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

[Paul W. Beverung]

Hi Gang; So good to hear from Krump. To bad about his computer.

Has any one tried ripping A-C plywood for bench work. I hear that the price works out less than 1X4s and is more stable. I've always been able to get well seasoned 1X4 in the past. I'm not too sure about now though.

That's about it for tonight.

Paul

The Duluth, Superior, & Southeastern

" The Superior Route "

[JimRCGMO]

Happy Valentine's Evening - to all those who aren't off with their sweeties tonight! Zoe, sorry you got the shift tonight - the guys chipped in and got you a couple of roses to make up for your having to work tonight.
@>--^---v------
@>--v----v----
Hopefully, your boyfriend will decide he has to take you out to dinner after you get off tonight, when your twin Chloe gets here. I have a time telling you two apart! Bet the others do, too. [;)]

A dish of vanilla ice cream, please, with strawberry preserves on the top, if you would. Thanks![:)]

Ryan, put me down as suitably impressed with your tile floor - you can do my next tile floor. Great job! With that look on the tile, you could go with a SWest-Tex-Mex theme for your layout, perhaps...[swg]

Krump, missed you - hope that computer gets (and stays for a long while) working properly. I'll pick up the tab for Krump's drink tonight, Zoe. Oh wait, Luc beat me to it... [:D] Well, then I'll cover his next time in the Shop, please. Krump, post pictures once you get 'em. I'd like to see, especially, since I'm looking at a modular type of layout for now (just a couple or three for the next year or so).

Well, Teffy, you could ask Stephanie to help you out on that 'feely' stuff, especially since it's Valentine's Day.[}:)]

***, I'm sure you got the light manufacturer's attention when they heard the word 'potential lawsuit' - you might even get the first re-designed fixture off the line![;)] But if they're listening and not just blowing you off, that's a bit of progress to begin with.

Aw, c'mon Ed, we were looking to you and the FCVN to balance off the trade from all the tequila we buy from Mexico. Well, maybe that is a tad too ambitious, after all. Hope they come out with some of the engines you'd like among the new releases this year (and that your funds will allow for getting at least one of those).

Got to meet with some (non-virtual) friends from our church's singles study group this evening after my group. (Only one person showed up for the last session of the group, so it was shorter than usual). We (the church singles group) cut up *almost* as much as the crew here in the Shop do. Which is saying something, right?[:D][}:)]

John, a man's got to do what a man's got to do (and what the CDO asks him to do). Hope it goes well and quickly for you. If you run into any snags, just ask the construction crew here, and someone will probably be able to (mis) direct you on things. [;)]

Anyone hear anything new from JimHH? Seems like it's been a while since we heard from him. Same thing from Warthogdrvr. Got to put GPS tags on all the crew so we can call 'em and see what they've been doing lately.

Time to watch the evening news and check how good the weather is supposed to be tomorrow. Today at lunch it was shirtsleeve weather (long-sleeve, but shirt-sleeve nonetheless). Nice to have some of that sun again!

Thanks, Zoe! Tell the late crew (*** the night owl, and the rest) I left them some OJ smoothies in the fridge. Made 'em from Ed's good stuff, so they're healthy, too![8D][:D]

Blessings on your night,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[trolleyboy]

Good evening clubbers other than my sneezy red nose I'm pretty good tonight.Zoe or Chloe? theres two of you i'm confused[%-)][%-)][%-)][;)] I'll have an extra large oj please. Teffy yah we pretty much all call it the pond here and contrary to Ed's thinking we usually have a week of spring in may and them JN JU and Aug are ususally hot and stickey 80's to 100's with killer humidity [:0][:0][:0][xx(]mind you the mainline at the museum goes through a nice woodlot so it's always alot[8D][8D][^] cooler and more comfey. *** I'd worry about using the preasure treated wood inside as most preasure treating is toxic and can off gas arsenic and other nasty stuff. I agree with you though the steel studs are way to sharp for benchwork,I've gotten some nasty gashes from them when i helped my brother in law finish his basement[V][:0][xx(]Day off tomorrow so I'm hoping to get some more layout done it's sposed to rain here for the next three days[V][V]so it's as good a time as any to stay indoors. Talk to you all later Rob[:D]

[Anonymous]

Paul: As long as you're going to the trouble of ripping, get 1x12's They're almost always straight, and you can keep real wood that way. One other option if you wanted to rip a large sheet would be to go with MDF, it is a very solid, and straight product as long as it is painted or in a dry environment, otherwise is acts as a sponge, and expands and softens kinda like those biscuits back in the cabinet have done over the last couple of weeks.

Greg

[TurboOne]

Happy Valentine's Day !!![:)] [:)] [:)] [:)] [:)]

Hello folks, just got back after 5 days in Las Vegas. [8D] We went there for the National Cheerleading Championships. [:)] Had a blast. [8D][8D]
I will share what we saw in Big trains and little trains. In Barstow, CA. there is a restaurant that backs up against the tracks. Both going and coming we saw huge trains go by. We also drove into Barstow and overlooked the train yard. It was great. A huge trains of auto carriers, couldn't even count how many. All engines were UP in the yard, but they had some consists with CSX in the mix. Coolest looking combo, An orange BNSF dash 9, the older yellow and blue SF, couldn't make out the model, and a Red/silver deisel, also couldn't make out type. But pulling over 100 cars. In Vegas they have trains that run all over, and I saw a 40 car train go thru the part of town I was in. That was like being a kid again.

Some a huge little train store. The had the largest selection of G scale I have seen in one store. Cases of deisels and steam engines, and fleets of cars. Lots of buildings, track, accessories. It was huge. Nice people. In the city of Las Vegas, there is 1 G scale, 1 O scale, 1 HO scale train store. Each only has 1 gauge. Very sad that a town with so many real trains has so few stores. Most complained that the internet has killed them.

Being from San Diego, I saw more trains in 5 days then I have seen in the last 40 years in San Diego. Shot some video, I will try to take some stills from the video and post.

Take care all

Tim

[grayfox1119]

Good late evening guys, just got back from Monday night bowling, we took 7 points tonight to maintain 1st place . It was my night to drive, and it was one tough night here in central Mass. We had about an inch of snow and the roads were not treated because it was going to change over to rain by 11pm, which it did, but the roads were a true test of driving skills. It was slicker than a greased hogs back. But, were home safe and sound.

Jim baby!!!! Thanks for leaving some of Ed's OJ !!! Man was I ready for a fuzzy navel tonight after that 5 mile drive home on shear ice. And I have a 4x4, so E=mc2!! They don't stop easy or steer in a straight line on back roads.[:O][:O]

Rob: PT lumber can no longer be sold with toxic treatment, i.e, Arsenic. That it why it is even MORE costly now. It is safe to use with the new process, but expensive, however, it will last at least 30 years in a hostile environement. That means it will probably outlive all us old buzzards over 60!! [(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D]

Paul: AC plywood can be ripped of course into strips to use for benchwork. It is very strong, and can be glued together to make thicker stock if need be. Just make sure you clamp the pieces together tightly, and use a good quality adhesive. Heck, they use laminated carry beams now for new houses, and they are all made of layers of plywood on end. They are actually stronger than solid wood beams made of 2x12's screwed/nailed together to make a beam!!

It has changed over to a cold rain here tonight, 33 degrees, but headed up to 50 my morning, and very windy tonight. It will stay warm until late Wednesday and then reality sets back in...20's and 30's over the weekend and teens at night.

Krump: Good to hear from you, yes BC is indeed beautiful, was in Vancouver in 2001, and I hope to take the train someday from Ontario through to BC.

Well, I see it is 11:55pm, and me and Trainwreck are the only two here this late keeping Zoe company, and helping her eat the candy that all you nice guys brought to her for Valentines Day....these white chocolates with cherry centers are great, have another TrolleyBoy!!!

Yahnnnnnnnnnnnn, time for bed, busy day tomorrow, good night all,


[zzz]

[trolleyboy]

Hey *** thanks for the info, I was told that even the new PT shouldn't be used indoors so who knows glad you got home safe though that type of weather isn't the best we had our share this morning has completely changed to rain now though.Hope you svae your penny's that trip on the Canadian is about $3500 a piece more if you want a sleeper room. I would love to do it myself one day but haven't won a lottery yet.I'm told it's worth the money though VIA treats the Canadian like a cruise ship so they tend to spoil you. Yawnning myself so time to sleep i think. rob

[philnrunt]

Hey all- just learned you can't go back a page to see what someone said without saving what you had typed in the reply box! All gone...all gone. Anyway,
Ed- I'm waht you might call a problem weatherer, (remember, my other hobby is 4 wheeling, so I love dirt and mud). I cant look at a new car without wanting to dirty it up. I still have some of my early N scale attempts, and I certainly had a dirty view of the world back then. Looked like my RR ran thru the La Brea tar pits. I have learned that less is more when it comes to it. And I know exactly what you mean by OJ being special, we didn't have alot of extra cash growing up-read none- and getting OJ at a relatives or neighbors was great. Like Malcom in the Middles dad said-"Don't waste that OJ, it dosn't grow on tree....WAIT A MINUTE! it DOES grow on trees! Why's it so d---ed expensive!?!?!?!"
Elliott- Good for you on getting up for the next show, sounds like they appreciated your efforts. Ain't this a great hobby?
Jim in Mo- That was my first time using those watercolor pencils, but by the way I could wipe off what I didn't like, I would guess that they are the type you mentioned. I usually use artists oil sticks, with a stiff fan brush, they cover any texture, if you use the same color as the car, they tone down the colors real well. I like using the lighter colors to flatten the finish on brightly colored cars. Gives them a sun bleached effect.
Bill and greyfox- Very good points on steel 2x4s. I'm not a carpenter by any stretch of the imagination, it's good to hear from the people that know. If I used steel, I'd probably try welding it all together anyway! And I hadn't even considered the electronics aspect of it. Good call, guys. Thru trial and error- alot of that last thing- I have decided that styrofoam with wood bracing is my best bet, I hadn't considered using steel. Again, good call.
Teffy- Thanks for the heads up on the camera, I'll try to get a shot or two if we get by there.
Bill (again) and Tom- Mentioned a possible visit to Ajo, she said she thought it was a fine idea. And I just realized that the Brigade Quartermaster store is in Kennesaw. Oh yeah, we might definitely be able to get together! Hope to hear from you soon, Tom, and Bill, I'll get you some info off-forum ASAP.
OK, if I don't delete this post before I post it, thats it for now.
Take care guys.

[philnrunt]

Noah- I just looked at my copy of The MR's Guide to Industries along the Track, and it dosn't have much help on the roof details you are looking for. You might check the web index of MR on the MR home page, type in Roof Details and see what comes up, I remember an article all about them.
From what I've seen of todays buildings, air conditioning, air exchangers and vents (the low covered dome type)are about all that you see on roofs these days, unless the plant is some type of specialty business, like chemicals or the such.
Don't know if this helps, hope it does.
And Krump, glad to see you check in, take your old 'puter out and shoot holes in it, I did that to one about 3 years ago and it really did help. No gun? Use a sledgehammer. And remember, it's all how you address the ball.

[fec153]

coffee is ready. hot and black. may be old but not a wimp. these old bones need need help and my coffee keeps them together.
anyway- off to Ocala early. they had a cancellation so Deb's operation is at 10 instead of 3. we thankyou for your prayers and good wishes.
i'll get back to you this evening.
I wish everyone a warm dry safe day.
phil aka-flip

[tomwatkins]

Good Mornin' Everybody,
I just stopped in for a real quick cup of coffee before I'm off to the home improvement store for some foamboard. I've got lots of small pieces to use up, but I need some big pieces too.

It's another gray rainy day today. The weatherguessers got it wrong yesterday. It never did clear up, but it's supposed to today. We'll see what happens

Louise and I had an absolutely wonderful valentines day. Shawna went out and got lobster and other goodies, and then she and a friend of hers fixed dinner for us. Lobster, baked potatoes, a wonderful salad and scrumptious cheesecake for desert. Louise and I were both blown away. it really doesn't get much better than that.

Big boy, it's good to hear that you're getting excited and geared up for the next show.

Ryan, so you're fixing to get started on a kitchen redo. What do you have planned for it.? The tile floor looks super.

Noah, I like the logos a lot.

Grayfox, that sounds like it could work into a good "retirement" job for Ed. He has the supply and there's a lot of demand up north for oranges, and on the return he brings thick foam board down here. Profitable both ways.

Teffy, thanks for the compliment. I sure am having fun with it.

I'd better go for now.
Have a great day, everybody.
Tom

[grayfox1119]

Good morning guys!!! Thanks to Phil we have nice hot coffee, and Zoe baked some hot-cross buns, WOW are they good ( but watch your sugar guys)!!!

It has cleared here this morning, sun out and temps headed for 50!!! Very nice for February in New England.

Tom, sounds like you had a great Valentines Day...I'm happy you and Louise enjoyed the fresh Lobster from Maine.

Phil: if you want to try another idea for legs on the train tables in damp or high humidity locations, you can use angle iron for legs, or, you can place angle iron OVER the wooden legs that you already have. I have done that in my garage work bench, because there is no heat in my garage, so wood legs can do some strange things over a season. HD has a nice selection of angle iron in various lengths, and of course you can hack saw it to the length that you want, then file the edges smooth ( don't want boo boos as my grandson says) I also use deck screws to mount the angle iron rather than nails. Screws make it so much easier to build, and more importantly to make changes.

Ed: if you think the trip is too far for you to drive with the truckload of oranges, we can set up a relay, just like the Pony Express. You drive to Texas, Ryan or Jim could take over and drive north , then Tom could drive north to the Carolinas, and so forth up here to NE. Then I could drive to Bar Harbor Maine and take the CAT to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia where Der John, Luc and Fergie could take over. Them Fergie could load them on his ship, and take the locks throught to the Great Lakes to Minnesota to Noah and all the guys out that way.

Got to go, comany just arrived,

[JimRCGMO]

Good morning to all you Coffee Shop denizens! Zoe, one of those OJ smoothies with Ed's finest, and if there are some of the hot cross buns, I'd like one of those too, please. (But I thought those were for on Easter morning instead of during Lent?)[;)]

Hi, *** - you're back in fairly early today, after your night out on those roads. Better that you had that fuzzy navel *after* your four mile drive on the slick stuff than before... And hey, Ed sent up the OJ; all I did was help Zoe blend it into a nice smoothie. [:)]

Yeah, it can be hard to tell Zoe and Chloe apart. But Zoe said it was killing her, working those long shifts here, so she asked her twin sister to help cover some of the hours at the Shop. I figure after a while, maybe we'll be able to tell which twin is which.[;)]

Yep, Philrunt, I've done that back-up a page, and lost my typing for a reply. I learned fairly soon why some of the rest have a word procesor open and do their typing in that until they are ready to put it in the post entry box. Doesn't mean I never lose stuff I type, but it reduces how often that
[oops] thing happens...

Noah, I tried looking last night (after I left the Shop), but haven't found those pics of the large factory I was telling you about. So my guess is that it's in a previous MRR mag, either from my local library (which I think would put it in the past couple of years) or one of my own MRRs (which would probably put it pre-1993). I'll keep looking and maybe turn it up by the weekend. Sorry 'bout that! [:(] I also couldn't find much useful in the way of pics of bumpers - the pics I found were mostly smaller rubber bumpers (like online catalog pics), rather than the whole side of tthe dock kind. We'll be looking forward to seeing pics later of some freight cars, once you get some decals and do up some cars.

Tom, sounds like a great Valentine's Day dinner for you and Louise. Yummm! Been a while since I've had any lobster, let alone the good stuff. [dinner]

Flip, Deb and you will be in our prayers this morning. Will wait to hear back later how well things go.

Time to earn the paycheck, so I'll be going. See everyone later!

Blessings on your day,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[SilverSpike]

Good Morning All!

Boy, I slept like a baby last night, only woke up once with a nightmare at 5:00 am, then back for a few more zzzzzz’s until 6:30 am!

The fog was thick this morning on the drive into work! All the ferries on the river were closed as a result, and when I crossed the bridge you couldn’t see the ground below, just like driving into a cloud! Supposed to warm up to 77 F today! Anyone up for a swim? LOL, the water temp at the club is still probably in the mid 60’s, cool!!

QUOTE: egmurphy
Nice tile work, Ryan. It’s almost a shame to hide that with a layout!!!

Ed,
Thanks, I am looking for that southwest feel! I have gotten the same response from others on the covering it up part, but I also have a ½ bath, hallway, pantry area, and kitchen with the same new tile to enjoy. Besides, the layout will have a 24” walkway on one side, and 36” walkway in the middle. So we well still be able to see some of it.

QUOTE: JimRCGMO
Ryan, put me down as suitably impressed with your tile floor - you can do my next tile floor. Great job! With that look on the tile, you could go with a SWest-Tex-Mex theme for your layout, perhaps...

Jim,
Thanks for the compliment! It is back breaking work and the knees take a beating, but it has been worth every drop of sweat. Yes, the tiles are a terra cotta style and should go great with the layout, though it is going to be a freelanced version of southeast Louisiana landscape with a few mountains here and there. Like I said, freelanced, the highest peak in Louisiana is 555 ft above sea level and in the northern section around Shreveport. So, some southwest Tex-Mex influence will get sneaked in there too!

[#welcome] Welcome back Krump!
I am a computer geek, so if you need any assistance with the puter, let me know. I can answer most questions in the puter sector!

[#welcome] Welcome back Tim!
Sounds like a great trip! And what a great way to spend your time, touring various hobby shops! We are flying into Vegas next month and then renting a SUV to tour the Grand Canyon and the four corners area, a family vacation during the kids Spring break for Easter time. Do you have any restaurant recommendations while in Vegas?

***,
Congratulations on the bowling! Never been in a league, and if I can get two or three strikes it is a good day for me, but we love to bowl with the kids just for fun!

Flip,
Good luck with the Ocala drive and Deb’s operation. Our prayers are with you both.

QUOTE: tomwatkins
Ryan, so you're fixing to get started on a kitchen redo. What do you have planned for it.? The tile floor looks super.

Tom,
Thanks, its nice to share your successes and get positive feedback! The kitchen is not a full redo at this point, we repainted the ceiling and walls, and then the tiles are next after the train room and pantry area are put down. I have saved the kitchen for last since it will require moving the refrigerator for a few days. We are keeping the original cabinets and counter top at this time. That would take more time and $$$$, just have to wait on both for now! I may end up putting up some wall tiles as back splash behind the stove top and sink areas, I am looking for that southwest or Mexican 4X4 tiles as possible candidates for that.


Well, I better get back to work!

Have a great day everyone!

Ryan

[Anonymous]

Good Morning All:

Ryan:
When you go to Vegas (I forgot to tell Jim) be sure and go downtown where the Golden Nugget, Fairmont, and 4 Queens are, in the evening, and watch the overhead show, it is spectatular. I think it last about 1/2 hour. It's been several years since I've been their so you might ask at your hotel.

I would like to invite you, if you could take a day off, when Ed comes up on March 28th, to come over from NO. Would you give me an e-mail with your phone number? [e-mail]

How did you get that address for Aggro's trees so fast? I spent about 45 minutes looking for it and finally got frustrated and posted a new topic.

I like the tile work and I think you've got the right idea about doing it in stages - it's easier on the body. Would you like to do the floor right in front of our door?

Robert:
I assume that you will be here also.

Paul:
Can you take a day off and come down??

To me, the bad thing about ripping plywood is that you don't have a strong edge to put screws into. I've built my whole layout with # 6 FH wood screws 1 1/2" long. When I connect two 1 X 4's they are 1 1/2" thick, if I'm going into a 2 x 4 I've got a 3/4" grab length. I haven't had any problems with the strength of the benchwork. Also I don't rip that straight so I don't get a good edge on the plywood. I use two battery powered hand drills. The B&D has a 12 volt bat. and the Makita has an 18 volt bat. so I use the B&D for the pilot holes and the Makita to drive the screws. That works out very well.

Anyone else want to come?? I'll spring for a real live coffee shop cup of coffee or if you want homemade I can do that.

Phil and Jim:
You guys sure make me feel good - I thought I was the only one that typed in a reply and then erased it by going back and looking something up.

Jim:
DON'T PUT THE BRASS TRACK IN THE STAGING AREA!! Be sure that you can get a bright boy on it to keep it clean.

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

[TurboOne]

Hello all, after a good nights sleep, life is going back to normal.

Coffee is on me today, but my specialty is smoothies. Place your orders. [:D] [:D] [:D] [8D]

Rain heading to San Diego again. We already are 10" over our average, another 2-15 is coming depending what part of town.

Ryan, the Rio casino has one of the best buffets in town, and they have a stir fry that is great. The Orleans has southern style, heard it was good, but didn't get there myself. The HO train store is old, the inventory is old, but if need something that you haven't seen, they might have it. The G scale store is awesome, worth checking out just to see it. The real trains are teriffic. The show that Bob was telling you about is called the Fremont Experience. Its outdoors, so if the kids are going all the family can watch. It is a mile long video, awesome. Also the Treasure Island Pirate show, complete with British Ship and Pirate ship is great and its free and outdoors.

Luc, thanks for the coffee. [:)]

Ed, seems like you are the only one with sunshine, we have some this morning but its only 58 so far.

Jim, great roses, you are quite a talented computer artist. [8D]

***, you drive careful out there. Glad you survived the drive, but it must be that bowling skill that transfered over to the driving. All those curve balls and hooks, you just wanted to match it by driving like a bowling ball.

Take care all

Tim

[egmurphy]

Good Morning Coffee Clubbers,

Partly cloudy and warm down here in Paradise. Forecast is for it to be even hotter than yesterday. I may have to break down and crank up the a/c, [:(] we’ll see.

More sandpapering of the foam hills is on tap for today. Plus some spackling filling of misc cracks and gaps.

Got a phone call from Teffy, as we start to work the details of the “NOB Tour – Spring Break 2005”. As usual, the in-laws answered the phone (shared line) and amazingly he was able to make himself understood to them that he wanted to talk to me!! Either that or they just figured anyone who called and didn’t speak Spanish was probably looking for me! [(-D]

I am looking forward to the trip, 6 weeks ‘til we get to Teffy’s.

QUOTE: (CG)Jim: …c'mon Ed, we were looking to you and the FCVN to balance off the trade from all the tequila we buy from Mexico…

The FCVN is willing to ship tequila too, if we can keep the conductors and brakemen from sampling the product. [:p]

QUOTE: Tom: …that sounds like it could work into a good "retirement" job for Ed. He has the supply and there's a lot of demand up north for oranges, and on the return he brings thick foam board down here.

Isn’t that an oxymoron, a “retirement job”? [:0]

QUOTE: grayfox: Ed: if you think the trip is too far for you to drive with the truckload of oranges, we can set up a relay, just like the Pony Express. You drive to Texas, Ryan or Jim could take over and drive north , then Tom could drive north to the Carolinas, and so forth up here to NE. Then I could drive to Bar Harbor Maine and take the CAT to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia where Der John, Luc and Fergie could take over. Them Fergie could load them on his ship, and take the locks throught to the Great Lakes to Minnesota to Noah and all the guys out that way.

I’ll go you one better, we’ll get Teffy to bus them from here to New Orleans. He can bring down the tour bus filled with Texas residents who want to stock up on cheap prescription drugs in Mexico, and come back with the bus loaded with oranges. [;)]

QUOTE: TurboTim: We went there for the National Cheerleading Championships.

Meant to ask you before you went, what was the tie to the Cheerleading Championship for the trip? Was you daughter competing? Anyway, glad that you enjoyed the trip and that you saw some trains while you were at it.

QUOTE: (northern)Phil: …just learned you can't go back a page to see what someone said without saving what you had typed in the reply box!

Ouch. Try right clicking on the other page number, then choose “open in another window” from the drop down menu. That will open the second page without affecting what you are doing in the reply box.


Ryan, I believe that N.O. spent a considerable amount of time under Spanish rule, and there’s a lot of Spanish influence in the local architecture too. So it doesn’t have to be simply a Tex-Mex influence.

Btw, I saw your post looking for info on the other forum. My only suggestion, if you’re going to be in the Four Corners region, would be to stop in Durango. I don’t know, without checking their website, what their winter operating schedule looks like, but you could at least see their museum. Another suggestion would be to post that question over on TrainBoard. They have a Railfanning forum, and you might get a better response. Or try posting it here on the Trains Magazine forum.


Incidentally, for those of you who were dying to know, Spring Training starts day after tomorrow, at least for the Boston Red Sox!

Okay, gotta run and do some sanding. Catch you in the afternoon.

Regards

Ed

[JPowell]

Good day all -
Hope all had a good evening last night for V Day? Eventhough the wife and I are on the 'outs', we did go out for dinner... I had a nice 8oz Steak Teriyki (sp?) w/ a 8oz Charbroiled Lobster Tail and Sweet Potato Fries...mmmmmm. Wife had 8oz Prime Rib for meat and Baked Potato for side w/ her Charbroiled Lobster Tail. A salad was also included in the meals. Discovered that there's a small train show @ one of the Am. Legions this coming Sunday. I'm going to go and check it out. Wife said she'll make sure I have some spending $$$$. Yeah! Maybe I'll find something I want!

Luct - Merger is completed. We're still privately held, but our lawyer's are researching the possibility/feasibility of listing on either NASDAQ or NYSE. No time has been placed for this info tobe made available.

TurboOne - Where in San Diego are you? I spent 4+ years @ Camp Pendleton while in the Marines and frequented Gas Lamp Quarter, La Jolla, and Pac Beach. Miss going to the 'Cliffs' on the weekends and 'people (lady) watching!

Take care....
JP

[Anonymous]

Morning/afternoon all.... sorry I havn't posted in a while.... I have been sick and sprawled out on the couch for the past couple days.

Nothing new going on here.... we just finished with a rain storm here sunday and are expecting another one any time now.

well I'm off for a while.... talk to you all later.

[Anonymous]

Evening all.

Looks like I might finally be getting the "spare room" (aka train room) back - my brother's room is pretty much finished. About 50 packages from Ikea turned up today, basically bits for wardrobes, the new carpet is down and the walls are painted. Spent yesterday evening hauling old kitchen cabinets around - my uncle's having a new kitchen installed so some of the old cupboards will be finding a new home as a support/storage area for my HO layout. Need to make a return run now with a trailerload of bookcases - his part of the Ikea delivery. Their charges are somewhat crazy - £80 minimum delivery charge. Hence our making up a "family" order to save some cash!

It's been sunny and crisp all day here, so we've had the usual hordes of sightseers on the roads. These people amble along at 45mph or less admiring the scenery, meanwhile those of us trying to get to lectures/seminars/work/whatever are going quietly insane behind as they will never pull over, and they speed up when there's a chance to overtake them! Usual cruising speed on main roads around here is about 60mph so you can imagine how irritating these people are. Maybe I need a couple of big Nitrous Oxide cylinders and a red button on the dashboard...

Well, not much else to report, have been trying to research for one of tomorrow's seminars but it's near-impossible as we've been given an impossible view to argue - that intelligence did not play a key role in the WW2 Pacific campaigns when it very clearly did! Bye for now.

[JimRCGMO]

Zoe, a mocha smoothie, on Tim's tab. [:)]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TEFFY


Jim:
DON'T PUT THE BRASS TRACK IN THE STAGING AREA!! Be sure that you can get a bright boy on it to keep it clean.

Teffy - What staging area? [;)] My only staging area for now will be (maybe) on another mostly bare board off one side, so using a Bright Boy shouldn't be too difficult (I hope)... Any hidden staging areas will be further down the road, so to speak. And how long should a Bright Boy last, by the way? Maybe I should buy two, as long as this track's been in storage.[:0][;)]

Ed, you'll have to be a little clearer - I don't think readers of this forum could figure out who your favorite baseball team is, otherwise! [}:)][swg]

Noah, I'm going to keep hunting till I find those pics for you. When's your birthday? Or maybe a Christmas present? [;)]

It is beautiful weather here in Cape Girardeau today. About 60 something, with some breezes and lots o'sun. [8D] Thanks for sending us a couple of cans, Tim! [:)] Now tomorrow afternoon/evening I think we're supposed to cool off about 20 degrees (F) and mayb have some rain too - but today, it would be excellent railfanning weather. If we only had some decent train viewing spots near here (the spot in town where the trains go through is by the riverwall, and there's not lots of distance to back off and get a nicer view of more of the train. Ah well... But over in Jackson (next town, about 15 minute drive from here), there's the Iron Mountain Railway - sort of a permanent tourist trainride. Steam engine and possibly an early Geep, and they go several miles down the track and have to back all the way back to Jackson. (But they're not connected to any live lines, so it's safer than it sounds).

Well, paperwork calls. Wish I could find the mute button for that![}:)]

Blessings on your afternoon, and see you later tonight.

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[trolleyboy]

Morning all just poped in from a lunch break[dinner]then right back to the train room been procrastinating log enough[B)][V]so far I;'ve not removed any skin or other body parts so Fergie isn't channelling any bad vibes to me[}:)][:p][swg]flip were praying for Deb and hope she's on the mend soon.Ed have a good trip to Teffy's i'd love to join you but haven't enough frequent flyer miles collected yet[:(]I'll send a pack of weathering grade coffee down though if you guys would like[:0][swg] gotta run looks like the cats trying to sneek into the train room[:(!] Bye for now. Rob

[Anonymous]

Hey everyone. Zoe, nothing for me, I just ate before I got here.

Luct, don't worry about my fence. I've built a gate in it, so I can get out.[:D]

Teffy, if things go as I hope they will. You will see me there. I'll let you know within the week before whether I can make it or not.

TTFN

Robert

[Noah Hofrichter]

Jim, I saw JimHH posting in the MR forum on the twenty third, I’m sure he’ll stop back in soon again. And my Birthday’s not for a while, exactly six months from Christmas (June 25).

Philnrunt, Thanks, I’ll have to look through the index and see if I can find something.

Well, I’m glad that the Logo went over well with everyone, I put quite a bit of time into it. Hopefully I can get decals done soon then.

I guess I better be moving, I’ve got places to go and things to do.....

Noah

[bjdukert]

Evening to all

***-When you talk to the people about the lights tell them you know of another person that isn't crazy about the way they engineered them,and I have always been a believer that there are two kinds of engineers. PAPER engineers that don't have any idea of what is going on,except that it looks good there,and THE GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY engineers that know why,where ,and how it should go so that you can get your hands in there to fix it.
As Fergi comes through the Great Lakes with those oranges, I can meet him down in Detroit and pick some up.[:D][dinner]

Bill- I know what you mean about Doug Fir.I unloaded boxcars for Wickes lumber when I was in high school and the Doug Fir always looked good.I don't think we can get it around here anymore,it all seems to be pine or poplar,but it could be I don't know where to look.

Noah-Logos look good.I do like the one with the ARK.

Ryan-That's ok,I'm used to being ABUSED as well.[:-^][:D] The train room is looking good.

Paul-I have another book on building benchwork other than the one by Lynn Westcott.It is called Basic Model Railroad Benchwork by Jeff Wilson,and it has a section on using plywood. It also has some different ideas,but still some of the basics as Westcott,and Kalmbach Books has it.Also,I have two de-humidifiers that I use in the basement in the summer,and once they get to whatever setting I have them at, they turn off and on as the humidity changes.

JimCG- I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that has tried to go back while in the reply page.[%-)]

Flip-Best to Deb and You.

Bob-I have been using course thread drywall screws for my benchwork and the hard part has been finding lumber that will stay straight. I found a straight edge that comes in two pieces that make it a little over 8' long and it has two c-clamps that come with it so you can calmp to what you are cutting and it is the next best thing to a table saw with a rip fence.I would think your local HD or Lowes would have it,because I think that is where I got mine.

Matt-We have the same problem here with our so called Sunday Drivers.Good idea of using the cabinets for benchwork and storage,and you can never have enough of that.

It is suppose to get colder here and a winter watch is out with about 3-6" of that white stuff to come,so I guess I know what I will be doing tomorrow morning when I get to work,plowing[:(!][:P][V]

Talk to you later

Duke

[der5997]

Good Afternoon Everyone: The CDO is very pleased with the way the kitchen wall is going. We are preasantly waiting for th efirst coat to dry. This is way ahead of where she thought we would be.[^] So I have a while to get back to the conversation.(from page 296, here we go...)
Duke:

QUOTE: John-I don't think I asked the question right about the foam and how you keep it place.I was asking about what you have around the tunnel portal,so that it stays in place when you form it.

The portals have had to be raised because the double stack container cars wouldn't go through. So each one is sitting on "feet" of three layers of AMI roadbed material. That stuff is sticky, which means the portals stand up all by themselves, and take a bit of abuse too.[:D] My excuse for this on the layout is that the double stack traffic was important enough for the Maritime Trunk to lower thet raod bed through the tunnels. Hence the "feet" which represent the new concrete foootings, and are painted that way, with a line of lighter paint going back into the tunnel mouths [8D] The portals are then backed by a piece of 1" foam with the tunnel profile carved in it. This is glued to the portal with good old white glue. Then the rest of the mountain is added to and around the backing foam.

Ryan:

QUOTE: I miss the north east lobsters,

I think it's something to do with the cold water they grow in. We certainly believe that the flavour is finer.[dinner][^]

Flip:

QUOTE: Cape Jim- The bumpers at loading docks are hard rubber-not wood.

I know that htis thread develops a bit in later pages, but when i first read it, I thought..."and all points in between!" I've seen blocks of old rubber tires material bolted onto wooden bumpers, as well as all rubber bumpers, and all wood. I guess the only one I haven't come across yet is wooden blocks on a rubber bumper[(-D]

radivil:

QUOTE: When I get home for spring break in a few weeks, I'll retreive more stuff. I have a whole box full of rolling stock that has apparently vanished and I'd like to find it.

I bet you do!! It will be like Christmas all over again when you do[:D] Good hunting!

Ed:

QUOTE: John, now that’s a viaduct!!!!! Starucca’s got nothing on that one. Way to go.

Do you remember the original Crocodile Dundee movie, where he gets into a situation with some punk with a switchblade? CD asks the assailant what he thinks that is, and is told "It's a knife!" CD then reaches up behind his neck and draws out what looks like a machette, saying "That's not a knife, this is a knife!"
In the spirit of that incident, minus any reference to punks, "That's not a viaduct, ....this is a viaduct!"

It's a quite small photo, so may not enlarge. rural England, don't know where. Shallow valley, lots of brick and bricklayers. Outre temps, outre mores!

QUOTE: Me too. I only used the Liquid Nails for Projects to glue the foam base sheet down to me door. I probably could have used the white glue for that too.

I've used white glue throughout and found the only thing to remember is that it dries quite slowly in the application you refer to. Air has a hard time getting into the space between foam and "door" when the foam is in large pieces. So, don't be too quick to handle the stuff roughly, give it time.

QUOTE: Here’s a quick update on the layout progress, and a couple of shots.....I think I was obsessing too much about getting it smooth.

Very impressive, Ed. I wouldn't worry BTW about getting everything "aircraft finish" smooth, as not much outside of water is, in nature! For instance, you are concerned (or will be in page or two[(-D]) about the glue at joints not sanding down at the same rate as the foam. Frankly, I'd take my trusty knife to ithe seam, and carve the glue away to the level I want. That way you won't have to worry about a straight line of ground foam "hiding"a sraight line of raised glue.[:D] BTW, the paint sure takes the edge off the blue acres. I haven't got around to carving enough to paint very much yet.
TomW:

QUOTE: Der, the viaduct really looks good. I don't recall seeing it before, but that may just be my memory going out again.

I'm beginniing to think I didn't, after all![B)][:D]
Elliot:

QUOTE: He seemed rather impressed, especially given the fact that he is a Normal guy.

Ah, but then, we Normal guys have more room to store the largesse![(-D]
Ed:

QUOTE: Although in-laws are usually subject to standing jokes, it really does help if you get along well with them. I’m happy for you.

Especially Ms-I-L. I don't know how I've managed it, but I get on well enough with Kris' mom that I can almost "do no wrong" unlike her daughter![%:)]
CapeJim:

QUOTE: Any word from Fergie, speaking of ice? When does he get to come back in, or how long of a shift out on the ship does he have (30? 60? Till the ice thaws??

He says about 1st week of March. It would have to be major ice to hold the Cornwallis if all systems are functional. Motive power, incidentally, provided by (3, I think) Locomotive diesels[tup][^]
Bill:

QUOTE: Der - Liked the viaduct a lot - too bad a similar one would look rather silly in my north Georgia/sw North Carolina locale.

Thanks, I've seen the Atlas pieces used with just the top of the arch, no legs. That could work in a swamp maybe?[:)] BTW, I agree about the steel 2x4s. We used them in Spruce Grove for a building reno. They were no comfortable to work with, drill i nto, etc., and I would not look to use them on a layout.
Noah:

QUOTE: Well Folks, I’ve finished the two two tone logos that will become my decal logo for all freight cars, so here it is:

..and very impressive, also. someone has commented on the modern look, and that nails it. Nice work!
Ryan: Great looking floor. Locally, if folks want tile work done they call for "Hurricane Charley". Man is he fast! and good, and not too dear. He lives down the highway a piece, towards the city. His house is at a deceptive curve (Just after Monk's Road, Fergie and Luc, be careful if you come this way) that we watch for and have christened "Hurricane Charley's Curve". A neighbour totalled her car there thte other year ..but then she tends to drive flying low[(-D]
CapeJim:

QUOTE: John, a man's got to do what a man's got to do (and what the CDO asks him to do). Hope it goes well and quickly for you. If you run into any snags, just ask the construction crew here, and someone will probably be able to (mis) direct you on things.

It being much later in the day, and dinner over, I have now put on a touch up coat over the second coat. The problem is the CDO wanted the kitchen wall to match the bright yellow we did the stairs wall. Fin, except I got to do the fiddly bits arond the edges, and CDO did the middle, so to speak. I used either an edging tool, or a brush, and Kris laid on witht he roller. Now, the paint she did is shades darker than the edges I did. So I've gone over my bit layering on the paint. We'll see what it's like when it's all dried up.

QUOTE: Anyone hear anything new from JimHH? Seems like it's been a while since we heard from him.

He's alive and well, just having to take a break. Asks to be remembered to the Coffee Shop crowd.
Greg:

QUOTE: softens kinda like those biscuits back in the cabinet have done over the last couple of weeks.

I'm sure Zoe would pop them in the toaster oven for you if you ask nicely[(-D] A few minutes, and they'll be just like new.[yum]
CapeJim:

QUOTE: Yeah, it can be hard to tell Zoe and Chloe apart. But Zoe said it was killing her, working those long shifts here, so she asked her twin sister to help cover some of the hours at the Shop. I figure after a while, maybe we'll be able to tell which twin is which.

This Zoe/Chloe thingis giving me twilight zone flashes. I didn't say anything when the name for our able waitress turned out to be Zoe, our granddaughter's name. but now we have , apparently at random except for the rhyme, Chloe, the name we chose first of all for our daughter. (It wasn't ever used, but this is freaking me out[alien])

That's got me caught up to where I came in this afternoon. I'd better get the treadmill out, as it's raining now. Going to be really cold this weekend I hear, after a warm and maybe less wet tomorrow.
The preview of this was way wide. Why, I've no idea. Hope it comes in to you all OK.
TTFN

[der5997]

Help! That post is wide here too, and so wide I can't bring in the Edit button! Any suggetsions as to what may have gone wrong, and how it might be fixed?

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Paul W. Beverung


Has any one tried ripping A-C plywood for bench work. I hear that the price works out less than 1X4s and is more stable. I've always been able to get well seasoned 1X4 in the past. I'm not too sure about now though.

Gee Paul, that's a tough call. 3/4" AC ply is about $35 a sheet around here. I'm guessing that it is about the same where you are. 1x4's are about $2.50 for an 8 footer, but they aren't always pretty. Figuring that you'll get about 14 strips from a 4x8 sheet, the math is "dead on", using those numbers.

Now you have to deal with the advantaged and disadvantages, since money is out of the picture. Hauling a 4x8 sheet can be an issue if you don't have the vehicle for it, then there is the cutting. Even with a table saw, it takes some effort. Maybe the biggest disadvantage would come when you want to fasten it together with screws, they won't work well going into the edge of the plywood. You would probably need to use some kind of block to make those connections.

[bjdukert]

***-I see that you are on and I am trying something to see if it works. Hey it work!!![yeah]

[grayfox1119]

Good evening gents......the lights are ON in the new Train room, major milestone today! I solved the problem with those stupid clips holding the "U" lamps...let there be light!!

Tomorrow, I start the wall painting and skyscape. Being an artist has never been a strong point for me, so this ought to be interesting. The blue walls are easy, the clouds are another matter.....have to watch that video from the kit tonight.

Rob: Yes, I am aware of the steep price $3500 for the Canadian RR trip. That is one reason why we have not done that trip yet.[:O][:O][:O]

Tom: I don't think Ed likes to drive, he wants Teffy to drive down with his bus to pick up the oranges. Gee, I thought with the temps hitting the 80"s down in ole Mexico, that Ed would love to get a little "cool" air.[;)][;)][:)]

Brian: glad to see you back in the land of the living Brian!!! Have you been drinking Ed's OJ like you are supposed too? Zoe, get on this lad, bring him a tall one please!!



Jim: Ya, that ride last night was a "white knuckle" ride last night, no comparsion to bowling. We get plenty of practice up here in north country, but it still puts your nerves on edge because I think I know where I will go, but I cannot predict what the other driver might do. I see you hit the 60"s today, thta's great, we only got to 40.

Ryan: Thanks for the bowling compliment. Candlepin ( small balls ) is quite a bit more difficult than the big balls, I have done both. My average is 90, no big deal, there are guys with 115 averages. BTW, I sure don't miss driving to work in heavy fog, especially when you have some drivers who do not use their headlights because they are trying to save their battery....I guess no one ever told them that the alternator takes over once the car starts. I love it when the cars are silver, or white and have no lights on in the fog or snow.

Tim: thanks for the note of care. BTW, we did not hear how the contest made out in Vegas!!! Did your daughter take 1st place? Did you win the BIG one at Vegas ?

Duke: your right about two kinds of engineers, we used to call them...theoretical and practical engineers.

Der John: I see your last post, I don't see any problem, the post looks Ok. Maybe it is because I have a 19" LCD screen, and set to high resolution. I can pack a lot of data on the screen, in fact, I have two windows open, page 298 and 299.

Time to watch NCIS....see you guys later tonight....have a good one guys !!