Smoky Mountains NP tomorrow to Paducah, then home Sunday.  Did get in one "brief" train ride yesterday in Spencer, NC- the NC Transportation Museum's high-nose diesel and half a dozen passenger cars do a short run to the end of the railyard and then back them up to the depot.  They do have an impressive amount of vintage vehicles on display, and working on more, including an older passenger plane.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, August 15, 2019 2:36 PM

afternoon

Ns had an eastbound stack train and local working when I left work.Chores to do here.Matt is going over to Garrett for the model RR club.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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 4:35 PM

good evening

Ns had a westbound and local around when I left work.Came home and took care of yardwork.Also have things prepped for supper as soon as Mamma gets home.Matt is off doing 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
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 4:34 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH

Your experience on 401 sounds similar to driving I-15 between Las Vegas and Barstow.  Once I got past Primm, the situation quickly became a case of keeping up with traffic at 80 MPH or risk getting run over.

Only 80?  Got caught one time in the north of Toronto when they'd temporarily configured the express lanes from three to four in each direction.  I (along with a lot of other drivers) was in the left hand lane, almost within reach of the Jersey barriers in bumper to bumper (literally) traffic, doing 85.  And I wonder why I have arthritis in my fingers...

Survived today's transit - Toronto wasn't bad, just a couple of almost stops.

The open road was a pain.  The semi drivers seem to like to pass each other with about a half mile per hour difference in their speed.

And when I did pass a slower driver, it seemed that while there was no one in sight behind me when I started the pass, there was almost always someone on my bumper about half way through the pass, eager to race on...

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
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 2:27 PM

afternoon

Ns local was working uptown after work.Csx update from yesterday.Csx has a mess near Carey Ohio.Fire crews were busy at the maumee river bridge trying to figure out how to put out a fire underneath the bridge.Friend was a conductor for an eastbound out of Chicago.He had the CNW heritage unit on the point.It was dark and rainy by the time he got through our area.Got to North Baltimore at 11:45 pm.Chores to do here.

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
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 6:53 AM

Your experience on 401 sounds similar to driving I-15 between Las Vegas and Barstow.  Once I got past Primm, the situation quickly became a case of keeping up with traffic at 80 MPH or risk getting run over.

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
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Monday, August 12, 2019 8:08 PM

Well, wrapping up my "vacation" (I guess retired people can take vacations, too...), back on the road tomorrow.  I'll be going through Ontario on the 402 and 401.  The 402 (Sarnia to London) is pretty sane.  The 401, on the other hand, is a real zoo.  The good part is that once I get off the 401, I'm about 20 miles from my house.

Paddled a kayak down the Huron River today - about 2.5 hours.  Haven't been down the river in over 50 years, but it's still a pleasant trip.  For a fair part of it you're reminded that you're only a couple hundred yards (at most) from civilization, but portions are out of range of most traffic noise and you're out in the "boonies," so to speak.

May have rescued a snapping turtle today during the kayak trip - it looked like it had gotten someone's fishing line/bait and was dragging a fair amount of the line around.  There were a lot of weeds hung up on the line, and I could tell it was getting very fatigued.  I was able to cut the fishing line and perhaps it was able to get into shallow water and rest.

I did confirm that Lake State Railroad is now operating much of the CSX Saginaw Sub.  Saw one train, heard another, but they didn't run one today at about the same time, so I couldn't get a good picture.  Maybe next year.  There sure isn't the traffic on the line I remember when I was a kid.

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
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, August 12, 2019 3:26 PM

afternoon

Ns had cars uptown.They also sent a power move westbound.Ran errands in town.Have other chores to get done.Mother nature is sending us some rain.

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 Sunday, August 11, 2019 5:12 PM

Sorry, MC, I was out of there a week ago, and Joe was ahead of me.  Pat and I went to New Albany, Indiana, for their art and history museum (an old Carnegie Library), to see their Underground Railroad exhibit.  Not much to see in Louisville, though I did find a former Coors tank car there.

Reunions...both of us are past our 50th, two years ago.  In a couple of weeks we'll be going up for my 70th!  The classmates decided to hold a birthday party instead of a graduation-anniversary party (any excuse for a party).  Our class--known in the high school as that class, with the emphasis on class--has been pretty good about keeping in touch with and visiting each other.  If classmates come to visit Chicagoland for almost any reason except to change flights, we'll usually go visit with 'em.  

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
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Sunday, August 11, 2019 11:03 AM

mudchicken
... Headed from Cincy to St. Louis after lunch. (Can Indiana DOT screw up the freeways with shutdowns and lane closures any more than what I saw Friday? Too many cars and not enough road does not work for Hoosiers used to driving in circles at high speed.)

My trip across the state in May had the road surface knocking the fillings out of the teeth I used to have.  Shifted the race car on the trailer and shifted the equipment I attach to the trailer with ratchet straps.

mudchicken
High School reunion #45 came and went - Everybody's appearance changed drastically since last time....The three letter A and O words were not allowed.

My classes 55th was this weekend.  I did not attend.  Went to the 25th and 50th - at the 25th I recognized most that attended; the 50th 'Who are all the old people?'  I am certain they thought the same about me, even though I don't see it.  [/sarcasm]

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Sunday, August 11, 2019 10:33 AM

The dust cloud I saw must've been Joe and Carl Bugging out. Headed from Cincy to St. Louis after lunch. (Can Indiana DOT screw up the freeways with shutdowns and lane closures any more than what I saw Friday? Too many cars and not enough road does not work for Hoosiers used to driving in circles at high speed.) High School reunion #45 came and went - Everybody's appearance changed drastically since last time....The three letter A and O words were not allowed.

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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, August 11, 2019 12:01 AM

good morning

Marion was nice.Csx sent a Western Maryland sticker unit.Ns sent the Illinois Terminal(glowworm) unit. Good presentations at the theatre.Good times at the station and tower as well.

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
    March 2003
  • From: Central Iowa
  • 6,901 posts
Posted by jeffhergert on Friday, August 9, 2019 8:37 PM

blhanel

 

 
Paul of Covington

 

 
Murphy Siding
What are the two cars directly behind the tender?

 

   I think you are talking about the auxiliary tenders carrying more water, also called canteens.   I've never noticed those two "boxes" on top of each one.  Does anyone know their purpose?

   By the way, I've been wondering what the car near the middle of the train is that has that big "dome" near one end.   Is it a power car?

 

 

 

I believe that is correct re the last question.  In other threads/conversations with Jeff, he noted that the diesel unit along for the ride is not even used for HEP, just dynamic braking when needed.

 

It is indeed a power car.  It's a former dynamometer car converted into a power car.  (I saw it when it first showed up at the Heritage Park car shop in Council Bluffs for conversion.  It plainly said dynamometer on it's side.)

Jeff 

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Friday, August 9, 2019 8:15 PM

blhanel
 
Paul of Covington 
Murphy Siding
What are the two cars directly behind the tender? 

   I think you are talking about the auxiliary tenders carrying more water, also called canteens.   I've never noticed those two "boxes" on top of each one.  Does anyone know their purpose?

   By the way, I've been wondering what the car near the middle of the train is that has that big "dome" near one end.   Is it a power car? 

I believe that is correct re the last question.  In other threads/conversations with Jeff, he noted that the diesel unit along for the ride is not even used for HEP, just dynamic braking when needed.

To provide HEP, a locomotive has to have electrical equipment able to generate the required voltages and frequencies.  Freight locomotives do not contain that equipment.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Cedar Rapids, IA
  • 4,213 posts
Posted by blhanel on Friday, August 9, 2019 7:39 PM

Paul of Covington

 

 
Murphy Siding
What are the two cars directly behind the tender?

 

   I think you are talking about the auxiliary tenders carrying more water, also called canteens.   I've never noticed those two "boxes" on top of each one.  Does anyone know their purpose?

   By the way, I've been wondering what the car near the middle of the train is that has that big "dome" near one end.   Is it a power car?

 

I believe that is correct re the last question.  In other threads/conversations with Jeff, he noted that the diesel unit along for the ride is not even used for HEP, just dynamic braking when needed.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, August 9, 2019 4:27 PM

evening

No place like home someone once said.Ns had a westbound "Carl Special" in the siding after work.Ran errands up town to get supplies for tomorrow.Also had to replace our mini cooler after years of service.Matt is doing dishes tonight.Tomorrow it's Summerrail in Marion.Everything is out ready to put in the truck in the morning.

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
    July 2010
  • From: Louisiana
  • 2,310 posts
Posted by Paul of Covington on Friday, August 9, 2019 9:26 AM

Murphy Siding
What are the two cars directly behind the tender?

   I think you are talking about the auxiliary tenders carrying more water, also called canteens.   I've never noticed those two "boxes" on top of each one.  Does anyone know their purpose?

   By the way, I've been wondering what the car near the middle of the train is that has that big "dome" near one end.   Is it a power car?

_____________ 

  "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 Thursday, August 8, 2019 11:11 PM

zugmann

Just checking to make sure the levels of un-railroady fun in here are in check.

 

Carry on my wayward sons.  For there'll be peace when you are done.

 

Well, the moderators did close another thread...it's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine..

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Thursday, August 8, 2019 10:58 PM

Just checking to make sure the levels of un-railroady fun in here are in check.

 

Carry on my wayward sons.  For there'll be peace when you are done.

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

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, August 8, 2019 9:44 PM

CShaveRR

Larry, as long as you didn't abandon Hope!

Well, she is a nice looking young woman, but I think she's already spoken for...Big Smile

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
    May 2005
  • From: S.E. South Dakota
  • 13,569 posts
Posted by Murphy Siding on Thursday, August 8, 2019 9:34 PM

blhanel

What are the two cars directly behind the tender?

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Thursday, August 8, 2019 4:45 PM

Larry, as long as you didn't abandon Hope!

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
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, August 8, 2019 3:46 PM

afternoon

Ns had an eastbound  mixed frieight in the siding when I left work.Came home and mowed.Matt is off to do dishes.One more day.Looks like Mother Nature wants to give us a good weekend.

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").

 

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