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Chatterbox Winter 2020-2021

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, January 25, 2021 8:30 PM

zugmann
 (And may not have even been a RCO job).  

I don't have any info to say one way or the other, but the loco did have the amber strobes common on RCO locomotives.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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Posted by zugmann on Monday, January 25, 2021 8:21 PM

BaltACD
Further pictures seem to tell the tale - looks like a RCO shoving cars at too high of a speed into a track that was secured - speed isn't a killer, sudden stops are.

Could be several causes.  (And may not have even been a RCO job).  

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 rvos1979 on Monday, January 25, 2021 8:08 PM

Sitting in Carlisle, PA, tonight, glad I made it over the mountains before the ice started. Will have to wait until morning to find out if I can go to my pickup, though, PA has empty trailer bans on several interstates overnight, I81 doesn't have one yet.........

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 MikeF90 on Monday, January 25, 2021 3:37 PM

That Cincinnati derailment picture is a little unreal, kinda like a bad Photoshop job.

Speaking of bad derailments, one on the BNSF transcon in AZ has damaged and closed both tracks; reportedly it may be reopened by 7pm-ish local time. Meanwhile the mains at Flagstaff are completely covered in snow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnotRrW1udI  - interesting that no plows have appeared yet.

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Posted by BaltACD on Monday, January 25, 2021 3:35 PM

tree68
 
BaltACD
Pictures don't illuminate the possible cause. 

Nope.  Just the mess.

Further pictures seem to tell the tale - looks like a RCO shoving cars at too high of a speed into a track that was secured - speed isn't a killer, sudden stops are.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, January 25, 2021 2:35 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear after work.Guessers are downgrading the snow total for tonight.MC familiar last name for being a spokesperson for the railroad.Any relation?As for Csx they wanted to build another 3 mile long train.What could happen? 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 mudchicken on Monday, January 25, 2021 12:25 PM

Remote control - failure to protect the shove. (cue Tim Allen: " More Power!!!")Oops

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, January 24, 2021 3:27 PM

BaltACD
Pictures don't illuminate the possible cause.

Nope.  Just the mess.

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 BaltACD on Sunday, January 24, 2021 3:04 PM

tree68

Pictures don't illuminate the possible cause.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, January 24, 2021 2:37 PM

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, January 24, 2021 1:13 PM

afternoon

Just relaxing here at home.Quite the mess in Cincinnati.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 BaltACD on Sunday, January 24, 2021 11:28 AM

mudchicken
Methinks the CSX spectacular low speed fail in Cincinnati should be the subject of  a News Digest or two.   - Cincinnati Enquirer (www.Cincinnati.com)

This is about a quarter mile south of the Cincinnati Union Terminal "half dome". Ought to ruin a few people's weekend at CSX and NS

Cincinnati.com has too many hoops they want you to jump through to view any article.  No Thanks.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by mudchicken on Sunday, January 24, 2021 10:59 AM

Methinks the CSX spectacular low speed fail in Cincinnati should be the subject of  a News Digest or two.   - Cincinnati Enquirer (www.Cincinnati.com)

This is about a quarter mile south of the Cincinnati Union Terminal "half dome". Ought to ruin a few people's weekend at CSX and NS

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, January 23, 2021 4:26 PM

evening

Went and checked on my brother.They were able to come in and trim his hair.Saw some good trains on Ns.Cp also sent a trackage rights train west.Saw them make the turn at Butler.Went down to watch CSX.I followed q 172 into Defiance.They were stopped at Fc.Then found out the Clinton St.viaduct claimed another truck.After a bit q 172 went east. Q191,q 369 and q 201 got to go west.Omni source in Defiance is loaded up with cars to scrap.The ND&W had taken the boxcar collection back west to Ns as well.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").

 

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Posted by Erik_Mag on Saturday, January 23, 2021 11:17 AM

I was distinctly unimpressed by the map of prposed high speed rail lines, looks like it was drawn by someone who grew up in the flatlands.

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Saturday, January 23, 2021 9:57 AM

I'm sure that confirmation will come rather quickly.  The reports are that he's quite competent and knows how to navigate his territory.

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 blue streak 1 on Saturday, January 23, 2021 3:33 AM

President Biden has hit the ground running.  DOT appointments have been announced.  Have not heard if Secretary has been approved by Senate yet ?

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Biden Appointees Ready to Work on Behalf of the American People | US Department of Transportation

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, January 22, 2021 2:50 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear after work.Seems the brush cutter was working for the county cleaning along the ditches and roadways.Was busy as we left work.Guessers say might get some interesting weather come Mon/Tuesday.It's Nw Ohio.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 MikeF90 on Friday, January 22, 2021 2:40 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH
Tonight will dip to single digits, first time this winter.

Uh, no thank you. I used to tolerate <40F temps here where and when I grew up - no longer.....

However, the forecast is for snow this weekend uphill (in the Sierras). That's most of the states water supply - go Sierra cement!

Maybe we will see the result in a few days on the Truckee railcam:  http://tahoetopia.com/webcam/downtown-truckee

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Friday, January 22, 2021 10:01 AM

We're catching a bit of a chill today.  Today's high is predicted at about 24 degrees with single-digit wind chills.  Tonight will dip to single digits, first time this winter.

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 Thursday, January 21, 2021 4:37 PM

Sent out a fire truck light bar to Yonkers today.  Went to one place and they wanted $120 to package it.  The buyer was basically outraged - he usually pays a third of that.  Went to another outfit and they did wrap it for the expected price.  It was just hanging on the wall in my garage anyhow, so now the fire department gets a little income.

Last night at 7:00PM it was just +5F.  From there, it's warmed up to +37F.  Crazy weather...

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, January 21, 2021 2:33 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear after work.Brush cutter still off to the side.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 JoeKoh on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 4:11 PM

evening

Ns was clear after work.The brush cutter wasn't cutting today either.Ran errands after work.People in the county office are a bit concerned about the mail service.Seems some tax bills were lost in the mail.I had mine and its paid.Nieghbor was amazed that we got snow last night.I'm like you lived here in Nw Ohio for how long?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 JoeKoh on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 2:40 PM

afternoon

Contractor was out again this afternoon cutting down brush and trees.Ns was clear after work.Helped neighbor carry in a mini nightstand.Other neighbor can haul what he wants.He bought a new truck.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 JoeKoh on Monday, January 18, 2021 2:30 PM

afternoon

Some people had their ditchfinders on this morning.Ns had some cars uptown after work.They also had a contractor working along the siding cutting down the weeds.Gave virtual hugs again too.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 ChuckCobleigh on Monday, January 18, 2021 12:07 AM

Randy Stahl
Most of my railroad stories don't have happy endings.

I gotta say that was the best and funniest story of an otherwise not particularly comedic weekend. Thanks, Randy.Bow

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Posted by mvlandsw on Sunday, January 17, 2021 9:17 PM

I had a crossing staining experience similiar to Randy's.

I was working as a fireman in the P&W helper pool out of Glenwood,Pa. I ran a shove to Bakerstown while the engineer relaxed so when we returned to Glenwood and were told we had to wait to help another train it was the engineer's turn to work.

I went back to the second unit and dozed off. I woke up when we tied onto the caboose and realized that there was a foul odor coming from the toilet It was dark and I didn't look out to see where we were. I went down in the nose and pulled the toilet drain valve. When I came back to the cab I saw that we were sitting in the middle of Hazelwood Ave. and there was a large green and brown puddle covering the street.

Mark Vinski

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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, January 17, 2021 5:59 AM

Good Morning

Nephew moved on to the next house.Matt is getting stuff ready to load up for college today.Saw an autorack train waitng on the former NKP line at Latty with Up power yesterday.Going to do chores here.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 Electroliner 1935 on Saturday, January 16, 2021 4:26 PM

Randy Stahl
Most of my railroad stories don't have happy endings

I'd say that was a happy ending. You GO Randy!

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Posted by Randy Stahl on Saturday, January 16, 2021 3:07 PM

 

Not suitable for trains magazine.....

I was called for a plow extra engineer. The temps were below zero that day so I was dressed to the point of not being able to hold my arms at my side.
My conductor Robbie was to ride the plow with the roadmaster. This is in Northwestern Maine to the boundary between the US and Canada. the railroad was shutdown for several days because of the snow and ice. This time of year the snow sledders think they gave the right to use the railroad as a recreational trail so in many spots the snow had been packed down and turned to ice. We were using a CP built Russel type plow that derailed at the slightest provocation. The plows really weren't that heavy anyhow. We had 117 miles to plow and we had derailed 3 times before we got to mile 76. At mile 76 we stopped to clean off the plow and walk over to the store and get provisions. I got a big gulp coffee, 5 hot dogs with relish and mustard , chips and a couple of Pepsi's. I had consumed most of this before mile 90.

I was diagnosed with Crohns disease many years ago, sometimes it caused problems, this was one of those days. We came to the Boundary and derailed on a snow mobile crossing. We did manage to pull the plow back on since we had slowed down expecting trouble, the trip should have taken us about 4 hours but because of the snow sleds we were on duty for 8 so far. After we rerailed the plow again I noticed a large group of sledders waiting for us to clear the illegal crossing. I was in a bad mood, My bowels were about to explode so I went out the rear dab door of the GE dash 8, dropped my pants, wound my arms around the hand rails and let it go. My conductor said later that he looked back and thought I had fired a fire extinguisher. Remember it well below zero. I believe that the spot I left in the center of the trail crossing could have been seen from orbit. There was only ONE way across the tracks. We left the area, I felt an evil satisfaction.

Most of my railroad stories don't have happy endings.

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