weather 2

[nomadtom69]

I started with the old L&N RR in 1973 like you we had 5 crew members on the train and the old jointed rail. I do not know how they got away with keep you on the train for 18-24 hours the Hours of Service Law when I went to work and when I left was Max time working was 12 hours we stayed on duty until we got to the other station but at 12 Hours we had to stop train and wait on another crew. I was a brakeman/conductor/switchman for 5 years and finished my RR career as a Locomotive Engr for the last 33 years. Do not miss job just some of the people I worked with.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by nomadtom69

I started with the old L&N RR in 1973 like you we had 5 crew members on the train and the old jointed rail. I do not know how they got away with keep you on the train for 18-24 hours the Hours of Service Law when I went to work and when I left was Max time working was 12 hours we stayed on duty until we got to the other station but at 12 Hours we had to stop train and wait on another crew. I was a brakeman/conductor/switchman for 5 years and finished my RR career as a Locomotive Engr for the last 33 years. Do not miss job just some of the people I worked with.

Tom, if I remember it correctly (and you'll have to excuse me because it was long time ago), after the 12-hour limit passed (and I remember the 12-hour limit) the railroad would use some Federal law that forced us to continue with the train until a replacement crew was found or we made it to our destination. Apparently, the Fed Gov has some control over railroads with regard to national security. Don't know if that remains true today; but imagine it does. I remember the guys stating "they are forcing us into emergency". They would never find a replacement crew and we knew that -- it was unspoken this would happen. I do know CNW was fined for doing this. CNW would only do that on the Chicago run I spoke of; because I can remember many coal-runs where we came upon our 12-hours and we would sit until a van brought a new crew. However, I promise on the Chicago-run we worked well past the 12 hour limit; and our pay went through the roof because of it.

Anyway, that is interesting you were an engineer. If I would have stayed, I would surely have tried for that job eventually.

[rayski271]

hell now when the engine crews time is up they park that train where there at and wait for replacements no laws forcing anything anymore there time is up there done just last night i released six cars from here at ten last nite they were still sitting outside shop at elevenoclock this morning crews time was up they jump in van and go back to yard that train sat till they could find another crew things have changed a bit

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by rayski271

hell now when the engine crews time is up they park that train where there at and wait for replacements no laws forcing anything anymore there time is up there done just last night i released six cars from here at ten last nite they were still sitting outside shop at elevenoclock this morning crews time was up they jump in van and go back to yard that train sat till they could find another crew things have changed a bit

Keep in mind, the particular run I was on was extremely unusual. The main line tracks were literally falling apart. The railroad industry was in decline then also.

I can remember the old-timers always complaining about that particular run constantly because of the long hours. None of them wanted the job because you worked long hours, and were basically gone three-days at a time, and only home for just over the minimum 8-hour layover. The pay was fantastic though; especially for someone my age; and I used to take the scoots downtown Chicago and hang out all-day. It was great.

[Top Cat]

Speaking of trains, when we were on our National trip I saw coal trains that were a mile and a half in length.
It is probably common out there but it surprised me. The trains here are nowhere near that long.
Sorry, I just noticed I stumbled into the North Central section, backing out quietly now, by

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

Speaking of trains, when we were on our National trip I saw coal trains that were a mile and a half in length.
It is probably common out there but it surprised me. The trains here are nowhere near that long.
Sorry, I just noticed I stumbled into the North Central section, backing out quietly now, by

Coal trains around here consistently run that long or longer. A train engineer can correct me, but I believe terrain has something to do with that also.

[GIBBY]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

Speaking of trains, when we were on our National trip I saw coal trains that were a mile and a half in length.
It is probably common out there but it surprised me. The trains here are nowhere near that long.
Sorry, I just noticed I stumbled into the North Central section, backing out quietly now, by

I guess we can overlook it THIS time

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by GIBBY

I guess we can overlook it THIS time

At least he was respectful this time and didn't over-stay his welcome.

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by glwilson

At least he was respectful this time and didn't over-stay his welcome.

I learned from the last time I got lost and ended up in here
The abuse was very hurtful, I do have feelings you know

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

I learned from the last time I got lost and ended up in here
The abuse was very hurtful, I do have feelings you know

Ahhh... you are tough as nails... You can take the abuse.

[GIBBY]

Expecting 10"-14" of new snow in the next 24 hours. This winter is really starting to drag on and an early riding season is not in the cards this year. Hope everyone else is faring better.

[jesse]

Weather cleared up here last week and I got to ride. Be careful out there, the sand is terrible down this way. I guess I got out to early, I usually ride all year but not with this weather. This global warming is getting to me.

[glwilson]

This coming week is supposed to return to the teen's with the temp; but in looking beyond that, we should begin the warming-trend.

I am calling the dealer in a couple weeks to begin prepping my new bike for pick-up (one week notice is required for them to pull it out of storage). That will be three weeks from now.

I am counting on the weather by then to be good enough for me to get it home either by riding it, or trailering it -- which will be determined by the road and salt conditions.

Once I get it here it will be handy for those brief days in March that let you take short rides. It has been one hell of a long and brutal winter this year.

I only hope the roads in my local area (in Wisconsin) where I like to ride a lot have not been destroyed by the winter. If the condition of the roads around here are any indication, it might not be good. We'll see...