Glad to see things looking a little better. Doesn't take much to find a worse situation somewhere, especially today!
What I thought was a small problem to fix on the layout, mushroomed into a bigger one, did get it fixed though.
(Problem: After I had put in my crossing guards, and they were all working great. Noticed with my big Cab Fwd, that when it would cross the area where the guard was, it would uncouple! Well that's no good! Then I also noticed that Track A and B were no longer electrically isolated. So obviously that had to be due to the switchgate. I had multiple isolated rail sections on both sections A and B. So figured that must be the cause of the problem. Essentially the signal lights were being controlled by a 12vdc relay. The relay is activated by when a car bridges across the isolated section, the 12vdc (-) is completed, activating the relay. Then the signal gates get the power from a dedicated xformer that runs the lights. The relay contact closes the negative leg, and the gate motor, and switch operate. So I ASSUMED, that maybe the negative 12vdc upon initiation was createing a carrier current that would cause the coupler to fire. Problem 1.
Problem 2, was both main lines were "on" if either switch was turned on. So thought that was due to the isolated track sections going to a common "ground" location as a result of the switchgate. So, I went through seperated all the ground leads, thought I might have to use 2 relays. Nothing changed. Started, dismantling track, (I had lifted various sections previously and soldered wires onto the bottom of the isolated sections.) I had two cabooses on the main sections to see if one would go off. Never did. Then I thought I must have "jumpered" a couple of track sections together (A-B), which would cause the bypass. Couldn't find it. Then was going to start tearing up more, then I thought it was strange that of the 2 crossover points I had. One of them did NOT have the center rail isolated between the 2 switches. Shouldn't be that way, but dont think that would be causing the problem. Removed the center pin, and problem resolved !! Track A and B completly isolated.
Now, back to the coupler issue, only occurs with the one engine, and at slow speed. As I played around with it more and more, incl tender only. The coupler would only open at very slow speed, and one direction. Finally, I think it is due to "critical" spaceing over the isolated section of the switch. Actually only when one roller is dead, and the other roller is on the transistion between the two legs of the switch. So I think I will just accept that. And make sure it is running at a minimial speed.)
So that was my day.
Don
ChiefEagles PLOP PLOP FIZ FIZ, I ate too much. Brought two plates home with me. Eastern NC [vinager/pepper base] pork bar-be-que, Southern fried chicken, slaw [yellow with mustard], brunswick stew, boiled potatoes and corn sticks [not hush puppies]. Yawn.
PLOP PLOP FIZ FIZ, I ate too much. Brought two plates home with me. Eastern NC [vinager/pepper base] pork bar-be-que, Southern fried chicken, slaw [yellow with mustard], brunswick stew, boiled potatoes and corn sticks [not hush puppies]. Yawn.
Ray
SPMan
BTW: scuppernong grape vines [two together] are hanging. Massive bunches. The oldest has never made many grapes. It is just hanging full. Not quite ripe yet.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
Good afternoon all,
IIABSDISEI with temps in the 80s. Thank you all for the responses. Some times you just have to vent. Thanks for listening. I did weights at the YMCA today, edeged the sidewalks, trimmed the trees between us and the neighbors and sprayed the weeds. I had bran muffins on the dining car for breakfast. Beacon is lit. I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
A lazy, hazy summer day for me. Sitting in my office watching NASCAR, drinking ice tea and reading forum postings during the cautions. Plan to move to the deck to watch the last 50 laps and start BBQ.
After doing the farm chores this morning picked peaches, blackberries, tomatoes and cucumbers. Raspberries not ready yet.
All in all a great summer day. A Tardis ride tonight will make the day perfect! Brutus, how about a Tardis trip to Las Vegas?
Today's Old Farmer Saying:
It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.
Pat
RFD-TV --- Rural America's most important network!
8nTruck welcome home and great pics on spf .
Afternoon all not to much happening here. Talked to brutus for a short earlier but guess he had to run as company was coming over with a new puppy lol.
Chief sounds like some good eats there thou I'm not a tator salad person the rest dounded good thou.
Sitting here ( just woke up from nap) listening to Pink Floyd making of Dark side of the moon DVD searching internet. figured stop in and say hi again.
All have a good afternoon
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
Seems like this is the best time of the year for eats. Started out yesterday with a trip to the farmer's market - yellow & zuccini squash, corn on the cob, rasberries & blackberries, Boiled the corn for dinner along with grilled hamburgs/cheesburgs topped with tomatoes right off of the vine and big thick slice of sweet onion. Yup, had 'tater salad too.
Blackberries & rasberries are supposed to be for cobler. Not sure that there will be enough left, as everybody seems to sneak one or two everytime the refridgerator is opened!
High 80's and scattered showers here. Can hear the truck & tractor pull going on at day 4 of the Mo. State Fair. I always enjoy the sound of a big American v8 at full song. Ran the string trimmer, changed the head to the edging tool and ran that around the sidewalks.
Going to enjoy a cold drink, then re-arrange my wife's sewing room - again.
Chief, that meal is what summer is all about. Good eats. I tried licking the screen but I don't have scratch and sniff. Needs tater salad though.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
dbaker48I've heard about stories where guys are waitresses "spilling" stuff before. Usually well deserverd, Hmmmm.Got the whole day off, and don't know what to do with it. Wife says, I thought you would like to work in the train room? Maybe, will find something to do to out there, there is always plenty. Chris mad arrangements with his granddad to put front brakes on Chris' car. They thought I would be working today. So I think, I will just stay out of it and let the two of them have "their" day. I'm sure both would enjoy it more without me being there.So, will see if I can get a few projects wrapped up. Hope everyone has a great day!
I've heard about stories where guys are waitresses "spilling" stuff before. Usually well deserverd, Hmmmm.
Got the whole day off, and don't know what to do with it. Wife says, I thought you would like to work in the train room? Maybe, will find something to do to out there, there is always plenty. Chris mad arrangements with his granddad to put front brakes on Chris' car. They thought I would be working today. So I think, I will just stay out of it and let the two of them have "their" day. I'm sure both would enjoy it more without me being there.
So, will see if I can get a few projects wrapped up.
Hope everyone has a great day!
Hay Don, just because I get a little rowdy on the Tardis doesn't mean I "asked" for the ice tea bath!
Sounds like your wife may want you out of the way. But then any excuse to work in the train room.
Enjoy your day.
Church was very good this morning. Wife had to work the "wee care" and I ended up working lighting. Sunday school was great and afterwards, we took our friends out (mother and two sons) as their father shipped early this morning for Korea in the service of his country. Kind of humbling when we complain about not being with our family for a day or so, but these guys who take off for a year of their lives, just puts things in perspective.
Gotta run as we have to go to daughter's school orientation this afternoon. Hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Dennis
TCA#09-63805
Good Morning
77 at 10 AM, close to 90 by afternoon.
Pat- A shower of sweet ice tea: refreshing but sticky.
No plans for today so far. I shall wait and see what Granny has in mind. Where ever you are, enjoy this day...S.J.
Wes WhitmoreThe best way to get rid of scrap anything is to put it on your local Craigslist for free. My neighbor actually gave away used straw that he used for growing some grass. People came and took it. Amazing. I used it to get my scraps from my deck construction. I chopped it up into managable pieces and it was gone in less than a week. My parents were up today. Dad helped me get some projects finished up around the house. After that, we went to dinner at Molly Woo's (expensive Chinese food). The waiter decided to dump he tray of drinks down my back. That doesn't happen everyday. Dinner tood and hour and a half, and wasn't really worth the premium. Probably won't go back there. Got our season fOSU fsotball tickets in the mail today. Got better seats that I thought I was going to get. Unfortunately, I won't be going to all of the games this year because my band is playing on Lane Avenue every home game. It's a good problem to have I guess. Have a good evening!Wes
The best way to get rid of scrap anything is to put it on your local Craigslist for free. My neighbor actually gave away used straw that he used for growing some grass. People came and took it. Amazing. I used it to get my scraps from my deck construction. I chopped it up into managable pieces and it was gone in less than a week.
My parents were up today. Dad helped me get some projects finished up around the house. After that, we went to dinner at Molly Woo's (expensive Chinese food). The waiter decided to dump he tray of drinks down my back. That doesn't happen everyday. Dinner tood and hour and a half, and wasn't really worth the premium. Probably won't go back there.
Got our season fOSU fsotball tickets in the mail today. Got better seats that I thought I was going to get. Unfortunately, I won't be going to all of the games this year because my band is playing on Lane Avenue every home game. It's a good problem to have I guess.
Have a good evening!Wes
You are right, It doesn't happen every day, but it did happen to me a few years ago in Little Rock. A new waitress spilled Ice Tea (sweetened, Chief) down my back. She was afraid I would report her and apologized profusely. I thanked her for the refreshment, after all it was a hot day!
Mornin' boys. Mornin' English. Are we there yet? Sunny, beautiful here in the Mid-Atlantic region. One problem, wind at 0mph ---> NO. Getting ready to go fry up some bacon and eggs.
cheapclassics - I used to live for every August 1st, when football practice began. Did it for 7 years, with 4 different teams. When it was over (8 years ago), it was over for me. Thought it might rekindle somewhat when middle princess started cheerleading, but it didn't. Even with my youngest boy trying out this season, I don't miss it. My "passion" has changed to another endeavor. Perhaps your's will too. Hang in there.
Morning. Warm and humid. Getting ready for Sunday School and then ride [Frankie is driving] down east to family reunion. Have a good one.
Mike C. Sorry to hear I feel there the one losing the most here. I don't know why but something tells me it somehow it has come to just one and there was an argument over which and it came to an end with we'll just won't use anybody and a comment of fine after that. Either way I always feel things happen for a reason. Something real good is coming your way not sure when but its on its way. As the saying goes the lord works in mysterious ways.
Morning all hope all having a good day I'm about to go back to bed just got up for a couple to do a couple of things.
Talk to you all later
Good night gang. Been watching some good movies. Off to bed. Got family reunion tomorrow down east. Means SOUTHERN fried chicken and eastern NC pork bar-be-que from Parker Brothers.
Mike C., your talents will be used somewhere else. Promise you.
Sleep tight.
SPManD Baker, glad you are with us again. Had a question while you were gone about the bullfrog snot as to wheather it would fill in the groove on MTH steam engines or not?Ray
Ray,
You should have just called. Anyway, I havn't applied any of the Bullfrog Snot yet. Maybe the next day or so. Regarding the groove, I talked with the owner, and he said no problem, that you apply it in layers. Also, that the stuff really works well to hold existing tires in place. So my intention was to put a NEW tire on, then apply a coating OVER the tire. Since the stuff hardens that it would requires less, and also may reduce irregularities on the surface. So that's where I'm at with it. (Anymore on the camera yet?)
Did a small show this morning, looks like will have tomorrow AND Monday off. That will be great. Who knows what will get into.
Not anything real exciting here;
- Car Repairs,
- Picked up a 2nd Pocket PC real cheap, (helps with shows)
Best news is that everyone is healthy. Only bad thing is Dr and Insurance company got together and decided they want to "litterly" want to stick it to me. Not looking forward to that!!
Looking forward to SPF,
Later
John,
Thanks for the Krylon suggestion. I'll get a can and try it on the scrap grass paper to be sure it doesn't cause any issues.
Wes,
Thanks for the craigs list idea.
Good evening all,
IIABSDISEI with temps in the 80s. Mowed the yard last night. Reffed two soccer games today. One was downright ugly. Both teams were terrible. The only reason one team scored six goals was that the other team could not get the ball out of their own 18. I wanted to call it early because it was embarassing to watch. I had bran muffins on the dining car this morning.
The last post I talked about how a night can change a lot. It happened again Friday. I was at practice with "my" soccer girls. The head coach and I had talked on several occasions about me being on the sidelines helping with team during the games this year. A young lady who had just graduated in May was going to do the same thing. I asked him again about the situation and he said he and the assistant coach decided not to use either one of us. I was (and am) utterly devastated. He said we could still help out at practices, but...... I was really looking forward to being "part of the team", and now.... With all the serious, and in some cases life threatening, situations some of us and/or loved ones are in, this development will probably seem quite trivial (and in the long run, it probably is), but right now there is a pain in my heart that will not go away. The beacon is not lit for tonight, and probably will not come on for a few days. I hope some one has a good day.
green97probe88, What do you think the best way would be to get rid of a large amount of scrap wood? I don't have the space to burn it. I got the grass paper down and got the second level secured in place today. I need to find some way to seal the grass paper to stop the shedding and fading that occurs after the paper ages. Any ideas? If the spacing of this reply is messed up, it is because I am using Chrome instead of IE8, and not because I couldn't type if my life depended on it LOL.
Jim, I have never used this product for your purpose, but belive it would work. I use Krylon Matte Finish #1311 to coat dollhouse wallpaper to keep the colors from running. I think it would work for your purpose. They also make one that is similar Called crystal clear flat acrylic #53530, I haven't used this yet but bought it when I couldn't find the other. They both contain Acetone and Toluene among other nasties, so be careful if you use them indoors.
Good Evening
We had another great summer day.
Made trip with no pileups. Tired though.
Banilla is on hand as I wait for Brutus and the thingy.
S.J.
good evening everyone. Was a nice day in that I was able to finish the woodwork on the desk. Have to sand and stain, but it is together and looks good. Was too humid for staining, so perhaps tomorrow. Though I didn't get any layout work done, we did have some fun. Had the party and lots of folks showed. Even did some Karaoke. No, the dog didn't sing along. Was fun and then we had a heavy rainstorm, so things moved inside. Had lots of good food and fellowship.
Bob, yeah, the meds can throw off the test. Call the place in Phoenix and ask them how long before the test you should stop taking it. That is the best practice, I don't know and I am sure there is a good chance your reg. Doc doesn't know. Best to check with those who do it. I have seen some folks with reflux who pass all the tests, but suddenly they can have incidences. My son was one of these. Passed the barium swallow test, and while the image was still on, I was discussing things with the radiologist who was conducting the test. Mind you, we were about 5 minutes after the test was "officially" done, and suddenly, the barium went all the way up and into his lungs. Caused bronchial spasms which caused difficulty breathing. At some points, even stopped him from breathing. While we started him on meds, found out he was allergic to milk and some other things and that only made the situation worse. I guess I want you to be aware that just because a test is negative, doesn't mean you don't have a problem. If you start on Prilosec or Nexium, etc., and don't have any more problems, all for the best.
Well, gotta get to bed as it has been a long day and it will be a full day with church.
God Bless,Dennis
Took a few days off from the computer and just caught up on the Coffee Pot. Doing ok for the time being. More calls to the docs on Monday.
Jon - thanks for posting that info on the Vets trip. Was very inspiring and I thanks for doing your part.
8ntruck - Welcome back! Cool photos. Got a book from the Golden Spike Monument which covers other countries. They have some neat stuff over there.
Dennis - this is kind of starting to feel and sound like GERD now, and I know it has a lot of complications. Endoscopy didn't reveal any damage from that. They did the esophagram a few weeks ago and didn't see anything, but I guess that depends on whether anything happened. Next test is a manometry test in Phoenix area. Have to check on that on Monday. Doc wants to start me on prilosec and the ER visit on Tues prescribed prilosec and pepsid. I guess if I start that now though I understand in may invaluate the test. Another question for Monday. They found a couple vitamin levels were somewhat off, B-12 and D, so they are starting me on supplements for those. Will be interested to see if the prilosec helps. So I guess some forward progress after all. And I was sorry to hear about your patient. That must be the most difficult part of the job.
Got to get cleaned up before my friend gets here. Last night of the film series at the Fox. "Dr. Strangelove". Should be entertaining.
Bob
Tucson, AZ (aka the Ol' Pueblo)
Home of the Mt. Graham & Arizona Eastern Boiler Shops
ChiefEagles[ You been to Gonzales? Worked the Cabela's several times. Last time was Feb. of this year. 8N, great photos.
[
You been to Gonzales? Worked the Cabela's several times. Last time was Feb. of this year.
8N, great photos.
Bob Mitchell Gettysburg, PA TCA # 98-47956 LCCA# RM22839
Louisiana Southern Pacific The easiest way to eat crow is while it's still warm, 'cause the colder it gets, the harder it is to swaller.
The easiest way to eat crow is while it's still warm, 'cause the colder it gets, the harder it is to swaller.
High 80's here. Missourri State Fair is in full swing on day #3.
Here are a few shots from Finland:
Locomotive for a passenger train - too bad I ran out of camera memory right at that point!
Aerial view of the round house in Kemi Finland:
The Finns know how to make pizza!
Some of Santa's helpers on vacation:
Lastly, the shape of things to come - this is what 35mpg looks like - a Toyota one size smaller than the Yaris! Yup, it is a four door.
Louisiana Southern PacificThe easiest way to eat crow is while it's still warm, 'cause the colder it gets, the harder it is to swaller.
The quote means, when you make a mistake, or put your foot in your mouth, the sooner you correct it the easier it is.
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