Site Root

User: 1Roadmaster

1Roadmaster — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:44:00 GMT

User: edruss

edruss — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:27:00 GMT

Forum Post: RE: Model Railroading....a fine art?

galaxy — Sat, 18 May 2013 18:38:00 GMT

AS i am fond of doing, I have so done here:

that is to remind us what the Dictionary definition of terms we use actually IS:.

In this case, THe Webster's New American Dictionary defines "ART" as:

1} a skill acquired by experience or study;

2} a branch of learning, especially the humanities;

3} an occupation requiring knowledge or skill;

4} The use of skill and imagination in the production of things of beauty

If, and I say IF, we consider our models {defined as "being a miniature representation of something"} to be "things of beauty, then , by the fourth definition, it is ART.

What would they be if not?

If we do not consider them things of beauty, then maybe they are "just garbage"?? Would that be correct?? then why, oh why, do we keep them?

I would argue that even the worst of a "model" {lacking details, size disproportionate to reality} is a "thing of beauty" in its own right.

If scenery actually looks to be a "miniature representation {of nature and citified surroundings"}" then it would be a thing of beauty if we do consider nature and cityscape's to be "things of beauty".

To MY interpretation of the situation presented to us for "mental fodder", MRRING IS ART.

It is creating miniature things of beauty. Two accurate definitions combined.

Now that beauty, or lack thereof, may be in the eye of the beholder, and to some a Pike may just be "garbage" To others, a "thing of beauty".

I would rather err on the side of a "thing of beauty" rather than tell someone their hard work on a layout is "garbage", as, while I can't say I enjoy all forms of "ART", I do not shout "garbage" at a work just because I do not like it!

and some MRRers work IS downright "ART" in its creativity and execution as a "miniature representation of something {1:1}".

Forum Post: RE: Threw my first turnout from a PC last night!

BrianinBuffalo — Sat, 18 May 2013 18:38:00 GMT

I just recently set up the JMRI panel (after working through a tutorial) to throw 3 NCE KAT-Switches on my Scenic Ridge layout. I know the feeling.

Forum Post: RE: One year later (sleep thread)

jeffhergert — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:59:00 GMT

[quote user="CSSHEGEWISCH"]

After following this and several other threads, I've been dismayed by the adversial reactions of multiple forum members to the actions and reports of the National Transportation Safety Board. The role of the NTSB is that of accident prevention and the promotion of safe operation in various transport modes. It has little to no enforcement power and its reports are not admissible in court. It has no axe to grind and judging by the reactions on this forum, is not afraid to ruffle feathers.

Why is safety so controversial??

[/quote]

Why?

Probably because so often what begins in the name of "safety" turns out to be or is twisted into just another disciplinary tool. That some safety procedures have holes in them big enough to run a train through them. That some things done in the name of safety don't really make anyone safer, it just gives the appearance of being proactive on safety. Then if you dare question some of the more questionable aspects, someone (especially on on forums like this one) will just say you aren't for safety.

Jeff

"Uphill slow, downhill fast. Tonnage first, horsepower last. The rail is bad, the ties are worse. What's all this about safety first?"

Forum Post: Amtrak BOS - NYP cancellations

blue streak 1 — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:58:00 GMT

Amtrak announced 2 round trips from BOS - New Haven today (sat )

Reservations does not have anything yet available for Sunday or Monday.

Even though it would be almost 9 hrs to go BOS - ALB - NYP or opposite I cannot see why AMTRAK does not offer thru cars NYP - ALB - BOS using Lakeshore and Empire service ?. In fact maybe even running an extra section train ?

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Alert_C&pagename=am/AM_Alert_C/Alerts_Popup&cid=1251623842138

This is one more reason to have an alternate route BOS - NYP

Forum Post: RE: Elliot's Trackside Diner..MAY 2013!!

CNCharlie — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:54:00 GMT

Good Afternoon,

We are supposed to get rain here shortly but who knows as the weatherman has been saying that for the last 12 hours. With that forecast my wife and I have decided that we won't go anywhere today, just relax and likely watch more of our trip videos. We managed to get about 10 hours of taping which we find really brings back the memories of a trip. We first started taping our trips back in 1990 on a trip to France. Just watching those old 8mm tapes puts us right back into the time and place which I think is due to the sounds as much as the visual. Mind you its only been 3 weeks since we got back so I sure hope I haven't forgotten much or I'm in more trouble than I thought.

We had a great evening last night. We took the friends who looked after our house out to dinner. We went to 529 Wellington which is a really nice restaurant that specializes in beef. I had the roast version and it was fantastic.

To start off my day of doing nothing much I just watched a DVD I bought last weekend on Canadian steam that was shot largely in Winnipeg in the 1958. It was very good.

I did get the adddress and master volume programmed on my Pacific and now will fine tune the individual sounds. I don't think I should be hearing coal shoveling from across the layout but that is way with some of the novelty sounds. I turn such sounds down or off. The engine is a very good runner and just crawls at speed step 1 and that is without any adjustment and about 5 minutes of run time.

ONR fan, welcome. I've actually been to Millbrook a couple of times back in the mid '90s. I live in Winnipeg, by the way, and was there on business.

Well, time for lunch.

CN Charlie

Forum Post: RE: Media and Railroads

Paul of Covington — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:51:00 GMT

Semper, I feel the same way, but I try to refrain from commenting on it because I find myself getting all riled up, too. One thing I will comment on: I get a kick out of a news release that says, "He turned himself into police." That's a trick I would like to see.

I used to work on mainframe computers, and it never ceased to amaze me how some very intelligent, competent technicians could not compose a coherent sentence. The human mind is an amazing and mysterious thing.

Forum Post: RE: Coffee Pot #5 MAY 2013 TEN years [April 1 is Anniv.] and going strong and its for all to chat. Plenty of coffee and sweet ice tea for all. Come and join us and chat. Grits for the Yanks.

SPMan — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:42:00 GMT

Kev, prayers for that lovable precious little grandaughter of yours. I just want to give her a hug. Most times kids heal quickly and I hope that is the case with her. She is so sweet and looks so sad in her little arm sling.

V8, best use for those firearms is shooting those lousy rattlesnakes. They probably won't let you do that at the range though.

Our infrequent Thursday night get together with train buddies was cancelled this week due to lack of interest. 2 of the 4 of us were MIA so we decided to wait until next time.

Good to see post from D.Baker the other day. Must be his busy time of year now at Knotts.

#2 son is off to Sacramento this morning on another railfan weekend. He wanted to go up to Donner Pass and shoot some action but the line is shut down for work I think. He said he might go over to Feather River Canyon on the former Western Pacific instead. That will be where the detour is.

He and I have talked about taking a trip sometime from L.A. to Sacramento and then riding Amtrak over Donner Pass which is the route of the first transcontinental railroad. We would wind up in Reno and fly home from there. Just can't seem to get motivated though.

Just heard yesterday that the county is about to terminate the lease to a local tourist railroad out here called Filmore and Western which runs over a former SP branch line. They have a steam engine and several diesels including F units. Hope they can work out a deal. Would be a shame to lose it.

Went out to dinner with our friend and his wife who is living in an assisted living/nursing facility. He is able to take her out occasionally to dinner with friends. It was nothing fancy but we all enjoyed our mutual company. She was looking better than I have seen her for some time now. Husband has been run ragged taking care of her though. He is finally getting some help now.

Our church is having their annual festival this week end with rides, food, prizes, games, bingo etc. Our grandson has lost interest in the rides now since he is in high school. Most rides are too tame for him now so I will not go on them either. My main contribution is buying raffle tickets. I have never won in over 30 years but it is for a good cause. Odds are still better than the state lottery.

I have put on about 5 lbs. lately so now have to walk more and eat less, darn it.

#1 son got a new refrigerator which is being delivered today so he can pick up the frozen stuff we are storing for him by tomorrow I think.

Grandson has a concert as part of the high school ochestra this coming Monday. Will go to that.

Happy trails to all,

Ray

Forum Post: RE: Perris Valley Line Updates (w/ Photos)

BarstowRick — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:26:00 GMT

Another pro Green Weanie at work. Some of these judges are pro-green and biased from the get go. A judge in Banning ruled on a over pass to be built in Victorville, Ca. effectively killing the project. The greenies know what judges to bring a case before. You got it.

Forum Post: RE: Sudden "hanging" of DCC Layout

rrinker — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:17:00 GMT

CHeck the track power light on the Zephyr. Was it on, blinking, or off? Based on the symptoms, I'm going to guess it was blinking - this indicates the 'idle' state where there is power on the track but no DCC packets being sent - so the locos would light up and have sounds but not be controllable. Press the track power button, or use the track power option in JMRI to turn the track power fully on (solid light) and everything should run fun.

--Randy

Forum Post: RE: Reicing Refers

henry6 — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:13:00 GMT

Before mechanical reefers the cars were just lined cars, basically. Bunkers in the corners were filled with ice from roof hatches to keep car and contents cool. However, in extreme cold weather the insulated or lined cars would retain or reflect outside temperatures so in stead of cooling, they needed to be warmed at least to prevent freezing. Thus the heaters placed in the bunkers. However, these heaters emmited mono- and di- oxides which caused those opening or going into the bunker to retrieve heater, to often pass out and sometimes die.

Forum Post: RE: Power routing turnouts?

Paulus Jas — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:11:00 GMT

[quote user="Doughless"]Paul, can you give Gary, and all readers, examples of operating scenarios whereby one locomotive is picking up a few cars from the back of a train? (I assume the lead locos are still coupled to the head)[/quote]

here we go:

In reality the road engine and the local switcher can divide the work.

After uncoupling the remainder of the train BEHIND the blue cars the road engine can spot these on track 4.

In the mean time, after picking up the caboose the switcher can spot the pink cars behind the last 3 yellow cars. The road engine returns to track 3 and couples all cars together. After testing the brakes it's ready to leave, while the local switcher takes the blue cars from track 4 and spots them before their allocated industies.

Important however is the use of track 3. The left half is used by the road engine, the right half at the very same time by the local switcher. Hence track 3 should be divided into 2 separate blocks, just like track 4!

At your service

Paul

Forum Post: RE: Show Me Something...... May 2013

CSX_road_slug — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:09:00 GMT

[quote user="oregon shay"]Show me something European....[/quote]

Fahrvergnügen! (Lower left)

Show some more vehicles

Forum Post: RE: Christmas Baggage Mail express

dstarr — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:50:00 GMT

Pete,

I didn't forget the Pennsy. This is my Pennsy baggage car.

Forum Post: RE: Traction

selector — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:44:00 GMT

Get some snot, and watch videos on youtube in the meantime...there are a few that show how to apply it.

It's like anything else, unfortunately...not so easy the first time. It is easy to cut it free of the tire, though, and you can keep practicing until it goes on smoothly. And as Lion said, smooth is very important.

Basically, you invert the loco and secure it, say with a tea towel to protect it and to keep it from rolling over, place clips with wires on the tender wheels, and apply power. Let the drivers spin up to medium speed and then use a toothpick to apply a bead of the snot. Keep the drivers spinning for a few minutes to keep the snot an equal depth while it solidifies enough to remove power to the loco, say after five minutes or so.

This may sound complicated and daunting, but you'll soon realize that it's not such a big deal, and you'll really love the snot...it does a great job.

Crandell

Forum Post: RE: Floquil spay paint near blue foam

rrebell — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:42:00 GMT

Just a note, even though this is a dead thread, to mask without much problem in the original scenerio, you can use wet towels to mask, they will stay in place and can be removed right after painting.

Forum Post: RE: Shoreham...Bye

CPRguy — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:33:00 GMT

I remember a rumor that the UP was going to build a intermodal yrd down in the rosemount area off of the roseport line. Don't know whatever happened to those plans though.

Forum Post: RE: Train stops/stutters after passing over turnout

rrebell — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:28:00 GMT

[quote user="O'Ghoul"]Lol yes, you've given me things to try.

The suggestion about the locomotives hitting the dead spots at the perfectly wrong times doesn't seem quite right; GP9s, SD9s, GP15s, GP30s, GP38s, an F40PH, and 8-40BWs all exhibit the same issue.

I could attempt to set up on a table, however the issue becomes WiFi connectivity; if have to move my laptop out there as I use a Sprog 3, and the WiFi connectivity is spotty in the dining room.

So for future reference (aka, when I get to build a permanent layout), are there turnouts specifically designed for DCC?

Thanks,
Tim

[/quote]You are creating a short, don't know how, but that seems to be the problem.

Forum Post: RE: Tipping on Amtrak

Deggesty — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:28:00 GMT

[quote user="aminaMiller"]

In terms of tipping, I always hand it to the service crew that offers me great service on my convenience. Say for example in a restaurant, I don't want my tip to be included on my bill because I want it to personally hand to my server. One of the reason that I choose to tip servers in cash is that cash goes in their pocket right away. With credit or debit tips, they have to wait until the end of the night to get them, which they might not. I am not generally speaking to the whole restaurants, but there are some restaurants that are not always exactly honest with their waitstaff.

[/quote]My ordinary custom when tipping is to add it to my bill--but I once received extraordinary service from the lead service attnedant, and I gave her a tip telling her, "This is for you."