Elliot's Trackside Diner IX

[Paul W. Beverung]

Afternoon Gang: I got OOPsed out yesterday. I couldn't even get into the general discusion page.

It's been raining here and cold. The rain we really need but the cold I could do without. Of course I've said that I'll take the moisture anyway we can get it, even snow and ice. So far we have gotten about 2 inches. Of course that won't do much damage to a 1 1/2 year drought.

Other then that not much going on. I guess I'll head out and come back in later.

Mary Ann is feeling some better but we are both going to see the doctor this afternoon. She is a very generous person and has shared what ever it is she has with me. I do so love her. Cough, Hack, Cough.

[ewl01]

The thing I don't understand is why I had the same problem on two different sites at the same time.  It can't be just Kalmbachs software going OOPS!  if Google's photo site Flickr goes "BONK!" at the same time. (last night)  Just figured I'd throw that out there for you 'pooter guy to explain.......or was it just coinkidink?  I would think Flickr would have enough capacity or what ever it is one needs.

Eric

[tcwright973]

All this time that you guys have been talking about "oops" pages, I had no idea what that was all about. Well, now I know, It started for me yesterday and through this morning. So sloooow and then the dreaded "oops." The big relief for me is knowing it's not on my end.

Tom

[AmanaMedic]

Good morning everybody,

A quick, early lunch (tripple cheeseburger, large fries, bucket of Coke), then back into the newspaper biz. This afternoon is the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce's big public meeting on AMTRAK. I've been doing a little research, and it looks like numerous studies have been done saying "it'll work." Iowa Interstate (IAIS) does not look opposed...but in Dec. 2008 said it would likely be 2-3 years before anything would be done. They'd have to rebuild the IC to Chicago line (ex-Rock Island) to get it up to 79mph passenger standards. I believe a CTC signal system also has to go in. Even then, the line becomes CSX at Utica, IL. IAIS continues in to Chicago via trackage rights. Wonder what CSX thinks of all this?

 I finally found the Fall-Winter '62-'63 Rock Island timetable I picked up a few years back. At that time, IC saw six passenger trains daily: 3 East, 3 west. The Des Moines Rocket, the Rocky Mountain Rocket, and the Cornbelt Rocket. They also had bus service running between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. I'm thinking of making my article "value added" by including this little historic "look back," plus a pic of the ex-RI depot. I guess it's somewhere just South of downtown IC...and I think a lawyer's office now.

In other news/views today, I see "OOPS!" is back...a lot. I wonder if it isn't time to start packing up the diner for the next move???

Have a safe day all...

Chris

[howmus]

 Mornin' everyone!

I've been dealing with the Oooops! page for a while again this morning.  Sure wish the powers that be would fix things.   As soon as I finally got in the door, my little 18 pounder, Blackie, has decided that it was time for him to wake up and climb up my shoulder.  Therefore I am typing with my left hand slowly.....

Zoe I'll have my usual in a FGLK mug this morning along with one of those large bran muffins, please.

Amtrack being by a what?  F40?  Must be one of them new fangled thingies, I guess.  Now if it was being pulled by a PRR T1 or most any 4-4-0, that would be somethin'!  Actually, very cool!

Finally at 12:30 this morning finished up the draft of the info sheets that will go out to people at the Spring Meet on the 21st.  Here is the write up for one of the layouts on tour..... Some of you who been in the hobby for 30 or more years may know whose layout this is.  The first one that can identify the builder correctly gets a prime rib dinner on me here at the diner.  (I've given several Hints.) Know the one liner about "buying a basement, house is optional........."  That's what this guy did!

Scale: HO
    Layout size: 1800 sq. feet
    Trackwork complete: 100%
     Guil planned the Tiger Valley System in the 1960’s and finally began construction in 1973.  It fills the 1800 square foot basement of his house and consists of the Tiger Valley Eastern Division, a four track main line loop about 155 feet in length, the Tiger Valley Western Division, a three track main line loop about 350 feet in length.  Both can run through the main yard or bypass the yard.
     The Western Division interchanges with two branchlines; the Black Diamond Route, a two track line loop about 350 feet in length; and the Norinyl Line, a single track branch line that connects trackage on the basement walls over a 21 foot long timber trestle.
     Mainline tracks are 48” minimum radius, branchline tracks are 36” minimum radius.  Virtually all of the 5700 feet of track is code 100 rail spiked to ties made from Ohio Blue Tip matchsticks cut to length and stained.  There are currently 311 working switches (most are scratch built) operated by twin coil machines.  Operation is DC block control thru main panels, local panels, and walk around controls.  Storage tracks line the basement walls that will be accessed by lift out sections at some future date.  He uses Mantua style hook and loop couplers on the layout.  Operating sessions use a simple work order sheet using car reporting marks for various siding destinations.  There are about 200 locomotives and 2000 cars on the layout and many more in storage.  Guil models equipment from 1940 to about 1990 and so runs steam and first and second generation diesels.

I got up again with an itchy ear.  Been plugged up for a few days.  Called and made an appointment for this afternoon to get it rotorooted out.  It is a "fun" procedure, especially with an inflamed ear canal.....

Galaxy, you do sound down.  I think we are all ready for spring to arrive (and no I'm not talking about Barry's cat).  Others have given some good advise already.

I see my breakfast is waiting, so I will go hide in the front booth and watch the switcher work outside. 

[Cox 47]

Good Morning..Its sunny and 23 here this morning...I'm too late for breakfast just coffee and a sweet roll for me please..Thank You..I started soldering track together for new yard yesterday..I am using old Atlas switches and track and it has to be cleaned and checked as I go I am hoping to build the entire yard with recycled track and switches..I have some old Caboose industry ground throws that I used on my last HO layout I am thinking I can make them work with N scale switches..Hooveround Man is coming this afternoon seat cushion they put on a couple of weeks ago is not holding up and He wants to check it out..Its pretty simple a 2 inch foam is not going to support someone of my size..Its get frustrating trying to tell the "techs" from the company that...Oh well off your soap box Cox and quit complaing you have alot to be thankfull for!..You all have a good one...Jerry

[TMarsh]

der5997

If it turns out OK I'll post a pic.

If it doesn't, post it anyway. It'll make me feel better knowing I'm not alone in "didn't turn out the way I planned" land.

[TMarsh]

Mornin' all Just coffee please.

Last day to do stuff before fish fry day tomorrow.

Barry- Yup they sure did. Key word, I guess, is did. They now use GE Genesis' s s s Genesee, Genesi, Genesice. Whatever the plural is. Among a few others. Anyway the F40PH's were supposedly retired. Sold off, or if not worth fixing, turned into baggage cars. Probably by someone a lot like Jeff. Last one to run as an engine for Amtrak was supposedly around 1999 or 2000 (dates? I‘ve not been too concerned about it). And well yeah, I have to admit, I was standing uptown and when I heard the crossing activate and the horn blow I turned to watch. After the F40 itself past and the cars were still there I turned and said "Hmm they are supposed to be all gone now. I guess not. I'm not out of line." (slight soft shoe performed, to which I got blank looks). Anyway, since I didn't see the end of the train I suppose it's possible there was another engine pushing the train and I was seeing a head cabbage. (I could swear I heard engine noise. I was after dark and I don't usually pay much attention to AMTRAK.) I DO NOT however recall any doors on the side of said loco. I recall the newest logo and a smooth side. I say there's one or two out there and I just saw it. Kinda like Giant Squid. (gotta take that camera with me more). In our little burg, The crossing has a building to the north and it crosses Main street and then about two rail car lengths before it disappears behind the grain bins. So anything you see isn't much more than a glance. But it's my story and I'm sticking to it. Nyah.

So that's the big debate in this neck of the woods, what's happening in yours?

Have a great day!

[der5997]

Good morning Diners:  Just dropping in for my 10 page check-up and a JR Regular to go with that coffee cake of PC's. BTW, PC what's up with your e-mail these days?

(By Eric) Jeff; meant to tell you, nice MOW car.

...double ditto!  It's a very convincing re-work, thanks for taking us through the process!

Galaxy: I would agree with the "simplify" advice. It's like a computer defrag...all sorts of space becomes available. If your household is anything like ours, there's "hardly ever used stuff" stashed about, as well as furniture that "fills a space" but is not really needed. It would be sad (and I chose the word deliberately ) to give up the mrr without first having a go at alternative solutions.

A first for me the other day, operating a way freight with a switch list. If this keeps up, I'm going to have to actually make a record of my car fleet with Road and reporting marks, and print it out. Yikes!

I'm also in the middle of a project for Kris' Arts Association. they are selling "Artsy" bird houses, and I've agreed to do one with a mrr theme. Thanks goodness for the junk box! If it turns out OK I'll post a pic.

Things to do in the Harbour, so I'll "sup up" and get on with the day. All the best from a sunny Sober Island, waiting for it to freeze up again. (Thanks CNC!)

[ewl01]

Morning all!  Morning Chloe!  French Toast & sausage and a Decaf please.

Galaxy; as has been said, don't give up!  I spent the last 8 years playing with the switch end of a storage yard.  Now that I have some money and space I can expand a bit.  A little bit of rail is better than none at all.

Jeff; meant to tell you, nice MOW car.

Sun is out here on the coast.  Of course with that gate open it's back in the 30's. 

I've started glueing the train car doors together for the coffee plant.  It's going to eat up some property but I want it to look realistic.  I'll cut back on the office size a bit and the yard next to the plant will have less track than the real one.  Selective Compression I believe is the term.  I need to get some Evergreen stock to strengthen the structure.  I'll be up north again Saturday so I'll stop in the LHS and stock up.

Enough from me, later. Eric

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 Good morning.

It's 45 and cloudy. The high should be in the mid 50's and there will be a 50% chance of rain.

Got an appointment to see the foot doc today then will be taking it easy the rest of the day.


Today  High: 55    Mostly cloudy. A 50 percent chance of showers. Cooler. Highs in the mid 50s to lower 60s. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight  Low: 45    Rain likely. Lows in the mid 40s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

[LSWrr]

Good morning all, 

Wonderful 23F outside this morning. 

The big weekend is coming up for us in northern Ohio; World’s Greatest Hobby Show and the NMRA Div 5 train show at Lakeland.  I plan on hitting the Lakeland show Saturday morning when the doors open.  Then Sunday morning head over to the WGHS when the doors open.  I should be completely spent and have to return to work on Monday to rest up, LOL.

I found another job to apply for: DFAS site supervisor, starting pay is only $110,000.00 a year.  That is a little more than what I make as an E6 in the military.  Not sure if I really want it, I mean I’ll need to re-calculate my budget for MRRing supplies.

 
Lee

[blownout cylinder]

And a Good Morning to you all. We are currently sitting at -11C and with winds up to 25kmh we have a windchill( yes, THAT again) of -20C---we got about 2cm of snow and we;re grouchy--back to januaryWe are supposed to go to -6C for our so called high and then our low will be -14C. Tomorrow we will start to go back to where we should be: a high of 0C--and getting warmer---and SUNNY!!

I'm going to have to go through my trainstuff and find out what I really have in here. It seems there a few more locos in a box than I thought I had-Where'd dey come from? Does anyone else end up with things and wonder --Where'd dis come from?

Todd: I must be unhooked from reality--I always though Amtrak always used F40's --If not then maybe my brain was pulling dyslexic tricks on me againYou reminded me--I need to carry camera around more than I had been---

Galaxy: Don't give up on a layout just yet! Dioramic set ups also make for great photograhic ops as well. As well--take an inventory of the stuff you have and see whether they can't be organised better--sometimes that is all it takes to make it not so crowded. My wife is an interior decorator/designer---she's saying to me--do not pull a clean sweep on yourself---

Chloe, I'll have a full breakfast platter and a bucket of caffeine please--this puppy needs to wake up.'Spring' is bouncing all over the house and is making like the herd of wild buffalo--and I'm not quite awake yet-----sheeesh I'll go sit by the windows and watch some switching going on----

[wetidlerjr]

 Good Morning from Tipton IN !

[TMarsh]

Evenin all. Another long day.

Galaxy- Oh no! you sound distraught. Don't give up, maybe you can find a way to keep the RR. Yes we do listen and care. If space is really a problem maybe a diorama or two that you could hook together and run as a layout? Like maybe a mini Beer Run?

Jim- glad to hear you missed the storms. You guys are part of a boatload of folks that have already had enough of bad weather.

On to RR stuff so as not to waste bandwidth.

Ahem...(cough, cough) OK all you people eves dropping in here who speak prototypical and era etc. guess what I saw not an hour ago. Give up? I'll give you a hint. Amtrak. Still give? Another hint F40...... no really. South bound Amtrak pulled by an F40. My little world isn't so un-prototypical. I need to carry a camera at the ready. I don't think there is a prototypical railroad out there. Hahahaha Nananabooboo.It's Run Whatcha Brung time!!!

Well G'night folks Prayers for those in need

[CNCharlie]

I've been working all day on getting that cold gate closed but I wound up frozen to it. Should have it closed by Friday so hang in there fellow diners warmer days are around the corner!

Jim, I too have that Model Power coaling dock and it is in service at the moment. It actually was a decent kit that looks good and isn't too big for a small layout.

Good night all,

CN Charlie

[Cox 47]

Just stopped in for a cup of tea and a couple of cookies before turning in...Jerry

[galaxy]

Yeah I got OOPS! Something went wrong! outta here again today too....I know its a free forum, and this is a new format but you'd think they'd have it solved by now?

 

g'nite

[howmus]

pcarrell

Heartland Division CB&Q

a 25 year old Porsche 928S

Hey!  Those are nice toys!  A business mans hot rod!

 

Oh yeh!  Back in the 70's I had a next door neighbor  (well a lot of people did....)  that had a Porsche 911 T that he used to let me drive on occasion.  Oh Yeh!  The 928S is the mid engine one isn't it?

Another busy day here in the Finger lakes.  The sun actually came out this afternoon.  Coulda got a sunburn even....  No make that windburn as it was nice and brisk out there.  

Got the NYS Sales Tax form filled out and mailed the check in to the state.  I finally got smart and set aside the sales tax money as I collected it into a savings account.  This year I didn't have to hunt for where I would get the money to send in......... As a (very) small business I only have to file once a year.

Had Deacons tonight.  Good meeting and got out on time even with the chair of finance coming in to speak about some upcoming events and the reasons behind them to the board.  Much better than last month.  Some sadness in that one of our members on the deacons lost her husband on Monday after a long illness. 

Flo how about some decafe coffee in a R7GV Museum Mug.  Then I need to put up my feet and relax for a while.  I'll be in the back by the stove.

Prayers for all in need! 

[JimRCGMO]

Evening, Chloe - I'll have the roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, Waldorf salad, and a glass of wine, please. Looks like I delayed long enough, and Sam has the TOP honors. Thanks!

Oh, for Todd and others who were wondering, the storms went north and south of us here in Cape Girardeau. Now it's just cold again - I think spring lost its 'sprung' for us a while. That or that groundhog came out of the burrow again and didn't like what he saw... Got up to about 40 F (2 or 3 C) today for our high, and supposed to drop to 30 F (-1C) tonight. Shirtsleeve weather for our NOTB neighbours...

Lee, sorry for the delay - yep, got the pics and documentation. Thanks! That price for the locos sounds good, but I'll have to pass for now. (See related post below)

Inch, it looks like I'll have to pass on the Boeing show, though I'm hoping the next show at Collinsville I may have the funds to cover going there. Hope you find some bargains at the Boeing show; they usually have a number of sellers who may have one thing or another at a good price.

Hey, 'Dr. Paul' - keep tending to Mary Ann (and saving you a big medical bill...)

Jeff, good great job on the MOW baggage car! Excellent work on that  (as usual...).

CN Charlier, Thanks!? We got our share of that 'dry cold' on Monday or Tuesday evening after our (second) front came through. Didn't get the white stuff with it, though. Not that I needed an excuse to work on the layout - I just need more space for spreading out projects (must rent that bulldozer....)

Chris, good luck on potty-training your dog, for sure. Almost as easy as training a cat to do its business outside.

PC, is it true what I heard - that you'll ride your bike if the winds are below 70 mph in daytime?

Galaxy, good to see you back in (yes, we noticed you were MIA), and hope you can come up with a way to keep something up (even if it's just a 1' X 4' track section on top of a bookcase for now) for your MRR'ing. Ramble on, friend (like several of the rest of us here...)

Robby, if that's the old Model Power BOHRS coaling tower, I have that kit (still to be built). Got it because it was the only one that I could sorta count on fitting into an available space on the (future part of the) layout. Nice job there!

Rob, sketch us up something for your plan, and we'll kibbitz away on it.

About time for me to head on out of here for the evening. Prayers for a warm place to be, and for healing and comfort for those needing same. See you all in the morning!

 

Blessings and prayers,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[pcarrell]

Heartland Division CB&Q

a 25 year old Porsche 928S

Hey!  Those are nice toys!  A business mans hot rod!

[Cederstrand]

Spaghetti with mushrooms, please & thanks.

Put in a long physical day and got much accomplished. Already feeling it.

Even made it into the train room and threw some track around. Starting to look like a plan, although one area still has me stumped how to make it work. May need to post a pic or two later and beg for some help with it.

All for now. Rob

[Trainman Sam]

WOW!  You guys have been busy since I was last in here!!!  I see Floe and Chloe are all tuckered out from the running around!!!  I'm glad to see most everyone is doing well, or as well as one can do!  Prayers for those that need them... 

I hope to get in here sometime saturday or sunday, maybe if I don't get a boat load of homework this weekend I can catch up with everyone!  God Bless and stay safe!!!

[Robby P.]

I will make this fast before OPPS, comes again.

Ok here is the old coal tower I have been working on.  I added a home made fence, and I also made the track look un-used.  Sorry for the bad picture, its kinda blurry.  It was a quick shot.

I will be back in the morning.  Kinda having computer troubles.  

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I was messing with the motor that came with an old 1960's vintage Athearn GP30 and I got it working. One of the brushes was shorted out. It's a 5 pole open frame motor with burgundy colored windings. Not sure what I'll do with it but you can be sure it will be something creative.

[ewl01]

Chloe, a piece of carrot cake and a decaf please.

I got  OOPS!! at work all afternoon from here and now, I tried to put some pics of my factory beginnings up and Flckr tells me I'm BONKED! 

Tomorrow is another day.

Eric

[blownout cylinder]

Hallooo--I seen our dear friend OOPS!! was back OOPSing right along here.

We got some things done that I've been sitting on for awhile such as our HD list and the taking of 'Spring' to the vet--so not much RRing got done---

Chloe can I get a large Chocolate Fudge Pie and a RBF please---I'll be at the back trying to get some reading done----

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

 Hello everybody.....

"oops' appeared again, I see.  

Philip said the following pertaing to me post about an old Posche. "Refresh my memory.  It's a little foggy this morning." A few months ago, we were selling an RV trailer. A guy asked us if we would trade even for a 25 year old Porsche 928S. We accepted the offer. We excanged each others problems in the process. At least the Porsche is fixable.

Cheers.

 

[ns3010]

Afternoon all. Chloe, I'll take a ginger ale, thanks.

I woke up this morning and felt like I was going to pass out, so I stayed home (but I didn't do anything on the layout). I have a feeling that I'll have to stay home again tomorrow, so maybe I can find something to do.

I love when things get misexplained and they turn out to be better than I originally thought! Apparently, when my mom told me this, she only knew about one of them. So I ended up winning the second one! I made a huge mistake on the first rebuild (DON'T ASK!!!), so I'll start over with the new one. The old one will become a parts unit. I'll chop up the grilles from the old one because the F40PH-2CAT has an extra set on the lengthened hood. The old one runs fine, so maybe I could find a shell to fit on the frame.

Prayers for all in need. Have a good afternoon.

Joe

[galaxy]

Good afternoon everybody!

A cup of Hawaiian Kona Chocolate Macadamia nut coffee in any old mug please.

Hmmm- a few days away sick and several pages go by. I suppose I wasn't really missed. No one can say we aren't talkative, can they?

I see a few people need a prayer candle so the prayer candle is lit. We really do light a candle for prayers, it isn't just a saying. A ten hour tea lite with a prayer said over it for those in need can cover a lot of prayers.

Cannot wait for spring to get here, but the last few warm days with open windows and doors reminded me that with spring comes *uh oh* allergies. Let's go directly to summer. March ain't over til the fat lady sings {and we wonder why she does}.

This summer we plan a huge yard sale. Need to clean out house and shed and we just have way way way too much stuff. Not really looking to make a killing on it, but to get rid of stuff and more stuff {probably to make room for more stuff lol} and make a few dollars or else I'm gonna just start throwing stuff away. hate to do that with good stuff somone can use. Maybe I can find the "train room" {aka the junk room, the closet} again.

Since I can't really get to the layout anymore, and space is of a crunch, I have seriously thought about boxing everything in those train boxes someone posted on here and packing it away. makes me kinda sick to think about it, but when you don't have room. Taking down the layout will be hard. I have a friend witha huge barn who said I could set up a layout there, but he is a 45 min drive and some gasoline away just to go and play. Then there would be the climate control issues and the heat/cold issues to worry about. Someday we hope to have space to have a HO layout and an N scale again. I have actually considered selling all/most train stuff at the garage sale!  For now, we may just have to settle for the anual under-the-tree dinky layout up about 1.5-2 months out of the year.

WEll, I have certainly rambled on enough about a whole lot of nuttin' and have probably bored the ones who actually read this to tears.

Have great afternoon guys!