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April 2020 Coffee Pot. 16 years old [April 1]. Bacon and Country Ham to smell up the kitchen. Some Eggs and Hot Coffee. Locked

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Posted by dbaker48 on Friday, May 1, 2020 11:45 PM

Hey guys,

Meant to reply sooner but time got away from me.  Yea, I saw both John Fullerton, and Jon Englehardt on my trip.  I talked with John F about a week ago, he, his wife, and family were all doing fine. No issues and being safe.  His granddaughter is a nurse and were well also.  His problem with posting was compatibility with his iphone.  He doesn't use the computer that often. 

Then Jon E, I talked with him about a month ago, he an his were also doing well.  He had problems with the software also, he couldn't get onto the site.  I suggested alternatives, and he said he would try, but havn't heard anything.  While I was at his place, he asked about most of you, specifically by name and how you were all doing.  

Maybe we should send both of them an email, telling them they have been missed.

Banks/Roy, thanks for the links to the Virtual York. I have watched them and enjoyed it!

I finally finished my gate project!  They actually came out better than I was expecting.  I did have to do quite a bit of modification, though.  I needed to get a few small vinyl caps from the manufacturer.  (1 3/4x 2 3/4 post covers).  I found that they were the perfect size to cover some openings in the panel ends as a result of cutting them.  Contacted the manufacturer and they wanted to know WHAT I needed them for.  After I told them they said the panels weren't designed to work that way.  And, besides we do not sell direct. So went to Lowes, and explained to the staff, they got on the phone with mfgr. And told me they were advised not to sell them to me, but he insisted that they couldn't stop me, and to send the parts.  So there on the way.

One other dumb issue on my part; last Wednesday the audio stopped working on the TV, only on 2 stations!  The other set-top boxes in the house were working fine.  So I called the provider, we agreed probably something wrong in the set-top box. (frequency related in box?)  Anyway, Thursday was able to exchange the box at a local facility.  Bring it home, connect it and with considerable effort get  it working.  Then after a bit, same problem with the audio, different stations.  Called the provider back, AND THIS TIME, the service tech, said lets try something.  Go to "Settings", then to "Audio", is the "DVS" turned on? (yes) Turn the "DVS" off.  (ok).  Now go back and see if the audio is on, for the channels you are having trouble with. (ok). WOW SOUND RESTORED!  Then she explained that the DVS turns off the audio for hearing impared applications, and it only affects the station that is active when the DVS is turned on.  I didn't know this DVS thing was there, and certainly didn't know how to use it or what it was.  Obviously, there wasn't anything wrong with the original box.  The only bad thing is we lost all the programs that were recorded.  Didn't make Kay very happy!!  But, not really, most are Hallmark, and they are all the same anyway.

One last thing, Lloyd called me yesterday and has a couple of big layouts he wants my help on.  The first one will probably be later this week, O Scale 21' x16', using both DCS and Legacy.  I would be doing the wiring.  The other one is much, much bigger.  To be done "onsite", Lloyd has been awarded the contract/job, which is expected to take two years.  The owner is a very wealthy individual located in San Diego.  So we will see what happens.

Take care all and be safe! 

Don

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Friday, May 1, 2020 12:43 PM

Afternoon team shutdown!

Sunny and warm - 80's today and 90's Sun and Mon??? It is not out of character for the weather this time of year but I was enjoying the cooler temps!

Spent over 8 hrs yesterday sorting photos, annotating the backs of them when necessary (i.e. last family reunion in Akron 2004 that the kids attended) so those after me will know who the people were and how we/they were related. Only got through 1 large box (99 to 05), two to go - one of which has a lot of those big photo packs of your kids when they were elementary school....

Buckeye - just put your bridge outside in the garden this spring - natural weathering will commence!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by fifedog on Friday, May 1, 2020 8:57 AM

Chief - You do good work, sir.

Buckeye - You could use the area around West Mifflin and Braddock (Pittsburgh) for inspiration.  Lots of bridges across the Mon.

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Friday, May 1, 2020 8:47 AM

Morning.  Partly cloudy and 58.  Cool today.  Warmer tomorrow and warmer Sunday.  

Off to deliver 200 weekend meals.


Enjoy the day.

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Friday, May 1, 2020 8:23 AM

fifedog

Buckeye - Never tried the mounting spray, although I see where you're going.  Definitely test that on a similar surface, before applying that to your bridge.

I am all about RAILS & SAILS.  That waterway definitely opens up new possibilities.  But, those incline tracks will hide all of that detail.  Less may be more, in this scene.  What are your thoughts?

 

 
fife...I set up the bridge's vertical level such that the water could be on the floor with a deeeeeeeeeeeeeeep canyon, hower I believe we can get 6" of clearence beneath the bridge. If I use girder bridges in front, you will be able to see the water. I did this on prior layout. I also had an alligator under the bridge. I have also thought about a dam in the river.

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR

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Posted by fifedog on Friday, May 1, 2020 8:10 AM

Buckeye - Never tried the mounting spray, although I see where you're going.  Definitely test that on a similar surface, before applying that to your bridge.

I am all about RAILS & SAILS.  That waterway definitely opens up new possibilities.  But, those incline tracks will hide all of that detail.  Less may be more, in this scene.  What are your thoughts?

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Friday, May 1, 2020 7:35 AM

fifedog

Buckeye - Chalks are my my go-to weathering choice, but I'm thinking you may have a hard time getting them to adhere to that surface.  A very thin wash with black acrylic artist paint will fill the joints and crevices, but you'll have to do a side at a time, leaving the treated surface up/horizontal, or it will run down and streak.

   If it's me, I'm breaking that bridge down, setting the green span asside, and hitting those abutments with a flat concrete color spray paint, and perhaps a second color for the limestone blocks.  Then I can go back in and apply a good thin black wash.  Next, I'd grab my fan brush and apply the acrylic white highlights.  Before I reassemble, I'd make sure that center span has a blinking navigation light down the middle.  This bridge is going to be a big focal point, so play to it.  Use steel trusses for the approach spans, rather than fill.  

 

 
Fife.... Thank you for your suggestons.  Have you ever used Kodak photo mount spray before using the chalk? I'm thinking about two steel trusses with two column piers for the approach. Good idea for the navigaton lights. I need a red and green. Also, navigation buoys in the water would look cool. 

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR

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Posted by fifedog on Thursday, April 30, 2020 8:32 PM

Banks - So far, so good, on the UPMC thing.  WM Hosp still at a deficit of nurses; can't seem to hold onto them.

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Posted by Banks on Thursday, April 30, 2020 8:24 PM

Hello there,

more rain today, cut the grass yesterday even though it was to wet.  Got most of the wacking done before the rains came.

Still social distancing.

Got an appointment at a lung specialist tomorrow. Hopefuly get the lowdown on the "fatty mass" the family doc idendified on Mrs' lung.

Buckeye.....lookn' good

Fife............been meaning to ask you. How have people recieved the UPMC take over? Especially the employees.

Here's a neat video of the Juniata Shops.

Look close you'll see son riding the front of a locomotive about 2:25

Chief......thanks for the update on Dwiemer, give him my regards if you talk to him.

Best move on.

Prayers for those in need and this pandemic to end.

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

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Posted by fifedog on Thursday, April 30, 2020 8:06 PM

Buckeye - Chalks are my my go-to weathering choice, but I'm thinking you may have a hard time getting them to adhere to that surface.  A very thin wash with black acrylic artist paint will fill the joints and crevices, but you'll have to do a side at a time, leaving the treated surface up/horizontal, or it will run down and streak.

   If it's me, I'm breaking that bridge down, setting the green span asside, and hitting those abutments with a flat concrete color spray paint, and perhaps a second color for the limestone blocks.  Then I can go back in and apply a good thin black wash.  Next, I'd grab my fan brush and apply the acrylic white highlights.  Before I reassemble, I'd make sure that center span has a blinking navigation light down the middle.  This bridge is going to be a big focal point, so play to it.  Use steel trusses for the approach spans, rather than fill.  

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Thursday, April 30, 2020 6:55 PM

Fife..I was thinking something like chalk dust to accent the joints and then use your method on the rivets on the steel. BTW, did you catch the tidbit about the Hell Gate being a skewed deck. Most likely those big abutments are not parallel.

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR

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Posted by sir james I on Thursday, April 30, 2020 3:49 PM

Dennis, Brent and Pat L. post on Facebook. Laz has found a home at a newer O Ga forum, he is quite happy there. He and a few others also post on the forum that was started when this one went down. As you know this forum does not allow us to refer you to others.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

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Posted by fifedog on Thursday, April 30, 2020 3:24 PM

Buckeye - I guess what I really need to know is how much do you want to delve into this structure?  It looks new, hence, do we want to save the "newness", or are we wanting a little more "realness"?  Since I like a good challenge, I've been studying the Lionel Hellgate, as well as aerial photos, and old linen postcards.  Are we representing Gotham, or something else?

Thanks for the intel on past friends. Smile

 

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Thursday, April 30, 2020 11:20 AM

Morning.  Rained hard.  Still a little rain falling. Goffing off today.  Feed trailer parks tomorrow.  May finish replacing blinds in Train Box.

Buckeye, my NCSU engineering was agriculture farm equipment.  Not bridges.  Our farm bridges were several telephone poles across the canal, big 2X8's across them and 2X10's the length on top to drive on.  Lots of monster concrete pipes in ditches.  BTW: ditches are 6 to 8 feet deep. 

County order ends tonight.  State order still in place.  This allows some small businesses to open with restrictions. 

Dennis, he is OK.  Hospital where he works was over run with virus patients.  His wife, Kim, not so good.  Not virus.  Send prayers her way.  Kids are OK and doing good in school.  They got hit hard last year with the hurricane.

Hopefully the deer at the farm are happy.  Bears unhappy.  Bolted the timer boxes so they can't get "knocked down" to let corn run out freely.  Reverse wire tie [can open and retie] through door holder.  Can't knock door off. 

Stay safe.  

  

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

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Posted by Banks on Thursday, April 30, 2020 9:54 AM

fifedog

 

Lately, been wundering about Hudson John, jefelectric, Laz, cnw1995, jonadel, submmbob, LawsonFarms...

I spoke with Jefelectric last summer just after Don visited. He posts once or twice a year, usually about York. I'm thinking Don had coffee with Jonadel on his return trip. Haven't heard anything about Pat in years. Dwiemer is another I wonder about. I also wonder how many have switched to Facebook.

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Thursday, April 30, 2020 9:34 AM

Love the Big Mac. Been over it many times and always neat.

Well checked the gauge and it was at the 2.2 inch mark. I would of thought it was more but the ground level here is full so it just runs on top.

Sun is out!!  Cool  Yes

 

Forgot to say, I got to se the dentist next month!! Surprise

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by sir james I on Thursday, April 30, 2020 9:15 AM

The big Mac sure was needed. Before it was built car ferries ran back and forth between upper and lower Michigan. Cars backed up for miles was the norm.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Thursday, April 30, 2020 8:59 AM
ChiefEagles
Buckeye, where is the little roller thing under the bridge on piers?  You showed us something when you built a bridge.
 
Good morning from Jelloway Creek,
The water is flowing in the creek. Forty-eight hours of rain puts the lake level over the weir. 
 
Chief.... In this case the Hell Gate Bridge counteracts the internal forces of the oversized bottom chord of the curved truss with the excessive mass of the reinforced concrete towers. Therefore, little roller thingys are not needed. Everybody knows this. Whistling Again, you were not paying attention in class. The two hinged arches pinned joints are hidden by that steel plate cover where the bottom cord intersects the concrete towers. 
 
Roy.... Thank you. As to the catenary, it is planned for Phase 7, Part IV, Task 42. I'm currently working on Phase 1, Part II, Task 1.4. 
 
fifedog.... A river is in the planning. Have you seen where people are making oil tanks from round paper mâché boxes from Hobby Lobby? The ones I saw were painted dark blue with a Sunoco sticker added. I believe it would be more fun to add a Coors Beer or a Jack Daniels sticker to the side.
 
Fife, since the Hell Gate towers are concrete they used a granite facing for ascetics, thus the joints on the model. How would you recommend enhancing the joints found on the model?
 
For those who are interested: https://www.structuremag.org/?p=778 In this article, it mentions the name "David Steinman".
 
SJ... David Steinman designed the Mackinac Bridge and one of his first bridges to work on was Hell Gate. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_B._Steinman

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR

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Posted by sir james I on Thursday, April 30, 2020 8:41 AM

fife, our lawn service walks around with the blower. Clumps are gone. One time after a lot of rain it was thick and they raked and bagged it.

My only concern about those we don't hear from is "are they OK". We all know what happened here, their bickering brought it down. 

S.J.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

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KRM
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Posted by KRM on Thursday, April 30, 2020 8:15 AM

Fife,

Heard from John about mid March, He is okay but had a list of medical issues he had been going through. He was doing better and said he would keep in touch. I will let you know if I hear from him. PM me if you want his e-mail address.

As for the others if they want to hide, what can you do. That is a strict click on that OTHER forum that almost killed this one. My way or the highway. Think like me or leave. Like so many of them. I am just fine here.

Rain has moved east. It just hung around all day yesterday. Got to check the rain gauge now that I can get out. Cool today in the 50s but sun and 70s by Saturday.

 

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by rtraincollector on Thursday, April 30, 2020 8:00 AM

fifedog

Lately, been wundering about Hudson John, jefelectric, Laz, cnw1995, jonadel, submmbob, LawsonFarms... 

Hudson John, Laz, cnw1995, & Submmbob all are a forum you have been asked to join. Well except Hudson, he is there but, about 2 or 3 times a year. 

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

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Posted by cheapclassics on Thursday, April 30, 2020 7:54 AM

Good morning all,

Fife, that was quite a list of names from the past.  Not too many of us left....  Did some more outside work and planning more projects.   Rested a lot.  Very quiet at work but Friday will be busy.   Cold around here today.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by fifedog on Thursday, April 30, 2020 7:21 AM

Mornin' boys.  53 and 100% rain today.  Will be working in the train garden.  Glad I was able to mow the lawn yesterday.  

Buckeye- That is one impressive span!  What will be underneath, river?

Roy - Good luck with the photos.

sirjames - Does your lawn service haul away the grass clumps?

Chief - Last night Jeopardy showed a picture of a Cinnamon bear.  Wifey wanted to know what kind of birdseed they preferred...  She is pretty.

Lately, been wundering about Hudson John, jefelectric, Laz, cnw1995, jonadel, submmbob, LawsonFarms...

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 7:19 PM

Back from down east.  Was hot and windy.  Setting tobacco on the farms.  Tow big JD's with 8 row setters each.  Trying to beat the guessed rain tomorrow early AM.

Hope we bear proofed timer boxes.  Drill holes through the box and the adjusting slide.  Put bolts through so boxes can't slide down.

Buckeye, where is the little roller thing under the bridge on piers?  You showed us something when you built a bridge.

Resting now. 

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 1:39 PM

Afternoon fellow distancers!

Big rain storm last night. So many lightning strikes the weather guy had to turn the feature off as the lightning symbols completely covered the rain level color plots. Son and I went outside - never heard this before - all the lightning made for a constant rumble that did not diminish for over an hour. The storm line on the national radar was solid bright red all the way from west TX to upper MI. Wowzers! Anyhoo we got about 1.5 in of rain so can avoid watering lawn and pool fill for a few days. Low 80's today - will grill some salmon tonight - sit out on the porch.

In the junk room now working on boxes of photographs. Three+ moving boxes full. Realized we have been through them once as most packages (4 x 6 prints, many with CDs or 3.5 floppy's + negatives) are annotated. Was hoping to find a bunch to throw out. Need to find a different kind of box to store them in - sort by years. I admire someone who is able to sort pictures and narrow down to a select representative few..

In the picture mess I ran across an envelope of old photos (1920's/30's) from my grandmothers stuff that she had labeled - folks that were not part of the family. I realized the woman was her best friend from early years as neighbors in Houston until the other lady's passing in the 80's. Their son's (apparently an only son) photos were labeled - infant (born in 1930) until an adult with 3 girls. Found the son's obit (2016) at a Houston funeral home and found the daughters names (would be near my age). In the process via LinkedIn to contact one of the daughters (had a unique name vs the other two) and if no response in a few days planning to call the funeral home to see if they could contact the family to see if they would like to have these photos. I got a positive family confirmation as the funeral home had a photo in the obit of the man as an infant in a baby carriage on a patio - I have the exact same photo. Very cool - hope I can make contact.

Anj - Yes - living room receptacles for a fire - if it hadn't been for SJ!

Buckeye - layout looking good!

Dennis - dust doesn't show up on TV!

MikeC - glad the Escape repairs came out well!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by cheapclassics on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 10:52 AM

Good morning all,

Did some yard trimming last night.  Wet weather today.  Busy day at work yesterday.  I hope everybody has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 10:28 AM

The Tom turkeys are back cleaning up under the bird feeder today but no showing off in this steady cold rain.
This time of year we wake up every day to a new place. The forest is changing so much so fast that today looks nothing like yesterday. Smile, Wink & Grin

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 6:33 PM

Fife... The way you did the rivets looked great. On a bridge that old you need small streaks of white on the top chord to simulate where the pigeons sat for their needed break. Smile, Wink & Grin

Bridge in position and the mainline is open to traffic. 

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR

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Posted by sir james I on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 3:40 PM

Spring weather arrived today. 70. Morning sun in the back of our house was nice and warm. Our neighbors were out as well. Said Hello to all. The mowers came so the grass finally got cut, there are sounds of mowers up and down the street. The fresh cut grass smells good.

S.J.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

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