Trains.com

Chatterbox Summer 2024

5725 views
60 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,315 posts
Chatterbox Summer 2024
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, June 20, 2024 1:51 AM

Morning

Today starts summer.Had some rain which made it muggier.Around Toledo they had strong thunderstorms.Going to check on Brother this weekend.Will see what csx and Ns can send by.Time for 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").

 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,018 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, June 20, 2024 3:07 AM

Just woke up (4AM) to the sound of rain and the occasional thunder.  Small cell, but it's coming down pretty good.

Looks like more rain coming into the western part of NYS, so might see some rain again later this morning or so.  Cooling things off a bit, though, so it's not all bad.

The temperatures haven't been as oppressive as might have been expected, though summer is definitely here.

Hoping for good weather for the weekend - it's the amateur radio "field day," where we spend 24 hours trying to see how many contacts from around the country, and the world, a group of us can make.  It's always fun.  Check around your area - a local radio club may be doing the same, and they'll be glad to show you what they're up to.

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 Thursday, June 20, 2024 10:24 PM

let us renew rail line European style.  UP needs this kind of detication. 

Extremely Modern Giant Railway Repair Machine - Fastest Rail Replacement Technology | Watch (msn.com)

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,018 posts
Posted by tree68 on Friday, June 21, 2024 7:13 AM

Having watched diamond replacements and rail replacements on the Desher cam, I'd opine that they've got nothing on us.

We may not have one huge machine that "does it all," but all the parts are there.  And if one part breaks, the whole system isn't dead.  The lines of "Tonka toys" are all there, doing their part in the process.

When CSX did the rail replacement there recently, they didn't use thermite welding - they had a hi-rail box truck that electrically butt welded the rails in minutes.

 

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
  • 13,315 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, June 23, 2024 4:38 AM

Morning

Rain here in Nw Ohio.Had a fire Friday morning in a Ndw shak near the yard.Some tank cars were close by but no explosions.The clinton street can opener put a couple more hashmarks as well.Checked Bryan yesterday.Amtrak was late and Ns ran some trains.Sisters and nieces turn for birthdays 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
  • 25,018 posts
Posted by tree68 on Sunday, June 23, 2024 11:21 AM

It was rainy for the setup for the ARRL Amateur Radio Field Day (hanging antennas - our radios were in a pavilion), and rained (occasionally with thunder thrown in) over night.  With rain coming across the lake this morning, we decided to pack up early and I was home by noon.

We managed to contact some 500 hams in every state but Oklahoma (we haven't figure that out yet), and all but three Canadian provinces.

It was a long night.

I will have radio gear with me when I visit Deshler next weekend, and will operate from 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
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Sunday, June 23, 2024 12:25 PM

Say, if any of you gents have some spare rain could you send it down to Virginia?  It's been dry here for two weeks and the heat wave's been murder on everyone's lawns.  Supposedly we might get a thunderstorm tonight or tomorrow, I hope so, we can use the water. 

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Sunday, June 23, 2024 3:35 PM

Have been watching the IMSA 6 Hour race at Watkins Glen, NY.  They just got a 40 minute or so 'frog drowner' which caused a Red Flag stoppage of the race account standing water.  Then the Sun came back out.  Looks like they may have 30 minutes of racing to the Checker Flag once the race is restarted.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,018 posts
Posted by tree68 on Sunday, June 23, 2024 4:34 PM

Northern New York (including the Adirondacks) is under a tornado watch this afternoon.  A small tornado hit a village south of Utica - damage was minimal and no one was hurt, but it came on completely unannounced, much like the one that hit Livonia, MI last week.

Deshler, OH, will probably get some heavy weather next weekend, as I usually get hit while I'm 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
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,018 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 7:32 PM

Had the opportunity today to visit an incredible layout.  Modelled chiefly after SE Michigan lines, the layout includes many scratchbuilt buildings representing the owner's family memories.

Their representation of my old home town ca 1950 is pretty darned good.

They were reluctant to show it at this point, as they are getting ready to host open houses for two major model railroad events later this year.  

To say I was grateful for the opportunity would be an understatement.

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
  • 13,315 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, June 30, 2024 4:39 AM

morning

Last day of June.Went over to Deshler Friday to help clean up the park.Good to see a youth group and Larry.Matt worked on the layout yesterday and is making good progress.Wandered over to Indiana to give hugs.Found a new Csx rebuild waiting for a crew at Union City.Coming back home saw a NS frieght and an Ns grain train in Latty Ohio.More hugs to give coming up.Going to go check on brother in Edgerton.

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
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Sunday, June 30, 2024 7:45 AM

Thunderbumpers during the night - about an inch of needed rain.  Lawn was starting to go brown in area.  Hope it will green up with the rain.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,018 posts
Posted by tree68 on Sunday, June 30, 2024 10:38 AM

Thunderbumpers overnight after I got to Deshler Friday night.  Tent did just fine.  Some showers yesterday, today it's cool, clear, and breezy - need a sweatshirt, as just a t-shirt isn't quite hacking it.

Report from home (northern NY) is that they could use a little less rain.  One fellow said he needs to lay some planks in his garden so he can get in and pick some radishes, as well as weed.

Have to see how my place looks when I get home.  Guarantee I'll have to mow.

An autorack had a UDE yesterday.  Fortunately, another crew was next to them and was able to help isolate and fix the problem.  Still took the better part of an hour and didn't help the dispatcher move traffic at all.  Almost need JoeKoh's plunger.

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 Monday, July 1, 2024 4:20 AM

Strange train parked here .  An all side dump car train just loaded with regular ballast.  Any idea how that train would be used?

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Monday, July 1, 2024 7:30 AM

blue streak 1
Strange train parked here .  An all side dump car train just loaded with regular ballast.  Any idea how that train would be used?

Are the reporting marks HZRG - are the sides of the cars painted with HERZOG?

If so that is a Herzog GPS ballast train and will spread ballast on a designated line segment at approximately 20 MPH in a single pass.  The line segment has been 'pre-measured' to identify spots where ballast is to be distributed and spots where it isn't.  Dumping is controlled by a Herzog computer program in concert with the GPS locations the train is passing.  A MofW employeed will obtain a track authority to follow the train to insure ballast was placed where it was desired and to rectify location that got ballast and it was not desired.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 1,754 posts
Posted by diningcar on Monday, July 1, 2024 10:20 AM

Lots of rain accompanied by lightning and thunder in Lawrence, KS this AM

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Monday, July 1, 2024 12:20 PM

BaltACD

 

Strange train parked here .  An all side dump car train just loaded with regular ballast.  Any idea how that train would be used?

 

Are the reporting marks HZRG - are the sides of the cars painted with HERZOG?

NO!  All cars marked with the various pre CSX RR reporting marks.  No indication of any GPS type dumping except the manual controls on each car.  Did have a second hose between each car hooked to the Main reservoir but not any air on when parked.. 

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Monday, July 1, 2024 12:30 PM

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Monday, July 1, 2024 2:23 PM

blue streak 1
Strange train parked here .  An all side dump car train just loaded with regular ballast.  Any idea how that train would be used?

Difcos?  I've seen them used to either shore up embankments, or to dump some ballast in some small yard or siding to truck it for other uses. 

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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,315 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, July 6, 2024 3:38 AM

morning

Difco's can limit the train speed.Some still in Chessie paint if you look hard enough.

Going to Deshler today to see what Csx wants to try to do.Yesterday they wanted to pull a crew off 511 so they could run m 568 up the Nw connection.Matt has been busy working on the layout.Deshler also has fireworks tonight.Tomorrow picking up Sis and heading south to give hugs.

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
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Saturday, July 6, 2024 8:40 AM

zugmann
 
blue streak 1
Strange train parked here .  An all side dump car train just loaded with regular ballast.  Any idea how that train would be used? 

Difcos?  I've seen them used to either shore up embankments, or to dump some ballast in some small yard or siding to truck it for other uses. 

In my experience Difcos in company use are normally loaded rip rap or other aggregate that is larger than ballast.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Saturday, July 6, 2024 9:26 AM

BaltACD
In my experience Difcos in company use are normally loaded rip rap or other aggregate that is larger than ballast.

"Normally".  It is the railroad. 

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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,315 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, July 12, 2024 4:13 PM

evening

Had a delivery to Bryan Ohio. There is a herzog tie salvage gang train in the siding at MP 340. Saw a couple westbound Ns trains as well. College boy went off to wander somwhere. Tomorrow it's chores then might see what Csx is up too.

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
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Friday, July 12, 2024 4:48 PM

Lawn sucked up the 0.30 inches of rain it got today.  It was thirsty.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,018 posts
Posted by tree68 on Friday, July 12, 2024 6:54 PM

Only 0.2" at the house yesterday, but 2.31" from the main body of Beryl.  Sun came out today with a little wind, so I could mow.  Ground was pretty soft, though, so dug the lawn up a bit.

A village to the south of me got over 5" of rain in short order from Beryl, resulting in extensive flooding.  The school got flooded, the turf athletic field was under water, and quite a few bridges and culverts got washed out.  Full recovery will take a while, but they are getting key roads opened up. 

Many homes suffered damage, sometimes extensive.

 

One report said that the school will require extensive cleaning to reduce/eliminate the possibility of mold.

Search on "Lowville, NY flooding."  

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 12, 2024 10:37 PM

Got another 0.35 inches after my prior post.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Saturday, July 13, 2024 2:37 PM

Headed that way with every Dixie-cup I can wrangle. That storm totally missed us.

Over 100 degrees here for the second day in row and a third expected.

 

Scorched Feathers

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
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Saturday, July 13, 2024 3:03 PM

zugmann
BaltACD
In my experience Difcos in company use are normally loaded rip rap or other aggregate that is larger than ballast. 

"Normally".  It is the railroad.  

zugmann
 
BaltACD
In my experience Difcos in company use are normally loaded rip rap or other aggregate that is larger than ballast. 

"Normally".  It is the railroad.  

(1) Air-dumps in company service are always in short supply, poorly maintained (bottom of the mechanical department's priority list) and out of service/bad-order sitting in the rip tracks. Wonder how much angst is going on right now with washouts and no airdump cars available?

(2) Plenty of places out west where there is no readilly available supply of aggregate for making concrete or better grades of asphalt. There is no gravel or rip-rap for hundreds of miles in any direction. Air dumps are great when there are no under-track pits or auger facilities. If there is a going concern (long term) that uses rock products, hopper cars (usually recycled coal cars) and an under track pit are the way to go. Rental on a Herzog Car-topper and operator ain't cheap if you have to use solid bottom gons....Wine door decks are pretty much a thing of the past and M-K Miner door cars are vanishing from company use. (mechanical department issues along with hard to obtain parts) .... The automated cars are a world to themselves and rarely (if ever) railroad owned & maintained.

(3) wonder if he saw a Georgetown dump train or a Herzog slot train or could recognize one if he saw it?

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
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 7:01 PM

The following video shows that persons crossing RR tracks are stupid anywhere.

Watch: Terrifying near-misses at level crossings as National Rail releases footage in summer warning (msn.com)

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,315 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, July 20, 2024 4:55 AM

Morning

Checked on Brother yesterday.Ns is going to drop more ties between Butler and Waterloo next week.The had some salvage gons tied up in Edgerton.Csx has had a few hiccups this week with trying to run 3 mile long trains and then something happens.North Baltimore is being changed to North Bottleneck.Headed out to help in Deshler.

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").

 

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