Elliot´s Trackside Diner March 2011

[galaxy]

Morning all,

Just another lazy day.

Headache better.

Not much else.

Nap time as I had a bad night.

Later all

have a great day

[TMarsh]

Good Morning!! Bagels and strawberry flavored cream cheese spread…stuff please. Oh yea, and coffee too thanks. Oooooh, two pots of Dark Roast. Now we're cookin with gas. 

Mostly sunny, with a high near 58

Rob- Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Not making fun, I knew what you meant, and what happened, shoot I do it enough for three people myself. The can / car thing just struck me as very funny, (especially in light of the conversation) and I had to laugh.

Curt- What, ummm, do you feed a Skunk? Dog food?, Cat food?

TSF- I would most definitely complain! You bet yer sweet bippy I would! I have NEVER had or even, until now, heard of a Postal Carrier (and I have been rural growing up) tossing packages like a newspaper. I’d be armed with a video camera the next time and march myself right up to the Postmaster. That’s ridiculous. I would be

OK! (wiping up coffee from just blowing some out the nose) “Moose Zilla” story got me as funny too.

Ken- Ya know, not this last Christmas, but the Christmas before, Brenda went to Castle Trains (FLHS) and got me a few buildings a couple cars and some track. She actually didn’t do bad. Got some help of course, but everything was at least useful. The cars, well one was an L&N (that’s OK) and the other was…..can’t remember, but it was up North somewhere. Conrail…. I think. But really, probably a few of them cars still floating around bearing the paint and anymore who can really say where a roads boxcar will end up. Besides, in my world...... So, all was well.

Garry- Oh my, your Sister was injured much worse than I thought. Prayers for healing are being sent again. Unfortunately, and I don’t mean this the way it may possibly sound, but you will have more on your shoulders now. I will continue to ask for help for you with your Mother.

Lee- “Last Mountain….” is Johnboy isn’t it? Pretty sure.

Everything went well yesterday. Again, thanks for the B-day wishes. Today, I hope to spend some time in the basement before…….dinner and………WILLIE NELSON conceeeeeeeert! Yup, tonight the big night. It’s been a looong time, probably 20 years or better since I’ve seen Willie so I’m really looking forward to it. Excited actually is a better word and I don't get excited too often.

Welp, got some cleaning to do in the train room and the tunnel needs some more attention. Soon the weather will turn such that I will be outside so I want to take advantage of this time if I can. Brenda will be home today so we will see what I actually get to do.

Ya’ll have a Great Day!!!

 

[Curt Webb]

Good Morning.

I would like some coffee and a bowl of grape nuts. Thanks

Gary-Really glad your sister is going to be OK. It sounds like your sister owes her life to your niece. She had a cool  head in a bad situation.

Rob- When you are ready I would love to see a picture of your volcano and how it relates to your layout. It would be neat to have natives sacrificing people. Just a thought.

Well I am off to Tampa. Talk to you all later.

[LSWrr]

Good morning all,

Heading out to the train show this morning in Kirtland, OH with the guys.

Garry shoot me an email and I’ll forward the file to you.

Ok I’m losing my mind, who is running the Last Mountain RR with the clover leaf?  Yea I know they say the first thing to go is your memory then the next thing is…. Humm I forgot….

Rob that’s a bunch of people, I bought some heat sink tweezers that stay closed when you let go and the tips curve at the end.  I place the people on the layout in the tweezers how I want them then add a little clear glue to their feet and place them, sometimes I’ll use vehicles from the layout to hold them in place since the bumpers on the vehicles allow the car to hold them without touching the glue.

[blownout cylinder]

Good morning...

We are getting some clearing later on this morning as our high will only get to 36F today...tomorrow we will be a bit warmer...and sunnier..

Garry: Good to hear that she will recover...we placed your family on our church's prayer list...

I had to get some modular supplies to finish off the elevator at Sim's Landing..next on the list is a bakery for Sim's Landiing. We will see what shows up in the mail now...

This is another on-call weekend for us'uns...Going to see whether I'll be able to make it through without too many emergencies...

Flo, I'll have a coffee and a bran muffin please..I'll be at the RC for a bit...

[wetidlerjr]

 

Good Morning ! from Tipton IN.

 

[Cederstrand]

A bowl of mixed nuts, please.

Well, just spent the last 5+(?) hours or so gluing (HO) people in my wife's (HO) town of "Sherman's Crossing", both standing and sitting on benches along the parade route. At times rather frustrating when the wee little folk refused to cooperate. Anyway, got about 50-60 figures in place. Going to need a LOT more children.

Also worked some on my (N) volcano. Aside from getting bits of foam everywhere, not much to report on there.

Have a good night y'all. Rob

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Hello everyone.

Wow, Jeff!  The billboard looks great.

Lee, I'll have to get a copy of the billboard graphics from you when II get back.

Todd .... Happy B'day.

Curt ... Welcome glad you are here.

Alvie .. you too, but sorry I'm late.

Thanks for all who commented about my Alabama sister who fell into a ravine yesterday. Just spent the day at the hopsital with her. Injuries are more extensive than we knew late last night after waiting for hours as she was in trauma unit of ER. When she hit the tree she lost a large piece of scalp, part of a cheek, and part of an ear. Most ribs on one side were broken on her side. Bones were broken in the neck and in the spine at lower back.

Fortunately, her daughter (my niece) had already walked ahead of her down the steep slope. My niece saw my sister falling and hitting the tree. Next, my neice saw my sister rolling toward the creek. My niece qucikly blocked my sister from going into the water where a drowning could have occurred. Next, my neice was able to position my sister in a safe place where she could not roll into the water. Then my neice ran up the steep hill carrying her 2 year old screeming son. She called 911. Next she ran down the hill to assist my sister.

The first of the firemen arrived in a few minutes, and they immediately called for more men. About 15 men worked with ropes and pullies to lift the board on which my sister was strapped up the steep hill. The lifting took about an hour. She was placed in an ambulance for transport to the hospital.

It does now appear, my sister can fully recover after a period of time, and that's good.

 

[cudaken]

 Evening Dinners and Birthday Boy!         

 By the way Todd, Brenda dresses you funny!

 Well today stunk and I will leave it at that!

 Todd I feel your pain about the gifts woman buy for us.The worst gift was from my Mon when I was 14, she bought me underwear? Yea, Mon I was really hoping for some Fruit Of The Looms?

 Here I live with in 2 miles of K-10 Model Trains, can either my wife or daughter go there to buy me a present, well NO? I take that back, Sharon one year did get me a HO water tower, and Moose Zilla. Bought a O scale Moose, think it could take out a Dash 9.

 Team Steam Give then heck!

 Rob Could it been the Big Boy Blues? Not to worried about it, I know I can fix it, just need to get in the mood again. I will have the diagram in 10 to 14 day's along with the Y6 b tender cable from BLI. Hum, takes 14 days to ship a in stock part? No wonder it takes 7 weeks for a repair!

 By the way, why not a change Lock On her Can?  Oh, she just be bugging you for

 Lee Did you make the Billboard for Jeffery? If so, I could use one for the Speed Shop Roof.

 Curt Sorry it has take so long to say . I love the dinner, sort of my blog and good places to blow off steam and get feedback on things troubling me. All so share my good fortune as well.

 Gary Glad your sister is not hurt worse than she is. Did it take the Fire Department a hour to get there, or a hour to get her out of the ditch?

 Jeffery Looking forward to seeing your layout coming along. I was quit taken by the Black and White engine picture you post a few days back. Between you and Todd you might inspire me to work on the current layout.

 Have you had a chances to try the Pin Strip yet for road lines?

 Ulrich I sure hope things getter better for your family, your family have been taking a beating.

  See you all Saturday!

                    Ken

 

[Curt Webb]

So the passes are like the information block that MR magizine uses when they display a layout?

[teen steam fan]

Curt Webb

I've never had a postal problem like that. I would have gone to the PO and unloaded with both barrels! What are these passes you all are talking about? 

The passes I think are something we e-mail each other that have our layout name and some info on the pike. Based of of what the 1:1 guys did for their employees. Someone correct me if I'm wrong

Jeff- Thanks, glad to know something might change. 

[Curt Webb]

I've never had a postal problem like that. I would have gone to the PO and unloaded with both barrels! What are these passes you all are talking about? 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

teen steam fan

Quick question, Last three times I've gotten a package from Walthers, the mail woman threw it into my parent's driveway. I'm about ready to go over and complain big time about it. Do any of you have any experience with this and should I bother? Nothings been broke yet but I don't want to worry about it when it does. 

By all means, complain. You paid for that stuff and the package is marked fragile. A postal carrier out here threw a package of some stuff I ordered into the driveway and it ended up that one of two locomotives that were in the box was damaged. The post office got a very big complaint. We have a new postal carrier out here now and there haven't been any more 'package throwing' incidents.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I got paint and green blended turf down on almost a quarter of the layout today. That was a wide open area though with only one structure and a billboard. Next comes the extension where there are about ten structures, a couple of roads and some tight spaces between tracks.

[teen steam fan]

Hey fella 

Jeff and Urlich- Count me in, I'm making my pass now. 

Quick question, Last three times I've gotten a package from Walthers, the mail woman threw it into my parent's driveway. I'm about ready to go over and complain big time about it. Do any of you have any experience with this and should I bother? Nothings been broke yet but I don't want to worry about it when it does. 

[Curt Webb]

Believe me Rob I understand the feeling of being overwhelmed. I got off my butt tonight and painted my turnout pads, then I started thinking about everything that I still have to do and much of it for the first time. I guess the key is take it slow and don't be afraid to do it a second time to get it right.

We have skunks because my wife had them as pets when she was a youngster.

I think I will have a cup of coffee to go.

[Cederstrand]

A little late, but one last coffee refill, please.

***Curt, my family had a pet skunk once. That was before I was born. Hmmmm, wonder if I was it's replacement?

Started getting that overwhelmed feeling again looking at my (N) layout. Think it's time to just start gluing more track down and deal with the consequences later on. Been trying to decide if the narrow canyon should remain so, or  widen it and double up on the bridge lengths. The latter would make it easier to work on overall (more room). Might also make it less interesting. Leaning towards wider.

Then there is the vulcano concept and where/how to run track into it. Crazy idea. Think I'll let the canyon sit for now and work on crazy.

Cheers! Rob

[Curt Webb]

Afternoon Everyone,

Happy Birthday Todd..May you have many more.

I am thinking a nice cold glass of unsweetened ice tea would be great

It was in the 80's here again today. I was planning to paint my turnout pads today but got lazy after running errands, so I will do it Sunday. I think I am  going to have to modify one section of cork to make a smoother entry to the mainline. I need a Shinohara #6.5 Double Curve turnout, which I hope to get tomarrow at the train show to know exactly what I need to change.

I was just holding Stevie (one of our pet skunks) while she slept on me, then the neighbor's kid rang the doorbell so now she thinks she needs to eat, I guess it is almost 5 pm, thats when they have supper (Skunks love to eat). I will check in later. 

[blownout cylinder]

Goood Afternoon

Johnboy...: Weeeeelll,  it was part of my HD list.....and it really was looking pretty bad out there...

TC: I do, sometimes, buy RR models that are really not 'prototypical' to my regional rr...but I have a ready excuse...reason ...it's called Fred 'How'dhedodat' Thompson's Railroad Museum and Ice Cream Emporium...

Ulrich: I'm in the process of making a pass up myself...

[Cederstrand]

"""Todd, I meant "car".

I really should try proofreading before hitting post. Rob

[TMarsh]

Cederstrand

  Except today when she locked herself out of her can and needed my spare keys

 

Now THERE'S an idea!! Don't think I'd survive when she gets out though!

Now THAT's funny! sorry, couldn't resist (chuckle)

 

[TMarsh]

Weeeell, how very nice! Thanks for the Birthday wishes guys!

Actually, I'm ok with getting clothes. Rather have that than a card or a wet willie.  At least this year it was jeans. A few ago it was a 2 pair of Dockers. Still in the closet unworn. I have not changed my style of clothing since I was able to buy my own.  am a jeans guy and jeans only. Always have been always will be.  I have a good pair and a real good pressed pair for my one suit. Yes I have a pair of matching pants but those are for things like...., well I've worn them three times. My Dad's, Mom's and when I was a pallbearer for a guy who was like a second Father to me. However, I wear a certain kind. Wrangler 13MWZ. The stiff blue ones. Like you used to get when I was a kid. Yes G she knows the kind, but she got another because, well, I didn't understand that part or wasn't paying attention . They are still ok and I will wear thembecause they are still Wranglers and Wranglers fit me comfortably unlike the Levi's she bought a couple of years ago. The shirt however is a different story. Nothing like I wear. I have about four of the same kind in my closet that I have yet to wear. I wear T-shirts, Dickie work shirts and western style shirts. Even for play. Wait..... She may have regifted the shirt. Oh well, I wouldn't know. I have over heard her saying such before. WHICH prompted me to ask why she buys things she knows I won't wear. To which she responded, "because I like them" How do you argue with that. I still love her.

Oh....Rail passes! Good idea. Of course I don't have a logo or anything yet so it may be a little while for me as well Ulrich. Otherwise, I too could have had the dubious honor of a location on Jeff's layout. Hmmm......Maaaaybe

Didn't make it to the basement as planned (unplanned stuff) but I think I will now for a bit. Got a bit of an urge.

 

[Cederstrand]

Italian Roast coffee in a SUNNY SOUTHERN mug, please.

***Todd, already have all the horses I could ever want, so my wife is safe. Besides, I probably need her more than she needs me. Except today when she locked herself out of her can and needed my spare keys. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"Hope you have a greta day! 

***Ken, I forgot what I was going to comment on.

***Tom, "yes!" I aquired a few vintage locos identical to those I had as a child. Each represents it's own bit of (my) history and fond memories surrounding them. From the first loco my parents gave me, to one I worked and saved for, etc... Poor runners by todays better loco standards and yet I still love that strong smell of ozone they produce.  

***Alvie, if you ever get board, we have plenty of outdoor farming work you can do here.

Have been placing autos on the wife's layout today.

Still mulling over some areas of trackwork (bridge placement) on my own layout before gluing.

Beautiful sunny day here. Hope the grass explodes, figuratively speaking. Rob

[Anonymous]

I have started working on my pass, but allow for some time until it is ready - I am not up to my old speed in creating things, as my mind is still somewhat paralyzed.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Sir Madog

Just an idea - in the "good ol´ times", there used to be the nice custom of exchanging railroad passes with fellow model railroaders. We could design our own passes and exchange them electronically - how about it?

 

Who's going to start it?

[Anonymous]

jeffrey-wimberly

 

Sir Madog:

 

Jeff - NICE billboard - got any more of those?

 

I have a total of ten. Burlington Route Heartland Division - Westport Terminal Railroad (WT) - Maritime Trunk RR - Come Visit Japan by Rail - L&A - Seneca Lake, Ontario & Western (SLO&W) - Midland Gulf - IS Railroad Company - Lake Shore & Western Railroad (LS&W) - Autumn Ridge Railway & Nav. Co.

 

Jeff - that´s a nice collection!

Just an idea - in the "good ol´ times", there used to be the nice custom of exchanging railroad passes with fellow model railroaders. We could design our own passes and exchange them electronically - how about it?

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Sir Madog

Jeff - NICE billboard - got any more of those?

I have a total of ten. Burlington Route Heartland Division - Westport Terminal Railroad (WT) - Maritime Trunk RR - Come Visit Japan by Rail - L&A - Seneca Lake, Ontario & Western (SLO&W) - Midland Gulf - IS Railroad Company - Lake Shore & Western Railroad (LS&W) - Autumn Ridge Railway & Nav. Co.

[tcwright973]

Good afternoon everyone...

It's a really nice day here in Pittsburgh with the temperature at 64 degrees and partly cloudy skys.  Nice enough to open the windows and let the house air out a bit. Also nice enough to get the car out of the garage and give the inside a good cleaning. I don't understand how it gets so dirty with just the wife and I. It must be her.

Awhile back I ordered and received a pre-war PCC Streetcar from Con-Cor painted and lettered for Pittsburgh Railways. Naturally, after I got that, Bowser produced a post-war model for Pittsburgh Railways. Being weak willed I ordered that one too and it came on Wednesday. They are both very nice models and run well. I was also pleasantly surprised that the paint (red & cream) is almost identical. Although they don't truly fit in my collection of Western Pennsylvania railroads, I spent most of my youth (40's & 50's) riding them as my Dad never owned a car or had a driver's license. These two are bringing back a lot of pleasant memories. I'm trying very hard not to remember standing in freezing rain or bitter temperatures on an island or other streetcar stop.

Anybody else in the Diner buy things like this evan though it doesn't really fit with your era or locale just because it envokes some pleasant memory?

Hope you all have a good one.

Tom

[cats think well of me]

Happy birthday Todd! 

It's a gorgeous day in Lancaster, lovely temperatures, a fine day for riding the bicycle, which I forgot to bring down to the country, boo!

I'm excited to go do some farming with my buddy later on, as I love getting my hands in the dirt! Indeed, quite therapeutic in some cases. 

Alvie

[Anonymous]

Happy Birthday, Todd!

I just woke up from a long nap - if you can still call a 4 hour sleep a nap. My body and my soul apparently needed it, as I am still exhausted beyond words.

Flo, I need a strong coffee to get me going again, please.

Todd - I have given up on trying to "educate" Petra to get me things I´d really want to have for b-day presents ( and likewise Christmas). It must be one of the man-woman things and those parallel lines that don´t even meet in eternity...

Garry - you are getting the full load these days, aren´t you? I am glad that things did not turn out worse. My healing to your sister!

Jeff - NICE billboard - got any more of those?

My Mom´s situation seems to have stabilized, meaning things are not going worse, but no improvement either. There is nothing that can be done for her at the moment, so we will have to just wait and see.

I still keep on having these dreams about moving to Canada/US,  with a picture of a little log cabin by the lake, a fire engine red piick-up parked in the front of it. But don´t see the way how to facilitate that. The life Petra and I are having now is wasting us away.

Still waiting for the missing track and power pack - it might not arrive for a long time - place of manufacture is Japan...

Have a good day today, folks!