Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Elliot´s Trackside Diner - November 2013

42201 views
633 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Monday, November 25, 2013 8:08 AM

Good morning. Cold and wet here. 34° with 100% humidity. A high of 41° that will feel like 36°. And it's raining.
 with  and tonight

It rained most of the night and is still raining and looks like it'll rain all day and through the night. Did I mention it's raining?

Today I'll see if I can get Oliver started on the old passenger car and program in some obstacles for him to overcome while he tries to get to the front of the train. He's already tried pulling the emergency stop cable. Somebody disconnected it. Isn't that lovely?





Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Monday, November 25, 2013 8:20 AM

zstripe

Good Morning, Everyone,

G,

Do you think, the difference in time, has anything to do with, the site,being on Central Time? And you are Eastern Time.

Cheers,

Frank

 

I DID think of that. BUT:

That would not explain why it previously listed MY time zone  stamp accurately BEFORE the "new modification" here!

Dunno Sigh

Geeked

 

-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.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 25, 2013 8:29 AM

Bought the black paint and already used it! The air box and the exhaust stack are now black and the cabin floor and gears are also painted in that color. Now I will let it dry over night before I start with some light weathering - just to test the effect of it.

On the way to the deoartment store I also stopped by to get some warm winter boots - quite a difficult task as my feet are fairly big. An unforeseen expenditure that goes of my MRR budget...

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Monday, November 25, 2013 9:43 AM

Mornin' everyone!

Zoe, I'll have a short stack of buckwheat pancakes with real NYS maple Syrup, and side order of bacon, and lots of very hot dark roast coffee to wash it down with.

Still a might chilly here in the Finger Lakes this morning.  Currently 22°F outside the door with winds 15 to 20 mph today.  The big bright thing appears to be out shining at the moment.  If the solar panels heat up sufficiantly the white stuff could melt off and I may get some electric for the house and car today as well.  We are under a Winter Storm Watch here in NYS in effect for tuesday evening through Wednesday evening.... the time period my Son from Chicago should be driving home for Thanksgiving.  I know one of the reasons he wants to come home for Thanksgiving this year is he has some ideas on how to help my sister who has cancer pay for her treatments.  We need to have a major family meeting on the subject face to face.

This afternoon I will be watching the granddaughters for an hour or so while mom and dad are at a parent/teacher conference for the little one.  #2 seemes to be enjoying preschool and was telling me some things she is doing there.  She is extremely creative and I bet is a handfull at her age for the teacher... Whistling

I better get myself moving as I have a bunch of things to do before I head out to my son's house. [edit]  Hope they get the spell check back up on the site soon....

Later!

73

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Monday, November 25, 2013 11:56 AM

Ulrich,

A very close friend, of mine, an Irishman, no less,wear's, a size 18 shoe. He was working, on one of my trucks with me and switched shoes, to an older pair,left, the good pair, in my garage, and when he took them home, I would kid him about,the mice, not having any place to live. Laugh

Cheers, Drinks

Frank

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • From: Fernley NV 30 Miles East of Reno But Originally from NY, NY
  • 392 posts
Posted by pascaff* on Monday, November 25, 2013 12:19 PM

  Afternoon All,

     Currently it is 31 with an expected high of 42 under sunny skies. No storms in the future, at least through the coming weekend. May be cloudy, but no s**w, I hope.

    Well as expected the weekend at w**k was very hectic. Lots of folks from California wanting to buy firearms and getting upset because of Cal. laws, which are not our fault. Oh well we try and educate them as best we can, and hope they stay civil.

    Another w**k day for me. Seems I have to go in to w**k more than stay home Sad Really looking forward to retiring in the coming year.

   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

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 25, 2013 12:20 PM

zstripe

Ulrich,

A very close friend, of mine, an Irishman, no less,wear's, a size 18 shoe. He was working, on one of my trucks with me and switched shoes, to an older pair,left, the good pair, in my garage, and when he took them home, I would kid him about,the mice, not having any place to live. Laugh

 

Cheers, Drinks

Frank

 

18? He must be a firefighter!

My size is 12 1/2 to 13, which means about 95% of the nice shoes are not available for me... big sigh! I hardly get a bargain on shoes.

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Monday, November 25, 2013 12:35 PM

So much for my plans today. My primary doctor called. He's moved my Wednesday appointment up to today! Pretty much screws up my plans for working on Oliver's adventure. At least I got one thing done. My Apple //e is set up to boot from slot 7. I'm working on Oliver's adventure (Native Fury) from slot 6 (default for the program) meaning I'd have to re-designate the slot from the keyboard via a DOS command such as 'CATALOG,S6,D1' or 'LOAD <filename>,S6,D1' or enter a PR#6 command to reboot the system from slot 6. I run the 'System Master' disk utilities from slot 7. So I wrote a new subroutine into the memory lookup program (displays how much memory a computer has). I then assigned that program as the boot program for that disk. This new subroutine displays the current slot and drive number. In this case S7, D1. The slot displayed is where that drives interface card is plugged in. If the program was booted from slot 6 it skips the subroutine and ends. If it booted from any other slot (2, 5 or 7) it then asks me if I want to reboot from slot 6. A simple 'Y' or 'N' is all that's needed. If 'N' then the program ends and the computer is happy to stay on it's currently assigned slot. If 'Y' it then reboots from slot 6. This also has to be done if I'm going to be using CP/M as the CP/M card will only recognize slot 6. I have other programs that also require that they be run from slot 6. Starfleet1 is one of those. Native Fury requires slot 6 because that's where it looks for it's program segments by default.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Monday, November 25, 2013 1:38 PM

Sir Madog

 

 
zstripe

Ulrich,

A very close friend, of mine, an Irishman, no less,wear's, a size 18 shoe. He was working, on one of my trucks with me and switched shoes, to an older pair,left, the good pair, in my garage, and when he took them home, I would kid him about,the mice, not having any place to live. Laugh

 

Cheers, Drinks

Frank

 

 

 

18? He must be a firefighter!

My size is 12 1/2 to 13, which means about 95% of the nice shoes are not available for me... big sigh! I hardly get a bargain on shoes.

 

Ulrich,

No not a Firefighter, but one of the best, diesel and gas motor Mechanic's, that I have ever met. I wear a 12 myself. But maybe, if you could find a place, that will leave out the ''oars'', you can get a better deal! Laugh Laugh

Cheers, Drinks

Frank

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Shalimar. Florida
  • 2,622 posts
Posted by Packer on Monday, November 25, 2013 5:12 PM

Afternoon guys

Had to work again today. Luckily my boss gave me this saturday off. Perhaps she's seeing that the people that me and the other person wind up training become competent, unlike those some other train. lol. I'd have to agree with Mr. B on his point. One thing I never understood about my job is that I'm pretty much my boss's go-to guy (repairs, computer help, etc) for stuff, yet I don't get promoted. Yet a girl that probably shouldn't have gotten promoted (very lazy and borderline incompetent) gets promoted... A few other people said I should have gotten the nod.

I didn't get home till about 4, at which point it's already getting dark. So that meant no air brushing the few things I'm wanting to airbrush before I assemble them.

This holiday season is already getting expensive for me.

  • Last night, I had my father cut my hair, but the hair trimmer crapped out about 1/4 through my hair (I have really thick hair, so a strong trimmer is needed) so my mother finished the rest with scissors. The thing is it looks like crap cause it's all lopsided. So I need to go to the barber and/or get a new hair trimmer.
  • Then my sister's birthday is tomorrow, my dad's is in 14 days, by brothers' is in 25 days, and christmas is 30 days away... I wanted to give my sister a movie pass I've had since the summer, but my father is adamant I give her $20 bucks and a card. Given my sister is always going out to dinner or movies, I figured the movie pass would be better used on her (I rarely ever go to movies) and I could keep some money for myself. My father believes that's being tacky...
  • And then one of my work shoes broke. last week, but I just now have the money to get a new pair. The sole on my right shoe broke (it had an air pocket, but the outside edge side of the shoe opened up and collapsed). it pretty much caused all of my wieght on my right foot to be on the inside edge of my heel for the last week or so. I have a callous or something there and my ankle has been hurting cause it's been twisted a little cause of the shoe. Try finding non-slip shoes in a 12W that last for more than a few months and that doesn't cost more than 25 bucks...

I'm going to be in the corner booth propping my right foot on a chair.

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.

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Monday, November 25, 2013 5:54 PM

Well it's been raining all day. Indications are that it's gonna rain all night. 100% chance of rain tonight and 80% all day tomorrow. Got the doc appointment out of the way. My father dropped me off at the docs office and he and my step mother went to Wal-Mart and Lowe's. When they finished they came back and waited for me to come out of the docs office and we all went next door to Fox's Pizza Den. Didn't get home until about 5:30 and the last thing I felt like doing was working on a computer program. So I didn't. Oliver gets a break today. Did I mention it's raining?

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    December 2012
  • From: Mesa, AZ
  • 1,530 posts
Posted by RideOnRoad on Monday, November 25, 2013 6:16 PM

Vincent:  I'm with you.  I vote for the movie pass.

Richard

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Monday, November 25, 2013 6:23 PM

I HATE THAT!

I had typed a long post, then *POOF* it went bye-bye!

WEll, I DO DECLARE! I NEVER!

Well, It is done! It is OVER!

I finished my Christmas shopping today!

YEP! ALL done!  BEFORE TG!

Music MELE KALIKIMAKA is the thing to say...Music

Our "santa Shopping" is what the ol' St Nick will bring from Hawaii, now how did you NOT see that coming?

So proud of myself.

No trains tuff, saving the stuff we got for grandpa friends for their 4.5 y/o grandson. WE MAY get to go to Amherst Mass. for the January bash..4 buildings full of trains stuff of all kinds! IF we have any money and the gov't doesn't shut down again. Good Lord willing and the creeks don't rise!

Tomorrow LOTS of running around...some grocery shopping, but other is business as the strom warning sets in at 4 pm! 4-6inches and SLAIN...Sleet and {freezing} rain!

Simple TG meal..Turkey, stuffing, gravy, mixed veggies, cranberries, and rolls. Take a meal to each of the fathers... that is if weather permits!

well, have a great SAFE evening if you are in the storms way....

Geeked

 

-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.

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Canada
  • 1,745 posts
Posted by JeremyB on Monday, November 25, 2013 7:10 PM

Not much going on here

Have a doctors apointment tomorrow at 1pm. Also have to drop a couple resumes off to a few places here in town. After all that I plan on doing some work on the railroad. I have alot of figures that need painting. I do have to stop by michales or walmart and pick up a few colors of acrylic paint that Im out of, speaking of that I need to make my list now. See you guys tomorrow

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Monday, November 25, 2013 8:29 PM

Good evening everbody....

My model railrod friend and his wife were here from Illinois, and they went home today. Nice visit. .... Looks like you Diners have been busy also.

Karl ... Sounds like your loco shop is busy, and good to hear you have been working on an article to be submitted to MR. Hope they like it abd it is published. ... I can understand how you feel as you observed your deceased Dad's birthday.

Gary BN 24, Ulrich, and Jeff were talking about German steam power. My first HO trains were some my father brought to me when he returned from Germany in the 1950's. They were Fleischmann models. A couple of years later, he went to Japan and retirned with a Tenshodo brass model of a NYC 4-6-4 which I still own. I've been involved with HO trains for most of the rest of my life.

JohnBoy ..... I continue to pray for you and that your cancer can be quickly cured.

Rob ..... I like my Mantua 2-6-5-2, and I think you will like yours. It is not quite the quality of some of the others you mentioned, but looks good on the layout.

Happy model railroading!

 

 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Monday, November 25, 2013 9:15 PM

Well it's been a busy, not to mention rainy day. I got a good upper body workout from the walker and I'm tired. It's time to call it a day. See y'all tomorrow. Did i mention it was a rainy day? We even got a little hail.





Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Monday, November 25, 2013 9:47 PM

Evenin' folks!

Janie, just a pot of decaf for me right now Please and Thank You....

I spent most of the afternoon and most of the evening out at my son's house today.  I got to watch the girls while the paerents were at a parent/teacher conference re: granddaughter #2.  I guess it was mostly very positive with the only negative report that she talks a lot....  Granddaughter #2 talks nonstop to nobody in particular so I asked if she was talking to herself or another student.  I got a look from DIL, then a laugh.  They had a couple friends over for dinner so we had a table full.  I had a good time. 

I used my new EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment - the cord that goes from the outlet on the wall to the car.  Not a charger as the charger is in the car itself, just the supply cord/computer) for the first time today out at my son's house.  With two I now don't have to keep unplugging the one that came with the PiP, and can put it on the outside of the house in a more permanent manner.  It worked just fine BTW... 

Didn't get any time to get any more done in the train room, but hopefully tomorrow will be different.

Tomorrow night and Wednesday are supposed to get very nasty around here!  Lots of rain, snow, and icy driving conditions.  Catch you all in the morning.  Prayers to all in need!

73

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 2:01 AM

Guys! I've gone and done it! stripped an F3A, GP15-1, GP40-2, NW2, and Alco F unit pair. 

all to be repainted into SP&S colors, teheheheheh. I'm causing all sorts of ruckus.

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 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 2:16 AM

morning coffee in the diner..

GOOD TUESDAY MORNING!

Today is Tuesday, November 26, 2013!  

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

Today's fun limmerick:

There once was a dancer named Graltzky
Who told his date, "I'm feeling waltzy."
She said, "Let us tango
Or do the fandango.
The waltz seems to me a bit shmaltzy." 

 

Today's weird words:

Tegestology: The collection of beer mats or coasters

picadillo: a slight offense or sin

delation: accusation; denouncement

as used in a sentence:

Tommy's delation for the picadillo of tegestology shocked everyone.

 

Geeked

-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.

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,251 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 2:26 AM

Packer
One thing I never understood about my job is that I'm pretty much my boss's go-to guy (repairs, computer help, etc) for stuff, yet I don't get promoted.

Gidday Vincent, that may be the reason for your non promotion, you're far too valuable doing what you do now. While I could say keep up the good work and take pride in what you do, it certainly doesn't help in putting extra $$$ in your pocket. Sigh

Currently a humid 62 F, have had some welcome rain though, took her-in-doors out to dinner tonight for her birthday, am now wondering how long those brownie points will last. Laugh

Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need Them.

Cheers, the Bear.

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 2:58 AM

vincent,

I agree with JaBear. You are far to valuable in your position to get promoted. In this day and age, many financial/career guidance people suggest one become as invaluable to an employer as possible. THEN after a period {longer than you'd like} you MAY get a promotion, regularly or with your review of wrok. OR you can seek other employment.

One thing you CAN do is to: make a list of services you provide; search out the value of each service; and submit to your boss a one page, detailed "accounting of yourself" when a promotion comes around OR you want to ask for a raise. In other words, you say you repair/fix computers- find out from 3 or4 agencies how much a repair person makes an hour, and register to him accordingly how much he would save having you help-even if he were to promote and increase your pay.

Secondly: remain valuable to him as the "go-to guy". WHen you desire a raise or promotion have you one page printed list of your valuable-ness. He won't read more than one page, and if he just says, "tell me about it" you have yourself a cheat sheet. Have that sheet handy for reference with you at all times, even if folded in yur wallet. Show your assets to the company. Show you accomplishments while in his employ.

Thirdly: NO EMPLOYEE is so valuable that they cannot be replaced! Be fully aware of this. Tread carefully when "making demands"

Fourthly: you can look elsewhere for a job, and if something gets you an interview, you could then drop the hint that you "are entertaining some other offers". Be careful again, see #3.

fifthly: BIDE YOUR TIME. MOH, for instance has a job doing XXX {confidentiality means I cannot tell you}, and the company requires that one be with the company for at least 6 months before a promotion. Well, at 4 months, MOH was suggested to apply for a promotion anyway, MOH's supervisor would put in for MOH. In short, being a valuable employee, moh beat out the other applicant by a landslide! MOH also had a glowing report from an outside client that helped also. MOH would have had to wait the full 6 months under ordinary circumstances.

sixth: be aware that a certain "education or experience" requirements that need to be meet the promotion may apply. MOH still has another part time job two things got in the way of geting it..one was MOH is oldER, and MOH didn't have a full college degree. THe job there went to a younger, graduate who had a degree in Chemical Engineering {this is a grocery store} and made no bones about leaving upon getting a job in that field.

AS far as your dilemas about getting sibling presents: remember is to better to give than recieve,and what goes forward, or around, may reward you later for Christmas! {Karma}

And If you provide them {or your parents} a list of things you'd like train wise, where to get them with pics Item #s or computer links to the exact item, you MAY get them! Be mindfull of costs, as you don't want to alienated them on price alone! They could also pool resources for your present.

Sorry about the hair cut!

Daisy! Get this man a drink of soda! and a RBF! and a slice of Cake

have a good one

Geeked

-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.

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,251 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 3:10 AM

galaxy
Thirdly: NO EMPLOYEE is so valuable that they cannot be replaced! Be fully aware of this. Tread carefully when "making demands"

Very Good Advise Mr. G. While I could have said more, not knowing US labour law gave me reason to stop while I was ahead, don't want to get Vincent fired. That said I suspest that employers are the same the world over.

Night All, Cheers, the Bear. Zzz

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 2,297 posts
Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 3:11 AM

Packer, it's a running joke at where I work about management. They're the first to go when it comes time to trim the money tree. 

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 

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Williamsville, ILL
  • 3,698 posts
Posted by TMarsh on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 5:41 AM
Good Morning!!!
 
Coffee and a breakfast burrito please. Thanks. Yes I know I order them a lot, but they are awfully tasty things.
 
It’s about that time of year when I hate looking at the weather, but I think the high is gonna be somewhere around the mid thirties.
 
Size 18!!!! My gosh! I wear 10- 10½ so I pretty much don’t have an issue. Kinda like the Chivalet of shoe sizes. 
 
Packer- Sometimes some people are held back in the work force because they make the boss look good. If you were to leave and go up the ladder then he would not have a “go-to-guy” and it would then fall on him/her. Makes being good at what you do a catch-22 thing.
 
Jeffrey- Just kinda curious, it isn’t raining down there by any chance is it?Whistling Laugh
 
While I don’t disagree with Galaxy, the fact around here is there are more people looking for jobs than there are. I’m reminded of a time yeeeeears ago when I worked at a restaurant as a right out of high schooler. Guy was in the back talking to the shift manager about his worth and what all he did and how he felt he should get a raise or be promoted or something. Kinda like what G was saying but probably not as diplomatic as he describes. Not sure cause I didn’t hear all of it, but it wasn't an arguement and it wasn't a casual "oh by the way what do you think the chances are..." either. Anyway what I do recall the most is the manager said wait right there. Went into the office and came out with a stack of papers that turned out to be applications about an inch or two thick. She said, “that’s what your job is and that’s how much we pay.” She dropped the stack of applications on the table in front of him and continued, “see that stack? Now I won’t be able to replace you tonight and probably not tomorrow, but in two or three days I will have someone who wants your job here to replace you. You don’t like it, hit the road. So what is it? Do I start making calls tomorrow?” He said no. She picked up the papers, turned and walked away. She was not mean about it nor was she a….female dog. But the mindset for these kind of jobs is the same for restaurants sit down or fast food. It’s a job. Rocket science they are not. Special Degrees not required. In fact most are just pass through while in school or until a career job comes along. Now I’m not knocking these jobs and a manager job at someplace like McDonalds is nothing to sneeze at or belittle, but unless you are in that area, the little guys are just that. Sooooo, I’m not sure a comparison of anything will do much good except to get a response similar to the one above. Self satisfaction for doing a good job and an eye to the want ads for a higher paying or better job is probably the best answer. Of course there are also the spiteful employers who will not give good references to an existing employee because that will increase the chances of them losing them too. I have witnessed that as well. Some guy actually bragged to me about doing it.
 
Welp, Grandchild what, number 6 has arrived. Isabella Leanne (sp?) or Granddaughter (doesn’t look right but spell check says it is.)#2 as she has been referred to, showed up early yesterday evening. Brenda says she looks great….I say she looks like most other babies.   
 
SurpriseHard to believe day after tomorrow is Thanksgiving. My favorite holiday and….it just doesn’t seem right. SighThis year has just flown by like one of Mr B’s hockey pucks. Doesn’t seem possible. (shakes head)

 

Ya’ll have a good day, ya hear!!!!
 
 
 
Edit: TOP so eat up!

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. Laugh

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 6:42 AM

Uh, happy Friday?  Last day of the work week for me.  With SWMBO in Florida caring for her parents, we never got to take much vacation this year, so I'm taking tomorrow off.  Then, I've got 4 more days and I'm off until January 6th.  It's going to be another one of those "am I ready to retire yet?" experiments.  Last year, I got bored before going back to work.  This year, I hope to plan my activities better.  There is plenty of train work to be done!

I got all the grocery shopping done yesterday on the way home.  For the first time in who knows how long, I had too much stuff for the express checkout line.  Heading home, I realized that it was the first time I was commuting home in the dark this season.

Yes, organizational structures can be a pain.  I've topped out where I work, and the next step up the ladder pretty much requires selling your soul to corporate.  I'm not willing to do that, but I'll be retiring soon, so it no longer matters.

Some years back, when I had some management responsibility (elsewhere) and was responsible for my own team, I realized that good people were going to leave, so I did my best to train them, improve their job skills and give them good references when they were ready.  When one of my guys left, he told me I was the best boss he'd ever had.  That made it all worthwhile.

Not giving a guy a good reference so he won't leave?  How about giving a guy a much better recommendation than he deserves so he will leave?  I've seen that, too.  The guy had a string of degrees, and I'm guessing that's how he got them all.  There's a fine line between "professional courtesy" and outright lying.

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

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 7:12 AM

MisterBeasley

It's going to be another one of those "am I ready to retire yet?" experiments.  Last year, I got bored before going back to work.  This year, I hope to plan my activities better.  There is plenty of train work to be done!

 

Flo, long time no see.  Two eggs, over easy, hash browns, wheat toast with strawberry jelly, bacon well done, large tomato juice.

Getting bored is no reason not to retire.  I used to tell my clients, plan before you retire.  Otherwise, just retire and then plan.  Over here in Chicago, it is golf all summer and playing with the layout in the winter.  Lunch, then a nap.  Make a second To Do List with all the things that you have not done on your first To Do List.  But, whatever you do, retire!

Flo, what's taking so long?  I am getting bored.   Laugh

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 8:07 AM

TMarsh
Jeffrey- Just kinda curious, it isn’t raining down there by any chance is it?Whistling Laugh

It's raining now. It rained all night and looks like it's gonna rain all day. Did I mention it's raining now?

 

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 8:14 AM

Good Afternoon Folks!

It´s been a busy day so far. After doing some banking business, I started on the weathering job on that lttle critter. I still have a set of powedered pigments bought last century (sounds funnier than 20 years ago). At first I brushed on some light colored pigments to brak the shine on the supposedly dull light blue color of the body, just to simulate a "bleaching" or fading effect. Next I lightly brushed on some black pigments to simulate dirt and grime, followed by rust colored pigments on the air box and the exhaust stack. Any excess material I just blew away - lesson learned, I should have worn a mask, as I must have inhaled some of that stuff... Ick!

This is the result of my second attempt of weathering:

1. Before:

2. After:

 

I stll need to work on that red, although it looks much better tha on those pictures.

Just to give you an idea of the size of the critter, here is a pic showing it next to a small HO scale streetcar (also one of those thingies I found in a box up in the attic):

Actually, I am quite pleased with the result so far!

Vincent - I can only second what the others have told you on that job issue. Times have changed significantly on the job markets everywhere. Don´t expect to get monetary recognition for your service. Anyone appearing too demanding will most likely lose the job. If you want a pay raise, start to look for another job, but don´t tell anyone your doing it.

Mr. B - I am not retired, just out of a job. You could say it is a "forced retirement". If I had a little more cash on hand, I would certainly be able to occupy the plenty of "free" time I have ...

Make it a great day!

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 8:22 AM

Good morning! Coffee and a doughnut please! 

 

richhotrain

 

 
MisterBeasley

It's going to be another one of those "am I ready to retire yet?" experiments.  Last year, I got bored before going back to work.  This year, I hope to plan my activities better.  There is plenty of train work to be done!

 

 

 

Flo, long time no see.  Two eggs, over easy, hash browns, wheat toast with strawberry jelly, bacon well done, large tomato juice.

Getting bored is no reason not to retire.  I used to tell my clients, plan before you retire.  Otherwise, just retire and then plan.  Over here in Chicago, it is golf all summer and playing with the layout in the winter.  Lunch, then a nap.  Make a second To Do List with all the things that you have not done on your first To Do List.  But, whatever you do, retire!

Flo, what's taking so long?  I am getting bored.   Laugh

Rich

 

 

Rich ...... Good to see you. My good friend retired in Illinois, and remarkably he stayed in Illinois. He gripes about state taxes and state politicians, but he stayed. .... Yes, we should plan our retirement. We should plan all of our lives..... Young people should plan their careers. We all should plan our monthly budgets. ...... Model railroaders plan their layouts. ...... Next, we implement the plans, but stay flexible and adjust according to evolving circumstances.  ... Young people should get in the habit of saving their money and investing it wisely at an early age. ..... My My 2 Cents

Vincent.... I read some of the comments about your job and your boss. You are young, and you can make your future. Evidently, you have good work habits, and that is a strong attribute. Keep that attititude. I don't know what kind of work you do, but regardless your positive attitude is a plus..... As Todd explained, some employers have a lot of job applicants. Employers can't justify higher wages to current employees if they can easily be replaced. That is how things are. No point in worrying about things you can not change. .... Take time to think of your goals for your life. Next, put together a plan to implement those goals. .... Pick your path and stay on it. Focus on your goals, and don't waste any time on doing things that keep you from reaching your goals. .... In your life time, you will probably have several employers and many bosses. You may become a boss yourself..... Always strive to better yourself. Learn as much as you can. ..... More My 2 Cents (Almost a nickel of advice in one post) 

I spent enough time talking. Now my coffee is cold. 

 

 Edit: .... Model Railroader's slogan ..... Dream, Plan, Build ....... Fits in with life in general. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
  • 1,155 posts
Posted by tcwright973 on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 9:18 AM

And so it begins...

Well, at least for me. I just got back into the house after getting out the snowblower and clearing the driveway and sidewalk. Used the snowshovel on the walks and steps in the front and back yard. It's still coming down, but won't amount to much as the temperature was 32 degrees, but is rising.

Expecting delivery today of another Walthers Sante Fe Super Chief passenger car. This last run of cars looks great, but I noticed that the trucks hit the body limiting the radius they could be used on. I suppose one could file or grind away some areas to allow for a full swing, but these will probably be display pieces for some time, so I'll worry about that later.

I had ordered a different antenna for my new handheld scanner, and it came yesterday. It's designed for the railroad frequencies and seems to improve reception. I have only tried it out here in the house, but I'm listening to a lot that was just static before. I'll give it a work out on Saturday if we go to our usual railfanning spot. Then I'll know for sure if it was a good investment. Well, not investment, as it only cost $25.00.

I've got a couple of loads of wash to finish up from yesterday, so I guess I better head to the basement and get that chore started. Hope everyone has a good one.

Tom

Pittsburgh, PA

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!