Trains.com

Chatterbox Fall 2020

17951 views
261 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Central Iowa
  • 6,901 posts
Posted by jeffhergert on Thursday, November 19, 2020 4:03 PM

SD70Dude

Double stacked empty containers have speed restrictions in certain weather conditions, and we have wind detectors at a number of tall bridges. 

There have been numerous cases of empty double stacks being blown over in high winds, including right off of bridges.

 

All our cars/trains have a "blow over" speed.  If the wind is expected to be at or over the specific speed for a train, it is stopped and sits until the wind alert is cancelled.

I remember sitting one night on an empty coal hopper train while a thunder storm system moved through.  Sat for three hours while 5 trains went around me because of the wind alert. 

The last few days they've had wind problems out in Wyoming.  Some gusts predicted to be 100 mph, don't know if they actually reached it.  100 mph pretty much stops everything.  

Jeff

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Thursday, November 19, 2020 4:33 PM

Gusts in the 50+ MPH range (Rock Springs/Laramie/Cheyenne) ... give it a while - you never know out there in the great wide empty.

 

ps - Does USA Today - 24/7 Wall Street have a single real journalist left?  Railroaders are seeing a transportation article on infrastructure that is incredibly inept. (USA Today will now be nominated in the "Dumb As They Come" category for first place, with a bullet.)

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 2005
  • From: S.E. South Dakota
  • 13,569 posts
Posted by Murphy Siding on Thursday, November 19, 2020 10:22 PM

jeffhergert

 

 
SD70Dude

Double stacked empty containers have speed restrictions in certain weather conditions, and we have wind detectors at a number of tall bridges. 

There have been numerous cases of empty double stacks being blown over in high winds, including right off of bridges.

 

 

 

All our cars/trains have a "blow over" speed.  If the wind is expected to be at or over the specific speed for a train, it is stopped and sits until the wind alert is cancelled.

I remember sitting one night on an empty coal hopper train while a thunder storm system moved through.  Sat for three hours while 5 trains went around me because of the wind alert. 

The last few days they've had wind problems out in Wyoming.  Some gusts predicted to be 100 mph, don't know if they actually reached it.  100 mph pretty much stops everything.  

Jeff

 

In high winds, how is a parked train any safer than a moving train?

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, November 19, 2020 10:30 PM

Murphy Siding
In high winds, how is a parked train any safer than a moving train?

There are locations along the lines where wind effects are known to be worse than at other locations.  Stop the trains in locations where history has indicated there is a reduced level of wind effect.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Thursday, November 19, 2020 11:26 PM

It does not have to be double stacks, but anything tall with a high center of gravity (even empty) can be an issue. Empty bulkhead flats and high cube boxes can "set sail" in yards or blow over.

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
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Friday, November 20, 2020 11:25 AM

mudchicken
It does not have to be double stacks, but anything tall with a high center of gravity (even empty) can be an issue. Empty bulkhead flats and high cube boxes can "set sail" in yards or blow over.

Old humpyard near me used to have problems with empty centerbeams being blown back UP the hump. 

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

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Friday, November 20, 2020 11:26 AM

Murphy Siding
In high winds, how is a parked train any safer than a moving train?

Less of a mess. 

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

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Friday, November 20, 2020 2:49 PM

tree68
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.

Trust the fire departments weren't set up in the manner described in the following link  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYUhKcJAsrQ

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, November 20, 2020 3:12 PM

afternoon

Ns sent an eastbound tanker train after work.There was another one coming into town as we were filling the gas tank up.Strung some lights outside.Won't turn them on until next Wed.Got a few chores inside to do.Also the state has issued grant money to the ND&W to work west of Defiance.They also issued some to RJ corman in Celina as well.

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 Friday, November 20, 2020 3:42 PM

BaltACD
Trust the fire departments weren't set up in the manner described in the following link...

No, not any more, and I don't recall any fights between arriving companies.

OTOH, the transition from social clubs that fought the occasional fire to bona fide fire suppression outfits has had its issues.  Volunteer fire department membership is down nationwide - have a five department response with just five firefighters is not unheard of.

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
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Saturday, November 21, 2020 10:03 AM

I can remember volunteer fire departments in nearby suburbs back when I was young and some were quite capable.  The assistant chief of one department had his day job at the lab where Dad worked and his department handled a gasoline tanker fire quite well.  I would think that it's getting harder to maintain a volunteer force in urban areas since less and less people work close to where they live.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Sunday, November 22, 2020 12:22 AM

CSSHEGEWISCH
I would think that it's getting harder to maintain a volunteer force in urban areas since less and less people work close to where they live.

Back then someone could work a middle-class job and support a family, house, kids and a stay-at-home wife that took care of the former.  Leaving Dad to spend all his time at the fire company...

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

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, November 22, 2020 6:50 AM

morning

We have some white stuff on the ground.Saw yesterday on the webcam Csx q 560 had an RJ corman engine along for the ride.Matt has a couple things to tidy up in his dorm tomorrow.Going to work on stuff inside today.

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 Sunday, November 22, 2020 6:58 AM

zugmann
Back then someone could work a middle-class job and support a family, house, kids and a stay-at-home wife that took care of the former.  Leaving Dad to spend all his time at the fire company...

And this is the problem with the youngsters today - most of the jobs available are service related, and they are at all hours of the day and night.  Makes it tough to get them trained.  That, and they move out of mom and dad's house, and out of town.

Those stay-at-home moms were usually in the auxiliary, too, so when there was an event, the whole fam damily was there.

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 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, November 22, 2020 7:43 AM

CSSHEGEWISCH
I can remember volunteer fire departments in nearby suburbs back when I was young and some were quite capable.

My uncle was a Captain at a volunteer fire house in a small town in Ohio back in the 1970s. When I would visit him, I always looked forward to a visit to the fire house.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Sunday, November 22, 2020 7:49 AM

zugmann
 
CSSHEGEWISCH
I would think that it's getting harder to maintain a volunteer force in urban areas since less and less people work close to where they live. 

Back then someone could work a middle-class job and support a family, house, kids and a stay-at-home wife that took care of the former.  Leaving Dad to spend all his time at the fire company...

The 1950's ended 60 years ago.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Monday, November 23, 2020 12:14 AM

BaltACD
The 1950's ended 60 years ago.

That was my family life into the 90s. Wasn't that long ago.

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

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Monday, November 23, 2020 2:59 AM

zugmann
 
BaltACD
The 1950's ended 60 years ago.

 

That was my family life into the 90s. Wasn't that long ago.

Indeed - the closing of several paper mills and other industrial facilities (including a restructuring of New York Air Brake) marked the change here.

Those industries often worked multiple shifts, providing daytime manpower for the fire departments.  Businesses were usually more lenient, allowing their employees to leave to fight a fire.  Nowadays, everyone is one deep in most positions, meaning that such flexible time off is not available.

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, November 23, 2020 7:49 AM

zugmann
 
BaltACD
The 1950's ended 60 years ago. 

That was my family life into the 90s. Wasn't that long ago.

The 90's were OVER 20 years ago.

Time stops for the dead, not the living.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    July 2010
  • From: Louisiana
  • 2,310 posts
Posted by Paul of Covington on Monday, November 23, 2020 11:39 AM

   Our frozen neighbours to the north have something to contend with that we down here don't think about.

https://nypost.com/2020/11/23/canadian-signs-warn-drivers-do-not-let-moose-lick-your-car/

_____________ 

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

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Monday, November 23, 2020 1:49 PM

BaltACD
The 90's were OVER 20 years ago. Time stops for the dead, not the living.

60 years, 20 years, or 100 years, my point still stands. 

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

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, November 23, 2020 4:26 PM

evening

Ns sent an eastbound stack train after work.Went into town to run errands with a stop at the post office.Csx had q 192 come east.It had international containers,frieght then the domestic containers.Came home and put new chair for computer together.Going to get cleaned up.Matt brought his stuff home for the end of the semester.Going to get cleaned up.

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 Monday, November 23, 2020 6:36 PM

Anyone got a spare $60K burning a hole in their pocket for a NP/North Coast Limited end observation car looking for a new home? (12inch to the foot scale)

 

Takers?

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 Monday, November 23, 2020 6:45 PM

mudchicken

Anyone got a spare $60K burning a hole in their pocket for a NP/North Coast Limited end observation car looking for a new home? (12inch to the foot scale)  Takers?

That would go nicely with our "new" dome and diner.  I think my savings account is a little short, 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 Monday, November 23, 2020 8:22 PM

mudchicken
Anyone got a spare $60K burning a hole in their pocket for a NP/North Coast Limited end observation car looking for a new home? (12inch to the foot scale) 

Takers?

Is that with 'Free Shipping' and delivery?

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Monday, November 23, 2020 9:04 PM

.... apparently FOB anywhere on BNSF. (destination? - then it's your nickel?)

Sterling Rail - Passenger Car For Sale 

 

(my e-mail keeps getting bombed with the thing, but I'm not interested in the shiny toys)

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 Monday, November 23, 2020 10:18 PM

mudchicken
.... apparently FOB anywhere on BNSF. (destination? - then it's your nickel?)

Sterling Rail - Passenger Car For Sale  

(my e-mail keeps getting bombed with the thing, but I'm not interested in the shiny toys)

Car looked so much better when I saw it at Union Station in Chicago in 1959 or 1960.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 2:38 PM

afternoon

Rain here in Nw Ohio. Ns had a westbound stopped near work.They also had cars uptown to come and get.Chores to do here.One more day of work.Hope all have a safe Thanksgiving.Will take some goodies to Edgerton this weekend for my brother.Matt says he wants to handle the tree this year for Christmas.

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, November 25, 2020 5:16 PM

evening

Ns had a CP unit tanker train come east and a westbound stack train after work.Rain here for tonight in Nw Ohio.The tree is up just needs the lights and decorations.Going to get cleaned up.

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 Wednesday, November 25, 2020 8:52 PM

For the past few years, since the pine tree in the front yard bought it, I've been putting up a "tree" consisting of a pole with strings of lights spread out around it.  

Last year, my flagpole wouldn't stand in the wind, so I broke down and bought a new one - but the old pole is now the center of the "tree."

It'll be going up Friday, weather permitting.

I haven't bothered with an indoor tree since the daughter moved out.  

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...

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