Elliots Trackside Diner IV, Under New Management!

[LSWrr]

Good morning all.

Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 56. South wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Breezy, with a southeast wind 10 to 13 mph increasing to between 19 and 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Lee

[GMTRacing]

Good Morning All,

     I'll have a regular and a blueberry muffin please Zoe. Got both trucks launched for Roebling Road (Ga.) this morning. Now to get the rest of the stuff ready for Pocono also this weekend (at least for that I don't need to leave until Friday). Loading went well, the new crew works well together and we loaded up all 9 cars and the spares and support equipment in a little under 4 hours (not counting the two days I spent Sat and Sun cleaning and checking inventory). We're still scrambling a bit as we have a fair amount of chassis work to catch up on as well as a pile of new orders for radiators to build again.

     Did manage to spend a couple of hours painting ties and track and ballasting the last two sidings on the lower level. Time now to step back and see what else needs ballast and edging before planting more buildings. Did dodge one bullet when I grabbed a bottle of lacquer thinner instead of 70% alcohol and spread it to wet the ballast. Fortunately the glue holding the track down spread the solvent out to the side of the road bed and all I ended up with was a deeper ditch in the foam alongside the track. Not a technique I'd recommend.

It's been a while since I was here in the diner, so congrats Jim on the arrival of Drew and keep those pics coming. The lense may have been goofy Bob, but the scenery is way cool. Nothing like a club layout for that feeling of realism. Between the attention to detail and the room to decompress stuff, that layout is A-1

I also like the pics we're getting for the other layouts. Again I have a lot of inspiration there and a standard to shoot for.

Brandon,  Like others have said, trucking can be a good gig once you get your foot in the door, but the fuel prices and increased expenses have really put the hurts on the independants. A much better idea is to look into the railroad job fairs like Scott did. If you qualify, you get job training and a real shot to make it on your own merits. Most of the class 1 roads are actively looking for enthusiastic qualified applicants, and as I think it was Lee said, the benefits and retirement plan are worth consideration. I know at 18 it's hard to look very far down the road, but have a look and listen to us old folks on the forum. We might make sense.

      Well, it's another full day so I'd better get on with it. Hope Gav gets his little monsters corraled and out of the lifts (might be an idea to have the breakers for the lifts "pop" for a while, no?)  I'll try to pop in later and see what's on for lunch.    CUL, J.R.

[wetidlerjr]

Good Morning from Tipton IN !

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Good morning.

It's 62 degrees here with light fog. That's fine with me because I don't have anyplace to go at the moment. Expecting a high today of 82 under a partly cloudy sky.

Today's Weather for:      
Sundown, LA  71446-6114      4/8/2008

Wind Chill:  64°F
Humidity:  95%
Dew Point:  63°F

So Far Today
High:  66°F
Low:  61°F
Rain:  0.00"
Rain Rate:  0.00"/h
Gust:  9mph SSE

Today  High: 85    Mostly sunny. Patchy fog in the morning. Highs in the mid 80s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph.    
 
Tonight  Low: 65    Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s. Southeast winds around 10 mph.

[pcarrell]

Top of the mornin' to ya!

Sounds like I'm Irish or something, huh?  Well, I'm not.  I'm just me.

So whats up this morning?  You?  You must be, since you're reading this, huh?

Boy, I'll tell you what.....yesterday was just a beautiful day around these parts.  I didn't get out much to enjoy it as I was working and then I was a whipped pup after work, but it was nice to have the windows open to the breeze until about 11 last night.  Today is supposed to be a little cooler with rain moving in this evening.  Then the weather is supposed to go downhill.  All rain and falling temps all week, with possible FLURRIES Saturday night and Sunday morning.  That's totally uncool!  I thought we were past all of that foolishness!

So I start up a new class on Thursday evening.  I'm not really looking farward to it though.  I just want to get through school, ya know?  But then, I'm not quite to halfway to my doctorate, so I'll keep plodding along.  I suppose it'll be better when I can take classes that are more focused on my passions, huh?  Right now I'm taking a lot of business courses, and while I see the value in them, they don't really light my fire, ya know?

Bob K., those pics look mighty fine to me.  Interesting how they blur out everything not in the center.  Oh, and.........

And a happy belated to sunsetbeachry!

Paul, that stash sounds like one that a guy over on the other side of Indy used to have.  Some pretty cool stuff, thats for sure!

 

 

So what's up with all of you today?

[Paul W. Beverung]

Morning Gang: I just dropped in for a minuite.

Belated Happy Birthday Chuck. Good to hear that Kathy is doing well.

Happy Birthday BobK, and many more.

Mr. Clarks collection is really something that a museum like the Historical Construction Equipment would like to have.

I see that Mary Ann is up and ready to go get breakfast. With the remodel in full swing we eat out alot. Not good for the wast line.

See yo all later.

[Cox 47]

Good morning.....Its cloudy and cool here....I'll have a order of Biscuits and gravey with plenty of coffee please ....Thank You....Thanks to alll who have been posting photos!!..Happy birthday Bob K!....You all have a good one...Jerry

[last mountain & eastern hogger]

Good Morning Gang,

Hi Chloe, make it a toasted BLT on Rye and a Hot Chocolate by the window.  The local should be through soon and I want to catch a look as I've missed it the last few times.

To Bobby,   all the best wishes.

  I bet there is a CPR hogger that will be looking for work soon.  Yesterday morning about 85 miles south of Regina on the SOO LINE, a CPR train had taken the hole waiting for an oncoming train to pass while a third train was attempting to get into the hole with it with too much momentum and struck the first train derailing about eight cars which in turn knocked three of the cars of the passing train off the tracks as well.  Then a fire started.  Fortunately the disaster didn't occur but they were sure worried as there were alot of flammables and sone empty butane tankers that could have easily blown.   Anyone have a job for this guy ??

WEll I'm back at work, boy holidays sure go fast. However being back will help cover some of my recent RR. purchases.  Besides being at the train show on the week-end I was alerted to a lady who was disposing of her husbands collection as he will now be in a special care home. So I bought 5 undecorated gondolas, a 70 ton hopper, a 40ft cattle car to help lighten her load a little. Off e-bay I also received three great looking DRG&W coal hoppers (diff #s).  My hopes are to decorate the undecorated gondolas, single hopper and cattle car in the "Last Mountain and Eastern" scheme. 

I also bought a new Proto 2000  SD-9 in the old Red Burlington colors off  E-bay.  You see many photos of lash ups of them as well as the B/N GP-38 &40s with Western Pacific power and it adds a nice splash of color to the Pearlman green.  Runs smooth and quiet.  Pulls pretty equal with my Atlas U-23b, doesn't seem to be any fighting at all.  

Spent a few hours yesterday, cleaning and tidyling my work bench, there were things there I had forgotten about.  It's great to have room to work again.

I see my services are being required here now, so I had better check outfor the time being. Will try to get back in later.    You all have a great day and keep smiling.

Johnboy out................

 

 

[Cederstrand]

in a UNDECORATED mug, please & thank you.

***Johnboy, sounds like you made a good haul there.

Late start to a busy day. Have a good one, all.

Rob

 

***Philip (& Garry), that

[pcarrell]

***Philip (& Garry), that

[grayfox1119]

Good afternoon everyone....good Lord......TWO BIRTHDAY CAKES ZOE ?? Ohh, I see, Chuck's 71 st Birthday and BOBK!! I don't think Bob is anywhere near 71 though, lets count the candles....ahhhh there's too many. Hey Chuck, you know your getting old when the candles cost more than the cake LOL !!

Sunny here today 52F and climbing steadily, they say we could hit 70 by Thursday. I guess I had better change the oil in the mowers, new plugs and clean the air filters, grease the wheels and fittings etc. The grass is really greening up fast.

JEFF: I am flabbergasted !!! It is amassing how we picture someone in our minds and when we see the photo...well...lets say that I had you pictured as a slim dude, about 160 lbs, 5'-7", glasses and thinning hair. You look like Charlie Atlas !!!!!!!!

BOBK: I don't see what the problem is with your lens buddy, those photo shots look just great !!! The layout makes be sick........with envy....you guys are really talented!!

Time to get back outside, lots of outside work to do...

[jeffrey-wimberly]

JEFF: I am flabbergasted !!! It is amassing how we picture someone in our minds and when we see the photo...well...lets say that I had you pictured as a slim dude, about 160 lbs, 5'-7", glasses and thinning hair. You look like Charlie Atlas !!!!!!!!

I never claimed to be a small guy. I used to be in really great shape. You know the type, do pushups with 200 pounds on your back, muscles on muscles on muscles and lifting the front end of a car for exercise. That was before all these new medical problems moved in. All that muscle went to flab and I've spent the last twelve years getting rid of it. BTW, I do wear glasses, I just wasn't wearing them in that photo.

I just spent the better part of two and a half hours mowing my parents yard just for something to do. Now, what to do with the rest of the day? 

[JimRCGMO]

Morning, Zoe, Diners. I'll have a chili dog

  

and a Dr. Pepper, please.

 

Thanks!

Wasn't in last night (due to train club - we did some more roadbed and a little tracklaying), but wanted to say Mike, thank Deb for that nice cake for Drew. Wasn't sure if sugar was on his diet, but I sneaked him a little nibble.

Thanks, Chuck ( boy) & Kathy, Bob K., Terry (and any I've missed) for the congrats on Drew William. Yep, Terry, I've had several people here tell me about the ease with which a GrandDad gets to spoil his grandkids (and send them home to Mom & Dad).

Garry, I liked the static grass pics (and links) that you posted.

Bob K., I'm with the others - experimental lens or not, that's just good scenery (and pics)! And I'll have a slice of your (and Chuck's) birthday cakes!

Brandon, back - Garry gave you some good thoughts on the job thing. You might be able to check possible RR jobs in your area, if you want to go that route, too. One of our Diners actually landed a RR job and is now "working on the RR..."

Rob, you must be doing better on the sleep lately, if you're dozing off while you're posting. Hopefully, you'll be able to continue getting your rest all night.

Gav, did they issue you a bulldozer for cleanup detail there?

How long until the end of the term there?

Well, I'd best get to my lunch now. We're supposed to get rain later today and/or tonight. Hoping it won't be very much - way too much soggy ground around here. 

 

Blessings,

Jim in (soggy) Cape Girardeau 

[JimRCGMO]

I just spent the better part of two and a half hours mowing my parents yard just for something to do. Now, what to do with the rest of the day? 

Well, there's always the train room...

 

Jim in Cape Girardeau 

[Cederstrand]

Cederstrand wrote:

***Philip (& Garry), that

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***Don't know how I managed that one. Was suppose to be a comment refering to static grass I think. Forget what exactly.

***Jeffrey, if you lived closer, I would be happy to hand over some model RRing work to keep you busy.

Found something to model down the road. A medium size dead tree crashed behind the studio last night, compacting the IG run fence. Had to wire it up today, as they were seriously looking for a way out. Last time one got out (another IG, many years ago), it received a broken leg, courtesy of a large horse. Anyway, I was thinking when I create a farm scene on the layout, why not have a fallen tree on a pasture fence. Add a few horses &/or cows looking for a way out, and the scene is complete (and accurate).

OK, back to work. Rob

 

 

[pcarrell]

Cederstrand wrote:

***Philip (& Garry), that

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***Don't know how I managed that one. Was suppose to be a comment refering to static grass I think. Forget what exactly.

It's OK.....get some sleep!  And model that pasture scene later.  It sounds like a good one!

 

 

Hey all, one of my favorite bands, Storyside: B (I listen to a lot of no-name up and coming groups, especially Christian rock, like this group is) was filmed at a radio station doing an acoustic version of one of my favorite songs that they do.  The whole band isn't there, but it's good stuff......check it out!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO2U8fM7yrE  (I know it's not everyones cup of tea, but they are talented, you gotta admit that)

[Guilford Guy]

I was bored and craving speed...

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Check this out. I took this photo about 4:30 this morning with the train moving. I used the flash to stop the action but you can still see some of the light from the headlights shining ahead of the loco.

[sleeper33]

evening all

just a tea for the mo please Cloe

 hows is everyone today full of the joys of spring i hope

 Jim not quite a bulldozer but at end of term put me down for `1

still got to the end of May for them to wreck the place not on my own tonight so will be a bit better

 Jeff

 thanks for the help with the GP40 question also my GP50 is the wrong type ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

oh well will save on the inital chipping program when i get round to buying a system

 just going to drink my tea and read aprils modeller ( yep only just got it )

Gav

[Paul W. Beverung]

Evening Gang: So, where is everyone? There hasn't been anyone posting since Gav around 4:30. Not much going on here ether. We had supper and I watched NCIS and then weht out and finished loading the rubble from the living room floor in the trailer. I picked up my Milw Rd RPO car yesterday. These Walthers passenger cars are really good. I'd like a string of them in 7.5 inch gauge. We missed the rain today. It all went east. The front that went through is supposed to back up as a warm front and we may get some rain then. They have predicted rain for Wednesday and Thursday also. There shouldn't be any for the weekend train show at Clark Gardens.

I'm going to bug out and check out some other stuff.

Good Night All

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Good evening...

A few days late, but happy Birthday, Chuck.

Happy Birthday tomorrow to Bobk...If you are treated to Cheesecake Factory, I'm envious. Only problem with that place is the main course has suge large portions, there's little room for one of the best desserts anywhere! have a good day, Bob.

Johnboy metioned he purchased a Red CB&Q SD-9. Here's mine. The second unit is a similar SD-7. 

[New Haven I-5]

I was bored and craving speed...

 

Is it powered?

[Flashwave]

I was bored and craving speed...

 

Is it powered?

Looks like one could put a Zip Zap RC motor on the rear tire to propell if it isn't

[CNCharlie]

Good Evening fellow diners,

Too late Paul, I have already seen the Selkirk on page 19. Can't see the ad now as the paper got a little wet. Never knew I dribbled. What an absolutely gorgeous loco! CP certainly turned out some beautiful ones when a guy by the name of Bowen was head of their loco department in the 1930's. Good thing it can only go around 30" min. or I might be tempted. Mind you I could just set up a long track and have it go point to point!

Happy to say that the snow is still melting fast. One of the dogs isn't happy though. She prefers snow, and just hates wet grass.

See you soon,

 CN Charlie

[bogp40]

I was bored and craving speed...

 

Is it powered?

Looks like one could put a Zip Zap RC motor on the rear tire to propell if it isn't

Ahh, just put a 426 Hemi in that 'Cuda!, Looks like it's ready for a motor, there's bronze PUs off the front truck.

[Guilford Guy]

I was bored and craving speed...

 

Is it powered?

Looks like one could put a Zip Zap RC motor on the rear tire to propell if it isn't

It is powered. A few years ago I picked up an old Tyco racecar set at a yard sale for 2$. Had 4 cars, and a bunch of track. Half of them suffered from split gears. Last night I had the idea of modifying a slotcar to run on HO track. They are much faster, and would only be used for entertainment on the kiddie club. I removed a chunk off the back of the chassis of the Tyco car. I then drilled a hole, and screwed in a modified lifelike truck. (The car in the picture is the first design. I redid it to include more weight, and modified the front truck) The front truck only has 1 axles, and much of it has been trimmed off. It pivots slightly. The rear axle is from an old truck I had lieing around. It does not move, but is used as a guide to keep the thing on the rails. The cars came with brass sliding shoes, which I bent downwards to make contact with the rail heads. It works well, and did 5ft/second down a module. Beneath the body, there is 10 cents in penny weights. I may get a pic of the newest version up tomorrow. It is a lot of fun, and I can't wait to test it on the clubs 22" radius curves!

[gear-jammer]

Happy Birthday to Chuck and Bob.  It's a party.  

Hope that you both had great parties.

Sue

[Cederstrand]

Tall cool glass of water, thanks! 

***Guilford Guy, if you need speed, how about a Bullet train, or maybe even a Maglev model?

Removed most of the fallen tree from the IG fence & surrounding area. Good thing they didn't spot the opening.

One of our bottle baby goats showed up with a broken leg this evening. I think our mini donkey jack may have had somethingto do with it. Wife may cast it tomorrow, we will see. Poor little goat. His name is "NICU", which some of you may figure out what it stands for. Poor little wether.

Also got attacked "again" by the male Canada Goose whose mate (one our African geese raised when we snuck an extra egg under a nest) is nesting in the shavings pile. Well, this attack was getting out of hand so I gave all their eggs to the barn cats. That's enough of that. I'll scatter the shavings pile if it happens tomorrow. And at night, that male goose attacks the Ranger, too.  

My vintage Challenger is still sticking around $60, which is not going to cut it. Getting very close to having the Bigboy funds, but I'm counting on that loco bidding up a good bit by Sunday. Worst case scenario, I can opt for a Proto 0-8-0 & an Atlas Shay instead.

Been working mostly on unfinished farm projects today. Tomorrow is hay day. Have a good night all.   Rob

 

[sleeper33]

guilford guy

  great idea should have loads of fun with those

rob hope the goat is ok. those geese are pesky when they're nesting but only acting as we would protecting the future family hope he dont get you.

paul

 thanks for bringing the folks in was begining to think i stank or summat

Gav

 

[Cederstrand]

So much for going to bed early. Decided to get up and work for awhile. Now I'm really tired.

Quick question: For those of you who have one of those pricey PCM M1A/M1B PRR 4-8-2 W/LOK Sound, any comments on it? Just curious.

Good night...again! Rob