Elliot's Diner, Mark XVI

[CNCharlie]

Good Evening Diners!

Another cool,wet day here but I guess we are getting used to it. Dick says they've had the wettest July on record and I think we have had the coolest and perhaps wettest too.

Robby, good luck with FedEx! Hope it goes well for you and you land that job. Also congrats on pending fatherhood. I haven't any advice as I'm a dad only to 4 legged kids but I hear raising children is similar to dogs in that you have to be sure who's leader of the pack and that it isn't the kids. The females rule in the dog world which sometimes has remarkable simularities to the human situation. I'm sure you're familiar with the term"Yes dear".

Tom, Barry, on that shots for cats thing, I've been told that our vet has a plexiglass box with a lid and a couple of holes in the side and that the cat is stuffed in the box and the shot administered. I do know that they have leather gauntlets for the really frisky ones. No such issues with Westies as the just sit there and say, "Is that all you've got". They have very tough, thick skin and an attitude.

Todd, I have to agree with you on that card thing. Some of them cost 5 or 6 dollars which is outrageous considering that you can get a decent magazine for that amount. Maybe I should just give the wife a copy of Model Railroader or some other mag she might like instead of a birthday card. On second thought maybe not as I don't want to be below the dogs in our little pack. Can't imagine what the food would be like below the dogs. Would I have to fight them for a turn at the bowl?

Heading for the LHS tomorrow morning as I need some wheel sets and a few other things. Wonder what things I don't need will accompany me home too?

Well it is late and Pippa wants to go out so I'll sign off for now.

CN Charlie

 

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Hello everybody.....

Thanks to each of you for the numerous kind remarks regarding the loss of our grandchild. I compiled them into an email to our son and daughter in law. The comments are appreciated and provided some comfort to them.

Has anyone heard from Paul? I hope he is OK. ... Also, I assume Duke is still sleeping, but he may be in one of the old diners still.

Bridge Tom... Good to see you. Did you see the 2-10-10-10-10-10-2 I posted a few weeks ago? It may be a challenge for your yellowstones. Also, I hope your leg problem is better now.

Barry ... If you give your cat a bath, do you call it "Spring cleaning"?

I don't have much model railroading to report. I've been busy. I weathered some hopper cars today.

 

 

 

[blownout cylinder]

twhite

Speaking of Uff-Dah, had to take him over to the Vet's day before yesterday for his yearly shots.  How such a sweet, mellow 'Wegie' at home could turn into such a Tyrannosaurus Rex the minute he comes out of the carrying case at the Vet's is just beyond me.  He's earned an "Alligator" stamp on his Vet Record--that's a cat that needs to be held down by just about anyone handy.  I keep apologizing, the Vet just grins, says "He's not the ONLY one around here", and Uff-Dah just snarls.  

'Spring' becomes a wound up little spring at the vets---we have to sometimes come close to hog tying the little one by his legs but we now incorporate an old idea from my family's experience with a certain bobcat we named 'Baby'--for his tendency to be a baby to me---one involving stuffing 'Baby'--and now 'Spring'-- into a birdcage. They can bellow all they want but the vet can get the shots done without everyone becoming part of the walking wounded.

[JimRCGMO]

Good Evening, Chloe - I'll have some roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy over both, asparagus, a nice side salad, and some peaches, please. Oh yes, and a glass of wine, too. Thank you!

Robby, half a game isn't that much of a lead for baseball...  Good to hear that you get to meet with the FedEx folks on Tuesday and hope your get things going there. And CONGRATULATIONS on your 'pending project'...

Ray, I'd say that (or the other recalled) punishment for the li'l urchins sounds like a just treatment... Some just need a little (dis)incentive to get things pointed in the right direction for everybody's benefit.

PC, I bet that wasn't your first cup of the morning coffee, either. Did you get some of that downpour that the others east of us got?

Jeff - I was wondering... how're the lakes doing down your way after all that rain (and if I recall correctly, it looked like more of the same for you today... And thanks for telling the switcher to get us moved over here. I think the twins and Vinnie are getting good at the changeovers, didn't see much out of place or anything from the move this time.

JP, better go stake out that section of the basement now, before 'other things' fill it up when the ladies move in... You might want to take a look when you get a chance at Iain Rice's new book (just out this year) about Shelf Layouts, and get some ideas there.

Todd, I hear you on those temptations when in the LHS (FLHS or otherwise) - I also have had some of that 'dizziness' when the monthly Walthers flyers arrive... Choices, choices! Hey, as for BridgeTom's Yellowstones, that mouse would've only greased the wheels on one of them.   Oh, I would partly agree with some things about feeling obligated to send a card - I don't, but I am a Hallmark Gold Crown card-carrying member (of course, in the past half year or so, I probably have slacked off...)

TMarsh

JPowell

And as for the Honey-Do lists... bring 'em on!

Ooooh he says that now!

  He'll learn, Todd, he'll learn...

Jerry, you do amazing stuff (especially considering it's in iNvisible scale!). Definitely hope they get your chair done on Monday and you can have some more fun!

Ulrich, better be careful - I'm not sure Vinnie knows what to do when someone calls him 'Sir'... And do stick around as long as you can (or use a 'puter in your local library, if they have them there like we do on this side of the pond). We don't want to be wondering how you are or what's been happening with ya. Will add prayers to motivate that guy to contact you a bit sooner (rather than later) on your venture.

Todd, I think I lost track somewhere there - were you talking about online forums or about politics and government? (Guess I'd better lay low, after that question - I have this nasty habit of asking annoying questions...)

Dick, good to hear that your sprue finally arrived - now, how soon until we see some photos of the results?

BridgeTom - your account of your Viking Warrior at the Vet's still has me chuckling - and Spooky's? - ROTFLMAO!  Alas, my DC running experience is woefully slim (and a long ways back, as well). Can't give you much of any info for your question.

Johnboy, hope you and the wife have a great evening out tonight (and it'd better not be out on the patio while you barbeque, I hope) Gonna do any dancing?

I'll see what industries they may have over on the rolling hills side of this track and finish my dinner. Might have a (wait for it........) RBF for dessert.

 

Blessings and Prayers,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[twhite]

Afternoon from SunnyHotterCal. 

Temp went up from yesterday's mid-80's.  It's 93 outside and kinda/sorta still, though the TV says that the Delta Breeze will kick in later on and the rest of the weekend--in fact all next week will be balmy and below average for the first week in August. 

Yah, sure.  I'll believe it when it happens, LOL!   Still, it was a pretty good day to go out into the garage and 'disguise' my new "Mouse Access."  Yech!  Still had to vacuum out some dried thingies that I think I'll send to CBS for their CSI series.  BUT--trains are running through the tunnel without problems.  Anyway, slathered some WS cement, set down some "Underbrush" and planted a few trees.  Looks okay. 

Now if WS will only come out with their promised mountain lions, I'll put them up there among the underbrush.  It might discourage further rodent intrusions, LOL!

Spent a lot of the day with steamers upside down on the kitchen table while I did the Great Quarter-Yearly-Wheel-Cleaning.  Now remember, I've got mainly brass, they pick up from only ONE SIDE, LOL!  I gotta keep them happy.    If they're not happy, they let me know.  Kind of like Spooky and Uff-Dah. 

Speaking of Uff-Dah, had to take him over to the Vet's day before yesterday for his yearly shots.  How such a sweet, mellow 'Wegie' at home could turn into such a Tyrannosaurus Rex the minute he comes out of the carrying case at the Vet's is just beyond me.  He's earned an "Alligator" stamp on his Vet Record--that's a cat that needs to be held down by just about anyone handy.  I keep apologizing, the Vet just grins, says "He's not the ONLY one around here", and Uff-Dah just snarls.  

 Much different than Spooky, who comes out of her carrier for her shots and looks up at the Vet and says, "Adore me.  Tell me I'm the most beautiful hunk of feline you've ever seen and you can do anything you WANT!"   They LOVE her at the Vet's.  But they really cringe when I phone up and say, "Uh, it's the VIKING, this time."  "Sure you can't bring Spooky over, instead?"

Oh well---

Okay, got a question.  We seem to have gotten into this part of it over on another thread about the MR review of the new MTH lokie. 

I have heard that can motors on straight 12-volt DC can be damaged by upping the voltage.  Now, I've got a pretty terrific Controlmaster 20 with a walk-around throttle, and it has a dual-mode DC setting--12 volts for HO, 16 volts for G.  I have been running my dual-mode BLI locos on the G setting--evidently 16 volts makes them run better and is safe for the motors because of all of the extra voltage it takes to get the sound up.  

Now it's pretty obvious that I don't run my pure DC brass with the dual-mode BLI's, and I keep changing over from voltage settings depending on whether I'm running straight brass or dual/mode.  But several times I've forgotten to change over from G to HO on the powerpack settings, and I've noticed that those extra four volts seem to really improve the response of my pure DC'ers.  I've not done this very often, and as soon as I realize that the brass are on the G setting, I pump it down to the 12volts DC for the motors. 

NOW I"m hearing that the additional four volts shouldn't harm the motors at all.  Do any of you fellow DC'ers out there have any opinions about this?  I'd really like to get the maximum performance out of my brass, but at the same time, I don't want to burn out the motors. 

Any ideas?

Phil:  The Garfield is PRICELESS!   Reminds me of breakfast with the two feline owners I have, LOL!

Robby:  Hope FEDEX comes through for you.  I have heard that we're over the worst of this stuff--at least anywhere but California. 

Well, back to cleaning driver wheels. 

Best to all, prayers to those in need. 

Tom  

[last mountain & eastern hogger]

Chloe,  When you get a minute I'll have a double order of those Frog's Legs that Jeff shipped up to us, and I'll chase it with a RBF.

 Speaking of RBFs, have you fellas noted how often now that Ulrich orders RBF.  he is truly converted or it has turned in to a habit. You are in out thoughts and prayers Ulrich, things are going to come together for you,

Congrats, Robbie, on the contact so far. I bet your interview will go smoothly and you'll come out the winner.

Prayers and blessings to all in need.

will stop back later, I'm going to take the better half out for supper this evening..  Aren't  I   a great Guy ?????  No she doesn't like Frog's Legs.

Johnboy out for now.........

 

[blownout cylinder]

Good Evening

A nice morning gave way to a dribbly/monsoony afternoon to a wonderful evening 

Todd:  I see you are a little irritated by cards, eh? Meh--I end up with either barrels of 'em or have to send a whole wack of 'em.... thankfully no one here gets penurious about how much they cost---- It helps when the wife can do them herself

Garry: We'll keep you and your family in our prayers during these difficult times

I'll be off to the trainroom inna bit to see about doing some handlaying of these @$$#%%$# turnouts--there seems to be some issue with #10's lately

Chloe, I'll have a chamomile tea please----I'll be at the RC and see who else shows up

[TMarsh]

grayfox1119

SPRUE #12 ARRIVED from Micro Engineering

I like to hear companies still stand behind their products 

 

[Robby P.]

 Well I got a inetrview at FedEx on Tuesday.  Hope I get it!!

 Tom...I thought it was a joke, but its not.  I think he's trying to thin it out (old members).   

[tcwright973]

Robby P - I just got that e-mail a little while ago. I don't remember subscribing or joining that group. However, I may have visited the site after seeing it referrenced somewhere. I can certainly find things I want more at my LHS.

Tom

[grayfox1119]

 Good morning ! Here it is Friday again, and we have RAIN again also. I wish there was a way to get all this rain we have had this month to all those areas that NEED the rain. We are setting an all time record for rainfall in the month of July, records go back to 1880's. ( Native Americans took care of the records before that )

SPRUE #12 ARRIVED from Micro Engineering, so today is a perfect day to work on MRR and that is just what is on tap today, as I hid the HD jar ( shhhhhhhhh,   hehheehehehehe)

J.P.: I hope you have a full compliment of tools in your tool box, you will need them, and make a wish list for Christmas too ( tools ).

JEFF: I see you opened the new Diner, thank you sir, did you change the menu? Ahh, I see Cajon style clam chowder for lunch as the soup of the day, and spicy hot smoked Salmon....that is what I'll have.

 

[TMarsh]

Robby P.

they will say "Its only $20".  I already see a fight coming on.

Yup, I was thinking about that also. The old "it's only so much and that makes it so much a month and that is way less than this" arguement about to fire up. Like everyone has the same amount of free cash and it is to be spent like they spend theirs. 'Cause ya know, they're right and know the best for you.  

 

[Anonymous]

Excuse me, Sir, is this Elliot´s Diner! It is! Well, thank you, Sir!

Hi Folks,

finally I found the Diner - it has been moved without me noticing it. I didn´t even see, need a new set of glasses, will cost me a fortune, which I don´t have. Let´s  see, whom don´t I owe money yet ...

Zoe, I´ ll have an RBF, please

Robby P. -  congrats, mate - give your wife a kiss! You three (!) are in my prayers ! Still keeping my fingers crossed for the FedEx job!

The next couple of days will be kinda nice - at least in terms of weather. Wish I could enjoy them...

Time´s coming to say goodbye.

[Robby P.]

 JP.........Thanks.  I hope it all goes good as well.

 Todd.......I've seen a few already on the MTW website say they aren't paying.  I know them, they will say "Its only $20".  I already see a fight coming on.  I'm not saying anything.  My wife said "keep going on the website, until you are locked out".  Plus I like it over here anyways

[GMTRacing]

Good Morning All,

    It's already in the mid 70's and raining heavily on and off. There must be thunder out there as well as our loyal and ferocious watch mutt Rupert is cowering at my feet. He can't take thunder boomers or other loud noises. I'll have a regular and a blueberry muffin please while I get caught up on paperwork. The view from the new siding is nice. Rolling hills on one side and the highway on the other

Ray - there are always a couple of kids that just don't get it. Those are also frequently the ones that can benefit the most from the program especially Scouting with its' emphasis on morals and responsibility. The trick is getting to them.

   Well gotta run - stuff is needed out in the shop.  CUL, J.R.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

TMarsh

Jeff- I've always liked that building but never bought it as I can't think of where to put it. I don't know why I just didn't , or don't, go ahead and get it and worry about where later.

For me it'll make two buildings. I'm going to cut it in two and use both halves against the backdrop at the back of the layout.

[Packers#1]

pcarrell

Mornin' all!

 

That's one of my favorite Garfields of all time.

[Cox 47]

Good Morning All...Its sunny and 67 here...I'll have coffee and toast please..Thank You...I got most of track cleaning done and ran trains yesterday...Today is hair cut day..Been listening to some old music this morning started off with Duane Eddy and Rebel Rouser one of my favorites.Some Ventures,Fats Domino,Billy Joe shaver and Louis Armstrong [my music goes all over the place]Here is my B&O SD 9 switching in the new yards..Gotta a lot of work to do on it..I hope they get my power chair fixed Monday and I will pull yards out put on bench and qwork on it..

I have another ground throw to put in.some ballasting and work on back drop..You all have a good one...Jerry

Yes the Cards lost last nite in the 10th but they took 3 out of 4 which is much better than I thought it would go!...

[TMarsh]

JPowell

And as for the Honey-Do lists... bring 'em on!

Ooooh he says that now!

 

[TMarsh]

Good Mornin, French Toast please with some real Maple syrup. Coffee too thank you. Sunny with a high of 82F and a 0% chance of precip. 68 F now.

I see I missed the Pizza and Salad buffet. Figures. Oh well at least I got to my FLHS. Picked up some clear and other odds and ends of styrene for building stuff and another mobile home for the, oh, I don't know what you'd call it area. It's an area where the old Plasticville Motel has been closed down and turned into efficiency apartments and across the parking lot is a couple of old Mobile home the owners set up and rent, and..... I saw an Airstream trailer, that I forgot to pick up by the way, that I want to put in the area also as another rental dwelling. I get in the shop and I see something then I see something else and then my head starts spinning with all the neat stuff and then......whew! I'd best sit down.

Garry- Glad Shelley's doing better, but am saddened at the news of your Grandson. Prayers for comfort and for a safe surgery for your DIL. I see she is now, good.

Jeff- I've always liked that building but never bought it as I can't think of where to put it. I don't know why I just didn't , or don't, go ahead and get it and worry about where later.

Tom- Glad to see you again. I see the recital went well. I bet the engineer had a look of horror on his face when that gigantic super sized mutant mouse came into view with no time to stop!! We know, we know, it wouldn't have stopped a Yellowstone.

Bama- I'd say 10-12 cars per loco would look good as a fair representation of a long freight. Of course if the layout will handle more than 33 to 39or 40 lengths including engines I might go a few more but that is really long even for a big layout.

Hey I'm glad Jeff left that big note, I was wandering around the old spot. That was a good idea to move when we did, it's been a long time since we've been able to move the diner without getting locked out! Lanlord's probably happy.

Robby- $20. I don't think so either. There are plenty of free sites out there. Do you think they are trying to be elitists, "if you want to be among the best it will cost you buck-oh" Yah, hang with us. I don't think I could help you much, but then from the looks of the work you've been putting out.....I seriously don't think they can help you anymore either. Did that come out right Zoe?

Well I guess I'll get a move on. I have to go back in to Springfield today. Tomorrow we have a wedding anniversary to attend and we don't have a card. Cards, another pet-peeve of mine. I swear that the card industry is developing a social stranglehold on people. You can spit on some ones T-Bone steak but if you give them a card it's ok. Conversely you can give someone the flowers, dinner, movie, new car, boat, Lawn Jarts, the time of their life, but if you don't get a card........you just don't care. Ya hear that Sawyer? Cards. The sad part is they print the price on the card and if it ain't a four freakin dollar card...., "Didn‘t go to much trouble did you." or how about if you get a nice card, "did you read this ?" NO! That's why for your birthday you card says "Happy @%$&*& Fathers Day from your %$@#!*! Loving Wife". (big inhale, hold it, hold it, hoold iiiiitt. Now exhale) Sorry. I hate cards. Say what you want, but don't feel the need to send a card. Ok, if they want to send one that's fine but don't feel obligated. I'm just buying someone elses words so you can have this giant pile of cards to deal with or you're just going to throw it away. I hate cards.

Have a Great Day!!

 

[JPowell]

Morning gang!

  I've got a long list of things to do between now and next Sunday night as I leave early in the a m on the 10th for the flight to Des Moines.

Dick - Not sure if you can remember that far back, but I have been waiting on her and the kids since late November. And as for the Honey-Do lists... bring 'em on!

JimCG - I have space set aside already. Rememebr the diorama I was working on? Well, it happens to be on display on the fireplace mantle. I'm going to try and reserve some small space in a corner of my basement for something. Maybe a shelf layout.

RobbyP - Congrats! I hope you get the FedEx job and I also hope that things work out for you and the wife. My prayers are w/ you both!

Garry - Sorry to hear about your son and DIL. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this rough time.

Well gang....

Take care!

[pcarrell]

Mornin' all!

[BamaCSX83]

Morning all, just stopping in for a quick hello before heading off to work.  Not sure what I'm going to be doing today, my boss wanted me to take care of some stuff out at his farm, but I just checked the weather and radar and it looks like showers and thunderstorms for us for most of the day.  Oh well, I guess I'll just stop by the lab and see what I need to be doing, don't really feel like working out at the farm in the rain and storms, but if that's what I gotta do, I'll do it.  Well, I'm off, I guess I'll be seeing you fine people in the afternoon.

[Robby P.]

 Good morning. We are currently under a flood watch.  It also looks like a good bit of rain is coming.

 Well thanks for the good luck wishes yesterday.  FedEx never called, and it looks like I will have to call them again.  The wifes test came back 100% positive.  The doctor wants to do another blood test Saturday, her numbers were kinda low.  

 I got a email last night from MTW (you know, the pros), and you have to pay $20 for a yearly membership.  Now thats stupid.  I'm not paying $20.  Plus I spend more time on this website, and I like this one more.  

 AND it looks like the Cubs are in first again 

 I will be back in later, and have a good morning.

[blownout cylinder]

howmus

Barry would you like some more rain?  We are going to get plenty today if the weather guessers are right.....  That will put a major damper on the Engineering/Aerospace track today as they are assembling rockets and launching them...........

I think we had enough up here, thank you very much--Ray: At one camp I was working with a Frick/Frack pair were seperated by placing them at opposite ends of the camp on rocks---in the rain---made them think a little bit----gee, it might've been a bit better if---

[howmus]

Mornin' from beautifull, wet, drizzly, damp Camp Babcock-Hovey!

Barry would you like some more rain?  We are going to get plenty today if the weather guessers are right.....  That will put a major damper on the Engineering/Aerospace track today as they are assembling rockets and launching them...........

We have had a good camp but as usual you end up with a couple of campers who seem to want to keep everything stirred up in negative ways.  Last night Frick and Frack decided to lay in bed ans call other guys names and be obnoxious.  So they got to get back up and sit in the chairs at opposite ends of the main room for an hour or so (around midnight)  Of course we always have to have adult guidance and supervision in the Boy Scouts so it was a short night for the director of the SciTek Camp (I was also up until we got the problem under control).  Both these guys are Scouts as well....  They don't seem to understand "a Scout is Courteous!

I went in and sang my Friday morning Song at 7 this morning and guess who didn't seem to want to get out of bed........

This was us waiting to go to the campfire on Wednesday evening.  You may recognize the tourist way over on the right:

Hope you have a great day!

73

[LSWrr]

Good morning all, Dorothy and I have field box tickets to the Indians Vs. Tigers game tonight.  We got the 1” of rain in 2hours like Jeff was describing this morning, started about 0400 and still raining.

 Jeff, I recommend when you pray for rain request it in the form of a long soaking rain, not delivered in a flood.  Hope you guys get enough to relieve your drought but not enough you need a boat.

Tom, I think PRISER sells snakes and cats for your layout, which should keep the small mice out of those tunnels.  LOL.  I wonder how the mouse got up on the layout.

Since Jeff opened the diner I’ll have a stack of blueberry pancakes and a large coffee on his tab! Lee

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 Good morning.

It's 73 and cloudy. The high will be around 90 and there's a chance of rain.

We got about an inch of rain yesterday followed by a still to be measured amount last night. I'll check the rain gauge when I go down to my parents place later. I started work on Schultz's garage yesterday by painting the tan brick (yuck) walls a nice dull red, the doors a dirty white and the window frames green. On the sheriff's car I picked up yesterday I used a white paint pen to mask out the 'County Sheriff' on the hood, trunk and doors.

Today's Weather for:
Sundown, LA  71446-6114      7/31/2009

Heat Index:  77°F
Humidity:  100%
Dew Point:  72°F

So Far Today
High:  73°F
Low:  72°F
Rain:  0.18"
Rain Rate:  0.00"/h
Gust:  7mph WSW

Today  High: 90    Showers and thunderstorms likely. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds...heavy rainfall and frequent lightning. Highs around 90. Southwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

Tonight  Low: 75    Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 70s. South winds around 5 mph.