Elliot´s Trackside Diner XXIV - on a new track

[Robby P.]

Good morning.  The weather people are calling for a inch or so of snow today.  

 Well not much planned for me either today.  Maybe do some shopping around town, and maybe go to a LHS for a Valentines gift  (well from the wife).  

 Plus I'm looking into getting a new job.  I have to take a test for it Tuesday, and I need to find the building its being held at.  I just need something closer to home, and full-time.

 Hope everybody has a good morning.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 Good morning. It's 32 and cloudy. The high should be in the mid 50's and it will be partly cloudy. The rain chance for today is slim to none and slim just left town.

The home health nurse will be around at noon today to change the vacuum dressing on my foot. Other than that there's nothing on my schedule. I have a DPM structure that needs to have a roof put in it.

[blownout cylinder]

Sir Madog

Barry - how about settling in for an USRA 0-6-0 to do the switching. Nifty little loco, I´d say!

Now that the switch list has been expanded I think a 0-6-0 will do just fine thank you---

Good Morning--

The weatherguessers have given us snowflurries for the next several days----oh---and CCCOLD. More from damp raw winds---yay

Getting schtuff ready for the weekend seminar series which means up and all piculous at early hours day

We seem to have a few of those Chryslers on truck frames up here----some of the roads north of here could stand one of those--

Chloe, I'll have a breakfast bagel and a bucket of coffee please---I'll be at the RC for now--

[Anonymous]

 Good Morning,

Zoe, just some coffee for me, please. I can´t stay for long - it is Petra´s birthday today, the 29th + (I won´t be telling you, how big this "+" is).Just got back from buying some flowers for her - that´s all I can afford at the moment. 

It is only a 2 mile drive into town, but it took me 30 minutes, as we got another dose of that white stuff. 

Chris - can I borrow that Chrysler on the truck chassis? That´s the type of transport I could use right now, just to get out of the parking lot.

Sam - I like your track plan. Which track will you be using. If it is Atlas, I could prepare a drawing in RTS for you - just for the fun of it. I also like the pics of the F-7A - for me, they are the epitome of US Diesels! OTOH, that 2-8-0 beats them all ...

Barry - how about settling in for an USRA 0-6-0 to do the switching. Nifty little loco, I´d say!

 Talking about sirens, there is one nearby my place. Looks like this:

... and makes a heck of a noise! Every Saturday, at noon, there is a trial run and, man, that sound can wake up the dead! My Mother still gets the creeps, when she hears a siren - bad memories of WW II air raid warnings.

You all have a safe & good day!

[AmanaMedic]

Heartland Division CB&Q

This is for Jeff to use in his snow.

Plow? Jeff don't need no stinkin' plow...

Good evenin', a plate of Barry Burgers with extra cheese and bacon please 'n thankya...with a bucket of Coke.

Speakin' of JEFF: Yep, gotta have spotters to go with the sireeeeeen, be it one or a dozen. We've just updated our antiques here in Clarence to where we can trip 'em with the 2-way radios in the trucks. Some of the hand-helds can do it too; so while we're out lookin' we can get the sireeeens blastin' THAT much quicker.

Nik .n: OK....I'm now officially a Thunderbolt fan. As for making one, I'd still go with shaping some clay and casting it in resin, with styrene parts. I can't tell you how eager I am to see what you come up with... my little eventual corner of Cedar Rapids will need at least one *hint hint*. AND it'll probably be done on the two poles (planks in-between with the blower box and control unit) with the air tube up the taller pole to the T-Bolt.... *hint hint hint*

TODD will probably want one for his trailer park too....

SAM: Ya know..."Someone told me it's all happenin' at the zoo....I do believe it....I do belive it's true..." - Simon and Garfunkel.   I'm liking the trackplan, hope the soft rubber pad at the drawing table helped! Hey, neat find on the 423...looks better in your shot!

SAM and JOE: Yep! As-if the nose bell wasn't enough of a dead give-away... CNW 417, 418, 420, 423, 424, 425 leased to NJ Transit in '83. 424 & 425 returned to CNW, other four leased to Metro North Commuter RR in '91. 423 returned to CNW, and sold to Kasten Railcar Services in Edwardsville, Illinoissssssss in '93. 425 came home to CNW and became CNW 400 (the 3rd), the flagship of the executive fleet.

Sorry boys, I think old 425 looks just a little bit better THIS way....

I'll be at the RC for a spell, I don't think I'm contagiously contagious anymore...the disease has settled in for a protracted occupation of my sinus, easily subdued by OTC medications.

Chris

 

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

This is for Jeff to use in his snow.

Sam ..... I like the 2-8-0 photo

 

[Trainman Sam]

 

I Volunteer a Baldwin Consolidation 2-8-0 (NH&I #40) to do the job...  Just let me know when it's needed, and what track it's taking the Diner to!

Well, I'm off to bed.  Tomorrow Sue & I are going to The Philadelphia Zoo!  They are having a "Romantic Behind the Scenes" look at the zoo, with a brunch, then a tour (where they explain the mating habits of select animals at the zoo) and then a champagne toast!  Sounds like it's going to be really interesting! Good night my friends!  Don't let the bed bugs bite! MUUUUWWWAAAHHHHAHAAAHAHAAAHHAHAA  Lol...

EDIT: CFO's gonna k!ll me, top honors TWICE IN A ROW!  Eat up friends!  This time might I suggest that you try the Mongolian Tenderloin Strip Steak, along with a bowl of Australian Cabbage as the appetizer, and don't forget the FRESHLY delivered French Vanilla Ice Cream topped with homemade Caramel topping and pistachio nuts! MMMMM-MMMMM-MMMMM!!!

[fec153]

HOLD THE TRAIN !!!  I'm 11 pages behind. Or at least leave a link- PLEASE!

Flip

Prayers for all.

 

[howmus]

Evenin' folks!

Zoe how about a chocolate brownie with some vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup on it.  What?  yeh go ahead and add some whipped cream and a cherry on top........    Oh!  I almost forgot I'll need a cup of decafe to wash it all down. 

Finally got the certificates signed for the combined meet last month.  The other Superintendent will delicer all but one of them at a Clinic to raise money for Haiti being put on within his division.  The other one I am having trouble getting in touch with.  I'll call him tomorrow and try to make arrangements to see his layout and present his certificate on Sunday or ASAP anyway.

Got home and had to go to a Cub Scout Pack Committee meeting.  This pack I am the commissioner for.  They are still looking for a new sponsor for the Unit right now and are on an extended period on the old charter for the moment, so they have permission to continue to meet.  Tonight they were putting the finishing touches on the Blue and Gold Banquet coming up in a couple weeks. 

blownout cylinder

Is anyone looking for another switcher for the diner?

Got a GP9u for ya!!

 

What a diseasal!?!  Well OK if THAT is the best we can do.   It is getting close to moving time already isn't it.  Seems like yesterday.  (Ooooohhh  great name for a song!)

73

[ns3010]

Evening all. Flo, I'll take a RBF, thanks.

TGIF!!!! After two snowdays, I thought today was Monday all day! Got off Monday and Tuesday, and a half day Wednesday.

I see there's talk about NJT F7 and E8 units. All the F's apparently were purchased from C&NW, although two were leased and eventually returned. There's info on just about anything NJT on this site, although it hasn't been updated in a few years: http://hobokenterminal.com/

Have a few photos from NYC and Morristown yesterday. From NY, I have the Empire State Building, as well as the Freedom Tower under construction.
New York
Morristown & Erie

Imma catch up for a bit in the back. I hear there'll be an extra H&W (high-and-wide, or dimensional) move tonight...

[blownout cylinder]

Is anyone looking for another switcher for the diner?

Got a GP9u for ya!!

[nik .n]

jeffrey-wimberly

nik .n

Jeff: Pretty cool. What did your siren look like?

I don't know exactly. I'll have to see if I can get a pic of it sometime.

 

Thanks!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

nik .n

Jeff: Pretty cool. What did your siren look like?

I don't know exactly. I'll have to see if I can get a pic of it sometime.

[Robby P.]

Vincent..........It doesn't matter a long as you will dullcote after you fade the car.  I've used gloss several times, and after I dullcoted it, you didn't even know it was gloss. 

[Trainman Sam]

OK, I'm back... DRAT!

I had an epiphany, and then an immediate brain F @ rt I'm gonna go with my original idea:

and add a track that goes all the way around the basement, connecting "A" (behind Lahaska) to what ever staging I build adjacent to the SEPTA Warminster Station!  That will provide me with the continuous running that I am looking for.  And I could also extend the tracks from New Hope to connect to that track work and have NJ Transit trains come onto the layout from "staging" as my "version" of history has enough commuter traffic to warrant NJT to come into PA at that location, using trackage rights along the S&S Ry from Raritan to Lambertville!  Not a helix in sight!  Earlier today I was on the thought path of using one helix in each available corner of the room.  Fortunately I came to my senses!  If I do use a helix, it will be just beyond my staging yard at Warminster.  The helix will connect the NH&I layout to a loop that I will have attached to the ceiling.  The loop will circle the layout room, used as a test track, and to breack in new loco's.  This way I can reduce the necessity of handling my roster of models as much as possible.  I'll try to get the idea for my staging yard out of my head and onto paper before it flies the coupe!

[nik .n]

 Packer: Thanks! I looked up First Union Rail and their paint scheme matched what I was looking at. One of their units was a regular on the freights that went by my house for a while.

Chris: Sorry, the same thing happened to me, should have warned you. But eventually, when I make one out of styrene, I will see if I can do another one, taking photos as I go, and compile an article on it.

Jeff: Pretty cool. What did your siren look like?

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Cederstrand

***Jeffrey, did you catch that Toy Trains show on RFDTV last night on that fellas high rail layout with the outstanding weathering? I forget his name, but what impressive work.

No, I didn't catch that one. My DVR's log shows that it skipped it for some reason or other.

[Packer]

Evening ya'll. RBF for me

Rob, In cases of carelessness, the gene pool sometimes takes care of itself. I've run across people who will try to get me to street race in that knid of stuff.

Robby, Thanks. Would it really make a difference if I used gloss, satin, or flat finish white? I have a ton of the gloss, but very little of the flat. If it does matter, I could pick up some clear flat paint somewhere and mix it up, right?

[Robby P.]

 Vincent...........For the white paint (testors), I just use paint thinner.   I just pour some white paint into the air brush jar, and add paint thinner.  How much????  I don't have a measurement.   I just take a plastic pipette and get some thinner in it, and pour into the white paint.   Of course mix it up.  That's it.  I'm probably one of the few that don't measure what they use .

[blownout cylinder]

Cederstrand

It be snowing here. Barely made it home this evening. Our country road & driveway was already becoming a skating rink. What ticked me & my wife off was at a large intersection on a highway, some idiot was sitting on their horn behind us, trying to get us to make a turn against oncoming traffic. With the roads becoming slick, we both gave them the 1 finger salute at the same time and then waited for the turn light, just to teach them a lesson in manners. At the rate of speed we saw them take off down the road, we figured there was a good chance they would end up in a ditch somewhere.

Had something like that happen up this way this morning. Guy was in such a hurry that he went around this one fellows car and ran right into another car coming up the other way. Left us sitting there having to phone 911 and doing the waiting for statement thing with police---

Like I go around saying----some of us have the time. Others have the clock.

[Cederstrand]

Scrambled egg whites in chopped onions, bell peppers and mushrooms, please.

***Jeffrey, did you catch that Toy Trains show on RFDTV last night on that fellas high rail layout with the outstanding weathering? I forget his name, but what impressive work.

It be snowing here. Barely made it home this evening. Our country road & driveway was already becoming a skating rink. What ticked me & my wife off was at a large intersection on a highway, some idiot was sitting on their horn behind us, trying to get us to make a turn against oncoming traffic. With the roads becoming slick, we both gave them the 1 finger salute at the same time and then waited for the turn light, just to teach them a lesson in manners. At the rate of speed we saw them take off down the road, we figured there was a good chance they would end up in a ditch somewhere.

Had to run 2 Ranger (polaris 6x6) loads of hay out to a couple pastures. I am beyond beat now. Going to go rest in front of the tv awhile.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Rob 

[Trainman Sam]

AmanaMedic

Hey SAM, I found this old beast:

When I saw it (February, '93 at Beverly Yard (CNW), I thought it was a Metra engine coming "home" to die. But, after seeing your F40 model, I'm wondering if this wasn't NJT instead. I wonder if CNW didn't sell/lease power to NJT, looks like a CNW commuter F, but 'taint THAT "your" NJT paint???

Hey, you found THAT, I found THIS!

Small world!  NJT used to have several F7(a)'s and E8's...  Not sure when they were "removed" from property.

I can't WAIT for this weather to be done with...  Weather Guessers are now calling for another FOOT on monday!  NO MORE!  I don't want to shovel snow on my paid "holiday" day off!  I want to sit back and relax and enjoy the day!  Let's hope it isn't as much as they say! (let's hope for the Lesser side of things!)

Anyway, I have been "pondering" the layout possibilities, to no avail.  Nothing new has jumped into my head yet, except for the fact that I KNOW I will be building a multiple deck layout.  Since I will need the middle of the room for furniture for my "Home Theatre" setup, I will have to go with an around the walls setup.  THAT will mean I will have to build at leat one helix.  More than likely I will build two or three helix's, in the three available corners of the room, so that I can have continuous running.   OH, I will be right back!!!! OFF TO THE DRAWING BOARD!

 EDIT: I got top op page, again!  Eat up friends!  May I suggest the Lobster Bisque as an appetizer, along with the Seafood Portofino and Ceasar Salad!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

nik .n

That siren could be a STH-10 variant. Here's one that looks more like the one you have..

Yup. It shows that some things are better left fixed, not upgraded. Here is the siren in question that got blown over.

Only one siren (civil defense) in the entire city. We depend on spotters and chasers. I used to be a chaser. That can be exciting and terrifying all at once. Sometimes a chaser has to be behind a storm and at other times he has to be in front of it.

[JPowell]

Well gang, I just so happen to find some pics of the dog and g/f. I have to get them posted on photobucket and then I can post them on here.

Take care!

[JPowell]

LSWrr

Good morning all,


JP – Now that the new place is about a year old how do you like it?

Actually, the "new" place is over a yr old by 4 months now! I love it alot. However, having the g/f and a dog from the Humane Society that we adopted here, makes it seem a little small now!

I forgot if I posted any pics of the dog she talked me into getting. I'll find some and pot them, along with some of the new MR stuff I got.

Which reminds me, over the last 2 months, the LHS has gotten almost $300 from me. Today, it was $155 for the March 09 issue of RMC, 2ea of the NYC Ford F-850 Boom Trucks, and my newest addition to my engine fleet, FURX SD40 # 3036 (Athearn model # 89870). I am going to have the LHS owner get me one of the North American Ethanol engines as well (forgot to have him place it on order so i guess I should email him....) Well, that was a quick phone call order... So, the NAEX SW9 will cost me $160+ tax in about a month or 2 when it arrives....

Well gang, I thank each and everyone of you for the words of wisdom and prayers. I'll keep everyone posted as these next few months go on....

Take care!

[AmanaMedic]

nik .n

That siren could be a STH-10 variant. Here's one that looks more like the one you have..

I think yer right...

Welp, for some reason...I've been researching Thunderbolt sireeeeeeeens! It amazes me what-all is/was involved with them: a large box containing the air pump, the "chopper" giving the sireeeeeeen it's "voice," and the rotator. After looking at the darned things for...40 years (and dreading their sound)...I actually now "know" what I was looking at. 'Taint Al Gore's internet a wonderful thing??? I can see why they're being replaced...that's a lot of mechanical mechanicals to maintain/repair, and the fewest moving parts is always "best;" but at the same time...there is a..."style," a "class" to these storm screamers I find lacking in the modern efforts. If nothing else...the sound is just...well, AWESOME (for the sound of impending, "we're all a-gonna die!," DOOM). The sireeeeeeen by my home sounds like a freakin' leaf blower...

And...THAT siren you've got the illustration of...welp, THAT's what Linn County/Alliant Energy has been putting up in the 20 mile radius around the former Duane Arnold Energy Center (nuke plant). Don't know what it's called now THAT Florida Light and Power owns it. I had one of those P.O.S's near my house outside of Walker. They have a lousy sound, the "voice of God" feature is annoyingly stupid... I actually MISS the Thunderbolts now!

Good grief...I'm waxing philosophical about storm sirens now...

Nik .n: WHAT have you done to me??????? I've got this crazy idea now, the next time I'm in Cedar Rapids...to see which ones are still up and take photos of them!

Good grief...I'm actually glad it's time to get ready to go to w**k... IF I keep looking at these storm siren sites, etc....I'll probably go batty!!!!!

Chris

Here's a disgusting thought...on the radio news, the Waterloo School District has announced who will and will NOT be admited to a Boys Sub-State Basketball game between Waterloo East and Waterloo West...to "reduce the risk of any disruptions." Suspended kids, kids involved in a previous "disturbance," and kids KNOWN TO BE IN A GANG won't be let in. IF they KNOW the kids are in a gang...WHY don't they freakin' do something about it?????????????

 

[Packer]

Robby, Seems like it's something I could do for a little extra money. The pay is about 1.5 times what my job pays, and it's part time. The only downside is the local office is 40 miles away, and there are some parts of my time I wouldn't drive thorugh in anything less than an armoured car But then again, I took karate and have a 12-guage and I could use for self defense.

Did you see what I asked earlier about the thinned testor's white?

Nik, Could it just be a really dirty ex-bn unit? The only leasing company I know of with a green and gray scheme is First Union Rail. There scheme is a gray loco with a green nose, cab, and stripe. The only road I'm aware of that has a scheme close to BN's is the MRL.

[nik .n]

AmanaMedic

Nik .n: Since you seem to be a sireeeeen expert, maybe you can tell me what it is I've got "protecting" my end of town.

 

Other sirens in town look like this or like a coffee can, with peaked roofs.

Further evidence God has a sense of humor...and justice: the video you described of the "idiot" loudspeaker getting blown away while a tried and true T-Bolt gets the job done. I love it.

 

That siren could be a STH-10 variant. Here's one that looks more like the one you have..

Yup. It shows that some things are better left fixed, not upgraded. Here is the siren in question that got blown over.

One of the days in my life, I am going to get my own Thunderbolt, and once I fix it, I am partly donating it to my town as a supplement to the fire hall's siren and as a general warning siren.

Does anyone know of a leasing company that has a gray and green paint scheme reminiscent of Burlington Northern's scheme?

Robby Woah, that's a derailment.

 

 

[Robby P.]

 Chris.......Thanks for the comments.  That's fine.  No rush.

 Vincent........They have part-time hours.  I believe 20 hours a week or so.  I'm guessing you go door to door to the house's that didn't turn in the census form.  I thought about it, but I probably won't end up doing it .

[Packers#1]

JimRCGMO

Sawyer, thanks for the info on the 'concrete' lots - have saved that info for any larger areas of concrete I might have.

 

no prob. I'll probably do a tutorial when I'm plastering the roads on the town side.

Robby, I'm pretty my mom already took the test.

We got out of school an hour early today. thank you lord for SNOW! seems I've gotta eat my words from yesterday, but oh well. rugby got canceled as well though, but life goes on, lol.