Lee-- On those MDC cars--Kadee #5's will pop right into those coupler boxes with no problem. I don't know about the new Kadee 'whiskers', but they look as if they might work, also. I replaced the wheelsets in mine with P2K 33" rib-back, and they roll right nice, by golly.
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!
Garry, sorry to hear of the loss in your family even though it was a year ago it's still tough on a person. On a brighter note: I'm thinking of the Super empire builder DCC system for my layout, yea it will cost a little to install the decoders in your locomotives, but it will be worth it in the end. I've seen simple decoders for $10 each and hey I was sweating converting all my old rolling stock from horn couplers to knuckle couplers and here I am almost 60% of the way done. I hope your check-ups end with pleasant surprises.
Tom, thanks for the info (sounds like antique road show in the diner). I haven't seen them on EBay over the last couple of years and can't find them online. I didn't want to ruin them by installing knuckle couplers, but I think I will anyway. My dad built them years ago he might enjoy seeing them on the mainline now and then.
Well the laundry room in the basement is almost done. I re-pointed the blocks, and put 2 coats of Killz on the walls. The floor is ready for the epoxy paint, but need to let the walls dry a couple of days before I can do that.
Lee
BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret) L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes
Lee:
I'd probably date those MDC cars to the mid to late 'sixties. I've got several that I picked up about that time and they had the cast metal underframes. I remember I spent more time filing the darned frames than I did putting the cars together. I've got several Milwaukee rib-side boxcars from that era. They track really well. Their older all-metal cars were REALLY sturdy--total screwdriver assembly--I've got several cattle cars from the 'fifties, and I have to put them toward the head of my stock train--even with new trucks, they'd stringle the train if I put them near the caboose, LOL!
But I'd say '64 to '69 for those metal-bottomed cars.
Good afternoon
Thanks Tom for the remarks on the movies. Thanks again to Rob and Lee. I'm thinking of doing more. I posted the movies on wpf, but I don't know if anybody there saw them. Actually, I am considering DCC because of complciations with control panels, blocks, toggle switches, and all of those stupid gremilns. It won't be cheap, and I would need to thin out my locomotive fleet considerably.
Also, I would again want to thank each of you for your friendship and support regarding health issues. I go back to medical appointments tomorrow to follow up after my events in mid-August. I believe the new treatments have the heart rhytm under much better control. It will be better to ride in a car to Nashville than being nearly dead in a helicopter flying there as was the case for me last time I went to Nashville. Speaking of such, I'm hoping to learn it's safe for me to drive again.
Another personal thing. It was a year ago yesterday that Shelley lost her youngest sister to lung disease, and she's thinking a lot about that.
Take care of your health everybody.
Happy Model Railroading.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Tom, I found MDC on the inside of the car, inside the center I beam. These cars have a cast metal bottom that the couplers and the wheels mount to, then a 1 piece plastic body goes ontop. I found online they are MDC/Roundhouse kits. The couplers and wheels are laid over a cast metal post then the post is mushroomed to hold everything in place. I know they are older than 1971 since they don't appear in anybodys catalog from 1971 to 1974. I wonder what year MDC made these. In 1974 roundhouse re-released these cars in all plastic.
Morning all from SunnyCal--it was a nice, pleasant (?) 107 out here in Carmichael, yesterday. Had to go get my injection dressing changed, and then waited in the parking lot of the hospital for my buddy to pick me up. Talk about MELT! Leg's doing pretty well--a little stiff in the mornings, but I'm on an exercise regimen that helps it along. I've gone from wheelchair to walker and am now on a cane. I was grousing to my lady-friend that this is sure taking a long time, and I'm usually a quick healer. She grinned and said, "The last accident you had was twenty years ago when you blew out the same knee skiing. You're 68 now, SLOW DOWN!"
Mutter.
Paul: So sorry to hear about Daisy--hope she mends soon. She probably will--she seems to have an owner that cares for her a lot. Lowell's doing pretty well--still eating like crazy. Yesterday he chased a bug for about five minutes (the Great White Hunter, LOL!) so he's still pretty active.
Garry: Those movies were WONDERFUL! I really like that mill. And who says that we DC'ers are limited to just one train at a time, HUNH? Great job!
Jeff: Hope Ike changes his mind--the last thing you need is TWO whammies down there.
Cox: I know that Champ is out of business, but I was wondering about WS dry transfers? They used to have a HUGE variety of them--possibly some circus transfers? You might check their catalogue. I like the colors on that circus car.
Rob: If I were you, I'd check and see what the regulations are down there for idiot teenagers and rifles. The kid sounds at the least stupid, at the worst: dangerous.
Lee: Well, I'm one of the Oldest Farts I know, I might be able to help you on those Roundhouse cars--what have you got? Are they plastic or metal? Let me know, I'll see if I can be of any help.
Should have my four Sherman tanks next week to finish off my military train. Also have an appointment to have my stitches checked--possibly removed--so maybe I can hobble out to the garage and dust off the layout. Just found that my brass Z-6 has been moved back a month, so it looks as if it's going to be my Christmas present to myself. Hey, I'm patient--I mean it's not as if I don't have any OTHER Articulateds to run, LOL! I think when I've got the military train finally assembled, I'll hook up one of my L-105 Challengers to it. Saw a photo of one like that on the Rio Grande in one of my books, and it was DEFINITELY drool-inducing
Well, that's about it from SunnyCal--Lowell's staring at me VERY patiently, so it's Gerber's time.
Best to all, prayers to those in need.
in a Southern Pacific AC-12 mug, please & thanks. (yea, I think they look pretty cool. But for over $300 without sound??? Ouch!)
***Lee, I would think any HO scale circus decals might be useful. Not going to worry about it until the new train room is built and wife is ready to get going with her layout. She talks about it often now, which I find promising. Thanks for the heads-up on your friends Champ decals. When I have a chance, I'll look into them.
Wife & I looked at the MR mag last night and when she saw the ad for Sparkling Star Models circus cars, she immediately wanted them. Said they would make a great Christmas present. I don't know what that will cost...GULP! Probably more than a AC-12 when all is said and done, eh?
Dragging today and still tons to do. Hope everyone is doing well. Gotta get back at it here.
Rob
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
Good Mornin' All.
I couldn't sleep so I thought I would pop in for a few minutes, Laurel, I'll take two eggs and sausage and toast, oh yes, I'll have a hot cup of green tea please, How are things goin'?? I see it's quite here in the early mornin', Well, the weather out here in the beautiful Pacific NW is going to be perfect for the whole week on though next Saturday!!!!! Sunny about mid 70's to low 80's Can't argue that.
Jeff, I have been following Ike on the Weather Channel, and your right, it's not looking to good, hopfully it will (with prayers) come back down to just a tropical strom,
Packers #1, What is your win lost record, When I was a kid, my friends and cousins would have a neighborhood fooball game every Saturday, since there wasn't a park or field close by, we would play our games in the street, and call it the 14th avenue bowl, of corse cars would interupt our play so we would call that a car commercial 14th ave was not a main street, it was a quite side street.
How's it goin' Ryan, Well I think I'll try to get back to sleep, see you guys later
Good night, and Good morning
Trainsrme1
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,
Garry, every time I consider DCC something expensive breaks and I have to divert the funds. I've had money in hand 3 times and the money was diverted to: New injectors for the truck, breaks, and a new starter. I liked all the movement in your movies, local switching, freights going by in the back ground, very impressive.
Der, cool pictures, Dorothy saw it and she demanded I install a replica on my layout, LOL!
Good Morning from Tipton IN !
Bill Tidler Jr.
Near a cornfield in Indiana...
Evening Gang: Not a great deal going on here. Daisy is doing allright. She is not supposed to run or jump up on things. espically no going up or down stairs. I have to carry her while supporting her entire body evenly. Not an easy thing to do when she wants to do it herself. She is taking pain pills so that isn't keeping her from doing those things. The vet can give her tranquilizeers if needed. I'm going to wait and see on that.
In other news I went over to the track and got out my diesel to use pulling a work train. Another one of the guys and his son and I went out and worked on several places that needed attention. We got four fixed and will have to go back and try again on two.
I see that Ike is predicted to head for the cost between NOLA and Texas. Sometimes I guess lightning can strick twice. Let's hope not.
Lee I've used full buildings for back round buildings several times. I bought the cheaper Bachman, Life Like, and such. I built the building and then cut them in two at an angle to get two buildings for a corner. It worked pretty well.
Well I am going to head for bed.
Good Night All
Rob and Lee .......... thanks.
Lee ..... it's just DC. I have blocks and hand held throttles. Every time I consider DCC for over 100 locos, I can't justify the cost.
Garry,
Very cool, thanks for sharing! What DCC system are you using?
Rob, first build the house, then the train layout :)
***Garry, video looks fine to me. And the layout looks like a blast to opperate. Excellent ground work around the tracks. Bet those fire flashes look real nice in the dark.
Seeing all the work that goes into creating a great layout, sometimes I wonder if I'll ever have one, considering I haven't really begun one in ernest yet. Maybe next year.
Wow ... Der visited the diner. .. glad to see him here !!!!!!!!
I tried out the movie capability of the digital camera. Let's see how it works here. These are operations in my steel mill. First two links are the coke oven. Then it's the blast furance. Finally it's the electric furnace and the rolling mill.
http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u171/dgbseh/?action=view¤t=DSCN2804.flv
http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u171/dgbseh/?action=view¤t=DSCN2805.flv
http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u171/dgbseh/?action=view¤t=DSCN2807.flv
http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u171/dgbseh/?action=view¤t=DSCN2809.flv
Does anybody know anything about early MDC/Roundhouse rolling stock? Trying to put a date to some old box cars.
Rob/Jerry, what CHAMP decals are you looking for? There is a guy east of me that is a retired CAMP dealer and has thousands of decals in his closet. Most of them he sells for $5. Problem is you would need to know what stock number you wanted.
Tall glass of lemon water, thanks.
***Jerry, perfect color choice on that car. If you find any good circus signs/stickers/etc online anywhere, please do share where.
***Der, the layout is looking great!
After much digging, found the splice from the new well line into the old (now off-shoot) section which runs to a hose. Need to cut & cap that off, since it no longer works without killing our well. Also dug a big hole for the 10' 6"x6" post I need to set for my porch project. Came ever so close to cutting our phone/internet line, but missed. It is just exposed in that hole I dug. Wonder if quickcrete can harm heavy phone line or if I need to add some further insulation around it before pouring cement? Anyone know?
The idiot teenager & his buddy (who do not live in this valley, but is a friend of a neighbor) was out shooting at birds this evening across the creek. Doesn't matter what kind of bird or animal, if it moves they shoot it. Have his name now, so wondering what the laws are in this state about such activities and if it is worth pursuing?
Picked up more lumber and made a hay run today. Will be a long physical day tomorrow working on the "deep end" of the porch. Monday I expect the roofers to be here.
The latest issue of Model Railroader arrived, but have not had a chance to look at it yet.
Good evening Diners:
A medium JR Regular please Zoe, and a slice of the no-sugar-added apple pie, with vanilla yogurt and a heaping of the fresh blackberries, ( thanks Jeff!).
Haven't been in for the better part of a month (August 16th.) Back then I let you know...
Hello Folks: I'm on completely 1:1 scale train-less Prince Edward Island for a brief vacation with Kris and her mom (92 next month). We are however not Diner-less, as just up the road from our motel is a genuine in-business-since the-50s Starlite Diner. This evening Kris had the Little Richie dinner, and I had the Big Bopper. They were outstanding! Unfortunately the Juke Box was down for repair, but otherwise all was authentic. The prices didn't match Tipton Bill's daily offering of course, but that would be too much to ask! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/wetidlerjr/Diner/menu_breakfast_1.jpg We took some pics, but they are on 35 mm film since we left the digital camera at home, and had to get a throw away at the gas station next to the Diner.
Here's the interior. Note the poodle skirt on the waitress; the upcoming movie feature, "The Blob"; and the genuine curved window.
The ceiling lights are like UFOs, and the ads are the real thing, along with the gas pumps!
Lastly this is the aforementioned Big Bopper, with the Little Richie in the foreground. That's DER5997 about to attend to the Big Bopper.
On the layout, very little progress, but as I told Dick the other day, I did get some more scenery painted. This green is too blue for my liking, and I'll go back to the original mix for the next batch. Really it's only there to "show through" any gaps in the WS ground foams and trees/shrubs that will eventually cover the scenes. This was taken Sept 1st
That's about it for now, maybe this month I'll be able to get back to some layout work. There's a Honey Do list like you wouldn't believe (Well, judging by the Men's Rules posting, I guess you would!) and things like getting the grass cut when it dries up enough to do that. (Friday being such a day...but it took the day to do it as the riding mower still is out of action )
Swdan: , ( and to all the other new folks I've missed)
naming a storm after one of the best generals we have ever had in the U.S.A.
Goodnight all, and God Bless. Prayers for all in need of healing, (including Daisy-the-dog, Paul...it's amazing what prayer can do, as I'm sure you know). Prayers too for all in the path of Ike, wherever it goes; and those in need of comfort and peace.
"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.
Evening all
Beautiful day here in Houston ,nice breeze i don't think we even broke 90 today
we broke even at Cocker Rescue adoptions had one go out and a puppy come in
Those Walthers Background buildings don't come with any backs
you'll have to scrounge up some card stock to keep from seeing thru them to the wall behind
I have 2 of them
gonna go check on the storm
Have a great evening all !
TerryinTexas
See my Web Site Here
http://conewriversubdivision.yolasite.com/
Afternoon,
Been scraping walls and the floor in the basement utility room getting ready for a fresh coat of paint, then the storage room can be gutted and prepped for the train room expansion.
Swdan, the backdrop buildings are $19 to $25 each at my LHS and the not so LHS. I get a military discount. The full size buildings can run $30 to $45 depending on what you get. But you are right if I could use the front and the back of a building I would be in good shape. I may look at my boxes of building parts and see what I can make out of it.
Jeff, I just watched TWC and they think if IKE (CAT4 right now) is going to hit NOLA it will have to travel over Cuba causing it to reduce in intensity. Keeping you and your family in our thought and prayers that nothing more than a light rain comes your way.
I went to the PO today and mailed out a few packages. I still need your address Flash.
Jerry, nice paint job on that boxcar! Those longer flatcars are expensive almost $40 each. I wanted some 75 footers for my layout to run piggy back service, ouch! I'll wait for the train show; I bought one last year for $25 with 2 hotshot trailers on it.
Speaking of train shows, the first one of the season here is in Toledo on the 20th. Then my kids B-day party is on the 21st.
Howdy all....Its a real nice day here 71 and sunny...I am run'in kinda slow today Sallie and Her sisters are going to their Mom's today so I'm batching it..I'll have a Polish drag it thru the garden,onion rings and a root beer float please...Thank You..My lift chair stopped working altogeter this morning so gonna be tuff to get my feet up..Hopefully they get parts and get it fixed soon..I don't know how much I depend on the lift chair or power chair till they break down..I got the camera fired up this morning and got a photo of Circus car..I havn't come up with a name for the Circus yet and havn't located any decals..Seems like Champ used to make them but they arn't around any more..I know most circus stock cars were 70 footers but My circus got such a good deal on 40 footers thats what we'll use [Iam to lazy to kit bash a 70 footer out of 2 40 footers]
You all have a good one...Jerry
Good Morning All,
Janie, I'll have a seafood and crab omlette w/ a Tall OJ and a coffee please.
Hey Guys, how's the mornin' treatin' ya so far, Yeah Jim, that was a great haul, I was surprise that they let me have them, usually in a case like that they tell you "I'm sorry, but no we will need them for other ueses," ya know yadda,yadda yadda, But this was a BIG score, I really only have room for about two of them now, but after next year I will be moving the layout to our garage!!!! and then I will have all the room I need!!! Only one thing though, I would like a circiut panel of some kind so I could run my signals in sequince, do you know where I might be able to one??? Anyway we have family comin' over so I will be seein' you guys later, Take care and have A GREAT WEEKEND!
Mornin' Phillip, Jeff, Lee, Bill T. - Janie, I'll have some of what Bill's having, please, and a coffee cup, and a glass of Ed's OJ, too. Thanks!
Kind of grey here again today - I thought we're supposed to be getting some sun today.. Maybe the last of Gustav's cloud cover hasn't completely left our area yet.
Heartland Division CB&Q:Jim..... I didn't know my rock strata thread was still out there. I just added a recent photo.
Jim..... I didn't know my rock strata thread was still out there. I just added a recent photo.
I found it on the first page when I looked, Garry. I'll have to check out the new pic after breakfast.
Jeff, that prototypical approach to sidings sounds good. I just don't always remember to put in the differences in levels when I'm drawing the plans. I sure hope you get a good high pressure dome down that way to keep Ike away.
TrainsRMe, great haul on the signs and signals! I'm guessing you have plenty of space for those?
Lee, even small bats can apparently be a real pain... Sometimes in the year, south of Cape gets flocks of starlings that come north for a while (and become a major headache in a city about 30 miles south of Cape). They're a nuisance to get rid of, as well.
I'll tend to my breakfast now. Got my laundry going across the street in that laundry, but I can keep an eye on it from the window booth.
Blessings and a fun weekend for ya,
Jim in Cape Girardeau
Extra largein a SANTA FE mug, please & thanks.
Morning all,just spent the last 4.5 hrs at Grand crossing, I have to get up every morning at 3am for work. So when the weekend comes no matter how hard I try I am up at 3, so you can't make any noise around the house because all are fast asleep so I go to the yard. BNSF was going nuts this morning one train after another, the only bad thing is their almost all GE's or a SD40-2. Man when it comes to train watching I really miss the late 60's and 70's. I have done this trip to the yard thing for years,but i'm afraid when it gets cold this winter I will have to stop with gas at 3.69 i wouldn't beable to keep running the heater in my truck without going broke.
Jeff, i have been watching Ike looks like he could be a real monster, thats what they get for naming a storm after one of the best generals we have ever had in the U.S.A.
Lee, on backdrop buildings, not meaning to sound like I'm on my high horse. You well get alot more bang your buck if you buy the whole kit from walthers then buying their building front kits. Most of the full sized kits of these fronts can be had for $10 to $15 dollars more, then you have 4 full sized walls to bash instead of one full and two little side pieces. (just my opinion)
Hope to spend time in the basement this weekend I have all the track from the old layout up am now in the process of rebuilding the bench work ,I will beable to use 90% of the old bench work this saves alot of time and money.
Hope you all have a good day, stay safe and some of you stay dry.