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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 8, 2003 11:08 PM
Mabey look on the internet for some Amtrak frequencies.....
I found a site but it only has Chicago Frequencies
They also sell books full of all types of Frequencies (police, fire, school, city officals, ect, ect.) at Radio Shack, but its usually only for a corresponding area..

P.S. Does anyone have any info on my stupid questions? Especially the BNSF train symbols???????
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 8, 2003 11:08 PM
Mabey look on the internet for some Amtrak frequencies.....
I found a site but it only has Chicago Frequencies
They also sell books full of all types of Frequencies (police, fire, school, city officals, ect, ect.) at Radio Shack, but its usually only for a corresponding area..

P.S. Does anyone have any info on my stupid questions? Especially the BNSF train symbols???????
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 9, 2003 4:21 AM
Here is a link to some frequencies on trainweb.com: http://www.trainweb.com/radio/freq.htm

It even breaks some down by train.

A really great link is: http://www.on-track-on-line.com/amtrak-freqs.shtml

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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 9, 2003 4:21 AM
Here is a link to some frequencies on trainweb.com: http://www.trainweb.com/radio/freq.htm

It even breaks some down by train.

A really great link is: http://www.on-track-on-line.com/amtrak-freqs.shtml

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Posted by techguy57 on Sunday, November 9, 2003 6:09 PM
Okay, so I know this has been answered before but can someone refresh my memory as to a good publication that I could pickup to help me identify diesels while I'm out railfanning?

Also, GM EMD is in Chicago right? Do they give tours at all or is there someone I can talk to for info? Thanks for any info you can give!

Mike

techguy "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity. Lick it once and you suck forever." - Anonymous
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Posted by techguy57 on Sunday, November 9, 2003 6:09 PM
Okay, so I know this has been answered before but can someone refresh my memory as to a good publication that I could pickup to help me identify diesels while I'm out railfanning?

Also, GM EMD is in Chicago right? Do they give tours at all or is there someone I can talk to for info? Thanks for any info you can give!

Mike

techguy "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity. Lick it once and you suck forever." - Anonymous
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Posted by ironhorseman on Sunday, November 9, 2003 6:53 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by techguy57

Okay, so I know this has been answered before but can someone refresh my memory as to a good publication that I could pickup to help me identify diesels while I'm out railfanning?

Also, GM EMD is in Chicago right? Do they give tours at all or is there someone I can talk to for info? Thanks for any info you can give!

Mike




"A Field Guide To Trains" by Gerald Foster. 1996.

yad sdrawkcab s'ti

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Posted by ironhorseman on Sunday, November 9, 2003 6:53 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by techguy57

Okay, so I know this has been answered before but can someone refresh my memory as to a good publication that I could pickup to help me identify diesels while I'm out railfanning?

Also, GM EMD is in Chicago right? Do they give tours at all or is there someone I can talk to for info? Thanks for any info you can give!

Mike




"A Field Guide To Trains" by Gerald Foster. 1996.

yad sdrawkcab s'ti

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Posted by dharmon on Sunday, November 9, 2003 8:01 PM
Okay, this may have been asked before, but what all do you carry in your grip?
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Posted by dharmon on Sunday, November 9, 2003 8:01 PM
Okay, this may have been asked before, but what all do you carry in your grip?
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Posted by edblysard on Sunday, November 9, 2003 9:05 PM
Current copy GCOR, along with hazmat guide, a spare pair of gloves, two fusees, a torpedo, track and time booklet, lunch, a thermos of coffee, spare pack of smokes, any form B in effect, slow orders, track warrants, train sheet, lantern, bulbs, spare battery for lantern, spare charged battery for radio.
Any time table and rule book for UP when I have to go over there.
Clean, dry socks.
Wabash's spare mirror.
Three feet of rope, a bungee cord, what looks like a really old box of tic-tacs,
(I think), a few band-aids, sun glases, styrofoam coffee cups(2).
Extra lighter.
Whatever current book I am reading.
ZTS book.
Oh, gross, those were tic-tacs.
Spare change and a toothbrush.
Several pens.
Knife, fork and spoon.
And I really do carry a roll of duct tape, that stuff comes in real handy.
Stay Frosty,
Ed[:D]

23 17 46 11

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Posted by edblysard on Sunday, November 9, 2003 9:05 PM
Current copy GCOR, along with hazmat guide, a spare pair of gloves, two fusees, a torpedo, track and time booklet, lunch, a thermos of coffee, spare pack of smokes, any form B in effect, slow orders, track warrants, train sheet, lantern, bulbs, spare battery for lantern, spare charged battery for radio.
Any time table and rule book for UP when I have to go over there.
Clean, dry socks.
Wabash's spare mirror.
Three feet of rope, a bungee cord, what looks like a really old box of tic-tacs,
(I think), a few band-aids, sun glases, styrofoam coffee cups(2).
Extra lighter.
Whatever current book I am reading.
ZTS book.
Oh, gross, those were tic-tacs.
Spare change and a toothbrush.
Several pens.
Knife, fork and spoon.
And I really do carry a roll of duct tape, that stuff comes in real handy.
Stay Frosty,
Ed[:D]

23 17 46 11

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Posted by Granny74 on Sunday, November 9, 2003 9:54 PM
LaGrange and Jcj:
thanks so much for the info. LaGrange---I searched the forums for rr frequencies and found quite a bit of info, especially one from message from Zardoz. Jcj: thanks for those sites---These are exactly what we needed! Jim, Jhhtrainsplanes, thanks for posting the question for me. As Jim knows, my "newer" computer is in the computer hospital and the one I am using doesn't always work----right now it is behaving, so I hope I get this message sent ok. Again thanks for your help. (I had better be careful what I say about this "older" computer---I wouldn't want it to quit working entirely because i hurt its feelings! You know these computers are very sensitive! LOL)
Nance and Bob from AZ
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Posted by Granny74 on Sunday, November 9, 2003 9:54 PM
LaGrange and Jcj:
thanks so much for the info. LaGrange---I searched the forums for rr frequencies and found quite a bit of info, especially one from message from Zardoz. Jcj: thanks for those sites---These are exactly what we needed! Jim, Jhhtrainsplanes, thanks for posting the question for me. As Jim knows, my "newer" computer is in the computer hospital and the one I am using doesn't always work----right now it is behaving, so I hope I get this message sent ok. Again thanks for your help. (I had better be careful what I say about this "older" computer---I wouldn't want it to quit working entirely because i hurt its feelings! You know these computers are very sensitive! LOL)
Nance and Bob from AZ
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Posted by Mookie on Monday, November 10, 2003 6:26 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

Okay, this may have been asked before, but what all do you carry in your grip?
two sets of keys - one for house and car, one for work, lipstick, nail clippers, spare change, couple of dollars, check book, kleenex, cough drop, cell phone, driver's license (mine) credit cards - 2, insurance card, and Ed's tic tac's box with tic tacs and advil and tylenol in it! No kitty litter and kibbles go separately!

Mookie

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Posted by Mookie on Monday, November 10, 2003 6:26 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

Okay, this may have been asked before, but what all do you carry in your grip?
two sets of keys - one for house and car, one for work, lipstick, nail clippers, spare change, couple of dollars, check book, kleenex, cough drop, cell phone, driver's license (mine) credit cards - 2, insurance card, and Ed's tic tac's box with tic tacs and advil and tylenol in it! No kitty litter and kibbles go separately!

Mookie

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by dharmon on Monday, November 10, 2003 10:01 AM
Thanks Ed (and Mook),

Though I am kinda disappointed Ed, I thought for sure there'd be a bottle of tobasco sauce in there. Let's see what's in my helmet bag.....

ooooo then again, maybe not. I think I might have found what MlaM's opossum was looking for. [:)]
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Posted by dharmon on Monday, November 10, 2003 10:01 AM
Thanks Ed (and Mook),

Though I am kinda disappointed Ed, I thought for sure there'd be a bottle of tobasco sauce in there. Let's see what's in my helmet bag.....

ooooo then again, maybe not. I think I might have found what MlaM's opossum was looking for. [:)]
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Posted by wabash1 on Monday, November 10, 2003 1:28 PM
In my grip, rule books, change of clothes, food , and drink, ( not telling what it is then they have the answer to why the horns sound louder and longer) eating impements. extra urine and breath ( in case of drug testing) more food, a lock ( this is to lock the window to keep the conductors head inside. if he is getting paid to be there i dont want the company cheated for what they are paying for.) I also carry the paper work for the train, as ed always forgets it. and if he carries spare pens why is he always asking for mine? ( i think he tries to lose them also) extra battries for the lantern and radio ( conductors dont think of these either ) extra reverser handles a news paper and puzzels. ( conductors say books but they forget to tell you they are connect the dots and coloring books.) and a spare pair of glasses.
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Posted by wabash1 on Monday, November 10, 2003 1:28 PM
In my grip, rule books, change of clothes, food , and drink, ( not telling what it is then they have the answer to why the horns sound louder and longer) eating impements. extra urine and breath ( in case of drug testing) more food, a lock ( this is to lock the window to keep the conductors head inside. if he is getting paid to be there i dont want the company cheated for what they are paying for.) I also carry the paper work for the train, as ed always forgets it. and if he carries spare pens why is he always asking for mine? ( i think he tries to lose them also) extra battries for the lantern and radio ( conductors dont think of these either ) extra reverser handles a news paper and puzzels. ( conductors say books but they forget to tell you they are connect the dots and coloring books.) and a spare pair of glasses.
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 10, 2003 10:40 PM
Here's a truly stupid question. (Laugh if you want to)[:)]
I 've been holding this in me for a while. When identifying a steam locomotive, what do those numbers mean? (example: Steam 2-8-2)
Thank you.
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 10, 2003 10:40 PM
Here's a truly stupid question. (Laugh if you want to)[:)]
I 've been holding this in me for a while. When identifying a steam locomotive, what do those numbers mean? (example: Steam 2-8-2)
Thank you.
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 1:53 AM
Alex [:p]

The first number indicates how many pilot wheels there are. If you are looking at a Northern class loco (a 4 8 4) then you will see 2 pilot wheels on each side. They "lead" the loco and help keep the drivers from climbing the rail. The second number, the 8, is the number of drivers. The drivers have the side rods attached to them and are the largest wheels. The last number , another 4, indicates how many wheels are under the firebox/cab area. They became necessary because of the weight of the engines and their length. They are sometimes referred to as the trailing truck. I have used the Northern class (even tho I am a Southerner) because they are my favorite class of steam engine and because they were an all around pro at pulling both passenger and freight trains. If you can find a book somewhere about steam engines then you can notice the wheels and count them to determine the classification of the engine. I will list a few here but there are more than I could remember off the top of my head. The 4 4 0 is an American class loco, while the 4 4 2 is an Atlantic. The 4 6 0 is called a Ten Wheeler (remember Casey Jones) and the 2 6 0 is a Mogul. A 2 6 2 is a Prarie Class (kinda reminds ya of Da Mook, doesn't it) and a 4 6 2 is the famous Pacific Class (many fast passengers trains were pulled by these). A Mastadon was a 4 8 0 while the 4 8 2 was a Mountain Class (remember the Frisco 1522). Nickle Plate was famous for its fast redball freights pulled by its Berkshires which were 2 8 4 s. The last one I will list is the Hudson class for which New York Central is famous. Their J3a was a beautiful streamlined loco and pulled the 20th Century Limited. There are too many others to list. Some of the N & W fans will want to include some of the hugh engines they had. And some of the Texans will want to include the Texas class locos. Some railroads didn't follow the lead of the others and named their version with the same wheel arrangement something different. The 2 8 2 (ok I lied, but just one more) is known as Mikado class locos but during the Second World War there was a drive to change the class name to MacAruthurs.
There are still many, many fans of steam engines. I am one. They were alive with their hissing (hmmm, Mookie again) the heat, the fire, just everything about them makes them live and breathe. [:D]

I will let someone else pick up the lesson and teach a little. I am tired and headed for bed. [:p]
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 1:53 AM
Alex [:p]

The first number indicates how many pilot wheels there are. If you are looking at a Northern class loco (a 4 8 4) then you will see 2 pilot wheels on each side. They "lead" the loco and help keep the drivers from climbing the rail. The second number, the 8, is the number of drivers. The drivers have the side rods attached to them and are the largest wheels. The last number , another 4, indicates how many wheels are under the firebox/cab area. They became necessary because of the weight of the engines and their length. They are sometimes referred to as the trailing truck. I have used the Northern class (even tho I am a Southerner) because they are my favorite class of steam engine and because they were an all around pro at pulling both passenger and freight trains. If you can find a book somewhere about steam engines then you can notice the wheels and count them to determine the classification of the engine. I will list a few here but there are more than I could remember off the top of my head. The 4 4 0 is an American class loco, while the 4 4 2 is an Atlantic. The 4 6 0 is called a Ten Wheeler (remember Casey Jones) and the 2 6 0 is a Mogul. A 2 6 2 is a Prarie Class (kinda reminds ya of Da Mook, doesn't it) and a 4 6 2 is the famous Pacific Class (many fast passengers trains were pulled by these). A Mastadon was a 4 8 0 while the 4 8 2 was a Mountain Class (remember the Frisco 1522). Nickle Plate was famous for its fast redball freights pulled by its Berkshires which were 2 8 4 s. The last one I will list is the Hudson class for which New York Central is famous. Their J3a was a beautiful streamlined loco and pulled the 20th Century Limited. There are too many others to list. Some of the N & W fans will want to include some of the hugh engines they had. And some of the Texans will want to include the Texas class locos. Some railroads didn't follow the lead of the others and named their version with the same wheel arrangement something different. The 2 8 2 (ok I lied, but just one more) is known as Mikado class locos but during the Second World War there was a drive to change the class name to MacAruthurs.
There are still many, many fans of steam engines. I am one. They were alive with their hissing (hmmm, Mookie again) the heat, the fire, just everything about them makes them live and breathe. [:D]

I will let someone else pick up the lesson and teach a little. I am tired and headed for bed. [:p]
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Posted by Modelcar on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 9:20 AM
....Jim, a very nice run down on steam identification and some history of where they were, etc...I too am fascinated by steam but really, in thinking about them...I wonder how more accidents were prevented when there were so many of them operating all over our big country....Meaning many fellows from many walks of life were in command of their operation and from what I understand of their needs, one would think perhaps more mistakes would have been commited with low water, improper lube on all the reciprocating parts...and who knows what all may have been done that put them on the ragged edge....I once saw a large steam engine that had a massive boiler explosion and there was nothing left of it from the chassis and steam cylinders up...All the structure above that area was nowhere near the remains of the engine. I'm just wondering how more such accidents were prevented from happening on such dangerous machines. Yes, I know engineers and fireman had to be careful, but we all make mistakes.

Quentin

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Posted by Modelcar on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 9:20 AM
....Jim, a very nice run down on steam identification and some history of where they were, etc...I too am fascinated by steam but really, in thinking about them...I wonder how more accidents were prevented when there were so many of them operating all over our big country....Meaning many fellows from many walks of life were in command of their operation and from what I understand of their needs, one would think perhaps more mistakes would have been commited with low water, improper lube on all the reciprocating parts...and who knows what all may have been done that put them on the ragged edge....I once saw a large steam engine that had a massive boiler explosion and there was nothing left of it from the chassis and steam cylinders up...All the structure above that area was nowhere near the remains of the engine. I'm just wondering how more such accidents were prevented from happening on such dangerous machines. Yes, I know engineers and fireman had to be careful, but we all make mistakes.

Quentin

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Posted by techguy57 on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 12:48 PM
Jim- I agree, nice job explaining. Concise with a nice dose of history.

Now, I have question for anyone who can help.

Can someone explain the benefits, if there are in fact any, of AC traction. Also, can someone explain the differences, aside from the obvious fact that it is alternating current.

I spent my morning near CP's Bensenville, IL intermodal yard and it seems that at least one out of every 3 engines was an AC4400.

Thanks,

Mike
techguy "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity. Lick it once and you suck forever." - Anonymous
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Posted by techguy57 on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 12:48 PM
Jim- I agree, nice job explaining. Concise with a nice dose of history.

Now, I have question for anyone who can help.

Can someone explain the benefits, if there are in fact any, of AC traction. Also, can someone explain the differences, aside from the obvious fact that it is alternating current.

I spent my morning near CP's Bensenville, IL intermodal yard and it seems that at least one out of every 3 engines was an AC4400.

Thanks,

Mike
techguy "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity. Lick it once and you suck forever." - Anonymous
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 4:34 PM
Yea, thats what I thought.
Thanks a lot guys[:)][:p][:D]
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 4:34 PM
Yea, thats what I thought.
Thanks a lot guys[:)][:p][:D]

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