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Chatterbox Winter 2020-2021

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Posted by BaltACD on Sunday, February 14, 2021 3:13 PM

Flash flood warnings in NE Florida - rain is now as far South as Daytona Beach and the Daytona 500 is on hold after 15 laps and 'a big one' that had seriously damaged 16 cars.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, February 14, 2021 3:28 PM

I watched from the restart to the wreck.  That will certainly thin the field out.  

I moved on to other stuff around the house.

When they're running that close together all it takes is one nudge.

You could see the storm clouds in some of their wide shots.  Even if it quits raining from this band, there are more behind 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 mudchicken on Sunday, February 14, 2021 4:45 PM

(C-470 [Denver Belt Freeway] in winter conditions with the Texans, Californians, Teens and other assorted bad drivers with almost bald tires trying to chase each others into the ditches)

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 tree68 on Sunday, February 14, 2021 7:19 PM

No fun near OKC today - major pile-up on I44 just outside the city.   Several semi's burning.  No word on injuries.

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 rvos1979 on Sunday, February 14, 2021 7:56 PM

tree68

No fun near OKC today - major pile-up on I44 just outside the city.   Several semi's burning.  No word on injuries

Yeah, it's not pretty down there, supposed to load up for that way tomorrow, not sure if I'll make it or not. Truck has been acting up lately as well, got something strange going on between the outside air temp sensor, manifold air temp sensor, and the engine fan. Thinking it might be ECM related.........

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 samfp1943 on Monday, February 15, 2021 11:43 AM

Staying cooped up!Sigh  Temps this morning were in the single digits, for Wichita it ain't no fun.... Seems as if BNSF has packed it in around here(?).. No trains since late oght before last(?)....About the only odd-thing I've seen out and about has been the SKOL Trackage rights train from Moline area, via Winfeld to Wichta... Guesser's are predicting negative double digits for tonght!   Weather is not supposed to start breaking out about the end of the week...

Stay safe and warm everyone...Whistling

 

 


 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, February 15, 2021 3:27 PM

afternoon

Ns had a stack train in the siding when I left work.Cleaned up round 2 of snow when I got home.Round 3 is to come tonight.Wind is starting to blow as well.Right now it's from the east/northeast.People are guessing snow day from work tomorrow.We will see.

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 Monday, February 15, 2021 10:54 PM

I have a schoolmate living south of OKC (Moore--tornado capital of the tornado belt!), and wonder how she and her hubby are doing with this.  I know she's a fellow Michigander, but not so sure about his status.

We would have preferred to stay in today, but we had a tax appointment at the Blockhouse...H&R were glad that we kept the appointment, and so were we.  We'll do all right this time, in spite of (or perhaps because of!) the extenuating circumstances we went through.

After taxes, we braved the slick roads and stiff winds to visit the railroad at Bryn Mawr.  There were three trains sitting there, two of which were manifests (the third was a unit ethanol train).  All three had some good cars for me...one of them was a total surprise--the second car to occupy that reporting mark and number for the same company; the prior car was retired in 2018.

(A question for any Minnesotans here...did Progressive Rail even own or lease any covered hopper cars?  The exciting car I saw was originally UNPX [Procor, Ltd.], but it had a large Progressive Rail diamond logo centered on the side.  I'd never seen anything PGR except for blue reefers, painted up like they belonged to the old Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern.)

We then went grocery shopping...because it was tax-completion day we're indulging in some paczkis tomorrow.  After the store, we continued the celebration by bringing home dinner from Portillo's.

Now we're home, and the snow will be allowed to come up to the window sills, if the forecast is to be believed.  We have nowhere to go until Thursday afternoon.  I think I'll go hibernate now...'night, everyone!

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 Tuesday, February 16, 2021 6:22 AM

morning

Snow day from work today.been busy cleaning up outside. 4 ft.drifts in areas.Nieghbor across the street was complaining is vehichle got plowed in.(there are these things called driveways).Have some more to do later.Going to take a break.

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 Tuesday, February 16, 2021 7:02 AM

Sun is coming out here in South Beloit, IL, looks like enough snow fell to make a mess of the roads. Gonna wait a couple hours to let the sun and plow crews work, then try for the Saint Louis area. One look at MO road conditions tells me I'll probably stop there, roads are still ice and more snow will fall tonight and tomorrow. Will be a bad week pay wise, but it's better than the tow bill getting pulled out of a ditch or wreck..........

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 CSSHEGEWISCH on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 10:29 AM

The snow in our area was deep enough but I cleared the walks just before the biggest outburst in the evening.  It's bad enough but it will take a little less effort to clear it.  Our chihuahuas took one look at it when I opened the door to let them out and they quickly turned around without testing the depth.

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 tree68 on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 11:18 AM

Four inches total since the snow began.  I measured 3.5" at 0630, and another half inch just now.  There was a little slush mixed in there, though, as the snowboard/table had a bit of crust I had to scrape off just now.

We've had some drifting, and the wind made the snow almost sugar-like in consistency.  Definitely snowblower work, which I did.

No closings here, 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...

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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 11:25 AM

afternoon

Plow driver came back and finished our street.We are now under a level 2.Matt's snow hill is big enough now.Have reports of a crew van for csx coming out to get a crew and they went off the road.Just think it was the crew van driver by themselves.Going to have the leftover chili for lunch.

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, February 17, 2021 4:11 PM

afternoon

Ns had a stack train in the siding after work.A few loads were not picked up yet due to the weather.Came home and young couple was stuck in their driveway.Put young lady in the drivers seat.Young man and I dug out the path under the wheels and rocked it out.Young man was then digging out the rest of the driveway while Mamma and I went to do errands.Have 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 Electroliner 1935 on Thursday, February 18, 2021 12:27 AM

rvos1979
Will be a bad week pay wise, but it's better than the tow bill getting pulled out of a ditch or wreck..........

Have you ever watched any of the YOU TUBE videos of Midwest Towing

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Posted by rvos1979 on Thursday, February 18, 2021 5:35 AM

Electroliner 1935
rvos1979
Will be a bad week pay wise, but it's better than the tow bill getting pulled out of a ditch or wreck..........

Have you ever watched any of the YOU TUBE videos of Midwest Towing

I subscribe to his channel, have for several years. Miss his son in law Talon working with him.........

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 Thursday, February 18, 2021 3:12 PM

afternoon

Ns stack train still in the siding.Gas prices have sure went up around here.People are blaming the Texas refinery shut down.Took care of the latest snowfall here at home.Chores to do.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 BaltACD on Thursday, February 18, 2021 4:09 PM

JoeKoh
afternoon

Ns stack train still in the siding.Gas prices have sure went up around here.People are blaming the Texas refinery shut down.Took care of the latest snowfall here at home.Chores to do.Glad tomorrow is Friday.

stay safe

Joe

Remember back in the 'old days' when gas prices changed with the actual delivered price from the tanker truck that was set by the actual delivered price at the distribution terminal.

Today, a frog gives a sideways fart in Texas to cause a refinery employee to trip and the prices go up 20 cents in the next minute.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, February 18, 2021 4:17 PM

I was once told that you're not paying for the last delivery, but the next.

Then you have to factor in the futures market...

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
    September 2010
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Posted by Electroliner 1935 on Thursday, February 18, 2021 4:18 PM

rvos1979
 
Electroliner 1935
rvos1979
Will be a bad week pay wise, but it's better than the tow bill getting pulled out of a ditch or wreck..........

I subscribe to his channel, have for several years. Miss his son in law Talon working with him......... 

Be careful out there, we don't want you needing his services.

Love to know what he charges for using that "Rotater"

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Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, February 18, 2021 4:22 PM

Electroliner 1935
 
rvos1979 
Electroliner 1935
rvos1979
Will be a bad week pay wise, but it's better than the tow bill getting pulled out of a ditch or wreck..........

I subscribe to his channel, have for several years. Miss his son in law Talon working with him.........  

Be careful out there, we don't want you needing his services.

Love to know what he charges for using that "Rotater"

A old saying applies - If you have to ask the price, you can't afford it.

And with Ron's videos, you will know where every $$$$ in the field went.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Friday, February 19, 2021 10:17 AM

The situation in Texas is amazing. Unable to contact any of my Texas friends.  Are any of our Texas posters able to communicate here ?   Not winterizing the systems has had bad consequences.  Another pay now or pay more later.  Under stand that the electric grid came within 5 minutes of completely  shutting down the whole state.

Can understand solar not working.  The windmills well not having deicing equipment on the equipment  ---  Any prop pilot will tell you that icing of props can always be a problem.  Flew some that had additional "iron" on the prop plane to prevent  ice from entering the fuselage. 

Understand 4 refineries are going to have start up problems due to freezing of water vapor in some pipes and cat  converters.  Wonder how much warning time the refineries had for electricity loss ?  If the refineries had sudden loss of electric power damage may be worse.  Some media reports are that west Texas may have a gasoline shortage in the coming weeks.  Maybe the El Passo RR refueling facility will be short of diesel ? Does the New Mexico facility get diesel from Texas ? The RRs should be able to refuel with some difficulty outside of Texas if diesel become short in Texas ?

Someone explain why natural gas lines freeze up. Is it well discharge before the water is separated from the gas in lines above ground ?  

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Posted by rdamon on Friday, February 19, 2021 11:54 AM

My co-workers in the Houston area are all back online they are all also on boil orders.

 

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Posted by BaltACD on Friday, February 19, 2021 3:26 PM

blue streak 1
The situation in Texas is amazing. Unable to contact any of my Texas friends.  Are any of our Texas posters able to communicate here ?   Not winterizing the systems has had bad consequences.  Another pay now or pay more later.  Under stand that the electric grid came within 5 minutes of completely  shutting down the whole state.

Can understand solar not working.  The windmills well not having deicing equipment on the equipment  ---  Any prop pilot will tell you that icing of props can always be a problem.  Flew some that had additional "iron" on the prop plane to prevent  ice from entering the fuselage. 

Understand 4 refineries are going to have start up problems due to freezing of water vapor in some pipes and cat  converters.  Wonder how much warning time the refineries had for electricity loss ?  If the refineries had sudden loss of electric power damage may be worse.  Some media reports are that west Texas may have a gasoline shortage in the coming weeks.  Maybe the El Passo RR refueling facility will be short of diesel ? Does the New Mexico facility get diesel from Texas ? The RRs should be able to refuel with some difficulty outside of Texas if diesel become short in Texas ?

Someone explain why natural gas lines freeze up. Is it well discharge before the water is separated from the gas in lines above ground ?  

Texas isssues boil down to the 3 P's.  Piss Poor Planning.  Nothing more and nothing less.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, February 19, 2021 6:36 PM

evening

Ns still had the stack train in the siding after work.It was passed by another westbound stack train.Found some things for the train park in Deshler and took them over.Our favorite place to eat was having a good special for supper.Mamma is enjoying her pie for dessert right now.Saw q 171 and q 016 on Csx but that was it.Going to relax.

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 Friday, February 19, 2021 7:35 PM

We took advantage of a bit of sunshine today to do some banking, grab some seafood at our favorite deli (as well as some lasagna for a future meal), and some other things.  While at the deli, I watched three stack trains go through in well under an hour.  

We got some gas, at about 20¢/gallon more than we paid at the end of last month (that was about three weeks to go through eight gallons), then went to the hardwre store in Elmhurst.  Sure, we have a hardware store in Lombard, but this one has a main line nearby.  And an inbound manifest was there for the entire time that we were...got two pages' worth of notes off him.

We got more snow today, but not much compared to what's already down.  Our driveway is clear, thanks to a guy who's been doing it for us (or for the money, I guess).  We're supposed to get a bunch of wet snow come Sunday, and that will be a challenge...it'll be hard to lift up and over the piles that are already there!  Sunday will also be the first day of a solid week where the highs go above freezing.

I was trying to call a friend in Texas (Austin) just now, and not getting through.  One of my carchaeologist friends lives out in the boonies near Taylor (that's where he goes to shop and watch trains); I haven't heard from in a couple of weeks...sent an email last night.  Further north, a friend in OKC is doing just fine, it would appear.

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 blue streak 1 on Friday, February 19, 2021 10:38 PM

Balt:   Your three PPPs evidently was a big part of the problem in Texas.  As it turns out when the electric utility started rolling blackkouts that included the oil and natural gas pumping stations.  So natural gas pressure declined until some natural gas thermal power stations had to go off line for not having any thing to burn. 

Even though most facilities now have power it will take time for standard rate production to  return for the oil and gas distribution.  Guess that is why the sudden jump in the price of oil although it declined some today.

Still unable to contact any one in Texas.

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Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, February 20, 2021 4:06 PM

Evening

Got a message this morning that a friend was coming west on K 182.While waiting for him I saw q 192 with UP 8447 in the lead go east.Well it made a quick turn at North Baltimore and took Q 191 west with another friend.The sunshine was nice today and snow was melting slowly.Going to relax inside now and keep warm.

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 Saturday, February 20, 2021 10:03 PM

I've had email exchanges with both of the friends in question...the one in Austin was just asleep, and the one outside Taylor just got his Internet back just before he wrote me.  They're okay, but I doubt that they've dealt with all of the probable repercussions yet.  (And their electric bills are reportedly going to be tres, tres outrageous!)

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 mudchicken on Sunday, February 21, 2021 1:15 PM

Hmmm....Light snow mixed with aircraft engine parts?Huh?

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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