Hey, where's Barry? Hogs eat him?
ArizJim- Ah the Thunderbolt. Don't know but a few aircraft and that's one of 'em.
Jeff- If the package cleared Chicago, you're sure to get it. If it still contains your camera, well, that remains to be seen.
Waiting for my first rock to dry enough to remove from the mold. Because I'm using the rock learning kit from WS and I've never used the Lightweight Hydrocal included before, I did something unique. I read and followed the instructions. Using their proportions, it didn't pour. I should have added more water but I decided to do it their way first. Wasn't solid, just thick. I feel I'll continue using plaster of paris, but this stuff was included. I've used Smooth-It, I found PoP just as good and much cheaper. It also came with some plaster cloth and I'm glad. I've wanted to try the stuff but have been unwilling to shell out the bucks to try it to find it's no better, just a bit less messy and much more expensive than PoP and paper towels.
Updates to come. 'Bout time to see how it comes out.
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.
"Good morning. Coffee please"
Always nice to wake up.. have a cup of coffee.. and read the morning news here in the Diner~ Well my morning news is here.. and the pics are always refreshing for me as I wake up here in cloudy southern California. Yeppers.. 8:30 AM and coffee and pics.
Nice ones too .. Nittany.. wow. You could actually have a blow up of this.. and frame it.
My fav.
Jeff.. lol.. yes.. I'll be watching.. and taking notes. Truly. And I'll tell ya why. More and more do I develope respect for those who dare .. and have done~ Painting.. landscaping.. and weathering.. wow... this has left my head spinning.
Well,~ last night .. I did find my dvd on painting rocks.. so I gave it a shot. My first attempt at Rock painting.
Let me tell ya right now.. I am humbled.
Todd if you are reading this.. yes.. I've got some pics. But I wouldn't hold your breath. Looks like one big Chocolate Milk drink. Its out in the sun right now.. as we speak.. tanning.. or should I say.. 'lightening up'.
Well I just got a look at the pics I took.. I decided to not to post.. sowry~ Yep.. its that bad. LOL. Got up this morning and said 'Ah Schucks' Jeanne said this morning.. "well add some more yellow"
I said.. heck.. add some white.. or gray. whew.
Ray.. and others.. thanks for the tips and ideas.. this is just one more can of worms.. lol.. but I love it !
Ok.. ok.. ok.. I'll post a pic of Avalanche City ... as Jim has named it. Jim.. I'm smilin.. i'm a kidder.. I hope you see the humor in it. Heck Jim.. after this one is done.. I'm gonna go out and make a second one. I only made this.. so I could start laying track.. lol. I just needed to know where the town / station was going... and the level.. now I'm almost ready to lay track. Well.. sorta .. I can make a second one.. and the idea has crossed my mind. I'm learning as I go.. making a second one with different looks.. isn't that hard.. like I said.. Now that I have learned a few things.
And believe me.. I am humbled. I have alot more painting to do.. I think I'll add some Yellow Ocher like Jeanne said. But I think I'll add some white.. and tone the whole thing down.
SUCCESS!!!! And that is a bit surprising considering it's my first casting. And knowing Mr Murphy lives somewhere in this house.
Keith- You sell yourself short. WAY short. That looks great! Mine will be nowhere near that big though. Just a small face at the begining of Gold Creek under the drain pipe. By the way, how did you texture it? I'll need some longer stretches that will be too long for molds. Not the size you have but bigger than what I'm doing now. I especially like the tunnel on the left lower end.
Mornin' Er... Afternoon everyone!
Been hectic here this morning as I have had to rearrange who is doing what today with the MLK Committee. Today is the day to pick up the scholarship applications at the 2 high schools here in Geneva. I usually do the honors, but I have to be at my son's house at the time we pick them up. So, I am now sitting here waiting to hear from the Parochial HS if they have any applications for us to pick up. (They may have two qualifying students this year.) Still need to do a couple of calls...
Zoe I'll have a toasted cheese sandwich and a bowl of tomato soup to go along with my dark roast coffee in a FGLK mug. Thanks!
Wonder where Barry is hiding? Hope all is OK with him! Another one who hasn't been in for quite a while is (California) Tom. I miss their posts!
Kieth, nice, very nice job on the rocks. I wouldn't change anything if it looks as good as the photo. Do you have rock you are trying to match, or are you just making rocks?
Who was it? Todd? Who was having trouble with the WS Lightweight Hydrocal? I have used THAT for most of my rock faces with no trouble at all just mixed to directions. Maybe you got a bad batch?
Gotta run!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Well thank you Todd.. but I'm not sayin this cuz its just me needing some 'strokes'.. and 'attaboys'.. there is something serious still wrong.
Its off a tad.. I can see it. I don't know what it is.. but if you were standing right here in front of it .. you'd be telling me.. " Yep.. something is missing." I'm sure I'll have some fun.. trying to just figure it out.
Anyone wondering.. about all this.. I believe Todd and I are talking about the WS Clinic DVD/CD.. video. Those peeps use words.. like.. 'work it in' 'blend it in' 'jab it' but in truth.. I think the word is 'Tie' it all in. This diorama is lightening up as I write.. even on a cloudy day.
So .. I'll share some detailed pics.. I just took.. and we'll see. Just a side note.. I am using only four colors.
I think the problem is .. I have used the Earth undercoat on the top.. but haven't tied it in yet.
The earth undercoat reminds me.. of settled dirt.. and dried.
But thank you for the kind words..
Another side note.. remember when I asked all of you.. 'Cart before the horse'?
Well let me tell ya.. I'm at the point where I have to fininish this backwall / rock face.. so I can at least cut the sidewalks.. and continue moving forward. Somewhere soon.. I am suppose to lay the 'trolley tracks' .. lol... and thats another reason why I'm inching forward.. literally.
Keith- Just stepped into the Diner and see what looks like a REAL rock outcropping!!! I wouldn't touch a durned thing! Looks like it was some kinda photo or what-not! Makes me wish I had the basement finished so I could start on my stuff! Keep up the good stuff man!
Sorry I haven't been in the past few days. Looks like I missed a nice tornado rollin' through the forums too!
Please pray for those that WERE in the class behind me, they got let go today. Not even furloughed, just let go... I hope and pray that they all find jobs quickly. I can only hope and pray that WE don't get "let go" too...
This leaves me at the second to last spot on the Newark Division Roster, and third to last on the entire NJ Transit Engineer Roster. So I shall be sitting on "Extra Board" for quite some time to come... Can't believe that Transit re-instated the money cut from Bus budget, but wouldn't reinstate monies to the Rail side... Gas prices are about to escalate AGAIN, and they are going to find the RR sorely underprepared to handle the passenger load... We shall see!
Sam
May He bless you, guide you, and keep you safe on your journey through life!
I Model the New Hope & Ivyland RR (Bucks County, PA)
Ray.. quote: "Kieth, nice, very nice job on the rocks. I wouldn't change anything if it looks as good as the photo. Do you have rock you are trying to match, or are you just making rocks?"
Ah Ray thank you.. and in answer to your question.. I'll give ya two answers.. the first the Reader's Digest Version.
Why yes Ray, I am. I said to Jeanne last night.. (speaking of the alcoves) .. "Does that look like sandstone?"
Now the long version.
Why yes Ray, I am... but with many aspects of it all.. and just trying to tie the prevailing landscape.. transcending into various other types of rocks. Here in California there is so much diversitiy in landscapes. Sure the desert.. but many other parts of terrain here that changes as you move through parts where water is plentiful.
I don't know if people really understand the West.. and in terms of the westcoast.. but as a boy.. it was pretty open. Nothing compared to what it is now. But California.. early in its years made wonderful State parks.. where you can camp along the coast. Full of alcoves.. and ancient sites where anyone can just sit at a campfire and imagine all the various people through that have traveled through.. up and down the coast for hundreds of years. Boy scouts can even reserve a large space.. with all sorts of alcoves.. and campgrounds.
Now if you were to follow one of those streams.. that have come to the ocean.. follow it up.. you would run into more State Parks.. with wild oaks.. and big rocks.. mountains lush with spring water springing forth right out of the rocks itself. Everything a lime green in color.. pretty greens.. (lower and upper San Juan river) .. called the 'Old Ortega hwy' .. lol. One lane.. each way.. and nice plummet zones. lol.
So in answer to your question.. yes.. sandstone color.. migrating into various.. green lush grass ovrerhanging rocks.. of various sorts.
LOL.. no wonder why no one ever asks any questions on my thread .. lol. They'd get a book.
Howdy all...Its clouding up here posta get some rain...I'll have a cheese burger,onion rings and a diet Coke please....I'm way behind on reading posts...spent most of day yesterday in recliner then couldn't sleep last nite...
Keith your rock work looks fantastic!...
This is a B-Man gon I just finnished..put new trucks and couplers,weathered and added load...
You all havew a good week end...Jerry
Jerry.. where ya been...? Yeah .. missed ya.
Whoa.. nice pic !
Hi Jerry,
Long time since we heard from you. Besides the Gondola, what have you been up to?
I'm sure you know, but just a gentle reminder, I hope you have that load in the gondola either soldered together or well glued together
as you don't want any thing to spring out of there and cause a short that you will spend the rest of the day looking for.
Hope all is well with you and Sallie and the Grandkids too.
I know you'll be glad that spring is in the air and you'll be out more bouncing up and down in the potholes on Pearl Street.
Take care good buddy,
Johnboy out.................................for now.
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
Howdy, Dad's Root Beer please, since I can't get it around here anymore, I'll get one in the diner.
Ray- I neglected to mention, once I spooned the goop into the mold, just the small amount of wet water in the mold souped it up well and would have poured. So, I think just a teaspoon of water (not sugar) would have made the difference. If it had been PoP or a material I knew I was familiar with, I would have added water. Only assuming it was the same, I opted to used their directions and not add any. Of course with the accuracy of a measuring cup involved and considering the amount of liquid needed to pour, the stuff really was fine. I do have a question though. You say you used the WS product mostly? Why not use say Plaster of Paris? Is there some difference between the two that made you use the hydrocal. Maybe the amount you used and a weight issue? Or just because you wanted too. Product endorsements and all.
Keith- I was referring to the rocks themselves. The coloring looks great, but if you are going for a particular shade of stone then you are probably right. For me I wouldn't change a thing. Now over all as a cliff or real rock face in the wild, you're right. It looks horrible. HA HA, ROFL I'm kidding. Just wanted to see what you'd do. Hey, somebody bring me a glass of water. We need to splash it on Keith. Seriously I'm kidding. Catch your breath and breathe deep. There we go. Whew. That was a close one. Now, seriously. I was referring to the rocks only and they do look good. I see what you mean as to it missing something as to the whole finished project. All I think it's missing is some foliage here and a bit of grass and dirt there. Maybe a skunk or two. Not a lot, just a spattering here and there to break up the rock and give it that been there for awhile and stuff grows and is deposited around. Now THAT's something you're gonna have to sit and stare at to figure out where and how much suits you and the look you're going for. Based on what you've shown so far, you should not have any trouble with the finished project.
Best grab a bite to eat and a shower before work. Might stumble downstairs to see if my rock has cracked to pieces yet from a falling floor joist or something.
TTFN
EDIT: Ooo. Kieth, might wanna see if maybe some dark streaks representing water stains running down is appropriate. I know, desert, but it may help with the realism if applicable. Don't know, justy a thought.
My new camera arrived today. Kinda funny too. What was ordered was a Nikon L18 8.0 megapixel camera. The same was stated as being shipped and the same info was printed on the box I got today from UPS. What I got is a NIkon L20 10.0 megapixel camera. A little different but I can handle it. Took me all of 20 seconds to figure out the menu. It also came with the batteries (alkaline of course) and a 2 megabyte SD card. Guess they were out of L18's. I'll take this.
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
Jeff- You got lucky. Apparently the guy who handled your package in Chicago, was new. Swapped you out for a better camera. His fence will be upset.
CederstrandWife approved of the placement for the future plowed field (more like a corner suggesting one) and the plot for a chicken house. Only problem is, I somehow forgot all about the pond, so now I need to figure out a new place to put one. OOPS! Rob
Wife approved of the placement for the future plowed field (more like a corner suggesting one) and the plot for a chicken house. Only problem is, I somehow forgot all about the pond, so now I need to figure out a new place to put one. OOPS!
Rob
Rob, I found exactly what you need to dredge that creek into the size of pond that you want. So just dump out your loose change and pick it up.....................I could loan you a five spot.
Johnboy out..................................
Oh, I remember why I came by. Just remembered Barry had a heart issue. I hope nothing is wrong. Kinda feel bad about the eaten by hogs comment now. I hope he's ok. Been meanin' to ask him what piculous means. I can't seem to find it in the dictionary. Must be one of them there Canadian terms like goozebot.
Time to make the pizza PIES
Good evening....
A tired man I am. Couldn't sleep last night (not sure why), up early, early phone call from my Americorps contact..."we're burning this morning!" Break 20 different speed limits getting to the site...hike up and down the hill to be burned a dozen times or so. Met with THAT afterward, home, mowed. Early bedtime, I'ma thinking.
Thanks to being a firefighter, I had the presence of mind to dress...like I was going to a woodland fire: cotton pants, steel-toe boots, and my nomex brush fire coat (over my nomex firefighter's utility jacket, a dead-ringer for the blue jackets they wore on EMERGENCY!). The muckety-mucks let me go right up the fire line. About an hour into it (still doing prep work and burning in fire breaks), a local TV guy shows up in his expensive dress shoes, polyester dress slacks, polyester dress shirt, and silk tie. "You gotta stay down here on the road" they told him. I double-checked if I could go up the line..."Sure thing!" More than once, as I was getting a nice shot of a kid with a drip torch, or with the water pack, I'd look down the hill at TV Boy...and smile.
Sometimes...I really DO love my job. This morning was one of those times. The real story, of course, wasn't the prescribed burn...it was the backdrop. The real story is the Americorps kids from all over the country, traveling like a bunch of gypsies doing conservation stuff. It's a re-incarnation of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps, or "corpse" as our president would likely say... Neat bunch of 18-24 year old kids, gives me hope for the future. I spent three hours with 'em, seemed like 15 minutes.
KEITH: I'm a few hours late with this, but NICE JOB on THAT rock! Admitedly, I wouldn't know a California rock formation if you clonked me in the head with it...but the colors look real to me! It sure looks like you've got various layers of sedimentary rock stuff in there. Heck, it looks like it weighs a ton!
JERRY: Was THAT you THAT had the gondola pic? Nice! Another Diner doing wonderous things in N-sane scale.
TODD: You want Dad's Root Beer? Try Casey's if you've got one... Be careful though, I grabbed one a few days ago, discovered the hard way it was DIET Dad's Root Beer... Used to drink the real stuff quite often as a kid... liked it better than Barq's, Bark's, whatever one it is "THAT has bite!"; even better than A&W. Good stuff.
*YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWN*
Hmmmmm. Not quite 8:30, and I'm heading to go inspect my eyelids for leaks... Seeya tomorrow, here's hoping the best of wishes for all in need.
Chris
Oh yeah, if the yawn isn't contagious enough..."Ma Na Ma NAH!"
***EDIT*** Whoops! TOP. OK Chloe, or Janie, or Flo, or....whomever? Take care of these guys, Rerun will stop in later to settle the tab. Hey, did I just see a raccoon poke it's head out the kitchen door??? Thought we left him back at Milepost 25 (or was it 26?)
The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!
Good Evening Fellow Diners,
Another warm, dry day here with no rain in sight. The grass is still very brown so it doesn't seem like spring.
Rob, a bit belated but I was really sorry to hear that you lost Luigi. He looked like a fine little fellow. Italian greyhounds are very rare up here as they have trouble with the cold winters. Believe me I can empathize with the quietness.
Jerry, good to hear from you and I have to say that is a fine job you did weathering that gondola. Did you use paint or powders? I also was wondering what brand of track you use for your N layout as I hope to be soon laying some sort of track now that I have decided to set up an old door I have in the furnace/workshop room for my N scale endevours.
I have the shrubs in for the harbour addition and will be putting in the retaining walls in the harbour soon. I don't think I'll get much done in the next while as I have a lot of garden clean-up to do and I have to work this Sunday as it is the start of our spring market at work where we have all the dealer stores come here to order their winter and Christmas merchandise. It is hard to look at Christmas trees and snowblowers when it is barely spring outside.
Just about time for East Enders so I best sign off for now.
CN Charlie
'Evening all:
Ray: Praying with you that your daughter's MIL pulls through. I'd hazard a guess that the circumstances of her illness have triggered that memory and the feelings associated with it., rather than the feeling being predictive. Thinking of you in all this.
Probably from Radidio Shack..... I have used a good many of them. Like this:
Rob:
Question, anyone know of any (HO) scale motor homes, perhaps from the 1970's and along this style:
Nittany: did you catch the Keystone in the arch of the building to the left of the "This guy just screams for it." picture? Pennsy lives on subliminally too! LOL. That is indeed a neat pair of stores, BTW.
JR:
APU is auxilliary power unit - a diesel genset self contained with a large water tank, heater, and pump in addition to the generator. Some also have an air compressor as well to keep the brakes charged so you don't have to wait for the air to pump up after a shutdown.
Jeff: Does the Zyvox, mean an end to the weekly vampire episodes? I'm hoping that it does. The 90% alcohol tip is great - finding it may be a challenge in Sheet Harbour. Those extra 2 megapixels aren't going to hurt if you need to do some serious cropping anytime. Does it have much in the way of optical zoom? (Again, the extra mp will stand by you if you digital zoom as well.)
ArizonaJim: The Thunderbolt (thanks Todd) was a very impressive aircraft, but to my mind always looked odd in RAF colours, which is the livery in most of the photos I remember. Steady platform for strafing of ground targets with rockets, I understand.
Keith:
Well,~ last night .. I did find my dvd on painting rocks.. so I gave it a shot. My first attempt at Rock painting.... Let me tell ya right now.. I am humbled.
Todd:
I'll need some longer stretches that will be too long for molds. Not the size you have but bigger than what I'm doing now.
Jerry: that gon looks great - I like the load - you've been saving shavings eh?
So now Kris has called it a day, I guess I'd better wrap this up as well. Kudos to Chris for getting the dress code right!LOL Goodnight all, and God Bless. While we're thinking of Barry and the heart condition, it occurs to me that BridgeTom has COPD, IIRC. So let's pray both are well, just not as frequent as before. Prayers for all in need of Healing, Comfort, Prosperity and Peace..
"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.
Evenin' folks!
Oh, Janie, you're on duty tonight? Guess I just need my evening cup of decafe to relax me before bed.
Hi Chris! "Doot Doo Bah Doo Bah" Sounds like you had a great day at a fire! Nice every once in a while something goes "right"!
Todd I like the Hydrocal as it gives me a bit more time to work. Seems to be easy to use. I also like the way it will take diluted colors and the result looks good to me. I have also used Plaster of Paris with good results, but just like the hydrocal (Dental Plaster)....... I too was thinking about some of the heart problems Barry has mentioned in the past, and I also am very concerned he hasn't been in here in a few days. Do hope he is OK.
I see Tom posted out in the forum today, so he must be OK. Guess he just doesn't like us anymore.... Miss the Piano Concertos too!
Didn't end up going over to my son's house today as his wife got out of work early. I still haven't heard what is going on with her Mom yet. There is hope she will be coming home on Sunday. Most likely will stay at her brother's house for a while as he has a spare bedroom on the main floor and she won't be able to climb stairs for a while. Thank you for prayers for her and keep them coming!
Der, yeah the feelings are an old bit from my wife's illness and death. Still get that horrible empty feeling from time to time. Probably will as long as I live. Yesterday was also my 44th. wedding anniversary. Some days are still difficult....... Yep got married on Tax Day!
I did manage to get some modeling done. Results are in WPF.
Hope you all have a great night!
Evening. Kinda slow in here tonight.
Yes Jerry, nice gon.
Chris- Yup gotta Casey's. Nope no Dad's I think I'll do an internet search and see if they even make it any more. I hope so. I thought it was the best also.
I'm somewhat, no very, miffed. after all the talk of the economy, dropping home prices, and the loss of retail value for the past year. I got my tax assessment for 2009 today. They raise my fair market value....... sitting down? $12 THOUSAND dollars. FOUR TIMES the amount it's ever gone up before. SHYSTERS! CROOKS! THEIVES, oops THIEVES!!! boogers. How is that possible. If I could find a case of tea I'd throw it in Lake Williamsville. I shall protest. Unfortunately, as before, they can say. "Actually, you were underassessed before. And even though the comparable homes are les than yours, the people with more money than you have moved in and built more expensive homes than you could ever dream of having and have made your area unique to the other examples. Therefore yours is higher priced than theirs. See, you picked a good area. Property values actually increased. A good investment. Like money in the bank" To which I respond, "you know I could not sell my house for that much. No way." Then comes the comforting response. "Then the new owners will get the value lowered".
PBR me. I'm walking home to cool off. Ooo! Look, a Berhshire.
Oh I see a couple more stopped in as I was pacing.
DerJohn- your rocks look good too. Problem with mine is, it's on the curve around the peninsula, is only 5 inches high (HO) and is not very wide, I can't recall the measurement from inside to the tracks. I don't want a straight cliff, though a part wouldn't be bad. Most molds for a decent size facing are too long for the radius. OH! just had a thought. I wonder if I could bend the mold and hold it at the approximate radius. Swell idea. Thanks John. I'll give it a try. The worst that will happen is I have a few chunk pieces to use scattered around.
Ray- Ya know now that you mention it, I did notice I was able to fool around with the Hydrocal a good bit before it evn began to set up. It did seem easy to correct the mistake that I never mentioned. I (drops head and looks at floor muttering) put the first dollup in without wetting down the inside of the mold. Requiring a dash to the laundry room sink to wash it out. Then a dash back to the train room and to the shelf were I had my wet water spray bottle and another dash back to the other side of the room and around the layout where I was pouring the mixture. A time frame that should have netted me a too hard to use tub of plaster. Didn't seem to be any thicker though. Then like I said earlier, thinned out nicly with the properly applied water in the mold.
OK. Now I'm going to bed. Prayers for those in need.
der5997Jeff: Those extra 2 megapixels aren't going to hurt if you need to do some serious cropping anytime. Does it have much in the way of optical zoom? (Again, the extra mp will stand by you if you digital zoom as well.)
Good morning. Seems like I was just in here. Sunny today with a high of 62 with light winds.
Good day to mow. First I'll play with the trains a bit as the grass is still wet. Maybe clean up a little before it gets out of hand.
Did a little research on the web this morning for RR maps. To reaffirm the RR's in my fake scenario. This time I saved the stuff. I have plenty to choose from from the big guys UP and BNSF and KCS. By having those three in the mix, I can have just about anything I want drug through town.
I just want to make sure I'm as accurate as possible before I twist it all around to make it fit my world.
Have a Great Day!!!
Morning guys.
We are debating about going to Steamtown. Kind of a cool, windy day with little sun, and according to the local news channel that covers a broad area, Scranton's temp is like ours. We are getting itchy to go to Steamtown for a steam fix.AND my other half has today off AND They usually do more at Steamtown on Sat.'s especially this time of year. If they are firing up the steam loco, and not just running hte diesel-we can call and see. Probably not
I forgot who, but those rocky mountains looked spactacular!
ANd that gondola looked like the ones traveling around here from Upstate Shredding where they recycle and shred scrap metal. The Owego-Harford RR- a short line that services them and interfaces with NS mainline serves themwith large bathgons. OHRR also serves somone who uses lots of propane gas. We figure it is Cornell U's farming division "out in the country" to heat the bars or such. Not really shure who the big propane user is. They also serve the feed and grain stores in the farming country on the way to Harford. Maybe someday when I have room I do an N scale layout based on them and find out where they really go and what they really do.
Tomorrow is my other half's birthday so we have plans {} That may preclude me from being here tomorrow....you all understand....
Hope eveybody has a great day.
-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.
Good morning. It's 60 and mostly sunny. Today it will be 78 and mostly cloudy.Got my new camera yesterday and today my newest GP30 (B&O) should be arriving. I think I have enough stuff now to keep me busy for a little while. A couple of days ago I stripped three Bachmann 3-dome tank cars of all paint and decals. Yesterday I painted them flat black and perhaps today I'll start weathering them. That all depends on how I feel. This new medicine I'm on may be disagreeing with me. The last couple of days I've been a bit queasy.
Mornin' everyone!
Zoe I'll have a butter rum muffin with real butter and a cup of dark roast coffee in a FGLK mug for the moment! I'll be in the front booth watching all the activity outside.
Rather dull here today (as Barry would say). Currently 42°F with a high of 43°F sometime soon. We are right on the edge of rain and should see some more showers. Rained hard last night for a while. Got about 1/3rd. of an inch. May get close to another 1/4 inch today. Good day to play trains.........
No word from my son on what is going on with his MIL. Hope that is good...... Tomorrow I take the Rules Class for operations at the museum. Anyone working anyplace in operations should have passed the class every year. I have been working as a car host for the last 2 seasons so I guess i should get the class. I have no interest in becoming an engineer, unless they can figure out a way for me hear the radio..... rather important. I have to have a radio on me as car host, but all I hear is, "shshdjjdg jjsb cnmdu from milepost aksa cbjhckzkjn,............" Rather useless to say the least.
Best get moving if I am going to accomplish anything today!
Later!
Good late morning.
Just now got the power back on. The storms yesterday knocked it off for 15 hours!!
Hope everybody is doing good, and has a good Saturday.
"Rust, whats not to love?"
" Hi all... good morning.. witha cup of coffee~!"
Ok.. Chris.. Todd.. Ray... Galaxy... all of you ... many thanks.
But lets turn on the 'Way Back Machine' to yesterday. The Diorama was sitting out in the sun... getting lighter. So I turned it on it side.. "Hokey Smokes Bullwinkle!" .. all kinds of un-painted plaster. Seems when you are indoors.. painting plaster.. sitting at a work table.. watching Cable.. everythings fine~ But turn it every which way.. out in the sun and yikes.
Not only all sorts of un-painted area's.. but just looking at it.. the colors have to be blended it.. ALL OVER.
So after I covered the un-painted.. and blended in all the colors.. everywhere... it came out fairly nice.
Now I do have pics to show.. but I'm gonna wait.
Ah heck.. I'm still thinking about Todd/Ray.. and their response to a side thread they were kinda talking about. But / and I'll cover that too.. but Chris.. you asked about weight.. that has come to my mind.. and I will place it on a scale to see. But most of the time.. it would seem it is still.. yes still water heavy.. from many applications.
But in answer to your question Chris.. and a side note to Todd and Ray. I use Dendrite. I believe one and the same as hydrocal. Dendrite ..is basically 'Dental Plaster' So I wont say.. Hydrocal.. I will say Dendrite /dental plaster becasue that is what I use.
In short Chris.. here's the story. lol.. short. I made a train portal.. yes.. I made a mold.. then poured a casting using Dendrite. I left it on the work table because I knew I'd be needing it in a couple of days. Percarious? I believe is the word.. just leaving it on the edge of the table. Well sure enough.. time passes.. and the darn thing fell off the edge of the table. "Clank' was the sound. "What the heck"? I'm looking for a break.. at least a chip. Nothing~! If you use dental plaster.. or any high grade plaster.. not PoP.. its super strong. What am I getting at?
Pouring a plaster mold.. using dendrite.. you can use 2/3 rds less. I paint a 1/8 in coat of dendrite.. then lay the plaster cloth right over. In the end you have a very thin casting but super strong.. and if you need to break it and form the casting.. the plaster cloth in the back. So in answer to your question.. well yeah. its heavy.. but its alot lighter than what it should be~
Now Ray and Todd.. I don't know what you two were talking about.. casting and molds..and plaster.. but dog gone it.. I bet I've covered the whole plaster / dendrite/ Pop.. with mixing instruction for various types of plaster mix.. well it makes me wonder if you two.. or anyone else here has looked at my thread. LOL.. I'm outta here~ lol.
Todd.. you were right Buddy~! I took you up on your suggestion.. grass on top.. wow.. made the difference. Thanks.
Mornin,,,, an irish coffee please Zoe. Got cool day instore for here, sunny, 64, with a north wind. This after some hot June days with highs in the 80s. Thought I'd finish the post started 4 or 5 days ago, keep getting interrupted by other things.
NITTANY,,,,, those are some photo's you got. The one at dusk would probably make one of the photo-of-the-week picks on Trainboard.
CHRIS,,,,,,, sounds like you enjoy the burn more than the kids or was it scooping the TV clown.
SAM,,,,,,,,,, glad you missed the personnel cuts. Maybe the ones who didn't can find something with CSX. I heard this week they were bringing back furloughed workers and doing some hiring.
KEITH,,,,,,,,,, the rock face looks great, I don't think I'd do much more than adding water streaks, lose rock and some dabs of brush or weeds, likes been suggested.
SWAYIN,,,,,,,,, welcome to the diner n hope you enjoy the visit here.
RAY,,,,, thoughts for your son's MIL. Hope it's nothing more serous
JR,,,,, Thoughts for your DIL too, hope they can get it under control.
TODD,,,,, there's another swap meet in Decatur this weekend, I doubt I'll be going, After 6 hour drive last weekend, I don't imagine Mother will be in the mood for a 4 hour one. I'll pass commenting on taxes in general for this state as it would be considered highly political, other than planning on them to go up and getting less benefits, [unless your in the Chicago area]
ROB,,,,,,,,,, sorry to hear Luigi passing.
KEITH,,,,,, also I enjoyed the story and it kind of reminds me of here. We live a long quarter from a main, a passing track and a siding from as grain elevator. So I hear the engines rumbling and the pop-off valves going off when parked There is days you don't notice the trains going by inside. And then there's days when it sounds like their coming through the house. When their switching those empty hoppers into the elevator, I can tell the good engineers from the so-so's. Ya don't hardly notice the good ones, the so-so's sound like bad thunder storm and can wake the dead.
Had a purrty good time meetin Todd and Brenda Sun, wish we'd taken more time just set n visit more.
Did manage to score some good deals, bought 2 Lionel car [PRR box and PFE refur], $5 each, Athearn box [PRR] $8 and Atlas or Tyco double decker pig car [UP], $3. Also an AHM [Alco I think] engine for $11 and it runs. Could use a cleaning and lube job
I did get a couple of pics of the CN train they had there giving rides; one's not very good
Didn't see any real trains on the trip, which is usual. Did get one of a retired tank car that found a new life instead of a torch.
Ok I'm done and I know I'm already behinder again [still]. Plans for the day, well KC spent last night here, so her and grandma could have a hen n chick day. Their going shopping and eatin Chinese. Me, I'm stuck ta home, so, some chores while the suns shining and a my required ORFS nap . Tomorrow, don't know yet, Mother hasn't said. Thoughts for all in need n hope ya'll has a gooden.
[Hey I'm done and it only took 4 hour]
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/4309
LOL.. Todd.. where's the 'Bangin the Head on the Wall" stickem/ posty... lol. Now dag nabbit.. Todd.. lol. Quote: Problem with mine is, it's on the curve around the peninsula, is only 5 inches high (HO) and is not very wide, I can't recall the measurement from inside to the tracks. I don't want a straight cliff, though a part wouldn't be bad. Most molds for a decent size facing are too long for the radius."
Now Todd.. when I read this.. I said.. "Now I know he hasn't been to my blog in a long time. Cuz this is stuff I covered on my blog. Yes.. I read this.. and said.. gheez..
I'd first determine if needed a convex or concaved casting.
I'd find a large enough bowl to obtain the correct curve.
Next I'd cut a piece of plaster cloth to match the desired area/size.
I'd tape the mold to the bowl.. and paint a thin layer of dendrite into the crack of the mold.. to assure no bubbles.
Pop it out of the mold.. the plaster cloth holds well.. if need be.. I'll break the casting to adjust to the needed area/size.
All in my thread Todd.
But on a side note.. I've been around plaster most of my life. When I met Jeanne.. her mom had her own business back in the 70's. She was wholesale and sold to the retail stores. So plaster pouring.. mold making.. sculputuring.. and then making a mold.. hollow casting.. the works.. I've been around plaster.
But in short Todd.. I'd cut a strip of plaster cloth and shoot for a thin mold. Save some money here too.
But like I said.. drop by my thread.. you might find some fun stuff.. oh.. like using a bannana..?
Heres another...
my very first attempt at casting a thinner mold. Since then, I've gone thinner and thinner.
Useful information.
Pics of molds.. various sizes.. using bowls.. bannana's.. and even a flash light.
Even demonstrations on how its done.~
Mirror images.. of the test casting.
Here's my bowl method.. to achieve the proper gradient angle going a small incline.
And then I went over the Deep End.. let me have it all.. I want to try something even different.
I'm ready for it all.. let me at it!
Oh yessss.. step by step.. on How To Have Fun~
And even a smaller project/smaller size.. like the one you are suggesting to do.
I wonder.. in the (I haven't check it lately) in the 3 thousand hits.. how many of the Diners.. have looked at my thread.. lol. I truly lay my head down.. slowlty shaking my head.. and chuckles. Well~
Heck maybe its a son of a gun to load up.. I thought I'd save some of you the time.. and show ya here.
Keith