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

[egmurphy]

Good Morning Coffee Clubbers,

Yesterday was just a beautiful day down here, borderline warmish, partly sunny, and a great breeze almost all day which kept things very comfortable. [8D]

Still doing minor work on the foam hills. Yesterday was mostly using lightweight spackle to fill in some gaps and cracks between pieces of the foam. I'll probably sand that off today. Also got the rest of the replacement ties put in the gaps at the flex track joints. I also started working on my first attempt to install a CI ground throw on an Atlas Standard switch. I can see where this is going to be a bit more difficult than originally envisioned.

QUOTE: LilRob: And has anyone checked out the business hours for the coffee shop.

Sorry but I can’t go along with you on this one. Like John, I think we need to maintain the shop open 24/7 as it has been. Besides, Zoe/Chloe will complain if we cut their O.T. hours.



Noah, glad you found some good stuff at the show.



Since PINK seems to be still in vogue, take a look at this shot. From what they tell me this hasn’t been photo shopped. Apparently the train belongs to one of the female members of the club.

QUOTE: (CG)Jim: I recall was that on one of the MRR project layouts (Turtle Creek?) they used N scale cork roadbed because it was lower, like a short line or branch line might more likely use.

Right on, Jim. In fact, in the Feb 2005 issue of MR (page 77) they are working on the branchline extension for the Turtle Creek, and they talk specifically about using N gauge cork roadbed. They note that it isn’t wide enough for HO track, so they cut a ¼” strip of cork from sheet cork and put that strip between the two halves of the N scale cork roadbed.

Jim, let me see what I can find regarding maps of that area.

Sorry to hear about continuing car problems. On the other hand that certainly was a good deed that someone in your group did. [angel]



Brian, glad to see you got a railimages account set up. The logo looks good. And speaking of shows, isn’t today the day that you’re is going to the WGH Show in LA? Let us know how it turns out.


Lupo, welcome back. It has been a long time. Glad to see you’re still with us.



Fergie, the trestle looks good. What are the small wood blocks of various sizes that are laying on the paper template? Is that a box of Twining’s I see on your desk? Don’t like the shipboard coffee? [;)]



Tom, I had heard of using boxwoods for Bonsai, but didn’t know you could do it with Japanese maples too. I’m used to seeing them as large outdoor trees.



Flip, glad to hear that the first surgery relieved the pain. And yes, having some confidence in your doctor is important when they’re doing work this important.



Looks like a slow Sunday here, almost feels like nap time.

Hasta luego,

Ed

[der5997]

Goodafternoon Coffee Shop people: Grey overcast after a sunny morning. Not too cold, so no smoking sea this time.[^]
TrolleyRob

QUOTE: John you need posts and railings for your roads? I thought that the Normal drivers wouldn't need that sort of thing[:-^]

They don't! But my inner rivet counter just doesn't let me not build them once I get started[V]

Fergie:

QUOTE: Anyway Here's some pics of the Trestle, which I won't assemble until I get home.

Very nice, Fergie. I slobbered on old dark brown stain on my tressle before I started to glue anything. That way the thing was already stained, and the differences in stain take up between wood and glue were not an issue. [tup]

Lunch has been called[dinner] So, TTFN

[egmurphy]

Jim

haven't found much useful in the way of maps, but I'll keep looking. Here are a couple of things to look at, although they really don't fit your needs:

http://www.deskmap.com/images/rr_4corners.gif

You can click on the enlarge icon to blow this up to full page size. Unfortunately you still can't read anything, but it does show lines (probably current) in the 4 state area. These people sell these maps, but they're not cheap. You can check their main website to see more.


Here's one partial of the area:

http://www.fwwr.net/Maps/Pacifico.htm

Couple of possible leads on this thread from TrainBoard
http://www.trainboard.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/ubb/get_topic/f/17/t/000393.html?

Or you could try asking the question on their rail fan forum.


Try this:

http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm?BPID=HIS0203033115%2C2%2C1%2C0&CFID=3078545&CFTOKEN=95028338


As a final suggestion, use the Advanced Search option in the upper right corner of this page. search on map and maps. Search in Model railroader Prototype Info forum. Make the search date go back at least a year. You'll get lots of other leads.

Good luck,

Ed

[Anonymous]

Morning/afternoon everyone

Yes today is the day of the train show.... we are just waiting for one of my brothers and his wife to show up... then we are off to brunch and then the train show... I will make sure to have a camera with me to take some pictures....

Bob (Teffy) I model Normal scale.... I know what you are saying about the mountain thing.... I will be having one in on that side but the track is kinda close to the edge of the table where I need other buildings.

I'm out

[der5997]

Luch was excellent, and it snowed all through it, but has stopped now. Just as well, as I have to go in to a Chamber of Commerce executive meeting in about 2 mins.
Bob:

QUOTE: Then I'm going to put a few tires in the pit and put in some grass and weeds.

Just a thought that less is often more. (I know that's an Un-Texan thought, but where would all those tires have come from?[(-D])

QUOTE: How are the DCC thoughts comming?

I'm still in a bit of a blue funk over doing my own installs, since I smoked the very first one for no electrical reason I could see. However, I just have to get over it and bite the technical bullet.
So, I'd better get off TTFN.

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by egmurphy

Good Morning Coffee Clubbers,

Fergie, the trestle looks good. What are the small wood blocks of various sizes that are laying on the paper template? Is that a box of Twining’s I see on your desk? Don’t like the shipboard coffee? [;)]

Looks like a slow Sunday here, almost feels like nap time.

Hasta luego,

Ed

Ed:The blocks are balsa which are glued to the template.

Yes Old Boy and Rather I'd say Earl Grey is a nice break as Timmy's gets too hard on the guts and after drinking six 12 oz cuppas a day I need a break.

A nap would be nice per chance to dream but I'll wait for another week and a half before that happens. The jarring of breaking ice can be a tad gruelling after a while.

QUOTE: Originally posted by TEFFY

Good Morning All:

Ya gotta love Fergies better half, Lisa. She sent me an e-mail to tell me that the "pink panther" arrived and wanted to know if I wanted her to wrap it in pink paper. While were're on pink, I'm going to take some pictures today and let ya'll see what the postman delivered.

Fergie:
Before you remove those ties off the plan be sure and glue the stringers to them so the radius is right. By the way, thanks for the copies on the trestles, I see a solution to the pier foundation, just put a 12" X 12" horizonally under the piers and have that rest on a large concrete foundation and that gives me a flat surface to build to.

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

Regarding the The Trestle deck. because I glued the stringers together in the form and added a bit more tension and because I glued the ties in place in the jig the deck comes out of the jig and back in without making adjustments or flexing the stringers. Once the rails are affixed and the trestles and additional stringers glued in place this puppy ain't moving.
Now I don't know what shade of Gawd Awful Puking Pink this is going to be but I have been working on a paint scheme for my Locos and let's just say some will be amused, some will be awe struck, some will be annoyed (purists) and some will be running scared. Let' s just say this pinkless puppy won't be "Flaming" pink but just Flaming and able to "Chew" up the competition[:D]

QUOTE: Originally posted by der5997

Goodafternoon Coffee Shop people: Grey overcast after a sunny morning. Not too cold, so no smoking sea this time.[^]

Fergie:

QUOTE: Anyway Here's some pics of the Trestle, which I won't assemble until I get home.

Very nice, Fergie. I slobbered on old dark brown stain on my tressle before I started to glue anything. That way the thing was already stained, and the differences in stain take up between wood and glue were not an issue. [tup]

John if you look at the deck on my station you will see that it is made with Bass Wood 3x8 plancks I painted it with Burnt Sienna then wet stoned the paint to remove 90% of it. I then washed it with diluted india ink to give it the weathered look.

Anyway here's some more photos.


I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do here. It's either going to be a Barbar Shop or a Coffee Shop, You decide! Though the thought of all of us jamming in there at once is not a pretty sight. could dot it in shifts or we could shed a few pounds. Naw I'll stick with the Barbar Shop.






Anyway looks like we might be sailing back to the Gulf this evening so I best be off

Later Gents

[Noah Hofrichter]

Der John, well, it’s WSOR red, but it’s awfully close to pink. I might post a photo of it and my mug later.

Lupo!!! Good to have you back. I was beginning to think you had gone overboard!-no-wait, that’s Fergie!

Fergie, I like the trestle, that must have taken enough time to do! I think I’m beginning to see the reason why the ship got stuck at sea with a soldering iron. You wanted peace and quite to work on the trestle!! [}:)][}:)]

Well, I can’t stick around, I’m possibly going to the snow train at the nearby museum. It snowed for the first time in a while here today, so they at least have snow for the train. See ya!

Noah

[Anonymous]

Good afternoon all.

Nice quiet Sunday afternoon listening to the 3 tenors while the chicken is in the oven. So I may need to leave for a few minutes to check on it. [C=:-)]

I think I've made up my mind and will just lay the track on the foam board. I'll be painting the foam a sort of "dirty sand' colour and then add the greenery finish. I've been looking at the Woodland scenic website, they seem to offer a wide range of material, I'll have a chat with George from LHS and go from there. BTW, I'm still working on the sugar refining plant. Gloe keeps reminding me that this is supposed to a hobby for when I retire.... [}:)][:O][}:)] Well, I'm semi retired, is that close enough?? [^][^]

Lupo - Great to hear from you, oh! master of the smiley's. [:D]

Jim - I'm following that project and learning a lot from it. I think the scenario will show the G & L RR taking over some old existing tracks in Gloetown and add more switches and track to reach its clients. As this is my 1st try at this I will be applying the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid). [(-D][(-D][(-D]

Rob - Please, if you see me, please ask me wait..... BTW I was born in Kingston, when My dad repatriated from the UK in 1948, he was a professor at the military college. But he quickly tired from that and accepted an engineering positio with GE.

Flip - Thanks a bunch for e-mail, We both appreciate them.

Fergie - Nice work. Will it be pink???? [(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D]

Tom - Thanks for your input, it help me decide.

Bob - Thank you also for your comments, I think with some ballast it sould work fine. But time will tell, if it doesn't work, we'll rework it.

Well I must go for now

Happy MRRing

[JimRCGMO]

Well, Good Afternoon, Zoe, and I see Noah's here. I'll have a mocha and go sit at the booth where he is. [:)]

Hi Noah, did you bring any of your loot from the show to show us? (Am I repeating repeating myself? [;)]

Brian, if you found my modification ideas useful, great! The passing track you added is a good idea. That and as much yard (staging or visible) as you can reasonably fit in - comes in handy for making up or breaking down trains. To paraphrase something a fellow computer user once said (she was speaking about RAM), “You can never have too much yard tracks”. Well, it _might_ be possible, if you didn’t have room for operations and mainline, but y’know.

Matt, I’m sure you’re getting the hang of it with putting those wardrobes up/together! [:)] And it will no doubt feel sooooo good when you are done, too.

Fergie, that trestle is coming along fine! You can say what you like about steel or concrete trestles, I like the wood ones just great - they have more character. Good to see what you’ve been doing while you were ice-locked. Could you send/email me a copy of the directions/plans for that? Thanks if you can.

Lupo, good to hear from you again. Glad you’re able to check in some from work, and hope things manage to slow at the right times to allow you to get your ‘home’ work finished and rejoin the fun ‘n’ frivolities again at full speed.

Okay John: nag, nag, nag - we like having our fellow CClubbers around, so do what you need to do to take care of yourself. And it is good to hear your Dr.’s making progress on Deb.
Oh, I’m guessing you meant to ask Ryan to re-send the email (instead of “resent it”), right? [rimshot] [}:)]

Tom, your bonsai class sounds pretty interesting. Me, I have no green thumb to speak of, which is why I look for hardy plants if I’m going to get any at all.[;)]

Teffy, Tru-scale milled roadbed? Now THERE’s a blast from the past...
I can agree with you about the “non-prototypical” stuff you can see out there. I recall some like that in some MRR books I saw at the LHS, which pointed out that even though there may be a prototype for one or another thing, doesn’t mean it’s plausible or that we should put it in our layout. But then again, those of us freelancing tend not to let stuff like believeability get in our way.[;)]

Wow, Ed, if Fergie sees that train, he’s gonna want to know where he can get one just like it. [swg] Oh, thanks for remembering about the extra needed for N scale cork roadbed - could have led to someone getting a bit frustrated when they tried my suggestion and it wasn’t big enough.
No, not my most favorite way to spend my Sat. getting the car fixed, but the bunch in that church small group are about as neat as the folks here! Thanks for the links to start me off on the maps! [bow] Knew I could count on some useful suggestions from Ed (besides the great OJ you send up this way)! [:)]

Well, got some scans to do (and some others to look through). Zoe, I'll see you and the others later (possibly tonight, if I don't get called out).

Blessings,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[JimRCGMO]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester


I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do here. It's either going to be a Barbar Shop or a Coffee Shop, You decide! Though the thought of all of us jamming in there at once is not a pretty sight. could dot it in shifts or we could shed a few pounds. Naw I'll stick with the Barbar Shop.

Fergie, if you want a Coffee Shop-sized coffee shop, something closer to the size of DPM's Carol's Corner Cafe (maybe with an addition of a diner car or two out the back) might be a better size.[;)]

Later, and blessings on the rest of your 'cruise' being productive (with or without being ice-locked),

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[fec153]

Afternoon all- OUCH-lap 11 and an 8 car mishap. 190 mph plus will sure put a hurt on you. Like the UPS ad- Dale is going to race the truck.
[:D][^][^].
Bob-the left table is 4x5 and has a different but bigger mess. The rolled up tarp is actually the top of our 10x10 tent. We used to vend at biker events-Daytona and others nearby. Deb made all sorts of items and I helped.

Ed- Thats a great looking layout. Pink,schmink, it pulls, stays on track run it. Don't like it- there's the door.

Fergie- Very nice. And you get paid for doing this aboard ship. Nice job. Ahh, I'm just jealous-wish I had the talent. Anyway, it sure beats shoveling snow.

Fumble fingers Flip

[Anonymous]

Hi ya'll. Not much hap'nin with me. Ok, guy's the hours will stay 24/7. They were on a sign I bought at a store. Thought I'd post them to see what you all thought.

Luct, sorry, no see you. I'll keep an eye out for you, tho'.

Robert

[der5997]

Well the CoC exec decided to release the local snowmobile club from a covenant on their land and building under certain conditions, so the afforementioned club can sell and use the proceeds to better their trails and camps. All that in under an hour! This has to be a record!
CapeJim:

QUOTE: Okay John: nag, nag, nag - we like having our fellow CClubbers around, so do what you need to do to take care of yourself. And it is good to hear your Dr.’s making progress on Deb.
Oh, I’m guessing you meant to ask Ryan to re-send the email (instead of “resent it”), right? [rimshot]

That rimshot whizzed right over my head. Was it meant for Flip by any chance?[(-D] If it was for me, please post the quote as I'm missing the reference.[D)][:I] Make known unto me my transgression, it is Lent, after all[(-D]
Fergie: I don't envy you the task of wetstoning a tressle[:D] Sounds like a lot of work. The station deck looks good for the treatment though. BTW, we couldn't all fit into a barber shop as they only have quartets[(-D]
Luc:

QUOTE: Nice quiet Sunday afternoon listening to the 3 tenors while the chicken is in the oven. So I may need to leave for a few minutes to check on it. [C=:-)]

We were going to have roast chicken for lunch, but as the oven smoked when we did the cheese on some natchos last night, Kris decided that a boiled dinner was the better part of valour until she can clean the oven[:O] It was "some good" [^] Hope your bird was too.

QUOTE: I think I've made up my mind and will just lay the track on the foam board.

Are there parts of the foam that will NOT have plywood or similar support? If so, and your track is glued directly to the foam, expect to get a noise from the trains as they negotiate those sections. It won't be apparent for low rises, of say up to an inch, but above that you may well hear a difference.
Still puttering away at the road and culvert (wider shoulders means reworked culvert) Fun Fun Fun
Thanks for the tea, and now it's once more time to feed Rosie-the-dog.
TTFN

[fec153]

Der- That triple nag was for me. Want to know ,from you, what is it you lent and to whom and for how long?[:D][;)][%-)].
Flip

[Anonymous]

Good afternoon.

Dinner was delicious, roast chicken, mashed potatoes, boiled sweet potatoes and of course, chicken feed (corn) [(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D].

now back to some good music while getting my stull together, going back to work in the morning...

Hope you all had very good day

Happy MRRing

[fec153]

Cape Jim- I am using Tru-Scale 20" radii sections and a bunch of strights that were salvaged from a40 to 50 year old layout. It was quite extensive. It had curved sections as large as 36". It has NS rails and I have had to trim the ends to fit them properly. Works fine for me.
Race is over and Tony Stewart has shown his butt again. Needs anger management, or a darn good spanking.
Flip

[fec153]

Oh,Oh. Did it again. Drinks on me, all.
Beer tender, bring me a bar.
I'm to drive to drunk. I think I'll crawl home.
Flip
[*^_^*][;)].

[SilverSpike]

Good Afternoon, err…. Evening Coffee Club!

It was the afternoon when I first got into the shop, but now it is evening time as I fini***his posting!

Yesterday we did some outdoor gardening work in the front yard, it was a beautiful day, sunny, about 64 F, and a cool breeze. We pull up all the perennials that wilted and died off during the winter season, just got around to doing it. Now the beds are cleaned and ready for some new flowers and herbs for the spring planting in early April.

I just finished another round of floor terra tile and the train room section is completed!!!! Yea!!!!! Drinks are on me today, anyone for a beer, or “cerveza por favor”, huh Ed?

I am wiped out today though, just sat down for the first time since this morning, and it feels real good. I have some catching up to do since I skipped the forum yesterday, almost a day and a half now since my last post. What am I going to do when we go on vacation for 10 days?

QUOTE: JimRCGMO
Just taking a paperwork break (nice morning at work). After reading through a page or two of the posts, just wanted to say I appreciate this bunch here in the Coffee Shop. Not only is this crew one of the most supportive I've been around online (in a while), but there are all kinds of things that everyone (collectively) knows and can help others with questions about.

Jim,
I appreciate you too Jim! How about a big hug for everyone in the Coffee Shop! And ditto [#ditto] from me too, I appreciate all the gang and all the support and knowledge you give each and every day. It makes this hobby a real treat!

QUOTE: fergmiester
Ryan

Can you please fid some information on the Scout RR Merit badge. This is not something we have up here but it sounds interesting. Lisa tells me I'm going back to Cubs as they are short leaders

Anyway Here's some pics of the Trestle, which I won't assemble until I get home.

Fergie,
That is great to know you are going to volunteer with the Scouts, it is a rewarding experience. I have been Cubmaster for three years now, and my son is getting ready to enter his last year as a Cub Scout. But just to clarify, the Railroad Merit Badge is for the Boy Scouts, boys who are either in the sixth grade or Cub Scouts who have achieved the Arrow of Light Award and are ready to join a Boy Scout Troop or boys who are 11 years old and up to 18 years of age.

Here is a web site link that explains all the requirements for the Railroading Merit Badge:
http://www.meritbadge.com/mb/094.htm

BTW, nice work on that Trestle, and on a curve no less! That is quite a challenge! I am impressed, very impressed!

Hey, Fergie, is that fiber optic cable coming out of that white box on the wall?

Greg,
Sorry to hear about the funeral. My prayers are with you and the classmate’s family.

QUOTE: egmurphy
Ryan, just have to ask this. In the Railway Post Office section of the February issue of Model Railroader, there’s a letter from a Ryan Boudreaux in New Orleans. That wouldn’t be you by any chance, would it?

I didn't really know the site to check, but I'm getting a lot better at finding things with a Google search. In fact, Google.com is now my default internet home page.

Ed,
You guessed right! I am the Ryan Boudreaux who wrote into the Railway Post Office of the MR for February. I was shocked, amazed, and completely delighted when I first saw it appeared in the Feb. issue, since it was back in December when I wrote the letter and emailed to the magazine. You are the second person to put it together, I received a phone call a few weeks back from a guy who lives on the north shore and wanted to know if I was the Ryan Boudreaux who had the letter in the Feb. MR issue. He invited me to join an operating session that happens every six weeks or so at a huge layout up on Covington, he said they are always looking for about 20 guys for each session and needed some new help. I still need to call him back and find out more!

Also, I just love Google and have been using it since 1998! Have you tried the other Google search engine variations, like Froogle, and Google News, great searchs there too. Also, Google has a Google Catalog site (click the More button) here is the URL http://catalogs.google.com/ , it lists just about every store that has online catalogs, even the ones that are mailed out to customers.

BTW, what is the latest or final tally on the 10,000 post contest?

QUOTE: Railroading_brit
Oh yes, the best news of the day: According to weather reports on the radio this afternoon we should be looking at snow on Sunday evening/Monday morning. I've polished the folding shovel in readiness!

Matt,
Got any of that snow yet that was predicted on Friday?

QUOTE: luct
Just a short visit. try this site. Neat!!!!!
http://www.lebonze.com/stuff/move.htm


Well after reviewing all the info on roadbed and track profiles, I'm still at the same undecisive question, "To cork or not to cork". I think I'll leave it at that for now and go on to wiring plans for the track and the 12 switches + lighting for some of the structures. Now that should keep me out of trouble for a bit.....

Luc,
Funny site, does the guy ever get out?

And I never imagined the responses I would get on the “to cork roadbed or not” topic I started last week. You know I am still not sure what direction I will go either just yet. I just got my issue of the Model Railroad Planning 2005 in the mail yesterday and have read about three of the stories, so far the layouts are build with:
1. Homasote for John King’s B&O layout
2. ¼” mahogany underlayment on ½” Homasote on ½” plywood for Arnt Gerritsen’s Ann Arbor RR, Third Subdivision
3. Homasote on spline and plywood sub grade for Mike Schafer’s Illinois & St. Louis layout.

And these are the pros in the field. I still have the rest of the issue to read, so I will keep you posted!

QUOTE: der5997
When we crossed Canada to get to B.C. we had radiator trouble in Alberta. We got an almost new rad from a car whose previous owner was off the road for some time, and had sold it for parts. 130 kph on the wrong side of a school bus with it's red lights flashing! Some idiot.

John,
Wow! Good thing no one got hurt! Sounds scary though!

QUOTE: TurboOne
Ryan, how are things in my favorite part of the south ? Don't know if I missed the answer if the Ryan in MRR was you ?

Tim,
The weather was great yesterday, sunny and a cool breeze, spring is just around the corner.
No, you didn’t miss it! As on the old game show “To Tell The Truth”, …will the real Ryan Boudreaux please stand up.” Yes, I am the one! See my reply above to Ed or more details if you haven’t already!

QUOTE: brclem
Just got my railimages confirmation and have posted stuff on there. Here is the link.

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/brianclemente

Brian,
Great start on the web site, added it to my favorites! Thanks!

QUOTE: lupo
the coffeeshop: over 10.000 served !

would look nice on the billboard outside !

LUPO,
I agree, that would be awesome. Who do we need to contract with to get that signage ready, it’s gonna happen before you know it! Still shooting for August!

QUOTE: tomwatkins
The bonsai class yesterday was a lot of fun.

Tom,
Wow, that class does sound like a lot of fun! I have never worked with bonsai, but have always admired the art of making those beautiful plant creations! Also, thanks for the reply on my question about the waterfalls, you descriptions sound just like the beautiful waterfalls of the Smoky Mountains too! That whole area of the country is just beautiful!

QUOTE: fec153
Ryan- sent you an E but it came back. Resent it. Let me know if you get it

Flip,
I have not read my email in over two days, so the mailbox might be full. I am going to check it soon.
Glad to hear that Deb is getting better, you need to get some rest too ya know! Our prayers are with you and Deb for a full recovery.

QUOTE: TEFFY
Ryan:
You haven't answered Ed's question about the "letter to the editor" and enquiring minds want to know.

Yes, that is me! The real Ryan Boudreaux!
I am sorry for taking so long to answer Ed’s question, for more details see the reply above if you haven’t already!

Well, I got to go for now!
Hope to be back tomorrow for more model railroading adventures in the Coffee Club!

- Ryan

[egmurphy]

Good Evening Coffee Clubbers

Another absolutely beautiful day down here in Paradise. Mostly cloudy through early afternoon, which helped keep temperatures reasonable. Sunny in late afternoon [8D] , but by then the breeze had picked up, so it was a great day to be sitting outside on the terrace.

Minor progress on the layout today. Sanded down the spackle I applied yesterday. Painted those spots tan. Messed around with my ground throw switch stand installation attempt. Read a little in MR mag and dream-shopped part way through a Micro-Mark catalog.

I love the weekend. I was so quiet and peaceful. Not that my weeks are exactly full of noise and activity. But we are going back out to the orange grove tomorrow, so I’ll check with Zoe before going to see how stocks are holding up in the Coffee Shop.

QUOTE: Teffy: I understand plaster and cardboard, not foam. The way you guys are talking about the vacuum and the mess - why bother? The plaster cloth is pretty easy.

I think familiarity with a method has a lot to do with what you prefer to use. If I had more experience with cardboard and plaster I might not have tried out the foam. But for me it at least seems easier. It may also have to do with our styles of ‘sculpting’. I’ve heard that there are “additive” sculptors and “subtractive” sculptors, or terms similar. Additive types prefer to build up to their final form mainly by adding material. Subtractive types prefer to start with a block and cut away to get the final form. So maybe there’s something in our jeans, or genes, that sets our preference in scenery technique, or maybe I was just scarred for life by a bad experience with paper maché in kindergarten. [:D]

QUOTE: Do the pink sox have spring training camp in Mexico?

Unfortunately, no. Their camp is in Florida. But since you asked, the first pre-season game is only 11 days away, on March 3rd, against the Minnesota Twins. (Catch that, Elliot?) [tup]

QUOTE: Fergie: Ed:The blocks are balsa which are glued to the template.

No, I could see that, the question really is “What are they doing there?” Different sizes, shapes? [%-)]

QUOTE: Now I don't know what shade of Gawd Awful Puking Pink this is going to be..

You could consider staining it “Redwood”, then letting it age/sunbleach into a nice shade of pink! [:I]

QUOTE: Luc: Nice quiet Sunday afternoon listening to the 3 tenors…

If you like the Three Tenors music, have you had a chance to hear any of Andrea Bocelli’s albums? There’s also a relatively new American tenor named Josh Groban who does really nice work also. He has two albums out so far.

QUOTE: I think I've made up my mind and will just lay the track on the foam board. I'll be painting the foam a sort of "dirty sand' colour and then add the greenery finish. I've been looking at the Woodland scenic website, they seem to offer a wide range of material…

Good choice. [tup] On sidings and in the yard I glued my track directly to painted foam, using Elmer’s white glue. And yes again, Woodland Scenics has a great selection of both colors and textures. I think I have a small bag of most of their fine turf, and coarse turf colors, to mix and give me some variation in color.

QUOTE: I'm still working on the sugar refining plant.

Do you already have plans for this? I know one guy who did a great job recreating the Imperial Sugar plant southwest of Houston, and I know he has pictures on his site if you’re interested.

QUOTE: Flip: I'm to drive to drunk. I think I'll crawl home.

Boy you are drunk!! You’re already home (unless you’re logging in from the local sports bar)! [(-D]

QUOTE: SilverSpike: You guessed right! I am the Ryan Boudreaux who wrote into the Railway Post Office of the MR for February.

Wow!!! Imagine, we have a real celebrity in our midst. That’s neat, must have been a thrill to see your letter in print. Good letter too, by the way. Even better that it wound up getting you an invite to a local operating session. Time to call them back before it slips your mind. [bow]

QUOTE: Also, I just love Google and have been using it since 1998! Have you tried the other Google search engine variations…

Not yet, but now that you suggest it I just might. I’m just amazed at the stuff you can find through one of their searches. Light years ahead of the old search engines.

And since you asked, here are the final entries in the 10,000 post lottery:
LilRob 7-Apr
Dave9999 29-Apr
Noah 1-May
Tom W 3-May
Elliot 18-May
TurboTim 20-May
Ed 21-May
Paul B 24-May
(CG)Jim 30-May
trainwreck 5-Jun
grayfox 9-Jun
jdolan 13-Jun
Luc 14-Jun
Teffy 20-Jun
Flip 27-Jun
trolleyboy 1-Jul
JP 11-Jul
brclem 17-Jul
SilverSpike 2-Aug
der5997 15-Aug

Right now we continue to track towards an end-May/early April date, but who knows how it will wind up.


Okay, that’s about all for this Sunday afternoon. I’ll drop in later to see if there’s much activity. If not, take care and we’ll see you tomorrow.

Hasta mañana,

Ed

[JimRCGMO]

QUOTE: Originally posted by der5997


CapeJim:

QUOTE: Okay John: nag, nag, nag - we like having our fellow CClubbers around, so do what you need to do to take care of yourself. And it is good to hear your Dr.’s making progress on Deb.
Oh, I’m guessing you meant to ask Ryan to re-send the email (instead of “resent it”), right? [rimshot]

That rimshot whizzed right over my head. Was it meant for Flip by any chance?[(-D] If it was for me, please post the quote as I'm missing the reference.[D)][:I] Make known unto me my transgression, it is Lent, after all[(-D]

Mea culpa (speaking in a Lenten vein[;)]), you are correct - should have been Flip. That's what happens when I don't make notes or print out posts I'm replying to...[*^_^*] Flip, that rimshot was for you! (Okay, now the Budweiser people will be after me...)

Thanks for pointing *my* errors out to me.[:)] Hey, what are friends for? [;)]

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[JimRCGMO]

Evening, Chloe - looks like I just missed some of the bunch. Did Ed give Flip a ride home, or did Flip remember where he was?[}:)][;)] I'll have another caffe mocha and a cinnamon roll with that.

Ed, I checked some of those links you gave me, and got some maps (different time periods - some before, and some after), but maybe if I print them out I'll be able to figure out some semi-prototypical info for the late 50's. I've decided the fictional locale for my layout will be in the northern part of Arizona/New Mexico/southwestern Colorado (not wild about UP). Actually, I'm probably going to name it something on the order of the Colorado-Arizona and Western (C.A.W.) "Route of the Raven" [;)], maybe with a 2nd phrase like "as the crow flies". That would go with my tentative color scheme (black or some dark color like that, with orange-ish yellow as the highlight/accent color.

Now I need to start up PhotoShop Elements and start working on the design...[}:)][{(-_-)}][:-^]

Chloe, take care of the rest of the crew later tonight. Say hi to Zoe for me when she gets here for the morning crew.

Blessings,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[egmurphy]

QUOTE: (CG)Jim: ...and got some maps (different time periods - some before, and some after), but maybe if I print them out I'll be able to figure out some semi-prototypical info for the late 50's...

Actually, that's what I figured you'd need to wind up doing. After all, if it's going to be a freelance road, total adherence to prototype in terms of route/interchange would seem a bit overly restrictive, no?


Regards

Ed

[Anonymous]

evening all

Just got home from the train show.... I only got a couple pics and no pics of layouts because the battery on my brothers camera died on me.... I didn't even really get to look at many of the layouts because the show closed at 5... I did get a couple pictures of some nice G scale Narrow guage steam engiens (not actually sure if they are narrow guage but in real life these engiens are) from the disney corperation.

I also went and watched a presentation by the leader of the Carrolwood society which is all about Walt Disney and his love for trains. Being an EX-Disney Cast Member and knowing alot of guys that have worked on the steam trains there this was a big interest of me.... I also learned that there will be a new N scale set coming out in june to commemorate the first time the steam train was run at Disneyland.... The set is going to be like $135 and is being made by Bachmann.... so I suspect with that price it will be from the spectrum line (I hope).

The train show really wasn't all that impressive.... lots of people but hardly any places to buy things and the places that had stuff for sale was rather disorganized. There was a modular layout that was really nice though.... it was from 3 clubs here in So Cal that came together to put it together.... on the main line of track I swear that there was over 200 feet of track or more.... all in Normal... well I am off.... I hope to get those pics up within the next couple of days.

see you all later.

[der5997]

QUOTE: Want to know ,from you, what is it you lent and to whom and for how long?.

Was that about the Chamber of Commerce thing? If so, back in 1976 the abandoned town dump site that had been given to the then Board of Trade was sold for a $ to the newly formed Snowmobile Club. It was a covenantal agreeement the terms of which state that should the SC disband, the property, or proceeds of the sale of same would have to go to "a worth-while community organization". The SC obtained grants, errected a club house building of some size, and did their thing. Recently the SC has had an offer to purchase from a commercial concern. The SC is not disbanding, but if they sell, they are still beholden by the covenant. So they want the Chamber of Commerce ( was the BOT until 2 years ago) to release them from the covenant. We are replying, after legal advice, that they can be released on condition they give a % of the proceeds + legal costs to the Chamber for use in community projects, and that this arrangement be ratified at a general meeting of the SC. There, wasn't that just totally enthralling? [(-D] Aren't you glad enquiring minds need to know?[swg][swg]

Ryan: I'll look forward to reading your article. It won't be for a while, as I get MR through the library, and the local branch has to order in back issues. But, at least we are getting it now. Congratulations, BTW.

It's got a whole lot colder, and the wind is up. It was mainly a TV evening, just thought I would drop in for a quick tea, and say goodnight.

God Bless everyone, and sleep well.

[Anonymous]

bump.... nearly to page 2

[Paul W. Beverung]

Hi Gang; Well the weather guessers missed again. At least it was in the area of good weather instead of bad. They were saying changes of sever thunderstorms and rain. So we had 80F and cloudless skys. I even had to have Mary Ann go to the house and get me a light weight shirt. I was down at the corral cleaning it out. I had dressed in a heavy flannel shirt as per the expected weather. Anyway I got the corral cleaned out and almost finished the plowing. I just have to do the edges and corners and cheisel plowing will be done. Than a couple of passes with the disk and a dose of fertilizer and it's ready for the sprigging.

Fergie; great looking trestle. I like that jig you made too. It's amazing what a DCC decorder can do for performance. Which one did the Cornwallis take? Of course we all know that the power problem was so you could fini***hat trestle.

It's late so I'll say Good Night.

Paul

The Duluth, Superior, & Southeastern

" The Superior Route "

[trolleyboy]

Good evening c clubbers.Were having an awfull [:(][:(]day here today were being battered by a snow storm started around 5pm my time and it's still comming down(11pm as I post this)[:0][V][V] John luc and *** it's heaaded your way you'll likely get hit by it tomorrow morning sorry we couldn't stop it hopefully it will have lost most of it's power by the time it gets to you[:(]. Flip I'm really glad that Deb is on the mend we'll keep thinking about her as she gets ready for round two.I look forward to seeing your pics. are these cars at one of your local museums or is it a private venture? Matt I know your pain IKEA furniture is great but can be a bit of a challenge we've put many a piece together the worst was the corner cabinet that Heather fell in love with I lost a fair bit of skin levelling the doors[B)][:0] Luc i still have two aunts in Kingston and get there fairly regularly,I love poking around fort henery and downtown.It's a beautiful little city. At one point I almost was transfered to our store there but they found a more local person for the job.Well I'm off everyone keep warm I'll talk to you tomorrow Rob

[trolleyboy]

Well the snow has finally stopped but now the winds picked up[:(!][8][xx(]Looks like we recieved about 20cm's so much for getting an early start on the layout tomorrow[sigh][V]John and the east coast gang watch yourselves tomorrow really this puppy has freezing rain in it's bag of tricks as well.The weather network guessers are saying that you should have it for the morning comute.I hope that they are wrong and you have blue sky's and no snow. Well I'm heading for the sack looks like I'll be up early getting Heather's car unstuck[:(][xx(]Rob

[Anonymous]

Good Morning All:

I am picking off these darn squirells as fast as I can but mother nature seems to be producing more then I can get. I popped another one today, there were three of them out there this morning and they cleaned out the bird feeder in less then an hour. So now their is more bird feed out their and maybe the birds will come back.

I see where Biggie Smalls (big Al) is taking on the MRR forum again. I don't know why he doesn't just leave since he feels like everyone is picking on him.

Ryan:
Congrats on the letter. I wrote one back in 1955 and all I got was a mention in the club section. I wanted to know if their were any modlers in the area (Albany Ga.) that were interested in starting a club. I did get several responses.

Have you been to the Cresent City Club? I got to go there one weekend when I was down in NO on a charter and had nothing to do. When I saw the building I was not impressed but boy, once inside it was great. I don't even know if it's still in operation.

Ed:
We need to feel sorry for the CCers up north. We had the windows open and the AC fan running last night and it was still a tad warm.

Well the clean-up has started, I'm thinking about where to put all of the stuff so you can see the layout. Someone, on the forum, has a quote " stuff is junk we keep, junk is stuff we throw away". I have a lot of stuff.

Jim:

QUOTE: Posted: 20 Feb 2005, 19:59:24
QUOTE: (CG)Jim: ...and got some maps (different time periods - some before, and some after), but maybe if I print them out I'll be able to figure out some semi-prototypical info for the late 50's...Actually, that's what I figured you'd need to wind up doing. After all, if it's going to be a freelance road, total adherence to prototype in terms of route/interchange would seem a bit overly restrictive, no?
Regards
Ed

That's what I like about the "Almost Nothing". It can run wherever I want it to and I don't have to worry about missing a switch or a building or whatever. One of my towns is named Podunk.

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

[tomwatkins]

Good Mornin' Everybody,
It's a nasty day in the mountains this morning. Hard rain, thunder and lighting. The power has already fickered and wiped out one post. Feeling lucky, I'll give it another try. It would be a good day to stay indoors, but in a little bit I'm going to head over to Copper Hill to work on the club layout some this morning. I want to get a second coat of paint on the fascia so we can go ahead and install the skirting and have that out of the way.

I got some more foam carved and sanded yesterday. I decided that I needed something to disguise the fact that my version of the Hiwassee River is terribly short. So I'm going to have a small road bridge going over it at the far end. Naturally that means I need a road leading off from both ends of the bridge. I got the roadbed cut into the foam on one side last evening. I think I'll probably use the Rix wood overpass for the bridge, with some modifications. It should be interesting to see how it all comes together.

Lupo, it's good seeing you in the coffee shop. Good luck on the home improvement project. The early morning gifs are too cool as usual. I really enjoy trhem.

Teffy, the turntable sounds good. There are lots of trestle bents standing in water around here. I'm sure the RR's would rather not do it that way because of the potential for damage, but it gets done that way a lot.

Ed, now that is a Pink Train! The japanese maples are fairly common as bonsais. The one we've got we've had for about 4 1/2 years. it's probably about 10-12 years old. It's about 14" tall and the trunk is about 2" in diameter. It's really pretty, especially in fall when the foliage goes scarlet. Micro-Mark is one of my favorite stores. They have really good stuff and great service. I've never been disappointed with anything I've ordered from them.

Fergie, the depot, barber shop and the freight car look really good. Is the freight car a wood kit? Tell us more about your proposed color scheme. I'm very curious.

Ryan, outstanding on getting the train room floor done. I know your glad that part is behind you. It's still too early for us to be outside getting the gardens ready, but we're looking forward to it. We do have not only crocuses blooming, but also a few daffodils and dwarf irises. It's been a warm winter so far, and they don't know it's still February. We may lose some if March comes in fierce like it can, but the bulbs themselves should be OK.

I'd better get going.
Have a great day everybody,
Tom