Good Morning
We are going to be up to 90F today with little humidity...in the evening, however, it will be 85F feeling like 99F...ain't that fun? Yes, it is!! No, it isn't...well who cares anyways....
Why am I up so dang early? One of the wonderful side effects of chemo is its induced insomnia....
Another is my weird sense of humour takes it to a new level...on another forum I am on I bid a crabby poster..one of those who comes on only to attack another member..with a 'fond adieu'......and a cat pic from icanhascheeseburger.com....
Today, I am going to go to Walmart..with the proverbial mask on just to see what the reactions will be...
Ken: for your recovery....
Have a great day!!!
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/
Good Morning All:
It’s been hot and dry here for most of June now and I’m not looking forward to the water or electric bill. Yesterday a huge rain storm passed just south of us, as it was approaching you would have thought we were watching a baseball game cheering the storm into hitting us. As it turned out the storm passed to the south. Today we have a another storm heading in from the west and it would be nice to get some rain especially before the novice fireworks shooters start.
Healing thoughts to those that are not at 100%.
BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret) L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes
Gidday All,
JimRCGMO, no it wasn't you, and besides as a visitor to the Diner it would be in extremely bad taste, and even worse manners for me to create a "ruckus" over Kiwi vs Oz relations. Yes most of the "Lord of the Rings" was shot here.
Todd. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your personal point of view, New Zealand is not a tropical paradise. The country, comprises of three main islands runs north/south. The North Island ; The South Island and at the bottom, Stewart Island. Originally the South Island was called The Middle Island and Stewart Island, the South Island. Some one must have been having a real bad day in the imagination department when they came up with those names!!
In the north, mean average Summer temperature is 76F, Winter 45F, average 60F. In the south, mean average Summer temperature is 66F, Winter 34F, average 49F.
The "killer" for me is actually the humidity, I'm not very good working in a tropical "sauna". Not and do need lots of cold .
Cederstrand Robb. Here's one for you. New Zealand Government Railways "G class".
Unlike the Australian and Southern African Garrats, the three 6 cylinder Garrats that NZ Rail bought in 1928 where a disaster, "too clever by half".
The valve gear was too complicated, the mechanical stoker too "fussy", they were too hot for the crews to operate in tunnels, the coal bunker was too small, and when running well were too powerful for the drawbars and headstocks on the rolling stock resulting in broken drawbars, ripped out headstocks. While not the locos fault the passing sidings where too short for the length of train they where supposed to pull. They were withdrawn from service in 1931 and converted into six 3 cylinder 4-6-2 Pacifics which were also less than satisfactory. A pity because I like Garrats.
As it is now 1143 hours on Saturday 30th , and 35F its time for my.
Best wishes and thoughts to those who need them,
Have A Good One Folks,
Cheers,the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Good morning. It's 78° and partly cloudy. The high will be 95° but will feel like 104°.I may mow the parents yard today. Haven't decided yet. I woke up feeling tired so maybe I'll skip it today. Still no change in the paint on the Norscot bulldozer. I'm thinking that no matter what concentration of alcohol I use (currently 91%) the paint will stay put. Oh well, the experiment was still worth the time.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
I have just got back from some vacation in Europe and noticed on here that Ken was admitted to hospital. I just called his wife to see how he is doing and to pass on the good wishes expressed here in the diner.
Anyway, Ken is still in the VA. He is on a heavy course of IV antibiotics to try and knock out the bacterial infection. As of right now, tests are inconclusive, so they don't yet know what the next course of action will be. He is still very much under the threat of losing the great-toe and possibly the foot. His circulation is good, which is great news for an out of control diabetic. As one nurse apparently rather bluntly put it, "Keep your cigarettes and beer or keep your feet, not both!"
I can tell you that Sue was touched by the good wishes and will be passing them on to Ken this afternoon.
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
Thanks for the update. And that nurse is correct, I've seen it happen.
Hope your vacation was enjoyable. Heck of shock to come home to and read about Ken.
Prayers for all
Flip
Prayers and good wishes to Ken. I hope he fares better than I have.
Afternoon All,
It is like a mini Xmas today. I received my ARC welding light and PRR Tower today. Also at the club today I will be receiving the new 3 car hopper set (kits) from Accurail decaled for Pennsylvania Lines. I got them at a 40% of retail from a club member. I hooked up the ARC light and love it. Next week I will build the tower and cars. The tower does not look like it has a lot of parts so I'm not sure how good it's going to look.
I go back to w**k tomorrow. Supposed to be 95F. Not sure with the heat index. I expect it to be busy, busy, busy.
Simon- Thanks for the update and hope you had a great vacation.
Jeff- Is the barbershop actually decorated inside or is that like a decal for the windows.
Everyone have a great day and prayers for those in need.
Curt Webb
The Late Great Pennsylvania Railroad
http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j372/curtwbb/
Hi
I have the general prayer candle going for those in need . I have a special prayer candle going for KEN .
Thank You Simon for this update. The beer and ciggies have to go, KEN!!! I did it, you can too!
WElm, we are at 83* here, keep in mind that is at the airport, hihg on the hilltop {is the lonely old goat herd, yodel-ay, yodel-ay, yodel-ay-he-hoo}. It is hotter down here int eh valley adn in the city. We are still to remain cooler than most of you! Both ACs are going strong!
The laundry is going so I have that underway. The dishes are done. The meatloaf left over is for din-din tonight so I don;t have t o heat up the kitchen.
The mail will be here shortly, MOH may bring it in coming home from work, but I may just amble down there in the warmth to see if its here yet.
I went to my father's yestrday, he is always cold so his house was 82* inside. He was comfy, but that was a bit warm for me. IHe doesn't have AC so I worry aobut him inthe heat cuz he can't feel it. He said when he was a kid he used to wonder how the old men sitting on porches could stand to be in long undies and heavy woolen shirts/pants. He says he is now one of "them" and sees why they did. Me I sweat at anything over 70*!!!
I have no outside errands to run but have some for Monday to do. I have to jugle some money around to pay offf some bills. That will ease of payments per month! And I have to get scripts then too.
I have one script they are fighting me on to get the required prior-authorization! ARGH! GRRR!
WElm, stay cool guys!
Have a Great afternoon, evening.
-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.
Curt Webb Jeff- Is the barbershop actually decorated inside or is that like a decal for the windows.
Jeff- It has depth of field so I was curious. I'm sending you a personal message.
Hi Gang,
A double RBF for me girls, when you get a moment.
Did you Guys know this or am I just playing catch-up ?
Written by Tony Kruglinski
Progress Rail Services' EMD subsidiary has targeted North America's 3,300 existing EMD GP38-2 locomotives (originally built between 1972 and 1986) for repowering with EMD's more modern 710 "ECO" line of diesel engines.
We're told the new engines fit with minimal modification into the footprint of the older EMD 645 engines they would be replacing and can use the same main generator. Fuel savings and, to some extent, improved emissions are at the root of this strategy.
The most important reason for remanufacturing these units is simple: The OEM's haven't made four axle locos in volume for more than 26 years and railroads, particularly Class I's, still have a need for low- and medium-horsepower locomotive fleets. Progress believes the repowering of these units with more fuel efficient 710 series engines makes economic sense when considering the volatility of diesel fuel prices.
The original GP38-2 locomotives are powered by EMD 16-645E (16 cylinder) non-turbocharged engines. Application of the 8-710G (8 cylinder) engines can increase fuel efficiency by a significant percentage and result in the locomotive meeting being able to comply with EPA Tier 0+ up to Tier 2 emissions levels. Even better, there are eight fewer cylinders to maintain and ultimately replace!
710 ECO repowers have already been applied to nearly 100 locomotives including units on the KCS, Caltrans and other owner/operators. In December of 2011, CP announced a deal that would ultimately result in the repower and remanufacture 150 GP-9 and up to 350 SD40-2 locomotives with EMD's 710 ECO repower product.
If completely remanufactured, the GP-38-2 locomotives targeted by Progress/EMD would be changed from the current designation of GP38-2 to GP22 ECO. The repowers produce a turbocharged 2,300 HP.
The cost? A complete remanufacturing is reported to run in excess of $1 million. We are told that Progress/EMD are currently working on less expensive versions of their 710 ECO repowering "package" to allow railroads to hit return-on-capital targets by investing in these fuel efficient conversions.
Anyone interested in considering the economics of a 710 repower can contact me at tkruglinski@railfin.com, and I will put them in touch with the right person at EMD.
Tony Kruglinski is President of Railroad Financial Corp., a financial advisory firm. He also serves as Chairman of Rail Equipment Finance (www.railequipmentfinance.com), an annual industry conference addressing critical developments concerning North America's railcar and locomotive fleet.
Kruglinski also mentors the annual Railroad Financial Desk Book, published each autumn. His Railway Age column, Financial Edge, is a longtime staple of the magazine and now will appear each month. Contact Tony at tkruglinski@railfin.com.
Eight fewer cylinders, but you gain a turbocharger to maintain. EMD uses a overrunning clutch with their turbo, and that doesn't deal very well with constant throttle changes found in switching and local service where GP38's live.
GP38-2's were long lived for a reason and the lack of a turbocharger is one reason.
My thoughts and prayers are with Ken and Barry and all others in need, especially those in Colorado's inferno.
Johnboy out.
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
Afternoon, Janie - yeah, it sure is hot outside today (even if it's not as hot as yesterday afternoon...). I'll have a Barry-sized RBF please, and a tall glass of ice water first, to cool me down some. Thank you, ma'am.
Todd, have you ever considered moving to some new town where nobody knows you (so hopefully, they won't be calling you...)? Just a thought. Sounds like there, they really have your number!
Curt, certainly hope that you get things where you can have some train time real soon. You sound almost as busy as Todd!
Barry, keep us posted on what kind of progress your doctor says that the treatments have made for you. (And that you will NOT have lost that weight for naught). I take it that 145 lbs. is not your former boyish figure? Careful at WallyWorld, or you may have whatever's the Canadian equivalent of the CDC cordoning off your area. (Okay, maybe not...)
Jeff, maybe you could put a detachable/removable hookup in the van for a fan (for in the summer). I figure if you found a suitable fan, you'd be readily able to hook it up (and if it's removable, you could pull it if you have an inspection for license renewal). Next time you come back with the groceries, maybe pull the van in behind the friend's vehicle, and make your nephew and his friend haul them in for you!
CN Charlie, a belated Happy Anniversary to you and your bride! And may you have another 30 years. I bet that book is interesting - I've read some of his posts (I think it was Ian Wilson) about CN operations and selecting appropriate makeup of rolling stock for the era he models (I think a bit earlier than mine, as I think he mentioned some of the wooden boxcars still being in operation at that time).
Garry, I'm just mentioning (on actual temps) the airport temps (and the airport is maybe a dozen miles south of Cape, way outside of the city itself). But as Todd said, it's a dry heat, right? Hope you get some good breezes in your area - at least you have more trees than I do around my place, so maybe the shade will help you.
I forgot to mention - on last night's late (local) TV news, they talked about the city's water processing plant, and how it had pumped 2 million gallons of water yesterday(or day before). But the piece told how they had one tank up the hill from the plant which had another 2 million gallons in it - just in case (and another tank or two, also). So far, it appears we won't be running out of water just yet, though I'm wondering how the electrical grid will be holding up with our week of 100+ temps...
We are still on 'ban burn' and 'foolish fireworks-shooters' watch - but the fireworks stands apparently aren't noticing all the area towns' & cities' recommendations to NOT shoot off personal/family fireworks... I may have to see about getting another flag. The only one I have right now is from my Dad's funeral, but it's in one of those triangular frame/cases (that keep the dust off of them), so it won't fly very well.
Simon, thank you for passing along (both) the news on Ken's treatment/diagnosis, and our wishes to Ken and Sue. Good to have someone in his area doing that.
Man, Curt - your LHS gets orders in super-fast! Wasn't it just a few days earlier when you order those items?
All right, Galaxy, now you'll have me thinking of that tune all day...
My gosh, Johnboy, with that new engine, we'll see those GP7's/GP9's running forever! Hey, some of them are still hanging around for switcher duty on RR's, so you never know... (By the way, did you intend for you post to have all those things in there?) Congrats on the train show haul - who makes the bank truck that you got?
Yesterday in Cape G., we tied the all-time high temp (107 F) , and it only cooled off to the mid-70's (F) overnight. This afternoon, it *only* reached 104 F... (but feels like 108 F). And most of a week to go with the temps in the triple digits. Oh, joy... Oh, frapture...
I used one of H-L's 40 percent off coupons this afternoon to pick up some white spray primer (was out of it), and a couple of eyedroppers (which I need - for ballasting, and the second dropper possibly for mixing paint in smaller batches. Will need to devise some kind of scale markings on that, perhaps. That, or next trip I'll look for a pipette or such with a scale on the side...)
Think I'll soak in some of this cool in here for a while. Not relishing going back out in THAT anytime soon...
Prayers for all of our ailing/wounded/recuperating Diners, for those folks in Colorado near the fires there (and other parts of the Southwest), and remember to check on any of your neighbors who may not have A/C or some good shade & fans. Keep plenty of water out for your four-legged friends (especially the 'outdoor' ones), too.
Blessings,
Jim in Cape G.
It's HOT. The KY blue grass is brown and not green.
Simon ... Thanks for the update on Ken. Please let him know we care about him. Also, I hope you have time for the diner yourself.
Darren ... How are railroads in Colorado affected by the wild fires? I know there is a busy north-south line through Colorado Springs.
JohnBoy ... Progress Rail has a locomotive re-building facility 50 miles west of here in Mayfield. They have been rebuilding ex-Amtrak F40's for commuter rail lines.
JimCG ... Feel fre to dial down the heat.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Heartland Division CB&Q It's HOT. The KY blue grass is brown and not green. ... JimCG ... Feel fre to dial down the heat.
...
Garry, I will - as soon as I can find a w**king thermostat for it... Stay cool there! (Will be sending you an e tomorrow afternoon).
Evenin' folks!
Janie, just a glass of ice water for me right now. I'll order some dessert later.
I'm back from camp......... Didn't notice i wasn't here today? Hmmmph!
The reunion celebrating the 75th. anniversary of Camp Babcok-Hovey in Ovid, NY was a huge success. Had about 180 people there, some who came from way out West (Oregon and Washington St. to be exact) to be there. I was recognized as one of 3 people inducted into the 25 year club (Have to be in camp at least one day every year for 25 years) and was introduced as one of the 7 former Camp Directors attending. Saw a good many people whom I haven't seen in years. We were treated to a magnificent Roast Beef dinner (they plopped a nice, rare, lb or more hunk of beef on my plate) mashed potato or garlic mashed potato, Mixed vegetables, Salad Bar, and a piece (or two) of Cake for dessert...... I had a very light supper when I arrived home and hour ago... sure didn't need anything more to eat today. Oh I won a prize in the raffle they put on..... I got a shingle with a 75th. Anniversary logo burned on it. The cedar shingle is from one of the buildings at camp.
Simon, I also thank you for the update about Ken! I have wondered for some time about his habit here in the diner? Not a good thing for a diabetic. I do hope he can recover and keep his toe intact! If he doesn't we might have to nickname him Festus.....
Barry, hope you had fun playing the Masked Man at Mall-Wart! Haven't been in one of those places in over a decade now.... Haven't missed it either!
Currently 87°F here in the Finger Lakes. If I couldn't spend the day in air conditioning, at least it was good to spend it at camp on Seneca Lake with a nice cool breeze flowing up from across the water. It works like a swamp cooler at times, and today was no exception. Without that breeze it would have been horrid!
Stay cool!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
JimRCGMO Jeff, maybe you could put a detachable/removable hookup in the van for a fan (for in the summer). I figure if you found a suitable fan, you'd be readily able to hook it up (and if it's removable, you could pull it if you have an inspection for license renewal).
Jeff, maybe you could put a detachable/removable hookup in the van for a fan (for in the summer). I figure if you found a suitable fan, you'd be readily able to hook it up (and if it's removable, you could pull it if you have an inspection for license renewal).
JimRCGMONext time you come back with the groceries, maybe pull the van in behind the friend's vehicle, and make your nephew and his friend haul them in for you!
Don't tempt me.
Good Evening...
Welm...that was a treat...went to WallyWorld and, believe it or not, nothing happened .... I guess maybe it was because the 'characters' were out in full regalia today... Pink Tutus on 400lb individuals, batman suits on others....the lot
Anyways, ended up getting some new duds ..to fit my new weight...28 waist now.... I have not been at this weight since, oh, high school....hope JimRC was sitting down....
Hoping Ken gets to keep his feet....
Calling it a night early tonight. I have a hell of a headache. Went to my parents place for pizza earlier today. I was driving back home and got shot in the side of the head. Bet that grabbed your attention! Paint ball. And boy did it hurt! Good thing I was only going fifteen mph. Well I came home and got cleaned up and this is going to be the end of my night. See y'all tomorrow.
Good evening Diners:
There are no modeling supplies on the mobile tray thing beside my chair in the living room - The 1:700 scale ship model for the museum is complete! I got it mounted up on its shelf this afternoon.
The paper thing on the left is a copy of the 1942 Christmas Card from the Montgomery while she was under refit in Charleston. (Ex USS Wickes DD 75 laid down 1917 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Wickes_%28DD-75%29) Very glad to have this out of the way. Here's some pre putting it in the case photos:
I don't think I'll try another model that complex (close to 100 parts by the time I'd added a few of my own gee-gaws); and that small a scale again. Getting the White Ensign to fly right was a fiddle all by itself. Two sides are on two different decals, and I had to place them on each other wet, and dry them bent on a piece of folded silicone paper; then glue them to the staff with clear acrylic. You can see from the museum shelf, we don't have much room, so things have to be chosen carefully for size
In the months it's taken to get this done, it's become apparent that we will have to move from here in the not-too-distant future. This has put us into "getting the house ready to sell" mode. A major consequence is that I am faced with taking the layout down. So, I don't know if I'll be adding very much more - there seems so little point.
CN Charlie: Happy (belated) Anniversary
Johnboy: Interesting info on the GP 38-2 re-motor. Thanks.
to both of you, and all our other Canadian Diners, Happy Canada Day tomorrow July 1st.
I guess tonight's the moving night. Please leave a bread crumb trail as usual (Ulrich?)
Goodnight all, and God Bless. Prayers for all in need of Healing, Provision, and Peace.
Here's a cooling thought....
"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.
*stumbles into the diner*
I am worn out. I've been running around like a chicken without a head for the past 3 days. I haven't had time to stop in or work on anything until this afternoon.
I managed to clean my room/workshop area up. I found a few tools and detail parts, but no missing locomotives, couplers, or cars. The window inserts I ordered from Des Plaines finally showed up, still waiting on the cabs from atlas before combining them
Jeff, I used to airsoft (same as paintball, just with plastic BBs instead of paint balls) and thos did hurt if you got shot in the head. I wore my father's old BDUs when doing that so the body shots barely registered.
Chris in Iowa, Here's that atlas CNW box I have. I just painted the wheelsets since they were unpainted.
Vincent
Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....
2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.
Man, I can't shake this headache! And I get dizzy once in a while too but nothin I can't handle.. If it still gives me a problem tomorrow I'll get it checked out. Gonna try gettin to sleep again.
Howdy ...
Der John .... Thanks for posting photos of the model ship. 1/700 is very tiny. I bet nobody makes scale sailors for that size. Great job! .... ...... Sorry to hear you are making plans to move. Is the layout movable?
Jeff .... Sounds like a nasty headache. I hope sleep will help it improve.
Grandkids spent much of the day having fun in the lake. It was too hot for me, and I went inside.
It is end of the month.
Let's go somewhere cool for July! Alaska or the Yukon anybody?
CNCharlie!
Congrats on the big 30!
Dianne and I made it past that milestone just last year. Like you, we are pretty attached.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Good Evening,
Thanks for all the good wishes on the anniversary, much appreciated. Tonight we went out for dinner to celebrate and had a great meal. It was a very nice night so we went for a drive through the park afterwards with the car windows and sunroof open.
My biggest wish right now is that Ken keeps all his appendages. Hopefully the only things he will have to give up will be the beer and cigarettes.
Barry, fingers crossed on the outcome of your treatments. As Red Green says, 'We,re all pulling for ya'.
Happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canucks!
CN Charlie
A VERY HAPPY CANADA DAY TO ALL IN MAPLE LEAF COUNTRY
JULY 01 tomorrow. I'll be spending it at the Museum, we expect over 2000.
I couldn't help but use this again Der John, it is so fitting, thanks for it.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to CN Charlie and his Bride. We hit that one nine years ago this Nov.
SIMON, thanks for the update on Ken, please keep us informed if you can.
JEFF, better get that fan into your van and keep the windows up if your fellow citizens are so stupid to fire paint balls at you. By, Golly ( for lack of a better saying here) they should be charged. It could have knocked you out and then what happens to you or others in your path. GO GET THEM<> TIGER.. Hope you feel better in the morning.
BARRY, Glad you are out and about. Hope you as well feel an improvement daily.
CAPE JIM, I cleaned up my post, sorry about that. I usually go back and look at it and address those things, however my better half called me away so did it later. The Armored truck that I picked up is a Matchbox, made in China, blue in color with a "Money Mobile" logo on it. Not bad for a buck, and being that it would at least be a three ton if not bigger, the size is pretty close as well.
GARRY, have a great time with your G-Kids. Glad to hear the bridge is operational again and that you had a good trip.
DARREN, I can't tell you how sad I am for your fellow Coloradians, the only good thing to say about it is there isn't any flood water or mud to clean off anything. They can just bulldoze it flat and start again.
There was also some Birthdays I missed, so have one on me, even belated.
Have a great Sabbath to all of you. Catch ya all later, Gators...
Johnboy out................................and off to ZZZZzzzzland
This diner has been closed. The new one can be found HERE.