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

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: by JimRCGMO: LilRob, was that the ‘Luc dogs’ we were gonna send?

[#ditto]

Robert

[Anonymous]

Another quick visit...

Just wanted to share this little bit with all of you.

Duct Tape is like the force.. It has a light side, it has a dark side, and it holds the universe together...

I think we can all relate to that.

Happy MRRing

[fec153]

Fergie- E'd with Lupo few days ago. He has been busy in the shop. His son, Tommy, was havung a ball playing in the snow. Seems it has been years since they had enough to play in. Tommy is 8. Give him time, he'll find out about it when he grows up.
BTW, has Bob told you about my mess? I sent him pictures of it.
Flip

[siberianmo]

Good evening all - thought I'd sit for a little while. No coffee - maybe some Jack on the rocks. There I go again - wrong place!

Don't know how you guys can handle those "slurpies - gloppies - oozies (that's a weapon!) - creamies - smoothies," and whatever else has overtaken a good cuppa Joe![tdn]

Got some model railroading in this afternoon - working on the Polar Express shelf system in my trainroom. Pretty much of a challenge in that there are no walls in some places of the run and I've limited myself greatly in an absolute taboo regarding anything that would bring harm to my newly constructed drop ceiling. So innovation is the word - and it's coming. Finished one side of the oval - well almost finished it. Looking for a way to replace my sky hook with a better arrangement! [:)]

I see that some responses are in order (twice today!)

bjdukert

QUOTE: siberianmo: it was the first time I ever got into landscaping at any level.

If only I can do as well when I get there.

Duke - my guess is you will do at least as well. I purchased only one book, and that was Woodland Scenics, "The Scenery Manual How to Book." The Walthers catalog # is 785-1207, for anyone who may be interested.

Since the majority of what I used was from WooScenics, I thought their book would be a good starter. It was - especially when it came to "doing" waterfalls and lakes.

teffy

QUOTE: Siber:
I am impressed with your layout and it makes me drool. I see from your age that you qualitify for membership in the OFC (Old Farts Club) WELCOME

I've been called that for decades! I was the oldest officer on one of my ships and just couldn't live it down from the buckaroos[oX)]; so it goes with the territory. Thanx for the membership in OFC[:)], nothing like being accepted!

Glad you enjoyed the layout. Save the drooling for the gals[}:)], after all - there ARE more important things in life, aren't there[?]

twhite

QUOTE: Siberianmo: Still knocked out by your layout---4000 trees? And I thought I had foliage!!
I REALLY like your passenger terminal, and you've inspired me to put some early Fall snow on the Sierra Buttes. Your mountain looks WAY cool!! Hopefully I can squeeze a couple of passenger terminal tracks in when I get cracking on the staging yard this Spring--something for my "Exposition Flyer" and the troop train.

Tom - Yes, over 4,000 on just the top level (mountains). The main level (sea level) has several hundred more. A friend of mine told me at the onset that "You can never have enough trees, you'll see." He was right.[tup]

The layout really followed the passenger terminal. I had to have that over anything else. There was a method I followed - too long, and perhaps boring to those of you who know how to plan layouts - but nevertheless, it all fell into place. Happy that you enjoyed viewing it.[:)]

fec153

QUOTE: Si- I'm hard headed. Never noticed anything to be offended by. Relax! Have another drink of your choice. Your layout is eyecandy. Hubba,Hubba. For you youngsters, that means its AWESOME!!

I must be old, because I remember Hubba Hubba as an expression. Enjoy the "candy."[:)]

JimRCGMo - Because you asked for it (by e-mail) the Walthers stock number for those parking meters is: Selley 675-113 (6 to a package) for anyone interested.

fergmiester

QUOTE: Si: I have many fond memories of Toronto's Union Station.

Fergie - If you can find the time, you are invited to share your thoughts on my "CANADIAN PASSENGER RAILROADS - Let's Talk!" topic on the Trains forum - Railroading. Really some interesting stuff thus far and we can always use more! C'mon in, the water is fine.[#welcome]

That invite is extended to any of you with similar experiences and interests appropriate to the topic. The more, the merrier.[:)]

My guess is that you didn't make an offer[?] - oh well, perhaps someday a passing train on my Can-Am layout will be decked out in MESS livery. Until then [:(]
=================================================
Okay guys, that's it for tonight! G'nite ......

[der5997]

Good evening everyone: The expected storm came at 2:00p.m. Later than we had been led to believe. The main snows are out to sea, and so we don’t have very much down. And it has pretty much stopped now. The wind has been fierce. Having obtained Fergie’s permission to cut apart the WS rock casting molds he loaned me the other night, I’ve had a productive day adding castings to the layout. More on the lower east tunnel portal…


and Fergie’s larger castings up on the thin rock wall along the approach to the upper level east tunnel portal…


While that was going on, I carved a bit more foam on the hill behind thte upper station, and filled in the scenery around the rise in the road from the station into the backdrop. The road and the hill are now one piece, joined under neath by a handy bit of cereal box card. [tup] This means the whole unit can be lifted from the layout to be worked on. If you look at the photo above, you’ll notice the hill isn’t there! I found some Perma-Scene left over from the Spruce Grove layout, where I used it as an experiment. Basically, it’s vermiculite and powdered glue. Same idea as sawdust and white glue, imho….


Folks, you should see Fergie’s ore cars, and other MESS stock in their finery. His photo shows just a corner of what he’s really been up to while guarding our coast[(-D]

selector Unless I’m mistaken, a [#welome] is in order. (I’m coming late to this party, as it’s 10:20 Saturday evening right now.[:D]) I was in Campbell River 1981-88. ( I erroneously posted that a layout I had there was taken down in 1981, make that 88) Thanks for the tape tip, BTW.

QUOTE: So, I like mine ...hold your breath...with cream AND sweetener.

If there are blood sugar issues underlying that choice, you are in good company.

Gubby:

QUOTE: I love seeing the pictures of your progress guys and I will post some of mine soon...just as soon as I work out how

Noah:

QUOTE: Der John, That was one of the things we were looking at as a matter of fact! Glad to know it’s a good Idea, we weren’t really sure. Thanks a lot!

Read the fine print, as my news is 3 years old at best [;)]

Ted D. Kramer [#welcome] also! Care to say a bit ore than your profile? [:D]

Well, that’s about it for today, so I’ll fini***he excellent hot chocolate, and head for bed. Goodnight all, and God Bless.

[Paul W. Beverung]

Hi Everyone; Well the carnival was a success. They made $1250 +. I had expected a little more especially since the weather was great. There is a promise of another $1000 from someone.

Teffy; Glade to hear that I’m good for something. The sofa would be fine. Much better than the roof of a D model Huey.

Ted; Welcome to the coffee shop. I’m in HO. I’m modeling a free lance ore hauling line in the U.P. of Michigan. Era 1950. I’m 62 and have been in HO since 11. I’m also doing live steam in 7 ½ inch gauge, 4in scale and 1 5/8 in gauge.

Welcome Selector; Too bad you weren’t a head shrink type. I think that a few of us could use one. I was a helicopter pilot in the Us Army, one tour in Vietnam.

Rob; I’m happy to hear that your dad is home.

Once again I’ve got to work tomorrow so it’s sack time.

Good Night

Paul

The Duluth, Superior, & Southeastern

“ The Superior Route “

[Anonymous]

Zoe, drinks for everyone - I'm celebrating!

I finally got through the task I'd been dreading all week: Putting insulation in the ceiling of my garage. I almost injured my back during the process, but luckily I had enough sense (the 2nd time) to have my son help me hoist those bales of fiberglass into the attic. At last, I have what I could only dream about for the past 5 years: A layout room that never gets colder than 60 or hotter than 80 degrees F. Time to fini***hat benchwork and do some serious tracklaying (again, not one of my favorite train-related activities - but nowhere near as bad as handling fiberglass insulation). All those industrial structures I built, and locos I painted, they don't amount to a hill of beans without a layout to put them on.

Phil:

QUOTE: Originally posted by fec153
First-[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome] to all the Newbies-Ken,Selector et al.

Thanx for the warm reception. I'm still not always able to tell between the Coffee Shop newbies vs. the 'veterans'...

Fergie:

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester
Ken: I feel your pain! the CCG has been downsizing for the past 14 years ... Keep MR'ng as it will keep your mind focused on the good things in life.

Appreciate the pep talk. Another friend of mine who works at the Lab with me thinks there won't be any change, it's just the 20-year veterans over-reacting (The precipitating event: Our Department Head is leaving, and it's because of all his industry connections that we get our business - without him, then what?) But you're right about the MRR therapy - cheaper than a shrink, and a lot more fun![:D]
BTW, I'm glad you were able to use that tree-making thread of Aggoro's that I bookmarked. I always save stuff like that, never know exactly when I'm gonna need it again.

Duke:

QUOTE: Originally posted by bjdukert
You wouldn’t even recognize the place now with all the building that has gone on and the semis and speed have made the roads one big pot hole.
You hang in there on the job front,I know it isn’t easy because I went through it back in the early 70’s being layed off from 2 places at the same time and a one year old that we were not sure was going to be with us long. Things worked out and she is now a mother of 2 daughters,so DON’T GIVE UP!!!

[angel][angel]

Thanx for sharing the pain. I might not be in as bad shape as I originally feared (see my response to Fergie above for details).

"TEFFY" Bob:

QUOTE: Originally posted by TEFFY
Ken:
In my lifetime i've gotten several pink slips and probably the worst part was the idea that I was not needed. I just spent eight hours a day looking for a job and usually I was working in less then a week.

At least if this situation (described in my reply to Fergie above) does turn out as bad as feared, I have probably a year to start 'networking' and putting out feelers.

Trouble is, I'm an I.T. guy and all of that type of work is being done in India these days.

Ted K & selector:

QUOTE: Originally posted by Ted D. Kramer
I guess "there is always room for one more?" ... It is a great pleasure to "break-in" and, hopefully, I may contribute as much as I take away from this "user friendly" site. Best regards to all.

QUOTE: Originally posted by selector

Good Day, all. I'm here late (left coast time zone), and for the first time. Hope I'm welcome...

[#welcome] both of you! I'm kinda new here myself, but the place is already starting to grow on me. Chloe and Zoe will fix you right up. BTW, the title's a lie (about the food) - their cyberburgers are phenomenal![;)]

...
And that's the-way-it-is in my little corner of the world. Time for me to go spend some quality Saturday time with my "other half", since I've been hiding in that attic all day. Good nite....

[fec153]

Ken- There are 2 Phils here. Northern Phil and me, Fla.Phil. To make it easier, I went to an old nickname, "Flip". Hope that clarifies the issue.
Flip

[Fergmiester]

Well that it i'm calling it quits for the night. Got the rest of the stringers and cross beams or whatever their real names are glued in and a second coat of stain applied. Doesn't look half bad. I might get the FEF-3 up and running tomorrow and the 601 marked. Oh and let's not forget the driveway shoveled.

Later Gents
Fergie

[Mikeygaw]

ok quick update on Jim (jhhtrainsplanes): he's gotten himself a new harddrive for his computer, if he get it set up and running correctly... he might try to get on a friends computer and drop by

[Attaboy]

Hi, all. Just stopping by to catch up on the posts before bed. Quite a few since yesterday.

Ken, good to hear things may not be as bad as originally thought at work. Been there myself a time or two and it is never easy.

And a belated [#welcome] to Ted. I just went back to check a few posts and realized I was in here this morning. This day was longer than I thought. [:D] Hopefully I will be able to get back to work on the train room tomorrow. That's always good therapy for whatever ails you.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Attaboy
Ken, good to hear things may not be as bad as originally thought at work. Been there myself a time or two and it is never easy.

Steve, I see from your profile that you are near Harrisburg - is there still a loco megashop at Enola, or has NS closed it down?

[grayfox1119]

Ahhhhh, good to sit for a minute, another day of shovelling and snowblowing. This 66 year old body is starting to rebel against all this snow and cold.[xx(] We received ANOTHER 9 inches of snow last night and all day Saturday.
And to make matters worse.....I threw a chain on the sblower, and broke a shear pin. The shear pin was was an easy fix, but the darn chain wrapped around the axle before I could stop the sblower. That was a royal PITA to repair, but very necessary as this snow was a 30 degree snow...wet and slippery when packed down giving "0" traction without chains.[:(!][:(!]

I see we have some new visitors to the coffee shop, Crandell, Ted, Kramer, drinks are on me. [#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]

Ed: Que Pasa? You mean to tell me that Flip diverted those CSX cars to FLA??? Tsk, tsk. And we don't have it bad enough this winter. Flip, fix the waybill buddy, were dying up north!!

I did manage to get some work done on the train room today inbetween all the snow work. I set up a work area with storage cabinet, work table and desk, a bookcase, and then brought down all the MRR mags, MRR books, kits that need building, locos, DCC system, tracks, scenery supplies, etc. The "room" is ready, now the benchwork needs to start, but first I need to plan the layout.

I can't keep my eyes open....that is a good sign..GO TO BED....see you all tomorrow, a blessed Sunday to all ..... Bon Soir !

[GDRMCo]

ok then I'll just have to bring in my own deep frier since someone removed the old one. ohwell it doesnt really matter the old one was starting to get a little rusty and any food fried by it could have possibly killed someone and I'd be the one to blame. great to hear that jims getting along. other jim maybe you could email me with a description of what you want the paint scheme to look like and maybe a sketch of the logo aswell. well I'm gonna go set up the deep frier and have a deep fried T-bone.
later guys and gals
Mitchell

[trolleyboy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by fec153

Good morning. If there is a Harley in the side parking area, Chloe is on duty. If there is a Buell, it"s Zoe.
What the heck am I doing getting up at 2:45? Oh,yeah, doing laundry before beating the crowds at Wallyland. [ I call it Tram-Law]
Back later,
Flip

You know Phil,I work in retail and no matter which way you spell it .It's two four letter words.LOL Why would you want to shop that early in the morning? It just doesn't seem right.Kinda glad the evil empire doesn't run 24 hours here. Catch yah later. Rob

[trolleyboy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Ted D. Kramer

As trollyboy might say, "step to the rear and mind the door!" I guess "there is always room foe one more?" At least, all of the street car Motormen/Conductors in K.C., Mo. thought so. Thought I might "break the ice" with a short intro (key of C). I am retired and into HO gauge (garage parameters) and G gauge (outside). I'm modeling Southern Rwy. and B & O in HO ( circa 1920-1950) and the same era for Santa Fe in 'G' gauge. I got an early start at aoubt 10 years of age and that was 56 years ago. So far the hobby has kept me out of trouble and ususally broke at the end of the month. I'm strictly a rookie at G gauge as I bought a Aristo Craft Doodlebug (A.T.S.F.) a couple of years ago. Ironically, that was my first purchase in HO also, a Walthers 70 ft. (C.& N.W.) kit. I apologize in advance If occasionally I make reference to some product or modeling technique that younger folks don't recognize. Just chalk it up to senility that comes with old age. Oh well, we all "go there" eventually, don't we? I traveled for twenty years [five mo. each year] with the U.S. premier Army Band and visited every LHS that time and distance would allow. It is a great pleasure to "break-in" and, hopefully, I may contribute as much as I take away from this "user friendly" site. Best regards to all.

Hey Ted glad you made it in here.Your first round is definatly on me,the girls will keep you topped up as well[:0][:p].You will find us all a likable bunch covering every possible age and RR. Stop by lots or you may get lost as we are usually a real talkative bunch. Cheers Rob[:D]

[trolleyboy]

OOps I did it again,oh well I managed to pay off the cyberbill for my last top of the page so drinks fried or otherwise are on me.[xx(] *** and the eastcoasters sorry to hear about the snow crap you've just had dumped,hopefully spring gets here soon we all need to stop seeing white.We just got some of the lite nusence snow today just enough to cause a few fender bendrers but not enough to accumulate much.[V][B)] Well it's going to be a short night ,the F-I-L is comming over tomorrow and wants to help me lay track[^]that's cool I need the occastional KITR. Cat Tom sounds like the rr bug is quite common with clergy and it's non-denomimational, I know of 3 Anglican Preists and at least one Bishop that's an MRR. Si got your e-mail that's great news I've sent you a reply. Talk to you all later Rob

[steveblackledge]

MATT, those 153's are horrible (like most modern DMU's), you can't beat the old MK1's and 2's behind a 40 or 47 or better still a 50[:p]
NOAH

QUOTE: Steve, Could you tell me what you think of the current York railroad Museum? My Dad and I are most likely going there this summer, and we want to go to the museum. There is supposed to be a train you can ride somewhere, my Dad’s been looking into that a little. I’m curious to know what you think of it though.

last time i went to york was about 2 yrs ago, it's well worth a visit and best of all it's free to get in, they opend another branch, i think it's at Shilldon up near Darlington but can't tell you much more. iIn the summertime you can ride the Scarborough Spa Express or the Flying Scotsman Excursion from York to the coast at Scarborough and back, but there are loads of Steam Trips to go on all over the UK, go to this link, it's got all the UK Steam trips for 2005 http://www.uksteam.info/tours/trs05.htm

I took the BLI loco to the trainclub meeting, set up a loop of track and when everyone sat down talking i turned on the power, hey presto instant silence, "how can that train make all that sound on DC" said one[%-)] another said you have something in that tanker car behind it[%-)] , i think i converted some to American outline [:D]
A VERY GOOD NIGHT WAS HAD BY ALL[:)]

[philnrunt]

Hello all, and a big Hoosier welcome to Crandell, Ted and selector! Anything you want, anyway you want it, right here at the Coffee Shop!
Ed- I swear we have forwarded every car you've routed thru here, after taking our cut...er, I mean our switching fee. My Transport Dept assures me it's all done with mirro-....that is, computers! And yes, this upcoming trip is the pop the question one. So I'm looking forward to it in more ways than one. And again, you da man! I will hit some of those sites you mentioned for NC copper mining. Thanks loads.
Fergie- As Dorothy would say- ALCos and GE's and Geeps-oh my! Only a matter of time before we see AC4400s and SD70MACS all M.E.S.S.ed up. And I used to take kits to work and build them, and plan on doing it again. We rearranged the PD to where I don't have the room I once did, but I figured a way to overcome that, and will start putting my work time to good use soon!
KenLarsen- RUSS Larson, thats right. Now I wonder how I got that confused....oh yeah, I'm old! Sorry for the mistaken ID, but as each day goes by my halfsheimers just gets worse. If my Jeep didn't know the way home, I'd probably end up sleeping on the road some days! And hang in there on the job, from your last post it dosn't look that bleak. Keep MRing, it will keep you at that lower level of insanity that we all operate at.
Flip, siberianmo, Ed, Tomwatkins- Still waiting for the SDs, but the "Friends 9th Season" DVD I ordered for Amyjo 2 days after the SDs got here today. Free shipping, 2 days to get it from Amazon, wi***hey sold trains!But, as you guys said- the fun is ....gasp.... in..choke... the waitinarrrrrrrrgh.
See, I'm handling it well.
Ajo is working midnights this weekend, so I am home and getting to keep up on posts here, as opposed to missing 2 days and hitting it Sun night, and still you've added 4 pages! Glad I didn't wait! Hard telling how many will be there tonight.
See ya 'all tonight!

[tomwatkins]

Good Mornin' Everybody,
It's a beautiful day in the mountains this morining. It' warm and clear. It's going to be a good day to get outside and start planning what needs to be done to get ready for Spring. Just getting outside in the sunshine will be wonderful.

The train show yesterday was pretty good. I didn't find a whole lot that I couldn't live without, and at a price I couldn't resist. Bill did pick up another pair of Baldwin Sharks by Model Power, both new, for twenty bucks. He's cornering the market on sharks. It doesn't matter that the L&N didn't run sharks. it's going to be his railroad. He's test run a couple of them on my railroad and they run quite nicely. After the show we went by Kennesaw Trains and I picked up my new Walthers head end cars. These are the former Rivarossi 60' combines, RPO's and baggage cars. They are very nice. I got undecorated so I can do them up in Southern and L&N markings.

Welcome to Selector and Ted, pull up a chair and have some coffee. It's really good this morning. Ted, what part of the Southern are you modeling? I'm doing the Southern and the L&N in western North Carolina in the late 40'sand early 50's.

Siberianmo, the layout is awesome. It really looks great. 4K trees! Your friend is right, you can never have enough trees. I'm not keeping count, but I've only gotten a little scenery done so far, and I'm already up to many, many of them.

Tom O' Cats, leaving outthe insulating joiners is easy to do. I solder my rail joiners and then cut the insulating gaps with a dremel tool. I once cut all the gaps for 3 turnouts at the wrong ends of the turnouts. Fixing that wasn't fun, but stuff like that happens.

Ed, re the area around Copper Hill, Tn. That whole area stayed denuded for a long, long time. The mine and smelter didn't close until 1988. When I moved up here in '93, the area was still pretty bare. The vegetation has come back a lot in the last 12 years, but it's still obvious that something very bad went on there for a long time. The area is also a major cancer pocket, with an incidence way out of proportion to the size of the population.

Kent, feel free to rant. You're among friends here in the coffee shop. A lot, if not most of us understand the "Joys of corporate life and downsizing" The company I worked for (20 years) got merged, downsized, right-sized, reorganized, refocused, etc. 6 times between 1988 and 2003. I always made the cut, but a lot of my friends and a lot of really good people didn't. The worrying and wondering what's going to happen before it does is terrible, and trying to get the work done afterwards, with too few people is no fun either.

Hey Mitchell, welcome back! We missed you.

Tim, a very Happy Belated Birthday. Sorry I missed it.

I'd best go for now, it's time to get some stuff done.
Have a great day, everybody,
Tom

[oleirish]

hello,Iam brand new here so what is going on? my name is jim iam as old as dirt,been around model railroading along timeI would like to know a little more about this forum an how things work on here?

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

Not bad, that didn't take long for someone to discover this. Thanks!! Now let's see if everyone else can find this and put it to good use.[swg]

Good morning Fthunder11 !!!

Just remember this isn't quite the same as real chatting, but it can get the job done. Check out the link above to see how the CTT guys use it, and HAVE FUN!!!

[Anonymous]

Good Morning All:

I had a GREAT day yesterday - I got to talk to Fergie and Mo Jim. Lisa said it was still snowing and I told her about our 85 DEGREE heat wave.

I played with the turntable and got all of the pictures taken now I've got to up-load them to railimages and then I'll post 'em. Mrs "T" says their is more grass in the TT pit then their is on our lawn. I laid the approach track and was able to drive several locos on and off with no help from the 0-5-0. It sure does look nice to see those locos move on and off. It has a 12 volt DC motor to control the bridge so I hooked a Digitrax DH-121 up to it and set it at address 99, now I can control the rotation with a throttle and the control is fabulas.

Ken:
I'm sure that you have been to the B&O museum since it re-opened. When we were on vacation and stopped in Balt to see Ft. McHenry and the transportation museum, wouldn't you know - our luck - it was going to open the next weekend. I did stop by CMR and picked up a TT kit. At the museum I realy did push on the fence trying to get closer to the exhibts. They've got an outside braced box car that I wanted to get some pictures of but I couldn't get the right angle. I feel that I could spend a week in Balt and still not see everything.
At Ft. McHenry they showed us were the ship that Francis Scott Key was on and how far it was from the Ft. No one in their right mind would think that anyone could see a flagg at that distance, but it makes a nice lyric. The guide offerd the idea of a "spyglass" but it wouldn't have been that powerful.

***:

QUOTE: ...I did manage to get some work done on the train room today inbetween all the snow work. I set up a work area with storage cabinet, work table and desk, a bookcase, and then brought down all the MRR mags, MRR books, kits that need building, locos, DCC system, tracks, scenery supplies, etc. The "room" is ready, now the benchwork needs to start, but first I need to plan the layout.

I hope you are planing one loop, at least, as opposed to only a point to point. When I'm working and want to hear the loco sounds it's nice to fire up a train and let the chuffs fill the room, and not have to worry about running out of track.

We'll I've got to get ready and go to church.

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

[Anonymous]

Well folks...I've caught a terminal case of the live steam bug! I'm starting to build a 1':1' scale, 2' guage steam loco, backwoods logging type. I've aquired a steam 2 cylinder winch engine,an oiler, the I beam for the frame, 2' pipe for the vertical boiler, and a set of wheels. I also have a line on a boiler feed pump.
Someone line me up with a shrink, I think I've lost it completely!!!

[Noah Hofrichter]

Matt, thanks for letting me know that the Museum is good, I think we will most definitely be going there.

Fergie, after you get a chance to use it, let us know how you like the Cold Heat soldering Iron. I’ve been thinking about getting, but I’m not sure if it’ll do what is necessary or not.

Steve, I think the Flying Scotsman excursion is the one we are thinking about. I bet my Dad will appreciate the free entrance part too. Thanks for the info.

Well, I’ve been busy modeling, but pictures will have to come tomorrow, I’m way to busy to take the time now. I do have some good pictures to share, and I’ll be sure to show them. I’m in a hurry now, too many things to do this weekend. I better get going!

Noah

[JimRCGMO]

Good morning Zoe - saw Capt_Turk as I was coming in. Haven’t seen him in the Shop in a little while. Zoe, Also saw Noah in this morning, and Cat Tom - I’ll have my coffee over at his table. And bring him a refill on me. Also, I brought in some warm cinnamon rolls (the ones on the back are made with - what is that stuff, Splenda? the non-sugar thingee) for everyone.

Couldn’t locate a ride for church, so I went to some favorite church sites to make up for missing. Hopefully, before next Sunday I’ll have some wheels again. Now if I could drive my cybercar to work....[banghead][;)]

Ken, CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’m sure you are sooooooo glad to have that done (and to have a more temperate place in which to work on your layout). And let’s see, we have two three Jims (one about to rejoin us and OleIrish Jim), couple of Phils (Phil and Flip), lotsa Bobs/Robs, and probably some more duplicated names I missed. So it’s not hard to get confused. Ask Ed to send you the authorized Coffee Shop Member Guide (also available in the gift dept. to the left of Zoe’s register). [swg] Good to hear your job thing isn’t as definite as you’d thought. Just need someone to go schmooze up the customer base and keep ‘em in the fold, so to speak.

And who says everything IT is offshore? BTW, are you applications-oriented or a systems guy, or hardware/network? Each specialty is kind of different (I tried working on a Comp. Sci. degree a few years back, but COBOL was the death of that). I won’t start my rant on tech support being off-shored (but I think I have a few comments back several pages if you *really want to know*). Ah, “customer service”!

Mikeygaw, good to hear we’ll have (longer-standing member) Jim back with us soon (hopefully). Of course, he may take a month getting caught up, but maybe he’s been able to read posts from time to time...

Steve. sounds like you had fun at the club meeting (as well as other members there). [:)] Way to show ‘em what’s out there. [tup]

[#welcome], OleIrish/Jim! I think you are the third Jim here (myself and one other we heard is soon to return, after some computer problems). What’s your modeling interests - era/scale (Zimpossible, Normal, Horribly Oversized, Supersize me, Gigantuous, or...?)? Steam, diesel, or transition? Freelancing or following a prototype (more or less)? Inquiring minds want to know. Myself, I’m just starting a modular layout (later to be converted to shelf-style), HO, late 1950’s steam/diesel transition, freelance (allegedly in the Four Corners area). Et vous?[;)] (That’s my pidgin French for ‘and you?’ or ‘your turn!’)

Teffy, good to talk with you last night. Looking forward to seeing photos of your grass pit errr, turntable. Good to hear the news on Carol’s improvement, too. I know that this will disappoint you, Teffy, but in looking at the 1948 RR maps I downloaded yesterday, it appears that only the D&RGW and (drum roll please...........) ATSF are close enough to be connecting lines for the CAW (UP’s further south in AZ/NM, and SP as well). Sorry to break your heart, but I guess I’ll need an interchange for the Santa Fe, huh?[(-D]

Capt_Turk, now you’ve gone and done it! But I’ll bet there are forums here that even cover 1:1 scale. I’ll let those who know more about the forums tell you where they are.

So Tom, did Snoopy join you this morning (and she's snooping around under the table for a nice mouse)? And how're Wiley and (the mellow one - forgot his name)?

Well, I need to get some more things going today. See you later on today, hopefully.

Blessings,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[bjdukert]

Afternoon all and Zoe nothing for me but I see JimCG is in and put his on my tab

[#welcome]oleirish pull up a chair and sit a while. The coffee shop is a place where everyone talks about other things as well as MRR and there are people here that can answer your questions but there are times you might want to try some of the other threads.

Not much going on and I ran out of lumber yesterday so that means I will have to wait until some time during the week or next weekend before I can get more benchwork done. [V][:(][tdn]
At least I can get some tapes put on disk so I guess not all is lost.

JimCG-Any more on the search for 4 wheels and did you manage to get your plywood cut[?][?]

I have a question. Is there a bullentin board here in the shop that we could put notices up for things that we might sell or would that be best to do eleswhere???

Well that’s about it,everyone have a good day and talk to you later

Duke

[twhite]

Good morning all--I'll have the usual Vienna Roast and Danish, thank you, Zoe. Again, Spooky's going to pass on the Tuna Blintz--can't get that furry little lady to stop rug-surfing all night, so she's sleeping in again as usual.

Weather out here has decided to cool off by about ten degrees, and I'm sorry to say to you Nor'Easterners, that you probably won't get our heat wave after all, it's decided to pull back out over the Pacific, so we're due for another Alaska blast to sneak in here by the end of the week--at least according to the weather persons.

Have a big day today, Mass at 11:00, then another Mass at 3:00, then two Priests coming over for a guided tour of the layout after. Better get out the cheese and beer, one of them is a German priest, heh-heh! He is from my former high school, and has been a model railroad freak since he was a kid (he gave me a couple of old Varney metal reefer kits he'd had lying around the house for my birthday, last December. Did I have fun with them!). The other is a Fr. Garibaldi, a Franciscan from my Parish, who just had a minor stroke at the age of 48, and was told by his doctor to get a relaxing hobby. So he's coming over with Fr. Fohlmer to check THIS hobby out. Like I said, the Friary has a BIG basement, so I may be spending more time at the Parish, only with saw, foam and screwdriver. Hey, fine by me. We may have the St. Francis & Pacific, or something like that in a few months. Of course, some of the locomotives may have to undergo Conversion (chuckle, chuckle).

Well, that's all from this end of un-sunnier California. I'll check back tonight and tell you how the Tour went.
Have a great day.
Cat/Bridge Tom [:P][:P]

[Anonymous]

Well, Wales have continued their unbeaten charge in the 6 Nations championship - we beat Scotland 46-22. Now the only thing between us and the trophy is Ireland - next weekend's match!

Steve, I couldn't agree more about the 2nd generation DMUs - I really preferred the older ones. Comfy seats, good views over the driver's shoulder. I managed to travel on the Nene Valley Railway's 117 last year - a better unit than some of the new ones entering service now. Replacing the MK1 coaches was also a big mistake - I've travelled more than a few miles in these on preserved lines and they still ride better than new stock. The last good train design (to me, anyway) was the HST - still running after 25+ years!

Also good to hear about the reactions to the BLI loco sound - I bought one of the LGB starter sets 2 years ago with a sound-equipped loco - not as advanced as the BLI (it just chuffs at varied speeds depending on how fast the loco's running) but it's a near-guaranteed way to amaze even non-MRR friends.

Tom, are the Model Power Sharks made by Roco? I have one of the Roco/E R Models ones which is great - the only thing I found was I had to lube all the bearings as it had been on the shelf for some years. Paid £30 for it from ehattons.com (amazing given full list price was £80!) and it has to be one of the best value for money locos I own.

Well, not much happening here - Sunday afternoon. My brother's gone to a Safari park with friends for the day - we're not sure whether they'll grab him as an exhibit or how much trim the monkeys will take off his car!

Bye for now

[Anonymous]

Good Afternoon All:

Here goes the memory test to see if I can still download pictures.

For those of you that remember the "Pink Panther"



This box was received by the "Almost Nothing" material desk just a short while after we routed the PP to the M.E.S.S.



This is the box that our postman later asked "did Stephanie enjoy her present from Holland?" Since it was pink he thought it was for her.

Inside was this cap (I had to take the picture as Mrs "T's" right hand doesn't work). I took it in the bathroom mirror so the wording is backwards



Ed, Paul, and Lilrobert will get to view this "thing" in person.

Under all of this MESS is a five track yard and a run around track (needs to be cleaned off before company gets here)



In this photo the lead on the left is going to the staging tracks under my second loop



This is the throat to the curved yard the whole yard is switched through the slip switch. So far I can push 19 cars with no derailment.



These three photos are the turntable showing the pitt, with bridge and then the overhang of a Proto 2-8-8-2







Well guys, in the preview all looks well so here goes. Many thanks to John, Ed, and Fergie for having the patientance personality to help me with this leaning problem.

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

[fec153]

Hi Gang- About 7 minutes till show time. B&O traveling O layout.
Back later.
Flip