Not-Live blogging from Omaha.

Our second day in Omaha included quite a few things. We went to the SAC museum and looked at old planes. Hayden didn't take as much of an interest as we had hoped, but it was fun for me. I really enjoy it. There was also an astronaut there. Not sure which one, but he was signing things. Hayden didn't take much interest and I didn't feel the need, so we just looked at him and walked on. It was very, very cold and windy that day, and Hayden had forgotten his change in the car. You see, he promised his mother to get some smashed pennies and there were 4 machines there. So, we braved the elements and ran out to get them. That occupied a few more minutes.

After looking at the planes and trying to explain the significance of the hardware we were seeing, we headed back to the east of town to Council Bluffs and quickly visited the church buildings there. We didn't actually go in, and it wasn't that interesting. I mainly went because it was close to the Union Pacific museum there. We had lunch at Taco Bell next door. Interesting, huh? Hayden just isn't one to show a whole lot of interest in things. He picks it up, so I don't

view my flapping gums as completely useless. but still, it would be nice for some feedback.

After the museums we, or I should say I, decided to explore the park that you see upon entering Omaha from the East. There are two very large trains up on the hill and I wanted to see them. Turns out, those are the two largest production trains ever used. The Steam Train is called "Big Boy" and has to be similar to the one I saw in North Platte. It is huge. I also found some information here. http://www.steamlocomotive.com/bigboy/. Don't know if that is of interest. 4-8-8-4. Huge train.

The diesel is big one too. Both are articulated trains, meaning that they turn in the middle. They have to in order to get through some of the turns.

The last part of the day was spent at the motel. The room the first night had a whole in the wall and the shower didn't work right. We got a different room for the next night. Hayden had the pool to himself and he thuroughly enjoyed it.

The next morning we went to Old Country Buffet for breakfast (which he again loved) and headed back home. It was a fun time. Hayden also got a few new video games out of the deal.

Who'd a thought? Trains use train tracks!

This is about the most ridiculous problem this community has ever generated. Trains use the tracks. It is a federal issue. The traffic will roughly double. Big deal. Those tracks have been there for at least 60 years. Get over it. You live next to train tracks. You knew that before you moved here. Bunch of whiners.

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/1149698,3_1_EL07_A3RAILROAD_S1.article

What's at stake with CN's EJ&E purchase plan?

September 7, 2008Recommend

By DAN CAMPANA Staff Writer
Next stop: Aurora.

The series of Surface Transportation Board meetings on Canadian National Railway's proposed merger with the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway continues Tuesday night at West Aurora High School. If attendance at similar gatherings in other communities, including Barrington and Bartlett, is any indicator, the place will be packed.

Here's what you need to know whether you plan to attend, have already commented to the STB or are just plain unsure about what this could mean to the area:

What's going on? Last year, CN and EJ&E -- through its parent company, U.S. Steel -- announced an agreement for CN to buy nearly 200 miles of track from northwest Indiana to Chicago's northern suburbs. Those tracks create a semi-circle outside Chicago that give CN an opportunity to move its trains more quickly through the suburbs. Doing so means more frequent and longer trains through area rail crossings.

How does this affect me? If you live near EJ&E tracks, the sale could impact your property values, according to the STB study. If your commute includes traveling over the tracks, you could be late for dinner because of an increase in the number of trains at those crossings. The study also includes a variety of scenarios that could mean different things to different folks. Check it out yourself at www.stbfinancedocket35087.com/html/deis-report.html

What does CN say? The company says it is working with communities to minimize impacts on towns along the EJ&E tracks, has pledged to spend $50 million toward mitigation efforts, and touts a general perspective of greater safety and less congestion across the board because fewer trains will cut through Chicago and its nearest suburbs. At the same time, CN is demanding the STB rule on the competitive aspects by Dec. 31 -- the deadline for a CN-U.S. Steel agreement -- or face possible litigation.

Who's opposing this? The strongest voice has been The Regional Answer to Canadian National, or TRAC, a coalition of suburban leaders who suggest CN's plan is shortsighted and too costly. U.S. Reps. Bill Foster and Judy Biggert, as well as U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, have also panned the proposal.

So who's supporting CN? Recently, a new group -- Solution to Area Rail Traffic -- formed, combining officials from suburbs that appear to benefit from CN moving trains to a western line. U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski is backing the organization, saying some 60 communities will see fewer trains if the plan is approved. Lipinski, a member of the U.S. House board that oversees the STB, says his district and the region will benefit.

How can my opinions be known? By Sept. 30, you can get your comments on the record in one of the following ways:

In writing: Comment forms will be provided at the public meetings and will be accepted on site or by mail. Additionally, comment forms or written letters can be sent to: Phillis Johnson-Ball, Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20423, Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087.

Recorded comments: Court reporters will be available at the public meetings for those who attend. Comments also may be recorded at any time during the comment period on the project hot line, (800) 347-0689.

Electronically: Comments may be filed electronically on the board's Web site, www.stb.dot.gov, by clicking on the e-filing link. Refer STB Finance Docket No. 35087.