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Jeffrey's Trackside Diner- April 2016 Locked

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Friday, April 15, 2016 8:23 PM

bjdukert

Best to all with family problems,on sick call,and those recovering.AngelAngelAngel

Duke

 

 

Duke .... Nice to see you. Your thoughts are appreciated. ... I was up in MI again, but too busy taking care of stuff there to try arranging a get together. 

I 'm hoping and praying for those in the hospital today. 

Also, where is Galaxy? 

My wife is flying from MI to Nashville TN tomorrow. The situation with family members in MI will last for a long time apparently. ... We're close to the TN border and Nashville is a little over 100 miles from here. We'll see Shelley's family before coming back. 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by yougottawanta on Saturday, April 16, 2016 8:27 AM

Well good morning all. Procedure went well. The operation room looked like something out of a scu fi flick. Simply amazing. Chest hurts a bit. But worst part was laying in bed firn6+ hours in pain and.not being able to move.Gettingbgetbready to leave.

TTYL YGW

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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 16, 2016 8:39 AM

Good Afternoon!

A quiet place today! I guess Spring must have finally sprung, so everybody´s just out, taking care of the garden.

There has been some improvement over last night - I can move my right arm a couple of degrees more. I made use of that by installing a few figures on the layout.

There is now a small group of hikers waiting at the bus stop, while the bus approaches the halt. Two johnny-come-latelies are rushing to catch the bus.

At the station, half a dozen passengers wait for the train to pull in.

I hope my shoulder will recover to the extent I can install the catenary.  I have plenty of time for recovery, as I have to save up the money needed for that step. My estimate is about 4 - 5 months Sigh.

Janie, coffee and a that cup cake, please. I´ll be staying at the RC, waiting for someone to drop by!

Ken - I must have caught a bug which settled down in my joints - all of them. The most affected one was my right shoulder, which is a weak spot since it was damaged in a car accident decades ago. I have been on antibiotics which took way too long to kick in, but now they seem to have started doing there job.

Garry - continuing Angel for the family!

Ken -whenever I have a check-up coming, my heart joins the Capetown races!

Galaxy - where art thou, my friend?

 

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Saturday, April 16, 2016 10:14 AM

Good morning, all!  It's another nice day out, but we remain stuck in the low 50s.  It's supposed to warm up to more pleasant bicycling weather over the next week.  I hope so.  I like the strength machines at the gym, but I'm not a fan of the treadmill.  Lately I've been skipping the treadmill and going for a walk outside instead, but nothing beats a good bike ride.

To me, the worst things about hospitals are the boredom and the really bad food.  Of course, they are full of sick people, too.  Yes, I've gone in healthy (for a blood test for a routine physical) and found myself sick the next day from something I picked up in the hospital.  Grrrrr!

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

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Posted by LIRRs on Saturday, April 16, 2016 10:23 AM

Hi All.

I have a few minutes to drop by for a cup o' mud during work.

YGW - I am pleased that all went well yesterday.  I always say the same thing about these operating/examining rooms looking like something from Star Trek.  Problem is it's always the same me coming back out.

Needed back on the field.

All the best.

Joe F

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Posted by howmus on Saturday, April 16, 2016 10:37 AM

Mronin' everyone!

Zoe, I'll have a bowl of Heritage Flakes Organic Cereal with some fresh blueberries and a pot of Marrakesh Express Dark Roast Coffee to keep my R&GV RR Mug filled for a bit...

 Ulrich, glad you are starting to feel a bit better!  Always worrisome when these this over take us....

 YGW, glad the procedure went well and you are on the road to recovery.

I have already driven downtown to mail a pile of newsletters to those members of the division who haven't reached the last couple decade of the last century yet (don't have a computer... or won't give us their email...).  The EV range has finally started to climb for the summer on the PiP.  I will get a 3 to 4 mile difference between the Wintertime Range and the Summertime range.  Gasoline powered cars do the same thing but people don't noitice.  Have to get a new format for all the info for the students applying for the MLK Scholarships this year.  The person who did it for us used word and it is basically not usable for the committee.  I will just cut and paste into an Excel File.  That should occupy a few hours today to keep me out of the trainroom! Dots - Sign  Lawn mowers have been gotten out and started in the neighborhood yesterday, so I guess it is time for me to check the batteries for mine and sharpen the blade maybe...  My lawn is already higher than the ones that mowed yesterday...  That is because I don't spray or fertilize and absolutely do NOT water mine!

Prayers for all who are in need....  Later!

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Saturday, April 16, 2016 10:55 AM

Howdy

 

YGW ... I'm very pleased your procedure went well. Praying for a full recovery soon. 

Ulrich ... Thanks for the comment. I hope your condition improves very soon.

Barry ... I'm very concerned about you. Prayers continue.

Ken ... Praying for you also.

Galaxy ... Getting concerned about your absence. 

....

I am leavimg shortly for Nashville. 

 

 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 16, 2016 11:02 AM

YGW - I am glad that all went well and you are on the road to recovery!

I did some more MRRing. Not much, just installed a few figures in one of the coaches. The set of figures was sent to me by a Dutch friend. They are of the cheap Chinese kind, those for a a few bucks for the set of 100 figures. They are supposed to be HO scale, but they are slightly bigger. To get them seated in the car I had to cut the feet off - a cruel procedure Laugh. They are no match to Preiser figures, but inside a car they are OK.

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Posted by angelob6660 on Saturday, April 16, 2016 1:51 PM

Afternoon Diners,

I received my DCC system a few days ago Digitrax Zephyr Xtra. It took me almost an hour to get a single locomotive running. It told me that power isn't connected, and decorder isn't on. If I tint the wires for the DCC system (would I get more power to the tracks). To program the decorder on the locomotives.

Modeling the G.N.O. Railway, The Diamond Route.

Amtrak America, 1971-Present.

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Posted by BroadwayLion on Saturday, April 16, 2016 2:27 PM

howmus
That should occupy a few hours today to keep me out of the trainroom! Dots - Sign Lawn mowers have been gotten out and started in the neighborhood yesterday, so I guess it is time for me to check the batteries for mine and sharpen the blade maybe... My lawn is already higher than the ones that mowed yesterday... That is because I don't spray or fertilize and absolutely do NOT water mine!

 

Yes the lawn mower is waiting for me (over on track 5), but at the moment we have 4" snow.

 

ROAR

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

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Posted by cudaken on Saturday, April 16, 2016 3:18 PM

 Afteroon Dinners

 Flo, a Keg of Beer Please.

 What a Custer Nut Bar This VA Visit was!!!!!!!! SoapBox I got to the VA Hospital at 11:00 AM with my family and checked in with the ER. Now with possible heart problems I thought I would be in the fast lane! Nope sat in the waiting room for 2 hours. At 1:00 PM I finally get sent to the ER Exam Room, and sat there for 2 hours then I saw a Dr, I think? At first they could not find my EKG from the day before? They finaly found 1 of the 3 they ran Thursday and the Dr started laughing, then ran a new EKG and Laugh some more? 

 Said "there is nothing wrong with your EKG why are you here"? Then at 2:07 he had blood drawen and it was the last I saw of him. Had my family brought back right afterwards. Around 4:00 PM my daughter asked my RN Name Steve what they where going to do, he said at 11:52 AM I had orders to be Admitted, OK we are getting some where.

 Family left at 6:00 PM, soon as they left a new DR asked why was I there? Bang Head At 8:00 PM yet another DR asked why I was there and if I want to go home?

 Then at 10:00 PM yet another DR said I should go home, they don't do any testing on the weekend? Bang Head He did try to find me away home but there was none! Bang Head Told him all I wanted was a bed to sleep in. I had been in the ER Exam Room for 10 hours! SoapBoxBang Head

  At 10:30 PM I finally was in a room! Did I get to Zzz heck NO! God, it was the worst night I ever had that was not in a Foxhole in the rain!

 OK, the only good news.

 1 Blood work show no Enzmes that would show Heart Damage! Yes

 2 Over night EKG looks normal! Yes

 3 I get to take Sunday Off if I want! Yes

 Bad News

 1 They want me to take another stress test? God, another 24 hours with out caffine! Bang Head

  Later, Ken

  

 

 

 

I hate Rust

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Posted by BigDaddy on Saturday, April 16, 2016 6:20 PM

Flo  a small cup of vanilla ice cream

Ulrich  As a lad I went to NYC a couple times on a PRR GG1.  A neighbor had a major train layout in his basement, and I was friends with his grandsons.  We didn't really get to run any trains, but he had a massive yard full of the multicolored passenger cars of the day, and streamliners and a couple GG1's.  He did not have caternary, nor can I imagine stringing it.

Ken, the VA?  I hope it's attached to a medical school.  Even then, the employees are very much time clock oriented.  If the shift ends at 3 pm, and the OR runs late, your case will not start if it might run over.  Not,  the same in the real world.

As a medical student in the late 70's, patients with bad EKG's used the VA as a motel.  They would show up in the ER with chest pain, radiating down their left arm, back then it took 2 days to figure out they didn't have a heart attack and then get discharged, to continue their travels N, S E or W.  I also couldn't wrap my head around "service connected disabilities" all of which were diseases anyone can get, COPD, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease. 

We had census week, which meant that the hospital budget depended on the number of patients and nobody could be discharged!  If you weren't sick enough to convince the ER doc that you should be admitted, your congressman could admit you!

My resident swore up and down he took care of a veteran of the Spanish American War, who was actually a Spaniard on the other side.   I took care of a couple WW1 vets who were victims of poisoned gas.  There are no surviving vets of WW1 anywhere in the world.  That is a daunting thought to me.  We might live to when their are no surviving vets of WW2 either.  Just incredible.

I spilled my styrene cement last night and needed some more.  I decided to go to Mainline Hobby Show which is about 30 min north of Camp David.  The first thing I noticed, were people crossing the street, having parker at a chuch 100 yds away.

MB Klein never had this kind of stock, on display, even when they were in downtown Baltimore. Lots of detail parts, Central Valley, Tichy, Grandt Line, books of Microscale decals.   Even though the place was packed, an employee came up to everyone and asked if he could help.  Their prices on locos and cars weren't all that special, but just to actually see what you were buying was great.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by tin can on Sunday, April 17, 2016 9:12 AM

Ken:  Sorry you had such crappy non-medical treatment at the VA facility.  Sounds like good news on your heart, though, so maybe it was worth it.  

We were supposed to have rain for a solid week starting yesterday; did yardwork with a vengance Friday night and yesterday morning.  Finally had a light rain last night.  Wet enought that we have to clean the dog's paws when he comes in, and that is a pain.  He goes in and out a lot.  

Remember the tin can; the MKT's central Texas branch...
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Sunday, April 17, 2016 10:35 AM

MisterBeasley
"By the rude bridge that arched the flood,

Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,

Where once the embattled farmers stood

And fired the shot heard 'round the world."

 

I went to hear some music and drink some beer at an old tavern in Concord, MA, last night.  The bar is an old storeroom in a Colonial era inn.  (It's actually called the Colonial Inn) and the room, as history tells us, was used as a secret hiding place for powder and ammunition during the Revolution.  Anyway, as often happens when I drink beer, nature called so I took a break and went into the next room, also a bar, but with no music.  It does however, have a men's room.

I walked in and found myself surrounded by Redcoats.  It was a squad or so of British regulars, having a social evening in uniform ahead of the re-enactments ahead, when they will meet surprisingly stiff resistance from a bunch of embattled farmers.

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

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Posted by BroadwayLion on Sunday, April 17, 2016 11:14 AM

LION was in NAVY.

Him never use VA facility. LION is SMART. EWE want "Universal Care", VA is just a preview of the STUFF ewe will have to put up with.

Stuff up with which the LION will not put!

But, ewe get what ewe pay for, I suppose.

ROAR

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

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Posted by LIRRs on Sunday, April 17, 2016 1:06 PM

A beautiful day in Northern Virginia.  The patio furniture came out today and my wife was planting in the vegetable garden.  Nice warm weather which is supposed to stay with us the entire week.

All the best.

Joe F

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Posted by angelob6660 on Sunday, April 17, 2016 1:07 PM

Afternoon Diners,

I was looking for passenger cars assigned for Amtrak. I found Santa Fe Regal series and some Union Pacific. The regal cars I have 3 to the Santa Fe business train and one to the Auto Train before Amtrak.

It's hard to find a list. Just like finding a Superliner I painting roster.

Modeling the G.N.O. Railway, The Diamond Route.

Amtrak America, 1971-Present.

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Posted by cambus267 on Sunday, April 17, 2016 1:14 PM

About to pack for the great adventure in a big silver bird across "the pond" to New York!!!!!! She who must be obeyed as the daily itinerary for every day mapped out, don't you just love our better halves? 

Thanks Big Daddy for your link have printed it out and is in travel documents.

Prayers and best wishes for all but especially those in need!!!!

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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, April 17, 2016 1:33 PM

Good Evening!

It´s been one of those days when I ask myself why I got up in the morning! My shoulder is hurting like mad again. As it seems, for each step I go forward, I´ll be thrown back by two the day after!

I spent most of the time propped up on the sofa, with the idiot box being on, although I can´t remember having watched anything. I´ll try to stay up for another hour or so, before hitting the hay and trying to get some sleep - should the pain let me. Of course, we are out of pain killers!

Such is life - Zzz

I am worried about Galaxy! I hope he is just too busy getting established in his new home and neighborhood. He has not been the healthiest lately, but who really is - from a certain age on.

Blessings, Folks!

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Posted by der5997 on Sunday, April 17, 2016 2:03 PM

Good  afternoon Diners!
In other news,
Yes the lawn mower is waiting for me (over on track 5), but at the moment we have 4" snow.
…yes, we’ve had that (but not as deep) for the last 3 days. It’s going today as the temp is about 6C (was meant to be 14C – then 12C – then 9C….)
Jimmy: My heartfelt condolences. I only knew one of my grandmothers – but going o see her in Eastbourne was always a treat as a kid. You’ll have memories too – and the pain will ease. Angel John.
Mister Beasley:
I've heard on a train forum somewhere that places that make signs will sell you sheets of styrene.  If you have a sign place nearby, it might be worth a trip or a call to ask.  I've never tried that.  Years ago I did order sheet styrene from US Plastics (Rubbermaid) and it was pretty reasonable.  I still have some.
  My favourite sheet styrene “go to” sits atop most gas station pumps. They throw those signs out and if one asks nicely they can generally be had for free. I’m still working my way through the sheets I got some years ago. Downside is that one has to scrape off, or otherwise remove the ink from surfaces which will be glued. Also, it takes a bit to cover over the darkly coloured inks with primer. Upside, size is right and price can’t be undersold!  I used some just last Wednesday.
(do bureaucrats work any other days of the week, either?)
  Apparently so – or we wouldn’t be faced with their boondoggles!  Of course, from their perspective perhaps that isn’t w*rk! Clown
Audrey: Proverbs 31:10! – and Angel for Barry!
Johnboy: Thanks for your note of appreciation to Steve. 
Ken: Praying for you too (We’ve been keeping Sue on our list anyway because of the foot issues)Angel – Glad to hear that the latest EKGs were clear and the enzymes indicate good things.
Garry:
Get well everybody. It's hard to work on model railroads if you are in the hospital.
Do you recall Fergie took kits with him (maybe still does) on his Coast Guard voyages? Haven’t heard of him in quite a while.
Ray:
Wow!  The list on sick call just keeps growing around here!  YGW, Ken, Barry, and Ulrich and I'm sure I forgot a couple people ailing!  And, where is Galaxy?  My prayers for all of you!
  Exactly, Ray – WAY too many. Everyone, we’ll keep on pitching for you and those with difficult family situations!Angel
Lawn mowers have been gotten out and started in the neighborhood yesterday, so I guess it is time for me to check the batteries for mine and sharpen the blade maybe... 
Thanks for the reminder. I charged the battery after the last mow 2015. So, since that procedure worked the year before (mower’s first winter) I’m hoping it will have kept its charge stored in our basement as before. The blade sharpening is more or led why I looked for and scored a yard sale grind wheel last Spring. Have yet to remove the blade from that particular mower however.
Duke:  – it’s been a while; but I’m no one to talk on that as I was MIA for 3 years until I started a new layout….
YGW: Glad things went well. We won’t hear from Ken for a day or two yet, IIRC.  Oh, I see he’s back and like Able Seaman Johnson of the old Brit Radio show “The Navy Lark” – Not Happy!
Ulrich: That inflammation sounds very unpleasant. Hope you are able to sleep tonight.Zzz Angel
 
I did some more MRRing. Not much, just installed a few figures in one of the coaches. The set of figures was sent to me by a Dutch friend. They are of the cheap Chinese kind, those for a a few bucks for the set of 100 figures. They are supposed to be HO scale, but they are slightly bigger. To get them seated in the car I had to cut the feet off - a cruel procedure . They are no match to Preiser figures, but inside a car they are OK.
  .. I use those wee folk from China too – in N the difference is even less noticeable –and if one follows the 91.44 cm Rule which states more or less “Any detail which is not discernible to the naked eye from 3 feet away is irrelevant” – or to quote Spock “A difference which makes no difference is no difference!” Alien
Train Front: It strikes me that with each new layout I try some technique new to me. The last one was using Styrofoam for scenery forms with sawdust/glue mix for the landscape surface. I’m doing that on this one too. I tried that AMI Roadbed on a Roll on the last – and didn’t like the way the tarry stuff caught and clung to anything pushed into/through it.(and drill bits in particular Bang Head  So, this time for roadbed I’m going to try a self-adhesive foam strip of insulation stuff from the local hardware store. I think I’ve mentioned this before – 2” wide cut to 1” gives me 60 ft on the roll of N roadbed. I tried an experimental length the other day – and there will be a learning curve – but the basic premise seems sound enough. I’ve had a close look at the test strip just now – it’s been in place for about 48 -72 hours, and the difficulties I thought I was going to have with edge profiles seem to have smoothed themselves out.  The adhesive is quite strong so once it’s in place there is little forgiveness. I’ll have to be sure my track centre lines are well marked before I lay the main. The other innovation for me will be using double side tape to stick the track in place prior to ballasting. I’ve always used track nails up until now. I thought this time I’d try the tape.  BTW, I’m glad I looked at the MR Newsletter of a couple of weeks ago – there was a video on track laying by David Popp. He reminded me to test join my more complex switch sections together so as to get the exact alignment on the layout. Good thing I did, as when push came to shove, my track alignments had to be adjusted in several places. I also remembered before it was too late to tape over the join between the two legs of the “L” the layout is built from. One doesn’t need scenery glue seeping down there and making it more difficult than it need be to disengage – should that become necessary!
Another “just in time” remembrance was to cut the cavities into which the Peco PL-10 switch machines will fit – and to drill the hole below them through which the wires will pass.  Some pics of that:    The wise or cautious might want to check out the degrees of freedom in the non-standard uses of kitchen implements before copying the technique Whistling
I’ve been busy filling in the unexpected and inexplicable 1/8th height differences in the sections of Styrofoam on both parts of the “L”. I’ve had to provide ramps, which was a fiddle and quite time consuming. Still I suppose they do introduce some slight variations in grade – without them the whole track plan is like a bowling alley! I used that double sided tape to fix the ramps, so that’s given me some practice using the stuff.  Here’s a pic of the taped join and a couple of ramps prior to painting.  I have to cut out about 6 more switch machine cavities before I can lay any more road bed. Now however it’s time for tea!  TTFN.

"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Sunday, April 17, 2016 4:16 PM

Good afternoon.

Der John ... I'm glad to see so much progress on your new layout. That is very impressive. 

Ken ... It sounds like mixed results, but I'm glad the EKG looked okay. Another stress test? ... I hope it is the kind where it is on a treadmill and not the chemical-induced stress test. 

Audrey / Barry .... I'm very concered because Audry has not posted a Barry report in a couple of days or so. Praying Barry is improving.

Ulrich ... I hope your condition is improving. 

YGW ... You, too .... Praying for a quick recovery from your operation. 

Lion .... A Navy Lion ! I'm impressed. 

Mr. B. .... The Redcoats are coming ! Interesting .  

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by cudaken on Sunday, April 17, 2016 5:15 PM

 Good Afternoon Dinners

 Flo, Beer please.

 Feeling a little more like my self today, which is not saying much. Whistling Did get a little yard work done. With the possible heart problem I carried lite loads of limbs and vines out to the front yard for pick up. Dragged out the huge mattress bag of pool weeds that my son-in-law bagged up! That sucker had to be 150 pounds or more. Dang things where growing in the Bag because they where wet when he put them there.

 Picked up a lot of twigs off the patio and used the leaf blower to clean it up some. Moved the Road Runner's old gas tank from the front to the rear yard so I don't look like such a hick. While the 68 Road Runner was in the driveway it could not be seen. After the new tank is in the car I will list it for sale cheap on line.

 Work Front Seems there is a chance I may be rid off Jerry! Yes One off the manger's is quiting the 24th of this month. They may have Jerry work at that story, I am sure he will not be the manager but you never know with this company!

 Got my Mo state income tax back Saturday, $641.00, while I know the Tax guy made a mistake (supplied by the state of ILL) I will take it! After all I did not make the mistake. I had planed on all of the money going into savings. But with only working 2 days this week some of it will go toward bills.

 Well the BBQ is done and so am I.

 Heart still beating Ken

 

 

 

I hate Rust

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Posted by angelob6660 on Sunday, April 17, 2016 5:32 PM

Evening Diners,

Its been a boring sunday today. Nothing really interesting. 

I tried to watch a movie (Superman Doomsday) I bought 6 years ago in the dvd player and it wouldn't play. I watched it previously like two years, within 5 times. Now it no longer plays with little to no scratches to damage it.

Modeling the G.N.O. Railway, The Diamond Route.

Amtrak America, 1971-Present.

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Posted by howmus on Sunday, April 17, 2016 9:30 PM

Evenin' folks!

Janie, a cup of hot chocolate before bed would do nicely, please...

Well, Angelo maybe your day was boring, mine sure wasn't!  Went to church today, mostly to see my granddaughter acolyte.  Turns out, I found out when I got there the properties committee had installed the new acoustic tiles...  A member of that committee was ushering and greeted me as I came into church with a huge grin.  He asked if I had been into the Sanctuary yet?  I looked over where they had been storing the large bats of tile and in its place was a set of scaffolding...  I told the guy, I bet there is something I may like in the Sanctuary.  He just grinned from ear to ear.  Now I have to tell you I have been the loudest voice complaining about the low rumble of reflected sound that was in the space.  25 years I have been told to shut up and live with it cause that is what we have.  As the congregation has gotten older people with hearing problems (seems to go with my generation... and we are a church with a lot of young people), I have been just one voice in the crowd, but still the loudest.  I was finally asked to be on a committee (formed by our new pastor, Deb, who is also a fine musician) to look at the solutions to the problem.  She and I agreed from about the 4th. day she was here on what needed to be done.

Anyway...  I walked into the Sanctuary and heard....  Calm, silence, and a complete lack of rumbling low echo!  I was estatic, and when the service began, I could for the first time in years, actually understand what was being said in there!  What a huge difference in the understandability of everything in the space!  After the service I talked with the guy who now does the sound for the services (we worked together at church camp and with a Presbytery sponsored  Praise worship group we led for years).  I told him it must have felt nice to bring the volume level up on the mics so that everyone could be heard well.  He grinned and said, "up?  I had to turn the sound volume down cause I wasn't trying to bring the speach up above the rumble!"  He has been my biggest supporter complaining about the acoustics in there for many years.  We still have to reprogram the computer with the sound board for the changes in the acoustics and I will now push for the choir to get more and better monitors.  At one time in the committee on this when a couple others were questioning my knowledge on the subject, I pulled rank.  Asked everyone in the room who has actually studied acoustics and sound systems to raise there hands.  Gee, I was the only one who raised my hand (I had a semester course my senior year at Eastman on setting up and using sound and recording systems and the acoustics in the room).  Then I asked everyone who has done professional recording and live sound to please raise their hand.  I was still the only one to raise my hand...  Today several those same people who questioned my knowledge decided I might have been correct in the first place...  Did kinda feel good after all these years....

Then... After church, I was talking with Pastor Deb about my 50th. wedding anniversary last Friday...  I told her that I never found anyone that wanted me after my wife died.....  And then added, "That I wanted."  We talked a bit about when I was dating way back when I first became a widower, and a couple lovely women I dated from the church.  Mentioned one (not by name) but that she had lost her husband from a rare lung disease he had picked up on a location he was working as a scientist.  I waited 6 months and asked her out.  We went out to dinner and had a great time. Really enjoyed the evening.  Kinda thought she might be the one...  Called her about a week later to see if she would like to have dinner again sometime, and she broke into tears....  I should have waited a few more months before asking her out...  Pastor Deb nodded her head when I mentioned the ladies reaction, and said, Too soon, should have waited for a few more months.  I laughed and said I found that out and the lady and I are still friends.  So, I go out to the social hall where the coffee and snacks are, chatted with a couple and who walks up to me and gives me a hug?  The lady who I had just been talking to the Rev. about!   That definately blew my mind!  Hey you never know???

This evening I had dinner at my son's house.  Steak from the grill, Baked Potato, Sweet Corn, and salad.  Got to play with the granddaughters for a couple hours too!

Today turned out to be a very good around these parts!  Hope yours was just as good...

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 369 posts
Posted by JAMES MOON on Sunday, April 17, 2016 10:32 PM

Good evening.  It has been absolutely beautiful the last four days in the mid-Ohio valley.  It's pretty rare to have four continuous days of absolutely clear blue sky weather in these parts.  I have taken advantage of the weather and completely weeded the iris bed the last three afternoons. 

Tonight I took some me time and headed for the basement and spiked down a turnout.  This is my first turnout where both legs are curves.  Little different geometry but it all went together okay.  I was going to stain up a batch of ties including another set of turn out ties but apparently I failed to get the lid on the stain can on tight and I had about a half pint of solid black gue.  Will have to hit up the paint store or hardware store for another pint of ebony stain.  I usually cut the stain about 40 parts stain and sixty parts mineral spirits for staining ties.  I like the results as they look like slightly weathered creosote coated ties when done.

Uhlrich, hope you have better days ahead.

Ken, best of luck if you ever get to take the stress test.  The last time I took one I had a really difficult time reaching the max rate desired as I was in really great physical shape and their treadmill did not have a lot of slope or speed.  The end result was they found no problems and I haven't had one since.  I was having an occasional occurrence of arithymia but the test showed none and I haven't had any problems for at least the past 15 years.

Hope Barry is improving.

Hope Galaxy is physically okay and either having computer or internet issues.

Speaking of computers, our plans to replace this nine year old lap top went down the drain when we figured our taxes for last year.  401K's  are okay until you have to start the automatic withdrawals at 71.  I haven't drawn out much of mine so I have a pretty hefty tax liability as long as i maintain a decent balance.  Don't really need the money yet so I will just have to play the quarterly tax payment game again this year.  It sure cuts in on the layout cash.

Hope everyone has been able to enjoy some nice weather this weekend also.

Jim

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 18, 2016 1:03 AM

Morning, Folks!

The night has been terrible. I may have caught not more than two hours of sleep due to the pain and now I feel knackered - in addition to the nagging pain. Makes you think about life in a very serious way!

Crazy thing is that I woke up at exactly the same time my Dad died three years ago!

Petra´s aunt in Oregon has had a stroke yesterday, which left her paralyzed. All she can do is turn her head a little. Petra´s aunt and uncle live in a rather remote community southwest of Portland. She was taken to the hospital by helicopter and although treatment began early, the doctors left no doubt about her future. Please join me in a silent prayer for Margret (Bobby).

I am not a happy camper today.

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Northern Va
  • 1,924 posts
Posted by yougottawanta on Monday, April 18, 2016 7:40 AM

Good morning everyone.

Flo please set me up with that cardborad bacon, fake eggs and an 8oz cup of joe. Sigh no more real food for me.

Man did anyone see that UP Challenger coming that hit me ? Confused Geez I tell you it has been a painful couple of days. It hurts to blow ones nose, sneeze, move,breath etc...The day of the surgery turned out awful. We drove the hour and half, arrived a bit early - the hospital changed the prep time from 9am to 11am. We didnt go in until around 12, surgery was to be 1pm. It didnt start until after 5pm! I had a massive no coffee headache, stomach growling...They promised a meal when we got out ! Great Dinner ! The procedure lasted about three hours. After the pain meds wore off I had to remain on my back with out support under my knees or pillow. Had to stay that way for 6 hours Angry! It was an endurance test which I barely endured. And guess what dinner was not available ! Instead they brought me some ice chips, stale turkey sandwich on dried out bread no thing else ! And some Graham crackers Angry because the kitchen was closed ! Oh and for the intense pain I was only allowed Tylenol ! Finally about 2am I was allowed to move - blessed relief -PHEWW.

Still very sore, cant take deep breathes...But my heart seems to be okay.

Ulrich - Will keep your family and your health in prayer. Love the photo with people in your train. Really brings it to life.

Jim - That is a great method for staining the ties. What type of ties do you use ?

Homus - Is there romance in the air ? I hope it goes well. It is so nice to have someone to share life with. I envy you and the baked potato - Dont think I will ever be able to eat like that again Sigh

Angel - Why didnt you do some modeling ? You tube also has a bunch of model rr on it. That would have been better than being so bored ?

Ken - LOL Is that an Alien plant creature growing in the bag of chopped up stuff in the bag ! That is nuts ! Glad the ticker is still ticking - mine too Big Smile

Mr. B - Hope you showed the red coats the door ! Have you ever seen the Samuel Adams commercial where they throw the Redcoat out the door ? It is funny !

Audrey/Barry - Parayers for you two.

Galaxy - Where art though ?

Ker- That is a good verse Prov. 31. And so true. After my wife died and started exploring possible mates. I found that there were thousands available but very limited number were Prov. 31 women ! LOL, one better be very CAREFUL about "borrowing" YOH kitchen utensils

Cambus - Going to NY ? Sorry. If you want to visit a great state come to Va ! Whistling for you NY here no disrespect intended.

Reinhard - Has been nice weather here hasnt it. Very unual !

Tincan - Doing yard work at night ! Man that is dedication !

Henry - Does the VA take care of the other side of the conflict ?

Lion - I agree with your view of Gov run health care !

Getting sore gonna go lay down.

TTYL

YGW

 

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Monday, April 18, 2016 7:54 AM

Good morning...... Any Canadians here? ... If so, I request a Tim Hortons Old Fashion donut with TH Coffee. 

 

 JIm ... It sounds like you hand lay track if you are staining ties. Is that what you are doing? 

YGW .... Praying your recovery from surgery continues to improve. Was it bipass surgery? ... Gov health care? ... Heck, anything run by the gov is a mess.

Ulrich ... Prayers for your Aunt. Sorry to hear it happened. .. Maybe, that was your Dad's way of telling you he is okay in Heaven 

Barry .... Very worried about you. 

Galaxy ... Concerned about your long absense. 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Monday, April 18, 2016 9:01 AM

Ulrich  prayers for Petra's Aunt

Howmus  the Lord works in mysterious ways.

YGW You wouldn't be hungry if you had bypass.  My last procedure mirrrored your except everything the clock was 2 hours earlier.  It sounds like you might have had a general anesthetic if everything hurts.  

The VA is only supposed to take care of our side, that was the funny part of the story.  If true the guy probably showed up at a VA pre WW2 maybe even pre WW1 and said he was a veteran.  They probably didn't issue ID cards to retirees. There was no simple way to check in the days before computers, if someone showed up claiming to be a vet.  Once he was in the system, no one checked or cared.

Br Elias you will like todays Nat Geo photo of the day  http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-of-the-day/

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 369 posts
Posted by JAMES MOON on Monday, April 18, 2016 9:13 AM

Good morning.  It is another sunny morning.  It is suppose to get up to 84 today. 

YGW, sounds like you survived a pretty ruff ordeal.  I use Northeastern Lumber precut ties and use their packaged turnout ties which have to be cut to length.

Garry, I am enjoying hand laying track.  I have gone through 100 ft of code 83 nickle silver track at this point and starting on the second 100 ft package.  Should have kept count on the number of bags of ties but I have kind of lost track of ties at this point.  Laying ties on straight sections is a snap as I use a couple of ancient tru-track sections as templates and lay out up to three feet of ties between two sections of tru-track then using masking tape transfer the ties to the layout road bed.  i glue ties down with Tite Bond glue on prepainted homosote road bed.  Once you get a technique going it moves along pretty good.  Turnouts slow down progress.  It takes a typical evening to spike down a hand made turnout for me.  I can fabricate the frog and points section in about 30 minutes using jigs I made from scrap lumber.  Turnouts cost me nothing more than the materials for ties and rail.  Probably less than $5 per turnout.  Lots of fun to see the progress.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Jim

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