Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Elliot´s Trackside Diner February 2011

62153 views
875 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: New Milford, Ct
  • 3,232 posts
Posted by GMTRacing on Saturday, February 5, 2011 2:17 PM

Galaxy,

   Our continued prayers for your MIL and MOH as well. If it helps, squiggle all you want here, we won't  hold it agin you. I understand all too well about the electronic record keeping. The main culprit is the patient confidentiality laws and the unintended consequences there in. Your MOH needs to get all these folks to meet and get on the same page and sign the paperwork necessary to have them communicate before they do more harm. If they are all cross prescribing meds and the pharmacy doesn't pick up on it,  things can go down hill fast. You and yours have enough to deal with already without the docs doing more harm than good. Hang in there and at least try to keep the MOH calmed down. You don't need them all in hospital, right? J.R.

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Cape Girardeau, MO
  • 3,073 posts
Posted by JimRCGMO on Saturday, February 5, 2011 2:26 PM

Afternoon, Janie - I'll have a bowl of the veggie beef soup/stew/whatever, a roast beef sandwich, and a Dr. Pepper, please 'n' thank you! And in honor of our new location, I'll be using Kudzu Green today... Wink

Sheesh, stay gone for a while and I hear that Vinnie was asking my size for a casket - WHA??? I am NOT deceased, just distracted (too easily). But luckily, some of the Diners emailed me that if I didn't stop by soon, they were gonna sell off my window booth seat to the highest bidder on the 'Bay. OopsWhistling

I see that while I've been gone we've had some Diners with new job prospects, Ulrich's got his module going Thumbs Up (not to be confused with that MoJo thing...), Rob's making progress on his wife's layout (so soon it should be your turn, right, Rob?Yeah), and Garry's got a nice li'l ol' junkyard there! Bow (Wanna ask you, Garry - where'd you get that DAWG from? He looks as mean as a junkyard dawg should) And Ray (per usual) Bow is posting his marvelous photos and useful tips. Bow (You da man, Ray!)

And I take it that we're in Mobile now, eh? Man, you would not believe how long that breadcrumb trail (by way of Caleefonya and a couple other side trips) was to get here! Hey, so long as the ladies don't use Kudzu for my next salad, I'm okay with the Diner being in Mobile. Smile, Wink & Grin Now, I hope we're not still here come July - man, it can get stinking hot and muggy come summertime in the South.

Galaxy, add my prayers to Jeff and the others', for your MIL's health and/or peaceful passing (and comfort for your OH), as well as for your train Nut friend's wife's health and recovery.AngelAngel

NS Joe - you have me curious (I must've missed your original post about it), but how exactly did you manage to w**k trains into a THEOLOGY paper, fercryin'outloud? Huh? Was the teacher into trains also (that would be helpful for your grade, I'm sure...)?

My belated Welcome to the Diner, Ron (DrgnTrappr)! And I can understand exactly why you have some of those items - like those pliers that are rusted shut were going to be WD40'd (or such), but you haven't got that round TUIT just yet, etc. (Don't ask me how I know about that stuff...We'll just say that a long time ago, I had posted a couple of pics of my MRR tub 'towers'...)Whistling

Our weather here has been cold at times, and we got a somewhere between 2 and 4 inches (or 5 to 10 cm.) of the white fluffy stuff last night/this a.m., but it's mostly melting today (since it's s'posed to reach 35 F/2 C this afternoon, with the sun out some of the day). Roads are okay, and the major ones and interstate are clear. (I took I-55 down to my LHS-down-the-road this morning to pick up some Preiser painters to go with my others on the big ladders).

Tomorrow, I'll be going to some church friends' other church's (the friends attend two churches, go figure) SuperBowl festivities (good yummies!) and (for me) to watch the funny commercials. Laugh

Also, this past week I got the car repaired (from the minor tapping it got on the right front of it in late December). Some of my co-w**kers at the office hadn't even noticed, which makes the $1700+ that the other driver's insurance (State Farm) had to pay for my car's part pretty astounding. Well, they had to replace a bumper, right front headlight assembly, some other minor stuff and (I found out when I picked it up on Thursday) they had to straighten the frame also. But they did a bangup job on the paint - the car looked better than I've seen it -ever! (Sorry for stepping into Garry's punny territory.Smile, Wink & Grin) The car still has a bit of paint smell inside, but not much. Overall, a great job on the body shop's part! Thumbs Up Oh, one side 'perk' for me was, that several years ago, when I got a couple of payments behind on a previous car, State Farm's bank dept. repo'ed my car (which was one of a few factors leading to my going through bankruptcy), so having them (due to their customer's lapse of attention) have to pay to get my current car fixed up seemed fair to me. Pirate

On an unrelated topic, I have reconsidered going with the DeathStar company for my DSL. I tried calling their 'help' phone line, and was reminded of what a PITA frustration that THAT is....Bang HeadBang Head. So I'm back to the WiFi route for now, until my phone company (who's doing test research in Missouri to set up the city area with Internet via the electric lines) gets all of THAT figured out. Or until Charter (cough! P-O-C! cough!) decides they can offer me a reliable internet connection...(oh, yeah, right!)

I have managed to get my Kalmbach library about all together - in the recently purchased bookcase which is next to my bed. So if I get sick some day, I don't have to go far for some nice reading material, eh?

Ken, on your financial matters, I'd side with Todd - as you are able, try to keep paying something toward the mortgage. If nothing else, it makes it harder for them to claim you're a deadbeat who 'never pays his bills'... (My My 2 Cents, anyway)

Jeff, I hope things stay warmer down your way (but some rain would be nice, yes?), and that something opens up so you can get some of those things tended to on your van. AngelAngel How's your layout re-do coming along, by the way?

Todd, hope you get the rest of things moved out (and can lower your expenses). Thumbs Up

Chris, how's your (sorta) new employer arrangement w**king out for you?

Ulrich, I think you have the description of a lot of bank employees spot on! LaughAnd the average age of those in banks has dropped drastically, which too often means you get ones at your local banks with little or no experience (and brains to match). I mean no offense to our teen Diners, as they are considerably smarter than the average bank w**ker I have seen. (And another reason I moved to a credit union - better attitudes there, I've found) And what's your current module setup look like? (A recent layout diagram will suffice for my curiosity)

Robby, best wishes on your NS interview (and beyond). Thumbs UpAngel Have you been selling much on the 'Bay? (What's your seller name on there?)

Barry, saw the photo of the church sign you posted. Laugh (It wasn't me!) I have been thinking about Ray, Robby, JR, Dick all our Diners along the Great Lakes area and in the Northeast, as well as our Canadian friends (including you) when viewing the weather reports the past couple of weeks. Sheesh, you guys thataway are getting more than your 'fair share'. Surprise

And I got an email recently from my friend Marj, who lives up near 'Sheekawgo' with this:

Warning .. Falling snow
 
 I just got off the phone with a friend living in Northern British Columbia, Canada near the
 Alaskan border.
 
 She said that since early this morning the snow has been nearly waist
 high and is still falling.
 
 The temperature is dropping way below -20 and the north wind is
 increasing to near gale force.
 
 Her husband has done nothing but look through the kitchen window and
 just stare.
 
 She says that if it gets much worse, she may have to let him in.

So with that, I'll leave for now. Hope to get back in sooner this next time.

 

Blessings and prayers,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Cape Girardeau, MO
  • 3,073 posts
Posted by JimRCGMO on Saturday, February 5, 2011 2:38 PM

Galaxy, I'll [ditto] what J.R. said - this is the place (as you know) to come speak your mind (using squiggly lines and such, to keep the moderators happy). Whether I would use those words or not, I agree that it might just help your OH better to quit fighting reality (as well as to get the doctors all on the same page who are treating your MIL). After your OH's cooled down, you might give her a hug and tell her that (even though you still think she needs to think about NOT avoiding what's there) you love her. AngelAngel

Jim in Cape Girardeau

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: Nova Scotia, Northumberland Shore
  • 2,479 posts
Posted by der5997 on Saturday, February 5, 2011 2:57 PM

Good afternoon from sunny Nova Scotia!  And it's not cold out either, which is a huge bonus. Happy to report success first time out with making decals from print images using "decal-it". I've had this stuff, and the good intentions with which I bought it, for over 20 years! (Hoarding -with-intent Ron ) It works just fine, but I'm going to have to refine my technique, as you might expect. I took two sets of logos, one from a diabetes management news sheet from the pharmacy. It had the controlling company's logo too - Sobeys, a locally headquartered grocery chain. Also, a logo for SC Johnson from a supermarket flyer. The better quality paper on the newsletter gave a crisper result, but both are usable, so I've used them. In this shot the decal backing doesn't show as much as it does in this   Finally, the SC Johnson  - an altogether rougher decal. (with a tip of the hat to Ray on the angle!) I'm now testing an inkjet print of a raiLink loco herald. As far as I can see, the ink hasn't run in the water-based decal-it....yet. It's a time-consuming process, 6 coats at 15 minutes between each, then a two hour dry time before soaking to soften up the paper the image was printed on; then however long it takes to rub off the wetted paper, leaving just the dried and set decal-it with the ink from the image embedded in it. Then wait for that to dry before applying to the model.  Worth the wait if one can make custom decals at home for WAY less than the Decal houses would want.

 

Rob:

***Der, that is one nasty looking fire. Do you happen to know the story behind it?
...IIRC, the crew noticed a hot box and phoned it in. The RR's Rule book is worded such that they were forced to stop within a certain max distance; which, obedient souls that they were, they did. THAT placed them on the trestle! "Rules is rules" is the caption the photo's filed under in my album, and I see JR has much the same story.Cool 
As for the silo position, they are just sitting there in that pic. They will most likely be located at the front of the chicken house where a truck would have access to them. That pic is from the backside of the farm anyway.
Oh, good! I was concerned I'd built them backwards way round...I was working off those photos.Blindfold
Wife now wants a school bus (painted white) for a baby chicks delivery scene, like one sees around here. This means the doors cracked open, numerous people working in and around the front of the chicken house, and perhaps a bunch of tiny yellow chicks seen just inside.
...loose chicks in the bus? I thought they would be in stacks of cardboard boxes...does that show I'm no longer country, or am I thinking too modern?Geeked

 

Ken: I read your bank conversations to Kris. She says here Veterans Affairs would likely get you a lawyer. She also said, and this is a terrific idea 'cos it works all over the place, get the local media involved. Radio, TV, papers - just keep it factual so you don't get sued by the bank - but the media love a "Abuse by Big Business" story.Movie

 I was all so surprised how busy the store was this morining, have $1500.00 before 11:30.  
..great! makes up for yesterday abit eh?Yes

 

Tim:

.he could pass for a pirate or a Viking...lol
...and "there's an Ap for that" (if you add your home made beer!Beer)

 

Ulrich: That's too much wind - and by the look of the clouds over the Atlantic, you haven't yet seen the end. Here's the satellite view as of 2:54 EST today. http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/der5997/Feb52011.jpg

We build our houses a little sturdier over here, you know
...could that have something to do with having invented the 3 Little Pigs, and tumbled to the fact that masonry is better than wood in a high wind? Stikes me that by contrast North America is very 2nd. Pig! LOL Have your mother's surgery logged in my planner, with a 2 day reminder.Angel

 

Alvie: Sorry I missed the welcome mat last night, but What are your mrr interests/ era/layout...inquiring minds need to know.

 

Galaxy:

SO, Please, special thoughts and prayers for MIL.
  You've got it.Angel It sounds like your OH is going through the anger stage of grieving- just ahead of the actual loss, but it's all the same, the time is to an extent irrelevant.

 

Garry: Prayers re your mom and her companion too.Angel

 

Jim:

 
 I just got off the phone with a friend living in Northern British Columbia, Canada near the
 Alaskan border.
...which is not quite how she may have said it, since  as you'll see here, the red bit is The Yukon, and B.C. borders it (but kinda close to Alaska, I suppose)  Laugh

 

Dinner time again soon, and I hav eto look to the wood stove...TTFN

 

"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Shelby, NC
  • 2,545 posts
Posted by Robby P. on Saturday, February 5, 2011 2:59 PM

 Well I got my taxe papers signed up and I start on the 17th.   Now hopefully the other interview goes as well. 

 Now my plan is to order some train cars and get them going on eBay.   I just have to figure out on what I will weather.

 Jim........I haven't sold anything in months.  I will probably use the money I make to go towards my credit cards.   I think its time to get rid of them Black Eye

[edited by selector]

 "Rust, whats not to love?"      

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Western transplant to the Deep South
  • 4,256 posts
Posted by Cederstrand on Saturday, February 5, 2011 4:37 PM

Coffee in a Burlington Northern mug, please.

***Galaxy, sorry for all you're having to deal with. Nothing easy about end of life & quality of life issues, that's for sure. You're in our thoughts.

***Garry, you are in our thoughts as well. Do you see many more of these trips ahead? One day I hope you will be able to visit us here. You're always welcome. I understand it won't be an enjoyable trip, but do have a safe one.

***Der, we love how you created the building that looks just like a giant box of cerial. That must have taken you a lot of time.Smile, Wink & Grin Kidding aside, those decals look great.

Off to do some farm chores before dark.

Cheers! Cowboy Rob

Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Saturday, February 5, 2011 5:38 PM

Good Evening

Had an interesting day of w**k as it turned out that we ended up with 5" of scattered flurries show up.....which only meant that driving was interesting here...Highway 4  was a trip I'd say..

JohnDer:  I like how those decals are working out...I'm looking at getting something together as well or some freelanced decals as well as some not so freelanced ones... ....I'm still looking for my dang DVD's....

Galaxy: We will continue praying for your family......Angel...we went through somewhat like that when my mother was alive...she had terminal cancer and my dad was trying his darnedest to get help for her towards the end of her life...one has to bounce on some heads to actually do the work required of them...getting a meeting with all concerned to get them on the same page may be an effective start...

Well ( kind of frozen subject)...we did manage to find a source for some more pink/blue stuff as well...so if none of my more local sources don't have it I can always go out to Cashway to pick it up...

Chloe, i'll have a burger platter with fries and coleslaw as well as a decaf coffee please...I'll be at the window booth for a bit...

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/

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Saturday, February 5, 2011 6:47 PM

Good evening ...

I have a very sad 91 year old mother in AL. He 90 year old companion (Fred) passed away this afternoon. Thanks to you DIners for your thoughts and prayers about this situation.  Next, my sisters and I will be helping Mom in her transition. This will be tough.

Of course, we are more than thankful we are about to be blessed with a new grandchild next week.  

Rob ... Yes, some day we'll have to arrange a get together. I've even wondered if you and Bama could meet with me in Birmingham, but it is a lot of miles for all.

JimCG ... I wondered where you were. Good to see you again.

Galaxy ... prayers continue fo your family members.

 

 

 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Saturday, February 5, 2011 7:02 PM

JimRCGMO

Jeff, I hope things stay warmer down your way (but some rain would be nice, yes?), and that something opens up so you can get some of those things tended to on your van. AngelAngel How's your layout re-do coming along, by the way?

It's at a stand-still right now and I don't foresee it progressing anytime soon. It's suffering from the same money crunch that the repairs to the van are suffering from. I wasn't very happy to have to part with some of my HO stuff that I sold off recently but I needed the money, even though it wasn't much. Sometimes I get some HO rolling stock or scenery stuff in the mail that people just give to me. I don't let my pride get in the way when it comes to accepting it. I appreciate any help I can get.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

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


  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Posted by cudaken on Saturday, February 5, 2011 7:47 PM

 Evening Folks! Big Smile

 Flo, it is Miller time!

 Galaxy Sorry to hear your MIL is in such bad shape. I hope things go better for your family. Seems the Hospital is ran by Bank Of America.

 Just because you are Paranoid does not mean they are not out to get you! Today turned out to be a Poop Day! Here I was busy till 11:30 and after that only 3 more customers. All 3 walked with out buying. Bang Head It is all-wise the salesman fault! Around 5:00 Ben and the owner called to see what happened. Told them how the ups (customers) contacts went. Then the second guessing started. You could have said this or that, or offered this. While I understand why they do it (done it my self when I was a area supervisor) it is still no fun. So the not so warm and fuzzy feeling is back again. In sales you are only as good as your last day, so I suck again. Bang Head

 House Front I will be sending in the $1,000.00 and crossing my fingers. It is a big leap of faith, but I sort of feel it is miss guided. But as all that chimed in have pointed out (including myself) If I don't send in money they will foreclose.I won't pray for my self, I feel it is a selfish (spell check) act. But, I can use all the help I can get. folks.

 John Who is Kris? Do they work with the VA? Do they have any idea what department I need to contact? 

 I am done bending your ears and time to slip into a Beer induced coma! Big Smile Wish me luck Super Bowel Sunday, not a normally a great Mattress Day.

 Boy I wish I carried a box for a living. Some places they our happy you show up on time and don't walk into the walls! Big Smile 

       Ken

I hate Rust

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Williamsville, ILL
  • 3,698 posts
Posted by TMarsh on Saturday, February 5, 2011 8:05 PM

Howdy. A couple double fudge brownies please and a cup of hot chocolate. Marshmallows? Why sure, haven’t had marshmallows in hot chocolate in years. Make it the big ones thank you.

What’s this? My bids been cancelled for the window se…. Oh! Hi Jim. Saved your seat. Knew you’d be back so I, uh, kept it warm for ya.Whistling

Galaxy- I read it, I understand. Your whole family remains in my prayers. I personally agree with the anti- misery standpoint. As for the ranting, vent buddy. You and your OH are under a lot of stress right now and I do mean a lot.

Ulrich- your Mom is in my prayers also.

Garry- Gee whiz! Your Mom too? I hope she adjust well. I’m sorry about her companion, I hope it was a gentle transition from life to life as I do for G’s MIL if that be His will.

Welp! My sister showed up, 2 hours late as usual, but she did show up and with a Uhaul truckThumbs Up. They filled it up. To bad they didn’t bring a bigger one they could have taken more. They said they would return tomorrow early. That is about 9 am and get the rest of the stuff they want. The part about taking things just to help get rid of the excess seems to have fallen wayside, but I’m just glad they got what they want so I can move on with the rest.

I think I’ll step down into Toddland (of which I’m king) and see what I can NOT do because what I want/need to do I need something for that I don't have and I keep forgetting about until I get down there. I’m sure a few of you followed that because you are familiar with the situation.

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
    September 2002
  • From: Nova Scotia, Northumberland Shore
  • 2,479 posts
Posted by der5997 on Saturday, February 5, 2011 8:59 PM

Good late evening, a hot chocolate for me please.

 

Rob:

***Der, we love how you created the building that looks just like a giant box of cerial. That must have taken you a lot of time.
....cereal products actually, it's a cookie box Smile, Wink & Grin  Kidding aside, the same brand is used as the core for this..   which while still basically a card building, does at least pretend to look like more than a cookie box!Whistling

 

Barry:

JohnDer:  I like how those decals are working out...I'm looking at getting something together as well or some freelanced decals as well as some not so freelanced ones...  ....I'm still looking for my dang DVD's....
  I found a pair of raiLink heralds from a set that Morgan ran for me some time back. I'd left them propped against the front and rear of the Trainmaster I use on the container dock. Here's how the front looked back then. (sorry about the focus, can't do a lot about that now!Blindfold) As you may imagine, in N they aren't overly large. I've made decals from them today, and am waiting for the result to dry so that I can see if any of the inkjet ink survived the prolonged wetting. First impression is that the yellow didn't make it, so I'll have to paint (or use yellow decal sheet) to do the herald background and put theh logo on that. Thanks for looking for the DVDs.Thumbs Up

 

Ken:

John Who is Kris?
...that would be my wife....
Do they work with the VA?
...no, sorry, when I said "up here' I meant Canada. Kris worked for a while as a Presenter for National Seminars all over the place in the States about 10 years ago, teaching Payroll, so she knows a bit about what (used to be) available.
Do they have any idea what department I need to contact?
..Sorry again, she doesn't know that - but says surely if you contact VA and tell them what's happening, they should be able to put you through to the people you need to talk to. She also said to not forget the media - maybe start with the local paper  - write to the editor and tell them a vet is being thrown out of his home....give them the grim facts. Maybe Chris could help with how to pitch it.

Time for me to call it a day, so Goodnight all, and God Bless. There's a lot of hurting folks out there, so prayers for all in need of Healing, Comfort, Prosperity and Peace.{angel]

 

 

"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: North Jersey
  • 1,781 posts
Posted by ns3010 on Saturday, February 5, 2011 9:03 PM

Evening all.

Disgusting day today. Rained all day. It'll be great when it all freezes over tonight...

We lost our game tonight. It was embarassing. Well, at least I know that no one could try and blame it on me! Laugh

Everyone- Thanks for the input on the history paper. The topic has to be post-Reconstruction, so I can't do anything about railroads and the Civil War. However, if I do end up doing the Rise/Fall/Rise Again of railroading, I could probably get my teacher to let me go back just before the time period and write about the beginnings.

Todd, I could find a way to blame President Bush for making people not ride trains, and then blame global warming on people driving! Mischief

G, you, your MIL, YOH, your friend, and his wife are all definitely in our prayers.

Ulrich, prayers for you and your mother as well, as she prepares for her surgery.

Barry, that sign is great! Laugh
And the photo of the GP38ish thingy is neat too. A little research reveals that is an experimental genset concocted by Progress Rail Services. Interesting looking thing…

Garry, prayers for your daugher as she gets ready to have her baby!
And prayers for your mom and Fred Angel

Jim, considering that my Theo teacher is a nun, I highly doubt that she has an interest in trains! Laugh
The assignment was to pick a local charity that we are interested in and write about how it exemplifies our beliefs of love for others. I picked Toys For Tots, which ran a collection train a week before the paper was due. I guess a week before the train, my dad was talking to his friend, who happened to be involved in the train. He invited us to be on it and help out, and that was that. Here are some photos and a video of the train.
I ended up getting a 95 on the paper, BTW

I’ll be hanging around for a while if anyone wants to talk.

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
My Photos on Flickr: Flickr
My Videos on Youtube: Youtube
My Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives

  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: Western North Carolina
  • 132 posts
Posted by DrgnTrappr on Saturday, February 5, 2011 10:05 PM

Good Evening Everyone, Floe coffee extra thick, and a slice of peanut butter pie.

Galaxy, Ulrich, and Garry; My prayers have gone out for your Families and I hope things get better for your loved ones soon.

Ulrich, I would love to hear more about your modular layout. That is the way I am going, have completed the bench work on the first module but have stopped until I decide on whether I am going to put foam down on top of my plywood or not.

Jim, Thank You for the Welcome.

Was up in the studio for a little while this morning and was going through a box and found an old CON-COR structure kit of a school house still sealed in the box. I also found a bunch of telephone poles and lighted freeway signs, all still in there original packaging. The better half was shopping in Asheville so I called and had her pick me up some model glue, then I opened the school house box, and found that this has to be the worst model I have ever seen. There is so much flashing left on the trees that I am going to have to spend a week trimming and sanding most of the pieces. Oh-Well, I have not been feeling 100% lately anyways so I will have something to do until I start to feel better, Wife thinks I have been overdoing it up in the studio, she is probably right, haven't felt this bad since chemo.

The wife got me an early anniversary present, a nikon 85mm macro lens for photographing her glass and pottery, but I cant wait till I get back to work on the layout and can get some shots of trains with it.

So that's about it from the smoky mountains so I will be looking at you all tomorrow.

Ron

I refuse to grow up!!!

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: K.I.S.S- Keep it simple stupid
  • 676 posts
Posted by teen steam fan on Saturday, February 5, 2011 10:24 PM

Hey guys. 

I've been doing some scenic work on the layout, sanded out some of the grain in the partical board and then laid down some Spackle to even it out. Hopefully tomorrow I can get some buildings set up and get a run down barn and fallen down building. Add in a rusty Fowler General Purpose traction engine and a junked car and we have that seen I am working on. 

On my TV now is the UK Top Gear Arctic Special. A Toyota Hilux pickup with a Dixie horn. WHAT ARE THEY THINKING. At least get a Jeep. 

DerJohn, Cool loading dock. Was the building a kit?

Had to help at the farm I work at to put a horse down. That is one thing I never want to experience again. The horse was the farmer's sister and the woman's daughter's. The daughter passed away about 20 years ago. So keep her her in your prayers. 

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!

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
02/06/2011
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 6, 2011 1:59 AM

Good Morning Gang,

it was a fairly quiet night, the storm has calmed down to a normal wind with speeds at 30 - 40 mph. It is really a miracle that no one got hurt.

Janie, I´ll have a Sunday big breakfast with all the works - scrambled eggs, sausages, crispy fried bacon, a stack of pancakes with real maple syrup, buttered toast & jam, a glass of Ed´s OJ and a gallon of coffee in my JNR mug, please.

This year seems to turn into a year of departures, so we better keep the chapel car coupled to the Diner. My Angel go out to all worried about a loved one!

Ron - I have long been looking for a way to re-enter into our hobby. It´s been over two years now since I lost my job and our house, which had been home to us for over 12 years. We are now living in a tiny 3-room (rented) flat, with a spare bedroom serving as office, guest room and laundry room. Aside from the fact that there is only little room to put up a permanent layout, the cost for such venue would be way beyond our means, as my MRRing budget cannot exceed a handful of $ a month. Even with a job (for which I am still hoping), our financial situation will improve only slightly, as the foreclosure of our house let us with a considerable debt, to which I will have to contribute for 5 more years. All of that is certainly not a good position to engage into our hobby. I have made numerous plans (the gang can tell you how many), but all of them failed due to the lack of funds. At the beginning of this year I sincerely thought about dropping any dream of having a layout again and to get out of the hobby for good, as it began to hurt, only planning a layout but not being able to build one. A few weeks ago I came across a Japanese homepage, showing a layout being constructed using mini modules, each module being only 12" by 6" for a straight module and 12" by 12" for a corner module. The modules are connected via Kato´s Unitrack joining system and consist of only three pieces of plywood nailed and glued together - quite simple and cheap. The basic cost for a module runs around $ 10 - that´s a chunk I can swallow. I can now build module by module, and eventually I will end up with a ssmall layout I can assemble on my desk in a few minutes and run some trains - that´s all I can ask for at the moment. Here is a link which shows, how the whole set-up works:

Mini-Modules

With just a little effort, something as atmospheric as the following pic can be made:

I have started to build the "benchwork" for the first three modules, but construction has come to a momentary halt until I can free up some funds to by some track and a DC power pack, as I cannot use the one I have (its PWM will destroy the coreless motor of my loco).

Blessings to all in need & have a good one!

 

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: IN/USA
  • 2,495 posts
02/06/2011
Posted by wetidlerjr on Sunday, February 6, 2011 5:01 AM

 

Good Morning ! from Tipton IN.

Geeked

Dinner

 

Bill Tidler Jr.

Near a cornfield in Indiana...

Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Sunday, February 6, 2011 6:03 AM

Morning...

I got up to a code...yeb..a good ol' fashioned code...AAACCCCHHHHIINNSKI!!!...sniff sniff...

So, I had to phode ub by subervisor ad say that I could not coblete by shift as I foud out that I got a code...coff coff gack HACK!! HACK....sniff snuffle....

Adyway, Flo, I'll just hab a coffee and  breakfast bagel please...I'll be at the corder bood for a while....HACK HACK snort sniff sniff...

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/

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Sunday, February 6, 2011 6:19 AM

Good morning. It's 33° and clear. Today will be mostly sunny and warmer with a of 62°. There's a 50% chance of rain tonight.

Ankle feels like it has a hot knife stuck in it so I likely won't be doing much today. I'd like to work on the layout but I don't have much of the stuff I need for scenery and don't have the funds to buy more so it's shoved way back on the back burner for now. I need stuff like ballast, blended turf, coarse turf and coarse foliage. Until I get those items I see no point in even attempting to proceed on it. At the rate I'm going it may be near summer before I get started on it again.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

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


  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Shelby, NC
  • 2,545 posts
Posted by Robby P. on Sunday, February 6, 2011 6:56 AM

 Good morning.

 Not much planned for me, but to watch the Steelers win number 7!!!

 Have a good day guys!!

 

 "Rust, whats not to love?"      

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 6, 2011 7:13 AM

jeffrey-wimberly

I need stuff like ballast, blended turf, coarse turf and coarse foliage. Until I get those items I see no point in even attempting to proceed on it. At the rate I'm going it may be near summer before I get started on it again.

Same here ...

I need quite a bit of that WS stuff, plus track, ballast, paint, a power pack - it´ll be a long time till Christmas ...

Hi Everyone,

the storm is gone, but now we are getting wet feet. We had a month´s rain in just two days, and there is no end in sight.

Stay safe!

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Williamsville, ILL
  • 3,698 posts
Posted by TMarsh on Sunday, February 6, 2011 7:33 AM

Good Morning!! Cup of French Roast and 2, no 3 glazed donuts please. Thanks.

Today:

Ron- Hope you start feeling better. I would lean toward the foam if I were you. At least 2”. I had a layout that did not have foam and all was well. But after talking on these forums I then I added to it using ½” and liked it. So when I began building this version, I decided to use the popular 2” and I like it real well. Many get along fine without but for me I like it. Pictures of trains on your layout? If so can hardly wait. We are a nosey bunch round here.

A 50 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 34. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming northwest. Tonight: A 30 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 21. North northwest wind between 5 and 8 mph. We are having that tropical heat wave Ray’s always singing about!

TSF- IndifferentI, uh…., didn’t get them um…., “relationship” of the horse to the …….farmers ? Could you kinda clarify that for me. And I know what you mean. No killing is easy. Actually is should never become “easy” especially when it’s doing no harm. Sometime things have to be done, however, for the good of the animal. Unfortunately in my experience, horses don’t just die easily and often, for various reasons, need help to end their suffering. Wouldn’t want one other than for a tool, but they end up becoming a sort of companion if you own one and they live longer than dogs. And you know how we get attached to dogs.

Ulrich- I’m still waiting to hear you say, “OH! Sorry, it wasn’t 160mph after all” THAT is insane. Hurricanes don’t do that. Tornadoes do, but are cyclonic of course, but SUSTAINED 160MPH!! Everything should be flat. Man. You guys must really build’em. Maybe the Floridians and East Coasters should take construction lessons from Germany.

I second Ulrich’s suggestion for the Chapel car. Boy I hope I didn’t set of a chain of events with Mom passing right out of the chute this year.

Best get a move on, gotta meet the sister in at Mom’s apartment by 9 am today. Like I said she showed yesterday, so if she shows today, that will be three appointments in a row. This streak cannot last for long, but I don’t care I just need her to get the stuff she wants so I can do what I need to do to lear the apartment ASAP. I'm betting she won't get ther until abooout 10:30-11 ish. Then can't finish because BIL is back on the board today with the first possible shift at 2 I think.

OK! Girls! Better start putting out the chips and dip, wings start icing down the drinks and most of all….setup the flat screens. Before we staunch Footbaaaaaaall fans show up. The day we live for is upon us (grunt grunt) It’s the World Series day and I’m a rootin’ for the Steelers because I like the color of their uniforms best. It’s a contrast thing.

Ya’ll have a Great Day!!!

EDIT: Ron and the weather paragraph got switched. Why does it DO that! (rhetorical question) Gotta be something I'm doing and not knowing it. 

 

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 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Sunday, February 6, 2011 8:18 AM

Good morning

THANKS to all who said prayers and "uplifting messages of encouragement" in their postings here about the MIL and my family and frined's wife! Muchly appreciated.

MOH is off to work, which will help keep MOH's mind off MIL. MOH will have a very busy day today, that was forwarned by a "heads up" call from coworker last night.

I will go to the hospital to meet MOH at MIL's room when MOH gets out of work,a s MOH is stopping by there then. We will also drop in on train nuts friend's wife adn see her too,, as she is 4 doors down from MIL on the same floor. WE will see how she is doing with her pain. JUst talked to train nut's friend, she is in less pain but still being fed via tube with "nurishing stuff" as she hasn't eaten since last Sunday anything solid. He looked in on MIL, knew it was her by her european wool blanket that FIl took in for her to be warm. He said she was sleeping and FIL hadn;t arrived yet, Hes never met MIl formally and doubt he will nowas MIL doesn;t want visitors. I know why...she doesn't want anyone to see her in such bad shape, and cuz she drifts in and out of sleep,conscience. SO now NOT really the time to introduce her to a friend. She does recognize FIl and MOH right off, but sometimes has to think for a minute as to who I am I, even though Iv'e been in the family 10 years now.

Prayers GO OUT to the others who need thoughts and prayers! ANd continue to pray for us. Angel {we can't be selfish in prayers needed}

Well I will putz around the house doing chores as best I can I have 2 loads of laundry to do and put away, and a dishwasher to unload and reload. ANd I really should run the vaccuum. I HATE that chore and usually MOH does it, but has been lax. I should change the bedding too and run that throught the laundry too. SO I guess I have a full day as long as I take breaks and let my back rest and it holds out.

Don't know what to have for dinner,as can't plan if we are going to be at the hospital. There might be enough sloppy joes left over to have a couple of those, but not much as we kinda pigged out on it last night. Was gonna have Chix Cordon Bleu but they take 40 mins in the oven, and we will be hungry coming home. maybe after hospital we stop at Denny's to eat. Spliting an entree works well for us eating out and costs only aobut $8-10 plus tip so we can usually get out for around $12 bucks. I definitely have enough to eat as the corrective surgery left me with half a stomach and the half MOH eats usually is satisfying, at least to get home to potato chips for snacks, but MOH can afford to eat them, I can't.

WEll, I have bored you all enough.

With all that's been going on the new train board for the under teh xmas tree layout has still been out, as it needs to be "built", but not a shred of work has been done, and in fact we haven't even run the trains lately even thought they are right there in front of us! Fisrt, need to paint it white, mount the framing on it, and caulk down the WS risers to elevate the N scale loops  above teh HO loop. But alas, we have other things going on.

TTYALLL8R

-G .

Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.

 HO and N Scale.

After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Sunday, February 6, 2011 8:27 AM

Mornin' everyone!

Zoe just a cup of dark roast coffee to go.  Gotta get over to church soon.

Galaxy, my prayers to you and the whole family.  These are hard times to go through!

The family will be going out to dinner to celebrate my son's MIL's Birthday tonight prior to the Stupid... Stupor... ah whatever the big thing on the idiot box is tonight.  I think they are going to go to a house where there is a wall to wall screen tube to watch and cheer, and drink, and cuss.....  I'll pass and find something better to do maybe in the train room....

Catch you all later!

73

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 6, 2011 8:56 AM

It´s just a lazy Sunday afternoon. Been watching the idiot box, as Ray calls it. I had the choice between watching "Vertigo" and a history feature on the occasion of Ronald Reagan´s 100th birthday. I opted for Vertigo but SWMBO decided to take a look at the history thing. Actually quite interesting...

Tonight, there will be a feature called "Rail Adventure on 5 Continents". It´ll show the most spectacular railroads in the world. I guess it´s gonna be the Transcanadian, the Tibet Line in China, the "Ghan" in Australia, the "Blue Train" in South Africa and, of course, the Gotthardt Line in Switzerland. In any case, 90 minutes not wasted. I just hope that Petra does not want to watch the Sunday Crime time feature.

Todd - it was "only " gusts which topped 160 mph, but it was pretty bad that way. No building can withstand a sustained blow of that speed. Again, it is a miracle that no one got hurt, although a lot of trees fell onto the tracks, catenary went down. I am just glad that our power and telephone lines are underground.

TTFN

Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Sunday, February 6, 2011 9:59 AM

OY!!...

taken from....http://www.thecourier.com/

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/

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Williamsville, ILL
  • 3,698 posts
Posted by TMarsh on Sunday, February 6, 2011 10:27 AM

Sister called and will not show today. I knew three times in a row was too much to expect. Still, at least they called this time before, the time they were to arrive.

About time to head out anyway to the apartment. Brenda wants to pack a few things for the niece and straighten up a wee bit. Then, probably go to someplace, Best Buy is about the only option around here with ANY type of selection, and look for a computer monitor that show the correct colors. Then probably to the grocery store. Hopefully back home and I can work a bit on the choo choo's.

Maybe Walmart will have a roasted whole chicken left by the time we get there. I have to admit they are pretty darn tastey.

 Ulrich- Still, a 160 mph gust is just plain bad!.

Toodle-oo for now.

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
    March 2003
  • From: Canada
  • 1,745 posts
Posted by JeremyB on Sunday, February 6, 2011 1:03 PM

Hi Guys

Havent been in for a while, Just thought I would stop in today to say Hi. I also have come down with a nasty cold ( I guess its that time of year ) we have had some pretty good snowfalls lately in this part of Ontario so Im looking forward to spring, except the part that my employer is going out of business and come May were all out of jobs. I received a pretty good severance pack but still have to go job hunting :(

take care

Jeremy

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Marion, Iowa
  • 1,263 posts
Posted by AmanaMedic on Sunday, February 6, 2011 1:17 PM

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood Super Bowl Afternoon!

Bad news: I gotta W**K during the game!

Good news: I'm getting PAID to watch my STEELERS hopefully pulverize the Packers! (Sorry SAWYER and VINCENT...but THAT is just the way it is...and of course, it is what it is!Mischief

Best wishes go out to GALAXY and others in need, with hope for comfort from above as well.

CUDAKEN: I don't know how your local media outlets are. THAT EDITOR would take your call, ask some questions and probably sit on it for a few weeks to let it percolate in her mind. If you really want to hang your undies out for public examination, you could try a local TV station, seems at least one in every market has a "so-and-so on your side" person. Keep in mind, they could easily end up painting you as the village idiot, either accidentally or on-purpose. I'm IN "the media," and I don't trust "the media." As for sending more payments, what I would do ***Unsolicited potentially unwanted advice follows*** is call the bastages first chance I'd get, explain to the knuckle-head who answers the phone EXACTLY what you've told us. Then, if they can't or won't spell-out exactly what the situation is...I'd be demanding to talk to somebody higher up the food chain. And I'd keep asking to talk to someone higher and higher up until the situation is resolved...one way or the other.

THAT said, I abhor dealing with financial stuff over the phone. I always tell 'em "send me something in writing." They claim to "record your call for quality control purposes." Fine. I don't have THAT luxury, and I want documentation. There is an old adage in EMS: "If you didn't write it down, you didn't do it." I apply THAT to all things financial.

I'd also be calling the closest office for the VA, and see if they have any kind of legal help for veterans. Being a life-long civilian, I wouldn't know. I would hope they'd have some help or advice for you though.

ULRICH: Gusts up to 160 mph??? YIKES! THAT would be the end of the world around here. Heck, the Emergency mis-Management Agency folks blow the tornado sirens if winds higher than 60 mph are expected. 160? I think those sirens would be flying away...along with cows, barns, houses, pretty much anything else above ground.

JIM: I think it was you who asked how THAT new management process is w**king out at w**k. We met the new owner...seems like a good guy, younger than I thought he'd be. He's very "hands-off," meaning our papers will run the same as they have. He just handles the payroll, mailing and billing. Mr. Boss and THAT Editor are still very much in-charge. No increase in pay seen or anticipated...I'm just glad it wasn't decreased! The new owner and his partner own papers in Mt. Vernon/Lisbon, Marion, Clarence/Lowden, Tipton, West Branch and West Liberty. Maybe someday, if there is an opening in Mt. Vernon or Tipton, they'll remember me... Mt. Vernon is 20 minutes away (west on Hwy. 30). Tipton is 14 miles south of me.

 

Speaking of newspapers... THAT fireball picture came from an ethanol train?? Peachy. We get 'em all the time through Clarence on the ex-CNW . While we have mutual aid agreements throughout the county, and Cedar Rapids Fire is willing to send their new "foam" pumper and trailer...we've pretty much conceded there isn't enough alcohol resistant foam in this half of the state to put out something like THAT...so we'd just be sitting back "a safe distance" and watching it burn.

Well, 'spose I've got just enough time to try to do something (even if it's wrong) before heading out to w**k later this afternoon. Here's hoping (again) for comfort for those needing it.

Chris

"You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done."
Ronald Reagan
40th president of US (1911 - 2004)

The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: K.I.S.S- Keep it simple stupid
  • 676 posts
Posted by teen steam fan on Sunday, February 6, 2011 1:33 PM

TMarsh

 

 

TSF- IndifferentI, uh…., didn’t get them um…., “relationship” of the horse to the …….farmers ? Could you kinda clarify that for me. And I know what you mean. No killing is easy. Actually is should never become “easy” especially when it’s doing no harm. Sometime things have to be done, however, for the good of the animal. Unfortunately in my experience, horses don’t just die easily and often, for various reasons, need help to end their suffering. Wouldn’t want one other than for a tool, but they end up becoming a sort of companion if you own one and they live longer than dogs. And you know how we get attached to dogs.

 


 

At the farm I work at, the woman who lives there, the horse was her daughter's. Her daughter got killed about 20 years ago in a car wreck and the horse was one of the last things that reminded her of her daughter. The horse was about 20 something years old and had arthritis real bad. 

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!

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!