Trains.com

Chatterbox Summer 2023

17737 views
197 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2018
  • From: Northern NY (Think Upstate but even more)
  • 1,306 posts
Posted by Harrison on Monday, August 7, 2023 11:48 AM

tree68

Pleasant trip through the central Adirondacks today as engineer on the "Mountaineer" to Tupper Lake.

It was a beautiful day, everything ran pretty well, and we got back right on time.  Can't beat that!

Check out Harrison's YouTube channel (North Country Trains) -  you may find some video and stills there.

 

This is a good time to say thank you for everything yesterday- I had a great time.

I will be putting out some sort of video soon...

Harrison

Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.

Modeling the D&H in 1978.

Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"

My YouTube

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Sunday, August 6, 2023 8:10 PM

Pleasant trip through the central Adirondacks today as engineer on the "Mountaineer" to Tupper Lake.

It was a beautiful day, everything ran pretty well, and we got back right on time.  Can't beat that!

Check out Harrison's YouTube channel (North Country Trains) -  you may find some video and stills 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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, August 6, 2023 1:18 PM

afternoon

Mother nature provided rain this morning.Now it's sticky outside.More storms to come.Brought home some extra cracker jacks and drumsticks from church.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, August 5, 2023 11:20 AM

afternoon

Checked things out today.Ns has 3 high hoods around New Haven.Saw some csx action at Fc.The Ndw has 4 of the 5 units at the yard in Defiance.The ndw might be doing some digging by Antwerp to clear some trees.Mother nature might send rain tonight.Our Mission Festival will be inside our church tomorrow.Waiting for Boss and college boy to come back from shopping.

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, August 4, 2023 4:05 PM

evening

Took college boy to Deshler.Helped take care of yardwork there.Met some new friends as well.I 010 had the B&O 1827 unit on the point.It was slightly delayed in Defiance as the can opener claimed another truck.Tomorrow it's set up time for our church mission festival.

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 Thursday, August 3, 2023 2:29 PM

afternoon

Looked like Ns moved some cars across the street.Tomorrow is National Chocolate chip cookie day.Plan accordingly.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
    November 2008
  • 1,881 posts
Posted by Leo_Ames on Thursday, August 3, 2023 2:29 AM

Surprised it doesn't happen more often to the MV Manitowoc and her sistership.

These two 1970's era river class freighters were built so cheaply for Kinsman Marine Transit by American Shipbuilding that they've always had to be patched regularly from stress and such. I've even heard stories of doors and such not shutting correctly from so much flex in her.

I'm kind of impressed they're still out there working for Lower Lakes 50 years later given their quality. But at least they have Alco 251's inside.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 7:17 PM

Freighter with a fuel leak on Lake Michigan...

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, August 2, 2023 2:28 PM

afternoon

Ns looked the same today after work.College boy said he should be home tomorrow.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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 2:47 PM

Drove into town in nice sunshine.  Did my shopping and returned via the solar site.  Things are settling down, and the FD may be able to clear sooner rather than later, but it's still a very active scene.

In the six miles from that location to my house I ran into rain.  I could see it from a distance, but couldn't be sure exactly where it was raining.  Gonna have to delay some mowing for a while...

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 Tuesday, August 1, 2023 2:32 PM

afternoon

Looked like Ns had a different train uptown after work today.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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, July 31, 2023 2:31 PM

afternoon

Heard an Ns after work today.They have a coal train on the main uptown.Better weather but we are going to get more smoke from Canada.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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Sunday, July 30, 2023 8:54 PM

After the birthday party today, I headed south to return the grand-dog to her family and joined them for supper.  When I walked into my house after the party, it was like she knew she was going for a ride, and she recognized her neighborhood as soon as we entered it.  Everyone was glad to have her home.

On the way back, I stopped at the solar site.  The fire chief told me that they expect that they will be able to clear on Tuesday - there are still some areas that are too hot to deal with.

After last night's low 50's temps, I offered (and provided) some wind sides for the canopies they have set up, and provided a couple of small heaters.  The 24 hour watch continues.

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, July 30, 2023 3:28 PM

afternoon

Saw a couple trains on Csx when we walked this morning.Got brother a couple things.Ns was squeezeing them through Edgerton and Butler.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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Sunday, July 30, 2023 8:29 AM

blue streak 1

Li - ION batteries.  Trying to find a location in basement that I can make a new fire RESISTANT charging station.  Just trying to get a non flamable location that is not awarkward! 

If you're talking small batteries (bikes, etc), they make charging bags and the like.  Might be easier than building something yourself.

The watch goes on at our local battery fire.  New shift came on at 8 AM.  This will probably still go on for a few more days.

Yesterday was wet, but nothing severe.  My rain gauge showed 1.4" this morning, though.

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
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Saturday, July 29, 2023 11:34 PM

Li - ION batteries.  Trying to find a location in basement that I can make a new fire RESISTANT charging station.  Just trying to get a non flamable location that is not awarkward! 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, July 29, 2023 10:04 PM

evening

Very eventful day.Started with a tornado warning at 3 am.Wasn't any damage here at home.Went to Deshler and half the town was without power.It came back on just before we opened up the museum.Trimmed up the park before we left.Went to Bryan to meet up with some friends.Saw a friend as a conductor on Ns go west.They had a concert at a VFW post across the tracks and we were able to stay on the back porch and enjoy.We left when 309 came in and started to do its work in Bryan.Going to sleep good tonight.

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, July 29, 2023 7:04 AM

BaltACD
Hope the following didn't create your grinding noise!

Wouldn't have been as bad as that if it had been a brake issue, but it was a front wheel bearing.  The way it was grinding leads me to believe that a complete failure was not far off.  Now both front bearings have been replaced in the span of three weeks.  Happy sailing!

This morning's radar looks like we'll get some rain a little later in the day, if the lake doesn't moderate it as usual.

 

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, July 28, 2023 10:49 PM

tree68
 
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...

My rain gauge racked up 0.56 inches in about a half hour of actual rain.  Thunder lasted for about two hours.

Hope the following didn't create your grinding noise!

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • 1,686 posts
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.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
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
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
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!

              

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
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").

 

  • Member since
    October 2014
  • 1,139 posts
Posted by Gramp on Friday, July 28, 2023 11:17 AM

Thx, BaltACD. 

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
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!

              

  • Member since
    October 2014
  • 1,139 posts
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?

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
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...

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
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
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
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...

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