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Chatterbox Spring 2023

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, May 5, 2023 7:32 PM

Headed down to the railroad tomorrow to see the NARCOA speeder event.  I'm hoping to get some drone video for them.  

What I'm not looking forward to is the no-see-ums (black flies) - it is that season in the Adirondacks...

LarryWhistling
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Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, May 6, 2023 1:53 PM

afternoon

Helped friend move a few things this morning.Went and checked on brother as well.Ns sent 2 westbounds.L 096 from Ns was working SDI.The yard is overflowing.Guessers say rain 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 Saturday, May 6, 2023 8:42 PM

Well, the black flies weren't bad (and mosquitos aren't a thing just yet).  I'm sure the bug spray I put on helped, but I wasn't getting swarmed.

The speeder folks seem to be having a good time.  I didn't count them (I could, but I'd have to get into the video I shot - maybe later), but I'd estimate 20 or so, ranging from tiny two seaters to a six passenger beast.

I somehow managed to make an adjustment in the video that washed out some of the last stuff I shot. Still trying to figure that out.

If speeders interest you:  https://narcoa.org/

Here's a video of last fall's trip:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCwDnirGz3Q

 

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, May 7, 2023 12:36 PM

afternoon

Looked at Fc today.Not much on the NDW.Csx dropped off some cars at omni for scrapping.Had a grain train with Bnsf power go east.Buddy came west on Csx M 367.Also heard the new defect detector at 80.3 as well.Things to do here at home.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 JoeKoh on Monday, May 8, 2023 2:31 PM

afternoon

Ns local dropped off some cars uptown but none on our dock.Looked like they had another train waiting in the siding uptown as well after work.Today was a Monday.Had a Bio screen for work today as well.I shrunk 2 inches.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 Monday, May 8, 2023 7:14 PM

Spring western-ish water supply update:

NorCal reservoirs are topping out nicely: Shasta = 98% of max capacity, Oroville = 94% and Trinity is up to 38%. Inflow to Shasta Lake has been 'inching' up despite the reports of 'no snowmelt yet'.

If available, local districts set up to provide aquifer recharge are getting a chance to prove themselves. Some growers (say, Tulare Lake plots) have to take what they get but some tree based crops may work out; water level on the San Joaquin sandy/loamy soil can drop six inches in a day.

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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 5:32 PM

evening

Ns had cars across the street after work.Ran errands in town.Csx didn't send anything by.Took care of the yardwork.Going to get cleaned up 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 Wednesday, May 10, 2023 3:03 PM

afternoon

We have a bulk flat car that needs unloading on our dock. The rest of Ns was clear.Tomorrow is my Friday.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, May 10, 2023 9:56 PM

Attended a meeting of firefighters in another part of the county tonight, doing a presentation on rail safety.

Although I've given the same talk (with essentially the same PPT slides) before, this iteration was the direct result of a potential close call a couple of weeks ago.  

Another fire department was on the scene of an accident on a crossing.  No train involved, and I don't know the details of that incident.

An ambulance that had been at the accident was returning to quarters when they called back to the scene and advised them there was a train headed their way, and about a mile away.

Nothing untoward happened, but I'd still call it a close call.

The firefighters got a quick lesson best summed up as "if you've got an incident on or near the tracks, call the railroad."

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, May 11, 2023 2:33 PM

afternoon

Ns came and picked up the bulkhead flat car today.Yesterday they had an eastbound coal train pulled by 2 Green"mookie" sd 70 macs.There is a train in the siding uptown but not sure if they have the mookies or not.Going to help buddy tonight after college boy gets home.College boy goes back to school this weekend.

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, May 13, 2023 4:35 AM

morning

Took care of things at home yesterday.College boy has his stuff ready to go.It's reported that the BNSF "Mookies" green sd 70 macs are in the yard at Swanton Ohio.Toledo also has it's train day show at the station today as well.Time to get some breakfast.

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, May 13, 2023 8:01 PM

update

Went and saw the sd 70 macs in Swanton.Got some plants for Stacey's Mom.Buddy messaged me.It's his last ride as a conductor for Csx.He will now be an engineer  on the North Baltimore to Cleveland turn for Csx.M 201 got moving after an air hose break in Deshler.College boy reports all things unpacked at school.Time 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 tree68 on Saturday, May 13, 2023 9:22 PM

The International Space Station will be making the next few passes directly over the US (it actually happens frequently).  The most recent pass (about five minutes ago) went directly over my house.  With clear skies, and it being about the brightest object in the sky, it's easy to spot.

No action on the ISS repeater, though.  It may be turned off.

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 Sunday, May 14, 2023 3:41 PM

afternoon

Went for a walk this morning.Csx recrewed a train and sent another eb afterwards.Good day to be outside.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 JoeKoh on Monday, May 15, 2023 3:05 PM

afternoon

Ns was switching by our building but no cars for us today.Heard a couple on the main after work.Came home and trimmed back the woods a bit.Tomorrow is meeting night in Deshler.Time to go make 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, May 16, 2023 7:44 PM

evening

Heard an Ns after work today.Went to the Deshler meeting.Had to go around a stopped Csx train at Holgate.The I&O sent a trio of former UP sd 60's south at Hamler.Saw a sand train with a BNSF leader and a Ferromex Dpu.Plenty of projects to do at the park and museum.Time to get stuff for 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
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Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 4:55 PM

afternoon

Ns local and another train were in town when I left work.Came home and took care of the yardwork.Have plenty to do at the workday in Deshler on Saturday.

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 Thursday, May 18, 2023 4:33 PM

evening

Saw the Ns local drop off some cars across the street today.Did errands after work and csx sent a westbound stack train.Plenty of projects in Deshler.Need to check on my brother as well.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 Thursday, May 18, 2023 6:14 PM

Busy making preps for our amateur radio "hamfest" this weekend.  I'm going to be selling some T-shirts, and have to finish cutting the heat transfers and getting them pressed on the shirts.  Pretty much everything else is ready...

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, May 19, 2023 2:39 PM

afternoon

Csx was running stuff by as MOW crews were out and about as well.They loaded a tamper onto a semi trailer as well.M 560 had everything including a ballast cleaner on the end of the train.Rain tonight then cool tomorrow.Guessers say summer is coming next week.

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, May 20, 2023 3:17 PM

Hamfest was not as well attended as we would have liked.  A lot of that had to do with the rain that arrived in the morning and hung around most of the day.

Many amateur radio enthusiasts attending functions like this like to "tailgate," ie, sell out of the trunk of their car, rear of their pick-up, etc.  Today was not the day to do so.  Those that did come did just fine inside.

A big car show in a neighboring village was not all too big, either.  A lot of owners are reticent about bringing their baby out in foul weather, for good reason.

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 Saturday, May 20, 2023 3:23 PM

afternoon

Projects done at Deshler.M 560 came around the wye but was snagged by the defect detector near North Baltimore.Thing is they we all clear when they went past the one south of Deshler only 10 miles away.Dispatcher said the whole train needed inspected.So Csx was down to 1 track.College boy came down to help.He also brought his drawings for the new Deshler layout.Going to relax.

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 Saturday, May 20, 2023 4:14 PM

JoeKoh
afternoon

Projects done at Deshler.M 560 came around the wye but was snagged by the defect detector near North Baltimore.Thing is they we all clear when they went past the one south of Deshler only 10 miles away.Dispatcher said the whole train needed inspected.So Csx was down to 1 track.College boy came down to help.He also brought his drawings for the new Deshler layout.Going to relax.

stay safe

Joe

If trains go over Defect Detectors at too slow of a speed the Detector will announce 'Malfunction Inspect Entire Train'.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, May 20, 2023 7:41 PM

Running through the channels whilst kicking back for a bit and happened onto the NCAA women's softball tourney.  

Most of the pitchers seem to reference a list on their arm before every pitch - usually after looking to the dugout for direction.  The catchers do the same.  Different.

And the shortstop seems to come in toward the pitcher between nearly every pitch.  Probably offering encouragement.

I don't have "a dog in the fight" for any of the teams I've seen, so it's interesting just watching them play.

 

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 Sunday, May 21, 2023 5:58 PM

evening

Went and checked on Brother today.Ns ran some trains.Also saw Csx holding Ns up at St.Joe Indiana.I 010 and I 169 had hotbox issues today as well.Matt helped at Deshler paint some whistle posts and a mile marker.Look nice.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, May 21, 2023 8:18 PM

Turns out I did have a little interest in one of the teams - my daughter attended Liberty University in VA for a couple of years.  They ended up playing UCLA and beating them (2-1) - the day after UCLA was defeated by Grand Canyon University (3-2)...

UCLA was seeded number two in the tournament.  They'll be watching the rest of the games (and the NCAA Softball World Series) from home.  LU and GCU were unseeded, as I recall.  Kind of a double upset.

Liberty went on to lose to San Diego State the next day after beating Grand Canyon later the same day as they beat UCLA.

 

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 22, 2023 2:31 PM

afternoon

Ns local was sitting on the siding by our building after work today.Work was work for a Monday.Chores to do.Need to get supper 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
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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 3:26 PM

afternoon

Ns local was working across the street from our building today.Getting things ready for the cookout in Deshler.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
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  • From: Northern New York
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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 3:49 PM

Monday evening, we did some fire department drilling with the ladder truck (tower, actually) downtown.  It occurred to me that I should have brought the drone with me to document what we were doing.

So today, I got everything charged up and spent about an hour flying around downtown as well as around the senior citizens housing.  The images and video will be used for training and pre-planning.

It was a beautiful day to fly - clear skies, little wind, and I was right on the shore of the St Lawrence River.  Nice.

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 24, 2023 3:11 PM

afternoon

Saw the Ns local shuffling cars around today.He was gone after work.Went into town on errands.Not much in the NDW yard.Csx ran an eastbound(probably M 353).Gussers say near perfect weather for the cookout in Deshler this Saturday.I will be at the museum in the morning. Our curator is handing out flags for a Memorial day parade in Ottawa.Getting hungry already.Tomorrow will take card of the yard here.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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