Evenin' folks!
Janie, a cup of decaf and a couple of those chocolate chip cookies over there.... Thank you Ma'am!
Nice sunny day all day here4 in the Finger Lakes. Still a bit on the chilly side, but did make it all the way up to 43°F this afternoon. The white stuff is pretty much gone at the moment. Only still to be found where it was in a large pile or where the sun don't shine... So to speak. The solar panels on my roof responded by giving me over 27kWh of electric today. So the month of March ended about 18 kWh more than last year. So far this year is starting out very good for production.
As promised this morning I spent most of the day working on the scenery at the Blacksmith's Shop. A week ago it looked like this:
This evening the same area looks like this:
Still have a lot to do, need to grow a few trees and make a bunch of details, but it is getting there SLOWly...
Dennis and Galaxy, if I was to spend more than $50,000 on a car, I'd get me one of these, I would! Motor Trend's Car of the Year! The Model X may be my next vehicle in a few years.
I just got asked to work train crew this Saturday out at the Museum. We have a group coming in. A Boy Scout Troop will be staing over night and we will give them a trian ride while they are there. I don't think they are working the RR Merit Badge, but I will advertise that I can teach it.
Galaxy, hope you get the sugar under control and get to feelimg better!
Hope you all have a good night. Prayers for all in need of them! Good to see some new folks in here, BTW!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/228712.aspx
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Well
Dennis: I hate to say it, but your choice of words "as in horrible" for price range IS to be expected in the caliber of cars you are looking at!
If you don't want to pay that price, there are many other nice full sized cars with lots of luxury in the smaller price ranges to consider, unless your heart is set on the luxury models name tags.
{ I admit myself to having a yen for an "extra, for funsies" luxury car in the field of 2004-2008 Cadillac SRXs, or the early 00's in the Cadillac Deville, or DTS models. Note, though, that I cannot think of affording new ones, so I have perused the used models, even though it would be an "extra for funsies" summer use only car that we really don't need and probably can't afford anyway.}
Also, Dennis, maybe hold onto the car you just repaired for another year and then trade it off or sell it to get a new one, you might as well enjoy the money spent! That way, you can serach out the "bargains' when they DO show up like next March End of Month whne they want to boost winter/m0nthly sales figures}We hated to trade in teh caravan for so little as in the last 3 years we have practically rebuilt it! The engine was sound adn runnign well. Oh well, the FIL insisted we trade it in on the new car he bought MOH. JUST a suggestion!
Well, I had a host of things to say, but lost my train of thought.
Easy to do with a major sugar crash twice today! I had some serious problems getting it up there again, as when it is so low I can barely function, the stomach resists any nourishment to boost the sugar levels. I htink I mentioned htat. But my mind is not working rihgt right now.
So, I will see you all in the Morning!
Built a bit of framework for my switching layout. I may have to build more support, considering the table I got is 2.5'' of solid maple. I got the table for free, so beggars cannot be choosers, even if it weighs probably at least 40lbs. I may look at buying a hollowcore door to use instead. Oh well, turning some applications in tomorrow, and watching "Hell On Wheels tonight". Later all.
(My Model Railroad, My Rules)
These are the opinions of an under 35 , from the east end of, and modeling, the same section of the Wheeling and Lake Erie railway. As well as a freelanced road (Austinville and Dynamite City railroad).
Looked at 3 different makes of sedans today, just kicking tires so to speak. All are comparable on the scale of vehicles, same price range as in horrable ($50,000 Canadian Pricing) .
Linlcon, Caddy and Acura. Pretty much the same when compared side by side. Actually the Caddy is about $5,000 more for the same stuff.
Don't know but I'll think on it for 6 months or so before I do anything.
Did some more rock molding, plastering and a first for me, styrofoam for a 3D mountain effect where the space between the wall/backdrop and track is only about 3.25 inches. Yes, I know, poor preplanning.
My day such as it was. Time to watch a movie on Netflix and call it a day. Was up at 4 for some stupid reason.
Cheers
Dennis from the great WHITE, COLD north
CDN Dennis
Modeling the HO scale something or other RR in the shadow of the Canadian Rockies Alberta, Canada
It's 4 PM. And NOAA says snow showers tonight.
Hi Ho Hi Ho it's off to...that place I make a living...I go. Haven't taken any extra time off in a bit. Might make a 4 day weekend this week. Don't know. Have to see what time off I have available. I got a city to build...on the layout.
Good evening all
Mark H
Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history.
Sitting at the airport, waiting for a flight that is 3 1/2 hours delayed. Running out of things to do.
Richard
HOORAY! I have the windows open adn it is 44F atthe airport on the garbage hill.
Well, MOH came home between for a short period. Has an appt, tomorrow for Benefits sign up. That meanss I havet o redigest what is what again.
What ever happened to the old days when you signed up by name/b-day and was given a card with clear cut "no copays" or "you pay flat 15%"? GRR.
Now there is different plans different copays, pay backs after you pay up front, etc. Then there is the Health Savigns acct, which we need to sign up for! We need to guestimate how much it will pay out for what, and no "this and that" is NOT covered!
Grr.
I think we will up the Life insurance as it seems cheap for MOH to have the extra to protect me. CHeaper than outside policy, anyway. Dunno.
Well, i best get to eat something my sugar is crashing.
Coffee TO GO, please.
Just wanted to grab a seat in the Diner before the next move. It's a challenge to find someone driving a Speeder who is going in the right direction.
Hope Jeffrey is recovering well and everyone else is doing well.
Cheers! Rob
Good Afternoon!
Flo, a mug of coffee, please, and a handful of those delicious cookies.
I do hope we get some sort of signal from Jeff, so we know he´s on the way of recovery!
Spent the afternnon at my friend´s place to start w*rk on the benchwork. It´ll be three segments and we were able to finish one of them in just about two and a half hours. Tomorrow, we will tackel segment # 2 and maybe even # 3. That leaves us with attach the steel brackets to the wall and hitch everything up. If all goes right, the issue of benchwork will be solved by the weekend!
Here is a snapshot of today´s accomplishment:
The segments are built with 12mm MDF - the first time I use this material. I was surprised how well it you can cut and drill it. The whole construction is really sturdy, in fact maybe a little too sturdy. I am a little concerned about the weight...
If my friend is not helping me, he is working on this:
with the exception of a few details light lamps and handrail stanchions, it is completely scratchbuilt. Of course, it has full lighting, sound and smoke. The smoke generator belches out a big plume when started, reduces the amount of smoke when the engine is idling, and goes back to a big plume, when the engines are accelerated! All the functions are R/C controlled. Whenever I see what he is doing, my jaws fall south and have difficulties to close
Flo, I´ll stay here at the RC and watch who´ll be dropping by!
Taking the Envoy in to the vehicle hospital in about an hour. New McPherson Struts on the front plus a wheel alignment. Might also require ball joints and new busings on the front stabalizer bar. Who knows.
All I'm really sure about is that my wallet will be a whole lot emptier when I get it back. ARRRRGGGGG
Later folks
Dennis
Just got back from the shop. Repair estimate is just about $2,000 plus 5 percent tax. Ouch!!!!!!!!!!!
New front struts
New rear shocks
New front stabalizer bushings
New rear air bags (air lift suspension)
New Lower ball joints
Rotate / balance
Wheel Alignment.
Sad part is we are replacing it within 6 to 12 months but I can't not do it because we need a safe vehicle and it sure isn't now.
Gosh Dern it anyway.
Well,
Well, I went to do some high finance moving funds around to make way for paying for the new car! It will be MOH's FIRST NEW CAR EVER! I had 2 new ones, the rest have all been used. It actually was far cheaper to insure the new one that I was "pleasantly surprised"! That is what being middle aged, safe driving record and safe driver course completed, pay in advance in full will do for you!
FOr those of you who HAVEN'T taken the safe driver course, AARP has one for cheap, and you don't have to be a member to go! I urge all to take the safe driver course, it will save you license points and insurance costs!
Well, I also got our pharamcy runs done. Bad when you have a couple of different pharmacies for differing meds due to lack of coverage on certain meds and costs!
Well, I have a TON of health stuff to review for MOH before open enrollment goes away...so I'd best get at it, looks to be about 2" of pages in books to review!
Best get at it! Right after a nap!
"The sun is a shinin' to welcome the day...."
Zoe, I'll have a bowl of organic pumpkin seed granola to start the day. Oh, yes, I also need a few cups of Marrakesh Express dark roast coffee for my R&GV RR mug please! What, Yes, I am in a good mood this morning. Slept well and woke up to find the sun out melting away the sn*w outside.
I haven't been down cellar yet to see how deep the water is this morning.... Need to do that soon.
Most of the day will be spent doing scenery for the Blacksmith's Shop area. May even have some photos by the end of the day. Never know.
Catch you all later!
pavCDN Dennis and Ray, do you find that the ready made drywall compound cracks as it dries?
Eric, I use the 90 min stuff but not the pre mixed. So far, I haven't had any cracking problems but I'm using it in a layer no more than 1/16 inch. Thicker I haven't tried as yet but will be in the next few days.
Good morning .... I'll jsut have coffee. Ate too much yesterday.
Yesterday, Shelley and I went with another couple who live here at the lake to Clarksville, TN. We went to a pub for dinner. This pub has the best pizza anywhere within hundreds of miles. We had beer and pizza and watched the NCAA game. It was University of Michigan vs. University of Kentucky. Both couples moved to KY from Ann Arbor, MI. Each of us liked bothe teams, and during the game we said we would root for the on that won. UK won. .... We were the winners with the best pizza imaginable along with some great beer drewed at the pub.
So, not much model rairlaoding to report. Too much non-moel-railroad stuff!
Happy M<odel Railroading
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Todd
Central Illinoyz
In order to keep my position as Master and Supreme Ruler of the House, I don't argue with my wife.
I'm a small town boy. A product of two people from even smaller towns. I don’t talk on topic….. I just talk.
I have an airbrush, but no compressor. Today, that all changes. I am planning a trip to Harbor Freight this morning to buy a compressor. I have a coupon that takes the price down to $99.99, and my daughter and SIL2B gave me a $20 HFT gift card. Wahoo.
Good morning. Light drizzle all the way into work this morning, and it looks like we'll be having that for a while.
We had a pretty good ski weekend. I took Friday off and we went a day early. That was the right thing to do, because yesterday it was raining, even up north, but we still got a couple of good days in, including a spectacular Saturday. We have, at most, 3 more weekends, but they've already said they will be shutting down some lifts after next Sunday, so we have to ask ourselves whether it's worth the 3-hour drive each way and the tank of gas to ski on limited terrain.
Jeff, we all miss you and hope can get back to us soon.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Morning all, Just a donut. Working on a CV currently, and such. I am officially bored being unemployed lol.
Good Morning All,
It's starting out rainy today, but thankfully, none of the white stuff. Ray, thanks for the info and tip about diluting the compound. That would seem to make it more workable.
Ulrich, thank you too for another interesting tour. Devil's Bridge caught my eye, so I Googled that and saw that it is 3 bridges built atop each other. Some of the scenery from the train looked like it could have been Switzerland in the Summer.
Well, that's it for now. Take care everyone.
Eric
Rain then sleet then ice now snow. Bah - winter is still here. 31f when I got to the shop and sheet ice covering everything.
Not my backyard, but maybe Ja Bears. The Glenbrook Vintage Railway at Waiuku, N.Z. Just a regular to go with a toasted hard roll please Janie (Zoe off today?). Got a bit more done on the trestles and mounts for them last night. started on the bridge track for the girder trestle, the pony trestle will have a ballasted deck as it's just a cheapy Faller I had hanging around. No pics yet. Also started sorting through rolling stock. I think typically I have enough to cover every inch of track so some winnowing of the crop is in order. Hope to hear from Jeff this week as I'm sure most of you do. Prayers for those laid up and ailing. Ulrich - thanks again for the tour of Wales. They do love their tank engines, eh? Probably the only things light and nimble enough to use. I loved thevideo where they simply lifted the car up by hand to change the bearing and just dug a hole in the ground for the screw jack and levered the engine over to rerail it. Even jacking the SW-8 we have in the yard involved lots of sweat and angst as the blocking creaked and settled. It took two cranes to lift our FA and it had no prime mover in it. If I can figure out how to access my trainboard account I'll post a photo. Lots to do in the shop again despite the weather and I better get to it. Cheers, J.R.
Not my backyard, but maybe Ja Bears. The Glenbrook Vintage Railway at Waiuku, N.Z.
Just a regular to go with a toasted hard roll please Janie (Zoe off today?). Got a bit more done on the trestles and mounts for them last night. started on the bridge track for the girder trestle, the pony trestle will have a ballasted deck as it's just a cheapy Faller I had hanging around. No pics yet. Also started sorting through rolling stock. I think typically I have enough to cover every inch of track so some winnowing of the crop is in order.
Hope to hear from Jeff this week as I'm sure most of you do. Prayers for those laid up and ailing.
Ulrich - thanks again for the tour of Wales. They do love their tank engines, eh? Probably the only things light and nimble enough to use. I loved thevideo where they simply lifted the car up by hand to change the bearing and just dug a hole in the ground for the screw jack and levered the engine over to rerail it. Even jacking the SW-8 we have in the yard involved lots of sweat and angst as the blocking creaked and settled. It took two cranes to lift our FA and it had no prime mover in it. If I can figure out how to access my trainboard account I'll post a photo.
Lots to do in the shop again despite the weather and I better get to it. Cheers, J.R.
galaxyThis winter, has been so harsh and disappointing
Cheers, the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Generally the Diner has a chosen location to "reside" in for the month's long thread. This winter, has been so harsh and disappointing that I haven't had the heart to pick a locale.
Anyway, We explore the state or area the "locale" chosen for train stuff there during the month.
We are hoping to garner more participation by doing for the month of April just what Ulrich has been doing!
Sharing about what is in YOUR backyard, train wise!
We expect it to be mostly about 1:1 tourist runs, OR about the local freights or passengers that come through your area.
It could also be about publically viewable MRRing layouts in your area, perhaps at the places where they operate 1:1 tourist trains.
I, for example, will talk about the fact that just a short drive away {and we frequently visit} is the Steamtown National Historic Park. Many of you know it and some of you have been there.
There is a small yard, actually two, near to me here, that you cannot get to {no permission} {tried once, got thrown off with threat of police}, but I won't talk about them since there is no vantage point other than passing mention.
There are two grand large Public viewable HO scale layouts near me, One the approximation of Downtown Binghamton, NY at Roberson Museum in Binghamton.
SO, We HOPE you will all participate and help us improve the diner thread for the MONTH OF APRIL!
Those of you who view us only, perhaps you will participate with us?
Share your links, photos, personal photos, memorabilia or Memories with us!
Here is a link to STeamtown:
http://www.nps.gov/stea/index.htm
SO, I will explore that and more when we open for the month of APril!
Hope to see you participating! You have time ot prepare and join us!
Make it a GREAT month for April!
Make it a GREAT day!
RAY: Don't dispair! You can only beat previous records by only so much before you cna't break it any more!
Our weather calls for SUNSHINE {That brilliant bright orb in the sky you've heard tell about}.
Today {the 31st} we will be high of 45, but I think a warm 45.
We will also have a HIGH of 57F on Tuesday April 1st, MAYBE Stretched all the way to 60s!!! {and that is no April Fools day joke}.
Wednesday is 52F.
Usually by April first we are clamoring to put the A/c in the bedroom window, and maybe after the nights of next few days we will wish to have it in!
The April forecast shows 40s and 50s all month, so a mediocre Spring Month.
morning coffee in the diner...
Ananym - A name that is formed by reversing the letters of another name. Example is Oprah and Harpo.
Ziraleet - Any expression of joy. {I imagine Jeffrey will experience this when he leaves the horse piddle}
today's limerick: There once was a cat named MidnightWho acted as high as a kiteHe ran around all dayWith himself he did playStill we found him a delight
There once was a cat named MidnightWho acted as high as a kiteHe ran around all dayWith himself he did playStill we found him a delight
Good Morning!
Janie, I need my coffee in an IV bag today, please! My body is still confused - the older I get, the more I find it difficult to adjust to that time change.
galaxyULRICH: we done did the turn ahead 3 weeks ago, what took you so long?
Galaxy - you know, us Europeans are always behind schedule
Ray - good to hear that little Lexi is doing better!
Folks, get ready for another tour on one of the lines of the Great Little Trains of Wales! Today, we´ll be heading down south from Tywyn to Aberystwyth, starting point of the Vale of Rheidol Railway to Devil´s Bridge. The 11 3/4 mile long line opened in 1902 and was built to haul timber and lead ore to the port in Aberystwyth. In 1913, the Cambrian Railway gained control over the line, which later became a part of the Great Western Railway. During WW II, the line was closed and services were restarted in 1945. In 1948, the line became part of British Railways, which continued to operate it until privatization in 1989. When BR ceasewd steam operation in 1968, it became the only steam operated line on the entire network.
The line runs through lovely scenery, which looks especially pretty in May/June, when the valley is filled with rhododendrons in bloom. Much of the valley cannot be reached by car, so the trains are very well frequented.
Enjoy this little video!
Have a good one!
We had a funny looking yellow orblike thing shining here...got us all the way to 40...although it still felt like 26...due to a bitter cold NE wind ..
Ray...good to hear Lexi is doing better!!
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/