Good Afternoon Everyone.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEN !!!
Well it has been a gray, cold, and gloomy day here in Western North Carolina, and that also just about sums up the mood I have been in all day too. To start I went through the replies to a question I had posted on the "layout building board" about grade percentages have been a little discouraging and now I need to completly re do my track plan. Then being unhappy with this I went up to the studio and pulled out a box of train stuff, this box has been tossed around and moved from one side of the country to another and has not been opened in twenty years. Inside was several pieces of rolling stock and a couple of old inexpensive engines, one was a gift from the wife the first Christmas together, well they were not in great shape and there is some mildew issues from the eight years we spent in Florida, but in all I guess they realy are not in that bad of shape.
What hurt was that I just can not let go of this grade elevation problem, so I took an 8' 1" x 3" and laid it on my bench work, lifted one end 3 1/2" inches and then laid out acouple of pieces of flex track, a terminal track, found an old transformer and started putting out a few pieces of rolling stock. Then I stood back and realized that this short little six car train took up nearly half of my bench work in length, and all i could think was "We need a bigger boat". Well I am pretty sure the Wife is not about to let me have any more of her studio space than she already has so I am going to have to make do.
Now there was one bright spot to this little foray, I had that old mildewed engine that has not seen the light of day for 20 years and three rather long billboard boxcars and three cattle cars on this 8' grade that I am guessing was near 4% and it pulled it, after everyone on the message board said it was to steep. But I did realize how ridicules this looked and I still have to come up with a new track plan.
Anyways that has been the type of day I have had today. I will say that I was glad to hear that the MOTHERS are feeling a little better and some relief is to be had there. Now Flo I need some comfort food how about some of that Apple pie and a thick chocolat shake please.
Oh I have some interesting news about the Smoky Mountain Railway to share but I will save that for later.
Until Then I will be in the window booth, dreaming of bigger things.
Ron
I refuse to grow up!!!
Happy Birthday!! KEN!!!
Just got back from a short staff meeting..I'll be starting my weekend on calls from Saturday Morning now...
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/
Ken:
Well, it's official. My ankle is fractured. I could have told them that without looking. Still the best that can be done is to bind it up and keep the boot on it as a walking cast. I have to be able to change the dressing on the wound on the side of the ankle after all and I can't do that if they slap something more permanent on it. So once again it's my problem to take care of.Those docs are all heart aren't they?
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
Just a quick stop.
My cars just came in so I'm in the basement getting them faded up. Maybe start on them tomorrow.
Ken...........
"Rust, whats not to love?"
Hey Lee, Don't open the windows yet, This morning it was - 27 C with a wind chill down to - 40C again. My dogs really didn't want to go outside to do their business even after being in all night. Just too darn cold.
Birthday Boy Ken, Congratulations on adding another year to your Resume. Hope you get to celebrate a little and not just work all day.
Prayers and blessings to the Moms out there and hope the Sons can endure the stress that is involved with those situations.
On the MRR front, not much has happened since getting the four staging tracks down, ( I sure like them ) other than some repair work to some rolling stock. A few loose couplers and changed out some wheel sets.
Hope you are feeling better Jerry, so you can get the Illinois Southern perking again. By the way,someone posted a picture of a scrap yard the other day and there was one of loco in a light blue color lettered up for your Road.
Hope you all have a good one today. It looks like it is lunch time, sorry Girls, I brought my own lunch so I will just sit outside on the bench and watch for the Local to come by.
Must get back to work now. I'd rather be in the train room.
Johnboy out...................................for now
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
Ulrich, I’ll leave the light on for you, but you’ll have to sleep under the train layout…
BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret) L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes
Good Afternoon Gang,
Ken! I have asked Petra to make a birthday for you, which you will get as soon as I am home! I am still at my parents´ place, taking care of my dad. Not an easy task. Those of you having to deal with the elderly know what I mean
My mom will leave the hospital beginning of next week, just to get a few days of rest at home, before she has to report back for the surgery. Looks like I will have to take care for both gthe next few weeks. As my job will not materialize, I have the time do to that. Keeps me out of trouble and bad thoughts about my future.
Warning: One of these days will just knock on someone´s door - I hate being in Germany.
CUL
Mornin' everyone!
Zoe, I'll have the Eggs Benedict the morning and cup of dark roast coffee to tide me over to lunch time.
So..... who's the nut in the Burger King Birthday Hat jumping up and down and dancing around???? Huh? Ken.....? Opps THAT is him isn't it. Never seen him this happy before. What's the occasion?
Ulrich and Jeffrey, so glad your Moms are improving!
Todd, I still have a room full of Junque from my parents house. Some of the items are Anti Q's from several generations back that could make me rich (according to my Mom - might bring a couple bucks at most at auction). I know and feel your pain! This Summer I am going to clean house and gain back some space. Items will either go to auction or to the landfill.....
We are under a "Winter Storm Watch" here in the Finger Lakes Region. Could get messy with deteriorating conditions starting tonight and 6 to 10 inches of heavy white stuff and some high winds on Friday......
Tonight I have a Blue and Gold Banquet to attend for the Pack. Just found out that a Venture Crew is being started at a different church here but with some of the same players as the Pack I am Commissioner for. I volunteered last night to come on board as their Commissioner as well. District Commissioner and the District Executive were grinning from ear to ear about it!
Back when I was a Camp commissioner for our Scout Camp, I always carried my Sierra Cup on my belt when I did morning rounds to the campsites. When asked why, I would always state that the sharing of coffee was an honored tradition of the commissioner when talking with the Scoutmaster and allowed the Commissioner to easily assess how the Troop was doing. There were several skits done about me as a Commissioner at campfires over the years all involving much belly padding and the coffee cup. So... last night our District Commissioner was giving a long speech about Commissioner Service. At one point he said, "and what one word best describes the Commissioner?" And paused just long enough for me to yell out, "Coffee!" The older Scouters in the room completely lost it...... Stopped the speech for a minute or so........ Every once in a while I get a word in.....!!!
Well, I best get moving. The day awaits!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
oops
KEN!
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.
Good Morning All...Its cloudy and around 30 here..posta snow this week end weather guesser on TV says...Just coffee please...Thank you..
Happy Birthday Ken..Hope You have a great day...
You all have a good one...Jerry
Good Morning,
I’ve been trying to post this for 3 hours now, system wouldn’t let me log in to post.
Ken, Happy Birthday!
Jeff, glad to hear they have a plan to get your mom back on her feet. I hope you and your mom get better real soon.
Larry, you say train show? Detail please…
Garry that is good news about the MI sister. Hopefully you can get things down south worked out soon.
Ken sometimes I have that problem but feel better if I go outside for some fresh air. I think its from the house closed up all winter. I’ll be happy when I can open windows again.
Rob if they “just touch” the bottom you can buy washers to give a little space in there, normally they are used to adjust coupler height.
I’m off tomorrow for a medical appointment, I may have to admit I’m not 24 anylonger…
I need to break out the Jordon spreader and the flanger…
SNOWFALL AMOUNTS BY FRIDAY AFTERNOON MAY BE IN THE 4 TO 8 INCHRANGE ACROSS THE WARNED AREA. THESE TOTALS WILL BE IMPACTED BYTHE AMOUNT OF ICE THAT WILL ACCUMULATE.
Morning from the Boy. Made it 55 years so far.
Flo, just a bowl of frosted flakes and a glass of O J please.
Jeffery Glad to hear your Mon is doing better. Getting ready to box up your stuff and will get it mailed today.
Ulrich First glad you mother is doing better as well. Sorry you had to wait so long to find out the job is not going to become a reality for you.
Sue SSI Sue got a letter from SSI yesterday and was not good news. For some reason they have cut her check from $253.00 a month to $103.50 a month. That is going to badly hurt my budget plans. Think it might have something to do with my unemployment January, will have to call and find out what the deal is.
See you all later when the get here.
Ken
I hate Rust
Good Morning!! Bacon, eggs over easy and fried potatoes please. Coffee too thank you. Today: Rain likely after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 42. Northeast wind between 9 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Tonight: Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 9pm. Low around 29. Northeast wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible. Guess I’ll be using the sn*wblower yet again. Shouldn’t last long though. Ulrich- I’m pleased to here there is improvement in your Mothers condition. Prayers continue. Robby- Yes. I know “the look” all too well.
Good Morning!! Bacon, eggs over easy and fried potatoes please. Coffee too thank you.
Today: Rain likely after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 42. Northeast wind between 9 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Tonight: Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 9pm. Low around 29. Northeast wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible. Guess I’ll be using the sn*wblower yet again. Shouldn’t last long though.
Ulrich- I’m pleased to here there is improvement in your Mothers condition. Prayers continue.
Robby- Yes. I know “the look” all too well.
Not much going on today other than w**k tonight. Maybe I’ll hit the old layout for a bit, that would be nice. Of course I could go to Mom’s and haul another load….,(gulp) home. Depends on the rain situation. (open truck bed). Or, if I do decide to go to Mom’s, I will be real close to Castle Trains…..But I don’t think I need anything right now. Welp, best get moving, gotta pay some bills this morning.
Ya’ll have a Great Day!!!
Morning..
Have a staff meeting this fine morning to get to...
Right now we are snowing and getting ready to get an old fashioned dump of snow be falling on our heads tomorrow..this will make our winter total the most in over 40 years up here.......as i get ready for more plowing ....
Flo, I'll just have a coffee to go please....
Good morning. No snow but a lot of rain coming.
Not much planned today. Still no train cars(MB Klein), but hopefully they will get here soon. I might just watch some movies today. Direct TV has a special going for a few days. I've already watched "police academy". Jessica gave me a weird look when I told her I was going to just watch movies today....You know the look .
Ulrich.........Good to hear your mom is doing better. Sorry about the bank thou. It will all workout eventually.
Good Day Folks!
Cup of coffee please.
Have a great day all!
Steven
Good Morning ! from Tipton IN.
Bill Tidler Jr.
Near a cornfield in Indiana...
Good Morning Folks,
Janie, coffee and a breakfast bagel, please.
My Mom shows signs of improvement. The fever is down, but she is still very, very weak. The docs told me yesterday that she needs to gain some strength before the can take the dead kidney out. The surgery is now scheduled for the week after next. She may be able to come home for a few days before the surgery is performed.
Jeff - I am glad to hear that your mom does not suffer from Alzheimer´s isease. It is really a nasty thing. Hope your mom and you will be alright soon.
The job front currently only shows bad news. The bank has turned down our credit request, because were are too old and broke. I won´t chime in on the rants about banks, but I do understand why there is not a very favorable mentioning of bankers in the Holy Book. My dreams of leaving Germany are coming back ...
Hope y´all have a good one!
Another slice of pumpkin pie, please.
***Todd, been there, done that. Try not to let the stress shave too many years off your life.
Well, got a couple Atlas roller bearing trucks with Accumate couplers, only to discover the wheels touch the bottom of most of my vintage freight cars. Glad I didn't order a 10-pack. Not sure which type to try next. I would sure like to convert my rolling stock from Rapidos to some kind of nice knuckle couplers. Needs to be easy, trucks w/ couplers which are ready to swap out with vintage stuff. Have looked at the online charts and am still confused.
Cheers! Rob
I've resigned myself to the fact I am destined to haul Mom's stuff from place to place for the rest of my life. Hauled 2 truckloads from her garage to, of all places, my basement. The stuff Brenda wants to put in the all town garage sale this spring. We have donated maost all that isn't just dumpster bound stuuf to the Village Foundation and they will sell it and use the money for some of their projects for the community. In the meantime, it sits in our basement. And yes, I will be moving it at least two more times . Thank goodness there are two doors to the trainroom. There is still several loads to go.
Jeff- I'm very very happy the docs were wrong about alzhiemers (sp?), and they figured the problem and got it taken care of. I can tell you are relieved. You made a funny. Now tell that "Indian" she needs to get better, out of that Nursing Home and back in front of the stove where she belongs! (if THAT don't get her fired up....nothing will. Preeetty darn sure I covered everything to make her fighting mad )
Ken- Drivers license renewal tomorrow? Hmmmmmm......., Coupons for Taco Bell?
Welp, Brenda'll be home within an hour from bowling so I best get back to scratching the dogs tummy. Spoiled fat thing.
PFTIN
Slice of pumpkin pie, please.
Just watched an interesting special on the crater of Ijen volcano in East Java, Indonesia. Those sulphur miners are tough. Going to incorporate some of what I saw into my (N) volcano mining operation.
Rob
Robby-That is something else. Where'd he get it?
Not much from me. Started assembling a Walthers lancaster farmhouse yesterday. Haven't had much of a chance to work on it today. Hope to change that soon.
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!
Evening Folks!
Flo. I will have a Taco Salad, and a please.
Felt like poop today again. While not sick, just no get up and go. I feel better at work for some reason. We do have a CO 2 detector and as far as I know it is working right. Just feel more tired and sleepy when I am home.
Gary Thanks for figuring the hint I will be 55 Thursday.
Lots of running Thursday Lawyer Offices, Post Offices, Driver License, Trip to ST Louis, and Wal-Mart. Bet I will drive 100 miles Thursday.
See you all later.
Got a couple of pictures taken outside today. I will get one posted on the WPF.
Here's a video from a buddy of mine. He lives about 20ft from the "sand patch". Its a line that goes from Pittsburgh to Baltimore. I've seen a good bit of neat stuff from his porch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEmeLfhseZE
I also took a shot of something in his yard , and it actually works!!!
Hello..
Thanks for all the comments and so on. Pleased to say my MI sister's surgery went fine this morning. ... Still having a very rough time working with my AL sister to help our Mom .... Baby in MI is doing well. .. Have not been with my wife, Shelley in almost 3 weeks. That's bad. No work on the layout either in that time.... Thanks again everybody for your thoughts.
Ken ... Happy B'day tomorrow.
JimCG ... Uh Oh ... Two women! .. Don't tell Flo. She has a crush on you.
Take care everybody.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Good Afternoon...
I spent part of my afternoon listening to some house finches and white throated sparrows singing along with the cardinals...as I took an afternoon walk around the neighbourhood...
Then I spent the rest of it frustrating myself on doing some colour studies on some styrene for some more roads I'm thinking about using straight black styrene and just suggesting that they had just repaved...
I'll be posting some tomorrow when I get these things done...you'll see what I mean...
A strong coffee TO GO, please.
Have a good day y'all.
Good Morning All...Its cloudy and colder here..short spring!...I'll have coffee and toast please...Thank You..Not much going on here..I have been so tired lately all I want to do is nap in recliner..Gotta get up and get going...You all have a good one...Jerry
Zoe I'll have a short stack of buttermilk pancakes (bring over the bottle of Maple Syrup) and a cup of dark roast coffee in a FGLK Mug.
Woke up this morning with a very sore right ankle.... I think a couple days ago I twisted it while taking out the trash to the edge of the driveway through the snow, and it is just now starting to talk back to me. There is no swelling at all so i think what I did was just pull the tendon over across the joint.... I am flat footed so I know what happens when I do THAT.... Still hurts, but appears to be loosening up as I use it this morning.
Jeffrey, glad you got to the doctors! Should give a little peace of mind if nothing else. Also very pleased they found out what was going on with your Mom! You both continue in my prayers.....
I'm planning on hobbling downstairs and do some starring at the projects I have started....... How much I will accomplish? Who knows!
Best get moving......