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Lots of familiar faces around here.

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  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Thursday, April 25, 2013 10:36 AM

rrinker

I've recently decided to standardize on Loksound decoders for all my sound units (to me they just work better, plus you cna buy a generic decoder and load whichever sounds you want), so I invested in a Loksound Programmer to be able to change the sounds.

I thought about that with the Digitrax decoder, but I do like the Loksound. 

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Thursday, April 25, 2013 10:32 AM

MisterBeasley

Right now, I'm finishing up the carfloat terminal, which I call Mooseport.  Just last weekend, I pulled my first string of cars off the float and onto land.  I looked back at pictures and found I'd been working on these few square feet for about a year and a half.

I bet it looks amazing. Have any pics?

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Thursday, April 25, 2013 9:55 AM

SpaceMouse

Hey Randy!

I still have not installed the computer interface you made for my Loconet.  Unless I convert an old lappy to Linux, I'm going to have to find a serial to USB dongal to use it.  Looks like my new layout is 6 months to a year away so I figure a year after that I'll test it and see if you did a good job. 

 Mine is still going strong. I've long been past having a computer with a real serial port, so I got a USB to serial cable from Radio Shack that worked fine. I've recently decided to standardize on Loksound decoders for all my sound units (to me they just work better, plus you cna buy a generic decoder and load whichever sounds you want), so I invested in a Loksound Programmer to be able to change the sounds. This also came with a USB to serial adapter, but for whatever reason, despite there being Windows 7 drivers, they will not allow this particular brand of cable to work with Windows 7 - the program detects it and won't start. So I swapped it out with the cheapy Radio Shack one and i works fine - as a bonus the one that ESU supplied works on my railroad computer to drive the Locobuffer so all is good in the end, all devices work as expected.

                    --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,481 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, April 25, 2013 9:12 AM

SpaceMouse
You still building layouts you can't see?

When I added Phase 2 of my layout, the plan was to add a small 2-track staging yard for my subways.  Once I did that, I decided to add scenery and I turned it into a 2-track subway station, which I called South Ferry.  It's near the carfloat terminal, and I've always been fond of that station on the NYC system.  (Mine shares nothing but the name with its namesake.)  The "scenery cost" of my subway tunnels is pretty low in dollar terms, but they take a while to do with all the catwalks and girder work.

Right now, I'm finishing up the carfloat terminal, which I call Mooseport.  Just last weekend, I pulled my first string of cars off the float and onto land.  I looked back at pictures and found I'd been working on these few square feet for about a year and a half.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Thursday, April 25, 2013 8:51 AM

MB,

You still building layouts you can't see? The next layout I build will have 75% of it in a tunnel. I figure I can keep the scenery costs down. 

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,481 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, April 25, 2013 8:39 AM

SpaceMouse
I was greener than grass when I first arrived

If you're moving to Arizona, you will still be greener than the grass.

Seriously, we've missed your energy here.  I'm glad to see you back.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Thursday, April 25, 2013 8:29 AM

Hey Randy!

I still have not installed the computer interface you made for my Loconet.  Unless I convert an old lappy to Linux, I'm going to have to find a serial to USB dongal to use it.  Looks like my new layout is 6 months to a year away so I figure a year after that I'll test it and see if you did a good job. 

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Thursday, April 25, 2013 8:21 AM

 This is what I get for being away in a hotel with slow internet speed - and I only end up reading the Electronics and DCC section. I missed the return of the Mouse!

 I've been back for a few years now myself, was going gung-ho on a new layout, but I've recently had to at least partially revert the room to its original purpose of being a bedroom, so layout progress has gone negative - I've had to remove pieces.Still doing the club modular thing, so I've been working on rolling stock and motive power for that. Not much of anything except posting here recently - I have a bunch of irons in the fire but at the rate I'm going, none of them are getting hot.

        --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Thursday, April 25, 2013 7:44 AM

Thanks Frank and James.

NP2626
Jeffrey-Wemberly's sign off includes the statement SpaceMouse for president.  

Dub-ya beat me by a nose-hair in that one. 

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Brisbane Australia
  • 1,721 posts
Posted by james saunders on Thursday, April 25, 2013 7:30 AM

Welcome back, 'Mouse!

James, Brisbane Australia

Modelling AT&SF in the 90s

  • Member since
    December 2011
  • From: Northern Minnesota
  • 2,774 posts
Posted by NP2626 on Thursday, April 25, 2013 6:13 AM

As a former Forum member, from some time in 1997 to the end of 2004, I have to say I also remember your name, in fact I believe I can somewhat remember when you first came to the MR Forum.  I came back here at the end of 2011 and noticed that you no longer seemed active, although Jeffrey-Wemberly's sign off includes the statement SpaceMouse for president.  My handle was "Daboosailing", back then.

It's obvious that you have many friends here and I think it's great you are back!

NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"

Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association:  http://www.nprha.org/

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Thursday, April 25, 2013 3:42 AM

SpaceMouse,

Although,I never interacted with you, I do remember,the name.. I did a lot of reading and watching of the Forums back then without posting.. About by the time I did, You were gone.. So I'LL SAY WELCOME BACK..

Cheers,

Frank

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 9:51 PM

Texas Zepher
Yes it was a good example.  You came, you learned, you grew,  you developed skills, you taught others.

I wondered why people were pointing and saying, "He's that guy..."

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Colorful Colorado
  • 8,639 posts
Posted by Texas Zepher on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 9:45 PM

SpaceMouse
Texas Zepher
Just the other day, I used you and your modeling experience as an example for another newbie. 
TZ!

I was greener than grass when I first arrived. I hope it was one of the good stories. I came across some of my early designs--wow. LOL

Yes it was a good example.  You came, you learned, you grew,  you developed skills, you taught others.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 9:12 PM

There's a lot of things I'll miss around here. Snow is not one of them. 

tgindy

I think this means you'll be further away than the current 40-minute drive from the CR&T.  

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 9:03 PM

Texas Zepher

 Just the other day, I used you and your modeling experience as an example for another newbie the other day.  

TZ!

I was greener than grass when I first arrived. I hope it was one of the good stories. I came across some of my early designs--wow. LOL

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Westcentral Pennsylvania (Johnstown)
  • 1,496 posts
Posted by tgindy on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 8:43 PM

SpaceMouse
Moving to the Cottonwood area outside of Sedona.

I think this means you'll be further away than the current 40-minute drive from the CR&T.  Best wishes for your "Old West" model railroading adventures.

Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Colorful Colorado
  • 8,639 posts
Posted by Texas Zepher on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 8:43 PM

SpaceMouse
Howdy all. It's been a while. Don't know if I'll stick around but it's good seeing my friends' posts.

That is almost funny.  Just the other day, I used you and your modeling experience as an example for another newbie the other day.   Cheers.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 8:37 PM

A contest? Hmmm. I'd have to put up another website to hold the entries etc. I'll think about it, Chris. 

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Dayton, OH
  • 268 posts
Posted by stilson4283 on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 8:34 PM

Great to see you back Chip

Plan on putting on another design contest while you are in between layouts?

Chris

 

Check out my railroad at: Buffalo and Southwestern

Photos at:Flicker account

YouTube:StellarMRR YouTube account

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 7:14 PM

Alexander, 

I like being welcomed by new friends. 

Karl,

I'm sure a session with that layout would be a blast.

Soo Man,

I'm leaning toward the California Western, Western Pacific, and Southern Pacific. Two decks with the top being a large scale lumber operation ala Union Lumber and the lower level a large yard. But I'm in the dreaming phase. I don't even have a suggestion of an idea of clue what kind of space I'll have, 

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Central Absurdistan
  • 1,179 posts
Posted by kbkchooch on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 5:05 PM

Good day Chip!

Haven't seen you since across the street many moons ago. Glad to see ya! Big Smile Don't worry about Ken and his "yard work", we've now got a regular group of guys to "help" him with his yard work.!Wink

Karl

NCE über alles! Thumbs Up

  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Detroit, Michigan
  • 2,284 posts
Posted by Soo Line fan on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 4:55 PM

Welcome back Chip, good to hear all is well. You know what they say about a happy wife / happy life. Its true.

The forums are still the same but more civil. The trolls have been for the most part banished. I heard new members need a certain amount of posts to be checked prior to the post showing up. Its still the most active one around and that's a good thing.

So, whats planned for the new roster?

Jim

  • Member since
    June 2010
  • From: Victor Harbor, South Australia
  • 362 posts
Posted by alexstan on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 4:47 PM

Howdy Chip, don't think I recognize you, but welcome back anyway mate.

-Alexander

Modelling HO Scale with a focus on the West and Midwest USA

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 4:23 PM

csxns

SpaceMouse
yard work. 

Yes that kind of Yard Work i like,not the kind that my wife wants me to doBig Smile

I hear that. Her's my current project. 

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 4:20 PM

BRAKIE

SpaceMouse

Larry,

Would that title be Deputy Brakeman, or is this an executive assistant job?

 
Executive job..VP of Bull Shipping.Laugh

Now THAT is playing to my strengths. 

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: North Carolina
  • 1,905 posts
Posted by csxns on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 4:20 PM

SpaceMouse
yard work. 

Yes that kind of Yard Work i like,not the kind that my wife wants me to doBig Smile

Russell

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
  • 17,574 posts
Posted by BRAKIE on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 4:16 PM

SpaceMouse

Larry,

Would that title be Deputy Brakeman, or is this an executive assistant job?

 
Executive job..VP of Bull Shipping.Laugh

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 4:10 PM

Thanks Russel. 

Ken, I want a nice big yard like that. I admit it. I have yard envy. One thing I learned in op sessions is that I like yard work. 

Have GP-38
Will Travel 

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: North Carolina
  • 1,905 posts
Posted by csxns on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 4:05 PM

Chip,great to see you here again.

Russell

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