Trains.com

Chatterbox Summer 2020

14648 views
243 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 7:06 PM

Tree:  At one time I seem to remember that some locations had police that doubled as firemen.  One fireman would man the station and its truck and police would dispatch directly to a fire with some equipment in the car's trunk..  Did that idea pass away ?

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 8:50 PM

blue streak 1
Tree:  At one time I seem to remember that some locations had police that doubled as firemen.  One fireman would man the station and its truck and police would dispatch directly to a fire with some equipment in the car's trunk..  Did that idea pass away ?

"Public Safety Departments"

Still very much in existence around the country.  Everyone is trained/certified in both disciplines.  Some days you staff the fire station, some days you're out on patrol.

There are varying opinions on the concept.  I think some municipalities that went that route returned to conventional arrangements eventually.

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
    February 2018
  • 299 posts
Posted by adkrr64 on Thursday, August 13, 2020 6:51 AM

tree68
blue streak 1
Tree:  At one time I seem to remember that some locations had police that doubled as firemen.  One fireman would man the station and its truck and police would dispatch directly to a fire with some equipment in the car's trunk..  Did that idea pass away ?

Still very much in existence around the country.  Everyone is trained/certified in both disciplines.  Some days you staff the fire station, some days you're out on patrol.

There are varying opinions on the concept.  I think some municipalities that went that route returned to conventional arrangements eventually.

With all of the training requirements needed of both disciplines in this day and age, it seems like it would be quite difficult for one individual to keep up with it all without spending substantial time away from the job itself. It just doesn't seem practical except in some limited circumstances.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, August 13, 2020 7:18 AM

adkrr64
It just doesn't seem practical except in some limited circumstances.

The PSO model will work best in communities with relative light loads on both sides of the fence.  Once you get past a certain point, it's better to have dedicated forces in each field.  

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 Thursday, August 13, 2020 4:24 PM

good evening

Ns was clear after work.Took care of the yardwork.Matt is off to school.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 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Thursday, August 13, 2020 10:16 PM

VIP notice for White Sulphur Springs WV for Aug 15.   Anytime any activity there we always have to wonder  ?  Here is FAA notice.

-- FAASafety.gov --------------------------------------------------------
 
VIP Notice - White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Notice Number: NOTC1280
 
Notice: Expect VIP movement August 15, 2020 in the vicinity of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Pilots can expect temporary airspace restrictions in conjunction with this VIP movement.  
The FAA recommends that all aircraft operators check NOTAMs OFTEN for temporary airspace restrictions prior to operations within this region.

 

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Friday, August 14, 2020 10:15 AM

I don't think that the orange man would go to the Greenbrier since he tends to prefer his own properties.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Friday, August 14, 2020 10:51 AM

blue streak 1
VIP notice for White Sulphur Springs WV for Aug 15.   Anytime any activity there we always have to wonder  ?  Here is FAA notice.
-- FAASafety.gov --------------------------------------------------------
 
VIP Notice - White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Notice Number: NOTC1280
 
Notice: Expect VIP movement August 15, 2020 in the vicinity of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Pilots can expect temporary airspace restrictions in conjunction with this VIP movement.  
The FAA recommends that all aircraft operators check NOTAMs OFTEN for temporary airspace restrictions prior to operations within this region.

In the past there have been Congressional 'retreats' by rail to The Greenbrier.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Friday, August 14, 2020 11:44 AM

Hopefully they don't tangle with errant garbage trucks at crossings this time.

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
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Friday, August 14, 2020 2:30 PM

mudchicken
Hopefully they don't tangle with errant garbage trucks at crossings this time.

That is about all those prior trips were worth.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, August 14, 2020 2:50 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear after work.Matt did find the laundry room.It's one floor above his.Rumbles and grumbles but no rain 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
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Friday, August 14, 2020 3:01 PM

Somebody please send water. Getting kinda nuts around here (especially around Glenwood Springs, CO to Aspen). Railroads and highways are cut-off from the rest of the state by fires and stoopid truckers.Oops...backroads into the Roaring Fork Valley closed due to overturned/stuck/disabled trucks.

Railroad bridge in the canyon near No Name now threatened by fire. Uncle Pete sending one of the ex-SP fire control spray trains? (rumor)

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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Friday, August 14, 2020 6:28 PM

We are in moderate drought conditions here in the north woods.  

Many systems that come in from the west get "moderated" by Lake Ontario and drop no rain by the time they get here.

And while there haven't been any major fires in the Adirondacks, there have been a fair number of woods fires.

I'll defer the water to you , though.  You very definitely need it.  We've seen just enough rain to keep the farmer's crops viable.

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
    July 2010
  • From: Louisiana
  • 2,310 posts
Posted by Paul of Covington on Friday, August 14, 2020 9:23 PM

   I've offered some of our water before, but you guys haven't taken it.  Last week the ground was so saturated that every step I took left a black mushy hole in the grass.

_____________ 

  "A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, August 15, 2020 6:22 PM

evening

Well did get rain last night.Areas to our north got 5 inches of rain.Now the triple H effect.Heard on the scanner that the ns computer wanted to run a hot ups train on 10 mph track.Dispatcher took care of that.Saw csx q 352 come by with a rare sd 50 on the point.Guessers say rain tomorrow then cooler.Will be at work.

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: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Saturday, August 15, 2020 11:42 PM

(1) Eerie orange light for most of the day.

(2) Everything has a smoked taste/ sandlewood smell to it.

(3) Fine layers of ash all over.

 

Glenwood Canyon may re-open Tuesday?

 

Pulling for the BNSF special agent stabbed 4 times near the stockyards. The felon got what he deserved.

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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Sunday, August 16, 2020 8:03 AM

I was sitting at the computer last night when there was a flash, followed very shortly by the boom.

A cell formed just to the east of me, and rained there for upwards of an hour.  I didn't get a drop.

Mother Nature can be fickle.

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 2002
  • From: Cedar Rapids, IA
  • 4,213 posts
Posted by blhanel on Sunday, August 16, 2020 7:56 PM

Mother Nature can also be quite nasty- ask me about last Monday and Iowa's hurricane.  If I were at home currently, I wouldn't as yet be able to post this, no power still.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Sunday, August 16, 2020 9:11 PM

Beyond the derecho power issue, the rest of the house OK? 

 

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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Sunday, August 16, 2020 10:14 PM

We have a line of thundershowers over the house right now that's had my weather station in alarm for almost ten minutes.

The alarm is triggered by rainfall rates over an inch an hour.  The highest reading I got was 9.44 inches per hour.  We got an inch of rain in about 15 minutes.

As I type this, it's tapering off with 1.12" on the "gauge."

Hopefully some of it will soak in, not just run off.

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 Monday, August 17, 2020 5:01 PM

evening

Ns had some cars to get uptown when I left work.Did some chores here at home.Matt is doing fine one his first day of classes.Need to give hugs sometime soon.

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 Monday, August 17, 2020 7:39 PM

mudchicken

Beyond the derecho power issue, the rest of the house OK? 

 

 

We got by fairly unscathed- lost maybe three shingles from the roof, had a basement window screen with holes poked in it from flying branches, had my garage door pushed in (two lag bolts lost their grip), and lost a tree in the back yard which was uprooted.  It landed in the neighbor's yard without hitting anything, and was an Ash that we were going to take down anyway.  Mother nature decided to hurry up the process...

We're back home now, and the power just came back on a hour ago, hopefully for good, but we're not in any hurry to stock the refrigerator yet.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 7:26 PM

evening

Ns was clear after work.Went to a meeting in Deshler.Most of it was still wait and see before we do.Did see D743 come south across the diamond.Saw a few other trains as well.Time for a couple chores 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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 2:26 PM

afternoon

Ns sent a westbound stack train after work.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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, August 20, 2020 4:59 PM

evening

Ns had an eastbound Carl special in the siding this morning.This afternoon they had a westbound ethanol train being passed by a westbound stack train.Came home and took care of the yardwork.Tomorrow after work need to go give hugs.Going to go have 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").

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, August 21, 2020 4:07 PM

evening

Ns was clear after work.Went into town and gave hugs.Also found out our great niece has her drivers license and a job.Dont think her pizza place delivers out this far.Chores to do here.Going to be warm this 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").

 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Friday, August 21, 2020 5:32 PM

Uncle Pete and Amthrax are operating, albeit slowly, in Glenwood Canyon. I-70 is still closed (still raining rocks from above). Any of those old Iron-Highway demonstrators still around?

Image

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
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, August 22, 2020 2:14 PM

afternoon

Wasn't planning on Deshler today but made a quick stop.Q 507 had a nice leader as he passed q 351. The yard at north baltimore is constantly clogged.Have to get things ready for supper tonight.Matt says he's ready to eat.

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
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Saturday, August 22, 2020 9:17 PM

Attended a nice laid-back wedding of a first cousin once removed this afternoon.  Casual was the word of the day - the groom and his entourage sported matching "gimme" caps, and the bride switched over to cowboy boots after the formalities.  

The weather even cooperated.

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
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Saturday, August 22, 2020 11:39 PM

Wonder how many threads will start over Uncle Pete's mishap near Bosler (West of Laramie) this morning on the transcon? What a mess (on so many levels)

A lot of those three letter acronyms are in for a workout (DPU,CTC,PSR and PTC for openers)

WhistlingWhistlingWhistling

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

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