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Chatterbox Winter 2021-2022

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, February 18, 2022 12:04 PM

Erik_Mag
Have you looked into reverse osmosis?

I have - it's on the list, I just have to fit it into the budget and schedule.  

OTOH, $400 buys a lot of distilled water...

LarryWhistling
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Posted by rvos1979 on Friday, February 18, 2022 1:09 PM

Found out what the cause of our computer outage last week was. An issue with the firmware in both the main and backup data storage systems knocked both out one after another. The executives stressed that it was NOT a cyberattack.

Kind of reminds me of the time Amtrak lost the computer dispatching system in Chicago, when someone accidentally shut off the backup system while the main system was down for updates...........

Randy Vos

"Ever have one of those days where you couldn't hit the ground with your hat??" - Waylon Jennings

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Posted by rixflix on Friday, February 18, 2022 2:15 PM

When I was at the Martinsburg WV VA hospital I was tasked with getting the coffee ready for our meetings. They told me the electric pots were good for less than a year. The whole area is on limestone and ARGOS has an impressive cement plant nearby.

Rick

rixflix aka Captain Video. Blessed be Jean Shepherd and all His works!!! Hooray for 1939, the all time movie year!!! I took that ride on the Reading but my Baby caught the Katy and left me a mule to ride.

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Posted by rvos1979 on Friday, February 18, 2022 3:07 PM

mudchicken

Been trying to figure out why there is a rediculous shortage of distilled water. It's been an issue for as long as the pandemic, but it's really an issue now. Nothing on the shelves for weeks. Are people filling swimming pools with the stuff?

Hoarding toilet paper is one thing, but distilled water?

I use a lot in the winter for CPAP, usually about a gallon every month in the semi and two months at the house. Don't use as much in the summer, for obvious reasons.......

Finding it lately has been tough, I prefer the Ice Mountain jugs over the store brands, the plastic is thicker and holds up better bouncing down the highway. The store brand jugs will start leaking after a couple weeks in the semi, the Ice Mountain jugs will last months...........

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 Friday, February 18, 2022 3:33 PM

afternoon

Sunshine after yesterdays mess.Plow driver left a mess on our street.The ns tracks were clear when I left work.We still have an empty boxcar on our dock.Tomorrow going to meet up with Matt and a friend at the Amtrak station in Bryan.Hope to see some good trains.

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 rixflix on Friday, February 18, 2022 5:40 PM

When you go to Bryan can you imagine the NYC's turbojet RDC?

rixflix aka Captain Video. Blessed be Jean Shepherd and all His works!!! Hooray for 1939, the all time movie year!!! I took that ride on the Reading but my Baby caught the Katy and left me a mule to ride.

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Posted by Electroliner 1935 on Friday, February 18, 2022 6:54 PM

Reverse osmosis does NOT remove some disolved minerals which will be left behind when when reverse osmosis water is evaporated in a C-Pap or humidifier application. 

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, February 18, 2022 9:43 PM

rixflix
The whole area is on limestone...

That's my problem - in fact, I think my foundation/basement actually sits on the bedrock, which is fractured limestone.  

When they put our sewer system in they had to use a rock trencher to get through it, and had to blast in order to install some septic tanks (including mine).

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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Come ride the rails with me!
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Posted by Erik_Mag on Friday, February 18, 2022 9:59 PM

Electroliner 1935

Reverse osmosis does NOT remove some disolved minerals which will be left behind when when reverse osmosis water is evaporated in a C-Pap or humidifier application. 

 

R.O. is used for desalinating sea water (there's a big plant about 7 miles up the coast from me), so I wonder what ions would pass through a membrane that stops sodium and chlorine ions. R.O. is not perfect, but it is very effective.

One of the funny things about using R.O. for desalinatiing sea water is the impression that it is very energy intensive. With state of the art membranes, it takes less energy to produce a gallon of fresh water from sea water using R.O. than it does to pump that gallon from the Colorado river to San Diego county.

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Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, February 19, 2022 1:42 PM

afternoon

Very windy with blowing snow this morning.Was able to go up to the Bryan Amtrak station.We also ate at the saloon across the tracks.In the saloon they have plenty of Trains magazines to look at while waiting for a train or waiting for you lunch.Going to help increase the library on the next visit.Matt the college man is back to campus.Have things to do here at 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").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, February 19, 2022 5:44 PM

Got up this morning, opened the blinds, and thought the window had frosted over.  Nope - snowing like the dickens.  Then around 9 AM, it snowed even harder.  

A Canadian amateur operator, chatting with friends on that side of the border, mentioned that he'd had thundersnow.  Since he lives close to the border, I reported his info to NWS Buffalo.  They replied to say they'd gotten several such reports.

About 11 AM, the sun came out, although it was still plenty windy.  The wind has settled down, but the temperature is still only +14.6F as I type this.

But, it is winter in the north country.

Lake effect affected the Interstate, which was closed for a while due to an accident.

Better make my hotel reservation for the Vermont train show on March 12...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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Posted by BaltACD on Saturday, February 19, 2022 7:43 PM

tree68
...A Canadian amateur operator, chatting with friends on that side of the border, mentioned that he'd had thundersnow.  Since he lives close to the border, I reported his info to NWS Buffalo.  They replied to say they'd gotten several such reports.

Recall a November 'blizzard' in Maryland in about 1988 where we had 'Thunder Snow'.  As I recall the storm dropped about 18 inches and had started about 9 AM - just after everyone got to work.  My employer released everyone at about 11 AM to go home.  My normal 45 minute trip got me home about 9 PM.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, February 20, 2022 11:26 AM

afternoon

Saw a K 462 turn west on the Deshler Cam.Went west of town.Csx ran plenty of trains but that one is sitting by what is left of the Defiance yard.Heard on the scanner Toledo terminal talking to a 15n.They had 2 choices.Wait for an eastbound to come by or ride on another westbound to Elkhart. The J 715 local had as many cars for the NDW as they need to pull out.Time 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 tree68 on Sunday, February 20, 2022 12:09 PM

BaltACD
Recall a November 'blizzard' in Maryland in about 1988 where we had 'Thunder Snow'. 

I've encountered it several times.  The first I remember was during a heavy snowfall where we lived in Michigan.  It was evening, late 1960's.  Bright flash, then thunder.  

The hams in question had noticed a significant amount of static just before, which suddenly cleared up at about the same time as the thundersnow.  It kind of added up in retrospect - the static was the charge building up in the atmosphere.

The phenomenon is rare enough that NWS includes it in their list of weather events to be reported.

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, February 20, 2022 4:09 PM

Update

Csx K 462 was split in Defiance.One half still should be at Hire road while the other half gets to sit behind q 369 at stateline road.Also K 625 with 2 kcs units awaits a crew at NWO to come west.Hey it's csx.

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, February 21, 2022 2:33 PM

afternoon

Well the K 625 symbol was changed to K 607 and it went west early this morning.Back at work Ns has a manifest parked in the siding.We still have a boxcar on our dock.The boss said there is another one in route from California.Sunshine and snowmelt today.Going to do some 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").

 

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Posted by mudchicken on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 1:17 PM

BNSF culls another one out of the trucking pool and supply chain (probably distilled water?) The trucker on this one lived to tell the tale.SEMI TRAIN ACCIDENT: Train vs. semi accident on Hwy 287 near Campo | FOX31 Denver (kdvr.com)

No trees, no obstructions, visible for miles ... I know this crossing all too well (including incidents with oil field acid tankers and having to help find the remains of truckers with tweezers) The truck would have had to crash through double gates to get to the train. Suspect somebody nodded off. Will it ever end?

003-733E MP153.0 Boise City Sub (La Junta-Amarillo) Long day in zero degree weather for the people stuck responding to this one. Trucker needs to find a new vocation.Local detour routes are all dirt roads that are miserable in ice/snow/rain going around Campo just north of the Oklahoma panhandle.

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 Tuesday, February 22, 2022 3:20 PM

afternoon

Ns is still the same as yesterday.Rain has stopped.The creeks and ditches are pretty high right now.Does that crossing need hash marks like the viaduct here in town MC?  Saw a BNSF unit with all the previous heralds on it on I 171 on Csx.He was moving very fast. There was another train that was to run with other heritage units too.Since it runs light power from Garrett to North Baltimore Csx tucked it into an intermodal for North Baltimore.Some train watchers were not happy.Guessers say some snow is coming.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, February 23, 2022 3:03 PM

afternoon

Still same train in the siding and boxcar on the dock.Ns sent a small westbound manifest after work.Had to do errands.Sending big hugs again to Chicagoland.

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 Wednesday, February 23, 2022 3:24 PM

It was cold (29F) when I went to bed and similar early this AM; no rain as predicted by the weather guessers, just very clear blue sky.

By contrast the moisture had moved down to the Tehachapi mountains where snow has been falling for over 12 hours. Unusual to see decent snow on the ground at the depot!

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Thursday, February 24, 2022 9:59 AM

Lynn considers all snow to be indecent.  After an almost complete meltdown of previous snowfall, the temps have dropped and we may be getting some more snow tonight.

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, February 24, 2022 1:17 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH

Lynn considers all snow to be indecent.  After an almost complete meltdown of previous snowfall, the temps have dropped and we may be getting some more snow tonight.

We have two schools of thought around here.  Those who hate snow (for obvious reasons) and those who love it, which includes snowmobilers, skiers (downhill and cross country), and folks who make a living in winter plowing snow.

Aside from not being able to clear my own snow this winter (hard to do on one good foot), I don't mind it.  Since I"m retired, I can pick and choose when I go out, with the exception of emergency calls.  Driving a half million dollar apparatus in treacherous conditions does get on one's nerves.

Of course, we live in a very defined lake effect region, wherein the sun can be shining at my house, while 20 miles to the south, the Interstate is closed, as are schools.  

And we're prepared for it - my township probably has more plows than some southern counties.  I can usually tell if there's school or not just by noting what time the plow goes by my house.  

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, February 24, 2022 2:24 PM

afternoon

The manifest train is out of our siding.The boxcar was still on our dock.Ns sent a westbound after work.Mother nature was sending the wind from the east.We will see what it looks like in the morning.

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 tree68 on Thursday, February 24, 2022 10:13 PM

JoeKoh
We will see what it looks like in the morning.

If what Deshler looks like tonight (Thursday) is any indication, yuck.

Of course, various forecasts predict anywhere from a inch or three to a foot here.  Or it may stay mostly south of us, dumping on the Mohawk Valley instead.

Saw the doc today.  Said the ankle is looking good, but I still need to be gentle with it.  He said I can add 5% of my weight to it each week, meaning more time on the crutches.  OTOH, I already use it a bit for standing, etc, so it's not as bad as it was.

Safety seminar Sunday at the fire department.  Just found out one of my presenters won't make it (wish I'd known that a couple of weeks ago, when they did...) so I'm scrambling to fill that slot with someone who can talk about blood borne pathogens.  Everybody hates the subject, but it's one we're supposed to have.

I like to give the speakers small gifts.  Couldn't find any beer steins, so they're getting tumblers etched with some fire safety stuff.  Which I'm making.  It's amazing what you can do with a vinyl cutter and some glass etch...

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 Thursday, February 24, 2022 10:19 PM

tree68
 
JoeKoh
We will see what it looks like in the morning. 

If what Deshler looks like tonight (Thursday) is any indication, yuck.

Of course, various forecasts predict anywhere from a inch or three to a foot here.  Or it may stay mostly south of us, dumping on the Mohawk Valley instead.

Looking at traffic cameras from my area of Maryland - currently looks like rain - forecast says it is supposed to turn to freezing rain - sleet and snow during the night and into Friday.

Glad I am in NE Florida where it was 82 today.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, February 24, 2022 10:24 PM

BaltACD
Glad I am in NE Florida where it was 82 today.

Looking at the radar, looks like there's a couple of "tails" that may drag across you, though...  Maybe not snow, but...

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 Friday, February 25, 2022 7:15 AM

Yep - front is supposed to hit over the weekend  -  some rain and the highs will drop to the upper 60's and low 70's.

The unfortunate thing is time is growing near for me to trek back North.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, February 25, 2022 2:47 PM

The snow stopped here around 2 PM - the sun even made an appearance.

But the wind didn't stop blowing, and it's having a fine time blowing the snow around.  I'm showing sustained winds in the 6-10 MPH range, an at least one gust of 27 MPH.  

On the plus side, two different people have plowed out my driveway...

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
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  • From: Defiance Ohio
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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, February 25, 2022 4:55 PM

evening

Ns had a mixed intermodal train in the siding after work today.Ran errands after work. Also made some reservations.Tomorrow going to check on my brother.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 Saturday, February 26, 2022 3:15 PM

afternoon

Took brother out.On the way we saw an SDI switcher going across the street with some cars.On the way back we saw L 96 bringing in cars from Ns.We got up to Butler and saw 16 g go east.It was a "Carl" special and even had plenty of flat cars with Deere tractors.Right behind was a 60 E sand train.Had 3 cp units up front.It had a cp heritage unit and the conrail heritage unit as dpus.Brother had a good time.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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