Trains.com

Chatterbox Spring 2020

15722 views
402 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Monday, April 27, 2020 12:21 PM

Reel mower here is back-up for a 20+ year old 4-cycle rotary push mower that rarely fails (like Balts, a little TLC and maintenance does wonders)....Just have to watch the worn gear mesh.

(Just remember to tighten the blade back down after sharpening Embarrassed what a racket! from under the deck of the rotary mower)

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
    July 2009
  • From: San Francisco East Bay
  • 1,360 posts
Posted by MikeF90 on Monday, April 27, 2020 2:36 PM

Looks like Mother Nature flipped the 'spring' switch, last Friday it topped 80F here. Unfortunately that encouraged covidiots to flock to the beaches with not much social distancing going on (sigh). Brings to mind that Clint Eastwood movie line: "do you feel lucky ...." Guess we'll find out in a week or two.

Also noticed that the nearby tom turkeys have stopped gobbling at 6am sharp. By contrast, this AM a bunch of Canada geese literally honked for two minutes straight without moving, must have been mobbing a possible predator. Coffee Yes, I'm wide awake now thank you.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, April 27, 2020 2:59 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear when I left work.Nice sunshine today.Pen Pal from California called yesterday.He is practicing social distancing by helping at Cajon Pass.Was wondering how the events here were shaping up.Still not out of the woods yet.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").

 

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, April 27, 2020 3:43 PM

The rain is slowly moving in here; it will take up residence all night and all day tomorrow.  So far, this month's showers have pretty much been a bust.

Doesn't matter; we can't go anywhere or do much anyway.  I was out in the yard yesterday (a very nice day!) conversing from behind a mask and picking up sticks and other such from the lawn.  It did not get cut, of which fact I'm sure my doctor would approve this time.  

Pat and I have survived the first half of our mandatory quarantine ...one week to go!  We'll require another grocery run in a couple of days, but are otherwise doing fine, with no problems connected with our brush with the COVID-19.

On the day the quarantine expires, Pat will receive her book order from Barnes and Noble.  I will have to go in, two weeks late, for a cancer-med infusion (had to take a pass on it last week due to the quarantine).   This is good...going to the infusion site will take me along the tracks again, and maybe I can grab some sightings.  And, since it will be Taco Tuesday, I can think of a lunch possibility that we can pick up and enjoy trackside!

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 2019
  • 1,689 posts
Posted by Erik_Mag on Monday, April 27, 2020 4:55 PM

MikeF90

Unfortunately that encouraged covidiots to flock to the beaches with not much social distancing going on (sigh). Brings to mind that Clint Eastwood movie line: "do you feel lucky ...." Guess we'll find out in a week or two.

Considering what warm humid air and solar UV does to viruses, I don't think that there is much of a problem with people on the beaches. The combination of hot sand and solar UV will be even harder on the viruses. Doesn't help that a lot of the "news" photos were taken with telephoto lenses which distort the amount of crowding.

On the RR side, my wife and I have both noticed that the trains are blowing their horns a lot more than normal when running across the San Elijo lagoon.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Monday, April 27, 2020 4:58 PM

They're working on herd immunity.  If studies and other findings are to be believed, about one in seven already have the antibody, and sixty percent that do get infected will remain asymptomatic.

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 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Monday, April 27, 2020 5:57 PM

tree68
They're working on herd immunity.  If studies and other findings are to be believed, about one in seven already have the antibody, and sixty percent that do get infected will remain asymptomatic.

But until their is near universal testing - we will have no more idea of the condition of the herd than urinating into the wind.

A individual in the herd will have no idea of the condition of his condition unless he is individually tested.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Monday, April 27, 2020 6:43 PM

BaltACD
But until their is near universal testing - we will have no more idea of the condition of the herd than urinating into the wind.

An individual in the herd will have no idea of the condition of his condition unless he is individually tested.

I agree with both points - there was a bit of sarcasm there on the first point...

But, the studies and other information that have come to light lately do give one some hope.  First, a person may already be immune, whether they know it or not, and second, catching the virus is not a death sentence, or even an indication that you're going to be some measure of sick.

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
    January 2019
  • 1,689 posts
Posted by Erik_Mag on Monday, April 27, 2020 11:14 PM

tree68

But, the studies and other information that have come to light lately do give one some hope.  First, a person may already be immune, whether they know it or not, and second, catching the virus is not a death sentence, or even an indication that you're going to be some measure of sick.

There's some indication that catching a "cold" caused by one of the "cold" coronaviruses (not the COVID-19 virus) can give some protection against COVID-19. One would hope that the various drug trials will bring up at least one drug that reduces the severity of the of the worst cases - even a 30% reduction in fatality rates will be worth going after.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 6:37 AM

Erik_Mag
...even a 30% reduction in fatality rates will be worth going after.

If you factor in the potential of the antibody studies and the findings with the aircraft carrier and homeless shelters, the death rate is possibly in the range of 0.1% as it is.

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 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 7:10 AM

tree68
 
Erik_Mag
...even a 30% reduction in fatality rates will be worth going after. 

If you factor in the potential of the antibody studies and the findings with the aircraft carrier and homeless shelters, the death rate is possibly in the range of 0.1% as it is.

In my county, where the virus hit several 'nursing' homes the death rate is very near 10% despite the county having a much lower percentage of the state's number of those infected.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 2:20 PM

BaltACD
In my county, where the virus hit several 'nursing' homes the death rate is very near 10% despite the county having a much lower percentage of the state's number of those infected.

That phenomenon is being seen in the big county to the north of us, where most of the cases are in nursing homes.  They still only have two deaths countywide, however.

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
    January 2019
  • 1,689 posts
Posted by Erik_Mag on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 2:25 PM

The San Diego County government website has started putting out a weekly summary of COVID statistics. One of the charts was case fatality rate versus age and it takes off starting at 60 years and is scary at 80+ years.

Seems to me that the "lockdown" plans should have been looking at protecting 'nursing' homes from the beginning as there was ample evidence from Italy and Washington state about the problem. Some areas have done well, I have an aunt in Eastern Montana that has had a no visitors policy for several weeks now even though the nearest confirmed case is 100 miles away. OTOH, about a third of the deaths in the state were in one such facility along the former GN main line.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 2:28 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear after work.Mother Nature sent a couple showers.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
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 3:24 PM

There is one retirement home in this area which has had several deaths.

Where I live, no visitors are allowed; we are encouraged to eat in our rooms (a very, very few do go to the dining room--and sit well apart from  from anybody else); gatherings such as for bingo are limited to five participants; if we leave our rooms, we are to wear masks (provided) that cover our noses and mouths.

Johnny

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 4:12 PM

Deggesty
There is one retirement home in this area which has had several deaths.

Where I live, no visitors are allowed; we are encouraged to eat in our rooms (a very, very few do go to the dining room--and sit well apart from  from anybody else); gatherings such as for bingo are limited to five participants; if we leave our rooms, we are to wear masks (provided) that cover our noses and mouths.

Retirement community up the street from me - they have had the 'Closed to Visitors'  sign out for a number of weeks.  To date I have not heard of any deaths being attributed to that community.

That being said, a couple of other retirement/nursing homes in the county have driven the death number to approaching 10% of the number of confirmed cases in the county.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    July 2009
  • From: San Francisco East Bay
  • 1,360 posts
Posted by MikeF90 on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 2:30 PM

In our 'active adult' retirement community of ~9000 we've been fortunate to have no confirmed cases yet. The one HOA oriented to those who don't want to cook (and pay extra for meals) changed from cafeteria serving to total room delivery; the high rise residences with indoor corridors made this practical.

County-wide stats show that cases have leveled but only ICU occupancy has dropped just this last week. State wide stay-at-home has been extended through May and 'loosening' conditions are being examined for rural counties with lower infection rates.

Meant to mention last post that parks and public trails, though closed, bring out rampant bonehead behavior. In nearby neighborhoods multiple families are going out for walks all 'clustered' together. Future hotspot or building herd immunity, time and better data will tell. Be smart and stay well!

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 4:35 PM

Hi

Ns had a westbound stack train waiting after work.It had some KLM "Frozen Food Express" trailers on the trains.Went and ran errands into town.

Matt will be sending out annoucements for graduation.This bug has places shut down.As for people in the stores looking at Menards they were busy.It is also hard for my brother.He is in lockdown as well.At least he has the ns Chicago line he can watch if he wants to come out of his room.Have projects 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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, April 30, 2020 2:42 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear after work today.The swamp needs to dry out before I mow.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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, April 30, 2020 3:42 PM

Joe - Swing over to the "A funny thing" thread - I think you and Matt have parts in that old  story...

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 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, April 30, 2020 4:03 PM

Rain RAin RAIn RAIN - rain the whole day

Got gas for the first time in 6 weeks - 70 cent discount brought the price down to $1.099 for the 23.4 gallons

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Friday, May 1, 2020 10:06 AM

I wouldn't know about elsewhere but gas prices are easing upward around here, saw $1.899 at a Speedway station near home.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, May 1, 2020 5:14 PM

evening

Ns sent a tanker train westbound.Came home and took care of the swamp.Neighbor Mr. Happy says I did a good job.Tomorrow it's paint the deck.Nice weather for it.

stay safe

Joe

ps Larry will check out the thread.

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 Friday, May 1, 2020 7:59 PM

Paul, I heard somewhere (not Illinois) that now that travel restrictions are being eased, gas prices will be (and are) jumping.  We still had $1.799 around us yesterday.

We had a beautiful day here, which I spent cooped up indoors.  Tomorrow should be nice as well, and that grass isn't getting any shorter out there...  (I hate working outside, because at the present time I can hear train horns out there and can't do anything about them, being quarantined for two weeks after a post-Coronavirus hospital release.

But...only four days left on the quarantine!


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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Friday, May 1, 2020 8:29 PM

CShaveRR
Paul, I heard somewhere (not Illinois) that now that travel restrictions are being eased, gas prices will be (and are) jumping.  We still had $1.799 around us yesterday.

So, how many weeks per gallon are you getting these days?  (Seen on YouTube).  If the weather clears up for a while, I'll be digging the bike out and using that to check the mail and get the newspaper, leaving the truck in the garage.

People all over are getting antsy.  Between cabin fever and pushing back against what some feel are over-reaching restrictions, a lot of people are "breaking out."  I expect we'll see a fair amount of "civil disobedience" in coming days and weeks.

Getting some projects done around the house, though.

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 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Friday, May 1, 2020 8:37 PM

If tomorrow's weather forecast holds - I should be putting some miles on the TR-7 with the top down!

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Saturday, May 2, 2020 12:58 PM

Many days per gallon (don't know about weeks, since I've had to keep medical appointments even while under quarantine).  It was almost four weeks since the previous time we'd gotten gas.  I'd be more specific, but the records are in the car, which is in the garage...

Larry, I tried the bike once before being stricken by the virus, and yes, I'd need a lot of work to get back to making bike trips worthwhile.  Not a bad goal!


When our quarantine is over in just a few more days, I have every intention of going out by myself, face mask at the ready, and keeping a social distance while watching trains from the comfort and protection of my car.  

Before I do that, though, my oncologist says I should be re-tested for the virus (future immunotherapy treatments may depend on this).  I also need to refill a number of prescriptions that are close to running out here (four such requests came while I've been in quarantine!).  

In another week (5/11) some Indiana restaurants are supposed to reopen at 50 percent of seating capacity.  That should make a trip to my favorite places out that way possible and desirable.  

No top to take down, Balt, but I agree that the weather today and tomorrow is going to be perfect for that around here!  Sadly, we have another cool-down coming next week.



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 Sunday, May 3, 2020 7:59 AM

Good Morning

Went to the resivouir for a walk this morning.Went west of town to see if J 715 was coming.Well it did but I was blocked by a q 369.At least I found a car for Carl.The taggers have also found the brand new UP reefers as well.After g 089 went west with it's various BNSF grain cars Stacey wanted to come home.Going to see if Matt wants to go back 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").

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, May 4, 2020 3:13 PM

afternoon

Looked like NS had some ballast cars near town after work.Weather guessers say going to get cooler this week.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").

 

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, May 4, 2020 5:08 PM

Joe, you and the taggers found the new UP reefers before I did!  I may have seen one of them...

I ventured out today, and saw a stack train or two, a scoot or two, and no decent manifests.  We got the car washed, did our banking (drive-up only), pharmacy shopping, and got lunch at Portillo's to bring home.  I also got a new COVID-19 test (I didn't think my nasal cavities went that far up into my head!), so I can be cleared for cancer treatment.

Yes...Yes!...YES!  I got five freight-car sightings today (after none at all in April!), and it looks like some of them will be quite useful!

Cooler weather today, rain tonight.


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)

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