Elliot's Trackside Diner FEBRUARY, 2013!

[Cederstrand]

Hello? Seems a bit quiet in here tonight.

***Duke...Nice Bike!

Question: How many trains can a Digitrax DCS-51 (3.0 amp) unit run or does this depend on how much track and perhaps the size of locomotives it is being used for??

Rob 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Cederstrand

Question: How many trains can a Digitrax DCS-51 (3.0 amp) unit run or does this depend on how much track and perhaps the size of locomotives it is being used for??

I've run six (non-sound) with my DCS 50 (2.5 amp output) without a problem. The DCS51 puts out only a half amp more (3 amp output) but it can do so much more. I would think 10+, maybe less if sound locos.

[Lehigh Valley 2089]

Cederstrand

Hello? Seems a bit quiet in here tonight.

***Duke...Nice Bike!

Question: How many trains can a Digitrax DCS-51 (3.0 amp) unit run or does this depend on how much track and perhaps the size of locomotives it is being used for??

Rob 

It all depends on the size of the locomotives, how many lights each one has, if each has a sound decoder...............

It all depends on your applications. 

Anyway, getting late. I should head up right now. Snow fell lightly and steadily all day long except for this evening when it stopped entirely. Good night. 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Well I latched onto two 70's era Atlas FP7's today (UP and BN). The owner says they're in good condition and both run. I'll find out when they arrive here in a couple of weeks. Didn't do much on the layout today but I did get my cell phone and video camera recharged and the F unit trio of Frankenlocos were run for several laps around the layout. I also took photos of some rolling stock that may be used in a potential trade. So at least I got something done.

Well it's that time again and I have to call it a night. See y'all tomorrow.

[Curt Webb]

Evening All,

Back from the club. The conveyor came in today so I will build that tomorrow. I borrowed the club Y6B and ran it tonight on my layout. Now all I need is $400-500 dollars for my own. Don't see that happening any time soon.

Rob- I have the DCS-51. I keep 14 sound locomotives and 3 non-sound locos along with the TT. All my locos are kept on the layout and I normally run 2 trains at a time. My only complaint is that it is loud. I am thinking about putting in a switch to kill power to the TT area when not in use to cut out 90% of the noise.

Hope everybody has a good night and prayers for those in need.

[howmus]

Evenin' folks!

Janie just a cup of decaf for me.

Been a fairly productive day here.  After all the sn*w removal earlier I made my way down to the train rooms and did some more cleaning (washed the coal loads on my coal drag) and did more on the new scenery.

Duke, nice ride!  Glad we woke you up....

Ken, sounds like early "What's his Name's" disease to me.

I have lots of model projects I want to get done, but the supplies have been out of stock for months for some, and I have no extra $$$ at the moment to buy stuff needed for some other projects.  I guess I have enough things i can do to keep me busy for a while though.  As soon as the weather clears up a bit I need to go get some photos and some measurements of a RR overpass over near Phelps. NY.  It is one where the road is one lane going under the RR tracks and would be perfect to build in the area I am putting together now.  Might even qualify as one of the structures I need for the Certificate.... 

I didn't mention that when I went to the dentist the other day he presented me with a list of work that needs to be done...  Like $3,000 worth of work that needs to get done.  Most I was aware of from my old dentist but have been putting off for a while, like the two teeth needing crowns...  I have one filling that has fallen out and that one will get fixed in a little over a week, but there are two others I have been hoping would wait for a while too.  I can feel the cracked fillings in one of the teeth that needs a crown and in one that needs filling.  There goes any extra hobby money for 2013!  Worst case scenario I just have to take money from the revolving house loan.  I can still use it up to mid July, so I guess I will just go ahead and schedule to work.

Time for me to head out!  Prayers for all in need!

73

[last mountain & eastern hogger]

Hi Gang,

Zoe, you got the late shift tonight !  Please draw me a H.C. and a couple of oatmeal cookies before decide to hit the sack.

Hhhmmm not many left in the Diner tonight.   Duke, you have to go home sometime. Would be a nice night for a ride on that Bike of yours, especially that we are here in Hawaii..

Rob,    you might as well stay here as you don't get much sleep anyway. How about a night watchman's job ?? if not maybe we could get Jeremy to do it.

Well, my Great White Candy Mountain is not white anymore. It has taken most of the day but, all fourteen feet of it finally got a coat of Gypsolite and I must say it looks a lot better. But now it will have to be detailed some. It has been standing in all white for a year and a half.  If that had been Curt, he would have had it finished a year ago last Christmas. We should name him "Speedy"    Don't know what name I should get...

I'm keeping all you guys and families in our prayers. There seems to be lots of troubles out there.

My Father, may he continue to rest in peace, always used to say "it's the troubles that let you know you are still alive.  If it was peaceful and serene you would already be in Heaven". He should know, as he had quite a few troubles himself.

We have had three great days here lately and it is sure a treat from what December and January gave us. But we never get too complacent as winter won't end here for a couple of months yet..   I do really feel for you all in the path and wake of those eastern storms.  The Boston tea Party has a lot of cream in their cups tonight.  If it goes quick I would think there will be quite a bit of flooding.  That is going to be an issue here as well.  It's been a long time since I've seen the amount of snow we have this year. I am really running out of places to put it. Most of the yard now is 5 to 6 feet high with it as of now.

I guess I am just rambling now and I've eaten my cookies, so I will just say "night all" and pull the covers up over my head to keep the dogs from licking it.

Catch ya on the flip side.

Johnboy out..........................and off to ZZZZzzzzland

[wetidlerjr]

Good Morning! from Tipton IN.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

TIPTON

[galaxy]

Kona Coffee in the morning in the diner...

ALOHA!

GOOD MORNING!!

Aloha kakahiaka!

Today is Sunday, February 10th, 2013!

 

The prayer candles willl be lit at 8 AM for those in need....

Make it a great day....

[galaxy]

ALOHA!

I thought maybe I should  should post some info on the Kona Coffee I keep suggesting:

Suppliers of Hawaiian Kona coffee { iffen y'all would like to try some}:

Highly recommended by us {reasonable price, shipping great-fast and tastes oh, so good}:

http://www.hawaiianisles.com/Kona-Classic_c_74.html

 

Other good places to order Kona Coffee from:

 

http://www.orchidisleweb.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LF&Product_Code=R8&Category_Code=C

 

http://konacoffee.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21

 

http://www.mauicoffeeco.com/

http://www.heavenlyhawaiian.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3&zenid=jq0pcl463hplptpp0bogb3emt3

 

http://www.koacoffee.com/coffeestore.html

 

http://www.royalkonacoffee.com/Products/100KonaCoffee/tabid/248/Default.aspx

 

Remember, Kona Coffee, grown in Hawaii, is A USA product!

Even the pineapples shipped from Hawaii are the sweetest around! MUCH more sweeter than the Costa Rican found in most mainland grocery stores....{iffen you know the secret of getting Hawaiian pineapples... as 99% of all Hawaii grown Pineapples STAY in Hawaii!} I will keep that as my secret, though I will invite you to share some with me!

 

[kbkchooch]

Morning gang

Just stoppin in to say Hi. Gotta reload the hearth rack today (about 1/8 of a cord, or 10 trips down the steps with a storage tote full of wood) then its painting the laundry/storage room part 2!  Oh Boy!

I'll be back tonight, if my back doesnt give out 1st!

[blownout cylinder]

Good Morning..

Plenty of sunshine here this morning..going up to ...tada!!...36F later on...yay!!!

Got a few things to do myself today..such as replacing popped bulbs and resetting clocks and such...seemed a power surge decided to come long and make my day...

Have a good one!!.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Good morning. It's 69°F with 99% humidity and a tornado watch! Ugly, rainy and cloudy. The high will be 72°F.


Well we're under a tornado watch until 2pm. Currently radar shows a very ugly line of storms moving across central and east Texas in an easterly direction. I'm hoping that a super-cell doesn't use this area as a bulls-eye. My old trailer shrugs off lightning strikes fairly well but it has no defense against high winds. It'll either ride it out or some model trains will be scattered across the landscape. I will have already bugged out in search of a more substantial structure, most likely my fathers place. I'll be keeping an eye on the storms with this weather radar link that updates automatically.

*

No plans for any layout work other than a bit of vacuuming. No sense engaging in something complex just to have the power go off in the middle of it.

[Cederstrand]

Italian Roast coffee in a SOUTHERN PACIFIC mug, please.

***Jeffrey, stay safe and be ready to throw yourself over the layout to protect it.

***Bill awesome steamer pic!

***Johnboy, unfortunately, I'm not up to much for more than a couple hours these days without the need to lay down. Miss having good health to do whatever I want. It is what it is.

***Ray, I'm in a similar dental boat, but will go the cheapest route this time around. That Bayer Garratt is looking more and more like a fantasy item. Oh well.

***Curt, what is loud, the transformer or the locos?

Have a good day y'all.

Cheers!  Rob

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Good morning. 

Kona coffee please. 

I have seen Duke's bike in person. It's such a beautiful machine, it eve looks good with duke riding it. 

Jeff ..... Grass is green in that scene! Nice.

Last night was the annual "Chocolate Affair". It's a fundraiser in our little town, and it is held in a nicely maintained, very old victorian house. My sweet tooth was satisfied. They have lots of great tasting homemade chocolate goodies. After that we went with neighbors to Hopkinsville for good steak dinner. I ate too much. Gotta go. We're attending late morning church. 

[TMarsh]

Good Morning!!!

Hm....didn't think the post from yesterday posted. Hit the post button and it just sat there, nothing. Even the little blue spinny thing locked up. After a minute or so of that, I closed the browser (not a problem as I type in Word) and then couldn't get back on the site. After a few minutes I decided to give up. Guess it snuck in.

Coffee and let’s see, hey, what’s this con-soo-me in tassy and tongue? I think I’ll stick with the Sunday Breakfast Buffet please. I know, I know. We ate at a buffet yesterday. But that was the Golden Corral and this….THIS….(nods head with a slight crooked smile) …. is the diner.

Raining as I type and I have just given up on the required, yet impossible task of drying a Labrador Retriever. It can’t be done. You soak 2 bath towels and the dog is as wet as when it came in.

Ok, let’s see what’s been going on heeeere…..

Jeff- Actually, I keep trying to figure them out, women that is, so that probably explains all the crayons I have. And oh I do like that conex box you posted yesterday.

Rob-  I know exactly what you’re going through with the crazy coughing until who knows when you finally get to sleep. Boy do I. Go through that usually once or twice a year. Spring and Fall. Since I've been a teen. This year I didn’t have it and there back a couple years I didn’t have it for I think three…maybe four years. Thought I was over it until last fall…nope.

Or was that last Spring…..??? You know, time just flies and I can’t keep up with it. Graduated High School in 1980, 6 months later it’s 2013. Which reminds me, I thought we were to be living on the moon by now.

Duke-  I remember the bike now, I think. You and PC used to talk bikes and I remember that picture. Or at least one like it.

Which reminds me, wonder what happened to PC? His wife, Mrs PC had that surgery and changing Churches, then after a bit he just kinda poof!

Ouch Ray! $3000!? Well I guess we’re like horses, can’t make it long without teeth.

Jeffrey you little jokester! I clicked on the picture of that trailer you posted this morning to get a better look at it, I like the looks of it by the way, and instead of a bigger picture, I got a radar map . Anyway, is that trailer a single kit or a Sundown creation made from two things that don’t normally go together.

Welp, hopefully today I’ll do some odds and ends in the trainroom as I’ll be watching the Ziva marathon. Probably not continually, despite what I say, but I will watch many of them again. Or at least check to see what episode it is. Hopefully I will spend time on the trains though. To be honest I have been spending less time downstairs not because I’m that busy, but because that’s where the smoking happens and I find myself smoking out of habit down there. So, I try to stay away from those trigger areas seeins how I plan on trying to give up smoking for Lent. Never gave up anything before so this’ll be a first. We’ll see how it goes and hopefully it will lead to stopping for good. (crosses fingers).  

Ya’ll have a good day, ya hear!!!!

[chochowillie]

TMarsh

I plan on trying to give up smoking for Lent. Never gave up anything before so this’ll be a first. We’ll see how it goes and hopefully it will lead to stopping for good. (crosses fingers).  

Hey Todd, quitting the weed isn't a problem at all ....... I've done it dozens of times over the years. It's the staying quit that's hard  The longest I ever lasted was 10 months and then fell off the smoking wagon again. 

Good luck to you Todd. It's a tough one but if you truly want to kick the habit, you will. 

Dennis

[howmus]

Mornin' everyone!

Zoe, just a refill on the dark roast coffee please.

I have been out on the patio continuing the quest to get the snow off the solar panels and produce some power today...  It is a bit of w*rk...  Not mucfh better than hand shoiveling sn*w...  Yeah, I know I shouldn't be shoveling snow either, but I pace myself and only w*rk for 15 - 20 minutes at a time.  8 of the 12 panels I cleaned up yesterday have fired up and are finishing clearing themselves.  I spent most of my time trying to remove more of the crusted on sleet/snow mix on the other 4.  They are in the middle row and I think when the storm started the top panels melted the first of it and it ended up on the middle row and froze.  Today is bright and sunny at the moment and would normally be a 15+ Kwh day this time of year.  I may get a couple Kwh if I am lucky...  I will w*rk on it for a few more minutes before I have lunch.

Todd, good luck with ending the smoking habit!  I was shamed into giving up smoking about 40 years ago by my second son who wanted to know why I tell kids at school not to smoke but I do....  He always was the one to ask the important questions and he was about 4 years old at the time.  You will be glad you gave it up ultimately, and think of all the $$$ you will now have to spend on the hobby!

Jeffrey, I hope the storm goes somewhere else, but at least you have your Father's house to hide out in if it gets bad!  Stay safr and don't take chances...

Enough sitting around... Back to w*rk.

Later!

73

[jeffrey-wimberly]

TMarsh

Jeffrey you little jokester! I clicked on the picture of that trailer you posted this morning to get a better look at it, I like the looks of it by the way, and instead of a bigger picture, I got a radar map . Anyway, is that trailer a single kit or a Sundown creation made from two things that don’t normally go together.

Thanks for telling me about that. I just fixed it. That trailer is a kit that Bachmann put out years ago. I haven't added anything to it. What you see is what was in the kit.

[pascaff*]

Morning All,

   25 degrees and mostly cloudy reaching a high of 40.

   After lots of anti-inflamatories and pain meds, my knee is starting to feel better.

    We had a nice little get-together yesterday in remberence of my mother-in -law. Tough part was watching videos of her and my wife, can't believe both are gone and in a period of 2 and a half months.

   Was able to get some more track down on the layout, and cleaned of most of the buildings that were in storage. Now it is time to fix the little issues of broken and missing parts. I should start doing scenery and ballesting some track this week if my knee allows me to. Layout work is a good distraction and so I am off to do more of it.

    Prayers to all in need.

    Paul

[kbkchooch]

TMarsh

. To be honest I have been spending less time downstairs not because I’m that busy, but because that’s where the smoking happens and I find myself smoking out of habit down there. So, I try to stay away from those trigger areas seeins how I plan on trying to give up smoking for Lent. Never gave up anything before so this’ll be a first. We’ll see how it goes and hopefully it will lead to stopping for good. (crosses fingers).  

Todd

I'll try to tell you this without sounding like a Sunday Sermon on the Mount, BUT, I gotta try. You need to give it up, NOW!  I used to smoke a pack of Marlboros a day, since I was 18. Then at the age of 50 I had a stroke. I wasn't overweight, I ate healthy foods, I was plenty active. Doctor attributed it all to smoking. I was lucky. I was able to be rehabilitated. Took  a month before I could walk, 2 before I could walk down steps, 3 before I could return to work. If not for my wife, I would have been lost. 2 years later, I still walk a little funny, but for the most part I'm back to normal.

2 years lost. Thats just my story, I'm sure there are worse ones out there.

[Curt Webb]

Evening All,

Just got back from Sam's Club and supper is on the rotisserie cooking (pork roast). I go back to w**k tomorrow so I will see you all Wednesday night.

Today I put together the coal conveyor (very simple) and then hot glued the cardboard lattice together for the frame work. I hope to do the plastering on Friday. Because of my work schedule change and my Dad's 80th birthday Saturday that is the only option this week.

Looking at the size of the mine, I will have to put in some smaller hills to tie it in with the other hills I just finished

Rob- The noise is from the sound locos. The DCS-51 is silent except when it is showing a problem. The sound of 14 sound locos just makes a lot of noise in a loft sized room. It actually washes out the subtle sounds from the trains you are running.

I hope everyone is surviving the snow.

Here is the concept for the  mine.

 

 

I hope everyone has a good night and prayers for those in need.

[Packer]

Evening guys

Sorry I haven't posted in a few. I've been kinda "distracted" working on stuff I recieved friday. I got a box containing a bunch of cars (including a few MNS ones) and a SD40-2 that was kinda rough. The cars I've set aside until later to check them against existing cars.

I was hoping this SD40-2 wasn't a snoot, so that I could re-use it as a BN loco. But it was a snoot and upon further inspection and research, I realized the ATSF SD40-2 had some potential and they weren't too uncommon on some BN coal trains. So I disassembled it to clean it up. I washed the shell with some warm water with dawn in it and it came out nice and clean. I re-attached the horn, and installed a new sinclair antenna where the factory one was missing. I added MU hoses, cut levers, lift rings, and windshield wipers to the model as well. I'll see if any of the 4+ ATSF modelers I know have any ATSF yellow and blue I can use for touch-up. The trucks were disassembled, and are soaking in the warm-dawned water. The motor was supposed to be bad. I tested it and it shorted out, smoking and sparking. I cleaned the commutator, and used an X-acto blade to clean out the crud between the comutator poles. I re-tested it and it works, but has some whirring noise. Some lubercation on the bearings may fix this.

Ken, Sorry about not getting to wiring those harnesses into those locos. I've been busy fixing and cleaning up that ATSF SD40-2. I should be able to get to those locos tomorrow since I just have to scrub the trucks and gears, then re-assemble the thing.

Rob, I've ran 6 sound-locos and 2 non-sound locos off of my Zephyer. I was running 3 sounds and a non-sound while the rest were idleing.

[galaxy]

Well

It is a balmy cloudy 80 F and 27C in central Oahu.

MY Other Half's back went out Friday withthe shovelling. Well, today it got tweeked badly. MOH has spent the better half of the day in the recliner unablet o get up or move much. MOH Has Strong pain meds for such incidences but I have stronger. I think we may be calling 911 if MOH doesn't improve..I have been suggesting it for the last 4 hours, but MOH rejects the idea. I may have to take matters into my own hands. Problem is if MOH refuses service when they get here, we can get into trouble for calling them...majorly trouble. So I await MOH's decision to do so. May have to sleep inthe recliner.

My back is nto in good shape as MONDAY I get my next injections! So the wounded are taking care of the wounded here.

I finsihed all laundry and MOST household chores...so I cna rest after the injections Monday. I have some errrands to run TUesday that MUST be run then. THen PT for knee and hip  on WEd which may about kill me too. I will ask Dr. if ok to do PT or not.

Well, that is our life, tune in tomorrow for the next installment of "As the Body Aches" !!!

Have a great night, I may spend it int he hospital.

[Cederstrand]

Lasagna & a mint tea, please.

***Galaxy, YIKES! Hope the pain subsides soon for her.

***Todd, we graduated the same year. This cough is from sarcoidosis messing with me, not a cold or flu (which I would gladly trade this in for). Usually comes and goes, but this time has been sticking around a long time and is severe at times. Crossing my fingers right now.

Spent some time in the train room, just running the new Climax loco moving log cars around. It finds every little speck of misplaced ballast on the layout. I will probably be skipping the whole ballasting thing with the future additions to the layout and only add it to the outside of the rails. I just want my trains to run without issues, even if it sacrifices looks..

Healing thoughts to those in need.

 Rob

 

 

[JeremyB]

Calling for freezing rain here turning to rain and then snow again tomorrow. Nothing compared to what some got yesterday though. Three feet of snow in parts of Connecticut? Also scary weather down south. I see Mississippi got a tornado today. I hope Jeff was okay as it looked dicey in parts of Louisiana also.

[cudaken]

 Evening Dinners

 Flo, Beer Pleases.

 Have felt like warmed over death most of the day. Last night, well I should say this morning I woke up at 1:32 AM and could not go back to sleep till 5:30 AM. Turned of the TV around 2:45 AM and watched cartoons. Been a long time since I have seen Huckleberry Hound!

 Have not been outside all day, just watched a movie channel that was running a old TV Series called North and the South.

   http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088583/

 About what lead up to the Civil War and northern and southern families that where friends.

 Curt, who made the Y6 b you borrowed, was it a PCM with the Loksound decoder, or the BLI version?

 Vincent I am sure the motor bearings are bad, that is the reason the rest of the engine was a oily mess! Oil the bearings, and it is quite for awhile. Then they started squeaking again! You know, I for got all about the fact I have a bag of detail parts for that engine I never installed! I will look around for them and get then sent out after we finalizes the deal. But, as I posted a few days ago, my car heater core puked, so it may be awhile. 

 See you all Monday.

           Ken

 

[Lehigh Valley 2089]

Well the internet decided to give my family problems today. Everyone in NEPA with a 570- area code as a matter of fact. 

Need to get up to bed however, sorry I could only come for one post. Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to check more often than once. 

Prayers for those in need of them. Night everyone. 

[Curt Webb]

Ken- It was a PCM w/o sound.

Galaxy- I hope your wife is better in the morning.

[saronaterry]

Hi, all! Got some sleet/rain/snow today, started on the way home from Church.

Went to the annual train show( such as it is). Picked up some BB kits and these:

 

Decoders are installed and speed-matched.Pretty good deal, $80 for both.

Hope everyone's getting better!

Terry in NW Wisconsin