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Jeffrey's Trackside Diner, March 2017... Celebrating 1,000th edition of MR in Wisconsin; ... Everybody is welcome ! Locked

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  • Member since
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  • From: Finger Lakes
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Posted by howmus on Thursday, March 16, 2017 11:04 AM

Mornin'....  (Yep, still morning as I start this....),

Zoe, just need a refill of my Seneca Lake Blend Dark Roast coffee to warm me up...

Been out removing some of the sn*w out in the driveway.  Neighbor over across the street (Exactly the same age as I am) came over and shoveled a path through the 4' high drift left by the city at the end of the driveway for me.  Only problem with the little electric sn*wblower I have is that it is not self driving...  So sn*w builds up on the wheels and bottom and every couple of passes I have to stop tip the thing over on its side and remove the built up ice.  I hope to have the driveway opened up by the end of today.  Don't think I'll need to go over to walk at the Fieldhouse as I'm sure I'm getting plenty of excersize...Whistling

Sun is shining out there at the moment.  Tried to get a bit of the foot+ layer of sn*w off the solar panels.  Got just a small area uncovered.  Will try to work on that later as well.

Catch you later!

73

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
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  • From: upstate NY
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Posted by galaxy on Thursday, March 16, 2017 10:53 AM

Ulrich: Be careful! As I understand it your heart shouldn't have ANY startlizations to cause it to beat faster!

I did call 211, I guess they are going to send the Natl guard down to help finish digging me out. not definite yet, though, we will see what teh emergency crew department says, they are supposed to call. Normlly those 62 and over can get help with snow removal but not disabled people like me who get around with a cane. Im about 10 years away form that help, by then I hope we can retire to Georgia IF we stay together, if not, I may just go myself.

Watfching train videos makes me jealous, but I don't think there is more than enough space for about a 4x8 sized layout downstairs. Which are getting harder for me to navigate. Between the torn knee ligaments the labral tear in my rt hip and my back, and hte fact the stairs are steep.

well, I'd best get to doing something whilest I wait.

Hope all is well, the diner seems awfully empty lately.

Maybe I shouldn't hang around, I must smell or something.

-g

Geeked

-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.

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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 16, 2017 10:25 AM

Good Afternoon!

I am a bit sleepy today! Zoe, I need something strong to keep my eyes open. MAke that dark roast coffee in an IV bag and a handful of chocolate chippers for me, please!

Garry - she´s a beauty!

How about a Working tinplate O gauge hump yard?

I don´t know, but somehow those tinplate trains are very appealing to me. They have a je ne sais quoi which makes my heart beat a little faster.

  • Member since
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  • From: Northern Va
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Posted by yougottawanta on Thursday, March 16, 2017 9:49 AM

Hello all

Geez having a LOT of issues with this forum web site. An entire message just disappeared and the thing wouldnt load three different times !

Hobby front - Roof trusses and carpenters coming Friday. Saturday should be installing trusses and sheathing the roof.

Herrinchoker - Do captains take their boats out in severe storms to "ride out the storms"? Is it safer out than tied to a dock ?

Ricky W - Did you all sell out of snow blowers ?

ROR - I agree with UP831. I would also add hire an engineer who will size the joist, headers etc...all of the structural stuff.

Howmus - Last week we had a large flock of Robins in our front yard. I have always been partial to them.

DER - That makes sense. Our area was settled mainly by the Scotts, Germans and some Irish. I wonder from which of these "vitals" came from ?

Ulrich - Love your visitors. Do they visit often ?

Angel - I am with you I will take snow over desert heat any day !

Garry - Nice photo. What is the name of that train ?

Anyone seen Steve ? Did he get buried in the storm ?

History Qoute of the day :

All men are created equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; among which are the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing the obtaining of happiness and safety.

 

 

  • Member since
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  • From: Kentucky
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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Thursday, March 16, 2017 9:03 AM

Good morning.

I'll have coffee and a donut please. 

I see photos with lots of snow. Cheer up. Spring is arriving very soon.

Meanwhile, back in Milwaukee, here is a Milwaukee Road 4-4-2.

   

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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  • From: upstate NY
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Posted by galaxy on Thursday, March 16, 2017 4:59 AM

ricktrains4824

Good evening all.

 

Galaxy - You got more snow than me.... Regretfully congratulating you for that... (Only because I don't think you want the congratulations....)

Not particularly. But thanks, I guess. I think. Maybe. Well, OK. Perhaps.

Today I will call 211 and see if I can get the Natl Guardsmen to come shovel hte driveway the rest of the way and the city sidewalk. I AM disabled, and get around wiht a cane, after all. But not yet 62, the *magical age* here for getting snow removal help through a program, regardless of disability. I doubt it will work, but can't hurt to try. Big strong young men like I was once, coming to the rescue I hope.

We got a yearly toatl of 121point something for snowfall, and are still expecting another 5 inches over the next few days, even as it warms UP to what is typically our usual low temps. Not necessarily worse than usual, given we get a LOT of lake effect snows, but not in mostly 3 storm falls!

Drifting HAS occurred, even on our driveway.

well, the morphine, codeine backup and lidocane prescriptions are NOT of course doing anything.

I WAS supposed to see the neurosurgeon on Wednesday, but not this one! Have to reschedule. they cancelled, but I was going to cancel anyway. couldn't get out.

We did get out last might to go eat at friendlys as any of hte pizza places weren't open, surprise on that. The main streets are clear and wet, seconds are not at all.that must be what teh extra plows the govenor is sending will get to today.

well, have a great day all.

I will survive, though with a LOT of extra PAIN.

hope all are safe adn warm ad prayers for those in need.

THANKS TO RAY for posting the pics!

-g

Geeked

-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.

  • Member since
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  • From: Georgetown, Maine
  • 573 posts
Posted by herrinchoker on Thursday, March 16, 2017 12:53 AM

The Island got 18-20" of the white stuff, wind was over 70mph for a period of time, the seas built to 20-28 feet in the bay, decided not to chase codfish. Many years ago had ridden out storms like this one past, one advantage was being able to ride it out in the warm water of the Gulf Stream, did not have to worry about ice buildup.

Birds have hit the feeders and suet today. The Red Bellied woodpecker was about this afternoon taking seed from the deck that I put down for the doves. We have several Robins around, this time of the year they are feeding on the small crab apples, and the sumac heads. Insects, larvae, and assorted small critters use the heads to survive the winter, and the Robins poke through finding food, as well as eating the seed pods. In recent years I have let the Sumac grow around the house and garage to provide a food source for the birds this time of year.

Step son #4 is mending, Dr. is reasonably certain that they removed all the cancerous tissue, lymph glands have shown no signs-which is good. He is to have one more session of chemo--we appreciate the prayers given.

Replaced the pipe on the wood stove, just finished using black stove cement to seal the joints--I have taken a small quantity and made an experimental N-Scale road, at this point it looks like blacktop. It is water base, so it can be tooled for contours.

Lion, enjoyed reading your post. I have bookmarked the other, and will be reading it.

Ulrich, Like the videos, the one with the hump yard is quite interesting. Much thought went into the making of that section of the layout.

A friend of mine who was a commercial fisherman on
Chesapeake Bay gave me his recipe for fried oysters, I have used this to fry clams, scallops, and fish fillets as well.

Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix

Drain oysters, reserve liquid---

use oyster juice to make batter with pancake mix, add small amount of milk if necessary to thin batter.

Melt 3-4 pounds of lard is cast iron skillet, (I use a Dutch Oven)

Dredge oysters in flower, (I use a touch of Cajun seasoning mixed in) and then coat with pancake batter.

Fry in lard tell brown, turn over, and when they are brown on the second side, they are done. Same with clams, scallops, and fish.

I wear glasses then cooking as the clams especially, will sometimes pop in the hot lard. I also use a mesh cover over the dutch oven to help prevent burns.

The cholestrol is absolutely horrific---but they taste "wickid good"  I serve all of the above with yeast rolls that I make.

I use both American,(in the river behind the house) and European, (have to go to Sebasco, or Cundy's Harbor to get) oysters to cook with. European oysters raw, have a pronounced iodine flavor that need a extra hit of tabasco to moderate. Cooked this is eliminated.

Prayers for those in need, hope all are warm, dry, secure.

herrinchoker   

  • Member since
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  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
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Posted by ricktrains4824 on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 10:20 PM

Good evening all.

Chloe - A hot cocoa please. Thanks.

Just checking in briefly...

Galaxy - You got more snow than me.... Regretfully congratulating you for that... (Only because I don't think you want the congratulations....)

Weather - While Stella is over and done here, the cold and wind are not... We ended up with about 15-18" of the fluffy white stuff, now the cold wind is blowing it all around... But man is that cold wind wicked! Bad enough to take your breath away!

W**k - Slow.... Slow.... Slow.... Had two people all day... But the last one bought a snowblower... (Big surprise people were looking for those. Wink) So, at least it wasn't a total waste... I ended up with about $8 in spiffs off of that sale. Somehow I ended up with spiff money on Monday, while I was off...Question Only explanation is if it was someone who had spoken to me about a product before, and mentioned my name when they came back...

Well, I'm having some asthma issues, from that cold wind, so I'm off to bed for now. 

Maybe I will check in in the morning.

Hope all are well, and all have a good night. 

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

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Posted by up831 on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 8:56 PM

Good evening Diners,

Brunhilda, I'll have a warm cup of Earl Grey tea with cream and honey, please.

We didnt get hit with as bad  a snowfall as they said we were.  Or at least it doesn't seem like it.  Some of it is starting to melt already.

Ride On:  You had asked about software to design your house with.  First, I can only recommend that you team up with a licensed Architect.  That said, most design software for that purpose runs in the $3000 per license range.  However, Chief Architect makes a software called "Home Designer" for around $100.  I really don't know anything about it, but if it's like it's regular design software, it should be pretty good.  There may be others, but I'm not really sure aware of them.

hope that helps.

Hello to everyone and I hope everyone is ok, safe, and warm.

Less is more,...more or less!

Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)

  • Member since
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  • From: upstate NY
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Posted by galaxy on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 8:35 PM

gmpullman

'Evenin, Folks

Snow? Not such a big deal here. Our average runs about a hundred-ten inches per season.

No worries...

 

Regards, Ed

 


Ed, we have, I am sure exceeded that, for being mid way across the state, we get a LOT of lake effect snow, this year in DEcember we were about tied with Syracuse at over 60" {five feet}, and hadn't really gotten into winter yet.

It started EARLY here, hte winds carrying snow here all along. It averaged 3-4" almost every other day here, whcih was easy enough to keep up with, but 3 feet in less htan 24 hours was no way to keep up.

The total for the year will come out later, but its at least 110 inches, compared to an extrememly NICE winter last year, with about 20" all season because the Jet stream was nice to us all winter long. 

BTW GUYS: the Mounds you see in the front of the house by the vehicles in MY pics, ARE NOT bushes or furniture, they are previous mounds from trying to keep up with it yesterday!!! The black thing out back is a BBQ grill [near the chain link fence}.

snowmageddon is NOT over and done  with us yet. we are expecting another 4-8" tomorrow and today we got another three AFter we got the guy to dig us out, which hte red car is still plasetered in on the other side. MOH will take my minivan tomorrow, I will try to dig out more, OR keep up with new falling snow,and we'll see if we can get the red car out tomorrow.

How's my back? well lets put it this way it got so painfull, I saw throught the pain and worked with it, no choice, a little adreanalin probably helped too.

LOL I WAS SUPPOSED to see the neurosurgeon today, but they called to cancel of course by robocalling.

At least this one didn't "sit and spin" like many Noreaster's do.

I will call 2-1-1 {# for FIRST CALL FOR HELP IN ANY AREA ACROSS the USA, for things OTHER than 9-1-1} tomorrow and see if I can get those big strong burly Nat'l guard men to come do the city sidewalk. and maybe dig out the red car. first thing tomorrow.

GOv. Cuomo said he wasn't going to estimate or worry about he cost now, nad it will probably include flooding clena up later, he was going to "git er done" then tally up. Smart Man.

well I will try to get some sleep, tomorrow is another day.

stay safe adn warm, prayers for all who need them

-g

Geeked


PS: NATCH! I GOT TOPS!

 

SNOW CONES FOR EVERYONE!   Hmm

-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.

  • Member since
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  • From: Finger Lakes
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Posted by howmus on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 8:25 PM

Hi Mr. B, Actually during the winter when they can't get nice juicy worms and bugs, Robins are fruit eaters.  That is why they mob the flowering quince and the crab apple trees with left over fruit on the limbs.  They will aslo eat seeds if the have to.  Very much omnivores and opportunists.  Better than starving.  If you want to feed them over the winter (for those that do stick around) put out apple slices, raisons, and other fresh or frozen/dried fruit.  Today they would dive bomb the snow banks after dropping some the old fruits on the trees on the ground. 

73

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 7:33 PM

Ray, I've been feeding and enjoying birds, too.  They are chowing down at my feeders, more than I've seen before.  I saw a red wing blackbird today - the first ever at this house that I recall.  Yes, robins too, but they are not seed-eaters and they don't go to the feeder  The extreme cold and then the snow seems to have turned my feeders into quite the gourmet stopover for my feathered friends.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 7:28 PM

'Evenin, Folks

Zoe, how about a hot chocolate with just a wee bit o' rum, please.

I need a bumper sticker on the machine which reads—

"I'd Rather Be Playing With Trains!"

Snow? Not such a big deal here. Our average runs about a hundred-ten inches per season.

No worries...

Glad Larry Mo's prognosis is good, Ken! 

I hope you are ALL well, safe and warm...

Regards, Ed

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Posted by howmus on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 6:54 PM

Evenin' Folks!

Ah, Janie, I think people have been staying away in droves today.....  I took a shjower this morning, so I hope it isn't me.  Probably somthin' to do with the weather.

Just sitting down to supper tonight, look out the window and see a flock of about 20 or more robins in the Flowering Quince in my lawn having dinner as well.  In all the years I been in this house, I have never seen that many here at one time.  They seemed to be very hungry and stayed and ate for over an hour.  Went outside and got a couple photos of them.  I can count 10 in this photo, I think there are more hidden in the tree and there were several on the ground when I took it.

While I didn't have quite as much of the White Stuff here, it still is coming down and blowing around.  They say we may get about 3 more inches overnight.  The Storm Warning will lift at 10PM here.  I did get out and tried to remove some of the sn*w  and found that under the 2' of snow in the driveway is about an inch of slushy crap.  That instantly freezes to the bottom and wheels of my little electric snowblower....  Didn't get nearly as much done as I had hoped.  Here are some photos of my place during the storminess of Stella:

Took me a while to just locate the snow blower...

Guess I won't have a picnic supper tonight.  There is 23" of white stuff on the seat...

I think my Volt is under that snowdrift over there:

House across the street....  Notice the snow overhanging on the back side of the roof.  That is from the 20+ mph winds we have had for the entire storm.  Also you will see the photo looks very grainy.  Nothing wrong with the camera.  That is from the blowing snow between my camera and the house!

Hope you are warm and dry!

73

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
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Posted by cudaken on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 5:27 PM

 Afternoon Diners

 Flo, Ed, Larry Mo and I will have a Beer please.

 Larry Mo seems to be OK! Ran a lot of test and found nothing wrong. They think he may have pinched a nerve. His arm and hand are fine now and will be home tonight.

 Galaxy I will use your 911 idea if something like this comes up again. As much as I like snow, well you can keep your 3' foot of the stuff.

 Der Yes that is a lot of pink foam, far as how it turned out, you have seen many photos of it. It is the K-10 Mining layout. Tip I have learned is when buying the foam, look for damged sections! Take it and ask for the deparment Manager. Been a while but I was getting 75% off for the broken sections.

 Train Front No matter what I tried I have not been able to keep the B Line engines wheels clean! Bang Head It got to the point I had to clean the wheels everyday of the Mighty B&O F7b unit? Then I tryed a B&O SD 7, same thing, I could not keep the wheels clean? So today I finally broke down and tried the ATF on the B Line! Did not clean the track or wheels or the engine. Light stop flricking and so far so good. If I don't have to clean the engines wheel's for a week, I am going to ATF the longer A line.

 Later, Ken

 

 

 

 

I hate Rust

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Posted by galaxy on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 3:29 PM

Be, Ray, thanks.

Keep in my new we had NO snow, just bare ground before this hit.

I measured thru out the day yesterday at 18";24";27" ;32";  and finally when it seemed to stop at 35".After just 18 hours!

We did have e one guy come the nephew from next door neighbor, and snow blower out one side of the drive way, then had to blow for a 28 unit apartment building he cares for, but he'll be back to collect when he trims the trees, which he WAS hoping to do soon, but not now!

What I'm afraid of is flooding here. We are valley and the river is close, we should not flood, but the towns and cities will....

Hopefully it melts s l o w l y. So it won't flood too much.

Posts b 40 in a few days.

Another nice friend of the neighbors roof raked us so hopefully that will help the flat and shed roofs and the eaves from ice damming too much.

I see it's a thin crowd I. The diner today, hope all is well with you all.

Governor Cuomo was down and is sending emergency crews for what he called a speedy clearing.

Later all

- g

-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.

  • Member since
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  • From: Finger Lakes
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Posted by howmus on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 1:42 PM

OK.....  Back with another batch from Galaxy.  I do hope he takes it easy shoveling out or the guy they hired to do it is careful around the cars at least.  I would hire one of those rednecks with those Foe Wheeeeeeel Drahveeees to come and clean out my driveway, but I don't want to have to do the repairs in the spring......  Geneva is closed, BTW...  Except for UPS, FedEx, Foe Wheeeel Dahve Pick-em up trucks, and idiots out seeing how fast they can go before ending up in somebody's front yard.......  I will sit it out inside my house and watch all the fun outside. WhistlingWhistlingSmile, Wink & Grin  Gotta bring up my camera from the train room and get a few of my own photos...  Here are the rest I'll put up now from "G":

73

 

 

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
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Posted by howmus on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 1:27 PM

Well, Chloe, must be everyone is staying at home to get out of the Blizzard!  I could use a hot cup of Decaf Coffee at the moment.  I'll sit in back by the wood stove to get warmed up for a while.

 Galaxy asked me to put up a bunch of photos he took of what it is like down in the Southern Tier of NYS where he lives.  Actually it looks much the same as here in the Finger Lakes Region, only what we got is still coming down hard and blowing around.  Now you should understand that down in Waverly about 30 miles to the west), when I lived there, a couple inches of snow could close everything for at least 3 days while the DPW found the Owners Manual for the snow plow.  After they located that they had to find someone who could read at least at a 3rd. grade level to tell the mechanic how hook it on the truck.  Then once they got the plow all hooked up on their 10 wheeler dump truck they would go over and plow out the mayor's street and driveway.  By then it was quiting time....  That allowed the Mayor to write a nice letter to the editor for the local newspaper praising the DPW for their fast and efficient snow removal....  It would be another 2 or three days before that truck with the plow (they only had one) would get to the street where I lived so they could plow in the end of the driveway on me.  Up to that point I would just drive as usual with my old VW Bug. WhistlingSmile, Wink & Grin

Anyway....  "G" did get dumped on pretty good judging by the photos.  Enjoy:

I think there may be a car under this pile:

Neighbors got some too:

Don't worry Galaxy, if your house was built to the same codes as we use up here to the North West of you your roof should be just fine.  On the other hand you do live in the southern tier....

Well, at least the guy across the street has dug out his car...

Be carefull when cleaning this up.  Don't scratch your vehicle....

I'll be back soon with some more.  Right now at my house the wind is whipping the sn*w into lots of nice piles for me to remove when I get to it.

73

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 10:29 AM

der5997
I hadn’t picked up on that sloping top to the tunnel portal before – is that usual for Swiss mountain lines?

It seems to be a design specific to the Rhaetian Railway on the Albula line. I can´t remember seeing the sloped top on other lines, i.e the Bernina line, nor on the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway.

der5997
Full Steam Ahead – How the Railways changed Britain.

The series is also availabe on Youtube. I have watched all parts and I was thrilled!

 

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Posted by howmus on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 10:28 AM

Mornin' folks!

Zoe, I'llk have a short stack of Buttermilk Pancakes (yes, use the Birkett Mills mix, please) with lots of NYS Pure maple Syrup, and a couple sausage links to go along with a large pot of Seneca Lake Blend Dark Roast Organic, Fair Traded Coffee this morning!

 Galaxy, sent you back an email....

Just sitting here watching little white stuff coninue to fall out of the sky.  By the looks of the pile on my picnic table on the deck we have had, oh, 15/16 inches soe far and it still keeps on coming down.  Wind is blowing as well so there should be lots and lots of sizable drifts to dig throiugh as well...

Later this afternoon I will srat working on the drivway little by little.  I will be spending most of the day getting everything done for the Combined LSD/CNY NMRA Meet this coming Saturday in Auburn, NY.  Hope they are dug out by then!  I will be giving a clinic about the Gorge I have been working on. 

Catch you in a bit!

73

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
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  • From: Nova Scotia, Northumberland Shore
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Posted by der5997 on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 10:22 AM

Richard:

My favorite tool for cutting foam is a snap blade. I tried steak knives and a hot wire cutter and, for me, neither came anywhere near to the results from the snap blade. By controlling the length of the exposed blade, you can control the amount of bend in the blade which is great for shaping. Hands down, my favorite.
Absolutely agree – that’s my “Go To” too! However, nearly all of what I’ve carved that way gets covered over later by either rock castings or sawdust/glue “ground” – so finesse is not an issue for me. On the cost of blades, you guys with easy access to Harbour Freight @ 49 or so have it made in the shade – if that is a “Per blade” cost?  The ones I use come in a dispenser pack of 5 for $4.01 taxes in.
One other foam tip, for what it is worth. When it comes time to sweep up all of the static-infused strips, a light mist from a water bottle neutralizes the static and makes it much easier to sweep up.
– thanks for that tip. I’d toyed with the idea of a clothing static spray – but didn’t want to be breathing that in. Since the ironing board is at the other end of the room, I can just use the water spray there. (yes the iron is a steam iron. But we don’t use that feature.) – but I don’t sweep more than I absolutely must – I have had our house vacuum parked down here since the start of the “foam season”. And yes, I do use the dreaded beaded stuff for sub-structure layers that have minimal carving required. And yes, Ulrich you are correct, the bits get “where no man has gone before” so to speak and we wish to avoid the wrath of our dearly beloved!

Ulrich: Thanks for posting the Croc video –(and several more since)  I hadn’t picked up on that sloping top to the tunnel portal before – is that usual for Swiss mountain lines? Also very glad Spring is with you – we are frigid here and waiting for the mess over Ray:to hit us Tuesday/Wed – or maybe ours is different and his will get us before the Tues/Wed nasty. ( Wednesday morning update – we dodged yet another bullet; the storm was very quickly past turning to rain after only 6 or 7 hours of snow. It’s still blowing a little bit, but there is only a smear of slush left in the driveway and the sun is shining now and then – Great relief!)

angelob: Thanks for the bridges-on-grades link. Just what I needed to know. My Atlas viaduct kit was in the mail Monday, and now surgery to reduce the parts to 3 arches and slimmed down for Z track under way. Yeah

I never really thought I would need all these things.
  Life’s like that – putting in the infrastructure takes time I find. Like much work was needed to cut and glue in supports for the large slab of foam which is the next layer on my “castle hill” I did get the slab installed in time for its glue to conveniently dry overnight. So the final slab on which the castle will sit can go on next. Here’s the situation right now  I can’t add the final slab until I know just where the bridge I’m making will land on the further bank of the stream, and at what height the track will be there. When I know that I can build the grage up to that final slab and put it on.

I was encouraged by the grades being spoken about in that bridges-on-grades article as mine is a nominal 3% which is what Peco advised for their Marklin 0-6-0 / N3n body shell combo. I know I can get away with sharper than that if I have to, but the bridge will be 3%.

Steven- How bad does snowstorms get? To show a empty gerocery store. It's not like a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake evacuations.
Folks seem to think that the end of the world is about to happen whenever a storm of any decent size is forecast here. Grocery stores especially get crowded – but it is rare for a shelf emptying to happen.

Ken: That’s a lot of pink foam – when did you do that? What does it look like now?

Rob:

Question: What would be a good solution for bridges, viaducts, etc, to use with HO scale Unitack, seeing as they don't offer any? Also, is there anything pre-build that would line up OK with the Unirack, once the connecting tabs are cut away? Thanks for any suggestions!
  Atlas do a good 4 arch stone viaduct kit in N – maybe they also do a HO version? Might be worth a look.My 2 Cents

YGW:

der - Vitals ? You all have vitals up north ? Heck I thought vitals could be found only in the south eats states !
– ah, but perhaps you forget that many of those expressions are based in Jolly Old England, whence the forebears of both populations, in part, emigrated. Smile, Wink & Grin (Beside your “Cajuns” being originally “Acadians” being from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia)  – and the border is porous, allowing at least language to flow back and forth.

Bradford Dave:and Jeremy B: Do you have access to TVO (TV Ontario)? They are presently running a series “Full Steam Ahead – How the Railways changed Britain.”   We saw the first episode the other day and would recommend your looking for it.I’ve kept it on the PVR since it has great detail footage on the 24” slate railway in north Wales – and much else besides.

Looks like it’s lunchtime – a veggie omelet, fries and black tea should do well thanks Janie. TTFN.

 
 

"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 8:02 AM

Well we have hired a landscape company who does snow removal during winter and is the nephew to our neighbor to come but he's broken two snow blower s already, he's going to try replacing a sheer pin with a bolt to try again.

He's trying our neighbor first but it's packed at the end of the road by the plow which finally plowed the street 

One neighbor up the road is walking to work, not sure where he works but..He figured better than trying to find his car and driving.

We'll see what happens next....

- g

-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.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 7:21 AM

Bill - good to see you in here!

Here is the short video of our morning visitors:

Please excuse the poor quality/shaky pictures. It was filmed from a distance of about 150 yards & I didn´t have the time to get my tripod out.

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: IN/USA
  • 2,495 posts
Posted by wetidlerjr on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 6:12 AM

Good morning! Cool

Bill Tidler Jr.

Near a cornfield in Indiana...

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 5:31 AM

angelob6660

Evening Diners,

When I ended my post it was on page 7. It didn't start on page 8. AAAHHHHH!!!!!

I whether be in the east coast in the snow than being burned by the hot sun in the desert with no air conditioning.

 

 

So BUY an air conditioner, OR come and shovel my snow...I'll letcha!

35" is a LOT of snow to shovel.....and WHERE To PUT IT remains a mystery.

 

SHeesh some people are never happy.....

Whistling

 

-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.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 5:27 AM

HEY RAY!!!!

I sent you a PM on here with the email addy for my Schmartz phoney so I can send you some snow pics to post here in the diner for me if you would ......

Tx

Storm

-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.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 5:04 AM

Good morning

Groan, it's snowing again, this time it's throwing lake effect being thrown at us.Storm

Travel ban still in effect for my county. Binghamton city opens at 6 am but city buses aren't running.

Schools and businessess and such are closed again.

But we have power and heat.

  • KEN Ken KEN: next time call YOUR 911:
  • They will either put you in touch with the other area's 911
  • Or they will contact the other 911 and relay your message
  • Just be as detailed as you can as to location and symptoms
  • So now for any​one you know what to do to call another area's 911

Today will be digging out.

Maybe later I will email message Howmus RAY and he can post some pics for me if he will!

Well after some oatmeal, we have to find the drive way, and find two vehicles. I have NO IDEA WHERE we will PUT IT. { please don't tell me to put it where the sun don't shine, it WON'T melt there!}

It will be day light soon

Moving 3 feet/ one meter of snow will be fun. Yippee. I'd call a snow removal company. But they will be very busy with commercial account s this morning.

Hope all are warm and safe and prayers for those in need.

-g

-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.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 4:29 AM

Good Morning!

Yet another beautiful day in the old country! When I woke up this morning and took a look out of our dining area window, I saw our little herd of dear peacefully grazing in the early morning sun. A little later they had settle down to digest their breakfast and enjoy the sunshine.

What a way to start the day!

Janie, just a bowl of muesli and a cup of coffee for me, please!

I made a short video of our morning visitors, which I will upload later in the day!

There was a post about a hump yard operation in the layout section of this forum and, IIRC, someone stated that building an operating hump yard in HO scale could not be done.

Well, it can be done and here is the proof!

I´ll be be back later, folks!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,618 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 11:13 PM

angelob6660
When I ended my post it was on page 7. It didn't start on page 8. AAAHHHHH!!!!!

I have had a few problems getting to the last page of the Diner over the past couple of days. Sometimes it said that there were five pages when there were actually six. Computers!Bang HeadAngrySighLaughLaugh

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    May 2012
  • 1,855 posts
Posted by angelob6660 on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 10:17 PM

Evening Diners,

When I ended my post it was on page 7. It didn't start on page 8. AAAHHHHH!!!!!

I whether be in the east coast in the snow than being burned by the hot sun in the desert with no air conditioning.

Modeling the G.N.O. Railway, The Diamond Route.

Amtrak America, 1971-Present.

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