Jeffrey's Trackside Diner: JUNE 2024!

[maxman]

Critical error -- now that's new.

TF please take your foot off the oxygen line.

[MisterBeasley]

Yeah, what happened?  I've been unable to get in for two days.  Brand new error messages, and then a stream of old ones.

Did someone actually begin making improvements?  Sure, in my dreams.

[York1]

Isn't this about the time the Kalmbach building had to be turned over to the new owners?  I can't remember the exact date, but I think it's getting close.

Maybe the forum is in the process of switching to different servers.

Or ...

[York1]

I just clicked on some posts on the Trains side of the forum and also on our MR side, and the screens all came up very fast -- faster than I can remember.  I don't want to jinx anything, but I have hope.

[Water Level Route]

Praying what we just experienced was a hard couple and not a derailment.

[York1]

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

It's so nice to click on a forum thread and it comes right up.

I've been working on a scratchbuilt building for a long time now.  I believe I have the hardest part finished, which gives me some enthusiasm to keep at it.  I wish I had gotten to this point last winter while I had more time.  Procrastination is my middle name.

Today I'm trying to get more preparations done for the road trip.  The worst part is calling the vet to set up boarding for Cookie.  She hates being boarded, and it just about breaks our heart to take her in and leave her.  She always looks at us with those eyes that ask, "Why are you doing this to me?"

I continue to hope those of you with health issues get some relief and the promise of better days ahead.

Have a great day, everyone.

 

[up831]

Hi Everyone,

What is with the error messages, time-outs, etc?

It is getting close to time to move the diner.  How about refrigerator car operations?  They're colorful and there's lots of options to cover.

This month is still signals.  Back when I was a young man, I would often drive a stretch of highway between Hutchinson and McPherson Kansas.  The road paralleled a stretch of track that was part of the KC - Tucumcari run.  At the time it was owned by CRI&P.  It was later acquired by SSW (SP).  SP had been running fruit trains on that line for several years before they acquired it.  Anyway, the standard light on the signals was green, but if I saw a yellow light, a train was a lock or two ahead.  If the light was red, a train was in the block and I had the joy of seeing it.  I looked forward to those trips.  Simple thrills!

[Track fiddler]

Evening

Whale, I've noticed Him's reserved parking spot at the Diner has been MT for quite awhile.

 

If ewe could find a moment in him's bizzy schedule at the Abbey, ewe could stop by for a cup of coffee and just say Hi.  I'd be happy to buy ewe breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Brother Elias

 

TF

[gmpullman]

You won't lose your kids very often at the National Zoo. They're on their own in the Lion House!

Lost_Lion1 by Edmund, on Flickr

Roar!

lion_1939 by Edmund, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

[Track fiddler]

 

TF

[CNCharlie]

Good Evening,

Expecting rain to start shortly but has been a pleasant day here, about 70F.

John, leaving a pet at a boarding facility is often stressful. We used to drive ours 2 1/2 hours and across a border when we travelled but they got to stay with our friends who were Westie breeders. They would run out of the car when we got there as they loved to be with our friends. 

TF, have you been out in your 'stang' lately now that the nice weather has arrived? 

Hope Lion checks in soon especially as Wildebeest is on the menu. 

Have a good night,

CN Charlie

[Track fiddler]

Good morning

CNCharlie

TF, have you been out in your 'stang' lately now that the nice weather has arrived? 

Hope Lion checks in soon especially as Wildebeest is on the menu.  

Hi Charlie, I've had her out a couple times in between studying and all the rainy days.  My preferred river runs are all flooded, so sticking to higher ground.

My oldest daughter went for a ride and a picnic with me earlier this week.  A few weeks ago was Zimmerman's annual Car & Carnival show that was kinda fun.  Judy likes the Tilt-A-Whirl and talks me into it every time

How about you, did you and the wife get your pond up and running, and all your planting off to a good start this Spring?

 

I'm hoping the Lion will stop by for the Wildebeest Special at the Diner as well.

Roar!YouTube

 

Welcome to the weekend everyone

 

TF

[York1]

Good morning on TGIF.  Chloe, I'll have bacon, eggs, and coffee, please.

It's a beautiful morning out, but we're a little disappointed the predicted rain didn't appear.  The center pivot irrigation systems are all running. Expensive but necessary.

The field south of my house has the corn about six feet tall now.  The seed companies will be sending out the detasseling crews after the 4th of July.  It's a chance for middle school-age kids to make some great money in the summer.  It's hot, wet, muddy work and long days, but each kid can make over a thousand dollars for two weeks' work.

When my daughters turned 12, they each were on detasseling crews.  I'd be up at 4:45 a.m. to make their lunches, and they'd be up by 5:00 to get ready.  We had to be at the bus by 5:30 for them to get out to the fields.  By 2:00 p.m., they'd be straggling home covered with mud and with arms sliced by the corn leaves.  We'd wash all the clothes and start over again the next day.  But ... the money was great for them to buy school clothes and to have spending money.

Corn is the entire economy out here, and the cattle that are fed the corn are not that far away.

I'm very happy the forum seems to be working so much better.  I was able to get in this morning almost instantly, and every thread I click on comes up quickly.  I hope it continues.

Have a great Friday everyone.

 

https://railroadsignals.us/

[hon30critter]

Hi up831,

I think that doing reefers for July is a great idea! Just think of all that ice!!!

Are you willing to move the Diner? My computer is on the fritz and I can't do it from my cell phone.

Cheers!!

Dave

[NorthBrit]

Two days struggling to post.

Other Forums I am on,  no problems

Maybe Brother Lion has same challenges.

 

David

[Track fiddler]

Evening

I'm hoping your right David.  Sometimes sixth sense kicks in after a while, that needs to be found, unfound at best.

 

It was a Heck of a day at sea Sir!

Had to go shopping with Judy on her day off, for our Nieces Birthday Party tomorrow.  Not only for gifts for her, but had to pick up a few for our Great Niece CeCe too

Somewhere in between, a proper nap was taken, as I'm sure our friend Craig probably would have done too, ...after all of that

 

The Bears nap timePic courtesy of TF

 

Seven stores into it earlier.  At least she took me out to Applebee's for Wonton Taco's, and a couple of Beers later  Ya got to keep-em happy, but so do they dang it! 

 

TF

["JaBear"]

Bear repellent by Bear, on Flickr

["JaBear"]

Gidday Chloe and fellow Diners, if this comes across a bit disjointed it’s because I started writing this a week ago, and now I’m trying to cover many topics!

 

Winter is supposed to be my quiet time but it has proved otherwise of late. In someways I blame the first Chief Engineer who hired me. One of his pearls of wisdom was, “Aircraft sitting in our hanger don’t make us money” and it is something I took on board. He was also a Great Manager by wandering around, though I’ve not heard it phrased that way before. He was also very good at “Leading by example” which I also firmly believe in and try to follow.

 

The local aero club was in abeyance for some years, and three years ago was gifted a Cessna 172 to get started again. Initially a lot of “Experts” and “Would be if they could be” types came out of the woodwork and promptly made some very bad decisions, some self-serving, which nearly forced the Club under again. One decision was ridiculous, they were only going to fly one Sunday a month! What that was supposed to achieve, I don’t know, but about the same time, 18 months ago the President got control and a local dairy farmer who had been an instructor came on board, and the Club now has 20+ active students, and weather permitting, is flying three days a week. Having only one aircraft, does keep me on my toes, especially if “heavy” maintenance is required, and last week was such a week, By the time I got home, had tea, a quick browse of the Diners goings on, and a shower, it was definitely my bed time!!! It appears I’m not as young and bulletproof as I once was!

 

Mike, I’m pleased you daughter enjoyed her time in Peru. I’ve never been able to understand ffolks who go abroad but don’t want to experience the local culture. Good on her!!

 

My Mum was a primary school teacher (5 to 12 year olds) and maintained that it was the principal who set the “tone” of the school, and we found the same when our kids went to school, so I suspect York1John, that you’re selling yourself short.

 

Well done Mr.TF. Book bashing was never my strong suite and it only got worse the older I got. It’s good to see that all your experience with a trade licence is being taken into consideration. Unfortunately, here, if a university degree is required, then that’s it! It’s why there are young guys with university degrees and virtually no dirt under their finger nails “pretending” to be inspectors. I very rarely “lose” to them, but they can make life difficult, and take up too much time that could be spent on other things, like sleep! Hope the study and exams go well for you.

 

Geez Batman, you could make me cry!!!! I know that sometimes one can’t compare apples to apples but here fresh NZ salmon fillets are around Canadian$25.00 per pound!! Far too steep for this Bear!! However, I’ve never had a problem baking salmon fillets in the oven. My favourite way is to marinate them in a mixture of lemon juice, finely chopped parsley, wholegrain mustard, and salt and ground black pepper to suit. Always comes out with a crisp skin and moist!

 

Dave and David, thinking of your health issues.

 

 Wonton Tacos???!! An American work colleague introduced me to Tex/Mex food 35+ years ago, which I like, but Thai/Mex, that’s new to me, looks pretty tasty though.

 

maxman

Why do I think Maxman makes for a difficult audience??!!  

No, not really.  My criteria is pretty simple.  If I can hum the tune or any parts thereof in the shower, I probably like it.

 

That’s a pretty reasonable criteria, but I’d find it far too restrictive and would be chucking out the majority of my music collection, if I was to adhere to it. That said music is very subjective, while I have a fairly catholic taste in music, it still depends on what mood I’m in, and what I’m doing. Riveting to Chopin’s Funeral March is not really a happening thing! And don’t mention “Country and Western!!!

 

So, I don’t expect all ffolks to appreciate this, but this is representative of what I’ve been listening to while finishing off my current crop of paperwork.

 

 

Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them. Kia Kaha.

 

Cheers, the Bear. 

 

Counting sheep by Bear, on Flickr

[gmpullman]

 

Somebody's got a new side hustle going on —

Brass Wire Brush by Edmund, on Flickr

My intent is to make a 'jumbo-sized' version of the Kadee Speedy wheel cleaner. I tried using mine a few days ago and had trouble getting it to cooperate. So I thought a pair of these 'Bear Toothbrushes' placed on a board with a thin styrene divider then a bare copper wire threaded through might just do the trick. The trouble with the Kadee model is that it concentrated on one axle at a time where as these longer brushes might contact the whole truck or driver assembly.

Stay tuned...

Clear Signal by Don Kalkman, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

[Track fiddler]

Good morning

The Bear

 

Counting sheep by Bear, on Flickr

 

 

Thanks for the encouragement Bear. 

 

Your encouragement helps for sure, as I've been discouraged more than a few times.  I've already learned, after trying to study for more than a better part of the day, to get it down to just a couple hours a day.  Otherwise, these 3 code books, (each half as thick as the phone books of the 70s), and 3 study guides, just as thick, can become a bit overwhelming at times.  I'm determined and sticking with it though.

 

The Bear

Unfortunately, here, if a university degree is required, then that’s it! It’s why there are young guys with university degrees and virtually no dirt under their finger nails “pretending” to be inspectors. 

 

 

Well spoken, but quite saddening how much truth goes along with that statement.

 

Reminds me of a time of my youth, enjoying fishing off the dock with my old timer friend Leo.  He was always interesting to listen to, along with the wise words he spoke.  The statement he once said, was exactly along the same lines as the statement you made. 

 

He said  "In the 40s and 50s, a position of authority was given to a life experienced Tradesman, best suited for the position, as someone who gained decades of knowledge through time and dedication.  Now-a-days, the position is given to a graduate, who has a piece of paper behind his pocket protector, and doesn't have a clue how the real world works".

 

 

 

 Gettyimages

 

 

Enjoy you Saturday everyone

 

 

 

TF

[Track fiddler]

Post Hog!

gmpullman

 

Somebody's got a new side hustle going on —

Brass Wire Brush by Edmund, on Flickr

Good one Ed, I've always known Dick to be a little course around the edges...

 

TF

[York1]

Good morning, everyone.  This will be my last post for a while (quit cheering!!), we are headed south for a while.  Most people go north in the summer.  No one has accused us of being too smart.

Bear and David, it's good to hear from you.  I haven't had any issues with photos lately, and the forum now loads faster than it ever has for me.  Just lucky I guess.

I think the diner will be in a good spot to see all the differents kinds of reefers.  I don't have any on my layout.

Since I have been working on buildings so much, I think that after I finish the building I'm now on, I am going to try my hand at working on some train cars.  I have never built one or even put decals on one.  I'm thinking of coming up with a railroad name and getting some custom decals printed.  I also want to change some trucks on some of my cars -- I haven't attempted that, either.  I'm not sure how difficult it will be working on N cars, but I'm going to find out.

Hope everyone is doing OK.  I'll be away from all electronic connections (including my phone) so I will look forward to hearing from all of you in a week or two.  Have a great Saturday.

 

 

Photo by Mike Falls

https://railroadsignals.us/signals/color/index.htm

[maxman]

Track fiddler

Post Hog!

 

 

gmpullman

 

Somebody's got a new side hustle going on —

Brass Wire Brush by Edmund, on Flickr

 

 

 

Good one Ed, I've always known Dick to be a little course around the edges...

 

TF

 

Of course I'm coarse.

[York1]

I just got the August issue of Model Railroader.

There was a column from the new owner.

In addition to his commitment to the paper magazines, he also said:

 

"Rest assured, we plan to keep the forums, but our roadmap includes significant upgrades to ensure their stability and functionality with more modern aesthetics and experience."

["JaBear"]

Brush by Bear, on Flickr

Seriously those brushes look promising, though I do wonder if the bristles are too coarse, and with their length, a bit too flexible? That said, if there was a flexibility issue, there are several fixes that could be employed.

If you don’t mind, please keep us informed as to how it works out, Ed.

 

Hope you have a pleasant break York1John,your absence may lift the hoodoo you seem to put on my Forum access!!  

 

Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them. Kia Kaha.

Cheers, the Bear.

[richhotrain]

York1

I just got the August issue of Model Railroader.

There was a column from the new owner.

In addition to his commitment to the paper magazines, he also said:

 

"Rest assured, we plan to keep the forums, but our roadmap includes significant upgrades to ensure their stability and functionality with more modern aesthetics and experience."

 

What I would like to see is Craig Fuller join this forum and talk to those of us who have stuck around during all of this nonsense. 

Thanks for posting this, John, for those of us who no longer subscribe to the magazine. I sure would like to hear directly from the new owner on this forum.

Rich

[up831]

Hi Everyone,

Ill be happy to move the diner.

Gotta run.

[Track fiddler]

Good morning

We had fun spending time with family yesterday for my Niece's Birthday. 

My Great Niece Ce-Ce just became an entrepreneur at the age of 8.  She makes friendship bracelets out of rubber bands, and sells them from her little stand on the sidewalk.  She can tie these things off in about 10-15 minutes

She's very dedecated as she made $57.00 dollars last week.  We bought her a big umbrella, so she doesn't get too much sun, out there all day.  We also picked up more supplies from Hobby Lobby. 

Quite the little business lady, as she's planning to sell lemonaid in an attempt to double her sales per customer.  We're all quite proud of her.

 

Have a fun time on your get-a-way John.

 

Have a good relaxing Sunday gentlemen

 

TF