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Bad train pictures

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Posted by Modelcar on Friday, November 21, 2003 9:09 AM
....I am not an expert on the different lights on engines but I see the questions being asked why the difference between ditch and headlights regarding reflecting in fog. Perhaps the headlight[s] are of a narrow beam and focused down the track at a distance and do not put out light rays in a wide span because of the narrow focus for disance. Converserly, the ditch lights have a more spread light pattern and hence reflect the fog in a blinding pattern.

Quentin

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Posted by Modelcar on Friday, November 21, 2003 9:09 AM
....I am not an expert on the different lights on engines but I see the questions being asked why the difference between ditch and headlights regarding reflecting in fog. Perhaps the headlight[s] are of a narrow beam and focused down the track at a distance and do not put out light rays in a wide span because of the narrow focus for disance. Converserly, the ditch lights have a more spread light pattern and hence reflect the fog in a blinding pattern.

Quentin

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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 21, 2003 10:32 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Modelcar

....I am not an expert on the different lights on engines but I see the questions being asked why the difference between ditch and headlights regarding reflecting in fog. Perhaps the headlight[s] are of a narrow beam and focused down the track at a distance and do not put out light rays in a wide span because of the narrow focus for disance. Converserly, the ditch lights have a more spread light pattern and hence reflect the fog in a blinding pattern.


Makes sense to me. [:)]
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 21, 2003 10:32 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Modelcar

....I am not an expert on the different lights on engines but I see the questions being asked why the difference between ditch and headlights regarding reflecting in fog. Perhaps the headlight[s] are of a narrow beam and focused down the track at a distance and do not put out light rays in a wide span because of the narrow focus for disance. Converserly, the ditch lights have a more spread light pattern and hence reflect the fog in a blinding pattern.


Makes sense to me. [:)]
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 21, 2003 10:39 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

QUOTE: Originally posted by jhhtrainsplanes

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

QUOTE: Originally posted by jhhtrainsplanes

Are there any railroads who still use speeders? When I was little we called them put-put cars. [:p] I know that some of the MOW crews have some still but do the signalmen and others have them still or have HI-Rails pretty much taken their place. I once saw a postcard with a 3-wheeled bike for rails. It was kinda like a go-cart but with only 3 wheels.
I saw a track checker in a cushman type vehicle - all alone on the Amtrak line near where I observe. Is this like what you are talking about?

Moo


Mookie [:)]

It might be. I didn't realize how many companies made speeders until about a month ago. I will find the website and list it here. But there were alot of companies that one time made speeders. Cushman might have been one, I really don't know. If you see it again or already have a pic of it, you might send it to Bergie and see if it can make "Pic Of The Day".

I haven't seen them used in years for anything other than MOW. But that may be just in my neck of the woods.

I watched a video last week that had a strange one on it. It was the narrow guage steam line of Cumbres and Toltec. Anyway this thing was an open air, (no roof whatsoever) car that would seat 2 people. It didn't look like your normal speeder.


It was a golf cart, silly!


Mookie Dearest [:)]

Surely you are not saying that instead of working our railroad friends are out playing gold, are you? lol [8D] I wonder if those torpedoes can be used to make sand traps and holes for the balls? OH, now we know why there are water hazzards close to the tracks now. [:0] I think Ed's water hazzard is a little larger than most. [:D] Mookie, I think you have opened a can of worms here. [B)] FOUR [:D]
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 21, 2003 10:39 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

QUOTE: Originally posted by jhhtrainsplanes

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

QUOTE: Originally posted by jhhtrainsplanes

Are there any railroads who still use speeders? When I was little we called them put-put cars. [:p] I know that some of the MOW crews have some still but do the signalmen and others have them still or have HI-Rails pretty much taken their place. I once saw a postcard with a 3-wheeled bike for rails. It was kinda like a go-cart but with only 3 wheels.
I saw a track checker in a cushman type vehicle - all alone on the Amtrak line near where I observe. Is this like what you are talking about?

Moo


Mookie [:)]

It might be. I didn't realize how many companies made speeders until about a month ago. I will find the website and list it here. But there were alot of companies that one time made speeders. Cushman might have been one, I really don't know. If you see it again or already have a pic of it, you might send it to Bergie and see if it can make "Pic Of The Day".

I haven't seen them used in years for anything other than MOW. But that may be just in my neck of the woods.

I watched a video last week that had a strange one on it. It was the narrow guage steam line of Cumbres and Toltec. Anyway this thing was an open air, (no roof whatsoever) car that would seat 2 people. It didn't look like your normal speeder.


It was a golf cart, silly!


Mookie Dearest [:)]

Surely you are not saying that instead of working our railroad friends are out playing gold, are you? lol [8D] I wonder if those torpedoes can be used to make sand traps and holes for the balls? OH, now we know why there are water hazzards close to the tracks now. [:0] I think Ed's water hazzard is a little larger than most. [:D] Mookie, I think you have opened a can of worms here. [B)] FOUR [:D]
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Posted by Mookie on Friday, November 21, 2003 11:13 AM
With all that excess time they have while they are out waiting to get into the yards or out of the yards - why not! Everyone has a cell phone and they could call the crew back to the engine when time to go. Seems like the railroad is hurry up and wait most of the time - so.....

oooo.....nasty worms - makes me want to go fishing!

Mookie

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by Mookie on Friday, November 21, 2003 11:13 AM
With all that excess time they have while they are out waiting to get into the yards or out of the yards - why not! Everyone has a cell phone and they could call the crew back to the engine when time to go. Seems like the railroad is hurry up and wait most of the time - so.....

oooo.....nasty worms - makes me want to go fishing!

Mookie

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by wabash1 on Friday, November 21, 2003 3:42 PM
yes the ditch lights are differant type of bulb and they are relitive short in distance covered. and at eye leval it does make it brighter also.
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Posted by wabash1 on Friday, November 21, 2003 3:42 PM
yes the ditch lights are differant type of bulb and they are relitive short in distance covered. and at eye leval it does make it brighter also.
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Posted by edblysard on Friday, November 21, 2003 3:54 PM
If your not careful, Aimee is going to figure out why I keep taking my waders and bait bucket to work with me!
Ed
QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

With all that excess time they have while they are out waiting to get into the yards or out of the yards - why not! Everyone has a cell phone and they could call the crew back to the engine when time to go. Seems like the railroad is hurry up and wait most of the time - so.....

oooo.....nasty worms - makes me want to go fishing!

Mookie

23 17 46 11

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Posted by edblysard on Friday, November 21, 2003 3:54 PM
If your not careful, Aimee is going to figure out why I keep taking my waders and bait bucket to work with me!
Ed
QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

With all that excess time they have while they are out waiting to get into the yards or out of the yards - why not! Everyone has a cell phone and they could call the crew back to the engine when time to go. Seems like the railroad is hurry up and wait most of the time - so.....

oooo.....nasty worms - makes me want to go fishing!

Mookie

23 17 46 11

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Posted by Willy2 on Friday, November 21, 2003 4:36 PM
Another headlight question: Sometimes when a train is nearing a crossing the ditchlights flash back and forth. Which engines have this feature and is it really useful?

Willy

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Posted by Willy2 on Friday, November 21, 2003 4:36 PM
Another headlight question: Sometimes when a train is nearing a crossing the ditchlights flash back and forth. Which engines have this feature and is it really useful?

Willy

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Posted by Nora on Friday, November 21, 2003 5:49 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

Okay, this may have been asked before, but what all do you carry in your grip?


I'm glad someone asked this, I was wondering too after I saw some guys getting off one end of a train and getting back on the other end (engines at both ends). They all looked like they'd packed for a month away from home!

--Nora
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Posted by Nora on Friday, November 21, 2003 5:49 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

Okay, this may have been asked before, but what all do you carry in your grip?


I'm glad someone asked this, I was wondering too after I saw some guys getting off one end of a train and getting back on the other end (engines at both ends). They all looked like they'd packed for a month away from home!

--Nora
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Posted by Modelcar on Friday, November 21, 2003 6:58 PM
....Isn't it a fact as the train approaches a crossing and starts to blow the horn the ditch lights start to blink back and forth automatically as a further warning. [:0]

Quentin

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Posted by Modelcar on Friday, November 21, 2003 6:58 PM
....Isn't it a fact as the train approaches a crossing and starts to blow the horn the ditch lights start to blink back and forth automatically as a further warning. [:0]

Quentin

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Posted by dehusman on Friday, November 21, 2003 8:00 PM
Only if the ditch lites are set up to blink. Some do. Some don't.

Dave H.

Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com

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Posted by dehusman on Friday, November 21, 2003 8:00 PM
Only if the ditch lites are set up to blink. Some do. Some don't.

Dave H.

Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com

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Posted by Trainnut484 on Friday, November 21, 2003 9:45 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Nora

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

Okay, this may have been asked before, but what all do you carry in your grip?


I'm glad someone asked this, I was wondering too after I saw some guys getting off one end of a train and getting back on the other end (engines at both ends). They all looked like they'd packed for a month away from home!

--Nora


Hello Nora,

My late father was an engineer on the ATSF, and he went through at least two or three grips that I know of. I used one of the old ones to carry my school books in as a child. Sure I was teased, but none of their bags, which were of the sporty kind, could carry school books, lunch, raincoat and golashes...with some room to spare! LOL

He carried a thermos bottle, raincoat, tablet clipboard for his papers to stamp, gloves, and hand tools (pliers and a screwdriver) that I know of. He would never let me get into his grip. I didn't know if he thought I was going to do to it what I did to my toy box (I had a habit of flinging toys out of the toy box)..LOL...or he thought I would hurt myself with the tools. When you're only 7 or 8, toys DON'T BELONG IN THE TOY BOX [:D]

Take care

Russell
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Posted by Trainnut484 on Friday, November 21, 2003 9:45 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Nora

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

Okay, this may have been asked before, but what all do you carry in your grip?


I'm glad someone asked this, I was wondering too after I saw some guys getting off one end of a train and getting back on the other end (engines at both ends). They all looked like they'd packed for a month away from home!

--Nora


Hello Nora,

My late father was an engineer on the ATSF, and he went through at least two or three grips that I know of. I used one of the old ones to carry my school books in as a child. Sure I was teased, but none of their bags, which were of the sporty kind, could carry school books, lunch, raincoat and golashes...with some room to spare! LOL

He carried a thermos bottle, raincoat, tablet clipboard for his papers to stamp, gloves, and hand tools (pliers and a screwdriver) that I know of. He would never let me get into his grip. I didn't know if he thought I was going to do to it what I did to my toy box (I had a habit of flinging toys out of the toy box)..LOL...or he thought I would hurt myself with the tools. When you're only 7 or 8, toys DON'T BELONG IN THE TOY BOX [:D]

Take care

Russell
All the Way!
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Posted by Modelcar on Saturday, November 22, 2003 7:52 AM
...To any non professonal of railroading...you can read the "word" regulating "ditch-crossing lights" by going to Google and typing in "Railroad Ditch Lights" and that will bring up info at "Code of Federal Regulations, [sec. 229.133], and one can read complete specs. on the position and use of ditch lights as regarding railroad use.

Quentin

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Posted by Modelcar on Saturday, November 22, 2003 7:52 AM
...To any non professonal of railroading...you can read the "word" regulating "ditch-crossing lights" by going to Google and typing in "Railroad Ditch Lights" and that will bring up info at "Code of Federal Regulations, [sec. 229.133], and one can read complete specs. on the position and use of ditch lights as regarding railroad use.

Quentin

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Posted by wabash1 on Saturday, November 22, 2003 8:35 AM
The only perpose i can see for the flashing of the ditch lights are to brake the trance a person might be in seeing the bright lights comming at them. if you look at a train long enough the lights will put you in a trance and if they flash it does break this. ive been on up engines and bnsf engines that dont but all ns engines flash when you blow the horn or hit the switch.
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Posted by wabash1 on Saturday, November 22, 2003 8:35 AM
The only perpose i can see for the flashing of the ditch lights are to brake the trance a person might be in seeing the bright lights comming at them. if you look at a train long enough the lights will put you in a trance and if they flash it does break this. ive been on up engines and bnsf engines that dont but all ns engines flash when you blow the horn or hit the switch.
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Posted by Modelcar on Saturday, November 22, 2003 2:57 PM
....I don't know if they all do but CSX engine ditch lights flash as they approach a crossing too. I agree...The flashing lights do get one's attention. We have both NS and CSX here traveling through Muncie and on those lines, I've not noticed any that are not flashing. To me it seems like a good idea. I would imagine they do improve an engineer's lighted view at night. [Without the fog]. That, I can understand could be a problem with them lit.
200,000 to 300,000 candlepower makes them pretty powerful.

Quentin

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Posted by Modelcar on Saturday, November 22, 2003 2:57 PM
....I don't know if they all do but CSX engine ditch lights flash as they approach a crossing too. I agree...The flashing lights do get one's attention. We have both NS and CSX here traveling through Muncie and on those lines, I've not noticed any that are not flashing. To me it seems like a good idea. I would imagine they do improve an engineer's lighted view at night. [Without the fog]. That, I can understand could be a problem with them lit.
200,000 to 300,000 candlepower makes them pretty powerful.

Quentin

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Posted by Granny74 on Saturday, November 22, 2003 10:52 PM
Well, this may be another stupid question, but I was wondering about the UP 9000(6,000HP, I think??). Is it a "happy" unit or a "cantankerous" engine to operate??
Bob from AZ
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Posted by Granny74 on Saturday, November 22, 2003 10:52 PM
Well, this may be another stupid question, but I was wondering about the UP 9000(6,000HP, I think??). Is it a "happy" unit or a "cantankerous" engine to operate??
Bob from AZ

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