winter time

[ShaunCN]

hi railfans and modelers. I am both a railfan and a ho scale modeler and was wondering what you do mostly in the winter months. Here in Canada we do get snow and it dosen't make it easy to go ralfaning when your 15 like me with no car so I guesse I will be spending my winter months working on My layout.

Anyway what do you do in the winter, beat the cold and watch trains or work on your layout. People in th eUnited states who live done south have got it good they don't have to worry about snow[:p]

[Hawks05]

well living in Wisconsin and its nearing hunting season and Thanksgiving you'd expect to have snow here right? wrong. last night we got like 1/4 in. of rain. its bogus man i want some snow so i can stay inside more. most likely i'll be building a layout and all that next week sometime since i only have school 2 days this week.

mainly during the winter months i bowl so i'll do that a lot. also i'll probably work a lot and i'll work on the layout and maybe go to a few shows and get stuff. just waiting for the snow to come before i can safely say i'm done outside.

[vsmith]

In L.A. it was 78 today, supposed to drop down into the 60's by weekend, maybe rain. Layout is in the garage, other than the cold I can operate year round. Plan to try and do a lot of the scenery this winter. Need to concentrate on finishing the backdrop first.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Hawks05

well living in Wisconsin and its nearing hunting season and Thanksgiving you'd expect to have snow here right? wrong. last night we got like 1/4 in. of rain.

LOL, yea we got that rain In Illinois too, sucks I got soaked just putting the trash out. was a virtual downpour, rained all night. But I can't complain, i'd rather have the rain than the snow. ;)

I'm blessed and cursed at the same time. I have a line that's about 4-500 feet from the house, but seems it's not being used much anymore, 1 train a night, and maybe 1 every few days durning the day. There's another line about 2 miles down the road, same thing, barely used. then there's the two big double main (the old factory mains) that's about 2.5 miles away, but again, it's not being used much. Seems that for a City with ton's of track all over it, not much is being done with it. I remember as a child watching ton's of long trains (100+ cars) roll through the city, now I'm just glad when i see one with 5-10 cars coming through.


Jay

[dave9999]

What is this word I keep reading? " WINTER " I'm wearing shorts and a t-shirt today. We have had maybe
2 or 3 days under 80 degrees so far this season. Last year it stay warm through January with the
exception of a few days. Dave

[Anonymous]

As far as I'm concerned, bring on the snow. Now, I know that you Canadians get a lot of the white stuff, but look on the bright side, you are one of the biggest producers of Olympic winter sports champs. Banff in the winter is paradise. Personally, I don't give a hoot for unending sun and stinking hot weather. Give me a day when I can walk outside and take that first breath and feel everything in my nose freeze up. You sun bunnies can have the South, I'll take the north.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dave9999

What is this word I keep reading? " WINTER " I'm wearing shorts and a t-shirt today. We have had maybe
2 or 3 days under 80 degrees so far this season. Last year it stay warm through January with the
exception of a few days. Dave

Welllllllllll, down here in S Fla, we're at the extreme end of the country, southerly speaking of course, and the gulf stream just sucks all the heat away from the land and then the temp drops and it starts snowing just like it does in the north east. You see we live in the south east and we have whats known as sou-easters, not to be confused with sow-eaters, which are the crazy people that go to the county fair every year and enter the Hot Dog eating contest. Yesiree, we do get an awful lot of snow down here in the winter time, and in the summer time we get nor-easters, better known as Hurricanes due to the counter-clockwise rotation. They don't dump snow though, they just drop a lot of rain and blow a lot of things around, like the neighbors dog. Poor d%@& thing, I think I saw that mutt go around the neighborhood at least a dozen time last year before the wind put him back down. Anyway thats what our weather is like in S Fla in the winter. Maybe if the snowbirds read this before Thanksgiving this year, they'll stay in the northeast this year instead of coming down here and taking up valuble space on the roads.[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

I love the snow! I go snow boarding and sleding. Plus, winter is the time of year when most of the train shows are held. (in Michigan, anyway)

[Jetrock]

I live in central California, and while we don't get snow here I can go see it anytime in the winter by driving about two hours east (or, better yet, taking the train--don't have to drive in snow that way!)

I do more model railroading stuff in winter because during the summer I am involved in more of my music/nightclub type activities. On winter nights I'm more likely to stay in. My layout and workbench are in a non-heated and non-insulated garage, so I might not want to go out there if it's particularly cold or rainy (around here anything below 50 degrees is considered too darn cold) but usually I don't let that stop me--one of my layout lights kind of doubles as a heat lamp, and with a coat it's just fine out there in cooler weather.

[dave9999]

QUOTE: Originally posted by emeraldisle

QUOTE: Originally posted by dave9999

What is this word I keep reading? " WINTER " I'm wearing shorts and a t-shirt today. We have had maybe
2 or 3 days under 80 degrees so far this season. Last year it stay warm through January with the
exception of a few days. Dave

Maybe if the snowbirds read this before Thanksgiving this year, they'll stay in the northeast this year instead of coming down here and taking up valuble space on the roads.[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

I agree, I can barely get across town during the summer months.Then it gets cold up north and
we get the yearly migration of the dreaded Northern Snowbird (sci. slowdriveinous inthewayous)
which are easily recognized by their multi-colored tail feathers( sometimes called license plates).
Every winter they start their southernly migration, sometimes in groups scientist call Winabagos.
Local wildlife such as the native Floridian Beach Dweller is often forced out of its habitat by huge
flocks of Snowbirds. The beach dweller is often spotted farther inland than normal. Scientist
believe the Snowbird survives on a diet of the Shoney and Denny plants that grow here.
These plants produce a fruit called the buffet and grand slam fruits and seem to be irresistible
to the Snowbird. There have been reports of hundreds of Snowbirds converging on a single
plant a once. These birds can be identified by their white legs and black sock-like feet .
Local authorities have ask all local wildlife to refrain from agressive action, as the Snowbird
is virtually harmless and will return to its own region as soon as the humidity reaches 80%.
Dave

[Hawks05]

no offense to any living in the southern midwest or the south for that matter but up her in Wisconsin when we see snow in like Texas and its only like 3/4 of an inch and you people bust out snow plows put chains on the tires we laugh our butts off. that is hilarious to watch. its like oh man we got 3/4 of an inch bust out the snow plows, put on the snow pants, close school, and break out the snow blowers. man that is nothing. i remember in 1992 Halloween day i think we had 3 feet of the white stuff. best thing EVER. i love snow. i hate having tornadoes and thunderstorms. partially because i sleep upstairs and i know if strong winds came i'd be thrown around like a rag doll. if it was like 50-60 every day, kind of cloudy mixed with some sun, some rain thrown in to that would be awesome. best weather ever right there.

[Jetrock]

Indeed, as someone born in Chicago but raised in California, I see people panic blindly when the temperature dropped below 40 degrees. Of course, it also hits 110+ degrees here in summer, which Sacramentans can take with aplomb but occasionally causes visiting San Francisco residents to burst into flames.

I tend to model-railroad less in summer because it is too darned hot in my un-air-conditioned garage, as well as because that's when I do late-night musical stuff. But some nights once it has cooled down I'll go fiddle around in the garage until after midnight...

[ShaunCN]

thanks guys for responding

ShaunCN

[Anonymous]

Huh, Oklahoma weather can be strange. today was sunny a little nippey but very nice while just yesterday it was warm , raney and we were under a Tornadoe watch, yes a tornadoe watch in november ! as for snow, we don't get the stuff very thick here.

Alex in the sooner state

[dave9999]

Hey emeraldisle, your screen name would suggest the Gulf Coast area. Am I in the ballpark? We are
known as the Emerald Coast around here, from Pensacola to Panama City. We even have a condo
named Emerald Isle. Dave

[eastcoast]

When it turns cold, I turn into a hermit. I was born in Tampa Bay, FL. and live
elsewhere now where it gets colder than I like ( below 70 degrees ).
If I could just build a bubble over this region, maybe I might like winter more???

[Jetrock]

dave9999: The "Emerald Isle" is a common nickname for Ireland.

Sacramento is pretty good for year-round railfanning, except when it rains. Cold weather just means there aren't as many leaves on the trees to get in the way of one's photography.

[krump]

in the Shuswap BC it's snowing right now, first snowfall of the season with 2-3 inches in the past 5 hrs. I drove through it an hr ago and the roads were getting pretty bad/ dangerous (that's the part I don't like) the plows weren't out yet... if the snow could land on roofs and lawns while staying off driveways, parking lots and sidewalks I'd be much happier. I'm praying my way through the next 4 months - don't mind the cold (- 26 C in the forecast), but the snow makes it tough for me. Winter sports are not something I'm able to do. That said, I've never done ice fishing, snowmobiling...



Question for 4884bigboy - I spent 2 yrs at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, also spent some free time at a restaurant called 'YesterDogs' - is it still around?

[Z For Me]

Hello members.
I live up in the mountains in a very small rural (<3000 population) town of NE Nevada at 6500 feet so our winters start in October and last until May.
We get temps ranging from daytime highs at or near zero and nightime it can reach -50 below.
We live on three acres and have chores which include livestock that require daily care so no matter the temp or the snow depth we must get things done daily year round.
It has been snowing here on and off since halloween but the real winter is still nearing.
I cut firewood (around 70-100 cords) per year to supplement our income and snow or the cold does not stop our wood cutting. We use a 1970 GMC shortbed 4x4 for all of our wood cutting and I must say that they do not make 4x4s like these old trusty rigs anymore. It will go anywhere and never has let me down. It has only 69,000 original miles on it and it is almost in mint condition except for some minor rocker rust which will soon be gone. That damm salt!
I am now going to start my first either N or HO layout after being interested in the hobby since 1967. I have collected many older locos and cars in HO and N and have subscribed to MR since 1973. Most of my locos and cars have never been on track and are still in their original boxes. I guess that some of us can get enjoyment from just collecting and reading but it is time to try my hand at a layout. I am new to this site so stand by for many questions that may sound dumb to some. I will appreciate any and all replies to my simple questions.
We love winter as it keeps the dust down in our neck of the woods. Have never used our electric furnace in four years to keep heating cost down. Nothing like the warmth of burning firewood during the long winter months here.
This is a great site and everyone seems very wiling to help newbies so I am glad to be a member.
Take care, Mark up in the hills of NE NV!

[dave9999]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock

dave9999: The "Emerald Isle" is a common nickname for Ireland.

jetrock: Maybe so, but the EMERALDISLE I was talking to lives in Florida.

[Anonymous]

I grew up by Chicago and moved to South West Missouri. I miss the snow and cold weather. I miss my car not starting. I miss watching the brass balls freeze off and the bust of the witch. I miss the $400 heating oil prices and the roar of the neighbor's snowmobile at 3am on a drunkin outing. I miss chipping 18 inches of snow over 2 inches of ice on my wife's windsheild and the mine. I miss bringing the stinkin outside dog in so he won't freeze and hearing him whine all night. I miss getting up in the morning and stepping on an ice cold floor covered with sames dog's urine. I miss crawling under the house with a propane torch to thaw out the pipes. I miss watching the house burn down over me. Yep, make me want to move to Buffalo it does. How about you? FRED PS... The ONLY thing good about 6 inches of snow is that then your yard looks as good as your neighbors.

[Anonymous]

Being as I was born in Californa, forced to live in thei horriblely cold place most of my life. I dread when winter comes about. I hate weaing bundles of clothes to keep warm, i hate the sight of Snow, the mear mention of it in a news cast sends shivers up and down my back.

My only hope is that one day I'll land a nice job in a warm climate to save me from this hell.

Jay

[Anonymous]

I live up here in Flagstaff AZ elev. 7000 ft winter started two weeks ago will last till May of 04 what do i do during that time is work, come home go out do some fuzzy tail critter or bunny bustin, return in the evening clean up watch tv then later go and pick up where i left of the night before on the layout. Alway somthing to do on it.

Regards

Larry

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock

Indeed, as someone born in Chicago but raised in California, I see people panic blindly when the temperature dropped below 40 degrees. Of course, it also hits 110+ degrees here in summer, which Sacramentans can take with aplomb but occasionally causes visiting San Francisco residents to burst into flames.

I tend to model-railroad less in summer because it is too darned hot in my un-air-conditioned garage, as well as because that's when I do late-night musical stuff. But some nights once it has cooled down I'll go fiddle around in the garage until after midnight...

LOL[:D] Try down here in Los Angeles, the temp dropped to 60 earlier this week and I saw a young lady so wrapped up in winter clothes, you'd a thought she was in Chicago in the middle of January.

When it rains is when the fun really begins down here, its like "Oh my, what is this stuff falling from the skies, what is it!!...

I'm also in an unconditioned garage and we have the same summer hot boiling temps here also. Dont do anything on the layout during the summer days, but the nights are pleasent. Winter days can be fine, but it can get pretty chilled down here, especailly working in an unheated space.

Last winter it dropped overnight into the 20's a couple of nights...OK ...all you chedder heads in Wisconson, you can stop laughing now, I know its not that cold, but you should see the way people react to it here...[;)]

[AggroJones]

I used to like winter [:o)] , but now the fact that there are holes in my roof dims it. When it rains or hails, water drips down staining my roof in some places.[:(] I suppose we need to get that fixed....

[Hawks05]

that would be a good idea. otherwise most likely your roof will rot and fall apart. would be kind of funny to a person like me but not to you i suppose.

we are supposed to get like 6-8 inches of snow saturday night- monday morning this weekend. should be awesome. hopefully instead of 2 days of school next week i only have 1. that would be killer.

[dave9999]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dave9999

QUOTE: Originally posted by emeraldisle

QUOTE: Originally posted by dave9999

What is this word I keep reading? " WINTER " I'm wearing shorts and a t-shirt today. We have had maybe
2 or 3 days under 80 degrees so far this season. Last year it stay warm through January with the
exception of a few days. Dave

Maybe if the snowbirds read this before Thanksgiving this year, they'll stay in the northeast this year instead of coming down here and taking up valuble space on the roads.[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

I agree, I can barely get across town during the summer months.Then it gets cold up north and
we get the yearly migration of the dreaded Northern Snowbird (sci. slowdriveinous inthewayous)
which are easily recognized by their multi-colored tail feathers( sometimes called license plates).
Every winter they start their southernly migration, sometimes in groups scientist call Winabagos.
Local wildlife such as the native Floridian Beach Dweller is often forced out of its habitat by huge
flocks of Snowbirds. The beach dweller is often spotted farther inland than normal. Scientist
believe the Snowbird survives on a diet of the Shoney and Denny plants that grow here.
These plants produce a fruit called the buffet and grand slam fruits and seem to be irresistible
to the Snowbird. There have been reports of hundreds of Snowbirds converging on a single
plant a once. These birds can be identified by their white legs and black sock-like feet .
Local authorities have ask all local wildlife to refrain from agressive action, as the Snowbird
is virtually harmless and will return to its own region as soon as the humidity reaches 80%.
Dave

Another large flock was spotted today. They seemed to be speading from the beach and into the
city. Dave

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Hawks05

no offense to any living in the southern midwest or the south for that matter but up her in Wisconsin when we see snow in like Texas and its only like 3/4 of an inch and you people bust out snow plows put chains on the tires we laugh our butts off. that is hilarious to watch. its like oh man we got 3/4 of an inch bust out the snow plows, put on the snow pants, close school, and break out the snow blowers. man that is nothing. i remember in 1992 Halloween day i think we had 3 feet of the white stuff. best thing EVER. i love snow. i hate having tornadoes and thunderstorms. partially because i sleep upstairs and i know if strong winds came i'd be thrown around like a rag doll. if it was like 50-60 every day, kind of cloudy mixed with some sun, some rain thrown in to that would be awesome. best weather ever right there.

I agree[:D]. Here in Michigan, we get just as much snow as Wisconsin, maybe even more. I remember watching the news one day that South Carolina had 1/2 " of snow and they shut everything down and put chains on their tires and put big snowplows on their trucks. I couldn't help cracking up[:D][:p]. I also agree with your opinion on T-storms and Tornados. I sleep up stairs too and I freak out everytime there's a flash of lightening......[|)][:)]

[Anonymous]

P.S. infact one time there was a clap of thunder just as a freight train blew it's air horn (I live about 2 mi. away from the track). Freaked me out so bad I screamed, of course that was when I was 12.......[:D]