Good Morning from Blueberryhill RR....
It is 61 degrees. Been raining since midnight. Suppose to rain all day. Going up to 74.
Today is an easy day. Good day to read my latest copy of CTT. I have a few chores to do and then relax. Lunch and a nap for sure.
Not many ballgames left. Especially for Indians.
Dining car is here with Cheerios for breakfast.
Y'all have a great Wednesday.
Chuck
Aloha! . Sunny and cool. A nice fall day. Still very dry. Prayers for your mom's treatment, John, and for Brutus' mom and your dad, Banks. Brutus, I love your disappearing train idea with the new Hallows train. I'm working with a college in Ireland called All Hallows. Don, that's a good summary. of options I've got float-y track so the traditional 153C works perfectly for me. Fife, I hope everything is OK with the other party in Fifepup's incident.Chuck, the Indians rule the White Sox. What a win last night for them!Jon and Don, thanks for serving in Viet Nam. Do you remember the Homecoming parade in Chicago in June of '86? It was a big deal then, even if years too late. I was one of the 300,000 spectators. watch?v=KlOlHExChT8Can you believe there's an article in that Feb. '71 MR about using LEDs to light your layout!
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
Good morning. It's 69° with 99% humidity and patchy fog. It'll be partly cloudy with a high of 90°.Work continues on the grain elevator scratchbuild. I got the remaining four silos cut this morning. For those interested the way I get a straight level line around the pipe is by using a hose clamp. Tighten the clamp until it can't be pushed out of line and just slides on the pipe. Marking along the edge of it will give a straight line all the way around and if it was sufficiently tightened that line will be level. Today I'll put some tape across one end of the ends of each pipe section and stand them with the open end up. Pouring some plaster in should seal the other end. When the plaster is dry I'll pour in some glue and let it set. That should lock the plaster plug in place. If I have time I'll get started on making the walls of the structures.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
It's a muggy overcast 64, but it fells warmer.
Granny and I went off to Walmart this morning, had to drive the pickup through the snow as they haven't put out the hitching post for the dog teams yet. Wow that place ain't cheap no more. A nice chat with some of the guys last night, Charlie is home from hunting bare. I hope he didn't catch cold..Happy Hump day . . . S.J.
"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
Doug,
That was a neat video clip of that parade in '86! I didn't realize it happened of forgot about it if I new. Wonder if it made national news? And you were there as a 2 year old, I was looking in the crowd but was having great difficulty finding you, especially using your avatar as a reference.
I assume you routinely grab an older copy of the various magazines and re-read them during your commute, what a fantastic idea! I might have to go dig up that issue and re-read the LED article.
Thanks for posting the information!
BTW, at Knott's parents of youngsters frequently say to their kids, "Look There's the Conductor", or Say Hi to the Conductor, etc.. Some of the guys get upset that the parents don't know who the conductor, or engineer actually is. I try to convince them that most of the kids are into Thomas, and that is where they get the point of reference from. If it wasn't for Thomas the interest level in trains would be WAY less. As a matter of fact I typically tell people the history of the Goose, if we are waiting for dispatch, or enroute someone asks a question or shows interest. Many times I will ask the youngsters if they know Thomas, then are they familiar with Toby, and that the Goose is Toby's cousin. They relate to that!
Also, the real heros are those parents like You and Dennis, you guys and your wives make a commitment for a lifetime, and enrich the lives of others, providing what they wouldn't have otherwise had. Unfortunately those efforts are hardly ever acknowledged. Probably to protect the children from unnecessary publicity. Thanks for sharing!
Don
Good Mornin' Y'all From Overcast and Rainy Taxachusetts,
It's above 70 already here, but the temps are expected to hold their own now. Wife and I were both dragging this morning, sharing the crud. I went out early to get the trash to the curb and conduct poo patrol in the yard.
Jon........thanks for the Vietnam Vet reminder. I have some in my church group and have gotten closer to one who until this day is still suffering from PTSD. As some have commented, these veterans by and large came home to a partially ignorant and/or thankless public. I had a school deferment from the draft lottery, then got reclassified 1A, but never got called to serve, probably because the end of the war and withdrawal was imminent. My Dad was a WWII vet and made it a point to keep my mind front and center about the veterans, those still in uniform, and the duty that is ours when we are called.
The discussion about what were we doing back in 1971 has been quite interesting. Can you imagine what we would all have if we had hung on to our V8 muscle-beasts from that era? All of the posts have brought back fond memories for me. The variety out there new and preowned was staggering. Besides Rich, I think I am the only other one on this forum who hung on to his old iron. At least two of us have "vision."
My numbers matching Cortez silver 1969 Corvette coupe is still sitting covered in my garage, last run in 1995.......nothing that about $15K of body-on restoration wouldnt cure. Mine was purchased used in 1973 and came with the 350ci/350hp small block, a/c, leather, Muncie, close ratio 4 speed trans, factory side exhausts, otional wheel coves, and a 3.55 rear end. Besides the t-tops, the back vertical window comes out and can be stired on board with the tops.
After reading what some of you guys had, you will understand why I did very little street or highway racing. As the saying goes, there is no substitution for cubic inches. Every other car on the street seemed to be sporting engines from 396ci all the way up to 455. Sure, many of these might have been a tad heavier than the Corvette at 3,400 pounds. But money was tight and I was determined to keep a clean driver's license for insurance purposes.
My wife has always encouraged me dumping the money into the Vette to get it back on the road. But as we know, life (kids and grandkids) intervenes, and it just seems that the expenses to keep a roof over one's head and in good repair are never ending, always expensive. One of these days..... I think she realizes that both of us will be driving it, enjoying it. I don't believe in garage queens. I could never understand how one could have a stellar car and not drive it for fear it would get wet or dirty. Looking at it is not enough for me.
HudsonJohn.......prayers continue for your Mom's recovery and the positive spirit she is displaying. Spanky, for some encouraging news on Tyler's test results. The same goes for your Mom, Brutus. And Banks, tell your Dad that beer becomes slush a few degrees below 32! Frozen margueritas and daquiris for backup. Blownout.......I sure do hope you are packing some pounds back on. Prayers continue for all..
Rich......my Corvette came with F sized red-lined Tiger Paws. But it has Goodyear G60 X 15s on all four corners now......equivalent now is a P245 tire. While I am drooling over all of the cars youse guyz had, especially the pictures, Rich arguably has the rarest find of the bunch. Rich, I can't wait until yours is back on the road.
KEV......thanks for the videowith the crossing gate and sharing your challenge getting it operating correctly. I don't know about everyone else, but I always had a strong preference for running trains in one direction versus the other.
Fife........the Fifepup's scrape in the McDonalds parking lot will not get you any sympathy, yet. You have to have your son come home to tell you he totalled the car on a fire hydrant like DougM's son did. Or in my case, my daughter came home to inform me that she t-boned a Catholic priest in my 1982 Camaro.
RT......we love you and will miss you, man. When is your wake going to be held? RT Obituary: "Cause of death, Lionel trains." Don't forget us in your will, the part about the disposition of your trains.
DougDG.......your 1965 GTO must have been sweet. Coupe?
Laundry time, gang. later.
Jack
Brent.....I LOVE taking my grandchildren shopping with me in one respect. They do provide access to better service and some other fringe benefits as you mentioned.
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
Hello all,
Rainy mid 50's this AM
First off a great big THANK YOU to all Viet Nam vets. As well as Thank You to all our vets living and deceased.
Hudson Mom is still on the mend
I finally decided last evening I can't get my new Windows 7 computer to play well with my old scanner. I can't locate a driver that will work. Can anyone recommend a new scanner? All I can find is printer-scanner -fax machines. If I go that route which one won't cost an arm & a leg for ink
Jack, although it has a 307 and a "Torque Glide" (hope that's right) transmission my '70 El Camino purchased by me in 1974 is still in my garage. It's had "Classic" tags since the early 80's & gets 3 or 4 hundred miles a year on it.
Has any one heard from Phish?
Best get busy
Prayers for those in need
Banks, Proud member of the OTTS TCA 12-67310
Lunch time:
Mom is doing good and she may be released from the hospital today. Thanks for the prayers.
Rich, Tomasz is a great wrench. Go to the company website and keep applying. I will tell him you daid Hey!
Jon, I totally agree with you about the Vietnam Vet. It was a dark period in this Country. A real shame.
RT: Too bad you are still not in NJ. You could send your purchases to my house like AF53 does and pick them up when the coast is clear. My excuse when the goods come, "Oh, it must be something that Ray ordered".
AF53, the package has arrived.
Fife: my daughter had a few fender benders, the best was when she totaled the 1993 T-Bird. My son started singing: "For she will have fun, fun, fun, fun, fun, until the tow truck took the T-Bird away". He has not had any action including tickets yet.
Brutus, Sorry I missed you too, my wife told me yesterday that you came on after I had fell asleep.
February, 1971: Working in a garage/body shop, cruising in a 55 Chevy, 327, 4 speed and a 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Convert. w/ a 390, worked C6, putting together a wrecked 1969 Camaro SS w/ a 350, 4 speed.
Prayers for all in need.
John
RI Jack: I know what you mean about putting mega bucks in a car and scared to drive it. That is a concern of mine when I do my 1956 Chevy Nomad. That is what I like about my 1965 Mustang. I do not have much into it and I enjoy driving it. Yea, guys I am a Tri-Five Chevy, early Mustang, old truck and tractor guy. Now to transform the Rustang back to a Mustang. #1 retirement project.
Banks Can anyone recommend a new scanner? All I can find is printer-scanner -fax machines. If I go that route which one won't cost an arm & a leg for ink
Can anyone recommend a new scanner? All I can find is printer-scanner -fax machines. If I go that route which one won't cost an arm & a leg for ink
Banks, I would recommend two things,,,,,
1. Look at the Epson website, and specifically the Clearance Section. (found under products.) They have some REALLY great deals, but it changes daily. They warranty all the products for 1 year, and most cases it is model overruns.
2. Not as a commercial, but use our website as a tool. Before buying a printer check out what it will cost to feed it. (Printer manufacturers do NOT like that.) All you need to do is enter the numeric portion of the model number, select the manufacturer, and a page will appear with the costs and quantities of pages or volume of ink. Then you can compare which would be best for you.
Generally speaking, Epson and Brother will be the most cost effective, then Canon, HP, Lexmark/Dell. Of course models within each manufacturer varies greatly.
BanksI finally decided last evening I can't get my new Windows 7 computer to play well with my old scanner. I can't locate a driver that will work. Can anyone recommend a new scanner? All I can find is printer-scanner -fax machines. If I go that route which one won't cost an arm & a leg for ink
*
Work on the grain elevator got put on hold this morning. My father needed me to help him lift my mothers power chair into the back of his truck. So got that done then went to the nursing home with him as it was going to take both of us to unload it there. We got it unloaded and I drove it to my mothers room. I tested the speed setting on it on the way. A little below medium should be as fast as she needs to go. The fastest I had it up was 3/4's and the vertical mortar lines in the cinder block walls of the hall all disappeared and residents standing in the hall went by like a picket fence. Yeah, she definitely won't need that setting. Anyway, I showed her how to operate it, how to hook up the charger, etc.Now, on the grain elevator project, I have half of the silos done with what I call 'roof plugs' and I'm preparing to do the other half. The first part of that is to rough up the inside of one end of the with some sandpaper. I then place three strips of one inch masking tape across that end so they overlap a bit. I then put a fourth strip going across those at a ninety degree angle. It's not really needed but I feel better knowing it's there. Next I stand them taped end down on the kitchen counter and pour plaster into them to a depth of one inch then let them stand a couple of hours. I then pour a little glue in and let that set. Removing the tape reveals a fairly smooth plaster plug. Later I'll cover the top with some tissue and glue. That give the glue something to stick to later when I add the gallery (structure on top of the silos). Here's one I did earlier on a piece of scrap pipe to test the concept.End taped:End after plaster set and tape removed:
Good morning all,
Thought I was on car talk! Just kidding. Not much of a car buff myself but appreciate the ones that look good. Friend of mine is into antique cars. Has an old Olds and Plymouth that look like new.
Don and Jon, Thank you for your Viet Nam service. I worked with several vets from there on the railroad. The troops did all that was asked of them. Woe to them that mismanaged the war though. Thanks to all vets who went into harm's way for our country.
Don, I'm familiar with the insulated rail method but don't use it because of arching on the train wheels and pitting of same. Is there any cure for that?
Ray
SPMan
Work on the elevator is progressing. At this time the plaster and glue and setting in the last of the silos. The next step will be to sand them to take off the smooth plastic appearance and give it the look and feel of concrete. I've already done this on the scrap tube I'm using to test my concepts. It has a nice looking texture of concrete. Later I'll paint it and see what it looks like. Nice thing about this project is that it can be made in virtually any scale.
It's 66 and still feels warm.
It's early but the news is the same old thing so here I am. I got some couch time some computer time and a little outdoor time today. No big news from the train store so I will stick with my banilla and Tardis story for the time being. Oh the car stuff, it's easy to just skip through it but I hope I don't miss something good hidden between the lines...S.J.
I've been looking at some of the paint colors I have and found one I like. It's a mis-tint satin latex I picked up from Lowe's called 'Silver Bells'. At this point the test tube is the only one that's painted.
Been busy this afternoon since I got home building a shed to live in if I have to ( just kidding) and the obituraries won't be out for a long time I hope anyway.
Went to get my hearing test done today but when got there it has been postponed as doc was out sick.
Feb 71 as stated on the tardis the other night I turned 16 on the first so was opening up something with flanges which was custom in my house. and was in 9th grade.
SPMAN you mean this isn't the hot rod forum gee I thought I was on it myself
Having problems with this putor think will get off and run some scans on it talk to you all later
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
Lots of cars, old engines and items moved to the Box today. FSIL had to leave to go let the dogs out. HUMM May have over worked the poor guy.
.22 pellet gun is awsome. 3 dead squirrels late this afternoon. Shot two at some distance off of side of neighbor's tree. They had run out of my pecan tree with a pecan in their mouth.
Early morning meeting in Raleigh. Then Harbor Freight for some items [belong to their Insider Club = extra discount]. Then meeting with Raleigh's Mayor [friend] at Town Hall here. Chinese with Wifey for dinner.
Friday, back to Edgecombe Co. farms for wrap up of deer hunting area. Black powder season comes in Sat. [I do not do]. FSIL does black powder.
Later.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
ChiefEagles.22 pellet gun is awsome. 3 dead squirrels late this afternoon. Shot two at some distance off of side of neighbor's tree. They had run out of my pecan tree with a pecan in their mouth.
Some other colors I'm toying with. Anything but white! What do you think?
To all,
Played soccer in the rain last night. We only had 7 show up at the start of the game to their 11. After we were down 5-0 in the first half, I decided it was a good night to do my stint at keeper. A few more of our team showed up by the second half to keep it respectable and we lost 9-1. I am not a goalie. Both of my high school soccer teams face tough first round games in the sectional. The boys could win, but the girls do not have a prayer. Spent all day Wednesday dealing with that which I can't talk about. Someday in the distant future I will be able to discuss it. From now on the toll will be mostly financial and emotional. I really do appreciate all the support and prayers. Just like Tuesday, I really needed to play soccer. It did not matter who won or lost, or even how well I played. Jeffery, I really enjoy all the pictures you post and the techniques you share. Those are ideas any scale can use. I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
jeffrey-wimberly ChiefEagles.22 pellet gun is awsome. 3 dead squirrels late this afternoon. Shot two at some distance off of side of neighbor's tree. They had run out of my pecan tree with a pecan in their mouth. An offense punishable by death! One of the funniest things I've ever seen was a squirrel trying to push a pear up a tree! * * Some other colors I'm toying with. Anything but white! What do you think?
Well the second one in looks like a giant cigerette lol but I like the 1st, 4th, and 5th one good colors.
Partly cloudy, muggy and in the 70's today.
Jeffery - maybe some combination of the first and fourth one - use one color as a base color and dry brush some stains with the other color.
I actually got some work done today at work - only sat in one meeting.
All for now.
Time for me to call it a night. You all know by now what I've been up to today so I won't waste your time and mine with a recap. The grain elevator project is starting to come together and is quite honestly one of the most ambitious projects I've undertaken in many years and is the first scratch build I've dared to tackle since 2003. I'm hoping it'll turn out as good as much of my past work did but I was much more physically able then. See y'all tomorrow.
Evenin' All.
Nothing exciting today, got my parts in from Timko so I could finish the repairs on one of the club's Williams engine. They are primarily our "utility fleet", track cleaning/kid's club/emergemcy fill in units.
Jeffrey, Doesn't Krylon make a simulated concrete paint in a kinda gray-white shade with some texture to it ?
Made a pot of Chicken Tortilla Soup for dinner and wow was it spicey.
Jack, My goat was the coupe, aka 2dr post, baseline entry model but after the mods it would haul buns. Wish I could have afforded to keep it, remember the gas lines and what we thought were hi-prices of the mid 70's.
Continuing prayers for all in need, especially the little ones . May God Bless.
Nite all !
Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.
www.sd3r.org
Proud New Member Of The NRA
Hey Jeffrey, it's really coming along - I am partial to blue or green.
Don - too funny, love the Thomas tie-in! Yes, I'm sure I don't know the required inputs, but what I wonder is if there is an anti-derail on that switch there and that is screwing up his circuit? Sounds like a job for a relay to me. I did talk with Kev on the Yahoo Messenger and he is helping some friends do some work at their cabin.
Jack - too funny and thanks for listing all the prayer needs, too. Continued prayers for all in need and for our loved ones and friends.
RT - you better make it up to her! Take her out to that auction place. Hope they get you in for your hearing test soon, what a shame.
Well - the rear windshield in my truck leaked in the storm last night - figure the wind was blowing really hard and pushed water in around it, but that leak is there and will have to be fixed. I know of a window place up in Kirkwood that might be able to redo the seal for me cheaper than Chevy - I'll call both for guesstimates.
Speaking of which, a landscaping guy came out and walked the hill with me tonight after work. He figures one end of the wall will be 8 ft and the other 4 so so about 600 sq ft of retaining wall "face". He is going to work up an estimate for me including clearing out all that crap down in the trees that I have been nibbling at for years now. This will include backfill with 3 feet of rock then dirt and cover, plus placing tubes for a fence at the top - maybe black iron fence? He's going to give separate estimates for the fence and for a little side job with landscaping rocks along the neighbor's fence line. I sure hope he comes in at about $14K, which is what I expect based on all he said he would do - or less of course!
TARDIS is ready and I'll drive again - extra banilla for Mike! Go!
RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.
PS - Doug, nice link man! Hey, that Hornby Key was one size too big, but it looks very nice - good display piece and it wasn't too dear. The hunt shall continue. The brake van I picked up is really nice - love it
Just to clarify -- I did not serve in Viet Nam, I was deferred to teach in a very small school district in 1968-70. My heart felt thanks to our military men and women goes back a very long ways and now that I'm almost fully retired I try hard to make sure I support our active and retired military in any way I can. Being a member of the PGR has been a great way for me to pay my respect to those heroes from WW II to those now returning from the middle east.
Jon
So many roads, so little time.
Good Evening,
Another Great day, didn't do much but did make progress. Planned on replacing some LED's, but began to wonder why they were out. Checked for loose connections, none. Wiring was correct. Then realized I was over-driving them. So started checking things out, and quickly discovered that with various changes that were made since I originally wired the layout things should be changed. So crawled around under the layout, and re-mapped how power is being distributed. Found some issues primarily with Wall Worts and applications. Too many devices in some cases and others underutilized. So came up with a plan to re-do and correct. Also, did an inventory of Wall Wort stock, interesting how many of those things that accumulate.
Back to work Thursday and Friday, will be running the Goose. The weather is cooler now than it has been! Which is great! But, going to be getting warmer this week-end, and Sunday will be in the Steam Engine. That figures! Hot Again!
SPMan Don, I'm familiar with the insulated rail method but don't use it because of arching on the train wheels and pitting of same. Is there any cure for that? Ray
Ray, The most frequent cause of arcing that I am aware of is due to resistance. Typically caused by the accumulated build up, from dirty rails, rollers, and/or wheels. When they are clean there shouldn't be any arcing.
Got our semi-annual car insurance bill today. Notice a $200, increase! Upon review, seems "someone" got a ticket, and lost the Good Driver discounts. Hmmmmm Going to be talking to a certain young man!
Liked watching the Silo project, looks great!
Later guys!
Good night all. Reclinerized too long.
Jon, your PGR is a great service. Keep it up.
Sleep tight all.
Good Mordig...
I still hab this stubid code as you cad see by by tybig. I thig it bust be that creepig crud Lee eded ub with....ad spellcheg is goig duts with by tybig skills here....
As var as weather goes aroud here, we are loogig ad a high dear 68F ad a bix of sud ad gloud lader od..righd dow we are ad 54F....AAACCCHHHIIIINNSSKIIII!!!!!...HONK sniff sniff...
I thig I will go to the bag bood and cuddle ub ith the rub toddy ad by blanky...
DJ: Good news is right!! Good that they found the true extent of said tumour..that should make it easier for them to treat it. Take care of yourself in all this....
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/
Spanky.......this is very good news. With your schedule, you probably won't have time to check in. But if you do, please know that all of us will be keeping Tyler and the family in our prayers as his treatment progresses. There is so much on the plate for you and your wife, but you have matters on all fronts covered, and covered well.
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