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

[JimRCGMO]

QUOTE: Originally posted by philnrunt

...I know when you walk through the Coffee Shop's front door, you're welcomed, invited to grab a cup of joe and a slab of pie (any kind you can imagine, it's always ready, fresh and delicious) and have a seat, and share your joys or sorrows and get honest intelligent feedback on them.
...<snip>...
And thanks to MR for providing this venue. This IS the greatest hobby in the world!

Careful, Phil, you'll give this place a good reputation for its food! [;)] Remember the title of this forum, after all!

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[der5997]

QUOTE: The only thing wrong with John's is he can tell you that their's a 2-8-8-8 Erie Triplex ( or whatever) on the layout and you can't argue with him 'cause you can't see it.

Luc, it would be very Eerie, because I don't have any steam locos[:O][;)] Well, come to think of it I do have an 060 tank, but it's HOn2 1/2, so isn't on the layout, although the guage is Normal.[(-D]

BTW, I think the passenger cars would make a great addition. We need more seating with all the new customers and furniture lately. Maybe we could get the stove out from under thepool table too.[:P]

Thanks Flip for the neat email.

Off to bed now as I've got the GMR2005 to read.
Goodnight and God Bless.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Lehigh Valley Railroad

Hey Guys... Mind if Leaky valley has a sit down for a while?

Heyyyyy Chris. [:)]

Long time no see.

How goes it?

Nice of you to stop by.

[Anonymous]

railguyho (Terry), just want to say [#welcome]. Glad you came. Will it be coffee, tea, or something else.

Robert

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Lehigh Valley Railroad

Hey Guys... Mind if Leaky valley has a sit down for a while?

Sure! Enjoy as the train won't be leaving soon!

[Anonymous]

Evening all. Just popping in to say, hi.

About the sports topics. Favre should retire. Players are overpayed. Viddles, merchandise, and tickets are overpriced. The Colts and Manning are smokin'. Those Red Sox are awesome. And go TEXANS.[:D]

Noah: I'm with you about the snow. We don't get much here where I live. It snows about once every decade (10 yrs). We were forecast to have snow right before christmas. It went south of us. Would love to at least to be able to build a snowman.

I'm still in negotiations to buy the VBR from the owners.

TTFN,

Robert

[der5997]

QUOTE: I also think that it's a rip when gas stations sell "auto deisel" at a higher price then "regular diesel" heck, they're both the same stuff, just marketed differently.

...yes, and when you consider that home heating oil is EXACTLY the same product, you can tell that there are wild profits being made in that industry. The only defense I know is to buy shares in the companies making those profits!

QUOTE: Question for you all. If you could live in a different time and place, WHERE and WHEN would it be.

When you look at how advantaged we are with medical and other technologies, I don't think I would want to go back in time, even a short jump. As for going back 2000 years to see miracles, Jim don't you know we are Acts Chapter 29, so there's no need to leave?! [:D] Besides, King Herod didn't get it right, and I don't know I would, so I'm not going to risk it!

Noah:

QUOTE: The one I have is made tobe drilled out two holes and glued into them. There's probably some way of temtorarily-permanately mounting it, but I'm not sure how.

Sounds like the HO ones. A spot of paint on the ends of the posts marks where the holes are to be drilled when you line the plow up and press the paint onto the pilot. Drill out the holes and test fit. Adjust the holes with a rat (sorry Jim) tailed file if necessary, and use the glue of your choice. Silicone caulk works quite well as it dries with just a bit of give to it. Handy should your plow ever meet anything more solid than a snow drift. [(-D]

Dusk is falling, and I now have something interesting to read tonight. Great Model Railroads of 2005 arrived unexpectedly today. Well, Rosie-the-dog is waiting for her supper, so I had better get busy. Got some more ballasting done using the double side tape. The jury is still out as to how well I like this. Over all positive, but there are some reservations. I'll know better when I've filled in between the rails and glued that ballast down.
I want to see how well the tape stands up to the wet water and dilute glue that will be used to fix the between the rails ballasting.
As Fergie says, Later Gents.

[Noah Hofrichter]

Der, The one I have is made tobe drilled out two holes and glued into them. There's probably some way of temtorarily-permanately mounting it, but I'm not sure how. I will have to look into those reall small nuts and bolts, thanks.

I just wish it would snow again here! You all keep talking about snow that you don't want, but I need some. It's snowed twice this season so far, for a total of around three inches. Some years we've had two feet by now! And not to mention I need the Money! Somebody send some snow!

I'm progressing good on that building, and am nearing final assemble of one of the two sepearte buildings in the complex. But, the Loco is at a complete stand still until I figure the plow out, which will hopefully be soon.

I want to get a little work done on the layout too, I'd like to finnish re-laying my new industries. After a few weeks of looking at the way they are, I'm unsatisfied with the amount of cars I could fit on one of my industries. I've got the new design planned out, I just have to move the tracks. I guess I better get going then, I've got alot to do yet. See ya!

Noah

[Paul W. Beverung]

Jim; Yep. I'm still doing battle with those little pests. I burned off the weeds on the 7 1/2 in gauge the other day and uncovered a mess of mounds. They seem to like the right of way to build their nests. I kicked the mounds and when they came out sohwed them what fire was really about. One of those mounds can easly derail a train. That's something that most of you don't have to worry about.

Peter; Have you been doing anything more with your casting? You haven't said anything lately.

I'll check back in later. I'm sitting with my grand daughter right now. She's feeling alittle under the weather.

Paul

the Duluth, Superior, & Southeastern

" The Superior Route "

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by philnrunt




JP- OK, soapbox time- if someone playing a kids game deserves 10 million bucks a year, how much does someone like Fergie deserve? This world is completely whacked when it comes to salaries for sports figures, actors, do nothing CEO's, etc. Around Indiana, GM has commercials directed towards their employees, because very few others can afford their vehicles. Thats not a good sign. When the everyday working man can't buy a pick-up, and at the same time a basketball player makes 80 million a year hawking 8$ sneakers that sell for 100$, thats just not right. Just my [2c].As for Brett, I'll take 2 years and split the difference. I'm an old Bears fan, defense is the big thing for me, so I'll be glad when he retires, but he is a true QB, and watching him is a blast. And by the way, havn't heard anyone say it so I will- How 'bout them Colts? And how 'bout that Manning!

Just heard that the death toll has reached 77,000 over in Asia, my heart goes out to those folk. It looks like it only will rise, what a tragedy. Again it shows that when Nature flex's her muscle, man is only along for the ride.

Also just heard that Jerry Orbach died, sure did like him in L&O.Gonna miss him.

Phil [:)]

I think you are preaching to the choir on the sports salaries. [:(] I am not sure when it all happened but slowly our world has become upside down. [V] And some of the major league sports have been loosing attendance and viewers, geee, wonder why! Maybe if they didn't paid the OVERPAID players so much they could lower the prices for game tickets. Of course $2 for a 12 oz drink is overpriced too.

Brett is a good QB and will be missed when he leaves the game.

Now about the Colts . . . I am one who remembers when the snuck out of town late that fateful night and deserted a certain city. It is hard for me to support a team that does that. I used to be a B I G St. Louis Cardinals football fan, but when they went to Arizona, well not any more.

I used to be an assistant manager at a major sports (clothing and shoes, etc.,) store. We received a 35% discount on shoes and clothing and the store STILL make money on those sales. Yes just like everything else they are WAY overpriced.


Now more sad news about people many of us grew up watching on tv. *** Clark will not be able to host the New York New Years Eve celebration this year. He was put in the hospital in early December with a stroke, and is still there. He is 75 but doesn't look that age, however he is now definately looking older than he used to look. Remember how everyone said he just didn't seem to "age?" Well he is now. (We should all look as good as he does at 75.) Regis will be filling in for him on the celebration.

btw, since we are discussing tv, sports, etc., let me just say that "The Duke" was my favorite actor. He stood out in a crowd when alive and still stands out in my memory.

One of my favorite world leaders was Sadat, and another one is Margarat Thatcher. I remember the day when Sadat was assassinated, what a sad day. It seems that when someone is truly trying to bring peace to an area that those against it do the utmost to prevent it. The "Iron Lady" also went through some trying times, but stood tall in my opinion.

Question for you all. If you could live in a different time and place, WHERE and WHEN would it be. Does a railroad figure into you decision? Would you also be guided by spiritual issues? Hard decision, isn't it? Well for me 3 "times" come into play. One would be an engineer or conductor on the 20th Century Limited during the days of steam. Another would be an engineer or conductor on the Super Chief during its days of operation by the SF. And the last "time" would be approximately 2000 years ago and being one who witnessed the life and miracles of Jesus, and a true follower of Him. Well let's hear your "times." [;)]

[Anonymous]

Good Morning All:

I finally got the speakers hooked up in the train room. When we started rehabing this old house I wired it for sound from the living room to several other rooms. I never got around to hooking it up until yesterday, I didn't like what they were playing on the college radio station. It took me almost three hours to get it all done, but it was nice to work and listen to Roger Whitaker. Five CD's last a long time.

Phil:
I don't get upset about the various railroads as you buy the roads that you want and I'll buy the roads that I want. The only reason that I use Santa Fe locos is because of the availability and variety. I do like to poke fun at others but then I expect it in return. Mom told me all my life - Don't dish it out if you can't take it.

Stephanie was upset when they came on the TV and told about Jerry Orbach as L&A is her favorite show.

Snoah:
Try a flat head screw and super glue it in pointing down, that way you can screw the nut on and off with out having to hold the screw. Be very careful when you tighten the nut as it might break the CA bond and then you might have trouble. I've also had good luck with Goop, it's available at Lowes home improvement in the silicone dept. It's a petrolum product and works like any other contact cement.

Lupo:
I just read your post about the super glue and the cut. I didn't ever think about using CA to seal wounds. That's a good idea as we all have knife cuts. If the medical CA compared to regular CA is anything like medical oxagen compaired to welding oxegen (take either spelling as their both wrong) they are the same purity just one is certified. I also think that it's a rip when gas stations sell "auto deisel" at a higher price then "regular diesel" heck, they're both the same stuff, just marketed differently.

Luct:
Do you talk to Rex very much? He and I are just like Fergie and me, we talk like two women, about eveything and then some. I am very impressed with his layout, it is amazing what he is able to do. I've been trying to get hiim to come into the coffee shop. He says that he drops in once in a while but has trouble following the conversation since their are some many ideas at one time. I wi***hat I'd been able to get in touch with him and you before I went to Nova Scotia as I would like to have visited both of you. Have you seen John or Fergie's layout? When you go to see them be prepared to be impressed. The only thing wrong with John's is he can tell you that their's a 2-8-8-8 Erie Triplex ( or whatever) on the layout and you can't argue with him 'cause you can't see it. He and Ed have that advantage.

Well I'm going to put on some music and do some track testing.

Have a blessed day and remember SANTA FE ALL THE WAY
Bob

[Anonymous]

Hey Guys... Mind if Leaky valley has a sit down for a while?

[der5997]

Greg:

QUOTE: Now it seems to have problems with pickup, though my track is all clean. Anyone have any suggestions?

You did clean the wheels? There's a ton of different methods out there. The one I use most is a home made version of the TYCO wheel cleaner. An old brass bristled suede brush with one row of bristles removed from near one end. Aligator clips on power leads from your pack(DC) or the track (DCC?) to either side of that gap. Crank up the power and hold the loco's wheels to the bristles. Clean as a whistle in no time. It isn't always dirt you can see that gets in the way.

Bright sunny morning on the shore today. Clouds and flurries this aft. they say. Good day for the layout after lunch, I hope. Lunch is salmon, I'm told. [tup] [dinner]
TTFN

[Anonymous]

Mornin' Y'all

Just dropping in to bump it back to page 1, saw we fell back.

pennsyhoosier; You're cheering for the wrong OSU there, you know it?

Greg

[philnrunt]

Pennsyhoos- How you liking this tropical heat wave? Got any plans to go to the beach, or will you just lay out in your yard?
The day it snowed, every car coming up from the south was covered, so we knew it was coming, but it held off long enough to give us only 8-10 ".
Glad for you that your team won.

[PennsyHoosier]

Blew the whole evening watching the Alamo Bowl.

[philnrunt]

Bob- Sorry about the slight on SF- the slogan at the bottom says it all- ship SF all the way....to Chicago, then use another road to get them lettice (plural of lettuce according to my MR Forum Spell Check!) to the east coast! [:)][:P][;)] I do have good memorys of SF running through Lake Palmer Co on the Joint Line, and in the open they slow down for nothing. Good Road.
JP- OK, soapbox time- if someone playing a kids game deserves 10 million bucks a year, how much does someone like Fergie deserve? This world is completely whacked when it comes to salaries for sports figures, actors, do nothing CEO's, etc. Around Indiana, GM has commercials directed towards their employees, because very few others can afford their vehicles. Thats not a good sign. When the everyday working man can't buy a pick-up, and at the same time a basketball player makes 80 million a year hawking 8$ sneakers that sell for 100$, thats just not right. Just my [2c].As for Brett, I'll take 2 years and split the difference. I'm an old Bears fan, defense is the big thing for me, so I'll be glad when he retires, but he is a true QB, and watching him is a blast. And by the way, havn't heard anyone say it so I will- How 'bout them Colts? And how 'bout that Manning!
Looks like it will hit 50F tomorrow. Bout time.How you doinn, Ed? Back on Cuba Libres yet?
Just heard that the death toll has reached 77,000 over in Asia, my heart goes out to those folk. It looks like it only will rise, what a tragedy. Again it shows that when Nature flex's her muscle, man is only along for the ride.
Also just heard that Jerry Orbach died, sure did like him in L&O.Gonna miss him.
Keep your ammo dry.

[Anonymous]

Evenin' Y'all,

Whew!!! That's a lot of stuff to look at in the couple of days I haven't checked in!! Think I'll just pick up right here, and avoid going back to the archives[:D]. Hope everyone had a good Christmas, I know I did. I just installed a decoder in an older Kato RS something, which hasn't been run in a couple of years, but was running well on DC when it was put up last. Now it seems to have problems with pickup, though my track is all clean. Anyone have any suggestions?

I hope I don't miss again, as soon as school starts back up I'll be able to check in on a daily basis again[8D].

Well, I better go,
Greg

[der5997]

Fergie:

QUOTE: Der John: Did you say "Curried Lamb"! Both Lisa and I love a good Curry. I'm told I make the best Chicken Tandoor in the East[C=:-)]

That's quite the claim. Do you require 24 hours' notice? [swg] - ( snide reference for all the Brits out there)

QUOTE: ATV reported that the wave that crippled those two Supply Boats was 150' in height

Heard that article too. Do you know what the difference is between a wave like that, and the "mere" 30' waves that have devastated South East Asia? What happens to a150' wave that it doesn't reach shore? The S.E. Asian waves travelled far further than the distance of Sable Island to our coast.

QUOTE: OK JP Bob's Your Uncle is the British equivalent to "In like Flint". It's a history lesson best told by someone else.

Rather more benign than the original reference to "In Like Flynn" I gather. Something to do with a certain swashbuckling Hollywood Actor's reputation with the ladies![:O][:I][B)][swg]

Well, the grandkids didn't arrive as planned because of the look of the weather, and Gran not wanting them to get stuck coming over the mountain. Her call, and I'm not saying she was wrong, just that the weather has changed completely now from both what it had been, and what it had been forecast to be. So, they will come at some unspecified future date, and we will have a party. In the mean time I can get on with my ballasting and rail painting. On that subject, our L$S has Delta Ceramcoat acrylic paint in Chocolate Brown. I tried some on a piece of scrap rail, and think it looks great just as it is. I'll have to work out the dilution for airbrushing. For the turnouts it will have to have some black added, for the grease. Anyone know how to get an oily look to black with acrylics?

Lupo and TrolleyRob: Our ancient Katzilla Pampas George has rarely ventured onto the benchwork on any of the three layouts he's experienced. However, when we were packing to move from Spruce Grove to here, I had a shoe box lid full of screws on the floor while I was taking down the Athabasca and Western. Came back down to the basement to find that P G had signalled his displeasure and unease by peeing in the screw box
[|(][censored][xx(][V] They washed off just fine, and suitably sterilized are now incorporated in the MT and other woodworking projects! [:D]

Noah

QUOTE: Switching the coupler to the bottom doesn't work either, as it will be too low. I'm thinking I may have to find a small pin with nut, and slip it through the hole, and tighten it on the bottom.

Walthers used to have a variety of fine bolts and nuts, I believe. I haven't looked at a W. Catalogue for ages. The bolts I bought over 20 years ago were in a 10 pack Part# 947-1006. 00-90x1/2 is the size. Round Head. They may have a flat head version. The flat head would be easier to hide when painted .The part # is probably obsolete now anyway, besides that particular one (size00- 90) may be too thin,(but in N could work fine) and the 1/2 may be too long(but a razor saw will take that down, they are only brass). I mention these details, though, so you can begin a search in the W. Catalogue for the bolt that will meet your needs. I didn't buy nuts for these bolts, so can't say if they are available. All of which is to say that I think your solution is worth a try.
The HO snow plows I've used had mounting pins that went into holes drilled into the pilot, or anti-climber, or whatever the flat front thing is propperly called. How do you intend to mount these?

Much colder this evening after a really quite pleasant thaw today. Tomorrow will be back in the deep freeze.
Off to bed now, so Goodnight, and God Bless.

[Anonymous]

Hi All [:D]

I see Chris is about to post ( or at least reading them). [8D]

Not much to report about TRAINing today. [:(]

Since it has warmed up so well I mowed the leaves in the front yard and allowed my neighbor to put hers in my yard too. I live on a small hill and her yard is about 4 feet higher than mine. There is a retaining wall holding her dirt in her yard. The leaves always blow downhill and somehow seem to stop at my place. So doing them all at once was a better deal for me, plus she didn't have to rake them up as she normally does.

Tim (Nscaleboy) has AOL AIM and we instant message each other. I see he posted a topic about having trouble on turns. He and I were discussing that last night. I have tried to encourage him to email our two resident N scale experts (Ed and John) but don't know if he ever did. He was having some problems at one time with other things but I think he finally got them all worked out. I know he has visited the shop but didn't post here.


Noah [8D]

One of the guys on msn messenger is a WSOR brakeman. So if you ever download msn messenger I will introduce you to him. There are other guys who work for other railroads on msn messenger too.


Captain [4:-)]

So Bob and Flint must be cousings huh? [;)]

Not to worry, you posted on page one so you would definately be considerd a chartered Bob. [:D] I forgot, but Dan H also posted on page one but he doesn't post here all the time. He is too busy dropping fish in the ocean. [;)] Or telling someone else to drop the fish. [;)] I don't think we want to eat the fish he works with though. [:0]


I had an off day today, only killed 3 flies. [xx(]

My neighbor said she had a mosquito after her last night. Times seem to get stranger all the time. This is winter not summer but yet the flies and mosquitoes are still here. [:(!]


Paul [:)]

Are you still fighting the fire ants?

Well I guess I will run, I am chatting with 2 guys from Canada, and one from St. Louis, on msn messenger. [:p]

[Paul W. Beverung]

Hi Gang; Just a quick note to let you all know that I'm still around. We had a good Xmas here. Our daughter and her familly came in from New Mexico. We've been doing all sorts of things except mrring.

Fergie; I assume that everything worked out OK with the supply vessels? What kind and size were they? The decaling looks good. A rolling sea, eh? Well maybe I could try try it on a horse?

It's not that late but I'm bushed so I'll say good night.

Paul

the Duluth, Superior, & Southeastern

" The Superior Route "

I read through all the posts since the last time i was on. Welcome to the coffee shop to all the new folks.

[NZRMac]

Luct

Thanks for helping with the phone number the other day, I rang the only Heacock in the phone book near Rex, it was Rex's mother!!!
She was only to pleased to give me Rex's number.
So I rang on Christmas morning (6am boxing day here) and wished them all a Merry Xmas!!
It was a huge surprise

Thanks again

Ken.

[PennsyHoosier]

Hi friends!

First off, [#welcome] to all the new folks. Great to have you here.

Second, Phil, we got some snow up here too, but not as much as you. I was in Indy on Monday and they had MUCH MORE than we did up north. We did get the cold, though. BRRRRRRR!!!!!!

I'm gonna have to talk to SNoah about all this. [:D][:D]

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JPowell

I don't have a Uncle Bob though Ferg.

Everyone have a safe and Happy New Year. I'm out the door till Monday morning!

JP

OK JP [%-)] Bob's Your Uncle is the British equivalent to "In like Flint". It's a history lesson best told by someone else.

Der John: Did you say "Curried Lamb"! Both Lisa and I love a good Curry. I'm told I make the best Chicken Tandoor in the East[C=:-)]

Luct: We made page 5 of the Daily Snooze today. ATV reported that the wave that crippled those two Supply Boats was 150' in height, and one of the crew onboard our vessel has a son onboard one of the stricken vessels, said the Chief Engineer was waste deep in sea water. Oh joy!

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone, just a sec while I put these pies in the cooler. Fresh pies, CFO made them today. She said that they have no calories because they have travelled more than 10 miles and for those us who worry about glucose, these have a grand total of 0 part per million. [8D][8D][8D]

Now, who left the freezer open? Hum!!? No takers? [:(!][}:)][}:)][:D][:D]
Yesterday was cold out, today it rained for a bit then S------ and everything froze up typical I guess.

Noah - The S--- is slowly melting, so your vacation is on hold for now [:)][;)] Good work on that engine.

Fergie - Glad to hear you had stern seas, a lot more comfie as I remember. But at this time of the year, our coastal waters have a mind of their own and turn very quickly. I'm sure I'm not telling you anything new. Hope you're in for a long while.

lupo - are you positive these are cats and not tigers? [:)][:)]

[pedromorgan]

hi folks.

i got the new airfix concorde for xmas. looks great but it will have to wait untill the new year when i am back at my own home with my own tools before a start is made.

things are very tense here at the moment. i am staying with my family who are very religious and christmas turned out to be pretty stifled buy the earthquake. anyway i hope you are all doing well. and i will get back to regular postings when i go back to work on tuesday.

peter

[JPowell]

I don't have a Uncle Bob though Ferg.

Noah - Brett's daughter told him earlier this season that she wants him home more offten, and with his wife having cancer, I think the time has come for him to go out as one of the best, instead of trying to improve on what's been accomplished and end up failing.

Everyone have a safe and Happy New Year. I'm out the door till Monday morning!

JP

[Fergmiester]

Thanks JP, a good cuppa is always good to the last drop!

I'll even drink it from my official M.E.S.S. Coffee Cup!

I finished the last of the decals for group one. Total cars decaled = 22

Do we really have to decide who getschartered member status? The concept really scares me as I don't want to get a bad reputation for being a gossip! Can't we just say that if you buy more then 20 rounds then "Bob's your Uncle" and the 21st is on the house!

Fergie

[Noah Hofrichter]

Lupo, thanks for the pictures you sent, I enjoyed them!

Jim, I was looking forward to trying 91% rubbing alcohol, and did. It worked fine, on everything except the lettering. That I had to use polly scale easy lift off, and had I used it first, I wouldn't have had to scrub so hard, as the paint underneath could ahve been taken off by the alcohol. I'm pleased with the results.

JP, I don't know, I don't think Farve will quit unless he has to for health reasons or he wins a Superbowl. But your right his time span is short, I give him another 3 years in the leauge at the most.

Well, I've been busy working on that building o' mine again, it's really quite a large undertaking. I hope to have it done by the time I go back to school. Pictures will come then.

I'm also struggling with a problem. The front coupler on my GP I'm painting is screwed on from the top, and the shell is meant to be taken off first to get the coupler off. But, if I want to add a snowplow prototypically, I can't get the shell off of the chassy, nor get the coupler off. Switching the coupler to the bottom doesn't work either, as it will be too low. I'm thinking I may have to find a small pin with nut, and slip it through the hole, and tighten it on the bottom. Then to get it off I unscrew the nut, and the screw falls out the top. I'm not sure if this will work though, so does anyone else here have any ideas?

Well, I better get going, Mom's making popcorn and I sure could use some, I'm hungry. I got to go claim my amount before she eats it all......

Noah

[JPowell]

Ferg / Noah...I see you 2 are on.... I've just made fresh post of the 'hot' drinks. Drink up.....

Der... I eamiled you earlier. I hope it went through ok.

JP