Elliots Trackside Diner IV, Under New Management!

[LSWrr]

Police get calls from irate residents who build upscale homes because they found property oddly inexpensive (as property $$$ goes out here) next to the N&S, then after moving in, they call Police to complain that the passing trains are making too much noise...

 Is it just me, or is common sense all too uncommon? 

  This mainline was completed while Lincon was president.

Northeast Ohio cities working to quiet train horns

 

Created: 4/4/2008 8:39:09 AM Updated:4/4/2008 8:41:46 AM     BROOK PARK -- Trains rumble through Lorain County and Cleveland's western suburbs more than 50 times a day, and their horns wake residents and stop business in downtowns across the region. Several northeast Ohio cities are working to quiet the horns. On Tuesday, Brook Park broke ground on special gates to create the state's first multicrossing railroad quiet zone. Noisy trains have become such a common complaint that the Federal Railroad Administration has allowed cities to ban whistles as long as they add or improve safety devices at crossings. Brook Park will spend about $700,000 to replace three regular gates with gates that meet safety requirements by blocking lanes in both directions on both sides of the tracks. Berea, Olmsted Falls, Rocky River and Vermilion are also taking measures to create quiet zones.

[Cederstrand]

We're under a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH plus a TORNADO WATCH and from what I see on satelite, I'm in for some bang-up weather this time. Huge oblong red blob coming right for us. Gittin mighty dark and there be lots of rumbles out thar. YEEHAW! Rob

[pcarrell]

[A C Liner, huh?  Isn't Life Like doing one of those now?]

***Philip, I wouldn't know, I'm out of the Diesel scene. (except for the 90/43MAC & Gas Turbine...oh, and a half dozen various F untis I haven't parted with yet )

Hey, I'm all steam in backwoods Maine in the 1920's and early 30's.

[sunsetbeachry]

HI ALL:

**** Dr in about an hour [ Kathy] so notin much still got a lot of paper on floor. Kathy says if I don't clean up I'll have a fire. We are both good just allergies and still cold 45 deg and chill factor of 38 with wind from ocean at 15 to 20 mph. Sorry time to get ready samdwitch for Kathy water bottle oxy bottles and all the rest of stuff to load in truck.

**********Prayers for all and get well "Thats an order 

                                      Chuck and Kathy
 

[Cederstrand]

Jeffrey, I don't think it would get very good gas mileage...or would it run on coal? Sure would go through a lot of tires with the extra weight. Rob

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Hey Rob, that's a good one!

[Cederstrand]

***Jeffrey, congrats on the new plate. From the side view, I never would have noticed...

-Rob

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I finally got my official fire fighter license plate this morning. It only involved getting a letter of certification (certifying that I'm a fire fighter) from my fire chief and jumping through more hoops than I cared to count. The renewal fee is $45 every two years and requires a new letter of certification each time. That's no problem since it's now on file at the fire station. Was it worth all the trouble and heartburn? Yes. Here's a couple of photos. The plate number has been removed for security reasons.

[Cederstrand]

[A C Liner, huh?  Isn't Life Like doing one of those now?]

***Philip, I wouldn't know, I'm out of the Diesel scene. (except for the 90/43MAC & Gas Turbine...oh, and a half dozen various F untis I haven't parted with yet )

Wicked line of thunderstorms coming our way. Potential for large hail and strong winds. Better make a quick run to the P.O. YEEHAW! Rob

[pcarrell]

***Philip, I love that site and even donated my 2bits worth of info & pics to it here: http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/fmc.html Sometimes he talks more about the models than the history of the loco, which is why I reference his site often. If it was not for his reviews, I would never have sold so many of my vintage locos to continue upgrading my roster.

A C Liner, huh?  Isn't Life Like doing one of those now?

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Okay, everybody. Put your faces in the face thread. Don't by shy and bashful.

Happy Model Railroading

[Cederstrand]

in a stormy SOUTHERN mug, please & thank you.

***JR, although I (and my wife) have a touch of that CT, as well as sleep apnea, I'm sure this dead arm incident was caused by rolling over on my own arm and cutting off the circulation. If not, it was nice knowing you.

***Philip, I love that site and even donated my 2bits worth of info & pics to it here: http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/fmc.html Sometimes he talks more about the models than the history of the loco, which is why I reference his site often. If it was not for his reviews, I would never have sold so many of my vintage locos to continue upgrading my roster.

Well, need to pack up some skulls I sold. (don't worry, they're not human)

Have a great day all and healing thoughts for those in need.  Rob

[grayfox1119]

Good morning, had a rough night with this sudden head cold, sneezing in succession, nose running like a hose, eyes hurt, sinuses aching. Tried the hot shower bit, that helped but only lasts just so long. Almost made it through the winter with zero colds. I let myself get rundown, and that is always bad news for our immune system, especially in the cold season.

Raining cats and dogs here today, raw day also, only 38F, so I am headed off to the train room to plan more track runs and where things will be located.

ROB: Sorry to hear about Puddles. Animals really become part of a family as anyone who has ever owned a pet can atest. You will have pleasant memories for a long time Rob.

My eyes are watering too much to see the screen, and nose keeps running, so I'm out of the Diner for a while guys,

[pcarrell]

PC, ........You don't happen to know of a site like that N scale one you mentioned, but for HO scale, do ya? Please, please, please?

No, I don't.........sorry.  This guy just does this as part of the hobby.  You might try contacting him to see if he knows of someone though.  He just might have heard of someone, you never know.  I'll tell ya what though......it's an invaluable tool for us N scalers since so many loco's haven't been done still.  It makes it easier to see if you really do have to scratchbuild / kitbash, or if there's a loco thats been done already that could maybe just use some mechanical updating and some detailing to get what you need. 

[JimRCGMO]

Morning, Diners! Zoe, cup of coffee for me, please. Thanks!

Rob, sorry about Puddles' passing. At least you will still have the good memories of her. That was a cute pic of her cleaning out the trunk. Good to hear you have a good start on your auction items, and hope that trend continues.

PC, I think that photo needs those height markings behind you. You don't happen to know of a site like that N scale one you mentioned, but for HO scale, do ya? Please, please, please?

I'm glad tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and in the 60's. Last night at my place, the outside wall in the living room (around the windows) was dripping (again). Called the landlord, and he said he'd have someone by today to see about caulking up things. I'm not sure that willbe enough to fix it, if we get another wet night. I may post pics of the ceiling tonight (used my work cell's camera), or a link to them. I'm definitely ready for spring, Terry! Want some drying out around here.

It's Friday [YAY!!], and according to my prognostications, the should show up in the bank tomorrow (Monday's the actual payday, but for it to be there by then, I know they have to post it with the Friday night postings). Credit union, here I come! (Now, how do I stretch the paycheck out another couple of hundred...?) Too many days at the end of the paycheck.

RT, you go get that job (and ditto what Terry said about certain 'references'...).

Hope everyone can get a chance to enjoy the nice weekend. CN Charlie, how's your weather been in Winnipeg? Haven't heard from Johnboy in a little, so he must be out suntanning.

JP's going railfanning, I see. Hope you bring back some photos to post, JP! 

Well, I'd best get to it today. See y'all later.

 

Blessings on your FRIDAY!,

Jim in Cape Girardeau 

[Flashwave]

It's cold.

Greetings all froma very frozen corner of my computer. Love Spring Break. It;s sign time for the Ops group at the club. They have me making them. whoopee.

 

[Cox 47]

Good morning All .....It cloudy and damp here this morning Posta rain...I'll have just coffee please...Thanks...Not much going on feeling kinda tuff cold on my lungs and plumbing troubles too think my infection problems are back...Posta go to casey tonite for visation formy Brother's wife's sisters Husband He was a former mayor of casey and school teacher for 34 years..Cancer...You all have a good one...Jerry

[pcarrell]

Mornin' all!

Today looks to be a typical Indiana early spring day, with temps in the 40's and 50's, and rain, but this weekend is looking to be another story!  Check this out.........

I just might have to break out the wheelchair and take the wife for a spin or two around the neighborhood!  I could use the exercise.

Matter of fact, I think that will be my entire plan for the whole weekend!  Other then that, and church, a whole lotta nothin' sounds real good!

So whats up with you all?

Rob, the old Atlas 0-8-0 was based on the Indiana Harbor Belt RR.  It was actually a poor choice for a model as, if memory serves, and sometimes it doesn't, that particular loco had a unique valve or running gear arrangement, so it was not a typical 0-8-0.  But then, it was originally tooled in the late 60's (1967), so it was based on the soon to become typical "they'll never know the difference" ideology.  There is a website that you should probably know about if you're going to play with the vintage stuff in N scale.  It's got a great review of many of the earlier loco's done in N scale, including the 0-8-0 you have.  Click this link to read about your loco.  The new Life Like loco is reviewed here.  The website is run by a guy who calls himself "Spookshow" and it includes a great N scale encyclopedia, among other things.  You can get there by clicking this link here. 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Good morning.

It's a very pleasant 72 degrees here under a cloudy sky. We're expecting a high of 74 today with a good chance of a thunderstorm or two this afternoon.

Today's Weather for:      
Sundown, LA  71446-6114      4/4/2008

Heat Index:  76°F
Humidity:  85%
Dew Point:  66°F

So Far Today
High:  72°F
Low:  71°F
Rain:  0.00"
Rain Rate:  0.00"/h
Gust:  18mph S

Through 9 AM...isolated showers will continue to develop and move northeast at 30 mph across southeast Texas and west central Louisiana. Rainfall will be less than a tenth of an inch due to the fast movement. Expect activity to gradually increase later this morning...expecially into the afternoon.    
 
Rest Of Today  High: 78    Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of showers in the morning. Showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may be severe in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. South winds 10 to 15 mph shifting to the southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation 70 percent.    
 
Tonight  Low: 52    Mostly cloudy. A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Cooler. Lows in the lower 50s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.

[JPowell]

Morning all -

  Just a quick stop in for now. Off to get coffee, gas, and haircut. Also taking the camera incase I get a good shot. CSX had a derail at about 0030 yesterday morning (12:30am); claiming a possible faulty wheel set. 20 cars of a 85-car train carring coal heading for Ft Drum left the track. Happened about 25-30 miles east of Rochester NY. History has it that exactly 5 yrs ago, same spot had one then.

Take care!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

   Jeff - did the new decoders work out? I'm still using the NCE ones in several varieties including N scale for the 44 tonners. I've set the real noisy MRC ones aside to use on electrics. If i start back on wiring switches and get that done, maybe I'll get ambitious and try my luck with replacing the lights on some of these locomotives with LED's. 3 amp yellglos ought to do it don't you think?

I've already installed new DZ125 decoders in two Athearn BB F7's and they're working out great. I ran for ten hours at a stretch and the decoders weren't even warm to the touch.  Keep in mind though that these locos had been completely reworked and have the very best motors I could lay hands on. The two DZ125's that I have coming are going into two more BB Athearn's, an F7 and a GP50. These already have cheap Bachmann decoders, it's time for an upgrade.

[SilverSpike]

 

Morning folks!

Rob sorry to hear about Puddles, our heart felt condolences go out to you and the family.

Not much going on in these parts, just more rain and the lakes continue to rise so that is good news. But the prognosticators still say that we are in a drought over here, not sure how because we have had 6 rainy days in the past 8 days....

You all have a good in!

Ryan

 

 

 

[saronaterry]

Sorry, I-5. Old guy brain f..t!! Meant Ozark's pics.

I think.

Coulda been Jeff's ,tho,too.

I hate gettin' old.

Nice pics everyone.

There.

Terry

[GMTRacing]

Good morning All,

     37F with a steady cold rain this morning. The predicted high is 46 and rain all day and tomorrow. I'll have a regular and the buffet please Zoe. No need to hover, I'll just fill a plate myself at Bills setup.

     Rob - probably carpel tunnel - I get the numbness thing all the time. You need to be cautious if it's the left side as that may be heart related but usually it's more than just a numb arm. Ever consider beig checked for sleep apnea ? Most insurance covers the test now.

     PC - do you have any idea why the FBI is sneaking mug shots onto the diner walls? This is not a post office mate!

   Jeff - did the new decoders work out? I'm still using the NCE ones in several varieties including N scale for the 44 tonners. I've set the real noisy MRC ones aside to use on electrics. If i start back on wiring switches and get that done, maybe I'll get ambitious and try my luck with replacing the lights on some of these locomotives with LED's. 3 amp yellglos ought to do it don't you think?

   We're nearing the end of the winter preps here at the shop and the original deadline is today. Still have a bunch of other stuff to catch up with - seat frames, alternator installations, gearbox rebuilds, the usual, but the stuff going to the track is nearly done. Better get back to it - I'll try to pop in later.    CUL, J.R.

[wetidlerjr]

Good Morning from Tipton IN !

[Cederstrand]

***Garry, old (N) "Atlas" Yard Goat vs the new (N) Proto 0-8-0. I am wondering what the difference is between their respective prototypes. Guess I could try doing some research online.

NEWS FLASH: First night and already 1/3rd of the way to a new Big Boy.

Hey, something funny happened early this morning. I woke up with a numb arm all the way up into the shoulder. I had ZERO control over it and it felt like ice when I grabbed it with my other arm. Wife was laughing at me as I swung the arm around to try getting some circulation back. Yikes, I've never had an arm fall asleep THAT much before. She commented how tired I must have been to not wake up sooner.

Well, think I'm going to turn in early. Wish me luck! Rob

 

[New Haven I-5]

 

I-5: Saw  the pics, nice!

What pics?

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Good evening

Rob ... sorry about Puddles. We lost a cat a few months back and other diners have mentioned loss of pets, too. It's never good to lose a pet. Now you mentioned a yard goat of the 0-8-0 kind, but I'm not sure what brand you mentioned other than Proto. 

Here's another retirement bumper sticker.

[Cederstrand]

Just a tall cool glass of water tonight, thanks.

Thanks for the kind sentiments regarding Puddles. In many ways, she was much like a friendly dog. They are felt and appreciated. This IS a wonderful group of good hearted folks.

Eyes are blurry from posting a bunch of stuff on the-bay. Held a few items back that I can put up for sale next week, depending on how the current stuff sells. Crossing fingers for some good results.

Hey, I saw an old vintage 0-8-0 Yard Goat sell for half the price of a new Proto 0-8-0. Hmmm, might have to offer up my own vintage (and remotored) Yard Goat next week and start my own "Proto Fund". Question: Can anyone tell me what the difference is between prototypes that the Atlas Yard Goat & Proto 0-8-0 were modelled after?

Rob

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Rob: Sorry to hear about Puddles. If you need any help coping with it we're all here for you.

On a different note, I went to the weekly fire dept training meeting tonight and was signed up for the leadership course in the Fire Fighters Mini School coming up in a few weeks. Big news to me. Also I had to get a document from the new fire chief attesting that I'm a fire fighter for the dept so I can get my fire fighter license plate tomorrow. We'll see how that goes. The rules about it are pretty strict.