Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

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

Elliott's Trackside Diner - April 2012 Locked

60939 views
872 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 9, 2012 12:26 PM

As the day is closing at this end of the Big Pond, I´d like to send healing Angel to all whose loved ones are ill and in need!

  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: Winter Garden, FL
  • 1,546 posts
Posted by Curt Webb on Monday, April 9, 2012 11:49 AM

Afternoon All,

Just a quick note as I am at w**k. Much cooler here this week ( mid 80's).

Galaxy- I will say prayers for your MIL.

Jeff- I continue to say prayers for your Mom.

Everyone take care.

Curt Webb

The Late Great Pennsylvania Railroad

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

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Western transplant to the Deep South
  • 4,256 posts
Posted by Cederstrand on Monday, April 9, 2012 11:48 AM

Strong coffee in a  GEORGIA PACIFIC RAILROAD  mug, please.

Healing thoughts to all those in need. Sounds like quite a few.

Cowboy Rob

  • Member since
    October 2010
  • From: Centennial, CO
  • 3,218 posts
Posted by Stourbridge Lion on Monday, April 9, 2012 11:09 AM

Good Morning Modelrs!

It's 46F heading up into the 70's today.  Saw reports of several fires breaking out again but they seem to got a handle on them quickly.  The winds and dry conditions just have things ready to burn and it looks like it will be that way all summer.  Not much on the Modeling / Railfan perspective for me right now but hope to get in sometime this summer...

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Williamsville, ILL
  • 3,698 posts
Posted by TMarsh on Monday, April 9, 2012 9:32 AM

Good Morning!!! Just coffee please as I have a full “day off”

Sunny today with a high of about 70.

 Prayers go out to all who have either requested or have mentioned difficulties with themselves, family or friends.

Still getting used to Windows 7 ( I know Ray, a waste of time) and Word. Nothing wrong with them I’m just used to XP and Works Word processor.  Boy Adobe Photoshop sure loads fasterThumbs Up. Waaay faster. The mouse takes a bit getting used to also. Best pointed at computer instead of away as normal.  

Brenda brought MIL taxes over for me to do. Nice surpriseGrumpy. Her evil sister “just hasn’t got around to getting them done” yet. This woman wants to be in charge and do things I guess because she is the oldest, but complains about being the only one who does things even though she actually does the least. You know, the kind who will drive one or two nails building a house and suddenly she’s doing all the work and others will have to step up and do something while making this biiiiig deal about being so inconvenienced. Want equal if not trumping sayso on decisions while not having any money to pitch in on the project, and when the house is done will whine and moan about how she did so much with those two nails and all the decisions she had to make. My words don’t go over well and pretty much am kept away from her. I say if you ain’t gonna pitch in your share of the cash, sit down and shut up. Don’t make a plan and at the last minute expect others to jump through hoops to get it done with no warning and then complain because no one helps. (call comes in at 11:30 am) “Mom’s got a doctors appointment today at one. I have to work so someone will have to take her.”  (Brenda) “Well I have to work also in fact I’m really swamped with grain reports and state measurements.  I can’t take off today” (evilest sister) “Well. Someone will have to because I have to work. I can’t be doing everything. You’re gonna have to take on some things.” (Brenda ) “Look, I’ve been there every night from when I get home til 10 at night and take off at least twice a week to the point my boss is getting sorta mad because this has been going on for three months. YOU on the other hand just just pop in for a few minutes between errands and things to look good and complain, then  go to the doctors appointments and schedule the times without any thought as to someone elses schedules. You work from 4 am til 10 am so an appointment during the day will fit with your schedule. Just because they ask you to work a double the day of doesn’t mean I can drop what I’m doing to run take her to an appointment you made…..” Then the conversation just goes downhill from there.

EmbarrassedSorry for the vent but, last time she had a tiff with the evil twin, (her other sister) I made a few appropriate comments that went along with what Brenda was saying and she turned on me for talking about her sister that way. Guess blood IS thicker than a marriage certificateIndifferent Laugh. Any way I learned not to get too awfully involved lest I get bit myself. Hmm ‘Course the other time it was her twin and they are pretty darn close. And I haven’t been very kind to the evilest sister and she has not turned and growled over the years so maaaaaybeeee. MischiefWe’ll give it a try probably tonight when she gets home if not sooner.

OK!!! Get me out of here!     

Ya’ll have a good day!!!!

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
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Monday, April 9, 2012 9:29 AM

Ken: Glad to hear you're out of the squirrel cage. I know the drive is longer but it should be worth it to have Tweedledum and Tweedledee off your back.

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
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Morning coffee at Elliot's 4/9/12
Posted by galaxy on Monday, April 9, 2012 9:10 AM

good morning again

MIL is admitted to the hospital, weak and disoriented a bit. Not sure yet if another stroke or mini stroke, but Hospice nurse sent her to the hospital, so there must be soemthing the hospice nurse thought they could help with at the hospital.

MOH Going to see her now. I will go later, mainly because MOH is going to chew out FIL for his actions over this whole thing...and I don't wanna be there for that....Sad

COntinued prayers Angel would be greatly appreciated. We will  probably not have a prayer candle til later when we are boht home. MOH working the later shift tonight...

Thank you

Geeked

-G .

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

 HO and N Scale.

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

  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Posted by cudaken on Monday, April 9, 2012 8:45 AM

 Morning Fellow Dinners!

 Flo, some Lemonade please.

 Sorry to hear so many folks here family is having health problems. Angel

 Jeffery Hope your Mon starts making a come back real soon.

 Tom Sorry to here your wife is having problems walking again. Get her to go to the Doctor.

 Galaxy Hope your MIL did not have another stroke.

" Ken- Like the Pabst motor you got there. what type of mileage does it get? Ten, fifteen miles to the Can? Big Smile

Gabe if that Charger could get 15 Miles Per Can of beer I would sale a million of them! But the prices of Beer would go up! Bang Head

 Car belongs to a friend named Dave. He brought the car from Indianapolis for me to do. Here the car after I rolled it out of the paint booth.

 

 Work Front Well I am working at a different store today. Yes Will feel good not have Dave and Larry breathing down my neck for a change. Down side the store is in St Peter's MO, long haul. It is right around 44 miles each way. If I get 26 mpg and gas is right around $3.85 in MO I will spend $13.00 in gas. Not far from what I spend a week going to the current store. 

 I may not stop by tonight after work. It is going to depend on what time I get out of the store. I am closing and it is a hour drive home.

 Later, Ken

I hate Rust

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Monday, April 9, 2012 7:59 AM

Good morning. It's 59° and partly cloudy. The high will be 82° and there's a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon.

Today I'll be getting my two Bachmann GP30's boxed up for delivery. Other than that, no plans.

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
    July 2006
  • From: Olympia, WA
  • 2,313 posts
Posted by gear-jammer on Monday, April 9, 2012 7:43 AM

Good morning, Chloe.  Coffee, please.

Yesterday Larry and I flew down to Hoquiam for Easter lunch.  There is a great diner on the airport.  The temp made 70 degrees.

Sue

Anything is possible if you do not know what you are talking about.

Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Monday, April 9, 2012 7:20 AM

Good Morning

Sun turning to a mix of sun/cloud later this morning with a 30% chance of showers...high will be 59F

Am going to get a few things today at the local Home Despicable...then off to the trainroom to start the demo work on Thompson Mills..and rewire the beeeeeep beeeep..ing thingMischiefBang Head

Shock and dismay seems to be the catch phrase for a couple of music forums this morning. One of the closest mates I've had...one who was about to do a collab with me has passed away ...

Galaxy: Angel for your MIL...

Jeff:  Sounds really rough....Angel

Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry

I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...

http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: IN/USA
  • 2,495 posts
Good Morning...
Posted by wetidlerjr on Monday, April 9, 2012 4:26 AM

 

Good Morning! from Tipton IN.

 

 

Cool

 

 

TIPTON

 

Bill Tidler Jr.

Near a cornfield in Indiana...

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Morning Coffee at Elliot's 04/09/2012
Posted by galaxy on Monday, April 9, 2012 4:02 AM

Good morning.

ALong with the prayers for those in need, please add  my MIL.

She was having troubles yesterday, so last night my FIL called the Hospice nurse {when he should have called 911 emergency} and was waiting for them to decide what to do or whether to take MIL to the hospital.

When he calls like that , he rarely makes much sense, so MOH hung up on him. We have had the phone by us warmed all night, but no word yet..MOH will call in the morning at an appropriate hour to see what is what.

MIL was haveing trouble moving and talking and may have had another stroke? If so, FIL's delay in calling 911 COULD cost her. He is such a fool sometimes, and is no good in an emergency!!!

Good thing we went to visit for Easter Saturday as yesterday didn't sound happy.

So Angel REQUESTED for us!

Angel also going out to Jeffrey's mother and all who need them!!! If we are home later today we will light a prayer candle!!!

FOrtunately MOH slept some last night and is still doing so, as MOH was very upset about possibly loosing MOther soon. SHe will be 86 in June.

Thank you

Sad.

-G .

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

 HO and N Scale.

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Morning 04/09/2012
Posted by galaxy on Monday, April 9, 2012 3:53 AM

GOOD MORNING!!!

Today is Monday, April 9th, 2012!!!

Have a  Great Day!!!

Geeked

-G .

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

 HO and N Scale.

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

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
04/09/2012
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 9, 2012 2:02 AM

Good Morning Gang!

Zoe, just a mug load of coffee, as I ate too much yesterday, please.

Jeff - I am sorry to hear about your mother´s condition. It seems to be just about the same as I experienced last your, when my mom had to undergo that heart surgery. Since then she is suffering from a loss of short term memory, but recalls even the tiniest detail from 70 years back. She gets very upset about her forgetting things she has been told just moments ago and is tiring rapidly. Last time we had a chance to travel to my parent´s place we could not stay much longer than an hour with her.

It is a difficult situation to deal with.

Petra´s and my Angel for her!

I will go to my friend´s place this afternoon to give those Z scale locos another clean-up to get them running nicely before I´ll sell them. Still have not talked to Petra about that extra layout space - chickening out again. I guess she has a hunch.

Blessings to you all!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, April 9, 2012 12:50 AM

Jeffrey

You and your mom are both in a hard place. She mentally (been there - done that with my dad) and physically - darned nasty germs! As for you, I wish you all the best. Having watched my dad suffer the same mental issues I can feel for you. Fortunately for me my dad has survived the physical challenges and is now quite happy reliving his Royal Canadian Airforce WWII experiences on a constant basis. Could have been much much worse.

I wish you all the best.

Dave

 

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Sunday, April 8, 2012 9:42 PM

 

I've been having some great conversation with the little Spring..the cat in my avatar. His vocabulary seems to include clicking, squeaks, meowling like a kitten, broken up..mmm...aaahhs....and what all else...Laugh

Started doing the cleaning up of Thompson Mills...now I got a phonecall from one of the mods from another forum I'm on that a member of said forum passed away..we were close to each other...bad week hereCrying

Jeff: That does not sound good...will continue prayers...

Ray: What was that about her being 'retired'? She just got a new 'retread'....Whistling Good to hear she loves it though!!Thumbs Up

 

Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry

I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...

http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Sunday, April 8, 2012 8:56 PM

Evenin' folks!

Just a cup of decaf Janie.....

Been a wonderful but long day.  Church was SRO this morning (both services I guess).  My Son and his family arrived late to find no seats available.  Of course I had been saving half a pew for them where I sat near the back...  They proceeded down the aisle, I waved my arm hoping to get their attention, and it took 2 ushers to finally get them to turn around and see I was waving at them.  The minister just kept giving the morning announcements before the main part of the service.  The granddaughters both had very pretty dresses and huge Easter Bonnets on.  I told them they would probably make the Rotogravure.

Then back home to feed the cats and put the squash for the evening dinner at son's house in the oven before heading to Canandaigua for the annual go out to the restaurant that has a big Buffet every Easter. 

No sooner got home from my son's house than my phone rang and it was my sister the Rev. calling from Florida....  She is supposed to be retired.  Managed to be officially retired for a couple weeks, but no sooner  attended church in her new town in a church she helped to start over 3O years ago, and found herself called to the active Deacon duty there.  So she right back at it again and have a great time.  We chatted for over an hour.

Jeffrey, Sorry to hear your mom is not bouncing back yet.  You all are in my thoughts and prayers!

Barry, glad your friend is doing better!

Have to go take my blood sugar reading...  bet it will be on the high side even though I was very careful today!  First time the restaurant with the buffet has ever made any money on me, so to speak.....Whistling

Later!

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Sunday, April 8, 2012 8:52 PM

Time for me to call it a night. Pushing the broken down Peerless tractor back to the shed today was a good workout but I'm sure I'll be be feeling it in the morning. Dusted off this Bachmann steamer before going to Alexandria earlier today.



Good night.

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 Sunday, April 8, 2012 7:42 PM

House stew, please.

***Jeffrey, very sorry to hear of your mothers condition.

Cowboy Rob

  • Member since
    July 2011
  • From: right around here
  • 267 posts
Posted by gabeusmc on Sunday, April 8, 2012 6:57 PM

Jeff-Angel for your mom. Prayers for her to.

"Mess with the best, die like the rest" -U.S. Marine Corp

MINRail (Minessota Rail Transportaion Corp.) - "If they got rid of the weeds what would hold the rails down?"

And yes I am 17.

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Sunday, April 8, 2012 6:18 PM

Been to see my mother and I have to say it wasn't a pleasant visit. She was only dimly aware we were there and when she was lucid she was off in the past somewhere. She was highly upset about one of their dogs having died. Other than that she talks mostly in monosyllables. That was two years ago this August. Her condition isn't good. She has a clostridium difficile (C Diff) infection in her digestive tract and a septic blood infection. The blood infection caused her sudden blood pressure drop yesterday. It's also causing kidney problems. We had to suit up and glove up before entering the room as she's quite contagious. She's in pretty rough shape at the moment. I hate seeing her like this as all she can do is lay there.

I hope everyone else is having a better day than I am.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Posted by cudaken on Sunday, April 8, 2012 5:55 PM

 

 Dang, just had a long post going, then computer locked up!

 See you all later.

       Ken

 

I hate Rust

Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Sunday, April 8, 2012 5:09 PM

Jeff:  Sorry your mother appears to be getting worse...will continue prayers for her...Angel

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/

Moderator
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: London ON
  • 10,392 posts
Posted by blownout cylinder on Sunday, April 8, 2012 5:08 PM

Good Evening

Things are quiet on the hospital front here..he is stable for now..they are hoping to run some tests on him as well tomorrow...

We had a good afternoon for the BBQ..we had Pepper grilled steaks and asparagus as well as twice baked potatoes and such...lovely time was had by all...Wink

Tonight I am going to start the redo of Thompson Mills ...then do a rewire of it as well...hopefully it will do the trick this time...http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/images/smiles/icon_help.gif  http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/images/smiles/icon_mad.gif  

Have a good evening!!

Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry

I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...

http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/

  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: Winter Garden, FL
  • 1,546 posts
Posted by Curt Webb on Sunday, April 8, 2012 4:27 PM

Evening All,

Happy Easter EveryoneBig Smile

I worked my short shift today so I get to eat dinner at home. I got home and MOH first says she has lost her cell phone and can't find it anywhere. I call her phone and if by magic it appears in her bath robeWhistling.

Next she bought a new dual shower head that needed installed immediately. Easy. Done.

Next she tells me she bought new laptop for herself from Dell. Hers is old and cantankerous. I had told her last night to order what she wanted so no big deal. It will be nice not listening to her complain about it.

I think we are having ham tonightSigh. Sometime I will have to share my 1980 Navy ham story. I have not been a fan since then.

Barry- I'm glad your friend appears to be improving.

Jeff- I'm really sorry your Mother appears to be worse. I continue to send prayers for your Mother.

Lee- I received compliments on the loads you made yesterday at the club. I will try to take photos Wed or Thur.

Everybody have a great night and a Happy Easter.

 

Curt Webb

The Late Great Pennsylvania Railroad

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

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Sunday, April 8, 2012 12:40 PM

Gabe: You need to work on that grammar son.Whistling

 

Got the parents yard cut. The drive on the Peerless went ka-blooey. Push the drive pedal, no go. I'm thinking it's a slipped belt but there's no way to get at it until the deck and several other things are pulled from underneath. Finished with the little MTD Yardman.

My mother's condition hasn't gotten any better. She's in the ICU in Alexandria under close watch. My father and I will be going there this afternoon.

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
    July 2011
  • From: right around here
  • 267 posts
Posted by gabeusmc on Sunday, April 8, 2012 12:10 PM

gabeusmc

...Mom went with somthing she does no, Turkey...

What Kind of Idiot puts No for Know. I mean you must be really stupid to do that..Hey,wait...Thats me. Embarrassed

"Mess with the best, die like the rest" -U.S. Marine Corp

MINRail (Minessota Rail Transportaion Corp.) - "If they got rid of the weeds what would hold the rails down?"

And yes I am 17.

  • Member since
    July 2011
  • From: right around here
  • 267 posts
Posted by gabeusmc on Sunday, April 8, 2012 12:08 PM

Happy Easter!!

Galaxy and howmus- He is risen! He is risen Indeed!!!

Ken- Like the Pabst motor you got there. what type of mileage does it get? Ten, fifteen miles to the Can? Stick out tongue

Having a Turkey dinner for easter. I wanted Lamb, but everybody was worried that it might not turn out well so Mom went with somthing she does no, Turkey. Are the only one to eat turkey on easter?

"Mess with the best, die like the rest" -U.S. Marine Corp

MINRail (Minessota Rail Transportaion Corp.) - "If they got rid of the weeds what would hold the rails down?"

And yes I am 17.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Sunday, April 8, 2012 11:08 AM

Happy Easter!  And a happy Passover to some other friends!

Galaxy, "He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!"

Have a busy day today, none of which includes much in the way of trains....  Although I did find out that the Nursery at my church has a huge Thomas the Train set!  It was all set up when we all went over to pick up the Granddaughters...  Place was SRO this morning.  My son and family were late getting there.  i had been protecting a seat for them where I was.  they got there and two different people hasd to point out where I was before they saw me.

Early afternoon we will be going out to the high class (expensive) restaurant for our traditional family Easter Bunny thing lunch to please my sister...  Then this evening we will have Easter Dinner with My family at my son's house.  I will be bringing baked Winter Squash.  I still will have two huge squash left.... 

I have about an hour and a half before I have to leave for Canandaigua so I may start work on the handout for my clinic next Saturday.

May all of be blessed this day!

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

Subscriber & Member Login

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

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

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