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

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by grayfox1119


Fergie: I'll bet you are happy to be off the high seas for this one!!! I see from the radar that you guys in NS received copious amounts of rain. To the west of you, Caribou, Maine and Fort Kent are getting buried!!!!!

The thought crossed my mind at three thirty this a.m. as I thought the overnighter was thundering through the room. Turned out to be another gust.

Ah yes Juan Bifeuar, Dr. Tubifaur's distant cousin. I knew him well before the incident. Seems he was pining for excitement and got knotty one night. This caused a split in the family tree and he was forced to join a splinter group "Bridges without borders". But alas his span was cut short as (wait for it[:(!]) "The Bridge Was to Far".

Turned out it was the "Bridge over the River, Why"?

We're not quite sure....

Jim: I looked through the HO catalogue for fish and they were all too small for these parts so I'm thinking O scale fish![:D]

Later Gents

Fergie

[JimRCGMO]

Uh, Tom (of the cats)? You might want to use a password-protected screensaver when you're away from you computer... Just a suggestion, no reason...[:-^][:-^]

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[underworld]

Just had an Oscar Mayer Ham and Cheese Loaf sandwich.....I'm not complaining!!!!!

underworld

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[der5997]

Good Afternoon everybody: A really stormy night last night, but it washed the van (not that it’s stayed clean, just one trip to the harbour sees to that[V])
The lagoon was as full as we’ve seen it recently, this morning.
It’s hot chocolate time, please Zoe, and that’s an excellent singing mouse you recorded the other day[(-D]
Now, to get back to the pages…138 I think….

Attaboy:

QUOTE: Keep 'em coming, I need a good swift kick ocassionally.

Infectious, a’int it? I’ve been pulled out of a stagnant patch more than once by the good people in here[:D]

pennsyperson [#welcome] Hope you enjoy the company here. You’ll find a number of teens, and modelers all the way through to retired, such as yours truly. Many of us would have loved to have got our hands on 22’x11’ for a layout at your age. Well done! BTW, if you have questions, ask away. And if you have tips on how you did something, let us know. Learning something new every day is a great goal for a lifetime [:D]

Paul:

QUOTE: Goldurnrackinfrackin computers. Boy that drove spell check nuts.

Maybe if you tried Goldenurn?[(-D] [;-)]

Siberianmo: congrats on the Polar Express, it looks huge, maybe because I’m used to Normal [(-D]

Well, that’s another page. I’m off to see if I can do that screen capture for BridgeTom.
TTFN.

[Anonymous]

Evening all

Well, things are looking up. I had an email today saying the first batch of couplers I ordered (back in early February!) is actually on the way - will be able to fit the remainder of my Fleischmann coaches out with these. I'm standardising on the Profi-coupler as these give great close-coupling and seem pretty reliable.

The essay continues - up to 2000 words now, 500 left to do, so it's conclusion time. I've pretty much decided how it'll go - Khruschev seems to have had good intentions but was often over-enthusiastic and created confusion with his plans.

Other good stuff: I ordered a MS Train Sim add-on pack from amazon on monday which has turned up. German railways (DB) the line from Leipzig to Dresden. Not yet tried it out though it looks promising - three new electric locos, one diesel, and assorted cars seem to be involved. Also recieved my April issue of Continental Modeller - Peco publication covering everything MRR outside the UK. They have a very interesting article covering an LGB factory tour which does explain how much the models cost - very labour intensive!

See Tom's cat is getting a bit enthusiastic - A friend of mine with a garden layout had some rather strange problems as a result of his cats. He lived out in the middle of nowhere, and the cats ranged around surrounding fields. The problems came when the cat habit of catching assorted small furry things resulted in blocked tunnels - cat clearly thought the tunnel was a larder of some sort! The approved response involved a large Playmobil steamer with twin motors (one in loco, one in tender) that would be sent through at low speed to clear the blockages!

Bye for now

[siberianmo]

Hello all - just stopped by to let you know that I'm now a member of the "high speed internet access club - HSIAC. After getting completely turned off by what my telco had to say in response to some questions (very basic) that I had - my choice was to "tithe" to my cable company. I am impressed - they say I'm now experiencing a 3 meg service, and from the looks of how quickly the downloads and uploads take place - wow! I APPRECIATE THE HELP ALL OF YOU GAVE ME[tup][tup][tup]

trainwreck100

QUOTE: Siberianmo: Just got DSL last Ocotober or November, it just came available here then, but it is great, makes me wonder how we lived with dial-up, but then I guess we made it without a computer for a long time. Our service comes through our telephone cooperative, as we have no cable companies out here, or big companies like SBC. The co-op does well though, I woudl rather have them than the big guys. we run about 400 kbps now, up from about 19.6 kbps on dial-up, so it is quite a difference. Greg

Greg - thanx for the info - every bit helped.

der5997

QUOTE: Siberianmo: congrats on the Polar Express, it looks huge, maybe because I’m used to Normal

Once I get the shelf RR constructed in my HO trainroom, I'm sure there will be quite a contrast ...... fortunately, the Lionel will be in an area that really will not detract from the "main event" - my Can-Am layout.

fergmiester

QUOTE: Tom: Too bad there's no LHS in Thule as I'm sure to clean it out. As for Bar Stool stories I have one or two to tell but nothing one could make a movie about.

A LHS in Thule? You've got to be kidding - but then again, we are in the 21st century and I'm sure things have changed quite a bit in the nearly 50 years since I was there - but, a LHS?

In the long career I had as a pirate sailor, there were definitive phases. Phase I was the early years, or as Iike to refer to them - Galley Slave. I didn't even get close to beatng the drum ....... During those years, the bars I frequented didn't have stools![oX)]

Okay, enuf; gotta go surfing with my new (yet another) toy!

[steveblackledge]

QUOTE: Anyway, I just wanted to clear things up for the rest of you. Oh, hear him coming in, time to jump up on my cat-castle and purr. He seems to appreciate that. He's very easily amused.
Spooky.
PS: Nice to meet you all.

PSSSSSSST, SPOOKY, hide the yellowstone in "THE DOGS" bed, that'll teach him
MEEEEAWW for now

[twhite]

Holy Cats (literally!!). I go out and work on the layout and the Princess takes over, I see. Oh well, I suppose she got her side of the story out. That's the problem with letting her watch "Law & Order SVU", she's gotten Literate.
Anyway, I got some real progress today on the extension. Posted some pics of it on my website if anyone's interested.

Steve: Heaven forbid the Yellowstone! Though she has been eyeing my cab-forward a little TOO suspiciously, lately!

Fergie: Nah, it's okay, Spooky can use my post--now that she found out how, she'll probably sneak in when I'm asleep. She's from Maine, remember, a true down'Easterner and she doesn't mince words, though that stove in the corner will probably entice her like crazy. Do they serve tuna sandwiches here? Forgot to check the menu, but if they do, she'll be forever indebted. Forget the mice, they don't come in little cans.

Well, time to go out and see how the glue's drying. Oh, BTW, started on some of Aggrojone's furnace-filter pines. They're NEAT! Of course, right now they're bright blue, I'm going to wait and paint them by the dozen. Got four done so far--about three minutes per tree, by my estimation. Will post pics as soon as I get the first forest planted.
Later,
Tom (Spooky's Human) [:P][:P][:P]

[der5997]

I'm back! BridgeTom: Here are a couple of shots of the bridges upstream in the gorge from where the train wreck was.
There are three bridges and a trestle stacked behind one another.


Here's an aerial shot. There was only 12" aisle space at this end of the layout, so not enough room to get the trestle in the viewfinder as well[sigh]


Finally, looking away from the river, a curved trestle on a grade brought the tracks up a level, or down, depending on your temperament![(-D] Those two trains are actually on the same line, following one another[8D]


See you later folks, got to see to Rosie-the-dog who hasn't had a walk in two days, and needs her supper anyway[:D] Maybe this evening!
TTFN

[revandy]

Hi Zoe, just coming in for a quick coke, and check how high the tab has gone since last night, uhm, not too many taking advantage of me, or is it just slow?

Siberianmo, congratulations, you have now arrived at a new level of computing, you can't beat cable for speed, it makes you wonder why you stayed with that pokey modem doesn't it? True, some may find the tithe a little steep, but you get what you pay for.

Tom, you had better check Spooky, he is need of a catspellchecker, but, your a lucky man, I always wanted a literate cat!

Jim, thanks for the compliment, golf is my other love and just as expensive as modeling.

Thanks Zoe...... I'll be in later tonight to settle the bill.....

[steveblackledge]

JOHN,

QUOTE: I'm back! BridgeTom: Here are a couple of shots of the bridges upstream in the gorge from where the train wreck was.

Thats what i call bridge heaven, love the pics on your site

TOM 'o' three cats

QUOTE: Holy Cats (literally!!).

That is real progress you have made there, can't wait to see the furnace tree's

[Anonymous]

Siberianmo, congrats on the new net links. We've managed to "borrow" part of dad's home office broadband line (so we effectively get free internet "on the company" - we've checked and they're ok with this). One point though: make sure you have a good firewall. I would recommend Zonealarm - there's a free edition on the site (though it takes a little finding) that does all you'll need, when installed it just sits in the task bar and does its job without fuss. I know WinXP SP2 has a firewall built in but don't ask my opinion of this - it's not printable! Zonealarm is a lot more solid. Broadband without any firewall is an open invitiation to hackers of all types, so a firewall is essential. Hope this is helpful!

[siberianmo]

This place is like the Eagles song, "Hotel California"- "You can check out, but you can never leave!"

revandy

QUOTE: Siberianmo, congratulations, you have now arrived at a new level of computing, you can't beat cable for speed, it makes you wonder why you stayed with that pokey modem doesn't it? True, some may find the tithe a little steep, but you get what you pay for.

Amen, brother! This is one wonderful experience. I know WHY I stayed away, but I don't know HOW COME! It is costly - but then again, what's social security for?! Don't read this President Bush.

RailroadingBrit

QUOTE: Siberianmo, congrats on the new net links. We've managed to "borrow" part of dad's home office broadband line (so we effectively get free internet "on the company" - we've checked and they're ok with this). One point though: make sure you have a good firewall. I would recommend Zonealarm - there's a free edition on the site (though it takes a little finding) that does all you'll need, when installed it just sits in the task bar and does its job without fuss. I know WinXP SP2 has a firewall built in but don't ask my opinion of this - it's not printable! Zonealarm is a lot more solid. Broadband without any firewall is an open invitiation to hackers of all types, so a firewall is essential. Hope this is helpful!

Do you think we could get connected to dad's home office here in Chesterfield, Missouri, USA???[:)][:D][8D]

I am firewalled - so to speak. RIght now it is with McAfee and I'll keep it that way until the contract expires, then switch over to the package contained in my high speed service. Good advice and very much appreciated!

[Noah Hofrichter]

Ed, Speaking of Field of Dreams, I’ve actually been there, Last summer. It’s about a three hours drive to the spot in Iowa from my place. It really was neat to see the place where they filmed it and play catch on the field. We visited at the right time of year that you could even disappear into the corn field, (and sometimes you had to too get a ball.....)

Well, not much to say and things to do, I’ll see you all later.

Noah

[Fergmiester]

Well I got some news this afternoon. Bachmann called and told me they no longer carried the parts my 2-8-0 as it was an old version[:(] and since they already sold me the parts to another engine....

They're sending me a new one!

Ya Baby!![^]

It's nice to see some companies still have common decency and respect. Bachmann just got two thumbs up!!

I painted the fishing hole today and all I have to do now is add water.

Problem is, this was to be a fall colours scene and fishing is out of season!

Later Gents

Fergie

[trolleyboy]

Good evening coffee clubbers. *** I used the 2x3's for legs and the bench work frames.I found that the 2x3's at the HD weren't as sudject to warpage. With my 5/8 ply top the layout will hold up the heaviest of plaster mountains [}:)][xx(]and my 200lb carcas.[:p][;)][:0] Cat Tom I've had to put a door on the train room to keep our cat/dog out of the trainroom as she likes stealing my trolly's.She is just a DSH but she is also species confused.She doesn't bark but when she's happy she wags her tail and follows you around like a puppy.For whatever reason she likes to roll over on her back and get her belly scratched[:0]weird. [#welcome] underworld do we want to know what you model concidering your screen name[?] LOL drop by anytime .Well off to the forum. Rob

[tomwatkins]

Good Evenin' Everybody,
Well, the last couple of days have been interesting. The trip to Hendersonville turned out to be not much of a problem. It took a bit longer than usual, but that's no big deal. The procedure is pretty quick and simple, and went very well. Shawna is doing fine, and her vision out of that eye is greatly improved. Lasers and people who know how to use them properly are wonderful things. We could have gotten it done a lot closer to home, but we're really picky when it comes to doctors. Louise's cold has been coming and going. Today wasn't a good day. She's better than she was over the weekend, so that's good. And to top everything off, I "threw my back out" this afternoon. Have no idea what I did to bring it on, but I've spent several hours being very still. It's easing up some now, but it hasn't been a whole lot of fun. Since tomorrow is supposed to be a railroad day, hopefully it will be better by in the morning.That's enough whining for one day. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for Shawna. They surely do help.

Siberianmo, the coffee shop can take a bit of time (We are a chatty bunch, aren't we?) but it sure is a nice place to hang out with good friends.

TurboOne, how did your son's surgery go? Hopefully all is well and he's on the mend.

Krump, welcome back! It's good to see you here again. Hope the doc's can find answers to the unknowns about your wife's health. Not knowing what's going on is really hard.

Matt, that's really cool that they are going to recover and rebuild the Bluebird. It was a beautiful machine.

Fergie, how are your boys doing? Walking pnuemonia is serious stuff. Hopefully they will get better really quick.

Paul, now that sounds like a project worth being involved with. There are just way too many kids out on the streets today, with no good place to go and be safe.

Steve, those are beautiful pics of two gorgeous locomotives.

Grayfox, my vote is for the 2x3 legs. I think the 1x4's might flex a bit on you, and that wouldn't be good.

Bridge Tom, I'm glad Spooky set the record straight on that. She writes very well. Does Wiley get equal time to present his side of the story?

I'm going to go for now, and soak my back for a while.
Have a great evening everybody,
Tom

[Attaboy]

Hi Mikey & Jim, mind if I join you? Just an OJ tonight Chloe, have the sniffles and maybe the OJ will keep it form getting worse.

Bumped into a small delay with my train room. I'm cutting openings in the the walls to access what would be hidden tracks. Took the drywall off one wall and found some electrical wires that have to be relocated. Oh, well, you'll have this in a small town. I'm going to scenic those sections of track too so it will look decent to visitors.

Way to go Fergie, free trains are the best kind. I will have to remember that when it's time to expand my rather small fleet. It's nice to do business with places that appreciate their customers.

See you later.

[krump]

it may be days before I'm back here (gotta remember that page number) but I'll have a mocha to go.

thanks for all the support and prayers, you are all a great crowd, and much appreciated.

I think I'll do some TRAINing with some extra time next week. Then, the following weekend, I'm working the Quesnel, BC train show into the Easter family trip visiting the outlaws.

cheers all

[fec153]

Jeez! I dont have enough time to catch up. These replies are 4 to5 pages behind
Der-Are you sure the pictures are yours? Looks like Fergies Mess.
Phil- Have a smoothie and chll out.Yeah, we read you. Know how you feel.
Fergie- Keep eating like that and they'll use you for ballast. Either that or stay amidship so it wont list.
Trevor [#welcome].
Fergie-DARN- Helava nice job.Nice doesn't do it justice.[bow][bow]. As a punster you are one heckofa modeler.
Siber- Congrats.Happy memories are the best. Enjoy the train.
Tom-Hope Shawnas procedure worked.
Turbo Tim- It's 6:30 pm Hope the op went well A belated prayer was sent upstairs.
Krump- Welcome back. Sorry about all the medical woes. Hang tough, buddy.
Have the drs. checked inner ear drainage? Many people have similar problem stemming from a birth defect.
Thats all I have time for. Tired. Another 12 hours at work. Getting to old for this $#@!.
Flip

[JimRCGMO]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trolleyboy


Cat Tom I've had to put a door on the train room to keep our cat/dog out of the trainroom as she likes stealing my trolly's.She is just a DSH but she is also species confused.She doesn't bark but when she's happy she wags her tail and follows you around like a puppy.For whatever reason she likes to roll over on her back and get her belly scratched[:0]weird.

Helps to let Tom know that he's not the only one with... [ahem]...unusual cats.[}:)][;)]

QUOTE:
[#welcome] underworld do we want to know what you model concidering your screen name[?] LOL drop by anytime .Well off to the forum. Rob

Rob, I couldn't find any post by underworld - are you seeing the future again?[}:)][;)]

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[fec153]

Fergie- Get trained fleas to act as your trout. Or have Ed send Mexican jumping beans
that you could put into trout costumes.
Flip

[der5997]

Good evening : Decided that the treadmill was the more sensible choice for exercise tonight. Rosie has been holed up in her house all day anyway. Miserable weather. They are saying that it was nearly as bad as hurricane Juan, and if the barometric pressure of this storm had accompanied Juan, that would have been a category 3 rather than 2.

Duke:

QUOTE: Luc-You keep saying

QUOTE: rabbitt, rabbitt, rabbit

and them thar DOGS will be at it again

Not if one of them is Snoopy[:-^]

E_bone9

QUOTE: And so.. how did a railyard work at that time? How did the railroads work? If I saw a train leaving that yard would every single engine and rolling stock be lettered with the M&StL logos? Or would it have had some other road stock included?

I’m just getting to page 339, so you may have your answers already. However, if you can get your hands on an old Klambach book by John Armstrong, Track Planning for Realistic Operation, most of these questions are dealt with there, and in terms of your proposed era. [8D]
If you can’t find a copy locally, and swear on several stacks of bibles to return it, I could lend you my copy.

QUOTE: Did B&O know where all of their stock was? Seems like quite a chore to keep tabs on all those cars going all over the map.

Once had a friend whose job it was to know where every single Procor tank car was at all times. One of the most peaceful chaps you could hope to meet, but then he didn’t try to do his job without help through prayer[:D][^]

Fergie:

QUOTE: Did they have Salmon Ladders in the 60's?

Even if “they” didn’t, you could always have it as a Government, or University research project, with appropriate signage, of course! [swg]

Tim:

QUOTE: Guys, add my 6 year old to your prayers please.

Sorry , got to this after the fact. How did it go?

Krump: Great to hear from you again. Thanks for the update. Please give our best wishes to your lady, and all the sports stars! Hope your plans work out. It must be a difficult time of adjustment for everybody.

Matt:

QUOTE: anyone else know of the Bluebird speed record boat (the one that crashed killing its pilot, Donald Campbell)?

I remember the newsreels in the cinema. Details a bit fuzzy now[:D] Didn’t know of the recovery, much less the re-build.

Time for Last of the summer wine, so I’ll call it a day, with another rpage done. I may never catch up! [(-D] good night all, and God Bless.

[JimRCGMO]

Good Evening guys! Chloe, I'll take my OJ smoothie over with Krump, Flip, Ed and Mikeygaw at their table.

Looks like a big crowd for the Shop this evening. No cats that I hear, though. [;)] But that just might mean Spooky's keeping Tom distracted long enough for Wiley to get to the computer, too.[(-D][:-^]

Fergie, great news on the Bachmann train replacement![tup][bow] I'm with Attaboy - you may just have swayed me. If Bachmann is one of those companies (have to go back to my notes from earlier) that makes a Mogul, I will probably be getting it from them.

TomWatkins, good to hear things went well for Shawna. Sorry to hear about your back problems, but maybe a good soak and some rest will have you up for some MRRing tomorrow.

Not lots of progress to report on my layout/benchwork this week. One friend I had hoped would be able to help me move the plywood and lumber (for the benchwork) to my apartment is gone on a church mission trip to Mexico. So will need to see if I can locate another friend (with pickup or such) and get the stuff moved anyway.

Oh, Ed. the trip's to Rio Bravos, which I think is just across the border (not very close at all to you). They go down twice a year to help build houses (casitas), and most times also have nurses and a doctor and/or dentist to go have a clinic for residents. I understand it's necessary to smuggle medicines into Mexico because the border guards (U.S.?) will stop if you bring any into Mexico. Guess they're afraid Mexico will become the next Pharmacy Canada, so to speak?[;)]

Okay, back on topic - once I find a helpful friend with vehicle, I hope to have the plywood cut into the top pieces I need and start gluing and fastening the 1X2's and such into L-girders. Will have to check if I still have the screws or have to go buy some. Oh yeah, and bring the roll of cork here too, so I can then cut it out for the roadbed. Hmmm, and I'll need to be sure to get enough glue, too. When I get that far, I'll be doing (basically) glueshell scenery base, since I have a good sized roll of paper towels for dipping and covering. May need to get more cardboard (but I don't have a glue gun, so I may need to use a stapler, or else buy one. Any suggestions on what kind of glue gun I would need (and type of glue sticks, since I know there are a lot of kinds)???

Got a few things to do tonight, so I'll take another OJ smoothie with me to go, Chloe. See everyone later!

Blessings ,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[JimRCGMO]

QUOTE: Originally posted by der5997



Time for Last of the summer wine, so I’ll call it a day, with another rpage done. I may never catch up! [(-D] good night all, and God Bless.

Well then, John - obviously you did not get enough grapes last year! [sigh] Better make sure to correct that shortfall for next winter....[:o)][}:)][:P][C=:-)]

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[egmurphy]

Good Evening Coffee Clubbers

Weather continued overcast most of the day. Got a bit warm and humid, but cooling off nicely now. Supposed to remain this way for a couple of days more. Good. [^]

Hey, breaking news on the layout front. I actually got some more ground foam put down today. [:D] I’d guess I have the first coat (fine texture only) on about 25% of the layout surface. Can't go much farther until I finalize the shaping of the foam hills on the balance of the layout. Next step is to go back and put down some ‘coarse’ ground foam to get a bit more texture to the scene. Then add some weeds and underbrush. I’m still looking for a satisfactory weed to use as tree armatures, so they'll have to wait.

Here’s a look at the stuff I put down a couple of days ago. Don't have a photo yet that shows the extent of the area after today's work.


Now it becomes painfully obvious that I need a few buildings. Does this never end??? [(-D]


Siberianmo, congrats on the new high speed connection. Enjoy.


Noah, glad to know someone who actually visited “Field of Dreams”. Had you seen the movie prior to the visit?


Oooohh Fergie, new consolidation. Congrats.


Tom, glad Shawna’s eye operation turned out okay. But sorry to hear about Louise, and even sorrier to hear about your back. With the little experience I have had with back pain I sure wouldn’t wish anyone to have any problems with their back.

QUOTE: (CG)Jim: Oh, Ed. the trip's to Rio Bravos, which I think is just across the border…

Down here, they refer to what we call the "Rio Grande" as the "Rio Bravo". Don’t know where a town of Rio Bravo might be, don’t know which state it's in do you?

The only reason to bring medicine down here would be if it was donated stuff. Most medicines available in the states are available down here at much less cost. That’s why so many Americans who live along the border cross over and get their prescriptions filled down here. Just like people in the northern tier states going to Canada.

QUOTE: … but I don't have a glue gun…

You can find them cheap at any hobby shop like Hobby Lobby or Michaels, or the crafts department of Walmart or Target.


Okay, that’s about all. I’m late getting this update in and it’s almost time to hit the sack.

Hasta mañana,

Ed

[twhite]

Just came in off the layout and it looks as if I missed conversations the size of War and Peace.

John: OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHH!!!!! Be still, my beating heart--those BRIDGES!! You didn't by chance base them on an old movie called THE BRIDGES AT TOKO-RI, did you? I'm still salivating! Yummy!![:P][:P][:P]

Steve: Thanks for the compliment, I've been working like a Cornish hard-rock miner on that layout extension. Found out one thing about the furnace filter trees--if you use fine-ground foam, you get pines, if you use a coarser ground, you get fir trees! Either way, they're pretty cool. I'll post pictures. Actually, if I used thicker bamboo skewers and clump foam, I could get Redwoods, heh-heh! BTW, LOVE those British steamers you're posting--very handsome locos indeed!

Well, time to call it in--Wednesday is the Law and Order marathon, followed by South Park on the comedy channel. Have to keep the furries happy. BTW, Wiley would probably post his version of the story, but he don't rede or spel gud.
Later, gentlemen--
Tom (Cat/Bridge/etc.)
PS: Do you guys know that it was Spooky that did my 1000th post? Whatta little devil!

Fergie: Fall colors and fishing? Doesn't seem to be bothering the guys I've got fly-fishing on the Middle Yuba in October. Of course, they're MILES from any Rangers out there, yuk-yuk. When I grew up on the Yuba, we knew just where to go, anytime, anywhere. Go for it--have one guy on the lookout for a Ranger, okay?

Rob: Your cat's not weird, she's just like every other cat--knows what you expect and then does the opposite, LOL! Ain't they fun little fur-people, though? [:D][}:)][}:)]

[Paul W. Beverung]

Hi Gang; Just a quick mark. Mary Ann and I spent the evening helping John out on the carnavel. I talked to the Pres/Gen Mgn of Six Flags to day about helping the kids with some stuff for prises. He reached into his desk andpulled out 4 season passes for the gang to raffel off. Also they are going to donate a bunch of small toys and such for prizes.

Fergie; Coal dock? With all the ore cars that you have I'd think an ore dock would be in order. Of course even a small one is 11 ft. long.

That's it for tonight.

Paul

[philnrunt]

Good day to all-
Tomwatkins and Ed- It worked! Ajo came by today, I flashed my baby blues (I'm a toad with nice eyes, thank Gawd!) and spoke logic to her and tonight I ordered my 2 new SD38-2s, 1 in USS and one in EJ&E. We don't have the $, but who cares? Never stopped the government! Actually this will save her 200$ that she was going to chip in on our trip to Savannah. I figured we had such a good time that I'll spring for that much just to tell her thanks. This might not make sense, but these are the first new locos I've gotten in years, and the first both built and sold by Kato. Looking forward to 'em.
Grubby- I know what you mean about doing it yourself. Years ago I sent a friend to buy a 5$ garden hose, he bought a 20$ one, spending everybit of my eating money for that week! But, as he points out, I still have that fine quality hose. Strange, I still feel like I'm the one that got hosed.
Grayfox 119- I wish you had stayed, 3-4 freights rolled thru with snow packed to the headlights. Must have been in your area. I know I'm pretty sick of this winter, but I was speaking of you today to a friend in Seattle, and he sent his commiserations. You people have had way more than your fair share of this stuff. But don't worry, I went out today and shot a hole in a can of freon, so that global warming thing will kick in soon!
twhite- The at-cay as-hay earned-lay...awww, who's kidding who? Its a well known fact that cats broke the Japanese Naval Code back in '41! Just beeee careful about how you treat 'em. I'll try to get Fergie to ship a few loads of trout your way, just in case things get....fishy.
flip- trout costumes? Looked for 'em, but could only find 'em in N and Z. They wern't to pricey, but the little needlenose pliers you had to buy to work the zippers...big bucks!
In local news, lost a Lawrence, In. officer last week, some kids stole a van someone had started to warm up, but didn't lock the door. Long story short, pursuit started, the van went airborne and hit the officer in his Crown Vic. Unless you saw the Ford emblem, there was no way to tell what it was. Sad and senseless. Now Lawrence wants to outlaw leaving running vehs unlocked. They have had 70 cars stolen in the last 3 months, half of them warming up. This was the first Lawrence officer lost in the line of duty.
OKAY, enough bad news. Tomwatkins, get better, and take care of the womenfolk. For that matter, all of you get better, and best wishes for the kids and better halfs, they put up with our madness then get sick. Dosn't seem fair. But what is?
Signed-Phil, waiting for those big beautiful SDs!

[Anonymous]

Der: and I thought I was building a fancy bridge, that is REALLY nice work, I wish I had that kind of patience. Last of the summer winde is on here too, from 10-10:30, as PBS is having their fund raiser now.

Rosie-the-dog: Don't let Spooky get ahold of you, my dog will tell you cats are baaaaad news.

RevAndy: HaHaHaHaHa

Turns out the fire didn't burn as cleanly as we had hoped for, about 5 acres made it through without getting burned. Oh well, I'll get it dragged down anyway, hope to get the tractor home and serviced for next season this weekend. We have a very good Volunteer Fire Department out here, they have several good grass fire fighting trucks, two 4x4 one ton brush pumpers, and two 5 ton 6x6's. With those rigs they can knock down about anything. A couple years ago we had some really big wildfires in the area, and they lost two trucks when the pump engines choked down in the smoke. One of the crews got lucky enough to have one of the helicopters drop water and clear a path out for them, the others just had to run, luckily they all made it out okay.

Well, I better get to bed, just noticed how late it was,
Greg