Elliot's Trackside Diner NOVEMBER 2010

[galaxy]

Well, morning

Robby P. sorry the show didn't go as planned. If it was basically a toy train show you had the worng audience. Not all train shows are alike, You could try again at another show before you give up or stick with the high fees of ebay.Too bad its so late and IF you wanted to travel to Springfield Mass for hte Amherst Model RR train show...here are 4 huge bldgs packed with vendors mostly Ho and N with some toy trains lionel tossed in for good meaure and people there are serious and spend money. It is the largest show inthe NE, and they claim largest in the country. If you are willing and they have vendor space {there was a waiting list} the info is here: http://www.railroadhobbyshow.com/index.asp or perhaps you could consider for next year. We go every 3 years and we DO spend money! Most ANything and everything you could want/need/desire for trains is there! I will let you know how this years show went. Its a 5 hour trip for us, about 13 for you, but could be wlell worth it. DOn't rate all shows by one shows reults! Besides you said you won at teh casino, so not a total monetary losss!

Thanks to those who have special thoughts and prayers for the MIL. She needs all she canget.

WE will have the Prayer Candle up for those who need special thoughts and prayers!

Cuda ken- Your plan looks great but remember what I said before...remember caardinal rule #1 don't get greedy! If you can't get 3 more lines in go for only two more or maybe stick with just a two track mailine, it may be less satisfying in the grand scheme, but will work far better than trying to cram too much into the space. Nice plan idea by the way, but you are right there doesn't appear to be room for a good yard.

Ray- did you Weck your beef? {Oh that sounded dirty now that I wrote that wasn't meant to be} I like RB sandwhiches dipped in aujus {or bullion if handy}, but don't know if I want to weck em! WHne does WIndmil close again for the season?

Lee-super pics thanks for sharing!

 

jeffrey-wimberly

 Woke up about 11 pm  to the sound of heavy rain pounding on the roof. That's a good sound to hear.

 

unless your roof leaks! Looks like some good rain for awhile down your way on the tele..

Well quiet day today I think...good other half works 2-6 today.

maybe a load of laudry oh and the dishwasher needs running.

 

[Robby P.]

 Good morning.    A good way to start the day is with a HEADACHE!!!   My head has been pounding all night.   UGH!!!

 Thanks for the "pick me up" about the train show.    I tried it, and maybe I can do one another day, plus I kinda know what to expect now. 

 My plan today....Get some cars on eBay and contact the LHS about selling some.    I have about three boxes to get unpacked from the show.  That will take most of the morning, and hopefully my headaches are gone.

 The only thing I got out of the show was, a buddy I know was selling me cars for $2 each.   I bought a few auto-racks, and some other cars.   Some to sell and some to keep.   So....That wasn't a bad deal.

 Todd........A couple of people told me about a show in MD that models more HO, N, etc......  The problem is Jessica's final is the next week and she has to study that weekend.   So I will skip it.

 Garry..........I will send you a PM.

 Lee..........I sent you a new PM.

 Barry......I've done some N-scale and I take Paypal.  If you have any questions, just PM me.

[blownout cylinder]

Good Morning

I too wish you get better as well Jeff.  Myself, I'm going to an appointment with an ICD specialist to get the word on the condition my heart is in---

I've been up to much of nothing yesterday--I spent the entire afternoon trying to locate a simple little screwdriver that I thought--wrongly, I might add--I placed in a toolbox. It was not there--where was it? In a drawer--by the bed Why I put it there I will never know

Today will be getting some more w**k done at w**k so that I won't have to go in on Friday and get ready for weekend on-calls-----maybe With these things one never knows--

Robby: Did you do any N scale cars? I've a few that could use some weathering work--Do you use paypal?

Anyhooooo--Flo, I'll just have a coffee and some toast/jam please--I'll be at the RC for now

[LSWrr]

Good Morning,

Jeff, I hope you feel better as the day progress.  My grandfather always said the most important consideration when doing a rain dance is timing.  Not sure if that’s true or not.  We had a bad drought in 1988 and several local towns hired Native American Indians to visit and do a rain dance; it rained for 4 days.

All, thanks for the comments on the layout progress.  On November 1 that area was bare plywood.  I still have several detail projects to finish up in that area (including painting the rails), but I hope to have it done by December 1st.

 

 Those lumber loads near the trucks are plaster casts I made.  My neighbor’s son has a few TYCO self unloading boxcars but only enough boxes to load one car at a time.  So I made a 25 crate mold last night.  If anybody needs some let me know.

 

If you’re in the Cleveland, Ohio Area: November 20^th is the route 30 Express layout tour that runs from Ashland, OH to Canton, OH.  Layouts are open 10 to 4. On November 21^st NMRA Division 4 layout tours start around 10am and run until sometime in the afternoon in the SW area of Cleveland.  Dean Freytag’s layout will not be open this year but several other well built layouts will.

 

Robby, I’ll take the $32 set.  I sent you a PM this morning.

 

Paul, are those the N-scale version or the HO?

[Wisconsin Railfan]

Good Morning Folks!

Just a cup of coffee please

Hope everyone has a great day!

[wetidlerjr]

 

Good Morning ! from Tipton IN.

 

[Paul W. Beverung]

Morning Gang: 

Here it is 3:26 am and I'm here at the puter instead of in bed asleep. It happens. Anyway I thought I'd drop in and let everyone know that we're ok and doing well.

I'm not doing much of anything on the MRR, too many other things going on. The ranch is taking up most of my time and Mary Ann and the grand kids the rest.

I did get the new Hiawatha from Fox Valley the other day. It looks really good. I have heard that some of the locomotives have running problems. Mostly wobbling and excessive speed. Of course the class As were run normally at 100mph +. I'm just happy to have the first Hi in my collection.

Well I guess I'll get back to bed and try to get some sleep.

My best to everyone.

[Anonymous]

Good Morning,

woke up with a big headache

Chloe, I need a strong coffee to get rid of it, and an aspirin, please.

Robby - I am sorry the show did not turn out the way you´d expected it. Your cars are a work of art, VERY reasonably priced for the amount of effort you put into them, so it must have the wrong audience. I think that with a little advertising you could urn your business into a real success!

Garry -that´s good news! I´d be more than happy to help you working out the itinerary and also to welcome you at my home. I bet the two of us can come up with something you´d never find at a travel agency´s.

Blessings to all in need!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Very early morning here, 10 minutes to 1 in the AM. My back pain got so bad yesterday that I finally took a couple of pain killers just so I could get some rest. Woke up about 11 pm  to the sound of heavy rain pounding on the roof. That's a good sound to hear. It's been so dry here that I think some of the local Indians might have resorted to doing rain dances.

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Good evening..

Flip ... I meant to comment earlier. Thanks for explaining about Deb. Not a good situation at all. Good you are there for her.

Robby ... $32.00 sounds fair. If you still have one, you may PM me too. Another product I tried was the alchohol based stuff. It was OK until it found a paint it did not like. It ruined a nicely painted old passenger car.  

Todd ... I think your strategy of "skipping around" is a good approach. It's better to have a series of little projects than to trying doing everything all at once. Each little accomplishment is cause for feeling good.

Ulrich ... The topic of making a European trip came up again. I'm still interested in the Swiss railways. Also, I'd like to see that huge public model railroad layout in Germany.

Der ... Too bad about the wrong glue on teh rvit strips. We won't tell the rivit counters. Have you heard from Fergie or Luc? If you do contact them, let them know we miss them.

Lee .... I enjoyed seeing the pictures of your layout progress.

Has CN Charlie been here lately? We could use a "Winterpeg" report. Also, where is Keith? A CA report would be good.  Going back in time, where are Ed and Paul?

This evening, I installed the track needed to serve my large bakery. Now, I'm getting the area prepped for scenery.

Happy Model Railroading

 

[TMarsh]

WOO HOO!! Slotted mags. Love ‘em!

Good evening. Orange Crush please. Thanks.

Truck load of train wheels. Ironic.

Robby- Sorry the sales weren’t there. You had to have the wrong audience. Maybe try again next show?

PC- I agree with Gerry. You’ve spent a lot of time on what you have. I have decided to do that also. Sorta. I just skip around and do one area here a bit then one area there. Of course that’s when I get back to being able to do it at all.

Lee- Nice pics. Actually more accurately, nice pictures of some nice layout work.

AIM weathering powders? I have those and reeeeally like them and $32 dollars is a pretty good price if you’re interested. I think I gave about 35 + tax for mine and that was at a discount shop so 32 plus shipping puts it cheaper than probably anywhere else.

Der- Hmmm. I never thought of that. Here I accused her of setting up me to get in trouble instead of her. I feel bad now.

Kinda late, best get to get aboard the sleepy town train.

PFTIN

 

[der5997]

Hello gang: I was sent a url for photos of Halifax / Dartmouth so I'm passing it along if anyone's interested to see where my LHSs are located. LOL. As usual, I don't trust the links to open in a new window, even if set to do so, http://www.pbase.com/mucker/halifax Right click that and choose new window if you want to avoid losing your Diner page.

 

Ken: I had a whole thing written up about the A/C access, then you posted your latest development and it became irrelevant!

 

Todd:

My question is, if it's ok, then why does she want me to carry her purse out all the time?

...Duh! It's so you, not she, will draw the attention of any stray dogs between the restaurant and the car!

RobbyP:  This was written before your BUST report.

I'm with everyone else. Your work is WAY too good to sell short.  It's not as if this show (or any others) is the only market you have.  Your "followers" on the Bay know the worth of your work.

  Sorry the show didn't work out - as some-one said, toy train people, not scale modelers.

 

Lee: Thanks for posting all those progress shots. Very nice indeed - you certainly get a whole lot done!

 

Turns out I used the wrong glue to put on those rivet strips, and they have all fallen off - OK, two fell off, and I peeled the rest and have re-glued with a more likely candidate. I don't like wasting time going over stuff like that. On a lighter note, I've had a closer look at the signals I scored at the train show. I thought they were plastic - turns out they are brass.  I've removed the bulb from one, and done some measuring.  I've ordered up a couple of feet of fibre optic filament that I'm hopeful will fit nicely inside the mast and be flexible enough to be curved 90 ˚ into the signal head. I'll have to devise a lens for the signal head - I figure a blob of clear glue, or Krystal Klear should do.  On the other end, below the layout I'll fit the filament into a hole in a bi-colour Red/Green LED  and use  black heat shrink tube to make it light proof.  I've already installed the LED (maybe 7 or 8 years ago waiting for this opportunity) If everything works out, I'll have to build three more of those bi-colour LED assemblies.  The more elegant solution was to get micro-mini surface mount LEDs for the signal heads, but the chap in New Brunswick who sold wired micro-minis has folded up his tent, and no, Richmond Controls doesn't have what I was after.  So it's back to plan A and the hidden large LEDs with a fibre feed to the signal.

Thus encouraged, I'll take my some-what edgy stomach to bed. (Left-over Chinese from Friday lunch - delicious but dodgy?) Good night all, and God Bless.  Prayers continuing for all in need of Healing, Comfort, Prosperity and Peace.

 

 

 

 

[Robby P.]

 Vincent.......... It was.  It just had a basic weathered job.   Faded, and just some grime.  I don't think it has any rust at all.

 Garry........Just let me know.

[Packer]

Hey guys

Robby, sucks you only sold off 2 cars. Never tried AIM powders before, so count me in as a 3rd intrested person. Say, was that a BN box on your table?

Ken, Don't worry, I still haven't gotten the Pearl car boxed up yet.

 

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Robby ... I may be interested, too. The A I M websire shows a photo of 8 colors. That might be what I could use.  ... I have weathered using acrylic paint and spraying paint. I use pastels, too.

[Robby P.]

 Lee.........I sent you a PM

[LSWrr]

Robby, PM me I might be interested in some of the powders.

Ulrich, very nice, it sounds like an interesting career field.

Larry, I went to the Milan show today.  Picked up 50 brass #8 turnouts, 2 warehouses for my port (metal maybe Suydam), some farm wagons, a couple of water towers, and two trucks for the lumber yard.  The parking lot was ½ full when I got there at 11.

[Robby P.]

 All I can say is that..........I tried it, and got my feet wet.  I will probably get some on eBay tomorrow, and take some to the LHS.

 The extra weathering powders will go back to the owner of AIMS.    I have about eight big packs left (8 powders), and they were $32.  The individual ones ( I have about 30 different colors) were $4.50 or six for $16, and the smaller pack was $6 ( I have 2 sets of A, about 5 of set B, and a bunch of set C).   Those were more sample kits but enough to do several cars. 

 

[LSWrr]

Good evening,

I have some progress shots to share with you…..

I still have several things to take care of and details to finish up but here is what I’m working on.

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2857850940029441264HJYAFI?vhost=home-and-garden

Looking down the country road you can see the tree line on the left that is blocking your view of the LCL terminal.  Across the tracks and to the right is the sign for Bill Mann’s Lumber Co.

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2416357650029441264bnwkFF?vhost=home-and-garden

20 minute scratch built sign for the Lumber Co.

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2509657500029441264FOzNmI?vhost=home-and-garden

This is the left side of the LCL terminal that wraps around the corner of the layout.

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2923209130029441264MkdRuV?vhost=home-and-garden

Pan to the right of the last picture and you can see the Yard and LCL terminal offices. The farmer’s supply is in the background.

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2286492960029441264vxfaRj?vhost=home-and-garden

In this picture you can see the north side of the country road.  On the south side is the lumber co. and the sugar beet refinery.

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2123455590029441264zmRhdv?vhost=home-and-garden

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2516371350029441264TNclhf?vhost=home-and-garden

I kit bashed a truck scale seen here in front of the sugar beet refinery.

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2409154310029441264piuLDF?vhost=home-and-garden

Overhead shot of the refinery and part of the lumber yard

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2295173320029441264pHqprY?vhost=home-and-garden

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2231943530029441264afvlXY?vhost=home-and-garden

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2695683510029441264BLSqIS?vhost=home-and-garden

Yes I know a little blurry, battery died for the camera, will replace this picture later.

[pcarrell]

For the layout, I would suggest not tearing it down and starting over. I would suggest igniring most of it, and focussing on a small section of maybe 2' x 6'. Then on that section, do all teh wprk tp make it "done" including structures and scenery. Then you have something to show off.

I'd thought of that too.  I'm not for certain that we won't move in the next few years too, so thats a factor.  Right now, the layout fills a 10x15 foot room.  I don't look forward to moving that.  On the other hand, I have a good amount of work already in it, and I'd hate to waste that.  It's spaced in such a way that cutting out a small section to keep and start over with wouldn't be easy either.  Oh well, I'll figure it out......  Maybe I'll use this as an excuse to switch scales!

[Kyle_Y]

i love aim weathering powders! I'd love a tutorial if you're selling those....

Did some decaling today. The stripes turned out awesome, same can not be said for the letter. Good thing for micro sol, or we'd be back to the paint booth (aka the porch).....off tomorrow so I'll give it another go this evening. maybe I should not drink and watch college football while i decal/

why does my caps lock/shift key not work?

kyle

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Speaking of Recipes.... It is past the time for Cajun Chef Ryan to report for duty.

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Good after noon...

Ray ... I looked at the link. Looks like a good recipe. Yum!

For dessert ... http://southernfood.about.com/od/kentuckyrecipes/r/bl80419d.htm

PC .. Don't worry about the name thing. For the layout, I would suggest not tearing it down and starting over. I would suggest igniring most of it, and focussing on a small section of maybe 2' x 6'. Then on that section, do all teh wprk tp make it "done" including structures and scenery. Then you have something to show off.

Robby ... Sorry it was a bust. What will you do with the extra weathering powder?

Ken... Layout plan is looking like it will great.

 

[howmus]

Evenin' folks!

Flo I'll have a Beef on Weck and a tall glass of Ice tea...  What?  What is it?  Well it's kind of a Western NY thing, you take a Kummelweck Roll and shaved roast beef, add some horesradish.  Oh heck, here is the recipe: Beef on Weck

Yep it is one of the reasons I love the Batavia Show....  I always have Beef on Weck for lunch!   Goooooooood!  It was a good day in a lot of ways in Batavia, Talked to a lot of potential members for the NMRA.  I always play a slide show of some of our better layouts in the area and I found a good many people standing in fromnt of our booths with the jaws open and eyes popping out of their heads.  THAT, of course gives me a chance to start a conversation on why the NMRA might be a good choice for them.  I got the roof on the stone crusher building along with "glass" in the windows.  Then I did a bit of weathering to tone down the red paint.  It is almost finished.  I did not get any photos of it and won't tonight unless I go unload the Yaris and bring the boxes in the house and set up a photo session......

Jeffrey, nice weathering job on that Van! 

Well I see "what's his name", you know Paul.... ah..... Carol....  No, ah......  Wait, it'll come to me.....  Well (a deep subject) THAT guy who was here with the biker chick earlier.....  I see he was here.

Robby, bummer you only sold 2 cars!  You should have come up to the Batavia show.  A friend of mine was selling off some used "n" scale items.  Pocketed $350 in 6 hours.  This year up here at least people were spending their money......  Last Spring it was just the opposite and there were a lot of unhappy vendors.

I'll see you all later!

73

 

[pcarrell]

You asked about me (Garry not Gerry),......

Man, I'm sorry........I'm really bad with names in person, and I guess I'm no better on line!  You'd think I'd know, after all the times we've talked........

Krump, we like trikes!  We've got a few!  Your future one would be welcome!

Robby, sorry the show didn't go so hot.  Sounds like you we in with more of a "toy train" crowd, rather then a "realistic runner" group.  That probably made all the difference.

All, I thank you for adding my son to the prayers list.  It makes a differnce ya know!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Now that ole boy has a heavy load!

[Robby P.]

 Well the train show was a BUST!!!!  Would I do another one, NO!!!  Sold two cars in two days, and just a few packs of powders.  I did get a lot of....Oh the cars look great, great job, etc....  That doesn't get me any money thou .   Some people told me this show is for the orange box (Lionel).   So I tried and I will stick to where I can sell them at.  

 I did get a few cars while I was at the show, so I can get them ready to sell.

 Its been a loooong weekend, and I will pop back in later.

[pcarrell]

Well, on my way back from the biker church this morning, I found something cool on the hiway.

[cudaken]

 Evening AZ

 Flo, I take a and put it on Ulrich tap please.

 Been busy today for not doing a lot. Cleaned up the train room a little so the Charter Tech would not trip over a beer can!  All so cleaned up the desk and cleaned up the stereo gear. For $20,000 stereo system I let it get pretty nasty looking. I did say $20 K, that is what it is insured for and would cost to replace it with new equipment. 2 600 watt Mono Block Amps that will run at 2 ohms, you can weld with these suckers.

 Did some honey doe's. Fixed the wife's Duck necks (ceramic) and set some mouse traps. Sure glad I did, I saw 2 of the little buggers skipper my when I got the trap out of the utility room. Sure glad Sue did not see them, you think she freaks out when she sees a spider. Two years ago we where over ran with them, she had to start taking Happy Pills till I got them under control.

 A plan is starting to take shape! 

 So far I like this one the best. It still needs work but it is something I like.

 OK what I like

 1 Has a 124 feet main run.

 2 Duck Under / Lift out section would be where crosses the room. Not in front of my desk!

 Problems to over come.

 1 Going to be hard to fit in 3 more lines

 2 No places for a yard yet.

 3 No suitable place for town, coal mine, or the grain elevator.

 4 No places for bridges where the line's crosses each other.

 But, If I tighten up the tuns from 32 to say 28 I might fine the needed room. Plus the high speed mains will still be higher than the trunk line.

 Far from being ideal, but it has gotten my blood moving again!

 Todd Far as your rule you have listed, I bet you be looking for a wood chipper if you where married to my wife!

 See you all Monday

                  Ken

[jeffrey-wimberly]

blownout cylinder

Jeff: You have your nephew living beside you? That would be as weird as having Audrey's sister living beside us--He starts having his stereo going loud--get something louder--

I already have something louder. A police air horn.