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

[GMTRacing]

Good Morning All,
Coffee's on and fresh - have a cup on me. Light mist of rain this morning but I noticed nearly all the trees have leaves now. Funny how that sneaks up on me every year.
Museum program last night featured 4-4-0 steam action from around 1906 centered around Phoenicia NY. Included the Otis Elevator double lift to the summit of a now razed structure overlooking the Hudson River. The steam was interesting with the hand crnked movie camera showing the train snaking along very curved and hilly terrain including a 4% grade. The loco stopped in the middle of the grade and restaarted - didn't think they could do that!
Work is getting a bit overwhelming just now operating two men down and having a very busy 4 weeks in a row run coming up. Between work and the museum commitments I don't see much MRR time in the near future. Wish us luck.
Luc - Good to hear from you but sorry to hear the news about Gloe. Hope the operations work out. She won't say for sure, but I think my moms' going to be in Halifax for a checkup on her knee that they did last year. (First the feet, then the knee, etc) The doc's did a great job for her and she is walking again without the cane or pain. I'll keep the two of you in our prayers.
Ding - Glad you're new loco finally came. I look forward to the review. Do they fit traction tires now? That is the only criticism I have of my 0-8-0 switcher from IHC.
PC - Thanks for the photo's. I don't remember parlor cars like that on the NH as we normally rode steerage. Air conditioning was an open window - that back in the 50's when I was but a wee lad ..... (rambles on interminably)
Rob - has Canada been merged into BNSF? How will orange and black suit people used to maple leaves? Won't the colours clash with Fergies pink? At least the equipment is better than the cheese slabs that infest our rails down south here. When they run the FL-9's on the weekends ConnDOT almost get a standing ovation (of course they're all standing on the platforms already anyway). Real trains ! Supposedly retired, we now see 3 road numbers all in fresh New Haven livery. I really need to get my camera back out.
Speaking of that I need to get back out into the shop and get some work done. Hope you all have a sparkling day. CUL, [:D] J.R.

[wetidlerjr]

Good morning ! from Indiana. [:D]

[inch53]

Mornin all, just some coffee this stop Zoe
Cool n rain here, temp in the low 50’s. Not any change to look forward today, just cool n wet. Looks like I’ll get in some train time today, Oh darn [V], after chores of course. We were going to put the fuel pump in Mother’s bus this afternoon, but doubt if that happens in the rain. We may have to drag it to town and put it Pat’s garage.

Jeffery , welcome to the CS and thanks for the container link, but I can’t read German. Do they have it in English.

Welcome home ED , glad the trip went well and ya’ll had a good time. Lookin forward for the pics.

Luct , sorry to hear of all the troubles your way. We’ll keep your n yours in our prayers for the best.

Rob , thanks for all the pics, and thanks for the museum link.

Der , the one I have is Amtrak, can’t decide if I’m going to repaint it to YSL blue or sell it. Seeing I’m modeling late 50’s / early 60’s
I’m enjoying your progress photos, think I’m finally getting a burn under my butt on mine. Have been making some progress here.

Ding , to bad on the track again. Glad your engine finally made it. Oh an [bday]

Glad ya'll liked the dog pack.
Bout it for now anyway, need to get started on chores
inch

[inch53]

OK so this ones on me today. Just go easy on me PC,I haven't got the bill from the hospital or docs yet.

[TRENT B]

HEY GUYS,
QUICK NOTE: BEEN BUSY W/JURY DUTY AND GETTIN' READY FOR TODAY.
AT 3PM WE CLOSE THE SHOP DOWN AND MEET 844 AND WILL RIDE HER IN TO SAN ANTONIO TOMORROW. I'LL TAKE LOTS OF PICS AND WILL POST WHENTHEY ARE PROCESSED.
BYE FOR NOW
TRENT

[pcarrell]

OK inch, I'll just have some coffee. Shoot, I know all about doctors bill's. I'll spring for this cup myself. I'm even feeling generous enough to throw down on a cup for you if you'd be interested.[:D]

Morning All!!!

QUOTE: Originally posted by GMTRacing

Museum program last night featured 4-4-0 steam action from around 1906 centered around Phoenicia NY. Included the Otis Elevator double lift to the summit of a now razed structure overlooking the Hudson River. The steam was interesting with the hand crnked movie camera showing the train snaking along very curved and hilly terrain including a 4% grade. The loco stopped in the middle of the grade and restaarted - didn't think they could do that!

I don't think restarting like that was common. The load of the cars must have been kind of light. I'd also bet there's a lot of used sand left behind on those tracks!

All,
Mind if I share another pic from last weekend? Well too bad, I'm doing it anyways! [;)]

Here's GP9 No. 200 leaving the yard with darn near 200 passengers in a string of 1930's Budd coaches. They're headed from Noblesville, IN. and bound for Atlanta, IN. for pizza. Once a month they head up there to the pizza joint. Sounds like a good enough excuse to run some old equipment to me!

[Fergmiester]

Good Morning Everyone

Well it's the down hill slide as I'll be flying home today for two weeks before I come back. The Coaling Tower has been weathered and will be coming home with me, hopefully in one piece! I was able to get the weathering done but no decals on it yet.

Luc: Sorry to hear about Gloe's problems. I'll try to call when I'm off.

Ken: I'm just showing the dark side of the Diesel, the true colours can never be hidden! Seriously I think it's sad to see these museum pieces in pieces. What I was told is thes units will be moved down to the museum, hopefully it will be sooner than later. There is also a Diesel with two passenger cars and a caboose up in Bowring Park but they are behind a tall chain link fence and are in about the same condition. Vandals have taken their toll.


would make a really nice "planter" wouldn't it!

John: Things are really coming along nicely!

Ed: Did you get my e-mail ?

Well that's it for me, for now

Later Gents

Fergie

[SilverSpike]

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Good Morning CS friends! Another quick post today!

The CFO had to drive to Charlotte for training with the new job yesterday and will return Friday. Thoughts and prayers are with her on the solo trip, she needs it! Driving the Interstate is a challenge for her ever since the accident on the move up to NC back in January.

So I took my son to Ted’s Montana Grill last night, he had a filet and I got a rib eye steak. Then we went to Barnes and Noble to browse the books, magazines, and music. He wanted a RC airplane magazine and I bought the new Bruce Springsteen CD. Then we went back home and watched a recording of the “Deadliest Catch”, a show on the Discovery Channel about king crab fishing in the Bering Sea, really neat stuff. Watching that show makes you want to eat king crab. Then we watched American Idol, Chris got voted off last night, a shocker to say the least. But Elliott has shown much improvement in the past few weeks, he might just make it to the top.

MR web site seems slow to respond today!

Got to go for now! Will try to visit again later!

Cheers,

Ryan

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SilverSpike

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Then we watched American Idol, Chris got voted off last night, a shocker to say the least. But Elliott has shown much improvement in the past few weeks, he might just make it to the top.

Yes a bit of a shocker but I think Chris should do well on his own, lot's of talent!

Has anyone been in touch with Ken Mattern lately?

Fergie

[Anonymous]

Hey guys, I know I haven't been in much lately, but things are getting really pressed for time with finals at college and graduation at high school coming up, finals are over tomorrow, and graduation's next week. I don' t have real long, but I think everyone needs to see these pictures, it's of an 800 pound onion-fried burger, the biggest in the world, and it's made every year in El Reno Oklahoma. They cut it into about 400 pieces and give it to the crowd that's watched them cook it (I got a piece this year, the first time I've managed to get close enough the the front).

Anyway, here's how to cook a burger.
First, you gotta grill it.

Then you gotta flip it.

and grill it some more, then add mustard and pickles

And finally put the other half of the bun on.

Now that's a Whopper.

Greg

[DigitalGriffin]

trainwreck
I think my arteries solidified just looking at that burger.

BTW: Morning all. Looks like it's going to be a wet one here in Maryland.

KenL
Yep, you'll definitely see me on 29. If you see a vert loaded up with goods from Peach Creek today, you'll know it's me. [:D]

[SilverSpike]

Back in again today for another round!

With Mother’s Day coming up this Sunday, what are you doing for the mothers in your life this weekend?

I will not be seeing my mother on Mother’s Day for the first time I can ever remember, so it is kind of hard for me. I mailed her a broach that we found for her a few weeks back, she collects them. For the CFO I am going to prepare some lobster, steamer clams, and king crab dinner this weekend.

QUOTE: Posted by Ken,
Ryan - Phillip lives within walking distance of that museum, is that a primo neighborhood or what? BTW have you decided what you'll be doing with your new pike in the attic?

So I bought 2 48"x36" sheets of thin plexiglas and sliced these into 4" wide strips that I'll install along the high-risk stretches. I'll drill special holes that allow for quick removal and re-attachment if I want to photograph any trains in a protected spot.

Ken,
How are you slicing the plexiglass? I worked on some back in January and had a time keeping it from cracking.

In reply to your question, I have started on a new layout design plan, and have incorporated some of the ideas that came out of the posting from last week. Your input has prompted me to build into the plan a lift out section that will be a bridge, and it is 30” X 6” and will have a single track crossing on the lower level, so I am planning on two levels again. It is impossible to have the long distance trains running without at least two levels. I have also limited my benchwork around the wall to 30” and the island section is 5 ½ feet wide, so 33” access from either side maximum. I am still not sure about the height of each level, but currently I am looking at the lower level at 44” from the floor and the second level 16” above that at 60” from the floor.

[#welcome] to all the new faces in the CS!

QUOTE: Posted by jailbreaker74
Man am I pissing peopel off today!

Did I miss something in here?


[#welcome] back krump!

Sorry to hear about your friend, we knew two people who had the same last year and suffered the same. Thoughts are with you! Sounds like you have been busy too. Hope your daughter and wife are OK! Sounds like the legs and feet need some protection out your way!

QUOTE: Posted by Phillip,
Bet you didn't know I had a pic of the Coffee Shop (our dining car) did you?

I like the tables too! Must have snuck in when they were cleaning up on an off day!


John,
Looks like you are making blazing speed on progress with the layout. Great job!

QUOTE: Posted by Jeffery,
Hi folks;

Mostly cloudy here in central Louisiana. Expecting rain anytime, probably won't get it.
If you know anybody who would like free HO intermodal containers, send them to this link. http://www.igshansa.de/igsdownload.html

That's all; Bye----
--------------------
Jeffrey Wimberly, Leesville, La.

I'm out of my mind, but leave a message anyway.

Jeffery,
Thanks for the link; I have saved it in my favorites. Those intermodal containers look like a quick build and Free too! So, how is it going in Leesville? Is there still a lot of pulp wood rail activity going on around there? My grandparents lived in Pineville, which is not too far from there. My grandfather owned a timber company in Pineville, and it was called the Pioneer Timber Company. He sold it to a paper mill company back in the early 1970’s.

QUOTE: Posted by Ed,
We're back from our trip north of the border, got home last night.

[#welcome] back Ed! Glad to hear it went well and looking forward to the photos!


Luc Best wishes, thoughts, and prayers go out to your wife. Hope she is feeling better soon.


Greg, Glad to see you in here again. And that sure is a Whopper of a burger! How many hungry men does that feed?

QUOTE: Posted by Fergie,
Originally posted by SilverSpike

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Then we watched American Idol, Chris got voted off last night, a shocker to say the least. But Elliott has shown much improvement in the past few weeks, he might just make it to the top.


Yes a bit of a shocker but I think Chris should do well on his own, lot's of talent!

Fergie, Yep! The final 12 should not have a problem getting some sort of music career off the ground. And Chris will not have any problem being the lead singer of any rock band.

Cheers,

Ryan

[Train 284]

Hey all, just stopping in to say howdy! I am making some progress on my garden railroad. yesterday I raked all the leaves covering the tracks and rest of the layout. I am trying to get it ready beofre next Monday, the 15th. A bunch of on the Garden Railways forum set this date a while back for a day for all of us to go out, run trains, then post pictures that night of how it went. Sounds like fun huh?

I gotta get working though. I still have lay ballast and get my track connections together. I guess I have a busy (but fun) weekend ahead of me!

[Cox 47]

Good afternoon all...Partly cloudy and cooler here Left a window open and fan running living room last nite walked in this morning and thought I must have left freezer door open.....I'll have a slaw burger onion rings and a root beer thanks Mike....Also thanks for posting the picture of Tootie and me at train show she loves trains....Doing some ballasting on layout and working on the backdrop....

Luc...Gloe and you both in our prayers......

Ding....Happy Birthday!! Hows the new engine run? You going to use it to pull your CGW passenger train?

Ed..Welcome back sounds like you had a good trip...

PC.....I graduated from high school in 65 !! Heck I remeber the 50's....Just my opinion but the 60's were a good time to grow up....

John...Layout is coming along...Where did you get the depot?

Greg...Whata burger..I gotta get to Oklahoma!

You all have a good one...Jerry

[grayfox1119]

Good afternoon everyone...yet another cloudy, drizzly day here in New England, we have not seen the sun since Monday morning, and from what the weather prosnosticators say, we will not see it again until next THURSDAY!!! I guess the forest fire threat is OVER in this area!! We have yet another storm due Friday into Saturday, a slow mover that will bring up to 4" of rain and flooding to some low areas......just wonderful !!!
I wish we could send some to Flip in Florida, his state is literally burning up along with Mickey Mouse.

LUC Real sorry to hear about Gloria, we will keep her in our prayers, hopefully the sun is out in Nova Scotia to brighten her spirits.

DER JOHN Your layout is really looking good, I sure wish I was that far along with mine.

Well, I am headed back to the drawing board to try to get one layout plan that I like and get finally started with the actually building stage and LAY SOME TRACKS !! [:(!][censored][censored]

[inch53]

Hope every ones doing Ok today, nothing for me Zoe, Mothers home with a sinus headache today, I’m eating with her.
Suns out for now here, but a cold N. wind makes it down right chilly out there. Getting ready to start pulling the fuel tank on the bus. Which will be fun, it’s almost full and no way to drain it.

PC , I’m not a bigy on pizza, but I think that’s one pizza run I’d make.

Fergie , shame to her setting there like that. I wish kids had more respect for history than to vandalize it.

Greg , now that’s a burger and almost big enough to all the kids here. Good luck with all your finals an such.

Ryan , I’ve several Mothers day apart from my in the past, so I can feel for you.
Mothers Day for us, we’ll go see Deb’s step mom on Saturday, then on Sunday we go see my mom and then Debs and then get back home for ours kids to come by.

Here’s a joke for the day,,,,,,

Mad Wife Disease

A guy was sitting quietly reading his paper when his wife walked up
behind him and whacked him on the head with a magazine.

"What was that for?" he asked.

"That was for the piece of paper in
your pants pocket with the name Laura Lou written on it," she replied.

"Two weeks ago when I went to the races,
Laura Lou was the name of one of the horses I bet on," he explained.

"Oh honey, I'm sorry," she said. "I should have known there was a good explanation."

Three days later he was watching a ballgame on TV when she walked up
and hit him in the head again, this time with the iron skillet, which knocked him out cold.
When he came to, he asked, "What the heck was that for?"

She replied, "Your horse called."

Need to get started
inch

[pcarrell]

QUOTE: Originally posted by inch53


Here’s a joke for the day,,,,,,

Mad Wife Disease

A guy was sitting quietly reading his paper when his wife walked up
behind him and whacked him on the head with a magazine.

"What was that for?" he asked.

"That was for the piece of paper in
your pants pocket with the name Laura Lou written on it," she replied.

"Two weeks ago when I went to the races,
Laura Lou was the name of one of the horses I bet on," he explained.

"Oh honey, I'm sorry," she said. "I should have known there was a good explanation."

Three days later he was watching a ballgame on TV when she walked up
and hit him in the head again, this time with the iron skillet, which knocked him out cold.
When he came to, he asked, "What the heck was that for?"

She replied, "Your horse called."

DOH!!![:0]

[JPowell]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SilverSpike

Back in again today for another round!

With Mother’s Day coming up this Sunday, what are you doing for the mothers in your life this weekend?

I will not be seeing my mother on Mother’s Day for the first time I can ever remember, so it is kind of hard for me. I mailed her a broach that we found for her a few weeks back, she collects them. For the CFO I am going to prepare some lobster, steamer clams, and king crab dinner this weekend.

Cheers,

Ryan

Ryan -
I hope you bought alot of food as us CS'ers will now be heading to your house for dinner this Sunday! [:D]

JP

[JPowell]

Afternoon all -
Not much to report on today, unless you want to hear about the recent fire calls my department has had in the last 36 hours. Progress on my layout has been put on the back burner till I get done with my class as I don't have much freetime due to the hours that we have class at. Once I get going again, I'll post updates.

Luc -
Thoughts and prayer's for your CFO and a quick recovery. Let us know if there's anything we can do for you 2.

*** / Ed -
I'm glad I was not hoping for a win last night. After Tuesday's shelling we gave them, I knew it would not be so easy last evening. Maybe Wakefield and Mirabelli and pull one off tonight.

Time to go and finish up for the weekend. I'm off till Tuesday (have alot to do this weekend (laundry, groceries, class both days), so have a good weekend!

JP

[JimRCGMO]

Good Afternoon, Zoe - I’ll have a root beer float and some fries, please. Just put the float on Inch’s tab, and I’ll cover the fries myself.

DerJohn - looks like you’ve been making good progress. I like what you’ve done with the scenery and those tracks. On the road, I’m not sure how your roads up there are, but in this region if the road goes from blacktop to gravel, the gravel is usually lower by a little than the blacktopped road is. I’d agree with Kris that the far side of that road looks kinda like gravel on its texture. But do what works for you. After all, 1) it’s your RR, and 2) Teffy’s rule would prevail here, I’d guess! [:O][swg] I’ll have to keep that sawdust idea in mind and do some experimenting with that myself later when I get to scenicing. 100 acre fiddle yard, huh? [swg]

Hey, Noah, congrats on getting published *again* - and I’m sure the WSOR crew is familiar with your photography from previous times. [:)]

Victor, good to hear your prom was good.

Fergie - so, when will they be adding the mast and sails? [;)]

OzJim - since you’re back on here, Good to hear that the cyclone missed you guys. Glad to see on the news that the earthquake didn’t produce another tsunami in that area, either.

Ken - LOVED your Bethel Creek work! You did a great job with the tree disrupting the creek’s flow - that looks very realistic. So, how long did you have to work on that to get it that way? And how many practice runs before that? [tup]

Paul - Remember back last fall when you ordered all your ore cars? About that same time (when they were on sale in the Walthers’ monthly sale flyer), I ordered a couple of 4-packs of the data only ones. Still haven’t seen them, and heard supposedly Walthers is claiming they will be coming in this summer....[censored] I’m getting disgusted with Walthers and their months-on-end back orders. I told my LHS dealer (MRR club member) to cancel all of my back-ordered Walthers stuff. Seems to me like someone there needs to just bite the bullet and make sure they have an extra run if needed, to cover everyone’s back order (if they’re that bad at anticipating how many to make, they can just not make as much profit as usual!). I sent Walthers an email with my thoughts about their back-ordering policies and all that, too. [soapbox]

Oh, Paul - can you email me if you’d be willing to make me (and sell) about a dozen of those ore car loads? I guess I’m hoping at some point I may cool down enough about Walthers and be able to actually get some on sale (or get lucky and find a dozen in some not-so-LHS). Drop me an email either way, please. Thanks. Besides, I have about 4-5 MDC/Roundhouse ore cars that I might be able to use some loads for.

Attaboy/Steve, would you be willing to email me copies of whatever signs you get pics of at that restaurant? I’ve been collecting images of old signs to print out and make some signs myself. Maybe we can help each other out. [:)] I’ll dig out my links to some sites with images of old signs, too, and post ‘em here by the weekend.

PC, nice shot of the 44-ton!

Krump - you haven’t really fallen off the face of the earth! Sorry to hear about your wife’s leg and all. But good to see you in the Shop again. Sounds like you’re doing your part to stimulate your local economy with all the remods. A pool, huh? When are we invited over? [;)]

[#welcome]Don - or more like welcome back. That is a bit of a commute! Any chance for a branch closer to your home (or another job opening up closer to you)? Gas tribute prices being what they are lately, and all...[:O]

Ken, you’re right about protecting our engines. I do sort of recall that I’ve noticed more articles about putting trees between the track and the edge of the layout (or other ways of keeping any errant engines from doing the swan dive off the edge). I’d hate to have any of my engines do that, and I just have one P2K SW1200 and some Athearn (flywheel) diesels as my most expensive locos. If I had some brass engines,... Oh my!! [:O]

Cute pic (and story) of the alligator’s demise, Inch! Of course, you probably should have posted a note for the ASPCA that no animals (real ones, anyway) were harmed in the production of that post... [;)] [(-D] And the horse race paper? Grrroooannnnn! [}:)]

Ed - good to see you and Fran got back okay. 25 pages of posts, huh? Wow! Hate to think of how many oranges you may have waiting in the grove to pick...[}:)] [(-D]

Luc - sorry to hear about Gloe’s health (and surgery) problems. Will be keeping you both in my prayers. [angel] [angel] Tend to her and write when you can.

Dingoix, glad that Pacific finally got there - how did they ship it? We’ll look forward to your review after you get it tried out good and thorough. [:)] If that other order keeps getting messed up, you’ll have all the track for your industrial sidings (but no mainline to hook them up to!)[:O] [:(!]

Oh, Bill T. - thanks for bringing in those chocolate donuts. I’m kind of partial to (anything?) chocolate. [dinner][:)]

TrolleyRob, like all the MOW photos you’ve been posting. That’s one part of MRR’ing that sometimes gets forgotten, but can make for some interesting-looking stuff. [yeah]

Greg - ROTFL! That is amazing about that ‘Supersized Whopper’!! [dinner] [dinner] [dinner] Wonder how long it takes to cook the thing (and how thick does it end up being)?? Thanks for posting the pics!

Ryan - would your menu choice for Mother’s Day be at all related to watching that TV show, perchance? [;)] And don’t worry about this Sunday - I can bring three lawn chairs myself in case anyone else forgets theirs. [swg] Actually, if you get Greg to bring some ground beef and the recipe for that SuperWhopper, that would stretch the king crab a bit further...[}:)][:-^][:-^][:-^]

Anyone heard from Scott lately? It just occurred to me that I don't think I saw one of his posts in the (many) pages I waded through while getting to this page.

Not trying to rub it in for *** and those under the rainclouds lately, but we actually had some sunshine this morning. Of course, around 1 or so in the afternoon, some dark clouds came by, but I don’t think they’ve dropped much rain this time through. I think we’re supposed to have a sunny Saturday, at least.

I have been please to notice that the Cardinals have been doing pretty well the last week or two. I have a friend in the St. Louis area who said she’s supposed to work one of the consession stands (maybe this weekend), for a club or organization she’s with.

Well, need to get going - ‘bout time for my weekly on-call. Oh, we found out at work that starting in June, all the Master’s level people will be helping cover the weekends for our crisis team. It’ll be about once every 4-5 weekends, two of us for the weekend (one the primary on Sat., and the other the backup, and then on Sunday we swap). We will get paid for it (but will be expected to come in and work on Monday regardless of how late we were out the night before...[:(] ) We get paid $1.56/hour for carrying the pager, and if we get called out, we get time and a half for that time. The agency had been looking to do this before the person who had contracted to cover weekends in the past had her contract come up for renewal this year (and was also asking for a raise for covering it). Hoping this doesn’t become a wear-me-out kind of thing, since on Mondays I see outpatients, so I’ll need to be fully awake...

In other MRR news, I got some roof details (Walthers modular) and and about ready to start working on my background warehouse kitbash-from-DPM-leftovers. That and get the cookie-cutting done to raise the mainline route some...

Hope everyone gets a little sunshine for their weekend and Mother's Day. My daughter will be getting her Master's (communications disorders/aka speech pathology) on Saturday afternoon. My mother's been gone for a while, so I have no plans for Sunday (other than getting to Ryan's big feed at his place, that is!)...[}:)][:D][;)]

Blessings and prayers,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[Anonymous]

Good evening shop dewllers! [Chloe, I'll have a WC Pepsi and a sliver of Greg's 8-foot hamburger please...]

This is the first chance I've had today to do any posting, been extremely busy at work - not much 'break' time. And once I get home I'll be heading back into the garage to finish installing the protective plexiglas sheilds [actually I'm 90% done - mostly I'll be staging photos for a separate thread].

Jeff-W - [#welcome] to the CS, thanx for the origami containers link!

Ed welcome back!

Dingo - Glad your IHC steamer finally arrived, hope it lives up to your expectations; bummer about the track. On the edge barriers, I'm using plexiglas for 2 reasons: (1) Operators can see thru it for coupling/re-railing cars, and (2) since it is so smooth, there won't be as much damage to fragile parts [handrails, grabirons etc.] that might rub against it if a derailment occurs.

Luc - Sorry to hear about Gloria's condition[:O], she and you are both back on my prayer list!

T-Rob, loved the pix - especially that one of the BB EMD motorless frame![:D] Maybe they could stick the Geep shell from Fergie's earlier photo on it, and make a prototype dummy...[xx(]

derJohn - That new neighborhood is springing up mighty fast - the "controlled growth" advocates are gonna be picketing there soon if you don't watch out![;)]

Trent - We're anxiously awaiting those 844 photos![:p]

PC - Great shot of that geep on the pizza train, colors remind me of the C&O units I saw as a kid growing up near Detroit.

Greg - Enjoyed the Mega-burger pix, I'm gonna print hardcopies and show them to my wife's Vegan cousin just to see her reaction[}:)]

Don -

QUOTE: Originally posted by DigitalGriffinKenL
Yep, you'll definitely see me on 29. If you see a vert loaded up with goods from Peach Creek today, you'll know it's me. [:D]

That's right today is Thursday isn't it! [The only day of the week when Peach Creek is open later than 5pm] If C&O steam is your thing, there's no better place to get 'em than John G's shop!

Ryan -

QUOTE: Originally posted by SilverSpike
Ken,How are you slicing the plexiglass? I worked on some back in January and had a time keeping it from cracking...

...It was highly frustrating, I was using language that would make even a sailor blush![:I] I had to scratch each score line at least 12 times before the line was deep enough the give a clean break. Even then, some of the pieces didn't come out perfect; but I'm not so concerned about cosmetics as I am about functionality - keeping my trains off the floor! BTW Glad to hear your back on track [no pun intended] on your layout project!

CapeJim - Great to see ya, been awhile! Congrats to your daughter on her graduation. Thanx for the kind comments about Bethel Creek, the most time consuming part was waiting for the WS Realistic Water syrup to dry (takes over 24hrs). I experimented with the add-on WS Water Effects paste on a clear piece of plexglas first. On the edge protection, I wouldn't want to use trees because they would block the view of the trains [unless that is what you want...?]. See my comment to Dingo above as to why I'm going with plexiglas...

. . .
OMG It's getting late, better close this out and hit the road for home. Glad I brought my umbrella because - as Don said earlier - it's a wet one today in Maryland! Toodles.

[Paul W. Beverung]

Hi Gang: Not much to report tonight. Mary Ann and I spent most of the day getting trucks serviced and fixed up to pull the new trailer. Tomorrow Mary Ann wants to go out to John's place and move hay bales out of the field. That means getting up early and loading the tractor on the trailer. What happened to sleeping late on a day off?

I got some clear silicon caulk today to try making a mold of the ore loads with. I'm trying to work out a method for making silicon molds for the average guy.

Well I guess I'll head to bed. Have a Good Night All

[der5997]

Hello folks: Looks like th edrinks are on me, so "sup up lads!" Quick update on the layout. Just time for one scenery mix tonight. I’ve moved to the country, so the anti-urban people can breathe more easily.[(-D] Here’s the mainline getting a bit of the treatment, this is looking west.

Here’s the end of the interchange track.

And here’s a view eastbound along the main from the tunnel entrance. The trading estate (mini industrial park) is on the right.

We’ll be away for most of tomorrow so not much of a chance for mrr, just like today.
I’ll try to get back in to the CS if I can.
Goodnight all, and God Bless. Prayers continuing for all in need of healing, comfort and peace (and stamina, CapeJim!).[angel]

[Anonymous]

GMT- the Pacific doesn't have traction tires. The only one I know of the has TTs is the old time 4-4-0.

Cox- It runs GREAT. It'll pull the passenger train but I plan to get Walthers 64-seat coaches to replace the L-L one. The LL observation and dome will stay, but coaches will be Walthers since they should roll easier (aka. longer trains).

Jim- they shipped it UPS.

QUOTE: If that other order keeps getting messed up, you’ll have all the track for your industrial sidings (but no mainline to hook them up to!)

LOL, that's true. Hey, at least it's free[swg]. (wonder how long before they stop sending it and say I was just trying to rip them off even tho it's their fault?)

Ken- I am gonna use plexiglass. I think I'll have it stick up about 2". Operators still gotta reach over it to throw turnouts.

[bday] to me! The Stewart F3 isn't going to be here for a while, but oh well, I've got a 4-6-2 now[swg].
I'm going to head out. see y'all later.

[grayfox1119]

Good late evening gents, and here comes Ding !!!! Well happy birthday laddie ![bday][bday][bday] Will you look at the big birthday cake that Zoe made !!!!!! And me and Ding get the 1st two pieces before FERGIE gets in here....YES !!! Lets see, that makes you 39 Ding?

Well, we are really in for it now weatherwise, the 11pm report out of Boston says that three storms are converging on us, and they are all slow movers. Rain will become heavy by tomorrow noontime here in central Mass, and rain heavily until Saturday night with over 6+ inches expected, with flooding. I am happy that I live on a hill, but even so, the sump pump is coming On now and then. Gee, were not even safe on a hill from sub-level ground water.

CAPE JIM We could use some of your sun Jim!!! We won't see it here until next Thursday they say now. I was getting a nice tan, now I am white skin again. But at least we are not getting those terrible tornados that some folks are getting in Texas, nor the snow in northern Michigan and Wisconsin.

DER JOHN You are really 'making tracks' on your layout, what a burst of energy, did you swallow a bottle of Geritol? Nice job John!!!

Ok, time for bed, if I don't get to sleep, MIKE will beat me to the honey dipped doughnuts for breakfast!!!!

Blessings and prayers to all who are in need,

[grayfox1119]

Holy cow!! Is that the infamous BILL NORTH that just arrived by dog sled with Yukon King in the lead ? I knew he would smell the Ding's BD cake, I knew it!!!

Sit and have a hot coffee and piece of cake you olde hound dog !!

[wetidlerjr]

Good morning ! from Indiana. [:D]

[inch53]

Mornin all, coffee and a short stack, Zoe
Almost cold this morning here, chance of rain, wind, and a high in the 50’s forecast for today. Hummmm, sounds like a good reason to hide in the train room to me.
Got Mother’s crew bus going last yesterday, then went out to supper with #3 son and his tribe. Also got in some train time and a little more done around the millpond. Seems the more I do, the more I find needs doing, before I can set the bridges. But, it’ll be easier doing it now than after.

Der , I see your still making great headway on yours.

I see Bills just drop the doughnuts, but I’ll be nice an let Grayfox have the honey glazed this morning.
Think I’ll have a coffee to go and head to the train room, need to figure out how to make a gate for the spillway to the mill, than i can fini***he dam
Inch

[GMTRacing]

Good Morning All,
Coffee and a doughnut would be great Zoe.
I have kid on the bus duty this morning as the CFO is off to Plattsburg to pick up son#2 from college. He's all done for the year already. i also have doggie duty this morning as our faithful pup tries to figure out if it's raining (yes it is). This necessitates several trips out and in before he finally gives up and goes back to sleep. It's a dogs life I tell you.
Think I've figured out track routing for the lower level that will allow two level continous running as well as switching on the lower level.
Ed - welcome back sounds like you had a great trip.
John - that must be one large construction crew you employ. Lots of progress and it looks good.
Ding - if your layout is mostly flat you shouldn't have any problems with traction, but my 4-8-2 bachman lt mountain outpulls my 0-8-0 switcher by double because it won't pull much up hill. I'm thinking seriously about changing to one of the P2K 0-8-0 switchers - they do offer traction tires. Has anyone tried one of those?
Well, time to put the kid on the bus and head out to work. Lots of rain just now - hope we don't all wash away. CUL [:D] J.R.

[Anonymous]

Picked a great day to burn a PBD, well honey I can't work in the yard today so I guess I will just have to work on my cement plant instead. Went up to Winoda Minn. yesterday had a 1/2 day off. I couldn't beleive my luck, on the east end of town theres a row of grain elevators and two barge to rail or truck companys the CP serves these but to get to them they have to run in the street for about 8 blocks. I looked down from the main street and there they where 2 GP38's and about ten cov. hoppers,sweet! Only thing I had no camera, oh well I got to see them anyway, running right next to all these little old houses.
Stopped in the LHS picked up a LL rtr 50 ton war time hopper list is $24.95 he was selling them for 12.99! I just brought 1 he had 5, so guess where i'm going after I drop my girl off school this, its only 30 miles so what the heck. Plus you run right next to the CP main the whole way.
Jim, I know where your coming from on Walthers, I picked up a P2K 2-8-8-2 at a swap meet in Jan. got it home sound worked but the darn thing didn't run! Sent it in Jan 21 after 3 calls i got it back Apr. 28th ! But here's the kicker inside the box was a little note because you brought this engine used please sent us $25.00 for repairs. Used I brought it new in the box just that is was at a show , guess you can only buy at the local hobby shop, well all I can say is don't hold your breath waiting for my $25.00 bucks!
Do you think I am out of line on this?