Elliot's Trackside Diner IX

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Good evening..

Sawyer... Yes, to seeing doctor no matter what if it still hurts. After that, think about the lawyer thing. Lawsuits are never any fun. In such a case the plaintiff is effectively suing the driver's insurance company. The defendant lawyer would dig into your background in an effort to find a pre-existing condition. Perhaps, they would strive to convince the jury that it relates to playing football. Some of that is based on my experience. A drunk driver drove through my driver's door at 50 mph and broke some of my vertebrae along with other injuries. That was about 20 years ago. Following that, it was quite an ordeal including major surgery, extended physical therapy, and months of lost work time. The driver was at fault, spent only one night in jail, and lost his license for only 90 days. I did sue, and lawyers dug through every one of my medical records to try to find a pre-existing condition. Results of the lawsuit were disappointing and did not begin to cover all financial damages. Nothing for pain and suffering. Victims of drunk drivers suffer more than the drunks.

I heard from my family members in Birmingham, AL that they had snow. We had a little here, too, but not much.

Speaking of relatives there, my neice had a baby boy a few days ago.

While I'm on the personal stuff........ I had mentioned a few months ago that a lady at our church had cancer. Then she had chemo-therapy and major surgery. We learned a couple of weeks ago that she still has cancer. She is back on chemo therapy. Her long term prospects are very grim.

This afternoon, I did some cleaning of the model railroad room. It was getting rather messy with all the projects I have been doing.

 

 

 

[GMTRacing]

Good Evening All,

   Slow day today, got some chores done, visited the new shop (don't tell the doc- it was just a short visit) and looked up an article Ryan did on 3rd Planit. Long story short I ordered it and will give CAD a try at my advanced age. Quite a breakthrough for a pen and T-square guy, no?

Sawyer - it's normal to be sore the day after an accident but if you're still sore after a couple of days by all means get your folks to make an appt with the doc. Your name should be in the accident report as well, but don''t worry about lawyers just yet. Make sure you're all right and take it from there.Lawsuits are for when the other party or their insurance won't see after your welfare.

   Preparing for our next dusting of snow 6 to 12 inches predicted so we'll see. Wonder how my open toe sandel and gauze sock will fare in all that. Catch y'all later Return of the King is on and I'm watching. J.R.

 

[Cederstrand]

Tall glass of cool lemon water, please.

After finishing all the improtant stuff, went down to the train room and got busy. Here is an general overview pic of my future layout:

...and a closer look at the corner: 

Picked up some more (N) Unitrack. Still looking for a good deal on some Atlas Flex track from a dealer who accepts Paypal or personal checks. Won't be much longer before I will really need to get some.

Told wife I might hack the legs down on the smaller section of that door/table I cut up and add it to her layout. She was quite pleased with that idea. With HO, she can use all the extra space she can get.

Rob

 

[Flashwave]

Hey, Sawyer, I'm wonderin'

1) would the other lawyers knick for you being in the center seat? or

2) not pay ya much if anything because you weren't the driver and it wasn't your car? Lawyers can be picky like that

[der5997]

Good evening everyone. My first triip in for a while, but I've been busy getting a fresh computer and also on the backdrop. Happy to report progress has been made, so here's a quick tour. A bit of ocean view  (the ocean is on the extreme left by the window) Then the blueberry hill behind the container port. The corner is coved with a whole advertizing sign from the top of a gas station pump. On the other side of the end wall is a logging clear cut , check out the other cuts on the skyline. Corner coved the same way. Working around past the trading estate, I had to finish the corner as it had been left rough by the contractor, and I've lived with it for all these years. The light switch is now part of the sky!  Off to the seaside again.  This is a farming valley through which my interchange RR has its track. The end double corner took another complete sign to cove. The forced perspective road disappears over the brow of a hill with the sea beyond. Finally, the wall behind the west end of the viaduct got a lick of paint as well. I think I'll make a cover for the doorframe moulding similar tot he one I tried for the window frame in the first picture.

I see it's bedtime again. Freezing rain prevented us getting to a 70th. birthday party for a friend. Since it's the same all over the Province, the party has been re-scheduled for next Sunday. Hope it's better then!

Goodnight all, and God Bless. Prayers for all in need of healing, comfort and peace.

[GMTRacing]

Wow Der, that's really a knockout! I flipped through all the pics but need to go back and study some more. The finished areas are really stunning. Nice work. Sorry to hear you're still having weather problems.  J.R.

[Paul W. Beverung]

Evening Gang:

PC take care of your self. Maybe you could make some of that chillie and drop a good shot of DA BOMB in it. That would make you sweat everything out.

I got to do some RRing today. Notice I didn't say MRRing. I worked on cleaning up some down at my depot, since I was down there watering the stock. One of these days I'd like to get the thing finished. Understand that this depot is 1 to 1 scale since it's for the 7.5 inch live steam railroad and we need to fit inside.

I think that I'll say

Good Night All

[grayfox1119]

Outstanding John!!!!!  I remember when you started way back when, what a job you have done mon ami !!!  This might spur Ed to get his N scale in high steam mode.

The snow has started, an inch on the ground already, by morning there will be at least 8" with 6 more to come +/-. Two age groups don't care how much it snows, those under 18 and those over 65, both have the day off tomorrow.....LOL

Bon Soir mais amis

[Cederstrand]

Chamomile tea, please & thanks. 

***Der, very cool layout there. Your farming area photo is now our latest Desktop Background. It will give the wife something inspiring to look at in the morning.

Good Night Y'all.

Rob

[TMarsh]

Evenin' all...Poked my head in a few times to try and stay caught up. That's tuff around here.

Sawyer, enough has been said about the doctor young man. And ditto J.R.'s comments. IF you have problems you have time.

Has anyone heard from Philip? Seriously Mom whips up this tonic that's good for what ails ya. Equal parts whiskey (not bourbon. Why? I don't know) honey and lemon juice. Put it in a fruit jar and take a couple of hits before bed. Sleep like a baby. But for you Philip, might I suggest another of Momma Marshall's cure's, a good gargle with warm salt water. Does wonders for a sore throat. Don't know about the voice but it can't hurt. Mom always liked it when we couldn't talk. Here's to hoping this is too late and you're all better.

Barry while you're down there lookin for your people. See if you can find that brake wheel that went flying off in your direction.

Garry, conrats to your niece.

Rob, those captions. Tell us how you really feel. Seriously, room looks great.

Wonderful John! I just glanced but I'll be sure to go back tomorrow a check it out more.

Night All

Todd

[last mountain & eastern hogger]

der5997

behind the west end of the viaduct

 

Hey Der,  very impressive.  You have really progressed well.

I would like to have an update and suggestions on building a viaduct such as yours.

Can that happen ??

Johnboy out...........

May the Rails never be Silent

[Trainman Sam]

ewl01

I ran the Spectrums on a test track using a train set transformer.  Out of the box it crept smoothly at slow speed. Imagine the performance on real track and a real speed controller The frame is obviously insulated with small copper tabs on either side of the motor. dcc should be a snap with a small decoder.

Eric

Awesome, thank you for the info, makes me glad I put one on hold at LHS!!!  Well, I'm off to bed, I have to get myself out of this late night stuff, and into a good sleep pattern...

    I have one more day to enjoy lazing about the house, then my two years of classes start at NJ Transit!  If you can keep me in your prayers that the Lord will give me the strength to get through this grueling course!  I am really looking forward to this career!

Prayers for all who need them!  Which, as we all know, is all of us!

Good night my friends!

[wetidlerjr]

 Good Morning from Tipton IN !

[LSWrr]

Good morning all,

The two Berkshires are now sound equipped and the high bass speakers really made the difference I think.  I’m still playing with the CV settings for the break and start speeds.  If anyone has a recommended setting I would love to hear some advice.

I successfully installed an inexpensive decoder in the Mehano Mountain last night. Now I need to pull that decoder out and install the tsunami heavy steam decoder and speaker I have sitting here.  I also need to figure out how to install an operating coupler on the front pilot and I have a hooded LED for the rear of the tender.

I may try to make a movie this week and post it on the internet.

Lee

 

[LSWrr]

Rob, impressive work on the train room!

Sam, good luck with school, sounds like an interesting job awaits you!

Lee

[blownout cylinder]

Good Morning--Currently we are sitting at -17C with a windchill of -27C. Why does this sound familiar---hmmmn. We're going to have a mix of sun/cloud and the ever popular 40% chance of flurries today and tomorrow with highs both days around -6C. Tonights low is going to be around -20C and with winds of up to 40kmh we'll see windchills in the -30C range( o-but it's a dry cold----yeah right).

DerJohn: All I can say is GOOD WORK, MAN!!!

Sam: Good luck at the endeavour!!!

Todd: I found my people--now you lose break wheel? Don't you just love flying pieces? At least they're not flying pies----

I'm going to be heading out of town to visit with a client today and then I've got a bit of time to go and visit LHS so I can pick up a bunch of detail parts for a garage and a machine shop I'm working on. I'm not sure on just what this is called when someone goes and starts fiddling around with etched metal pieces that are supposed to become say, a turret lathe or such and then populate the place with people etc---I've even got a load of N scale hand tools--shovels and hammers and the like---so I use stumpyfingers and tweezers and drop things all over the place---at least my floor is clean!!!

Oh--yes, by Friday--I HOPE!!--I'll have the atrium done and I'll get the thing posted on next weeks WPF!!!The frame looks like it will stay together--our furry stress tester took it out for a bit of 'prey' walking---at least he didn't go and do the tea bag dipping in his water bowl!!!

Chloe, I'll have a western omellette with a coffee please---I'll be at the back doing some train watching

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Good morning.

It's 33° and clear. The high is expected to be around 60 and it will be partly cloudy.

I was planning on going to town yesterday but discovered my car had a flat tire. I removed it and looked for a hole. No dice. Even after inflating it I couldn't find a hole. I'm going to take it to the tire place in town and have them find it. Once they find the hole a quick plug will take care of that. I suspect that it's probably a rock cut. That's a fairly common occurrence in this area. I got the broken pins drilled out on the observation car and only have to set the screws in place and inject epoxy in around them and wait for it to set. Then I'll remove the screws and I should have two pre-tapped holes.

Today's Weather for:
Sundown, LA  71446-6114      3/2/2009

Wind Chill:  27°F
Humidity:  72%
Dew Point:  24°F

So Far Today
High:  38°F
Low:  32°F
Rain:  0.00"
Rain Rate:  0.00"/h
Gust:  8mph N

Today  High: 58    Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Northeast winds around 5 mph.

Tonight  Low: 35    Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s. East winds 5 to 10 mph.


 

[Robby P.]

Well we got no snow, but it looks like ALOT of people did. My buddy in NC got 7 inchs.  Thats a good bit for them.

Rob, nice start so far.  

Jeff, I have seen alot of stuff in truck tires (18 wheeler).  From rocks, bolts, nails, I even think a animal bone.  I'm sure its a rock cut.   That shouldn't be to much money, maybe $10.00 or so.

I need to go to the post office.  Last time I went I got a parking violation.  I am waiting to go, kinda let the mail trucks to clear out.

I have a CSX boxcar almost ready to go for "the bay", but I might skip.  The hopper I have up now on there, isn't doing to good.   I think its starting to take its toll (the economy) on "the bay".   I might just wait and see what happens.

Well everybody have a good day, I will try to get back by lunch.

[howmus]

Mornin everyone!

I'm good and hungry this morning so I'll have a stack of buckwheat pancakes and a side of bacon, Zoe.  Oh and a cup of dark roast coffe in a FGLK mug.  Thanks!

Rob it looks like you and the missus have both made a great start on the layouts!  Bet you are going for a wooden trestle in that canyon.

Der John nice photos, nice layout!

Dick that's just a bit of "partly cloudy" up in your part of New England isn't it? The Finger Lakes Regoing of NY is bitter cold (12°F this morning and not going to get much warmer) but the storm you folks are getting has missed us.

Bill what is the prime mover photo this morning?  Is the second the inside of an E or F Unit???

Jeffrey..........  Out changing tires this morning, huh?  Is that what the Doctor wants you to be doing?  I admire your tenacity!  Hope it is fixable.

I got a bunch of line poles installed last night along with some more railbars.  Now I have to finish painting the rails and add some weeds and such to the yard and it should be about finished.  Photos are in WPF.

I'll be sitting in the back trying to get warm. 

[Cederstrand]

Large coffee in a UNION PACIFIC mug, please & thanks. 

***Der, how do you "reach" the middle ground of the farming area to work on it? 

***Lee, is this a recent switch to DCC & sound? (short memory here)

Question: Is the Bachmann EZ Digital Command DCC Controller Sytem any good? And is there a difference between DC & DCC switches? On that (Michael Gross) video, they are using DCC controllers with the basic Bachmann EZ Track Pack. My wife is going to be using that same track pack, so just wondering about adding the DCC thing later. (too late for me & my N to convert)

Have a good day all. Rob

[Cox 47]

Good morning all.....Its sunny and cold here 18 but posta be in the 70's by week-end then turn cold and snow...I'll have coffee and toast please..Thank You...Two of the Grand daughters spent the night and I have the Illinois and southern shops closed down as We are working on 2 pine Wood Derby cars for Awanas...[JR can you give us any speed tips?]

Der John....Wow thanks for photo ...layout is a work of  Art..no make that a work of  John!!...

Well back to sanding and priming race cars...You all have a good one...Jerry..

[pcarrell]

Yup, still sick!

I barely slept last night.  Nyquil didn't help much, which is strange because it usually works well for me.  I had a 101 fever all night and so I'm home today.  At least I got my voice back though.  As of now I think the fever is breaking, so thats good.  I'll be glad to ditch this cough too.  It's so deep it really hurts.  Anyways, enough about me.

Thats quite a snow storm they're having in the east, huh?  The Carolina's are all white, and Boston is looking at nearly a foot.  Funny enough, they're talking 70's as a possibility for later in the week down Carolina's way.  Sounds like it might be a setup for flooding, huh?

Around here it's just cold.  It's supposed to warm up quite a bit later in the week though.

Well, I'm gonna scoot now. 

Prayers for all!

[Packer]

Haven't been in here lately, got more catching up to do.

Went to pensacola saturday and got some (like 10) evaporative solenoids for my car since the computer said it was bad. Had it in since saturday afternoon and no "Check engine" light. While I was over there, I bought a TCS A4X and an A1X for my SD24s I got (which were waiting when I got back). One didn't have the atlas lightboard, and my DH123 has too long of a harness to fit in the other one. I plan to put in an order to atlas sometime later this month, to get the rest of the parts for my C424s, and some other parts for some engines.

Jeff, If you can put air in the tire and submerge it in something (swimming pool maybe) and look for where the air comes out, or cover it with soapy water and look for air bubbles. I haven't done either of those with car tires, but they work for bicycle tires.

Rob, the Bachmann system is okay if it's going to be a small layout not running more than a couple of trains at once without MUing them. The Zephyr is a much better system, and can be expanded.

Robby, seems that way.

[pcarrell]

Cederstrand

Question: Is the Bachmann EZ Digital Command DCC Controller Sytem any good? And is there a difference between DC & DCC switches? 

I started out with that system.  It's pretty limited, but it does as it advertises at a good pricepoint.  A bit more will get you a lot more system though.  The Digitrax Zephyer is one that is expandable (thats important), as well as a few others that are nice.

As for the turnout question, this is a great site to check out.  It's mainly geared towards HO scale, but electrically speaking it applies to any scale.  http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches.htm 

[gear-jammer]

 

Good morning, All.  I am not working today.  I guess I will spend some time organizing our taxes.

Rob,  Thanks for the view of your layout and your wifes layout.  You will have great fun working together on your layouts.

Larry did another layer of paint on a background building yesterday.  He also painted the rooftop, while I did another layer of water in the streambed.

Later,

Sue 

[TRENT B]

Hey all,

Got a question: I saw some cars yesterday that looked like those crossed braced vat cars but were all steel, no tops, 3 bays, and were as long as a bethgon. Anyone know what type or kind of car? If they were ballast cars they sure weren't like any I've ener seen. Sorry no pic as I couldn't get there fast enough.

I'll have a Sprite, Ladies!

Trent

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Hello everybody..

Vincent...I posted comments to you about SD24's here in the diner a couple of days ago. You'll have to go back 4 pages or so to see it.

Der John..... Your layout pictures are terrific.

Trent.... I can not envision what sort of cars you described. Sorry.

There were some comments about 3rd planet software for layout design. I tried it 7 years ago as I started my current layout. The learning curve was going to be way too long, and I got out the good old drafting equipment and one of those track planning templates. I still use my hand drawn plans as I continue my layout construction. I build some layout, and stop to add scenery and structures. I prefer looking at scenery ove just boards and track.

 

 

[LSWrr]

Trent, those cars; did they look like a tanker car cut in half with the top missing? Did they have something like ALGOMA RAIL painted on the sides?

Rob, yes I’m just getting into DCC and most of my education is from trial and error. If you can find a copy of the October or November 2008 Model Railroader they laid all the DCC systems out in a comparison article.  I can comment all day long on my system if you’re interested feel free to ask, I have a Digitrax Super Chief 8 AMP Radio system and I love 90% of it.

Jeff, my bet is on a bad valve stem.

John, great progress pictures, when is MR coming out to put it on the cover?  It looks that good!
Lee

 

[nik .n]

 Can someone look at my SOS? I really do need help!

[Trainman Sam]

Cederstrand

Question: Is the Bachmann EZ Digital Command DCC Controller Sytem any good? And is there a difference between DC & DCC switches?

     I am currently using the Bachmann EZ Command system. Anytime I have a short in the system I have to go through each locomotive and use the function key to turn the engine headlights back on, which now that I have eliminated the majority of the problems, is not so much of an issue but still happens from time to time.

     I'm glad to have gotten it, as I have been able to enjoy DCC quickly and inexpensively!  Having said that, if I were to do it over again, I would simply spend the extra hundred dollars, purchase the Zephyr, and enjoy all the additional functions, rather than dealing with the limitations of the EZ Command system.  If you are interested in more flexibility with regards to changing CV's, such as speed matching locos in order to MU engines, then I would go with the Zephyr...

     I keep saying the Zephyr, because it only costs around one hundred dollars more than what you would pay for the EZ Command system.  Also you will have the ability to expand without having to replace the original system you purchased, unlike the EZ Command.  The only expansion option you have with the EZ Command is to get the Walkaround companion, which doesn't give you any additional features, only the ability to have additional operators on the layout.

     On the switches, to my knowledge the EZ track switches are fine to use with DCC.  Bachmann even offers EZ Track DCC equipped turnouts, which saves you having to run the wires to the switch as the decoder draws its power from the rails!  Some people view the B'mann DCC switches as good, others as bad.  My peresonal viewpoint is towards the negative, due to the fact of the decoder being mounted on the underside of the roadbed (and by this I mean it is mounted directly on the other side of the plastic from the track itself), so if anything were to go wrong with it, you would have to pull up the trackwork, or have to leave an opening under the benchwork to have access to the decoder...  which I would not be comfortable with either option...

I hope this helped. sorry for talking your ear off!  Chloe, whatever they're having, please put it on my tab?!