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Chatterbox Summer 2023

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, July 15, 2023 10:12 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH

We got several EF-0 and EF-1 tornados in DuPage County over the last couple of days.  Lots of damage but no injuries.

Our MOW supervisor was doing a patrol today, partly in preparation for our first trip to Tupper Lake on Sunday.

He came up on a very large blowdown, with many trees across the tracks.  He worked at it by himself until a couple of members of the local crew headed out to help him.  The only access is by rail.

He described the damage as from a tornado.  Not having visited the site, I don't know if the damage was tornadic, or simply straight line winds.  I'll be trying to find out, as I've reported it to NWS and they'd probably like more detail.

Hopefully they can clear the tracks in time for the trip Sunday.

LarryWhistling
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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, July 16, 2023 9:31 AM

morning

Went for our walk.Csx sent 3 eastbounds by.Omni is full of cars to scrap.The Ndw yard is almost empty.Tonight is a church mission festival meeting.Tomorrow is back to 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").

 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, July 17, 2023 2:33 PM

afternoon

Cars were gone off our dock today.Ns has cars across the street and uptown.They sent a westbound after work.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 Monday, July 17, 2023 3:33 PM

Further reports on the blowdown indicate that it was, most likely, straight-line winds.  Many of the trees were blown down parallel to the tracks - which was a good thing, as the blowdown ranged over about 3.5 miles.  

As it was, our folks were able to clear enough out of the way for the trip from Thendara to Tupper Lake Sunday.  There's still more to do, including a very tall tree still leaning over the tracks.

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 adkrr64 on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:22 AM

About what milepost(s) was the blowdown?

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Posted by zugmann on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:39 AM

tree68
There's still more to do, including a very tall tree still leaning over the tracks.

Notch out and make sure you're stretched.  Found that out the hard way... but to the limb's credit, it made a perfect cut between blocks.  

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:38 AM

adkrr64

About what milepost(s) was the blowdown?

Brandreth to H85, worst at 83.6.

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 Tuesday, July 18, 2023 7:43 PM

evening

Ns had cars across the street and uptown after work.Had a meeting in Deshler tonight.Plenty of projects to do.Trimmed at the park so our mower guy can mow.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 JoeKoh on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 5:12 PM

evening

Ns looked the same after work today.Came home and took care of yardwork.Heard csx earlier had a problem with B 157.(coke train) One of the pipes under the railcar was broken.They were trying to determine if they should crawl to Defiance or wait for a carman.Chores to do inside.

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, July 20, 2023 2:30 PM

afternoon

Looked like Ns came and got the cars across the street.Still have cars uptown.Triple H warning outside.We are under a Thunderstorm watch. The Csx unit 1976(conrail) looks to be done.Chores to do here inside.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 JoeKoh on Friday, July 21, 2023 2:24 PM

afternoon

Ns had cars uptown after work.Think there was an eastbound too.College boy is out near Spencer Ohio looking at the Wheeling.He was just informed that his co-op will be with Odot in Lima again this fall.Of course he needs the fee to pay for the co-op as well.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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Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, July 22, 2023 4:39 AM

Morning

Found out Csx was sending the B&O heritage unit eastbound on I 016 last night.Trackwork was being done around the St.Joe area.Caused a conga line to form for westbound trains.Csx with it's big long trains was blocking the detour route for 127 at "The Bend " road. Going to see how Ns is doing with trackwork when I 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 Sunday, July 23, 2023 11:17 AM

afternoon

Checked out Csx at Fc today.Onmi was full so L 376 had to park 15 more cars for scrap in the yard.Dispatcher was busy asking trains to do this and that in Garrett.Also had a couple westbound ethanol trains where the crew had no paperwork and/or wasn't qualified to go further west.More storms possible this afternoon.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, July 23, 2023 2:47 PM

Things on the railroad went well Saturday - I'm now fully qualified to run the entire line from Utica to Tupper Lake.

Tuesday, I'm supposed to give a talk on local rail lines as part of the hoopla noting the opening of an old trestle as part of a trail.  They did a nice job on it - took a walk out there today, which also gave the dog a bit of exercise (dog-sitting daughter's standard poodle).  Found that one of the rails that apparently was on the bridge was rolled ca 1908...

There's rain in the forecast for Tuesday - hoping it'll hold 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...

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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, July 24, 2023 2:37 PM

Afternoon

Ns was clear by us but still had cars uptown.Heard one go by as well after work.This morning heard that I 168 on Csx would get to go into North Baltimore and back into a parking spot at NWO.No crews available.Guessers say triple H's this week.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 Tuesday, July 25, 2023 3:32 PM

tree68
There's rain in the forecast for Tuesday - hoping it'll hold off.

Only a possible sprinkle forecast for here, high temps are up to the low 90s.

By contrast the Needles railcam shows 114F with 120F forecast for tomorrow. Should I order my 'sidewalk eggs' over easy or medium?

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 3:53 PM

Just a high overcast for my brief talk about the rails in this area.  Did find out that when they did some work to stabilize an old trestle they covered up a 1920's date, likely meaning the trestle was replaced about that time.  It's possible it was wood before that.

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 Tuesday, July 25, 2023 5:33 PM

evening

Ns was the same after work today.Came home and took care of yardwork.Guessers say some nasty storms tomorrow coming.Ran errands and had supper in town.Brother called and asked about something that happened in 1995.We also have 50,45 and 35.First two and sisters wedding anniversaries.The third number is class reunion possiblity.Need to get the cards mailed out.

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, July 26, 2023 4:38 PM

Evening

Ns had cars across the street after work.First round of rain done.Have another one coming.Chores to do inside.

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 Wednesday, July 26, 2023 6:50 PM

Western NY is about to get hit with the storms that hit MI, OH, etc today.  Whether the storms hold together overnight and reach us here in the eastern Lake Ontario region intact.

Working on a project for a youngster about to turn five.  He's enamored with police (have I already said that?), so I've got some BeaconRay emergency lights ready for his party, and I'm building a small box that has my old LED grille lights (red/white flashing) on it, and will have his name as well.

Should be interesting to see his (and his dad's) reaction.

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 zugmann on Thursday, July 27, 2023 1:14 PM

tree68
Should be interesting to see his (and his dad's) reaction.

Need to get him an old Streethawk or Vector.  That'd get a reaction! 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

  • Member since
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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, July 27, 2023 2:31 PM

afternoon

Warm and muggy.Ns looked the same as yesterday.Going to keep cool inside.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").

 

  • Member since
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  • From: Northern New York
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Posted by tree68 on Friday, July 28, 2023 12:10 AM

zugmann
Need to get him an old Streethawk or Vector.  That'd get a reaction! 

I have an old Code 3 full sized bar, but I just don't have enough time to make it presentable.  The Model 17's will have to do.

Just spent nine hours hauling water for a fire at a solar farm - the batteries lit off.  A lot of that time was "hurry up and wait."  I hauled five loads (10,000 gallons), but there were around 8 tankers of similar capacity there.  We drew down the village water tank to the point we had to stop using village water.

Once they established a water supply from a nearby river the tankers were all released.  Once I got home, I found a roadblock in front of my house, preventing people from travelling a popular route that goes by the solar farm.  I took that over (it was in front of my house - I even brought out my camp rocker) for another couple of hours.

Twelve hours after the initial dispatch, I'm not sure the fire is out, but it's at least contained to the point that the fire department is no longer required.  All the fire departments have gone home, and the hazmat specialists will probably meet there in the AM to mull things over.

These are lithium ion batteries - whole shipping containers of them...  A shelter-in-place advisory was put out for people living in the immediate area.

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 Gramp on Friday, July 28, 2023 5:01 AM

What is it about LI batteries that causes them to ignite and be so difficult to extinguish?

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Posted by BaltACD on Friday, July 28, 2023 6:38 AM

Gramp
What is it about LI batteries that causes them to ignite and be so difficult to extinguish?

Despite their technological promise, Li-ion batteries still have a number of shortcomings, particularly with regards to safety. Li-ion batteries have a tendency to overheat, and can be damaged at high voltages. In some cases this can lead to thermal runaway and combustion. Like all alkali metals, lithium is highly reactive and flammable, and must be stored in vacuum, inert atmosphere, or inert liquid such as purified kerosene or mineral oil. It exhibits a metallic luster.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by Gramp on Friday, July 28, 2023 11:17 AM

Thx, BaltACD. 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, July 28, 2023 5:38 PM

Evening

Ns was the same as yesterday.Saw Mr. MC after work.He had a look at the NDW.Going out for supper was adventourous.First place was carry out only.Second choice was closed for vacation.So we settled on # 3.Got him back on the road so he could get on I-75.Looked at the nkp line and it was all red in Continental.Came back past the CSX Defiance yard and I 171 with BNSF power was going west.They are also storing cars for scrap in the west yard lead.Going to be in Deshler to man the museum tomorrow.Going to get stuff around 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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Posted by BaltACD on Friday, July 28, 2023 5:55 PM

Getting SEVERE THUNDERSTORM warnings this evening - I can hear the Thunder and the sky is almost BLACK.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, July 28, 2023 6:16 PM

BaltACD

Getting SEVERE THUNDERSTORM warnings this evening - I can hear the Thunder and the sky is almost BLACK.

The radar does look pretty bad down your way.

Meanwhile, I just stopped by the solar farm.  The batteries are still burning.

Got the other front bearing replaced on the truck (right side was several weeks ago).  Nice not to hear that grinding sound...

 

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 Erik_Mag on Friday, July 28, 2023 10:39 PM

Gramp

What is it about LI batteries that causes them to ignite and be so difficult to extinguish?

In addition to what Balt said about Lithium being a very reactive metal, Li-Ion batteries typically use a flammable electrolyte. Li-ion battery fires are often started by lithium dendrites (whiskers) forming during charging that then short out the cell. The cell can provide a lot  of current which then can cause the short to get hot enough to start a fire.

N.B. 13 deaths so far this year in NYC due to e-bike battery fires.

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