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Jeffrey's Trackside Diner: JUNE 2024! Locked

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  • Member since
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  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Sunday, June 30, 2024 5:26 PM

richhotrain

Thanks for posting this, John, for those of us who no longer subscribe to the magazine.

Rich

How many of are actually left as active members of the forum?  I don't think it's a lot anymore.  It's still a valuable resource, but the  months of technical problems haven't helped, and the uncertainty of new ownership has added more uncertainty. 

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

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Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, June 30, 2024 8:56 AM

Good morning

Have a good time on your get-a-way John.

 

We had fun spending time with family yesterday for my Niece's Birthday. 

My Great Niece Ce-Ce just became an entrepreneur at the age of 8.  She makes friendship bracelets out of rubber bands, and sells them from her little stand on the sidewalk.  She can tie these things off in about 10-15 minutes

 

She's very dedecated, as she made $57 dollars last week.  We bought her a big umbrella, so she doesn't get too much sun, and also picked up more supplies from Hobby Lobby. 

Quite the little business lady, as she's now selling lemonaid in an attempt to double her sales.  We're all quite proud of herBow

 

  Gettyimages

 

Have a good relaxing Sunday gentlemenSmile

 

TF

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Posted by up831 on Sunday, June 30, 2024 6:02 AM

Hi Everyone,

Ill be happy to move the diner.

Gotta run.

Less is more,...more or less!

Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)

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  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Sunday, June 30, 2024 5:53 AM

York1

I just got the August issue of Model Railroader.

There was a column from the new owner.

In addition to his commitment to the paper magazines, he also said:

 

"Rest assured, we plan to keep the forums, but our roadmap includes significant upgrades to ensure their stability and functionality with more modern aesthetics and experience."

 

What I would like to see is Craig Fuller join this forum and talk to those of us who have stuck around during all of this nonsense. 

Thanks for posting this, John, for those of us who no longer subscribe to the magazine. I sure would like to hear directly from the new owner on this forum.

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by "JaBear" on Sunday, June 30, 2024 5:18 AM

 Brush by Bear, on Flickr

Seriously those brushes look promising, though I do wonder if the bristles are too coarse, and with their length, a bit too flexible? That said, if there was a flexibility issue, there are several fixes that could be employed.
If you don’t mind, please keep us informed as to how it works out, Ed.
 
Hope you have a pleasant break York1John,your absence may lift the hoodoo you seem to put on my Forum access!! Wink Whistling
 
Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them. Kia Kaha.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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  • From: Flyover Country
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Posted by York1 on Saturday, June 29, 2024 8:42 PM

I just got the August issue of Model Railroader.

There was a column from the new owner.

In addition to his commitment to the paper magazines, he also said:

 

"Rest assured, we plan to keep the forums, but our roadmap includes significant upgrades to ensure their stability and functionality with more modern aesthetics and experience."

York1 John       

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Posted by maxman on Saturday, June 29, 2024 8:54 AM

Track fiddler

Post Hog!

 

 
gmpullman

 

Somebody's got a new side hustle going on —

 Brass Wire Brush by Edmund, on Flickr

 

 

LaughLaughLaugh

Good one Ed, I've always known Dick to be a little course around the edgesWhistling...Smile, Wink & Grin

 

TF

 

Of course I'm coarse.

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Posted by York1 on Saturday, June 29, 2024 8:50 AM

Good morning, everyone.  This will be my last post for a while (quit cheering!!), we are headed south for a while.  Most people go north in the summer.  No one has accused us of being too smart.

Bear and David, it's good to hear from you.  I haven't had any issues with photos lately, and the forum now loads faster than it ever has for me.  Just lucky I guess.

I think the diner will be in a good spot to see all the differents kinds of reefers.  I don't have any on my layout.

Since I have been working on buildings so much, I think that after I finish the building I'm now on, I am going to try my hand at working on some train cars.  I have never built one or even put decals on one.  I'm thinking of coming up with a railroad name and getting some custom decals printed.  I also want to change some trucks on some of my cars -- I haven't attempted that, either.  I'm not sure how difficult it will be working on N cars, but I'm going to find out.

Hope everyone is doing OK.  I'll be away from all electronic connections (including my phone) so I will look forward to hearing from all of you in a week or two.  Have a great Saturday.

 

 

Photo by Mike Falls

https://railroadsignals.us/signals/color/index.htm

York1 John       

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Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, June 29, 2024 8:30 AM

Post Hog!

gmpullman

 

Somebody's got a new side hustle going on —

 Brass Wire Brush by Edmund, on Flickr

LaughLaughLaugh

Good one Ed, I've always known Dick to be a little course around the edgesWhistling...Smile, Wink & Grin

 

TF

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Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, June 29, 2024 8:04 AM

Good morning

The Bear
 
 Counting sheep by Bear, on Flickr

LaughLaughLaugh
 
 
 
Thanks for the encouragement Bear, as it helps.  I've been discouraged more than a few times.  I've already learned, after study for more than a better part of the day, to get it down to just a couple hours. 
 
These 3 code books, (each half as thick as the phone books of the 70s), and 3 study guides, just as thick, can become a bit overwhelming at times.  I'm determined and sticking with it though.
 

The Bear
Unfortunately, here, if a university degree is required, then that’s it! It’s why there are young guys with university degrees and virtually no dirt under their finger nails “pretending” to be inspectors. 
 

 
Well spoken, but a bit saddening how much truth goes along with that statement.
 
Reminds me of a time of my youth, enjoying fishing off the dock with my old timer friend Leo.  He was always interesting to listen to, along with his wise words.  The statement he once said, was exactly along the same lines as the statement you made. 
 
He said  "In the 40s and 50s, a position of authority was given to a life experienced Tradesman, best suited for the position, as someone who gained decades of knowledge through time and dedication.  Now-a-days, the position is given to a graduate, who has a piece of paper behind his pocket protector, and doesn't have a clue how the real world works".
 
 
 
  Gettyimages
 
 
Enjoy you Saturday everyoneSmile
 
 
 
TF
  • Member since
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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, June 29, 2024 7:24 AM

 

Somebody's got a new side hustle going on —

 Brass Wire Brush by Edmund, on Flickr

My intent is to make a 'jumbo-sized' version of the Kadee Speedy wheel cleaner. I tried using mine a few days ago and had trouble getting it to cooperate. So I thought a pair of these 'Bear Toothbrushes' placed on a board with a thin styrene divider then a bare copper wire threaded through might just do the trick. The trouble with the Kadee model is that it concentrated on one axle at a time where as these longer brushes might contact the whole truck or driver assembly.

Stay tuned...

 Clear Signal by Don Kalkman, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Saturday, June 29, 2024 6:14 AM
Gidday Chloe and fellow Diners, if this comes across a bit disjointed it’s because I started writing this a week ago, and now I’m trying to cover many topics!
 
Winter is supposed to be my quiet time but it has proved otherwise of late. In someways I blame the first Chief Engineer who hired me. One of his pearls of wisdom was, “Aircraft sitting in our hanger don’t make us money” and it is something I took on board. He was also a Great Manager by wandering around, though I’ve not heard it phrased that way before. He was also very good at “Leading by example” which I also firmly believe in and try to follow.
 
The local aero club was in abeyance for some years, and three years ago was gifted a Cessna 172 to get started again. Initially a lot of “Experts” and “Would be if they could be” types came out of the woodwork and promptly made some very bad decisions, some self-serving, which nearly forced the Club under again. One decision was ridiculous, they were only going to fly one Sunday a month! What that was supposed to achieve, I don’t know, but about the same time, 18 months ago the President got control and a local dairy farmer who had been an instructor came on board, and the Club now has 20+ active students, and weather permitting, is flying three days a week. Having only one aircraft, does keep me on my toes, especially if “heavy” maintenance is required, and last week was such a week, By the time I got home, had tea, a quick browse of the Diners goings on, and a shower, it was definitely my bed time!!! It appears I’m not as young and bulletproof as I once was!
 
Mike, I’m pleased you daughter enjoyed her time in Peru. I’ve never been able to understand ffolks who go abroad but don’t want to experience the local culture. Good on her!!
 
My Mum was a primary school teacher (5 to 12 year olds) and maintained that it was the principal who set the “tone” of the school, and we found the same when our kids went to school, so I suspect York1John, that you’re selling yourself short.
 
Well done Mr.TF. Book bashing was never my strong suite and it only got worse the older I got. It’s good to see that all your experience with a trade licence is being taken into consideration. Unfortunately, here, if a university degree is required, then that’s it! It’s why there are young guys with university degrees and virtually no dirt under their finger nails “pretending” to be inspectors. I very rarely “lose” to them, but they can make life difficult, and take up too much time that could be spent on other things, like sleep! Hope the study and exams go well for you.
 
Geez Batman, you could make me cry!!!! I know that sometimes one can’t compare apples to apples but here fresh NZ salmon fillets are around Canadian$25.00 per pound!! Far too steep for this Bear!! However, I’ve never had a problem baking salmon fillets in the oven. My favourite way is to marinate them in a mixture of lemon juice, finely chopped parsley, wholegrain mustard, and salt and ground black pepper to suit. Always comes out with a crisp skin and moist!
 
Dave and David, thinking of your health issues.
 
 Wonton Tacos???!! An American work colleague introduced me to Tex/Mex food 35+ years ago, which I like, but Thai/Mex, that’s new to me, looks pretty tasty though.
 
maxman
Why do I think Maxman makes for a difficult audience??!!  
No, not really.  My criteria is pretty simple.  If I can hum the tune or any parts thereof in the shower, I probably like it.
 
That’s a pretty reasonable criteria, but I’d find it far too restrictive and would be chucking out the majority of my music collection, if I was to adhere to it. That said music is very subjective, while I have a fairly catholic taste in music, it still depends on what mood I’m in, and what I’m doing. Riveting to Chopin’s Funeral March is not really a happening thing! And don’t mention “Country and Western!!!Ick!
 
So, I don’t expect all ffolks to appreciate this, but this is representative of what I’ve been listening to while finishing off my current crop of paperwork.
 
 
Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them. Kia Kaha.
 
Cheers, the Bear. Smile
 
 Counting sheep by Bear, on Flickr

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Saturday, June 29, 2024 4:34 AM

 Bear repellent by Bear, on Flickr

Smile, Wink & Grin

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

  • Member since
    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, June 28, 2024 5:42 PM

Evening

I'm hoping your right David.  Sometimes sixth sense kicks in after a while, that needs to be found, unfound at best.

 

It was a Heck of a day at sea Sir!

Had to go shopping with Judy on her day off, for our Nieces Birthday Party tomorrow.  Not only for gifts for her, but had to pick up a few for our Great Niece CeCe tooIndifferent

Somewhere in between, a proper nap was taken, as I'm sure our friend Craig probably would have done too, ...after all of thatWhistling

 

The Bears nap time Pic courtesy of TF

 

Seven stores into it earlier.  At least she took me out to Applebee's for Wonton Taco's, and a couple of Beers laterPirate  Ya got to keep-em happy, but so do they dang it! Laugh

 

TF

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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, June 28, 2024 5:30 PM

Two days struggling to post.

Other Forums I am on,  no problems

Maybe Brother Lion has same challenges.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Friday, June 28, 2024 2:47 PM

Hi up831,

I think that doing reefers for July is a great idea! Just think of all that ice!!!

Are you willing to move the Diner? My computer is on the fritz and I can't do it from my cell phone.

Cheers!!

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 York1 on Friday, June 28, 2024 9:02 AM

Good morning on TGIF.  Chloe, I'll have bacon, eggs, and coffee, please.

It's a beautiful morning out, but we're a little disappointed the predicted rain didn't appear.  The center pivot irrigation systems are all running. Expensive but necessary.

The field south of my house has the corn about six feet tall now.  The seed companies will be sending out the detasseling crews after the 4th of July.  It's a chance for middle school-age kids to make some great money in the summer.  It's hot, wet, muddy work and long days, but each kid can make over a thousand dollars for two weeks' work.

When my daughters turned 12, they each were on detasseling crews.  I'd be up at 4:45 a.m. to make their lunches, and they'd be up by 5:00 to get ready.  We had to be at the bus by 5:30 for them to get out to the fields.  By 2:00 p.m., they'd be straggling home covered with mud and with arms sliced by the corn leaves.  We'd wash all the clothes and start over again the next day.  But ... the money was great for them to buy school clothes and to have spending money.

Corn is the entire economy out here, and the cattle that are fed the corn are not that far away.

I'm very happy the forum seems to be working so much better.  I was able to get in this morning almost instantly, and every thread I click on comes up quickly.  I hope it continues.

Have a great Friday everyone.

 

https://railroadsignals.us/

York1 John       

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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, June 28, 2024 5:05 AM

Good morning

CNCharlie

TF, have you been out in your 'stang' lately now that the nice weather has arrived? 

Hope Lion checks in soon especially as Wildebeest is on the menu.  

Hi Charlie, I've had her out a couple times in between studying and all the rainy days.  My preferred river runs are all flooded, so sticking to higher ground.

My oldest daughter went for a ride and a picnic with me earlier this week.  A few weeks ago was Zimmerman's annual Car & Carnival show that was kinda fun.  Judy likes the Tilt-A-Whirl and talks me into it every timeLaugh

How about you, did you and the wife get your pond up and running, and all your planting off to a good start this Spring?

 

I'm hoping the Lion will stop by for the Wildebeest Special at the Diner as well.

Roar! YouTube

 

Welcome to the weekend everyoneSmile

 

TF

  • Member since
    August 2007
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Posted by CNCharlie on Thursday, June 27, 2024 10:33 PM

Good Evening,

Expecting rain to start shortly but has been a pleasant day here, about 70F.

John, leaving a pet at a boarding facility is often stressful. We used to drive ours 2 1/2 hours and across a border when we travelled but they got to stay with our friends who were Westie breeders. They would run out of the car when we got there as they loved to be with our friends. 

TF, have you been out in your 'stang' lately now that the nice weather has arrived? 

Hope Lion checks in soon especially as Wildebeest is on the menu. 

Have a good night,

CN Charlie

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Posted by Track fiddler on Thursday, June 27, 2024 10:06 PM

LaughLaughLaugh

Whistling

 

TF

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Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, June 27, 2024 9:01 PM

You won't lose your kids very often at the National Zoo. They're on their own in the Lion House!

 Lost_Lion1 by Edmund, on Flickr

Roar!

 lion_1939 by Edmund, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by Track fiddler on Thursday, June 27, 2024 6:55 PM

Evening

Whale, I've noticed Him's reserved parking spot at the Diner has been MT for quite awhile.

 

If ewe could find a moment in him's bizzy schedule at the Abbey, ewe could stop by for a cup of coffee and just say Hi.  I'd be happy to buy ewe breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Brother Elias

 

TF

  • Member since
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  • From: Currently in Chicago area
  • 830 posts
Posted by up831 on Thursday, June 27, 2024 10:15 AM

Hi Everyone,

What is with the error messages, time-outs, etc?

It is getting close to time to move the diner.  How about refrigerator car operations?  They're colorful and there's lots of options to cover.

This month is still signals.  Back when I was a young man, I would often drive a stretch of highway between Hutchinson and McPherson Kansas.  The road paralleled a stretch of track that was part of the KC - Tucumcari run.  At the time it was owned by CRI&P.  It was later acquired by SSW (SP).  SP had been running fruit trains on that line for several years before they acquired it.  Anyway, the standard light on the signals was green, but if I saw a yellow light, a train was a lock or two ahead.  If the light was red, a train was in the block and I had the joy of seeing it.  I looked forward to those trips.  Simple thrills!

Less is more,...more or less!

Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)

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Posted by York1 on Thursday, June 27, 2024 10:04 AM

Good morning, diners.  Bacon, eggs, and coffee, please.

It's so nice to click on a forum thread and it comes right up.

I've been working on a scratchbuilt building for a long time now.  I believe I have the hardest part finished, which gives me some enthusiasm to keep at it.  I wish I had gotten to this point last winter while I had more time.  Procrastination is my middle name.

Today I'm trying to get more preparations done for the road trip.  The worst part is calling the vet to set up boarding for Cookie.  She hates being boarded, and it just about breaks our heart to take her in and leave her.  She always looks at us with those eyes that ask, "Why are you doing this to me?"

I continue to hope those of you with health issues get some relief and the promise of better days ahead.

Have a great day, everyone.

 

York1 John       

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,872 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Thursday, June 27, 2024 5:42 AM

Praying what we just experienced was a hard couple and not a derailment.

Mike

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Posted by York1 on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 8:34 PM

I just clicked on some posts on the Trains side of the forum and also on our MR side, and the screens all came up very fast -- faster than I can remember.  I don't want to jinx anything, but I have hope.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
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Posted by York1 on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 8:29 PM

Isn't this about the time the Kalmbach building had to be turned over to the new owners?  I can't remember the exact date, but I think it's getting close.

Maybe the forum is in the process of switching to different servers.

Or ...

York1 John       

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 8:16 PM

Yeah, what happened?  I've been unable to get in for two days.  Brand new error messages, and then a stream of old ones.

Did someone actually begin making improvements?  Sure, in my dreams.

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

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,908 posts
Posted by maxman on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 3:44 PM

Critical error -- now that's new.

TF please take your foot off the oxygen line.

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