What did I get? Well, $170, two DVD's (Star Trek Nemesis, Harry Potter and the half-blood prince), a Gator-Grip ratchet driver, a 22 disk CD holder, a trackside diner** and a KCS 50' boxcar** (arrived in the mail yesterday, opened today.
** (Both from forum members)The diner:
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
MERRY CHRISTMAS
to all of you over at the other side of the Big Pond!
Ulrich, Petra, Christian and Stephanie
Merry Christmas....Hope You all are having as good a one as sallie and I!...Jerry
Morning all, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
Yes, I'm finally back! I got my computer back two days ago, but was far too busy to get on.
Woke up this morning to find many train items below the tree (I already knew what they would be, since my mom asked me for the list, since she's clueless when it comes to train stuff...). I got a few cars (including a broken centerbeam, which will be returned). Walther's couldn't ship my airbrush because of "shipping restrictions" (I'll ask them when we call about the centerbeam replacement), and they forgot to ship the decal paper, although the online order says they did (or, my parents forgot to give it to me...).I also got a hockey stick, and I'm getting money for skates later.I'll get pix up later.
Have an excellent day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My Model Railroad: Tri State RailMy Photos on Flickr: FlickrMy Videos on Youtube: YoutubeMy Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives
A coffee in a small Christmas Mug, please & thanks.
Except for adding the train under it and a bunch more ornaments, this is our "tree in a box" from HD we had up in about 4 hours. First ever artificial tree for me personally. I didn't mind the change one bit.
Was a big hit with the Inlaws children, looking at all the character/figure ornaments. SIL married into a Jewish family and they're a lot of fun around the holidays. We had a great time!
One heck of a blustery night with very strong wind gusts. Hope there is no roof damage on any out buildings. Off to do critter rounds here.
Rob
Merry Christmas !!!!!
From Audrey, 'Spring' the cat and I----to you and yours--
Have a housefull of people runnin' 'round-----gotta keep track---have a good one--
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/
Good morning. It's 30 and sunny. The high today will in the upper 40's and it will be sunny. A welcome change from all the rain we've had lately.It's a cold Christmas day here with no sign of rain. Looking forward to spending some time with my family later today. My sister has been cooking her traditional Christmas dinner since late yesterday and should be just about done with it. My nephew and my niece and her husband will be setting the dining room accordingly. I used to help out in that but owing to certain circumstances I'm not allowed to do anything but sit by and watch. I hope the rest of you have as good a day as I'm looking forward to having. Happy holidays.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
From the Marshall family, Todd, Brenda and Missy (woof)
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.
Good morning, and Merry Christmas!!!
Hope everybody has a good Christmas.
"Rust, whats not to love?"
Merry Christmas, everybody!
Did you know Santa Claus prefers HO scale for his layout?
HO HO HO HO HO
On that note, enjoy the day. We are having a good visit. I still will have very little computer time.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
As The Red Baron did sayeth unto Snoopy the Flying Ace on the frozen banks of the Rhine...
"Merry Christmas, my friend(s)!"
As the CNW Boone East Dispatcher MLJ said to train crews operating near Beverly Yard one Christmas Eve roughly 20 years ago: "Be on the look-out for low-flying reindeer."
Again, a very Merry Christmas to all of you and yours, from me and mine...
Chris, Kit (AKA: Loving Wife), Rerun Florian, and Cloe the Cat
The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!
Merry Christmas every-one! (It's just a bit past 12:15 a.m. here on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore.)...I haven't checked the pages to see if Dick posted this generic Holiday Wish, but here goes in any case. It covers all the bases! He sent it in an email the other day.
Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2010, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.
May your Christmas be filled with blessings. Jeff, we remembered your situation, as well as that of others having a difficult time right now, in our service here this evening.
Goodnight all, and God Bless. Prayers continuing for all in need of Healing, Comfort. Prosperity and Peace.
"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.
blownout cylinder pcarrell For all those questioning the "conditions" on being allowed to poke and prod my modelling efforts, you'll notice I left that open ended. I just might return the favor! You know, like iron sharpens iron! Can we use barge poles?
pcarrell For all those questioning the "conditions" on being allowed to poke and prod my modelling efforts, you'll notice I left that open ended. I just might return the favor! You know, like iron sharpens iron!
For all those questioning the "conditions" on being allowed to poke and prod my modelling efforts, you'll notice I left that open ended. I just might return the favor! You know, like iron sharpens iron!
Can we use barge poles?
Do you have poleing pockets on your loco's? I run steam, so I do!
Good evening to all!
Zoe I'll have a glass of egg nog with a bit of Myers Dark in it to warm me up and calm the soul..... Just got home from Lessons and Carols Service at Church. I am now sitting here listening to Solstice Live by the Paul Winter Consort. It is kinda a Christmas Tradition for me. Some very ancient music from many cultures. The last song always gets to me bigtime.... "Midnight/Adeste" In the midst of a very upbeat chant, the soprano sax comes in with "O Come All Ye Faithful, and by the second verse the huge pipe organ at the Cathedral of St. Paul the Divine enters and it just fills the air as I melt........! Powerful album!
Tomorrow I will be with my son and his family most of the day.
My prayers to all of you for a safe and blessed Christmas Season!
73
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never put it out."
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
All about us is peace and quiet. 'Spring' is in the guest room keeping an eye on our guests--my sister and BIL and the niece and nephew and all that---they're heading out in the afternoon to Windsor to see his relatives and we're going to have other sister show up later on tomorrow.
I've got a few details to attend to ---cranberries--then it'll be off to bed for me--
Have a safe and merry Christmas to you and yours from ours
Ah, the buffet is still here good. Oh look prime rib cooked just a hair past med rare and lobster! Baked potato, and a seven layer pea salad.
Very slow at the restaurant tonight but that was expected. Still I made 50 United States dollars in tips. So it wasn't a waste of time. We did close early because no customers later.
Chris- Hey, I like the roundhouse so far. Especially the walls and the poles. Very nice and realistic looking! I forgot to mention the buffet works for the four legged members of the family. Glad Rerun gave it a look.
Sump pumps really a cranking now. I took the rain gage in a while back so I have no idea how much rain we have. But as wet as it is I sure hope we don't get a big freeze.
Well, best hit the dessert side and then hit the hay. I was told we are going to the boys place in the morning for a Brunch as opposed to dinner.
Prayers for everyone to have a wonderful Christmas eve. Especially for the ill, homeless, troubled, those serving our country in ALL ways, military and community, those who are surrounded by family and friends and those who are alone. Actually one is never alone if they know where to look.
Good Evening All,
Shops all locked up, presents wrapped, time to kick back a bit. After breakfast tomorrow we'll go up to my sons and be with all our side and his inlaws. Fortunately we all get along so it should be a good time. Growing up we did much the same but for sure we cousins didn't get on that well and I have the scar tissue to prove it. Trying to improve on that, may you all have a Merry Christmas and feel some peace on earth. J.R.
Here it is Christmas Eve and we just got back from our daughters house. It's only 2 miles from here but it took about ten minutes to maks the trip. Reason is we are having a white Christmas. Two to three inches of snow fell today. It really was pretty, even if I had to feed and move cattle in it. The cab on the new tractor really was great. No trains but maybe tomorrow if the wind dies down I'll go over to the track and get out the 7 1/2 inch gauge and make a run. Tonight it's to bed and keep warm.
I hope that everyone is having a wonderfull Christmas.
God bless all those on duty at home or overseas.
PackerThere was one teacher who I had a mild disagreement with regarding a certain middle-east country that is flanked by our forces. He though they were harmless, then after reading my term paper, he changed his mind.
And THAT is why I shall be reasonable with reasonable people...ya just might get through to them.
Good evening, Rerun wanted to stop back in. He's really developed a taste for the burgers here. Plus, with the holiday spread TODD laid-out for us, the 'Ol Runner just wouldn't forgive me if I left him out in the parking lot again.
As threatened earlier, here are some pics of a little interior scene cobbled together. Keep in mind, the front walls are merely sitting there, not finished, not installed. Also, the whole thing is gonna be a background building someday. With THAT...
Hey, Rerun just found a bowl of doggie biscuits over in the buffet!
Chris
Evening Ya'll, some caramel popcorn for me
How about a Thunderstorm for Christmas Eve? We got a pretty wild one now. It's been rainy and windy all day, but now the lighting is crazy. According to the weather people (when are they right?) it's supposed to stop during the night, and be nice tommorow.
I went and did some more work on my car. I got it on the ground and started it. It's running a bit rich (read: it wants to be an ALCO) and the EEC says EGR blockage. The ALCOness was much worse when I tried 5.0 V8 fuel injectors on a 2.3 I4 (guess that trick only works with the mass-air 2.3L I4, mine's air density)... I also painted the trim black, the rest of the car will be repainted red in the near future. Sometime later this week I'll pull a power-lock motor clip out of a parts car so I can put the drivers side door panel back on. After that I can drive it around until I can get it ready for paint.
Chris, I'm gonna have to agree with you there. Especially around here where you have the locals, the guys from Alabama, and a bunch of northerners and Canucks around here. Neither group seems to be able to drive really well (no offense to anyone here).
There was one teacher who I had a mild disagreement with regarding a certain middle-east country that is flanked by our forces. He though they were harmless, then after reading my term paper, he changed his mind.
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.
Chris: We'll remember those men and women in the field tonight and tomorrow. As well, those soldiers out in various areas around the world----Have a Merry Christmas---in whatever way one can
Good Evening,
If I may...I'm gonna post a Christmas Eve poem written by Barbara D. Duder. No, you've not heard of her...she's someone out of my past. A Ghost of Christmas Past, if you will. But, on this Christmas Eve, with firefighters (career and volunteer), EMS providers (career and volunteer), and law enforcement all very much on-duty tonight; maybe this will spur you to offer a thought or two their way, maybe even raise a glass to them. Thoughts also to the men and women of our armed forces around the globe who stand between us and evil.
T’was the night before Christmas,
And all through the house.
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even a mouse.
And Ma in her kerchief,
And I in my cap.
Had settled in front of the scanner,
To listen to the mishap.
The snow was falling thick,
On the town down below.
People were driving faster,
Than they really should go.
The car blew a stop sign,
And slammed into another.
The fire and EMS responded,
Watching out for each other.
The Jaws of Life roared,
And tore into the steel.
Ripping away the dash,
And pushing back the wheel.
The patient was saved,
With splints and IV.
Faster than anything,
You can see on TV.
And we whispered a prayer,
As they drove out of sight.
Protect our brothers and sisters,
Who are fire and EMS tonight.
We now return you to your regular Christmas Eve activities... have a SAFE night.
Turkey dinner, please & thanks.
***Ray, if you bleach out your beard, you would sure have us fooled. Just in case, "I would like a shiny new brass articulated N scale loco, please"
***Jerry, lucky shot you got of Ray....er, I mean Santa flying over your layout.
We have a house full of Inlaws, so I will return here up another day. MERRY CHRISTMAS & Happy Hanukkah, Y'all.
Evenin' folks!
Zoe I'll just have.......... Oooooooooooooo! Look at the Buffet tonight. What a great bunch of desserts.... OK I'll go over and have uh.... just maybe a little....... Don't watch! I promise not to take more than I can eat!
JimRCGMOSo Ray - will you be wearing red walking shorts with fur trim for Christmas, if it's that warm up there? As for that fella with that train
Jim, red walking shorts? With my knees? Don't think so....... Probably blue jeans and something in the manner of one of my "offensive" T-shirts. Hmmm. Maybe I will wear a non-offensive T-shirt. (Probably want to get invited back.) I may look a bit like this:
Oh! I got a nice Christmas present in the mail today. A purchase Order from the School System for a bunch of my old mics, stands, cords, and a mixer and a pair of speakers........ And the best news is since it won't be paid for until next month, It won't go on this years taxes........
Catch you later after the Lessons and Carols Service at Church!
Good Christmas Eve Afternoon, Zoe - I'll have an open roast beef sandwich, an order of cheesey fries and a RBF, please. And if Rerun is around in the back, toss him a greaseburger from me, too. I'm sure he will catch it before it hits the floor. Thanks!
AmanaMedicI call it fiscally responsible fiscal irresponsibility.
Thanks for THAT phrase, Chris - I've had a time or two I could have used that (or maybe I already did, just used other words?). At first, I thought you were going to delve into politics, but then I saw the 'fiscally responsible' part, so I knew you weren't. (chuckle...snicker...) Ah, my roundhouse will be rather smaller than yours. The CAW is a short-of-funds line, so they couldn't afford that many locos initially to justify one of them city-slicker, half-circle roundhouses. At first, when I looked at your photo, I was thinking "That's odd how the back of that diesel goes stair-step fashion down. Wonder why they did that?" Then I realized - D'uh! That's the roundhouse, NOT the diesel!. S'cuse my foolishness there!
PC, you want us to hold your feet to the MRR'ing fire? Suuuurrrre! (Now this is a one-direction thing, right? I mean, we don't have to keep up too, do we? Whew! That was close for a minute there...) Like that little 0-6-0 switcher in those lights. So, are you going to be putting some plaster cloth over (if I recall correctly) those plains and mountains of blue foam I sort remember? Neat!
Ulrich, that sounds like a lot of w**k at the last minute for Christmas. It takes me a couple/few days just to get my tree up and the lights and decorations (mostly) on it. Hate to think of having to do that in the space of a couple of hours, with the kids waiting, listening, sniffing the air, outside of the door. But I'm sure it's a delight for the kids (of any age). Soon your 'young' Christian will be there and I expect the air will be filled with the smells of Petra's baked goodies. Enjoy! Oh, if you have some colored paper or colored drawing implements, you could draw a big tree on that and put it up on the living room wall above where you will put the presents... (just an idea for this year, until next year when things will be better for you and Petra).
Eddie (Bama), of course Heather and Mikayla will get spoiled - you're going to their grandparents, right? And congratulations on getting moved into the house! Even with whatever details you have left to take care of, I'm sure it feels better just to be in your home. I'm guessing your fireworks stand has more to do with New Year's Eve, right? At least, around here, I know there are people who shoot fireworks off then.
Jeff, that's some storms there! You stay safe there, y'hear? We have been having rain (in varying deluge levels...) off and on today, and some towns around Cape have been under flash flood watches today as this front w**ks its way through. The weatherguessers are even saying something about a 30 percent chance of that white stuff that comes down from the sky tomorrow and Saturday. Might have a little 'white' in my Christmas here.
So Ray - will you be wearing red walking shorts with fur trim for Christmas, if it's that warm up there? As for that fella with that train
Jerry, I like your photo of the layout with that big company complex in the back.
2 foot Jim, I hope you do get a break for the run to your daughter's place. I'm sure your area has had its share of the white stuff (and then some, if it's like the usual this time of year up there)! (And welcome back, too - I recall you being in here before...now when? That's another matter...) Actually, with the weather like it is in Minnesota, your forum ID could stand for the usual winter snowfall, right?
Todd, I guess on those circuit re-closers, maybe they've done studies and three dumb squirrels is the maximum in one area that they've found... Hope your area (or Iowa or Minnesota or others) doesn't get hit bad with any ice.
Barry, I think I had a flashback to one of my math classes when you threw in that word 'sets'... Ohmygosh! (Hadn't thought of that since either high school or (maybe) discrete math 1 & 2...) Now caroling someone at 4 a.m. might be hazardous to a caroller's health in some areas.
Looks like several other Diners have stopped by before heading off/out for their holiday get-togethers and celebrations. It has been quite quiet (yeah, say that a few times quickly - quickly say quite quiet...) here at w**k - couple of calls and one out-of-towner stopping in (had a less-than-optimum response to a sibling's phone call, and she's just recently moved to the area. Sometimes we could use a bit more 'peace on earth'...
Think later today I will get to a church service locally (mine doesn't have services on Christmas Eve or Day), and I'm used to going to service at this time of year, no matter where I'm living. After that I will fix dinner and see about w**king on that scratchbuilt church and cutting the windows for it. Also, paint some bags, wheelbarrows, shovels, spades, and other detail pieces (trying to do most of them still on the sprues).
May your holidays be blessed and the new year to come, as well.
Blessings,
Jim in Cape Girardeau
As I prepare to head off to work on this special evening for many, myself included, allow me to host a virtual Christmas party for everyone. All comers are welcome to partake.
In this bowl is a magical punch that tastes just like whatever you like the best. Over here, we have a fruitcake that if you like fruitcake is the best recipe you've ever tasted. If you don't like fruitcake, try it anyway, you will like this one. In the silver serving dish is your favorite recipe for your very favorite dish. Whatever you like will be inside once you open it. This magical setting was presented to me for one night only by a jolly man of short stature not to mention a bit broad around the waist. There is no need for servers this evening so all the girls can participate also. Over there is a never empty tray of festive cookies and candies and crackers, chips and dip. All safe to eat regardless of your diet, but they sure don't taste like it. Don't worry about the dishes I'm told they will be taken care of too.
I may pop in later after I get off. But if I don't, please be safe on your travels this evening or tomorrow morning and I pray your guests are well watched over as they travel also.
The decorations have been placed and the tree has been stocked with a virtual gift for every one. I'm told they will make you very happy. So please dig in and help yourself. Also take a moment and think of the good things in life we have.
Merry Christmas to all.
TMarshI don't know how that stuff works either. Obviously less than you. My knowledge is just based on a conversation with a lineman several years ago and I made mention of the power on off and he made the reply that left me with more or less the idea of what we both say.
Man, don't hold me up as an "expert" either... I read THAT book in the early/mid 1980s when I had this crazy idea I'd grow up to be a lineman...mostly so I could get all the old insulators! Welp, the "plans" of a 12, 13, 14 year-old changed when I realized I HATE heights and have a very healthy respect for gravity!!! While I think I can still tell a capacitor bank from a circuit recloser, I wouldn't bet my life on it. Like I said, I have no earthly idea how the reclosers and fused things work... I'll leave all THAT to the guys in the Alliant Energy trucks!!! I think my knowledge of power lines and their various components would best be termed: "enough to get myself killed."
Hey, I'm actually w**king on some RR stuff today!!! Doing a little more on the roundhouse. I was possessed by the crazy idea to do a little interior detail, not quite half the depth of one bay which will have an open door. I'm imagineering THAT since the junkyard bought the building from the RI estate...they may have "scabbed-in" some walls to make it more of a warehouse for the more "valuable" junk...and to make a bay in which to work on their trucks. So......I've got a bashed-together truck, some part bins I built a couple of years ago, an air compressor, am building another shelf unit, trying to finger-out an easy/cheap (using what I can find) workbench... IF it turns out not too embarassing...I may try to get a shot of it later. If it turns out too embarassing...welp, I can always blank-out THAT door too...
Whilst cogitating upon the workbench for the roundhouse...I oughta reconfigure the w**k table I'm building this on! I think a TV tray (or two) may be "reas-signed" to my office as "suplemental holding surfaces." Loving Wife noted last night THAT I need a bigger w**k area up here...
Best wishes to all on this cold, windy, slushy, wet Christmas Eve.