Trains.com

Chatterbox Summer 2023

17735 views
197 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 Sunday, August 13, 2023 9:02 AM

morning

Went to Summer rail in Marion.Just as the slideshow starts there was a Tornado warning.It went north of town and it was visible from the station and tower.We were safe inside the theatre.Did see some CSX and Ns action as well.Stopped in Deshler on the way home.Have a meeting there Tuesday.Chores to do here.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 Monday, August 14, 2023 3:08 PM

afternoon

Ns looked a little crowded after work.Ran errands in town.Mother nature sending rain.Chores to do.Meeting in Deshler 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 Tuesday, August 15, 2023 7:43 PM

evening

Saw ns switch uptown while at work.Still a bit crowded.Went to Deshler.Csx surprised us with an empty potash train with cp/kcs power on the Nw Wye.Meeting went ok.More projects to work on.

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, August 16, 2023 4:03 PM

afternoon

Heard an Ns after work.They had stuff uptown as well.Came home and took care of yardwork.Need to get things around 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").

 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 7:25 PM

Out of our ham radio club meeting - discussed some ways we can get ourselves out before the public more.

Headed for the railroad Friday for the return trip of the "Choo Choo Open."  Always fun...

Speaking of ham radio and railroads - there is an effort in place to have a railroad net on Thursdays at 0130Z (1830PT, 1930MT, 2030CT, 2130ET).  Frequencies will be 14.310 USB, then 7.240 LSB.  Plans also call for an Echolink net, but that's not in place yet.

Depending on conditions, I'll try to remember to check in.

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
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Thursday, August 17, 2023 10:01 AM

I'm not sure how you can raise public awareness.  I can remember in my distant youth when hams were more visible, including (at least in Illinois) license plates with their call letters.  The development of the cellphone may have been a major contributor to the increasing invisibility of hams.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, August 17, 2023 11:30 AM

CSSHEGEWISCH

I'm not sure how you can raise public awareness.  I can remember in my distant youth when hams were more visible, including (at least in Illinois) license plates with their call letters.  The development of the cellphone may have been a major contributor to the increasing invisibility of hams.

Ham license plates are still common, as much as they can be.  "Ham" ovals are around as well.  

We've done several outdoor-type shows, support some events like foot races, and used to attend a local science fair.  That fair hasn't been held for several years, though.  We also made it to a local scout camporee last fall - scouts from both sides of the border.

That said, we try to publicize events like hamfests and field day.  Still, public attendance at specific events like field day is sparse, at best.

Like railfanning, ham radio is sort of a niche hobby.  One a lot of people just don't understand.  They are only temporarily impressed by the fact that I talked to (name a foreign land) without the aid of the Internet.

And, since their cell phone hasn't failed them (yet), they don't see a need for the emergency service side of ham radio (RACES, ARES).  We even have that problem with our local emergency manager.  Recent events on Maui haven't convinced people, either.  100% of the cell phone service on Maui was down during the recent fires.

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 2008
  • 2,325 posts
Posted by rdamon on Thursday, August 17, 2023 12:15 PM

Homeowners associations have not helped either

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, August 17, 2023 2:51 PM

afternoon

Rain here in Nw Ohio.Ns had some cars across the street.Napoleon is coming over to Defiance to start the football season.Front page of the paper showed a vehicle in a pool.No one was hurt.Plenty of things to do 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").

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, August 21, 2023 2:57 AM

morning

Worked on the Deshler layout this weekend.Checked on my brother yesterday.Back to work today.

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 22, 2023 11:47 AM

Good to be back.  Now off to a white coat appointment.

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 22, 2023 6:12 PM

evening

Glad to be back in.Ns is working on a crossing near our building.We can still get railcars.The place across the street can not.College boy ordered an Ho scale Deshler Tower for the layout.Going to get warm next couple days.

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 22, 2023 7:27 PM

JoeKoh
Going to get warm next couple days.

A friend just closed his pool for the season.  We'll see if he grouses if that warm weather makes it here.

We were discussing the temperature of the water hereabouts tonight.  Apparently, even 100 feet down in the St Lawrence River the water is holding at 72°F.  This does not bode well for the winter, as warm weather plus cold arctic winds add up to lake effect snows...

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 Tuesday, August 22, 2023 9:51 PM

Local TV weather reports water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean off shore of Ocean City, MD.  Over the past month the daily temperatures have fluctuated between 75 and 80 with temeratures in between with no correlation to the daily air temperature fluctuations.  I suspect there is a 'block' of water that is moving around and through wherever the temperature sensor is mounted.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 9:57 AM

Yesterday was hot but not unreasonably so.  Today and tomorrow are a different story with temps near 100 degrees and THI's near 115.  It was already uncomfortable this morning at about 6:15AM on the walk from CUS to work.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 2:38 PM

afternoon

Warm here.Ns was trying to see if they could take cars across the crossing for the spot across the street.I dont think they made it.Friend has some stuff for the Deshler layout but we are going to wait until Friday.Going to keep cool 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
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 6:48 PM

BaltACD

Local TV weather reports water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean off shore of Ocean City, MD.  Over the past month the daily temperatures have fluctuated between 75 and 80 with temeratures in between with no correlation to the daily air temperature fluctuations.  I suspect there is a 'block' of water that is moving around and through wherever the temperature sensor is mounted.

 

Just hope the temp does not reach 84 F.  Hurricane fuel.
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 7:09 PM

blue streak 1
 
BaltACD

Local TV weather reports water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean off shore of Ocean City, MD.  Over the past month the daily temperatures have fluctuated between 75 and 80 with temeratures in between with no correlation to the daily air temperature fluctuations.  I suspect there is a 'block' of water that is moving around and through wherever the temperature sensor is mounted. 

Just hope the temp does not reach 84 F.  Hurricane fuel.

Today's 6PM Weather showed the Ocean Temp. at 73 degrees and the Chesapeake Bay temperature at 81.

Personally I have never liked Ocean City, MD - the water is too damn cold FOR ME.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, August 24, 2023 2:33 PM

afternoon

Ns didn't have any cars by the building.They did have more barricades by the crossing they are working on.Picture in tonights paper about Csxs riverside ave viaduct.Seems it is dropping large chunks of concrete.City has it blocked off.Got our Ho scale "Deshler Tower" model kit in the mail today.As for reports of NS they will be fewer.I have found another place of employment.Need to go find some 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").

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, August 25, 2023 4:15 PM

evening

Went over to Deshler and worked on the layout.Had a donation of material we could use.Need a stop in the morning then the benchwork will be done.The track planning can start.Csx had some coming and going even after waiting a bit.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").

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,318 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, August 27, 2023 8:01 AM

morning

Finished the benchwork for the layout yesterday.Matt is going to work on the tower model.Looked in town.The NDW is kinda empty.Still plenty of cars for scrap in the yard at Defiance. Csx has changed some trains and routes as well.Going to do stuff here at home.

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, August 27, 2023 10:27 AM

Had a good couple of days on the railroad.  No problems with the wine & beer train on Friday night, and aside from some unexpected switching (changed order of the cars in the train) the locals in Thendara went well.

Relaxing a bit today, but the lawn looks like it needs some attention (plenty of rain lately), so the lawnmower may beckon later.

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, August 28, 2023 10:21 AM

Watching the Deshler cam.Maintainers are busy working on track 1.Got reports of the NS computer system crashing.Took care of chores and yardwork outside.Had to cut back some weeds at my neighbors becuse the other one doesn't take care of their yard.Back to work with training at my new job 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 Tuesday, August 29, 2023 2:16 PM

afternoon

Heard the NDW this morning.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 Wednesday, August 30, 2023 2:23 PM

afternoon

Guessers say 40's for tonights lows.Also hot for the Labor day weekend.Told brother in Florida Mother Nature will help blow out the candles on his birthday cake.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 Thursday, August 31, 2023 2:27 PM

afternoon

Sunshine today.More hugs to give.Found some good memories.Glad tomorrow is Friday.Need to find some trains 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").

 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, August 31, 2023 4:57 PM

We had +45°F this morning, but nice and sunny all day.  Supposed to be a hot one this weekend.

Going back to the State Fair Friday to man the railroad's display.  It's in a former D&RGW office car (102) on the state fairgrounds.  I probably answer more questions about the car than I do our 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...

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, August 31, 2023 5:51 PM

tree68
We had +45°F this morning, but nice and sunny all day.  Supposed to be a hot one this weekend.

Going back to the State Fair Friday to man the railroad's display.  It's in a former D&RGW office car (102) on the state fairgrounds.  I probably answer more questions about the car than I do our railroad...

Maryland State Fair has changed from a week long afair bookended by weekends, to a three weekend afair.  Friday - Saturday - Sunday for three weekends.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, August 31, 2023 8:08 PM

BaltACD
Maryland State Fair has changed from a week long afair bookended by weekends, to a three weekend afair.  Friday - Saturday - Sunday for three weekends.

NYS State Fair runs 13 days - from the Wednesday before the Wednesday before Labor Day (you read that right) through Labor Day.

Friday was an open shift for our display, which was a good thing, as I have no desire to be there on the weekend, when it get's really nuts.  Heck, I haven't even wandered out onto the "Midway."  Might do so tomorrow, if only to grab some supper.

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 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Friday, September 1, 2023 12:21 PM

Narrow gage "Thomas" has just arrived at CRRM at Golden CO (on a truck, oh the shame of it!) from Durango. The events start in eight days and this year's DOWT is sold out...Stocking up on extra patience and hoping the heat stays below 80 degrees.

One last weekend of sanity before Sir Toppen Hat's wrecking crew arrive.

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

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