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

[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!

[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

[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.


 

[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---

[wetidlerjr]

Good Morning from Tipton IN !

[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

[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

[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---

[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.

[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

[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.

[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 

[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.

 

[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

[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.

[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.

[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 ?

[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

[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)

[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?)

[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

[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!!!

[blownout cylinder]

  AAH--to be home again. Roads to the north of us remain snowcovered hence I'm watching people either sliding into the ditch--phoned police for one--guy was drunk(YEESH--and driving--) Then there was the indecisive one--where am I? How'd I get here?--that kind of scenario---

Parcel turned out to be harness loom Audrey was getting from the antique store--so it turned out to be heavy and odd shaped---

So with Spring butting the compooter screen and purring up a blue streak, I'll order up a giant platter of roast beef on a bun and a coffee and attend to a curled up purrmotor----

[howmus]

gear-jammer

You mean, so is Sue with Larry?

 

Or visa-versa...... ???

Evenin' all!

This afternoon became one of those "I'll never get this all done" afternoons.  Waited around for a phone call and as soon as I made arrangements to have the party stop in at 11AM tomorrow to pick up some stuff, my son called.  He has a 10:15 appointment at the vets tomorrow for a check up for their new doggie (little beagle they adopted from the shelter).  He needs me to go along with him to watch my granddaughter while he takes the dog into the room at the vets.  I bet you know what my answer was....   Luckily the vet is only a short block from where I live and usually runs on time.  I had to leave right after he called to drop off some CDs at Church for the choir rehearsal tonight (had to be there before the secretary left for the day) then get my allergy shots, do some banking, and then grocery shopping.  Just sent the original caller an e-mail saying, "call before you come over."

On the USPS/UPS/Fed Ex conversation, I have had pretty good luck with all of them with the exception of a couple times with Fed Ex.  They seem to get lost easily.  When I bought my Top-Side Creeper a coupl years ago, it came in a tractor trailer.  The driver called me as he couldn't find my street.  He was several blocks away in a residential section and couldn't turn most of the corners with the semi.......  I finally figured out where he was and got him back over to the main drag and gave him some alternate directions to get to my house.  He finally arrived with the package.  In order to get off my street, he had to back the truck up past the side street and make as wide a turn as he could running up both on my lawn and the lady across the streets lawn......  I didn't mind as far as my lawn was concerned, but lucky the lady across the street was not home at the time, or both the truck driver and I would have gotten a tongue lashing!!!  The other problem I have had with Fed Ex is their requiring a signature and having to sit and wait all day for them and they never show up.....  I finally got a "leave it on my doorstep without a signature form" signed and mailed to them and haven't had that problem since.

BTW, did you hear that UPS and Fed Ex are planning to merge.  New company will be called.......

Fed UPS!  (I know, I know, that is an old one....Sorry!)

Oh hi Zoe, I'll have the Oyster Stew for starters, the Prime Rib, Baked Potato, sour cream, and a fresh garden salad (imported from California) with Blue Cheese dressing, and a cup of decafe.  I'll order dessert later.
 

[gear-jammer]

last mountain & eastern hogger

You are one lucky Guy to have a wife who so enjoys the MMR bug.    And so is Larry with Sue.   I just think you should both be in the same scale.

You mean, so is Sue with Larry?

[unca roggie]

Rob: I really wanted the trailer (the BLUE one, on top, above) as my family lived in one just like it, back in the late 50's (although, I'm not sure why I wanted something to bring back THOSE memories...my bed was the top of a bunk type, in the middle of that long tube, and when I'd get up too quickly, I'd smack my head on the ceiling.  Hmmmnnnn...that may explain a lot, come to think of it.) 

In any event, Walthers had those on special, and maybe there were too many like me looking for old time memories, as it was out of stock by the time I put in an order.

[ewl01]

unca roggie

{Quick note of explanation, if its necessary...I was just tryin' to be funny}

Unca Roggie!!!    NAW!!! I knew you were just kidding around!!  Besides, there's no Wild Gooseneck NJ, though we do have millions of wild geese. Still, there are those interlopers who obviously read us, but choose not to join us because they think they are better than we are, always bashing people, or companys because they didn't get things the way they wanted, We've seen that on other threads.....  I guess I sound too serious sometimes, sorry.

Umm, Zoe? Could I get a cheeseburger deluxe and an unsweetened ice tea? Thanks

Eric

[unca roggie]

{Quick note of explanation, if its necessary...I was just tryin' to be funny}

[inch53]

pcarrell

Cox 47

He drives a Water truck in oil patch...

Doesn't he know that water and oil don't mix?

 

That's why they use it. The crude around here is what's called heavy or hard crude. It's to heavy to flow well and hard to refine. 

Most the wells produce salt water [some wells produce 2 barrels water/ one barrel oil] and can't be dumped out on the ground. It either has to be hauled for EPA disposal. Or it's injected back into the oil field [usually an old out of produce well in the middle of the pump field] to help bring the pressure up and help increase the flow. Every so often an industrial type detergent is also injected with the water, to wash the crude into the pump wells.

At least that's the way I understand it anyhow.