Trains.com

Chatterbox Winter 2021-2022

18547 views
249 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2008
  • 2,325 posts
Posted by rdamon on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 2:26 PM

Most cables installed since 2000 are 144 fibers or greater ..

Here is a 1728 count!!

https://www.commscope.com/product-type/cables/fiber-cables/outside-plant-cables/item760220178/

 

There are systems where you can run well over 40+ Terabits/sec using a single pair!

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 9:03 AM

blue streak 1
Verizon lost service here in some parts of southern states Tuesday due to fiber trouble.  Still waiting on info if it was cut?

Several years ago my fire department (I was fire chief) was dispatched to a grass fire.  On arrival, it was a little more complicated.

A wind event a day or two earlier had knocked a primary transmission wire off its insulator.  As it was on the east side of the pole, and with normal westerly winds, it wasn't a problem, until...

The wind had shifted to the east.  The primary, now hanging below it's usual cross arm, was blown into the fiber optic cable next down on the pole.  You may think that it would be no big deal, but the primary contacted the carrier cable to which the fiber optic cable was lashed.

The carrier turned into one long heater wire, instantaneously vaporizing the fiber optic cable for about three spans on either side.  Flaming pieces of the FO cable dropped to the ground, starting the grass fire.

If you think that sounds spectacular, it was, according to the motorists who were passing by that very spot at the time.  One of the spans was over the road.

We were still sorting things out when a representative of a local development authority showed up.  They owned the FO cable in question and had gotten outage reports from their customers.  The problem was pretty obvious.

The telco got contracted to repair the damage.  It took them a couple of days to splice in a new section.

I never did find out how many pairs of FO were in that cable.  Sometimes it's upwards of 100 individual strands, or more.

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
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Monday, February 14, 2022 11:24 PM

tree68

Verizon lost service here in some parts of southern states Tuesday due to fiber trouble.  Still waiting on info if it was cut?

 

 
rvos1979
Rumor has it that someone severed a fiber optic cable in Green Bay,

 

Somebody forgot to call 8-1-1.   

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, February 14, 2022 2:36 PM

afternoon

Ns sent a large westbound manifest after work.We have an empty boxcar for them to pick up too.Chores to do.Sis is coming over tonight 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 Sunday, February 13, 2022 9:08 AM

Somebody left the freezer door open.  Started out yesterday morning near +40F, today dawned with -2F and a wind chill of -11F.  Brrrrr.

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 Sunday, February 13, 2022 5:29 AM

good morning

Did errands in town yesterday.Matt and I did see I 166 and q 350 at FC.Heard on the scanner later that Csx was in need of plungers around Lima then back north in Deshler.Going to go check on brother.Tonight going to see if we can get a trophy back to Ohio.

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 Saturday, February 12, 2022 12:13 PM

rvos1979
Been an interesting week at work, was fighting electronic log issues for most of it. Finally got that straightened out when the truck went in for service on Wednesday. No sooner do I get the truck back on Thursday when the entire computer system at Schneider crashes, it's still down today with no ETA on coming back up. Rumor has it that someone severed a fiber optic cable in Green Bay, and they were moving servers to get everything working again............

Green Bay sweep?

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Saturday, February 12, 2022 11:49 AM

rvos1979
Rumor has it that someone severed a fiber optic cable in Green Bay,

Somebody forgot to call 8-1-1.   

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
    December 2001
  • From: Burlington, WI
  • 1,418 posts
Posted by rvos1979 on Saturday, February 12, 2022 10:16 AM

Been an interesting week at work, was fighting electronic log issues for most of it. Finally got that straightened out when the truck went in for service on Wednesday. No sooner do I get the truck back on Thursday when the entire computer system at Schneider crashes, it's still down today with no ETA on coming back up. Rumor has it that someone severed a fiber optic cable in Green Bay, and they were moving servers to get everything working again............

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

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, February 11, 2022 2:39 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear after work.Rain/snow mix here.Got the rest of the walkway clear for when Matt gets home.The scrub board is all set for when he gets home.

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 Thursday, February 10, 2022 2:29 PM

afternoon

Ns had a manifest in the siding after work.Contractors finished putting the top on the watertower in Archbold  today.Wonder if the big bridge is still clogged between Detroit and Windsor.Viewed the St.Clair river tunnel in Port Huron years ago.Time for 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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 10:37 PM

Car vs train Wednesday in the old home town.  Driver of the car died.  Lake States doesn't go through there very fast, so to sustain fatal injuries, I suspect she was moving right along.  There are no gates, just flashers.  The road leading up to the crossing is gravel.  Tied up every crossing in town for hours, but there are a couple of underpasses, so traffic could still move.

Actual details are pretty sketchy, though.  It will be interesting what comes out in the future.

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 Wednesday, February 9, 2022 2:38 PM

afternoon

Snowmelt day today.Ns sent a westbound grain train after work.Need to work on the 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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 12:18 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH
 
tree68

I've also got to review the fire reports so we can have that report for tomorrow.  Wheeee!

 
Bureaucracy must be served.
 

I've been doing ours for years - and I'm trying to get someone else to do them.  

Technically, they're easy, but you have to have a feel for the calls.

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 Wednesday, February 9, 2022 10:00 AM

tree68

I've also got to review the fire reports so we can have that report for tomorrow.  Wheeee!

 
Bureaucracy must be served.
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 8, 2022 3:57 PM

Well, two meetings down, next up is the evening "Seaway Net" that I host on Tuesdays.

For any hams, it's on EchoLink, AC2GE repeater.

I've also got to review the fire reports so we can have that report for tomorrow.  Wheeee!

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 Tuesday, February 8, 2022 2:46 PM

afternoon

Ns took the manifest train away today.Tracks were clear after work. Saw pictures of Csx trains hauling NS locomotives for a use somewhere else.Need to work on some chores.

stay safe

Joe

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 Monday, February 7, 2022 2:37 PM

afternoon

Back to work Monday.Ns had a Manifest in the siding waiting for space to open in a yard somewhere.Crews couldn't pre-treat the roads here due to the rain first.Still some slick spots out there.Going 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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Sunday, February 6, 2022 7:42 PM

mudchicken
(and no salt to spread)

We've got plenty here.  In fact, they're talking about salt reduction in the Adirondacks.

The funny thing, it was the 1980 Olympics that led to our heavy use of salt on the roads.  Before 1980, roads were usually hard-packed snow and ice covered.  Sand was spread liberally, salt less so.  And the sand was spread in part to help break up the hard packed snow.

Then, for the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, the word came out - "BARE ROADS."

Nowadays, you're more likely to see a snowplow with a load of pure salt in the back than one with sand or a salt/sand mix.

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
    December 2006
  • 1,754 posts
Posted by diningcar on Sunday, February 6, 2022 6:38 PM

And I slept soundly Saturday night. Would have alerted the police had I known of  the potential trouble coming from the west.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Sunday, February 6, 2022 6:34 PM

The screaching noise that went through diningcars 'hood on Saturday night at 10PM was just ol' chicken feathers on the fly heading for Cincinnati. Plenty of truckers in the ditches on their sides between Columbia MO and Indianapolis. Got Atlanta TUE/WED on the agenda and then Springfield IL on Friday and then back to Denver on Saturday (may wind up sleeping through the SuperBowl on Sunday by the time I'm home.) Wondering where all the trucks went to on I-70 on Saturday? The ice situation in Cincy is just stupid. (and no salt to spread)

Tired Feathers

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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, February 5, 2022 3:37 PM

afternoon

Went to Lima today to get a couple things.Crews were still playing catch up from this weeks storm.Think I used up my good husband points today.Did see a Ltex switcher along the former PRR main on the west side of Lima.Csx and the I&O had various units around the yards.Followed a late q 350 up to Deshler.He had to wait in Defiance for a very very late I 003(high priority ups container train).Also saw a q 368 go east with plenty of lumber.On the way home saw a tank car csx set off last week in Hamler.Catching up on laundry.Tomorrow Sis says we have the "all clear" to go check on our brother in Edgerton.Going to get back at it.

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 Friday, February 4, 2022 2:40 PM

The BNSF derailment at SF Jct in KCS two days ago showed the urgent need for the Emporia sub 2MT upgrade. Folks on the VR Wichita cam chat were puzzled why trains were stopped for hours; note that the usual EB transcon route on the single track Arkansas City and La Junta subs has few long sidings.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, February 4, 2022 9:11 AM

morning

Dig out day here at home.Went into town for a couple things.Ice is under all the snow.Crews are working on it before it gets really cold.Saw a couple trains on Csx.Also saw the ND&W getting ready to do something.Waiting for our local plow guy to show up.Need to go give hugs later this afternoon.

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 Thursday, February 3, 2022 2:32 PM

Not much snow here yet, but it is coming down.  And there's lots of it to the west of us, so tonight's overnight could be interesting...

Woke up in the middle of the night.  Didn't feel like getting out of bed, so I grabbed my phone and checked out my Blink camera.  Could tell it wasn't snowing, and could hear the rain.  We got 0.02" of rain overnight.  Now it's down to +20F, so rain won't be a problem now.

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 3, 2022 7:29 AM

morning

Blowing and drifting snow.Csx is having switch problems.Matt is staying put at school.We are staying put at home.Will go back out and help the nieghbors at lunchtime.

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 2, 2022 2:52 PM

afternoon

Well at work it was snowing.Here at home it was a slushy mix.Mother nature is just changing it over to all snow now.Don't think we will have the 6 inches the guessers said by supper.Had a young male pheasent lurking in the backyard.He went into the woods before I could get a camera shot.We'll see what tomorrow brings.

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 2016
  • 1,447 posts
Posted by Shadow the Cats owner on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 2:25 PM

Well we have over a foot here in my neck of the woods and more still incoming.  Hubbies car is buried under a drift over it and the dogs are less than happy as they get their rears in the snow when they go to the bathroom.

  • Member since
    July 2009
  • From: San Francisco East Bay
  • 1,360 posts
Posted by MikeF90 on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 1:55 PM

The Canadian avian air force has arrived en masse; the geese do continuous carrier landings on my roof at 7:30am to wake me up Grumpy.

The VR cams show a few locations with snow, including La Plata, Ft. Madison and Galesburg. The latter shows a little more as there are no fast trains through there to blow the snow away from the rails. Forecast temp for La Plata tomorrow is -1F ! Now that's brrrr....

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 10:08 AM

The first round of snow is still coming down as I type this.  My location is expecting 5-6 inches now and probably more in the second round.  Our dog is not going to be too happy about this.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul

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