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Jeffreys Track Side Diner February 2023 Locked

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, February 16, 2023 10:32 AM

The World Is A Beautiful Place

-Photograph by Kevin Parson

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

TOP OF THE PAGE!

Drinks Are On Me.

It is close enough to noon here... I will have a Lazy Magnolia Brewery Southern Pecan. This is a tasty brew for sure.

-Photograph by Kevin Parson

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

hon30critter
Somehow I can't see myself paying $88.75 USD for a freight car kit despite how unusual the car is. Obtaining a fleet of them would cost a fortune. I figure that at least five cars could be scratchbuilt for that price, and that's assuming that you don't have any of the parts in stock.

I have paid up to $100.00 - $125.00 to get the "right" resin kit, or brass freight car. My plan is for 33% of the freight car  fleet to be unique looking models.

Unfortunately a full 20% of my freight cars are the Kadee PS-1 40 foot boxcar kit. That is such a perfect model, I have bought way too many. Of well.

Yarmouth has made, and is still producing, some terrific resin freight car model kits in the $60.00-$70.00 range. I think I have bought four of these. Just assembled one so far, and it went together great.

Other resin kits still available direct from the manufacturer are from Westerfield and Funaro & Camerlengo. have probably 12-15 from these two in my kit collection.

I really love assembling these kits.

When it comes to unique out-of-production models from Sunshine Models, well, these command a real high premium. I did get their "turtleback" PRR boxcar, and their version of the MILW rib sided-boxcar. I also have a SEABOARD extended height round roof boxcar that I think is from Smokey Valley that I paid way too much for.

I only have two "must-haves" on my Sunshine Models list. The B&O Mansard Roof car, and the ATSF extended height 50 foot fishbelly frame automobile boxcar. The ATSF car usually goes for more than $150.00... YIKES!

Of course I have scratch built a few freight cars, and I will scratch build more.

-Photograph by Kevin Parson

Sometimes it is a lot of fun just to see what can come out of the scrap box for free.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, February 16, 2023 10:36 AM

hon30critter
 

I feel really helpless about the situation in Turkey and Syria. All I can do is send the Red Cross some money but it seems a pittance compared to what will be needed to rebuild. Ideally they have learned a lesson and will construct the new buildings to withstand earthquakes, but somehow I doubt that they can overcome the corruption.

Cheers!!

Dave

 

 
 
I mentioned previously we have sent (good, hardly used) clothing to a charity who are forwarding it on to Turkey.
 
SoapBox   Now is it me, or what?   One charity is asking for new clothing?  Why?   Are the earthquake victims involved  fussy  on what they wear?   I think not.
 
 
David
 
 

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, February 16, 2023 10:54 AM

NorthBrit
Now is it me, or what? One charity is asking for new clothing? Why? Are the earthquake victims involved fussy on what they wear? I think not.

Speaking as someone that lives in an area where charities tend to send relief supplies... I fully understand this.

DO NOT SEND CLOTHES!

If you are going to send clothes, send something that will not be just thrown away.

Brand new work shirts, new jeans, new underwear, new socks, etc.

After every hurricane there are hundreds of tons of abandon clothing that must be disposed of.

After Michael a charity from the midwest just dropped two 53 foot trailers full of old clothes in a Wal-Mart parking lot. No one wanted it, and then we had to clean it up.

Send your used clothing to a local charity. It only causes problems in relief zones.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, February 16, 2023 11:07 AM

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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Posted by BigDaddy on Thursday, February 16, 2023 4:34 PM

I got an email from one of the Big Box Internet stores.   A Lionel Observation Philadelphia and Reading and Strasburg  $209 lighting and figures included!  Those little people are expensive unless you can figure out how to cast or 3D print them.  Nice to see Lionel is moving into the high end. 

Maybe Mr. Otte can copy that to the This Hobby Is Too Expensive thread

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, February 17, 2023 4:37 AM

Good morning Diners.  A large coffee & a blueberry muffin please, Zoe.

It is rather quiet  here.  A 'Lancaster Bomber'  may shake a few members.

 

 beer_17536 by David Harrison, on Flickr

 

Just received a model of an Autocoach.   A few things to add to it   before operating.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, February 17, 2023 8:34 AM

The World Is A Beautiful Place

-Photograph by Kevin Parson

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Good morning everyone. I am getting stuff together for the train show in Sarasota, and then I will be going to Georgia to visit a couple of State Parks.

I will be back in a few days.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by York1 on Friday, February 17, 2023 9:50 AM

Good morning.  Bacon, eggs, and black coffee, Flo.

Kevin, have a good time in Georgia.  I know they have some neat parks there.

I am worn out today.  Yesterday I spent a good part of the day clearing snow from neighborhood driveways.  It was heavy wet snow -- the kind that clogs snow blowers.  To top it off, the town's snowplow put a mountain of snow across a neighbor's driveway, and it's still not dug out.  Not sure why they did that -- there's plenty of space to push the snow so it's not in driveways.

I talked to someone this morning whose son counted 30 cars in the ditches along a 70 mile stretch.  People can't seem to slow down even in the snow and ice.  This time the weather in the 40s last week didn't help, since the storm started with rain.  That quickly froze on the roads before the snow hit.  It was 4F this morning, and the ice is pretty thick in places.

It's a good day to stay inside and work on the layout!

 

I'm not sure if this is an unusual paint scheme.  I know Great Northern had this sky blue color, but I don't remember seeing an entire passenger train in the blue.  Of course, I'm not a real long-time railfan, so it may have been much more common than I think:

 

 

York1 John       

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, February 17, 2023 1:07 PM

I guess I am still not accustomed to the milder climate here in Delaware.  This week we've had a couple of days in the 70s.  Yesterday I woke up to the sounds of the community's grounds crew blowing out old mulch around flower beds.  Earlier in the month the GF was complaining because the groundhog saw his shadow.  

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by ricktrains4824 on Friday, February 17, 2023 3:20 PM

Good afternoon diners!

Flo - A round of RBF's (or favorite kind) for all please. Thanks.

Boy have I been busy! Between layout progress, w*rk, and family stuff, I've been running all directions at once. 

Layout - More progress has been made, including a second benchwork section up, assembling of the next section, and some track has been layed! Hooray!!!!

Other train news: I finally will be at a train show this weekend! The Hamburg NY show is close enough that I will pop over to check it out on Saturday. Was anyone else headed there from the diner? Hopefully it will be good. I normally hit Kirkland Ohio's "Railfest", but have other plans that weekend that can't be shuffled around unfortunately. 

Family: My Dad's step-dad died Wednesday from Alzheimers, so I will be travelling a few miles south on Sunday/Monday for that. He hasn't known who I was for a while now, so in a way it's better now.

This morning my sister fell on some ice and shattered her wrist, so this weekend is getting interesting...

Speaking of this weekend: Daytona is here for race fans. My favorite driver made the 500, but will be starting near the back. Due to the showing for my step-grandad being Sunday, my DVR will see Daytona before I do. (And if my one uncle finds out I am recording it, he may ask to hang out Sunday night.) I told a few friends to not text me anything about the race when live.

I see a certain driver will also be making his ARCA debut on Saturday, should be interesting. (He has a lot of racing talent for a guy known as being an actor.) Guess my DVR will be getting a workout.

Hope all are well, best wishes to those not, and hope all enjoy the day!

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

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Posted by NorthBrit on Saturday, February 18, 2023 5:53 AM

Good morning Diners.  A large coffee please,  Brunhilda.

I am a bit shook up today.   Unlike me to fall,  but last night I did.  Shoulder and back ache somewhat.  Therefore I shall take it easy  today.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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Posted by BroadwayLion on Saturday, February 18, 2023 6:58 AM

Ground Hog saw his shadow. 

GREAT, ONLY six more weeks of winter!

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

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Posted by York1 on Saturday, February 18, 2023 8:05 AM

Good morning, diners.  Bacon, eggs, and black coffee, please.

The Lincoln Area Railway Historical Society has their train show this weekend.  I think I will head there later this morning.  Before Covid, it was a nice, fairly large show.  It will be interesting to see how it does this year.

My wife needs some things done with the kitchen, so I will head to Menards and Home Depot while I'm in Lincoln.  Then, since the route from the train show to Menards passes a hobby shop, I'll probably have to stop there, too.  This might turn into a long day.

That's too bad about your fall, David.  Hope your aches go away quickly.  If you're like me, the first thing to do when I fall is to look around and make sure no one saw me.

I finally got my plane tickets for Germany and Italy for this summer.  I was kind of in shock at the price.  It seems like they doubled in a year.  It wasn't too bad for me, but for my daughters' families, it was a large expense to buy tickets for all the grandkids.  I'm glad they all make more money than me.

Have a great day, everyone.

York1 John       

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Posted by Attuvian1 on Saturday, February 18, 2023 10:09 AM

NorthBrit

Good morning Diners.  A large coffee please,  Brunhilda.

I am a bit shook up today.   Unlike me to fall,  but last night I did.  Shoulder and back ache somewhat.  Therefore I shall take it easy  today.

David

 
David,
 
"Getting older . . .", well, you know the rest.  I'll be 79 in May.  Toppled over in a parking lot last Wednesday when getting off my bike after a 17-miler.  Caught my pant leg on the seat.  Like York 1 John, I was first concerned with the public embarassment.  Of course, some young guy (they all are, now) was driving by in his big truck and obliged himself to ask if I was all right.  I appreciated that - kind of.  Banged my head against the pavement; glad I had my helmet on.
 
One of the things I seem to avoid is the effort it takes to drink what apparently is enough water.  My wife's mum (who's now passed) was always falling.  Generally, it was traced to one of two things: a UTI (urinary tract infection) or to dehydration.  I've heard that those two may be associated.  Justice might be served if some months from now I tip over from the latter.  I probably don't drink enough (Whistling) anyway, but somehow plain ol' water is unappealing.  Oh my, we turn out to be our own worst enemies!
 
Caveat: I'm not a doctor - nor do I play one on TV. Laugh
 
Attuvian1 John 
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Saturday, February 18, 2023 12:01 PM

At 75 next month, I am still biking, too.  Decades ago when I used to ride many more miles, I always had both water bottle racks full, and I knew where all the drinking fountains were around me.  In New England, water fountains are called "bubblers," or "bubblahs" if the right accent is applied.  In a longer ride, I might carry another bottle or two in my jersey's back pockets.  Later, that would become snacks and fruit for my little daughter in the bike seat behind me.

,"

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by BroadwayLion on Saturday, February 18, 2023 1:40 PM

We had Blueberry-Orange Bread...

If you want some you have to fight the LION for it!

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

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Posted by BroadwayLion on Saturday, February 18, 2023 1:50 PM

Attuvian1
I probably don't drink enough (Whistling) anyway, but somehow plain ol' water is unappealing. Oh my, we turn out to be our own worst enemies!

 

Yes, well, dring Diet Dr. Pepper, or if you can not get that, then Diet Pepsi. I have a fridge in my cell filled with Diet Pepsi.

If I am out somewhere (and have to spend my own money) Then I will get the Diet Dr. Pepper, but here in the house we have Diet Pepsi on tap. (Along with four others that I do not bother with. They are not diet.)

Украина вперед! Победить Россию!

 

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Saturday, February 18, 2023 3:22 PM

No, don't think of carbonated beverages as workout drinks.  The carbonation will bloat your stomach and make you think you're more full than you really are,  which might keep you from drinking enough for proper hydration.   Sugar drinks should be avoided because they can give a quick sugar high after which you crash.

I always just drank water until the ride was over.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by Attuvian1 on Saturday, February 18, 2023 3:44 PM

MisterBeasley

No, don't think of carbonated beverages as workout drinks.  The carbonation will bloat your stomach and make you think you're more full than you really are,  which might keep you from drinking enough for proper hydration.   Sugar drinks should be avoided because they can give a quick sugar high after which you crash.

I always just drank water until the ride was over.

 
I do only water when I ride, though probably not enough.  An old biking friend used to say, "If you wait until you're thirsty, you've waited too long."  On longer hauls he'd ask if I'd needed to piddle after a certain number of miles or a few hours.  A negative answer would essentially get the same response.
 
John
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Posted by gmpullman on Sunday, February 19, 2023 2:11 AM

Special paint jobs. I saw this one in Chicago back in '96:

 C&NW Station 24 August, 1996 by Edmund, on Flickr

 C&NW Station, 24 August, 1996 by Edmund, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by York1 on Sunday, February 19, 2023 7:20 AM

Good morning, everyone.  Just coffee this morning.

I had a good time at the Lincoln train show yesterday.  It opened at 9:00 a.m., and I got there about 11:00.  It was packed with people, and I was especially amazed at the number of kids.

I think after a winter of being shut in the house, parents were looking for something like this to get their kids out.  

There were some big layout displays, including everything from Z scale to Garden size layouts, but naturally the ones drawing the most attention from kids were the big Lego layout and the big Lionel layout.  The Lionel had lots of interactive buttons for kids to push, which was a hit.

I did find an old Bachman controller for my planned trolley system, so I had a good time.  There were not a lot of bargains in N scale -- more in HO, and lots of bargains for larger scales.

I don't know how the attendance will be for the rest of the weekend, but the dealers had to be pleased with the Saturday morning attendance.

Hope everyone has a great Sunday.

 

York1 John       

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Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, February 19, 2023 10:57 AM

NorthBrit
I am a bit shook up today.   Unlike me to fall,  but last night I did.  Shoulder and back ache somewhat.  Therefore I shall take it easy  today.

 Hi David,

I'm sorry to hear about your fall but I'm glad it wasn't serious.

I have fallen several times in the past few months because my toes drop when I am walking. That is a result of the nerve damage in my spine. If I don't pay close attention to picking my feet up, my toes will catch which causes me to stumble and sometimes leads to a full face plant.Grumpy Fortunately I have only had one fall that did any real damage (tore my Achillies tendon) and I was able to recover without the need for surgery. Usually it's just bruised knees.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by BigDaddy on Sunday, February 19, 2023 3:14 PM

Ricky I'm sorry about your step-dad, mom's got Alzheimers and it's a terrible disease.

David glad you didn't break anything.  A high school classmate just posted on Facebook that he took a big fall but also didn't break anything. 

My son and his fiance were here all weekend.  The dogs got along well but we all ate too much.   Did not get to see much of this weekend's races.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by BroadwayLion on Monday, February 20, 2023 5:11 AM

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

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Posted by BroadwayLion on Monday, February 20, 2023 5:18 AM

hon30critter
I'm sorry to hear about your fall but I'm glad it wasn't serious. I have fallen several times in the past few months because my toes drop when I am walking. That is a result of the nerve damage in my spine

Poor LION is prone to loosing balance and stumbling this way and that.

I want to go on Vacation this summer, but doi nmot know if they will let me.

Air flight = $12.00 + Baggage check

Stay with niece, she has a spare appartment downtown.

All i need is pocket money.

Getting permission from the abbot is easy,
From the Prior r/t health is an udder issue.

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

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Posted by York1 on Monday, February 20, 2023 8:28 AM

Good morning, everyone.  Chloe, I'll have bacon, eggs, and black coffee.

It seems like many of us are now at the age when falling becomes more of an issue.  I know that when I get my yearly physical, they always ask if I've fallen, and they always ask if we have any loose throw rugs in our house.  We have rugs, but they aren't what cause me to trip -- it's usually my carelessness of seeing where the dog is lying or me not remembering how many steps are in the staircase.

I know there is some concern in our hobby about the number of future model railroaders.  As I said yesterday, the weekend's train show was packed with kids.  If only a small percentage ever take up the hobby in the future, we will be OK.

We're in the process of buying all the entrance tickets to various museums and attractions for our trip to Europe this summer.  I say, "we're" when I should say my daughters.  The best part is that I'm just along for the trip.  They do all the planning and work.  It's kind of nice being old.

In this weather, the jet trails in the sky really stand out.  In the morning and late afternoon, the sky is covered with the trails.  The term "flyover country" is accurate.  During the cold war, we knew what time the military jets from Omaha would fly over on their daily trips to the west before sunset.  Now it's the huge number of passenger jets.  It really is amazing.

It's time for breakfast, and then a full day of nothing to do but what I want.

 

York1 John       

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Posted by CNCharlie on Monday, February 20, 2023 9:18 AM

Good Morning,

It is 0F here with a light snow. Supposed to get colder. Think I'll send some down to TF as he has been quiet lately. 

Important to practice balance as you get older. I was taught by a therapist to stand on one foot every day. I do this when putting on socks or tying shoes. It will reduce falling and actually stop you from going down if you trip. 

John, you are smart to pay admissions in advance. You can avoid long waits in line, at least that is our experience. My wife was always doing that when we travelled. At Christmas 2008, we walked right into the Louvre and avoided standing for an hour or more in the cold because our admission was prepaid. In 2013 we got to spend an hour with the Rock Hopper penguins  at the Cape Town acquarium because my wife had signed up and paid from here. In fact you couldn't even do it on site. We had to send a bank draft for payment from here but it was worth it. I got to hold a Rock Hopper on my lap. They are friendly little fellows but surprisingly heavy.

Plan on staying home this week. I did the grocery runs on Sat. and Sun. That just means pulling up to the designated spot, phoning to say I have arrived, wait 5 or 10 minutes while they load my order in the trunk and driving away. Nothing like grocery shopping on line!

Time for another coffee. 

CN Charlie

 

 

 

 

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Posted by howmus on Monday, February 20, 2023 9:42 AM

Mornin' folks!

Had a heck of a time relogging in this morning...  Don't know if it was the site or what. I should stay logged anyway.  Not sure why I had to log in?  Finally figured out the right combination to get back on!

I screwed up last week and forgot to refill my Diabettes Med.  I called the pharmacy this morning and the lady said they would give me a few pills to get through as I need a new refil from the Doc.  Only problem is they won't have any pills in until tomorrow!  Hmmmmm.....  Took the last one I had this morning.  I had a normal A1c last blood draw so I should be OK but.....  Kinda scares me not to have the Rx filled.  Sugar was in the normal range this morning, but I will check it several times today.  Also be very careful what I eat today!!!

Hope everyone has a great day out there!

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 Flintlock76 on Monday, February 20, 2023 9:54 AM

York1
I know there is some concern in our hobby about the number of future model railroaders.  As I said yesterday, the weekend's train show was packed with kids.  If only a small percentage ever take up the hobby in the future, we will be OK.

We've been seeing a lot of young families at our local shows in the past few years, which is very gratifying!  I mean, it's depressing when I go to a train show and I'm "The Kid" at 69!  Surprise

And you're so right about that small percentage.  I'm not worried, the hobby's popularity's waxed and waned over the years but it's never gone away and I doubt it will.

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Posted by Steven Otte on Monday, February 20, 2023 2:03 PM

I'm back in the office with a clean bill of health! The wife is feeling better, too, though she's not 100 percent yet. I was going to bring some paczki to share, but it looks like Da Lion already has you covered. Have a great day, everyone!

--
Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editor
sotte@kalmbach.com

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