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Chatterbox Summer 2020

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Posted by zugmann on Monday, July 6, 2020 1:24 AM

Saw a tweet that said something like:

 

"Firework sales this year be like:  buy one, get 256,000 free".

 

Saturday night, there were about 6 dispplays going at once while I was playing yard engineer.  Incl. an impressive 2 hour display. 

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

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, July 5, 2020 5:45 PM

Aerial video from Los Angeles showed a veritable sea of fireworks...

Most all of the official fireworks around here were cancelled - some draw significant crowds.  It can take two hours to get out of little Alexandria Bay (year-round population a little over 1,000) after the Boldt Castle display.  

Not this year.

That said, I've heard that there were some pretty decent private displays...

LarryWhistling
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Posted by blue streak 1 on Sunday, July 5, 2020 3:44 PM

mudchicken

What fireworks ban?

 

Not in Georgia.  Banned after midnight except holidays after 0200.  If there is fire danger then there are certain bans but we have lived in a rain forest this year.  YTD rainfall statewise over 10 inches and here over 15 above normal.

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Posted by mudchicken on Sunday, July 5, 2020 3:07 PM

What fireworks ban?

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 Sunday, July 5, 2020 12:41 PM

Last night for 4 hours our town was transferred to Iraq.  Mayby Fallujah  (SP?)  .  All display from just town residents. Have in the past not attended commercial fireworks displays that were as spectacular.    It just went on and on.  There are vacant lots all around our home and they were all used for big bangers not little firecrackers.  Local fireworks stand reported sold out.  Think maybe $10 - 20K of fireworks.  It was very loud.  Had small rain about 6 PM that prevented any fires.

Our dog a mix between a pointer and Beagle was not fazed.  Imagine Snoopy sitting on his dog house just pointing with his head.  Also his coloring much the same as Snoopy. He heard the whistling fireworks first and asks to go out. Tell him OK and out the dog door he goes.  Larger bangs has me decide to join him.  Find him at the fence watching neighborhood adults and his favorite children setting them off.  He quickly determines when rockets shoot off a boom is coming shortly. Sometimes a quick bark comes just before the boom.

One boom flushed a squirrel and he chased it with out paying attention to the war going on around us. We finally got tired outside and came in. Dog decides to go asleep while the war continued.  Unfortunately we missed eclispe except clouds parted for about 5 minutes and neighbor sent up a flury of star shells that  bracketed the partial eclispe.  A fitting night of July 4th celebration.

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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, July 5, 2020 5:31 AM

good morning

Csx seemed to run doubles yesterday.They ran a double coal train and then split it at Garrett.Later they ran a double tanker train.Going to see if the head end is still parked in the Defiance yard.Matt has to do dishes again tonight.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").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, July 4, 2020 9:34 AM

Paul of Covington
 Haven't you seen "Lake Placid"?

The "scariest" thing I've seen in the water here is an undetected carp taking off as I approach it while snorkelling.  Eels hanging out on the bottom can be a bit unnerving, too...

 I wouldn't want to tangle with a muskie, though.  I've seen the tooth marks they leave on a perch...

Besides - that was in Maine...

LarryWhistling
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Posted by Paul of Covington on Friday, July 3, 2020 10:53 PM

tree68

 

 
Paul of Covington
 A twelve-foot alligator was found in a residential neighborhood in New Orleans. 

 

And people wonder why I live in the north woods...

 

   Haven't you seen "Lake Placid"?

_____________ 

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

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, July 3, 2020 8:21 PM

zugmann
For the 12 foot bears? 

Actually, there have been some bear sightings in the area.  And we know that there are bears (and bobcats, and who knows what else) on the military installation nearby.   Generally speaking, they don't like people, either, so unless they're cornered, they're not a problem.  Might raise Cain with the occasional bird feeder...

Of course, I also live about 40 miles from the western edge of the Adirondack Park.  I was running a train through the out-of-service north of Big Moose a few years ago and saw a bear up ahead that filled the guage, and probably the tie ends, too.  

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 zugmann on Friday, July 3, 2020 7:11 PM

tree68
And people wonder why I live in the north woods...

For the 12 foot bears? 

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

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, July 3, 2020 6:25 PM

Paul of Covington
 A twelve-foot alligator was found in a residential neighborhood in New Orleans. 

And people wonder why I live in the north woods...

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 Friday, July 3, 2020 3:44 PM

afternoon

The "bears"(state patrol) were out along 127 this morning.Went down to nephews house.Worked on a swingset.Put on the regular slide and a roof on the platform.What took the longest was getting a bit for the drill.The screws were all square head bits.Matt had everything laid out when I got back.Kids had fun when we got done.Did see Ns use the Latty siding as 2 stack trains passed each other on the NKP line.Matt is off doing dishes.I am staying in the shade.

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 Paul of Covington on Friday, July 3, 2020 2:41 PM

   A twelve-foot alligator was found in a residential neighborhood in New Orleans.  Unfortunately, it was considered too large to relocate and was euthanized.

https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/orleans/large-alligator-walking-along-orleans-avenue-in-lakeview-gets-put-down/289-0f8b12ad-3a81-4b58-aa0a-c9c3cac46c97

_____________ 

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

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, July 2, 2020 7:02 PM

Rules class on the railroad today - all set for the season, if it ever starts.  Looking at trains in August at this point.

Lots of traffic on the roads hereabouts - typical leading up to a holiday weekend.  Might have to do a little shopping tomorrow, but otherwise I'll just stay home.

 

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 Thursday, July 2, 2020 2:41 PM

afternoon

Work done for the week.Matt has to go do dishes tonight.Ns looked clear when I left work.Need to stay in the shade 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").

 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 2:50 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear after work.Matt gets to do dishes tonight.He is registered for his classes.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").

 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 5:36 PM

evening

After work Ns had 1 stack train wait on a westbound stack train.Getting warmer each day.Map project done for Deshler.Matts going with me to take them to Deshler.

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 CSSHEGEWISCH on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 10:08 AM

We're getting summer with a vengeance.  The last few days have had highs in the upper 80's with humidity to match.  I can't figure how my brother in Houston gets through this kind of weather.

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 Deggesty on Monday, June 29, 2020 8:13 PM

About 45 degrees here this morning, and the high was in the upper sixties. Some high places received a few inches of snow last night. Summer is coming back in about two days.

Johnny

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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, June 29, 2020 2:37 PM

afternoon

Back to work today.Ns was clear.Triple h's in effect for awhile.Matt was waiting on trains in Mortimer(North of Findlay).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").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, June 28, 2020 6:39 PM

Well, amateur radio's 2020 "field day" is over and done.  Our club was lucky enough to be able to use our usual location, a pavilion a the town recreation park.  Last year we had arranged to install a way to more easily put up our antennas (some well over 100' long), which made set-up and breakdown that much faster and easier.

We managed to make nearly 400 contacts in most of the states/regions.   Our digital guru wasn't able to make it this year, and we found that out too late to compensate, so we lost probably 75-80 contacts we usually have from digital.

Normally, most of the contacts are with other clubs (we can tell by information they provide in the "exchange").  This year there were a lot of folks operating by themselves, from home, for reasons we're all aware of.

It was a long 24 hours, even with a nap.

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 Sunday, June 28, 2020 10:47 AM

Went out this morning.Checked on a local elevator.They have a crane but they are working to replace a scale.Looked at NS' yard in New Haven.Also went by SDI in Butler.They had the switcher running around.Matt has a couple projects lined up in Deshler for tomorrow.I get to go back to 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").

 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, June 27, 2020 12:50 PM

afternoon

Had some early morning showers.More maybe to come this afternoon.Going to head for my Nephews house.Matt had the day off and went to where else Deshler.Csx has a few more trains to run through.Hope they can find some crews for them.

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, June 26, 2020 12:11 PM

afternoon

Went into town to see what csx was running.The ND&W brought in 2 cars.Q 370 developed a hotbox.They are waiting for a new crew and car repair truck to show up near Fc.Our road is re-opened to the south.Probably going to be closed to the north next week.Going to stay in and keep cool.

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 Thursday, June 25, 2020 5:44 PM

evening

Well csx had the sperry bug go west last night.It is parked in the Auburn spur for now.This morning the white sperry truck followed west.Worked on some projects here.Guessers say rain for tomorrow night.

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 Wednesday, June 24, 2020 5:44 AM

good morning

Going to stay home today and take care of yardwork.Crews have reached the gym area of the old high school.Matt checked it out after supper last night.

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, June 23, 2020 10:54 AM

CShaveRR

This guy in the previous post had a birthday yesterday.  Sounds like he got his wishes!

Indeed! A belated natal day wish to Joe!

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 JoeKoh on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 10:54 AM

Hello

Ran an errand in town.Csx had a grain train coming out of the elevator west of town.They always seem to have a problem with the switch.Today was the same.J 715 also came into town with 1 car.The ND&W was running a brush cutter as well.Going to go use my gift card for supper 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 CShaveRR on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 9:04 AM

This guy in the previous post had a birthday yesterday.  Sounds like he got his wishes!

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 Monday, June 22, 2020 6:13 PM

evening

Enjoyed the day with Matt.Saw Amtrak 49 the lake shore come into Bryan.Also Ns had a ballast cleaner in Edgerton.Crews had to replace some metal in the big wheels so they could get a better bite.Saw 2 new Cp units on a Cp run through auto rack train.Also had 3 consecutive southbounds on the wabash at St.Joe.Csx was trying to get trains around Garrett.There was a bad fender bender on I-69 but didn't look like anyone was seriously hurt.On the way home from New Haven Ns had 3 westbounds coming into the yard.The woodburn local had a high hood locomotive and a caboose.Was a good train watching day.

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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