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Elliot´s Trackside Diner April 2010 Locked

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Posted by TMarsh on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 3:46 PM

galaxy
Gee Robby, I certainly hope you don't go "comando"...you would have really given her cause to pause to tell you! XYZ PDQ!!! Last one in close the barn door!   Big SmileWhistling

ROFLMAO!!!!!! Oh, sorry Robby. Not laughing at you I'm laughing with you......Whistling

 

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

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 4:29 PM

 

galaxy
Know that routine all too well. Hope you get it fixed soon. Whats the chances you getting a newer hand-me-down vehicle new and free to you?
Slim to none and Slim left town.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
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Running Bear Enterprises
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beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


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Posted by GMTRacing on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 5:05 PM

Good Evening All,

   Been lurking about today and trying to catch up in the shop. Museum tonight and that'll be good - more O gage stuff and perhaps a start on relaying the loop tracks for the N gage display.

Jeff - hope the visit to the docs went ok and glad Rays' mil is going to be ok.

   My oldest sons wife is in the hospital just now with pneumonia which is dodgy for her as she also has asthsma. Wost of all she probably got it started hanging out with us at Pocono where it was damp, chilly and windy. She's a fighter but it's still a real worry. I still haven't caught up with all the posts but I'll try some more later.  CUL, J.R.

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Posted by AmanaMedic on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 5:19 PM

 Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood afternoon everybody, and a big HELLO! to the new guy...SWAYIN' I think his name is.

This is a rarity...almost 5PM and I'm not at a track meet, or soccer match, or enroute to a meeting. A brief respite, which is good with 5 articles now for THATBig Smile

TODD: Rant away Pal...rant away, I'm with ya 100%. Guys like THAT just light me up. While SAM will pray for a particular lost soul to "see the light," I'm more inclined to "adjust their attitude."  People sometimes wonder why there are so many "lone wolves" in model railroading...welp, hyper-critical goof-balls might have just a little something to do with it!

Speaking of SAM: Hey, good luck on those upcoming exams, I know you'll ace 'em!Thumbs Up

JEFF: From the looks of your car, I thought maybe it was FD-issued due to your Safety Officer position, maybe not? Any chance the local cops would have something they could "hand-me-down" to the FD to issue to you?  Also, please don't let my pickup hear you talk about your vehicular problems...she's past 208,000 miles and needs tie rod ends and wheel bearings. I'm hoping to have the bucks next month, but not holding my breath on THAT!

*sigh*

It's sunny and upper 70s here...reminds me of my wasted college days when I'd cut class to go for the "extra-long" hike around Cedar Lake in Cedar Rapids. CNW North Yard along one side, CCP yard on another. The "extra-long" way involved cutting across the north end of the CNW (ex-RI) yard, and going along an unofficial trail on the west side. IF only I'd taken more pictures of the day-to-day common stuff and less of the "gee, where did THAT come from" stuff... Disapprove It would sure make my modeling today a heckuvalot easier! Banged Head

Here's the prototype (gee, a certain Silly Pundit would be so proud...I'm w**king from a prototype pic), for something I've been chipping away at over the past few weeks. I stumbled across a set of custom decals for this on theBay a year or two ago, and picked up a Bowser hopper cheap from the same huge auction site. 

After I'm a little farther along with it, I'll tack up a shot of the model for your amusement.

For now, I'll either take Rerun to sit out on the deck, or do some processing of photos from a 6th grade "international fair" held today at the Solon Middle School.

ChrisEight Ball

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

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Posted by Cederstrand on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 5:42 PM

Strong coffee in an extra large  AT&SF  mug, please. 

***Chris, not sure on the ambulance. Heck, she may already have one down in the train room. Will have to check. Whatever type she wants is probably what she will get, unless it's super expensive. I think all her fire trucks were made by Boley.

Long day doing Inlaw stuff. Glad it's over.

Cheers! Cowboy Rob

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 5:47 PM

AmanaMedic
JEFF: From the looks of your car, I thought maybe it was FD-issued due to your Safety Officer position, maybe not? Any chance the local cops would have something they could "hand-me-down" to the FD to issue to you?

Well, that's kinda funny in a way. The car was owned by a law enforcement agency before I got hold of it. I picked it up off a used car lot for $5600 in '99 with a little over 50,000 miles on it.The only reason I bought it was because my previous car had burned to the ground that morning. Yeah, I know that sounds weird. Firefighters car burns, but hey, cops get robbed don't they? I had the one man cage and the push bumper removed before I took possession. It now has over 300,000 miles. I can't be any more precise than that because while the speedometer works fine both odometers don't work at all. They quit working at the 289,000 mile point. And in case you're wondering, all the lights and warning devices work and are legal for me to have and to use according to the laws about such things.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
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Running Bear Enterprises
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beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


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Posted by AmanaMedic on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 6:30 PM

jeffrey-wimberly
And in case you're wondering, all the lights and warning devices work and are legal for me to have and to use according to the laws about such things.

Never had even an instant's doubt about THAT! Smile,Wink, & Grin And heck, Mechanicsville's ambulance burned up this past winter, well...at least the engine compartment did. As for the push bumper...I'da left it on there, could be handy for "nudging" idiots out of the way...Mischief

ROB: Boley makes (made?) some nice looking stuff.  I had a "Type 1" (pickup chassis with ambulance box) THAT was either Boley, or Trident. It underwent considerable surgery to become a still un-finished CNW crew cab MOW truck. Seems Boley also had a "Type 2" ambulance (regular van with raised roof), and might've had a "Type 3" (van cab with modular ambulance box). They were all GMC/Chevy, for whatever THAT's worth. Seems to me somebody would do well to come out with a decent Ford E-350 chassis with modular ambulance box. I mean, it was the most popular chassis for such rigs. A decent F-350 Type 1 would also be a good thing... My Area Ambulance Service paramedics will need at least one of either... Might have to bash a Chevy with a Ford to get what I "need."

Too bad the fire apparatus is all S&S or Seagrave... not much of those brands around here. Eventually, I might try to kitbash an Athearn Ford cab-over with a Boley (or some other brand) body to model one of a pair of Pirsch engines Cee Da Rabbits had... NOBODY (THAT I'm aware of) makes the Pirsch engines they had, or the Pierce engines they got after Pirsch went under.Disapprove The worst part of the future kitbash? I'll have to paint it slime yellow...Dead Not sure where I'd park it yet though. None of the stations are near the area I plan on doing... might put it outside a business like the crew is out on an inspection. But then, I run into the "issue" THAT Stations 7 and 9 had them...and "my" area is well outside either of their first-in districts! Somebody needs to make a Pierce Javelin (Engine 1) or a Lance ('88 or later) for Engine 3!!!!

Good grief! 

My MRR life would be so much easier if I would just freelance...

I might be in-need of a psychoiatreeist!

ChrisEight Ball

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

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Posted by Robby P. on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 6:42 PM

Galaxy.........I think that would have been a "sight" Whistling.

 "Rust, whats not to love?"      

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Posted by puddlejumperoz on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 6:49 PM

Jeff

Ulrich

Vincent

John

Ray

Thanks guys for your knowledge, as I'm not overly concerned with prototype, I'm doing fairly freelance at this stage, close enough would be good enough for me. As I've found that because the Australian market is so small, as a Hobby shop owner pointed out to me on Sunday,where one of our makers might do a run of say 1,000 loco's, somebody like Athearn might do 25,000. So our priced are very steep. But if I can source a US loco or rolling stock, that looks pretty close, I'm happy. I have already got some hoppers that I'm painting now, that are practically identical to ours, in fact I think they were copies of Canadian ones. Here is a better picture of the Mike in Aussie service.

59 class goods Loco

Ray

Are there trains in Heaven?
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Posted by der5997 on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 8:43 PM

Swayin Just when Ulrich thought our numbers were going down, in you walk, and not far behind TrolleyRob, who hasn't been in as he says, for years! Thanks for dropping by. So, as you've seen, enquiring minds have been probing your mrr interests, plans etc. As to the hobby being THE place for kids, I couldn't agree more. Keeps them creative, home, and short of cash - that sounds like an anti-dote to a lot of teen troubles later on! Approve

Chris: Having told you in the email that I likely wouldn't get to those articles tonight...well "I jest couldn't help meself"...and they are wonderful The bins and the MU hose stand are very probable...a bin of brake shoes (just the top layer modeled, on a chip of plastic of course, I don't have THAT much time on my hands! Clown) Empty drums...and some-one mentioned the fire fighting gear. This is going to be fun! But first, painting the station I pried apart.

Any chance the local cops would have something they could "hand-me-down" to the FD to issue to you? 
...THAT Sir is a creative idea! Bow

While I'm on that subject, Jerry I rescued a small number of signs from the last two stations I stripped. I've packaged them up and will mail them (depending I can find your address still) as they are much more your era than mine.

Looks like it's time to get to bed. So I'll say Goodnight. Prayers for all in need (and Thanksgiving for the great news here and there as well!)Angel

"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.

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Posted by CNCharlie on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 10:02 PM

Good Evening Diners!

Well it has been a fair while, well at least a month, since I was last in the Diner and I have to say it is good to sit here at the RC.  A cup of your strongest coffee please Chloe and a toasted cinammon bun. Oh and pour whatever the other diners in here would like. 

I haven't been on the computer all that much lately as my wife has been using it a lot to plan our next big adventure which is a return trip to Africa next February. We are going to Kenya, Rwanda and Namibia. I have a very large number of Aeroplan points to use up before they expire so we decided to blow them all on business class tickets to Nairobi. It is insane how much we would have to pay for them if we were crazy or rich enough to afford them. Can you believe $15,000.  All that travel I did for the company over the past 15 years is finally having a pay back. You have to plan and book a year in advance for Africa and for the free air tickets, you have to book as soon as the 340 day window opens as there are so few tickets for Aeroplan. My wife has been researching this trip for 3 months trying to put together something we both want and can afford but it is finally done now.

On the RR front, I am still working on my little harbour extension. I have it to the point of all the ground foam down and the roads and ballast completed. I have yet to do the shrubs and a few trees plus pour the "water". I am waiting to do that last after the little barge I ordered has arrived. I did find a Walthers Rocky Point lighthouse kit at Trainworld. They often have Walthers buildings that are out of production.

Johnboy, how about sending us a little of that rain our way. It has been very dry here but at least it has been quite warm for the past month with temps 5C or more above normal. I guess warm is relative as I expect Jeff would find 60F a little cool.

By the way Jeff, I have been reading your posts as I was concerned about the problems you are having with your feet. I'll bet you'll be glad when those support boots arrive.

I still don't know what I'll do with all that N scale stuff I've been collecting, Yes I know I should build a layout but where in the house is the question. I'm now considering using an old door I have and putting it in the furnace room where my workshop is. At least it will be warm in winter. Then there is the question of a trackplan. I won't likely do much until our big trip is over next year as I have to cut down on expenses a little. I could just put a little loop on the door just so I can actually see if some of those locos work. I could use the loop of Unitrack I have but then I also have some Atlas code 55. I know, I will think about it!! After all haste makes waste.

Ulrich, glad to see that you are about to start your layout. That is a really nice track plan you have and that is a spiffing loco too.

Pippa is looking for me and is telling me it is time for bed. She stands and stares at me and then heads for the bedroom. My life is controlled by a dog. Good grief. She is awfully cute though and is devoted to 'Daddy' so who am I to make her wait. Besides it is my bedtime anyway.

Good night all,

CN Charlie

 

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 10:02 PM

 Today I was looking at some weathering work (on other forums) by other modelers and was wondering what I could do to make my work good enough to impress them. I discussed this with my family and several friends and they all gave me the same answer. "Why are you even trying to impress these people?" "The only person you should be out to impress is yourself.". I realized they were right. I am the only person I have to impress. No matter what the others think I'm doing the best that I can. Instead of trying to match what they do the only thing I should be doing is improving to do work that I'm pleased with, not something that someone else hundreds or thousands of miles away would be pleased with. They are not going to be using it, I am, and the only person who has to be pleased with it is me. Why am I wasting my time trying to copy these other modelers? True, the work they do is most impressive but at the end of the day most of it isn't what I would want on my layout.

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


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Posted by TMarsh on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 10:19 PM

jeffrey-wimberly
.....was wondering what I could do to make my work good enough to impress them.

Laugh Oh Jeff, you crack me up.

jeffrey-wimberly
I am the only person I have to impress.

No truer words are spoken.

jeffrey-wimberly
Instead of trying to match what they do the only thing I should be doing is improving to do work that I'm pleased with, not something that someone else hundreds or thousands of miles away would be pleased with. They are not going to be using it, I am, and the only person who has to be pleased with it is me.

I couldn't agree more.

jeffrey-wimberly
Why am I wasting my time trying to copy these other modelers?

Well, I can see trying to learn to do things you like. And as far as I'm concerned, I'd love to be able to copy their work. By the way, just so you know, I pay close attention to what you say you do also.

Kinda skimmed the last page here, so I missed a few things and the eye lids are a gettin heavy. 

J.R.- I'm in the quote post box thing here so I can't go back and see who it was that has a bit of pneumonia, but after I hit the post button, I'll recheck so they an be put on the prayer list for healing.

Prayers for those in need.  

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

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Posted by howmus on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 10:27 PM

Evenin' Floks!

Flo just a cup of decafe please.  I'll go sit at the Rivet Counter for a bit.

Jeffrey, well said!  I try very hard to keep my mind on the fact that the journey is where the fun is, not necessarily the destination.  I let it rule all aspects of my life as much as possible.  Whenever I see someone else's work in MRRing, I learn something.  sometimes it is something I want to learn about and copy, and sometimes it is very definitely what I don't want to do.  But I always learn something.........  I also don't have to put down anyone else's work to enjoy my own.  THAT said, always try to learn from others in this hobby.  There is so much I admire of the work of so many.  Personally, you amaze me often with what you are able to do with all the disabilities you have to contend with.

One of the reasons I hang out here in the coffee shop is the wealth of kind hearted souls who also hang out here.  It is good to be around caring folks who enjoy the same interests.  Funny that when anyone starts putting down your work in the rest of the forum, I feel like taking a swing at them, but I try my best to be completely non-violent, even verbally here online............Wink

OK, Speaking of "non-Violent"....... I spent tonight putting together a flier for the Geneva MLK Committee's Scholarship Dinner.  Our featured speaker this year is Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and the founder of the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence as well as the Gandhi Worldwide Education Institute with the mission to build basic education schools for the very poor children of the world.  Should be a "once in a Lifetime" event for Geneva.  It will be held at our local colleges in May.

Well, time for bed here in the Finger Lakes!

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 4:15 AM

 Good Morning Everyone!

It is a nice day here in northern Germany, lots of sunshine, but a fresh wind from the East. I am through with my HD list and took my car to the gas station for a refill - oh shock, gas prices have gone up again. Furthermore, my old Benz has developed a squeaking sound whenever I turn the steering wheel - don´t know what this is, but it sounds expensive Sad Should there be a major repair coming up, it would mean the definite end of my MRR plans SadSad

Chloe, I´ll have just a large coffee, please. I´ll stay here at the RC for a little while.

It may not be right, but any time someone "attacks" Jeff or any other one of our little group here, I feel as if I am being attacked myself. I know that we all can, and do, speak for ourselves, but that´s just the way I feel. Each one of us has collected a snippy remark for our work or an opinion we posted here, and, in general, I don´t feel really bothered by it. There are some members in this forum, who, in my understanding, are overdoing it, and not only slightly. That´s why I don´t post much of my work here any longer. This forum unfortunately reflects reality in a sad way - there are too many people around, who do not know what respect and courtesy are about. I am glad, that our little group is so much different. I have found new friends here and I am proud to be able to be part of this group. I would hate to see Elliot´s Trackside Diner to decline. It has been some sort of a life line for me in past months.

Y´ all have a goodn´.

 

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Posted by LSWrr on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 6:09 AM
Good morning all,


I’m a little behind in posts, had a busy couple of days & nights.  More busy stuff on the horizon….
 Jeff & Ulrich; I couldn’t have said it any better, however constructive criticism is always open for discussion on my layout but not bashing.

 

BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret)
 L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes

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Posted by GMTRacing on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 6:21 AM

Good Morning All,

    40F but sunny this morning. I'll have a regular and a toasted buttered hard roll please Zoe.  DIL still in hospital but we'll see how she's doing today. Hopefully she'll be released in the next day or so.

   Museum last night w..king on the O gage display adding some scenicing around the turntable/roundhouse area. Dropped off the code55 PECO track we received for the yard scene on the iNvisible display but no progress there yet. I keep hitting a wall with the shrubbery in O as the usual suspects (lichen) in HO don't work. They just end up looking like clumps and not bushes. Times like this is wish I had a better eye for detail like Der John or Robby. May need a trip to the LHS to sdee what else I can scare up.

Todd - it's not a rant - just a strong opinion - and feel free to have a go. Theraputic it is.

Jeff - that's the attitude ! It's your railroad, and while we all strive to improve our skills as we go along, I doubt any of us do less than our best effort. Falling short leads to learning, but I agree with you. There is no need to try to present something to satisfy others and your w..k is plenty good to speak for itself.

Back to the shop to pick up tools.   Y'all have a good'un.   CUL, J.R.

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Posted by Robby P. on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 7:13 AM

 Good morning.  Its nice and sunny!!!   That means, I have to cut some grass Dead

 Not much planned for me today.   Get some grass cut, and clean up the house a bit.  That's pretty much my day.

 Jeff.........I agree.  I might cut corners on my layout (work wise), but I know I'm the one looking at it.  I'm not trying to please anybody at all.   I've posted pictures of my work (layout, weathering, etc) and its been bashed before.   It does make you mad, and want to give up.......BUT you keep at it, and you see a improvement. 

 Have a good morning.  

 "Rust, whats not to love?"      

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Posted by TMarsh on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 7:52 AM

Good morning. Coffee and a sweet roll please. Today..... why's everybody ducking for cover? Oh. Nope, not today. I got the "my layout, my money, rude, crude and socially unacceptable dictator tyrade off my chest. Sorry. Don't need to explain it to you guys, you all seem to feel the same way. You can just say it in fewer words.

Anyway, today, too many things to list including a bit of hopeful MRR in there. I would like to at least pour some plaster in a mold to get started on some rock work. I have one of those WS rock learning kits and have yet to use it. I need a LOT of practice coloring rock formations. My last layout had well, everything from, "hey not too bad for a first shot" to " Don't make me look at it any longer I just ate" Unfortunately the area that turned out not too bad, I can't remember what I did. I know it wasn't gained through experience because the next coloring adventure netted an outcome worthy the response, " better not let a pregnant woman see that. Could cause her to go into labor.

Have a Great Day!!!

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

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Posted by Blazzin on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 9:15 AM

  "Good morning All~!" 

  Todd... buddddddy~  lol... I got a good laugh from you yesterday on your 2nd reply.  Yeppers.. 4:30 AM is a tough one to read 'STrong opinions'... although it all was re-assuring to me.. being a newbie in the field.

  But anyways Todd.. you are I will be doing Rock Faces today.  I wanted to add my two cents.. since I've learned something~  Well sort of. 

  I have been using .. 'Dental plaster' .. same thing as WS plaster (dendrite).. one of the same I believe.  Anyways if you've never used Dendrite.. its very strong.  I poured a casting.. with the stuff.. 2 days later it fell off the table.  Just a small portal, it fell.. it went 'Clank' ? .. wow what the heck happened.. I looked at it.. next thing ya know.. wow .. no dents no chips.. no nothing.  The stuff after it dries.. it so strong.. you can't believe it.  What am I getting at? 

  Well I have been making rock faces.. using less plaster.. I just practically paint a thing coat of plaster inside the mold and add some plaster strips.. and voila.. ~  A thinnner face mold.. about 1/3 the thickness.  Now I suppose someone.. might need a thicker mold.. for load bearing / bottom end stuff.. but in terms of just a fascia.. I like pouring a thinner cast.. and strenghten it by adding the plaster strips on the inside... (backside) . Ah heck Todd.. just my two cents.

  But today I shall get my stuff together... simple stuff.. I did go out and buy the small WS kit on 'Learning Landscaping"  just a small kit for $14.  Comes with 7 packets of material.. some bottled glue of some sort.. and one small bottle of earth tone wash.  But anyways.. I also have the WS paints.. and the CD WS landscaping.. so today should be hopefully a fun one.  So Todd ... take some pics.. and I will too.. and we see how us Old guys do on this.. lol.

Der John.. the maintanance platform.. well its just plastic... if the LHS were to sell those at $10 bucks.. made out of brass.. why I would have bought the whole bunch.. and give em away for Christmas... lol.

  Jeff.. it just came to me.. why some of us.. have some reservations.. about weathering.  You don't have a wife to be looking over your shoulder... its a whole different Ball Game.  LOL>  I can just hear Jeanne saying.. "You paid over $260 bucks for a Loco.. and now you want to make it look old?" ... lol.  But I do look at your work and take notes.  Heck I remember the Walthers flyer that had the weathering techniques.. but I wasn't too jazzed about it.  I think my first attempts at weathering would be just a minor dusting. 

  Galaxy.. now where in the heck have you been?  I was hoping to get some response out of you~  Well.. do ya?  Do ya have a Pillow Top Matress?  Cuz I'd swear that is one reason why some people get a lousy nights sleep.. and wake up with a sore back.  So let me know.. I'm just curious.

  Ok.. off to greet the day.. "Chaos happens fast.. be ready be vigilant" 

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Posted by Packer on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 9:23 AM

Morning Ya'll

That big package of cars arrived yesterday, so I was putting some of them together last night. I did learn that when recieving from canda with tracking, it goes off to the USPS with the same tracking info. Never have put together any accurail kits before, but they do come out pretty nice. I also put together a Walther's coil car kit. That was a fun one (in a good way) with having to bend my own wire and stuff, without any tiny plastic bits that break when removed from the sprues. I also finally got some Chessie, CNW, and Conrail cars in the fleet now. I also need to get more Kadees and metal wheelsets...

My car is in the shop finally get the AC system converted and filled. Once that's done, change the control arms and get it re-aligned.

Chris, I think Llife-like has one of those E350 type abulances in there scenemaster line. Out of curiosity would a Dark green CNW hopper with the "employee owned" logo be appropriate for a 1975-1985 era? The car has a build date of 5-81 but those aren't always reliable.

Vincent

Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....

2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.

  • Member since
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  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 9:38 AM

 Mornin' everyone!

Zoe just a butter rum muffin and a cup of dark roast in a FGLK Mug for me.

Have a dermatologist appt. at noon today up in Canandaigua, then I'll be off to my son's house to watch the granddaughters for a bit.  Sometime today I will need to get the rest of the lawn done.  First cutting and everything is lush and thick so it will take 3 charges to get through it all.  have about 1/3 of the lawn left to do.  I should get some other gardening done as the weeds are already taking over......Angry

Yesterday amid all that was going on, I stopped at the LHS and picked up a Jordan Steam Shovel kit for the quarry along with a superdetail kit for it.  

Hope you all have a good day!

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
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  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 9:40 AM

 Good morning. It's 54 and sunny. The high will be 80 and it will be mostly sunny.

Went to the hospital this morning for my weekly blood draw for the Vancomycin low level check. At noon Home Health's vampire will show up here to get the sample needed for the high level check. On the modeling front, my two covered hoppers (ordered 4-3-10) came in yesterday, 9 days after they were ordered. I was beginning to think they were coming by pony express. On second thought, that may have been faster! On Friday (according to UPS) my new Nikon L18 camera will be here and I have a new Bachmann GP30 (B&O this time) shipping out today. Now for those who wonder how I can get all this stuff with my nearly non-existent income, well let's just say that certain members of my family not only agree with my hobby but take an active interest in supporting it. There was still enough available for another GP30 (actually any type would do and the road name was my choice) so I can continue to work on my weathering. They also put up the funds for the new camera. That's the extent of the railroad funds for this month. More will be available next month. On to the automotive front. A couple of days ago I charged up the battery to 100% and of course I made sure the cells were topped up. This morning I checked the battery and it had already discharged to 62%. That right there more than suggests that the battery has a problem and may be the entire problem about the starter not working. This is no real surprise as the battery is around 8 years old. Quite a statement for an Autozone Duralast battery and most likely well out of the warranty period. If my father will spring for a new battery we'll soon put to rest the question of whether or not the starter is part of the problem. It may not be as when the jumper cables are put on from another car it kicks right over. The fact that the charger shows 12 volts doesn't mean much. If the required number of amps aren't there it's not going to work. The cost of the battery may be a factor as to how soon it can be replaced. It's a 900 amp type and those tend to be a little pricey. Well, we'll see what happens in the coming days.



Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

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


  • Member since
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  • From: Williamsville, ILL
  • 3,698 posts
Posted by TMarsh on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 10:19 AM

Keith- LOL, don't hold your breath waiting for me to cast my rocks. I have big plans but darned if life don't just keep coming up with things for me to do!!! LOL.

Jeff- Yes as you suspect, I would say the battery is sulfated and the level of electrolyte at this point is irrelevant. Like you said, volts are there, no amps. Tough to call with out a load tester. You could do a simple load test using the starter, but that dosen't really tell you if it's the battery or the starter dragging. You do have an impressive amount of lighting. You could charge the battery, then turn on the lights and see what the battery voltage drops to under all that. The battery should not drop but a volt or two depending on the load.  Actually though, after 8 years I'd say it's the battery. 

On the bright side, 8 years is a good long life for a battery. I'd be happy with that and purchase the same brand. Doesn't help the wallet, but it does comfort the mind.

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
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  • From: Marion, Iowa
  • 1,263 posts
Posted by AmanaMedic on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 10:26 AM

Blazzin
You don't have a wife to be looking over your shoulder... its a whole different Ball Game.  LOL>  I can just hear Jeanne saying.. "You paid over $260 bucks for a Loco.. and now you want to make it look old?" ... lol. 

Funny! My wife knows I'm going to weather stuff...and has come to EXPECT it. She says it looks like the "funnest" part. In many ways, I think it's the most nerve-wracking part...be it a $50 locomotive (it'll be a very cold day in Satan's house before I can afford a $260 loco...), or a $5 boxcar. But, like ROBBY P keeps saying: "practice, practice, practice."

 

Good morning... sunny, warm...GOTTA get w**k stuff done today. Sure wish I could just be a slacker instead...

 

VINCENT: The "Employee Owned" logo works just fine for '75-'85. Dark green hopper? Probably. From what I can tell, CNW started painting hoppers THAT way in the early 70s. I suppose (and I am far from being an expert here) it would really depend on just which type of hopper it is. They ordered hundreds upon hundreds of the Pullman Standard grain hoppers, from the Walthers and Life Like/Proto 2000 styles to the Intermountain varieties. The FMC (Roundhouse/Athearn) hoppers showed up in...probably '81 or so. I can dig into my CNW library if you need something more definitive, but if it's the FMC car (low side, groove about mid-way all the way across the sides) or a later PS, then the '81 built date is probably correct.

The way I plan on handling my '87-'93 era future layout is to figure the newest car/loco (paint job or whatever) on the layout determines the "year" for THAT session/sessions. For example, if a '93 repaint is sitting at Quaker Oats, it's 1993. If I went through and determined "OK, this hopper was scrapped in '91 so I can't have it with this '93 repaint hopper;" I would truly go bug-house!! I know there are guys who are THAT particular with their era...more power to 'em. I've accepted I could have a time-space continuum error with a grain hopper sitting next to the cement hopper it was carved up to create... but unless a rabid rivet counter with reams of car rosters is standing there looking at it, who's gonna know?? Besides, THAT type won't be allowed anywhere near it in the first place.... Ultimately, if it "fits" in the broad spectrum of the era...it'll be cool by me in my HO scale version of the world. Big Smile

Also VINCENT: Yeah...I've seen the SceneMaster E-350 ambo... "disappointing" comes to mind when I see it. I guess I spent too many hours with the real thing.

Welp...I've been w**king on this, editing, re-editing, editing some more...for over an hour now. Time for me to sit down, shut up, and do some w**k stuff...

Have a good, safe day everybody...best wishes to all in need.

ChrisEight Ball

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 11:07 AM

GOod afternoon

have teh grilled cheese and tomato soup special. 

Blazzin

  Galaxy.. now where in the heck have you been?  I was hoping to get some response out of you~  Well.. do ya?  Do ya have a Pillow Top Matress?  Cuz I'd swear that is one reason why some people get a lousy nights sleep.. and wake up with a sore back.  So let me know.. I'm just curious.

 

The mattress does have a memory foam mattress pillow top. But my back issues are from scarring of tissue, not the type of mattress. We plan ot replace it in 3 years as it will be 10 y/o and out of warranty then. My lack of sleep has to do with several factors-including the phase of the moon we are in! My back problems arrise from standing, bending, lifting, leaning, doing normal household chores, or out hsopping while standing etc. Only if I sit or lie down do I get relief. I've had back prblems for many years through many mattresses so I doub that may be a problem but thanks anyway for the thought. It's just never been this bad, is all. Enough to bring me near to tears. SOme though in the 70's that water beds were teh cat''s pj's and worked wonders. Now we have the "sleep number bed"...same thing only uses air and not h2o. every body always goes back to the same old same old...except of course the old straw mattresses!

jeffrey-wimberly

 Now for those who wonder how I can get all this stuff with my nearly non-existent income, well let's just say that certain members of my family not only agree with my hobby but take an active interest in supporting it. There was still enough available for another GP30 (actually any type would do and the road name was my choice) so I can continue to work on my weathering. They also put up the funds for the new camera. That's the extent of the railroad funds for this month. More will be available next month.

Naw, Jeffrey I didn't wonder and shame on those who did. I get gifts of cash from my father and my FIL does monetary things like pay for  our cell phones and stuff as a gift too. My father helped with cash for downpayment to get my new 06 Kia Sedona minivan. He typically gives me $1k about 3 times a year. the last two years every penny went into fixing the old 98 van {which we have kept}. A parent can gift a child up to 13k a year without the child having to pay in  it as income on taxes. That was the reason I asked you the other day if someone could donate a car to you...either your parents or sister maybe cast off and give to you a newer better car when they get a new one. The only thing I thought of was that the money spent on trains mighta coulda gone to the battery if'n the battery  had failed before you placed the order.But that is not to say I condemn you for buying trains,lol.

Robby P.

  Jeff.........I agree.  I might cut corners on my layout (work wise), but I know I'm the one looking at it.  I'm not trying to please anybody at all.   I've posted pictures of my work (layout, weathering, etc) and its been bashed before.   It does make you mad, and want to give up.......BUT you keep at it, and you see a improvement. 

  

Robby you have amazing work. don't let anyone tell you elsewise. you often have some amazing work, and you are right, you are the one who has to love it or hate it when done. You've gotten quite good at weathering and even had sold some pieces so a testament to your work. 

After everybody had bashed Jeffrey, I only commented that I did think the non-flash picture looked more realistic for that piece of Jeffrey's work.I know he has limited abilities. I know he had other pics posted of great work so never said I thought anything about the flashed pic. I had hoped it would add brightness to his lambasting that I thought the better of the two pic was the unflashed. As I said then to him the camera adds 20 lbs, distorts reality and overglows things on flashes {or something like that}. THe camera is not always kind.

I. have weathered buildings, but am reluctant to weather trains. My theory is that my railroad washes everything in the spray wash every chance they get to always have sparkling trains. Mr. Gorman's red trains on his routes are always photographed bright and shiney. Either they keep em that way, or they have advance notice so they clean them up for photo ops. But I know always-clean trains is rediculous, especially in the winter climes. They do the same we do with cars in the colder winter climes....we let them stay dirty till the next storm passes or until a warm sunny day comes along, or until we just cant stand the dirt and salt  anymore on them anymore.

jeffrey-wimberly

 Today I was looking at some weathering work (on other forums) by other modelers and was wondering what I could do to make my work good enough to impress them. I discussed this with my family and several friends and they all gave me the same answer. "Why are you even trying to impress these people?" "The only person you should be out to impress is yourself.".

 

So Jeffrey don't worry about it. You have your answer. THere will always be someone to disagree.

We, as people, often spend too much time worrying about what others think that it isn;t funny; or trying to keep up with others; or trying to match or top others taht it isn't necessary.WE all want to be accepted and like accolades to boost our ego, but in the end it is what we think that counts.

JEff and Robby keep your chins up!

WELCOME Sign - Welcome to any new members

The prayer candle is lit for those in need

 

-G .

Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.

 HO and N Scale.

After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: Bellingham, WA
  • 160 posts
Posted by Swayin on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 11:42 AM

Good morning and thanks to so many of you for the warm welcome to the Diner yesterday - much appreciated. Jeff's situation with his weathering post and subsequent fallout had me thinking last night - the concept of "if you post it, be prepared for caustic fallout" is troubling to me. Does anyone that rips the work of someone else really think that the OP desired such treatment when they posted? That someone posts their modeling pics just so they can get hammered by a know-it-all under the guise of "you need to hear this?" Rubbish. And shame on those who cloak their own insecurities in a need to "help" others by tearing down their work in an anonymous message board. OK, enough of that.

Yesterday's other fascinating conversation, in my mind, was the "decline of message boards?" thread. One common theme that seemed to run through it all is that many of the "Old Guard" seemed to be tired of answering the same ... old ... questions ... again and again and again. Who can blame them? I have a suggestion, One that I think will help both this board and the hobby in general ... that each main forum - General, layout building and electronics/DCC - have a thread that is, in essence, an almanac of Frequently Asked Questions. Each could be called somethign that relates to that forum's central mission - like "The Right Track" for the layout building forum, "Common Ground" (ha ha) for DCC, etc., and each of these threads would be stickied/pinned at the top with directions for newbs like myself to search through these threads for answers to commonly asked questions, from the ubiquitous "how do i post a photo" to items such as "what is a good entry level DCC system?" (I asked that one myself). Forum veterans could add posts to the almanac on questions they knnow they've answered 1000 times, and as it built, it would become a static compendium of knowledge we could all use, or add to when we find definitive answers to questions.

Another board I belong to is a support board for Matrix Game's "War in the Pacific" computer game. WitP is perhaps the most complex, detailed, rules-heavy computer wargame ever built, and, in many ways, its support forums mirror these -- old-timers who got tired of answering "how do I load an amphibious task force" or "how do I lay mines" or "I want to upgrade my PBYs but can't figure out how," and so they built a similar thread structure in their forum to what I have described above, and it works quite well. Many people enjoy contributing to a body of knowledge like this, moreso than actually replying to the question of a poster.

Thoughts?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves
  • Member since
    August 2006
  • From: Saskatchewan
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Posted by last mountain & eastern hogger on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 12:23 PM
Whistling

Swayin
Thoughts?

 

Good Morning All,

What did I miss by sleeping in ???

Chloe, I'll have a western ommlette  and a RBF today, thanks...

Well I only have one short comment for today,  so here goes and I hope this puts an end to all the disgruntled comments and replies.

Model Railroading is like GOLF.   The only one you have to compete against is yourself.  If you are continually getting better at things and turning out better work,  you are the winner.  (GREEN JACKET), If your work is slipping some, then that is an indication that you need to put in more effort and study. In this case you are not the loser, it is only a call to you to re-focus and possibly make some changes in the way you do things.

There are only a select few who find the need to compete in the awards that NMRA give out. And if that is good for them, I'm glad.

With my allotment of time, I don't have that interest, but that doesn't make it wrong either.

So, lets just get on with it, do our own thing, and have what we came to this hobby for, (if you don't remember) and that is to have some fun, learn more about what interests us and share a comradery with those of similar interests.   Lets leave all the pettiness and beuracricy behind us and just GET-R-DUN.

So that is the RANT from the Canadian Prairies for the day.   Thanks to all for bearing with me.

I did get some clean up work done in the train room last evening, but lots more to go.  Tried to run a loco, but no dice, it wouldn't move.  SO, I think after the cleaning is complete it will be time to give the "Gleaming method" a try. I have never had much of a problem with clean rails, but even with wiping them down last evening it seems that the cement dust and drywall dust ( after our disaster here) must have really penetrated the rails, even though they were covered and all of the locos and rolling stock was put away.   Is the stuff I'm looking for KLITZ or    FITZ ? before gleaming.    ( see how easy it happens.... I guess I had better search it and find out for myself, Right???)---------------------- OK I found it . The name is "Flitz", but I can't find anyone in this city who carries it in stock.  Will check  Home Despot on the way to work this evening. Hope I get a catch.

jeffrey-wimberly:
 Now for those who wonder how I can get all this stuff with my nearly non-existent income,/////////////////////////  Well Jeff, I think we all believed that you are a member of the Louisiana Mafia and have no shortage of money.  What you have been telling us is just a front......  Come on now, SHARE a little...   LOL..    Really Jeff how you get your mrr items is really your business and your business only...  We do not need to know, Just stay here with us and share your thoughts and humor and I'm happy.

Hope you all have a great day. Glad to see Bridge Tom and CN Charlie poking their heads back in.  Sure wish we would hear from Fergie.

Johnboy out.........................for now

 

from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North.. 

We have met the enemy,  and he is us............ (Pogo)

  • Member since
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Posted by Blazzin on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 12:27 PM

  Swayin.. lol.. tons.. well no.. but the issue has crossed my mind.  I haven't been here that long.. and I am tired of seeing the same 'Dumb' Quesions..  ok.. ok.. not really dumb.. but sure has been duplicated.. every other month.  I mean.. you can go ot the layouts thread.. and see the similiar questions.. asked over and over. 

  Now I have some.. reasons why.  I know as a newbie.. I don't know the correct lingo to look up something.  So if I don't know what to look up.. then I am at a loss.  Looking for a particular subject.. depends on how the person started the thread in the first place.  Then again.. at times.. some people .. just don't research anything.. and just ask the question.

  I do believe the FAQ's would be nice.. but a task to complete.

  But for my own approach to your concerns.. I start at the back..like page 25 of the threads.. and work up.. and if I see a thread I like.. I add to it.. even if its a bit late.  That way.. at least I dont' see the same thread coming up .. again and again. Right now.. I've been adding to a Steel Mill thread here.. seems like a good one.. and I hate to see the same thing come up.. a month from now.. so I add to the old threads ... that are worth saving for some time.. instead of them getting buried.

 

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Shelby, NC
  • 2,545 posts
Posted by Robby P. on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 12:52 PM

 Well I got a "OOPS".   I thought we were done with those.  So let me retype this again!!!

 Galaxy......Thanks for the kind words.   The crazy thing is.....Once you get better, you don't hear from those people anymore.

 Chris........You said THAT right.  Practice, practice, etc.....

 Vincent......At least your one of the few "stang" owners that keep the AC.

 Sawyin.......I don't ask many questions in the forum.  If I have one, I ask in here.  You don't get all "beat up, and that Hear we go again!!!"

  Well I went to pay the water bill, and came across this.  Got the camera out just in time!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Kikklct5ws

 

 

 "Rust, whats not to love?"      

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