Chris.. KEITH: Huh? Ya kinda lost me there Pal... I thought maybe you just really, really, really liked switches, and wanted a lot of them. I don't envy you wiring THAT up!
What wiring? lol.. yeah sure I dig switches. LOL Oh I love this~ I can only take half the blame, Jeanne was in on this also. Sorta like having kids. But in order to actually have a passenger liner arrive, disconnect and/or attach to something else.. possibly frieight.. take off again. Also having some sort of long lead.. very long lead to help accomplish this feat. Also, I wanted to have a Switcher taking down and getting the next passenger liner ready. Who knows .. it might work. lol. Keep in mind there is also a lot of needed storage space inside the mountains... in hopes of running long long lines of liners.
Jim.. Cork? Am I ready for cork? I can't even see that far down the line. I'm sure there's something you're just dying to tell me, that I'd be forgetting .. hopefully before I make that mistake .. lol. At this point I'm more concerned keeping this track/staging in tack. I'm seriously considering possibly running some painters tape underneath it to help keep it all together. I'm making decisions now, concerning electro verses insul's.. and leaning more towards 'cut' insul's to accomplish my goals and needs... and desires. I'm really shooting for two 'HOT' Mains, and when you turn off.. you'll be on another transformer. Keep in mind, I'm planning on having 'Continous Running' on this layout.
If I have my way, continous running is more what I desire. Sure, I'd like to have working staging areas, in all 4 of them. Each one a challenge in design working with limited space. But, in my dream layout, if you were to do nothing on main #1, at the end of one large loop, it switches over to main #2. And so on, should be quite of a brain teaser. Keep in mind, I will have the option of keeping the train on main #1 if I want to.. and not have it jump. But speaking of jumping... to me .. a cut insulfrog is the answer.
Lee~! Peco's.. used Peco's ..? Tons of them. Don't I know it~ Jeanne keeps reminding me~ And I keep reminding her they are for a later part of the other staging area's. TONS~ dirt cheap. I even know how to restore the clicking part now~ I just didn't have near enough long Peco's.. streamliners? I really like em too.
Der John, there was something I felt I should be getting back to you with.. but I can't remember.. lol. Oh well.
Jeff, hang in there bud, glad to see you like your Xmas present.
Keith
AmanaMedicJEFF: Annual bunker gear inspection? Pardon my ignorance, but what do you guys look for? I'm guessing the obvious: holes, tears, burn damage; maybe someone who needs to clean their gear... even though I've been on depts. where the "dirty gear" showed who was doing the w**k.
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
Afternoon all. All my errands are done, so I'm back at the house, relaxing until a little later when I have to go to w**k. Guess I'm going to be goofing off until then.... I talked to Amy and she's supposed to be going up to Montgomery this evening, so maybe she can run by my parent's house and pick my stuff up. I think it'll do me some good to at least build a loop of track and run my SD40-2 in circles with a run of cars behind it.
Guess I'm going to go dig around on some other stuff MRR and RR related.
Zoe, could you slice up a dinner roll and toast it? I'd like 2 honey and one apricot jam, please and thank you. Tea with those would be good too.
5 pages behind, so although I've read them now, I doubt I'll manage a detailed reply. That said, I was confusing Keith and Sawyer in the turnout department (my mistake on the "Sawyer uses Peco turnouts assertion.) Sorry about that. So, Sawyer, you will need some kind of spring thing (like Lee's O ring ) if you are going to do that form of manual turnout control.
Second of all, that Beagle is no pup of mine, cute as it may be. I forget who (Todd?) who suggested the big puddle explanation - the original came with a "Sorry" caption. I used the look because I thought it stood in pretty well for reproach - Dick using a metal water dish in this weather! BTW, metal flag poles weren't around in our part of England when I was a kid. So the tongue-on-pole thing is not from personal experience. Sorry to disappoint! Speaking of England, here's a long video that, if you are at all into Brit humour, will be sure to please. Warning! English soundtrack with French sub-titles, Regional accents and Brit appreciation of a certain German custom (no offence, Ulrich , as you will I hope gather). If you have the time, enjoy!...and Ulrich, the nameless beagle was part of an email with other unrelated photos. So Petra can do the naming! She is of course wise enough to know that cute puppy doesn't stay that way, and that you need the stress reduced (ie model railroad) rather than increased (ie puppy-care)
Rob: what's this? Considering HO? Say it isn't so!
Ulrich: Good to hear that you have had a day at the GULAG that wasn't a total waste of your time! On the layout plans, I liked the dockside switching layout when you discussed it first time way back when. As you say, you will have to flip it to fit the room. I did the same thing with an Atlas plan for the first "real" layout I built - the one in B.C. with the Class 50 steamer. There were 3 cars with that, and I built a sound system from Peter J. Thorne's second electronics project book for Klambaach. This was before sound decoders etc., and it worked off a cam on the loco's axel. I can't find my copy, and I suspect it may have fallen down the back of the bookcase which directly and immovably supports one end of my layout!
Chris: Sounds like time to be seriously looking for other means of support! What gets me about these situations is that people in THAT's position can't seem to see that their actions are so transparent!
Time to see to Rosie-the-Dog's dinner. TTFN.
"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.
Afternoon ya'll
Big box of MDC and athearn kits came in, ya know what that means.
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.
I passed my written today!!! YEAH!!! Dinners on me!!!
AmanaMedicI later found out from a sympathetic brakeman THAT the RR wouldn't hire a known railfan...they thought we thought we knew it all...and they couldn't teach us anything for THAT reason. So....where I'm goin' with this, is how did you manage to get yourself hired-on with a railroad??? Congrats and may your wheels never leave the steel.
Chris, I was hired due to the fact that I know an Engineer who works for NJT, AND also took a course called "Basic Training: Locomotive Engineer and Conductor". The instructor is an instructor/engineer from NJT! The course covered Basic Freight Air Brakes, NORAC Rules (Notheast Operating Rules Advisory Commitee Rules) and signals, all of which accounts for the 60% drop rate from the NJT Locomotive Engineer Training Program.
PLUS, I didn't mention that I was/am a rail fan... so please, shhhhhhh!!!! LOL
Most railroads believe that about railfans... and if the engineers at NJT find out you are a railfan/buff, they come down on your HARD... make life difficult for you to qualify and trainhandle...
but if they don't find out until AFTER you are promoted, then they just make fun of you, but for the most part leave you alone ( or so I hear from some of the non-closet buffs on property!!!)
hey, we'll (the wife and I) be praying for ya... sure something will work it's way in your direction!
Lee- I am still searching, careful not to press any buttons for fear of changing something while in those menus... but still searching just the same! That information should be somewhere in my computer for me to find while it is "logged on", I bet it's just a matter of finding it!
Jeff- as always, the photos look awe-inspiring... hope my layout looks just a quarter as good as yours does on camera! Please keep 'em coming!? OH, just read your post for 'puter problem! THANK YOU!!! Now just have to convince Susan that it's a sound investment, and at THAT price it IS!!!
[quote user="Sir Madog]"John - on that pic of this lovely puppy - Petra is in my back to find out its name. Soooooooo cute - could that be the end of my MRR dreams, as we head the doggie way? Hope not, but, then - who can resist "sooooooooooooo cute"?[/quote]
That goes ditto for me... Susan is by far the biggest beagle lover I know, and is itching to know the name of that adorable puppy!??!??! nevermind, saw the explanation...
Ray- Good luck on the meet tomorrow! I'd love to see what the "winner" of your decal/weathering flatcars project was?!
BamaC SX83- Thanks for your post, just the thought of me having something to run a loop around got me to looking around the office! Probably be shot down by the"Boss", but we'll see...
Here's my sudden brainstorm: my office is the 2nd floor back bedroom, 20' x 13' (rough guess, wait I'll get the measuring tape!) Here's a link to the really rough draft, just the shelf section, no track work on it yet.
http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu163/Wee_Ply_34/Layout%20Ideas/scan0002.jpg
The curved line represents the edge of the shelf... I'll probable fabricate my own shelf brackets. This should be a fun project, and I'd have a use for my DC powerpack again!!!
Well Chloe, can I have a RBF in a tall NH&I Hurricane Glass, along with Lobster Tails and a Medium done Filet mignon? Thank you!
Der John- BTW after watching that video, even I feel tipsy!!! LOL
Sam
May He bless you, guide you, and keep you safe on your journey through life!
I Model the New Hope & Ivyland RR (Bucks County, PA)
Trainman SamJeff- as always, the photos look awe-inspiring... hope my layout looks just a quarter as good as yours does on camera! Please keep 'em coming!? OH, just read your post for 'puter problem! THANK YOU!!! Now just have to convince Susan that it's a sound investment, and at THAT price it IS!!!
Hi guys!
Little to say but got my TENS unit for my back.
Jeffrey W.....check the PM we ahve going...
have a great night guys
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
JimRCGMOSaywer, our high temp for the day was early this morning (mid-20's F), and it's been sliding downhill since then - supposed to hit about 9 F tonight (Hate to think what the wind chill may put that to!).
Saywer, our high temp for the day was early this morning (mid-20's F), and it's been sliding downhill since then - supposed to hit about 9 F tonight (Hate to think what the wind chill may put that to!).
Jim, suddenly the 26 degree weather outside right now doesn't seem so bad, lol. I guess we doi have mild winters; compared to the rest of the nation, lol!
If you folks need me, I'll be in the back booth with a heating pad. i don't know what I did to it at practice yesterday, but it now HURTS right on the spine in the small of my back every time I bend down or straighten back up.
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
Just woke up - it´s in the middle of the night here. Can´t get back to sleep
Flo, I see you´re on the night shift today - may I have a mug full of hot chocolate, "spiced" up with something, if Vinnie isn´t watching? Thank you, your are my life saver!
Trainman - congrats on passing the written test!
John - "Dinner for One" is a national craze over here. It was filmed in 1963, in the best tradition of Brit humor, although being more German than British. It is on TV every New Year´s Eve, and most of the old farts like me know it by heart now. "Admiral Von Schneider? Must I really, Miss Sophie? James, just to please me! By the way, Miss Sophie, the same procedure as last year? James, the same procedure as every year"
I do like the clean Brit accent...
Chris - you are more than welcome to join me in my GULAG - guess we would have lotsa fun! On that BLS thing, yes, they told us not to risk anything and that personal safety comes first. I was amazed how simple some of those life saving techniques are. They made us practice quite a lot, things like resuscitation, "kiss of life". There was this beautiful blonde sitting next to me We did practice with a dummy
Sounds as if THAT has now a new toy to play with . Be happy about it - she will be off your back for a little while Don´t get me wrong on this, but in my experience, women sometimes have quite a problem with leadership and fairness.THAT´s why I choose not to work with a lady manager. Over here, you don´t get sued THAT easily for discrimination...
Sawyer - you take care, buddy, a pain in the back (spine, not a**) ain´t no ball park game! Again, don´t ask me how I know...
Headin´back to bed to give it another try!
Good Evenin',
Chloe? I'll take THAT cheeseburger basket now...with another Bubble Up please 'n thankya...
JEFF: Three times/year? Wow. So far with my dept., helmets get replaced when we can no longer get parts for them. THATs how I got a brand new brain bucket when I joined-up, the helmet I was gonna get needed something, they couldn't get THAT part anymore...new skid lid resulted. Too bad its yellow... Hoods and gloves get replaced individually on an as-needed basis. Boots too if/when they get a hole in 'em. As for guys gettin' bigger...so far, I seem to be the only one on the department with THAT problem. Then again, I inherited the gear of the previous Chief. He was thinner than me to begin with, and died of cancer. Don't know when they measured him for the pants, but I've had to "suck it in" since I got 'em. Another guy, I think, has left the department. IF I ever get to make a meeting, I'll confirm, and if he's gone...I'm swappin' pants.
Der JOHN: Loving Wife agrees with you 100%. Strange how things can suddenly shift.
TRAINMAN SAM: Makes sense...everything you said makes perfect sense. When the weather gets like it has been...I kinda thank my lucky stars I didn't get a RR gig. Hoofing it back to a broken knuckle or drawbar deep in the back of a 2-mile long stacker just doesn't sound like "fun" when it's 20 below zero... Thanks also to you and your wife for the good thoughts. I've been saying for awhile now I might have to find something else (NOT to THAT, not even a hint, just to you guys and Loving Wife)...this may just expidite THAT a tad.
SAWYER: Here's hoping you get some relief... I'm not even gonna hazard a guess what you did.
KEITH: OK...THAT-all makes a bit more sense now... still looks like a heckuvalotta switches to me...then again I seem to recall a photo of tracks outside a major terminal in Chicago THAT was even worse...with crossings and switches, and dwarf signals everywhere...
BAMA CSX: Glad your 40-2 arrived for ya, my favorite loco. UP seems to have gotten rid of them all, at least on the east-west mainline. I miss 'em!
Welp...originally I woulda been in Tiffin shooting Clear Creek Amana boys basketball right now... but THAT is jammed-up with sports stuff, so won't shoot again until Tuesday night (boys again).
I had a brief thought about suggesting WHERE she could stick her "little weekly miracle" (as they call the paper)...but decided to just ride it out, keep doing the best job I can for her...and keep a lookout for other opportunities. They won't have the interns for a few weeks yet, so I've still got w**k to do. IF I was lucky, they'd lay me off...and I'd get unemployment. My neighbor has been out of work for a year or so now...says he gets $1600/month. No, I didn't ask, he was complaining about it while bumming smokes off of me. I didn't mention it at the time, but THAT would be a raise for me...
Chris
The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!
Evenin' folks!
Chloe just a hot chocolate with wipped cream for me tonight. I'll be in the back booth by the stive keeping warm.
The weather prognosticators say it will get down to about 12°F tonight and will just keep getting colder most of the day tomorrow. Not really much in store to make bad driving conditions, but I have a feeling the crowd will be light tomorrow for the Meet.
I spent most of the day getting everything printed out and packed. most everything is already in the car including six 3' x 4' x 1" chunks of foam board for the raffle(s) and two large plastic totes filled with items needed to put on the Meet. All I need to grab tomorrow is my laptop, the printer, my camera, and the directions to the place. Will have to be on the road before 7AM so I doubt I will make an appearance here until I get back home in the late afternoon.
Trainman SamRay- Good luck on the meet tomorrow! I'd love to see what the "winner" of your decal/weathering flatcars project was?!
I bet I'll have some photos to share................. I was hoping to get a load built for one of the flat cars. Didn't happen. Did some light weathering this afternoon. It will have to do for now.
Sawyer, sounds like you strained a muscle. Hope it gets feeling better over the weekend.
Ulrich, hope by now you are busy
OK, I'm going to head out early to bed tonight and try be rested for the day tomorrow. Catch you all later!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Well the car definitely needs to go to the shop for repair. The low pressure power steering line is so badly mangled I can't fix it. The rubber part is shredded and the steel part is twisted and flat as a dime. Problem is, the low pressure line is the more expensive of the two and getting an intact one from a scrap yard is next to impossible as they usually just chop them. It's also known as the cool down line as the fluid cools off as it comes back to the reservoir.
Jeff/Chris..In my dept we have to do monthly gear/personal mask inspections. They are pretty anal about us doing that too. Along with our vehicle inspection rotation. Add that with the mandatory NIMMS training and it's a handful. Check out my dept here www.liverpoolfire.com ...Tim
A true friend will not bail you out of jail...he will be sitting next to you saying "that was friggin awesome dude!" Tim...Modeling the NYC...is there any other?
Another Frozen Evening, Chloe - gee it's bad enough with the air temp, and then the windchill...!! But at least we're not in North Dakota, where they're having a windchill of -50 F (I think I heard the air temp was -30 F). Oh, dinner? Yep, I'll have a large bowl of chili (no, not that kind Todd likes, the one that takes off the roof of your mouth!), some shredded cheese and oyster crackers, glass of milk, a RBF and when it's time for dessert, I'll have a hot fudge sundae brownie, please. Thanks!
EDIT: Well, looks like the late dinner and midnight snack crew can eat up on my tab. Chloe, start my tab, please.
Sam - that sounds like one heck-of-an oral exam on your train lines. And I'm sure the written ones aren't any easier. Keep up your studying for them!
AmanaMedicI'm just glad, despite whatever problems the guy has, that at least he only took himself out, or tried to. Nobody else got taken with him.
Hey, Chris, you didn't insult THAT anytime recently, did you? Sounds like she is 'ticked' mucho at you, but I could be wrong. Lay low for a while and let the new folks catch her 'attention' until she loses the attitude, maybe? And get those resumes out (under THAT's radar...). If you did get laid off, you could start bumming smokes from the neighbor - telling him your unemployment hasn't kicked in so far (and 'forget' to tell him when it does...) Adding your job situation/hunt to the list.
Rob, yeah, I'd agree that second-guessing yourself ain't gonna help anyone as much as the LHS guy. I myself just decided to stick with one, and do the best I can with it, rather than thinking I'm gonna make the perfect layout if I change scales (as IF I'll be making that happen!) I'm still trying to find a good HO scale Mikado (that I can afford, that is...). Still lookin'.
Ray, remember to post some pics of those flatcars, okay? I'm going to need to go back and look up yours and some of Robby's pics and tutorials from the last Diner. Had a hankerin' to w**k on some of the flatcars I have already assembled (and wanted to look at Robby's weathering and his car load-making instructions again).
Ulrich, I would expect with that serious of accidents on those trains, that some politician would have his/her b**t in plenty of hot water and some heavy explaining to do. But then again, never underestimate the ability of a politician to 'spread it around'... So if you pass your first aid section, do they make you the designated 'assistant pre-medic' or something, for your building? And I'd be careful about comments on that blonde next to you in class - if Petra reads over your shoulder, there might be that nice, hefty wooden rolling pin that's in the kitchen drawer to worry about.
Lee - if you had a plow attachment on the front of your truck, you could make some money on the side, clearing smaller parking lots in your area (at 5 a.m.?)... Hey, how good (or not) is the IHC 'Golden Series' (or whatever their name is, I forgot) Mikado any good (general detail-wise or running-wise)? I heard the Athearn Genesis Mikado was pretty good, but they're out of those (and I didn't find much when I looked on eBay). BLI's one is nice, but I was hoping to stay south of $200 if possible. Or maybe I don't really need a Mikado. (Manufacturers! )
PC, nah, you can learn those songs (of course, you may not get much else done on Saturday...). I'll second the comments - good to hear you're back at it with the layout!
Todd, I smelled some kind of burnt something when I came into the Diner - have you been thinking again?
Barry, should I tell you what somebody around here said yesterday, when it was sunny here? "Oh, good, that means the snow will melt, and then tonight freeze again, so we'll have ice to drive on in the morning..." (Naw, I probably shouldn't tell you that)
Vincent, yep, that sounds like an... interesting... sandwich, all right. Definitely dorm cuisine!
Jerry, my car seemed to hesitate this morning about starting, so I wound up taking it by WallyWorld's car section (I've not had - or been able to afford - to get a mechanic I know is good, etc.) and had them check the battery. It's supposed to put out a little above 600 (whatevers), but was 218. The starter checked out, as did the alternator, so I had them put in a battery (6 yr. warranty, 2 yr. replacement coverage included) for $65 plus taxes. We still have some more cold days ahead, and I didn't want it to decide NOT to turn over at a bad time/location. Depending on how your local Wally's mechanics are, you could see about them, if you want.
Keith, I figure from your post that you just love a nice challenge on the layout, right? Nah, my suggestions on cork will keep (I think I'll still remember them next year, or the year after that...)
DerJohn, I probably have that Peter Thorne electronics book (I have at least 2 of his, maybe 3). Those books are from back in the "Radio-Shack/etch your own circuit board for your transistorized whatever" days, eh? Sorry to hear that the puppy wasn't yours (though it's good for the sake of Ulrich's RR plans that the cutie wasn't yours). Hey, on that 'missing' book behind the bookcase, just cut a hole in the wall behind - from the other side!
Alrighty, Sam!
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S ! ! !
Way to go, guy! We knew you could do it! Hey, on the right side of your sketch, it looks like you could have a city/yard/switching area there (and maybe a passing track and/or sidings on some of the rest of the layout, too).
Sawyer, I'd be guessing that it might not be something you did, but something somebody else behind you did in the crush of things, is why your back ain't feeling up to par. Keep the heating pad on!
This week has been almost as much fun as another week on vacation. I was off w**k Monday and Tuesday, and the last couple of nights on-call I had NO calls (and tonight looks equally promising in terms of the cold weather). I know, so where are the photos of all my layout progress? Hush! Hey, I did finally get the Christmas decorations packed back up this afternoon, at least. I also got a couple of packages into the mail, and placed a MRR order with our LHS owner/MRR club member, and am awaiting that, maybe by Monday. Haven't had an opportunity to get my second run on the CAW decals (with smaller stripes) sprayed. Might head over to the MRR clubhouse Sat. after doing laundry and get the spraying done. H-L has their train stuff at 30 percent off, plus their 40 percent off (any one regular item) coupon this week, so I'll swing by there and take a look.
Then there's those flatcars I mentioned, and the car loads like Robby showed us...Where to start, where to start...
Well, after I finish my chili and dessert, I'll be rummaging around the stacks of old pics and articles in the storage room in the next Diner car. I should be back up front at least by morning, unless I fall asleep in the process. Prayers for comfort for aching backs and other body parts, for healing, for job prospects, for a warm place to be tonight, and for any other needs not mentioned.
Blessings,
Jim in Cape Girardeau
Good evening,
TIM: Personal masks??? Wow! THATs a concept... Hey, neat website, you guys got all the nice "toys!" We're a small, rural dept. 2 pumpers, a tanker, brush truck, the "crash truck" which is a former SnapOn Tools truck used as an equipment van. Believe it or not, we carry our bunker gear in it. Oh yeah, and there's the former brush truck (pickup) we use to carry the jaws, airbags, and cribbing. We do monthly truck checks too...incorporating checking the SCBA and masks (depending on which truck your team has for the month).
JIM: You could be right (me possibly irritating THAT), but like the old song says "...but I can't remember where...or when..." Seriously, I can't think of anything I woulda said or done. Who knows... Come to think of it, she made a rather snotty, snarky, insulting crack last week. I just let it roll by. I don't know.
Maybe she Googled me and it led her to my posts in here??? I suppose anything is possible.
I'm NOT gonna lose sleep over it. Hell, if I end up driving a van again in the coming months...so be it. IF I find somebody needing a photog...so be it. Even in a tough economy, there ARE jobs out there. I just might not like what I end up with...but, if need be, then so be it.
Also, Rerun has more facial expressions than any dog I've ever known! He is THE MASTER of non-verbal communicaiton, and always puts himself where he WILL be seen...the master of "stage presence."
ULRICH: Yeah....we'd have a blast in the Gulag. I'd sit on the opposite side of the room, making paper airplanes. I'd make mine look like Snoopy's Sopwith Camel, you'd have ones looking like the Red Barron's Fokker... we'd have us some dogfights.
Or not.
Ya know? Chili sounds good this sub-zero night. Flo? a bowl of yer finest please 'n thank-you! Oh, more burgers for Rerun too please...thanks JIM for the first batch, Short 'n Fuzzy appreciates 'em!
I think this weekend will be a good time to update the Flickr account again... (www.flickr.com look for Christopher D. Umscheid), a good time to update the resume' again... make some discreet communications...
Good Evening All,
Some apple pie ala mode with a RBF please. Quiet evening after a long day in the shop. Did some more on more book shelves but little else than read.
Dick - yes I plan on being at the Amherst Train Show again this year. I'll probably be manning the Danbury Railway Museum booth again in between meanderings through the vendors. Will you be there this year?
Der - thanks for sharing the dinner link - that was a hoot and I can see how it has achieved cult status. Now how about the origins of "More tea Vicker?"
Jim - you either take notes or have a photographic memory. I usually forget half of what I want to post. I have one of the IHC locomotives in question - a 4-6-4 Hudson I was going to kitbash with I-5 bodywork until I was able to get a proper I-5 RTR from BLI. It ran well but installing a decoder was problamatic and at some point I'll need to disassemble it to find out why it now has no power (probably to do with the MRC decoder I used). A reasonably done locomotive though I might suggest the latest FDT sales or BLI's refurbished deals section for a good deal for not too much more. Any of the BLI or Blueline steamers work really well and have amazing detail for the price.
Well, back to the shop tomorrow morning so I'll hang for a bit then turn in (to what?) J.R.
Got all the kits put together. 3 MDC modern gons (all N&W, with the same number), 2 boxes (N&W, SCL/L&N), 4 PS hoppers (SCL/L&N, EW, DRGW, and N&W), and AFCs (NYC, SP DRGW, and N&W). Yeah, a lot of N&W.
1 of the gons went together right; but the other 2 proved to be a pain. Someone else started them beause Kadees were put on, but they glued the centering spring and the coupler itself in place; in addition to the trucks. Had to re-drill holes on them because the mounting pins for the trucks and coupler broke when I tried to remove the glued on trucks. Then 1 went together after using longer screws and poking them through the floor. The remaining one's bottom cracked and shattered when tapping the whole for the coupler screws. So I cut the ends of the frame off. Then used double-sided duct tape to mount a kadee box that was glued together since I didn't want to drill and tap the metal weight with a pin vise. Suprisingly doing that puts the coupler at the right height, and the tape holds strong.
Jim, I've settled down a bit with those sandwhiches. I'm using the frosting for pretzels.now. Cheaper than buying the bag of frosted pretzels
JimRCGMOPC, nah, you can learn those songs (of course, you may not get much else done on Saturday...).
Yeah, it's no problem. I've already been playing with some augmentations.
Good Evening Diners!
Good news! The cold weather here is supposed to end next week as the weatherguesser says it will hit 0C so hopefully there will be some let-up for those of you to the south. Wait a minute, everyone is south of me.
Jim, The windchill in parts of southern Manitoba was supposed to hit -40+ but I have never heard of -50 and N. Dakota is only about 60 miles south of me. As for IHC locos, I have seen their Mikes and I really don't think they are worth the asking price. I have a Hudson that I got a few years ago as my first acquistion that got me back into the hobby. I paid $80 for it new as part of a train set. I just put in a TCS decoder in it as there is space over the motor. It works quite well as does the Sante Fe I also have. I only bought them as they were slightly modified to somewhat resemble the CNR versions of those locos.
Sam, Congrats on passing that test!
Chris, Sorry to hear things have gone downhill on the job front. From what you said your boss appears to be spreading the assignments rather thinly so there might not be enough for anyone. Trying to do a little empire building? Some bosses seem to think adding staff makes themselves more important whether or not there really is enough work . I've seen that before in the company where I work. Not true now as we have been 'downsizing' on nearly an annual basis for the past 4 years. I've been asked to see if I can get by with one less in my department and I only have 4 staff now.
Well tomorrow should be a good day as I'm LHS bound with Christmas money burning a whole in my wallet and I don't want to buy a new wallet so I better get rid of it. I have my eye on an Intermountain F7 in CN green and yellow. It would be another addition to my N scale collection. Speaking of which I have an old door in my workshop I had been saving for what I'm not sure but it would work for a little layout in said workshop/furnace room. The door has been down there for nearly 20 years and came free when we combined 2 bedrooms into one when we first moved into the house. I have kept it as a spare in case a door gets damaged but we don't have wild parties with people punching holes in doors. Come to think of it we don't have parties at all. It is a nice door though and they just don't make them like that anymore but hey, if i don't cut it up, or drill holes in it, it still could be considered a spare, right?
Rob, I am drifting into N scale for space reasons as I just will never have more than a 4x8 in HO and that really isn't enough for a good layout. The tracks are just too close to the edge. If I could do a decent 'round the room' I would stick with HO as I do like the detail and selection.
If you really want to see an exceptionally cute, sorry Pip I stand corrected, the cutest dog in the world, just email me your address and I'll send you a photo of said HRH Pippa. I don't have a photobucket account and won't likely get one so I'm afraid I won't be posting her pic here.
Well keep warm and remember that warmer days are bound to come, at least in our lifetime.
CN Charlie
Good morning all,
Jim, I have an IHC 4-8-2 and it runs great, but if you want details you need to pick up some parts to trick it out. Most of the detail is molded on and it looks ok, but if you’re looking for detail I would go with a BLI or a modern Life-like locomotive. February is when the BLI’s normally go on sale and trust me I’m watching for those sales. Last year the Mikado BLI was 2 for one, and several of the articulated locomotives dropped down to 70% off. If I see a sale I’ll post a note here in the diner. As for the plow there are way too many people around here with plows, plus I have a 6 speed, the clutch would never last.
BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret) L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes
Good Morning--
mmmm---Have to give everything time to warm up I see. The typing fingers don't seem to want to work to well--
We's be kinda cool today---it's -18C with the windchill at -24C. We'll see our high get to -11C today. And SUNNY!! Hey. I know the only time we see SUN is when it CCCOLD out but around here we don't see much SUN!! period. So we'll take it whenever it gets here...
Sam: Congratulations on passing those exams!!!
Chris: I'd be starting to get that ol' resume updated and ready at this rate. What with all those interns it might just be that the programs they're on that THAT may be the only game in town but then again.
PC: I love augmentations-----
DerJohn: Peter Thorne? Books? I've got two of his---that etching one is my favourites---heeheehee
Jim: Well---like I said up here I'd rather see SOME sun and have it be cold rather than be just plain ol' DULL and be damp and raw------and CCOLD
It's gonna be bit slow this weekend by the looks of things. Got a phone call from one of the TA's asking about whether there was any seminars this weekend and I had to say that there was going to be one this afternoon----and that'd be it----the only reason would be so people get to meet and greet---
As far as the MRRing is I'm waiting on some scratchbuilding parts to come in---Walthers back order on some small detail parts that are still getting made-----
Chloe, I'll just have a coffee and a toasted bagel with egg/sausage please----I'll be at the RC
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, and its still snowing. Not much thou. By the way............Its been snowing each day since December 30, 2009. From a dusting to over a inch each day. I'VE HAD ENOUGH!!
Not much planned other than grocery shop. Seems like we are running low on things.
As far as the custom load........My computer crashed with the pictures on it. I still got the way I did the load, but I don't think I have anymore pictures.
Hope everybody has a good Saturday.
"Rust, whats not to love?"
When you can walk a mile in another persons shoes, THEN you can make your case.
Didn't see any snow but it is sleeting. Not as cold as predicted but cold enough for skim ice to form. Groves in danger and growers doing the best they can.
Anyone know what colors the D&RG RR cookies box cars where in? I have four in silver and one in White. Not a protofreak, just curious.
Prayers for all
Flip
Good Afternoon,
well, the storm has hit us, but we are missing out on the snow. That deserves a , because we could in no way cope with 40 " of snow in this area. Chloe, the drinks for all are on me!
[comment deleted by selector...would be confusing in light of a previous post by another person having to be deleted] I have just received my February issue of MR and still wait for the January one. I am still pondering, or should I now better say, sulking, over my yet unsolved layout issue. I have a feeling that I start to think too big again. What´s the use of a plan I will not be able to turn into reality for financial reasons. As there is no short term improvement in sight, I better settle for the budget version, whatever that is. Ideas, ideas - a kingdom for ideas!
Made a mistake of showing John´s puppy pic to Petra - now I want one!
Have a great day!
Hey Jeff- Ignore the Tarnished silver pilot . Maybe it will stay away. WE Diner regulars like you and darn sure admire your modeling skills. Keep at it , my friend as you serve as an inspiration to me and probably the rest in here. Prayers, buddy and stay warm.
Love yuh! Flip
Good morning. It's 17 and sunny. The high is projected to be a balmy 41. That seems somewhat optimistic considering it never got above freezing yesterday.It seems pretty much a certainty that the car will be going to the shop Monday though I still have to get with the money man (my father) about that. While he's usually accommodating about things like that there are times that he makes Scrooge at his most miserly look like a drunk sailor and it takes some serious bargaining to get the work done. I'm sure you've all had such times in your lives. As for my day today it looks like the high point will be when the Home Health nurse comes to change the dressing for the wound vacuum. That thing is uncomfortable for me but as long as it works I'll put up with it. It's been a real wonder so far and I wish I'd known about it sooner. The only ones I'd heard of before were big clunky bedside affairs that allowed very little freedom. With this unit I can at least get around a little but it's still heavy enough that it shifts my center of balance which was already precarious in the first place. There's no walking a straight white line with it on. lol. I've really enjoyed the responses I've gotten from the people I recently sent items to. Going to the post office to send such things out is painful but knowing that I'm bringing happiness to others makes it worth it.
Good Morning, coffee please. Tempting, real tempting .
Gonna pick Mom up from the Nursing Home and take her home today as her PT is done. I hope she can manage as well as she thinks she can.
I hope to get some RR time in today and tomorrow. I feel like I want to do something. Now you watch, I won't have time.
Sam- Congratulations Hoss. Keep hangin in there!
John- I'm gonna wait to check out the video for when I have time. I love British humor.
SilverPilot- So nice of you to drop in.
Best get a move on before Mom gets antsy.
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.
fec153Hey Jeff- Ignore the Tarnished silver pilot . Maybe it will stay away. WE Diner regulars like you and darn sure admire your modeling skills. Keep at it , my friend as you serve as an inspiration to me and probably the rest in here. Prayers, buddy and stay warm.
ditto.
Thanks for the concerns about my back guys. Ray, I'm with you, I think it's just a strained muscle because like I said, it feels like once it's loose it will feel fine. Jim, I think I probably hurt it when I tackled one of our coaches (when we're running our lines they'll play defense and we gotta try to tackle them if they get the ball)