Good Morning!
I am sad!
To this day 4 years ago, my dad died. I still miss him so much!
I did something bad this morning. I ordered my Swiss steam loco, thus depleting my MRR funds way into the next 5 years. I used some of the "getaway" money for the puchase. But what´s the use of saving up for getting away when I don´t have that opportunity any longer? The little steamer will give me hours of fun and joy now (well, when it arrives in a couple of days). This seems to be more reasonabe to me at the moment than an uncertain prospect of a better life some time in the future.
There is only a short HD list, just the laundry. While the washer is doing its job, I played with that picture of my N scale bridge module again. This is the result of my effort:
Hard to believe this is N scale!
Have a great day!
Good Mornign Train Engineers!
Ulrich: DON't lose hope! KEEP your "get away fund" going It may seem to take a while and take a lot of doing to get it to where you wnat it to be, but if you have "Stick-to-it-tivness", you WILL reach your goals! YOU have to decicde..ALONG WITH PETRA...which is MORE important, a little loco outliving it's usefulness shortly IOR the "get away" you plan on! I'll give you an example; we are just dying to go back to HAwai'i, and were hoping for it next fall {not THIS fall}, but it looks to be 2020 before we go, which, if we make it together will be our 20th anniversary. WHY wait until then {for something that might not even happen if we fall apart?} BECAUSE: it gives us MORE time to plan and SAVE for the occasion so it is all paid for when we return home! SUre, we could CHARGE it all on Credit cards now and go, but WHY? We wnat ti paid for...2020 seems SO FAR AWAY, but as you know, time flies rapidly as you age, it will be here before we know it and we will be booking flights in no time! SO, SAVE SAVE SAVE for your move, and make it a GOOD MOVE! EVen if, like us, it takes you to 2020 or 2025 to do it, YOu DEFINITELY WON'T get to it if you keep blowing it all on shortterm "happiness" when long term depression over what COULD have been is done! {that's kind of how I am viewing our marriage right now...can't cry over what SHOULD have been, lets look at what COULD BE with teh new ground rules we have...same with you YOU have new groudn rules too!}
Best of Luck Ulrich!
Prayers for those in need
-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.
Good Morning,
I'm up early today as I have to take the car in for its spring servicing. Yesterday I had a chip in the windshield repaired but the repair didn't remove the 'chip'. I was warned before they started that there were no guarantees as to how it would turn out. In fact I think it is a little more noticeable than before. Oh well, at least it is in the middle of the windshield and not in my line of sight.
Ulrich, that looks like a really neat loco. I'm sure you will get many hours of enjoyment out of it now. While I understand what Galaxy is saying, I think a person needs to do some things now rather than wait for events that might never happen. Anyway have fun with that loco and do let us know how it performs.
Tomorrow we will have to be up very early as the Birding and Breakfast programme starts at the local conservation area. I think we are in for a 6:30 start so that will mean being up at 4:30. Just like being on safari!
Time to get rolling here.
CN Charlie
Just a quick reply for Galaxy
You are right, but then you are not right at the same time. The amount of money for the move to a happier place exceeds all our possibilties of saving money. The price we would have to pay is to live an even more secluded life, only filled with dreams never coming true. This means effectively saving for our own funeral and I am not in for that. Let those who follow us take care of that. When I meet my maker and have to stand and answer for what I have made out of my life He gave me, I want to be able to tell Him that I have made the best out of it under the given circumstances, and that I have given, but also received love and happiness. I don´t want to tell Him that I have led a meagre life, saving up money at the expense of joy.
I am not going on a shopping spree and waste the money we have saved up so far - I am spending a small amount for a smile in my face and moments of happiness.
Good morning ...
Ulrich ... The detail on the little steamer looks impressive.
Continuing with the Maryland theme, the PRR Metroliners were built in the late 1960's. These were electric multiple unit railcars used for high speed service on the Northeast Corridor which includes Maryland.
The Metroliner cars became property of Amtrak when it was created. Amtrak decided to change to passenger trains hauled by locomotives because these cars were not reliable as MU cars. Amtrak purchased about 600 non-powered Amfleet cars with essentially the same car body as the Metroliner.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Morning all
W**k started with headaches already - on the drive in - ! Our cabinet company is wonderful. They have a great product, great installers, great managers, designers etc... exceopt they have one delivery guy that I am not fond of. He is lazy with a capital "L" he works harder at getting out of work than he does in trying to find a way to get the job done - I despise that qaulity - Today instead of calling me and saying hey can we or can you have someone take this scaffold down ( just one set of bucks ) so we can deliver the cabinets he takes photo and sends it into his office and leaves to return the cabinets to their place 45 miles away ! I get the call from them that they are returning the cabinets. What the delivery guy doesnt tell his office is that the entire LEFT SIDE IS WIDE OPEN and they can easily walk them in from that direction. So to get him to turn around and return I have to have our labor help him.So they come back and guess where this driver is ? The lazy bum is in teh back of teh box van and he is sliding the cabinets to the back of the truck while my labor carries them in ! My labor is half his size ! So I take of photo of this and send to his company with the words "LAZY" in the description. Shortly after I see him out of the truck carrying cabinets...
CN Charlie - Safaris are great until a hungry Lion shows up ! Or a man eating Pterodactyl Hope you dont run into that type of bird !
Lion - Speaking of Lions where is our favorite Lion ? Napping after a hunt for wildebeast ?
Ulrich - I lost my mom when I was 16. I still miss her and wish my children had gotten to know her. Loosing a parent is tough. I know how hard that can be. Here is a to help you get through the day.
Ricky W - Is LG maintenance svc in house or do they have it subbed out ? I am not overly impressed with Kitchenaid. They seem to have a lot of issues. They are like Jaguars - you can afford the car but you cant afford the mechanic...
Henry - That is sad ! I have seen videos of his layout and to me it is art work. That would be like someone chipping a piece off of a marble statue by Leonardo da vinci ! That was very kind of him to grant you access. What was he like in person ? He seems in his videos to be very friendly.
ROR - WOW 30s to 90s that is a big swing in temps ! How long before it hits 50s in the mornings? Couple of hours ?
Howmus - Ah I was wondering which langauge that was I should have recognized it ! I looked up the word Paschal and I was amazed that it is even in Eskimo ! Who would have known ! It was an interesting study. I googled and learned something new.
FRYKid - One of the things I like to study is how early settlers lived and how they made use of the natural surroundins stone, plants and especially how and what they used different woods for. I find it amazing that with a bit of knowledge one person in the woods can survive comfortable and another without the "wood craft" would starve...
Mike - I think you stated earlier how much the service was if you dont mind me asking again how much is a year ?
Government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit and security of the people, nation or community; whenever any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, unalienable, indefeasible right, to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public Weal.
All men are created equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; among which are the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing the obtaining of happiness and safety.
No free government, or the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people, but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality and virtue, and by frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.
George Mason
TTYL
YGW
yougottawanta. . .ROR - WOW 30s to 90s that is a big swing in temps ! . . .
I must have typed wrong, it is a 30+ degree swing. Yesterday we went from 58 in the morning to 92 in the afternoon.
Richard
Morning diners,
Garry- I'm surprised to see a PRR metroliner. I tried looking a good picture.
Ulrich- I like the small steamer. When playing with train set how far do travel to get away from the hard ships.
I tend to go deep inside forgetting my worries and problems. Sometimes I forget I was playing with my trains. Because my train set world and get as real as the outside, which sometimes is scary.
YGW- That must be a huge property for your farm equipment.
After being cut from the internet for 2 weeks. It started to lose it grip. I'm wondering whether or not to be on it for something that tops into your head for no good reason.
I'm still keeping track of my preorders just in case.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
Angel - By local standards we only own a small piece of land. 10.5 acres, the property down the street is 14000 acres. Compared to where I am building the property line is 5.16 inches from the house. To them I own a lot.
ROR - Oh. Maybe I mis read the post. That is still a pretty good temp swing. How do you dress for that ? In layers ?
Garry - Good morning or evening now : )
YGW Howard is just like he is in the videos. brasstrains.com interviewed him 3 videos ago.
https://livestream.com/brasstrains/mondaymorningexpress/videos/153304445https://livestream.com/brasstrains/mondaymorningexpress/videos/153304445
Keeping with the Maryland theme, here is the MA & Pa track inspection vehicle.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
yougottawantaLion - Speaking of Lions where is our favorite Lion ? Napping after a hunt for wildebeast ?
LION been busy, eventhough busy means sitting at this computer.
Tomorrow new computer will arrive, 32GB RAM; SSD drive, Video card for four monitors. 2 TB HDD, Win 10 Pro.
Of course I'll not have all day to set it up, Have to take one of the monks in for back surgery. Thursday it is the Chiropractor.
Oh well at least the LION is fat and Happy. We had Rare Prim Rib for easter dinner. And the Lamb on Thursday was also tasty.
Been Writing Books
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Hi, Folks,
Just popping in for a quick coffee-to-go.
Garry, Angelobob, I remember riding the Metroliners when they were still brand new! When Walthers announced them I knew I just had to have a few!
OK, they might not exactly fit a mid-1950's New York Central layout, but—why not! It's all about FUN!
I haven't been visiting the diner quite as often as I'd like. Spring-time "chores" around the homestead for one, and my best feline friend, Cicero, has been needing my help lately. He just passed away a few hours ago after dealing with feline lukemia for the past two years.
On Easter day he went around to all his favorite hangouts for a final visit. I think he knew he was running out of steam. He faded fast after that and showed no signs of being in pain. He was a good boy...
I'll try to stop in later when I can stay a while.
My thoughts and prayers to all in need...
Enjoy your day and be safe,
Ed
Ed, I'm so sorry for the loss of your furry friend Cicero. He looks like a friendly boy. It's always hard losing a beloved pet. You have my sympathies.
--Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editorsotte@kalmbach.com
Ed. .. condolences for your loss of Cicero. Of course, pets are family members and we mourn if we lose one.
Evenin' folks!
Janie, a cup of decafe would suite me fine right now....
Ed, so sorry for your loss. Cicero looks like he was a very handsome kittie. They sure do get attached to our hearts, don't they. Always difficult to lose a pet and friend!
I spent the day mowing the other half of my lawn (very tall, heavy, and wet...). The batteries for my Electric Lawn Mower are getting towards the end of their life as is the mower itself. I think I will try to get through this season with it though. just means extra charges are needed to finish up the lawn if it gets a bit tall. The mower I have is a self propelled and is now only working on one side, which is a bit of a pain. The new battery powered ones have made some major advances so I am tempted to replace it now. But, I have too many other things to buy over the next several months, on the other hand. Big expense will be new hearing aids (about $7,000).
The other major item for the day was to complete the newsletter for the NMRA Division. I reprinted some items from the Division to the East and needed to wait on "permission to use" for that, but it is finally finished and should go out tomorrow to the membership.
Lion, for dinner on Easter i ordered Roasted Duck Breast with a wonderful sauce. My youngest Granddaughter is known for being a finnicky eater and didn't want any of her mom's prime rib, so I cut off a small piece of the duck and offered to her. She ate it and gave me a thumbs up. Later that afternoon after we got back to her house her dad told her what I was eating. He said she had a horrible, "I ate what?" look on her face.......
Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy here in the Finger Lakes Region so I may get some quality time down in the train rooms.....
Have a great evening out there!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Ed: Sorry on your loss from me as well. Cicero looks a lot like the cat that Mom and I had to put down eariler this year. (He was a big orange tiger as well.)
As we have been discussing how people type up their forum posts, I will metion how I do mine. I do mine in a couple of different ways.
If they use pictures, I enter it in my visual intrepretor program (web design). Makes it a lot easier when the pictures are involved. (Gets all the coding and such done properly.)
If it's just text, it is entered using the reply button and the screen that is generated. Humor for the Day: When I saw these comic strips in my email, I just had to share them with the group (especially given we'vve been discusiing history and computers lately: Kilbans Cats via GoComics Shoe via GoComics
Hobby Front: As this is a Tuesday, I did a little more work on the layout. These are pictures of the lastest addition to the hill after it was carved. I also have a better picture of the retaining wall that ended up a little bit fuzzy last week. I also got the styrofoam pieces on the back hill glued down.
Of course in the process, I found out I needed to spend some funds in order to fix the coaling tower on the turning wye. It didn't help that I knocked it on the floor two different times! I had the tower on the back side of the track (on the edge) and I kept knocking it on the floor. I finally decided to move it to the other side and move the water tower to accomodate the coaling tower moving. I had previously gotten three kits for just such a problem as the other planned end will need a tower as well but I've used all the spare parts I had. So I had to order two replacement kits. (Not that I like using credit lines, but they come in handy for emergency problems such as this. I just don't go overboard with them,) Should get the kits maybe of end of the week so that I can get the needed parts raided.
I was intending to cast some tunnel liners from Sculptamold. However, I couldn't find my mixing bowls at home. I put a bowl to clean but I forgot it in the sink. So I ended up doing a different project: I decided that I maybe should take some time and make tree armatures so that I can get them painted a dark green color so that it blends better with the foam that I use. That way, if a "needle" is too long I don't have to go completely crazy with clipping them. Some of the armatures on this piece were done already, but they needed to be moved from their container. I don't even know how many more rough forms I have! There are two or three torn apart wreathes in a another well-packed box and two more wreathes still sitting in a sack that haven't been dismantled! Of course making the armatures from Christmas wreath pieces tends to make a bit of a mess when they are trimmed as illustrated by this shot from the roof of the shop structure!
Evening Diners
Flo, Ed, Tom and I will have please and set a place matt for Cicero with Cat Nip please.
Ed, while I am not a cat person (talked about getting one with the wife and she was dead set against it) Cicero looks like he was a good cat! I still miss Soyna, Tiff, Muff and Shaddy. Took Soyna, Tiff and Shaddy ashes to Bulid a Bear and placed in stuff dogs. I will be buried with Soyna ashes, she was turly my Irish Wolfhound. Muff, well we lost her long before Bulid a Bear when I lived in Indiana.
Sort of Work Front First folks that came in where waiting for Triple A to pick up there car? Second person, sort of looked home less, back pack, carrying a small duffel bag and talking / Mumbling / singing rap to him self. Had a hat on that looked like the one Mary Tyler Moore wore in the begaing of her TV show. Cloths where clean and he did not smell bad, so I was confussed some what. He started pulling tupperware out of the duffle bag that had food in it, ate a little and put it back in the duffle bag.
Put the duffle bag down on a futon and reached in his back pack. Pulled out a book that I would say would 3 grade reading level called The History of the World. Picked up his duffle bag, said Thank You and left? While I was never worried, I had phone in hand ready to call 911 just in case.
Train Front Had my first Hick Up on the short line. The Penn SD 7 shutter 2 time in about 10 feet! After that, it ran great! So I am still calling this a Win!
Later, Ken
I hate Rust
Hi Ed:
Sorry about your loss. I like cats, especially since they seem to like me too. When I was selling in homes quite often the resident cat would come up to check me out even though the owners said they never approached strangers.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Ed,
Sorry for your loss, they become part of the family, and are missed when they leave.
herrinchoker
Hi, Folks...
Flo, maybe just a nice hot-toddy before I turn in, thank you. Put it on Ken's tab. Thanks, Ken!
Steven, Garry, Ray, FRRYKid, Ken, Dave, HerrinChoker—
Thank you ever so much for the kind words. It has really made a difference knowing that you fine folks are supportive and it helps to know that there are so many caring individuals here in the MR forums.
We have had many animals, from cats and dogs to goats, sheep, ducks, rabbits, chickens and even all the fish in the pond. They all affect us and their loss is profoundly painful but the joy that their companionship brings is priceless!
Here's a recent photo of Cicero:
If I had to describe Cicero's personality to someone using a human comparison I would tell you that he probably reminds me of Gilligan from the old TV show Gilligan's Island. I would be the Skipper and he would be the fun-loving, goof-ball, screw loose with the heart of gold!
Well, again— Thank you everyone, for the support and kind words.
Sincerely, Ed
Ed, sorry for your loss. We have an 18 yr old boy who is having fits and starts with his thyroid. Meds seem to work, but he can sure be a pain in the tukkus. He IS, ironically about the same color as yours only Cuds is long haired. Very Long haired. I have decided that there will be no more cats or dogs in my life when he is gone. MOH is not-so-much-onboard, but I can't go through losing another one, and have had to make the decision 3 times inmy life to say "put s/him to sleep". SO NO more for me. I've also had fishies, an iguana, and a salt water tank of various critters, and I don't remember what all, all of whom passed on from my life.
Well, have to check the plumbing at the urologist this morning. You all know what that entails,,,,,Yippie!
Well, best get at it, git 'er done. Then I cna plant plants.
I started seeds..maybe early, maybe late, but planted green, wax and purple bush beans, yellow and pasketti squashes, zucchini, 2 kinds of corn {six plants only}, sugar snap peas, cantaloupe, cukes, broccoli and buttercrunch head lettuce. Is that 12 items? yeah, most are six planted, hoping for 4 producing, and pasketti, cantaloupe, lettuce adn snap peas only 5, I have an automatic watering seedling thingy that has a basin for water, a wicking pad that wicks up under the pellets, and keeps tehm wet and moist. I have yet to find my seedling warming pads though, they are here somewhere, and iI even ordered 3 more! These are mmostly big seeds so will show real well whne they grow up.
we will see what grows out of it, The corn will have to be planted as a well growns plant as the squirrels, rabbits, or hte durn chipmonks eat the seeds/seedlings rightout of hte ground. They will all be planted as plants, but the corn needs a good head start. If I plant the three sisters, corn, squash and beens {?} Maybe they won;t make lunch of my corn.
Well, best get cleaned for the urologist...its a messy business.
prayers for all.
Hobby front - Yesterday the door knob came in so I installed that on the double rear door and set it up so now it can be locked. Looking bad weather wise for any progress this week. Lots of rain in the forecast.
W**K front. Lots of activity this morning. For several hours I was a traffic cop, directing big vehicles and workers around the site so we could get everyone in.
Recieved a very strange call this morning. Apperently a drunk tried to break into one of the new HO home. Strange...
Ed - Very sorry for your loss. I can see why you loved Cicero. If you need a friend feel free to message me.
Ken - That is rather bizarre. Sounds like some of thE strange things happening here are blowing your way. It is a Bizarre time we live in...
FRRYKid - What was your method for making the trees ?
Lion - OH SO GLAD you made it in. I set aside some wildebeast steaks for you...have you made any progree on your RR ?
Henry - He seems to be avery nice person. Is the layout more impressive in person than what one sees in videos and in photos ?
History qoute of the day:
What a strange pattern the shuttle of life can weave ...
A cool breeze stirred my hair at that moment, as the night wind began to come down from the hills, but it felt like a breath from another world.
We need a revolution every 200 years, because all governments become stale and corrupt after 200 years.
Good Afternoon!
Ed - I am sorry to hear about your loss! Cicero certainly was some fury companion!
A visitor arrived at Engiadina today, hidden in a package containing yellowish grass fibres I ordered for the make over of the "weeds" on my layout.
The loco is handcrafted, excellently detailed and has a great, flawless paint job. However, as with all Bemo locos I own, the mechanism requires some "education" before it runs as smooth as I expect it to.
Her name is "Heidi" and Petra is now a little jealous she is not named after her!
Hey everyone:
first off, I hope everyone is doing well. I also send prayers/good vibes to those who need them.
thi past week hasn't been e greatest for me, but ive been looking at houses to buy. I mean, why spend 600 dollars a month for half a duplex or a two bedroom apartment (not including utlilties), when you can buy a house around here for under 20,000 im waiting for the real estate agent to call back, but I'm looking at this ranch house with three bedrooms, a garage and a basement.
Healthwise I'm okay.
Model railroad front: well, soldered a speaker to a decoder for he first time last week. its actually a nice Solder joint for being a first time.
Ive finally got enough scratchbuilt structures to qualify for they section of the golden spike award from the nmra. Just need to build the layout now.
off to work. 1-7 today, weird shift I know. Hope everyone has a good day or evening.
(My Model Railroad, My Rules)
These are the opinions of an under 35 , from the east end of, and modeling, the same section of the Wheeling and Lake Erie railway. As well as a freelanced road (Austinville and Dynamite City railroad).
yougottawanta FRRYKid - What was your method for making the trees ?
What I have done in the past is trim down the needles (as shown), spray the armatures with hair spray and throw the armature in a container with the turf mix. Then I let the creation dry. (Maybe 15-20 of this type)
For the newer trees, before the armatures are sprayed with the hair spray, they will be sprayed a rattle can dark green to blend the needles a little better.
Deleted. Accidentally double post.
Jimmy - Buying a house in a good neighberhood is always a wise investment. Especially if it has a basement for a future train room ! Only 20k ? Heck that will not even buy teh framing lumber here ! My Hobby Barn I have about 35k tied up in it and need another 9k to finish.
FRRYKid - Do you start off with pipe tobacco armatures ?
Ulrich - Hmmm ? You didnt name the engine after Petra ? No wonder she is jealous ! I hope you told Petra Heidi is beatiful but she doesnt compare to YOH ?
Lunch time is over
yougottawanta. . .Recieved a very strange call this morning. Apperently a drunk tried to break into one of the new HO home. Strange. . .
I had to read this a couple of since it was posted in a model railroad forum. I had visions of a very tiny drunk man that lookes a little like Beetlejuice.
Afternoon Diners
Flo, Ed, Tom and I will have a
Day Off Front Been worried about getting the Lawnmower started this year. I had not ran all of the gas out of it last fall. Bought a gallon of gas, dumped in Marvial Mystery Oil and Fule Injector Cleaner and dumped out the old gas. While I was digging around I found some Fule Stabilizer I had left over. Hum, if I had it (I thought I was out and did not have any in the lawn mower) I would have used it!
After worrying all winter the Lawn Mower started on the first pull. I was shocked when I went in the back yard! Have not been back there for 3 weeks. I had weeds that where 2 feet tall! I think they where Golden Rods.
I am beat. Later Ken
My Model Railroad, My Rules
"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.