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Elliot's Trackside Diner JUNE 2011

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Posted by simon1966 on Saturday, June 11, 2011 6:28 AM

Good morning everyone........The boom of thunder got me out of bed a little earlier than I had planned today.   Still, it is now so wet outside that there is not much likelihood of the boys having baseball games or me being able to do any of the yard-work.   I guess I'll just have to play trains!!

 

der5997

since I'm in diesel. Whistling Wouldn't do for steam!  I went to the Digitrax site and had a look at the PR3 - it would be possible to set up using my height gauge test rig which I've equipped with resistors so it's able to be a programming track. http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/der5997/General/couplerheighttesttrack.jpg  But $70 isn't in my budget for now. Cool gizmo, and thanks for the info.Thumbs Up

 

Here is my program track with a PR3 in place, looks like they are twins!

One thing to remember is to make sure that the coupler gauge is not causing a short between the rails.

 

Well I am off to fix a track problem while everyone in ths house is still asleep.

 

Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum

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Posted by galaxy on Saturday, June 11, 2011 4:52 AM

Mornin all

HAH! I beat Wetidler! {or does he sleep in on Sats?}

Since breakfast is on Ray. I'll have full english breakfast!

A new house came in the email this Am...its a BOA {yes THAT bank Ken is having problems with} Forclosure. THey claim a 2-3 day response on offers. HAH! W'ell see about that! MOH is sleeping so I can't show it yet, but I think maybe we should JUMP on it!. It s a 3 Br cape, One upstairs, 2 Brs down with bath, full concrete basement so we have MRRing space IF it is dry, built in the 1950. Its up land and inland so we know it won't flood form the river. Its a corner lot according to google earth with garage on side street, well below our max price to allow for electrical upgrades !!!!!! It is an area we consider to be "ok, though not in the county we really would like...ALmost tempeted to wake MOH and say we need to se this, but other half not up for another hour and I will get bashed if I wake other half now...

TTYALL8R

-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.

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Posted by howmus on Friday, June 10, 2011 10:19 PM

Evenin' folks!

Flo, just a decaf for me tonight..

John (der), ROFL!  I love the Bank of America link.  Great, great great!  I dislike all banks, but have a very deep ongoing hatred for that bunch of thieves.  They many years ago couldn't understand why I closed my credit card with them just because they found a way to nail me with 24.9% interest....  Went down the Credit Union and showed them the statement.  They roared and just upped the limit on the 9.9% card I still have and then transferred the debt from the "Bank of Stupid" card to it......  I just got an offer from some big financial institution offering me a "consolidated" loan that would reduce my "High Interest" debts to their low, low 14.9% interest....  Wow...  What a bargain.  Let's see my Revolving Credit on the house is 3.75% at the moment (it will be paid in full July 1st.) and my credit card is still 9.9% with no annual fee.....  let's see.... Uh-huh...  Better apply for their low, low cost loan...  Yeah!  Right!

Went shopping at Tops Market this afternoon and happened to run into the Mother of one of my Eagle Scouts.  And.....  Her son was just around the corner in the next aisle....  We had a long chat.  This kid (now a Father) was a chorus member in my Middle School Choruses and worked for me with my sound business during high school.  His father was on the local School Board and saved my butt a couple of times when there was a case of mistaken identity about a music teacher who wasn't doing his job.  The superintendent was out to get me big time due to his thinking I was somebody else on staff...  The kids Dad was also on my troop committee.  He thought, "That doesn't sound like my son's Scoutmaster at all!"  he did a bit of research and found out who wasn't doing the job.  Next board meeting, all "you know what" broke loose and "you know what" hit the fan by not one but two of the board members who both were members of my troop committee....  Pays to have friends!  Wink  Anyway it was great to see the kid again, meet his wife and baby boy!  (aside:  a couple months after the incident, the Superintendent spent the evening in the Smith Opera House in Geneva for the All City Concert we used to have there.  He sat two rows behind where I was doing sound for the performances.  The following week i was called into the principles office where I was told I was the subject of the Administrative Council the day before......  I growled at the principle and said, "What the %^!! did I do now?  THAT (expletive deleted) doesn't even know who I am!  She started to laugh, grinned, and said, "I guarantee you he knows who you are now!!!"  Turns out he thought the best part of the concert was watching me do sound.  Weird guy!)

Tomorrow is the 4th. birthday party of my favorite 4 year old!  Since she has a big fascination with her dad's lawn tractor, I paid a visit to the local John Deere dealership today...  In the back of my truck there is a new battery powered John Deere lawn tractor and cart just her size...  I think she is gong to have a fun day!

Hope all of you have a great evening!

73

[edit]  OK, Janie, here is the credit card.  tell them to go easy on me, I have a birthday present to pay off.....

I was going to make a couple of other comments and managed to push send before I did...  Barry, the guitar sounds sweet, really top shelf!  As I said it is a hand made Cordoba...  Set me back well over a G note a few years ago.  As far as a recording of me playing???  Give me some time to see if I can get back in shape playing before I attempt anything like THAT!  I don't want to embarrass myself......

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

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Posted by cudaken on Friday, June 10, 2011 10:02 PM

 Hum, smoke detector just went OFF! Wife must be cooking something.! Whistling Yep, she was.

 Evening folks!

 Flo, I will take, Oh I see you have it ready.

 Simon No shock that Crispy did not know it is me. One of the few times in my life I did not have a beard! Laugh I will see if I can find some other pictures where I did no look like Jab The Hut from Star Wars. Hard to believe at one point girls use to turn to look at my butt in the mall with out LOL. Whistling

 Curt I could shim the track, but why bother? I want to tear the darn thing down anyway. If I can ever get the Bank Of Stupid off my Caboose I am breaking out the Saws All! Simon when that happens you need to bring over the boys! How knows what treasures they will uncover then.

 Ray Electric Acoustic, never had one but some day maybe. My favorite acoustic has been a 12 string Humming Bird (I think it was a Gibson). Refer back to the picture of me on the Bike, I had it when I bought the bike.

 Todd You may be right about the Effects Amp. So far I have not been able to get a true clean sound out of it. I play a lot of clean music, Country Roads just does not sound quite right with the flanger sound in the background. Now, dirty it sounds pretty darn good. Did a little Deep Purple and Smoke On The Water sounded good. But the amp still sounds a little thin.

 I think the fact it only has a 8 inch speaker is the main problem. They have a 30 watt 12 inch Line 6 Spider amp that I will see about giving a try. I am all so going to try to get the wife let me take the real Less Paul to work and see if it sounds any better, it might be the cheap knock I am playing.

 It is just going to be hard to go from a full stack with 250 watt head and 2 15 inch speakers and horn to something you can carry with one hand.

 7:00 AM Meeting Saturday Just don't have a good feeling about this one. It is hard for me to believe this, but the store only has $3840.00 for the month? That was a good Saturday 5 weeks ago. Other stores are doing badly as well. I just for see hours being cut and base pay as well. I hope I am wrong and Berry (the owner) has been doing this a long time now. But, IMHO we are over staffed, new store is sucking the big one. One thing I keep reminding my self after 30 years in sales. It Is All Wise The Salesman Fault when sales are down. When the stores do good, it the upper management that made it happen. Whistling

 Later

              Ken.

I hate Rust

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Posted by der5997 on Friday, June 10, 2011 8:44 PM

Edit: Warning, the links in this post will open in the same Window (I set them to open in new Window, but the system didn't work) Sorry about that.

Good evening Diners: Finally caught up the back log of pages - so this has been building for a day or so - if I'm commenting on old news, that's why.Embarrassed Many other things have gotten in the way of mrr in that time, and so the wipers on the MTD switcher still aren't perfectly tuned.  It goes forward quite well over the turnouts it was baulking before, but it won't reverse worth a darn. So there must be a wiper or two rubbing too hard against the wheels. It's just a matter of getting at each and seeing which is the culprit....but life, like the museum and training the lass who has been seconded to Heritage in her spare time as a Travel Counselor in the Visitor Information Centre downstairs....and work on the planning committee for our Churches' national conference this July ( a Skype conference call this afternoon for 1½ hours for instance, coupled with sorting out photos to go with the narration for a CD of a Mission in Sri Lanka which I'm presenting at the conference.... a walk for ALS this afternoon as well...you get the idea.

Ken:

My self, CV 6 is where my engines spend most of there time so I watch that real close!
...Thanks, because I'm about the same . That's what I think I was thinking of in "lots of low end". I very seldom have any loco running at top of CV5 setting.
 If the Consist is going to be ran backwards a lot, I speed match both ways. Lets say I want the dash 9 as lead and a SD 50 ran backwards I speed match that way.
Me too.
After I have them speed match I save the setting with my PR 3 and JMRI program. Next speed match the consist backward and save those settings in a different file.      If a person is changing CV's the PR 3 is the way to go! If you run sound engines, you got to have one! It makes changing sounds CV just so easy! Easy to read page so the different sound's with s side bar that you drag to change the sound levels! If you lose a decoder, in stall like decoder, go to saved files and down load all the CV's into the new decoder and you are speed matched again! Best $70.00 I ever spent in MRRing!
...I don't do sound - I had one MCR sound P42, but found it distracting - and it started "going live" while switched if any short happened anywhere on the layout!Grumpy Besides, my layout construction method - which I wouldn't repeat -has resulted in a noisy run for any train - so in a way I have built in sound - since I'm in diesel. Whistling Wouldn't do for steam!  I went to the Digitrax site and had a look at the PR3 - it would be possible to set up using my height gauge test rig which I've equipped with resistors so it's able to be a programming track.   But $70 isn't in my budget for now. Cool gizmo, and thanks for the info.Thumbs Up

And since you've told us about some of the hassles you're having with Bank of Stupid, I think you will enjoy this: http://www.winknews.com/Local-Florida/2011-06-03/Tables-Turn-Deputies-and-movers-show-up-at-bank-to-seize-property-for-homeowner-

(in post to Ulrich) The modules are only 6 inches wide, I will think on that some today and see what I can come up with.

...What occurred to me when I first read Ulrich's six inch width  concern was having the modules-with-legs sit on a platform that was a stable width for the legs to work without wobbling. The combined leg height plus "platform" thickness would be the same as the desk top height. I see Ulrich's given the dimensions in mm - and that 150 mm is the width - and as he says, 6" give or take.  If I'm reading Ulrich's mind correctly the "bridge" he's suggesting  would be the same as platform I'm envisioning  My 2 Cents

Ulrich: That tunnel mouth just gets more and more convincing! Bow What's next, birds? BlindfoldLaugh

Simon: - that's a very smooth action you've got going there on the points throw. Thumbs Up

and use American terminology, since I get odd looks using British terms for things
  ...indeed, I've taken to spelling out our street address for US phone customer service folks "Mozier" , "M", "Oh", "Zee",  - where I would normally say "Zed" Stick out tongue - saves time in the end. ...and condolences on Kellsie's  passing.
This young woman touched so many people with her courage that they are having the visitation at the local convention center. 
...that in itself speaks volumes about this young lady. Our prayers for her family, and her many friends.Angel

Garry:

Anybody care for fresh blueberries?  I just picked some here. The weather was good for growing blue berries if nothing else.
...while ours have yet to flower!  Are those high bush or low bush BTW?

Johnboy:

GARRY,  What a great shot of Duke.... JEFF, look out here he comes.
..Ah! but you forget has that Van! Pirate

Stan: Looks like you've made yourself pretty much "at home" already!Thumbs Up

sfb:

If you read the earlier posts, they will explain how this place works. You chose the worst time to post. The person on the top of the page "pays the bill". Don't worry, I'll take care of it for you this time.
...Well placed largesse! But your thought that Stan would have been stuck with the tab for the page on his first visit isn't quite correct. I guess we weren't complete in our intro-tour for you.Embarrassed The first time a new patron hits TOP, the page is paid for by whoever picks it up (In this case yourgoodself) Big Smile

Jeff:

To hear that big loud train horn coming through the tunnel then seeing that little car come out was hilarious!
....I think I've told this before, but that was in the Coffee Shop, so many here won't have heard it - I met a chap who had equipped his (tiny) Fiat 500 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_500 )car with a large truck air horn. He lived in the Alps, and blowing that thing cleared his path, even trucks of the size from which his horn came giving him due deference! LOLCool BTW, that Wikipedia article gives 1957-75 as production years, but the line has been revived (http://www.fiat.com/cgi-bin/pbrand.dll/FIAT_COM/showroom/showroom.jsp?modelKey=150 ) We had a Fiat 500 before we moved from the UK, and the company car we were allotted on arrival in Toronto in 1967 was a Chev Bel Aire- quite the change!

Barry: Gotta love the typed note on the 1960 Studebaker photo "...proved ineffective and were designated as Supervisor cars."Laugh

Larry: The UP hopper in the derailment photos looks like it's been got at by RobbyP Smile, Wink & Grin

David: Glad you all arrived safely. Hope the unpack and set up of the home goes well.

So, I'll get myself to bed - tomorrow is a late birthday lunch in Truro for our younger grandson, and our granddaughter - so that's another day away from any mrr probably....

Goodnight all, and God Bless. Prayers for all in need of Healing, Comfort, Prosperity and peace.Angel

 

 

"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.

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Posted by Train Master on Friday, June 10, 2011 8:09 PM

Curt Webb
Good to know the new arrivals made it safe.

Hi guys. It's me again. My parents and I got here a little past 3 pm today. I am almost sure my dad broke some speed limits on the way here and I know I did. We left from Orlando about 6:30 am yesterday, spent the night in Gulfport and got to Leesville this afternoon. That is pretty fair time. I am using Jeff's computer at this time. I should have my satellite dish and computer set up before next weekend. TTUL8TR.

David Parks
I am the terror that flaps in the night!

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Posted by Curt Webb on Friday, June 10, 2011 7:42 PM

Evening All,

Just sitting here watching the boob tube. Tomorrow I have MOH project in the morning then the club in the evening. I got a Email today saying the DCC system is working correctly now. The new booster from Digitrax was bad and some cable was found to be bad. A club member is bringing in a PR3 so I can upgrade my DT402 D throttle to the latest version. I w**k Sunday so no more MRR until Thursday next week. Next week I plan on installing the terminal strips (both sides) and run wire from the control panel to next to the locations of the Tortoise's. It will probably be pretty tedious but at least I have a fan now to help cool of the air under the bench work..

I have a scenery question. Will plaster cloth adhere properly directly to WS inclines or does a under frame need constructed first? I am trying to figure out covering the inclines that are outside of the tunnel. Any help would be appreciated.

Rob- Not so much cleanliness but OCD, just ask MOH.Whistling

John Boy- Great history lesson.

Jeff- Good to know the new arrivals made it safe.

Garry- Nice job on the bridge.

Good Night all.

Curt Webb

The Late Great Pennsylvania Railroad

http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j372/curtwbb/

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Posted by simon1966 on Friday, June 10, 2011 7:37 PM

Jeff sorry to hear about the ongoing health issues, however, good to see the CB&Q featuring in the photographs this weekend.  With Garry posting photos of his wonderful Q layout as well this great RR is getting its just publicity!!

Not to be outdone, and to continue the theme, some oldies posted in WPF many moons ago.

and

I was real happy to pick up a Kato f3a for just over $30 from eBay. It arrived today and does not look like it has any running time.  I love the smooth running Kato drive so am looking forward to getting a decoder into it.  It will be a hard wire job, not DCC plug in this baby!

Kellsie's visitation and funeral are this Sunday and Monday.   This young woman touched so many people with her courage that they are having the visitation at the local convention center.  The funeral home can not handle the expected number of folk that will come to pay their respects to her and the family.   If it was God's plan for her to be an inspiration to others, she certainly accomplished it in her brief 21 years on this planet.

Have a good rest of the weekend everyone

 

 

 

Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Friday, June 10, 2011 7:10 PM

Heartland Division CB&Q

Jeff ... Sounds like you are having more health issues, and I am sad to hear about that. Your layout is looking good.

Story of my life. I've had health issues of one kind or another since 1962.

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


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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Friday, June 10, 2011 7:06 PM

L&A GP7's 116-A and 116-B on the outskirts of Sundown.

 

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


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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Friday, June 10, 2011 6:48 PM

I always thought guitar players were picky. Oops! Hello Ray. Uh, that's a bautiful guitar. I second the motion you play it for us.

Jeff ... Sounds like you are having more health issues, and I am sad to hear about that. Your layout is looking good.

Rob ... You are today's Good Semaritan! Bravo!

Stan ... I like the china. I have a fiend who sells old railroad dining car china, and I am amazed at the prices he gets. The B&O painting looks nice so far.

Larry ... Sounds like NS cleaned up the derailment quickly.

Robby ... I saw your WPF picture. Nice! ... Visit the diner again when you can.

Curt ,,, Teh layout progress is remarkable. I like the old photo you posted.

Todd ... I could like sleep well with a dog on me in a thunder storm either.

John Boy ... That is a great history lesson. Pictures are really something.

Barry ... Ah ha! ... You said you hoped your heart would be OK< and tehn you ordered hamburger wit hfirs and gravy. hhhmmmmmmm ..... Seriously, I hope your condition is OK.

Ulrich ... I definately like you photo in WPF.

I posted a photo with part of my large bridge in WPF. Here is the whole bridge with a set of F3's in an older photo.

 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by blownout cylinder on Friday, June 10, 2011 5:22 PM

Good Afternoon/Evening...

Ray: Wonderful guitar there!! How is it for tone?

Right now we have dull and somewhat showery...and 66F...kind of coolish for this time of yearHuh?

Today I spent running around getting ready for the weekend on-call...hopefully this time I won't be off sick because of heart issues again....

Chloe, I'll have a cheeseburger and fries with gravy please..as well as coffee...I'll be at the window booth for now...Dinner

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/

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Posted by last mountain & eastern hogger on Friday, June 10, 2011 5:22 PM

Whistling

Hi there Diner Crew.

It is time for your next History Lesson,   now all sit straight and pay attention.  BUT ENJOY.

The Oddest Railway in the World
by H. A. Coleman
Leslie's Weekly—June 4, 1903

MANY UNIQUE and interesting things can be found in the high mountains that surround the Yellowstone National Park, but it is doubtful if anything more odd or interesting can be found than the little railroad that connects the towns of Horr and Aldrich, Montana. While this road was built by the Montana Coal and Iron Company as an adjunct to its business it has exceeded the original intentions of its projectors, and is now a regular passenger and freight road, and has been facetiously named the Rocky Mountain Limited. The road is narrow-gauge, and the motive power is both cable and electricity. The cable that operates the first section of the road is 4,000 feet in length, and in some places it pulls the funny little car up a forty-three per-cent. grade, across trestles that it shakes one's nerves to look at, and into a little power-house, the Dew Drop Inn, that looks like a red speck on the top of the mountain. From the inn to Aldrich, the end of the line, the road changes into an electric trolley, and the workmen and tourists who patronize it enjoy riding upon the funniest little trolley-car ever built.

Horr is not a large town. In fact, it is nothing more than a mining camp and the headquarters of the coal company that built the road, but the fame of the mountain-climber is spreading, and many of the tourists who visit the park stop over a train to indulge in a ride on the Rocky Mountain Limited. The, road begins at the foot of the camp, and for the first few hundred feet it runs on level ground. Then the ascent begins, and for the next fifteen minutes the passengers divide their time between holding on to the ropes on the bottom of the car and wondering why they ever risked their lives in such a mad adventure. The single car that composes the first section of this train has none of the appliances to make traveling safe and easy that are possessed by the cars that climb Lookout Mountain. There are no raised sections in the platform on which to brace your feet, or benches on which you can sit and hold on tight when the journey into the clouds begins. This "coach" is simply a flat car fifteen feet long, with no seats. It, however, has several ropes running along the platform the length of the car, and those passengers who do not care to slide off into space are supposed to cling to these. No one cares to contemplate what would happen should one of these ropes break while the car is making its forty-three per cent. climb.

The cable which draws the car is operated by electricity, and the man in charge keeps in constant communication with the man in the power-house by means of an electric button, the power being transmitted through the cable. The "limited" has no published schedule, but runs at the sweet will of those who wish to ride upon it. Should the car happen to be at the top of the hill when a passenger appears at the foot the engineer in the power-house that generates the electricity blows his whistle three times and the car comes down. This whistle has the most mournful screech, and its doleful sound seems to be a foretaste of the sensations that are to come. And these sensations begin at once. A short distance from the starting point the road runs under the flume through which the waste coal is sent from the washer down to the coke ovens. This flume is but a few feet above the ground, and when the car passes under it there is not much space to spare. Should the car happen to be loaded, as it frequently is, and the passengers compelled to sit on top of the freight, the prospect as the car approaches the flume is not a happy one. Looking at it from a short space away it does not seem possible to go under it, and it takes a cool head to retain one's seat. The records for the past summer show that more than one lady's hat has been wrecked as the car went under the flume, but it remained for a member of President Roosevelt's party to loose his nerve and jump off. While Mr. Roosevelt was exploring the Yellowstone Park the members of his party, who lived on the train at Cinnabar, three miles from the entrance to the park, spent their time in exploring the surrounding country, and one of the places visited was Horr. A trip to the top of the mountain was suggested, and the party piled aboard the car. It so happened that on that particular day a large consignment of beer in kegs was being shipped to Aldrich, or "Happy Flats," as it is more familiarly called. So perforce the passengers had to ride on top of the kegs. As the car approached the flume the "member who lost his nerve" cried to the conductor to halt. No attention was paid to him, and just as the car reached the flume some one cried "Low bridge!" This was too much for the agitated passenger, and with a yell that echoed through the mountains for some time after, he leaped. Fortunately he was not hurt, but his life has been made miserable since by the constant guying of his associates.

As the car approaches the top of the mountain the scene is one never to be forgotten. Back in the distance is Sheep Mountain, rising to a height of 1,800 feet, with the Yellowstone River dashing along at its base. The snowcapped mountain and the grass green valley form a beautiful contrast, and the dangers of the ride are forgotten. One of the photographs accompanying this article was taken at the top of the mountain, and is the first picture ever made of the scene. The dog, Prince, whose picture is shown in two of the cuts, is as well known to the people who patronize the road as the car itself. He frequently accompanies the car on its journey, and while he is compelled to fall behind when the steep grades are reached, he never fails to show up at the top of the mountain. The exciting part of the ride is over when the car reaches the power-house at the top. Here the passengers are transferred to the trolley for a short ride along the ridge of the mountain and into "Happy Flats." As stated before, this trolley-car is in a class by itself. Most any other name would fit it as well, except that it really has a trolley-pole and gets its motive power from a trolley. This car, like the cable-car, is simply a flat platform on wheels. It has no sides nor top, and the machinery necessary to operate it is placed in full view of the passengers, and also is exposed to the varying elements of the weather. But this latter fact apparently has not damaged it any.

"Trolley George," who operates the car, also runs the cable that pulls the other car up the mountain. As may be imagined he has a great deal of time on his hands, and has devised many methods of amusing himself. Perhaps the most peculiar is what he calls making a book with himself. He owns a powerful pair of binoculars, and with these watches the car as it ascends or descends the mountain. As the car approaches the flume he bets with himself whether the passengers will duck or not. Up to date the "duck" book is way ahead. George also claims that he can see the expression on the faces of the passengers as they go under the flume, but the narrator of this narrative refuses to vouch for this. The feat of which George is the proudest is the drawing of a five-thousand-pound boiler to the top of the mountain on his car. He claims that a car capable of carrying this load should not be considered dangerous for passengers.

One of the great events in Aldrich is the arrival of the mail. When the *** little trolley-car comes rolling in with the mail-pouch, the whole population of the camp is there to meet it. No matter how far away from civilization people maybe, the arrival of the mail is an event in their lives. There is one interesting incident in the trolley ride from Dew Drop Inn to Aldrich. Near the end of the line the road passes through a short tunnel hewn out of solid rock. The roof is composed of logs and earth, and cold water constantly seeps through and on to the passengers. No matter how smartly attired these passengers may be, they have to take this icy bath.

This unique little road has been in operation now for a year. It was built by the employees of the Montana Coal and Iron Company, under the direction of Superintendent Merry, and although part of it traverses a dangerous section of the mountain, no accident has yet occurred to blot its record, and it undoubtedly stands to-day as one of the most interesting bits of railroading in this country.


Will check back laterJohnboy out ..............................................for now

from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North.. 

We have met the enemy,  and he is us............ (Pogo)

  • Member since
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  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Friday, June 10, 2011 4:46 PM

I think David brought a thunderstorm with him. There's one rumbling around outside now.

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
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  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Friday, June 10, 2011 3:55 PM

The Parks family is at their new home.

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
    April 2007
  • From: Western transplant to the Deep South
  • 4,256 posts
Posted by Cederstrand on Friday, June 10, 2011 3:29 PM

Coffee in a SANTA FE mug, please.

***Ray, hope you can play that beauty without having to plug it in directly to your ear.Smile, Wink & Grin

***Curt, layout is looking good. Sure is cleaner and neater than ours.

We played good samaritan twice in as many days. Yesterday we brought an old fella some oil for his car & something to drink so he could make it into town. Then today we pulled a little old white haired postal worker's mail truck out of a ditch. One of the  front wheels was haning in mid-air. Her route ends at our neighbors driveway. We couldn't leave her sitting there in this heat with our tractor & chain just a short drive away. Wouldn't accept a dime from anyone, just helping them out was reward enough.

Have a good day y'all.

Cowboy

  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: Winter Garden, FL
  • 1,546 posts
Posted by Curt Webb on Friday, June 10, 2011 2:36 PM

Afternoon All,

Just got back from the movie "Super 8". It was a fairly good movie. It reminded me a lot of ET but updated. There was a tremendous train crash, the biggest I have seen from Hollywood. Paid $5 to see it so I am happy.

Lee- Thanks for the look over with the critical eye. I have insulating rail joiners on either end of the reverse section and a AR-1 hookup up to it. I have successfully ran several locomotive's through it without issue. I have read before about people complaining about the AR-1 noise, but I can't hear it and it is very fast-no hesitation during cross over on either end.

Brakie- I remember a train derailment in El Paso when I was a kid. I think it was a SP train hauling brand new auto's. The auto's were thrown everywhere. It was really neat as a kid.

Ray- Thats a nice looking guitar. You should record yourself and post it.

Everyone take care.

Curt Webb

The Late Great Pennsylvania Railroad

http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j372/curtwbb/

  • Member since
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  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Friday, June 10, 2011 10:55 AM

Good morning. It's 82° and mostly cloudy. The high is expected to be 91°. There's a 10% chance of rain for late this afternoon.

I may get some work done on the layout today. Exactly what remains to be seen. I wasn't feeling good yesterday and that seems to be carrying over to today. I have a burning tingling sensation from my jaw down to my left elbow and halfway down my left side. Feels like that part of my body is asleep. The docs say it will only get worse as my nerve damage spreads and I may lose the functional use of the fingers on my left hand. I've had very little feeling in my hands and lower arms for years. Same goes for my feet and the lower part of my legs. I think one project I may tackle today is to change out a decoder in one of my locos. Nothing wrong with it other than it's a Bachmann decoder. I want to change it out with a Digitrax DZ125.

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
    October 2001
  • From: OH
  • 17,574 posts
Posted by BRAKIE on Friday, June 10, 2011 10:38 AM

Good Morning All!

Not much to report from the land of Buckeyes on this rainy Friday morning other then NS put 10 cars on the ground here in Bucyrus.I didn't hear a thing about till late last night..I went for a look see this morning all the cars have been cleared..And yes this is the same location of the 2006 derailment.

http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/apps/...0802&Ref=PH


I suspect I will have a excellent day of railfaning after they finish the track repair.

No modeling but,I did watch a railroad video.

I shall have a cup and look over the forum.

Have a good'un! Thumbs Up

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

  • Member since
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  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Friday, June 10, 2011 10:18 AM

David Parks (Trainmaster) has been keeping me posted on the progress his family is making on their trip from Orlando Florida to Leesville, Louisiana. They hit the road early yesterday morning and got to Tallahassee at about 2:50 pm. After a break and getting something to eat they changed drivers and continued. They reached Gulfport Mississippi about 8:10 And stopped there for the night. Dinner was a lavish affair at Pizza Hut then they went on to a hotel. Which one I don't know but knowing David's father it was probably the cheapest one he could find. The man is a confirmed and talented cheapskate. They left Gulfport at 6:30 this morning and at last report were in Baton Rouge Louisiana. They're making excellent time. I expect to see them pull into their driveway around mid-afternoon today. I know some folks who are going to be tired and sore, especially after driving over these smooth (NOT!) roads in this state. If Louisiana didn't have rough roads it would have no toads at all.



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
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Friday, June 10, 2011 10:04 AM

Mornin' everyone!

Zoe, I'll have a breakfast bagel w/ cheese and a a cup of dark roast coffee in a FGLK mug.  Please and Thank You!

Thankfully a bit cooler here in the Finger Lakes today.  Currently 65°F with a high of 73°F later this afternoon.  Big change from the 90° heat of the last few days.  Much more like June is usually here.  I will be spending most of today getting everything bought, wrapped and ready for Livy's 4th. Birthday party tomorrow!

Ulrich, you are doing some superb w*rk on THAT module!  Wow!  I think T-Trak was a great choice for you.

Curt, lookin' good!

Ken, TeenSteam, Barry, and a couple others have convinced me I need to get out my axe and get the fingers back.  I hope i can still hear the guitar enough to only use my hearing aids and not have to plug it in.  Here is my baby:

Hand made Cordoba Classic Guitar.  Time I got back at it......

Have a great day!

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Euclid, Ohio
  • 2,822 posts
Posted by LSWrr on Friday, June 10, 2011 9:57 AM

Curt I see a possible show stopper on your track diagram. On the right you have a track running from the lower left diagonally to the upper right.  I think it’s the rail with the water tower.  You might need to insulate a section and install an automatic reversing circuit. It looks like you can go from the inner mainline, cut through the layout and return to the inner mainline going the opposite direction.

BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret)
 L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes

  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: Winter Garden, FL
  • 1,546 posts
Posted by Curt Webb on Friday, June 10, 2011 9:42 AM

Morning all,

Not much going here. Ran my errands and picked up screws for the Tortoise's and Terminal Strips. I'm leaving for the movies in about 30 minutes.

Ken- Can you shim the track?

Stan- I agree about the Brunswick Green, it's a neat color but I  am biased. I am thinking seriously about as a future project of repainting my Genesis FP-7 to that color. That china ia awesome, it reminds me of a time of civility.

Ulrich- I found my paper track plan and it is not even close to reality. I took a picture of the control panel (actual schematic) and 2 photos of the layout. 

Everybody take care.

Curt Webb

The Late Great Pennsylvania Railroad

http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j372/curtwbb/

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Williamsville, ILL
  • 3,698 posts
Posted by TMarsh on Friday, June 10, 2011 8:38 AM

Good Morning!! Just Coffee please. Thanks

Scattered showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Looks like about a 50/50 chance of wet stuff.

Sleep Didn’t sleep well at all last night. Tossed and turned til 2:30 then woke at a few after 3:30 then nodded off a bit after 4, then awoke to a thunderous crash and heavy feeling in my chest around quarter til 5 and found the dog sitting on me! I moved over to make room for her and she laid down and went to sleep. Guess I was in the spot she wanted and there wasn‘t enough room for her next to Mommy with me there. I did get back to sleep fairly quickly after that and slept until 5:24. Napped til 6, now I’m up. Wide awake? For now, but I may need a nap later before w**k.

No train stuff yesterday.

I see Robby posted another fine example in WPF this morning. Ulrich and Larry too. I’m going to have to get something done so I can too. Ahhh someday.

Welcome Stan. Nice job there!

Ken- I have a Fender Cyber Deluxe. It's a modeling amp too and really, if I had it to do over again, I would have bought just a regular Deluxe Reverb and any pedals to make any changes in sound I'd want. The amps fine, just a bunch of stuff not necessary and it doesn’t seem to play as clean. Might be my predisposed opinion clouding my judgement though. All in all it’s pretty good amp, just not that keen on a modeling amp. Sounded good at the time.

J.R.- Sorry about the power problems but good to hear from you.

Guess I’ll begin my piddlings for the day.

Ya’ll have a Great Day!!!Sleep

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 2003
  • From: Metro East St. Louis
  • 5,743 posts
Posted by simon1966 on Friday, June 10, 2011 8:37 AM

Good morning everyone...

Ken  Crispy had about 10 guesses as to who was sitting on the bike, he never got it!  Even with clues like "He is a train buddy of ours"   I guess he is not used to seeing you all dressed upBig Smile

On the train front, time to tear out and relay the section at the bottom of my helix.  The boys have been testing away and we are finding that one of the curves is a bit aggressive and too many of the larger locos can't make it.  

Stan  Love that china.  It really is from a by-gone-era.  I would have loved to have experienced travel by train when these were being used.  

Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Western NYS
  • 549 posts
Posted by B&O1952 on Friday, June 10, 2011 8:27 AM

Good Morning everyone! I'm probably first out again, but I got it covered this time! Thanks fellas for covering me yesterday.

Thanks for all the nice comments on my projects.

 Curt, I like the Pennsy Pa's, Brunswick green looks great on just about anything. I have a lot of Pennsy steam, now I gotta get some internal combustion power!

Ken, I used to sell my paintings outright, but now I just display them at the Salamanca Rail Museum. If people wish to buy or barter RR artifacts for the art, it's for the museum. I paint for the enjoyment of it like my layout. I used to work on commission, but it takes the fun out of it when you get bogged down with a project that's not what you actually want to do.

Just coffee for me this AM Flo, I hope you don't mind if I use my own cup, I promise to tip the busboy and dishwasher anyway!

-Stan

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • 448 posts
Posted by steamfreightboy on Friday, June 10, 2011 8:08 AM

PICTURES!!!!

Opps, for some reason shutterfly will not let me copy picures to here!

Angry

Going to the beach today. Later.

sfb

"It's your layout, only you have to like it." Lin's Junction
  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Posted by cudaken on Friday, June 10, 2011 7:57 AM

 Morning Fellow Dinners.

 Flo, English Muffin and a Diet Dew.

 Starting to have teeth problems again. Gum's on the upper left side is infected and hurts. Guess I be hitting the salt water heavy today and hope that takes care of it.

 Blow Out Like I said the amp head (power supply) is not what I am after, 15 watts will get louder than I can play at work. But, generally better speakers are used in bigger amps. 

 Packer While a car stereo amp could be used, it would cost more than it is worth. I would need a head unit (preamp) that would take a guitar plug and controls I would need. Then there is the power supply and speakers.

 Ulrich Yep that is me on the Honda CBX, few decades ago and 100 pound lighter than I am today. I think I was around 30 when that picture was taken.

 On the legs idea, I am sure if you think about it you will find away to add some more modules. 

 While it may not be the railroad you have dreamed about, it sure is impressive looking. Hard to believe it is so small.

 M1a lack of pulling power. I think I know what the problem is, and it the track not the engine. I normally run the layout clockwise, for now I am running counter clockwise. So where I am going up hill and losing traction I would normally being going down hill. I bet there is a dip in the rails in that area and not all 8 drive are not in contact. I am down to 9 car's and it still spinning the drive wheels in that area.

 See you all later after work.

                   Ken

I hate Rust

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: New Milford, Ct
  • 3,232 posts
Posted by GMTRacing on Friday, June 10, 2011 7:47 AM

Good Morning All,

     In the words of Brakie, it's a good time to look upon the forum. We had storms through last night and while some of the shop electrics w..k, one branch of the three phase is out so half the lights and none of the machines w..k. In other words a good day to catch up paperw..k and peruse the net.

   On the mrr front, I am laying out design elements in the yard and locating factorys on the wall adjacent to the yard. I will have a 3 stall small roundhouse and backshop with a 90' turntable. as that is all that fits comfortably so far unless I don't have anything else in the yard. The yard istelf takes up 2/3 of one wall as is but I am trying to keep it recognizable as Danbury.

    I love the painting Stan is doing and Ulrich the module is supurb. Not so sure Duke is going to like that trade in - when I saw it last the bike was immaculate and purred like a kitten. That trade in is a real toilet.

   Hope the rest of you are doing ok, I see on one of the other threads Galaxy is accumulating some passenger cars for his future empire. I'll catch y'all later.    J.R.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Euclid, Ohio
  • 2,822 posts
Posted by LSWrr on Friday, June 10, 2011 6:19 AM

Good Morning,

Ulrich, Preiser just happens to have graffiti artists, and they are a German company.

Jeff, I will contact Don and see what’s going on with the order.

I sanded the plaster for the port area last night, needs a little touch-up, then a little more sanding.  Then I need a day just to put tools away and clean things up.

BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret)
 L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes

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