Good evening---I got in from an interesting sight. In our end of town we got dumped on for a bit. North of us is getting clobbered with thunderstorms and to the south of us---only a few blocks away---bright sunshine and blue skies---with the nasty border of black to their North.
Now, I've a question for you car buffs out there. I'm going to start looking for a new vehicle. One that we can do a lot of farm/back road---yard saleing and RRF'ing---if that is the term used--. The Audi I have is getting to be a bit long in the tooth and I'm starting to see the ever popular holes in the trunk kind of thing going on-----any suggestions out there?----Oh yes---when we go doing the yardsale thing we come home with some GOOD stuff!!!!---hence----
Jeff--Who is doing the repair at that price?
Chloe---I'll have a slice of that Lemon Meringue Pie and a RBF please------zzzzzzzzzzing!!!
SSSSSSCCCHHHPLLLAAAATTTT!!!!!--ouch. I got some in my ear---
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
Went to the scrap yard today and got a completely intact high pressure power steering line for my car. Only cost $15. Here's the downer. It's gonna cost about $170 to have it installed.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Robby,
Those are some nice shots. Probably a work train of some sort? They still use crummies for crew and tool transport when they're redoing patches of ballast, etc. See three or four cabeese down on a siding below the Tappan Zee bridge often but no way to get a shot without risking arrest. "Look sarge we found this suspiscious looking bearded guy with a camera stopped on the bridge looking down. " Book 'em Dano." J.R.
Robby P. I would fade the car the same. Kinda leave the logo still some-what visible.
THANKS! I'll have to give that a try sometime.
Chris
The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!
Chris if it was me, I would fade the car the same. Kinda leave the logo still some-what visible.
I did a dark blue hopper for a guy last year, and he wanted repatched to CNA. BUT he wanted the CNW logo still visible. I just faded the car, and didn't fade near the logo as much as the rest of the car.
"Rust, whats not to love?"
ROBBY P: Yer killing me pal! The first hopper was from my beloved CNW... sad to see what's become of it. I'll concede though, it does have some neat rust patterns on it. The caboose is pretty cool too...especially with the old C&O logo ghosting through. Now THAT's a technique I'd like to learn/master. Any ideas Mr. Weathering Guru??
HOT WINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well I went to do some train hunting, and was on my way home. UNTIL, I saw the train the guys let me get some shots from. I got 35 pictures . Mainly hoppers, but this train had a caboose. Why I don't know. I will post some shots I got. I know they are pretty rusty, but I like them like that!!! Also, I know some people don't like graffiti, but the caboose has some. I thought some might like to see a caboose still in work.
Good afternoon, I'll take a plate of those wings...with a bucket of Coke to wash 'em down...please and thankyou.
I don't recall who said it, but someone in here said there are people suggesting the California fires should be allowed to burn??? Something about the fires not having a "carbon footprint" vs. the "carbon footprint" it would require to extinguish them??? Would those be the same "enlightened" people that have done all they could to prohibit proscribed burns? and taking out dead trees/brush? Activities that may have helped to limit this "fire event?"
Silly me, I thought carbon was a key component of smoke/soot... I thought smoke so thick it blots out the sun, and shows up on satelite images...was supposed to be a "bad thing."
Apparently, I'm not "enlightened."
Shake and bake in the land of the nuts and flakes... Apologies if warrented to our Californian friends.
In other news and views, the weekly "face time" with THAT editor went well...as usual. I picked up a couple easy assignments, and a wild time for next Friday. The Solon high school is hosting a mock drunk driving accident complete with ER and funeral scenes. At practically the same time, the middle school is doing "Pioneer Days," and I get to run all over the greater metropolitan Solon area to cover both.
With the newspaper world being a little "slow" the past few days, I got a little modeling in. Taking a cue from JEFF, the king of re-working things, I took a dead lighter, resembling an oil drum, and am in the process of converting it into a fuel tank that used to sit in the ex-Rock Island yard in Cedar Rapids.
Might post pics later, IF it turns out worth a crap.
Speaking of "crap," I would NOT put a litter box in the layout room. A) I hate cats anyway, B) the Wife's cat creates a stink unlike anything I've experienced...and that's after over a decade in EMS!!!, and C) you wouldn't let a dog do his "chores" in there, I presume YOU wouldn't do your "chores" there...why let a cat? Nope, I'd stand firm on a litter box embargo.
My opinions...your's may vary.
MMMMMMMMMMM. Good wings, by the way...
Our lake is high too......and we're supposed to get more rain later on. Oh well, it makes digging in the garden easy, right?
EDIT: Alright you chow hounds.....LINE UP!
I'm whippin' up some hot wings, so get your plates out!
Hello......
Stormy here. It was a bad T-storm at about 4:00am. It rearranged much of our deck furniture on the deck leaving Shelley's hammock against a bedroom's windows. Now it's heavy rain with a tornado watch in effect. Looks like JimCG in the Mississippi River Valley is in the storm, too. Our lake is getting high.
Tom White... If you Californians need water, please come get it.
I worked more on my backdrops this morning.
Happy model railroading.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Afternoon everyone!
Didn't get a chance to get in for breakfast this morning as my son had me go with him to an appointment for his youngest to get some vaccinations. I got to watch and play with my other granddaughter while he was in the doctors office. Livy is getting to be such a personable little lady. She has a big grin on her face for grandpa most of the time and was a sweetheart waiting for over an hour in the waiting room. Then my son took me out for lunch after dropping both kids off at daycare.
Currently 75°F here in the Finger Lakes with the possibility of some thunderstorms later on. I need to get outside and mow part of the lawn before it rains.
Galaxy I second or third the suggestion to get a covered litterbox. I have 2 of them for my cats and dust has never been an issue. Also some brands of litter have less dust to begin with.
Dick I can't wait until my granddaughters are old enough to go riding on a train with grandpa! Have a great time and be sure to get some photos for us to see.
Robby good luck getting our old job back. Sounds like the boss is still thinking about hiring you back. That is a good sign.
OK I have to get to work, so I'll finish my coffee and get going. Have a great day!
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Coffee in a large SOUTHERN mug, please & thanks.
***Galaxy, a litter box with the hard pllastic removable shell makes ALL the difference.
***Robby, ouch...but as Todd said, at least the boss called you. Good luck! That is a nice article, btw.
***Dick, sounds like a photo op with your grandson. Have a great time.
Will be in a corner booth for a bit working on this coffee.
Rob
BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret) L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes
Thanks Todd.
Here's a story everybody might like.
Good morning, bright and sunny here today, 64F and rather humid, but a front is due here later today and that will mean more showers and possibly a TS.
More yard cleanup to do today, with over 20 trees cut down due to last winter's ice storm, you can just imagine the piles of wood all over the place. I need to get them up off the grass and into a log pile up back.
Tomorrow I get to take my 3 year grandson on his first train ride. We are going from P&W terminal in Worcester, Ma to Roger Williams Park/Zoo in Rhode Island in the Observation car. I was at the right place and right time on Wednesday at LHS when a guy came in with 4 tickets that he could not use. The rest of the story is as you can imagine. The little guy loves trains, but has never rode on one, so this should be quite an experience for him, and Grampa, as I have never rode these tracks before.
Heartland Division CB&QDick....You had to mention the lawn tractor. I have had my share of experiences with lawn tractors. ... Anyhow, DIck, I hope you can get the Atlas loco you mentioned. Perhaps some day you can post a picture of it lettered for B&A.
I really can't complain about this 1980 tractor, it has taken care of a hilly 3 acres for 29 years without any problems, all for $1200 ( 1980 ). That figures out to an annual depreciated cost of $41.38, no complaints from me.
See you guys later,
Good Morning All..Its cloudy after a stormy nite and 64 here...I'll have biscuits and gravey,fried taters and coffee please..Thank You..I went thru most of my train stuff yesterday and got it kinda back in order..
Jeff ...Nice photo of layout..
You all have a good one...Jerry
Robby- Hey! Chin up bud! At least he called you. So he's got you in mind and wants you to work for him. That's gotta mean something good. Hang in there.
Todd
Central Illinoyz
In order to keep my position as Master and Supreme Ruler of the House, I don't argue with my wife.
I'm a small town boy. A product of two people from even smaller towns. I don’t talk on topic….. I just talk.
Mornin folks, Bowl of Raisin Bran please. No, no reason. I just like Raisin Bran. Coffee too please. Thanks
Got Mom's groceries yesterday had a nice visit, foundered myself at the Chinese Buffet, then went to the FLHS. Had to cut the shopping short because Brenda called and said nasty storm was crossing the highway. Hail, high winds etc. So, just a lumber yard and a water tower for my future steam tourist train were purchased. GT $20 and some change. Less than the tips from Wednesday so almost like free! By the time I got home everything was passed and the west end of town was flooded, (exaggerated term we use. Ditches full and streets covered. Town doesn't drain well) But my area was fine. Hail all over, about ¼ to ½ in size, no damage. Except.......the Rhubarb. Took a Beatin' from the hail and wind. Tore it up real good. I will pull it the bad stuff today. It won't look good but it'll eat fine. Today it's foggy and looks like more rain this morn and clear by this afternoon. Gotta go into town again today. Might stop by the other LHS. Still got some tip money.
Philip- After reading what the Minors are....I double the congratulations
Galaxy- Of course you know the diner food is all healthy. Even the pie. Don't know how they do it, but at least here you can eat what you want. Tear it down! Oh Nooooooooo!
Tom- I'm offering up prayers for the people in harms way and for future "events".
Garry- I also miss Bills posts. And it made it easy to find the new day! But Jeff's doin a good job with his morning posts!
Have a Great Day! (I wonder how fast J.R.'s mower goes?)
Oh and a little known fact about time machines. When I made my first time machine, I was kind of among the pioneers of....SPLAAAAAT!! So early?
So far its sunny, but the rain is coming.
Well a old boss called yesterday and wondered if I would like to come back. This is the job at the tire recap place. He said its for the "hardest" job, but it will be only for a few weeks. I would then be moved back to my old job "one of the easiest". Well I told him "let me see what other doctor apps. we have". I also told him, "I will have to learn that job". He thats fine call him in the morning.................Well its morning, and they got a temp guy in, working now. He said that they will be shutting down in a few weeks for some machine work, and he will call me. I kinda felt like I threw the job out the window. It pays GREAT!!! So I hope he calls.
So that means more basement time, and job hunting. Thats how my day has started.
I guess I will clean up a bit, and fiddle around on the layout today.
Everybody have a good day.
galaxyOn the train front, it's about time to start cleaning out the porch so we can start cleaning out the train/junk room. I'm getting itching to make something. Maybe a kit??? While my other half insists there should be an extra litter box in there, it sure makes the dust {aka natural weathering} settle on the layout. Need to get a cloth to cover it with. I may still take it down and just be happy with the Christmas-under-the-tree-layout for about 6-7 weeks a year. Better to dapple in the hobby than just be an "armchair modeler". Nothing fancy just a simple oval of HO and two of N scale. I would like to get some On30 for under the tree too, if prices are within my reasonable range, which have climbed in cost like you wouldn't believe. Like everything else.
Good morning all!
Supposed to be partly cloudy and warmer today high about 72* with possible afternoon t-showers.
Have a dental appt. today for xrays and charting. They have converted to a computerized system so they have to enter each patients records. So a painless trip to dentist {I hope}.
Gonna stop by the Firestone place and see what kinda price I'm looking at for new tires. The one with the slipped belt in it scares us a bit. I will need new tires sometime, but if we have any hope of a road trip this summer we want new tires on the van- assuming we have any money for a road trip. We are not even sure we trust it just going to Scranton and Steamtown, where I'm getting an itch to go to. Sam's club may be a bit cheaper but they don't have a road hazzard warrantee on their tires, Firestone does. I found that out last year when I had a nail in a tire and got a discount on the replacement due to the road hazzard warrantee I didn't actually know {or remember} that I had. But the new tire to replace the 4 yr old tire would have been about $130 for tire, mounting, balancing and valve stems and disposal fee, and I got a new one for $60 including all. I guess it is time for new tires.
On the train front, it's about time to start cleaning out the porch so we can start cleaning out the train/junk room. I'm getting itching to make something. Maybe a kit??? While my other half insists there should be an extra litter box in there, it sure makes the dust {aka natural weathering} settle on the layout. Need to get a cloth to cover it with. I may still take it down and just be happy with the Christmas-under-the-tree-layout for about 6-7 weeks a year. Better to dapple in the hobby than just be an "armchair modeler". Nothing fancy just a simple oval of HO and two of N scale. I would like to get some On30 for under the tree too, if prices are within my reasonable range, which have climbed in cost like you wouldn't believe. Like everything else.
Well, have a great day everybody!
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Good Morning All,
Just another quick run through as we have a ton on our plates to do. Speaking of plates I'd like a reular and one of those coffee rolls please Zoe - to go of course. High 50's and foggy this morning but it should burn off quickly. Lots of rain in the forcast here for the weekend. Better get after fixing the lawn mower this weekend before I have a jungle to contend with at the house. Just need to find the mower under the piles of construction debris (cue cascade from Fibber Magees' Closet). Hope the rest of you have a good one and my prayers for those healing. C.U.L., J.R.
Good morning. It's 71 and partly cloudy. The high will be in the high 80's and it will be partly cloudy. The detail work on the two Atlas UP units has done. Some of the mounting holes had to be drilled out so the tabs on the parts would fit. The endrails, visors and ladders of the SD24 had to be secured with super glue. I don't think they're going anyplace anytime soon. The endrails and visors for the U30C were also secured with super glue. I fashioned the visors from card stock. The locos now await the installation of their decoders. On the car repair front I'll be calling the repair shop today to see how much it'll cost to replace the high pressure power steering line with a good used one. The object here is to get the job done while keeping the cost down. I may have to wait until the end of the month to get it done. Until then I'll probably be using my father's pickup to keep my med appointments and run the odd errand. He oughta love that. Today's Weather for: Sundown, LA 71446-6114 5/8/2009 Heat Index: 77°F Humidity: 94% Dew Point: 70°F So Far Today High: 73°F Low: 71°F Rain: 0.00" Rain Rate: 0.00"/h Gust: 8mph S Today High: 88 Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 10 to 20 mph. Tonight Low: 72 Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 70s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.
Heartland Division CB&QTom White.. I've heard about the Santa B fire. Such a shame. I hope the radicals out there don't block the government employees from putting out the fire at the mission. It is so dry there, but the much of the rest of the country has lots of rain and humidty now
I agree with that comment--I heard about some who suggested that these fires should be allowed to run their course. After all these fires don't have a carbon footprint---like man-made things do----I'd don't want to see that mission destroyed by fire---that would be a terrible loss
Good Morning People---
Wonderfully muggy and T'stormy this morning---right now temperature is at 12C heading for a high of 22C and partly cloudy with some more Tunderboomers possible today. We are currently most foggy out there-----oh. And did I mention, muggy?
I've decided to stick with just adding the extra 7' or so to the layout. Right now things look a bit crowded in there--------that way I can see if I really need doubling up that side of the layout---I also have an early day at work hence up so early again----yeehaw----
Chloe---I'll have a coffee and a tea biscuit please------oh, another pie catapault---how quaint---
Evening.....
I should mention I miss Bill T's morning visits. Hope he's OK. there are other AWOL diners, too.
PC ... Again, that's great news about your degree. Feel free to tell more about the Bible college.
Corey. those photos are neat. If you could make the bridge abutments and surrounding scenery look like the protoype, you will have a bridge with real character.
Galaxy... Those health issues sound bad. Do what the doctor says please.
Jerry ... I'm glad your wound is improving.
Rob ... Have fun making those trees!
Tom White.. I've heard about the Santa B fire. Such a shame. I hope the radicals out there don't block the government employees from putting out the fire at the mission. It is so dry there, but the much of the rest of the country has lots of rain and humidty now.
Ray ... Sounds like a great concert. I can practically see you smile from here.
Dick....You had to mention the lawn tractor. I have had my share of experiences with lawn tractors. ... Anyhow, DIck, I hope you can get the Atlas loco you mentioned. Perhaps some day you can post a picture of it lettered for B&A.
Here, I am again studying DCC. I have many locos, and converting all would be a pain. .... Also, I have started repairing my backdrops......
Happy Model Railroading1
An extra large blueberry smoothie, please.
My wife, something of a Civil War history nut, has named her (HO) town: "Sherman's Crossing".
Went into the train room and raised some of the track on my (N) layout by one layer of blue foam. Nothing accomplished, other than a smile on my face from test running a couple engines around that raised track.
Have a good night all.
Healing thoughts to those in need!
Good evening to all, warm and humid here today and a TS a few hours ago dropped a quick 0.63" in a downpour at a rate of 6" per hour, good thing that only lasted a few minutes.
Thought I would work on the layout today, but I had to pull the transmission out of the old 1980 lawn tractor. That was fun, it weighed a "ton", and I am glad that I had it well supported otherwise when the last bolt was out it could have crushed a finger with ease. I don't think I will see the unit back here for a while, the repair shop was absolutely buried with work.
Still waiting for Atlas to make the next run of HH600/660's undecorated. The B&A was one of the first railroads in the country to purchase these early diesels, and that is what I need for my layout era.
Time to turn in, see you guys at breakfast,
Evening all...Had some storms early but just some rain now..I'll have a diet coke and a slice of apple pie before heading to bed..You all have a good nite...Jerry
Evenin' folks!
twhiteOn the positive side, Jesuit phoned.
Hey Tom, looks like you and I both had a great day musically at least........
The Middle School Chorus Concert was a blast to do sound for tonight! The Director of choruses at our Middle school is a very vivacious lady and an exceptional musician. Every Spring her concert is a "pop" concert of many different styles of Great American Music. Everything from "Big Band" to Current Pop. The Seventh Grade Chorus brought down the house with "I heard it Through the Grapevine"..... And then the 8th. Graders got on stage and the place got even wilder. It is also a help to have the directors Husband who is a professional bassist nailing down the bottom with his new 5 string stand up acoustic string bass (he plays both symphonic and Jazz professionally) and the drum set is manned by our High School Band director who teaches as a second career. His first was to play drums professionally for a couple big name jazz and rock bands.... Oh and the horn section is three guys from this group: The Legendary Dukes Two of them also teach instrumental music here in Geneva. How could the kids not perform great with that foundation! I get to try to have the chorus heard over all that. Most of the time I was successful and when I wasn't The audience was so wound up, it didn't make a bit of difference....... The concert has to have .
The Legendary Dukes are a direct descendant of the band Wilmer Alexander and the Dukes who came from Geneva, NY back in the late 1950s. They had one top 40 hit in the early 60s and had a brief moment of fame. The current band is the result of a reunion concert about 20 years ago I think. Only one member of the band is original and I think he may no longer be playing with them. [edit} Yep Ron Alberts retired in 2004. The other band from Geneva that has made the "Big Time" is one called "Gym Class Heroes". I taught a couple of them back in Middle School........
Zoe I'll have a nice hot mug of decafe to drink while I work off the accumulated adrenaline...........
twhite If this is happening out here in May, I can only think of what the rest of the fire season is going to be like. Late Spring rains have turned the vegetation up on the hills into a veritable jungle, and as soon as they dry out (which will be fast, during our hot, dry summers) the fire situation in this state is going to be absolutely EXPLOSIVE! Today in the Valley, the temperature was almost 90 degrees with a hot, dry wind, so the drying out is going to be really rapid.
If this is happening out here in May, I can only think of what the rest of the fire season is going to be like. Late Spring rains have turned the vegetation up on the hills into a veritable jungle, and as soon as they dry out (which will be fast, during our hot, dry summers) the fire situation in this state is going to be absolutely EXPLOSIVE! Today in the Valley, the temperature was almost 90 degrees with a hot, dry wind, so the drying out is going to be really rapid.
I've been thinking about it, We shoulda sent up some BIG HONKIN tank cars to the Dakotas couple months back and stockpiled some floodwater for fire-fighting. Bummer the real wrld doesn't follow the models
-Morgan