Elliott's Trackside Diner VII: Best View Of The Rails In Town!

[ns3010]

Evening all. Zoe, I'll take a bacon cheeseburger, thanks.

Had the day off yesterday because of the snow, but didn't get anything done because I was too lazy.

I was almost going to buy this F40PH on ebay for $10, until I saw this: Not DCC Ready

I was planning on just rebuilding in into a F40PH-2CAT, which is what I am doing with the one I already have. I would repaint it as NJT 4115, but now I'm not going to buy it. Make sure you ALWAYS read all the information before you buy something!!!

EDIT: Looks like I get TOP honors! Eat up!!!

[mononguy63]

Evening, all. Think I'll go off-diet and order up a big ol' hot fudge sundae.

It's fun listening to the delivery service war stories. I have my own UPS-three-day-delivery-took-three-weeks-after-getting-lost-not-once-but-twice story. Probably anyone here who buys much online could share some similar horror.

Maybe tonight I can (gasp!) work on the layout a bit, assuming I don't fall asleep putting the three year old in bed again. If you don't hear from me again before 11:00, you'll know it's happened again.

Thanks for the dessert. See y'all in the funny papers.

Jim

[unca roggie]

{puts weird looking cape back on...}  I was being Super Facetious Man when I wrote that bit back there, about all the weird places my Walthers parcel has been routed through....but, in reality, I was a little thrown off to see what towns the thing actually went through....while you'd EXPECT to see major centers such as DENVER and so forth, its always some city with a name you swear someone just made UP.  I've HEARD of CHINO, at least.  (Its the pants capital of the world, right?)

[TMarsh]

Evenin, I’ll have the RI Oyster stew, and the MoPac Rainbow Trout and a piece of that Southern Lemon meringue Pie!

Robby- sure hope you start feelin better. You sound awful . (shouted while hiding behind a booth with a napkin over my nose)

J.R.- Oh man sounds like you’re smack in the middle of a mess. I hope it all works out.

Roggie- Outside Hogs Anus!!! Aw nuts, Weeshed Ida knowed, I could of picked ‘em up fer ya. I was there fer ma famly reeeyooneeyun..

Funny there should be bandwi…er conversation on trailers. I went to the FLHS and there were Ia couple of trailers. I bought one, I thought it would be great for the owners of the Pizza Bait and garage to live in out back.

Ray- I have not heard that but may I say groooooaaaaaannnnnnn!

Joe - Sometimes you have to read between the lines too. I got a car (cheap) once “Great Condition” “Vintage” It literaly fell into three pieces in my hand .I wrote them and mentioned it . They felt that “vintage” should have clued me I that it probably needed a little work.

Sometimes a small town is advantageous. “ Pull in town. Third street turn . If you go four You're out of town.

(The previous was in no way meant to accurately describe any particular town. And was not a bashing of smalltown life)

[TMarsh]

Chino. Isn't that the town that you folks west of the Mississippi get the mystery long distance phone call billed from? We East of the Muddy get billed for some town in Wisconson.

Todd

[blownout cylinder]

  

unca roggie

{puts weird looking cape back on...}  I was being Super Facetious Man when I wrote that bit back there, about all the weird places my Walthers parcel has been routed through....but, in reality, I was a little thrown off to see what towns the thing actually went through....while you'd EXPECT to see major centers such as DENVER and so forth, its always some city with a name you swear someone just made UP.  I've HEARD of CHINO, at least.  (Its the pants capital of the world, right?)

That's funny. I swore it was a textile mill somewhere else? But yeah, any time I've got stuff delivered by them I'd always end up asking ---wha?--------my favourite? How about Denver CO to Austin TX then to Albany NY then here?

Or Audrey's ---they couldn't find our street? You know, the one with the high school on it? Our house was a little too obscure as well---buried by trees the way it is, being the only house with that many trees of course. /nah, still couldn't find it-----the house numbers stuck to the tree in 8" letters. Do you think the guy who gets this area might see them if the letters were a foot tall? Kind a ?

[ns3010]

TMarsh

Joe - Sometimes you have to read between the lines too. I got a car (cheap) once “Great Condition” “Vintage” It literaly fell into three pieces in my hand .I wrote them and mentioned it . They felt that “vintage” should have clued me I that it probably needed a little work.

Yea, even if you read it, you still never know what you will get.

Take a look at this F40!!! Directly from the seller: "The model test ran poorly with a working headlight, and is very noisy and shows wheel wear." Great deal for only $1 {sarcasm}. Sounds like a fine piece of machinery. Oh well, at least they're honest...

[Robby P.]

 I will have a house salad and a sweet tea. 

Still feeling the same. 

The boss never called.  Probably  due to the bad weather we have had this week (and more might be coming!!!). 

The paper said the power went out due to a dump truck taking out a pole yesterday.  It was a mess on the roads, and some places still are.

I was going to work on the layout and then I said no.  Just no energy.

I guess I will still continue to sit around, and web surf.  The wife is playing some monkey game on the Nintendo Wii.   Shows we have alot of plans.

Well everybody stay warm.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

TMarsh

Chino. Isn't that the town that you folks west of the Mississippi get the mystery long distance phone call billed from? We East of the Muddy get billed for some town in Wisconson.

Todd

I wouldn't know. I get only one phone bill a year and I know exactly how much it will be without looking. $19.95. And that's no matter how many calls I make or get.

[TMarsh]

Now, now, Barry. Everybody wants to go to Austin. So why not take your stuff with him.It's a tax write-off that way

[TMarsh]

jeffrey-wimberly

wouldn't know. I get only one phone bill a year and I know exactly how much it will be without looking. $19.95. And that's no matter how many calls I make or get.

 

[ewl01]

Gee, I seem to have stirred up the dust with my reply to unca roggie's post!  Next time I'll think a bit before I reply.  

I know I can get the coupler conversions for my n grain cars over the weekend.  Now I jusrt have to find that diorama with the grain silo.....  more boxes to look through.

Choe, any brownies?  With a decaf please? 

See everyone tomorrow, Eric 

[MadSinger]

I believe you are correct, Todd.  Can't think of the town name though. 

Anyway, haven't been on the forums or worked on the layout for a week!!!

I had a 11:00 dismissal today, so I got some work done on scenery.

Looks like others have had a busy week though.

[New Haven I-5]

Good Evening!

 

   I'll have the steak burger and fries with a Coke Zoe.

  This video has MLW 4-8-4 #261 with one hell of a whistle on it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnwpFsS-j_Q&feature=related sounds as if it is off a DLW Poncono.

 

                Talk later,

                  Luke

[mononguy63]

Very cool video, Luke. You're right about that whistle - it gave me goosebumps, and you can't control those!

(If there's any Purdue marching band alumni from the '80's here, they'll get that joke. I know I'm laughing now, even if I'm the only one)

It's been a good night. Spent some quality messy plaster time on the pike starting to fill in the back of a scenicked area. Note to self: next time DO THE BACK OF THE SCENE FIRST.

[blownout cylinder]

  It has been an interesting evening, what with friends still here, the cat has started bashing in my nose with his head, and me getting to the point where I can say--maybe next month I can start getting some wiring done here? And yes, doing backs of scenes is always a good idea--it is amazing how much crud ends up on shirts and things.

Chloe--can I get a coffee-decaf-and a large slice of LEMON MERINGUE PIE!!!--after this I'll be heading home and sleep--so I'll go and sit by the window and watch the scenery---

[Cederstrand]

Chamomile tea with lemon, please & thanks. 

***Luke, enjoyed that video very much.

I've become good friends with our UPS driver & family, so I am bias. In the past, FedX has told us over the phone on two separate occasions that our address didn't exist. I assured them we've lived at this same address for many many years. I still cross my fingers when anyone sends me anything via FedX & just hope they use any number of online map sites to find us.

Wife slept through her alarm the other morning (to see the dentist) and tonight she is in unbearable tooth pain. Praying the dentist can sqeeze her in tomorrow, especially with a potential "Blizzard of the Century" heading our way come monday. Tomorrow will likely pick up a few extra extension cords, extra gas & realistically another generator. The one I have is old and with the new home so much farther from the well house, a second makes sense. IF it does hit north Georgia like they are talking about, I will sure miss those fireplaces. We're 100% electric now...yuck!

Good night all. Rob

[Trainman Sam]

Hey there!  I'm new in town, hope you don't mind me comin' in out of the "cold"... This counter seat spoken for?

Can I get two eggs scrambled with a side of Pastrami, and Scrapple if you got it??? Thanks!

Hey New Haven I-5, thanks for the video link!  This diesel fan just got hooked on steam!!!  Awesome!

Hopefully see you guys 'round some!

Sam

[wetidlerjr]

Good Morning from Tipton IN !

[blownout cylinder]

   Good Morning peoples--we are going to a high of -5C with the low going down to -7C tonight. Yet another couple of inches of brand new snow is coming today for our viewing pleasure

-Trainman Sam to the diner! Come in and set a spell--you'll find the diner a good place --they have everything in here----

Well, today is payday and hence---after work, my next job willl be "Occupation: Bill Payer". Lots 'o fun. So the day started with Spring running around the house making call sounds---he is now on top of the kitchen cupboards watching me type this post. Our house is a bit disorganized again--the gang from Huntsville are getting ready to leave for the mighty T.O. (Toronto ON-for those not quite up on ON things)and we will have our house back--well, sort of . Then Sister and BIL come down with the neice and nephew for the weekend, then I'm off to visit with other sister for a couple of days---maybe get to go to LHS while I'm there---

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Welcome Trainman Sam. Make yourself at home.

 

Good morning.

It's 36 and partly cloudy. The high should be around the low 60's and it will be partly cloudy.

Didn't get much accomplished yesterday. I've got a plan laid out for splitting the track to the north engine house so I can have two tracks going in. Now I just have to wait for the turnout to arrive. It was picked up at Midlothian Hobbies at noon yesterday by USPS and was last seen leaving Fort Worth Texas. Today I'll likely be out paying bills. It's that time again.

Today's Weather for:
Sundown, LA  71446-6114      1/30/2009

Wind Chill:  30°F
Humidity:  89%
Dew Point:  31°F

So Far Today
High:  37°F
Low:  34°F
Rain:  0.00"
Rain Rate:  0.00"/h
Gust:  9mph NNE

  Today  High: 62    Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

  Tonight  Low: 35    Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s. West winds around 5 mph.


 

[Robby P.]

I will take the hungry mans breakfast with oj. 

Guess what, snowing again.  Well flurries right now.  The weather guy yesterday said we have had 14 days of a dusting or more of snow so far this month.  Most of the time Feb. is the bad snow month.

Lets see whats on tap for me........Might clean the house some.  Got dog/cat toys all over the floor, nothing new there.  

Since my layout is a duckunder, the wife and I will go out tomorrow and get a mechanics chair/with wheels, to sit on and roll under.  The wife has bad knees (thanks to softball years), and she has a hard time getting under.  Its on sale for $9.99.  

I see Jeff has something coming by USPS, which reminds me.  I saw on the news yesterday that they are thinking about closing on Tues, and Sat to save on money.  I had to mail "The Rock" to Norway yesterday, and the postmaster said that the stamps might go up in May. 

Well everybody I guess I will eat, and go clean.  I will be back in for lunch.

Robby

[SilverSpike]

Good Morning from the Piedmont!

I'll have 2 Eggs with Hash Browns and Bacon please Chloe! Thanks! And coffee and OJ to!

I appreciate all the comforting thoughts and prayers for the family, especially for my dad. And thanks also for the "inheritance" comments, makes me feel better, we do have very differing lifestyles too. I really to want to thank you all for considering us during these moments in our lives.

Getting into the train room later today and work on the benchwork and sub-roadbed some more. I want to try and finish that stage of the upper level real soon so I can start to put down roadbed and track. My next big milestone will be when I can run a consist from the lower deck to the upper deck.

One project I have been working on is converting my AHM Southern passenger car trucks from horn-hook couplers to Kadee #508 coupler conversion bolster kits. I am going to run by Train Buddy this morning to pick up 6 more packs for remaining cars. Still need to add the grab irons and then bring them up to NMRA weight standards too, these puppies are ultra-light, I can knock them down with one strong breath.

Here is one image of a finished truck:

Now for some good eatin'.....

 

Today's Lunch and Dinner Specials at the Trackside Diner
Soup du Jour ~		c $3.95 b$4.95
	Seafood Newburg Soup
From the Grill ~		$7.95
	Grilled Curry Lamb Chops
Diner Special ~		$5.95
	Barbecued Spareribs
Blue Plate Special ~		$5.95
	Poached Eggs with Crabmeat and Cheese on Toast
Dessert ~		$3.95
	Peach Lattice Pie
Just let Floe, Jeanie or Chloe put it on your virtual tab! Or, if your lucky the TOP honorary poster will cover it for you!

[Cederstrand]

in a UNION PACIFIC mug, please & thank you. 

Question: Has anyone here ever used "Super-Elevated Track" (Kato or other brand) and if so, how did the models run on it? Any tip-over accidents at slow speed?

Busy day ahead. Have a good one, Y'all.

Rob

[howmus]

Mornin' Everyone!

Zoe, I'll have what Ryan is having this morning and don't forget my Dark Roast Coffee in a FGLK Mug.

Gotta eat fast this morning as my son should be along very soon.  I get to play with my granddaughter while Petey (the dog) is at the vets.

Be back later! 

[pcarrell]

Mornin' all!

Welcome Sam!  C'mon in and have some coffee and a piece of pie.  (Wow, did you see that?  Everyone about fell over when they saw me sharing the pie!  I'm kind of a pie hound around here.)

Interesting turn of events last night.......a few weeks back I met a guy through a friend of mine at church who was struggling with some health issues and an addiction to alcohol.  My friend introduced us because she had trouble understanding this issue because she's never had that problem, and she knew I had in the past.  So anyways, I've been talking with the guy here and there, trying to get to know him a bit, but the alcohol has done a lot of damage to his brain functions, and he's a very guarded person.  Because of this, it's been very hard to get to know him at all.  He still talks to me though because I'm about the only person left in his life that will talk to him.  Everyone else has left him.  Well, a couple of weeks ago he called me up and asked me to be his sponser for AA.  Still though, it's tough talking to him.  When you ask him a question or say something that he has to respond to, it takes him like 5 seconds to formulate his response and then say it.  He's also still very guarded, probably because he's been hurt a lot by people leaving him.  Well, last night we were talking on the phone and he started to open up a little.  We're talking, and he mentions his sunroom, filled with a 14x18 foot O scale train layout.  AT LAST!  COMMON GROUND!  The more we talked about it, the more he opened up.  His answers also came quicker.  So tonight we're going to meet for coffee at a local coffee shop.  If you're the praying kind, please be in prayer about this meeting.  It'd be great to get him back into life with a fresh start, and model trains may just be the ticket to getting there!

Also, an update on the nasty little friend I've been carrying around this last few days.........my leg seems to be improving.  I'm using my pain pills less and less.  The redness and swelling have gone down, and the area isn't so hot any more.  With all the anti-biotics the docs are pumping me full of right now, I could probably snort the black plague and be fine!

Last but certainly not least, heartfelt prayers for all those in need.

So whats going on in your corner of the world?

[C&O Fan]

Morning all !

Sam

PC  hope your meeting is productive and the Model Train interest helps your new friend

 I'll be grooming cocker spaniels today

I volinteer for Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas

http://cockerkids.org/

Picking up a pair at the city pound and they need to be bathed and groomed before being taken to the vet for their shots and check ups

It's sometimes heart breaking to see them in such sad shape but with a little work and lots of love

we'll find them a great forever home

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 Got a call from my father earlier this morning. He was having trouble with a wall socket, the no power kind of trouble. So I gather up my multimeter and a few tools and head down there. The socket in question is in line with a light switch. One of those setups where the home owner could come home at night, flip the switch and a lamp would come on. That type of thing. So first I check the breaker. It's fine. I check for power at the socket. Nothing. I test the switch for continuity. Positive, we have continuity. I removed the wall plate and pulled the plug out of the wall. Everything looked all right. Went and turned off the breaker. T tested the wires with the multimeter to be sure they were dead then I pulled on the wires where they connect to the socket. First one then the other. The first one held fast but the second one pulled loose. AH HA! I had it! I reattached the wire and made sure it was tight then went and turned the breaker on. I came back and tested the outlet. Nothing! I then tested the wires again. Nothing there either. By now I'm wondering what the heck is going on here. I take a closer look at the wall box and on close inspection I see a wire way in the back that's connected to nothing. I'm thinking it must have come loose from the side of the socket the other wire had come off of, so I test it not realizing that that the tip one finger is touching the metal part of the test probe. There was power there all right! Now I had a good reason to comb my hair as well as reopen the door to the hallway. So I turn the switch and the breaker and go back and rewire the socket. I turn the breaker back on. It stays set so there's no short. I go turn the wall switch on. No short. I test the socket. YES! We have power! I put everything back together, check the socket again to make sure I didn't knock something loose. It's working. So far that's been the most interesting part of my day.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I just got conformation from OfficeMax that my new Nikon Coolpix L18 camera was picked up by UPS yesterday and was last seen leaving Chicago. It should be here Monday.

[Packer]

I spent some of this morning doing some speed matching. I got 2 engines to match up to a ruberick I set up for engine speeds. (80 mph is top, 40 mph is mid, and they start moivng at speed step 1) So far I got a GP30 and GP9 set to it, both have QSI soun so it was a tad easier setting them up since I can call it up to tell me how fast it's going.

However, my next task is quite a daunting one. Getting 2 P2K SD45s (with DH165l0s), Atlas U30C (with a NCE-DASR), and an Athearn Genesis F45 with DCC sound* matched up. It'll probably be a F45, SD45, SD45[reversed], U30C [reveresed] consist (and be able to pull at least 365 cars on level track). I still need to get some SD40-2s, BN had over 827, and I have none....

* I'm aware about what people say about MRC decoders. In the event that I am not happy with the motor control, I'll put a Lenz in it, and disconnect the MRC from the motor. This way I can keep the existing sound/motor decoder as a sound-only decoder.