Elliot's Trackside Diner V, at the diamonds

[galaxy]

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

Nice choo choo pics. I am near Binghamton. I haven't of late been to NS yard, but maybe I'll go soon, your pics gave me a yearning. Kinda wish CSX went through here.

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

My fire dept had a call-out today to one of the switchman shacks.

[JimRCGMO]

Evening, Chloe - I'll have a salad (with some grape tomatoes, if Galaxy's plant will let you take 'em...),

some beef stew,

 

and a chocolate chip yogurt concrete, please.

(that'll be my beverage and my dessert ) - Thanks! 

Rob, got your PMs and have sent an email off to check on that.

Terry, your station is coming along very nicely! I look forward to seeing the rest of this project.

Fergie, I like your mugs - are those two different sizes, or is one of them sitting on something? Thanks for the link, by the way.  

Aw, Galaxy - go ahead with the garden RR. I'm sure the Franken-Tomato would like some iron for its diet... That is one crazy tomato plant! Are the tomatoes going to be just the size of grapes? I'm sure Rosie the cook can make some fine pasta selections, and Ryan probably can give Rosie a few recipes to use up more of those 'maters, too.

Oh, this morning I (amazingly enough) won a DVD RW drive (Panasonic UJ-850) on the Bay, for only $21.50 with shipping. I'm going to put it in a drive bay housing for my laptop, and use it for data backups, mostly, plus viewing DVD's and listening to CDs as well. I was amazed that the drives were listing for so little on the Bay - it was around $5 (plus $10 shipping) when I found it, with about 7 minutes to go on that auction.

Duke - those Northlandz bridges are fantastic! So, now that you know those eyelids don't leak, does that mean you're going to stop checking them? And since I'll be on vacation for the next week, I may join you on the other side of that booth...

TrainsRMe1, your weather makes a good case for finding one of those big blocks of ice - and parking yourself on it for the day! Sheesh! How many days like that have you had in a row so far? Thank Heaven your humidity is low - particularly since it's 93 F out there now (only 28 percent, at least). Just do like they did in the Phoenix area a few years back when I visited out there - don't touch any metal until well after sundown.

Jeff, that's really nice on your phone - wonder if I could talk Charter into only connecting up my broadband and getting one of those phones? Hmmm.... 

JP, good to see you're still keeping up with some railfanning. Nice pics - I was trying to figure out if that Soo Line diesel in the yard was being worked on, or torn down. Have a good dinner tonight with your sweetie.

Ah, back to my dinner, and figuring how much (or little) I want to get done this next week...

 

Blessings,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Jeff, that's really nice on your phone - wonder if I could talk Charter into only connecting up my broadband and getting one of those phones? Hmmm....

The device itself isn't the phone. It interfaces your phone with the service. Just plug the device into a USB jack (not a hub unless it's powered) and plug any corded phone into it and you're in business. You don't even have to tell your ISP provider about it.

[JimRCGMO]

The device itself isn't the phone. It interfaces your phone with the service. Just plug the device into a USB jack (not a hub unless it's powered) and plug any corded phone into it and you're in business. You don't even have to tell your ISP provider about it.

Well, rats, Jeff - When I went to their website, they indicate it's only for Intel-based Macs - the newest ones... (which would mean I'd have to buy a new computer to go with the jack...)

Jim in Cape Girardeau 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

The device itself isn't the phone. It interfaces your phone with the service. Just plug the device into a USB jack (not a hub unless it's powered) and plug any corded phone into it and you're in business. You don't even have to tell your ISP provider about it.

Well, rats, Jeff - When I went to their website, they indicate it's only for Intel-based Macs - the newest ones... (which would mean I'd have to buy a new computer to go with the jack...)

Jim in Cape Girardeau 

You're using an older MAC I presume. I see there in the FAQ's where they say 'Intel based' MAC's. Too bad. If you had a pc running XP or Vista there wouldn't be any problem.

[LSWrr]

Evening all,

We had a good turnout today for running the railroad.  Dale, Alex, and J stopped over for 7 hours.  Dale finished building the Northern Light and power and 2 dock cranes for the layout.  Alex worked in the yard and found a few problems with some of the turnouts.  Dale scored big on the bay last week with a Bachman HO-Scale northern with a 50ft tender for under $30, new in the box.  I actually got a few things done; the mallet and the challenger will haul up to 30 hoppers each.  That's not too bad.  I'm working on laying more tracks in the yard and locomotive shops.  Hopefully by this weekend I'll have the cab track and RIP track installed.

We had thunder and lightning all around us this morning, but no rain.

Jeff, that magic jack sounds cool.   

Lee

[TrainsRMe1]

Jeffery-wimberly,

   A big block of ice sounds real good right about now, It's about 7:43 pdt and it's still around 97!!! I drive for our transit company here (trimet) and thank goodness we have air conditioned busesand tomorrow it's goin' to be a record of 104 here! Anyway I was trying to convert some couplers on my BN GP38, after workin on it for about hour and a half I realize I have the wrong covert kit, is pretty much what I said, So I'm goin' back to my LHS and get the right kit, It's bed time for me now,so take care all and I will be back tomorrow.

              May your mainlines always be clear- 

                                                                 Trainsrme1

                                                       

                                         

                  

[Paul W. Beverung]

Evening Gang:The weather here is still hot with a capital HOT. It's also dry. I think that we're in worse shape now then a couple of years ago as far as grass is concerned. I noticed that the weeds are dying from lack of water. Would you believe that the grass burs haven't come out? There is some rain coming tonight. There is a TS supposed to be here in about an hour or so. I'll take any rain even from a TS. Tomorrow I'll have to put out hay again. There just isn't alot of grass.

Lee I see the the Toledo light was vandalised. I hope that they can catch the jerks.

Jeff if you talk to David tell him that we miss him and good luck.

Well I think that I'll head for bed.

Good Night All

[JPowell]

Evening all -

  Just got back in from dinner. It was good food and fun times.

JimCG - the Soo Engine was in the switching yard as was hooked to a CSX Engine that was doing some yard shuffling.

Galaxy - Being in Binghamton, you get to see more than NS. CP and NYS&W go thru there as well, don't they?

Take care!

[ModelTrainLover]

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.

cb&q

If our resident lifeguard (me) had been there when the person was in the act of drowning they wouldn't have died.

[wetidlerjr]

Good Morning from Tipton IN ! 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Jeff if you talk to David tell him that we miss him and good luck.

Will do Paul.

[LSWrr]

Good morning all,

Today: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 75. North wind between 6 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tonight: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. North wind between 6 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. North wind between 8 and 10 mph.  Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. West wind between 6 and 10 mph.

I'm having a problem with 2 steam locomotives going around the main the 4-6-6-2 & the 4-8-4 derail their front steering wheels.  Any suggestions?

Lee  

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I'm having a problem with 2 steam locomotives going around the main the 4-6-6-2 & the 4-8-4 derail their front steering wheels.  Any suggestions?

Is it possible that there's not enough weight on the pilot truck? Placing some lead weight on the top of the truck may work or placing a spring between the loco body and the truck may work.

 

Good morning.

It's 74 and clear. The high today will be in the mid 90's and it will be mostly cloudy. There's a small chance for rain this afternoon.

Yesterday was dominated by work on the layout. Some scenery here, a repair there, that sort of thing. One thing that had to be addressed was a SPST toggle switch that was in a bad location. If I had to lean across the layout there was a good chance the switch would be broken, and several times it was. I replaced it with a half inch diameter push-on/push-off switch which seems to be working out rather well. It's purpose is to turn track #2 in the maintenance shop on and off.

Today's Weather for:
Sundown, LA  71446-6114      8/15/2008

Heat Index:  78°F
Humidity:  88%
Dew Point:  70°F

So Far Today
High:  78°F
Low:  73°F
Rain:  0.00"
Rain Rate:  0.00"/h
Gust:  0mph NNE

Today  High: 95    Partly cloudy. A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 90s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight  Low: 72    Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 70s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

[Fergmiester]

I'm having a problem with 2 steam locomotives going around the main the 4-6-6-2 & the 4-8-4 derail their front steering wheels.  Any suggestions?

Lee  

Could be a couple of issues

1. Check your wheel spacing with an NMRA guage

2. Is your Locos balanced Locos should be balanced right dab centre (Midships)

3. How much play and down thrust spring is in your Pilot Wheels? Some wheels have no spring and stay on the track under their own weight. To do that the have to have ample play and bounce ability. If they are spring loaded the spring should be forcing them down with some umph but still allowing for lateral play with little if any resistance.

Hope this helps... Are they Bachmann's?

Fergie 

[LSWrr]

Jeff & Fergi, thanks I'll try a new spring or some weights on those pilots.  The challenger is a Rivarossi and the Northern is a Bachman.  I'm going to LHS today and look into those 50' tenders those look very impressive going around the layout.

Since you guys are on a roll; I have a few used #4 turnouts in my yard.  They have the points that are riveted to the traveling bar that operates the turnout.  The rivets are a little loose and cause rolling stock to pick the switch.  How can I glue those points in place without gluing the whole darn thing to the layout?

Lee

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Since you guys are on a roll; I have a few used #4 turnouts in my yard.  They have the points that are riveted to the traveling bar that operates the turnout.  The rivets are a little loose and cause rolling stock to pick the switch.  How can I glue those points in place without gluing the whole darn thing to the layout?

Superglue Gel. It stays where you put it. It takes just a very small drop.

[inch53]

Mornin, an irish coffee please Zoe. Suppose to be a tad warmer today, but still nice out.

ROB,,,   my step FIL found a steam tractor not far from here for $4,000 that was in good shape, no major repairs needed. But it has to be re-certified before it can be run. Cost about $3,000 for that and might take 2-3 years for the state to get it done. We figured we'd have about $9 to $10,000 when finished.

GALAXY,,,, grape tomaters can be caanned, whole n use in veggie soup n such. Your suppose to peal them, but we've done them whole. After washing, place them in a pan and boil for a few minutes. Them put in sterilized canning jars, add some of the boiling water, to within 1/2 " of top, add ½ teaspoon salt per pint. Put sterilized lids n rings on, place jars, in boiling bath for, pints 35 min, 45 min quarts.

JP,,, thanks for the SOO pics. It's been a long time since I've seen one of those over in Terre Haute.

DUKE some more great bridge pics, thanks.

Best gets round ta chores. Mothers off today n planning on canning tomaters and working up some zucinni, so it'll be busy round here. Hope ya'll has a gooden n stay safe.

[Cederstrand]

 in a SANTA FE mug, please & thank you!

***Inch, although I have no idea if $4,000 is a deal or not, sure would be neat to fire it up and use it to plow a field. Heck, just driving it around the pasture would be a blast...well, wouldn't want it to be a real blast, but you know what I mean.

The TrekDeck we ordered is in. Having them cut it into 8' sections to fit in the pickup. Also need to pick up some Quickcrete and lumber, then I can get rid of "the gangplank" (as wife calls it) out front. Will probably tackle this Sunday. It's crazy how much TrekDeck costs, so we're only using it for the section that connects the front door to the concrete walk.  

Wife was looking at Preiser horse & cow drawn wagons, carts, etc... last night online. I think we're in trouble as she likes quite a few of them.

Rob

 

[JimRCGMO]

Hi Zoe, Rob. Zoe, I'll have an open face roast beef sandwich with a pickle spear on the side and some cheesey fries, please, with a Dr. Pepper also. Thanks! I figure I may end up covering lunch, but we'll see.  [Edit] Yep, lunch is on me, folks. Zoe, get my apron ready for after I finish my lunch, so I can work off everyone else's lunch tab.

You're using an older Mac I presume. I see there in the FAQ's where they say 'Intel based' MAC's. Too bad. If you had a pc running XP or Vista there wouldn't be any problem.

From some of their description on the site, it may as much be the horsepower of the CPU that's needed, I'd say. But there are other ways - this just sounded not very expensive, and simpler than some. Have you heard back from young David since the move, Jeff?

TrainsRMe1, you have me and Jeff confused, but yeah, a block of ice would be good for your heat there today. I saw that the weather report for you today said 'Hotter', and I thought, "as if he needs it any hotter!" Maybe you'll get some clouds to screen out some sun and take it down a few degrees. Good luck on getting the coupler fittings corrected.

I went by our 'local LHS' this morning (in town), and they didn't have much new in. They are more into wooden trainsets, collectible dolls, and some airplane hobby stuff than model trains (judging by the square footage devoted to each compared to MRR'ing things). I might go down the road to our LHS this afternoon, the one that's operated by one of our MRR club members, and see what he has. 

Cooler here today, and cloudy, some slight rain or mist, whatever you might call it. We're at 76F with a high of 79 F predicted. Wish we could send a bit of this to Paul (and some rain to wet your fields and lawns). 

Lee, looks like Jeff and Fergie have given you some ideas on your loco derailing problem, so hopefully you'll have that taken care of soon.

Rob, I'm not familiar with the TrekDeck - what's that like? I'm still awaiting word back on your question for now. On the Preiser figures, you'd best be checking out online places that discount them, before that 'team of horses' gets away from you...

Well, I'll slide into the window booth and start on my lunch.

 

Blessings and cooler weather for ya,

Jim in Cape Girardeau 

 

[pcarrell]

Jim's buying?

Sign me up!

 

How's everyone doing?  I've been pretty entertained with life the past few days, so I haven't swung by much.  Doesn't mean I haven't thought of you all though.  Prayers have been said for all those in need.

OH!  Gotta run!  Later!

[ModelTrainLover]

hey all.

PC. hows your layout comming? or should I say do you have the basices in place? (ie, track down with trains running).

I'll have a root beer no ice, and a larger fry than what PC has.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Have you heard back from young David since the move, Jeff?

Not yet, but then again, they only moved last week and may probably have only basic phone service right now.

[galaxy]

Evening all -

 Galaxy - Being in Binghamton, you get to see more than NS. CP and NYS&W go thru there as well, don't they?

Take care!

Yeah CP goes through here,and an occassional Susqhehanna. Very little goes through here anymore. The CP yard in Conklin you can't get anywhere near without them raising a big fuss. I know, we've tried. The NS yard in Binghamton has an overpass over it and a "secret" entrance,which, if you know where it is, and respect the "private property" line sign they won't bother you. Only about 4-5 trains go through though.

[galaxy]

So Jeffrey, that "magic jack"  thing is for real?

Not just hype or a rip-off?

no hidden fees? no annual payments? works with any computer and any OP system like they say? (like a Dell and XP?)

You don't need your land line anymore?

But if power goes out, you don't have a phone then do you? Just like all computer/cable based phone systems?

Sorry for a ga-jillion questions, but enquiring minds want to know!!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

So Jeffrey, that "magic jack"  thing is for real?

Not just hype or a rip-off?

no hidden fees? no annual payments? works with any computer and any OP system like they say? (like a Dell and XP?)

You don't need your land line anymore?

But if power goes out, you don't have a phone then do you? Just like all computer/cable based phone systems?

Sorry for a ga-jillion questions, but enquiring minds want to know!!

It's for real all right. I've talked to people in three states so far and it's just as clear as a regular home phone. You can find out more about it here. It works on pc's using XP and Vista. On MAC's it's limited to the Intel based systems. It can be used on and broadband hookup with the exception of satellite internet. It will not work on dial-up. Check the FAQ's section for much more info. According to their literature it's only $20 a year.

[bjdukert]

Afternoon all

Just some more pics today

That's about it

Best to all on sick call and those recovering

Talk to you later

Duke

[Paul W. Beverung]

Afternoon Gang: it rained last night. I didn't even hear the wind but it was pretty strong. We got a half inch of the wet stuff. It really soaked in. We are supposed to get some more tonight and for the next four or five days. I need to go and put out hay for the cows later. Right now I'm granddaughter sitting. It's the two year old, she's lying down watching cartoons in the master bedroom.

JP: The car in the forground with the excavator on it is interesting. I would guess that it is used to get the excavator up onto gons to unload them or to use the excavator for ditch cleaning or picking up scrap. Herzog has a system for getting a backhoe loader up on gons and hoppers that is interesting to watch, check there web sight for a video.

The rain soaked in so well that there isn't any mud. A good thing since I pressure watched the tractors yesterday.

Well I'm going to see what else is doing on the puter.

See ya later. 

[galaxy]

Afternoon all

Just some more pics today

Talk to you later

Duke

Now that is a fine looking roundhouse!