Trains.com

Flat Wheel Cafe and Diner, December Edition

22615 views
385 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Florence, SC
  • 1,614 posts
Posted by grampaw pettibone on Thursday, December 31, 2009 6:20 AM

Good morning and a Happy Birthdy to Ed. 37 and partly clear in Carolina with rain coming and a high of around 54. Supposedly, it is to clear up after noon. I spoke to Adrian on facebook, and he is in the former USSR, my guess is Kyrghistan but he won't say. Man alive, how times have changed. Everyone stay safe on the roads tonight and have a great new year.

Tom

COAST LINE FOREVER

It is better to dwell in the corner of a roof than to share a house with a contentious woman! (Solomon)

A contentious woman is like a constant dripping! (Solomon)

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Louisville, KY
  • 9,002 posts
Posted by cherokee woman on Thursday, December 31, 2009 5:52 AM

Good Thursday morning, everyone.  And a Very Happy Birthday to our own Houston Ed!!!!Happy B-Day Happy B-Day Happy B-Day Happy B-Day  Hope you have a very good day, Ed, and may all your wishes come true!!  Let me know what you would like to have for supper tonight, along with your favorite dessert. 

For breakfast this morning, we have:  Omelets:  southwestern, Tex-Mex, omelets with whatever ingredients you want, along with the regular bagels and bear claws.  And, of course, the coffee, juices, hot chocolate, hot cider and hot water for hot tea are all ready.  There's also some turkey bacon, sausage, and pancakes on the warmer bar.

We have a little bit of rain left in our area this morning, with a temp of 40 degrees.  Temp's not going to go very far, may reach 43 to 45 degrees, before the winter mix comes in late afternoon, early evening, then the temps will start dropping to around 32 degrees by about 8 p.m. tonight.  (According to our weather guessers.)

Everyone have a very good morning, keep safe and take care. 

 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,323 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 4:24 PM

Evening

well Bob hope you are enjoying your birthday today.Cw thanks for supper.We were helping mamma get ready for G+G coming over for New Years Eve.weather experts say we'll have some light snow for new years.guess we won't get to howl at the blue moon.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Louisville, KY
  • 9,002 posts
Posted by cherokee woman on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 3:54 PM

Okay, everyone:  the baby back ribs, beans, cornbread are on the warmer bar.  And the slaw is in the cooler, behind the counter.  There's plenty, and I made two birthday cakes:  1 is a yellow cake w/chocolate icing, and the other is a chocolate cake w/white icing.

Took a 5 block walk awhile ago.  Not too bad; not really any breeze/wind blowing, and the new gloves I got for Christmas had to come off, because my hands started to sweat.  I'm really hoping we don't get any of the stuff they are predicting for tomorrow, and Friday, as Walt's sister is/was planning on coming down to see us on New Year's Day.  Hope she still can come, as we don't get to see her that often.

Everyone have a good evening, Bob and everyone else, enjoy the ribs, etc., and see you all later.

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Muncie, Indiana...Orig. from Pennsylvania
  • 13,456 posts
Posted by Modelcar on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 12:31 PM

spokyone
Quentin: Do you attribute the long plug life as being also aided by unleaded fuel & electronic engine controls?

 

Yes, that certainly must be part of it....And of course the Platinum plugs {at a higher cost}, produce a much longer life span of use.  The electrode gap doesn't seem to deteriorate as did plugs of some years ago, hence they produce better performance and a longer life span.

Some years ago in a 2.8 L V6 Beretta, I had the plugs changed somewhat before they were scheduled to be changed, and the results were similar to what you indicated.   Performance was no difference with the new ones compared to the originals.

Quentin

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Louisville, KY
  • 9,002 posts
Posted by cherokee woman on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 12:23 PM

Good afternoon!  Current temp here in Louisville:  out at the airport,at the NWS, reporting 39 degrees, on our indoor/outdoor thermometer, showing 40 degrees outside.  Not too bad, I guess.  Rain is supposed to be heading our way, with possible snow to the north of us, and we may have a wintry mix later tonight, into tomorrow, New Year's Day. 

Lunch menu today:  open-face roast and turkey sandwiches, w/mashed taters, gravy, and your choice of cole slaw or garden salad and green beans.

Bob, I'm getting the baby back ribs ready, and will put them on the grill about 4 p.m, so they'll be ready to put on the warmer bar about 4:45, if not before.  Also preparing the baked beans and making more cole slaw.  Will start baking the cornbread about 4:15, 4:30. 

You all enjoy your lunch, have a good afternoon, keep safe, warm and take care.

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Aledo IL
  • 1,728 posts
Posted by spokyone on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 10:51 AM

Quentin: Do you attribute the long plug life as being also aided by unleaded fuel & electronic engine controls? My 1987 Dakota had a carburetor and I replaced the plugs every 50,000 miles. On my 96 Ram, I waited until 125,000 and they still looked good. The new plugs did not increase performance or gas mileage so I figured the old plugs must have been OK.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Muncie, Indiana...Orig. from Pennsylvania
  • 13,456 posts
Posted by Modelcar on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 10:03 AM

Yes, sparkplugs are more expensive now than some decades ago, but the spark plugs are different too...Decades ago with the cost below one dollar in some cases.....they were useable for perhaps 10,000 mi. and then needed replacement.

Todays Platinum plugs are not scheduled for replacement in most vehicles until 100,000 miles.....That has been the case in all  my recent vehicles.

Quentin

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Aledo IL
  • 1,728 posts
Posted by spokyone on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 8:09 AM

Thanks Paula for the birthday wishes.  I would like baby back ribs, beans, slaw and cornbread for my birthday supper. My sister gave me this card at my surprise birthday party.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Burlington, WI
  • 1,418 posts
Posted by rvos1979 on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 6:03 AM

Morning all....

Johnny, Justin, Ed; I'm glad I don't have to worry about that stuff any more, my diesel is pre-emission, no particulate filter or spark plugs to worry about.  The ones in our semi tractors cost about six thousand dollars to replace when they plug up, and can't be regenerated any more.  In the regen process, raw fuel is injected into the hot exhaust, superheating it and burning out all the soot collected in the filter.  Makes for quite the smokeshow, I have been told by some truckers.

Thanks for breakfast, will probably be out today, getting more items for the apartment (looking for a nice desk to do projects on, and chair to go with it.)  Also have little guests coming over later today, should get interesting in the apartment (sister got volunteered at work to watch two kids for parents who have odd working hours). 

Randy Vos

"Ever have one of those days where you couldn't hit the ground with your hat??" - Waylon Jennings

"May the Lord take a liking to you and blow you up, real good" - SCTV

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Louisville, KY
  • 9,002 posts
Posted by cherokee woman on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 5:25 AM

Good Wednesday morning, and. . . Happy B-Day Happy B-Day Happy B-Day Happy B-Day wishes going out to Spokybob (Bob Vaughn)!!!!  Bob, hope your day is filled with best wishes for another good year for you, bring you health, happiness, and other assorted good things coming your way. 

Coffee, juices, hot chocolate, hot cider and hot water for tea are all ready to go this morning.  On the breakfast/warmer bar this morning:  turkey bacon, sausage patties, and  buttermilk pancakes w/whatever flavor you want in them, ranging from plain pancakes to blueberry, strawberry, pancakes. 

Our temp this morning, is around 29 degrees, a definite improvement from what it's been lately, going for a high in the mid 40s.  That'll feel like a heat wave.

Again, Happy Birthday, Bob, and enjoy your birthday to the fullest extent; everyone else, have a very good morning, and I'll see you all later.

 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
  • Member since
    March 2002
  • 9,265 posts
Posted by edblysard on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 7:40 PM
Deggesty
bubbajustin

Afternoon CW, afternoon all.

Chili day here today. Speaking of chili I will have some of that I will have some of it.

Going to get dad’s truck in a few. His cadalitick converter ( I don’t know how to spell that) went to pot. He has 2 on his 03 Silverado. Supposed to be fixed now.

It just gets me how spark plugs are $4 a piece now.

Have a safe evening

Justin

Say, Justin, don't go overboard on the chiliSmile!

As to catalytic converters, we have had trouble with only one. The essential part apparently just fell into little pieces and impeded the flow of the exhaust after about four years. We did not have to pay for the replacement, and replaced the whole car about two years later.

Spark plugs? Ah, yes; you used to be able to get very good plugs for well under a dollar each (before you were born).

We've had a couple of good snows and two or three dusters so far, with temperatures ranging from about twenty to forty. We may get more snow tomorrow.

Johnny

Johnny and Justin,

Try buying 16 plugs at a time, at $9.99 a pop...my 5.7 Hemi uses 16 platinum plugs, with a 30000 mile change out recommendation..

They are wide gap, .35 for a hot spark, and with 16 coils and 16 plugs, I burn almost all my fuel in the combustion chamber, which is how Dodge gets away with small catalytic converters on the Hemi..

Catalytic converters are basically a muffler shaped tube with a honey comb insert that runs the length of the converter... the honey comb is a titanium/platinum comb covered with a ceramic to retain heat.

Because it does retain a significant amount of the heat from the exhaust, it "re burns" the incoming exhaust, altering the majority of the hydrocarbons, (un burned gasoline) which is the major pollutant.

It has no movable parts, and under prime circumstances, with a properly tuned engine that has all of its scheduled service preformed, should last indefinably.

Of course, nothing is ever perfect, and the major cause of converter failure is due to two common parts that fail but whose failure is often never noticed by the average driver...namely the PCV vales and or the O2 sensor.

The PCV valve allows blow by gas that accumulates in the crank case to vent into the intake, in essence it is recycling the blow by gas back through the engine and combustion chambers

Blow by gas is that small amount of air/ fuel mix that seeps or blows by the piston rings and accumulates in the oil pan/crankcase.

When the PCV (Positive Crankcase Vent) fails, gets clogged or the spring inside the valve becomes weak, the metering of the crankcase gases stops, and the blow by gas saturates the intake...with carbureted and throttle body fuel systems, this causes the system to run rich in fuel, which in turn fouls the converter with un burned fuel, and because the excess fuel saturates the honeycomb and is cooler than exhaust gas, the converter fails, because the unburned fuel does not burn away, but bakes on the converter surface, plugging the converter.

A fouled or failed O2 sensor will cause the same results, because the on board fault computer reads a engine running with too much oxygen, so to compensate, the system adds fuel to bring the combustion gas mix up to what the system is programmed as an optimum fuel oxygen ratio, thus dumping excess fuel into the system, and again, fouling the converter.

A failed PCV valve can be diagnosed simply from the light blue puff of smoke you will notice from your exhaust pipe as the un burned fuel and oil in the exhaust system, and in the converter burns off when you first start your engine or or when you accelerate, and it tends to go away as soon as you reach speed..

A fouled or failed O2 sensor exhibits no external signs, but you will notice a slight drop in fuel efficiency, as much as 5 mpg, or as little as 1 mpg depending on your driving habits, and you will notice a extra heavy or noxious smell, often sulphur or rotten egg like in your exhaust when at an idle or under heavy acceleration.

Ever get behind a car, often fairly new, that flat out stinks?

You think it is cruddy gas you smell, but in reality, it is excess fuel being super heated but not burned by the converter.

23 17 46 11

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Norfolk Southern Lafayette District
  • 1,642 posts
Posted by bubbajustin on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 7:38 PM

Evening (again) all,

Johnny,

My dad owns a Chevey Silverado 03'. It has 2 cc's. Both had totally fallen apart, and the truck wouldn't even accelerate past 45mph. It ran like an alco in run 8.

It is all fixed now, and runs better than ever.

Justin

The road to to success is always under construction. _____________________________________________________________________________ When the going gets tough, the tough use duct tape.

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Louisville, KY
  • 9,002 posts
Posted by cherokee woman on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 5:36 PM

cherokee woman
I warmed up the chili, and soups from last night, and made some fresh cornbread. 

I've warmed up more chili and made some more cornbread for tonight, along with some vegetable beef soup.  There's also grilled cheese sandwiches, and burgers/cheeseburgers with your choice of fries, curly fries and onion rings.

Everyone have a good evening, stay warm, keep safe and take care.

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Muncie, Indiana...Orig. from Pennsylvania
  • 13,456 posts
Posted by Modelcar on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 4:45 PM

Deggesty
As to catalytic converters, we have had trouble with only one. The essential part apparently just fell into little pieces and impeded the flow of the exhaust after about four years. We did not have to pay for the replacement,

 

I believe catalytic converters come under a 50,000 mi. warranty being a part of the "smog, fuel system control"....Pretty sure that was the case back in '75 when they were mandated to be used....{Except Calif., believe they started earlier}.

Quentin

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 3:42 PM
bubbajustin

Afternoon CW, afternoon all.

Chili day here today. Speaking of chili I will have some of that I will have some of it.

Going to get dad’s truck in a few. His cadalitick converter ( I don’t know how to spell that) went to pot. He has 2 on his 03 Silverado. Supposed to be fixed now.

It just gets me how spark plugs are $4 a piece now.

Have a safe evening

Justin

Say, Justin, don't go overboard on the chiliSmile!

As to catalytic converters, we have had trouble with only one. The essential part apparently just fell into little pieces and impeded the flow of the exhaust after about four years. We did not have to pay for the replacement, and replaced the whole car about two years later.

Spark plugs? Ah, yes; you used to be able to get very good plugs for well under a dollar each (before you were born).

We've had a couple of good snows and two or three dusters so far, with temperatures ranging from about twenty to forty. We may get more snow tomorrow.

Johnny

Johnny

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Norfolk Southern Lafayette District
  • 1,642 posts
Posted by bubbajustin on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 3:24 PM

Afternoon CW, afternoon all.

Chili day here today. Speaking of chili I will have some of that I will have some of it.

Going to get dad’s truck in a few. His cadalitick converter ( I don’t know how to spell that) went to pot. He has 2 on his 03 Silverado. Supposed to be fixed now.

It just gets me how spark plugs are $4 a piece now.

Have a safe evening

Justin

The road to to success is always under construction. _____________________________________________________________________________ When the going gets tough, the tough use duct tape.

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Louisville, KY
  • 9,002 posts
Posted by cherokee woman on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 12:31 PM

Good afternoon, all.  Produce went pretty good day (with it being so cold, not as many people showed up this morning).   The truck got there at 9:18, and I was home exactly an hour later.  Didn't bring anything home with me, as I have plenty of potatoes, and didn't need any greens or single leaves of bibb lettuce.  And none of us eat/like sweet potatoes.   The total # of people we served today was 50.

Lunch is now on the warmer bar.  I warmed up the chili, and soups from last night, and made some fresh cornbread. 

Guess I'll get in the kitchen in a bit, and bake some more sugar cookies (I've had a request for them).  Was thinking about making some more chocolate chip, may still do that, also.

Our current temp is 32 or 33 degrees F.  Supposed to reach 35 today.  Sun is shining brightly, so maybe the temp will climb a little bit more than that.  (We can only hope, right?)

Everyone enjoy your lunch, have a good afternoon, stay warm and take care.

 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 7:20 AM

CW:--thanks for the breakfast--makes one ready for the day this--Smile

Got the snowsqualls last night. We got about 8" of it on the ground now and they're still calling for more----better get the blower out. Seen a few people left their cars out on the side of the road---just to make for an interesting time for the poor plow operatorsSigh

'Spring' spent the night curled up in the Xmas tree again.

Got a few friends coming to supper--have a good oneSmile

Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry

I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...

http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,323 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 7:08 AM

Morning

Cw thats good to hear.thanks for breakfast.mother nature is opening the freezer here in nw ohio.Some younger friends of ours are going to Deshler today.Told them to bundle up.doesn't look like csx has much to run yet today.Time for a nap.Tonight is the end of our week at work.

stay safe

joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Louisville, KY
  • 9,002 posts
Posted by cherokee woman on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 4:53 AM

Good Tuesday morning, everyone.  Yes, Joe, Sarah made it in just fine.  They got in from the airport about 10,15 minutes after I posted the lunch/supper menu. 

Coffee, juices, hot chocolate, hot cider and hot water for tea are all ready.  On the breakfast/warmer bar this morning:  bagels, bear claws, bacon, sausage, eggs, toast, oatmeal, biscuits & gravy. 

We're starting the day with a temp in the low 20s, wind chill in the single digits.  Brrrrrrrrr!!!!  Think I'm going to let the people coming to sign in for Tuesday Produce just came up to my front door, so I can stay a little bit warm, until the ladies show up to open the gym doors.

Everyone have a very good morning, enjoy your breakfast, and take care.

 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,023 posts
Posted by tree68 on Monday, December 28, 2009 4:30 PM

Lake effect drifted through the area this morning, but is centered south of me tonight.  Still getting the occasional light flurry, and the roads bear closer attention, but otherwise it's not bad.  What the heck?  It's winter in the north country.   We expect this kind of weather.  Some folks even celebrate it!

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,323 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, December 28, 2009 3:57 PM

Cw chili sounds good for tonight.Hope Sarah makes it back ok.Matt is working on the layout.Time to get stuff for work.

stay safe

joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Norfolk Southern Lafayette District
  • 1,642 posts
Posted by bubbajustin on Monday, December 28, 2009 2:46 PM

CW, thank you for supper, and good evening all.

It is downright nasty out here in western Indiana. There is ice, and snow and drifts all over the roads here. We almost slid off the road coming home from grandmothers house. I will be praying for all whom are traveling on our roads today.

Have a good evening.

Justin

The road to to success is always under construction. _____________________________________________________________________________ When the going gets tough, the tough use duct tape.

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Louisville, KY
  • 9,002 posts
Posted by cherokee woman on Monday, December 28, 2009 11:59 AM

Since it's so cold, here's the list for lunch and supper tonight:

1.  Chili (mild, with hot seasonings like hot sauce, and hot picante sauce or hot salsa) for you to add to taste.

2.  Vegetable beef soup

3.  Cream of broccoli soup

4.  Potato soup

5. Navy bean soup

2 thru 5 served with cornbread.  #1 served with or without crackers

Last time I checked the airline flight info, Sarah's plane was on time, and in flight.  So hopefully, she'll be home within the next little bit. 

Everybody keep as warm as possible, keep safe and take care.

 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Muncie, Indiana...Orig. from Pennsylvania
  • 13,456 posts
Posted by Modelcar on Monday, December 28, 2009 8:39 AM

22 degrees and overcast and it appears the snow from the "wrap around" of the storm is on it's way east.  Looks like we received roughly 2 1/2"  of the stuff yesterday afternoon and up until late last night.

Quentin

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Florence, SC
  • 1,614 posts
Posted by grampaw pettibone on Monday, December 28, 2009 8:21 AM

Good morning, it's Monday. 41 and clear in Carolina this lovely day. It is supposed to get into the mid 50s and stay clear all day. In my younger days, I would go for a walk. Nowadaysa, I look out the window! I have been reading up on the Wreck of the Old 97, and find it really interesting. Does anyone know what the percent was on the 3 mile grade, and when that section was bypassed? Thanks and have a great day.

Tom

COAST LINE FOREVER

It is better to dwell in the corner of a roof than to share a house with a contentious woman! (Solomon)

A contentious woman is like a constant dripping! (Solomon)

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,323 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, December 28, 2009 6:57 AM

morning

well yesterday on the way home people were playing bumper cars and roll the SUV.Last night was alos back to work for me and that was interesting in itself as well.going to go to bed.Cw thanks for breakfast.Going to do chores this afternoon.

stay safe

joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Monday, December 28, 2009 6:56 AM

Good Morning

Got enough of a snowcovering last night that we had one fellow down the street spin out and end up on someone's front lawn---a foot from their houseShockWhistling

Now the weatherbeguessers are saying that there could be about 15cm of snow for us'uns today if snowsqualls come through here---we may get that but we WILL get a lot of wind otherwiseSigh

Gotta bit of work paperwork to do--enough to make for a trip to the office for a bit this afternoon. Maybe I'll use the time to check on some stuff going on downtownSmile

Have a good one, peopleSmile

Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry

I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...

http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy