Elliot's Trackside Diner V, at the diamonds

[C&O Fan]

C&O Fan:

  

snip

One (other) thing I've been wanting to get done is to get the window openings cut for the church I'm scratchbuilding. I don't have one of those corner punches, so what are some other ways to get the openings cut neatly?

Snip

I use a nibbler and then a file to get smooth cuts

the nibbler sure speeds up the process

Thanks, Terry, but I was trying to figure out what I could do with my existing tools. Shoulda listed them, huh? I have a variable Dremel (no drill press), Xacto knives (the #11 and the orange-handled one with the reversible blades), pin vise and some drill bits (have a set of the smaller ones). I'd thought of using pin vise or the Dremel to drill holes somewhat back from the corners, and then widening the holes out with the Xacto, and fine file things down with sandpaper/emery cloth and/or small files to get into the corners.

Now, everyone (not just Terry, but not excluding you, either) - what would likely be my simplest (and least tedious) way to do the window openings? I really could stand to learn this technique, since I may use it later for other scratchbuilds, and for putting windows in buildings where there aren't some in walls.

Thanks in advance (and thanks for the nibbler idea, Terry, which I may get come next month's paycheck).

Jim in Cape Girardeau 

I haven't had much luck using a dremel for windows

I guess you could use it to drill holes but i only do that on wood to prevent splitting

I'm afraid without a nibbler or a punch it's gonna be a slow process Jim !

[Cederstrand]

refill, please & thanks.

Construction has been going on here all day. Will take a look at the progress after I do the evening critter rounds.

Wife is down with a back problem today. Sometimes she pushes herself when she shouldn't.

I went to have a test done today, only to find the tech had left for a family emergency. Had to reschedule.

Healing thoughts to all those in need around here.

Rob

[LSWrr]

Well the camera batteries died and I pulled out the back up batteries and they were dead also.   Here are 2 pictures of this weekend's fun, more to come after the camera is charged up.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2008063480029441264JBmBOp?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2191345380029441264BUAepl?vhost=good-times

Jeff, what's the link to that forum?

Lee

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Jeff, what's the link to that forum?

This link will take you right to the post.

Converting Athearn BB F7 to DCC

[LSWrr]

Very nice Jeff you make it look so simple.

 

Lee

[Flashwave]

C&O Fan:

  

snip

One (other) thing I've been wanting to get done is to get the window openings cut for the church I'm scratchbuilding. I don't have one of those corner punches, so what are some other ways to get the openings cut neatly?

Snip

I use a nibbler and then a file to get smooth cuts

the nibbler sure speeds up the process

*snip*

Now, everyone (not just Terry, but not excluding you, either) - what would likely be my simplest (and least tedious) way to do the window openings? I really could stand to learn this technique, since I may use it later for other scratchbuilds, and for putting windows in buildings where there aren't some in walls.

Thanks in advance (and thanks for the nibbler idea, Terry, which I may get come next month's paycheck).

Jim in Cape Girardeau 

I haven't had much luck using a dremel for windows

I guess you could use it to drill holes but i only do that on wood to prevent splitting

I'm afraid without a nibbler or a punch it's gonna be a slow process Jim !

Side cutters in the standard toolbox? Start a hole with the dremel, using a smaller wheel, cut with the side cutters, and smooth with the dremel. Or, do like Garry did for his car, cut the whole thing and put clear plasitc behind it. Paint what isn;t to be windows. You could do that carefully with the dremel.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Very nice Jeff you make it look so simple.

Once youy've done it a time or two it's a snap.

[der5997]

Breaking news. This just in from Ed.

The Diner is running very low on OJ.  

Tell the guys that a shipment is on the way.  We're just about to start harvesting this year.  The mandarin oranges are turning color.  Should be a good crop.

Thought you might like to know.

[LSWrr]

Baggage/cargo caboose.  All wood craftsman kit

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2952732970029441264nEucij?vhost=good-times

All wood craftsman kit, Snowplow

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2439041950029441264LWVIsb?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2191497850029441264VKCith?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2242742450029441264RvAhaY?vhost=good-times

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I have something similar to that caboose in my junk rolling stock somewhere here. Mines all plastic though.

[Packers#1]

Sawyer:  I was wondering, do you add any alcohol to the dilute glue mix.  I've heard some people do that, but haven't tried it myself. I'd have thought it would muck up the glue, and was, as I say, wondering. (I'll have to watch those videos of yours when I have more leisure time lol)

Nope, just glue and water. I'm *** off because I used a durn dixie cup to apply it, instead of a pipette (couldn't find any of my three, of course).

And thanks for the compliments about football everyone.

[LSWrr]

Jeff, I paid $5 or $10 for it at the last train show, the plow I paid $29 for at the LHS.  The pictures don't do it justice who ever built it used Kadee sprung all metal trucks and all the rivets/ bolts are metal and to scale.  The plow has a straight drop pin on the Kadee knuckle coupler in the rear.  LHS guessed them to be 50-60 years old and the only thing I had to do was paint the caboose roof and add decals. I think they will remain a conversation piece more than everyday rolling stock.

Also, on your WS ballast....... How much does one shaker bottle weigh?  The rubber ballast I get is $18 for 5 pounds.

Lee

[Paul W. Beverung]

Evening Gang: We hauled all the equipment back from the train show today. Of course I had to forget something and it was the compressor. I'll have to go back out there and get it. Gas here is down to $2.95 at one truck stop. Now if diesel would just get below $3 I'd be happy. I need to go and get diesel but I think that I'll wait a few days to fill all the Jerry cans.

Der what's going on with ED? If he doesent check in soon I'll have to send the Texas Rangers after him.

Other then the train show there isn't much new. I need to check about the last Hiawatha cars. They should be holding them at Walthers for an order to total $150. I may just have to get a couple more Hi cars. A couple of baggage cars would look good sitting in the station waiting.

I guess I'll head for bed.

Good Night All

[gear-jammer]

Good evening, All.  I stopped in for a RBF before retiring.  I just chased the steers up for their evening snack.

***Sue, that's a great story. 96....never too old to learn a new skill, eh!

Rob,  She milked a cow every day until her late 80's.  I hope that I have that much moxey at that age.

Sue

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Good evening ........

Inch ... We will certainly have Jamie's surgery in our prayers on the 17th. That is areleif about Roni's tests being negative for sure.

Jerry.......... So you enjoy Blue Grass music, eh......

Der .... I like the crane's control cabin. Well, I like the whole crane.

Paul ... I have not seen any of the Hiaeatha cars in person, but I bet they are beautiful.

Lee ....... your completed wood kits are terrific!

Jeff ... I saw the F7 DCC write-up you posted. Nice work!!!

Rob ..... I'm sorry to hear about your wife's back problems.

Chuck and Kathy ..... good to see you in the diner.

C&O Terry ..... The nibbler is a handy tool for sure. Also, I hope your treatments are doing as they should.

Jim CG .... You should be proud of yourself. You have been leaving enough extra RBF's for Sue to have some too. Now, we can count on Sue's regular visits to the diner; right, Sue.

Rumor has it that Duke peaks into the Diner and sneaks off prfering to communicate elsewhere. Shhhhhh...... I did not say it.

Where's Ryan?  

I'll be off to Nashville Wednesday for medical appointments on Thursday at the Vanderbilt heart clinic.

 

Happy Model Railroading

 

[TrainsRMe1]

Well Hey All, A belated Happy Columbus Day!!! Here in Oregon today is the 46th anniversary of the Columbus day strom, for all of you that don't know, In 1962 that strom was known as the worst wind strom to EVER hit the western US, winds were clocked in Portland (downtown at 93 mph) on the Morrison Bridge (which crosses into Downtown Portland)  a gust hit at 113 mph on the Oregon Coast 170mph at Cape Blanco, that was a strom of all stroms as far as this area is concern, anyway, have a good one and I will be back at the diner tomorrow!!!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Jeff ... I saw the F7 DCC write-up you posted. Nice work!!!

Thanks Garry. I hope others will find it useful.

 

Also, on your WS ballast....... How much does one shaker bottle weigh?  The rubber ballast I get is $18 for 5 pounds.

Two pounds.

 

 

[wetidlerjr]

Good Morning from Tipton IN ! 

[inch53]

Mornin, an irish coffee please Zoe.

Mostly cloudy skies will be around today with isolated areas of rain showers. Temperatures will still be warmer than average topping out in the mid to upper 70's this afternoon. More organized rain will move in tonight and tomorrow with the best chances for rain moving in tomorrow afternoon. Temperatures will stay mild for one more day before cooling off for the upcoming weekend. Tonight expect the overnight lows to drop into the upper 50's .

Well I have an update on yesterdays update. Jamie does have surgery today, but it's just an outpatient thing this time, unless they find something more serous. Thanks for all the thoughts.

LEE,,  Jamie's the youngest of the 3 girls, at 32

TERRY,, sounds like you have a great surgeon there. Hope ya get your getup n goes back soon.

PC,, I think we ought to enjoy the lower gas prices while we can. I figure they'll start heading back the other way bout Nov 10'th.

ROB, hope your wife's back get ta feeling betters soon.

CHUCK N KATHY,,  good to hear from you and that your still getting along with life.

 Best get onto chores, thoughts for all those in need, n hope ya'll has a gooden 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Good morning.

It's 72 and mostly cloudy. The high is expected to be in the mid 80's and there's a chance for rain, something my joints have been telling me since I got up.

Yesterday I suddenly remembered why I had stopped screwing the top back on my little container of paste flux. For some reason I had screwed the lid down after the last time I used it. Well, yesterday I tried opening it and the lid wouldn't budge! After getting two jar gripper pads from the kitchen drawer and 15 minutes of intense struggle, cursing and hand cramps I finally got it open. And here I thought it was hard to pry my fathers wallet open when I was a teenager. That's child's play compared to this. My hands still ache!

Today's Weather for:
Sundown, LA  71446-6114      10/14/2008

Heat Index:  77°F
Humidity:  92%
Dew Point:  69°F

So Far Today
High:  73°F
Low:  72°F
Rain:  0.00"
Rain Rate:  0.00"/h
Gust:  10mph ESE

Today  High: 85    Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 80s. East winds 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight  Low: 68    Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s. East winds 5 to 10 mph.

[LSWrr]

Good morning!

Today: A chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. West wind between 11 and 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tonight: A slight chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thanks Garry, I need to trim the grader on the bottom of the plow a little.

I found I have a serious model railroad issue; I'll start a project like painting tank cars and while those are drying or waiting for a second coat I'll start another project.  Now I have 2 card tables in my home office full of "started" projects.

Jeff, is that the little metal can of flux?  Those can be a pain!

I'm glad to hear ED is still around, tell him to stop in the diner sometime.

Lee

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Jeff, is that the little metal can of flux?  Those can be a pain!

Plastic, with a screw on lid.

[pcarrell]

PC,, I think we ought to enjoy the lower gas prices while we can. I figure they'll start heading back the other way bout Nov 10'th.

Yeah, I got gas last night for the van at $2.69.  You're right though........It'll probably start going back up as people click on their furnaces for the winter.

[C&O Fan]

Morning All

This was sent to me by a MR friend in Austin

Really pretty clever story around a very nice piece of modeling:

   http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23308

From another forum

[Robby P.]

Good morning.   I am starving, and I'm trying to talk the wife into going to Cracker Barrell.  MMMMMMMM. 

Had a job interview yesterday here in town with a company that makes a chemical for for roofs, and cement.  Kinda like a protection against weather.  The bad problem with the job is 2nd shift.  I hate that shift and I just can't work one( no life).  If they call back, I guess I will have to take it for now.  They have VERY good benefits.  $80 a month for insurance(teeth, doctor, eyes etc) and that covers the whole family.  If it wasn't second thou.

Later yesterday I worked on my layout.  Finally got the upper part put together.  Now the train can go in circles.  Now my engine is getting bad.  The wheels need a good cleaning.  Plus, a small piece in the engine keeps coming off.  Kinda like the drive shaft.  Once it comes off those set of wheels stop turning.  I have had the engine several years, and I might need a new one.  I guess I can work on it today.

Have a good day guys and gals.

[Cox 47]

Good Morning All...Its cloudy and 67 here this morning..Posta rain tonite...I'll have coffee and a sweet roll please..Thank You...

Garry...Yes I am a Bluegrass fan...I got into Bluegrass back in my radio DJ days..We covered some Bluegrass festivals..I am a big fan of Bill Monroe,Ralph Stanley,Doc Watson,Flat and Scruggs...

Jeff...I don't know much about DCC but I checked your How to and I think I could do it...Very well done...

Lee..I like the Plow that you picked up..I think its neat to keep it in service...

You all have a good one...Jerry

[JimRCGMO]

Good Morning, Diners - Zoe, just a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll, please. Thanks!

Rainy here in Cape G. today - sprinkles for now, mostly. Not expecting lots of rain, but a little bit.

Inch, thanks for the compliments (on Drew, right?). You sure have the critter action up your way. Do you have those deer often, or is that just seasonally? I know there are some areas around here where when it's close to deer season, the deer start moving around more (whether to find the does, or to avoid the hunters, dunno).

Terry, you have a great doctor there - better stick with her, the way she sticks up for you and helps you get things done there. Your friend's FSM model (and story) was great - a fun read, too!

RT, watch yourself there if you're having chest pain. Don't be too reluctant to consider the glycerin pill. We wantcha around a while, okay?

PC, I'm jealous about your gas prices there! We're only in the $2-eighty-something range here lately ($2.89 yesterday in Cape and $2.85 in Jackson, next door). But still glad to see it heading downward.

Chuck, you take care of yourself and Kathy. Isn't it such fun to track medications (NOT!)? Hope you get some MRR'ing in there somewheres.

Wife is down with a back problem today. Sometimes she pushes herself when she shouldn't.

Unlike anybody else in her household, huh, Rob? Bummer about going in and then having to reschedule your tests. Maybe this next time you'll be able to get things done. That, or ask Terry to have his doctor put in a word with your doctor...

Lee, I like your caboose! Might have to find me one like that (or a plastic version of it). Snowplow looks good too. As for those multiple projects, I bet you're making more progress than a lot of us (me for sure!). Starting another project while you're waiting for the paint to dry sounds like good use of your time (unless you're into watching paint dry, that is ).

Der, nice work on that crane - especially working just from photos and pics, and in iNvisible scale, no less! Thanks for the update on Ed and the OJ - did he say what he'd been doing lately?

Jerry, like your taste in bluegrass (especially Doc Watson - the man makes me drool, just to listen to him play!).

Robby, hope you get her talked into Cracker Barrel (and that you get that job - for now, until you get something on a better shift, anyway). The benefits do sound good, though.

Garry, I've been pacing myself on the RBF's, since I know not only Sue but some others here like them. Best wishes on your appointments tomorrow (and will keep 'em in my

Time for me to get back to the grind here. Good day for this stuff...

 

Blessings and prayers for those ailing or in need of comfort,

Jim in Cape Girardeau 

[NS Luc]

Good morning

[LSWrr]

Terry, that fish house was awesome!

Flux, I use the stuff in the white plastic container, it reminds me of frosting.  The dark paste stuff in the can is sometimes hard to apply and real sticky.  Speaking of soldering I have a ton of it waiting for me at home on the layout and I need to replace that valve to the outside spigot before winter sets in.

Robby, what make & model is your locomotive?  I found 2 companies online that make after market replacement parts for almost anything except the motors for my older steam locomotives! 

Still searching for the Sagami Can Motor MC-90.

Rain all week here and the Hi only in the 50's.  Rob, I'll leave a few tank car lids open for you and ship you some rain if you still need it.

Lee

[Cederstrand]

***Jeffrey, sounds similar to some of the child adult proof containers out there. (or I'm getting old) Glad you finally got it open.

***Garry, Jerry, have a bunch of Bluegrass CDs I listen to occasionally when at work. I'm partial to pure instrumental and the more intricate pickin', the better.

***Robby, good luck with the job. Hopefully you can get the hours you want sooner rather than later. Curious, what kind (and scale) of engine is giving you trouble? At least you have some track down to run it on.

Had the test done today so in a few days the Doc will have the results. I'm sure he already has the bloodwork results, but figure there is no reason to go see him until he has everything.

Going to help the wife seed the front yard until the farrier arrives.

Have a good day all. Rob