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Chatterbox Fall 2022

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, November 27, 2022 10:29 AM

BaltACD
One reason for tempered side windows is to allow a person to break the window and escape if and when a vehicle ends up in a body of water. 

Every ne'er-do-well who fancies the contents of cars carries one of those punches...

A BB gun works well, too.  OTOH, the pick of a pick-headed fire axe will bounce right off...

Most FD's now carry some form of saw for removing laminated glass.  Just take a deep breath and hold it while running the saw...

 

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
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Posted by rixflix on Sunday, November 27, 2022 1:57 PM

For forty years I worked at "the world's most unusual hardware store" here in DC. We sold those punches to the many local police agencies, starting with our friendly beat cop and later by referrals. For those tools and bolt cutters we'd size up other customers and jack up the price when necessary. They weren't priced on the displays and we hand wrote receipts.

We sourced an extra large countersink/chamfer bit for the FBI field office. Only after they used it would they tell us what it was for: the Abscam sting operation! The tool created a lens-sizes hole on one side of a wall and a pinhole on the other. They also liked our hydraulic door jamb spreader kit that came in an attache case.

We invented a belt pad for rodmen (the re-bar guys aka rodbusters) tie wire reels that is still popular today.

When I retired on the last day of 2019 I told my boss (and forty year friend) that I could probably count bad days on one hand. I had so much fun there.

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 JoeKoh on Monday, November 28, 2022 4:14 PM

evening

Ns had shuffled some cars uptown today.It was a Monday.Time for supper.

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, November 29, 2022 2:34 PM

afternoon

Ns had more cars uptown after work today.Thought I heard an eastbound as well.Mother nature sending more rain for us tomorrow.Tempratures will be on a roller coaster too.Chores to get too.

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, November 30, 2022 2:30 PM

afternoon

Mother nature cooled us down.Didn't see anything extra on Ns after work.Last night the clinton st viaduct got another truck.People ask don't they have lights and signs?? Well the driver needs to read them and know his truck size.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 tree68 on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 5:40 PM

JoeKoh
Last night the clinton st viaduct got another truck.People ask don't they have lights and signs??

The Onondaga Lake Parkway (near Syracuse) has a similar low clearance.  Despite signs a good distance out, before one turns onto the Parkway, the RR bridge manages to catch one every couple of months.

A tragic incident happened a few years ago when a double decker "megabus" missed its turn.  The driver was so captivated with trying to find out how to get back on his route that he missed all of the warnings (and the reflective striping on the bridge itself), resulting in the deaths of several passengers when the bus hit the bridge.

Signs?  We don't need no stinkin' signs!

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 CSSHEGEWISCH on Thursday, December 1, 2022 10:03 AM

I would venture a guess that most tight clearance accidents involve a driver who isn't that familiar with the area.  Because of track elevation dating back to the pre-WW1 era, Chicago has an oversupply of tight clearances.  Local drivers seem to be more aware of this situation so we don't get that many clearance accidents.

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 JoeKoh on Thursday, December 1, 2022 2:36 PM

afternoon

Nothing extra on Ns after work.As far as drivers sometimes it is local people.One driver got another trailer.Was used to going under the viaduct oops.A couple other drivers they had a hydralic issue or a pin break while going under and the back end got raised.Others have lost their ac vents while going under as well.Got word that brother is under quarentine.Not sure he will be able to have his Christmas party or not.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 tree68 on Thursday, December 1, 2022 2:49 PM

JoeKoh
As far as drivers sometimes it is local people.

It's kinda like when people complain about them "foreign" speeders on a certain road or the like.  Who ends up getting tickets?  The locals...

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 Backshop on Thursday, December 1, 2022 3:21 PM

It seems like most of the "victims" at the famous underpass are driving rental trucks.  That means that they are probably car drivers who don't have to think about clearances.

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Posted by rdamon on Thursday, December 1, 2022 6:43 PM

I remember watching a 60 minutes type of segment in the 1980's about ambulance drivers in New York City. The filming was onboard as they drove through the city.

One of the drivers pointed to a rental truck and said, "The last time they drove a truck that big was NEVER" 

I thought that was a great line. 

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Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, December 1, 2022 7:44 PM

rdamon
I remember watching a 60 minutes type of segment in the 1980's about ambulance drivers in New York City. The filming was onboard as they drove through the city.

One of the drivers pointed to a rental truck and said, "The last time they drove a truck that big was NEVER" 

I thought that was a great line. 

I resemble that remark - in 1979 I had to rent a 24 or 26 foot box truck to move my fathers possessions from Daytona Beach back to Maryland after his passing.  The last time I had driven anything that big was never!  Made the trip without incident.

I had some intermediate training, owning a 20 foot mini-motor home at the time.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, December 2, 2022 2:54 PM

afternoon

Nothing special on Ns after work today.Matt did catch the holiday train very early this morning.Going to do stuff here at home.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 CSSHEGEWISCH on Saturday, December 3, 2022 10:03 AM

Several years ago, I drove a rental truck with my younger son to move his tool chest (about 4' high and 6' long on casters) to a new location.  Driving wasn't so bad but loading and unloading the van and securing the load was the real issue.

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 JoeKoh on Sunday, December 4, 2022 11:36 AM

afternoon

Went and looked at Csx.The local had a road/slug set for power.The grain train at the elevator has power turned the right way for when it comes out.The county has come out and put up barriers on the road crossings west of town.Now they are officially closed.Rt 274 in west central Ohio is happy.New Breman and Marion Local brought hope state titles in football yesterday.Going to download my pictures after lunch.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 tree68 on Sunday, December 4, 2022 11:15 PM

Two more successful Polar Express trains complete.  I ran the "returning" locomotive - one takes the train to the North Pole, the other takes the train back.  

For being the first time I've run in a year, I did pretty well.  Even got a check ride and passed!

Gonna be a busy week.  Wednesday I get my birthday/Christmas present in the form of a Beach Boys concert.  Our lead conductor for PE will be out of town this weekend, so will likely cover at least a couple of trips, and I'm running camera for the Holiday Auction at our local PBS station Saturday.

Whee!

 

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 Monday, December 5, 2022 4:18 PM

evening

Ns had some cars moved after work today.Ran an errand to wish our niece a Happy Birthday.Her dads is the next day but wishes to remain anonymous.Also we have the great Kitty in the skys birthday as well.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, December 6, 2022 2:31 PM

afternoon

Ns did a few moves today while I was inside at work.College boy says he might get to come home early next week after his final exam.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 tree68 on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 5:57 PM

We decided today to cancel our annual fire department holiday breakfast.  Apparently half of the kids attending our local elementary school are out sick.  RSV and the flu are running rampant in the area.

In more positive news, the Beach Boys holiday concert tomorrow night should be pretty good.  I'll be there!

 

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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Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 3:46 PM

evening

Got to go uptown for lunch today at work.Saw a westbound ethanol train on Ns.Not much else after work.Might have some more areas of fog tomorrow.Time for supper.

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 Wednesday, December 7, 2022 11:58 PM

The Beach Boys concert was excellent.  Nice mix of their music and Christmas songs.  

The only original/long term members present were Mike Love and Bruce Johnston.  John Stamos was also on stage, playing drums, guitar, and congas.  That didn't detract from the quality of the music, though.

The only down side to the evening was when my daughter backed her car out of the garage and clipped the bumper on my truck.  My truck is fine.  Her vehicle sustained a couple of scratches.  All the sensors on her vehicle should have prevented it, but they apparently have blind spots, too.

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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  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Thursday, December 8, 2022 10:04 AM

With all due respects to your daughter, it might be smarter to turn around and look with your own eyes than relying on the sensors (or the backup camera).  I have trouble judging distance with a backup camera (like the one on Lynn's car) as opposed to looking directly.

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, December 8, 2022 12:26 PM

She was distracted, not watching where she was going.  Stuff happens.

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
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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, December 8, 2022 2:34 PM

afternoon

Ns moved some more cars today.Was able to see a westbound stack train after work.Csx this morning was asking a train to pull up right to a crossing in Deshler.Needed to park another train behind them at rt 65.Going to see if a plunger is still needed.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 Leo_Ames on Thursday, December 8, 2022 7:43 PM

I wish you had posted about that Syracuse concert earlier. I'd of loved to have attended that with my mother (also a big Beach Boys fan), but neither one of us knew.

Their concert at the State Fair down in Syracuse a year or two before COVID hit was exceptional. 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, December 9, 2022 3:46 PM

evening

Rain/snow here in Nw Ohio.Didn't see anything extra on Ns after work.Ran errands in town.Some people are distracted some take up 2 parking spots and don't care.Hope to watch a program tonight about our old school building.Apparently it is haunted.Chores to do 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").

 

NDG
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Posted by NDG on Saturday, December 10, 2022 12:25 PM

OT.

 

Q.  Why often are Male Rail Fans similar to Locomotives??
 
A. Because they are Bald Ones?
 
BU BC
 
Train Staged Facing West at the Crow, some times.
 
 
Cameras, Left.  Alberta Afar.
 
 

Thank You.

 

 

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, December 10, 2022 1:08 PM

Groan...

There was a traffic accident involving a load of Crayola crayons.  It was a colorful scene...

Clear but cold here.  At least there was little wind last night for the Polar Express trains.  Thursday 512 riders, Friday night 500 and 526.

Off to the PBS TV station tonight to run camera.

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
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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, December 11, 2022 10:46 AM

afternoon

Wet and damp here in Nw Ohio.Mother nature sent some rain.More goodies to come later according to the guessers.Csx must like sending units to turn at Garrett or Deshler.Another grain train has the power the wrong way at the elevator.The ND&W has quite a few cars to send out and bring in.Also looked at the start of the new fertilizer plant west of town.Plenty of dirt moved around but no tracks laid yet.Going to see what Ohio team can win today.Back to work tomorrow.

stay safe

Joe

btw what Fur can you put lights on? a douglass fur.

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
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  • From: Defiance Ohio
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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, December 12, 2022 4:02 PM

evening

Nothing special on Ns after work today.Ran errands.Stacey's work bunch has adopted some families for Christmas.She has people to unload in her department at work.Going to have leftovers tonight for supper.

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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