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Chatterbox Summer 2024

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, July 21, 2024 8:32 PM

Two days on the rails this weekend.  Saturday was our "local," with a trip north and south (11 and 10 miles one-way), and ran pretty well.

Sunday I was conductor for our "High Peaks" trip, 56 miles through the heart of the Adirondack forest.  All of our riders seemed to enjoy themselves, and some crew-members-in training got some practice, too.

Big sailboat race from Port Huron up Lake Huron to Mackinac Island this weekend.  There were a lot of sailboats in it, too.  I was on the railroad, so missed them all going under the Blue Water Bridge.

LarryWhistling
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Posted by blue streak 1 on Monday, July 22, 2024 5:56 PM
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Posted by BaltACD on Monday, July 22, 2024 7:44 PM

A inch and 3/4 of rain so far today - badly needed.  Another storm line is forecast for 11 PM.

Area is over 2 inches below normal for the month so far.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, August 1, 2024 2:41 AM

Morning

August 1st today.Not much new on Csx.Everyone trying to get by North Baltimore.Might have some rain this afternoon.Going to check on my brother in Edgerton this weekend.Next weekend is Summerrail in Marion Ohio.

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 Thursday, August 1, 2024 12:51 PM

Head index of 105

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, August 1, 2024 1:47 PM

BaltACD

Head index of 105

"Feels Like" on my weather station says 89°F.  Outside it's not bad if there's a breeze.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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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 Thursday, August 1, 2024 4:32 PM

tree68
 
BaltACD

Heat index of 105 

"Feels Like" on my weather station says 89°F.  Outside it's not bad if there's a breeze.

The ambient temperature with the 105 heat index was 91.  Humidity drive up the heat index.

A week or so ago, we had a couple of days of 100+.  The humidity was less than 30%, and while it was warm, it was not 'debilitating'.  When those from the desert Southwest say 'its not the heat, but the humidity' they know what they are talking about.  With the humidity when walking out of a air conditioned location to the outside - you feel like you are walking into a virtual wall of water.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, August 8, 2024 2:36 AM

Good Morning

Storms took out neighbors tent canopy here.Not much else here.Csx dropped off a problem centerbeam flat in the NW wye last Saturday.Keeping track of the days.With Mow crews out everywhere they need a bigger plunger to get the trains around.Going to check on brother after work tomorrow.This weekend is Summerrail in Marion.Time to get stuff around 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").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, August 11, 2024 9:56 PM

CSX suffered two major washouts on the St Lawrence Sub (Syracuse to Massena) due to Debby.  One north of Adams (around MP60) and one near Philadelphia (around MP90).  

A LOT of fill will be required for both, and word was that one of them was still washing out.   The area got a lot of rain from Debby.

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 Monday, August 12, 2024 10:32 AM

Made a trip to Akron to attend my 60th HS reunion.

Was in Debby's rain from home to the Ohio Line at Wheeling.  My rain gauge showed gettting 4.75 inches on Thursday and ended up with 13.66 inches for the week that ended Saturday - with no rail during Saturday.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, August 16, 2024 2:55 AM

morning

Csx has a ceterbeam flat car in the NW wye for almost 2 weeks now.X 171 did pull the well cars out of the E siding.Crews are busy working on the crossings here in town.Going to check on Brother tonight after work.Tomorrow going back to Celina for things.Rain on the way the guessers say.

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 Friday, August 16, 2024 10:28 PM

JoeKoh
Csx has a ceterbeam flat car in the NW wye for almost 2 weeks now.

They pulled that today (Friday) - apparently after a special light engine move.  I didn't have time to follow up on it this morning.

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 Sunday, August 18, 2024 9:36 PM

T'storms through Central Maryland this evening - 3.4 inches in the rain gauge and counting.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by Erik_Mag on Sunday, August 18, 2024 10:19 PM

I finished booking a trip to C&TS this fall, got the tickets for the ride a couple of months ago, but finally got the flights, rental car and hotel for after the ride booked. Looking forward to the trip.

Weather here has been typical August, relatively cool along the coast and warmer inland.

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, August 18, 2024 10:34 PM

Nice on the trip, Erik!

Scattered showers here today, with lots of humidity.

Made a trip up to the St Lawrence River (a whole 10 minute drive) to watch a freighter head downriver.  This particular boat (Mark W Barker) has never been on Lake Ontario or the St Lawrence River before.  It's also the newest boat on the lakes.

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 mudchicken on Friday, August 23, 2024 4:28 PM

.... waiting to see how long it takes for last night's screw-up to make the news here and how long it takes the local newsworkers to get it right.

Best comedy I've seen in a while and Chad Thomas' popcorn machine is out of storage and working overtime here. 

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 Erik_Mag on Friday, August 23, 2024 10:19 PM

I saw a few reports show up on Google News, the article that I read had a disclaimer stating the original story about two trains derailing was incorrect.

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Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:32 PM

afternoon

College boy is off back to school.Brother might be in the process of getting a new address soon.People are out and about catching the last triple crown roadrailer trains.Csx was running trains in Deshler including the NW wye last night.Had a good surprise slideshow as well at the park.Chores are done and nephew has been helped.Going to see what the boss wants to do next.(probably stay cool and comfortable).

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 Saturday, August 24, 2024 7:40 PM

Finally got the sailboat (14' Sailfish) in the water for the first time in quite a few years.  The Air BnB my daughter was in didn't really make for easy launching, but we got it in the water.

Obviously, it's still got some leaks - quite a bit of water came out when I pulled the drain plugs.

But, it was great to be under sail again.  I was out about an hour and a half - could have stayed out twice that long, but daughter's family had plans.

Maybe I'll get it out a couple more times before the weather rules that out.

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, August 27, 2024 2:23 PM

afternoon

Triple H day today outside.Brother is being set to move down to Ottawa.He will be a couple blocks from the I&O loop.Going to see what we need 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 BaltACD on Saturday, August 31, 2024 4:30 PM

We have had measurable rain several times over the past few weeks.  Each time, after the pavement dries out on my driveway, there is a 'ring' of very fine 'dirt' around the perimeter of the vehicle.  Obviously this is from dust/dirt  that exists in the rain clouds and are what the rain drops form around.  In my 78 years I don't recall making this observation before.

There are reports of Saraha Desert 'sand' blowing West from Africa and reaching the US.  Our area has also been subject to the effects of the Canadian wild/forest fires that have been burning all Spring and Summer.  I guess what I am seeing could be from either source.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, September 1, 2024 5:04 AM

Morning

Checked on brother.He is settling in at Ottawa.Went up to Deshler.Friend got called from csx.They taxied from North Baltimore to Atlantic Street in Defiance.They took a train (b651) to North Baltimore just to tie it down at the pad.Going to G+G's house for a cookout 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").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, September 1, 2024 6:16 PM

Worked four days this week on the railroad.  One day switching, one day doing a ferry move, one day an actual scheduled train, then finished up today with another ferry move.

OTOH, it gave me the opportunity to get dinner at a local fire department's "steak bake."  Doubt I'll win the truck they're giving away, but, what the heck.  The meal was good.

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, September 4, 2024 11:06 AM

I have a car whose Registration License was expiring on 8/31/24.  Historically my states DMV has sent out the renewal notices in the calendar month prior to expiration.  The renewal notice was recieved on 8/16.  Payment was made and renewal notice was mailed back to the DMV on 8/17.  Looking at my bank's web site it shows the DMV deposited the check on 8/23.  Kudos for expeditious handling.  However, they then fall down on the job as the renewed Registration sticker is not postmarked until 8/31, which I got back in the mail on 9/3.

 

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, September 5, 2024 2:04 AM

Morning

Tuesday after the holiday was jammed up for everyone.Work and while doing errands after work.Guessers say rain will be here here Friday with a fall feel this weekend.Deshler is having a museum open house this Saturday.It's Ohio's museum open house weekend.We can run on the layout mains while college boy works on the yard and turnouts.Time to get ready 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").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 6:36 AM

9-11-01

Never Forget.

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 NKP guy on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 9:27 AM

tree68
9-11-01 Never Forget.

Well said. My flag was out today at 8 AM.

I was teaching that day; the lesson plan was ditched and we spent the day watching events live and in replay, as well as talking about what we were seeing. Then I had them write down what they were thinking. 

Exactly a month later I was in Manhattan. As far north as 34th Street one could still smell the smoldering ruins downtown. Going there and actually seeing the smoke was unforgettable.

May the memory of those who perished that day be a blessing. 

 

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Posted by BaltACD on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 11:35 AM

I was working the daylight Baltimore Division ACD, doubling over from my regular 3rd trick position.  Numerous Train Dispatchers received phone calls from there domestic partners about the strikes of the World Trade Center buildings - but it was business as usual moving the morning MARC and VRE commuter trains - then we got word of the plane into the Pentagon and everything was then shut down on the RF&P Sub which is within a relative stone's throw of the Pentagon.

Chief positions had internet access on our computer monitors, however, the net was so busy that one wan't able to get through to new carrying web sites until approximately Noon and then we found out about the plane that was crashed a Shanksville, PA.

A BAD BAD day.

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Posted by Backshop on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 7:16 PM

I've visited the Flight 93 Memorial.  Very humbling and inspiring.  It gave me the same feeling as when I visited the USS Arizona Memorial and the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach.

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Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 7:41 PM

One of the members of the City of Watertown Fire Department had recently been promoted to battalion chief.  He was attending classes at the FDNY academy when it went down.  They put all of the class members on a bus and took them to work "the pile."

As has happened to many of those present on the scene that day and beyond, he succumbed to cancer some years later.  Certainly added a local connection to an otherwise somewhat distant event.

A co-worker of mine at the time had a brother working in the Pentagon.  Said brother was fortunately not in his office at the time.

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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