Elliot´s Trackside Diner - February 2012

[LSWrr]

Good Morning,

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers for my mother.  I went to see her yesterday and she seems to be doing better.  That was a long trip; 2hr drive each way for a 2hr visit.  I left when it was time for her lunch and pain killers.

The high yesterday was a sharp 24F and windy. Today it’s back to a tolerable 34F.

I’ve been spending most of my free time with the rolling stock inventory.  Not sure I mentioned it but the dresser I built will hold 66 forty foot box cars or 55 fifty foot boxcars in one drawer and the dresser has 9 drawers.   I learned I need to join RSA; rolling stock anonymous. 2 ¾ drawers are filled with 40’ box cars.  I also learned I need to send a few older Roco, Tyco, and Mehano cars to the Bay for reassignment.   

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Good morning. It's 42° and partly. This afternoon it'll be 62° and partly cloudy.

Nothing going on today, not on my schedule anyway.

[wetidlerjr]

 

Good Morning! from Tipton IN.

 

 

 

 

TIPTON

 

[galaxy]

Ya Ma Ha

GOOD MORNING!!!

Today is Monday, February 20th, 2012!!!

Today is President's Day, 2012!!!

HooRay Georgie, HooRay Abe baby!!!!

{this means PO and Banks and Gov't offices are closed!!}

[blownout cylinder]

Good Evening

Think I'll have a cup of Chamomile Tea and then head off for

Have a good night all!!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Time for me to call it a night. I kitbashed a boxcar today and I got the choke on the van fixed. At least it appears to work. The local ant colonies may still be interested in learning astrophysics. See y'all tomorrow.

[cudaken]

 Woof Fellow Doggies.

 

 Flo, bowel of water and a for my master please.

 My master head hurts, and does not feel like typing, think it about something called taxes, he is whining right now. Bark.

 Here is a picture of me, master and the mommy, I loves the Mommy. (tail wagging) She just has something called a birthday? I not sure what that is, but I got cake! Master has one next week, I hope I get more cake, I love cake! (tail wagging harder)

 

 Woof at you later.

 Shaddy, Kens Wolfhound.

[Cederstrand]

A bowl of the House Stew, please.

***Ray, mighty fine work there. Looking forward to seeing the complete building on the layout.

***Terry, don't be scaring me now. Not when I'm close to starting the real work.

 Rob

[saronaterry]

Top!

Eat up everyone!!

Terry in NW Wisconsin

[saronaterry]

That seems real high, Curt! The box I bought was about the size of a box of "TRISCUTS"r for about $26,IIRC. Are we comparing apples, or is that a larger, say 2 one gallon jugs( One resin, one thickener)? I've used it in my job( GC) and the large size is pricier, but unless you need to pour Lake Superior the small one will be alot of water. Let me know, as I'm out and need to make a trip to Menards.

Hope this helps!

Terry in NW Wisconsin

[howmus]

Konbanwa· moderā!

"Down by the station early in the morning,
See the little Pufferbellies all in a row....."

Chloe, why is Barry jabbering in Swahili? Oh, well, I'll have a cup of decaf and a piece of the pecan pie please.

Curt.... No, No, No!   You don't need several gallons of the stuff.....  You can find the 4oz. set for $12 or so.  The 8 oz. which will do a lot of layout water is around $17....  See here: Envirotex Lite  You can even find it craft stores, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc. for a reasonable price.  Oh, and thanks!

Cleaned out a path to the gas meter so the people from the local utility company can come and change it out to a new one on Wednesday.  I hope they have enough space to get it done in there..... The gas meter and the water service are in a space behind the back wall of the new layout room.  I had it built to code for access to utilities, but since have put in a large storage shelving unit right across from the gas meter.....  I will know on Wednesday I guess.

Got to finish the inside of the 2nd. story of the power house today.  Put a few photos up in the WPF thread, but here is one for you folks!

I added a stairwell and stairs, guard railings, ladders on the boilers, and some workers here and there.  Tomorrow I hope to JB Weld it into place inside the building.  On Tuesday I can be put in place on the layout......  maybe.  I still have several things to add to the outside, signs, roof details, etc. so I will have to decide where those can be best done first.  Feels good to get back to THAT project though.

I see my pie has arrived, so I will catch you all later!

73

[Curt Webb]

Evening All,

Just got done with a meatloaf dinner. I would really love a cup of coffee but I know it will keep  me up so Flo a virtual cup of coffee please.

I know Ulrich is missing but I believe Flip posted a couple of days ago that they have been communicating by personal conversations.

I w**k again tomorrow and the high is supposed to be 69 F with chances of rain. It was pretty busy today and probably more so tomorrow because of Presidents Day.

Ray- Your water looks great and the power plant pictures are. We aren't worthy. I looked up the the material (forgot name of the top of my head) you and Terry recommended and the cost was $116 (ACE Hardware). Is this in keeping with what you paid? I have to admit it seems pretty steep to me.

Well everyone take care and prayers to those in need. 

[saronaterry]

Hi, all. Still 40f and nice out. The wife and I walked down to the local watering hole for a burger, so nothing for me.

Nice job, Jeff. Didn't get to the PO but I will. Sorry!

Take your time on the tile, Rob. You only get one chance to lay it!

 

Not much MRR today, but there's still time I guess.

 

BBL!

Terry in NW Wisconsin

 

 

 

[blownout cylinder]

Kon'nichiwa! Soshite, dono yō ni wareware wa, kono bisaina taikutsuna yorudesu ka?

We did not see any sun what so ever here. It stayed around 27F as well...just to make us really happy

Oh well...they are sticking with Tomorrow, Tomorrow, maybe Tomorrow...it will be sunny...

This afternoon was interesting, went to the usual place to pick up the groceries and didst see a PJ type personage at the Metro here. Now mind, I am somewhat used to this kind of thing...having lived in NYC back in the early 1970's it was not unusual to see someone in their PJ's and bathrobe dash across the street to the local 24 hour deli.......so the Walwart scenario is not all that new...

Chloe, I'll just have a RBF for now please..I'll be at the RC...

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Got the C&EI boxcar together. Slightly modified Athearn boxcar shell on a Tyco frame. I had to file insets in the ends of the boxcar shell for the coupler pockets to fit into. Otherwise the shell would sit too high.

[Cederstrand]

Coffee refill, please.

***Garry, sadly the only train time I've been able to make recently has been to come into the Diner here to read posts and view pics & vids. I'm sure when I do make it down there and use the gauge, the problems will be easy to recognize.

Today has been devoted to cleaning enough of the sun-porch to move the big chair out of the living room. Then figure out the layout for wood stove tile pad. Might be a smart move to cut the stove base size (out of cardboard) to lay on the tiles, just to make sure it works.  

Almost time for evening critter rounds. Sure am tuckered out today. Rob

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Ken ...  $19,215 in 2012 or 2011? ... If 2011, you should have already received a version of a 1099 form for 2011 tax returns, and it will have to be included on the tax return. ..... Profit  (capital gain) on sale of house would not be taxed in the federal income tax if the amount is less than $250,000 if I recall correctly. In general the capital gains = Selling prices less cost basis. The cost basis is purchase price + major improvements (roof, furnace, etc ... not maintenance like paint) + selling costs. ...  I'm not sure how it works with possible refund of the $19,215 if you sell house at a profit. ... I'm not your tax advisor; so do your research or have an expert advise you.

 Ray ... I like the latyour photos you posted!

Rob .... Recently, your were frustrated with some passenger cars. Are the problems solved with them now?

Todd ..... Okay, waffles are great!

 

[blownout cylinder]

Good Afternoon.

Where is Ulrich?????

Got to get some schtuff today before the stores all close up for tomorrow...

Have a good one!!

[TMarsh]

Oh I need a nap even though we went to the land of shopping in your pajamas better known as Walmart.

Terry- Thanks for the info.

Galaxy- Yah, I figured I did something wrong. I updated from withing Google Earth and it probably didn't do it all. I'm gonna remove it and download as if I didn't have it at all. IIRC, this happened a while back when I did it. I never learn.

Garry- Huddle House doesn't have pancakes. They will if you ask make a pancake from the waffle batter. They do have outstanding waffles. Actually all their food is good. Not keen on the meatloaf recipe though. Come to think of it, I haven't noticed it on the menu lately. Hm. May be as I haven't looked for it either.

Well, I best either take a quick snooze or change the pump in the basement for the washing machine dump pit. Brenda bought pork chops and some stuff for dinner tonight and has made casual mention that sounds like...sounds like now, nothing definite mind you, she maaaay use that stove. Crossing my fingers.

 

[howmus]

Anata no subete, shurui wa yūjin ni hijō ni tanoshīto yoi asa!

Zoe,  Ulrich still not here this morning?  Getting worried now!  Guess I will have a raisin bran muffin with real butter and a cup of dark roast coffee for the moment.  I'll sit in the front booth and hope Ulrich shows up today!

Curt, I also use the Envirotex Lite for most of my water effects on the layout.  Cures hard as rock and stays glossy, easy to keep clean.  I have used it to restore some old WS water that had never cured to a non sticky surface and became a dust magnate....

Here it is before the repour.

It is available in several sizes at most any good paint store/hardware store.  Pour about 1/8 inch at a time.

Ken, good luck with the refinancing.  Yes check with your Tax Adviser....  Always a whole lot of rumors flying about whenever these things come around.  Best to get the facts!

Sue, I will be changing out some old backdrops on the layout soon.  You and Larry planning a trip East?  I could put you both to w*rk!

Have lots more stuff to do today, so I best get moving!

73

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

What? No word yet from Ulrich? .... I hope we hear from him soon!

Todd ....... Did you have pancakes at the Huddle House? At least I have a rough idea where ypu are located. ..... If you wish to Google Earth in western Kentucky south of IL, you may see how big the man-made lakes are at Land Bewteen the Lakes. The only east-west crossing over the lakes is US 68 / KY 80. We are located close to the east end of the eastern bridge (Lake Barkley / Cumberland River). The other bridge to the west is over Kentucky Lake (Tennessee River). These rivers flow northward in western KY to the Ohio River, and you can see where the dams are located at the north end. ........ The KY Lake bridge is the one that collapsed because it was hit by a large cargo ship. .... Before that happened, we could easily travel about 30 miles to Murray, KY for shopping, etc. ... Now, we must either drive around the dams at the north end, or we must drive south and go through Dover, TN. .... Oh well. At least it is a scenic drive.

Sue ... Sounds like Larry is the backdrop guru! ... Currently I have an NP passenger train running on the layout.

Bill T .......

Barry .... Nice vintage photo. Those new-fangled cars have no running boards! .

 

 Happy Model Railroading.

[Cederstrand]

Italian Roast coffee in a SOGGY & SOUTHERN mug, please.

Have a good day all.

 Rob

[gear-jammer]

Good morning, Chloe.  Black coffee, please.  We picked up a new laptop for the train room.  Looks like it is $70 cheaper today, so back to town for the credit.  Why does that always happen?

This morning, I plan to do a little more cleanup from the ice storm in January.

Larry's backdrop clinic went well on Friday.  Everyone was teasing me about what I learned.  My statement was, "I have my own personal backdrop painter."

Hope you all are have a nice weekend.

Sue

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Good morning. It's 45° and cloudy. The high will be 62° and it will be partly cloudy.

This morning we have a ten mph north wind and no rain in sight. This morning I have no cars to weather. I do however have an old Tyco Red Box New Haven boxcar that I have no use for and absolutely don't like the looks of. I have an Athearn blue box C&EI double door boxcar body in search of a frame. The Athearn boxcar body is the same length as the Tyco boxcar body. Hmm, I wonder. I may have a rolling C&EI boxcar before the day is out. If I feel up to it today I'll go out and see if I can do some work on the automatic choke on my van. The van has an old-fashioned dumb non-electronic two barrel carburetor with an old-fashioned vacuum operated non-electronic automatic choke. Should be easy to work on right? Well so far it's got me thinking I should be teaching astrophysics to an ant colony. It might be easier and more rewarding.

[Curt Webb]

Morning All,

Just wanted to stop in and say hi to everybody. I have to leave for w**k in about 15 minutes. Outside it looks like it is trying to rain and if it does I will be busy.

Terry- Thanks for the info. The closeups look even better than the far away photos.

Flo- A coffee to go please.

Everyone take care. Prayers for those in need.

[galaxy]

cudaken

  1 Will I be taxed for the $19,215.00 hand out? My guess is yes, she did not think so?

  2 In the agreement it states "If I sale the house for a profit in 5 years I have to pay back the $19,215.00. Put what is a profit? I paid $89,000.00 for the house 20 years ago, when the payment is made I will owe $59,000 on the house. So if I where to sale the house for $79,000.00 I would have a net loss of $10,000? Or would that be a profit?

 While I don't plan on moving, it did make me wounder what would happen if I had to sale the house?       

  My biggest worry is Bank Of Stupid still controls the loan! Unless I can get them to modified the loan I am up Poop Creek! I feel they are a lot more likely to Foreclose with me owing $59,000 when I get behind. With the current position in the company I don't stand much of a chances making the current $974.00 a month payment. If I get a shop, I stand a fighting chances. 

 Heck, I was turned down the first time by IDEA, but I was still a MIT and my base was $40,000.00. If it was not for the 5 good pay-stubs I had to send in, they would have never approved the funds! They never asked for anymore stubs so I kept my mouth shut.

Ken-from everything I've heard on the news and from all the financial wizard-gurus on TV...The forgiven part of your mortgage loan MAY, INDEED, trigger what the IRS calls  a "Taxable Event" on which you would have to pay taxes as if it was ordinary income! And to beat all that, you can't just wait til the tax season rolls around next year to pay the taxes..you have to pay into the IRS in the quarter in which it happend...as a quarterly tax payment as self employe'ds have to do! It still seems unclear yet, but the financial gurus are all saying it MIGHT generate that "Taxable Event" for those who have portions of their mortgage loans forgiven!!! I would qucik like a bunny go to a Tax Specialist/Accountant and ask away about it!

I am less clear abut the profit thing. The financial GURUS have not mentioned it. I think the part about the house being sold at a profit would be the profit above what you paid for your home. So if you paid $10K for it 15 years ago and sell it for $100K 3 years form now, you can't deduct the $20k "forgiveness" and clain only a profit of $70k, you have to cliam the 90K profit {and pay taxes on unless yo u reinvest in a new primary home} {{100-20-10=70}} DON'T aT ALL quote me on this part though! Again, pay an expert to tell you what to do IF you wnat to sell within the next 5 years. I think the Idea there is that if you make money that includes the forgiven part that its not yours to keep so you have to pay it back as it wouldn't have been your to begin with since you dind't pay it. They don't want you "unjustly enriched" {another financial IRs type statement} by the forgiven part within the 5 years.

TODD-you musta done something wrong on the Google EArth download update. Go to Google search  and enter "Google Earth download updates" and search for the newest update...it SHOULD give you the newest SATELLITE BIRDS EYE VIEW which is CLEARER, Brighter, and more current than the old Google Earth! It has more info symbols onthe satellite view too! It even has bubbles that can pop up nad if you click the name it will give you a street view of the business. (a 360* view for featured businesses).

Jeffrey- I didn't want to give away your whole location in case you didn't want it known. I only used the hints you often give yourself to help them track you down...If I had given the name of the Post Office in New Llano, that would have pegged them closer as it IS on MY Rand McNally Atlas.....but you often say you go there because it has no steps! Sundown, naturally aint. But you are more at the top of the heal of the boot instead of top center. Coulda let them think you were outside Baton Rouge!

well

i will catch you all later.

[saronaterry]

Good Sunday morning! 12f and clear, going up to 40f today.

Rob, I poured it about an1/8" or so. 2nd pour will be about the same after the first one sets.

I bought it at Menards in the paint dept., Todd. I'd guess any big box or hardware store carries it. The "lite" doesn't have any odor, that's why I use it. Kinda pricey ($26 ), but I've poured a BUNCH of water courses with the one package. Directions are pretty straight-forward. Only thing I do different was not use a measuring cup. I poured the resin into a plastic solo cup, marked the resin bottle ,poured in the thickener into the solo cup untill the bottle's volume matched the resin bottle's mark, then mixed it up for 2 minutes with a stir stick. The "thorough mixing" is very important. Once poured, let it sit. If some of the bubbles remain, " breathe" on the surface and they'll disappear. Don't blow, more of a "huff". It's the carbon dioxide that does it. All in the instructions.

 Well, best get ready for Church.

BBL!

Terry in NW Wisconsin

[TMarsh]

Good Morning!! Coffee please and the…oh sorry. I forgot we are going out for breakfast this morning, so just coffee. Thanks

Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. 

Terry- Thanks for the name of the stuff you use for water. Where do you get it, I really like the results.

Ken- I hope things work out for you. 

Garry- Google away. When we’re finished eating, we’ll just head on back over the overpass, cross the train tracks, through town, first street after the park, third house on the left. Can’t miss it. Unless you do of course.

Welp, I updated Google Earth and guess what. It doesn’t show the satellite images anymore. Just lines for roads. You can put the little Oscar man on a road and if that van has been down it that still works. But the satellite part where you see the actual birds eye view of the world is no longer. Should have left well enough alone. I don’t know if something happened or if the settings were changed or not. I poked around a little, but lose patience when the answer isn’t right in front of me on these computer things. 

I did however forcibly receive Google Chrome which I am using right this very minute. Never used anything othern IE and have been very happy. Chrome is a bit faster on the couple pages I’ve been to I must admit, But not a whole lot. Just enough to make you think, “gee, I does seem a bit faster. Now it is much faster on start up. But I’m sure Chrome does not have neeeeear the stuff to load as IE. But, I still like my IE. Not because I don’t like Chrome, just because I’m used to IE and it’s stuff I don’t use.  You know where the stuff I do is. Can’t find anything on this. Actually looks more like IE that Brenda has on her new laptop. She has Windows 7 I’m still on good ol XP and IE 8. Don’t know what she has, latest version I suppose. You know, I wonder if she isn’t using Chrome and we just don’t know it. Like I said it kinda looks like it. Not all those bars up there . Hm. Possible. Anyway, I will probably use Chrome more and more cause like I said, some pages do seem to load faster others about the same. Just depends.

So..., who knows. I may someday just turn Chrome. See? (smiling widely) Shiny. 

Ok here goes, clicking the post button.....

Ya’ll have a Great Day!!!

EDIT: Ok, I see I have to insert spacings after paragraphs using Chrome. With IE after I copied and pasted it already had them in there. Oh well. No real biggy and it wasn't any faster to post. 

Double super EDIT: Well, I guess it won't take spaces between paragraphs even if you go back and put them in. 

[blownout cylinder]

Good Morning...Wareware wa saikin dono yō ni shite imasu ka?  

Watashi wa subete ga anata to umaku iku yō negatte iru.

just in case someone is all confusillated, I was asking how everything was with you and hoping it does go well with you....

We are going to have a mix of sun/cloud today-read dull dull dull...Tomorrow, Tomorrow, maybe Tomorrow it will be sunny...

Anyways, I actually have some time today to go and get some prep work done for Floor Wars, London ON division, part 3. 

Terry:  Love the swamp there!!

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

[wetidlerjr]

 

Good Morning! from Tipton IN.

 

 

 

 

TIPTON