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Elliot's Trackside Diner, Mark XVIII Locked

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  • Member since
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  • From: Marion, Iowa
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Posted by AmanaMedic on Monday, September 21, 2009 12:47 PM

Good afternoon....ladies? double cheeseburger basket please, yep, with a Coke at the RC please 'n thankya.

 Well Gents, finally made it back in here for a bit...as usual, missed a lot of stuff; but I think we're up to speed again.

SAWYER: Just saw your videos...funny! I'd rather watch productions like yours, than some geek in a polo shirt...anyday. Your Mother hollarin' the dinner-call added just the touch to the show Laugh. You and my wife have something in common: "awwww crap." That's as close as she gets to swearing...unless a) she's gone and did trauma to herself, or b) she's REALLY mad. #83 Vickers 'eh? I'm thinking he wrecked "Shrub" Busch earlier this season...if so, he gets a Thumbs Up from me. Kenseth never had a chance this year...Rousch-Fenway is way-screwed up. I'm hoping he gets at least one more win this season...but it's not looking good. If anything, he'll win the final race, and be standing all alone as everybody goes to slap Johnson on the back for another championship. Hey...it's happened before.

JEFF: I like the new water tank...I was wondering if it would be a water supply for your FD...and waddayaknow...it IS! Great minds think alike...Smile,Wink, & Grin Glad Mr. Ruger was able to send the offending snake to the nether-world.

I HATE snakes. I know timber rattlers are common in the bluffs near and around Anamosa, and along the Mississippi... haven't even seen as much as a garter snake around here though...and THAT is OK with me!

Was busy with w**k last week, especially Friday. It was POW/MIA Recognition Day, and the Solon High School hosted several WW2 vets telling their stories of captivity. It was...incredible... I have no idea how I'm going to write this up. What was most amazing, was the humor, the stories of how our guys screwed with the Germans or Japs. I thought I was hearing a script reading for Hogan's Heroes at times...Thumbs Up I also had another football game to shoot. Nothin' finer on a Friday night than w**kin' up and down the sidelines under the lights. Saturday was a car show (oh darn...), yesterday was SLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP and a little w**k on the RR stuff.

The Pressuraide hopper is waiting for a Dullcote resupply, and I've started on an Atlas Trainman PS-2 2-bay I grabbed during the one-day online store sale a week or so ago. It's BN...so I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to justify it hauling cement in Cedar Rapids. The 2 plants (off-layout) were Lehigh Cement and Northwestern States Portland Cement...both with major plants in Mason City (CNW, SOO). I spent some time searching both companies on the 'net, hoping for something showing all the manufacturing sites and looking for at least one on the BN.

No luck. I found quite a bit of info...just not what I was looking for.Sigh

So........the BN hopper may well be a "pool" car assigned to Lehigh Cement in Mason City, Iowa.

Yep...I have to find a justification for any/all freight cars. I also got an IMCX CenterFlo...it will be assigned to hauling mineral products to the (also off-layout) Vigertone Feeds plant. Trouble is, the only pics I've found so far...were taken after IMCX cars were repainted red. Atlas made theirs gray... *grumble grumble grumble*

Well, lunchtime is over ("time is an illusion, lunchtime doubly so" - Ford Prefect, "Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy" so will yield the floor and get back to w**k. Photo editing/processing from the weekend, captions, maybe starting on the articles, "should" try to get some phone calls made... and I think, Fire Dept. training session tonight.

Have a good rest of the day,

ChrisEight Ball

The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!

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Posted by TMarsh on Monday, September 21, 2009 12:01 PM

howmus
Just a second, I have to turn on the hearing aids..... 

Ah HAH! So that's why you're always smiling! Laugh I SAID, SO THAT'S...... oh never mind.WinkClown

PC- Sounds like you sure had fun. I'm at the church now so I'll check out the pics later.

 

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. Laugh

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Posted by pcarrell on Monday, September 21, 2009 11:32 AM

Hey all!

I had what has to be, one of the best weekends I've had in a long time!  I took my wife and son camping at a bike rally.  Unfortunately my daughter had to stay home as she had school.  The rally used to be a BMW bike rally, but a couple of years ago they opened it up to other makes.  As such, it was still 95% BMW's, but that isn't a bad thing.  Those are some really unique bikes, ya know?  What they can do with only 500cc's is amazing!  I got pic's of every bike in attendence except one Honda Shadow (too bad, 'cause it was really nice too!).  We had a host of BMW's (from 1958 -2009), that Honda Shadow, a brand new Harley Crossbones, and not just one, but TWO, YES TWO Drifters!  Mine, and the host of the rally.  He had a beautiful custom painted blackout bike.  It was blue and white, with sparkles in the white and ghosted flames in the blue.  Really sharp lookin'!  Check it out.......

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j319/pcarrell/Drifter/Darlington%20Mini-Rally/IMG_0792.jpg

I've got a link if you want to see more pics of the rally.  It's here (the guest login is "Drifter"): http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j319/pcarrell/Drifter/Darlington%20Mini-Rally/ .  There are 3 pages of pics.

Anyways, thought I'd pop in and say hi....so.......HI!

Oh, and John's bike and my bike do look good together!  (And John & I have another interest in common too......he's an engineer for CSX!)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j319/pcarrell/Drifter/Darlington%20Mini-Rally/IMG_0820.jpg

Philip
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Posted by howmus on Monday, September 21, 2009 10:28 AM

Mornin' everyone!

Zoe I'll have a short stack of local buckwheat pancakes with NYS Maple Syrup and a side of bacon.  Oh, also my usual dark roast in a FGLK Mug.  I'll join Barry at the Rivet Counter.

So Barry, I here you have bats in your belfry???  

I see Jeffrey is all wet trying to hook up pipes to the water tower!  Next time turn on the water last.....Whistling  BTW, we used to see copperheads all the time when I lived in Waverly, NY.  We pretty much just left them alone unless they were living close to buildings, etc.  They are the least toxic of the pit vipers and seldom even strike unless provoked.  Now the Timber Rattlers we get over in the Bristol Hills we don't see often as they tend to avoid being around people.  They can be bad news.  All other snakes around this area are constrictors.  I got bit by a very large grass snake back about 30 years ago at a Boy Scout camp.  Washed out the wound well, and had no problems, but it hurt like .........!  I used to walk around the camp on Wednesdays when the parents would come to visit with a small grass snake in my shirt pocket.  Used to completely freak out some of the parents.  I would take it out of my pocket and let it snuggle up in my hands and show them that they are actually very friendly and not dangerous.

J.R. hope your mom does well with the eye surgery.

TMarsh
But still fun. Depends on what you want. Right Ray?

 

Huh?  Just a second, I have to turn on the hearing aids.....  Oh, yep absolutely!  Are we having fun yet?

Speaking of having fun......  I hope to get a bunch more photos of the layout today and start compiling the ones I will use for the judging and certificate application into the paperwork.

Guess I should get going and gert some things done.....  Later!

73

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

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Posted by Cox 47 on Monday, September 21, 2009 10:14 AM

Good Morning...Its cloudy after a rainy sunday..Crawford county just south of here got 4 1/2 inches with flooding on Hiway 133 between Oblong and Robinson..I'll have coffee and acouple of the glazed dougnuts please...Thank You..Nice job painting water tower Jeff...Sallie has Pain Management at hospital after Her treatment this PM gonna be a long day for Her..I am working on a deal for another LL SW8 don't need it but love those little switchers..Inch sounds like you had a nice trip...You all have a good one...Jerry

ILLinois and Southern...Serving the Coal belt of southern Illinois with a Smile...
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Posted by TMarsh on Monday, September 21, 2009 8:08 AM

Good Morning. Coffee and a couple, no make it six, glazed donuts please. Thank You.

Let's see what's happened since I was here last. Made another change to the track plan. I think I like it better for my overall scheme of things. Moves the track across the dry creek bed and a bit farther away from Gold Creek. My plan is a sort of twice around sorta thing.... Kinda. I did find some graph paper and am working on transferring what I have to the paper. Then, if the scanner works properly, I shall scan and post here so you can see what a plan looks like that wasn't planned. All you folks who think "gee just let me get some track down and run some trains then add on later maybe" Take hede,head, heade, heed, whatever. Actually for a guy like me who just likes to run a train and likes working on the thing, it's not that bad. Operationally speaking, not so great. But still fun. Depends on what you want. Right Ray?

Lee- You are dubbed the King of Great Buys.Bow

Barry- We don't have many poisonous snakes round here. Just Water Moccasins (Cotton Mouths), and small children selling magazine subscriptions. There are Copperheads in these parts, but it is such an uncommon event to see one that, when on the rare occasion they are seen, they are almost like some sort of super snake worthy of gawking at and showing every one. Before they get the club or bullet or ax like the rest. I said "uncommon", not "welcomed". Oddly enough I've never seen anyone take after a snake with a chainsaw. Confused

J.R.- Your Mother is gladly added to the list. Wishing her good luck and Angelthe surgeon has a steady hand.

Welp, the laundry calls and I've got some stuff to do today so,

Ya'll Have a Great Day!!! Big Smile

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. Laugh

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  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Monday, September 21, 2009 7:54 AM

 Good morning.

It's 74 and cloudy. The high will be in the high 80's and there's a chance of rain.

Got most of the painting done on the water tank yesterday. I used a mix of gray primer, flat black and red primer and covered it all with a coat of Clear Flat. However it's still not finished. I still have make the top hatch and install it and the ladder. I've been looking through my junk box for pieces I can use to make a pump station to put at the tanks base but it's looking like I'll have to scratch build one. Got and appointment with the foot doc today then two more doc appointments over the next two days, one in DeRidder and one in Leesville. My cable internet went out at about 6:30 last night and was still out at 10:00. It was however back on this morning. Typical for the level of service we have here.

Today's Weather for:
Sundown, LA  71446-6114      9/21/2009

Heat Index:  77°F
Humidity:  98%
Dew Point:  71°F

So Far Today
High:  76°F
Low:  72°F
Rain:  0.00"
Rain Rate:  0.00"/h
Gust:  0mph NNE

Through 9 AM...a band of showers will continue to produce anywhere from a few sprinkles to a few hundredths of an inch of rain over southeast Texas...southwest Louisiana and central Louisiana.

Today  High: 88    Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning...then partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight  Low: 72    Partly cloudy early in the evening then becoming mostly cloudy. A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 70s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


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Posted by Robby P. on Monday, September 21, 2009 7:54 AM

 Good morning.  Seems like we might get some rain today, a few more months and that will be snow.

 Well the Steelers lost, thanks to the kicker.  Banged Head

 I will try to work on the layout some today.   Maybe even weather myself a car.

 Hope everybody has a good day.

 

 

 "Rust, whats not to love?"      

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Posted by GMTRacing on Monday, September 21, 2009 7:31 AM

Good Morning All,

   40's and foggy this morning on my way in. I('ll have a regular and a blueberry muffin please. spent the last two days doing trims and stain/poly on the house. My daughter moved in to homestead, my youngest is good to go as well and the CFO and I are just waiting on the bedroom set we ordered to show up (four day delivery a week ago). till have the kitchen backsplash and more downstairs trimwork to do but we're real close. After we're in we'll deal with the basement and garage - the basement before winter, the garage whenever.

   In the midst of all this my mom goes in for her scheduled cornea transplant tomorrow so a mention for her in your prayers would be appreciated (she's a very spry 89). My sister is taking her to Halifax for the operation and staying there til she's released and friends will keep an eye on the house. There are lots of good people up in Nova Scotia.

Tom - that's a tragedy. Our prayers for the two surviving sons. Sometimes the actions of others are just indecipherable.

No snakes here lately but we've a variety of critters in the house and especially the garage over the years. Racoons, opossum and my favorite (and right after the possum moved from under the garage) an albino skunk. Stumble out the door in the fog first thing in the morning and try and spot that !

   Gotta get back to it in the shop, I'll catch y'all later.   J.R.

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Posted by blownout cylinder on Monday, September 21, 2009 7:02 AM

LSWrr
Jeff, I’m glad that snake wasn’t in my kitchen all I have is a 306 and a 12ga. That water tank looks nice, I’m sure the citizens of Sundown will appreciate the upgraded water pressure!

I'm glad that we don't see snakes like that up here----mississauga rattlers are enough thankyou very much! Actually, the only place you see them up here is around the muskoka region----Now, bats? That is another issue---

LSWrr
I picked up a NIB 0-6-0 w/slope back tender for $15 and 2 three dome tank car kits NIB paid $21 for the whole lot last Saturday night, not a bad haul.

That is an EXCELLENT haul!Yeah!!

LSWrr
Jim, it is huge; its two and a half of my layouts connected by about 45 feet of 4 track main.  Running at ½ throttles it takes 15 minuets to deliver a 30 car train to the other side.  The connecting mainline  climbs up about a 2% grade then descends at a 1% grade, then climbs again (under the second layout) before you can deliver your train to the local yard.

That layout sounds like it would be one to check out. I like the idea of the varying grades---some people just throw 1 grade in their layout and that's it. What kind of fast clock time does he use?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good Morning--

Nice and dull and rainy today--in fact, they are calling for this for the week. yay. Sigh

Got work this afternoon then classes for the evening--be a rather busy fellow this yearWhistling I'm going to have to do some fast LHS visits in the morning hours-----or summat---Sigh I'll have more money for evilbay by the looks of things----not that I find much on it---aherm---coff coff--Blindfold

Chloe, I'll have a coffee and egg on a muffin please---I'll be at the RC and watch the morning switcher do its thing---Smile,Wink, & Grin

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/

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Monday, September 21, 2009 6:48 AM

LSWrr
Jeff, That water tank looks nice, I’m sure the citizens of Sundown will appreciate the upgraded water pressure!

Unfortunately it's not for the town but for the fire dept and the engine house next door. At 5,000 gallons a pop the fire dept could drain it in 20 loads. Nice thing though is that it will be refilled with water pumped from an artesian aquifer.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


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Posted by LSWrr on Monday, September 21, 2009 6:07 AM
Good morning,

Jeff, I’m glad that snake wasn’t in my kitchen all I have is a 306 and a 12ga. That water tank looks nice, I’m sure the citizens of Sundown will appreciate the upgraded water pressure!

I picked up a NIB 0-6-0 w/slope back tender for $15 and 2 three dome tank car kits NIB paid $21 for the whole lot last Saturday night, not a bad haul.  Harley, the owner of the layout was scratch building wooden interlocking pads made from scale 4x12 lumbers.  These pads are used to keep heavy equipment from sinking into soft dirt (MOW equipment); when I asked him why he was making them he said he saw these in the NS yard on a bulkhead flat car, and no rail road is going to have a load not modeled on his layout!  Now that is a model railroader!  The pads look easy enough; maybe I’ll give them a try.

Jim, it is huge; its two and a half of my layouts connected by about 45 feet of 4 track main.  Running at ½ throttles it takes 15 minuets to deliver a 30 car train to the other side.  The connecting mainline  climbs up about a 2% grade then descends at a 1% grade, then climbs again (under the second layout) before you can deliver your train to the local yard.

Scratch built single light search light signals: For $1.50 in materials I built working R/G/A block signals last night.  I tested them and all is well.  If you can solder 2 wires together and can paint plastic parts you can build them as well.  I plan to make a short power point how to so I can share the project with you guys.

 

BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret)
 L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes

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Posted by Packer on Sunday, September 20, 2009 9:31 PM

Sawyer, I saw that. Why is it we end up loosing to the bad teams, yet do good on the good teams?

I got off next saturday, so I'm going to P-cola to see about a jar for my airbrush (if I don't, I'll use the 50% off coupon I have for AC moore on a Badger) and get some kadee #47s, some whiskers, some 33" metal wheelsets and a few decoders with the 9-pin plug. Maybe I'll see if anything intresting is going on at the CSX yard or what's up with that Frisco steamer (SLSF 2-8-2 #1355), maybe hit the old l&N depot in Milton.

Vincent

Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....

2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.

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Posted by inch53 on Sunday, September 20, 2009 9:11 PM

 

Evening, just a quick stop during half time, so an irish coffee ta-goes please Flo.

Bridge Tom,,,, terrible news, our thoughts go out to the boys and all family n friends.

Good deal with your being able to run engines tandem. Liked the photo's also.

 

We had great trip up the Monticello museum's railroad days yesterday, got lots pics [bouts 90 digital and 60 on film]. Here's a few to start off with.

A SOO Line speeder [that's Deb sittin in it waiting on our ride].

 An NKP heavy weight

Some more heavy weights

And finish up with some live steam runs.


I'll try n stop by n catch up some tomorrow maybe. Hope ya'll has a good night

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/4309

DISCLAIMER-- This post does not clam anything posted here as fact or truth, but it may be just plain funny
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Posted by Packers#1 on Sunday, September 20, 2009 7:41 PM

TMarsh

Sawyer- Just watched the video, I wouldn't worry about the "S" curve too much it looks like you gave enough straight between the curves to allow a car to straighten out and take it out if the "S" curve catagory. Besides, I've got an "S" and I've heard others talk of them and they aren't necessarily the terrible train dumping demons they're made out to be. I would check it out with everything you have to be sure before you attach the track to the board but you may not have any troubles. It must depend mostly on how sharp the curves are. Oh by the way, I hope you didn't miss out on dinner that night.Smile,Wink, & Grin

 

Thanks man. Everything I got should run through fine, lol.

And don't worry, I made it to dinner, haha. had a nice big cheeseburger! Big Smile

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

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Posted by TMarsh on Sunday, September 20, 2009 7:30 PM

Sawyer- Just watched the video, I wouldn't worry about the "S" curve too much it looks like you gave enough straight between the curves to allow a car to straighten out and take it out if the "S" curve catagory. Besides, I've got an "S" and I've heard others talk of them and they aren't necessarily the terrible train dumping demons they're made out to be. I would check it out with everything you have to be sure before you attach the track to the board but you may not have any troubles. It must depend mostly on how sharp the curves are. Oh by the way, I hope you didn't miss out on dinner that night.Smile,Wink, & Grin

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. Laugh

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Posted by howmus on Sunday, September 20, 2009 7:28 PM

Evening Folks!

Just a cup of decafe for me, Flo.  I'll go sit at the rivet counter.

'Nuther great day out at the museum.  I played Museum Guide most of the day.  We had a busy day.  Probably a couple hundred visitors.   We were using the 80 tonner for motive power today.  At the end of the day I took a cab ride up and down the track a couple times.  Actually got invited to take the controls....  I passed as I haven't had the necessary pretraining yet.  The trainer (Museum Member) is also a liscenced Engineer who either does or has worked for the railroad.  Had a good chat with him about hearing and my running a loco.  He says he can't understand anything in the old cabs we have himself as there is so much engine noise all the time.  He says most of the new locos out there are very quiet and one can easily carry on a conversation without shouting. 

Got home a bit late from there.... My kitties were not happy to get lunch so late.  Then the phone rings and it is an upset son on the other end.  He wanted to know if I was alright.  Seems I missed my Grandniece's 3rd. birthday party today.  I had told them i would be there..............  Ah well.AngryBlack Eye  I sent an apology via email to my niece.

Hope you all are having a great day!  Haven't had a chance to read everything yet.

73

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

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Posted by TMarsh on Sunday, September 20, 2009 7:05 PM

Hi it's me I'm back. Hot chocolate please. I know it's rushing the season but as I look out the window at the dreary cold looking early evening. It just seems right. Got about 1 ½ inches rain today around the noon time frame. You know what a rainy day does. Ended up taking a two hour nap. Woke up and headed to the basement to do some train work. Not a lot to report but I got some progress going. Worked a little on the bank, the passenger station and decided to not attach the small building with the Life-Like Supply House and use it as a separate structure for a piece of land between the bank and the turnout. Don't know what it was yet, but now it's an old building the village uses to store stuff. I was debating on putting the water tower there but there would not be room for the firehouse. It's a triangle piece of land that isn't really suited for anything other than say the water tower, or..... that buiding. So by putting this building there I can then leave the water tower behind the future firehouses spot. I like the idea of the firehouse near the water tower. The larger building will be my small local packing plant I believe, unless of course I find a better building, but I'm kinda partial to this one.

Jim- Wasn't sleeping then. I guess the Big Guy figured these people needed you more than you needed the rest. Good advice to Joe, until I got this truck in ‘94, I always had 4X4's. Great for starting to move in the snow and goopy slushy icey crud, but, now Joe, pay attention, they don't stop any better. Many people don't realize that and think they can pull out in front of you cause you can stop. Can you say Wham!!?

Another thing we always said about 4 wheel drive. In addition to everything else you get, you also get this false sense of invincibility. That, of course, adds about $100 to the tow bill to get you out.

Jeff- Sounds like your parents yard is beautiful to look at, but ugly to mow.

Oh that reminds me, gotta go back and check out Sawyers video.

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. Laugh

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Posted by Packers#1 on Sunday, September 20, 2009 7:01 PM

twhite

Packers:  Saw your yard in WPF.  Wow, you actually PLANNED for one?  Wish I had!   I like it.  Nice job!

 

Thanks Tom! eh, not so much planned as said "here's where the yard will be", then drew a rough sketch and went from there, lol. Turned out pretty good.

Well, the one bad thing about today: Green bay lost to the BENGALS 31-24!

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

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Posted by blownout cylinder on Sunday, September 20, 2009 6:55 PM

Good evening

Jeff: I just love yards like thatSmile---not the mowing thoughWhistling

JimRC: I almost got into a job that required me to do on-calls at one time---what with some people complicated issues I'd be thinking I'd like some help!!SighWhistling

I was having some fun with 'Spring' here---he decided to wash himself right in front of me and the 'puter so I ended up typing in a very awkward semi sitting position---lotsa fun. Got some HD related stuff done so I'm not doing HD stuff tomorrow when i'll be doing classes after work----Confused I got some more bents done and I'll be now trying to figure out how one goes about connecting and building up a 6'9" bridge/trestle thingeeMischiefWhistling TomW-HEEEAAALLP!!Confused

Chloe, I'll have a RBF with a big slice o' pepperoni pizza please---I'll be at the RC----Smile,Wink, & Grin

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/

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Carmichael, CA
  • 8,055 posts
Posted by twhite on Sunday, September 20, 2009 6:54 PM

Afternoon all from GettingHotterCal: 

Evidently nobody's told the weather around here that we're SUPPOSED to be heading into Fall.   98 outside, supposed to hit 104 by Tuesday.  I mean C'MAAAWN!   This is the Central Valley, not the Mojave Bleeping DESERT!  

Did a little work out on the MR this morning before it got too oven-like.  Got that errant piece of track all cured--seems it was trying to straighten itself out on the end of the curve.  Now, if this was Atlas, I could understand it, but it's Sinohara, and when you fix the radius on those puppies, they're supposed to stay FIXED.  But what the Hey, it's been there for seven years, I suppose it's allowed to go bonkers once in a while.  Re-curved the end, scraped the ballast away, re-laid it and now it's a happy camper.  I also fixed it through the foam under-roadbed with a really LONG track-nail.  Then tested it out with my Prima Donna test loco.  Said Prima Donna test loco being my PSC 2-10-2.  Gorgeous locomotive, runs like a Swiss Watch, hauls like a team of oxen but REALLY picky (very prototypical tolerances--she would not look at anything under 30" radius).  Evidently she liked what I did, waltzed around it with no problems.   (Always get a kick out of the fact that my 2-8-8-4's will tread where sometimes NO 2-10-2 or 4-8-4 dares to lay its drivers, LOL!  Tongue)

Jim:  Thanks for the thoughts about the student.  Yes, he has grandparents that live about 50 miles south of here in Stockton.  They're taking care of both him and his older brother, and both our Principal and President have made several trips to offer what comfort they can.  And he desperately wants to return to Jesuit.  Things will be worked out for him.   That's one of the wonderful things about Catholic high schools--they're a Community as much as they are a Campus. 

Our other Catholic school--St. Francis Girls High School--is having a Memorial Prayer Service tomorrow morning at 8AM on their campus for the family.  They have invited our LIturgy Workshop Singers to participate, and I'll be going over to assist in the Mass.  I think it's extremely generous of them to do the service--it shows how much we all pull together in difficult times. 

Jeff:  That Plastistruct water tower looks GREAT!   I really like those kits--I've got one in my Deer Creek engine terminal.  You've done a nice job on it.  Did your kit come with ladders?  Mine's an older one, and I had to buy the ladders separately. 

That mowing job on your parents' house sounds like a Major Project.  Especially the pool and the statuary.  Whew! 

Packers:  Saw your yard in WPF.  Wow, you actually PLANNED for one?  Wish I had!   I like it.  Nice job!

Well, that's it for today, have to do the Sunday wash in order to have something to wear for the rest of the week--yah, plan AHEAD!--and then go over the music for tomorrow.   Still have to set up an appointment for the Optometrist, though! 

Best to all, prayers to those in need. 

Tom   Big Smile

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Memphis, TN
  • 3,876 posts
Posted by Packers#1 on Sunday, September 20, 2009 6:43 PM

 Jim, got the homework done, wound up not doing the project. I'll just do it next weekend and this week.

Did egt the foam painted and feeder holes drilled, will hopefully get the track back on the layout tonight.

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Sunday, September 20, 2009 6:21 PM

 Went down and mowed the parent's yard today as it was getting totally out of hand. I like a nice relaxing drive in the country even if it is around that 5 acre park they call a yard. They have concrete terrace walls, concrete statues (one of which is a lion that weighs 5 tons with it's concrete pedestal). There's a sunken lily pond. homemade birdbath and numerous small statuettes that all have to be carefully mowed around, a large concrete walkway that cuts the lower part of the front yard in two and the big multicolor concrete patio in front of the old part of the house. The new part of the house just has a sunken walkway in front of it. Cutting the back yard is a snap compared to the front.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Sunday, September 20, 2009 5:53 PM

JimRCGMO
Jeff, that water tank looks even more impressive in your second photo of it. Thumbs Up Now, if I could just find as good of a bargain on the price...

The water tower cost me nothing but my time to put it together. One of my friends sent it to me.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Cape Girardeau, MO
  • 3,073 posts
Posted by JimRCGMO on Sunday, September 20, 2009 5:02 PM

Good afternoon, Flo - I'll have a RBF and some cheesey fries, please. Thanks!

Oh, the bandaids on my fingers? Black Eye Um, just a little mishap with the track today. Think I'll blame it on yesterday and last night..(more later on that). I'm functioning (more or less) on about 3 hours sleep since I got up Sat. morning. So please excuse any irregularities in my post this afternoon. I was trying to nudge the rails to line up against the adjacent piece (and my hand slipped - two different times - ouch!). Think I'll put off the rest of the track stuff until next weekend (or at least mid-week). Couldn't find my drill bits box so I could drill the hole under the turnouts for a throw rod. Of course, as I think of it now, those turnouts are up front on the layout, and they're Pecos, so I could just manually throw them, anyway... Banged Head 

Todd, I think you must've been distracted with eating last night or something - about six-ish last night I get a page to go to the ER, a 'twofer' special (two to assess, but different ER doctors). However, those two turned into, I think it was, four assessments (and one that I dodged - was drunk, but a pleasant drunk, so they let him sleep it off for a little while). Had one that took forever for the client to get brought in, a family squablle/alleged suicidal threat, one to be referred for outpatient treatment on Monday, and one to be admitted (the delayed one who finally arrived). Wait, must've been five, 'cause I recall one we had to send to another hospital 'cause we didn't have beds for their gender upstairs in the unit. That one took until about 3'ish, waiting on lab results and then waiting on the other hospital to call us back after the results were faxed to them. Got home about 3:30 a.m., and needed to get up at least by 7 a.m. to get ready for church and small group. Oh, I am Soooooooooo glad that I have NO more on-calls this month!

JP, hope your girlfriend gets to feeling better. So, did you have an practice with nursing before she got sick, or is she your guinea pig on this? (Hopefully, the former...)

We had sprinkles and drizzles for most of yesterday, tapering to a bit of mist at times. Guess the weather was trying to make sure that something the weatherguessers had said would be right! Laugh And today has even slipped in some views of that yellow circle in the sky peeking through, and currently 82 F (27 C). CoolYeah!!

Todd, I hear you on the id**ts who should know better than to drive like that on the fluffy white stuff. And around here, the ones in the SUV's are the worst about driving like they have a brain the size of one of those (miniature) coconuts...(Just my li'l ol' rant there...) And Joe - if you get an SUV or 4-wheel drive later in your life, remember to drive extra carefully right when it has just started to r**n or s**w. I had an officer tell me (politely) that the first bit of wet stuff (wet or frozen) makes the roads extra-tricky for stopping on (after I wound up mildly rear-ending a vehicle when my car didn't quite stop like it ordinarily would). Drive careful out there!

Calif.Tom - that's awful for that student about his family. Angel Hopefully, everyone at school will pull together for him while he is dealing with it. Does he have other relatives in the area he can go live with?  As you said, Uff-Dah and Her Highness apparently forgot that 'Northern' California is still further south than either Maine OR Norway! Oops Wasn't sure from your report - is the track support slipping, or what's happening with it?

twhite
Nothing against DCC, of course, but do you think that possibly a DC guy like me who CAN do it is maybe getting the wrong kind of propaganda from the DCC'ers who tell me I CAN'T?  Whistling

Or Tom, maybe you just have a wee bit of luck, and perhaps a 'stubborn' streak like certain other Diners? (Hey, Flo - why are you laughing at me?)

Once had a mouse in one house, but no snakes in any homes I've lived in, so far (and hoping to keep it that way!). Jeff, did you then plug up the hole Mr. Ruger made, so no little copperheads could sneak in?

Jeff, that water tank looks even more impressive in your second photo of it. Thumbs Up Now, if I could just find as good of a bargain on the price...

CN Charlie, careful there - you'll get hooked by the articulated 'bug,' if you start hanging around some of those big locos; it can sneak up on you. Just ask Tom! Sounds pretty good, getting to be chauffered around Canada and get paid for it! Thumbs Up

Lee, that sounds like a huge layout to me - guess it wouldn't be too hard to keep that many operators going with that.

Barry, I wonder if the 'friendly police officer' had to use a prybar to get the bull mastiff off of that drunk? Oops Three times the legal limit, eh? Wow!! Now that's plastered! I meant to ask you if you kept that net handy for when a certain family member visits...?Whistling

Rob, that New River Mining is good, and MR had an article (I'll find my copy of it) on kitbashing it down to only a two-track version (slightly smaller) as an add-on to their Turtle Creek addiition. 

Robby, as for sitting on some natural gas, probably depends on if you had chili or some Mexican food recently...Smile,Wink, & Grin

Sawyer, remember to get the homework done first!

Was that Flip I saw dashing out the back door of the Diner earlier? (Oh, Flo, he's not that bad as Vinnie seems to think...)

I'm a Panera's currently (one of my favorite WiFi spots), trying to put enough soda into me to keep me awake until a slightly early bedtime tonight (when I can begin catching up on my missing rest.

I'll prop myself up against the side of this window booth for a while....Zzz Huh? Oh, nothing, Flo, just checking my eyelids for light leaks.

 

Blessings and prayers,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: In the State of insanity!
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Posted by pcarrell on Sunday, September 20, 2009 4:45 PM

Well, the family and I are back from the motorcycle rally / camping trip.  It was a good time for sure!

Philip
  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Memphis, TN
  • 3,876 posts
Posted by Packers#1 on Sunday, September 20, 2009 11:56 AM

 Well, today I have homework, a project I at least want to get started on, and also the race starts at 1 pm. go #83!

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Western transplant to the Deep South
  • 4,256 posts
Posted by Cederstrand on Sunday, September 20, 2009 11:37 AM

Strong coffee in an extra large   Santa Fe  mug, please. 

***Tom, great pics. Is that the New River Mining model in the background? I just added the N scale version to the wife's HO order. Think she'll notice?Whistling Guess I'm committed to using it now. Those Horny Toads are very cool looking and friendly lizards, especially if you start tossing them bugs. Back in AZ., the two lizards that had me well trained included a Spiny and a Racerunner. Both would come crawl all over me and often perch on the top of my head when I sat on the porch chair.

Cowboy Rob

 

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Williamsville, ILL
  • 3,698 posts
Posted by TMarsh on Sunday, September 20, 2009 11:17 AM

Good morning' just coffee please. On second thought a piece of Petra's strudel also thank you.

I think instead of cleaning up the grill from yesterday as I had planned, I'll just use today as a day of rest as it was intended. Besides it's a cool 67F now and it's supposed to start raining any minute for what looks like all day. I could still be over ruled though. Some of you know what I mean. Others, well, your lucky.

Jeff- yup, snake loads. Know them well. I couldn't kill time with them. ( probably just too far away from the target actually. Me and snakes don't get along real well together) It was more effective to just blast with bullets or if handy, 12 gage. Of course the only time I've run across a snake that needs to be dispatched to the place where snakes go when they expire, has been outside. Inside you probably don't need a hole in the trailer.OopsWhistling

Tom- Love the pictures.

Jerry- I hope you get over the tummy flu and get to feeling better soon.Angel

Robby- Maybe you could amend your agreement with the gas company to include some additional resources available from you. I would of course be very specific as to the method used to, shall we say...extract, this commodity. ShockLaugh

Have a Great Day!!

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. Laugh

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Shelby, NC
  • 2,545 posts
Posted by Robby P. on Sunday, September 20, 2009 10:50 AM

 Just a quick stop. 

 Gotta watch the STEELERS today.  Not much more planned.

 Todd.........I never knew I was also sitting on "natural" gas till you said something.  Laugh

 Well guys have a good day.

 "Rust, whats not to love?"      

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