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

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Hawks05

today was a great day for me. went to a LHS. bought 4 kits, a Atlas RTR piece, the 2 latest MRR mags, and some couplers. the one thing i forgot were switches. i had that on my list to, the last thing i wrote down. got in the car and was reading the MRR and saw how to set track perfectly and it said something about switches. oh well, that will be my next trip or if i can talk to one of my friends and have him get me something.

the RTR piece was a BNSF centerflow hopper, 3 of the kits were Accurail, a SOO Line Boxcar, a SOO line centerflow hopper, and a CNW centerflow hopper. the other kit was a Roundhouse Duluth, Missabe, and Iron Range ore car kit (2 cars included). so i'll have some fun reading ahead of me and some fun with the kits. hopefully i can start working more so i can start buying more.

i have the scanner on now because i guess there is usually a train coming through town between 7-8 at night so i'm going to try and catch that on the scanner and maybe get out and take some pictures, test out the new camera.

Hey, haven't seen you on here in a while (I forgot your name [B)]).

[Fergmiester]

Thanks for the welcome back Phil

28 days goes by quick when you're busy. We never stopped! We did two buoy trips to the Bay of Fundy, went up the St. Croix River past eastport, pulled into Saint John a couple of times, Visited Train Trax Hobby Store (good little store with friendly service), was asked if I knew Bob Boudreau (Fundy Northern) as this is his neck of the woods. Saw some local action on the local shortline. Helped in a drug bust along the Eastern Shore. Did fisheries patrol and it was over! Got some quality time in for modelling. One more trip and the Turntable will be finished. Built to one building kits and can safely say I'm a convert. Platic just doesn't cut it when making old structures!

[Hawks05]

dougal, my name is Jim hasn't changed at all. glad to see some people still remember me a little.

[Hawks05]

well i was doing some errands today, getting the mail and going to school to drop off and pick up some fantasy sports money from some friends. and i pulled into the driveway and as i was getting out of the car i heard that whistle that only a train can have. i jumped out of the car, ran in the house grabbed the digital camera and was off. i didn't know what way the train was going or coming from so i went up to the baseball field i play on because it has a nice viewing area for trains. right along the tracks. i love playing when a train comes through. so i get on the dirt road to get to the field. its about a mile or so. and i'm just flying, going about 60 to try and beat the train and snap some good shots. well i get up there and i'm about to turn and i look to see where the train is. its only 50 yards or so from where i want to take pictures. i slam it in park hop out and snapped off about 4 shots. i got 2 of the locomotive and 2 of some cars. the thing was going about 60-70 MPH through town and only had 1 loco and 6 total cars. i was pressing the wrong button to so i got kind of a bad shot on one of the locos but the 2 pictures of the cars are awesome. i'll try and get them up on my railroad forums gallery or i'll make a website for just trains tonight.

i was so nervous because i didn't know which way the train was going so if i go to the field and it was going west i would miss it, but if i got there and it was going east i knew i had some shots of it.

[egmurphy]

Afternoon all,

Still working on the photos, maybe I'll have something by tomorrow. Sounds like Noah will beat me to the punch posting something.

Jim (Hawks05) sounds like you need to keep the scanner on more.

Jim - (jhh) - very sorry about your loss of Sasha. When you have a dog that good it's a terrible loss when they go. Probably even more so when they are taken from you when you are still expecting a few more years of healthy happy life from them.

Welcome back to dry land, Ferg. Good to hear you took advantage of your spare time aboard.

I also figure Bill M must be having his leg worked on as it's been several days since he posted last. Hope things go well.

Dougal - how was your friend's N scale layout? Was it a regular operating session or just the two of you?

Chris - Hope your new loco works out okay. I know what you mean about the coal tenders. I have a few coal/oil conversions in front of me too.

It's 'Moose' either way, Phil. One moose, two moose, three moose, four. Several moose, a gaggle of moose. Kind of what they call a 'moose point'.

Okay, break time over. Got to get back to work (or what passes for work in this household) on organizing things after the trip.

Hasta luego,

Ed

[Noah Hofrichter]

Yes Ed, I beat ya, but they ain't the geatest quality. Thanks to Nora from the Trains Forum for hosting the pic.



Like a said, it isn't a real good quality picture (on my end) but I'll get better pics in a few days of the completed sucker. The picture is of all the major parts before painting. The picture looks better if you click on it.

I got the cabin painted today, I just brush painted it, and I got the bottom painted yesterday. I hope to decal this weekend, and be finnished on Monday or Tuesday. more pics will follow then.

Noah

[fec153]

Jim-(jhh), condolances on your loss.
It's like losing a child.
Phil

[Hawks05]

when i do have the scanner on i can never hear any talking, it always buzzes or something so i never know when something is coming.

working on one of my new kits today and i broke off one of the coupler cover things. if that wouldn't have broken off i'd be done with it. i was putting the kit together and was just installing the couplers and i put the coupler on the wrong way so i was taking it off to flip it when the cover came flying off and the little peg on the cover broke. now i don't know how i'm gonna but that coupler on. kind of sucks. might just be the last car all the time now.

[Noah Hofrichter]

I know what you mean about the scanner Jim, I never get a clear signal untill the Engineer says something, as the only train we get up here is a twice or three time a week local. The conductors raidio sometimes doesn't come in and other times it is a fuzz, so I never know if he's here yet or if it's just the engineer just out of range (which is about 20 miles in every direction, I live a mile from the railroad tracks). He should be comming tonight, so I've got the old scanner on with the Wisconsin and southern's two channels, and the local police, fire, and Ambulance channels on too. Like I said he comes twice or three times a week. Always Sunday night, and then either Tuesday and Thursday or just Wednesday. He comes later in the evining, between 7-midnight. but I never get to see him when he comes later than 8:30ish as I'm usually too pooped to go down after that. I wi***hey'd switch it from a PM job to an AM job, but that's the breaks I guess.

Noah

[Hawks05]

i was talking to Elliot about trains through email and he told me that there is a train that leaves the cities around 6:30 and should be in town, where i live, between 7-8. well last night a train rolled through at 7:13, i didn't go and look because i was to tired, had baseball practice and needless to say i wasn't to cool yet, it was 96 or something when i got home.

anybody have any ideas on what to do with the coupler problem i have. its a Accurail white box kit if that makes a difference. the covers need to be pushed into the hole and the stub that goes in the hole broke off. i tried glueing it back onto the cover but that didn't work so now i'm one coupler short, and i don't want this to be the last car all the time. its a nice bright yellow CNW centerflow hopper.

what should i do about this?

[philnrunt]

Jim- I hate to hear about Sasha, you have my deepest condolences. A best friend is hard to loose.
When you build such a deep relationship with your dog, most people can't understand. Totally unconditional love is priceless in todays world, and just as rare.
It breaks my heart to hear about things like this, and my thoughts are with you on this difficult day.

[Anonymous]

HI all [:)]

Thanks for the kind words. I miss Sasha so much. She was just sooooo gooood. I never had any trouble out of her and she was soooo smart. Now you have to remember she was a doberman. Dobermans are very protective and will defend their owner to the dogs death. Sasha was afraid of NOTHING. Sasha was very loving and sweet but new friend from foe. One time a very small boy who was not even old enough to talk walked up to her and started petting her. She was a perfect little lady. She was strong as an ox too. A friend of mine who was full time Air Force was walking her. He is about 6" 4". She saw a cat and off she went, she turned him complete around and almost drug him too. It was sooo funny to see. Unfortunately Duchess is no Sasha. I still love her but she just isn't a Sasha. People have told me they would have killed Duchess for the trouble she has caused me. She has torn up 2 couches, the coffee table, the living room carpet, numerous pillows and sheets, blankets, quilts, socks, books, pencils, magazines, well you name it, she pretty much has torn it up. She was 2 in June so hopefully she is growing out of it all now. Duchess and Sasha -- different as night and day. Duchess can be sweet too, but she loves to be onary. Sasha was not an althetic dog but Duchess is a very good little jumper. She amazed my neighbor and myself one day by jumping from my yard to hers and the difference in elevation is about 4 feet. The neighbor and I were talking, all standing flat footed and Duchess jumped to her level. Duchess plays very rought too.

OK, time to change thoughts.

Noah, I mailed your posters today. I think they will be there Monday, maybe Saturday but more like Monday.

Anyone heard from JCTrain?

And Snake? Anyone know how he is doing right now?

We should all remember Bill in our thoughts and prayers. What he was talking about didn't sound good. I hope and pray all goes well for him.

Well, thanks again all.

Everyone take care. It is Friday now too, so everyone have a good weekend.
[8D]

[Anonymous]

Hi all!
I don't post here much because I usually keep to the Atlas forum and my train sim forums. However, I will sometimes venture down here to see what's happening or ask a question. And I must say, this community is really great and all of you make it an enjoyable place to be. Anyways, I encourage you to check out some of the third party train sim developers if you are still running the crap made by M$. You can usually find me over on the forum at www.facingpoint.com or www.mapleleaftracks.com
Have a good one,
Jarrett

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Hawks05

i was talking to Elliot about trains through email and he told me that there is a train that leaves the cities around 6:30 and should be in town, where i live, between 7-8. well last night a train rolled through at 7:13, i didn't go and look because i was to tired, had baseball practice and needless to say i wasn't to cool yet, it was 96 or something when i got home.

Jim, the only reason I know that stuff is because of a topic over on the Trains Magazine forum. Here's the topic.
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14305
Today, Friday, there should be another one. Here's a shot of Tuesday's train.[:D]

[Anonymous]

Hi Jarrett (one of my AOL AIM buddies [:D] [:D] )

I have never seen anyone do M $ like that. After reading the article the other day about them it is very fitting though. I wish I did have a ton of their stock for the big pay out to come later this year.

[Anonymous]

Hi Elliot [8D]

Pull up a chair, Jarrett and I were just chatting but there is always room for more.

[tomwatkins]

Good Mornin' Everybody,
It's a gray, foggy morning in the mountains. It feels like it's going to get hot today. The coffee is particularly good this morning and I'm feeling lazy. There's a lot to do today, both on and off the railroad, but I'm having trouble mustering up any interest in any of it thus far.

Jim (JHH) I too am very sorry to hear about Sasha. Losing one that you love and that loves you is always a terrible thing.

Ed, we are all eagerly awaiting the pictures. The upacking, sorting and getting back to normal has to be done, but we sure are looking forward to seeing the pics.

Noah, the transfer cab looks good! Nice job so far. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Chris, the BLI 2-8-2 is one of my favorite locomotives. I think you'll really enjoy yours. As far as the speaker vibration goes, they are shipped with the volume turned all the way up. There is an adjustment knob under the water hatch on the tender deck. The hatch just lifts off (It's a press fit). I turned the volume down about 25-30%. You might want to try that and see if it helps.

Fergie, Welcome Back! I'm glad it was a good and productive trip. The wood structure kits are a lot of fun. You're right, nothing simulates a worn wood building as well as wood. Congratulations on the drug bust. Just be careful. Like they used to say on "Hill Street Blues", Lets be careful out there.

Dougal, Let us know how you liked the operating session. What kind of a layout was it?

Jim (Hawk 05), I've had good result fastening broken Accurail coupler box lids with super glue. I use Zap A Gap CA+ which is fairly thick and doesn't run. I pick just a drop on the end of a piece of brass wire and put it on the joint on both sides and the end. Just a little bit will do. The other option is to file off the remainder of the stub and drill and tap for a screw. Hope this helps.

Jarrett, welcome to the coffee shop. Stop by anytime.

Well folks, I'd better go for now. I'd really rather be lazy and nonproductive today, but i'd better get going.

Have a great day everyone,
Tom

[Anonymous]

Good Morning all:

I don't usually post here, I just come in, read and leave.

TOM:

How did the decoder instalation go? When I did my Genesis Santa Fe warbonnets, I put a digitrax DH163AO in the "A" units and put the soundtraxx DSD-AT100LC (part # 820040) in the "B" units. The speaker fit right were the cab would have gone. It looked like Athearn designed it for the 1" square speaker , but I'm sure that they didn't. I didn't even have to program the speed steps as the two decoders work find together. I've got this arrangement in seven pairs of locos six Genesis and one Intermountian pair. I take that back - the Intermountian "B" has a DSX in it. The best thing about this instalation is that their was no milling required.

Have a blessed day and remember SANTA FE ALL THE WAY

Bob

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jhhtrainsplanes

Hi Elliot [8D]

Pull up a chair, Jarrett and I were just chatting but there is always room for more.

Sorry I crapped out on you last night Jim. I went to bed shortly after that post for Hawks.

I was thinking of heading back over to the Triple Crown ramp again today. When I was there on Tuesday with Big Girl and my kids, taking pictures, a guy came out of the office and asked what we were doing hanging around there. We got to talking and he asked me if I was a driver, because they were looking for help. I only have a class C commercial, but he said they needed A's and C's. Sounds interesting, so I think I'll go inquire seriously, and see what it's all about.[:)]

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tomwatkins

Good Mornin' Everybody,
It's a gray, foggy morning in the mountains. It feels like it's going to get hot today. The coffee is particularly good this morning and I'm feeling lazy. There's a lot to do today, both on and off the railroad, but I'm having trouble mustering up any interest in any of it thus far.


Fergie, Welcome Back! I'm glad it was a good and productive trip. The wood structure kits are a lot of fun. You're right, nothing simulates a worn wood building as well as wood. Congratulations on the drug bust. Just be careful. Like they used to say on "Hill Street Blues", Lets be careful out there.

Jarrett, welcome to the coffee shop. Stop by anytime.

Well folks, I'd better go for now. I'd really rather be lazy and nonproductive today, but i'd better get going.

Have a great day everyone,
Tom

Fog!! FOG!! you haven't seen fog until youv'e visited the Maritimes. Darn stuff normally dries up by July but we're still shovelling it in these parts, why the fog is so thick "How thick is it?" It's so thick it slows the ship by a knot or two[;)]

As for the bust, I'll be honest here the Mounties (RCMP) were the calvary and we were the Chuck Wagon. Though having to climb up a 30' Jacob's ladder for a briefing wasn't what I'd call "fun". The CCG isn't armed as of yet so we were tasked along with the navy to deploy the Mounties in there RHIB's (Fast rubber boats) so I'll give credit where credit is due but I'll have to admit it's nice to be part of an operation that goes well and has a bit of impact on the bad guys.

Just remember an army marchess on a full stomach!

Jarrett welcome to our Cafe

Speaking of which where's the Lupmiester?

And as far as Snake's whereabouts I'll drop him another line and see how how he's doing.

It's good to be back!

[Noah Hofrichter]

Thanks for the compliment's Tom. Like said, I'll have much better pictures in a few days. I should have it finnished by wednesday or thursday, but I have to have it done by Saturday, so I'll have pictures sometime around then.

Not much to report around here, so I'll be off. Got to go mow the lawn, as it's gettin' tall I'm gettin' and urge for more moola.

Noah

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Noah Hofrichter
Got to go mow the lawn, as it's gettin' tall I'm gettin' and urge for more moola.

Noah

[:D][:D]Model Railroading does that to people....[:p]

Not much here either, except I have the plans for my oil bunker now, but I still have to see about what guage of wire I'm going to make the handrails out of, ect.

By the end of August I should have benchwork set up, the next time I go to my LHS I'll be buying track and roadbed.[:p]

[egmurphy]

Evening guys

Nothing model railroading or railfanning to report today. Think I need to retire from being retired so I'll have more time to get things done.

Had to take all the family dogs to the vets for shots, and she's just moved out in the sticks on the other side of town. Then had to barbeque hamburgers for everyone for lunch (the family still hasn't gotten over the novelty of a gas barbeque, so it's a big deal for everyone when we do that). Finally got talked into taking everyone (everyone who could cram into the Blazer) to the beach. It had started out rainy and overcast this morning, but the heat continued to climb, and the sun came out just as we headed for the beach. Worked out nicely, I used enough block to not get burned. We're not talking Cancun style beach here, but it's pretty good, especially for the kids, as it slopes out real slowly, and doesn't usually have big waves.

Finally got to see your caboose parts, Noah. Last night I got the dreaded 'red x' instead of the photo loading. But with this slow connection I have, watching the photo load is like watching paint dry. Looks good though.

Chris, when you do the oil bunker conversions I'd love to either see some shots or just have you give a brief description of what you did.

Iced coffee has arrived, time to kick back and relax after another tough day.

Hasta mañana, amigos,

Ed

[Anonymous]

Another beautiful day in Ohio. Pool water was clear and inviting but ended up having to do errands so another day that the pool wasn't used. Maybe tomorrow. I finally suscribed to MRR. I also got my csx tri-level auto rack, a csx F7A, a csx coalporter and a B&O RDC car. CSX seems to be hard to find around here so anytime I seee anything with csx stamped on the side of it I tend to pick it up. I also one an athearn csx Dash 9 dummy unit off of E-bay for a real good price.

Jim- I've been trying to catch you on AOl im butt haven't run into you yet. I put you on my buddy list but haven't seen your name pop up yet. So if you see Tjmcnasy745 pop up on your screen that's me. I welcome anyone else to im if you'd like.

Big_Boy- That job almost seems just as good as actually being an engineer. Good luck if you try for it.

Noah- You always amaze me. What your doing at your age is pretty impressive. I always see pictures or hear of your plans and am amazed at how much you know about the hobby. I can't wait to see what you do when you get your first job and have money to expand your hobby even more. Kudos.

Ed- Your family sounds like mine when it comes to the grill. My mom will go out and buy stuff to grill so she doesn't have to cook. Cause she knows that I love grilling.

Hope everyones week is going as good as mine. Off to grab a cup of joe.
Andrew

[Hawks05]

Elliot,

i think that train you're talking about went through town tonight. around 7:57 i heard the whistle and went outside and saw a train coming through, my mom wasn't home with the camera so i didn't get in a car and go after it.

nothing model railroading or anything like that today for me. had a sectional playoff game. we lost 5-3. i had a huge error that pretty much cost us the game. worst part was it was shown on the news twice.

oh well. i think i might try and get some work in yet tonight. try and put together a ore car kit. i've given up on the CNW hopper kit until i figure out how to fix the coupler thing.

tomorrow i might try and get out and find some trains. hopefully there will be a few that go through town. otherwise i'll be spending the day washing my car probably.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Jim, sorry to hear about the error, those things happen. They are a part of the game. I'm sure there was a lot of pressure playing in that big of a game. Stuff like that always made me nervous, to the point that I hoped they didn't hit the ball to me, and I never really played seriously.

Tomorrow I have to mow the lawn, but other than that have nothing going on.

As for the train, there will be another on Monday, and Tuesday, and Wednesday..........and they all look pretty much the same.[swg]

Andrew, I wimped out and didn't go over there about the job. Maybe next week. Big Girl went to Walmart and picked up some cheap picture frames. We spent the afternoon trying out my new photo printer, and filling the frames with some of the photos that we have taken in the last few months. A lot of them have been posted here in the forums.

[Hawks05]

least it will be a nice day around here for mowing lawn and getting outside.

the worst part about the game was there were 2 balls hit to me in the same exact place. first one i made the play, the 2nd one i bobbled. it happens like you said, but this year was horrible for me. i had at least 20-30 errors in like 25 games.

i know you said that that train comes through on the certain days, but what does it consist of? the other day, tuesday, during the afternoon we had a train come through, at least 50-60 tanker cars. we were hitting for practice so i couldn't really watch it. even though the train may be the same it will still have some different locos so i can't complain there. maybe snap some other shots to if i see something interesting.

i wish i could get up a little farther north of here. maybe 6 miles theres a CP or CN line that runs through Dresser Wisconsin. only 1 train a day so that kind of sucks.

i'll try and send ya 2 pictures later tomorrow or something from the train yesterday. i only got 4 because it was going so fast, and i was pressing the wrong buttons on the camera.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Noah Hofrichter



Not much to report around here

Noah

Noah [:)]

I bet you will have something to report Monday, right after the mail runs. [:D]


You know I read everyone's posts, but by the time I read them all I forget what I have read and what I was going to say. [:0] [B)] [:(] [V] [;)]

Does that happen to anyone else or just me? [B)]

Fergmiester [8D]

While I was in Florida (2002) a friend of mine snapped a pic for me as I was then out of film for the day. The sun was setting and the sky was a little cloudy. The pic is just a tad dark but still a nice pic. It is a Coast Guard Cutter coming into port at Key West. It was just dark enough for the light to show up (in the pic) but you could clearly see people standing on the deck. There is also a deck gun. I am not sure what size but I would venture a guess of 40mm. The structure the gun is in is about the height of a man and the barrel is (the visible part anyway) about as long as 5 feet maybe (Judging from the people on deck). The sky has some red/pink in it and a light blue cloud bank (below the red). It is a nice pic. I will see if I can get the negatives again and have it blown up just a little more. I have an 8 by 10 of it but I really want the ship to appear larger so I will try it again. If they come out good enought I will email them to anyone wanting to see it. But it will probally be at least a week. My friend will have to search for and find the negatives.

George [:)]

I have added you to my buddy list. I am on in the mornings from around 9 am till around noon. Subtrack the time that I am out walking Duchess. If you or anyone else IMs me and I don't answer I am probally walking her. About half the time I forget to put up my away message but I will be back inside so please be patient. Jarrett and I talk sometimes after I get off work. So that is like midnight (my time) to 2 or 3 am. It is about 230 am now. He was on a little while ago but had up his away message. Stupid me closed out my buddy list so I don't know who is on now. [B)]

NOah [8D]

I looked at my Proto 2000 E 8/9s. The box has a price of $95 on it but a sale price of $80. I bought 2 the last time, so that was $160 not including tax. If you paid 40, then you got a super good deal.

[Fergmiester]

Hey Jim

If I'm not mistaken I've been on a "Point" class CG Cutter and from what I can remember they carry 50mm guns. And yes your right short term memory seems to go second and what goes first Well lets just say I can't remember.

My wife passed on a tid bit of info that we've had less than 10 days of sunshine this past month! Oh Joy, I spent the last two days home picking weeds out of the garden.

Ed

As far as BBQ'ng it never stops here last night it was shrimp, tonight it will probably be Louisiana Style Chicken Wings with Hot Sauce.

We bought a new BBQ for the ship two weeks ago Stainless Steel with a Cast Iron burner. I'm kicking myself now since the price of it was just a bit more then what I just paid to rebuild mine which will be burned out in another two years.

Hawke

It's happened to the best of us, just watch the pros on TV. We all have bad days and maybe it's someone just trying keep us humble.
Have a good one everyone

[Big_Boy_4005]

Jim, the new evening train will always be made up of one thing. NS Triple Crown roadrailers. The only difference each day, is how many trailers are on the train, and of course the engine. Tuesday's train was pulled by a really nice SD70M #5122 with the American flag on the side.



Dresser is not where you want to go for action. There is only the quarry and tourist line up there. The CN main runs through New Richmond. Those tracks were originally Soo, then WC, now CN. The Dresser line is just a small branch that connects to that main at Withrow MN.

The Osceola and St Croix is the tourist line that uses the Dresser branch on the weekends. They do two different trips. The short trip from Osceola to Dresser, and the long trip from Osceola to Marine On St Croix. For the use of the tracks, the railroad has in the past asked them to haul the revenue freight out of Dresser, and set it out at the junction for pick up. That was during the WC administration, I'm not sure if the CN has continued that practice.

One thing I've noticed about the digital is that it is kind of slow to reset between shots. At least mine is.

Are you still working at the Pizza place?[:D]