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Chatterbox Fall 2020

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 10:24 AM

The bridges across the St Lawrence River at the Thousand Islands and Ogdensburg will ban trucks in wind situations.  Such trucks are not usually banned, but certainly are warned on the N-S I81  as appropriate.

Last time they tried to keep trucks off the Interstate the chaos that ensued was worse than allowing the trucks to go.

LarryWhistling
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Posted by BaltACD on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 8:00 AM

CShaveRR
Pardon my absence and subsequent attempts to catch up on things.


Randy, does the Illinois Tollway System still have (or enforce) a trailer ban in times of heavy wind?  I used to hear about that fairly often, but not in the last several years.

Maryland bans empty box trailers in high wind conditions from crossing the Francis Scott Key Bridge (outer harbor bridge on Baltimore Beltway) and the Susquehanna River Bridges (both I-95 and US-40) .  All those bridges have large open spaces for winds to develop and act upon the sides of trailers.  Surprisingly I am not aware of the same kinds of restrictions on the Potomac River Bridge in Southern Maryland.

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Posted by rvos1979 on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 6:54 AM

Carl, the only bans I'm aware of are the long double/triple bans on the Indiana and Ohio turnpikes, and they were in effect Sunday. Never heard of one put out by the Illinois Tollway.........

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 tree68 on Monday, November 16, 2020 10:53 PM

mudchicken
Polar Express at CRRM-Golden is gamely soldiering on.

We threw in the towel quite some time ago.  

Too much unpredicability with COVID - we are now seeing a surge in NYS which likely would have killed the event even if we had held on.

One of our biggest issues is sanitizing 10 passenger cars and the two "backstage" cars.  Running two trains on one night would be virtually impossible.

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 mudchicken on Monday, November 16, 2020 9:08 PM

C&O Bridge (and 1974 Clay Wade Bailey Bridge attached to it) are the next bridge upstream and are getting quite the workout. (US-17 Dixie Hwy & US-42/25 are its primary users).....Kentucky side thinks its too rusty - must be gorgeous to the naysayers about now)

They are now talking a bridge closure for months (!?)....biggest issue is said to be the post tensioned reinforced concrete decks...stretched & deformed wire strands no longer have their former tensile strength...

Polar Express at CRRM-Golden is gamely soldiering on.

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 mudchicken on Monday, November 16, 2020 9:07 PM

C&O Bridge (and 1974 Clay Wade Bailey Bridge attached to it) are the next bridge upstream and are getting quite the workout. (US-17 Dixie Hwy & US-42/25 are its primary users).....Kentucky side thinks its too rusty - must be gorgeous to the naysayers about now)

They are now talking a bridge closure for months (!?)....biggest issue is said to be the post tensioned reinforced concrete decks...stretched & deformed wire strands no longer have their former tensile strength

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 CShaveRR on Monday, November 16, 2020 7:31 PM

Pardon my absence and subsequent attempts to catch up on things.

Randy, does the Illinois Tollway System still have (or enforce) a trailer ban in times of heavy wind?  I used to hear about that fairly often, but not in the last several years.

Cincinnati:  If the C&O bridge is still open I'll bet it's plugged!

We're hunkering down pre-Thanksgiving.  I had a passing appointment with an oncology nurse today--she was happy with the way my labs have turned out, but the big one (PSA) wasn't among today's tests.

Carl

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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 Monday, November 16, 2020 4:08 PM

Still pretty breezy here - had a gust of 38 MPH here at the house around 1AM and it's been holding at 10MPH for most of the day.

Fortunately, I don't have any major outside projects.

I do still have to cover and mulch the bulb garden at the front of the house.  Daughter learned to put down a couple of layers of newspaper then cover it with mulch.  It works pretty good, I just can't do it in the wind - hard to make the newsprint stay down while you're trying to spread the mulch.

Got a couple of antenna cables into the house - now I have to finish routing them to the ham shack.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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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, November 16, 2020 2:38 PM

afternoon

Winds have calmed down since yesterday.Plenty of small branches for us to pick up.Ns had some cars to switch around uptown after work.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 rvos1979 on Monday, November 16, 2020 6:42 AM

mudchicken

More likely it was Indiana feeling left out. (Sounds like Randy is going south on the I-275 beltway through Indiana)

I did, sailed through at 1800 last night, only had to deal with one moron on their phone while driving. Wasn't too bad yesterday, other than the crosswind in IL and IN..........

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 blue streak 1 on Sunday, November 15, 2020 8:16 PM

CDC is expeecting 400,000 excess deaths over number normally expected for the year 2020.  Of that number probably 60 - 65 % directly attributed to Covid=19.  Following article is rather scary as it appears many persons have not gotten medical help due to Covid-19 concerns. 

https://newatlas.com/health-wellbeing/excess-deaths-coronavirus-united-states-covid-2020/?itm_source=newatlas&itm_medium=article-body 

Wonder how that compares with the 1918 flu epidemic ?? 

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Posted by mudchicken on Saturday, November 14, 2020 11:19 PM

ChuckCobleigh

 

 
mudchicken

Methins Cincinnati is under assault by flaming trucks. Two bridges over the Ohio River (including the I-75 bridge) closed and another threatened.

 

 

Has Kentucky launched an invasion?

 

More likely it was Indiana feeling left out. (Sounds like Randy is going south on the I-275 beltway through Indiana)

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 BaltACD on Saturday, November 14, 2020 11:09 PM

mudchicken
11 Ton limit is the Roebling Bridge (Suspension Bridge) that predates Brooklyn Bridge and had construction stopped by the Civil War. Bridge upstream at Maysville, KY (Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge) also shut down...

I-471 Purple People Eater Bridge had to deal with a flaming truck on the northbound approaches to it.

(Army Corps & Coast Guard shut down traffic on the river under the bridge for 36+ hours as well)

Weird set of coincidences...Anderson Ferry suddenly was very popular. The I-75 Brent Spence Bridge may be closed for 10-14 days)...

Driven the I-75 bridge many times (25-30 years ago) when I was helping installed the data system that Queensgate Yard used to run itself.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by mudchicken on Saturday, November 14, 2020 10:49 PM

11 Ton limit is the Roebling Bridge (Suspension Bridge) that predates Brooklyn Bridge and had construction stopped by the Civil War. Bridge upstream at Maysville, KY (Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge) also shut down...

Cincygram: Roebling Suspension Bridge dazzles by day and by nightWCPO

I-471 Purple People Eater Bridge had to deal with a flaming truck on the northbound approaches to it.

(Army Corps & Coast Guard shut down traffic on the river under the bridge for 36+ hours as well)

Weird set of coincidences...Anderson Ferry suddenly was very popular. The I-75 Brent Spence Bridge may be closed for 10-14 days)...

 WCPO

They've been planning for replacing the I-75/I-71 bridge for 10 years. It's handling twice the traffic it was initially intended to handle.

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 BaltACD on Saturday, November 14, 2020 10:06 PM

rvos1979
 
mudchicken

Methins Cincinnati is under assault by flaming trucks. Two bridges over the Ohio River (including the I-75 bridge) closed and another threatened. 

The Roebling Bridge was shut down because of the moron truck drivers with car GPSs that were ignoring the 11 ton weight limit. Haven't heard anything about the third bridge, headed that way Sunday on my way to London, but I take the west 275 bridge into Kentucky.......

Which bridge has a 11 ton Weight Limit?

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by rvos1979 on Saturday, November 14, 2020 5:06 PM

mudchicken

Methins Cincinnati is under assault by flaming trucks. Two bridges over the Ohio River (including the I-75 bridge) closed and another threatened.

The Roebling Bridge was shut down because of the moron truck drivers with car GPSs that were ignoring the 11 ton weight limit. Haven't heard anything about the third bridge, headed that way Sunday on my way to London, but I take the west 275 bridge into Kentucky.......

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 JoeKoh on Saturday, November 14, 2020 12:29 PM

afternoon

Checked on brother.he is doing ok.Sis had to come and reset his music box because the nursing home changed internet providers.Saw some good stuff on Ns.Also areas around Butler are getting cleaned up.Went down to see Csx.Dispatcher said North Baltimore was plugged.Had q 200 at 11K,Q 010 at 14K and q 192 at 9k.Trains just as big to come west and turn at Deshler as well.Going to load 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 ChuckCobleigh on Friday, November 13, 2020 7:59 PM

mudchicken

Methins Cincinnati is under assault by flaming trucks. Two bridges over the Ohio River (including the I-75 bridge) closed and another threatened.

Has Kentucky launched an invasion?

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Posted by mudchicken on Friday, November 13, 2020 6:06 PM

Methins Cincinnati is under assault by flaming trucks. Two bridges over the Ohio River (including the I-75 bridge) closed and another threatened.

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 JoeKoh on Friday, November 13, 2020 4:45 PM

evening

Ns was clear after work.Finished up projects here at home.Went into town and got supper.Saw 2 csx trains go west.Also saw the ND&W bring cars from the csx siding at Fc.Going to go check on my brother tomorrow.We have to visit through a window because of the increase of Covid.Hope one day soon to be able to take him out to watch trains outside.

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 Thursday, November 12, 2020 4:25 PM

evening

Ns was clear after work.Co-workers car had a loose wire that was causing the headlight problem.Got a letter from pen pal.Seems he finally has an email now.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").

 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 5:20 PM

evening

Ns had an eastbound stack train after work.Helped co-worker who needed a ride home.His car was having an electrical problem in the headlights.Will pick up some supplies to finish up the shower repair tomorrow.Govenor said some colleges were going to finish the semester virtually. Matt hasn't got any word from his school.Ohio State can not travel east due to a covid outbreak at Maryland.Going to get cleaned up.Larry I heard some windows can be a payne.

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, November 10, 2020 8:16 PM

Probably our last nice day of the year today - high around +73F.  Cooler tomorrow, with showers likely, but it's been a good run.  

A fifty-year-old motel burned to the ground near here yesterday.  The fire had substantial headway before fire department units arrived.  There wasn't much they could do.  The cause hasn't been established.

Got a few more warm weather tasks done today, and discovered a broken window I've got to deal with, but that doesn't require warm weather, and I've actually got some glass to use for it.

 

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 Tuesday, November 10, 2020 5:55 PM

evening

Ns was clear after work.The southern breezes brought the leaves from the woods into the yard.Did some chopping after work.Also took care of a leaky shower tube.Of course Stacey recomened a new shower head too.She decided to hold off on a new shower caddy but I see one coming in the near future.Going to 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").

 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, November 9, 2020 5:16 PM

evening

Ns was clear after work.Had chores and errands to do.Cool down coming after Tuesday according to the guessers.

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 Sunday, November 8, 2020 7:10 PM

MikeF90

 

 
mudchicken
Kroger has just started rationing cannon fodder to customers again. Two packages per customer.

 

Never heard that term before

 

   I don't thnk I've heard it either, but it may be related to this childhood rhyme:

   Mama's in the kitchen

      cooking rice and beans

   Papa's in the bathroom

      shooting submarines

_____________ 

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

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Posted by MikeF90 on Sunday, November 8, 2020 6:06 PM

mudchicken
Kroger has just started rationing cannon fodder to customers again. Two packages per customer.

Never heard that term before, sounds like a dangerous personal condition. I've only noticed that the national chain grocery near me still can't stock paper products consistently, IMO due to MBAhole designed supply chain. Now back to railroading ....

Tehachapi got some snow flurries yesterday and it stuck on the mountain tops. Likewise Truckee has the white stuff along the tracks while Lake Tahoe is doing its thermal mass thing ....

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Posted by mudchicken on Saturday, November 7, 2020 6:50 PM

zugmann
 

 

 
mudchicken
... and left rear. Alco and GE had other means.

 

Never knew that.  Did GE do them above the coupler ?

 

Alco did.

GE was inconsistent. Sometimes above the electrical cabinet in the cab, sometimes over the front door, ocassionally other places. Best bet was the builder's plate until those vanished. No idea why.

Joe: That rascal spent plenty of time out here on the branches and as a Colorado switch engine. Still the original cab, not a Topeka cab. The current BNSF 2026 is something of a well travelled oddball as well.

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 JoeKoh on Saturday, November 7, 2020 4:57 PM

Howdy

The engine is bnsf 2026.Saw no other marks on the sides.Too much paint covering the area.Went and finished up some projects in Deshler today.Csx decided to take 2 trains (508/509) on the Toledo sub today instead of going through North Baltimore.Always hurry up and wait for North Baltimore.The tower windows aren't going to be as big but at least they aren't going to knock the tower down.Met some new friends.Poor lady and son follwed the GPS to get to Deshler from Columbus.Told her of a better route back home.Time to get cleaned up.Leaf duty 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 zugmann on Saturday, November 7, 2020 4:03 PM

mudchicken
... and left rear. Alco and GE had other means.

Never knew that.  Did GE do them above the coupler ?

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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