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

[steveblackledge]

Hello All

MATT, make a date for May 7th, we are having a Steam Extravaganza, how does THREE different steam excursions on the same day in the same place grab you, first is 71000 "Duke Of Gloucester" Birmingham, Crewe, Manchester, Chester (Return)
followed by
60009 "Union Of South Africa" Crewe to Hollyhead,(Return)
Followed by
6233 "Duchess Of Sutherland" Derby, Crewe, Blackpool (Return)
I am drooling like a dog at the thought of it all, to keep me happy in the meantime there is a Steam double header doing the Manchester to Carlisle trip next saturday 45407 and 76079, both from the East Lancs[:D][:D][:P][:P][:P][:D][:D]

[fec153]

Morning all, just a fast line or 2. Deb doing o k. Just going to take time. Cannot thank all of you enough.
RFD doing New England steam at 9 a.m.
Coffee is ready and laundry awaits.
TTFN
Flip

[TurboOne]

Good early morning from wet SoCal.

Flip, glad is doing better. Gettig together with prayer group today, will make sure some goes out to you and Deb. [angel][angel]

Alright, I have talked the talk, and this weekend I am walking the walk. Picking up my Cab forward this weekend. The one with the VCR motor inside. I guess now I have to fini***he benchwork, so I can have those nice smooth curves for the new engine to the family. Way cool.

Jim in Mo, hope they have the vehicle for you. Good luck.

Steve, love that engine, do they in your logo, do they make them in HO/OO ?

TrolleyBoy, I take two sugar free cookies please.

Take care all

Tim

[fec153]

Hello again. This is replying to older posts-
Fergie- Children are never to old to spank. If they deserve it-do it.
Re- The M.E.S.S.- My atty.sent yours a certified check obtaining permission to use the name. If he didn't tell you, SUE the [censored].

Teffy- If you stay off the 'phone, you will have plenty of time to make your trees.
Thanks for the call. Deb enjoyed talking with you. Hope you didn't burn the meat.

Tim- Still praying for your family.

Ryan- Pictures are in the snail mail. Escargot is like chewing rubber. Ugh!

Capt.Turk- Not Deb. When she was the dispatcher for Coastal Tug&Barge she only had to speak softly and look hard. Nickname was-"The DragonLady". There was mutual respect.

Si- Like that 2nd Class Saloon. Very nice layout.

Cape Jim- C A W Is that- Crying,Ailing & Whining ? lol

More later- have to awaken Sleeping Beauty. Pill time
Flip

[Fergmiester]

I see Phil is on Hey Phil! Look O-R-A-N-G-E Not Pink![|(]

Just thought I'd clarify this[^]

Fergie

[fec153]

Fergie- Look at Ken's Pictures. Now thats ORANGE. Pink is pink.[:D].
Flip

[fec153]

Fergie- O.K.- You got me-We have posted between each other.
Flip
Drinks are on my tab.
Buzzer just off on the dryer- got to go.
Hope everyone has a Great Weekend. Fergie-enjoy the banter. Smooth seas to you.

[Fergmiester]

Phil: You jumped the line again! go back to the bottom of the last page! It's about Apples and Oranges!
Fergie

[Fergmiester]

See you did it again Stop that! And I just got hit with a flood control problem and I thought too much coffee was the culprit!

[Fergmiester]

OK I see Phil is still in the wings hovering.

Capt Turk: I tried to find your post on bellowing. All I can say is "I here you loud and clear". Though Captains of today are a much more civil bunch compared to 15 years ago when their goal in life was to make the Third Mate vibrate.

Ken: Job well done on the engines! Too bad their not steam.

Trolley: If your in the neighbourhood on your trip down give me a shout! Be gentle though.

Tom: the pictures you wanted are here though the Bridge has been widened about 1/4 of an inch. This took me about two hours to do as several cross beams had to be replaced without removing or disturbing the bridge. I'm glad I did it as it allows me more flexibility. And it put a big broad smile on Dad's face!!




The deck for the bridge is scratch built. The Arches (spans) are from an Atlas bridge kit. I still have some more supports to add.
Fergie

[fec153]

Fast post- not New England -Its New Zealand. Beautiful steamer. Not like most of our regular steamers, streamliners excepted.
Flip

[tomwatkins]

Good Mornin' Everybody,
It's a beautiful day in the mountains this morning. Louise and Shawna have gone galavanting this morning, so I'm going to be off to the basement very shortly. Shawna's teaching acting classes for elementary and middle schoolers this morning and Louise has gone shopping. The coffee, a blend of Jamaican and Folgers is very good this morning. After I get done here I'm going to take one more cup out to the porch and then head to the basement.

I want to get some more foam glued up on the embankment behind the interchange yard and get everything matched up between those pieces and the removeable hatch. It should be interesting to see how it all ties together.

The first day of opening up the club layout yesterday went pretty well. We had quite a few people stop by to see the railroad, which was a lot of fun. We identified some places where the track needs a bit more tweaking. It was the first time we've run full sized passenger cars and there are some vertical deflections between modules that need to be smoothed out to eliminate uncouplings. That will be done Monday. All in all, it was a good day, and we had a lot of fun.

Grayfox, we're big on opening the house up to air it out and cracking a window to improve air quality too. The house was built in '92-93, so it's it's well insulated. The other side of the coin is that it needs to opened up to circulate fresh air into it frequently. That makes a huge difference and it does warm up quickly once we close it back up.

Tim, I'm glad your Grandma's knee surgery went well. The recovery process can be long, and also hard, but it's worth it. My Mom had a knee replaced when she was 74. because she was tired of limping and dealing with the pain. The physical therapy was hard, but it was worth it.

Teffy, I can just see you on top of the doghouse, keyboard nicely balanced, pink hat perched on your head, busily typing away. Now that is a picture worth posting!

JimRCGMO, if you've got the surveyors out and at work, you're making good progress! It's nice that they've got a good place to get lunch and also to quench their thirst. They could also pop into the coffee shop briefly to let us know how the work is going.

JP, that is outstanding news! Congratulations. Hopefully the promotion will come through quickly.

Cat Tom, tunnels on curves are really cool, as long as the Yellowstones are happy. They're also very prototypical here in the Southern mountains. It is a shame that there isn't more steam, and especially larger steam, preserved. As far as the Southern is concerned, there are a few Ks class consolidations, the 4501 light mike, which was saved only because they sold it to a short line in Ky. and then bought it back for the steam excursion program, and the Ps-4 at the Smithsonian. Everything else went to the scrappers.

It's time to get going and get some stuff done this morning.
Have a great day, everybody,

Ga. Tom

[tomwatkins]

Fergie, those are definitely orange, not pink, and looking good. Nice job on the bridge! it looks good, and definitely worth the effort.

Have Fun,
Ga. Tom

[der5997]

Good morning folks: Major packing of grandkids and mom into their vehicle, air mattresses stowed, sleeping bags ready to go on the line if the sun stays out. Tent in the living room now back in it's case and ready for the basement once more.
I rediscovered the train room [^] They are off after lunch, which will be in the Harbour.
The computer program problems may be sorted out. Can’t really tell until I try to raise a site that isn’t active over the weekend (they do maintenance etc on the weekend)
TrolleyRob: I’ll see if I can scare up a scan-able map and email you. You’ll see the road relationships better.

Now for today’s definitions, 11 is my personal fav.

11. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.

12. Decafalon (n.): The gruelling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.

Coffee time! I’ll have a large black, no sugar please Zoë, and maybe one or two sugar free Zerohs. Have to run, so make those to go. (Speaking of which, several pages back the Irish were described as maybe having Chinese Take Out. More probably, and please correct me if this is wrong, Steve or Matt, it would be Chinese Take Away. Two peoples divided by a common language, once again!) [(-D]

TTFN

[Anonymous]

Chloe, I’ll have a roast beef sandwich (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, but skip the mayo) and a large Wild Cherry Pepsi. Also, drinks for everyone present.

Hiya clubbers, I guess nobody’s here so I’ll just leave a message.

QUOTE: Originally posted by LilRob1974
Ken, those are some really cool[8D] pics, dude.

Thanx Rob!

QUOTE: Originally posted by philnrunt
Kenlarsen- Be verwy verwy careful- thats how they get you! They just lay in the box, looking all innocent, then the next thing you know, you have them setting in a mock lash-up, "just to see what they would look like", then you have magniviewers on, sweat is running and even tho you are diabetic, you don't eat because you just have " a few more parts to attach!" Oh, my friend, I know the feeling…

Phil, I wish I had heeded your warning, but I blew it (see the later part of this post)…!

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester
Ken: Job well done on the engines! Too bad their not steam.

Thanx Ferg, I might say the same about your bridges, they look great – even when there is a Budd car going across them instead of a steamer![:D] And those ore jennies are definitely orange’r than mine.

Cape-Jim: Thanx for telling me about that Rail Paint Shop link, I wonder why I didn’t remember that from a few years earlier – must be that early-onset halfzheimer’s that Teffy warned me about! Anyhow, I put it to use designing a possible paint scheme for my ‘J’ locos which are to be repainted for my private pike, the Iron Belt. I did 2 variations so far – one with black trim on the top, the other without. (The trucks and fuel tank will remain silver, but be heavily weathered.)









(All of the above images originated from the Railroad Paint Shop, at: http://paintshop.railfan.net/home.html )

I’m open to any suggestions for ‘tweaking’ on either of the two schemes.

Only one problem (as Northern Phil alluded to above): I’m not making any progress on my layout! [banghead]

I’m outta here, see y’all later…

[Anonymous]

Fergmiester,
I think alot of the not terrorisg the mate so much now days is that the captains are getting older and mellower. Mostly I think it's just that they are so overworked that they don't have enough energy left to waste on messing with anyone. I know that is my excuse! Short crews, twice the work, 18 to 20 hour days, 7 days aweek, 30 to 90 days at a time, tends to wear you out.

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by capt_turk

Fergmiester,
I think alot of the not terrorisg the mate so much now days is that the captains are getting older and mellower. Mostly I think it's just that they are so overworked that they don't have enough energy left to waste on messing with anyone. I know that is my excuse! Short crews, twice the work, 18 to 20 hour days, 7 days aweek, 30 to 90 days at a time, tends to wear you out.

I hear ya. Though I've found in my case as the Captains get older they get a bit long in the tooth. Could be the stress of the job or in some cases over inflated egos. I think the level and standard of professionalism has changed with the advent of ISM, SCTW and Bridge Resourse Management training/awareness. Layday systems also work.

Anyway I digress

Rob: if you go to www.mapquest.com and punch in Dartmouth or Sheet Harbour, NS you'll get a map of the area. If memory serves me correctly it's about a 2 hr drive between Greenwood and Dartmouth. You may want to take your time though as there are some very scenic and historic sites that are a must!

Later Gents
Fergie

[TurboOne]

Getting ready for the honey do's. Hope everyone is doing great this morning.

Orange and Pink . Could be oranges and pink grapefruit.

Take care all

Tim

[Anonymous]

Good afternoon everyone. Let's see, I'll have a cheeseburger, fries, and a cold pepsi.

QUOTE: by KenLarsen:

QUOTE: : Originally posted by LilRob1974
Ken, those are some really cool[8D] pics, dude.

Thanx Rob!

Your welcome.

Ken, I really like the paint scheme. One question tho', where is the Iron Belt name at, on it?[?]

Fergie, I like the bridge. And those are orange cars, I think. Or you can call it a grapefruit orange color.[;)]

[twhite]

Morning all--late night last night, I went to my school's Spring Concert and came back VERY depressed about taking early retirement. Don't want to go into it too heavily, but the present choir teacher needs to realize that with high-school students, you DON'T record a CD then tell them to take it home and learn their choral parts that way. You spend time WORKING with them, pounding out their parts on the piano. These are High-School adolescents, not professional Choirsters. Okay, grousing over.

Stormy today--supposed to be that way all week, both in Northern and Southern California, so Noah sure picked a lousy time to visit San Francisco. Hope he has fun, though. Honestly, gang, SF's a really COOL city!!

Fergie: Thanks for the photos--holy Criminy, that RDC has more overhang than my Yellowstones! And speaking of full-length passenger equipment, I comletely forgot that those Walthers Standard Pullman cars have an inner-curve overhang that is really DEADLY if you've got tunnels on curves like I have. Between them and my Yellowstones, I've got to do some widening on a couple of portals, still. And you guys wonder why I have so many bridges, yuk-yuk! PS: You're right, those ore cars are ORANGE!! Like Sunkist, in fact.

Ken: I really like that paint-scheme--especially the one with the black band on top.

Well, not much on the home front, except for our weather--I suppose Tim's getting it too in San Diego, it's supposed to be a pretty wide front. That means I have to keep the garage closed for the next several days, but it's also an excuse for me to FINALLY start installing that long-put-off viaduct I've been planning for so long. Got all the sub-assemblies done on my 'workbench' (yah, I've got one of those, too, it's called the top of the dryer). Just have to cut out the foam and install it. Two Microscale tall steel viaducts on a 34" curve. Yummy!!

Oh, yah, Pete was over yesterday, thought it would be cool if I turned Ma's Place--just outside of Sierra City-- into a house of Ill Repute. I blinked, he grinned, propped a leaning female figure up against one of the porch posts and said, "See?" Hey, it works!! Kid's got a DANGEROUS imagination---

Well, time to review the music for Mass, today. Palm Saturday Vespers. The Parish is right across the street from Sutter's Fort, that's where we usually gather for the Palm Parade. This time, I think it's going to be an Umbrella parade. Hopefully it will clear off before Easter Sunday--don't want to think about all those soggy eggs.

Have a great day,
Cat Tom [:p][:p][:p]

[Anonymous]

Chloe, a Pepsi to go -- I have a few errands to run!

QUOTE: Originally posted by LilRob1974
Ken, I really like the paint scheme. One question tho', where is the Iron Belt name at, on it?[?]

Rob, if you click on either of the full-length images (the smaller ones) to view them at full size, you will see the words "IRON BELT" on the cab, just under the window. Not too obvious I realize...it's a typical steel mill-owned railroad, more concerned about safety than name recognition[;)].

[steveblackledge]

Hello All in the Coffee shop,
Tim, you can get the same loco from Hornby in OO but it's not very good, it's got tender drive which wasn't a very good idea and it's also a noisy little so and so

[fec153]

Good afternoon all. Chloe, when did you have the Harley repainted? That nude on the front fender looks just like Zoe.
I'll have a vodka on the rocks, please.

Duke- Deb and I have a tit for tat relationship. She gives as good[better] as she gets. As she states, I have to sleep sometime. Deb is a Harley,Looney Tunes,Star Trek and Hummingbird FANatic. Plus due to American Indian heritage ,Indian lore,Wolves and various Indian dodads. Dream catchers,etc.

Ken Larsen- Do I remember correctly that you are into CSX?

Fergie- I like my apples either fermented {cider} or in a pie. My oranges in liquid form either with vodka or plain.
You haven't mentioned your wife. Hope she is well.

Flip

[Anonymous]

Evening all

Well, best sporting news in ages. For the first time in 30 years Wales have managed the "Grand Slam" - winning every match in the 6 Nations rugby championship (final match, we beat Ireland 32-20). Guessing Cardiff will be pretty lively tonight, though interestingly rugby crowds aren't anything like as destructive as football ones, main role of the police will be to point lost people towards the station, stadium, etc!

Ken, I like that loco paint scheme - reminds me a little of the PB&NE SW7 and gondolas I have (Athearn SE set from a few years back). Looks good!

Steve, haven't Hornby now brought out that loco with a new loco-drive chassis? Thought the Duchess was one of the ones that had been upgraded. I do know the old loco would be simple to convert to loco drive - the frame and bodyshell have a space for the old Triang motor if I remember rightly. It might also be possible to swap one of the new 5-pole armatures into the tender - these are great in their latest "47s", very quiet and smooth.

Well, waiting for a TV adaptation of the Robert Harris novel "Archangel" which is running as a 2-part series tonight and tomorrow. The book was great so it has a lot to live up to. It's one of those "What if?" alternative histories - this one poses the question "what if Stalin had an illegitimate son who is still alive now?" - book is well worth reading if you get a chance.

Bye for now!

[steveblackledge]

MATT, to be honest it's my son's and i havn't took it to bits, but i may take a peek inside to see what will do as a replacement power unit, anythings got to be better / quieter than the angle grinder motor thats fitted at the moment, . Great results with the Rugby.

[Anonymous]

Hey, it's me again. Zoe/chloe, I'll have a cold coca-cola please.

Well, I just got through talking with Jim (jhhtrainsplanes). He say's hi. And he has his 'puter workin' again. He still needs to find a driver for his modem. He could be back today, or in the next couple of days.

Ken, thanks for the info. It looks even better up close.

'til later

[Anonymous]

The start of a new page. Ok, y'all, what'll it be. I'm buying this round.

[JimRCGMO]

QUOTE: Originally posted by fec153


...<snip>...
Cape Jim- C A W Is that- Crying,Ailing & Whining ? lol
...<snip>...

Flip, it wasn't what I thought of when I came up with the name idea - but that's not a guarantee that some days after working on it, I may feel more like your version of it... [;)]

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[bjdukert]

Hi Jim Have one on me while I go through the posts and how is the surveying going??

Duke

[JimRCGMO]

Good afternoon, Zoe - a mocha frappacino, please, on LilRob’s tab.[:)] I’ll have it over at the table with Duke.

LilRob, good to hear Jim(JJH) will be back with us soon. Computer problems can be very frustrating, as many of us know.

Fergie, now that string of ore cars looks more like orange than the pics you had on before. But, I might have to go back and check the other ore cars’ pictures, just to make sure you didn’t just add some new (non-pink) ones....[}:)] The bridge looks very nice. I may need to talk to you later about tips on curved bridges/trestles.[tup]

Ken, I’m not knowledgeable on your particular diesels - are the cabs air-conditioned for the crew? ‘Cause otherwise they may gripe if the black trim on the cab roof gets things too hot for ‘em. But you could put a (flat) black on the low-nose hood, and that would cut down glare in their eyes. The rest of it looks pretty good![tup] Sure you don’t want to go with pink and black? [swg]

Cat Tom, has Pete seen the “Wicked Wanda’s” kit photos/description, perhaps? [;)] I’m with you though, he might come up with a PG-13 (or R) rated layout without some supervision...

Ga. Tom:

QUOTE:

JimRCGMO, if you've got the surveyors out and at work, you're making good progress! It's nice that they've got a good place to get lunch and also to quench their thirst. They could also pop into the coffee shop briefly to let us know how the work is going.

Not sure if there were one too many trips to Kelly’s, but the surveyors have discovered that CAW management estimated short on the materials needed. Will need to order in some more ties, points and such for three more switches in the industrial siding area. The enginehouse track and location for its wye are marked off, and the mainline crossover will probably be laid in soon after this post is done. We sent our purchasing dept. flunkie out for a few things (painters’ tape, wood glue, pushpins and a new ‘portable’ saw for cutting the rails). The crew is planning to put down roadbed once the lines for the tracks are in - hopefully, this weekend. Durn overtime! - not sure if the overtime for the weekend, or the bills they’re running up over at Kelly’s is worse... [;)]

Talked with the contact person with our local MRR club this afternoon for a while. They meet weekly (another reason to get a vehicle!), and are working on a club layout (HO). The contact person is a retired Cotton Belt conductor, and knows how to get me anything in Walthers’ catalog for about 20 percent off. [:)][yeah]

Well, the surveying crew has some questions for me, so I’ll go see how inebriated they are what questions they have. Good to hear that some family members are on the mend.

Blessings,

Jim in Cape Girardeau