The Coffee Shop (a place to chat) Est. 2004

[Noah Hofrichter]

Teffy, I bet you used the quick reply window for that last post didn't you. Well you still can bold things, you just need to click on the "Show forum code" link next to the qick reply box. It'll show you all the different codes for posting.

Well, I don't have much to say today, so I think I'll keep on moving.

Noah

[egmurphy]

You don't even need to "Show Forum Code". All you need to know is to put the little code tags in front and behind the section you want to either quote, bold, strikethrough, underline, change color or change font size.

For example (adding an extra space between the brackets so it doesn't bold instead of showing........
[ b]how's this[ /b]
yields
how's this

codes for underline are [ u] and obviously [/u] at the end.
strikethrough [ s] [/s]
quote [ quote]

[JPowell]

Evening all,
Fergie - Glad to hear the Mrs. is doing better.
Tom - Glad to hear Shawna is back at school.

Had a big argument w/ the CFO earlier...looks like 'single' life is coming soon - Yeah...the BIG "D"! Oh well...more time and $$ for the train now and less family involvement. As for coming on here and chatting, she'll get the CPU....I think. That is, if she wants it; I'll be checking in every few days, instead of all the time.
Table is in a holding pattern for now till I find me a new place to lay my head and store all my beer! :-)))))
Off to go look online for a new place. I'll try and check in tomorrow while at work....
Enjoy the evening all!
JP

[der5997]

Ed: I see that those nifty chaps waving placards are coded [ #some word] I tried to send [#chef] but it didn't work, and neither does the code for chef after the # [#C=:-)] What you get if you put the banner code followed by the chef code in its own brackets is[#[C=:-)]], so that's not the answer either. Are we limited to just the placards provided? I thought it would be interesting to put some of the regular smileys in the hands of the banner brigade.[(-D]

Well cover foam pannels all cut out, so now I have a new supply of mountain material from the off cuts. Work has begun on the unfinished section of the upper tunnel. The roof will be largely removable so as to get at the derailments that Fergie knows are going to happen in there.[:P] BTW, Fergie, how do you get at your tunnel derailents?

[Anonymous]

Hi All

I am having "sticker shock" from the price of N scale locos. I found an Alco PA PB set for $190.00. Yes, that is one hundred ninety dollars, and it didn't even say if the B unit was powered. [:0] I have never paid any attention (other than to our coffee clubbers n scale stuff) to N scale in the LHS. I will try to go to the LHS this weekend and check some out locally. So far the "net" has been my tool for "looking". I had no ideas N scale was that much. Dummy me thought that smaller would be "cheaper", guess I learned a thing or two.

Well it is almost 7:30. Three am comes around really quick these days. [:(]

Take care.

[Fergmiester]

John : It doesn't look good for Sheet Harbour as I am off to Sydney next week for the week (more schooling) and then I'm going to reassemble the Clothes drier when the part arrives and then I have to erect a snow fence down my property line to protect my azaleas from the neighbor (He likes to build ice sculptures on top of my plants!)
Then there's Christmas shopping for Lisa and the family, then I have Scout camp then I pack up my gear and join the ship.

Never enough hours in a day.

Lisa's prognosis is good, off for another week as it is a muscle spasm and not a herniated disc or pinched nerve.

And I got antibiotics for the sinus infection I'm presently sporting, oh joy.

Can't work on the layout as I have plaster drying and I'm trying to figure out the next stage.

Regards
Fergie

[egmurphy]

Geez JP, that was some argument! [:0] Sorry, guy. That's got to be a bummer. [:(] Been through a couple myself so I have at least some idea. Feel free to drop in and unload if you need to. We model railroaders got to stick together, even if we don't model in the same scale. In all seriousness, I wish you the best of luck in a tough situation.


Fergie, sounds like duty is about to call, and that'll cut significantly into your posting time. Got your supply of kits laid in for the tour? What kind of drugs did you say you were snorting? [%-)] Oh what...... oh, you said 'sporting an infection'.....sorry............. [(-D]

Glad to hear about Lisa's progress.


John, I don't know how the 'smilies' are coded. maybe Lupo knows, he's the resident expert on gif's and stuff like that.

QUOTE: Jim: I am having "sticker shock" from the price of N scale locos. I found an Alco PA PB set for $190.00. Yes, that is one hundred ninety dollars, and it didn't even say if the B unit was powered.

Undoubtedly that is the Kato PA/PB. Kato is the top line in N scale diesels and their units generally retail for +/- $100 ea. Yes, the B unit is powered. Dummy units are virtually non-existant in N scale. In any case you don't want a PA/PB because it won't negotiate (well) the tight curve you're going to have under your tree. Plus you don't want to commit a sacrilege by having a fine unit like that wasted on an amusement park ride.

I'm going to recommend this again, as I don't think you read closely yesterday. [2c] You need a cheap 4 axle diesel for your Christmas loop. Last year Model Expo had a blowout sale clearing their model railroad inventory when they stopped selling model rr stuff. Sold a huge number of LifeLike GP-38's at around $20 ea. They're just what you need for this. Many are starting to show up on ebay. Try and find one there. Most were either in CR, BNSF, or CFX colors. They're not the top of the line engine but will serve well for what you want.


Okay guys, back to lurk mode.

Hasta mañana

Ed

[Paul W. Beverung]

JP; Sorry to hear about your diffaculty. I hope that things work out. My best wishes.

I really should reply more often. I get so far behind that I can't get caught up.

For some reason fish and I don't get along. Had a seafood salad while I was in Georgia going to Cobra I.P. school. Made me sick to my stomach. I've tried some cat fish, but it really didn't have the taste. I guess I'm one of those that just loves a good steak. I will admit to having an urge to try that salmon though Fergie.

Tom; Great to hear that Shawna is getting along well. I think that the dean is a fine fellow. She should take it easy for awhile.

Teffy; The Ps4 lookes real good, but I liked that Mike and Conslidation. They look like they are earning there keep.

Fergie; There is never enough time anymore. We just keep on running , and running , and running. I had two doctors appointments last week. One was ok the other was, well a little not. I've lost my left ear drum. It just went gone. The VA is going to send me to a speicialist at the VA hospital in Dallas to see about an operation to replace it. It is supposed to be a out paient procedure. I just doin't know if it is worth the trouble. I couldn't hear too good with the one I had. On top of every thing the pecan harvest has started. With us being back on standard time there isn't enough daylight when I get back home from work to get anything done. The pecans have a great flavor this year. Sould sell well. I hope!

Well tomorrow is the 10th of November. I'll go down to the Mine Train and blow the whistle. One long, Two short for the Fitz. God rest there souls.

Well. This is getting alittle long winded. I should say less more often. Say good night Gracie. Good Night Gracie.

Paul

the Duluth, Superior & Southeastern

"The Superior Route"

[PennsyHoosier]

Sorry to hear that JP. Man, that really [censored]. Best wishes during these difficult times.

[philnrunt]

On this November 10th, I propose a toast to the 29 brave souls that passed 29 years ago with the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald, and a toast to the United States Marine Corps on their 229th birthday.
Raise your glass and salute brave souls doing extremely difficult jobs in a generally uncaring world.
Semper Fidelis.

[lupo]

Phil [:)] at is time of day I prefer a good pint of coffee!
but I toast anyway :

to those doing extremely difficult jobs in a generally uncaring world[tup]

[krump]

JP - I just don't know what to say... what a difficult time for you. You are in my prayers and I hope that things get easier in the days ahead. Drop me an email if you wish. Take care.

[Fergmiester]

Good Morning All

JP: Sorry about your situation, unfortunately there is not much I can say here that can help except to hold on. and I hope all works out well and things stabilize quickly.

Anyway a new day and I' scratching my head trying to figure what to do. I'll think of something I'm sure. Might do some painting on the layout. I bought a Sylvan station the other day, very nice. I may take it to Sydney with me and work on it in the evenings.

I also got to figure out when to hang Christmas lights, which is normally a two day job (Power Company loves me).

Anyway I got notification that my Digitrax is enroute so I should see it before Christmas. This should be able to give me three DCC engines, with the BLI coming DCC I'll have to decide what other two I'll DCC, Probably the Berkshire and Allegheny. I'll have to think abouth this.

Bob: I found out that my LHS carries Soundtraxx. deadly combo!!

Regards
Fergie

[egmurphy]

Jim

Further suggestions on N scale engines for your Xmas Tree that I've found at some well known e-retailers that I have used:

1. Rio Grande Hobbies (4nscale.com) has the Kato PA/PB sets for $133, although I still don't this is the engine you want.

2. Brooklyn Locomotive Works (buynscale.com) has the LifeLike GP-38 on sale for $14, in CSX scheme only.

3. BLW also has LifeLike SD-7's for $20, but again since they are 6 axle diesels this is probably not a good idea.

Regards

Ed

[Anonymous]

Good Morning All:

It really amazes me as to what we colecttively (SP) (just for Ed) know. I know very little but you guys well..... I didn't even see the "forum codes untill Noah told me about them, and now Ed has explained how the codes work if I don't want to use the forum button.

I went training last night and it is nice to have a night out with the boys. We operated and it was enjoyable. It was just like the night at Fergies - take a train and go, just watch the locos so you don't have a cornfield meet.

John:
Glad that your e-mailer straightened out - isn't it frustrating to get something fixed and not know how it was done.

Paul:
Would you send me an e-mail with your address, it's very slim but we might be going to Wichata Falls Sat, if we do I might try to stop by.

JP:
I'm sorry so hear about you troubles. My thoughts go out to you and I don't envey you at all.
When I'm on the road I found out that the local librarys have a computer that is free as compaired to kinkos charging an arm and a leg.

Ed:
I took a shot of my track just so you could see the paint job. It is horriably out of focus so I'm going to try another shot and see it I can do better. My son talked me into buying this camera (Kodak DX 4330). It's nice but I'm not much for pictures, I like to look at them, but I'm not gung ho for taking them.

Fergie:
You'd better tie that woman to the bed or she'll be forever getting back to feeling good. Did you try that link yet? Someone bought out "Ye Olde Huff-n-Puff" and is bringing out the kits again. They make H-n-P and Silver Streak kits.

Well I've got to get ready for work so

Ya'll have a blessed day and remember SANTA FE ALL THE WAY
Bob

[der5997]

JP: Sounded like you wouldn't be computer enabled, and I missed the bit about checking in from work. Sorry, or I would have let you know that I'm thinking of you and your family, and praying for you too, earlier. It's a horrible thing to go through, but as you can see from this forum, you are not without friends.
Did you find a place? Don't forget you have a padre.

QUOTE: From Ed: John, I don't know how the 'smilies' are coded. maybe Lupo knows, he's the resident expert on gif's and stuff like that.

How about it lupo? Can we make our own placards for those guys to hold? If so, how?

[egmurphy]

Yeah, good idea John, we need new placards. I only find occasion to use the "Welcome" one. I can't see myself using one that says [#wstupid] , but I've had several occasions where I could have used one that said "I am stupid".


And in another development from the modeling front............ remember when I said I needed to try using the beaded white styrofoam because I didn't have enough blue foam to complete my terrain? You don't? Don't worry, it wasn't that big a deal. Well anyway, I wondered about that because I really thought I had brought a couple of pretty big scraps with me. Well today I was working on the 'honey do' list and lo and behold I found three decent size pieces hidden behind the cartons of Christmas decorations. Just what I need. Christmas has arrived early here. [^]



Later

Ed

[Anonymous]

Hi Fergie:

I probably should have put this in an e-mail but I'm at work and I found the receipt:

Air letter-post 11.4 oz cost $3.10
10 X 13 Envelope .49
Air letter-post 3# 2 oz 9.65

Total $13.24

Alright Ed, I previewed and the numbers didn't line up in a column like they did in my type in.

Thanks
Bob

[lupo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by der5997

QUOTE: From Ed: John, I don't know how the 'smilies' are coded. maybe Lupo knows, he's the resident expert on gif's and stuff like that.

How about it lupo? Can we make our own placards for those guys to hold? If so, how?

Evening all !

you could use any smilies you find on the web, in the same way as you post a picture:

because a smilie is a mini ( animated ) gif, size of the forum smilies is about 17 x 17 pixels

or you could copy them to your own website

because of the size of these little gif's it will hardly take space or generate internet traffic ( wich some webspace providers limit )


I found http://www.smiliegenerator.com/smiliegenerator_eng.html to make this, do not know how long it lasts but hey, it's free

btw maybe redundand: for the not so experienced smilieposters: you do know that [8D] clicking on a smilie in the smilielist puts it in your post where the cursor is ?

[egmurphy]

Alright Lupo!!! You da man!!!

I knew you'd have the answers. Thanks for the tip on the smilie sign generator.


One small comment. If you're in normal reply mode the smilie goes where your cursor is. But if you are in 'quick reply', the smilie gets put at the end of the post. So in quick reply, if you want to go back and add smilies in the middle, after clicking on them you have to go to the end of the post, highlight the smilie code and 'cut' and 'paste' it where you want it.


Regards

Ed

[lupo]

He Ed you beat me to lesson 2 !



[:o)]

[JPowell]

All - Thanks for the thoughts / prayers. I'm sure I'll be needing them!
Teffy - As a matter of fact, the libraries here do as well, but sometimes they put time limits on them cause the waiting list gets long.
As for home hunting....nothing yet. May call my parents up, but my mother has already told the wife....H@#$ NO!
Gots to go. I'll check back in before I leave for the day.
TTYL

[der5997]

Ed:

QUOTE: And in another development from the modeling front............ remember when I said I needed to try using the beaded white styrofoam because I didn't have enough blue foam to complete my terrain? You don't? Don't worry, it wasn't that big a deal. Well anyway, I wondered about that because I really thought I had brought a couple of pretty big scraps with me. Well today I was working on the 'honey do' list and lo and behold I found three decent size pieces hidden behind the cartons of Christmas decorations. Just what I need. Christmas has arrived early here.[^]

Oh but yes I do, and it's been on my mind for bits of the larger hills I have yet to tackle[:D] However, I think if I go there, it will be for internal support, rather than the outer bit that gets carved, filed, etc. Sounds like snow season may come early, as well as Christmas," South of the border, down Mexico way"[:-^][{(-_-)}]

Thanks lupo. I was on page 154 (direct from history) and had posted another reply here,encouraging you to come across with the info, but when I did I saw the forum had moved on to page 155, where you had[sigh][:I] Hence, the edit!
Now I have to figure out how to use what you said[D)]
This would be for Fergie

OK, now how do I get a gif inside the gif? that is, say, a moving smilie to be on the placard along with the text?

[egmurphy]

QUOTE: I took a shot of my track just so you could see the paint job. It is horriably out of focus so I'm going to try another shot and see it I can do better. My son talked me into buying this camera (Kodak DX 4330).

Unless I'm way off you have a pretty good camera. I believe it's a 3 megapixel camera with zoom lens.

I looked at the track picture, and you're right, totally out of focus. My guess is that you got too close without switching to close-up mode (you probably left it in 'auto' mode) and the camera simply can't focus that close. If I'm wrong, disregard the rest of this post. If I'm right, there are two suggestions to get a better shot.

1. On the dial for turning the camera on you have a bunch of options, including auto, and a little flower shaped symbol. That's the close-up setting. You probably need to check your manual but I'd guess that the close up setting works from 4" out to about 24" from the subject. This would be worth trying a few shots. Note that in close-up, using a flash will usually overpower the subject, so you may want to turn off the flash. Do you have a tripod? Use the tripod if you turn off the flash, otherwise the lens will stay open so long you won't be able to hold the camera steady. If no tripod, go ahead and use the flash.

2. Second option, Leave the camera in 'auto' mode. Stay about 3-5' away and zoom in a bit with the zoom. Take the foto. Then we can crop it in the 'Easyshare' program, cut out all the area around what you want to show, and still have plenty of resolution left for it to be clear.

The 'easyshare' software that comes with the camera isn't the best, but it can do decent cropping. And I usually wind up using it to lighten (change brightness) of the shots also.

btw, I've got a Kodak DX6440.

Hope that helps a bit. Let me know if I've confused you even more.

Did you get the email I sent this morning?

Regards

Ed

[Big_Boy_4005]

Hi gang, I haven't been in as much the last couple of days, but maybe that isn't such a bad thing. I have actually accomplished something useful for the railroad. It may even get me closer to running trains one of these days, even if it isn't on the layout.

Fergie has his logo in his signature, and now I have mine.[:D]

Tomorrow night is the local NMRA division meeting. This time I'm going in prepared, to see if I can rustle up some help for this monster, which now has a name. Last month I just spread the plans out on the table, and more than half of the room flocked over to see what it was all about. This time flyers and business cards!!! I may even hit the local hobby stores with the flyer. Who knows, we may even find some fresh blood.[swg]

So, what do you think?

By the way, if you click on the image, you can see a lot more detail. I drew that in about an hour using MS Paint.

[Noah Hofrichter]

Big Boy, I like the logo. I should get around to doing something like that for the ARK.


Boy, I like this thing, I got to keep this in my Favorites!

Well, I think I need a nice big, juicy, hamburger tonight. And I nice tall strawberry milk shake too. Hew boy, now I'm hungry, good thing it's dinner time![dinner]

Noah

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by egmurphy



Geez JP, that was some argument! [:0] Sorry, guy. That's got to be a bummer. [:(] Been through a couple myself so I have at least some idea. Feel free to drop in and unload if you need to. We model railroaders got to stick together, even if we don't model in the same scale. In all seriousness, I wish you the best of luck in a tough situation.

QUOTE: Jim: I am having "sticker shock" from the price of N scale locos. I found an Alco PA PB set for $190.00. Yes, that is one hundred ninety dollars, and it didn't even say if the B unit was powered.

Undoubtedly that is the Kato PA/PB. Kato is the top line in N scale diesels and their units generally retail for +/- $100 ea. Yes, the B unit is powered. Dummy units are virtually non-existant in N scale. In any case you don't want a PA/PB because it won't negotiate (well) the tight curve you're going to have under your tree. Plus you don't want to commit a sacrilege by having a fine unit like that wasted on an amusement park ride.

I'm going to recommend this again, as I don't think you read closely yesterday. [2c] You need a cheap 4 axle diesel for your Christmas loop. Last year Model Expo had a blowout sale clearing their model railroad inventory when they stopped selling model rr stuff. Sold a huge number of LifeLike GP-38's at around $20 ea. They're just what you need for this. Many are starting to show up on ebay. Try and find one there. Most were either in CR, BNSF, or CFX colors. They're not the top of the line engine but will serve well for what you want.

Ed

JP

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I wi***he best for you and yours. Hang in there, and remember you have friends here so don't give up.


Ed

Thanks a million for finding these items. During the week I don't have much time to be on the comp and get other things done.

I am working Saturday, so this Saturday is dedicated to train $$$. [:)] I don't know if I will make it to the LHS now. There are at least two in Little Rock, I have been to one of them and just was not impressed. The other one is much further out and will be a "trip" in itself just to get there and back.

It is 630 and I am worn out.

Best Wishes to All

[PennsyHoosier]

Very, very nice BigBoy. That is inspiring!

[Paul W. Beverung]

Philnrunt; Glad to see that someone else remembers. I did the whistle. I 'm sure that no one in the park paid any attention to it. There are alot of others that have "gone missing". One only a year or so ago off Milwaukee. Some 6 to 10,000 wrecks on the lakes. Many " When the Gales of November come early."

To all you Jar Heads out there. Happy Birthday. 229 years today. Wow. The happest Marine I ever saw was in Viet Nam as I landed in the LZ to pick him up. I did so enjoy that. A great bunch of guys then and a great bunch of guys now. God Bless you all and thank you.

Noah; That is exactly what my dad and I liked to get . A jucy burger and a strawberry shake. I guess it must be a Wisconsin thing.

Elliot; I read your post about your layout. Sounds like a fun deal. I'd give you a hand, but the commute is a bear. How about letting us see a drawing or something?

Well I've got to get an E-mail off to Teffy. Take care everyone.

Paul

the Duluth, Superior & Southeastern.

" The Superior Route "

[fec153]

JP- Every cloud has a silver lining. Been there-went through that. Felt like [censored]
Second wife,23 years now, got me into mrr. So, hang tough. You have plenty of friends.
Flip.