Trains.com

Chatterbox Spring 2022

14413 views
217 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 Saturday, May 28, 2022 10:52 PM

good almost morning

Deshler was a good time today.Csx was jammed up when we left.Good to see our friend from Canada who could finally come down.Was amazed at how fast he made his breakfast dissappear.Later today it's out for a graduation party.

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, May 27, 2022 4:34 PM

evening

Went to Deshler to work on stuff for tomorrow.Csx ran some trains and was working on the diamond.Track 1 still has a speed restriction on it.Came home and took care of yardwork.College boy Matt is in Deshler and is camping overnight.Going to be nice weather and a cast of whoever shows 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").

 

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, May 26, 2022 9:07 PM

Made the Topeka to Maryland run.  Rain off and on from Topeka to Washington, PA.  Got up to the low 80's around Washington and then dropped to and stayed in the low 70's from Morgantown to Central Maryland.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, May 26, 2022 8:04 PM

Been following some ships lately.  A large cruise yacht is currently docked in Clayton, NY (it's the kind you can book rooms on, although I hear they are pricey).  

I've been following the USS Minneapolis-St Paul on it's journey from Duluth back to salt water.  Right now she's sitting in the middle of Lake Erie.  Might be able to catch her in person as she transits the Thousand Islands, but it all depends on when they decide to resume their trip.

Just as there are rail cams, there are ship cams.  The people who follow them are just as nerdy about ships as we are about trains.  I saw video of the M-SP leaving Duluth, missed her at the Soo Locks, but caught her at Port Huron.  There's another cam between Port Huron and Detroit (Marine City), but I didn't check that one.

It was nice finally sleeping in my waterbed again.  After fourty years sleeping on one, I'm kind of used to 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...

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, May 26, 2022 5:02 PM

evening

Ns was clear when I left work.Csx had an eastbound while we were running errands.Have had rain on and off all day.Tomorrow going to Deshler to prep for Saturday.Local Diner owner was saying how much prices have gone up.I see that as I was at the store at the time.Please take time out this weekend to remember why we have this weekend holiday.

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, May 25, 2022 2:56 PM

afternoon

Saw a maintainer looking down the track uptown on Ns after work.Not sure what he was looking for.Matt does have safety lenses and steel toed boots.He is actually working in the state up north for Monroe county just across the border.I am sure we will hear more about it this weekend.Heard a report that a game is Columbus this year will be very expensive to get into.I will just stay closer to home.One more day of work.

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: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 12:59 PM

JoeKoh

Matt sent me a picture of his job.He is to check the crossings and make sure the number plates are correct.

(1)Has his 214c training?; TWIC Card? PPE/Steel Toed Shoes/Safety glasses? (and he is aware different railroads have vest color preferences)

(2) Knows how to figure out how to figure out what the check code is? (There will be an end of summer quiz on that one - not a random letter!)?

(3) Is keeping track of the crossings w/o ENS signs or number plaques? (especially the scofflaws on the industry tracks .... wonder how many overpasses/underpasses have their DOT Numbers displayed? ) ALL vehicular and pedestrian crossings are supposed to have DOT Crossing #'s, even bridges)

(4) Knows what determines whether the crossing is public or private? (pop-quiz fodder)

(5) Knows what datum the crossing location (Lat/Lon - GPS for muggles)  is supposed to be? (pop-quiz fodder)

(6) Knows how the whole system started? and what it's used for?

 

Mud (1970's ODOT Co-Op while at UC for two quarters in my pre-junior year back when dinosaurs roamed southern Ohio)

 

...Hopefully ODOT is better than their counterparts in IL, MO and CO in maintaining their records.

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 Tuesday, May 24, 2022 2:43 PM

afternoon

Ns was running after work today.Matt sent me a picture of his job.He is to check the crossings and make sure the number plates are correct.Csx even ran their geometry train while he was doing his work.I take care of next door neighbors yard as well.A friend of ours had a deer find his car.He is dealing with that.

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 Monday, May 23, 2022 10:12 PM

Haven't seen much of the neighbor lately, and his lawn was getting a bit ragged, so I took the zero-turn over and mowed.  Needs a hay rake now.  Used an entire tank of fuel on it...

Actually, once the cut grass dries out, I'll go over it again, to chop the stuff up even finer.

I don't know if he's just out of town for a few weeks, or sick, or has outright moved.

One of our firefighter's brother has suffered another stroke.  Not his first, which is why he was living with our firefighter.  We flew him out to a stroke center the other day, and are waiting for an update.  Add him to your prayers.

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 Monday, May 23, 2022 5:01 PM

evening

Ns had some trains uptown when I left work.Came home and took care of the swamp.Got out a few things to take to Deshler on Saturday.One friend might not be in Deshler.He found a deer on the way to work this morning.Welcome to adulthood.

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, May 22, 2022 2:20 PM

Our "HamFest"/amateur radio swap meet went well saturday.  A few visitors from the other side of the river (St Lawrence) made it an international event.  We had the most attendees we've seen so far (sixth year).

Followed that up with a fire department banquet last night, so today it's rest and recovery.  Besides, it's raining, however lightly, so outside activities are a bust.

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, May 22, 2022 1:36 PM

afternoon

Walked this morning.Csx was busy.Checked on my brother.Ns sent 1 westbound.Friend was on q 351 last night and got it to Garrett.They took him back to North Baltimore.Going to come west on I 137.Front steps got a second coat of paint.Should be good.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").

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, May 21, 2022 2:43 PM

afternoon

Walked this morning.Nothing on Csx.The Loram Ballast cleaner was moved to the Csx yard by GM.Had a brief thunderstorm this morning.Very muggy outside.Csx sent a B 410 eastbound through Defiance.Had CSX 911 on the point.The ND&W has more ballast hoppers and some very green ties.CSX mow has new signal masts and bungalows too.Mother Nature is rumbling again.

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 Saturday, May 21, 2022 2:07 PM

BaltACD
But what is the CSX Operating Plan to get there.  From my experience - there ends up being a lot of extra road mileage involved in PSR's aim to reduce switching. 

 

It's possible the car was picked up by an eastbound from Utica, going to Selkirk.  It could have been picked up by a westbound, though, which likely would have left it in Dewitt.

Odds are it left either of them on a trip to Cincinatti, Where it was switched to a Toledo-bound freight.  From there, likely to Plymouth and Wixom, where Lake States would pick it up.  Thence to Flint.  Hard to say for sure.  

I'd have to go back and figure out which symbols it was on.

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
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Saturday, May 21, 2022 7:11 AM

blhanel
tree68 
tree68

 blhanel

Any idea where it's headed?
 Looks like it's headed for the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, MI (home of PM 1225).
 That's funny- someone needs to tell CSX that Owosso, MI is straight NORTH of Deshler... 

But what is the CSX Operating Plan to get there.  From my experience - there ends up being a lot of extra road mileage involved in PSR's aim to reduce switching. 

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Cedar Rapids, IA
  • 4,213 posts
Posted by blhanel on Friday, May 20, 2022 10:50 PM

tree68

 

 
tree68

 

 
blhanel
Any idea where it's headed?

 

Not a clue.  I was talking to a board member yesterday on a nother subject.  When I mentioned seeing it on the cam, he just said "OK."

 

 

 

Looks like it's headed for the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, MI (home of PM 1225).

 

That's funny- someone needs to tell CSX that Owosso, MI is straight NORTH of Deshler...

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Friday, May 20, 2022 6:09 PM

Spring here - It's supposed to be nice for the next few days, with a chance of late day thunderstorms.

Northern Michigan got hit with at least one tornado.  Gaylord had a lot of damage.  That system looks to track northeast, so it will miss us, but there's the rest of the front to worry about.

Saturday is our sixth annual "HamFest."  No - it's not a celebration of ham (although we are doing breakfast) - it's an amateur radio swap meet.  I've got a few items I"ll be trying to move, in between chatting with other hams from both sides of the border.

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 Friday, May 20, 2022 5:26 PM

Looks like we are finally on the cusp of summer here. Temps this week are all forecast for the low 80s. Last night at 11pm my inside thermometer registered 81 which is higher than the weather app showing high 60s., not sure which to believe. At any rate, barely a need for a blanket....

Still mesmerized by the beautiful scenery and quiet inside cab on Swedish Railcams. Also noting that when the VR Hesperia/Cajon Pass cam is pointed west, the ROW S-curve is complemented by great San Bernardino Mountain range views.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, May 20, 2022 2:30 PM

afternoon

Didn't see anything on Ns after work.Mother nature trying to maybe bring some thunderstorms? Matt likes his summer job.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").

 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Friday, May 20, 2022 1:47 PM

tree68

 

 
blhanel
Any idea where it's headed?

 

Not a clue.  I was talking to a board member yesterday on a nother subject.  When I mentioned seeing it on the cam, he just said "OK."

 

Looks like it's headed for the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, MI (home of PM 1225).

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
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Friday, May 20, 2022 11:10 AM

CSSHEGEWISCH
I was rather put out by an article in today's Chicago Tribune concerning WGN Radio's 100th anniversary.  An old publicity photo included with the story showed an ugly bomber known as a B-24 falsely described as a Flying Fortress. No

Wasn't WGN renowned for broadcasting submarine races in Lake Michigan - back in the day.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Friday, May 20, 2022 10:10 AM

I was rather put out by an article in today's Chicago Tribune concerning WGN Radio's 100th anniversary.  An old publicity photo included with the story showed an ugly bomber known as a B-24 falsely described as a Flying Fortress. No

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, May 19, 2022 9:35 PM

JoeKoh

evening

Didn't see anything on Ns after work today.Came home and took care of the swamp.Tomorrow it's the triple H's.Saturday thunderstorms.Next week back to normal tempratures? Heard MC might get some snow??? Glad it's Friday tomorrow.

stay safe

Joe

 

Joe: It appears dear old Weatherliar U is up to its old spring hijinks one more time before they graduate this years wannabe's and unleash them into the media. Almost 90 today and snow by noon tomorrow. 4"-12" of the really wet slop (blue snow?) around here by noon Saturday. Hopefully most of it melts really fast and we don't have many broken tree limbs. But we will gladly take it - we still need the moisture. (and fortunately, we did not start planting yet - the seedlings are all still in the house.)

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 Thursday, May 19, 2022 4:49 PM

evening

Didn't see anything on Ns after work today.Came home and took care of the swamp.Tomorrow it's the triple H's.Saturday thunderstorms.Next week back to normal tempratures? Heard MC might get some snow??? Glad it's Friday 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").

 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 2:32 PM

blhanel
Any idea where it's headed?

Not a clue.  I was talking to a board member yesterday on a nother subject.  When I mentioned seeing it on the cam, he just said "OK."

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, May 18, 2022 2:29 PM

afternoon

Ns looked clear after work.Mother nature is sending us rain.Larry the flagpole is on order for the train park.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 2002
  • From: Cedar Rapids, IA
  • 4,213 posts
Posted by blhanel on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 9:02 PM

tree68

Memory didn't serve - the bag is "Moose River."  I wasn't aware were were getting rid of 5485.  I put some time into fixing it up a while back.  We've picked up some other cars, though.  That was a "Can-Car" of CN heritage, as I recall.

Any idea where it's headed?

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 7:53 PM

evening

Didn't see anything on Ns after work.Had our meeting in Deshler.Csx ran some trains.Some projects are done still some to do.Time for bed.

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, May 17, 2022 5:10 PM

Dunno - I'll have to check that out.  The Big Moose car I know is a baggage...

Edit:  Memory didn't serve - the bag is "Moose River."  I wasn't aware were were getting rid of 5485.  I put some time into fixing it up a while back.  We've picked up some other cars, though.  That was a "Can-Car" of CN heritage, as I recall.

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 2002
  • From: Cedar Rapids, IA
  • 4,213 posts
Posted by blhanel on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 4:11 PM

Hey Tree, just watched a VRF grab bag that had a clip from Deshler showing one of your coaches, the Big Moose, in a train going from westbound to southbound.  
What's up with that?

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