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Chatterbox Fall 2023

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Posted by diningcar on Monday, November 6, 2023 2:04 PM

Tried accessing it multiple times over the weekend and would ultimately end up with a '504 Gateway Time Out' Balt

Weekend is the time when we wish to communicate so this is very perplexing. If Trains set up for forum for communication they should maintain it.

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Posted by zugmann on Monday, November 6, 2023 2:12 PM

diningcar
Weekend is the time when we wish to communicate so this is very perplexing. If Trains set up for forum for communication they should maintain it.



I don't think this forum is too high of a priority. 

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 mudchicken on Monday, November 6, 2023 4:44 PM

zugmann
 
diningcar
Weekend is the time when we wish to communicate so this is very perplexing. If Trains set up for forum for communication they should maintain it. 

I don't think this forum is too high of a priority. 

 

Agreed ... The site is back up, but it is in really poor shape. Lots of things don't work. Renewing the subscription creates a whole new set of headaches.

Trains/Kalmbach would be wise to get rid of the current marketing and subscription sub-consultants. Both are worthless and contributing to their decline. The decision-making and the website management are shaky right now.

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
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Posted by blue streak 1 on Monday, November 6, 2023 8:07 PM

Finally happened.  Yesterday a CSX IM led by CSX 476 & 477.  Thanks power desk.  476 was a willing canadiate for Alco of the day.  Smoke lingered for several wells.

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, November 6, 2023 8:22 PM

blue streak 1
476 was a willing candidate for Alcoa of the day. 

You mean ALCO?  As in honorary steam engine?

Several examples in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmfdA48Nymk

That was the last trip to Tupper Lake of the year.  I was at the throttle.

 

LarryWhistling
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Posted by Erik_Mag on Monday, November 6, 2023 9:52 PM

mudchicken

Agreed ... The site is back up, but it is in really poor shape. Lots of things don't work. Renewing the subscription creates a whole new set of headaches.

Not a good thing to make renewing subscriptions painful as that has negative effects on the bottom line. OTOH, I did note that the paid website was still working, can't fault Kamelback for taking care of their paying customers.

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 4:43 AM

Erik_Mag
Not a good thing to make renewing subscriptions painful as that has negative effects on the bottom line. OTOH, I did note that the paid website was still working, can't fault Kamelback for taking care of their paying customers.

The "house organ" of a national organization I belong to will no longer be available in print after this year.  We're talking a monthly magazine on a par with Trains, etc - glossy paper, etc. 

Given that the membership in the organization is generally older, I have to wonder if this will affect membership in said organization, as I suspect that many members are members chiefly because of the magazine.

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 BaltACD on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 8:10 AM

tree68
 
Erik_Mag
Not a good thing to make renewing subscriptions painful as that has negative effects on the bottom line. OTOH, I did note that the paid website was still working, can't fault Kamelback for taking care of their paying customers. 

The "house organ" of a national organization I belong to will no longer be available in print after this year.  We're talking a monthly magazine on a par with Trains, etc - glossy paper, etc. 

Given that the membership in the organization is generally older, I have to wonder if this will affect membership in said organization, as I suspect that many members are members chiefly because of the magazine.

Monthly newsletters of some organizations I belong to have taken their newsletters electronic.  Out of sight, out of mind.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by adkrr64 on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 9:19 AM

BaltACD
Monthly newsletters of some organizations I belong to have taken their newsletters electronic.  Out of sight, out of mind.

Same here. I belong to the NYC RR Historical Society and they mail out a hard copy magazine each quarter, which I usually read in full shortly after arrival. The same organization has a modeling newsletter of similar length which gets delivered by email, also quarterly, and most of them sit in my inbox, unread. I just forget they are there. 

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 1:48 PM

On another topic...

The ship "American Century" went aground in the St Clair River before dawn this morning, right in front of the Marine City (MI) cam.

She's still stuck, waiting for three more tugs to come out of Detroit to get her off the mud.

Almost 1,600 viewers are watching the action...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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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, November 7, 2023 2:21 PM

tree68
Almost 1,600 viewers are watching the action...

How much action is there to watch when a ship is stuck in the mud?

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 3:25 PM

adkrr64
How much action is there to watch when a ship is stuck in the mud?

Help will be arriving shortly, although I don't think they'll be there by predicted 1630.  Lots of speculation on the accompanying chat...

One tug came down from Port Huron and has been there for a couple of hours now.  Three more are coming up from Detroit.  Don't want to pay that tow bill...

Edit:  Two of the tugs are arriving now (1643 EST).  

Action here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzIj6RJLHUI

 

 

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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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 BaltACD on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 3:43 PM

tree68
 
adkrr64
How much action is there to watch when a ship is stuck in the mud? 

Help will be arriving shortly, although I don't think they'll be there by predicted 1630.  Lots of speculation on the accompanying chat...

One tug came down from Port Huron and has been there for a couple of hours now.  Three more are coming up from Detroit.  Don't want to pay that tow bill...

If you can't pay the bills - don't get into the industry!

Have you watched any of the videos of the worldwide salvage operations of company's such as Smit and the efforts in manpower, equipment and materials that get invested into marine salvage operations.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 5:41 PM

BaltACD
If you can't pay the bills - don't get into the industry!

For sure!  Stuff happens, as they say.  That was kinda tongue-in-cheek.

Looks like they have her unstuck.  Next stop will probably be her original destination, just below where she went aground, to unload and get inspected as well.

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 Friday, November 10, 2023 2:35 PM

afternoon

Glad it's Friday.Been working on things all week.Going to check our lights for any burned out bulbs and such.Found the adapter and charger cord for a video camera.Matt said I could use it.In the videos we have things from Matt's graduation.We also have one of trips to see Carl in Chicagoland.Action from Kirk yard in Gary and other places.Also need to get back out and take care of more leaves too.Going to find some trains sometime 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 rvos1979 on Sunday, November 12, 2023 5:47 AM

mudchicken

 

 
zugmann
 
diningcar
Weekend is the time when we wish to communicate so this is very perplexing. If Trains set up for forum for communication they should maintain it. 

I don't think this forum is too high of a priority. 

 

 

 

Agreed ... The site is back up, but it is in really poor shape. Lots of things don't work. Renewing the subscription creates a whole new set of headaches.

 

Trains/Kalmbach would be wise to get rid of the current marketing and subscription sub-consultants. Both are worthless and contributing to their decline. The decision-making and the website management are shaky right now.

 

Basically one of the reasons I haven't been on here in a while is poor site performance. don't even get me started on the mobile version, which freezes up every other page. When you have to pause and think if renewing the subscription is worth it.....  In contrast, I have no problems with renewing the other two model railroad magazines, one of which has only been around for twenty years. Makes you wonder if Kalmbach is going the way of a certain locomotive builder from the 60s..........

Randy Vos

"Ever have one of those days where you couldn't hit the ground with your hat??" - Waylon Jennings

"May the Lord take a liking to you and blow you up, real good" - SCTV

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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, November 12, 2023 11:40 AM

afternoon

Looked at Csx and NS this morning.The hunters were also looking for the many deer in the area.Garrett was down to 1 track with trains tied down on either side of the yard.I got a picture of I 010 coming east at Auburn Jct. between 2 dead eastbounds. Heard the dispatcher call an M 246 with CSXs operation lifesaver unit on the point.I saw them at St.Joe.Time for 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 JoeKoh on Sunday, November 19, 2023 11:09 AM

afternoon

Checked on Brother.Ns sent a couple trains by.On the way home saw Ns 120 hot auto parts train.Also saw some on CSX as well.L 376 was following I 010 east into Defiance.Must have got hung up in Garrett.Yesterday got word that RJ Corman won't be hauling as much on the old NKP through Celina.A factory west of town is closing.They are also storing cars north of Minister on the branch due to a trestle washout.Our potential snow has been knocked down to just some rain.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 Wednesday, November 22, 2023 3:47 PM

good evening

Was outside after work mulching leaves.College boy says he is cooking the turkey tomorrow.Going to see if we can catch the CP holiday train as it turns the corner in Butler Indiana.Hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving.

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 22, 2023 4:44 PM

Turkey Day with the daughter's family tomorrow.  Pumpkin pie is cooling - grandson thinks he'll eat some.  Not sure of that, though, if he gets his hands on the Croghan Bologna first.

Polar Express for the weekend.  Engineer for two nights, conductor for one.

Over an inch of rain from this latest system.  Fortunately, other than a few reports of freezing rain and some slush in the driveway, it was just wet.  Weather for Thursday looks good, although getting across the border around here could be iffy, if that was in my travel plans.  It's not.

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 BaltACD on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 7:13 PM

Over two inches of rain yesterday - sorely needed.  Mostly cloudy today - however the cloud band ended about two miles West of my house - drove out there in running erands and the skies were bright and blue.  Winds from the East and they blow whatever is over the ocean and bay inland.  The winds were just enough to keep the yuk over my house.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by diningcar on Thursday, November 23, 2023 8:02 AM

My wife and I will host twenty-six family members for Thanksgiving Dinner at our favorite local restaurant as we have for the last several years. A special meal is prepared just as we request.

I hope you all have agreat Thanksgiving.

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Posted by samfp1943 on Thursday, November 23, 2023 8:35 AM

diningcar

My wife and I will host twenty-six family members for Thanksgiving Dinner at our favorite local restaurant as we have for the last several years. A special meal is prepared just as we request.

I hope you all have agreat Thanksgiving.

 

Happy Thanksgiving to All !  Enjoy your day...

                     The weather here in Kansas could not be better for the holiday. The weather guessers have predicted that as the week progresses; it will be more winter-like....Seems like for the coming saturday, a small snow magedon :-( 

  Enjoy, ALL  !!

 

 

 


 

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, November 23, 2023 7:49 PM

Home from dinner with daughter and family and her in-laws (fine folks - always glad to see them.  FIL just had a hip replaced and is doing quite well!)

Ate just enough to be full, but not enough to be uncomfortable.  Finished it off with a gluten-free pumpkin pie I baked at daughter's request (she and grandson are both gluten-free).  Came out pretty well - I'm starting to get the hang of pie crusts made with gluten-free flour.

Traffic wasn't bad either way.  Busy, but not heavy.  At least we didn't get the winter weather they were predicting for us at this time last week.

Off to the railroad tomorrow for three nights of Polar Express.

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 Friday, November 24, 2023 2:21 PM

afternoon

The NDW looked empty today but they have plenty to move elsewhere.Looked at the NS in New Haven. They were replacing track in the yard along with trains coming in and out.Followed the Wabash to Peru Indiana.Still a crew change point for Ns.Met a father and son from Layfayette.Helped answer some questions.Going to see about the CP holiday train tonight.Tomorrow it's rivalry day.Mother nature sending a mess come Sunday.

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, November 24, 2023 6:56 PM

Spent the afternoon getting a new cell phone and then making all the transferred Apps working again.

The Bluetoot transmitter/receiver wouldn't do anything on the old phone - couldn't view the data from some health devices and couldn't get traffic information on my GPS unit in the truck.   Amazing how much more a cell phone is other than to just to talk to people.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, November 24, 2023 11:33 PM

BaltACD

Spent the afternoon getting a new cell phone and then making all the transferred Apps working again.

The Bluetoot transmitter/receiver wouldn't do anything on the old phone - couldn't view the data from some health devices and couldn't get traffic information on my GPS unit in the truck.   Amazing how much more a cell phone is other than to just to talk to people.

I've had to do that several times.  The warranty is nice, but the back-up isn't complete.  Then I've got to figure out what didn't get restored.

There's more computing power in your pocket than Apollo 11 had going to the moon.

And you don't realize how much you've come to depend on those things until you're without it for a while.  Ever leave your house, then turn around because you forgot your phone?

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 Erik_Mag on Saturday, November 25, 2023 12:20 AM

tree68

There's more computing power in your pocket than Apollo 11 had going to the moon.

Heck there's at least an order of magnitude more computing power in a modern smartphone than in the most powerful computers in existence when Apollo 11 flew to the moon.

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Posted by BaltACD on Saturday, November 25, 2023 6:51 AM

Erik_Mag
 
tree68

There's more computing power in your pocket than Apollo 11 had going to the moon. 

Heck there's at least an order of magnitude more computing power in a modern smartphone than in the most powerful computers in existence when Apollo 11 flew to the moon.

I'd like to see someone try to operate a late 1960's corporate business network off of a single 21st Century cell phone.

There are numerous activities that corporated mainframes do that are not simple 'flop counting' calculations.

Yes we have more computing power than the 'olde time' machines; but it is amazing how the programmers of the day got more done with less machine.  Today's programmers, if given the Apollo 11's computer would likely throw up their hands in defeat when given the tasks of getting man to the moon and back SAFELY.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, November 25, 2023 12:25 PM

BaltACD
There are numerous activities that corporated mainframes do that are not simple 'flop counting' calculations.

Many of those activities involve memory and storage, and multiple processors.  A cell phone is somewhat limited in those areas.

I visited an Army data center in the 1980's (Army had gone to "Megacenters" vs local computing).  They showed me a one gigabyte RAID drive (redundant drives) that filled an entire 7 foot tall 19" rack.

At the time, we used a lot of tapes, as well.  As time progressed, technology rendered them useless.

These days, you can get 128 Gb on a thumb drive.  

Given the interfaces, a cell phone could handle a lot of computing.

I was ahead of the game when I put an aftermarket 40 Mb hard drive in my Tandy 1000SX.  And my TI-99 had a whole 16 Kb of Ram.  We've come a long way.

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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