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Elliot's Trackside Diner XXV- Milepost 25 Locked

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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, February 18, 2010 4:18 AM

 Good Morning,

hey, was that a "Hoover hog" I just saw? This place is really turning into a zoo... Laugh

Well, you there, I´d like a big mug of cafe au lait, croissants, jam and butter - you don´t know, what this is? Then just coffee please, and a bowl of cereal with milk...

I heard that Chloe, Zoe, Flo and Janie are having a good  time in ol´ sunny southern California. No, Tom, they won´t help you finish your loco - there down there for a vacation.

I have been playing with that "British" track plan for a while, just some minor changes. Talked to my old friends in Cologne and they think, it could be a nice display layout for the 2011 show in Cologne. Now we have to talk about funding - looks, as if I could be building this one for them - would be just grrreat!

Here is the updated version:


Jim - can you spot "The Vicar on his Tricycle"? (He is on the road, close to the Gate Keeper´s Office).

Today, someone is taking a look at our house, which is up for sale for more than a year now. If he buys it, it would mean a big burden off Petra´s and  my shoulder and a further step into a normal life.

Have a good day!

 

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Posted by Trainman Sam on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 11:46 PM

Thanks for all the well wishes for my job...   I'll have to catch up on the two pages I'm behind tomorrow, I'm wiped out, between running trains (1:1) and considering some alternatives (I have to be prepared ya know), it gets kinda taxing on the cranium!

Have a great night my friends!

Jeff- GREAT NEWS about getting the wound vac off!  Glad to hear your able to get around better now!  I'm praying that all gets much improvement for you in a hurry!

Adieu!

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)

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Posted by AmanaMedic on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 11:35 PM

Found another GP-50...so SAWYER can see what they're 'posed to look like...Smile,Wink, & Grin

Found this getting played with by Rockwell International's RR electronics bunch back in August of '90.

GARRY: I forgot to say, THAT's a durn-nice waycar you've got there... reminds me of one sitting in Creston, Iowa. For some unknown reason...I apparently never shot it.Banged Head

TODD: Otters? We've got otters now???? Now you've got me wondering....were those really Cocoa Puffs in my bowl this morning? Or do we have a bunny rabbit or two in here as well???Shock

This is really starting to get out of hand...interesting, to be sure...but out of hand!

ChrisEight Ball

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 11:11 PM

With all of this talk about raccoons, perhaps we will see Davy Crocket wearing his coonskin cap. Anybody remember him?

Flip ... I'm glad Deb is home already and recovering from surgery.

Thanks again for the comments on the branchline caboose. Yes, Jim it was a Roundhouse wood caboose, They called it an old time caboose. My model has unique trucks. They are the allied type which was used on troop kitchen cars and troops sleeping cars. I have a photo of a Burlington branch line caboose with such trucks. I think they scrapped one of the former troop cars and salvaged the trucks.

I have a photo ready for this weekend with this caboose on a short local freight train. The train has a small steam loco which I have not previously posted in the forum.

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by TMarsh on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 11:09 PM

Good evening, I know it's late. Tired I am so nothing for me.

Not much happened on the layout. Mostly staring and figuring out how I want to do some stuff.

Boy I'm sure glad there's some good news flying around about the healh issues.

Ran into Flo at the Casey's, she said she is enjoying the time off. But at the same time is missing all us and will be back rested and raring to go on the next page 1. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the racoon. He, she, whatever, seems a bit odd. I did however notice a couple of Otters frying fish for the Lenten season in the kitchen. They seem to do a lot of sampling, I mean A LOT, but seem to wash their hands quite a bit so I suppose I'll have some on Friday. 

Time for bed in Central Illinoyz. Prayers for those in need. Thankfully that list is getting smaller. 

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 AmanaMedic on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 10:42 PM

AztecEagle

Hell,I've lived long enough to send two nephews off to war!!!

Luckily theyr'e both back home safe!!

Next time you see 'em, give 'em a great big "THANK YOU for your service!" from me! No grandnephews,  but I've got three nephews, one THAT I actually acknowledge (the other two are little PITA brats, the evil spawn of the biotch-in-law) and am proud of. He recently joined the Louisiana Nat. Guard after doing JROTC through high school...good kid, I'm durn proud of him! He's also a train buff, so I sent him a bunch of surplus stuff I had laying around. Then, a little storm named Katrina came along and destroyed it all. Disapprove So, I dug a little deeper, and sent him the rest of my surplus stuff. THAT year for Christmas, I set him up with some basic tools/supplies and other assorted stuff.

Good evening, uh, Mr. Raccoon? (I do NOT want to know who checked the gender...) yes, a couple of Barry Burgers, with extra cheese and bacon. I'll also take a large chocolate malt please 'n thank-you....

Wow, look at THAT little guy go!

JIM: Yeah, THAT "should" be understanding about driving on ice...it'll all depend on what she still has in the cache waiting to go in. If she has plenty of content, all will be well. If she comes up short...welllllllllllllllllll.Banged Head

SAWYER: Good grief Kid! All summer we gotta worry about you dehydrating yourself...come winter, now we have to make sure you don't go and hypothermiate yourself!!!!! I forgot to say, nice shot of the Geep-50. I've always been a fan of them, but I like 'em best with the chop (normal) nose, nose bell, yellow and green paint job... CNW had the first production 50s, and made them THE power for "the Bird" (Falcon TOFC service), and other "hot" trains. But, the love affair wore-off as they were less than reliable. By the mid 90s, they were some pretty sad looking units. I think UP dumped 'em pretty quick after the Borg assimilation.

Now THAT's what a GP-50 oughta look like...Mischief

VINCENT: Yup, I need a set of the trough hatches too. I've got dozens of the round-ish hatches, but need a set of the troughs to finish-out a CNW Centerflo. I kinda botched it last year. I take the 4-bay Athearn, make a 3-bay out of it, then bash the middle hatches into a longer one: three hatches total. THAT's not quite right for the prototype though. So....I had me this brilliant ideer. I'd splice hatches until I had a full-length unit, kinda like (closer to) the real one. Welp, THAT looked like total CRAP. So, I went back to my not right but better looking three-hatches. Except, for the last car, when I ran out of raw material. So, now the poor thing sits on the w**k table, with the rest of the great un-finished's.

PIPPA: Rerun says "thanks!" and "Hiya!"

Oh my goodness... looks like the deer are having to help Mr. Raccoon with THAT pair 'o Barry Burgers...

Hey, Milepost 25 isn't in a flood plain is it? This place IS starting to look like a certain ark...

ChrisEight Ball

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Posted by AztecEagle on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 10:07 PM

Nothing for me Flo!!
However,my cousin Karl Childers is visiting and he sure likes them fried pertaters,uhmhmm!!!

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Posted by howmus on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 10:04 PM

Evenin' folks,

Mr. Racoon you got a name?  Chrrrrrriiiuuuuup?  OK, I think I'll just call you "waiter" as I don't speak fluent Racoon.....  How about you get me a nice big cup of decafe.  I'll go sit in the back booth by the stove.  (Hope the girls didn't quit.......)

I got a bit more done on Backwoods Engine House and washed a couple loads of laundry.  Then went back to w*rk on the taxes.  Got everything put into TurboTax and almost had heart failure.......  I knew that I didn't spend much for supplies this year for the business, but...........  Even though I grossed over $1000 less than I did in 2008, I ended up showing about 10 times more profit!  (THAT is really not much money as I almost showed a loss in 08.)  Went back to my files and started checking out all my VISA statements and "Whalla"!  I located several deductions THAT I didn't have receipts for.  Went online to the company, pulled up my files and printed out new receipts for the supplies and my tax due went down from over $500 to less than $100.....  (For Uncle Sam).  I will owe the guys in Albany a few dollars but nothing petty cash can't handle.  So I'm feeling a bit better than I was earlier! Smile,Wink, & Grin

At least I have one more "2 do" almost finished.

We are supposed to get freezing rain overnight.  driving should be "fun" tomorrow around here.  Luckily I have no where I need to go until the afternoon and by then roads should be fine.

Prayers for all in need!  have a good night.

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 AztecEagle on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 9:45 PM

Glad she's back home and resting comfortably.

Hope she's up and around real soon.

In two weeks',I'll be heading southbouind on I45 to Htown to see my newest Grandnephew!!

To paraphrase Big Joe Turner's"Flip Flop and Fly":
"I Got So Many Neices and Nephews

I Don't Know Which Way To Jump.".

As of this posting,I've got four nephews;one step nephew;four neices;one step neice;four grandnephews;one grandneice and two step grandneices!!!

Hell,I've lived long enough to send two nephews off to war!!!

Luckily theyr'e both back home safe!!

 

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Posted by CNCharlie on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 9:11 PM

Good Evening Diners!

I finally found the diner after searching for nearly a week. They said in town that it had been moved but gave no directions as to which way down the line it went so I've been driving around through blizzard, mud and rain looking for it, then finally in the dusk I saw the glow of some familiar lights. A funny, furry guy with a mask directed me down a muddy track and there it was, lit up in all its glory. Don't think I'll ever get the mud washed off the Volvo. It was really great to finally open the door, but then I saw another masked guy, said his name was Rocky and he was the new waiter. He told me I could have any seat as long as I gave him something shiny. I'm getting a little nervous here, as there appears to be a guy in a deer costume cleaning tables but then again there aren't any antlers so it must be a doe.

The menu seems much the same, but I see the venison has been crossed off. Guess I better have the spam and eggs please Chloe.

Flip, glad to hear the Mrs. came through the surgery OK and is now back at home for a speedy recovery. You'll know when she is back to normal when you get the first HD list.

Jeff, that is good news about your foot. When you talked of that vacuum, I just couldn't stop thinking about how they cleaned wounds in the old days using leeches. Much the same idea I expect.

Rob, great to hear your old ticker is ticking over just fine.

Not a lot new up here in the Great White North. Been watching a bit of the Olympics especially the skating which my wife and I both enjoy. I also finally got my little layout table extension built and I do mean little as in 15"x48". Oh well at least I can now do a little harbour scene and use the Kibri harbour retaining walls I bought a few years ago. I have overcome my tendency to add sidings on every available piece of real estate and will have only one going dockside. I think I might add a lighthouse if I can find one of those Walthers kits.

Chris, Pippa sends a belated Happy Birthday to ReRun. She would have done so sooner but she really has no sense of time except when it comes to her meals and come to think about it anything to do with her as she is rather self-centered. She frequently reminds us of the Westie Rules of Property lest we forget.

Say have any of you read the latest Classic Trains? If you like steam, be sure to get a copy as it has some really great articles and photos.

Ulrich, I share your dilemma on N vs. HO and the space they occupy. My solution is to do both!  N for just running trains and a HO switching layout. N needs to be up high so I thought why not put a HO shelf switching layout underneath. There are some great plans out there for even as small as a 1'x6' shelf. That is assuming we do eventually move to a condo on Vancouver Island. If not then I will still do a N layout on a door. My existing HO layout is only 8.5'x 4' and is really just a switching layout with a loop for continuous running.

Well I must have used up a page by now so Chloe, a round of RBFs on me please and I think I'll call it a night.

CN Charlie

 

 

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Posted by fec153 on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 8:32 PM

Jeff- Well darn. I guess you won't be trainning for the Olympics, but thats alright. You get a Gold with your "Trainning"   Love your work. Very happy for your improvements.

Flip

 

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 8:11 PM

JimRCGMO
Jeff, MORE good news! Thumbs UpYeah!! Now that you don't have our extra weight to carry around (and since you have those orthopedic boots), you'll be able to get back to the layout, I'm guessing.Smile

I'll have to figure out how I can and can't move first. The boot creates a lot limitations. Of course that's it's job. The ankle has to be immobile so no fancy gymnastics.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
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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 fec153 on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 8:00 PM

Hello! I'm looking for the diner. How did I get in this zoo? Oh this is the diner? Well, darn.

Hi folks. Deb is at home and has to wear the neck brace for six weeks. It is bothersome but her most annoying problem is her buttock where the dr. took a piece of bone to stabilize her neck and give her some motion for her head. That is a sore area.. Thankfully, I am not the cause of the P I T A.     lol.

I wish to thank everyone for their prayers. I know I do not post my thoughts to everyone but I offer up my prayers to God for each one in need and all of us that are lucky enough not to have major problems. 

May he Bless you all and grant you peace of mind and body.

Phil  aka-Flip

 

 

 

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Posted by Packers#1 on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 7:56 PM

 Jim, our match last week got snowed out. teams couldn't travel b/c of the roads (you know how the South gets)

Sawyer Berry

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Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

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Posted by Cederstrand on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 6:12 PM

Grilled chicken with wild rice & veggies, please.

Nothing much to report on. Long day helping the Inlaws.

Hope everyone is oding well.

Cheers! Cowboy Rob

 

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Posted by blownout cylinder on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 6:00 PM

***** walks into cafe and sees that an Armadillo is now the maitre'd.*****

I'll just sit by the RC thanks------sheeesh---now there is an Armadillo being a maitre'd. Flo? What's going on?Confused

Welp. We had a nice slushy day today. Got into a coupla nice puddles downtown and had to jump some corner lakes as well.

OK---my municipal bond thing this morning brought me up short. I think the bond issues are going to be having big debt issues now----OOPS. I'm not sticking any poker into that mess--Whistling

Sam: Yep. That job be sticking around-----Smile

I'll have a coffee and a cinnamon bun please---Whistling

an Armadillo as a maitre'd? and there seems to be a Komodo Dragon doing the books now----OY

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 JimRCGMO on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 5:26 PM

Afternoon, Zoe (and the short, fuzzy one there...), I'll have a RBF, grilled cheese sandwich, and a bowl of cream of potato soup, please. Thanks! (Still takes some getting to be used to seeing a raccoon with that getup on, standing next to Zoe...Well, so long as he/she/it keeps paws off of my food...)

Cederstrand
***Jim, how about some pics of all that club progress?

Rob, I was thinking about that last night (Tuesday...), but didn't take my camera with me on Monday. I'll swing by the clubhouse during the day this week or on Saturday and get some pics. I still have some pics of the two parts of what now is the paper factory (one was a paper plant - brick walls - and the other was part of the old power plant on the old club layout before our move). So I'll post some of the former parts and also of "what Ken's done with the place," so to speak...Whistling Will see about some other pics of the town, our enlarged grain elevator, etc. Some of it is droolworthy, I'd say (wish I could take credit for it, but most was done by other club members). And Rob - GREAT news on the reports/test results! Bow Like you said, kinda hard for the doctor(s) to argue with the good results. Yeah!!

Chris - so when hasn't THAT editor 'understood' circumstances?Whistling But I'd side with you (for what THAT's worth with her...) on safety over risking your neck (and/or anyone else on the road) by trying to get there.

Todd, good to hear that you won't have to move everything on the layout. Thumbs Up Now, onward and upward (figuratively speaking of course)!

Flip - great to know [YAY!] that Deb's doing well from the surgery. Now, help her get healed up (the bruising should go away sooner or later, and the key's that she doesn't overdo while recuperating. AngelAngel

Jeff, MORE good news! Thumbs UpYeah!! Now that you don't have our extra weight to carry around (and since you have those orthopedic boots), you'll be able to get back to the layout, I'm guessing.Smile

Thanks for posting the branchline caboose pic, Garry - THAT looks excellent! Whose model did you say that started out as - MDC/Roundhouse? I forgot. Oops Maybe I'll get lucky and Athearn will re-release that one... Hey, I did kinda see a puzzled look on the raccoon's 'face' when Ulrich and Lee commented on your caboose. Oops

Tom, just don't try to dress up your raccoon family the way our fuzzy friend is (here in the Diner)! Laugh Keep at it with your beauty, there - you'll have her droolworthy soon enough. And have you considered putting a small plexiglas window in your interior garage door, to see what Uff-Dah and young Br'er Raccoon think of each other? (Shock Just kiddin'...)

Sam, you just think of building a model railroad as being akin to raising a child - if those of us with kids had known how expensive THOSE were going to be at the start, a lot of us wouldn't have grandkids by now! Smile,Wink, & Grin Plus, I expect that you and your LW (like a lot of us) will be checking whether an item is on sale or marked down when considering various purchases. Every nickel and dime saved adds up, all right. Yeah!! And have added you and your classmates to the Angel list. And no problem with the ranting - I think each of us has had our turn doing THAT in here. I have one signature for my emails that says:

"Sooner or later you have heard all that your best friends have to say. Then comes the tolerance of real love.
     Ned Rorem"


Oh - Sam, I think the critters showed up not long after we moved way out here. Hopefully, they will be moving along before toooo much longer. That, or Bama might have to uh, help convince them to move along...

All right, Lee - so are you telling us that the fox gives you better prices on your meals? 'fess up, man! Hope you get things with the turntable rail-ring fixed up right. Hate to see that thing out in the middle of a busy street. Shock

Ulrich, with your city being that far north, how late is your spring (usually)? Are they forecasting an end to the sn*w anytime soon, or at least a warming trend (say to 0 C?)? And I'm having trouble finding the vicar on that layout plan - can you highlight him for us? Wink

Fireman Tim, I hope you get lots of healing (and lots of layout stuff) done over the next several days/weeks! How long can you hide your recovery from the wife?(Just wondering...)Whistling

Bama - got your email, and one back at you. Thanks!

Ray, loved your story about the 'lost' baby raccoon. I think our campsites must not have been as far back as your troop's was - never saw any raccoons when we were camping. Sigh

Keith, yep, that was some honeymoon, alright. Did Jeanne recall the baby raccoon, by the way?

Chuck, sounds like you and Kathy did plan ahead, so that is good (even though we know you miss her). Better that you don't have to miss her and be forced to move into some itsy-bitsy place due to costs!

Robby, that RR sends their cleanup crews out in style! Satellite dish and a big bus? Thumbs Up Though, that IS a bit of a pile to clean up, though.

Sawyer, good that your area hasn't had the sn*w that our other Diners have had, with the temps for your rugby matches. Stay warm!

Vincent, I'm making sure that the ladies (Zoe, Chloe, Janie, Flo, etc.) are the ones bringing me my food.

The sun was out here today (though it's disappearing below the horizon about now), I even got the car washed and my haircut. Car looks much better!

Well, about time for me to head out - on-call this evening. Hmm, wonder if I pushed this 'armadillo ball' with my foot, how far would it roll? (Just wondering, no reason...)

 

Blessings and prayers,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

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Posted by Packer on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 4:24 PM

afternoon ya'll

What's with the animals? Will our food have to be checked for rabies?

Not much going on today. But tommorrow I have another date, hopefully this one shows up and is honest. 

Robby, again with the nice 70's photos? Keep them coming if you can.

Sam, I hope you keep your job. unemployment sucks, no train money.

Tom, if it's not to late, couldn't you sign up again to get on the list for the Z6?

Chris, actually now that I think about the "parts" situation, I could definately used a few more  cars worth of through hatches for ACF centerflows... Add another thing to why I should get a casting set, I could make casts of both athearn's and atlas's ACF hatches.

Garry, I though for a second that was actually the walthers CB&Q wood caboose. The ends look similar to me.

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 Packers#1 on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 4:18 PM

blownout cylinder

Sawyer: That was a catch!

 

How about the same exact loco two days in a row (these were taken w/ a bit worse light)?

 

7079 also had 5 interesting hoppers in tow (the big industries down here are two cement plants (far as I can tell) along one branch and then a fiberglass plant down along the old main to Charleston (most of it's been torn up, it actually ends w/ an ethanol storage facility far as I can tell and also a heavy machinery supplier w/ a spur that I think is never used). there may be another plant behind the fiberglass one):

 

 

thanks Rob!

Well, rugby practice was good but COLD last night even though I had 3 shirts on and also sweats etc. I'm wearing my old hoody tomorrow night, lol

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

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Posted by AmanaMedic on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 3:55 PM

ns3010
Mr. Raccoon, could I please get an RBF?

'Eh, are you SURE it's a "Mr.???" Personally, I'm NOT gonna lift the apron/skirt and check...ShockBlack Eye

Good afternoon... hmmmm, what happened to this armadillo? Oh..... Welp, THAT's unfortunate.

SAM: Here's hoping you survive the budgetary axe...there are no easy answers when poly-ticks (of either party) start trying to "fix" things...

FLIP: GLAD Mrs. Flip is doing well, continued best wishes for her.

ULRICH: Good to see ya! Rerun and I thank you for the B-day wishes...he's looking forward to THAT bag 'o burgers you've got for him. Trouble is...I don't think he'd "work and play nicely" with most of the critters who have occupied the Diner here lately... He might mistake the raccoon for his squeaky toy raccoon...with a negative outcome for all involved!Shock

Just passin' through...gotta get ready to go to a work session followed by a regular monthly meeting of the board of directors of the Clear Creek Amana school district. Yeeeeee-haah. Had to save THAT's can this morning, picking up a last-minute county board of stuper-visors meeting...

IF I'm still awake later, I'll stop back...and we'll see how Rerun gets along with the 'coon, the possum, the...armadillo???

ChrisEight Ball

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Posted by ns3010 on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 2:51 PM

*Walks in with cookies, and sees one deer wiping the tables, and another sweeping the floor* Oh, I see our staff is growing! Anyways, my mom made cookies, since she's off this week, so eat up! And yes, I guess the staff could have some as well...

Afternoon gang.

Had a half day today; got out at 12.

Have to go to mass for Confirmation tonight, even though we already had it at school... Too bad they won't exempt me from the classes, since I go to catholic school...

Got most of my homework done, so I'll be over at the RC. Mr. Raccoon, could I please get an RBF?

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
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Posted by Robby P. on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 2:33 PM

 Good afternoon.  Just a sweet tea for now, please.

 Jeff.....I agree, nice wheels.   I forgot to say something earlier.

 Bama.....Congrats on 5 years.  I just made it to 3 years Mischief.

 Sam........Let me guess.......Rendell?

 Well here is a few more pictures.  

 Some from the past derailment (I posted a few days  ago, well here's the cleanup).

 

 

Some more older pictures:

 NW 1776 w/b with inspection train at Pineville, W.Va.  11-29-75

 

N&W block signals and bridge looking west at Sweeneyburg.  12-4-88

NW 915-959-798 mine run power at Page, W.Va.  10-19-80

 

 "Rust, whats not to love?"      

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Posted by TMarsh on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 2:19 PM

Heartland Division CB&Q
Too many governments are in deep financial trouble because, their leaders do not control spending.

May I offer up Illinoyz as an exaple. That being said I still hope Sam is good to go on his career.

Howdy. Dr Pepper and some Nachos Grande please. Progress is slow but steady. About ready to lay some hidden track so I can build a second tier for scenery. Also about ready for another picture. I will take it myself so you are not pained with visions of me.Tongue

Jeff- Oh. I feel sorry for you if they move. It doesn’t sound like you would have much help.

Ulrich- You’ll have to ask Ray about the name of the raccoon. He seems to be missing one but as of yet hasn’t come face to snoot with the one here. Well, except for today and the coon was dressed up in a disguise. Not sure if it’s his or not. It does seem to be musically inclined as earlier it was playing Chopin’s Concerto for Piano no 2 in F minor on the harmonica by the pie vault. I left. Too strange.

Petra sounds a lot like Brenda when it comes to my hobbies. I’ve yet to regret spending to much time on the layout. Bars, in the past, yes.Sigh

Welp, back to the railroad. Just didn’t want to get so far behind it takes……….. What the heck is that! An Armadillo? Shhhh. Watch this. quiet...,quiet...., riiiiight...about........BOO!!!!    HAH! I love to do that.Laugh

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
    July 2005
  • From: oregon beach
  • 251 posts
Posted by sunsetbeachry on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 12:52 PM

Already 55degrees and going to 60+ today ;nite will be in the 40's,no clouds here at all ocean sounds heavy right high tide comming in. Prayer for Deb. Ulrich?? Kathy used to give me a credit card for MMR and she automat.. paid sme no questions asked but when it came to "stones" always asked me if they were worth the price....

not much time at the moment for mrr has'to get ready for tax man....all the paper w rk needed for the lawyer 'tis nice that he is handling all the problems that come up because Kathy died but as my little sister says "you're sitting pretty for the rest of your life "  We worked hard for this and when I leave the grandkids get it all!!!!! and son gets alot also Yippie. in the meantime I play with all may toys and really finally retire.

PRAYERS FOR ALL;;Fair Winds and Following Seas......chuck

Remember model railroad logging is a FUN business and we all need FUN........ACD
  • Member since
    April 2003
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 12:23 PM

 Garry - as an ex-CFO I have learned, that cost walk on two legs. Cutting costs means laying off people. Unfortunately, most managers react to declining revenues by just cutting costs, instead of growing revenues again. This may require an investment, but so what.

If the world had been run by Controllers and CFO´s right from the beginning, we would still live in caves ( and the white man would not have discovered America).

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 12:17 PM

Sir Madog

 Sam - I know you will have a job, I am absolutely positive about that Thumbs Up. Just tell those crazy politnicks, that the only way to cut down on deficits is to improve service and lower the fares - it works!

It used to be my job to prepare budgets for big companies, and this included some of my time with the railroad companies. I think I'll share a little perspective.

No matter who is the governor of NJ or who is the CEO of a company, numbers tell the story. Basically, it is the job of the governor or the job of the CEO to cut spending if there is not enough revenue. That is how it is. Plain and simple.

My approach was to prepare a budget assuming management made no changes. Typically when I did that, the estimated bottom line was either too small or it was negative. Next, the CEO, would know how much total spending to cut. The cuts would be allocated to all of the departments. Next, the company had fewer employees, and other cost saving measures were implemented.

In a nut shell, that's how things are.

If NJ or any other state does not have enough revenue, they have to cut spending. Too many governments are in deep financial trouble because, their leaders do not control spending.

I hope my remarks do not sound political. I am just explaining the facts of economic life as I see them.

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 11:54 AM

 Sam - I know you will have a job, I am absolutely positive about that Thumbs Up. Just tell those crazy politnicks, that the only way to cut down on deficits is to improve service and lower the fares - it works!

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: Manassas, VA
  • 344 posts
Posted by Trainman Sam on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 11:43 AM

fec153
Prayers were answered. Deb was in the o.r just over 3 hours.

Glad to hear that she came through so well!

fec153
You folks make me feel like the wealthiest man in the world having such friendship  given to me.

It is only possible when the friends are of the same calibur!

AngelAngel Prayers continue for Deb!

I wanted to apologize to you, my friends, for having ranted for the last few days.  I guess the pressure is starting to wear on me.  I am very optimistic that I will still have a job, Lord willing.

BTW?  When did the deer, racoon, and possum start working here? Have I been THAT out of it?

Chloe, may I please have a RBF, and a bagel with cream cheese? Thank you!

I'll be in one of the booth's studying my MRR mags...

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)

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Posted by Blazzin on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 11:15 AM

  Ulrich... LOL> concerning Petra's answer~ ... ah.. thats pretty much what Jeanne said in so many words.!

  Ray, I've been reading here in this thread ...  all about the raccoons.. and the momma's and their babies  And speaking of Keith and Jeanne being an item back then... I had just remembered our honeymoon. 

  Back then,  things were tough, and getting worse.. lol.  Jeanne's older sisters had big.. Big weddings.. that only ended up in a divorse.  We were young then,  both sets of parents asked.. in so many words.. "You want the money?"  we said.. "ah.. we'll think about it.. but yeah.. sure .. why not?".. We got married in Vegas (everything is a gamble) .. sent out invitations.. we're getting married.. if you want to join us.. we'll be in Vegas.  We got married at some place.. called the "Little Chapel of the West"  by a minister who's name was Keith.. and his wife was named Jeanne.... no kidding..   Well in short.. we had one night at the Imperial Palace.. (honeymoon suite) .. and then we took off for the Redwoods of California.. Northern California.

  We arrive at the redwood park (we had reservations).. yep.. we went camping for our honeymoon... lol.  The park ranger at the gate asks me.. if I wanted anything in particular~  

 I said.. "Ah.. how bout by a stream.. deep in the redwoods.. big ones.. away from everyone else?"  she replied..  "You don't ask for much do ya?" '

I replied.. "Well its our honeymoon.. and you asked"

  The ranger steps back.. hand on chin.. pondering.. and says..

"Well .. maybe I shouldn't .. but what the heck~"  "You want it.. you got it~"

  This site must have been for park rangers only.. Grisley Adams type.

  So here we are.. away from everyone.. deep in the woods.. the saying.. "Can't tell the forest fore the trees"  comes to mind.  When you are deep in a forest.. your eyes adjust to the minimal light there,  but when you finally step out of the woods... you're blinded by the sunlight... lol.

  So here we are deep in the woods.. at bedtime.. as the fire got dim.. it was so dark.. you couldn't even see your hand in front of your face.  We had pitched a tent out there.. amongst the redwood giants that have stood since the time of Christ.. and we here this strange sound.  Far away.. but its an eerie sound.. something you've never heard before. We're in the tent.   I mean.. if you heard a mountain lion.. well at least  you know whos coming for diner.

  But this sound.. was more of a screeeeching sound maybe like an owl but much louder .. way louder .. and getting closer.  I have confronted many things in life.. but this one.. had me..   Let me tell you .. when you are in a real forest, dark.. real dark... and the fires out.. What are you going to do?  Its the New Jersey Devil!  It had to be~  The sounds of this moving through the brush was enough to get you going.. but the sound of this screech.. I got a flashlight .. stuck it outside the tent.. no.. not my head.. just the flash light.   And that darn thing was a baby racoon.. looking for its mama.  It had gotten lost from the pack.. it was only when the flashlight was shinning on the whole pack.. could you see the family re-union.  There must have been about 6 babies.. but that one.. was lost.. and you could hear it~..

oh well so much for racoons... it made me remember our honeymoon... I'll have to ask Jeanne if she remembers that darn baby racoon.

  • Member since
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  • From: Manassas, VA
  • 344 posts
Posted by Trainman Sam on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 11:13 AM

blownout cylinder
Sam: What is going on now with NJT that there is now this going on with your job? ConfusedWe got you on our Prayer list nowAngel

 

     What's going on with Transit is that the new Governor cut state subsidies by $33 Million.  On top of THAT, his newly appointed people at Transit are telling us the want to:

     A) cut service (of which Transit was trying to INCREASE service)

     B) Increase fares 20%-30% (so what was already costing riders $300-$400 for a MONTHLY pass, with the hikes it'll cost them closer to $500-$600 a month (Lucky for our customers, Transit has to hold public hearings in order to raise fares).

     I am part of the second to last LETP (Locomotive Engineer Training Program) class, with the one behind us having twenty people.  We have worked our butts off to get this far, and don't want some politician messing us out of all our blood, sweat, and hard work.

[Long rant removed by poster]Sign - Off Topic!!(EDIT: I'm looking on the optimistic side, that I WILL have a job!)

Thank you for all your prayers...

Well, back to my layout.  The NH&I (prototype) uses mostly three car consists, and only travel between New Hope and Lahaska.  On special occassions they do use more cars in consist, and traverse the enitire line to Warminster Station.  My version of history has them running rush-hour trains from New Hope to Warminster Station (so that all those awesomely wealthy and influencial residents don't have to drive as far), as well as NJ Transit having seen the light and built a connecting line from Raritan to Lambertville, with a newly built bridge across the Deleware (yet they built it to blend in with the other bridges on NH&I property).  Transit will be running RDC's until the funding is there (how ironic that I had that planned...Whistling) to purchase more PL42's and Multi-Levels, and the trackwork is improved to increase track speeds (RDC's have better pick up and go for the type track that is there, a TON of curves that look like they would have rather extensive speed restrictions).

Hopefully the CFO allows an allotment for IHP's Silverliners (that is, when this whole job situation is resolved).

TTFN

 

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)

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