Trains.com

Chatterbox Winter 2020-2021

16311 views
230 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, February 11, 2021 3:30 PM

afternoon

Ns had a westbound stack train in the siding after work.Sunshine was nice coming home.Mamma is busy making cookies for a co workers birthday tomorrow.I have the task of testing each batch she makes.Going to take some to my brother after work tomorrow.Glad it's 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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 3:24 PM

afternoon

Ns had a coal train go east at lunch with Up and Csx power. They were clear after work.Guessers are watching the weather maps for Saturday and Monday.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
    January 2019
  • 1,686 posts
Posted by Erik_Mag on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 11:48 PM

tree68

I was lucky enough to get in on early doses as a result of being an EMS worker.  No wait before, just the 15 minutes after.  They were under the gun for not giving out enough doses at one point.

I qualified by being 65 or older and had been poking around for a vaccination appointment for a couple of weeks. The Petco Park station has been doing 5,000 injections per day and have done more than 100,000 injections since the facility was opened a bit over 3 weeks ago (20% of the total vaccinations that have been done in SD County over the last two months).

Weather has been cool for us, overcast with a high temp in the low 60's and a low about 50F.

  • Member since
    July 2009
  • From: San Francisco East Bay
  • 1,360 posts
Posted by MikeF90 on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 3:09 PM

Erik got lucky in his county while I'm still waiting in two queues. Also, I read that some of the unadministered doses are in extended care facilities (very first phase) and may be redeployed.

The CEA and PSA blood tests are not very sensitive for my type of cancer as a recent CT and biopsy just confirmed. Next round of chemo will require a cath-port rather than pills; hope the side effects are minimal.

The Tehachapi bird cam was back this AM due to a MOW window. Much heavier birds (Canada geese) are landing on the roof here and sounding like you're just below deck during a carrier landing cycle.

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 3:00 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear after work today.Some engineers came by our work area and asked if we had some wrenches.Sorry they don't let us use those anymore and we probably wouldn't have any because someone would take them home.Got maintenence over there and they figured it out.Came home and refilled the windshield fluid in the truck and Mammas vehicle too.More 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: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 6:51 AM

I was lucky enough to get in on early doses as a result of being an EMS worker.  No wait before, just the 15 minutes after.  They were under the gun for not giving out enough doses at one point.

+16.2F this morning with light snow looking like it will last all day.  I've got plenty to do in the house, although one of the lead projects might require a trip 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...

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • 1,686 posts
Posted by Erik_Mag on Monday, February 8, 2021 10:31 PM

I'm relieved to report getting my first dose of the Moderna vaccine this morning. Vaccination took place at Petco Park (SD Padres stadium) drive-through super station - spent 1.5 hours waiting to get the shot, then waited 15 minutes for observation. The crew handling the traffic were very pleasant to deal with.

The appointment for the second dose was set up automatically.

The main source of stress was finding out that my driver's license wasn't in my wallet - needed ID to show I was 65 or older. Called my wife and explained the predicament, she sent pictures of my passport and an expired driver's license, fortunately the check-in folks didn't have any problem looking at a picture on my phone. Final sigh of relief was finding the license stuck in a chair, which has some unintended traps for small pieces of paper, coins and driver's licenses...

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, February 8, 2021 9:41 PM

Carl was frustrated by a couple of specials of his own today.  When I was coming home from the oncologist past the county offices, a westbound manifest was just starting over the overpass ahead of me...And not long after his engines went by, an eastbound manifest appeared.  Sadly, the eastbound looked more interesting and was on the wrong side of the westbound from my point of view.  Then the westbound stopped...strike two!

I gave up and continued toward Lombard...I noted that the eastbound manifest that I couldn't see before was staging at Finley Road.  So, instead of going to the grocery store I went home, visited the bathroom, then went to the store.  Pat accompanied me.  As we left, that guy was still at the staging point.  So we went to Elmhurst...Pat did the shopping after dropping me off at my "office", where I warmed up with a hot chocolate.  The signals in Elmhurst offered no encouragement whatsoever. When Pat came back for me, we decided to check out the UP/CP activity at Bryn Mawr...another waste of time, as nothing was there.  

We came home through Villa Park, hugging the tracks as much as the streets would allow, and checked the staging area when we got there.  The manifest was still sitting there, headlight out.  So that was my third (fourth?) strike today.  I still have plenty to keep me busy here.

No news from the oncology appointment today.  My last scan showed that the cancer is at least not spreading, but no PSA sample was taken, so I won't know about any improvement.  I don't think anyone's worried at the moment.

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
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, February 8, 2021 3:07 PM

afternoon

Went into work the Ns engine,coal train and boxcar were all gone.This afternoon it was replaced by a Carl special when I got off.Csx had an interesting train yesterday in Deshler.All railbox boxcars on 1 train going to Montgomery Alabama.Called it the K 001.Csx has also be busy with switches,heaters and broken tack in spots as well.Took care of Mother natures snow donation today when I got home.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
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Monday, February 8, 2021 11:59 AM

tree68
Woke up to -10F this morning.  Outside, of course.  Nice and toasty in the house.  By noon it was up to +20F - a thirty degree swing!

CSX 'Heat Orders', by rule, are supposed to be issued when there is an expected temperature swing of 30 degrees or more.  The rule doesn't state at what temperature the swing needs to start. (I have never seen it implemented for swings when the starting temperature is 60 degrees or lower).

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Monday, February 8, 2021 11:25 AM

Woke up to -10F this morning.  Outside, of course.  Nice and toasty in the house.  By noon it was up to +20F - a thirty degree swing!

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
    June 2003
  • From: South Central,Ks
  • 7,170 posts
Posted by samfp1943 on Monday, February 8, 2021 9:22 AM

Here it is Monday morning....Temp was at about 12 deg when I let the dog out at 6+ AM...fine percipitation has covered outside surfaces with light ice... Usually by that tinme we've had a couple of trains by the house...This morning the FIRST one rolled Eastbound at about 0815!  And it was just crawling...

I have read in the past that the dispatchers have acess to very current weather information....But I am curious; how much are the processes of 'calling', and scheduling of trains effected by various weather conditions ?

Looks like the weather gussers are predicting very cold tems and various 'wintery' mixes(?) in the next couple lof weeks around here...  Stay Safe everyone.

 

 

 


 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Sunday, February 7, 2021 11:47 PM

Drove home from daughter's house after the game.  Dry roads to start, then the roadside signs said lake effect ahead, which there was.  Slowed down, then even moreso due to echelon plowing at 35 MPH.  Didn't mind when there was snow on the road, but 15+ miles when the snow wasn't falling and the roads were merely wet was a bit much.

Granddaughter's birthday gift was a digital camera - I think she ran the battery down before she headed for bed.

Watched the game there, too.  I think KC shot themselves in the foot.  Bear in mind I really didn't care who won.

+11.3F as I head for bed at almost 1AM.   Brr.

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
    November 2005
  • From: Hope, AR
  • 2,061 posts
Posted by narig01 on Sunday, February 7, 2021 10:57 PM
Hi
  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, February 7, 2021 12:26 PM

Basking in the bright sunshine here, and celebrating that the temperature has finally come back above zero...it's +1º out there.  And I'm in here, with no intention of going anywhere. I'll be editing books, or working on renumbering tables.  No need to watch the game; I don't care much about home runs, free-throws, birdies, or power plays...I'm sure I'll be kept informed via news reports, Facebook, etc.

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
    September 2010
  • 2,515 posts
Posted by Electroliner 1935 on Saturday, February 6, 2021 10:05 PM

At age 85, I am glad I don't have to be out in the weather anymore. Tonight, the forecast calls for a low of -6 and wind chills of -20 to -30 degrees. To all of those conductors and others that have to be out, I wish you warmth and good gear. 

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • 1,686 posts
Posted by Erik_Mag on Saturday, February 6, 2021 6:08 PM

Sunny day here with highs in the mid 60's. No rain in the forecast for the next week.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Saturday, February 6, 2021 3:28 PM

A very tight band of lake effect snow is affecting the area just south of me - whiteout conditions have been reported.

I've measured about 4" so far, but not according to official guidelines, so that will go unreported to NWS.

I'm getting light flurries, and the VR Pulaski cam is showing no snow falling.  Between us....

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 2009
  • From: San Francisco East Bay
  • 1,360 posts
Posted by MikeF90 on Saturday, February 6, 2021 3:12 PM

Clear weather here and the same at Tehachapi where there was a derailment on the 2MT between Marcel and Walong last night. UPDATE - RR traffic is still stopped at this time.

This AM the drone video shows a EB UP freight with autoracks on their sides on the inside of a curve - possible stringline event; it appears that DP units were just behind the cars now downslope. The twelve hour history on the loop cam may show other details.

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 1,754 posts
Posted by diningcar on Saturday, February 6, 2021 2:21 PM

Light snow in NE KS now and expected to dissipate about 4:15 PM. One to two inch accumulation expected. Temp is 24 degrees F.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, February 6, 2021 12:03 PM

afternoon

Had some cans to recycle so took car of that.Looked at the ND&W yard.Not much there.Csx sent q 166 with Cp power.Then it sent K 676 with Cn power.Tomorrow csx might have some KCS units come east.Sunshine is nice but it's really cold out there.Off to do chores.

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, February 5, 2021 3:14 PM

afternoon

Coal train still waiting in the siding.Heavy wet snow last night.People had the ditchfinders on.The plow guy didn't plow in our driveway today.Had to pick up a new scraper on the way home.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
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Friday, February 5, 2021 10:04 AM

We got a relatively light snow (2-3 inches) in our area last night and are now in for an extended cold snap: highs in the teens and overnight lows around zero.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Thursday, February 4, 2021 6:43 PM

Snow missed us again this morning (went south of us) and the mountains got hammered. Next chances are Saturday and Monday. The freaky weather in CO is causing all kinds of avalanche troubles.

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 Thursday, February 4, 2021 4:40 PM

We're due for snow on Friday and Saturday.  Hopefully things settle down Sunday, as I'd like to head to the daughter's house for the granddaughters birthday...

It's supposed to be a lake effect event - we'll see how much the line wanders north.  Weatherguessers say 3-4" for us, a foot or more in "persistent squall areas."

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, February 4, 2021 4:37 PM

evening

Ns still had the coal train and other engine in the siding today.Went into town after work.Mother nature has started sending the snow.Do not need to go anywhere this weekend.Need to put the rest of the groceries away.

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, February 3, 2021 3:21 PM

afternoon

Well ns sent a westbound stack train after work.The coal train is still in the siding.There is also an ns engine in front of the coal train.Don't know if the engine is broken down or the local stopped to pick up the car.(of course you still need to back up the coal train).Stopped by and picked up goodies for G+G's anniversary.Picked up some stuff for us too.Lady asked if we needed forks.Not sure what mother nature is sending next.stay tuned.

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
    July 2009
  • From: San Francisco East Bay
  • 1,360 posts
Posted by MikeF90 on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 1:48 PM

Based on the Chunks sleeping in, I'm going with a longer winter.

BTW right now Tehachapi is extremely foggy - driving will be very dangerous. Are there RR speed restrictions under these conditions?

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 10:07 AM

tree68

Well, we had two possibilities - six more weeks of winter, or a month and a half until spring...

 

Six of one, half dozen of the other.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 6:53 PM

Well, we had two possibilities - six more weeks of winter, or a month and a half until spring...

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