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ELLIOT'S TRACKSIDE DINER - AUGUST, 2011 Locked

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Posted by twhite on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 10:30 AM

Good morning from SunnyCal:  It hit 98 again yesterday (was forecast for high 80's), and looks like it might actually turn into AUGUST here for a while.  Which means temps hovering between high 90's and low 100's.   Cuts the work on the MR down in the garage--mornings and evenings.  I just turn the fan on during the afternoon and pray, LOL!   Actually, we've had a below normal summer here as far as temps, maybe a hang-over from our VERY wet winter.  And yes, we've still got SNOW on some of the higher peaks in the Sierra.  Surprise

Well, I got the rails painted in the engine terminal yesterday.  VERY CAREFULLY masked off the points and moveable parts of the Peco turnouts, then let fly with the Rustoleum base coat.  Then left the garage with the fan on for an hour or two to get rid of the spray-paint smell.  Came back, cleaned off the rails and---you guessed it--the yard was DEAD!  Some paint must have gotten into the points or joints of the lead yard turnout, so now I get to find out WHAT and get it cleaned off.  I've got computer contact cleaner which should work, but I'm really kind of puzzled--I've never had this happen before.  As I said before, these Pecos are REALLY 'sensitive'.  And I do NOT want to spend the bucks to replace them with Walters/Sinohara Code 83's, they're just too flimsy IMO (though the Sinohara Code 100's I"ve got on the main are just dandy, even after 10 years--go figure! Stick out tongue).    

So, that's today's project.  Whew!   Hoped I'd be ballasting and landscaping by now. 

Jeff:  Are those billboard reefers wood kits?  The Blatz looks a little like an old Silver Streak reefer I've got--those kits were a ton of fun to build.   You've really made quite a haul, there.  And curious about the Varney boxcar you mentioned--plastic or metal?   I've got a few Varney metal reefers that I still run--those puppies are indestructable!  And they still look good in a consist.

Stan:  Like that Pennsy painting a lot--and that CPR 'in progress' looks as if it's going to be spectacular!  I still mean it about the Yellowstone, BTW. 

Rob:  I'm still praying for your Great Pyrenees--it's very possible that a lot of his condition is mourning for his lost partner.  It's amazing how animals react to the death of one of their own.  Happens with cats, too--when I lost Lowell a few years ago, my other Maine Coon--Spooky--actually went into a Major Depression.  She really didn't come out of it until I acquired that weird Norwegian Forest Cat--Uff-Dah--.  She's been fine ever since, now that she has someone else to 'tolerate' (and occasionally whack). 

This coming Monday is our Faculty Retreat, so back to the grind is getting closer and closer.  The school just posted a new and improved Website--it's really neat.   Bob, our Tech Guy e-mailed me about it, apologized because my Faculty photo wasn't on it.  He wants me to take a new one so he can download it when I get back.  I told him that with my new beard I look like a deranged Santa Claus, anyway.  Hopefully I won't have to shave it off when I go back to teaching--without it, my face looks like Gravity gone Berserk, LOL!   But Jesuit is pretty lax about facial hair on the Faculty.  At least the men, LOL! 

Well, time to go out and investigate the Errant Turnout, see what's going on with it.  Who knows, maybe it cured itself overnight--YAH, SURE!!  Wink 

Best to all, prayers to those in need.

Tom   

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 10:47 AM

twhite

Jeff: ---  And curious about the Varney boxcar you mentioned--plastic or metal?   I've got a few Varney metal reefers that I still run--those puppies are indestructable!  And they still look good in a consist.

This one is plastic.

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Posted by blownout cylinder on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 10:54 AM

jeffrey-wimberly

 

 howmus:

 

On the # of posts, I am almost to 5000.  Do we get some big prize or a certificate saying we talk too much when we arrive at 5000??? Whistling

 

Yeah. But you have to make it yourself.

 

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Posted by B&O1952 on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 11:05 AM

Tom,

  You got it. I plan on starting the Yellowstone painting either tonight or tomorrow. I'll post progress pics as it goes. I'm hoping to have the CPR painting finished no later than tomorrow. It became a priority when my friend told me of his plans to sell the locomotive, and asked me if I could get this painting together before September 1st. You're right about the Peco switches, they can give you fits! They are nice, though. I've become a big fan of dusting the track with weathering pastels instead of paint. I will occasionally use a small paintbrush to dry brush some acrylic over the ties to give them a weathered look.

Ulrich, Thanks! I have to offer the same to youBow for your modules. They're inspiring to me. Now that I have attempted a mountain painting, I'm kicking around some ideas of steam in the Alps.

-Stan

 

 

 

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 12:06 PM

Stan - steam in the Alps is a little difficult, because most of the lines went under wire in the early 1920. On the famous Gotthard line, those Swiiss Federal Railway C5/6 nicknamed "Elephant" were replaced by the famous "Crocodiles", the Simplon line was electric from the beginning, and the Italian Brenner line saw catenary put up in early 1920´s  as well.  The Rhaetian Railway replaced their narrow gauge Consolidations with electrics in 1922, and only the Furka narrow gauge line was operated by steam until the early 1940´s.

 

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 1:37 PM

Well I got those packages out of the way. I took them to the Post Office and they went out this morning. Two to Kentucky, one to Ohio, one to Alabama and one to Florida. I still have a few things in the works.

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Posted by cudaken on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 5:46 PM

 Afternoon Folks!

 Flo Beer please.

 Jeffery You will be sending one to ILL pretty soon as well. You will get a PM Wednesday so we can work out the details.

 Train Front Spent more time running the trains today than in the last week. Guess I spent around two hours breaking down trains, taking them to the team tracks and industry that need the freight.  Moved a lot of Beer Cars! Smile, Wink & Grin

 With the pending trade, I decided to work on my Stewart Dummies. They where not free wheeling, so I took the worst one trucks apart. Oiled them up good, and are pretty free wheeling now. Made one into a Monon dummy A unit.  Found a couple of lose joiners, will be soldering them Thursday.

 I was going to tackle the Big Boy today. But the desk / work bench was a mess! So, I cleaned up and sorted the tools and parts. Now I have a clean and clear work station again! So I will dig into the Big Boy Thursday. Just wonder how long it will stay that way? Whistling

 Ulrich When our you going to up date the photos? I am looking forward to see what the water fall looks like now. I all so hate to ask this, but have you learned anything from Col Clink?

  Well time to flip the burgers.

        Later

                  Ken.

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Posted by Curt Webb on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 6:23 PM

Evening All,

Rained again here for about 30 minutes that helped cool it down a little and we have had a solid cloud cover so it is almost comfortable. Tomorrow I hope to install my other 4 dwarf's.

Stan- Great Pic's. Of course the Pennsy is my favorite.

Ken- Gas here is also $3.49.

Tom- I have around 10 PECO # 5 turnouts and I really like them. But on one I could not get power routed straight  through (worked on diverging route) so finally in desperation I soldered jumpers from the end of the diverging rail to the end of the straight through track and thankfully that solved my issue. It doesn't look very good but when I ballast it will be covered.

We had a not so good National Geographic moment in our house today. One of my daughter's Cockatiel's got free some how and it appears that one of our skunks had a unscheduled meal (they eat birds in the wild). My son found a pile of feathers and blood smears on the floor.

Everybody have a good night.    

Curt Webb

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 6:38 PM

Went into town about an hour ago to get a pizza. The banks time/temp sign said 104° and that wasn't counting the heat index! I had the front windows and wing vents of the van open as well as the two rear side windows. That at least kept heat from building up as long as I was moving. When I stopped at the bank this morning to make a deposit the engine vapor locked and wouldn't start. I gave it a good shot of starting fluid and the dang thing sounded like a Hemi firing up! Sure turned some heads.

cudaken

 Jeffery You will be sending one to ILL pretty soon as well. You will get a PM Wednesday so we can work out the details.

Today is Wednesday. I assume you mean next Wednesday. If not I look forward to getting your PM today.

Curt Webb

Ken- Gas here is also $3.49.

Here as well. I filled up this morning at the local Circle K (lowest place in town) at 3.499 a gallon for regular.

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Posted by cudaken on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 7:30 PM

 Sorry Jeffery, I meant Thursday. Gas is still $3.75 in my area. Did go to MO to get gas, it was .30 cent cheaper.

 Hum, why don't keyboards have the cent sign?

            Ken

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 7:37 PM

cudaken

 Hum, why don't keyboards have the cent sign?

I don't know. Seems like it would be useful in some cases. Just my 2¢.

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Posted by TMarsh on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 7:39 PM

cudaken

   Hum, why don't keyboards have the cent sign?

            Ken

Hm. No wonder I have trouble typing. My keyboard has.....no cents. HA!!!

Just got back from visitation of another friends Parent who has passd away. Diagnosed with early stages of Leukimia. Luckily his passing was not related, fast and well gracious. The famly is kind of shocked, but grateful based to the alternative.

Ken- Sorry, I was wrong about the price of gas. Now anyway. Chock me up to the $3.49.9 crowd. Now that you have filled up, the price will go down for you too.

 

Todd  

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Posted by Cederstrand on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 7:47 PM

Tall glass of cool water, please.

Our old Great Pyrenees male, Unaka, passed away today. He was a terrific livestock guardian here on the farm. RIP old buddy.

Well, I'm a bit off today (physically), with blood where it shouldn't show up. (being a Diner, I'll skip the detailsWhistling) Going to go lay down and rest. Was a long day.

Have a good night all.

Dead Rob

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Posted by galaxy on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 7:52 PM

cudaken

 Sorry Jeffery, I meant Thursday. Gas is still $3.75 in my area. Did go to MO to get gas, it was .30 cent cheaper.

 Hum, why don't keyboards have the cent sign?

            Ken

When computer keyboards came about, they eliminated the cent sign as things were more measured in dollars by then not in cent amounts. To make room for other valuable computer symbols it had to go. you may be able to find it in the special characters section where you can find all kinds of signs and symbols.

-G .

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

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Posted by Curt Webb on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 8:07 PM

Rob- I am very sorry for your loss.

Curt Webb

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 8:08 PM

Rob: Sorry to hear about Unaka. At least his suffering is over.

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Posted by howmus on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 8:22 PM

Evenin' folks!

Janie, time for my evening cup of decaf, and a hot fudge sundae if you please.

I guess I pretty much have the new office area dine, back together, and messed up already:

Nice to have the new roof on the shed as well:

Garden has been growing like crazy after the rain we got:

Finished up mowing the lawn this evening.  Did half last night.  It too has been making up for time lost during the drought in July.

galaxy

 

When computer keyboards came about, they eliminated the cent sign as things were more measured in dollars by then not in cent amounts. To make room for other valuable computer symbols it had to go. you may be able to find it in the special characters section where you can find all kinds of signs and symbols.

Huh?  My computer has the ¢ sign.  It has always had the ¢ sign.  Even back in 1984 when the Mac first came out it had and still has the ¢ sign...  Of course the Mac was set up as type setter early on on for publishing so it would need to have a ¢ sign as well as the $ sign.....  Doesn't make any ¢ not to have all the characters in all the fonts if you are setting type....  Just thought I would add my 2¢ to the ¢s conversation about the ¢ sign. Whistling  It also has all these: ¡ ™ £ ∞ § ¶ • ª º  ⁄   € ‹ › fi ‡ ° ·  as well as é ü î å  and a bunch of other things.  Basically every key has 4 different characters in most fonts.  I also have fonts for printing music as well both the notes and all the diacritical markings, etc.

Rob....  So very sorry to hear of the loss of such a beautiful dog.  He sounds like a wonderful pet and a good working dog as well.  My prayers to you and the family!

Took both kitties to the vet today.  Blackie is having more tooth problems, and lost the one he was having problems with a year ago.  Both are well (except for the tooth) and still weigh in at 19.5 lbs. each.  They got both their Feline Parvo and their Rabies shots today.  Blackie says...  Mmmmeeeeeeoooooooooow....  He doesn't like car rides.  Manet wouldn't get out of the carrier and i had to pull him out of it.  Went right back in after his checkup I might add. Smile, Wink & Grin

No Model Railroading again today....  Tomorrow evening I will be about at the museum riding the 1/1 scale trains......  Will also be out there Saturday and Sunday for events.  Sunday is Diesel Days.  We hope to be running 45 tonner, RG&E 1941 officially for the first time in a good many years.  She is freshly painted and out of the shop, ready for service!  probably will be using LV 211 as well.  If you are around come on over and ride the rails!  http://rgvrrm.org/

Hope you all are having a great evening.

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 jeffrey-wimberly on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 8:48 PM

Ken: Making the cent sign on an MSDOS based Windows equipped computer is as easy as 1-2-3. It doesn't matter what version of Windows or what word processor program you're using.

Lock the number keypad. Press the "Num Lock" button on the right side of your keyboard. Look for the illuminated "Lock" symbol near the keypad.

Move your cursor to the spot where you want the "cent" sign to be placed.

Hold the "Alt" button on your keyboard, and then press "0162" (on your number pad). The "cent" sign will appear.

I just did it here: ¢

It will only work with the number pad. I've done it on mine with the numlock on and off. I find it much easier however to simply copy the cent symbol to a text file. When I need it I call up the text file and copy and paste the symbol. I use the file in question to store dozens of symbols and IMG tags.

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Posted by howmus on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 8:53 PM

jeffrey-wimberly

Ken: Making the cent sign on an MSDOS based Windows equipped computer is as easy as 1-2-3. It doesn't matter what version of Windows or what word processor program you're using.

Lock the number keypad. Press the "Num Lock" button on the right side of your keyboard. Look for the illuminated "Lock" symbol near the keypad.

Move your cursor to the spot where you want the "cent" sign to be place.

Hold the "Alt" button on your keyboard, and then press "0162" (on your number pad). The "cent" sign will appear.

I just did it here: ¢

It will only work with the number pad. I've done it on mine with the numlock on and off. I find it much easier however to simply copy the cent symbol to a text file. When I need it I call up the text file and copy and paste the symbol. The use the file in question to dozens of symbols and IMG tags.

Sheesh....  I just hold down "option" (alt) and hit the 4 ($).  ¢  just like THAT....

73

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 last mountain & eastern hogger on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 8:54 PM

Sad

Evening Rob,

We want to extend our condolences as well on the loss of your old Pal.

I believe as well, that he probably slipped badly with the loss of his companion.

They both had good and interesting lives that should be celebrated.

Enjoy the young ones growing to maturity and taking the older ones place.

Have a restful night Buddy.

Johnboy out............................................

from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North.. 

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

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 9:00 PM

howmus

 

Sheesh....  I just hold down "option" (alt) and hit the 4 ($).  ¢  just like THAT....

That doesn't work on mine.

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Posted by CNCharlie on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 9:01 PM

Rob,

My sympathy is with you on the loss of Unaka. I'm sure he had a great life on the farm doing his 'job'.

CN Charlie

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Posted by blownout cylinder on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 9:06 PM

My laptop does not even haz a numerical pad either..

Good Evening...

Rob: Sorry about your fellow passing away..losing pets are as bad as losing someone close to the family...Angel

It has been an interesting day here..had some friends over and spent some time running the choochoos again...

Well..it has been a busy day..I's going to call it a night...Zzz

 

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Posted by CNCharlie on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 9:12 PM

Good Evening,

 Well as I am able to post tonight, I thought I might bore you a little with what little I've been doing.

By the way, gas here is about $4.25 a gallon for regular.

I don't know if I mentioned it but my very expensive, at least for me, U2g Northern had to be sent back as it didn't run smoothly at all. It sort of lurched at medium speed. They've had it 3 weeks now and sent me an e-mail promising prompt attention but as it is only a very small operation, I'm beginning to wonder. I told them that if they can't correct the problem, then send me a replacement. 

Well not much happening here except that I've started on some interior painting that I've been meaning to get at for a couple of years. Oh well, better late than never. My strategy for breaking my inertia was to decide to just do one wall at a time after dinner. That way it isn't a huge job all at once. So far it appears to be working. This weekend I have to do some fence repairs before it falls down. That means no train time for me.

Seamonster, if your cat is 15 it is still young. We got a white persian when I was 10 and when we finally had to put her down I was 31. Snowy and I basically grew up together.

Well getting late so Good Night all.

CN Charlie

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Posted by howmus on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 9:19 PM

jeffrey-wimberly

 

 

That doesn't work on mine.

 

Of course not you are using windoze.....  Whistling WinkWink  Sorry, just had to say THAT!

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 Paul W. Beverung on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 9:40 PM

Evening Gang:

Rob I'm very sorry to hear about Unaka. I know how loosing a friend like that feels. We have had so many dogs here and we never went out to get one of them. They were all ether born here or found there way to us. They were all spiecal to us.

Well nothing has changed here. It was another day of 105f for a high. The weather guessers say 100+ until next thursday at least. Bother!!!

No MRRing again, altho I did manage to haul some old lumber out of the basement. I'am getting closer to being able to work on the layout.  

Well I am going to head for bed.

Good Night All

Paul The Duluth, Superior, & Southeastern " The Superior Route " WETSU
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Posted by twhite on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 10:27 PM

Rob:

I am so sorry to hear about Unaka--the death of a beloved pet is just as saddening as the death of a beloved family member--because that's what they are.   Being a Franciscan Catholic, I know that he and his mate are now doing their job elsewhere.  God always needs good herders. 

Well, the Great Engine Yard Project has gotten me so frustrated that I'm just about to say the H*** with it and go out and buy some Atlas Code 83 Snap-switches.  The Pecos are acting up one after the other, and in desperation I put in a few of the sinohara's that I'd saved and same thing.   Dead, Dead, DEAD!  Angry    I've got the yard on a seperate block, and the connections seem to be fine for the lead, but the loco hits the first turnout and just stops.  I 'dry' run it down the track to see if it's just the turnout, but nothing.  Right now, I've torn it out--AGAIN!- and am watching "Criminal Minds" to just forget about the darned thing tonight.  Hopefully tomorrow I'll come up with SOME kind of solution.  Swear to God, if I had my Druthers, I wouldn't have a single darn turnout on the entire LAYOUT! Bang Head

End of rant.  I'm gonna go out and watch Hotch and Spenser and Garcia.  Nothing like a Serial Killer or two to take my mind off of the engine yard, LOL!

Best to all, prayers to those in need.

Tom  

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Posted by AmanaMedic on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 10:52 PM

Evening, cup of night medicine please 'n thank you...Drinks

ROB: Very sorry to hear about Unaka... the news followed hearing about what happens to dogs over in Afghanistan...both made me very unhappy, and netted Rerun a very big hug. How are the two pups doing? It sounds like they have awful big paw prints to follow in.

 

Somebody asked if I've been to the Kate Shelly Bridge, near Boone, Iowa. Yes, yes I have... I used to make an annual pilgrimage out THAT way... But, haven't been there since the fall of 2004, so have only seen pics of the new behemoth they built alongside it to replace the 100+ year old structure. Actually, I've spent little time along Uncle Pete's tracks since the Borg take-over of the CNW. The...."atmosphere"...I guess you'd call it, is just different from CNW days. And no, this isn't a "post-9/11 thing." The attitude changed in '95 during the assimilation.

Back to the question, about going there, I usually went through Boone and took a hilly, curvy county road to the bridge. It went down a rather steep hill to an ancient truss bridge over the Des Moines River. I know Boone County is looking to replace THAT antique span...don't know if they have, or are just going to. In other words, it may not even be open to traffic anymore. The bridge is also accessible off of Hwy. 30 by going into and north out of Ogden. Again, I don't remember the exact road, but it ends up alongside the tracks by a rather neat overpass. At a "T" intersection, turn left (north), and shortly the wonderous spans come into view. There was (might still be) a wide spot about half-way downhill where a guy can safely park off the road and have a spectacular view of the entire span and the Des Moines River Valley.

PM me, and I'll try to get better details for you...

Have a good night (a good morning to you, ULRICH!) everybody...

Chris

 

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Good morning...
Posted by wetidlerjr on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 11:00 PM

 

Good Morning ! from Tipton IN.

Geeked

 

Bill Tidler Jr.

Near a cornfield in Indiana...

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 11:01 PM

Rob ... I'm sorry to learn about your loss of Unaka. ...By the way, does the name mean something.

We drove to Louisville with the grand daughters. Their Mom and Dad met us there from Cincinnati. Louisville is about 200 miles away from here. So it was a long day. Just about the entire drive is through hilly forest land, and it is a nice drive. 

We passed the exit for Sacramento on the way, and I thought of Cal Tom when I saw the sign. Of course, this one is in KY.  

I saw some engineer photos in "Show Me" of a couple of diners, Ken and Ray.

Ray ... the office looks neat, and the outdoor shed looks very good.

Stan .. I like those paintings too.  Still very interested in the Burlington one.

Has anybody heard from Vincent?

Happy  Model Railroading 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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