Good morning. It's 80 and partly cloudy. The high will be 96 and it will be partly sunny (just another way of saying mostly cloudy). Just got a special weather bulletin. It will be oppressively hot this weekend with the heat index as high as 106. I know where I'll be. Inside! My project for today will be to patch my two Bachmann GP30's. I also have to get over to Lowe's and pick up some CRC 2-26. My can seems to have gone missing. I need to see if I can find some No-Ox also, or a good substitute. I use it for electrical connections beneath the layout mostly but I'm going to need some more when I begin overhauling the electrical system in my old Dodge van. There's a lot of 'Redneck' engineering that's been done over the years and it has to be cleared up. We all know how copper loves to corrode if left unprotected. The No-Ox is also a good protectant on exposed metal edges. There are plenty of these where components and parts not absolutely critical the the vans operation have been removed over the years. The No-Ox I have, and it isn't much, is a 4 or 5 ounce bottle that someone was kind enough to send me a few years ago. So far all I've found here is some stuff called 'NOALOX' that made for use on, of all things, aluminum wiring. Who uses that anymore?
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
Well the HOT weather is back and figure I needed to run out to the store and got caught in a torrential down pour so now it's like being back in the jungle again and with the Safari park in town it's not much of a stretch. Got a building soaking in the 91% ISO stripping paint off.of a metal mine structure that was part of a lot of mrr stuff I purchased a few years back. There were 4 or 5 unbuilt metal kits and two built one with horrible paint jobs so I am attempting to strip and repaint in between other things on the to do list. I think cleaning the work shop and train room should be moved to the top of the list getting kinda messy in there. Oh well hope everyone has a good day. Might pop back in later for the lunch special.
Mornin' everyone!
Zoe, I'll have what Barry is having, but put the blueberries in the pancakes and leave the bottle of Canadian Maple Syrup at the table for me.... Oh and I most certainly want Dark Roast Coffee in my R&GV RR mug!
Wisconsin Railfan, welcome to the diner! Hope you have some fun with the new airbrush.
I finished the basic 19° crossing last night. I will wait to add the wood ties until I get the 4 #6 turnouts completed to create the double crossover. Photos when I get a chance.....
Tomorrow morning I have to be out at the Museums by 9:30AM to get ready for a group of kids visiting both museums. I doubt I will make to the Diner for breakfast.
I yakked with my sister last night (or should I say I listened to my Sister) on the phone, She told me when she paid her admission to the Native Pow Wow at Ganandogan Historical Site near Victor, NY last Sunday she was charged full Adult price.... She argued with the lady informing her THAT she was 67 and shouldn't pay full price. Lady didn't believe her until she produced her drivers license. THAT absolutely made her day!!! She is convinced THAT she looks like she is 30 or so. I keep telling her THAT she doesn't look a day over 67. She says she has the body of a 30 year old and I tell her, "Well, give it back, you're getting it all wrinkled"! THAT usually results in my getting a tongue lashing and lecture on my gray hair....... Her's is a dark Auburn color which the hairdresser has to special order.
Nice talking with you Barry! What? You didn't say anything? Hm, must be these darn hearing aids again..........
Later!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
"Mornin All~ Coffee please"
Lol.. I see this pic,
and I say.. "Maybe Todd.. nah.. its Chris"
Yep, I was right~ I must admit.. some of us really do like the C/NW. Its a must in any collection.
Now as far as things are going on my layout.. just a few pics..
Thats all I have to say on the layout .. other than I finally got the wrong date off my new pics.
Now on a different note.. a pic of nice setting something to dwell on for a second. I think the idea came up last month or so.. concerning making a nice 'walk through' .. 'Glade' Forest setting.
Ah~ I can see creating small 'Focal areas' for my layout.
Only here in the diner folks!
Good..Lunchtime, Zoe - I'll have a BLT and an RBF please 'n' thankyou.
Ya learn something new around here most days, I see. I learned (from Ray and Jeff (think I missed one other person who contributed) about adding a power pack to the Digitrax. Guys, will that w**k with their DB150 (that comes with the next DCC set up from the Zephyr)? That'd be great if I could do that - I have a MRC powerpack (with momentum, pulse, etc. switches, IIRC) I'd been thinking about using for my lighting power supply, but THAT stuff you talked about might be one other option for it. Hmm....
Chris, check your email (about that firehouse stuff you mentioned). You got my curiosity up. Nice shot of the C&NW Geep there!
Ulrich, I'd think that having your brakes going out at 90 mph (or was that kph? ) would be a definite reason to get them fixed ASAP! Hope that migraine moves on down the road away from you today!
Jeff, you might have talked me into trying the 'onionskin' decals, with that fading characteristic you mentioned. Hmmm again...
Anybody who likes or uses Arizona Rocks & Minerals' scenery and ballast stuff, may want to order all that you need SOON. I was visiting his website this a.m., and he has there that he's looking to sell his business (website and all). He's already been selling off several Campbell and other craftsman buildings (already assembled and detailed). Better move now, just in case the new owner trims what they offer (or if he doesn't get a buyer and just retires and closes down). FYI, anyway. I like a bunch of his stuff - but then again, I'm modeling a Western RR setting.
(again?), WisconsinRailfan - good idea on the diorama(s) - and about practicing with the Tycos. Depending on how quickly you get your skills going, you could even make some of them look the best they've ever looked!
Allegheny- ah, those wonderful afternoon sudden downpours... Having the Safari in town would make it very appropriate - you don't think their marketing folks scheduled the rain for their benefit, do you?
I'll join the crew at the RC and see who else is coming in. I'm waiting on my laptop's replacement SuperDrive to come in. UPS says it's out for delivery.
Blessings on your day/night (as the case may be),
Jim in Cape Girardeau
Good Morning All..Its partly cloudy and cooler here...79 with a high in mid 80's ...Had a cold front pass thru last nite...I'll have a ham and cheese,chips and a diet coke please...Thank you...Been working on CGW f unit..got paint done,decals now just put it back together..I had another n scaler visit sunday and I swapped for a pair of LL E 7's and a set of Con Cor IC cars....
I had a set in HO years ago and had wanted a set ever since I got into N scale..Darn thing is so long it won't fit in I&S so looks like it will have to stay in the box..
You all have a good one...Jerry
Just a short stop-over for a quick early evening snack - Zoe, a Hamburger with all the works would be just fine, thank you!
Jerry - nice looking train! Quite a long beast! But do I detect a slight difference in color, loco vs. car?
Jim - I was doing close to 150 kph, when I stepped on the brakes to slow down a little, and there was - just nothing. I pumped the pedal a couple of times and they came back. Fortunately, there was not much traffic on the motorway, so I was able to cautiously drive back and turn the car into the garage - immediately. Cost me $ 400 - my MRR money!
Ray - I just love your sense of humor !
See you tomorrow!
JimRCGMOI learned (from Ray and Jeff (think I missed one other person who contributed) about adding a power pack to the Digitrax. Guys, will that w**k with their DB150 (that comes with the next DCC set up from the Zephyr)?
Nope.... The use of one or two DC powerpacks is a quirk of the Zepher. I have never used the Zepher so I am not sure how they hook in, but you can't do THAT on the Empire Builder or Super Chief (the 2 I have had). One of the nice things about the Digitrax (and possibly some others) is when you "upgrade" you can still use all of the previous equipment. So when I went from the Super Empire Builder to the Super Chief, I was able to use all the equipment I already had. I have the SLOW divided into 2 large blocks using the 2 boosters (one from each system).
Ulrich Yes the engines are Life like and the cars are Con Cor..as I remeber the cars orange seems closer to what I remeber...Jerry
Jerry .... I've seen Cushion Underframe cars before, but are you not going to extremes? .. (seriously, I like the IC train.)
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Afternoon all.......
Working on the layout today, figure I now have about 90% of the track laid, and have just started on the wiring. All that's left is two switches and the spurs for the pulpwood and chemical tracks, and that should take care of those issues. Got another bulk pack of Sergent Engineering couplers in the mail, as well as some of their Type F double shelf couplers, which are just amazing in detail. Now, if I can find some more Kaolin tank cars.....
Plan for tomorrow is to run up to Milwaukee to get my medical card for my CDL renewed, then swing by the Walthers showroom for some odds and ends, then to Sommerfelds in Butler to look through their cars from Athearn. Hopefully should not spend too much money......
Randy Vos
"Ever have one of those days where you couldn't hit the ground with your hat??" - Waylon Jennings
"May the Lord take a liking to you and blow you up, real good" - SCTV
If you can read this... thank a teacher. If you are reading this in english... thank a veteran
When in doubt. grab a hammer.
If it moves and isn't supposed to, get a hammer
If it doesn't move and is supposed to, get a hammer
If it's broken, get a hammer
If it can't be fixed with a hammer... DUCK TAPE!
Coffee in a UNION PACIFIC mug, please.
***Wisconsin Railfan, CONGRATS on the new airbrush.
***Ray, your conversation with sis cracks me up.
***Jerry, nice lookin' set there.
***T-S-Fan, the Diner moves on (or around) the 1st of each month now.
If I missed the answer, what do you guys use to keep one decoder from touching the circuit board (inside a tender)? Is there a prefered special tape or something? The new decoder is sealed in plastic, but I am not sure it should just sit on top of the larger board. Seems it would be prudent to keep them separated, but how to do it?
Need to go do a little tractor maintenance.
Cheers! Rob
CederstrandIf I missed the answer, what do you guys use to keep one decoder from touching the circuit board (inside a tender)? Is there a prefered special tape or something? The new decoder is sealed in plastic, but I am not sure it should just sit on top of the larger board. Seems it would be prudent to keep them separated, but how to do it?
teen steam fanHey fellas, 51 pages of the diner. I thought we moved every 50. The switch crew outside is getting antsy.
Nope... Tell the crew they are 2 days early. New Rulebook says we move on the 1st of the month. 2 demerits for you!
Flo, I'll have a hot butterscotch sundae with nuts, whipped cream and a big ol' marachino cherry up on top..... and don't tell my doctor! I might as well get a cup of decafe with THAT as well.
Don't know if any of you have seen todays "Dennis the Menace", but I now have a new one liner from "Mr. Wilson"..... "I don't w*rk on any day ending with a Y."
Rob and Ulrich, I do like to bust on my sister from time to time. I do worry THAT she is way too concerned about trying to look so much younger than she is. She is in some ways much like our mother who was a beautician and totally preoccupied with her looks and spent most of her life thinking people always judge you by your hair color and how much make up you use to cover up everything. I wouldn't dare tell my sister she is acting like her mother!!! It would involve a long hospital stay on my part I think. My other sister who will be 71 this Saturday has let her hair go gray, doesn't use make up, but keeps herself fit in both mind and body is far more attractive. She has a joyous grin and a winning way with people well beyond my other sister. I try to just take each day as an opportunity and a gift from God... I like to smile as well. I have been told I have the gift of humor! It has gotten me into trouble many times OTOH.
Catch you all later!
Deluxe Mexican Plate, please.
Bit the bullet gold spike and ordered one of those Digitrax Zephyr DCC Starter Sets for the wife. Do you run accessories (structure lights, etc...) off of this, or just the DCC trains? Her layout will have around 100+ 12 volt LEDs plus some motorized carnival rides. Was thinking perhaps I could borrow back the second Tech II for my own layout, since I have 2 mainlines planned.
Will be in the corner booth a spell.
Rob
Good Evening, plate of cheeseburgers and a bucket of Cherry RC Cola please 'n thank-you...yup, at the RC.
KEITH: Glad you liked the geep pic. I liked her better in original yellow/green. The "Traditional Yellow" just...I don't know...just something "not right" about it.
However, either original or "traditional" is far, far better than Uncle Pete's armour yellow and harbor mist gray! Neat pooch pics, Rerun enjoyed them.
TEEN STEAM: Yup...I've been by here a time or two lately... and yes, I'd love to see your old Farmall.
WISCONSIN something or other: (The guy THAT just got the new airbrush). I'm pretty sure I've got the same thing from the looks of the latest Harbor Freight catalog. I love it. I've had it for...about a year now, w**ks GREAT! The only issues I've had have been 100% operator error. I had previously used some Testor's el-cheapo airbrushes (with the can of propellant). Soon as I used this one, they all went into the trash.
Welp...back at it, still gotta crank out a little more content for THAT.
Chris
The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!
CederstrandBit the bullet gold spike and ordered one of those Digitrax Zephyr DCC Starter Sets for the wife. Do you run accessories (structure lights, etc...) off of this, or just the DCC trains? Her layout will have around 100+ 12 volt LEDs plus some motorized carnival rides. Was thinking perhaps I could borrow back the second Tech II for my own layout, since I have 2 mainlines planned.
Hey guys
More T-boomers again, so no work on the car. I did pick up an o-ring kit for the AC on my car, and I can refill it myself for about 40. beats paying 70+ for someone else to do it (wrong, it blew an o-ring about a month after getting it repaired).
Rob, You can if you want to, but everything you run that way will draw amps of the Zephyr's supply. Personally I think Zephyrs are great are great, except for only having 10 functions. But then I usually only use 1-6 (bell, horn, coupler, and dynamics [some have DBs as 4, 5, or 6]). Having 11 would be great since it turns off the markers on my BLI C30-7 (not sure how marker lights work on the prototype)
Jerry, nice looking set there.
Chris, I have one of those too (the same one that Wiconsin Railfan has), but I should have boughten a hose since it's different from the Badger ones I bought for my Gunze.
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.
Just thought I'd drop in and say I'm still breathing. This vacation was one of those where you need a vacation again because of it...I'll try catching up later, but looks like y'all have gotten a 8-10 page jump on me lol
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
howmus ......our mother who was a beautician and totally preoccupied with her looks and spent most of her life thinking people always judge you by your hair color and how much make up you use to cover up everything.
Ray- We've had this conversation before, but you reminded me that I think we grew up with the same Mother!!!! Mine is still that way.
Getting the itch to try the new decal system, but I don't see an opportunity in the too near future. However, I couldn't help but notice the layout is still there waiting patiently.
Another thing I noticed, and forgot about until now, was what I believe was the new MR tucked under Brenda's arm as she came in from the mailbox earlier. I must go see.
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.
Hello everybody ...
I'll have lemonade againg. It's been so hot in recent weekks here the Kentucky bluegrass is brown instead of green.
Chris... I like the Geep photos, and I see an interesting unit in the background of the last picture It appears to be a cabless SD40. I recall BN had one or two made from wrecked SD40's.
Rob ... Good luck with the learning curve with DCC. The DCC forum here has a lot of helpful people. Feel free to start a thread there if you have a tough problem. ... I still have DCC on only part of the layout. For lighting of buildings and so on, Jeff has the right idea of having a seperate power source. I use a regular HO power pack. It still has good AC at the accessory terminals although the track power is not working anymore.
Today, I continued track laying. I certainly have a lot of track to put down for this part of the layout. Also, I scuzzied up three freight cars (weathered).
Edit ..... Todd said: "Getting the itch to try the new decal system" .... The "itch", todd? Are you "Scratch" building now?
.
Slice of cantaloupe, please.
Finally won some log cars on the-bay for the wife's lumber mill operation. Just don't ask what I paid for them. (OUCH) On the good side is, I don't have to build or weather them, they are ready for her layout. Plus, she really likes them:
Last big item will be a loco to haul them. A Heistler would be nice for this, especially on the tight curves. But I still like the old Mantua 2-6-6-2 with tender. Would need to add DCC w/sound of course, so the mallet would actually be the better choice for that. Or, IF my wife prefers, a CSX loco could be used. She likes having CSX on her layout, because that is what she sees on the rails in town here.
I suddenly feel like my train funds are hemorraging again. Time for a break from acquiring and more spent on creating.
Heartland Division CB&QChris... I like the Geep photos, and I see an interesting unit in the background of the last picture It appears to be a cabless SD40. I recall BN had one or two made from wrecked SD40's.
Hiya GARRY, and thanks! Nope...wasn't anything exotic there (Council Bluffs engine facility, May 1988) THAT I recall other than NW-2 1013 w**king as the shop goat. Closest is SD-50 7024, then a standard SD40-2 and two other units. I think the farthest back is like the 7024...back end showing. I've seen pics of the BN units you're talking about...never have seen anything like those on the CNW. I think they would've had some likely candidates, but it seems they either sent 'em up to Oelwein to fix/rebuild, or sold/scrapped 'em. The Chicago Central and Pacific ran some "B" units. They plucked the seats out of a few ex-IC geeps. Taa-Daa. Instant "B" unit!
VINCENT: I think The King of Toddland has the same airbrush too... So, I guess "great minds" DO think alike 'eh? I got my compressor from Harbor also...no hose issues, and no more of those frickin' frackin' propellant cans!!!!!
SAWYER: "Vacation." Vacation? What's THAT???? Oh yeah, something I last had in...2002. Christmas break of 2002 to be exact. My wife starts another one tomorrow...guess she's gonna be hanging around the house for at least a week. Rerun has already sent notices out to cancel his wild parties...
I probably oughta bang-out at least one more article for THAT...she's getting County Fair pics, high school baseball pics from the State Tournament, and at least one (probably two) school board meeting articles.
Here's one more pic...for the Warbonnet fans...
July, 1993. The midwest is under water, but the CNW is still in business. AMTRAK, BN, and SANTA FE detours are becoming a common sight through Beverly (south edge of Cedar Rapids). One rare mostly-sunny evening, these brand new looking units came in with the requisite CNW pilot engine (due to CNW's Automatic Train Control, or ATC).
***Chris, huge warbonnet fan here. Those are some beauties. Seems in N scale all I ever see "available" are the BNSF versions. I much prefer Santa Fe. Heck, I like anything Santa Fe, from blue bonnet to frieght blue & yellow, etc... Post pics of those anytime. Rob
Ask, and ye shall receive ROB!
ATSF 939 bringing a grain train into the yard at Creston, Iowa in 2002. A little rough looking, but NOT patched.
Good night....
Insomniac Special, please.
***Chris, that's perfect. Just the right amount of gray black around the edges vents.
Did get the tractor lubed and ready for more root raking tomorrow (later today). Without early sleep though, won't be getting around to it until late evening now. Rob
Bill Tidler Jr.
Near a cornfield in Indiana...
Good morning.
Time to go to work in a bit, and maybe get some MRR done later today.
Rob......Here's a "Santa Fe" I got about a month ago. Plus its pulling some neat cargo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHKDZAliTzk
Hope everybody has a good morning.
"Rust, whats not to love?"