Elliot's Trackside Diner, October 2012

[kbkchooch]

Hiya gang!

Got the blower fan working in the wife's . Little plug from the resistor card to the side of the blower had a crappy connection. You would think the thing could stay clean for 200,000 miles at least!  Had to pull the lower dash panels, then the glovebox, then move the BCM to get to the plug. Pulled it apart. cleaned it, now it will blow your hair back!!

While I was putting the dash together SWMBO started pulling down the sagging headliner cloth, revealing the rotted foam/fiberglass board that makes up the liner. After watching her struggle with a putty knife to remove the foam, I did the manly thing, I got out the powertools!! A 4 inch wire brush in a cordless drill, goggles and a mask! Soon it was snowing in the car, but the fiberglass was coming clean! By the times I was done, the liner had no foam on it. I was covered by it instead!. I brushed myself off, took a shower, the went to my LHS. Leaving her to vacuum up the car and garage! She had just gotten done with her shower when I returned home. The eventual plan is to paint the fiberglass with a matching interior paint. No sense replacing the liner, cuz you have to pull the back glass out to get it in or out of the car. 

So we finished the day watching Nascar, reading the new Walthers catalog, and eating home made chicken pot pie. All the storm prep is done, the woodstove is lit, the cats are asleep in front of it. Hopefully everyone in the path of this storm is fully prepared, so this will pass with minimal distraction.

Ken I didn't post that map as permission for you to go to the liquor store!  Remember your sugars!!

[howmus]

Evenin' folks!

Janie, I could sure use a hot cup of decaf right now.  Thanks!

Ken, if we lose power here the inverter disconnects.  It has to find grid power to work in this arrangement.  No power will be on except the panels are still live in that they still have potential for current.  The inverter will keep trying to find the grid, and if it fails a preset number of times it shuts down completely and has to be reset by the installer once power is restored.  A battery system (much, much more expensive) would keep providing power.

Yes!  We are taking Sandy very, very seriously (or most people are).  The problem is we will be getting winds from the North and North East at 30 to 40 mph and wind gusts 55 to 65 mph here in the Finger Lakes.  We are also expecting 2 to 2.5 inches of rain on top of the several days we have already had (.5 inches in the last 24 hours).  Winds of that magnitude are extremely bad coming from that direction.  We seldom get winds out of the North around here.  The trade winds are usually West to East so trees do not have a strong base of roots for the North to South wind.  They expect a lot of tree damage causing power line to be down.  My biggest worry here is the back porch which needs to have supports replaced.  I have been trying to find someone to do it all Summer and no one has showed up yet. 

I have lots of candles and filled up the kerosine lanterns this morning.  Flashlights have been checked and I have spare batteries.  I have two natural gas heaters that can run without electricity plus the wood stove if necessary.  I hope not to need the wood stove as it would be bringing smoke right over the solar panels which I want to keep clean...  Went grocery shopping after I got home from the Museums today.  Place is cleaned out, but not because of the storm.  The store is moving down into a different plaza closer to downtown in a couple weeks and they are selling out as much stock as they can before the move.

I had a great time with the Scouts in the Handicapped Troop today.  All of the Scouts who attended got every item done I had planned.  They are 3 items now from earning the MB.  One more meeting at a troop meeting should finish those 5 Scouts up on it.  They are also very good Scouts.  They follow the Oath and Law very well and take what they do seriously and with good fun!  I'll work with them anytime!

Oh, BTW!  Guess who got his ugly mug (the old guy with the beard) in the Rochester, NY Democrat and Chronicle Newspaper this morning?  http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012310250017

Catch you in a bit!

73

[Packer]

*stumbles in* Afternoon guys

Well I went to work today expecting to work 6-2. I wound up working 6-5:30... ugh...

I haven't touched my trains today, probably will after work tomorrow. Change the resistor for my SD45's beacon, fix the lights in my F45 (the bulbs got pushed into the shell, what hold bulbs in place?), and do some decoder swapping on my GP30 and U28B.

Good luck for those in Sandy's path.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Karl: Congrats on fixing the wife's mobile blow dryer. I know what you mean about those headliners. I had a little car that had one that had to be replaced and like the one had it had to be taken out and brought in through the rear of the car. I didn't have to take the back window out by virtue that it was a hatchback.

To all those in Sandy's path, you have my best wishes and prayers. Good luck to you all.

[blownout cylinder]

Good Evening

Got the last minute things bought..all stocked up on batteries for the flashlights, candles, and other whatzits...plus other groceries such as needed. Like I said before..generator at the ready and what all else besides....

Around here they are forecasting anything from 2" just west of us to 6" around the Toronto ON region...and winds around 40-55 mph...who knows what merry mayhem might develop....

Here is hoping that everyone makes it through OK....

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

My family members in Philadelphia, New York City, and Baltimore are hunkered down for the big storm. 

Barry ... Looks like you are well supplied. The Weather Channel is telling people not to use candles. 

It's been nearly 3 years since we endured the Kentucky Ice Storm. We were stranded on our hill without power, land phone, cell phone, or water for 9 days. 

Presently, the cold front has already passed through here over a day ago. One of our 2 furnaces is not working, and the furnace guy hopes to have the part to repair it tomorrow. The one furnace can do okay if temps are above 45 F, but we will have temps in the 30's tonight. 

Hope everybody in the East does okay.

[JimRCGMO]

Evening, Flo, I see you're battening down the hatches here too? I wouldn't think that Sandy would make it to Kansas... Well (those to the east of us are gonna get filled, I expect), I'll have a hot chocolate please. Thank you!

Sandy's track on the forecasts doesn't look good. I even heard that national offices in DC were going to be closed. Our weatherguessers were saying earlier this evening that we might get some winds from Sandy's spin-off.

They were even saying that up Ray's and Galaxy's way, you might be getting snow. Ray, got your snow-blower where you can get to it? I'm betting that with all that storm, it may be a few days before you get enough daylight to generate much electricity.

Ken, thanks for that video link.

PATom (& Galaxy) - I wouldn't be surprised if some of those utility trucks you saw could have been from our area. Electric companies often help out each other (knowing that a few months/next year or so, they might have need of help from the same company they helped out. Whether there were our local utility people, I can't say, though - just that it's done by other utility companies to help each other out. How far away they'll go, THAT I don't know.

As for my MRR progress, over the past few days, I was able to get the Walthers (old-style) roundhouse, Merchants' Row (1, I think), and the Frenchman River bank painted 'brick' color. While the last one there was drying, I noticed the level of detail the guy who makes them put into the 'tar-paper' roof. The thing has wrinkled spots, the tar 'seep' up the brick wall at the edges - super job on it! Hope to get some photos so I can post them in the next few days.

for those in the East/Northeast (those who aren't already heading down the road for high ground, anyway). And also for those who may lose power as a result of the storm, or those MIA Diners, and those in need of healing, comfort or a good night's rest.

[Edit:] ...and it looks like I'm covering the late night buffet tab, so eat up, Diners!

Blessings,

Jim in Cape G.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Well other than moving my perishable stuff from my parents fridge to mine and going to town to get gas for the van I accomplished an incredible amount of absolutely nothing today. I mostly laid around with my feet up and watched some movies. Once in a while I'd check to see what was going on online. It's been a slow day.

It's time for me to call it a night. See y'all tomorrow.

[LSWrr]

I made it back from my Detroit trip, the storm that moved in from the west last Friday is stalled over Cleveland due to the incoming hurricane.  Tropical storm and flood warnings extend all the way to Detroit for tomorrow through Wednesday.  I shared the road with several utility trucks heading south and east. Best wishes for those riding out Sandy.

So far we have only received 1” of rain, but the back yard is mostly under water.  Monday we are going to get about 3” of rain.

Garry, might be a 3-dog night for you, I hope the part arrives soon.

Ray, nice write up in the D&C.

I took Monday off but I hear DC is closed.

Sandy seems to me heading closer to NYC, if the eye hit’s them head on it’s going to be a disaster.

Curt, sorry for the loss.

Good to hear everything is back to “normal” Jeff.

Ulrich, we look forward to hearing from you and how you’re progressing with everything.  I wish you well on a speedy recovery!

[Curt Webb]

Evening All,

I finally made it home around 9:30 PM.

Prayers for all those in the path of the storm.

[wetidlerjr]

Good Morning! from Tipton IN.

It's Monday, October 29, 2012

TIPTON IN

[Burlington Northern #24]

I don't know ow but in a stroke of luck I guess, I was the only bidder on a copy of How to build the BN in N scale. I'm ecstatic, can't wait to read it.

[galaxy]

GOOD MORNING!!!

There was  storm, and Sandy was her name-o

S-A-N-D-Y, S-A-N-D-Y, S-A-N-D-Y and Sandy was her name-o

This may be about the last time y'all hear from me,,if the power goes out...some of you will miss me, others will rejoice I am missing! It may be a few days or a week before I get online, because even if we CAN use the generator, it is not safe for electronics without an appropriate surge suppressor and I am not sure the computer's is rated for a surge of 6500 watts.

I will do some last minute things like get some cash and such before the storm hits today. I will call for extra O2 tanks as I will need them.

Even if it floods again, it may be difficult to get to vital services...there is only one way in/out form our house up over the hills and down through the woods..and over one bridge that MAY be a washout when the time comes..they were rip-rapping it yesterday when I went through Saturday.

I Hope and pray for others in the way of the storm!!!!!!  Looks as if the center will pass More over Elmira/Corning now than over us...BUT we are still close enough to it to be "right under it".

Be SAFE from Harm!

[JohnReid]

Bonjour Y'all ! I guess Sandy is on her way.Good luck !

[LSWrr]

Good Morning All:

Turntable:  you can see build pictures of my CMR turntable I built in 2007 here: http://s1311.beta.photobucket.com/user/LSWRR/library/2007%20Layout%20Progress

Here is a picture of it on the layout:

http://s1311.beta.photobucket.com/user/LSWRR/media/2010%20Layout%20Progress/DSCN0884_zps11be23e3.jpg.html

Still raining here and today and tomorrow are supposed to be the worst weather days this week thanks to Sandy and the storm that came in from Chicago last Friday is still stuck over my house dumping rain.  Winds are forecasted to be steady at 43Kts out of the north.

[LSWrr]

I was too optimistic:

Wind and rain will intensify throughout today.  It will be dangerously windy this afternoon through Tuesday morning with wind gusts to 70-80mph.  This will cause power outages as well as the potential for significant wind damage to structures and roofs. 

So I guess if you don't see me online that means we lost power....

[blownout cylinder]

Good Morning

Well, they have a wind warning out for us'uns here...winds from the north this afternoon 35-45 mph then up to 55-60 mph all night into tomorrow before it all dies down...apparently we are only going to get about 2" of rain here...after all the dang rain we got all last week....

If you all do not hear/read me on this forum it will be because we have lost power as well....so take care, everyone!!

[TMarsh]

Good Morning!!!

Just coffee please. Thanks

All I want to say is praying for all who are in the path of the storm and those of course who will be affected. Stay safe and if in doubt, get out. May not be just that easy but please try.

Ya’ll have a good day, ya hear!!!!

[gear-jammer]

Good morning, Diners.  I was top of the page yesterday and totally missed it, so coffee for all on my tab.

I am taking a water color class today, and plan to pay property taxes / take in absentee ballot while I am in town.  I don't remember having a ballot with so many items on  it.

Sue

[cudaken]

 Morning Dinners

 Flo, Coffee pleases.

 Back to work, I have to start to get ready here in the next 14 minutes. Go in at 9:00 AM and have no idea when I will get off as of now.

 Hope to get my pay card going today, had to wait till Payroll is open. Down to $7.00 cash, that is low!

 Just check the 5 day forecast for Maryville IL, 5 days of sunshine, so I guess there maybe no Sandy fallout for us!

 What do you call a beautiful woman on a bassist's arm?
A tattoo.

 See you all later, Ken

[JeremyB]

I'm about a hour from Barry and there calling fore pretty much the same here. Getting windy tonight and into the overnight and about 2 inches of rain. Its the wind that concerns me the most as my neighbors have some pretty big trees that if fell would hit my house for sure.

Can I call in to work and tell them I cant make it because its rainy and windy?

[mononguy63]

Hi All.

 

Jeffrey, that freight house of yours has a very familiar bearing about it....

I forget the website that offered the paper kit for free. I've built two buildings from it, though (I like free!)

Wanted to check in to see who's under Sandy's guns. Hope all stay safe - that's a big nasty gal out there. We're under a wind advisory due to the storm as far west as here in Indianapolis, with possible gusts up to 50 mph.

Jim

 

Wow, I pop in here once in a blue moon, and in return I get to pick up the tab this morning. Looks like Second Breakfast is on me.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

It's 42° here with 82% humidity. It'll be sunny with a high of 65°.


Not a good morning for me. My ankle is causing me a lot of pain so I'm trying to stay off it as much as possible. Good thing I didn't have any plans to go anywhere. I may be able to get some cleanup work done on the layout today. It just depends on how I feel later.

Looks like nasty Sandy is making her move. Good luck to all in her path.

[rdgk1se3019]

I`m in Lancaster County PA.........right in line with the storm.

Guess I`ll just work on the layout today to get ready for the first of two weekends for open house starting this weekend.

[howmus]

Mornin'!

Zoe, lots of dark roast coffee in my FGLK Mug this morning....

Just popping in to see how you all are doing... Especially those who will be impacted by Sandy over the next day or so.

Right now we are having light rain nd winds of 12 to 15 mph.  THAT should change big time in a couple hours.

As others have said, may not be back in for a while.... Just all depends on how things go around here.  I need to go downtown ASAP and get some coffee beans!  I'm even going to have them grind some for me as the coffee grinder also uses electricity...

Hope to be in later, but know my prayers are for all in harm's way (including myself and family!!!)

73

[Burlington Northern #24]

good luck out there in the storm.

[galaxy]

Hi

Well, ok so far...I see Lancaster county PA is about to/is getting it big time now.

Like RAY said, light winds/getting windier. winds will be high tonight here. May make it hard to sleep they say on TV news. Schools have all let out early by 1 pm..

RAY..we have coffee ...MOH asked why I bvought Name brand Ground instead of whole bean last week,... cuase I had coupons that made it $2.50/bag adn they only had ground. MOH likes to grind fresh in Am. I wasn't gonna argue over it. We HAve a Melita ceramic funnel coffee maker that goes over a cup or pot to make coffee without power. NOW, MOH is Thanking me for getting ground!!!

Sure hope the trees behind the trailer hold up. We paid and had the park pay for some each to have dead and diseased trees taken out behind us. Hopefully the remainders are strong as we sleep back there!

They expect more stuff later tonight for us.

I have a Drs. appointment {neurosurgeon} and I called so far apts. are as scheduled.

Called about extra O2 tanks. they don't pass them out until you are actually out of power. I tried.

Got some extra cash {not much we don't have it} but have it if we need it.

I went to bread store outlet..first customer. asked the cashier "how long do you think before you are sold out and how long before you loose power?" She said she didn't know, of course!

NYC is shutting down. The tunnels are closed, the subway shuttering and the bridges will be closed when winds reach 60  MPH {I think the Governor said}.

Flights on east coast were mostly shut down and planes moved out yesterday.

Trick or treat may be very different this year! We don't do it anyway, but with no power they won't know if our light "should be on or not". Thankfully some neighbors already know we don't "do" Holler ween.

Well, I am biding time til Drs. apt.

See y'all later {I hope}.

Safe for those in harm's way!

[Seamonster]

My thoughts are with those in the path of Sandy, and there are many of you.  Sandy.  Such a pretty name for such a terrible storm.

[chochowillie]

Here I sit in my warm house in Alberta, looking out at a dull, cold (-5C) day and grumbling about it. That is until I logged on here and stated reading what all you folks on the Eastern Seaboard are staring at or are going  to be facing an suddenly the weather here is not even worth mentioning. 

Having spent 30 years in the Fire/EMS world, I've seen and done a lot of stuff for people in horrendous situations that were not of their doing. For all of you in harms way, my thoughts and prayers are with  you all.

Stay Safe and be smart!!!!!!!!!!!!

CDN Dennis

[howmus]

Afternoon!

Chloe, a cup of hot cocoa would do nicely right now.  Please and Thank You!

Wind is starting to pick up here in the Finger Lakes.  Getting 15mph winds from the North with gusts around 25mph.  Not bad yet.  still another hour before the Wind Warning takes effect...

I went down to Mother Earth Natural Foods and got my dark roast coffee supply this morning.  Three pounds worth, so I am all set.  Galaxy, I had one half pound of the Marrakesh Express ground so I will have a good supply I can perk if the power fails.

As soon as School lets out for the day, this part of NYS appears to be closed...  I have been making blocks of ice, getting a water supply drawn, and just getting ready for what ever happens in the next 36 hours around here.

here is something to help you pass the time from the excursion last Saturday.  It starts out as the train passes the Industry Station (Museum).  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi-7w4Uno3Y

Stay safe!

73