QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 10 Jul 2005, 17:18:44 All of our regulars know about the Birthday Watch List .... however, it needs to be posted repeatedly, just as a reminder regarding who is coming up next for the Birthday Bash ...... 2005 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST (rev. July 5th): February 2nd (Kevin – 49) March 5th (Nick – 45) April 18 (Al - 63) May 18th (Tom - 67) May 27th (Dave - 46) June 24th (Dan - 43) July 15th (*** – 65) – NEXT UP, Friday at 9 AM CDST July 25th (Chris - 51) July 30th (Russell – 35) August 16th (Ted - 67) September 8th (Rob - 34) Have changes[?] Not on the list[?] Send me an Email with your birth date (month-day-year). Tom NOTE for all: Check the SUMMARIES
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 10 Jul 2005, 23:44:43 A quick pop in to help prepare for the breakfast rush. Tom Emails read and replied too, and yes we did talk about the loco before. Ted I'm glad to hear that the originals are still around, I wonder if the new "clones" will survive the 60 or 70 odd years of the originals. Funny how the surviving street railways like to pander to tourists with new and improved paint schemes. I remember all the flap when the TTC changed their paint scheme to the new look with the black bands. Gunns you are a man of many talents, good job on that simulator. I love seeing the pictures as well, it certainly shows the pride and dedication your group has on this worthy project. Now we need you guys to tackle the CNR 6218 and resuscitate her when your done with your current charge I'll close with a couple of shots before and after of ongoing restoration work on TTC S-37. Slowly but surely we are removing and replacing the old rotten woodwork click to enlarge. As of now the east end is completely rebuilt and painted. Have a good night. Rob
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 11 July 2005, 05:50:38 Good mornin' Gents, it is far too early for imbibing (spirits) this a.m.! So, let me try a couple of those cheese blintzes from the Village Bakery. Wanita (the Shmecken daughter) was up all last night baking them. I've been told that Mr. Smecken has a peculiar method of making donuts, so I'll pass. I hope no one is in the path of "Dennis the Menace?" There could be some serious flooding. Love the new pics Rob. The (S-37) is all "soul." Is it a freight motor or a "line" (maintenance) car? Number 55 really brings back memories. The "blind" door panel on one end (in K.C.) was normally used for boarding and the full door for exiting. One difference is the "high" arch roof. Our single truck Bernies had derricks for the poles on a "low" arch roof. More than once I nearly fell on my keester on those "Safety Cars." We have one such car here ("clone") but it isn't used in regular service. I had a pretty productive weekend with the "urban renewal" project now under weigh. Compared to the work of Gunns and Rob, my labors (labours) are Wimp's work. But then, so is my budget! I think I mentioned before that due to severe space limitations, my "city scape" is composed almost entirely of building "fronts." I "shadow boxed" them in an effort to yield some depth (3-D). Also, photo backdrops help a bit for illusions. On the opposite side, I fashioned a tall "bluff" which Russell can relate to, as per "Cliff Drive" in K.C., Mo. I KNOW: where's the pitchers? Honest, I will "get there" a.s.a.p.; I'm still at the "shopping" stage for photo gear. Okay, I need to get much more done on the "clean-up." So, I bid all of you a good week ahead Oh Boris, I've noticed any number of cut-out holes in the morning papers lately....coupons?
QUOTE: Gunns Posted: 09 Jul 2005, 08:43:42 Morning All, More coffee, on my way home from work. Ted- the casting will be in cast iron or bronze, <depends on whether I use the Period metal, no copper avalible during the war, or whether I give "Her" some classy jewlery> So the plan is to sand cast it like Baldwin did with the orignal, my pattern is made of pine, and Balsa wood <for the letters> the biggest problem is to make shure that there no undercuts that will keep the pattern from being removed cleanly from the sand. That is where I now have to put my efforts, in cleaning up the pattern and sealing it so it dosen't change shape from absorbing water. Today is a work day again but it is also the annual progress report meeting, so I may not get a lot done. Later all, Gunns
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 09 Jul 2005, 19:04:56 Whew! We made it again. Dennis seems to be on course for the Panhandle and Alabama.These poor people are still cleaning up after Cindy and Ivan (the Terrible) from last year. I hate to see anyone endure such losses and can only sympathize with their plight. Gunns sounds to me that you have your "act together." Tom your assessment of today's Coast Guard's situation rings true. Just pursuing drug rings operating at sea is a full time job. The additional bureaucracy that now comes into play must be vexing at times. Tom, can you "rustle" up a nicely marbled T-bone for me? Since Nick has returned maybe I can prevail upon him to prepare a recipe of his maranated sauteed Porta Bello mushrooms? Just a Rob Roy to sip for now, please. Mmm, I forgot how delicious some cocktails can be! Who wants the cherry? Has anyone glanced at a "Classic Trains" Topic re: "Food on Trains?" I ask you, just how delicious can a cheese or ham sandwich be? As for a hot beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy; WOW "ain't that sumpthin!" I can attest to the Santa Fe, B & O and Pennsy having fine cuisine in the "full" kitchen Dining cars during the late 1950's through the mid 1960's. Then, with micro wave technology, things took a nose dive in hurry. Nothing fresh anymore; freezer to the plate in two steps. No more Chefs, no waiters, no fresh salads, even dessert is a thawed ice cube. Yes, I know that Canadian Roads still serve good food but that ceases at the border. Oh Rob, have you seen the Perley Thomas clones in New Orleans? BLECH! That phony clerestory is right out of Disney World. And to think they dumped the Melbourne cars for more new "Clones." Well, I trust everyone is ready for ***'s Birthday Bash on the 15th. I'll need to line my stomach with plenty of ice cold milk hours before the debauchery begins. ***, I hope your jaunt to London is uneventful and repairs have been made to the Underground by then. No doubt, it will be a bit eerie just knowing what happened at the effected stations. Okay Boris, if you will please hand me my rain coat and rubbers, I'll repair toward the old homestead. NO! Gadfrey Daniel Boris; the pull-overs for my shoes...Cretin. So long for now, Ted
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 09 Jul 2005, 20:20:13 Good evenin folks. Tom and Al As Al will attest the Dorcas bay is a smoothside. It's still painted in the blue and yellow, we have it's AC running and the cars intact all the beds etc just as VIA left it. It's interesting to see that we use it as a berth for crews just like VIA and CN did. The only thing non functional on it is the washrooms no running water attached, though the holding tank is still there. Ted I've never been to the big easy, I thought that the Pearly Thomases were the real item still just many times rebuilt. I didn't realize that they were clones, when did that happen?Make sure you batten down well we don't want you blowing away and going AWOL on us. 'Gunns Great Ceasar's ghost what the heck are you doing with all that juice producing power.You could run some third rail subway equipment with all that. Nice flight sim module BTW is that a custom built unit by your goodself? Nick and *** Be carefull over there in the tubes. Here's hoping that everything is back in order sooner than later. Tom I know that it's a way off yet but my birthday bash in Sept may have to go a bit earlier or later, I'm vacation bound the week of and will not likely have computer access. Course you guys can party with out me just get Boris to set up a rubber friend that looks like me ( just don't let him manhandle it though ) BTW Tom I may have a piece of rolling stock to suit your quest to power your CN cars drop me an email. I'm off and running for now gents. talk to you later. Rob
QUOTE: Gunns Posted: 09 Jul 2005, 22:08:18 Hi all, Coffee and Danish, Just a quick note before I run to work. Rob that is our emergency power in case of commercial power failure, and is needed to keep all the "Air Traffic Control" stuff on line, the Simpit is a home built, it has JS, Thttl, foot peds, and "Track IR" <a head tracking device that allows hands free switching of views> Finally I have some pics up, here is the right side of 2926, http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aad?full=1 Here is the shop and the Builders plate pattern. http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aaf Here is my gallery link with the rest of the pics, <I'll post and describe them later tonight> http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans Gotta run <snags a pastry> Gunns
QUOTE: Gunns Posted: 10 July 2005, 01:09:28 More coffee <G>, Hi all at the shop on break. here is the update. Sat 9 July 05 First something I forgot for last Wends., we found the air brake lines on the tender tucks badly corroded, <up to 80% under the clamps> and are inspecting and replacing all air lines showing any damage, our thought is that it is much easier to do it now while the trucks are in the open than doing it later when we would have to crawl around under the tender. we also found that while many companies make the hi pressure unions we need, the unions themselves are not compatible with each other, requiring care in how the piping is assembled. Today, we saw the end of riveting on the tender foot plate, http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aae the pic shows some of the rivets replaced and the tool made to "head" them. now the plate will get a coat of "Rust Bullet" and its Black paint, and then be reattached to the tender. http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aak Pic of the tender, from the rear, currently on cribbing with trucks and oil bunker removed. Work on the tender continues with black paint applied to the surfaces that will be between the oil bunker and the water tank, cribbing under the oil bunker can now be moved so the dunnage brackets can be welded on. Paint on the outside of the tender will wait untill we have "it" assembled, with only inaccessible areas being painted now. Needle scaling of brake parts continues, and identification of bearings needing replacement is underweight. New bearings will be fabricated onsite, and the maintenance folio calls for them to be case hardened. http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aab Pic of the Pivot point on the Buckeye truck that will need to be bored out and new bearings installed. Work on the Builders Plate pattern continues, http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aac with a light metal foundary to be built for the various casting jobs we need done. In the office the transfer of drawings and folios continues, http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aal http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aam and has already paid off as the drawing for the bell clapper, <lost during the park years> was printed today and handed off to the machine shop for fabrication. Survey of the engine is ongoing, in preparation for abatement next year. http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aad More to come, Gunns
QUOTE: timothyheady Posted: 10 July 2005, 01:18:56 Good evening everyone have around on me . Welcome purplejude. I read the other day that Congress didn't get their way with eliminating Amtrak for various reasons. Am always in the corner listening in here at the bar I.ve learned a lot of stuff in here. I've only been this a short while. I model the Santa Fe. By for now I'll holler at you later. Going over to the CSX railyard across the street.
QUOTE: TheodorebearvPosted: 10 July 2005, 06:14:44 "Our" Place is officially closed on Sundays but I'll slip this into the mail drop by the front door. Yes Rob, the original Perleys have been restored many times over in their own shops behind the car barn on Canal St. The new "clones" are the result of increasing the roster on extended right-of-way connecting the Canal Line to the Riverfront Line. This data may be found on the link I sent on "Vintage Street Cars Systems of North America." The high arch roof is one of the distinctive features of the original Thomas cars. Now, to accommodate the A/C, they "popped on" an over sized clerestory roof resulting in the eerie look of a San Fran cable car. There is a new livery as well: bright red and white instead of the brown and red, strictly a "Tourist eye catcher." Hi timothyheady, we haven't seen purplejude around here for quite awhile. But, even our "Regulars" are in-and-out due to vacations etc. Drop in tomorrow and say hello to Tom the Proprietor of "Our" Place. The unique feature of this "thread" is that Tom runs daily (except Sunday) Summaries of the most recent Posts. They eliminate the constant scrolling back to keep abreast of current news and data. Without them, this would be just another "catch as catch can" type of thread. Gunns is that a Worthington feed water system on S.F. 3050? Your team has done wonders on the Tender (2926) and the pics reveal the "long road ahead" for the Loco. Since Rob asked about the gargantuan power feed; I now know the need for it. Are you near a airport facility? I don't recall seeing anything on your location in Albuquerque. Don't tell me I skipped over a Summary. If so, just tell me and I will scroll back until I find it. Timothyheady, see what I mean about reading the summaries? It pays off in spades! Okay, this is only a quick "drop" to keep in touch on the weather "all clear" for Tampa Bay. Take care all, see ya when you're back in for great food and libation. Ted
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 08 Julky 2005, 08:00:28 Yes, I have already made my moments of "silent Prayer" for these innocent victims. No matter which source it may be, this is a "sign of the times" in an unhinged global fanaticism. We expect violence here (Tampa) as the trial of Sami al Arian develops. Gentlemen, if you seek "Security;" you will find it on p. 1318 of Webster's "New World Dictionary (College Edition). We must not allow this excrement ro ruin our lives! Okay Mr. Tom, I spotted that tin of Twinnings Green Tea and began salivating (much like Boris) for a hot cup and a grilled Prune Danish, if you please. "Prune?" Oh yes, its an old Scandinavian remedy. let's not go there! Dave and Tom, I believe your choice of S guage is "spot on" for the ideal size. Isn't it great to have more options with "adaptations" from the smaller guages? {Aside} Once- upon-a-time, I bought my Nephew (7 yr. old) two Am Flyer trains for X-Mas. The Locos were the J3a N.Y.C. Hudson(4-6-4) and U.P. Northern (4-8-4) with 4 Budd "style" stainless cars also 8 various freight cars plus the two-train controller. That's not to mention a 75' heavy weight day coach which I scratch built. I told Tom earlier about the calamity which befell this gift. Its almost too painful to recall but the trains were inadvertently left (origianl boxes) in the garage and the Buyer of the house reaped a valuable "windfall" indeed. I had already moved to Florida before the house sold and it was over nine years later before my Sister related what had happened. Gunns, thanks for the neat pics. Is that really you in the simulator or an old movie poster from W.W. II? BTW, what is (or are) 7 tons of UPS? I guess you aren't hurtin' for K W around the shop, eh? Rob, glad you enjoyed the site and thanks for your input on the "tech side" for pics. I'm not there yet but working on it, thanks again Tom, I can certainly impathize with the hassle you're having on your S guage order. As the old adage has it: "been there, done that!" Okay, I'll make this a wrap for now but will see you's guys for Fish-n-Chips (I hope) later tonight. Sure do miss [C=:-] Nick's picks, especially after toat'n four bushels of Md. Crabs back for him. Stay safe and well, happy rails, Ted
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 08 July 2005, 08:11:26 Good Morning All Coffee & Croissant sounds good. TROLLEYBOY Just for your Info The DORCAS BAY was an NYC 22-Roomette Sleeping Car built in Septemebr-October 1948 To plan 4122 in Lot 6790. NYC accounting department assigned the number 10423 to the car but most of these numbers were never actually applied to car they used a cross reference sheet with the car name and number shown. The car is known to have operated in the Detroiter and Wolverine both trains crossed Southern Ontario. Sold to CN in May 1974 numbered 9482. Named VAL BRILLANT in CN service final CN number 2054. To Via March 1978 and finally retired in January 1990 Was in Storage as late as December 1992. Then was acquired by your group. For its final years in VIA service the car was used most often as Crew Dormitory for Super Continental and even Canadian. The car wore at least three paint schemes the NYC two tone Grey, CN Black & White and Via Blue with yellow stripes. Back to my book TaTa for now.
QUOTE: siberiano Posted: 08 July 2005, 08:49:12 Good morning Ted The Mentor Village Bakery is always at your service - prune Danish it is .... however, since we are hardly a Gourmet's delight around here, grilling is out of the question! Warmed in the micro will have to do! The tea [?] Wouldn't know one from another - but if it flicks your switch, help yourself! Excrement - vermin - good descriptors I'd say. The only way to defeat these scum is to stand and hold unified - stop 'em at every turn, here and abroad. If one has nothing to hide, then one shouldn't fear the authorities pulling out all the stops to protect our way of life. I think we also have a huge population bent on disintegrating us from within ... but that's a story for another day and forum. Ted if you've read my comments regarding a couple of steady hands around here - they apply to you, especially. Interested [?] Drop me an Email on this ..... Sorry to report that Thursday's are Fisn 'n Chips nights. However, we do have quite a bit left over, so with steak night set for tonight - there'll be something else to select. My guess is that Nick is either experiencing computer/server problems or touring with the band ....... At any rate, he's missed for sure. Boris is really down these days (daze). Tom TED READS THE SUMMARIES, Do you [?]
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 08 July 2005, 08:59:40 G'day passengerfan Al Help yourself to those bakery goodies from The Mentor Village Bakery .... no calories in 'em! That car you've been discussing with Rob - who manufactured it [?] And, I presume it is a smoothsides, correct [?] I have a consist of CN black & whites made by IHC, all smoothsides. Look great in my HO retired Canadian passenger rail display case. Been trying to find a matching diesel for some time .... Tom NOTE for all: Check the SUMMARIES
QUOTE: West Coast S Posted: 08 July 2005, 13:32:38 Morning Tom and the gang.. Some good news for me this morning, I've been selected for the advanced Anti-Terrorism task force course to be conducted by the good folks at NCIS next month. Over 200 applicants were considered for but two slots alotted to my organization, so yes, it came as a refreshing surprise. I see some of our gang put in appearance last evening..The girls were getting nervous with the lack of action, and not even a peep from Boris! Well I'm off to the cold cut bar, do me with some cold draft if you could please. Dave
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 08 July 2005, 13:49:15 G'day Dave Another slow day 'round here ..... but all that means to me is that our regulars have a life off of the Intenet! That isn't all so bad ....... I checked out that BTS site and found some items that I'll probably order for the trackside "stuff" I mentioned. Appreciate the tip. Man oh man, some of those buildings are super expensive. But then, what isn't with this size [?] Some time back I had asked you about your job - also indicated that it appeared we have (had) some things in common regarding our experiences. Should you find the time, drop me an Email and we can compare some "notes." Hope the selection works out to your benefit and of course to those you will be assigned to protect! Tom NOTE for all: Check the SUMMARIES
QUOTE: nickinwestwales Posted: 08 July 2005, 14:30:09 Hi guys, seem to have finally beaten on-going tech. problems and made it back to the land of the living, Tom-a round for the house whilst I slip out back & catch up on summeries,E-mail etc,back in a bit nick
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 08 July 2005, 14:39:07 Tom Just a quick response the Dorcas Bay NYC 22 Roomette Sleeping Car was built by Pullman Standard .Just going out the door will post later.
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 08 July 2005, 14:44:54 NICK Great gobs of goose greese, is it really you [?] Boris ring the bell, drinks all 'round for the return of Chief Chef Nick! We await your post! Tom NICK READS THE SUMMARIES, Do you [?]
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 08 July 2005, 14:48:52 For passengerfan Al Thanx for half the answer! Await your return with the other half! Keep in mind, tonight is steak night - bar should be jumpin' - girls will be workin' - so, get your ticket punched from the other half, and we'll be waitin' for ya! Tom NOTE for all: Check the SUMMARIES
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 08 July 2005, 16:01:56 Tom I'm back the car was manufactured by P/S and was built in Chicago and delivered in the two tone gray with white separation stripes to match the lightening stripe PAs and E7s of the period the Dorcas Bay would have been pulled by both type power as it is known to have been assigned to the Detroiter and Wolverine. In CN service the car operated in the OCEAN, Scotian, Chaleur before summer assignment to Super Continental pool. The car also operated between Toronto -Montreal overnight in the Cavalier. As CN found less and less use for the all roomette cars they were operated as crew Dormitory cars in the Super Continentals winters only. Power for the trains the Val Brilliant operated in was either GMD FP9A -F9B or MLW FPA 4 FPB 4 or even MLW RS-18. Cars was still operational with Via when they acquired the FP40s
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 08 July 2005, 16:27:06 For passengerfan Al Nice write up ...... okay, I'll presume it is a smoothsides, for all of the VIA equipment I ever saw in the blue/yellow livery were. Where did all this begin [?] Someone asked a question and here we are ......... Nevertheless, as our resident font of passenger rail info - THANX! Whatillyahave [?] Tom NOTE for all: Check the SUMMARIES
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 08 Jul 2005, 22:37:23 Dashed and balderdashed yet again! Are you 3/16" : 12" folks telling the "Mentor Village Idiot" (Theodorebear) that today's S gauge is not compatible with the Am. Flyer of yore? Please, inform me of the changes that have been made that allows for the huge price difference from "yore" 'til today, (COLA, notwithstanding)? I'm pretty sure that even a puriist S gauger would "kill" for some of early A.F. steam. Of course, you know I'm not referring to A.F.3rd rail a.c. (pre 1950's)! Tom I'll have whatever Nick can throw together for my late night repast. Good heavens Nick, please never abandon "Our" Place again! I have been taking terrible abuse from the palate to civilized sensibilities due to your reckless abandon. ] BTW, how is that 2 train controller working out? Al, soon with the Tome please; Minnie (the Moocher) is dying to see her picture on the Chessie (not C.S.X.) billboard. Many thanks to all for the copius data on "high" and"low" tech data from my previous inquiries. Your patience is most appreciated. But I still don't know what 7 tons of UPS is Gunns! To one and all, you should have a wonderful day tomorrow with the "wind to your back;" unless you are working with a torch anywhere near "THE SHED." Tom e-mail very soon, promise! Happy rails to you (key of G) Nick!
QUOTE: Gunns Posted: 09 July 2005, 00:44:36 Hi All, Coffee, Sorry thought I left a note this morning, the gremlins musta got it. Ted an UPS = uninterruptible power supply.... we have 5 that can carry 500 Kw each for 8 mikes, longer if the load is lower. They put out 480 Vac at 10,000 amps, and carry the critical load in our ARTCC. We also have 4 550Kw Gen Sets and 2 750Kw gen sets. the UPS is one of those "High Tech" night mares that the government likes to buy, very cutting edge all digital logic controlled inverters and rectifiers. And the "Annual" is a Bear, it takes a good solid 40 hrs to complete. Yesterday we were lucky only one dud cap out of 240, and no failed fans or X-formers. Tonight we get to start in on the alignment verification of all the Digital control cards, you know high at pin 37 = low at pin 4 on board A13b12........ Wow, Sandwiches! In other news I finally have all the letters cut out and mounted on the pattern for the Builders Plate for the 2926. Now I need to get my foundry set up and start casting. <still have about 2 days of prep work on the pattern though> Pix as soon as I can get the camera hooked to the simpit, and in to Rail Images. late all, Back to the salt mines. Gunns
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 09 July 2005, 06:30:08 Gunns thanks for some of the definitions in your last Post. Tom you have mail. What metal are you using for casting the Builder's Plate and ditto for the caste itself? Surely it is too heavy for the "lost wax" technique? [#offtopic] Hit the gong Boris! Sorry if this post is rushed but we are having gale force winds from "feeder bands" around Dennis. I could be knocked off line at any time. Satellite T.V. isn't very reliable in this weather either. Hope everyone is doing better than I am just now. This is a good day for tweaking up the K.C. Union Station and other structures that are in need of serious "renewal." Its amazing what a toll "time and tide" take on a layout if you don't stay "on top" of it. Frankly, I did a "burn-out" close to a year ago and am just now playing catch-up. Guess I'd better make it strong black coffee for the duration of this "trash blower." Tom the Cutters are out "in force" from the St. Pete Station, also Clearwater Naval Air Station is busy. Looks like it will be a very long season for those folks this year. My hat is off to the courageous work these fine people perform for us "land lubbers." Okay, it’s back to the "ready room" for me. I may need to batten down (board-up) if Dennis takes a turn toward the East. See you folks later in the day...I hope. Ted
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