Evenin', plate of bacon double cheeseburgers and a tall RBF please and thank-you.
Well (still full, toads are again questioning why the season known to us in Iowa as spring has yet to fully arrive), my "give a durn" is broken, THAT or Rerun ran off and buried it somewhere. Yup, didn't do a durn thing I was 'sposed to today...and I just don't care!
VINCENT: Your tale of toil and trouble with Athearn reminds me of my woes and hassles in trying to exchange money with Atlas for some parts yesterday. I don't remember what I used for a password sometime last year when I placed an order via their online store. Their website won't recognize my e-mail address, so as to send me the password I forgot. So, I'm thinking, "OK, maybe Hurricane Sandy mucked-up their computers, their customer databases, etc." I go and try to register as a new customer. Message pops up saying THAT email is already in use, use another. Hot crap! I DO exist! Try again to get them to send me my forgotten password...and I don't exist. I sent an email to "customer dis-service" which as of yet has not been answered. I was rather snarky... I had some less-than-complimentary things to say about the pain in the butt doing business them is. Then again, the clowns sent me double the order a few years back. Being an honest, decent man of (some) morals...I contacted them to see about sending back the excess. For all the hassle, and the sour demeanor of the customer mis-service reps I spoke with, I probably should've just kept the duplicates and re-numbered them! It was kinda like, "how DARE you try to return merchandise you didn't pay for?" Maybe its a New Joyzeey thing.
KARL: Good lookin' geeps!
Adventures with THAT Editor: So, I've got several options through the course of this week for high school sports events to cover for THAT Editor. Not being sure how much content she will need (one event being sufficient, or do I need to cover two at one page each), I decided to get some supervisory input. Now today was almost "perfect," almost "spring like." I could've got a girls' soccer match. Tomorrow I can get a boys' match on their new pitch at the other school I cover. Thursday is a home boys/girls track meet at the primary school. THAT decides to have me cover the Thursday track meet. Cool, one page boys, the other girls. Easy Peasy. WRONG. THAT decides I should also get the boys soccer tomorrow at the other school. Not a problem...except the forecast is for low-to-mid 40s for temperatures, with wind and rain/s***w possible/probable. Whoever it was THAT was complaining about a boss in a state of schedule confusion has my empathy...
Oh well, she'll be clucking like a happy little hen next week after I file pics from a training fire I covered on Saturday. Being a former fireman, and having a good reputation as such, granted me virtually un-impeded access. I even got shots of the first-in guys coming into the house (with a working fire on the second floor as I took pics on the first floor )
In other news and views...was gonna get the mowers prepped today. What better way to celebrate "Earth Day" than by firing up fossil-fuel burning motors, in honor of all the resources God put into and on this rock for the betterment of mankind? But, the give-a-durn was broken or misplaced...so didn't. The yard is green, but the cold weather has slowed the growth, mostly. We get some warm, sunny, dry days...I'll be looking for a hay mower/baler combination! I'm gonna go find a back corner booth and be un-sociable...maybe step out back and launch some lung rockets and blow smoke rings in the dark! Have a good evening, gents, Chris (in Iowa)
In other news and views...was gonna get the mowers prepped today. What better way to celebrate "Earth Day" than by firing up fossil-fuel burning motors, in honor of all the resources God put into and on this rock for the betterment of mankind? But, the give-a-durn was broken or misplaced...so didn't. The yard is green, but the cold weather has slowed the growth, mostly. We get some warm, sunny, dry days...I'll be looking for a hay mower/baler combination!
I'm gonna go find a back corner booth and be un-sociable...maybe step out back and launch some lung rockets and blow smoke rings in the dark!
Have a good evening, gents,
Chris (in Iowa)
The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!
cudaken New Photo Bucket Suck Caboose!
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
PackerKen, The one that I said was okay worked when I ran it on DC. Given my experience with digitrax, that DH163 might be DOA (I've had bad luck with getting decoders from them and NCE being DOA, but digitrax's warranty was kinda bad). Might be messed up electricals again, since I used atlas boards to simplify wiring. Check those clips on it. Have you tried the kato-motored one? What's shakey?
Vince's One with the original motor is all most DOA. When I installed the DH 163 it ran say 1/4 speed at best at WOT. Then it stop moving at period. I pulled the decoder and hooked straight DC to the motor, again the same thing plus I had to spin the motor to get it to run.
I am using the same decoder in the Kato powered PK F 3, it is running just fine.
PackerWhat's shakey?
Vince's I have not ran Shakey for sometime now. After I got the SD's on the rails it has been sidelined. Never did figure out what the problem is, will in do time. You of all people should know I move slow!
Just tickled to have a Monon F 3 A B A consist running again. They are making a 30 car Coal Drag look easy!
New Photo Bucket Suck Caboose!
Ken
I hate Rust
Hey gang
Yes it took me long enough, but I finally got spare time enough to finish MY engines. Early camera phone sneak peek pic, will have better ones by WPF.
The colors are skewed, the focus isn't the best, but hey, whaddaya want from Verizon!!
This brings the Midland Fleet to 2 F7's, 2 FP7's, 3GP9's, 3 SD24's and 5 of the 7 GP38's. The 2 remaining ones are in line, just haven't gotten to them yet! Oh yeah,,, then I have to scratchbuild the center cab Whitcomb,,,someday.
But til then, there are repairs to do, installs and paint jobs that pay $$. They go to the front of the line.
Karl
NCE über alles!
Well the visit to the doc went off well this morning. He checked out the usual things on the general exam plus I told him about something that's happened just with the last couple of weeks. I've been having nerve pain, quite severe nerve pain developing in my right arm and going all the way to the fingertips, making them very sensitive, so much so that just touching the fingertips together is painful. It feels like needles going into them. He's put me on gabapentin which is used for treating partial epileptic seizures. My mother would have been very familiar with this drug. It's also used to treat certain types of nerve pain. I'm not liking the list of possible side effects but they're no worse that those of other meds I already take. allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying. constipation. difficulty walking or controlling muscle movements. nausea. slurred speech. tremors. weight gain.I'll just have to wait and see if it makes things better or worse. It may not work for me at all. The worsening of mood could be a real attention grabber! I'm not sure my native American temper can get any worse. It's gotten me in plenty of trouble in the past and has been known to clear out more than a few bars in my younger days.No layout work today as I've been busy with some other things. Be back later.
Packer Evening guys Been busy so far today. no plans for trains as I am too tired Trainwise, I've tried calling athearn at least once a day for the past week or so but keep getting the answering machine. I broke down and emailed them today, and in about 10 minutes I get a response saying that they had those parts, them but could only process and order via phone. I about flipped out just them... Gary, make up your mind dude. lol Ken, The one that I said was okay worked when I ran it on DC. Given my experience with digitrax, that DH163 might be DOA (I've had bad luck with getting decoders from them and NCE being DOA, but digitrax's warranty was kinda bad). Might be messed up electricals again, since I used atlas boards to simplify wiring. Check those clips on it. Have you tried the kato-motored one? What's shakey?
Evening guys
Been busy so far today. no plans for trains as I am too tired
Trainwise, I've tried calling athearn at least once a day for the past week or so but keep getting the answering machine. I broke down and emailed them today, and in about 10 minutes I get a response saying that they had those parts, them but could only process and order via phone. I about flipped out just them...
Gary, make up your mind dude. lol
Ken, The one that I said was okay worked when I ran it on DC. Given my experience with digitrax, that DH163 might be DOA (I've had bad luck with getting decoders from them and NCE being DOA, but digitrax's warranty was kinda bad). Might be messed up electricals again, since I used atlas boards to simplify wiring. Check those clips on it. Have you tried the kato-motored one? What's shakey?
SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide
Gary DuPrey
N scale model railroader
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.
alexstanwhat on earth is happening in that photo? Has the trestle caught fire?
Ken- what on earth is happening in that photo? Has the trestle caught fire?
Modelling HO Scale with a focus on the West and Midwest USA
Beer!
Not in a good mood for some reason, might be the bad PK 1 F 3 or the fact I am or the fact I am being forced to BBQ against my wishes!
last mountain & eastern hoggerI know you know lots about vehicles and I hope you are aware that you should use a "FUEL STABILIZER"
John, I did, but the EPA made the carb's more complex with all there sill stuff. Where putting a 750 Holley on it, that I can work on!
Oh Vincent! Guess what! Remember the PK F3 I sent you that I told you need a new motor and asked to to run before I trade back for it after you said the motor was OK? Well it is dead! Just happy I did not smoke the DH 163 I used on it! You have a future in QC in China from the looks of it!
But, I am far from being mad! I love the B&O SD 9 and like Shakey after I shake it! F3 with the Kato motor?
Plus, if the B&O SD 9 had not had problems in shipping that I posted about on the main page! Ed would have never sent me the matching B&O SD 7 and the Parts Engine for free!
So the trade really worked out great! So thanks Vince's! Plus if you cannot rib a friend, they are not a real friend.
See you all later.
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chochowillieAh quit your bragging, I'm like Johnboy, still looking to see my lawn. Maybe this week if the weather guessers are right we might see some brown dead looking grassy stuff
jeffrey-wimberlyDown here the engine doesn't sit long enough for the gas to go bad as the tractor and mowers are used year round for some reason or other.
Ah quit your bragging, I'm like Johnboy, still looking to see my lawn. Maybe this week if the weather guessers are right we might see some brown dead looking grassy stuff
Cheers
Dennis
CDN Dennis
Modeling the HO scale something or other RR in the shadow of the Canadian Rockies Alberta, Canada
Well fella's I think I may have switched to the SP&S, I think I'll hold onto my BN stuff just so I can pull off early BN and Amtrak. I'll also Hang onto my BNSF engines and modern rolling stock.
last mountain & eastern hoggerI know you know lots about vehicles and I hope you are aware that you should use a "FUEL STABILIZER" when putting your mower away for the winter or the snow blower away for the summer. I always start to put it in the machines that last couple of uses of the season or if I am caught short I will run the unit with some stabilizer in the fuel until it stops on it own (out of fuel) and very seldom ever have trouble starting them. The stabilizer keeps the carb from gummimg up. Also great for snowmobiles or chain saws.
went shopping and got MOH the needed clothes for dress occasions.
I got a few new clothes that actually fit too. Dress ones I mean. And a few casual. Wouldn't have at all if they hadn't sent me coupons for multiple dollars off ! I will actually get more coupons as they send when you shop. But don;t really need but some "knock-about the house" types.
So we are happy now. TG for the CC. COuldn't have done it otherwise.
I got a few new summer hats to mine are all going to the rat's nest! I have had them over 13 years. Time to throw some out now!
We decided to splurge at the local Greek diner and have a $10 tab! I don't have to cook tonight.
Now, If MOH doesn't hear form the grocery store with a schedule. it could be bad luck for us.
MOH DOES have another interview with an organization that helps special people live independently. I think MOH is expecting that one ot work out anyway. HOPE MOH gets "half tiem" {30 hours} there, then.
We shall see what we shall see when we shall see it.
-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.
Sir Madog Talked to my brother and he will send a letter to the home on his lawyer stationary - hope it works. I am having heart issues again and Petra is more than worried about it. Told my brother that I am out of this game for good. My responsibility is my family, Petra and Christian.
Talked to my brother and he will send a letter to the home on his lawyer stationary - hope it works.
I am having heart issues again and Petra is more than worried about it. Told my brother that I am out of this game for good. My responsibility is my family, Petra and Christian.
anywho I have reading homework I must attend to, three chapters from the book and some online reading. It's slow at work but there's a ton of homework, maybe I'll run some trains while I read.
Afternoon all!
Just a cold pop for me Flo, had to eat on the road today.
Went to a career fair this morning. Why do they hold these things at the airport?? Drove to BWI, got lost because Google "forgot" an exit in the direction. Found myself looking for the only Hotel that was NOT on Hotel Road. After driving around 15 minutes I finally found the right street, and the 12x12 sign (thats inches, not feet!) with the name on it. Circled the parking lot 3 times before I found a space, only to be 15 minutes late, and still had to stand in line to get in!! Then after visiting table after table passing out the resume and talking to the "blow sunshine at you crew", I found the 2 companies I was most interested in were not even there, even though they were listed on the ad.
Tomorrow is my 3rd interview with a local company, 20 minutes from home. I really hope I can put all this foolishness to rest tomorrow!
Ray, you ate at Chuckie Cheese and lived to tell the tale?? Wow, you must be a tough old bird!
Might want to double up on the bran for a few days
Ulrich. Prayers for you my friend, take care of yourself, and let your brother handle this!
Jeffrey, I built a dollhouse years ago for the EX. Loved that tape wire. It's pretty good when you only want to light part of a structure.
Lion I have to agree with Ray, that was a pretty kitty you posted. Do they snore? My Maine Coon Midnight is currently snoring so loud it hard to concentrate on typing!
Ken. Charter must be a Comcast Company! Our Comcast cable and internet both quit Sunday morning within minutes of each other. We called , the automated voice told us to press 1,2,or 3 if we were reporting cable, internet, or phone issues. Yes, you talk to a TV repair rep, who then transfers you to an internet rep when you are done with them. No cross product line communication at all! If they crossed product lines, they could probably reduce the staff. They they could afford English lessons for the ones they keep!!
Oh, speaking of TV
Who's watching the video chat w/ Ziva?
cudaken Afternoon Lawn Wars. Guess what my 2 year old Troy Mower would not start, there a shock! Mower was just picked up for repairs, guess at repair cost $100.00. So I paid $350.00 for it 2 years ago, have another $100.00 in it. At this rate in 10 years I could have bought a used ridding lawnmower.
Afternoon
Lawn Wars. Guess what my 2 year old Troy Mower would not start, there a shock! Mower was just picked up for repairs, guess at repair cost $100.00. So I paid $350.00 for it 2 years ago, have another $100.00 in it. At this rate in 10 years I could have bought a used ridding lawnmower.
Hi Ken,
I know you know lots about vehicles and I hope you are aware that you should use a "FUEL STABILIZER" when putting your mower away for the winter or the snow blower away for the summer. I always start to put it in the machines that last couple of uses of the season or if I am caught short I will run the unit with some stabilizer in the fuel until it stops on it own (out of fuel) and very seldom ever have trouble starting them. The stabilizer keeps the carb from gummimg up. Also great for snowmobiles or chain saws.
I have a 6 horse Craftsman mower that always gave me a bad time until I figured out that on the first start up in the spring I have to give it about ten (10) pumps on the prime button. Then it will fire up OK. I was afraid that I would be flooding it if I went over 6 pumps. The John Deere snow blower on the other hand needs it's electric start on the first fire up when snow arrives after that it will start well with a couple of pulls.
Hope this is of some help, as I don't like the lack of controls on the newer units either. My J.D. Snow blower is a 1975 model. 7 horsepower by 26 inch cut. All it has ever needed was 6 years ago I installed a new motor (Tecumseh) This unit has probably blown more snow than any other six units combined. and this year I had to go in and replace the lock pin/bolt on the main pulley. other than that just a couple of set of belts. It has truly been a great machine and is so much better built that anything on the market today. Most of the new ones have a stamped metal gearing for the auger where mine has cast iron just like in the differential of a car or truck. Pretty good for a 38 years old machine.
Johnboy out............................and still looking for my lawn under the snow
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
Good afternoon.
VERY hungry now. Don't have to work, so I get to go home and GORGE myself!
Also, something happened in gym today. We were playing flag football, at least until this happened for a second. One person was rushing down the field with the ball at a fast pace. I just happened to be in front...........................and WHAM! He falls to the ground and I am barely phased. Took him a little bit to get up, but thankfully, he wasn't hurt. Should also mention that it wasn't intentional......................................
..............................or was it?
The Lehigh Valley Railroad, the Route of the Black Diamond Express, John Wilkes and Maple Leaf.
-Jake, modeling the Barclay, Towanda & Susquehanna.
Charter Wars. Charter Sucks, Charter Sucks, everybody knows Charter Sucks. Services person decided he was to busy to come by! Dispatcher is trying to find someone free, not crossing my fingers.
Looking for train parts? Decided with no yard work, time to get another F-3 on the rails. But, where did I leave the parts? I was amazed at the stuff I found that I forgot I had! Found around 5 Athearn BB remains with motors but no shells or side frames? Heck I don't even remember what the engines are?
Did find what I was looking for, so time to break out a decoder and soldering iron.
Later, Ken
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howmusLion, beautiful kitty cat you posted this morning... Don't think I like to meet up with him an a dark alley though!
The zookeeper does not even want to meet up with him even in broad daylight. Nobody enters the enclosure with the big cats unless they are sedated.
One evening, the zookeeper opened the iron door to the leopard's den, but the leopard did not come in. (That door, like Pavlov's bell signals din din). He went out and looked all around the enclosure: No Leopard. He walked around and around (the outside of) the enclosure. No Leopard. Of course Jerry was watching all of this and would have been laughing his tail off, except of course that he is very much attached to his tail.
Turns out the Leopard was up in the tree.
But then that is how leopards like to hunt. They can leap down from a 60' tall tree and take off running at full speed. The Leopard is not quite as fast as a Cheetah, but because of that HUGE tail, is far more maneuverable.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Morning Folks
Ulrich, I am so sorry to hear about your Mother problems! Think her Doctor might give her a happy pill?
Charter is coming out today. Still only getting half the channels we should. It is never funny having them come out.
After they leave it will be Yard Work, and it won't be in rail yard either! I just hope the stupid new mower starts! Old mower we had for 20 years, third to 5th pull after sitting all winter. This one where I can't not control anything (Thanks EPA) it is real iffy.
Tax Front? Seems Liberty Tax Services did not get my taxes filed? Talk to there area supervisor awhile ago and she is straightening the mess out. I wonder How Many Quarter's my refund will be!
Time to yank on the Lawn Mower!
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Morning All,
Currently 47 with an expected high of 74, under mostly sunny skies.
Mid-day shift today 11 to 6, kind of screws up the whole day. Not late enough in the morning to w**k on the layout, too late after making dinner to get much layout w**k done in the evening, but I will try and get something done. I have lots of projects to work on.
Prayers to all in need.
Paul
Living in Fernley Nevada, about 30 miles east of Reno, also lived in Oregon and California, but born In Brooklyn NY and raised on Long Island NY
Mornin' everyone!
Zoe, I'll have my usual bowl of "old phart" cereal and some dark roast coffee in a R&GV RR mug this morning. Thank you Ma'am.
Ulrich, once again my heart goes out to you. Prayers going over across the pond to you, my friend!
Lion, beautiful kitty cat you posted this morning... Don't think I like to meet up with him an a dark alley though!
Todd, my DIL has exactly the same opinion of Chuck E Cheese as you do. I am not far behind.... The kids did have a lot of fun though!
Looks like this will again be a busy week around here. Way too much to get done with meeting three evenings and stuff to prepare for two of them. I also have to thoroughly clean the house as I will be gone to Canada this weekend for Region NMRA Convention and meeting so a pet sitter will be here taking care of the boys (cats) for me.
Speaking of the cats. They were wrestling on the floor a while agao. First time I have seen them do that in about 3 months now. Blackie is getting better every day!
Later!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
LION - I am perfectly aware what a state hospital is. Certainly the last place I wish anybody to be admitted to. I also agree that they just can´t evict her, but I hope I can make my brother fight for her - he is a lawyer.
The legal situation is much more protective in Germany - maybe too protective.
Sir MadogMy life has turned into a nightmare, thanks to my Mom. Now that Dad is gone and we have changed our telephone number, she has turned into terrorizing the folks in the nursing home. I just received a call from the management that they terminated the contract with her. She will have to leave by month end. This will end in a sheer catastrophe, but there is still nothing I can do to prevent the inevitable to come.
In this country it is against the law to throw someone out of the nursing home. They just have to deal with it. Usually that means some drugs. The alternative is transfer to a state hospital. You know what a state hospital is? Bad place, but what could be done for people before the invention of drugs.
LION would check with district attorney or your own lawyer about laws that should protect her from this.
Lehigh Valley 2089 Good morning. Not doing that good this morning. Real tired right now. Little sick.
Good morning.
Not doing that good this morning. Real tired right now. Little sick.
after class I have to go to the bank and take care of some money related things, then I'm gonna head out to gamestop and pick up injustice:gods amongst us. then maybe swing by the hobby shop.
Good Afternoon!
Just to tell I am still around.
My life has turned into a nightmare, thanks to my Mom. Now that Dad is gone and we have changed our telephone number, she has turned into terrorizing the folks in the nursing home. I just received a call from the management that they terminated the contract with her. She will have to leave by month end. This will end in a sheer catastrophe, but there is still nothing I can do to prevent the inevitable to come.
Will I ever find some rest from this?
Good Morning!!!
Coffee and Mongolian beef please, thank you.
Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. High tomorrow is ….57. Yo yo time.
Jim- Glad to see you’re stopping in more. And ya, I guess you’re right about the wanting pictures. We are a nosey bunch.
The biggest problem with being an IT person I’ll bet, is the “expert” on the using end of the computer that seems to have the most problems. We admitted dumbies tend to leave the thing alone and it usually w**ks just fine.
Tom- I’ve noticed more and more polite people. Not a lot more, but more and you know what? It’s the younger ones. 20’s-30’s. Mostly those with their pants pulled up. But there have been a couple with colorful undershorts.
Oh my gosh…30’s….the younger ones…..I’m getting old.
Ray- Ugh. Chuck E. Cheese. I get the heebie geebies just thinking about the place. The kids always want to have the grandkids B-day parties there. I cringe everytime Brenda tells me and she says “I know, I know, just deal with it it’s only an hour or so.” I’d rather take a beatin than go there. Unfortunately, Brenda will not acknowledge that option. Well, at least for that. Luckily the last couple from the boy’s kids have not been there so hopefully…(crossed fingers) I hate the place and it’s not just there ( meaning the one you were at) that the pizza is . not what you’d call cheap either!!!!
No Jeff, not many kids take care of anything these days. Everything is disposable to them. When I was a kid, sure I played with my toys. I didn’t keep them pristine (some I see I wish I had now, but at the time, they were toys), but they lasted years. Of course I didn’t have as many toys as they do now, but the ones I did…I had. Break it and it’s gone. Now it’s like either they have so many they are nothing, or they get replaced and no problem. Not a good way to teach someone when they grow up how to take care of things.
Pay it forward by doing a good deed for someone you don't know... then share with us what you did...
You know a friend of mine asked me just last winter after the 17 inch sn*wfall when I stopped in for coffee while making my rounds blowing snow, what this certain person said when I cleared their driveway. I said nothing, I didn’t see them. He asked if they knew I cleaned their drive and I said well, maybe if they looked out their window. I didn’t know because I wasn’t looking. He asked if I ever tell people. I said many know because they are out there with shovels when I roar up, and sometimes they come out when they realize the noise may be coming from their drive, but some don’t. Never heard anyone complain. He then asked how would they know I did it. Meaning who did it. To which I responded, I don’t care if they know I did it or not. His wife said well I’d at least let them kow, I’d want to know who to thank. I said… I don’t do it for recognition, or even thanks. I just do it because I can.
Ya’ll have a good day, ya hear!!!!
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.