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Jeffrey's Trackside Diner - August 2016 Locked

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Posted by fec153 on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 12:52 PM

You left out BILL NORTH . See July 13 - page 9.

 

FLIP

 

 

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 12:53 PM

Only 3 posts so far - certainly a quiet day in here!

Thanks, for reminding me about Bill North - I´ll add his name to the list on the RIP track!

This afternoon, I wanted to run my other loco, the one in my avatar (all others have been sold to finance the annual car service), but it really wouldn´t run the way it should. I checked the track and it was spotlessly clean, so there was no reason for the loco to misbehave. Well, I should have checked the wheels of her! Not really full of gunk, but just enough to lose contact now and then. Problem is now solved ...

When I opened the August Diner, I forget to mention where we are for the month. I thought it would be nice to spend this month in Switzerland, which is, and you all now that, nothing short of a giant layout for Him to play with. This months also marks the 50th anniversary of my short cab ride from Fiesch to Lax along what was then the Furka Oberalp Railway, now merged with the Zermatt Railway to form the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. It was a surprise gift my Dad had arranged for my 10th birthday.

I´d like to share a video with you, showing a ride with the Glacier Express, my favorite train ever. I may have posted it earlier, but we have some new members here who may be interested to see where my love for Swiss narrow gauge trains comes from.

Enjoy!

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Posted by BATMAN on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 2:38 PM

Steven Otte

Batman, that's very exciting! When the movie comes out, you'll have to let us know if their footage makes the final cut so we'll know to look for them!

 

Thanks, Steven. It will be interesting to see how it all turns out. My daughter wasn't keen when she got the call as she was going to have to cancel a lot of things. Then they told her the name of the movie and she said yes. She read the book twice it was so good.

This is the movie.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2543472/

Our dogs have been in a number of TV commercials in the past. One of them was hours of shots being taken on a sound stage, the final result was a two-second scene in the finished product. We were discussing the movies and commercials the dogs have been in and figure that for every whole day you spend on a set, probably gets you a five-second clip. 

Ulrich, Switzerland is a great place to be. I took that rail trip from Zurich to Venice where you go past that church three times as you go higher and higher. 

I have lots of fond memories of the times I spent there. I use to go and spend time with this beautiful Swiss girl I had met in New Zealand. Oh to be young again.Laugh

A very cool day here today with a couple of thunder boomers passing by. We only get those maybe twice a year.

Spent three hours in the trainroom this morning. Started two trains going around the layout while I puttered away. It is so nice when you go to the layout after a long spell of not running trains and turn it on and have everything runs to perfection. That doesn't always happen.Tongue Tied

 

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

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Posted by BigDaddy on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 3:42 PM

Chloe I'll have the soft crab slider and hush puppies.  Are you sure that Hawaiian thing isn't made with Spam instead of ham? 

Brent exciting news but I hope only your dogs stay in Hollywood.  A number of my relatives have been touched by Hollywood.  The actors and the actesses tend to be self absorbed and if they achieve success they become jerks.  They have not been good spouses or parents.  Dick Clark was a neighbor and not one of those.  My aunt once asked him straight out, "Dick how come you are not like the rest of those (fill in the blank) in Hollywood"  Anne he said; "it's because I never forget, it's just a business."

 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by CNCharlie on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 5:18 PM

Good Afternoon,

A lovely sunny day here which is nice after the rain yesterday. We had several thunderstorms, one of which could be called severe with high winds and heavy rain. Luckily there wasn't any damage but the skylight still leaks so my fix wasn't 100% but at least it was an improvement. I'll be back up on the roof tomorrow.

Nothing new on the RR front but then again I don't do a lot in the summer. 

We were supposed to go birding with our friends tomorrow but that has been postponed as my wife isn't feeling well. 

Brent, what breed of dogs do you have? There has been a Westie or two in our house for over 30 years. The current one isn't to a show standard but he is one of the smartest dogs I have ever encountered. We have good friends who breed and show Keeshonds. Our best friends used to show and breed Westies but haven't done so for about 15 years. They found it was getting too expensive and too political for a small breeder especially in the US where they live. 

Well just about time to get some supper going. 

CN Charlie

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Posted by BigDaddy on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 5:39 PM

This is a Facebook link, sorry I can't find a non FB link for the video on Carolina Coonhound Rescue 

https://www.facebook.com/lowcountrydog/videos/10153905017259952/

No MR content, but coonhounds are just so cute and considered so discardable in some parts of this country.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by cudaken on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 6:19 PM

 Afternoon diners

 Flo, Beer plaese and one for Ed if he shows up. OK, one for the Buick Guy if he can get his Grand National to start. Smile, Wink & Grin

 VA Front Meet my new Dr and while I can not spell his name it sounds like Shake. I am guessing he is 1st genataion American. Looks like he is from the middle east but I can understand him just fine so I am happy.

 Train Front I have been using Jeffery tip on using ATF to lube my engines motors. Seem's I am oiling them a lot, so maybe not a great idea after all. Next time I get to K-10 Model Trains I think I am going to pick up a bottle of Labelle 108 oil.

 TV Front My 69 Charger R/T (Rusted / Trash) was on TV for Gate Way Drag Strip.
I need to see if I can find a still I have of the TV commerical.

 Later, Ken

 

 

 

 

I hate Rust

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Posted by howmus on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 7:55 PM

Evenin' Folks!

Janie, a butterscotch Sudae and a cup of decaf would be great right now....

I have been multitasking all day...  Running around putting out fires....  Getting things fixed...  All those kinds of stuff... Whistling

Yesterday morning I put my hearing aids in right after I changed the wax screens in them (should have been done Sunday Morning, but I forgot).  Things sounded funny right away...  Like nothing could be heard in my right ear.  Took out the battery and replaced it figuring it had a dead battery.  Nope, no change.  Funny, I could turn the Left ear up and down though from the right one.  So I called the hearing place and made an appointment for early this afternoon.  The service guy took the aid to check it out...  Now I'm figuring this was gonna end up being a "send to the Factory for major repair" type thing and had resigned myself to wearing a behind the ear thingie with a foam earpiece for the next couple of weeks (hate that).  He comes back in in less than 5 minutes and says, "Your all set"!  He just had to clean out the ear wax that had gotten through the screen and completely pluged the aid.  So that is taken care of (they are still under a maintinance plan so no charge...).

Staring to clean up more of the house for the old Fine and Practicle Arts Dept. get together at my house the end of the month.  Looked up some addresses and such to contact all the old "Partners in crime".  Tried again to contact one of the MLK Schoalrship winners who has applied to us for the first half of his money.  He didn't let me know where he wants the check sent...  Rather important since it could go to one of three places.  Only email I have for him is his college one, and he might not be using it yet.  Tried calling him a couple times and got a strange teen type music and stuff answer that told me to leave a message....  I did the second time I called.  He hasn't gotten back to me yet.  He's probably out playing Pokemon Go or something.

Just spent some time sending emails to the President of the Region my Division is trying to leave and the President of the Region we are trying to join.  Niether one of them has gotten back to me either.  

Doing the second load of wash right now and spent a few minutes of quality time and got a bit more fencing done on the layout.

OK, Back at the wash and layout for a while!

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 CNCharlie on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 9:29 PM

Good Evening,

A dark roast coffee and a couple of Tim Tams please. 

After saying I hadn't been doing anything with the RR, I went downstairs and ran trains for a while. I had the Light Mountain hauling a passenger train, the 'Inter-City Express'.  The whistle in the MRC decoder is really very good. It has a distinct whail about it. Not much else is though. 

I also threw a coulple of Robbies toys for him. He likes to chase, shake and bring them back to you for a repeat-- over and over again. He has another new toy 'Angel' --at least that is the name we gave it. He learned the name in about 2 minutes so now you just have  to ask him  'Where is Angel' and he will fetch it. He now has over 120 toys and he knows the names of them all. If you don't get the name right he won't retrieve it. The lady who runs the pet store we go to thinks we should put him on Youtube. I think he is testing us, not the other way around.

Well just about time for a little TV. He likes watching it especially Border Security. He likes the sniffer dogs on that show. Now it has gone to his head as you just have to say 'Border Security' and he runs  to the door ready to chase the squirrels. 

CN Charlie

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Posted by JAMES MOON on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 10:19 PM

Good evening,all.  Cloe, a piece of raspberry pie and vanilla ice cream and a cup of Red Rose tea would be great.

CN Charlie, we had a humdinger of a storm 500 miles northwest of you Saturday night.  Lots of intense lightening, extremely heavy rain and high wind.  We got over 4 inches of rain in about thirty minutes.  One of the strongest storms I have experienced anywhere.  We were without cable tv and internet service for two days after the storm.

The weather has finally cleared up after three days of rain.  The mosquitoes are now going full force with all the wet weather.  Last summer  was almost bugless.  This year the bugs seem to have the upper hand.


Enjoyed watching the MRVP NMRA Convention report from Mr. Leonne.

Have a good hump day tomorrow.

Jim

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Posted by angelob6660 on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 10:32 PM

Evening Diners,

I'm glad that the day is almost over. My sister came home today with the dog by the door. The plan was to take both dogs to the park to see if they get along. Unfortunately that wasn't the plan since her phone didn't work. Getting the two dogs together was a disaster.

... talk to later  got to show my brother the killing job preview.

 

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

Amtrak America, 1971-Present.

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Posted by FRRYKid on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 12:29 AM

Another one of those Bang Head days at work. (Of course, it didn't help that today was my Monday.)

Got all the hardware I needed for the expansion: 1/2# of drywall screws; a torx bit (not in the original plan, but needed for the heads of the screws. I was used to phillips head screws.); 8 carriage bolts, flat washers and wing nuts and a 1' long piece of 3' wide aluminum window screen. The screen is for the river that will cross the section.

"The only stupid question is the unasked question."
Brain waves can power an electric train. RealFact #832 from Snapple.
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 8:10 AM

Yoohoo? Anybody around?

Good Afternoon!

It´s a slow day for me - the weather has turned into a strange mixture of humidity, heat and cold at the same time, making me feel like something a dog would reject.

The postman brought a little parcel containg two street lights to be placed around the station building (done that) and the lat batch of trees. I have run out of that smelly spray paint Petra wouldn´t let me use indoors, so I took a generous blob of white glue, some leftover brown paint, water and a brush, "smeared" that mixture onto the trees and gave them a good dusting of WS Blended Turf. They look just the same! Had I known this before I could have saved spray painting them before sprinkling the WS stuff onto them! Now the are propped up on a piece of leftover Styrofoam board, waiiting to dry before they get planted onto the layout.

That´s all from my side - have a good one!

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 9:16 AM

Good morning .... I brought pecan rolls for everybody .... Perhaps that will attract more posts here this morning. 

Ulrich .... It is always fun for me to recieve packages in the mail no matter how small. You did not waste time with installing the street lamps evidently. Good luck with the trees. 

FR RY .... Sounds like you are ready for a big project.

Yesterday, I was doing other stuff, and so I have no model railroading to report. 

Have a great Wednesday ! 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by howmus on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 10:02 AM

Mornin' everyone!

Zoe, I'll have the #2 special this morning.  Over easy on tne eaggs, please, bacon, homefries, and a double order that wonderful sour dough bread toast.  Oh bring over the jar of strawberry preserves as well.  I'll finish off with a couple of this pecan rolls that Garry broght in to go with a pot of Marrakesh Express Dark Roast Coffee.  What, yes, I'll skip lunch today........

Already been sitting at the computer for a couple hours today.  Been reading emails, answering emails, reading more emailsd answering my emails.....  looks like we finally have most of the ducks in a row on the petition thingie.  I do have to write a formal request letter to the Region we want to move into.  I will get that done today, get it Oked by my ogther officers, and hopefully get it signed by the end of the week by all of us.  Then we wait to see what happens................................

Yesterday the mailman brought me a box from Walther's.  I ordered a large quantity of WS Foliage from them as my LHS only has about 2 of each color in stock at any given time.  I clean them out and then have to wait for a couple weeks for them to get 2 more in.  I usually order from Caboose Hobbies, but as you know they are moving soon and I found they are already sold out of the colors I need.  So today will be beack to w*rk on the scenery.  I am now out of HO scale 1" x 4" stock and so can't finish the fencing.  I ordered more direct from Kappler, but that will be two to three weeks before they send them.  I'll check with the LHS when I am out and around later today.

OK...  Time to hit the shower and get busy with whatever today brings!  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 BATMAN on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 10:41 AM

Good morning all, cool and wet this morning out here on the West Coast.

Tomorrow is the first day of this movie thingie. They will not tell us where or when until tonight, apparently last minute notification is normal for security reasons. I just hope it isn't too early. I think they are filming the end of the movie first by the sound of it.

Henry, I don't think the kids will let this go to their heads. They were really "take it or leave it" about the whole thing. They will be back to school in the fall, that being said we did have a conversation as to how many days in September they may miss from school, it won't be many. They will not have time for any more of this kind of activity once school starts. 

As far as the dogs go, we don't do any of that movie/TV stuff anymore, it all got old very fast. They were in a couple of those Air bud type movies as extras, as well as Homeward Bound. Commercials for McDonalds, Mattel toys, Littlest Petshop and some adds for U.S. pet food chains. We rarely see any of the commercials they're in as they are for the  U.S. market and not shown here.

Those Coon Hounds are cool. I had a hound when I was a kid. She was almost eighteen when she died.

My wife was the Vet for the local Wildlife rescue for years. That had some interesting moments I'll tell ya. She got an injured beaver in once, that had a big bite out of its tail. That thing would wonder around the Hospital just like one of the cats. He would sneak up and chomp your ankle if you didn't say Hi to him when he approached. It was usually a gentle chomp.Dinner

Charlie we have Golden Retrievers. My Sister flies all over the World as an all breed  judge and I met my wife through her. I have very little to do with any of that show or breeding stuff as it just doesn't interest me in the least. I have my interest, the wife has hers and we respect and help out each other if needed. My wife shows the dogs but has nothing to do with the politics of it all and won't even engage in the conversations. 

My wife retired at fifty from being a Vet, though she tried, there is no such thing as being part time when you are gifted as her. The number of times the phone would ring in the middle of the night with some police dog or other animal requiring her surgical skills was never ending. Of course I would get the 0300HRS  "lets go" punch in the arm. I became a pretty good anesthesiologist and surgical assistant.Laugh

It was tough going to work after being up all night sometimes, but it was exhaustion with a satisfaction chaser if the results were good.

We are going to try and fit in the new Star Trek movie today. We tried yesterday and just never made it.

Have a good day all. 

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 10:56 AM

I nearly forgot to post a short video of my layout I made yesterday!

Things have changed a lot since - there is more "foreground" to the layout giving it a much greater depth!

It´s too dark to take pictures without a flash now, so you will have to wait until tomorrow to see the transformation achieved by today´s w*rk!

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Posted by yougottawanta on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 10:59 AM

Hello allQuick update on my father: We had a bit of a scare. He was complaining of chest pains and they sent him to cardio. It turns out his broken ribs is creating the pain. We think they will be moving him to an acute care therapy center later this week. Its gonna be a long haul. My father continues to amaze me. His pain level is betweem 8 and 9 out of 10 all the time and yet he still jokes with the staff. They broke the mold after God made him.

gmpullman - Well Hello glad you are in the diner ! Welcome ! Did you see teh lay off coming ? Thanks for the steak and eggs one of my favorite breakfast

Ulrich - Not only are you an incredible modeler you have great stories to go with the models - Nice !

JaBear - Isnt that amazing you made it into the MRR introduction ! Great going !

Mr. B - Carol the corolla ? LOL ! Love it

FRRYKid - Hawaiian omelet ? Pinapple in an omelet ? HHhmmmm? May have to give that a try one day.

RickyW - LOL Cappuccino ? Were you flying around buzzing through projects ?

Brent - Can you take a kit and work on it while you wait ? Two seconds of film for 8 hours of work ? No wonder movies are so expensive to make. Our motto is measure twice cut once, install. Boom bang done, time is money dont waste it !

Angel - What is the gate made of ?

Jeremy - LOL My wife refuses to let me do laundry. Once I washed a bunch of whites. Unkown to me there was something red in the bunch and when the whites came out tHEy were now pink ! Whistling so I have been banned from doing laundry !

Terry - Are you a builder ?

Ken - RT = Rusty trash !? Ouch ! I think I may be able to send your remaining coal cars this weekend. Have you built any of the ones I sent already ?

Garry - Nice bag ! I bet that will make Ken jealous !

Henry - It amazes me how fame and fortune twist people and they forget "the rock from which they were carved" Hollywood makes a lot of people nuts.

CN Charlie - What kind of skylight is it ? I may have some suggestions on how to fix it.

Reinhard - How are you havent heard from you in awhile

Lion, DER, Galaxy, ZStripe, Howmus, Flip ( love the emails : ) ) Jim......Howdy

TTYL or Oooroo

YGW

 

 

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Posted by fec153 on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 11:09 AM

ULRICH - Thankyou for adding Bill North to the R I P list.

Flip

 

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 11:13 AM

Yawn.

It's a beautiful day, upper 70s with bright sunshine and low humidity.  I'm still a bit wasted but recovering from hockey last night.  We were short on skaters, which always makes the game kind of ragged and keeps the goalies busy.

Yay.  They finally posted the August schedule for music at the bar.

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

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Posted by saronaterry on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 1:08 PM

Afternoon, all! 86f and very humid.

YGW: Yes, I am. Started early today and finished forming footings. Inspector will look tomorrow and we pour Friday. Then set forms for the foundation. Cap it the following week and start going up. By then the other trades(subs) should be ready to move over and we go back to the first one to insulate/ rock.

that's all for now!

Terry

Terry in NW Wisconsin

Queenbogey715 is my Youtube channel

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Posted by cudaken on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 6:28 PM

 Afternoon Dinners

 Flo, Beer please and keep them coming!

 Rotten Day Bang Head Started out with lots of running, I was out of the house at 9:30 AM and did not get home till 1:00 PM. Then I had to take the wife to a Doctor appoiment, because there was a 15% chance it might rain? Whistling Not a cloud in the sky, but it could. Not a drop on the rain on the windsheild either way! I all so do not understand why she cannot drive in the rain anyway. Confused

 No Train Front Tonight. Started up the B-Line first and as soon as the SD's started to move the DB 150 beeped and the engines stopped. There was no power to the layout? Moved the SD's and hit the power again, nothing. I then saw there was no power to the DB 150, checked the plug and other items pluged into the power strip. Only thing not working was the DB 150.

 Found the problem! One of the power in wires had backed out of the DB 150, should be a easy fix! Yes NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!Bang Head Dang screw will not turn! Tried turn the screw driver with pliers, dang thing would still not turn! I added a little oil to the screw and going to let it set over night. If I cannot get the screw to back off, guess it will be taking a trip back to Digitrax!

 To keep my sanity I am listeing to a mix of Acoustic Alchemy and UP Train Sounds. While it is helping, I much rather be watching the layout run.

 Most dissapointing thing is I got two more Tyco Old Duch Hoppers on the rails last night. They made 3 rounds so I was looking forward to seeing them being hauled tonight. Think this is the first train less night in 10 years. Sad

 YGW Do I have the B&O coal cars on the track yet? Laugh Heck they are half worn out by now! If I where to guess they have been around the A-Line 200 times. 200 X 91' is what, 18,200 feet or 3.5 miles. I am sure James May would be proud of some of the miles I have on my trains! (built a 20 mile long HO Train Track to set the worlds recored.)

 I love to Watch James May known as Captain Slow on Top Gear.

 Later, Train Less Ken

 

 

I hate Rust

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Posted by ATSFGuy on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 7:39 PM

Good Afternoon all,

Work Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat for this week, (wed, sun off).

Listening to "Cruisin with Cousin Brucie" on my IPhone. Some of you may know or heard of him. He plays everthing! deeper 60's, some early 70's, a handful of pre-64, and lots of other lost gems and favorites the Major Market FM's refuse to play anymore. Good stuff!

It's too bad Kearth 101 dosen't have a specialty show like this, It's amazing!

Because I have Siruis XM on my IPhone and Desktop, i'm getting it for about $18.21. which is a good deal because i'm paying to hear what I WANT!

I have about 19 channels right now in favorites.

Been thinking about my next passenger train purchase (I welcome your feedback)

This is supposed to be a Cotton Belt Local:

- Atlas RS3 "Cotton Belt SSW" Black Widow Scheme #360

1. BLI SP Morning Daylight 1941 Prewar Baggage Chair 3303

2. BLI SP Morning Daylight 1941 Chair Car #2485

3. BLI SP Morning Daylight 1941 Chair Car #2485

4. BLI SP Morning Daylight 1941 Chair Car #2485

5. Bachmann Spectrum Heavyweight Daylight Coach #1014

Unfortuately, no SSW passenger cars are made, so I'm using a few from BLI. SSW Alco's pulled cars with the exact same colors.

 

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Posted by FRRYKid on Thursday, August 4, 2016 1:31 AM

yougottawanta

FRRYKid - Hawaiian omelet ? Pinapple in an omelet ? HHhmmmm? May have to give that a try one day.

You got to remember I'm one of those people that tends to like unusual combinations. Flo, on that subject, could I please get an order of breaded mushrooms with some blue cheese dressing. Thank you.

Heartland Division CB&Q

FRRY .... Sounds like you are ready for a big project.

Just a project I have been wanting to do for many years. Finally decided this is the right time to do it.

I also decided to get the forgotten 2x2 yesterday morning as there wasn't much to watch on TV. The yard is only a few blocks from my apartment. They actually let me pick the 2x2 that I wanted to use and even cut it for me at no charge. (8' turned into 3 30" legs with a 6" piece left over.) Being a woodworker myself, I was a little shocked at a few of the pieces they had for sale. They were warped like crazy. (Something that one might use for building an arch on a door or something like that.) The piece I picked was a little twisted on one end (maybe 2 to 3 degrees) but for legs I decided that the amount wasn't a major problem.

The other problem I ran into: the battery on my cordless drill (which is in town) doesn't seem to be holding a charge. After looking online at the cost of a replacement battery, I decided a better option is to get a drill kit with two batteries that I saw where I work. (Same drill and everything as I have.) Then I would keep one drill on the layout and the other one would stay in town. (Less likelyhood of something getting forgotten that's needed in the other place like I did with a pen on Sunday.) The other tool I will need to see if I can remember where it is is my jigsaw. Same problem as I have with Dad's corner clamps. (I don't remember the last time I used it and where I put it.)

I don't know if everything needed will be done in the few hours I will have, but I can hope. If not, the weather is still warm enough yet that I shouldn't have a problem.

"The only stupid question is the unasked question."
Brain waves can power an electric train. RealFact #832 from Snapple.
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Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, August 4, 2016 3:21 AM

Mornin' Diners...

Most of you are just getting up now, while I'm burning the midnight oil (4am oil!)

I wish the bar was still open, I need a hot toddy for a night cap but Edna has the liquor cabinet padlocked! State law, she says, no likker after 2 am! Harumph!

So, I'll munch on a few of last night's dry bread sticks and sip on some V8 (No not a Hemi, Ken!) the other V8.

Thanks for taking us to Switzerland, Ulrich. Many of us need a cool refreshing break and I'd like to sample some of the World's finest chocolate!

Every time I see your latout I'm reminded of this sweet little scene:

[OK, what's up with Photobucket today? I have to refresh before I can copy the link?]

I agree, Switzerland is His model Railroad!

Garry. I sure wish I was able to ride the Cap in her day! My dad took me on the Shenandoah from Akron, Ohio to D.C. just before Amtrak. He didn't believe me when I told him B&O had dome cars. After we got under way he asked the conductor if this train ever ran with domes. Yep, sure does—every other day! Had one on yesterday... boy, what a disapointed 12 year old! I sure remember going through Pittsburgh, though, several times, like Dante's Inferno and on the train you're right in the steel mills' back yard!

Brent, that film deal really sounds neat! Hope things go well for you and your family!

Hey, Ken! That photo you posted has a skyscraper in the background that looks just like two PCs stacked! What a clever building! Microsoft's HQ? Reminds me of the Longaberger Basket office shaped like a picknick basket (it's for sale if anyone wants a neat place for an office! Might need work though, I hear it's a basket case!)

Thanks for the welcome YGW! The deal is, I took a voluntary layoff. I'd rather have the time off and it actually saved two younger guys from being furloughed! Makes me feel good that it takes two young guys to replace me! I will "officially" retire on the first of September. I got my confirmation letter from GE and it opens "Dear Participant..."

What's that? 38 years with a company and I'm a "participant" geez, things have changed!

SO... on to better things! T-R-A-I-N-S Big Smile

Early yesterday I heard that wonderful sound of Buster Brown (UPS) coming up the driveway. Always a good sign (Sing the Wells Fargo song from The Music Man).

I was expecting an A-B set of F7s from MB Klein. Mr. UPS walks up to the door with TWO boxes! Aye? What's this?

Yep, one from Cockeysville, Maryland (glad it didn't go through Ellicott City) and the second box? The return address said Trainz, Buford, Georgia! Hold the phone—I didn't order anything from Buford?

Just then my my wife walks in and asks, wha'd 'ya get, huh? Suddenly I have the feeling she knows what's in the box.

So I tear into it and the foam peanuts are flying everywhere. UPS helped out by ripping one side away already.

I begin to see the familiar "Tuscan Red" box of Broadway Limited... Sure enough—Paragon2, BLI... USRA what? A 2-8-2? Grand Trunk Western!

3734! Hey, that's the 4070 (see avatar) HOW did she know? I didn't even know BLI did this engine. See, the 4070, which I had many personal encounters with back in the 1970s, started life as U.S. 373 in 1918 and was renumbered 3734 sometime after the Great War. She had that number until 1957 (or so) when lots of railroads were making room for diesels. Eventually the 4070 wound up in the Cleveland, Ohio area and that's when we bacame friends!

Here she sits behind the roundhouse. Don't worry about that #1 driver being off the rails. We'll have 'er back on in no time. (The 4070 fell into the turntable pit in Pontiac, Michigan around 1958 and the lead drivers have never been the same since)

Sweet, classic USRA design. Needs a few details here and there. A Coffin feedwater heater for one, the whistle moved off the dome for another... minor stuff.

In all my years of modeling, THIS is the first engine I've ever had that came with White Wall Tires (or Tyres, if you please). After my evening chores were done I couldn't wait to get to the layout and place this fine Alco product of 1918 on the head end of a string of cars.

That partly explains why I'm here writing this at 5 am! What FUN Yes

Yes, there's traction tires on 'er but that 'ol girl walked up a 2% grade with eighteen Walthers passenger cars and didn't even hiccup!

Admittedly, the sound is awful! I think BLI is taking a giant leap backward lately (but that's for another thread) maybe I'll get a little video posted for you to hear. Perhaps a WOWsound decoder is in the future for this hunk of iron.

Whew, once you get me started...

So now I'll turn the gavel over to our next contributor. Thanks for letting me spew forth all this hot air. I'll take my place back at the Rivet Counter!

Flo! Can I get that Hot Toddy yet?

Thoughts and prayers for all who need it... Angel

Take care, Ed 

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, August 4, 2016 4:29 AM

cudaken
Dang screw will not turn! Tried turn the screw driver with pliers, dang thing would still not turn!

Ken, are you talking about the screws in the plug that goes into the front of the DB-150? Digitrax should be able to send you just the plug and you can strip the wires and replace the whole shebang.

Try working the plug out and maybe you can get a better grip on the screw. If you need a new plug, they're five bucks at Tony's and probably other places. (MB Klein, too)

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Digitrax-Booster-Terminal-Plug-p/dig-boostertermplug.htm

 

Good Luck, Ed

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,247 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Thursday, August 4, 2016 5:45 AM

Gidday Zoe, I’ll start with a large mug of green tea, please and if Dear Participant  Question is still down the back would you please slip him my hip flask of Green Ginger Wine, just the thing on a cold winters night, just save a small dram or two for me.
 
I don’t know why in my case, but it would appear Ed that we are both blessed in our respective Significant Other Halves. A coffee table sized book 150 years of Rail in New Zealand came out about two years ago and at the time I thought while it would be a very good addition to my library, due to budget priorities I would take the risk and wait for it to appear on the bargain tables. How wrong was I, the book disappeared reasonably quickly off the local shelves and I thought that it was a case of the one that got away, win some, lose some! Well strike me pink!! Her-in-doors came home the other evening with a brand new copy, which she had found locally, she had paid the RRP but WOW!!! As she is a Trekkie from away back, I took her out to the latest Star Trek movie and a kebab afterwards. What a girl!!! (We both thoroughly enjoyed the movie).
 
Back in the late 80s a four part documentary was made on the history of agriculture in NZ and as the company I was working for had one of the original aerial topdressing planes, (Cropdusters, I believe is the US term) a De Havilland Tiger Moth in static storage, the documentary makers asked if they could use it for the presenter to sit in and do the relevant narration. My job was to give it a good clean and polish and position it as required. It was quite interesting and a good gig for me as filming took all afternoon and I only had to move it a couple of times, mainly for the suns position. To be fair though, and it happened few times as the presenter started his spiel, he would get interrupted by a helicopter or aircraft taking off, there still seemed to be a lot of faffing about for only a few minutes footage in the final cut. At least the presenter was a good bloke not like another one we had at a later date.
 
Now it has been bought up a couple of times here that something that I’ve written has been mentioned (quoted??) in Septembers MR, From the Editors column. Mike Lehman bought this to my attention in a WPF, “....our own Bear for his wise thoughts being cited by Ye Editor......” and I feel it is only fair to point out that wise and Bear are not words generally associated together, a probable oxymoron. Dunce I am waiting for the issue to turn up at the local newsagents to see what’s what, I guess this will teach me for being too miserable to subscribe.Bang Head Sigh Laugh
 
Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

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

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 4, 2016 6:46 AM

Good Afternoon!

I was quite busy this morning - nearly missed lunch, but Petra dragged me away from my trains, so I had a forced break!

Well, I took down the backdrop board from the wall, where I had put it up for the gone On30 layout. Taking it off left a few unsightly marks on the wallpaper, which I corrected with a couple of dabs of paint. In the process of doing that, I incidently dripped paint on the floor which I had to clean off before risking Petra having a heart attack. When that was done it, I cleaned the whole place and took the board to our home imrovement store to have it ripped to the correct size. Which they did - free of charge. When I attempted to mount it on the back of the layout, I found out I needed to cut away a bit of the scenery to get it positioned correctly. Did that, but left a formidable mess again, which I had to clean before  - you know, the heart attack thing. Actually mounting it took only 5 minutes. The whole let kept me busy for quite some hours. Now it´s done and I am back to running trains!

Just a few recent pictures, but before a reminder of what the plan once looked like:

And here are pictures I took a few moments ago:

Coming along!

Ed - that spiral viaduct near Brusio on the Bernina line of the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) lends itself for modeling, just like the entire RhB network. Grades of 7% and a prototypical minimum radius of 20" in HO scale are a model railroaders heaven! Unfortunately, those Bemo locos and rolling stock are frightfully expensive, and so are all the buildings and accessories. I was lucky to get soem of the things I needed as  a gift from friends, locos and cars are second or even third hand and a lot of the scenic material I still had on hand. Without that, this layout would not be around.

Time for a rest!

Edit: No rest, I took another picture of the layout while running the "Glacier Express" down the line...

  • Member since
    May 2012
  • 1,855 posts
Posted by angelob6660 on Thursday, August 4, 2016 9:39 AM

Morning diners,

yougottawanta

Angel - What is the gate made of ? 

The current gate is made of old fence wood and lumber that we had leftover. The old fence was corroding away and replaced it with a red brick wall. Our wood fence was possibly temporary 5 years ago before my brother got the dog.

Before I start here. Can I have chocolate shake and a hamburger, thanks.

It's very busy here the past two days I haven't really sat down the my feet are hurting, and haven't done dishes or cooking because of my sister's dog.

Charles won't sit still, he moves around in/out side drinks a gallon of water every 10 minutes. He doesn't stop barking or biting your hands and face if he licks you. He's one energized toddler who's 5-6  years old thats hasn't been properly discipline.

We have told her to get rid of the dog multiple times. It's just to much dog for her to handle by herself.

I hope you guys have better days!

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

Amtrak America, 1971-Present.

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Thursday, August 4, 2016 9:48 AM

Good morning ... 

Ed ... I'm impressed with your GTW 2-8-2. .... Several years ago, I modeled GTW briefly, but it was the diesel era.. .... Sounds like you too had an interesting ride on the B&O. .... I like the Swiss photo. We have talked about making another trip to Europe and including Swiss railways in the trip. Ulrich has kindly put together an places to visit. But stuff keeps happening, and I don't know if we will ever retrun to Europe again. 

Ulrich .... I watched your short video.... It looks like a fun layout. 

Happy Model Railroading, everybody. 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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