Evening Chloe - I'll just have a cup of decaf. Wanted to stop by on the way home to .
BridgeTom, you may indeed have left that door open on your 'retirement'. But sounds like it was definitely a good school to work in. Heck, if I'd have had a school like that, I'd still be teaching elementary and middle school art, I guess. Hope things go great on your rocklaying project.
Garry, best wishes on your water project, too. No need to apologize for that short step onto the Unfortunately, some people's ideas of how to fix things is to throw more money at it, instead of trying things that make sense or that really work (regardless of... okay, I'd better step down now, myself). Hate to think of what my grandson Drew may have as choices by the time he starts school...
Oh, I got a nice suprise today - the dealer called and said they had my car ready! They'd found an engine in the area (used) so they didn't have to wait to get it fixed. Got new oil and antifreeze and oil filter in the deal, too. Nice thing was looking at the 'bill' of about $3200, with the total of $0.00 at the bottom. Praise God, indeed! Glad for that warranty, oh yes!
Also got my MRR order in today. Alas, the F-350 truck I got in the order is the same color as the other one I have (black). Wonder if I can get the thing repainted neatly to another color...
For those of you familiar with contemporary Christian musician Steven Curtis Chapman, I heard some very sad news today. Last night, his 5-year old daughter Maria was accidently hit by her teenage brother on the Chapman property (near Nashville). One local station has links to info at:
http://www.khisradio.org
The brother was supposed to graduate from school in a couple of days, and Maria celebrated her fifth birthday not long ago. I was introduced to Steven Curtis Chapman's music about 16 years ago when I was getting through my divorce, and he writes some very meaningful songs. The Chapman family could use your prayers.
Time for me to head for home, like Jerry already did. I'll see everyone in the morning.
Blessings and prayers,
Jim in Cape Girardeau
Hello diners ....
(Gee, it's a bit quiet here in the diner this evening. Come on in everybody. The food is outstanding.)
Tom, I recall you're saying that you were retiring from teaching in a non-public school. It sounds like everyone in the school will be missing you. To me, it's looking like private schools will be needed more and more. There are too many negative trends with those public schools. We now have grand children in a good church-sponsored school, and we feel that's best for the kids now. (oh, oh.... I can feel some soapbox stuff emerging now....) The church-sponsored school provides a far better education at a fraction of the cost to taxpayers of educating a kid in a public school. Yet, politicians keep insisting we spend more on education. Just about everywhere school taxes are rising rapidly while there is no corresponding improvement in the quality of education. Kids don't do there assignments and there are alarming drop out rates Too many schools have become cess pools of crime and drugs. Of course, don't allow God in those public schools and get attacked by the ACLU ....... I'd better quit that subject. It's too upsetting.
Meanwhile, back at the layout.......... Today I worked on a caboose. I'm modifying a Roundhouse wood caboose to resemble a Burlington branchline caboose with a side door for LCL. Also, I've been working on my "water" under my bridges. The Mrs. Hippy River was starting to look scruffy, and I'm correcting that. If Tom can have his rocks, I can have my water.
I hope RT is getting into his new home okay.
It was good of Der John to inform about Luc.
I hope Paul's eye continues to improve. Alos, best wishes to Jeff concerning his foot problems.
happy Model Railroading.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Afternoon, all--
About 74 here in SunnyCal, with wind-gusts between 30-40 mph, blowing down trees right and left. Lady across the street ended up with her next door neighbor's fruitless mulberry in her driveway about 7:00 last night. Didn't damage anything, but missed her car by about 3 inches. Several of us went over and cut it up, then a chipper service came by this morning and took care of the rest of it. Nothing quite like the sound of chain-saws in the early evening, LOL!
The wind's supposed to die down this evening, and it's supposed to be partly cloudy around Northern Cal over the Memorial Day weekend, with thunder-showers predicted for the Sierra. Just hope the thunder-showers are accompanied by rain--this wind has dried everything out around here like crazy. In fact, there's a HUGE fire over on the coast in the Santa Cruz mountains--you can see the smoke on the horizon from here, and that's almost 180 miles away! Phoned my buddy in Santa Cruz, he said there's ash all over the place, but the fire is over the crest from the town and the wind is blowing to the east. Not a good Omen for the summer out here.
I hear the Midwest is getting slammed again by thunderstorms--hope no tornadoes!!
Jim--I'll post pictures when I can get started with the Cripplebush, but today I can't open the garage to get to the Buttes. I think I'll be filling in the Cripplebush with some hydrocal castings (the WS lightweight stuff--a little pricey, but does the job). I really like the detail in the Cripplebush, but I think that after I get them installed, I'll have to use a lot of weathering to get them to 'lighten' up to the grayish color of Sierra Granite. The castings are pretty dark. Can't do it with a step-ladder, have to use a full one so that I can lean in.
On another note: I got a big box of the Scenic Express 'instant' deciduous trees, and did some experimenting with them and WS 'Fall' foam in various colors, last night. Plus Aqua-Net hairspray (God, that stuff is like transparent CEMENT, LOL!). Anyway, I'm going to pull my WS 'clump' Fall trees and replace them with the Scenic Express. Much better 'transparent' texture, and I can regulate the colors better--I'm doing October, so some of the lower elevation trees are just starting to turn, while the higher elevation trees are in full color. Boy, let me tell you, 'retirement' just brings on a TON of little projects!
Hopefully, if the wind dies down, I'll open the garage tomorrow and start in on the Buttes. I've already got them 'mapped' out, and between the Cripplebush and hydrocal, I should be able to get them to look like 'buttes' and less like gray-painted plaster cloth.
Was at the high school this morning to give my last Final--the Principal, Fr. Facett came in and took me aside and asked me if I would be a Graduation, this Saturday morning. I said, of course I would, he smiled and said "Good, we'd like to give you a little presentation during the ceremony."
Like they haven't given me ENOUGH? Let me tell you, leaving that high-school is one of the hardest things I've ever done in my entire life! Great school, great faculty, great kids and a GREAT Adminstration (and how many teachers can say THAT about Administration?). I just wish I'd discovered that school about twenty years EARLIER! But I've left on a high note for both of us, so I feel good about it. Of course, I made the mistake of letting it be known that "If you don't find an accompanist, I'll come back and help on a strictly part-time basis." Hate to say it, gang, but I just MIGHT have left myself wide open--oh well--
Wind's still kicking up, think I'll go work on some trees. Models, I mean.
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
Heartland Division CB-Q wrote:Jeff .... Is that a new display shelf? I like it.
Jeff .... Is that a new display shelf? I like it.
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
Good Morning, Zoe - how about some eggs, bacon,
and a cup of coffee in a Rio Grande mug, please?
Thanks, Jeff!
Oh, Mitch - I think it's been fairly close race for TOP honors between a couple of Diners over the past year. You might ask PC or Flip (from Florida) about the record....
Garry, that was some accident with that loco - wonder if the truck driver had to change his britches afterward? Did some hefty damage to the columns, that's for sure!
I'd have to agree with you, Garry - it looks like several of our Diners have been making some MRR'ing progress. I should be getting more done on mine. Only (half-)excuse I have, is that I've been busy with trying to get my laptop and desktop Macs' files coordinated (and I really need a bigger drive in the PowerBook, but maybe I can order that now that payday has arrived.
Need to go pick up my order from our MRR club member/LHS owner tonight. That, and also get the bigger bills and such paid. Then I may check if I have enough left to order the hard drive (and maybe another MRR order).
Speaking of 'puters, it's good that your friend had you to go along with him to get his computer, Jeff. I like your collection/display of engines in that pic today. Forgot that you have a lot besides those you run/have on the layout.
BridgeTom, best wishes on a successful rock-planting session (or two, or...). You probably could stand some cooler breezes around your area, too, I bet. Looking forward to pics once you get it all done - I was checking out some of their stuff on the Cripplebush website the other day.
CN Charlie, hope your trip to the vet with your dog goes uneventfully well. Got to watch that stopping by the office, though. I'd suggest trying to just take any papers by around closing time, when they're in a hurry to leave anyway. Good to hear about your progress. Photos?...
Paul, hope you get your house 'upgrade' done quickly and can get back to a bit of MRR'ing.
Rob, I'll get to that email for you tonight. Sorry 'bout not getting to it last night.
Got my paperw**k caught up today, and the person who came in had to be seen by our other crisis therapist (oh, darn!). So I have time to stop in the Diner for a nice brunch. Speaking of which, I'll get to that now.
Prayers for Luc & Gloria - and anyone else in need of healing (or other needs). Our weather is clouding up today, and we might get some rain. But supposed to clear up for the weekend. Yay!
Good Morning........
Do we still have Ed's OJ remaining? I hope we hear from him soon.
CN Charlie mentioned vet bills for pets and he's correct about that. Another cost for our furry companions is the damge they do. Oh well, ya gotta love 'em!
Jerry .......... I like your downtown scene and the passenger train.
Mitch and others were talking about cars we once had... It's been a lot of years since I had my 1962 Chevy Impala convertible. It once was my pride and joy. It was white with red interior and it had a convertible black top. ........... Oh those days of 29.9 gas......... Now why did I have to think of that?
Happy Model Railroading
Good morning All...Its sunny and cool here this morning....How about Ham and eggs,biscuits and coffee please..Thank You...Wow dinner is up to 99 pages already!....Not much going on on Pearl street this morning I finnished Combine yesterday and coupled it to Coach and ran for abit this morning...80 footers look kinda funny on my curves....
Jeff looks like a good start on your park can't wait to see more...gonna name it?...
Here comes my ham and Eggs...You all have a good one...Jerry
Good Morning from Tipton IN !
Bill Tidler Jr.
Near a cornfield in Indiana...
Good Evening Diners!
Well yesterday was a very productive one on the boat front. I managed to get it washed, waxed and the bottom painting done too thanks to the help from my FIL. It wasn't very pleasant out there as the wind was off the lake and the boat is sitting on its trailer only about 50 ft. from the water. I don't think it was more than 40 or 45 degrees. I signed up for launch on Sunday so hopefully the weather co-operates. The launch process takes at least an hour as nothing ever goes completely to plan. The crane is stationary so we drag the boats to it using a 60 year old Massey tractor which usually runs out of gas sometime during the process. Luckily we don't have to drag them more than a few hundred feet as the Massey tends to smoke about as much as an Alco and it isn't even a diesel.
I made the mistake of dropping by the office today to pick up some documents that I have to get notarized and now I'll be going in tomorrow afternoon. Nothing breaks up the relaxation of even a few days off more than a few hours at the office. Oh well, as long as the cheques keep coming I guess I shouldn't complain too much. Anyway I do get 6 weeks holidays which is one benefit of being there half a lifetime.
On the RR front , I have managed to get about half the scenery done on my layout which isn't that much since it is only a 4x8 but nonetheless for a novice I guess it isn't too bad. I don't plan on doing much more over the summer but I do have a few kits to put together and then there is always the planning of the next change to the service yard. I want to add an engine house which means another slight change to the sidings. That is one advantage to sectional track which is a good one for people like me who can't make up their minds.
We have to take one of our dogs to the vet tomorrow morning for X-rays as he has a chronic cough and we need find out the cause. He is old so it is more a question of making him comfortable. The staff at the vets make a real fuss over him. Sometimes I wonder if its the fact that he has the thickest file by far of any pet under their care. Along with the thick file is a very large amount in vet fees, enough in the past 13 years to buy a very nice new car.
Well time to say good night so Good Night,
CN Charlie
Evening folks-coffee in the old "hee haw" mug again. (Whew-I thought I was gonna get the top of the page again for the third night straight-I lucked out tonight. What's the record for consecutive "top of the pages?" (if there is one!)
Not much to report today-still no news on my comp. Worked a bit on my latest weathered train car this morning, which is based on a prototype I caught a few years ago, an Alabama & Gulf Coast ex Corinth & Counce, EX New Orleans Public Belt boxcar. The car is a weathering dream but to do right it's going to take a considerable amount of time.
Not going to be up too much longer, as my Dad's coming over in the morning to look at my basement ceiling as I want to put in a slightly suspended one (to keep dust & dirt down of course), & he'd done it previously at their house so he wants to see how things are here & offer tips & advice. More than likely I'm going to change the lighting fixtures before I do that, but will take things one at a time.
Well, I'd better hit it-nite all!
Garry--
I'm really SCOPED about these 'rubber rocks,' I'll post pics as I progress. Cripplebush recommends 'hot' glue to attach them, either hi or low-temp, so I'm ready for that. Got a WS 'low-temp' glue gun and sticks, since part of the rocks will be attached to foam scenery. I'm going to start tomorrow morning, I've already kind of 'spaced' them out on the Buttes, so there's going to be a lot of cutting and fitting. But hopefully, I won't have that really LARGE area of 'plain' granite anymore. Of course, I COULD have planned this whole thing before I built the 3' 'apron' on the front of them with Sierra City, so I could widen my return loop. But hey, the 'best laid plans', and all of that, LOL!
PS ...
Hello Tom.... I'm interested in the rocks. I hope to see pix. Maybe before and after installing, painting, etc..........
Also, Jimcg ..... glad you have warrantee on that car!
Hello everybody...
It's good to see some model rr progress going on. Jeff is working on painting for his scene. Paul's MILW is acquiring locos to serve passengers in Texas. Fergie has been working on the crane and the power shovel. Rob's involed with the 2-8-0. Etc, Etc... great stuff.
Here's a link to a story about a locomotive that destroyed an Interstate highway bridge in Cincinnati that's unique to say the least.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080521/NEWS01/805210387
Have fun everybody!
Afternoon all. Windy here--North wind, and mid-eighties. Big, dry thunderstorm rolled through the Central Sierra last PM around Lake Tahoe, shot about two zillion strikes down, I have a feeling we may be hearing about some forest fires in a day or two. Lightning strikes tend to simmer for a couple of days, then burst right out. I remember that from working for the Forest Service up around Truckee in the summers I was in college. Got really bouncy!
Well, and I hope you all don't take this the wrong way, but I GOT MY ROCKS! Seriously, the Cripplebush rubber rocks arrived today by UPS, and they're pretty darned fantastic! I think I have enough to do the Buttes and maybe a few more areas on the opposite side of Yuba Pass. They're pre-painted--a little dark, I think--but once I set them in, I think I can blend them okay, dry-brushing with some WS Slate and Granite Gray--with a little Umber mixed in--the actual Buttes are a kind of weird color, a kind of 'reddish-brown-gray' granite with some darker basalt intrusions mixed in (if that makes any sense). I figured out what the rubber weighed against what setting in about an acre of either Hydrocal or plaster, and they're going to work just fine. What seaming I have to do, I can do with either Hydrocal or Sculptamold--probably Sculptamold, because it has a 'grittier' finish to it. And these Cripplebush cut very easily with scissors, so I can 'mold' them into pretty much whatever I want. Should be a fun next few days, me leaning over and re-doing the Buttes. Thank God for stepladders, LOL! Of course, if my next several missives are from the hospital, you'll know that I took a header through the scenery!
Hope everyone's doing fine. Hey, Jeff, I never asked, but did you install that handsome Elesco FWH system on the IHC 2-10-2? Sure makes it look terrific! I hear they're really FINE runners!
Evening Gang:
Jim I caught that Milw Rd bug along time ago when I used to go down to the depot in Milwaukee and watch the trains come and go.
Nothing on the MRR front today. The entire downstairs is ether torn up or packed with furniture and stuff. The overflow is on the back poarch and on my layout in the basement. I will be so happy when this is over.
There is a combined US and Canadian exploriation going on in Lake Huron off Port Dalhouise. They are survaying and photographing a couple of ships that went down almost 200 years ago. They have seen that the ships are very well preserved looking almost as if they went down yesterday. The lakes are so cold at depth that anything will last along time.
Well it's time for chow.
Good Night All
***Philip, Yes, I'm asking about sound for the wife's HO Bach. Spec. 2-8-0.
***Jim, Thanks!
Been sorting through more Inlaw boxes. I think this MIL might qualify as a horder.
Well, back to work here. Rob
Hi Zoe - I'll have a coney dog and a root beer float, and some cheesey fries with that, please. Thanks, Mitch!
All you folks talking about your muscle cars - I never had the funds to get one of those back then. Probably most powerful engine I've had on a car is my current Taurus (and it's a six!).
Speaking of the Taurus, on Monday evening I had it (as I was a block plus from home) make a 'whoompf!' sound as I'm pulling through an intersection, and then at the corner where I turned, it was sluggish. Parked it out front, 'cause it sounded like a tow sure would be needed to the dealer. So I got it to the dealer yesterday morning and when they got back to me later in the day, I learned a new automotive phrase - 'hydrolock.' But I'm glad God put it in my head to get the 12 & 12 warranty when I bought the car in Jan. - that covered the replacement of the engine and a courtesy car. (Whew!) Could've been a pricey repair, I'm sure. So I'm learning where the controls for stuff are on the loaner car. The dealer said my car could be done by Tuesday or so, and then I can get back to familiar knobs, dials and levers.
PC, good to hear your family's doing well. Try not to wear yourself out keeping up with them.
I'm with some of the rest of you on snakes - if they don't invade my territory, I'll avoid them as well. I just make sure not to go climbing rock cliffs in the afternoon and other such foolish notions...
Jeff, better get those feet taken care of, and watch your diabetes, too. Your old muscle car sounds like a real powerhouse.
Fergie, good to see you're still safe and sound (and making MRR'ing progress on the crane).
Rob, on the Walthers turntable, I'm guessing that the N scale one would be like the HO one. Our club has the 130 footer, and it comes with the track on its bridge pre-installed. You may need to adjust the area around the turntable or make a transition for the Unitrack's height difference, since the turntable's designed to be mounted almost flush with the surrounding/supporting area. I'll write you tonight on the layout ideas/questions you sent me, by the way.
Paul, sounds like you're developing (ahem...) a Milwaukee Road habit there. Hope Chuck can get you that other A unit.
I haven't made much progress on the layout for a bit. Need to get the dining room table workbench cleared off so I can get back to things. I have the Roberts building and magnetic jig sitting on top of the layout for now. Would like to get back to getting wiring moving along, too. Maybe with our extra day this (Memorial Day) weekend I can get something going. I have been trying to work up another idea for 'phase II' of the CAW - adding a turntable and a 2 ' X 4' section on one side of my existing sections.That would give me some runaround for when I get the wiring done and want to do some switching.
Need to get to my lunch for now. I'll be in the corner booth.
Blessings and prayers for those needing healing or comfort,
Cederstrand wrote: What is the least expensive way to convert my wife's new Spectrum 2-8-0 into a Sound loco? What would be involved in doing this? Thanks for any help.
What is the least expensive way to convert my wife's new Spectrum 2-8-0 into a Sound loco? What would be involved in doing this? Thanks for any help.
We're talking HO scale DC power here, right?
Good morning...Sun is shining and its warming up...looks like we might have a nice week-end...I'll have a diet coke...I'm still having computer trouble darn thing works OK but I can't delete mail out of my Outlook express..anybody got any ideas on a fix?...Painted 80 foot combine and got it back together its a mate to the coach I posted photo of awhile back...Had trouble getting paint of Bachman 60 footer and tried some wet-dry sand paper and you guessed it...sanded of rivet detail looks like its headed to a MOW train...
You all been talking about snakes I hang with Indy Jones on that subject!!
Mitch...Yes I wish I had kept my 50 Ford 2 door,55 chevy 2 door and 65 Mustang coupe...they are all just sweet memories....
Fergie....Good to hear from you..Stay Safe....
Jeff...You gotta take care of those feet! I know from Sallie that foot care for Diabetic is very important..
Paul...Good luck on finding the Milw Rd a unit.....
Rob...A few years ago Walthers had a big promotion and ran all kinds of Circus trains and wagons and other stuff..It was real neet looking however I only saw their mag ads...Don't know if the still stock it..if not maybe Ebay/...
You all have a good one..Jerry
Greetings from the Labrador Sea! Yes I made it back to St John's two days ago, ran into some more of Tom's "old Flames", and we're back at it it again as we head for the shores of Greenland, now two days away. Though we have to pick up some German science gear enroute.
I've been looking in the last few days but haven't posted as the internet has been unbearably slow, worse than dial up!!
It's been very busy this past few days as we finished our work in the Orphan Knoll area and had to steam in fog and bergy water to get to port. Talk about a slow boat home to China!
Welllllll... If you take your tongue and hold it against the top of your mouth and Hiss that will work . Say All Aboard and you will probably sound better than MRC's "Fireman Fred" and it's real cheap. Saying that the Digitraxx Doodle bug or SFX series of decoders are about the cheapest you can get. However you get what you pay for! Still I have one and it's not bad, just not great.
I see it's been quiet as of late. Oh well more pie for me, especially with Dick not around!
Almost have the Jordan Steam Shovel and Crane finished, a couple of more parts to glue on and then paint.
Well time for me to go
Later All
Fergie
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
refill, thanks!
(thinking well ahead) Another question: Those pre-assembled N scale Walthers turntables, will they accept any brand track or do they come with track sections? How does that all work/set up? Can I still use Kato Unitrack for the mailine(s) leaving the TT or will it require conversion track? Any info on this will be appreciated. Thanks!
Rob
in a SOUTHERN mug, please & thank you!
I like those Roundhouse 34' Overton coach sets. Perhaps one of those (in Southern), along with some flat cars with wagon loads would suffice for the wife's Circus Train. Could also borrow Jeffrey's approach with airmail paper prints of circus stuff to add to a few box cars!?!
Wife is sick again. Seems like a bad cold. She pushes way to hard, IMO.
eeyore9900 wrote:As for snakes, I stay away from all black water snakes anyways, as the ones here will bite the crap out of you, & are as big as a water moccasin anyways. I mentioned to Dawn your coachwhip experience, & she said they're fast (& also mean too) & said if you ever come across a corn snake, to let her know! they're very docile also.
As for snakes, I stay away from all black water snakes anyways, as the ones here will bite the crap out of you, & are as big as a water moccasin anyways. I mentioned to Dawn your coachwhip experience, & she said they're fast (& also mean too) & said if you ever come across a corn snake, to let her know! they're very docile also.
Evening folks-Java in my Eeyore mug!
Blah-top of the page again, my timing needs work-ok here we go again-but go easy on me folks!
Still waiting on news on my comp-I've been half tempted to call the fellow, but my bud who has a auto repair shop has told me over & over how much he hates ppl to call constantly "Is my car done yet?" "Is my car done yet?" & they need to keep in mind that there were other jobs before theirs. So I try to keep -that- in mind. Luckily I have my other half's comp right here, but VERY limited on what I can do. (been doing layout research, operations, etc, on mine)
Jerry-you're exactly right on keeping an old car a long time like that-I planned on keeping mine as long as I possibly could, but with my interest in it slacking, buying a house, & storage of it, I decided that putting it up for sale would be in its (& my) best interests. We're going to tow it to my bud's garage, try to get the carb (or bad gas) issues worked out, & go from there.
Jeff-bet you wish you had that Hemi Coronet again-the values on those have skyrocketed over the past 25 years. If mine had the same, I'd be rethinking selling it (mine has the plain jane 318) I can remember in the mid 70's a fellow here in town had 2 Plymouth Superbirds for sale-1 for $5500 & 1 for $6000. (both in excellent condition) the way values go, if he sold them now, he'd be looking at well past $100-150K for both. (those are the "winged" cars) I found out a few years ago he sold one & kept one.
Well, I'd better hit the sack-nite all!
Jeff I'm sorry to hear about your foot problem. Take care of the new one and I pray that it will heal soon.
Rob I'm sure that I've seen circus cars advertised. I can't remember where or by who. I checked the Walthers catalogue index but there wern't any cars just figures and such.
Luc you take care of yourself and your wife. We're all thinking about you.
Time for bed.