Elliot's Trackside Diner V, at the diamonds

[SilverSpike]

Howdy folks! Soups on......

How about some Gumbo......aieeeeeee.......Lazzez Les Bonne Temps Roule.....

WE were out at the lake all week-end and I managed to get a book read that I have been meaning to read for along time.  That being "Playing with Trains"  by Sam Posey.   -- Boy, what a great read.  Gave lots of insight in to the names in the game, that we run across all the time in MR. & MRC.   If any of you haven't got to it yet, please plan on doing so, it is very enjoyable.  He knew right away when his wife told him that she was pregnant that he was going to build a layout, and sixteen years later it was completed. In the meantime being very busy at the race car circuit and sportscasting.   I recommend it to you.

Hey JohnBoy that sounds like a great read! Thanks!

I really like those circus train and bridge photos that Duke posted yesterday!

Alex/GG that is a great and funny story! Thanks! 

Well, I got some welcomes here! Guess I'll pop in once in a while.

Anybody want a grape tomato or two? or three or four? 20 or 40? I built a raise brick planter out front a few years ago with a pond in it. I used potting soil, top soil, sand, and peat moss in it.Usually it gets flowers, but this year I decided to plant the tomato plants there.

The grape tomato is like Little Shop of Horrors! NO JOKE- it has grown as big as a car!!!!!!!!! ONE plant!

And forget "feed me Seymour"...it got one shot of miracle grow when I planted it! That's all!

On the side of the house with Miracle Grow every month, never got anywhere near what this thing has done!!!!

So...who wants some???

Sure thing, thanks Galaxy! I love Grape Tomatoes, grew them last year and you are right, with the right conditions they will take over like kudzu! LOL

  ....here in The Rose city it's goin' to be as HOT as a fiercracker Wednesday high about 95

Sorry to hear about all the heat up there TrainsRme! We got a break from the heat over here.

Great MOW shot there PC!

Thanks for the link Terry! Your scratchbuild tutorial is fantastic!

 

 

[Flashwave]

Coffee Anyone?

 

Sure, I'll take a glass full of the one in the very front.

ANd nope, all the sporty i get is if the hometeam has made some tredendous feat. Say, when the colts won Superbowl. Why do ask? 

trainsrme: You need a hosting site like www.photobucket.com From there, you hit upload, find the picture (hint: If you highliht a block of them ((Insde hint: If you drag around the icons in Thumbnailsview by right clicking, you can drag stuff out of the way you don't want)) by clicking on the first one, holding down the shift key, and clicking on he last one you want, it'lll select the ones in the middle as well and Photobucket will load them all at once) and click open. Poof!

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Here is the view at this very moment from our property to the boat dock on the other side of our bay.

A person has drowned. Police, the coronor, an ambulance, and a hearst are telling are indicatrions of a tragic story.

It is time to remember the importance of water safety.

[bjdukert]

Afternoon all

Rob

Best part I see in that idea is not having to fully assemble all the wife's circus kits.

It sure will save some time in getting the layout running

JR

Isn't Northlandz the place in New Jersey?

That it is and just a little East of Allentown,PA.

Garry

waking up Duke

As we used to say in the Air Force,"Just checking my eyelids for leaks"

Tom

Holy COW! Talk about fanciful bridges--I've heard about Northlandz but what you photographed is almost BEYOND spectacular! Makes mine look like Culverts, LOL!

Their web site says there are 300 or 400 bridges and all are scratch built and I believe it, because they are all over the place.

JimCG

I see somebody woke up Duke (and lived to tell about it?)

Refer to comment to Garry.

Terry Nice start!!!

Jerry You just keep adding more good details to some already good details,looking good.

Ryan Will you be wearing the jacket at Apex??? he he he

Ok,here are some more pics and sorry for the blurryness of some of the trains. I guess I didn't keep the camera moving enough when I took them and there were quite a few places that I was shooting through glass and that is why no flash.

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=NORTHLANDZ001.jpg

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=NORTHLANDZ002.jpg

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=NORTHLANDZ006.jpg

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=NORTHLANDZ004.jpg

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=NORTHLANDZ008.jpg

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=NORTHLANDZ009.jpg

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=NORTHLANDZ010.jpg

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=VIDEOS08004.flv

That's about it

Best to all on sick call and those recovering and that includes the pets

Talk to you later

Duke

P.S. Those on dialup please let me know if the number of pics are too much.

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

More info about the drowning.

My neighbor across the bay is Dan, the model railroader. Inch in this diner met Dan when he visited las tmonth. Dan lives within walking distance of the boat ramp. Dan happened to be there. He placed the 911 call and attempted a rescue. Dan is a very good swimmer. The victim was a man, and his wife was with him. She yelled to Dan for the help. It was too late becasue the victim was under water for about 29 minutes.  

[Cederstrand]

Lemon water, please & thanks.

***Johnboy, are you sure there are no more F untis to add to that roster?

***Duke, do you have any photos of some larger bridges to share, or just those small ones? (Very Cool)

***J.R., thanks for the tip. I'll take those cars with me next time I head over to Kennesaw and see what that "not-so-LHS" has in stock. And as for those trees, they about leave me speechless, too.

***Garry, that Zephyr is gorgeous. (sad about the drowning)

***Lee, as soon as those cars arrive, I'll snap some pics for you. Thanks!

***Terry, great start there.

Picked up the 10 car SP Daylight set today. He will ship the GS-4 when it comes in, probably next week. Sure is a pretty train.

Big new septic tank and drain lines were put in today, except for the connections which they will be back to do tomorrow. Lumber also delivered today, so the builders should be returning soon, also. Progress is good.

Feel exhausted and rotten today. Need to go rest awhile. Have a good evening all. Rob 

[GMTRacing]

Good Evening All,

    I'll have an RBF and a coupla foot long chilli dogs with onions and some melted jack cheese. That'll hit the spot alright.  Back at the track today to finish up some odds and ends and get the cars through tech inspection. We were also supposed to register but after an hour of no-one showing up we left. Tomorrow we'll get registered and start orientation at 10 or so. So long as nothing breaks this will be one of those weekends with hours and hours of down time. At least I get to visit with my friends in between.

Fergie - are you trying to wind poor Packers#1 up again? Hasn't he suffered enough? And consider this.... the Packers vs the Jets in the superbowl this year. Then what do you do? Oh, that's not helping? Sorry.

Jerry - yeah the Rix stuff is some hard to cut. I started a building and ended up using the dremel to cut the windows and the saw for the overhead door openings followed up with the file. At least it glued up nicely.

Rob - did you try Kaydees' web site? They list tons of stuff there and you could at least get a start on possible part numbers.

It was way hot today - the thermometer under the tent read 103F at 1 pm. Hope tomorrow sees more moderate temps.   Catch y'all later.   J.R.

[LSWrr]

Fergi,

I love the coffee cups where did you get them?

Duke,

That was an impressive layout, was that your basement?

Rob,

No problem.  Shoot me an email at [e-mail] when you get the cars. Right now I'm working on swapping some Bachman cars horn couplers to knuckle couplers.  I have to twist drill each one just a little bit to allow for the coupler swap, very time consuming since everything is held together with tiny sheet metal screws that are a hair larger than the hole in the knuckle coupler.

Lee

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I now have me a phone that works. I can make and recieve calls from anywhere in the US and/or Canada free. I have call waiting, call forwarding, conference (3-way) calling and several other little things, all for $20 a year. Best of all, NO MONTHLY PHONE BILL!! Only thing is, the phone will only work when my computer is online. Oh well, can't have everything.

TrainRMe1: Check your PM's.

In other news, Trainmaster (David) has moved to Florida. His father found a better job rebuilding heavy machinery of all types and from what I could gather it pays pretty well. I wish him good luck.

[TrainsRMe1]

Good Evenin'

     Well it got HOT TODAY and tomorrow it's suppose to be about the same but Friday it will reach 104!!!! Well as you all know, it doesn't always rain here.  Zoe I will take a ice cold lemon tea. There wasn't any work done on the railroad today because when I got home from work I was hot and tired. So tomorrow evening the fans will be a goin' and work will be done!!!!! Whew Right now I'm chillin' wit my grandson talkin what else trains, well he might not understand now but he'll get the just of it. He already has a building block letter train that I bought and painted for him, the caboose is painted like the old Union I will post pic's this weekend. Thanks for the help Bergie and Flashwave,   Hey Zoe, But these guys dinner it's on me!

                          Positive attitudes promotes great Layouts-

                                                           Trainsrme1

[TrainsRMe1]

Hey Siverspike,

  Do my eyes decieve me or is that a picture of some goood ol' gumbo?

                        trainsrme1

[jeffrey-wimberly]

TrainsRMe1 is buying for the page!

TrainsRMe1: Check your PM's.

I'll have the steak and lobster. That should really get his credit card sizzling.

[wetidlerjr]

Good Morning from Tipton IN ! 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Good morning.

It's a pleasant 73F and clear. The high is expected to be around the mid 90's and it will be partly cloudy.

Yesterday I received a little item that has given me more flexibility in communicating with people. I got a MagicJack. I just plug it into any USB port (I only have about 16 of them), plug a regular corded phone into it and I have free local and long distance calling.That's free both ways. Only thing is, I only have phone service when my computer is online. I can live with that.

Today's Weather for:
Sundown, LA  71446-6114      8/14/2008

Heat Index:  77°F
Humidity:  83%
Dew Point:  68°F

So Far Today
High:  75°F
Low:  73°F
Rain:  0.00"
Rain Rate:  0.00"/h
Gust:  0mph NNE

Today  High: 95    Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 90s. Light and variable winds.

Tonight  Low: 72    Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 70s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

[Fergmiester]

Good Morning All

Calling for rain today so it will be another Basement/garage day might get the Mess right-of-ways  widened and surveyed (penciled for trackage).

 

Lee: Got them through www.Cafepress.com  . They also do T-shirts and other items.

JR: I don't know about this Football thing, especially this Favour, whatever guy. 1st he retires then wants a little spending money and decides to come back to a 2nd or 3rd rate team to boost their morale. I guess it's a Beckham kinda thingy. Maybe he'll do Gillette or Fruit of the Loom commercials. I don't know hard to be humble I guess. Now howabout those Jays.

Dick better watch his tailfeathers!!!

Later All

Fergie 

[inch53]

Mornin, just some coffee please Zoe. Been enjoying the September weather the last few days with lows in the 50's, highs in the 70's an low humidity. Gotta chance for some rain today, high round 82, so still not bad and some rain wouldn't hurt none.

Got some real sad news the other day, schools not going to start till the middle to end of next month, darn it.

Enjoyed all the pics and the progress reports ya'lls been posting. Nothing new from round here, but I did finally get a few of the film pics uploaded, here's a couple more bridge pics from Metropolis.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g214/inch53/IMG010.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g214/inch53/IMG024.jpg

A more of IC 1518

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g214/inch53/IMG017.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g214/inch53/IMG020.jpg

and some digital steam from Altamont,

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g214/inch53/altamont047.jpg

http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g214/inch53/?action=view¤t=altamont060.flv

Today's funny

An elderly gent was invited to an old friends' home for dinner one evening.
 He was impressed by the way his buddy preceded every request to his wife with endearing terms such as: Honey, My Love, Darling, Sweetheart,  Pumpkin, etc.

The couple had been married almost 70 years and, clearly, they were still very much in love.
 While the wife was in the kitchen, the man leaned over and said to his host,
 'I think it's wonderful that, after all these years, you still call your wife those loving pet names'

The old man hung his head. 'I have to tell you the truth,' he said, 'Her name slipped my mind about 10 years ago and I'm scared to death to ask her what it is!'

Best gets round, kids are watching cartoons and if got some chores. Thoughts for all those still on sick call n hope ya'll has a gooden

[SilverSpike]

Morning folks!

Another cool morning here with temps around 60, but supposed to get into the mid 80's this afternoon.

Ryan Will you be wearing the jacket at Apex??? he he he

Duke now that's a thought...hummmmmm! I will be making and bringing some Gumbo this time around however! Last year at Apex everyone ate up that Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya lickity split! Do you prefer a seafood gumbo or a chicken gumbo?

Garry that is sad news to hear. Water and boating accidents happen all the time, you can never be too safe in the water.

Hey Siverspike,

  Do my eyes decieve me or is that a picture of some goood ol' gumbo?

                        trainsrme1

Trainsrme1 your eyes are working just perfectly! Yup, soups on again! If you make it down this way in a couple months from now I'll be serving up some gumbo at the Apex Live Steam Meet in October....it's the first weekend of Oct. for the fall meet.

Fergie I love those mugs, and thanks for the link too!

Yesterday I received a little item that has given me more flexibility in communicating with people. I got a MagicJack. I just plug it into any USB port (I only have about 16 of them), plug a regular corded phone into it and I have free local and long distance calling.That's free both ways. Only thing is, I only have phone service when my computer is online. I can live with that.

Jeff when you say a regular corded phone, is that an analog or digital phone? When we used to test fax lines which are still analog we had to use an old regular phone, that's the only reason I ask. I bet PC knows about that!

Mike nice pics and another funny too! Thanks!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Jeff when you say a regular corded phone, is that an analog or digital phone? When we used to test fax lines which are still analog we had to use an old regular phone, that's the only reason I ask. I bet PC knows about that!

Digital or analog, it doesn't matter. As long as it has a cord to plug into the jack. As far as I know, cordless phones will also work with it as the base station is corded. The phone I'm using right know is a 25 year old Conairphone that I found in the junk room at my parents house yesterday. It's a handheld touchtone rig that makes me sound like I'm talking through a long pipe.

[JimRCGMO]

Morning, Zoe, Jeff, Ryan, Inch. Okay, I won't get too loud and wake Duke. Yeah, he's (heh, heh...) 'checking his eyelids for leaks' - yeah, right!  

Sorry I've not been making it in much lately. I may have to break down and call Charter today about getting hooked up for phone and broadband; this going to WiFi places is adding up, at their rates even for a soda. Besides, sometimes (like last night) I'm at home and think of something I'd like to look up online, but don't want to get in the car and head over to a place (if they're still open). 

Last night (while I was at a WiFi place) I ordered some freight cars from Dallas Model Works (an Accuaril boxcar - NH, and a P2K NYC 50' boxcar, plus some buildings parts - fire escape, roundhouse doors). They are having a members' special on Intermountain freight cars through the weekend, but all the ones I saw were either not HO scale, or else were too modern for my RR's era (transition). The owner (? - Craig) emailed me back and offered me the same coupon deal if I found some other freight cars I liked. I've been thinking that I need some of the major RR's, including a few of the bigger eastern RR's like NYC and NH. Didn't see any B&M, though, Dick. Maybe I'll find those later...

Hope it cools down out your way, TrainsRMe1 - you've been having weather almost as bad as BridgeTom had earlier this summer (just without as much smoke). Our weather here has been fairly good lately (60's overnight, and only mid-80's in the days, with low humidity). I think they're talking rain for the weekend, but that's okay - I'll be on vacation starting tomorrow morning!

Garry, that's sad news about the drowning. As you and others said, can't be too careful around the water. 

Don't think I mentioned in my last post, but at MRR club Monday night, couple three of the members were putting the support 'sticks' in for the backdrop between the two sides, and our architect/layout designer Kevin was laying out the rest of the mailine so we can resume putting down roadbed. Kevin had sent us some pics from his work place (he works as a car/home stero installer at a customizing shop). He found a hummingbird that had apparently got trapped in the building overnight and had cobwebs in it and was all tired out. He carefully got it outside and then put a dish of some nectar that a co-worker made up in a shallow dish and held it where the hummingbird could drink from it. After several sips from the nectar, the poor little thing got enough energy, and took off. Kind of neat!

Inch, sorry to hear about your sad news on school. I know of a lot of parents, grandparents and other family members who let out a big 'Whooopie!!' about the first day that school starts back up. (Even if we love 'em, a whole summer can get long sometimes)

Zoe, I'll have some of the breakfast special, a glass of Ed's OJ and a glass of milk, and a cup of the TH, please. Thanks!

Time to chow down.

 

Blessings and some cooler weather for those suffering in the heat,

Jim in Cape Girardeau 

[Cederstrand]

in a UNION PACIFIC mug, please & thank you!

***Fergie, I can see having a couple of those mugs made for gifts. If I could find a real good pic of "The General" (or snap one of it in the museum when nobody is around), that would make a perfect mug for the wife. Thanks for the link.

***Inch, great pics. There is an old similar steam tractor under someones carport that has been there for years, (along with a few of cars). Would love to have something like that, especially restored and running. Very cool!

***Jim, check your PMs. Thanks!

Rob

[SilverSpike]

Jeff when you say a regular corded phone, is that an analog or digital phone? When we used to test fax lines which are still analog we had to use an old regular phone, that's the only reason I ask. I bet PC knows about that!

Digital or analog, it doesn't matter. As long as it has a cord to plug into the jack. As far as I know, cordless phones will also work with it as the base station is corded. The phone I'm using right know is a 25 year old Conairphone that I found in the junk room at my parents house yesterday. It's a handheld touchtone rig that makes me sound like I'm talking through a long pipe.

Well that is good to know! Thanks Jeff! So where do you get this USB device?

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Well that is good to know! Thanks Jeff! So where do you get this USB device?

Right here. Magicjack. You need a broadband connection to use it, i.e. broadband, cable internet, DSL, Wi-Fi, WiMax or FIOS.

[C&O Fan]

Afternoon all

Hey Jeff that Magicjack sounds like a good deal !

Got a little more done on the station

you can see the progress here

http://cs.trains.com/forums/1511011/ShowPost.aspx#1511011

I'll be in the back booth Join me if you can

 

[galaxy]

Hi guys (and gals who frequent such places as this!)

I'm having meatloaf tonight. My own speciality du maison.

To those who refered to what I call "franken-mato".....

The tomato plant has just taken over the front of the house. It is scale 1:1 and as big as half a 40' boxcar! that wide and deep and  6' high.And it is still growing. I will have thosands of yield. I may have to learn how to can them! Sometimes I have a green thumb, but this "franken-mato"....

TOPIC RELATED is that I was going to try a garden train out there....but I couldn't run it now if I tried....

Maybe sometime I can get a pic of it on here!

I'll ask Rosie in the kitchen here if she wants some....

g'day mates, later boys...

[JPowell]

Afternoon / Evening Gang!

  Hope all is well with everyone. Prayers to those in need of them.

  Not much to report here. Still house hunting. Saw a few Tuesday afternoon and going to see a bunch tomorrow afternoon.

  Today was a slow paced day - store for quarters so I can do laundry, dd for coffee, atm for cash (we're going out to dinner tonight w/ a bunch of my co-workers) and then haircut. After that, a drive by the CSX yard to the main entrance showed me this...

  My next stop was back at the east end of the yard to the pedestrian footbridge over the tracks where I got these from -

  Hope you all enjoy them!

Take care!

[JPowell]

Sorry if they are too large. Guess I should have cropped them before loading them to my photobucket page and then to here.

JP

Edit - Hey Galaxy - Where in Upstate are you?

JP

[bjdukert]

Afternoon all

Rob

do you have any photos of some larger bridges to share

Maybe this next set will do the trick,but the pics don't give them justice as to their size.

Lee

That was an impressive layout, was that your basement?

Oh,don't I wish. They are all from Northlandz in New Jersy.

Ryan

seafood gumbo or a chicken gumbo?

For me it would be the chicken as I am not much for sea food.

JimCG

I won't get too loud and wake Duke. Yeah, he's (heh, heh...) 'checking his eyelids for leaks' - yeah, right!

Hey!!! I almost resemble that remark and by the way,they don't leak.

Garry That's a shame about the drowning and it seems that around here with all the inland lakes we hear about 2-3 a month and most of them for lack of water safety.

Ok here are some more bridges upon Rob's request and after looking at some of the pics,I need to play with this digital camera more.

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=NORTHLANDZ021.jpg

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=NORTHLANDZ033.jpg

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=NORTHLANDZ052.jpg

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=NORTHLANDZ066.jpg

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=NORTHLANDZ081.jpg

Jeff Here is another view of the bridge you asked me about

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=NORTHLANDZ095.jpg

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/bjdukert/NORTHLANDZ/?action=view&current=VIDEOS08005.flv

That's about it

Best to all on sick call and those recovering

Talk to you later

Duke

[TrainsRMe1]

Good Evening,All,

       Man o Man, It got hotter than a ----- well It got hot 100 today, tomorrow it's to reach 104!!! Zoe, I will have a tall cold ice tea make that a double please. How is the diner clubbers doin'? I'm goin' to take a nap but I will be back later,

      MRXRder's are Like Santa Cluse, we bring sunshine and love to kids too-

                             Trainsrme1 

[grayfox1119]

Good evening, of course we had yet another TS today, we are pushing towards a record for August. Making good progress on the re-building of the front of the former garage- under doorway. I ran into a kingsize problem with the siding of all things. Our house was built in 1967/68, and at that time and for 20 years thereafter, Insulite ( Hardboard ) was the main siding material used. However, no one is carrying it anymore, at least not up here in our neck of the woods. It is 8" wide, 7" to the weather, and 3/8" thick. So believe it or not, the cheapest way to solve this problem was to have a lumber yard plane down 1X10 pine boards to 3/8" thick. Cedar was too darn expensive. I couldn't believe it!!! I can't get stupid siding !!!!!!

FERGIE: We will eat the Jays for lunch !!!!!!  Right J.P. & ED??  When are you going to send the steamer to the paint shop ?

RYAN: Oui , mon ami, zee Chicken Gumbo sil vous plais

Later,

[Cederstrand]

Tall glass of lemon water, thanks.

***Duke, with my jaw on the floor, it's tough to even joke about those bridges being on the small side. Just glad my jaw didn't catch the keyboard on the way down and break it. Can't imagine the number of hours that go into structures like those.

***JP, I would love to be near a yard I could go watch trains working at. Fun stuff.

Tired beyond description and hardly did a thing today. Hope everyone is doing well tonight.

Rob