Good Morning All….Keith, the transition fee was rescinded after a year of battles. The new chapter is the State passed a bill that electric companies are to generate 25% less electric by fossil fuels to encourage the electric companies to develop alternative energy sources. So last fall the electric company plan was to send every subscriber 2 compact florescent bulbs and charge us $30 each bulb ($60). I must say everyone got on the band wagon and said NO! Now the company is sitting on some ridicules amount of light bulbs that they lost money on and are trying to figure out how to reclaim the costs. Last week the electric company stopped the discount for all electric homes sighting they use 40% more energy than a home heated by natural gas. This is a problem as most people received an almost no interest loan on the all electric appliances (hot water tank and furnace) and installation to be converted to all electric back in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. The State thought this new law would motivate the electric companies to build windmills and solar power generation sources and create jobs, what it did do is cause the electric companies to try cutting their production of power by 25% to fall into compliance with the new law. In the Cleveland area we have 3 main power companies; First Energy, Ohio Edison, and Cleveland Public Power (CPP). Dorothy and I have similar size houses, my furnace is 12 years old Dorothy’s is maybe 30. I pay $134/mo with First Energy she pays $60/month with CPP. A co-worker has Ohio Edison and pays about $75/month.
BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret) L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes
Evening all. I've decided that it's more a dog just likes it's tummy rubbed than submissive.
Barry- Cool! Let me know if your passing through down or up. If schedules align we'll hook up. Rhymes don't it. Actually no law that says no Lone Star. Just they can't deliver to anyone other than a distributor. Since it was available here once, that distributor has rights to it forever unless they give it up to someone else, even though they quit carrying it a few years ago.
Vincent- I'm sure each area/state/company has it's own reason for color distinction. I asked my insurance agent the same question about colors several years ago when I was choosing a color for my Road Runner. She told me that it wasn't as much the color as it was the cost of matching the color, or the cost of the color. (now that I think of it..... it is the color after all) Some are more prone to fade and so forth. Some are just more expensive pigments. ( some metalllics whew!) Also as Jeff eluded to, some are also more involved in accidents. Red, she said, is unfairly nailed because there are more red cars involved in accidents. Of course red is like the most popular color so it stands to reason. And of course, one of the most expensive colors. I have State Farm. Personally, I have found no better for MY zip code, driving history and agent. Many others will be different. Shopping around is a must because insurance, believe it or not, is a personal as underwear.
Lee's post reminds me to ask about volcano insurance.
Ray- Yup, I can't tell you what I pay, but off the top of my head it's like $25 a month for full coverage. On a 16 year old truck it may be silly, but there is some worth, like Jeff said, to be able to call my agent and that's all I do no matter what.
Keith- Ya, Ronald Reagan. Too bad he didn't know what he was talking about. ( seems he was the last one to actually know what he was talking about. ) I remember the signs. Though it's not exactly what you are talking about, my favorite sign of all time is a sign advertising events at the Illinois State Fairgrounds during the year other than at fair time. They had a sign many years ago that listed two things. However, when read it read like this.
(first line)Four H dinner (second line) the date ( third line) Free horse manure. I wish I'd sent a picture to that TV show.
Rob- Super Duper congrats on the sale!!!!
Prayers for those in need.
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.
Jeff, Iknow you know.. at least a thousand times more than most when concerning cars. But just remember not to have any battery or electrical things in / around .... when messin with the electrical fuel pumps and the sorts. Spontaneous Human Combustion.. commonly called SHC.. I hate that~ Myself ?.. oh I'm gonna get around to changing that alternator.. its just I'd rather buy train stuff..lol. Its just me.. and a matter of my priorities.
Now for something old.. but new if you haven't seen it. Oh yes.. right here in Trains Mag. forum.. truly nice pics.. well I like them because its my 'STompin Grounds' .. well~ at least it has some nice stuff.. try it. You might have not seen it.~
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/120779/1375434.aspx#1375434
Oh.. and also.. if you care to .. read up on the Colton Crossing.. maybe good reading.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colton_Crossing
Ray I think it is one of those modern diseasally thingys they use now instead of real locomotives like Berks. Right Duke? Ooooooohhhhhhhh Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think it is one of those modern diseasally thingys they use now instead of real locomotives like Berks. Right Duke?
Best to all on sick call and those recovering
Talk to you later
Duke
"Don't take a wooden nickel,because it isn't worth a dime" by my Dad
"There are only 3 things you need out of life:A gentle grade,the wind in your face,and cinders in your hair.....But keep an eye on the water glass!" Jack Evans
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
ROBBY P: Thanks! THAT's what I thought...
KEITH: THAT video makes me want to go...open my window...and yell "I'm as mad as _ _ _ _ and I'm not gonna take it anymore!!!!! Jokers on the left...clowns on the right...
Gipper, oh Gipper...where have ye gone?
I'm stuck, trying to write a witty, catchy, "I'm soooooooooooooo enlightened and edumacated, kinda headline.
Perhaps if I process the pics first, THAT'll buy me time to cogitate.
Chris
The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!
KEITH: for paraphrasing Ronald Reagan!
Chris.. I bet you meant.. I didn't give a lecture on R.Reagan. lol. Nah.. just kiddin.. I know what you mean.
But to sum it all.. and I cry / laugh everytime I see this vid... hard to believe it was made 35 years ago. Almost prophetic .. for today... lol. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_qgVn-Op7Q If you live long enough.. you'll see everything twice in life.. maybe more~
Chris.......I used a flat white sprayed with a air-brush. The paint is mixed with paint thinner. As far as the wife. She still has headaches, and her left arm keeps going numb. She's going to physical therapy and she said it helps some.
"Rust, whats not to love?"
Good afternoon, stack of burgers please 'n thank-you...
Welp, a very prolific week, THAT will be astounded by how much "content" she gets tomorrow...and I've still got three more features to write yet tonight.
As for how to paint JEFF's van...the A-Team scheme would look cool...but I'm thinking more of a large possum... Hey JEFF, you gonna throw the lighting package on there?
RAY: THAT's a neat "new-fangaled" diesel...looks to be one of those "other" diesels...as-in OTHER than EMD I was stunned, nay; SHOCKED when CNW bought a bunch of GE C40-8 things...they always sounded like bolts or other parts were gonna come shooting out of the stack. The EMDs however, always sounded...smoooooooooooooooooooooooooooth. Good to see the ATSF yellow and blue again though.
ROBBY P: Been too busy being prolific to comment on THAT Rock hopper...another masterpiece! Did you use white to fade it? Or a light blue?? I got a ROCK boxcar off of theBay, and it needs a fade and CNW patch. Figured I'd check with the expert before I tackle it. How's Mrs. ROBBY P doing? Expect her to get headaches more often than ever...probably forever.
JIM: THAT box is finally enroute...
Gotta keep moving...
Ray ... I see ex-Santa Fe units just like that one on the Nashville and Eastern RR.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=313879&nseq=1
Here's another similar unit in N&E's sharp colors hauling the excursion train. This is like the train stranded in the flood.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=301544&nseq=5
Nashville and Eastern, that is the railroad that lost the bridge in Lebanon, TN due to the flood. I posted the twisted track last week.
Jeff ... sounds like your van is a "project". I bet you'll have it safely on the road much sooner than others would do so.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
They haven't been able to find a gas tank that isn't rusted out so I'm thinking about mounting a newer tank in the back and modifying the FDM (the part that holds the electric fuel pump) so it has a tube that goes all the way down to the bottom of the tank and use it as a poor mans fuel cell. I should be able to reroute the filler tube from the existing gas cap easily enough. Building a safety enclosure around the tank to keep any fumes out of the passenger should be a snap. They haven't been able to find a good steering column either. If I have to I'll adapt one from another model vehicle to fit.
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
Wow.. Rob.. I"m impressed.. I hope you're going to post a pic of the art work. I love art.. and have painted.. scupltured.. and have collected .. eh.. some nice stuff over the years.
Now on a different note.. and totally exciting.
Let me ask all of you Diners here.. Lurkers included of course.. throughout all time .. well of your life time.. what is the one .. Top Billboard sign you can think of.
I think I have come up with one of the top 3... if not thee top number 1 billboard/road sign.
For the answer .. click below.. but think of one.. think of the best all time billboard sign.
Don't read it.. you'll know.. lol.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coppertone_girl
Italian coffee in a UNION PACIFIC mug, please.
***Lee, I didn't know you could make it on a cookie sheet first. That will make for a good experiment "off layout", should it take a couple tries to make something decent out of it. Thanks for the tip!
***Ray, nice pics. I'm with you on the Berks, except that mine only looks spectacular and runs poorly.
OK, mark this date in history. After learning that one of my major paintings has sold, my wife said the following: "You can buy a lot of trains with that!" Did she ever mess up or what.... Ok, truth is I have other expenses that come first, but at least now she can't complain if I buy something MRR related.
Found out loggers will be here for our trees in 2 weeks. Going to finish up the mountain behind us first.
Cheers! Rob
Afternoon everyone!
Zoe I'll have a bacon cheeseburger with fries and a Dr. Pepper for lunch.
Went down to the FGLK yards next to routes 5 & 20 here and got a couple of pics of FGLK's "new" acquisition:
I'm sure somebody around here can tell us much more about it............ I think it is one of those modern diseasally thingys they use now instead of real locomotives like Berks. Right Duke?
Later!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Lee.. you are my alter ego. Wow.
Ohio decided to freeze the electricity amounts for 2 years so other companies would be baited into selling electricity in Ohio, good idea, but the State also allowed the electric companies to charge a “transition fee”
Good for you guys.. its about time. The transiton fee is way beyond what is considered 'reasonable' .. I would guess.
Did anyone else fight it? I'm curious.
AS far as CA is.. well CA is broke.. and its getting worse..everyday. Students in college have days off in the week..with no class.. just no money for the colleges. To enroll in a CA college now.. will cost dearly.
The police are ticketing people right and left.. better have you tags on.
The DMV is closed every 1st.2nd and 3rd Fridays of the month. Taxes are so high, when people buy something with a basically 10 percent CA tax .. they ask for a 'Cash Discount'. What the business owner does as far as paying taxes.. well thats his business.. but people do ask for a 'cash discount'. Businesses are leaving the state.. just too much tax.
Businesses can no longer cope with all the EPA and any other clean air acts.. well its almost impossible for the business person to do business here in the state. Profit margins are usually a thin line.
If CA leads the nation in most things.. well be prepared.. its a coming. And yet.. when Ronald Reagan gave his speech of the Four Pillars of Economics.. one of them was 'reduce regulations'.
Ok.. I'll get off my 'soap box'.. I feel better now~
Good Morning All….Jeff, well I guess that’s not too bad, at least you have insurance, that’s a good thing.**Such colors are also considered to be 'cop magnets'** yes here in Ohio they advertise “target enforcement zones” along different parts of the highways. This is based on special studies for that particular area of road. If most of the accidents happen to be caused by light blue 4 door car then look out, try doing 5 over the limit and you’ll get stopped and the red 4 door cars will be ignored. Other signs to pay attention to are the “Special grant funded safety area” this means that special State money is being used to triple the number of police on this stretch of road due to frequent accidents.Ray, tell you what, I’m leery of some of those “faceless” insurance companies. I like my State Farm because I can walk into their office and ask questions and bug the heck out of them. Oh, and the free Volcano insurance, LOL…Keith, now you went and got me started……. ***When you guys mentioned your electricity bills.. I fell over. Way back when.. oh a few years ago.. CA petitioned for 'Competition in electric companies.. because of only one electric company. All it did was double everyone's electric bill. We pay so much for electricity.. its in the hundreds.. every month. *** Ohio decided to freeze the electricity amounts for 2 years so other companies would be baited into selling electricity in Ohio, good idea, but the State also allowed the electric companies to charge a “transition fee” during this period. I went off the handle a few years back and made a formal complaint through the PUCO, I was paying $75 for electricity and $500 for delivery in one month. Ok, deep breath….I fought that one, including letters to any elected official that would listen. I even ended each of my letters with my voter registration information and a note on how often I vote. I got so noticed First Energy’s lawyers were the only employees that were allowed to speak to me over the phone, even if all I wanted to do was report an outage.
howmusJeffery my monthly insurance is $111 plus change every month. Of course I have 2 vehicles with all the trimmings (Glass, Loaner vehicle, collision, etc.). I could probably get it a bit cheaper through one of those "You don't need an agent, we have operators standing by 26 hours a day" (We should also take your call withing a couple of hours on hold.... and will manage to find a way that we don't have to pay you. "Oh you have the safe driver discount - you were in an accident? Well you aren't really a safe driver now are you!")...... I'd rather know my agent, who will take care of it when and if something happens.
Jeff.. thats a darn good price. When I was younger.. I went without insurance.. for 9 months... I finally gave in.. I couldn't stand it any longer.
So Jeanne and I sit down reading together.. I ask her.. "So what do we pay for car insurance?"
She says .. "You don't want to know~" in a very short one word sentence real fast.. in a low voice "youdonwannano" ... lol.. "Why not hon?"
"Well the kids are still on the policy.. because the both of our sons cars' are in your name"
"OH?" Well how much do we pay.. come on~"
She replies.. 'Bout $600 bucks a month.. full coverage and that includes everyone and everything"
"Ah dear.. is that with K-Y or without"
You peeps out there.. understand.. CA pays well as far as jobs but its very expensive to live here now. Everything is costing money.. and then some. And if you're not covered.. people will sue you.
When you guys mentioned your electricity bills.. I fell over. Way back when.. oh a few years ago.. CA petitioned for 'Competition in electric companies.. because of only one electric company. All it did was double everyone's electric bill. We pay so much for electricity.. its in the hundreds.. every month.
So much for noble causes.. CA is paying for it now... and so are the voters.
Mornin' everyone!
Zoe I'll have a short stack of French Toast with NYS Maple Syrup Bottled in Vermont if you please, and don't forget the dark roast coffee in a Santa Fe FGLK Mug!
Forgot to tell you folks. There is a Sante Fe Locomotive (Don't ask, it's some kind of diseasal thingy) patched on the cab for FGLK sitting down at the Geneva Yard. I'll get a photo for you folks that know about them new fangled things soon.
It's 51°F outside (We're havin' a heat wave.......) with the high supposed to reach 62°F this afternoon when it starts raining again (Tropical Heat Wave.....)! May do some outdoors type w*rk before the rain sets in.
Jeffery my monthly insurance is $111 plus change every month. Of course I have 2 vehicles with all the trimmings (Glass, Loaner vehicle, collision, etc.). I could probably get it a bit cheaper through one of those "You don't need an agent, we have operators standing by 26 hours a day" (We should also take your call withing a couple of hours on hold.... and will manage to find a way that we don't have to pay you. "Oh you have the safe driver discount - you were in an accident? Well you aren't really a safe driver now are you!")...... I'd rather know my agent, who will take care of it when and if something happens.
Have a whole lot of other stuff that has to get done (no MRR stuff ) so I best not linger here in the diner this morning.
PackerJeff, Since you used to do insurance, do some insurance companies put a higher tag on different color cars?
Longer answer: Some colors are considered to be distracting to other drivers. For example, a bright metal flake candy apple red could raise your rate more than a flat red or maroon. It all depends on what symbols and ratings chrats the company in question is using. Also, many younger drivers, men especially, seem to gravitate toward bright snappy colors. Such colors are also considered to be 'cop magnets'. My nephew can tell you all about that.
Good morning. No rain yet, but might have some storms later today.
Well I worked on a few spots on the roof of the house this morning. I was going to work on de-weeding the driveway, but I just don't feel up to it.
Other than that, not much planned for me.
Hope everybody has a good day.
TMarshRandy- I live on I-55 (well, not ON I-55....) and travel between Springfield and Lincoln Illinoyz quite frequently. I live in Williamsville exit 109, the Love's truck stop, (which, by the way, Lone Star Beer says they would be glad to drop off a couple cases for me if it weren't for the pesky laws) I see Millis Trans often, will keep my eyes and "ears" on for you.
What law says you can't have the Lone Star there? I just love laws that come up with that kind of stuff---grr
I'm off to get more stuff done on my diabetes stuff---hhhhh---at least next week will be a little less chaos and mayhem
BTW Todd: we are heading down your way in August--we are heading down Rolla way to see relatives there---
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/
Morning ya'll
Lee, I wouldn't complain about $30 for liability. I'm paying $105 for a car that can't 0-60 in 12 seconds...
Jeff, Since you used to do insurance, do some insurance companies put a higher tag on different color cars?
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.
LSWrrJeff, $30/month for liability? I think they are taking you to the cleaners; I pay $50 for full insurance on my truck.
Good morning all. Just coffee please. Doesn't look like I'll have too much time before our first storm of the day hits. Should just about be time for a warning. The one that is just west of us is due to expire at 7 and the storm is rolling east. Doesn't look super severe, just enough to maybe pop the power and the computer. So, I oughta shut down just in case. Oh, wind is picking up a bit. Nice and warm out. About 72 and moist. soooo..... Great storm weather.
Thought I was gonna be headache free when I got up this morn, but, by the time the coffee was done and the dog in from morning potties, it was back.
Keith- Rare? Hard to find? Hard to say now with E-bay. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting on the big pay off though.
Lee- I just know these things. Scary ain't it.
Thunder. Getting darker. Shutting down.
Have a Great Day!!!!
It was downright chilly last night, but hey I was finally able to drive on my new apron! We have been getting some really strong storms this month; fortunately it was all rain and no snow. A few people had their mobile homes pushed around but not thrown into the air. I guess the mobile home tie down law is working.
Rob.. Quote:***Keith, I'm afraid any explanation for why no heavy growth or lack of white water will never fly with her. My wife's been down most of the white water rivers in North Georgia and knows what they look like. After all, she is from Appalachia.
I must admit Rob I got a fairly good chuckle. They've all had practice with their husbands.. they know better by now.
And now for something NEW and Totally exciting.
What do you think of this model? Ever hear of it.. looks like a discontinue model.. fancy.. full of heavy stuff.
Metal parts.. like roof stuff.. blowers.. nice~
And the building is plastic.. but very heavy duty type of plastic.. If anyone wants a pic of inside.. cuz well whatever.. I'd be glad to show you? Is it rare .. hard to find item?
And also this~ I found this is a grab bag I've had for some time.. and low and behold.. a traffic signal.. and N scale at that!
Not too much as far as directions.. they say to hook it up.. to the AC part of the transfomer. Heck .. I wanted to just hook this baby up to a battery.. or some Malibu lights.
Not only that.. but if you look at the traffic signal.. well I'd guess its wrong.. unless you live in Australia..or GB.
To me.. its on the wrong side.. either that.. or.. I'd have to place the pole in the / on the center divider.
Or.. I can try to twist that lamp.. and probably twist it right off~
Or .. I can just make a mold of the traffic light itself.. and make a hanging.. non functional signal.. but a 3 way .. for my 3 streets at the intersection.
Now can you see why I wanna destroy it and make a 'hanging traffic signal'?
Garry.. quote:Keith, the strawberry stand would be a good idea for a model. The port-a-potty is a nice touch..
LOL>> I didn't even notice it.. can't you tell. Yeah.. why not.. its CA law.. even the 'pickers' in the field have to have a porta potty.
Ok.. its a few past 11:00 PM.. I'll catch up on the reading in the morning.
Ulrich.. please keep us informed.
DER JOHN? MIA?
GALAXY.. MIA?
You two.. now don't make me come looking for ya. I've seen one of you wandering around some other posts. I know you're here~
Todd ... I hope you get over the headache soon!
Ulrich ... I hope you can sleeo nornally soon.
Jeff .. 80,000 miles is not abd at all. Just breaking it in.
Keith, the strawberry stand would be a good idea for a model. The port-a-potty is a nice touch..
You might have a chance of seeing Todd in IL on I-55. Do you ever travel on I-24 in KY?
I laid some track today.
Evenin' folks!
Folks..... hello! Anybody here? Oh hi Janie, you the only one on tonight? Just need my evening decafe. I'll go sit by the stove in the back and take a nap. BTW what is that rasping sound, Oh! Barry is back there. man he makes a lot of noise when he sleeps. I'll go over to the front booth for my nap. Then you can have it in stereo!
Almost got the slide show done for the dinner today. Still need to set timings and transitions, but at least all the photos are in the program now. Went over to the Roundtable for Scouts tonight. Haven't been there in a couple years. Nothing seems to have changed........ I may sign up to be a commissioner at camp for a week if Sci Tek Camp doesn't happen this year. That way I will still get a week in out there. Who knows.
Yawn........
Hey ya'll
Finally got a power steering line that'd fit my car. I had forgotten I put in a rack from a 95 Mustang Cobra into a 90 LX with a 4-banger, explains why none of the lines for a 90 mustang fit (I4, VB or Cobra). Tommorow I'll get the drivers side stuff put together and see what the how the car handles with the shorter control arms and stiffer front swaybar. Should be able to get it aligned by the weekend. I am curious as to what I could do with my car if I managed to get one of the new 5.0 V8s like the 2011 mustangs will get.
Jeff, A loud van? that's a new one to me. I do like Ulrich's iddea about painting it black with red stripes
Kieth, that's an intresting one.
Robby, Very nice. When money permits I'll get some more pastels...