Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Elliott's Trackside Diner XIII Locked

31890 views
559 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 5:58 PM

Robby--Sounds like something I did a few years backWhistling. Never a dull moment with that type of work. The people I worked with sorta fell between two crowds, the drink 'til you fall down bunch or the criminal types---it was a weird two years but it got me going----WhistlingAlien  After seeing that boxcar I'm thinking that I'm going to have to find some dang weathering cars and get at them again---you keep inspiring me to fire up the ol' learning curves!!

Chris-- Um. Don't you guys have photographers?Smile,Wink, & GrinWhistling And you have to write a "puff piece" on another one---YIKES!!ShockSmile,Wink, & Grin---THAT editor sounds rather---------------interestingWhistling---of course, don't mind me---I've had one of those-----?????Days----WhistlingConfused

Ulrich-I'm with these guys---We'll pray for you in your situation---keep it up---

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are some days that make one go---HMMM----this was/is one of them days. Picture this if you will. My office is downtown here in a 8 floor building. We have a fair amount of social service people go in/out here---anyway, I'm downstairs at our little cubby hole of a coffee shop and fall into a conversation with a fellow who has been looking for work. He's getting down on himself about not being able to get anything off the ground because he's confused about a bunch of things people tell him. Now, the gist of it is that he seems to be running into two different types of job counsellors. One says---go after what you love to do---taking into account all your skills/talents. The other only points towards his CURRENT JOB skills and tell him just to get a dang job---that the other side are just a bunch of hogwash. And then both have been telling him that HE is being negative when he is telling both of the sides what they been telling him!!ConfusedWhistling It is kind of interesting of late---kind of chin stroking----HMMM---Banged Head---Me? I told him to ignore all that and go after what he would love to do---In this day it seems a little more rational, I'd think---then who am I to know---Disapprove

It is all nice and sunny out there and I've already chased the growing grass around with the mower. So now I get to go outside and watch the fish jump---Smile,Wink, & Grin

Chloe----A coffee and a SRP please---oh, and a cheeseburger as well----love it ---desert first ---then main course----I'll be at the RC----Approve

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
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 6:42 PM

Cederstrand
We're in need of a new weed-eater. Is the difference between 2-stroke & 4-stroke models worth the added expense? Thoughts and suggestions appreciate!

While a 2-stroke engine sounds like it's going faster it's actually running at half the rpm of a 4-stroke engine. It also has less power. It's main saving grace is that it's lighter.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Marion, Iowa
  • 1,263 posts
Posted by AmanaMedic on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 6:47 PM

blownout cylinder
Um. Don't you guys have photographers?Smile,Wink, & GrinWhistling And you have to write a "puff piece" on another one---YIKES!!ShockSmile,Wink, & Grin---THAT editor sounds rather---------------interestingWhistling---of course, don't mind me---I've had one of those-----?????Days----WhistlingConfused

Yeah... Boss and Mrs. Boss both shoot, I shoot...but we're *trumpet flourish* "photojournalists." This guy is a wedding/portrait/commercial photographer. He's not any competition to us...nor us to him. I'm just not as impressed/enamored (sp.?) with him as THAT editor is. Then again, she just told me I outshot the photog from the Iowa City Depressed Citizen...I mean, PRESS Citizen...on a story last week. She said I "outshot him by a mile and a half." I replied: "Only by a mile and a half? I'll have to try harder next time." Hmmmm. Maybe THAT's why they're keeping me around....

 

blownout cylinder
The people I worked with sorta fell between two crowds, the drink 'til you fall down bunch or the criminal types

At the office furniture installation gig, I had BOTH: drink 'till ya fall down (and work next day hungover) AND criminal element. The lead installer told me when on my first road job: "We're just like anybody else in construction, which means you either drink, or do drugs, or both." Nice. I didn't stay there very long... The only acceptable greeting each morning went something like: Q) "Hey, how ya doing?" A) "I'm living the dream." Of course, everybody dreams of delivering and installing office furniture as a kid...Whistling But, it was a job, it paid bills, and gave me something productive to do until the next job came along: delivering home healthcare equipment/supplies...Dead

There is always something out there. I've always said, and always belived "I was looking for a job when I found this one." I've been through times when I grabbed "a job, any (legal) job. THAT's how I ended up working at a tree farm, being a rented mule at an auction house, installing office furniture, and delivering healthcare stuff. I've gone after "what I love," which is how I ended up working for THAT editor.Big Smile

ChrisEight Ball

The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Shelby, NC
  • 2,545 posts
Posted by Robby P. on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 7:15 PM

Well I have had jobs like that, and I have had alot of labor jobs.  Some of the guys were very nice, but then a  few were just lazy. 

I saw this one, and thought maybe it has something to do with a R.R.  Just around where I live, is about 3 - 5 family owned operations.  That they fix the track, get derailments, etc.  I thought it might be one of them. 

Plus it starts at $12.00 a hour.  I think I could get along with anybody at that price.

Well I gotta go, its the Pens vs. Redwings.

Mischief 

 "Rust, whats not to love?"      

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Jersey Shore
  • 361 posts
Posted by ewl01 on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 7:17 PM
Rob - we bought 4 stroke weed-eaters and blowers at work last year for the grass crew at the DPW. These replaced 2 stroke units of the same manufacture. While they still use mixed fuel, the units are a lot quieter, 'cleaner', and much easier to start. The crew is out 4 days a week trimming after cuts in the parks and right-of-ways. Like any machine they need clean air filters, good spark plugs, and PROPERLY mixed CLEAN fuel. We use Stihl products and they perform very well. We spend less time servicing the 4 strokes.** *THIS INFORMATION IS BASED ON USE AND EXPERIENCE BY INDIVIDUALS OF THE NEPTUNE CITY DPW ROAD CREW. ** YOUR USAGE AND RESULTS MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED. WE DO NOT ENDORSE OR PROMOTE THE BRAND NAME PRODUCT MENTIONED. Eric
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: North Jersey
  • 1,781 posts
Posted by ns3010 on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 7:44 PM

Evening all. Zoe, I'll take a burger to go, thanks.

5 days of school left (and a week till my birthday, not including today! [my last day of school is my bday])!!!! So physced!

Sorry I can't stay, maybe tomorrow night.

Night all.

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
My Photos on Flickr: Flickr
My Videos on Youtube: Youtube
My Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives

Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 7:45 PM

Oh brother--I came across one of those "if only I was there 2 minutes before series of shots. This is what I had coming as I was coming out of one of the short cliff things by the quarry----don't laugh too hard ---might bust a gut!!

O BTW Robby and anyone else doing building or whathaveyou weathering---just how dusty can a fence get?

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
    January 2007
  • From: Shelby, NC
  • 2,545 posts
Posted by Robby P. on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 7:53 PM

Barry..............I'm the same way.  When I take a picture, I quickly hit the "review" button, and then take another shot.   I think its about time to upgrade cameras.  

On the fence, well that seems like it would be a easy weathering job. Wink

 "Rust, whats not to love?"      

Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 7:55 PM

Robby P.

Barry..............I'm the same way.  When I take a picture, I quickly hit the "review" button, and then take another shot.   I think its about time to upgrade cameras.  

On the fence, well that seems like it would be a easy weathering job. Wink

The dang thing was that I had it on "Auto----"----GrumpyDunce

That was the lonely petunia that was dragging the 44, or so, lost puppy empty autoracks behind it--Sigh

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/

Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:13 PM

One of those narrow gallery shots from the 2nd tier of the quarry---I was about 70' down--

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
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:15 PM

 That wouldn't be one of my favorite places to be.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 9:27 PM

Evenin' folks!

Flo I'll have a cup of decafe and a hot fudge sundae......  Yea, I saved enough carbos for the desert, don't worry and don't get on my case.......

I spent the evening over at the museum helping out a gentleman that I met back when I was thinking about joining.  He is an adjunct professor at Brockport State college (meaning that he actually has to teach classes).  Anyway he is a friend of one of my best friends from High School who also teaches at Brockport.  We have hit it off well so It was fun working with him this evening.

I can't sit at the rivet counter this evening as All I basically did tonight was screw around with one the the passenger coaches from the Empire Express which we are rebuilding......  No rivets, but a lot of stainless steel screws!  We were working on the windows of the coach.  Man!  Stainless Steel is hard stuff the drill, tap and put screws into. We found that inside they took out some of the stainless steel backing that the sides screwed into (holding the plates together) and had replaced it with high carbon steel.......  Those were in places where they couldn't get screws to hold.  I theorized that during that last renovation of the coaches those were installed as "who cares this heap will be scraped in 5 more years" mentality (probably back during the Penn Central fiasco or when Conrail had them for a while.....)  Most everyone agreed with me.

Tonight was the first time I have been out there in 6 months.  A lot of equipment has been moved and much work has been done.  Felt good to be out there.  Hope to make a common occurance this Summer.

Barry, that is a great bunch of photos you have been sharing of the quarry.  There are a couple quarries still working near here, but nothing close to the size of that one.  There is one by the FGLK ROW just past Seneca Falls that is no longer in operation:

 

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Cape Girardeau, MO
  • 3,073 posts
Posted by JimRCGMO on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 9:40 PM

Evening, Chloe, I'll have an oatmeal raisin cookie and a mug of decaf, in a Rio Grande mug, please. Thank you, ma'am! Psst! Is Todd still carrying on about boxcars? Okay, I'll be in the back booth....

Robby, another excellent weathering job. And thanks for that tip on the rust scars, etc. Thumbs UpBow  On that job, it almost sounds like you go to derailments to unload/crossload cars, but I could be wrong on that.Confused

Chris (speaking as a former portrait/wedding/(a little) commercial photographer), I'd say that you probably get more jobs each week than he may be getting. There's a reason he has higher rates (like maybe, so he can get through the times between those big buck$ jobs. When I had my studio, there were some fellow photograhers who were willing to share some of how they approached or did things, and others (like your guy) who were pretty closed-mouthed about their tricks. I think they were afraid that others would copy their stuff and undercut their prices... but that's just my guess on that, I suppose.Wink Hey, it sounds like you could go visit Barry's place for some pics for your fish farm article! Smile,Wink, & Grin

Barry - I have one of my co-w**kers who often comes into the building saying "Another day in paradise" (but not exactly like he means it...) I suggested that Chris come up and do his fish farm piece on your yard - help him out, okay? Wink Now that quarry fence, it looks like it could be in my apartment... Oops

Oh, Hi, Todd! Whatcha talking about - boxcars? Sure, fill me in. (Vinnie, save yerself - make a run for it!)

Rob, make sure you get that train time in - we like you sane! Yeah!! How've your wife's parents been doing lately? I'm guessing that since we haven't heard as much (hopefully) that may mean they're doing okay. 

Eric, Chloe got a note that the Diner's legal advisors wanted to thank you for the nice disclaimer. However, they want you to fine-tune it a bit. "Please call Dewey, Cheathem & Howe, Attorneys at Law, at BR-549 tomorrow morning, please" I think, was the message...

I ordered a few items on sale through Walthers' website tonight (whopping big $16-17 order, plus about $9 shipping).Not much going on here tonight, unless you count the tornado and t-storm watches and warnings north and south of us, anyway...Zzz Yeah, sometimes, you get used to Midwestern plains weather. Right, my fellow flatlanders (okay, and my fellow rolling meadows-ers)? Smile,Wink, & Grin

About time for me to head on back home. I'll check back in the morning on you, Todd.Whistling

 

Blessings and prayers,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

 

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Carmichael, CA
  • 8,055 posts
Posted by twhite on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 10:09 PM

blownout cylinder

One of those narrow gallery shots from the 2nd tier of the quarry---I was about 70' down--

Barry:  If the rocks were a little more red, I'd swear to God that's a photo I took along Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon about 15 years ago.  Wow! 

Well, good evening from Don't-Jump-In-The-Pool-Or-You'll-Freeze-Your-Patootie-Off Cal.  We had a high of 74 today, normal for this time of year is between 84 and mid 'nineties.  Delta Breeze is whipping in, partly cloudy, and considering the fact that we'll probably get whacked with 100+ by the time we hit July, I'm a very Happy Camper. Tongue

Had a rather interesting day.  One of my Jesuit students, a very talented 17-year old tenor named Raymond has gotten a full vocal scholarship to the Cleveland Institute of Music (a very top-notch school, BTW) and is giving a farewell recital in July.  And of course, he asked his favorite "Doc" (me) to be his accompanist.  And of course I said YES!!!!   Anyhow, he came over this morning for our first run-through.  This is one sweet, terrific kid--I've worked with him since he was a skinny little Freshman.  I'm actually very honored that he asked me to be his accompanist.  In fact, so honored, I'm doing this Gratis.  No pay.  And I NEVER do that, LOL! 

Now, I have this well-meaning but terribly snoopy neighbor that lives next door and spends the entire day sitting in his garage scouting out the neighborhood.  He's kinda/sorta our self-appointed Neighborhood Watch--a retired Insurance Investigator.  Now we live in a nice, middle-class neighborhood in an area of the county that is pretty virtually crime-free.  Nobody thinks twice of leaving their garage doors open, or worrying about being robbed--the kind of thing that the rest of Sacramento really doesn't enjoy. 

SO---my student pulls into my driveway in his bright red Mercedes convertible, I go out and meet him, we go in to the music room through the garage, he stops and ogles my MR ("Wow, Doc, is this all YOURS?") and we start rehearsing.  Midway through, there's this banging on the front door.  I stop the rehearsal, go out and there's the next door neighbor staring in through the screen.  "Are you okay?"  "I'm fine, Frank.  I'm in the middle of a rehearsal."  "Oh.  There's a red German car in your driveway."  "I know, that's my student.  We're rehearsing for a recital."  "Well, I never see strange cars in your driveway."  "Frank, it's NOT a strange car, it's my student."  "Well, I thought maybe you were being robbed."  "Frank, did you hear all the singing coming from the music room?"  "Yah, I thought it was the TV."  "No, it's a rehearsal."  "Well, I just wanted to check up."  "Frank, if I were being robbed, why would you think it would be from someone who can afford this year's Mercedes?"  "Um."  He saunters off. 

I go back into the music room, Raymond is standing there giving me a strange look.  "What was THAT?"  "He thought you were robbing me."   Raymond blinked.   Then he laughed.  "Well, at least he didn't think you got me over here to MOLEST me, Doc." 

After we both laughed our butts off over THAT one, we continued the rehearsal.  It's going to be a GREAT recital, but I sure hope Frank gets used to that red Mercedes in the driveway once a week until then.  Whew!Whistling

I was reading some of the comments about bosses.  Might I offer you a little bit of wisdom? 

I'm Catholic.  The difference between my Pope and your Boss is that my Pope only requires me to kiss his ring. Tongue

Best to all, prayers to those in need. 

Tom  Big Smile

 

 

Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 10:14 PM

twhite

blownout cylinder

One of those narrow gallery shots from the 2nd tier of the quarry---I was about 70' down--

My dad would say here:-

                                            Na,  Und?LaughLaughLaugh

Actually, there is an access road that winds---and I do mean winds its way down to the bottom---said bottom being a further 150'----at a 8% climb--or so it looksWhistling

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
    November 2008
  • From: Williamsville, ILL
  • 3,698 posts
Posted by TMarsh on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 10:31 PM

Hey everybody, ya missed my historical account of the boxcar earlier, guess ya'll had stuff to do. If you're interested let me know I can go through it again. Very interesting about how they came up with the design.

Rob-I'll throw in my 2 cents worth on weed eaters. Stihl. I've worked on several types of weedeaters and chainsaws and I have Stihl. Cost more? Yes. Worth it? You betcha. I've not messed with 4 strokes so I can't make a comment on those but a 2cycle Stihl is about as good and reliable as you can get. Like I said I've had the oportunity to work on several brands of weedeaters and chainsaws. Of the ones I've worked on I'd go in this order 1 (first choice) Stihl. 2. Echo. 3. Huskvarna. 4 Ryobi and last and I do mean DEEAD last, Homelite. I've had nightmares about trying to keep a Homelite going. I'm sure some may differ, they are lucky and I'm happy for them but in my experience don't hold your breath if you need one frequently or try to use one alot. By the time you get the thing out of the shop if you can't fiddle with one yourself or just give up and buy 2 or 3 you've paid for a Stihl. Did I say I'd buy a 2 cycle Stihl.

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Stihl of or any of their authorized dealers.

Todd  

Central Illinoyz

In order to keep my position as Master and Supreme Ruler of the House, I don't argue with my wife.

I'm a small town boy. A product of two people from even smaller towns. I don’t talk on topic….. I just talk. Laugh

  • Member since
    June 2007
  • From: Indiana
  • 3,549 posts
Posted by Flashwave on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 10:42 PM

blownout cylinder

One of those narrow gallery shots from the 2nd tier of the quarry---I was about 70' down--

Watch your step. That first one's a LULU!

Thanks guys, for the compliments on the Steamer. Get my camera charged and I'll show you the CMPA switcher I've done.

-Morgan

Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 10:43 PM

Rob--I'd second Todd's STIHL--I've got one that is so old there is no more mark as to its provenence. I'd say at least 10 years if not more. Has not given me any problem----and I've used it in tackling overgrowth when helping a friend in restoring old houses and they've been surrounded in stuff---

-------mind, if'n things get a little TOO enthused in growth----out comes the BUSH HAWG----

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
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 12:56 AM

 Good Morning, Flo - am I the first one in today? Well, than I just have a big, hot and black coffee in my MILW mug, sit down by the window and watch a little the switching going on outside. No , nothinĀ“ specific happening today, just waiting for the inevitable to come.

Say hello to the guys for me, Flo - I must be off!

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 1:21 AM

Everyone, per Bergie's wishes prior to his leaving, I am going to call this thread stale-dated and ask someone to start a new one. 

Locked.

-Crandell

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!