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Jeffrey's Track Side Diner for the month of June. This time we are exploring Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota Locked

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Posted by Steven Otte on Friday, June 26, 2020 2:00 PM

jrwetidler

Good evening to all I was "in the neighborhood" so to speak so I thought that I would say "Hi!' to you fine people. I hope all is well and you stay that way. 

Cool

 

Welcome to the Forums, JR, and to the Diner! Since you're new and your post was moderated, some people might have missed it. So, hang out and have a coffee with the gang (or whatever your particular poison is). You'll find them a friendly bunch!

EDIT: Top of the page means the vittles are on me. Let's get some grilling practice in for next weekend! Burgers, hot dogs, and beans all around!

--
Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editor
sotte@kalmbach.com

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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Friday, June 26, 2020 2:06 PM

jrwetidler

Good evening to all I was "in the neighborhood" so to speak so I thought that I would say "Hi!' to you fine people. I hope all is well and you stay that way. 

Cool

 

Is that you, Bill?

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"

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Posted by York1 on Friday, June 26, 2020 3:07 PM

jrwetidler
 Good evening to all I was "in the neighborhood" so to speak so I thought that I would say "Hi!' to you fine people. I hope all is well and you stay that way. 

 

Welcome to the Diner! I must have skipped over your post last night, or I would have welcomed you sooner.

York1 John       

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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, June 26, 2020 3:32 PM

Welcome JRBig Smile

 

 

TF

 

P.S.  Looks like my kinda burger Steve-OYes Dinner

 

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Friday, June 26, 2020 4:58 PM

Tinplate Toddler

 

 
jrwetidler

Good evening to all I was "in the neighborhood" so to speak so I thought that I would say "Hi!' to you fine people. I hope all is well and you stay that way. 

Cool

 

 

 

Is that you, Bill?

 

 

Ulrich ... I think you may be correct .  The screen name does look like Bill T of Indiana. 

Hello Bill 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by BigDaddy on Friday, June 26, 2020 5:51 PM

Ulrich, if you are only responsible for the last 3 generations, you are doing better than those of us on this side of the pond.  I'm responsible for 300 years before any of my ancestors arrived.

My wife's hearing, which went bad in one ear 3 or 4 months ago, has gone bad again.  They started her on steroid and with no improvement, today, she got steroids injected directy through her ear drum. 

At the thought of that, I don't know that I could have held still.  I was not allowed to accompany her.  she said there was about 90 seconds of severe dizziness.

I spoke to my friend with MS yesterday.  She has had it for 12 years.  Several times she could not complete a thought because she could not remember a word, phrase or a name.   She apologized for her "MS Brain"  It broke my heart, because it is much worse than a year ago. 

When I did my neurology rotation, the Chairman of the department said there would be a cure for MS in 5 years.  That was 43 years ago.  Sad

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by cudaken on Friday, June 26, 2020 5:53 PM

 Eveing Diners

 Flo, give the gang and I a Beer please and Dirk a Milk Bone.

 It is hot today! I did some running and bing cheap I did not run the A/C in the car. MY goal is to stay above 20 MPG  I got 21.4 with a lot of parking and backing up.

 Sent the BLI Shark back to BLI today. They should have it Monday. Looking forward to getting it back. Need to send Ed something next week so back to the post offices.

 Time for a new grass trimer. My little B&D 20 volt works fine, problem is it is to short for my 6'3" frame. Kills my back because I have to bend over to use it. Found a couple at Home Depote that are much taller between $120 and $170 range and are battery powered.

 Time to sit out with Drik so later.

 Ken and Dirk says Woof, Woof.

I hate Rust

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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Friday, June 26, 2020 6:02 PM

BigDaddy
I spoke to my friend with MS yesterday. She has had it for 12 years.

Petra´s aunt had MS. She fought for over 20 years and finally succumbed to the disease. It was heartbreaking to see her get worse week by week. Her death was a blessing at the end.

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"

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Posted by saronaterry on Friday, June 26, 2020 7:18 PM

Holy cow!!

Hi Bill!

 

Terry

Terry in NW Wisconsin

Queenbogey715 is my Youtube channel

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, June 26, 2020 8:19 PM

Heartland Division CB&Q
Kevin ..... Our train group here was planning a trip to Bowling Green and to the KY Ry Museum, but we suspended plans due to the virus. Too bad, we did not coordinate a get-together there. We are also thinking of including My Old Kentucky Dinner Train in Bardstown

Garry: This trip has been very unplanned. I expected to be in Ohio on Thursday, but I am not needed there yet. So, I changed hotels and bounced into Kentucky to hit a couple of museums I have missed in past travels.

In both Train Park and the Kentucky Railroad Museum, I was the only person there. No virus transmission if I am all alone.

I am in Indianapolis tonight, another unplanned stop. If I am not needed tomorrow, I will hit Train Central in Indianapolis, then visit an old friend in Lafayette.

I left in such a hurry I forgot the cord for my camera, so I cannot even share any pictures.

We have been eating drive-through only. After eating very healthy for the past four quarantine months, my innards are quite upset with this nasty food.

We also have not been antiquing, which s also very out of character for us while travelling.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by herrinchoker on Friday, June 26, 2020 9:15 PM

Ulrich,

My neighbor has MS. I took some food over to him today, his ability to cook stops with a can opener, and Dinty-Moore Beef Stew in a can.

Last week his wife, (the family cook), fell out of the barn while she was throwing down bales of hay for the horses, and at present is in a body cast at Maine Medical, in Portland.

The two of us fished together in the winter time, he was owner/master of the Janet Renee, I was the owner/master of the Wendy and Jason. We both fished alone, so during the winter shrimp season we would fish in sight of each other, giving us the ability to render assistence if needed.

Phil has had MS for several years now, and I had not seen him since this past December. I was supprised when I saw him today, his physical condition has declined to an alarming extent, and was very sad to see. He will be 84 this next month, at my age, that is still young. Funny how perception of age changes with advancing years. My oldest brother will hit 96 next month. He still cuts about 1 1/2 acres of lawn, and rides a shaft drive BMW to Fredericksburg,(Texas) to grocery shop, about 18 mi. one way from his house) (He wears a full helmet and visor so "the cops can't see how old I am")

Have had a few passing showers, temp. hit 93 on one day, rest of the time been in the mid 80s---summer?? 

Pup is 10 months old, weighs 74 pounds now, not an ounce of fat anywhere. Barbara took her down to the cove today, didn't think she would ever come out of the water. If the water wasn't 58 deg. I probably would have joined her.

Best to all, prayers to those in need----

herrinchoker

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Posted by gmpullman on Friday, June 26, 2020 9:43 PM

Overheard at your model railroad:

"Naw — real railroads wouldn't run into a building on a sharp curve like that!"

Susie-Q in a tight spot Whistling

Note the old crossing tower in the distance, and the boy on the sidewalk to the left (4:00) doesn't even give a curious look?

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by hon30critter on Friday, June 26, 2020 10:31 PM

Herrinchoker,

Sorry to hear about your friends deterioration and about his wife's fall. That doesn't bode well for her future or his, unfortunately. Sounds like she was pretty tough though. Throwing bales of hay in her 80s!

Ed,

Thanks for the video of the Susquehana (sp?) switcher operating in a tight space. I noticed that when it was coming back out that they had to goose the throttle to keep it moving. Very entertaining!

Dave

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

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Friday, June 26, 2020 11:57 PM

Howdy ..... Another Twin Cities train: 

Milwaukee Road's Hiawatha pasenger trains operated from Chicago to the Twin Cities via Milwaukee. They were fast trains. The 1935 Hiawatha had streamlined 4-4-2 locomotives. 

 

 

In the 1950's the Hiawatha had "Super Dome" cars and "Sky Top Lounge" observation cars. 

 

I recall ridimg on the Hiawatha as a kid from Chicago to and from the Wisconsin Dells. I did ride in the Super Dome, and it was very nice. 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Saturday, June 27, 2020 5:20 AM

Lunchtime!

I´ll be going for a double cheeseburger, fries and a Beer, please!

I am in state of some kind of shock. I have put way too much hope and emotion into that move to Denmark. Giving it up leaves a big black hole at the moment. I am sure I´ll be able to fill it up one day, though!

Ride with me the Kangra Valley line in India!

This video is part of a series of videos on Indian mountain railways, filmed by German television in 2011. They did a nice job!

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"

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Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, June 27, 2020 7:30 AM

Good morning

A nice cool morning to start in Bloomington, Minnesota.  I've been enjoying it with my coffee since 6:00.  The heat is moving in with high humidity today and it looks like it's going to be here a while.

Sorry to hear about the many health issues.  My thaughts and prayers go out as well.

Ulrich, I'm bummed things didnt pan out for you with the house but it was good to see you end in a positive note in your comments.  Things will come round for you and Petra eventuallyYes

Kevin,  Your travel sounds like something we need to do.  We plan on it as soon we get trough our mishap and put things behind us a bit.  I like nothing better than getting out on the open road.  We plan on going to South Dakota to see the Faces and the Bad Lands as soon as judy can get the time from work.  Stay safe.

Garry thanks for the pics.  I will post a picture of the Hiawatha you rode on when you were young.  I seen it last summer in Hopkins, Minnesota and will post it here in just a few minutes.

 

Part of the front and part of the back.  I was more interested in the locomotives at the time.  I knew the name of these locomotives but since have forgotten.

It was an Excursion full of passengers, picking people up and dropping people off.  The train had to navigate back and forth quite often at its stops to switch lines.  They put a locomotive in the rear for safety from what I was told.

 

Have a great day everyoneWink

 

TF

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Posted by CNCharlie on Saturday, June 27, 2020 10:14 AM

Good Morning,

There is a Heat Warning here as it is supposed to hit 90F with a humidex of about 95. I know for some of you such heat is normal but for us it is fairly rare. 

Another grocery run today and then over to deliver my MIL's portion. 

My brass loco is in transit and will be delivered on Monday. I can't believe I spent that much on a loco. My wife thinks I'm losing my marbles at times and perhaps she is right or maybe it is the heat. I think being stuck indoors a lot has something to do with it too. 

Ulrich, sorry to hear that you are giving up moving to Denmark. We were planning on moving from Winnipeg to Vancouver Island at one point but gave up on the idea. The logistics were substantial and it would have meant moving into a condo. That is something my wife would not have liked at all as she likes her privacy and her garden. So here we are in a city my wife dislikes a lot. I don't think it is that bad but I tend to be a lot more optimistic than her about most things. 

Well nearly time to head out the door. 

CN Charlie

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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Saturday, June 27, 2020 10:29 AM

Good Afternoon!

Petra is in the kitchen preparing supper for us, so I have some free time. We have been discussing the issue up and down and have come to the mutual conclusion, that moving any place outside Germany or Austria would not a wise thing to do. The main reason is the language barrier - we both feel too old to learn a new language. Another issue is the public health service, which has proven it´s worth not only in these trying times of a pandemic. Getting an appointment with an eye doctor and going for surgery the next day without having to rob a bank is something hard to be found elsewhere. The state of our society is rather pitiful, but other EU countries are not much different. Seems to be a general trend in the western world. I won´t elaborate the subject here.

Now we have to find that niche we can hide in to live in peace and quiet - I wish I already knew where to look for what.

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"

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Posted by York1 on Saturday, June 27, 2020 10:32 AM

Good morning.

Hot and humid today, just like every other summer day here.

Today's a good day to watch a few movies on TV in a room with the shades down.

York1 John       

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, June 27, 2020 11:51 AM

I just found out I need to get over to Ohio for my sister.

It is after check-out time, so I will be leaving in the morning.

I am meeting an old friend for dinner in Lafayette this evening. I have known him since we were in 8th grade. I believe he is my oldest friend. He is a professor at Perdue and always had interesting stories.

It is dismal, raining, and cold in Indianapolis right now.

Not looking forward to the next few days.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, June 27, 2020 1:54 PM

SeeYou190

Not looking forward to the next few days.

 

 

I must have missed one of your beginning posts before your travel Kevin.  Your latest don't sound good.  My thoughts are with you friend.

 

 

TF

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Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, June 27, 2020 4:50 PM

A beautiful day today with nothing to do and all day to do it.  I drove over to Hopkins late morning to take a pic of TC&W I've heard a few of you speak of.  She wasn't there.  In fact the whole line was dug up with piles of steel beams, cranes and excavation equipment.

I remember last year someone told me they were planning to construct a grade and radious line joining the intertersecting line above.  It will be interesting to eventually see what they use all the steel for.  

I followed the tracks over towards Hiawatha trying to find TC&W.  I didnt find her.  Well,  I looked.

I did get some pics of Hiawatha grain elevators for you though.

They are so long you could not possibly fit them in one picture unless you happen to have a spare helicopter on you.  And to think this facility is much smaller than Rahr in Shakopee.

A view down the center for you.  I'm sure one would only get away with this on a Saturday or a Sunday.

 

 

PH

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Posted by York1 on Saturday, June 27, 2020 5:18 PM

Grain elevators -- Kansas has several that argue over whether or not they are the largest.

This one in Hutchinson claims the title, but there are others that say they're larger.  I guess some say largest, some say longest, some say one set of silos, not several, etc.

All-in-all, we on the plains states don't have a lot to claim, so the size of grain elevators can leading to bragging rights.

 

York1 John       

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Posted by York1 on Saturday, June 27, 2020 5:22 PM

Like I said, we don't have a lot going on out here, so one town near me claims the world's largest porch swing.  It's not on a porch, but that doesn't stop them from claiming it and having fun promoting it.  Hebron, Nebraska:

 

York1 John       

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Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, June 27, 2020 5:22 PM

Hi John

You do realize that is a computer image I'm sure.  Show me the real image pleaseWhistlingSmile, Wink & Grin

 

 

TF

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Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, June 27, 2020 5:28 PM

And here I risk my life driving over to Minneapolis to take a picture of the Hiawatha grain elevators for youPirate and all I get is a slap in the face Instead of a thank you LaughLaughSad

 

 

Smile, Wink & GrinTF

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Posted by York1 on Saturday, June 27, 2020 5:44 PM

Track fiddler

Hi John

You do realize that is a computer image I'm sure.  Show me the real image pleaseWhistlingSmile, Wink & Grin

 TF

 

Hey, I don't claim them!  I just report!  Wink

 

By the way, aren't days like this great?  I hope your coming weeks are better than what you've had lately.

 

Now, if you really want to argue, let's talk about the world's largest ball of twine!

https://www.wideopencountry.com/biggest-ball-of-twine/

 

 

York1 John       

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Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, June 27, 2020 5:53 PM

Today was a great day John, I agree.  We just got done sitting outside until the humidity soaked in enough, then went back inside to 73 degrees.  Can't beat it.

I have not seen that ball of twine before.  I do remember a giant ball of rubber banders though.  Look up the world's largest pencil.  You'll get a kick out of that one.  Especially if you find the site that explains the construction of it.

 

 

TF

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Posted by BigDaddy on Saturday, June 27, 2020 6:07 PM

Lots of humidity and thunderstorms, just when I wanted to grill steaks.
My neighbor has a ocean front condo and he told his dog 'we are going to the beach', meaning their OC condo.  The dog took off at top speed and jumped into the river.

 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, June 27, 2020 6:20 PM

Speaking of twine, I have a little story for you John.  I've been known to do some crazy things sometimes.  Judy had a huge ceramic vase.  It was a gift from me and a rather expensive one.  It was one of her most favorite things.

We had a black shepherd.  He was a good watch dog.  Magnum looked like a wolf, rather scary looking, intimidating to most.  I know you know what's coming next.

We had a front door with one of those big oval windows in it.  Someone came to the door he didn't like and when he ran around the corner he knocked the ceramic vase over and broke it into a hundred pieces.

Judy was very sad she wasn't getting another ceramic vase. Instead I made her one out of a cement sono tube and OSB splines and 13 300 foot spools of twine.

There was 20 feet of twine left over after I wrapped this vase for her.  3880 feet of twine and you should have seen my bloody fingertips after days of wrapping it.  I had a spindle screwed down to an old table.

 

 

TF

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