I'm another who enjoyed the eagle pictures. Back in the early 80's when I was the presiding officer of a fraternal organization, one of my programs was the presentation of birds of prey by a local & licensed rehabilitator. He brought a number of birds including a golden eagle, a hawk, an owl, etc. The highlight of the evening was watching the eagle fly from one end of the meeting room to the other a couple of times. An amazing thing to see that beautiful bird in flight up close.
Tom
Pittsburgh, PA
Good afternoon, ladies? double cheeseburger, fries, and a bucket of Coke please...yup, over at the RC as usual.
Well, seven pages into the latest Diner, I finally get to stop in (and not just run by the take-out window). As usual, looks like lots has been going on around here.
RAY: Thanks for tacking up the pics of the eagles...awesome doesn't even begin to cover it.
For those experiencing loss, directly or indirectly, our thoughts continue to go out to you.
JERRY: Hope they got your chair fixed.
JEFF: Interesting battle with the car. Glad you won!
ROBBY P: Good luck with FedEx, and another fine job (the Rock hopper).
I missed who it was that encountered a self-appointed food naaazi, but I loved the response! I have no time for anybody who deems it their business what I eat. Unfortunately, nannies are on the rise... I'll stop here before I go on a rant/soapbox/get political. I'll just say LIBERTY and FREEDOM...and leave it at THAT.
TODD: I brought some amonia inhallants (smelling salts) in last week...maybe they fell out during the move? With all your fainting spells in here of late, I'm wondering if we don't need a little oxygen set-up handy for ya... Glad you got some time in Toddland, of which I'm told, you are King.
SAWYER: Hey kiddo, sorry you got savaged so badly in the Weekend Photo Fun. "Artsy-Fartsy" shots are TOUGH...and sometimes the "vision" just don't come across from the creator to the viewer. Better luck next time. I was gonna suggest a little "bounce light" but someone else beat me to it...in a bit harsher tone than I woulda used. Practice, practice, practice, edit, edit, and edit somemore.
I have to go to Solon this evening for THAT editor. The Fire Dept. First Responders had a serious motorcycle accident last year, the rider as dead...but they got him back. During Solon Beef Days a few weeks ago, he walked into the station to say "thank you." THAT editor thinks it's a nice story, as do I. Then, I get to rush back to Clarence for our FD monthly meeting. I'll miss truck checking, and probably the dinner too (we have a group supper before our meetings...first place I've been that does that). Hopefully, they'll leave me something.
I'm a long way from "caught up" here...but will yield the floor as I get ready to hit the road.
Have a good-un,
Chris
The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!
Evening gang...
Not much new and exciting here in Syracuse....
Rob - I sent you a email about the items I'm getting... did you get it?
Take care ....
//signed// John Powell President / CEO CNY Transportation Corp (fictional)
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s303/nuts4sports34/
Hunter - When we met in January of 2000, you were just a 6 week old pup who walked his way into this heart of mine as the only runt in the litter who would come over to me. And today, I sit here and tell you I am sorry we had to put you down. It was the best thing for you and also the right thing to do. May you now rest in peace and comfort. Love, Dad. 8 June 2010
I love you and miss you Mom. Say hi to everyone up there for me. Rest in peace and comfort. Love, John. 29 March 2017
Evenin' floks!
Almost got the lawn finished (it would be done now except I had to visit the little room and I am now sitting at the computer.......). I have also spent some time painting rails at the back of the layout. i have the topside creeper in the room to add some details to the area so i figured I would hit the rails with some rust while I was there.
AmanaMedicRAY: Thanks for tacking up the pics of the eagles...awesome doesn't even begin to cover it.
Your are welcome Chris, and thanks for the complement! I am glad that many of you enjoyed them! The first pic of the Bald Eagle (back on page 4) was taken by the Committee Chairman of SciTek Quest Camp Vic Lonsberry. The other 3 on that post were taken by me. Most of the week we actually had 3 of us taking photos. I was the one who got to sort, reformat, crop, adjust color, and get them onto the website every night (or should I say early morning....). The photo of the Bald Eagle by Vic was without a doubt the best photo taken that week!
Back to mowing lawn!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Afternoon all from SunnyGettingCoolerCal:
The Low off of the coast is predicted to spin around for another five or six days, putting northern Cal about eight to ten degrees cooler than usual, this time of year. Oh, Gee, I'm in Mourning, LOL!
Actually, according to the weather people, we're supposed to have another El Nino year--the first in about five, which will mean a lot of rain for us and the southwest, and dryer than normal weather for the northwest and midwest. We'll see. Whatever, we can all blame it on California again . But I tell you, people, it's not the STATE, it's simply all the hot air rising from our incompetent Senate and House here in Sacramento. Let me know when the Recession starts easing out in your part of the country, okay? Becausej WE won't know for years, yet!
End of rant. Sorry about that.
Well, had to go to Kaiser in Roseville to renew my prescription for those little blue blood-pressure pills (you know, the ones I told you about with the VERY surprising side effects), and decided to drive down the block to Railroad Hobbies. Hadn't been there in a while. Found a Walther's Platinum Series Rio Grande caboose--an AUTHENTIC one with all of those Gawdawful little wire grabs pre-installed--and was looking around, when Mike, the owner came up and said, "Uh, we just got in a Rio Grande articulated." Of course, my eyes went to the size of saucers and I started drooling helplessly. He pointed to a red box in the New Product shelf. I looked at it. Proto 2000. Immediately shrugged. "Sorry, I've tried Heritage. They can't pull the tenders." He explained to me that this is their new release and they've improved the pulling power. I took the box to the counter, opened it up. There in all of its glory was a Rio Grande L-107 3500 series 2-8-8-2 1923 Alco compound USRA clone. Front-hung pumps. All the 'guts' on the outside. Beautiful. Just beautiful. Detail like expensive brass. Lettered for "DENVER AND RIO GRANDE WESTERN" with the herald, not the 'flying' Rio Grande. "Want me to run it for you?"
I sighed. Oh well--okay, I'm drooling again.
Beautiful. Just beautiful. Smooth, silent, it just looked up at me and said, "Take me home, Daddy."
Daddy did. Mike assured me that if it didn't meet my standards (a 2-8-8-2 should pull like a mule) that I could return it. Now THAT'S nice. But that's the people over there.
Well, let me tell you that locomotive is just a SWEETHEART! I am certainly changing my views about Proto--at least this baby. The max I normally run on my layout is about 25-30 cars because of my long 2% grades, but this lovely lady just crawled them right up there with no sweat whatsoever. She's a definite keeper. And she looks SOOOOOOO good with a train of Utah coal behind her.
Photos to follow, of course, as soon as I get around to it.
Unfortunately, the Walthers Rio Grande caboose is going to need MAJOR surgery on the underframe for clearance problems. Imagine that, a 30 foot wood caboose and right now it needs a radius comparable to a brass 4-12-2! If the prototype was like this model, Rio Grande couldn't even have gotten the thing out of Roper Yard in Salt Lake City! The trucks hang up on the inside of the steps. Did someone not NOTICE this when they designed it? It'll work, though. At $35.50, this little character is NOT going back for exchange. I mean, let's face it--RTR these days does NOT mean "Take it out of the box and set it on the tracks", right?
Oh, BTW, went back to Bel Air markets this afternoon for some more salad and sandwiches (and cat food--Spooky and Uff-Dah went on strike because I'd run out and had to feed them--GASP!--mere dry Friskies). While I was there, I got a lot of grins behind the Deli counter. Seems that the Food Nazi appears there about twice a week and 'critiques' what they have available for 'nourishment' content. Evidently I was the first one to bite her in the behind since she's been showing up (of course, the people behind the counter HAVE to smile and put up with that kind of garbage).
Not to drive this episode into the ground, but is it just me, or have women suddenly decided that their food intake has to be DIFFERENT than men, and are trying to 'bring' us over to their often very WEIRD idea of what is edible and/or not? I've noticed at school in the faculty dining room, myself and my fellow male teachers head for the meat and potatoes and veggies and the women all crowd around the salad bar. Well, we get salads too, but little ones, not the entire MEAL! It's gotten so that a lot of times males and females eat at seperate tables just so they don't have to witness us gnawing on pork chops or chicken legs while they dab at their lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and (gag!) eggplant. Very weird. Hey, ladies, of COURSE we're different. But let us eat what we like without a Critique, okay?
Dang, I went on a Rant again. Sorry about that.
Anyhow, as soon as I get the camera up and at 'em, I'll post pictures of my new Rio Grande #3508. I sure like her. And if she's any example of the new Proto 2000 jobs, I like Proto, too.
Best to all, prayers to those in need.
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
Good evening gents.............hi Cloe!
A Root Beer Float (aka RBF) for me, make it a double please Cloe, I have been in the hot sun all day weeding and spreading cut grass in the garden, and I am de-hydrated!! I'm very happy that my wife loves to run the lawn tractor with the trak-vac to gather the cut grass for the garden, that saves me a lot of time.
TMarshDick- I put two ME brdges together. I was also pleased with the models. and very reasonably priced for the quality too.
TODD: I would definitely purchase another bridge kit from ME, the kit takes time, you have to have patience, a steady hand, good eyesight, and the right tools.
T WHITE: That was quite a come-back!!! LOL However, I wonder what YOU would have said if she answered in the "positive" to your question? LOL LOL hehehehehehehe.
MRR PROGRESS : The 150 foot bridge spans (5 total) are all assembled now, and the shoes are attached at each end. Now, they say it is best to paint and weather the bridge before the next steps, which are to assemble the 3' bridge section tracks and guard rails. So, painting has begun.
RAY: You are having too much fun !! Thanks for all the great photos, very enjoyable to view, makes you feel that you are actually there.
ROB: Nice work on the scenery construction.
J.R. : Have you selected the new furnace yet? The new ones on the market are very impressive, and very efficient. Two of my younger sons have the same new furnace and the are demand furnaces, they only come on when calling for heat, and they heat up VERY fast.Unlike the older ones like I have that keep the water always hot in the boiler to a min level.
JEFF: Did you see the special email from Atlas? $19 for Diesel Switchers, 3 brands?
Later guys,
Hello…I’m glad to see the diner has been busy. It takes a while to read all your posts. Thanks again for comments of encouragement on the loss of our unborn grandchild. I’ll add Eric and Inch to the list of those kind hearted people who commented.
Jerry.. The circus train looks good. I’m sad to learn about your brother having chemo. Prayers for him. Did the power chair guy fix your chair this afternoon. Perhaps, you are now doing wheelies and donuts if he did. Be careful.
Inch …Sorry to hear about your FIL’s lung infection. Prayers for him. Prayers also for your 6 year old nephew. That’s not good, I hope the ham ‘n’ beans are good this year.
Jeff…. Your car repair story reminds me of many such stories I can relate to. I suspect many others have had such troubles. I have my famous “15-minute projects” that are extended for many hours by none other than Mr. Murphy himself.
Barry … Watch out for Spring! He goes from hopper to keyboard to …who knows what is next?
Dick … I’m glad you got sprue 12 and the 4-4-0 is now at the LHS.
Todd … You sound busy making those buildings for the layout.
Nik ….. Sorry to hear about your 2nd cousin having cancer. Prayers for him.
Bridge Tom …. You figured out where I got the picture of the 2-10-10-10-10-10-2! Yes, it was in my Santa Fe book, Iron Horses of the Santa Fe Trail. It was one that never made the trail. There were some really interesting drawings on those pages of the book. I enjoyed your eating story. So you were drooling at the LHS! How many here can relate to that? Did the 4-6-6-4 ever arrive?
JR ….. I’m certainly glad I did not have to move the boiler. Wow! I’m glad progress is being made at your house.
Ray… I really enjoyed your sharing the camp photos. What a great experience for those young people!
Rob ……. Nice progress on the HO layout. Looking forward to seeing the hospital.
Robby …. Best of luck at Fed Ex interview. The Rock hopper is great!
JP….. Well, well, well…… hmmm…. A baby? …..uh, oh!
Jim CG …. The track plan looks really interesting. Operations should be fun!
Chris… Glad you could take time to be here.
Pittsburgh Tom … It is good to see you here too!
Has anyone seen Sue, Paul, Ed, Fergie ???????
Duke is asleep. Don’t worry about him.
The economy got so bad the dealer of off-road 4 wheelers closed and all their stuff was auctioned off. Imagine a town in KY without a dealer for those things. It’s rough going now.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Hi GARRY, I received an email from Fergie, he is still alive and well. Ithought he might be in training to become an Ice Road Trucker in Alaska on the Dalton highway to Deadhorse at Prudho Bay. Gald to see your back home safe and sound, how is Shelley doing? I do hear from Ed in email, Red Sox stuff and some politics etc., he is well.
Tall glass of cool lemon water, please.
***JP, just got back in tonight. Check your e-mail. Thanks!
***Tom, Congrats on the Proto. Hope you have better luck than I ever did with that brand in N scale. At least my little 0-8-0 still runs. Two Berks in a row turned out to be total junk! Looks are to die for but worthless beyond siding ornaments. Always wanted one of the Proto mallets, but after the Berk experiences??? Your's is HO though, yes?
Picked up "Melissa's Diner" on the-bay tonight, but looks like I'll have to place an order for the other items the wife wants to finish out her town. Made some progress on her IRS building Hospital today. Most of it is painted now. She approves.
Rob
Heartland Division CB&QBarry … Watch out for Spring! He goes from hopper to keyboard to …who knows what is next?
Well, let's see. He already has jumped the top of the kitchen cupboards from one side to the other. He also jumps the bookcases and has walked on the top edge of the doors here. He's also tried to get in behind the record collection to snuggle up in the space back there----meh, nothing would surprise me now--
Heartland Division CB&Q The economy got so bad the dealer of off-road 4 wheelers closed and all their stuff was auctioned off. Imagine a town in KY without a dealer for those things. It’s rough going now.
Ayupm---really rough sounding that-------with these things you never know---be a tough season of sleddin'----
----------------------------------------------------------
JimRC: Looks like an interesting plan----should be interesting to piece together
Anyone hear from ULRICH?
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
grayfox1119JEFF: Did you see the special email from Atlas? $19 for Diesel Switchers, 3 brands?
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
AmanaMedicSAWYER: Hey kiddo, sorry you got savaged so badly in the Weekend Photo Fun. "Artsy-Fartsy" shots are TOUGH...and sometimes the "vision" just don't come across from the creator to the viewer. Better luck next time. I was gonna suggest a little "bounce light" but someone else beat me to it...in a bit harsher tone than I woulda used. Practice, practice, practice, edit, edit, and edit somemore.
Hey, it happens, lol. Next time I'll do better.
What's real funny is they came out EXACTLY how I wanted them to.
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
Hello Sawyer ... I think I left you off my list of posts I replied to. Sorry. Unintentional. Sounds like you are having fun. That's what the hobby is for. Cheers!
Heartland Division CB&QHello Sawyer ... I think I left you off my list of posts I replied to. Sorry. Unintentional. Sounds like you are having fun. That's what the hobby is for. Cheers!
lol, thanks. I'm taking a break though, hanging out at the beach this week. i have been sketching several new trackplan ideas though.
(yawn) Nothing for me thank you I'm heading to bed.
Weather guessers say it's suppose to warm up in a few days. Hey Tom, I guess that means there'll be a westerly wind crossing your state capital heading our way?? I take it your pleased with the 2-8-8-2. I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for the photos. Women will be women and I refuse to say more for fear that my post may be read by my BETTER HALF. I mean THREE QUARTERS. ....dear.
Chris- Oh, I uh see you noticed that I happen to be king of Toddland. How did you find out?
Garry- I sound busier than I am. If I don't do something at least to start I'll forget my ideas. That is usually what I do, start. Finishing now that's another story. Besides my whole life has been filled with projects started and never completed I figure why stop now! And what do you mean a Kentucky town with no 4-wheeler dealer. Where's those smelling salts Chris brought in? Is Sally still dong well? She is still in my prayers.
Sawyer- Good attitude. Some older folks could learn from you. Not everyone gets things the first time and some can't admit it after they find out what it's about.
Looks like the MTW thread is no more. I actually kinda enjoyed that one. Interesting the way some people will justify the things they do. Ya know, maybe they should take a class on educating people like they claim to be such experts at doing. Ah well. 'tis over. Crandell was right it wasn't going to do anything but get out of control. I could see it coming. Let's see what will I do with the $20?Heeeeeeyyy, that's a bit more that the Route (?) Diner I've been looking at. Hmmm.
Prayers for those in need.
Todd
Central Illinoyz
In order to keep my position as Master and Supreme Ruler of the House, I don't argue with my wife.
I'm a small town boy. A product of two people from even smaller towns. I don’t talk on topic….. I just talk.
Well, just figured I'd stop in to see how everyone's been doing, Ya, a "blast from the past".
I could really do w/ a nice ice cold coffee, cream and sugar . Nice that "summer" has finally decide to show around these parts.
Not doing too much with the trains still, am working on a few of those old projects, Detailing 4 Stewart WM F units and decoders in a few new locos that have been laying around unopened for about a year.
I'm not the scenery chair at the club anymore, but do try to stop in to help out. Tonight I had to show some of the new scenery guys the methods used to match my rock painting to finish up a rather sizable rock cut. That's the one that used those Cripplebush rubber rocks.
All is well here on the homefront.
W**k has only picked up a little bit,with this economy. Just thankful a fantastic lead came my way from my supplier (door, window specialty). Was able to keep a crew going for install of get this. A custom '80s vintage home needing replacement of 14 Andersen factory ordered white oak frenchwood sliders and 7 Velux skylights. Brazilian cherry, teak and white oak flooring throughout. Whew, that's a lot of stain matching and finish coats. Looks like some decent prospects on the horizon, maybe we might be seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.....
Great to see a lot of new faces
Need to get up to speed with the goings on. This diner sure does some serios moving, Next time let's just leave the switcher coupled, the move will be easier.....
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
Well I see I got the TOP, hasn't happened in some time. Go for it anything you like, on me.
Good Morning
We've got that ol' 60% chance of showers and those t'underboomers today. Winds up to 60kmh from the SW as well. Right now it is clear and 22C going to a high of 28C. Tonights low will be 11C with tomorrow being sunny and 24C.
Got the ol' report staring at me when I get to work this morning. Hence my being up so early. Once this thing is presented Thursday I got one more day--that being Friday--and then I'm off until after Labour Day!!
Nice to see you here boqp40
When I get back home today I've got to do some more garden work and see whether I get some MR time today--heeheehee
Flo, I'll have a coffee and an orange please---I'll be at the RC for a bit--
Morning Folks
Chloe, Oatmeal and a apple spice tea please..
The Scratch Builders Grab Bag came today. The big items are the two NYC Hudsons. The tenders don't have the decoders but the one engine I took apart runs if I jump the motor connection. Time for a test light.... Also in the assortment of the junk, er ah, parts is a tender chassis with the decoder attached, may have possibilities. The box also in cluded a Western Maryland F unit cab and 3 B unit cabs, same in Sante Fe. Anyone interested in these, I can post some pics. they have stainless grills and most detail attached but missing some step ladders on the sides.
Well, breakfast is here. I'll be in the back booth looking at schematics.
Eric
BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret) L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes
Good morning All,
64 and foggy just now with partial sun and a high of 88F predicted. For sure it was sticky last evening painting at the house. I'll have regular coffee and a glazed donut please.
Bob - good to see you stop in. Glad you're surviving ok in the "downturn". Things are not going that well over this way with most of the contractors we know laying low for the time being. We've been busy in the shop but not much new work on tap just now.
Lee - you may keep your rain if you please. The basements just staarting to dry up enough that I can think about knocking off the loose cement and patching and rewater plugging the walls and wall/floor joints.
Hope the rest of you are well and my prayers for those in need. CUL, J.R.
Good morning, another nice sunny day.
Well the interview is at 10:30 this morning, and I hope it goes well. Other than that, not to much planned.
The wife had to get more blood work done this morning. I believe thats three times in a week. Her first numbers were about 950 (normally the first test is in the 100-200 range), and yesterdays numbers were 550. A step in doctor (the other doc is off), and this doctor is kinda confused on the numbers. Being that high sometimes means twins . We will know more later today, on where the numbers stand. I hope they aren't going down much further.
Well Ihope everybody has a good day, and I will be back in later.
"Rust, whats not to love?"
Good morning.It's 73 and there's a light fog. The high will be around the mid 90's and it will be partly cloudy.Had a close call yesterday. I went to town to do some grocery shopping. As I approached a somewhat dangerous intersection at the south end of town near Wal-Mart the traffic light went to yellow, so I slowed to stop. Behind me I hear a load racket and look in the mirror to see a fully loaded (probably over-loaded) log truck barreling toward me with the brakes locked. I can see there's no way it's going to stop in time so I punched the gas and threaded the needle between two cars crossing the intersection at the same time that the truck brushes my bumper. That's one time that I was more than happy to run a red light. Hopefully today will be less eventful.Today's Weather for:Sundown, LA 71446-6114 8/4/2009Heat Index: 79°FHumidity: 99%Dew Point: 74°FSo Far TodayHigh: 78°FLow: 73°FRain: 0.00"Rain Rate: 0.00"/hGust: 6mph NNEToday High: 98 Sunny. Highs in the upper 90s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.Tonight Low: 75 Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 70s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
Jeff.......Maybe you should stop going near/at Wal-Mart. Seems like you always get into a demo-derby. Goot thing it missed you thou. I've done that a few times myself.
Good morning folks.
Since it's my day off I thought I would stop in for a cup of coffee. Today I should have plenty of time to continue the building of my freight house. It's the Walthers water street freight terminal. It should turn out looking quite nice.
I've found that I'm spending a lot more time building models this summer than last winter. Maybe it's because I'm not stumped on every single step like the trestle section. I think it also has to do with a childhood memory of mine. In the end of summer after playing baseball, I would sit in my basement bedroom and build models while listening to a Twins game. This year I have really enjoyed myself while building models and listening to the game. Though the Twins aren't doing so well right now, it's still very relaxing. Who knows, I may just be reliving my childhood again around trains. I guess that's enough deep thoughts by Jack Handy!
I hope everyone has a great day. I'm still drinking large amounts of coffee while thinking about what to do!
Robby! Twins? That would be awesome! Hope it works out for you! Prayers for both (all) of you!
Inch, I don't know what to say. You are all in my prayers.
Bob K., Long time no see! Good to hear you're keeping busy!
Mornin' everyone!
Chloe I'll have a cup of dark roast coffee in a FGLK mug and a short stack of blueberry pancakes with a side of bacon. Oh and since Barry is having an Orange this morning, you can bring me a "yellow". Need to eat my fruit you know. Oh I love yellows! So did Beethoven you know. Yep, he ate one almost every morning. He even wrote a symphony about them. Really! You may have heard it. It starts out with, "Ban an an na!" OK, I'll shut up and go sit with Barry at the Rivet Counter.
Jeffrey glad you got through the light between the two cars and not into the two cars...... How did the log truck make out?
I have almost all day to finish up some details on the layout. So I'll finish my breakfast and get busy!
howmusJeffrey glad you got through the light between the two cars and not into the two cars...... How did the log truck make out?
Good Morning All....It is cloudy and 80 here with T-storm warning out just to our south..I'll have coffee and toast this morning please...Thank You..Service Man from Hooveround came yesterday PM both axles were broke..He said He didn't know how the chair was moving at all..I am going to get a new chair but with Medicare regs say I have to wait 90 days after this service work..I kinda hate to give up on old chair but it has alot of miles...I got 10 resin cars and trucks in mail yesterday probaly gonna start on a couple today..Also got a sample of No-Ox track cleaner..Anybody used it?..posta be good stuff..Eric that scratch builders grab bag sounds great..where did you order that from? Wonder if they have them in N scale?...You all have a good one..Jerry