Why Am I Here?

[Fotheringill]

This is not an existentialist question.
I visit the "other place" once in a while.
I hope this is not out of line and moderators, please delete this if you so feel-

Over the last two days, there was a thread started by Thirdrail entitled "Of toads, trolls and tantrums" It is now 11 pages long in the N scale section.

I like it here in Peaceful Valley.

[Powersteamguy1790]

Mark:

That thread is a complete waste of energy and and is totally non-productive.


Stay cool and run steam..... graemlins/cool.gif :cool: :cool:

[r_i_straw]

Originally posted by Fotheringill:
Over the last two days, there was a thread started by Thirdrail entitled "Of toads, trolls and tantrums" It is now 11 pages long in the N scale section.
Each forum has its own character that appeals in different ways to different folks. There are many folks who thrive on the "high energy" that drive such threads. Others don't. That is what is great about the freedom to choose. Do what you like, but don't criticize what other people like.

If this thread here starts to turn into a "bash another forum thread" we will surely lock it. And if you build up one forum, it usually implies that others are somehow bad. We do not want to go there.

[Stourbridge Lion]

As Russell and many others have said here before, we at TrainBoard want this to be a fun place for everyone and thus don't tolerate bashing, not even other forums. May of us (including myself) also visit and post at other forums that we enjoy and those we don't like we just aviod.

This is why I am here and glad you and the rest of the membership is too...

graemlins/notworthy.gif graemlins/notworthy.gif graemlins/notworthy.gif graemlins/notworthy.gif graemlins/notworthy.gif

[BoxcabE50]

Originally posted by Fotheringill:
I like it here in Peaceful Valley. Agreed. This is a hobby. And you want it to be fun, relaxation, away from the pressures, etc., of life's daily stresses.

:D

Boxcab E50

[Fluid Dynamics]

http://www.oregonstate.edu/~quinnj/cues11.jpg

[Colonel]

Ok I'm going to shanghai this topic since fluid posted the pic above. Who can tell me what the piece of equipment is and what it's purpose is? I'm talking about the equipment bolted to the side of the points (Switch) not the actually indicator.

As for the reason for this topic I wont quote anything further other than to say Trainboard is basically all I visit now I have given up on most other boards.

[Grey One]

I am guessing is is something to prevent the switch from being thrown.

[HemiAdda2d]

A derail device? A neat pic, FD. Where? Cuesta? In my travels to Cowl-i-forn-i-a, I have been as far as Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc and Pismo Beach. Beautiful country.

I second Paul's comments. I rarely visit any other boards. Trainboard is home to me.

[disisme]

Well, I generally stick to trainboard, but I do go to "The other place" too. There is a different audience there with much more specialised information sources, so on very rare occasions I will post to both for an answer.

In regards to a 'totaly non-productive' thread.... Noone can say, with any truthfulness, that there havent been non-productive threads here on trainboard. At times, those "non-productive' threads are light hearted, reminiscent and highly amusing. That, in itself, makes them productive by their very nature because it changes mind sets and keeps people from thinking too hard. As soon as a hobby becomes hard, its a job, not a hobby.

When you think about it, most of us are dealing with bygone era's and fallen flags. That gives us room to reminisce all we want, so why should a post of that very nature be something thats ridiculed or flamed? We all have our interests... ie, would a thread about a diorama be useful to someone who is 100% operations oriented? probably not...is that a non-productive thread then? It depends on your perspective, but the rule is 'everything is relative'. If its not interesting or productive to one individual, the diversity of this group (and groups on other forums) means that its GUARANTEED to be interesting to at least one other person out there. Noone, not even a moderator, has the right to make the decision that a post is non-productive or uninteresting. Obnoxious or offensive, yes, but never non-productive.

Thinking back, I recall a thread about cats and railroads in here.... That certainly wasnt productive, but sure was funny.

[r_i_straw]

Originally posted by Colonel:
Who can tell me what the piece of equipment is and what it's purpose is? I'm talking about the equipment bolted to the side of the points (Switch) not the actually indicator.
That is a giant ballast barnacle that has attached itself to the side of the rail. They usually feed on small reptiles that sun themselves along the tracks. If prepared correctly they are quite tasty and many recipes have been passed around by hobos, tramps and boomers. tongue.gif

[CP&E 3207]

I originally thought that was some sort of a dwarf signal. The more I look at it, it seems to be disconnected switch mechanism. :confused:

[Fluid Dynamics]

That was the switch for a very old looking MOW siding up in the custa pass. It appeared to be some sort of remote switching device, but I didn't find it very intersting so I didn't shoot any close-ups. The scenery was what I was there for. smile.gif

[J WIDMAR]

Russell,
Those barnacles must be more common South of where I live because I have not noticed any around here. How do you prepare them?

[BoxcabE50]

Originally posted by Fluid Dynamics:
That was the switch for a very old looking MOW siding up in the custa pass. It appeared to be some sort of remote switching device, but I didn't find it very intersting so I didn't shoot any close-ups. The scenery was what I was there for. smile.gif You are probably correct. It is likely part of a CTC dual control system.

:D

Boxcab E50

[Espeeman]

The Atlas board is like a Fast Freight...
Trainboard is like a Way Freight...
They both have their place...

[Stourbridge Lion]

Originally posted by Fluid Dynamics:
http://www.oregonstate.edu/~quinnj/cues11.jpg ...scenery was what I was there for.

Very Nice!!!!!!!

[watash]

The reasons for these sidings are almost too numerous to list, but here are a few from back in steam days:

There were usually sidings provided up in snow country where a push plow or flanger would be stationed. The reasoning for this was that if snow blocked the line coming up grade, the stored plow would likely be closer to work down grade using an engine from the other direction.

Flats of spare rail, ties, spikes and other supplies were also "side lined" to re-supply track crews working away from towns. Crew bunk cars, and even whole MOW trains would be stationed on sidings like this in areas where frequent reapairs would be needed, especially during the War.

These sidings also useful as an escape for track inspectors if "caught out" by a fast "Special" like the "Big Hook" on its way to a wreck site.

[throttlejock]

It is a device used in block system territory. When the switch is open it will open the circuit causing an indication to appear. Every switch in CTC or ABS will have them.

[wiking]

This board is the best place to get honest advice. Also some of the best work is here. I go to the others as well. Like the rest say it's what you want at the time.

[Pete Nolan]

Originally posted by J WIDMAR:
Russell,
Those barnacles must be more common South of where I live because I have not noticed any around here. How do you prepare them? First, you have to break them loose from their grip on the rails. They can be very tenacious, so I usually dangle a rubber lizard nearby as bait.

I usually boil them in oil. It makes the shell easier to crack. ;)

[Gats]

Originally posted by Colonel:
Ok I'm going to shanghai this topic since fluid posted the pic above. Who can tell me what the piece of equipment is and what it's purpose is? I'm talking about the equipment bolted to the side of the points (Switch) not the actually indicator.
Surely, you're not talking about the detector, Paul? It looks like a GRS jobbie.... much like the old Sig Branch ones but with an angled top at front unlike the SB flat tops.

Why am I here? Because I am and have been... smile.gif

[r_i_straw]

Here we can see where a barnacle marked the switch point with a white slime. I am not sure why they do this.
http://www.railimages.com/albums/russellstraw/alp.sized.jpg

[Colonel]

Well I knew Gary would get it lol. Yes it's what we call a detector, ThrottleJack is also correct. The device is attached to the switch and is adjusted to open circuit when the switch moves approx one eighth of an inch away from the stockrail. this prevents trains derailing if the switch was standing open as the signal would havebeen placed back to stop.

[Colonel]

Russel the reason there is white paint is the tip of the switch has been ultrasonically tested for fractures, the paint is used to detect fractures

[r_i_straw]

Originally posted by Colonel:
Russel the reason there is white paint is the tip of the switch has been ultrasonically tested for fractures, the paint is used to detect fractures This was taken the day before the Schnabel car with the big load came by. They must have gone in front and tested every switch before the load came through because I saw more white paint on every switch in Rosenberg.

[Fluid Dynamics]

That's great, but the track oilers that were spread out every quarter mile or so were what I found interesting. They were basically grease boxes with small pumps and hydraulic hoses routed to the insides of the rail flanges. Talk about thick grease. The Tehachapi loop had a few of those too. Seems every curvy track route needs them to reduce rail and flange wear.

The shapes of the insides of the rails were really weird in places, like an exact negative of the flange land. What surprised me was how quiet the trains were when they came through there; I could hardly hear the flanges or wheels at all.

I've got about 450 more pics just like that one. It was a pure taste of heaven, and worth the 10 mile hike.

[Alan]

A taste of heaven indeed smile.gif I can see why you wanted to take the pictures. (Not sure about a ten mile hike, though) graemlins/222.gif

[r_i_straw]

Originally posted by Alan:
A taste of heaven indeed smile.gif I can see why you wanted to take the pictures. Got camera, got railroad, take pictures. Here is one from the other side of North America. Connecticut River Valley in northern New Hampshire around Colebrook.
http://www.railimages.com/albums/russellstraw/als.sized.jpg

[BoxcabE50]

A rather poignant picture. I'll guess, by the condition of the tracks, probably by now is long abandoned?

smile.gif

Boxcab E50

[r_i_straw]

Originally posted by BoxcabE50:
A rather poignant picture. I'll guess, by the condition of the tracks, probably by now is long abandoned?
You are probably correct. The photo was taken in 1969 on a branch of the Canadian National that ran north of Groveton, New Hampshire up to Beecher Falls, Vermont.

[BoxcabE50]

Looks like great country for a rambling train ride. Too bad that it's probably gone. We've lost far too much of this trackage.

:(

Boxcab E50

[Fluid Dynamics]

Gentlemen, we've succesfully hijacked this thread! smile.gif

[r_i_straw]

Originally posted by Fluid Dynamics:
Gentlemen, we've succesfully hijacked this thread! smile.gif Now why would we go and do a thing like that? graemlins/shakehead.gif
http://www.railimages.com/albums/russellstraw/alo.sized.jpg

[watash]

Believe it or not, this is track used just north of Fort Worth, Texas out at Blue Mound, Texas, by the flour mill on the BNSF. This shot is taken from the road looking toward where loaded cars are sometimes stored during switching. Follow the left rail and see how big the dips are?
The cars really rocked when pulled out of here!

http://www.railimages.com/albums/waynewilson/aag.jpg

[Fotheringill]

Looks like my track.

[BoxcabE50]

Originally posted by watash:
The cars really rocked when pulled out of here! I see what appears to be ballast. But did they forget to put in ties? graemlins/LOL.gif

Boxcab E50

[Hytec]

My guess, and that's all this is, is that that whachamacallit is a points position sensor that transmits the position of the points back to wherever that railroad's dispatcher control computer is located. Like Boxcab says, probably part of the CTC network.

BTW, this is the very reason I enjoy the TB...people throw stuff into the air like this photo, and everybody has fun with the topic without feeling threatened or getting flamed. It's just a nice relaxing place to congregate while sipping on your favorite beverage. :D

[N_S_L]

What Hank said!

[HemiAdda2d]

Originally posted by Fluid Dynamics:
That's great, but the track oilers that were spread out every quarter mile or so were what I found interesting. They were basically grease boxes with small pumps and hydraulic hoses routed to the insides of the rail flanges. Talk about thick grease. The Tehachapi loop had a few of those too. Seems every curvy track route needs them to reduce rail and flange wear.

The shapes of the insides of the rails were really weird in places, like an exact negative of the flange land. What surprised me was how quiet the trains were when they came through there; I could hardly hear the flanges or wheels at all.

I've got about 450 more pics just like that one. It was a pure taste of heaven, and worth the 10 mile hike. Flange oilers are EVERYWHERE on the old D&RGW Moffat Route.


Now that the thread has been hijacked, here'smy own shot of barren track: (Cheyenne, WY on the 4-track west of town, before it splits)
http://www.railimages.com/albums/album21/aaa.sized.jpg

[Pete Nolan]

Nah, Mark,

It looks like my track:

http://www.railimages.com/albums/petenolan/aei.jpg

All I can say is: if you got a long enough stretch of track to shoot it with a long telephoto, then you'll get squigglies.

[Fotheringill]

Pete-

You are correct. My track looks as straight as an arrow compared to yours. smile.gif

[ak-milw]

You know guy's this thread has me totally confused! graemlins/headscratch.gif graemlins/headscratch.gif graemlins/headscratch.gif graemlins/220.gif

[Fotheringill]

Me, too and I started it.

[Stourbridge Lion]

Originally posted by ak-milw:
You know guy's this thread has me totally confused!Does this help.... tongue.gif tongue.gif tongue.gif tongue.gif tongue.gif
http://www.railimages.com/albums/Corona_Pass/aac.sized.jpg

[BoxcabE50]

Originally posted by Stourbridge Lion:
[QUOTE]Does this help.... OK. Who's the wise guy? Bring back the rails, or there'll be trouble!

tongue.gif :D

Boxcab E50

[Stourbridge Lion]

Sorry; but they have been "hijacked" just like this topic.

graemlins/223.gif graemlins/223.gif graemlins/223.gif graemlins/223.gif graemlins/223.gif

[Ian MacMillan]

Originally posted by r_i_straw:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by BoxcabE50:
A rather poignant picture. I'll guess, by the condition of the tracks, probably by now is long abandoned?
You are probably correct. The photo was taken in 1969 on a branch of the Canadian National that ran north of Groveton, New Hampshire up to Beecher Falls, Vermont. </font>[/QUOTE]Colebrook NH was on the MEC beecher falls branch, that ran from north stratford up to BF, they had trackage rights over the GT from Groveton to NS.

[N_S_L]

Hemi, you got a bigger pic of http://www.railimages.com/albums/album21/aaa.jpg ? I'd love to make that my computer wallpaper!

[r_i_straw]

Originally posted by Ian MacMillan:
[QUOTE]Colebrook NH was on the MEC beecher falls branch, that ran from north stratford up to BF, they had trackage rights over the GT from Groveton to NS. Thanks for that clarification. I knew that the Grand Trunk was the local railroad run by the Canadian National down to Portland Maine from Sherbrooke Quebec passing through Groveton. I just did not realize Maine Central ran the Beecher Falls line. There was not much on it anymore in 1969. I looked up the Topo map and found the exact location of the photo where the highway crossed railroad just below West Stewartstown.
http://terraserver.microsoft.com/image.aspx?T=2&S=14&Z=19&X=93&Y=1557&W=1&qs=%7cBeecher+Falls%7cVermont%7c

[Charlie]

I agree with the posters who said that the
device was a detector. You will also find these
hooked up with derails.

As far as the alleged abandoned branch, I just want to comment that the curve is super-elevated which would indicate that trains used
that track at other than slow speeds.

CT

[r_i_straw]

Originally posted by Charlie:
As far as the alleged abandoned branch, I just want to comment that the curve is super-elevated which would indicate that trains used
that track at other than slow speeds.

CT As I look at the shot it does appear to be super-elevated but it may just be the way the photo is rotated. When I took the photo, I lined it up with the horizon more or less. However the hills on the left may be higher and/or closer causing the horizon to descend from left to right. In that case the track would be more level.