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Chatterbox Spring 2020

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Posted by mudchicken on Monday, April 13, 2020 7:35 PM

Deggesty

Quoting MC "All kinds of railroad research projects all over the midwest on hold because the archives, railroad engineering, state and county offices are all closed. Abandoned railroad R/W info kinda hard to access in these times, which will cause some projects to grind to a halt. (Millenial buttonpushers are incredulous that this stuff isn't findable on the webCrying)"

Well, invite the "millenial buttonpushers" to make use of their time by finding this stuff and posting it after the archives are available.Smile

 

Largely beneath them, especially the government ones.

(1) At BLM, they are way behind and are digitizing like crazy. Unfortunately so much of the public room stuff here in Denver is on aperture cards (film); there is no budget to digitize. Master Title Plats (MTP) and Historical Indexes (OG) are all just now showing up online along with the Oil & Gas (OG) maps and only the images of two states GLO Tract Books are online. (The mormons are well ahead of the feds with data that applies to everybody from Ohio/Florida to the west. (and Tennessee is just so-screwed because it refused to change, even after the government broke down large parts of the states)... Everybody east of Ohio ( The Metes and Bounds States, is stuck with the clumsy Colonial/British system and large parts of Texas (Spanish Registry) and Louisiana (Napoleonic Code) registry are stuck with a harder system fraught with error and abuse. 

-At the Colorado BLM HQ, they have film readers and a KROY-3M film printer that they can't find anybody to come fix/maintain the machines. It's a struggle if you are a miner, oil and gas, timber or grassland leaseholder. (technology gone backwards, debilatating!) 

(2) At National Archives, the brain trust there would NOT allow scanning until the early 2010's. The microfilm imaging people (Captain Blur and CO. - A Division of Wie, Cheatem and Howe really had people buffaloed.)

(3) and then there are the local courthouses, especially the rural ones (disasters)

The new snake-oil hucksters, with GIS, hardly cre about integrity.

All it takes is $$$$ and there isn't any.SoapBoxSoapBoxSoapBox

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 Monday, April 13, 2020 6:44 PM

BaltACD
Interesting day between alternating Severe T'storm Warnings, Tornado Warning,...

A fellow ham in NC posted a TVS image from the area of the USMC base there.  We're just getting wind.  Gale warnings on Lake Ontario...

LarryWhistling
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Posted by BaltACD on Monday, April 13, 2020 3:37 PM

Interesting day between alternating Severe T'storm Warnings, Tornado Warning, Florida Frog Drowner bands of rain all punctuated with random period of sunshine followed winds gusting into the 40's.  If you don't like the situation this instant, it will change in 10 minutes.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, April 13, 2020 3:26 PM

NorthWest
I'm currently finding out that right now is a particularly ugly time to be graduating from college and looking for jobs. I'd rather not be the unemployed millenial in the basement...

It's going to take a while to sort a lot of things out.  Scholarships (sports and academics) are going to be tough, since the end of the school year has been pretty much cancelled (including some testing), and along with it sports.

Much has been made of the fact that the class of 2020 is, well, up a creek.

There had been rumors of making all students repeat the year.  This would raise Cain with the colleges, as their entire freshman class would be basically non-existent.

The ripple effects will last for several years.

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, April 13, 2020 3:14 PM

afternoon

Ns had an eastbound coal train in the siding after work.Mother nature is providing wind power.Chores 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 NorthWest on Monday, April 13, 2020 2:34 PM

Carl, good to hear that you and Pat are in good spirits during this difficult time. I wish you two the best for quick recoveries.

That goes towards other forum members as well. I hope everyone is doing well.

I'm currently finding out that right now is a particularly ugly time to be graduating from college and looking for jobs. I'd rather not be the unemployed millenial in the basement...

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, April 13, 2020 1:23 PM

rvos1979
Grocery store was better, although we can't use our own bags anymore.

Our grocery stores had just changed over to re-usable bags (or you could pay for paper) due to a state law.  Now they're using plastic again.  

My last trip to the grocery store showed a fair sized crowd.  Lowes was busy, too.  Some wore masks, most didn't.

I see where a liquor store posted a sign on the door banning gloves.  That's actually a good thing, as people are really misusing them, forgetting that they are intended to stop cross contamination...

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 rvos1979 on Monday, April 13, 2020 6:56 AM

Another week, another Muskogee turn, this time hauling out the paper that's used to make the roll the toilet paper is wound onto. 42,000 lbs makes a lot of rolls..........

Had to make a Sam's Club run this past Friday, wasn't too bad inside, although supplies of food were low, couldn't get a few things we needed. Cleaning supplies were still gone. Grocery store was better, although we can't use our own bags anymore. More paper to the recycling bin, I guess. Sister has to order a week ahead if she wants to pickup groceries, hopefully they add more people to this service...........

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 miniwyo on Monday, April 13, 2020 12:22 AM

Hey everyone! 

I was over at the MR forums to ask a question that is stumping me and thought I'd stop and say hello to you all. My, it's been a while. There's so many new "faces", but I'm delighted to see some of the old family. 

Carl, Hang in there! I know you and Pat will weather this and be stronger on the other side. 

I may begin to lurk a bit more. I have missed you all.

RJ

"Something hidden, Go and find it. Go and look behind the ranges, Something lost behind the ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go." The Explorers - Rudyard Kipling

http://sweetwater-photography.com/

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Posted by Ajsik on Sunday, April 12, 2020 9:23 PM

CShaveRR

I don't drink coffee at all.  My poison of choice is Diet Mountain Dew. 

I always thought it was too harsh...until I started adding a splash of Code Red at the convenience store fountain.

Thanks for sharing your updates. I hope your wife has a speedy recovery.

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Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, April 12, 2020 7:53 PM

Johnny, I don't drink coffee at all.  My poison of choice is Diet Mountain Dew, and I've taken care of the headache with that.

Pat's being cared for--she mentioned a shot she's gotten, and that she ate a bit, and drank some milk.  I don't envy her sleeping with that tube under her nose, but she's pretty happy, if not comfortable, with the treatment she's getting.

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 Sunday, April 12, 2020 5:15 PM

Carl, thank you for the update on Pat; may she be getting the care she needs.

As for you, make a BIG pot of coffee and drink it.

Johnny

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Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, April 12, 2020 4:24 PM

Pat has been admitted to the hospital for her COVID-19, is on oxygen (not a respirator), and in isolation.  They're taking better care of her than I could here, so I'll just get done what I can and stay in touch with her.  She says it'll be "a few days".  She was admitted because her oxygen levels were so low.  Cetrainly a far cry from the "sounding better" report we heard yesterday...

I will talk with my own doctors tomorrow to see if they want to take any precautions with me.  I don't feel too bad now...headache earlier today was due to the lack of caffeine.  My temperature, slightly elevated, has been going down again.

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 Sunday, April 12, 2020 2:31 PM

Quoting MC "All kinds of railroad research projects all over the midwest on hold because the archives, railroad engineering, state and county offices are all closed. Abandoned railroad R/W info kinda hard to access in these times, which will cause some projects to grind to a halt. (Millenial buttonpushers are incredulous that this stuff isn't findable on the webCrying)"

Well, invite the "millenial buttonpushers" to make use of their time by finding this stuff and posting it after the archives are available.Smile

Johnny

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Posted by mudchicken on Sunday, April 12, 2020 1:00 PM

 The Easter Bunny is freezing his patooties off here. 2 inches of snow overnight and more falling lightly until the end of Friday.

All kinds of railroad research projects all over the midwest on hold because the archives, railroad engineering, state and county offices are all closed. Abandoned railroad R/W info kinda hard to access in these times, which will cause some projects to grind to a halt. (Millenial buttonpushers are incredulous that this stuff isn't findable on the webCrying)

BNSF is busy trying to figure out who set two piles of reclaimed ties on fire at Pueblo (newsworkers are claiming 10000 ties, but their counting is probably as bad as their reporting skills.)

Between Las Animas & La Junta, just east of Bents Fort, there is a 2000 Acre range fire burning on the North side of the Arkansas River. BNSF is watching that carefully  from the other side of the river. (Amtrak not affected; DC - This would be between  Marlman and the river on the old AV District ...  Fingers are being pointed at an agri-dummy burning ditches in the midst of a red flag warning Dunce)

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 Deggesty on Sunday, April 12, 2020 12:28 PM

A blessed Easter to all.

The skies are clear--but it is about 20 degees colder than it was yesterday (it's the Easter cold snap), and it will stay cold a good part of the week, with some rain later in the week.

Johnny

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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, April 12, 2020 6:55 AM

good morning

Happy Easter.

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 Saturday, April 11, 2020 3:48 PM

No trains today (but a fair amount of tracks, most of them  out of service), but I did get out on the road for a couple of hours.  Had four deliveries to make at widely separated locations.

There's still snow on Tug Hill.  Some may have been from our most recent storm.

Still giving the new 3D printer a workout.  The face shield brims aren't as needed right now, but they're still looking for the device that keeps the elastic strap from masks from chafing on your ears.  Very important for those wearing them on a regular basis right now.

I'm getting the hot projects knocked out - almost time to tackle that spruce that came down in the back yard last winter...

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 Saturday, April 11, 2020 3:36 PM

afternoon

Found some more for Carl.Will be interesting to see where some of the other stuff I found goes.

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 Deggesty on Saturday, April 11, 2020 1:55 PM

Carl, I am sorry to hear that Pat has the Coronavirus; may she come completely out of it--and you not come down with it.

Johnny

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Posted by CShaveRR on Saturday, April 11, 2020 12:27 PM

Joe found a Cryo-Trans mine for me on his ventures out this morning...supplied me the numbers and names of twelve of the 20 cars in a completely new series!  (The series was built last November and December...new enough!)

Pat officially has the Coronavirus; the good news is that she appears to be coming out of it, as do most people who remain quarantined.  I feel fine this morning...if it holds off a little longer for me, Pat will be immune to this version.

There's a lovely day out there through my window!

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 JoeKoh on Saturday, April 11, 2020 7:54 AM

morning

Have seen a couple of those LE&F boxcars come through on Csx.They have coal hopper cars too that are used for MOW.Carl hope you and Pat feel better soon.Staceys boss called yesterday.She is to come back to work next Monday.We'll see what happens from there.Going to go out and see what csx can send by.

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 Electroliner 1935 on Friday, April 10, 2020 11:51 PM

tree68
I'm starting to push the "get outside" option to folks.  Even if it's not in groups, you don't have to sit inside your house all day.  Sit on the porch.  Sit in the backyard (doing yardwork wouldn't hurt).  Talk to your neighbor over the back fence (social distancing, of course).  I get the impression that some folks think they have to stay in their houses.  Nada.  You just can't go browsing around stores, etc.  Or parks, many of which are closed.

Larry, my wife and I have been taking walks around our association (one mile) and when we pass others, one moves of the sidewalk and moves into the street and thus we maintain the 6 ft separation as we make our running meet. And Carl, after what you and your wife have been through, I wish you all the strength you need to have to beat that %#@@& Covid-19.

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, April 10, 2020 11:10 PM

CShaveRR
If my wife has the virus, I pobably won't be far behind her.  I've been feeling all right so far, but this afternoon I became vilently ill.  A two-hour nap helped, and I hope that the sandwich I'm eating now stays down.  Not much of the stuff I'd planned to do today got done.  (Body temperature, before and after this episode, was the same...my usual low 98s.)

It's been said that gastro-intestinal issues may be a precursor on this virus.  Hopefully you both weather the infection, if it turns out either of you have it.

Just don't be taking any fish tank cleaner...

There's been a lot lately about how 98.6 isn't "normal."  It is, after all, an arbitrary number determined years ago as an average.

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 Friday, April 10, 2020 8:46 PM

We are supposed to have rain tomorrow night and Sunday morning.  Easter afternoon is supposed to be sunny, then we expect snow every day through Thursday after that.  

I know Larry's right, but after a rough day yesterday, I have been looking forward to a weekend at home...inside, catching up on stuff I need to do.

Yesterday we took Pat in to be checked for Coronavirus.  Results haven't come back yet but she's been feverish for most of the past week and the doctor there (a specially-equipped office set up in Naperville) said that he's pretty sure the test will come back positive.  We have a follow-up on Sunday.

If my wife has the virus, I pobably won't be far behind her.  I've been feeling all right so far, but this afternoon I became vilently ill.  A two-hour nap helped, and I hope that the sandwich I'm eating now stays down.  Not much of the stuff I'd planned to do today got done.  (Body temperature, before and after this episode, was the same...my usual low 98s.)

I did however, find a couple of answers to questions I'd had on both sides of a group of tank cars that existed in the early and middle 1990s.  After about 30 years I found the origin of these 19 cars.  And after 25 or so years, I found the dispositions of the remaining cars.  (And all of this while looking for something that hasn't revealed itself yet about a different series...Umler, surprisingly, has no information on the origins of these cars, which are still in existence!)  Still, the challenges of this particular area are the kind of puzzle I like to gnaw on.

Balt, I remember one windy day while I was at work in my tower that a bird was out in front of me, just enjoying the breeze.  No motion in either direcion, no flapping of wings--just soaring in place, if you will.  I haven't seen that before or since.

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 Friday, April 10, 2020 7:52 PM

Snow flurries here today, some accumulation at higher elevations.  A tad breezy, but we're supposed to get some serious wind over the weekend.  

I'm starting to push the "get outside" option to folks.  Even if it's not in groups, you don't have to sit inside your house all day.  Sit on the porch.  Sit in the backyard (doing yardwork wouldn't hurt).  Talk to your neighbor over the back fence (social distancing, of course).  I get the impression that some folks think they have to stay in their houses.  Nada.  You just can't go browsing around stores, etc.  Or parks, many of which are closed.

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 BaltACD on Friday, April 10, 2020 4:37 PM

Windy today.  Went to the local mom & pop hardware store (about 10 miles away).  Saw a bird trying to fly into the wind, had ZERO ground speed.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by Erik_Mag on Friday, April 10, 2020 4:20 PM

Been wwatching the rain fall this last week, as of 10AM pdt, we've had 5" since Sunday, been a couple of years that we were lucky to get 5" for the whole rain season (July 1 to June 30).

{Update} Less than an hour after the above paragraph was posted, the NWS updated rainfall total to 5.68", within 3 hours after than, rainfall total came in at 7.3" for the last 6 days. The drainage system in our yar was redone a bit less than two years ago and it worked like a champ.

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, April 10, 2020 4:05 PM

afternoon

Chilly but was a nice Good Friday.Went out to see what I could find.The guys from the I&O picked up some gons from Protec in Leipsic.They were having problems on how to push the button to get across Ns to go north.Stopped briefly at Deshler.Going to upload pictures.

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, April 9, 2020 4:26 PM

JoeKoh
Hope everyone has a good Friday tomorrow.

Would that be a good Good Friday?

Wind here tomorrow, snow in the forecast...

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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