Randy!
It's a nice cool evening after a hot day here on the West Coast.
We have been having a crazy beyond belief week here and I need that line of Crowns Ken has waiting for me. Thanks, bud.
On Saturday we had my son's Grad that started at the home of one of the families, well actually it was a huge mansion with valets to park your car and all that stuff. I'll tell ya, they sure must have been disappointed climbing into my sons Hocky mobile to park it. It is a 2002 Mazda MPV that we got 30 months back from an 84 year old lady that lost her license do to old age. She lived on one of the small islands off the coast and this van only had about 80,000 KMS (50,000 miles) on it after 15 years so we bought it cheap so the kid could haul himself and his friends and all their hockey equipment around to their games and tourneys. We are currently down one vehicle as it is and my truck would not fit in the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre where the formal grad was that night so the hockey mobile it was. Once you get passed the sweaty smell of this thing it still drives quite nice. So we made it downtown and had a great time. They announced my son got another $4000.00 per year Scholarship that only two kids in British Columbia are awarded each year. That sure helps pay a few bills.
Here are some pic's of the view from our table.
On the way home at 1:00 in the morning we were ripping along the Highway in the boonies and all the lights and bells and whistles came on in the Hockey mobile. We managed to get off the freeway just before the engine shut down in protect mode and got BCAA to tow the Hockey mobile to Mazda that was only three blocks away. Had to wait an hour for a Cab as it was Grad night and they were busy, but we made it home okay. Of course the kid was in a Limo both ways and was unaware of the fate of the rest of us.
On the way to Grad he got a call from his favourite casting director that they needed him as a result of a script change on the show "The Man In The High Castle". So next day I had to drive him to wardrobe and camera test as he is not insured to drive the truck. I talked to the casting director while I waited and the reason they wanted the kid is because he is so fit. Eight pack on the gut and all that from playing so much hockey. He said fit young people are becoming harder to find these days with video games and too many stops at Tim Hortons. A Scottish warrior with muscular arms is his role. They are driving him two hours out of Vancouver to a Scottish countryside.
Well, we need to buy two cars in a hurry this week and are going to have a hard time getting around to it with all that is going on here. It was nice to sit for a few minutes and enjoy some Crown Royal.
All the best to all.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Good evening all.
Zoe - A RBF please. Thanks.
Randy - Welcome!
Ken - Cheap can be good sometimes. Lion has himself a very nice layout, and he built it on the cheap!
To go back to our prior convo, I can make it on hourly alone, but it is tight. (And only because I live with family, so no house payment from me... That would not work out. I pay for all the cell phones [family] instead of renting elsewhere.) However, health issues that crop up (asthma) make it interesting sometimes....
Hello to any I have missed.
Weather - Hot and humid again... Summer (weather) is back. Chance of some decent storms next two days, just from the humid unstable air.
W*%k - Blah day today. Owner came in, we had a little talk, and it was good. Sales were low though.
Trains - Main layout yard is back in. Next comes the rest of the main line loop, and a couple sidings.
Yes, it is a temporary layout until our move happens, but at least I will be back running trains.
Filosophical Phriday - So, seeing as how racecar driver Robbie Gordon got himself (effectively) banned from Australia, due to doing donuts on the main drag in Darwin Australia in a Race truck without legal permission, (stupid mistake that was), is he eligible for the prestigious Darwin Award?
(I couldn't even type that with a straight face... )
Well, hope all are well, and all have a good night!
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Randy:
Welcome!!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Afternoon Diners
Flo, If Jan, Ed, or Brent show up give them a Crown Royal on the rocks. I will have a please.
Day Off Running Pretty much sums up my day. Made the hated House Payment to BOS, bought some flowers and new flower pots (slim pickens) went to wifes bank for her. Went to St Louis for a few things, then went to the store for some food iteams. Over all I was gone for 4 hours! While my A/C in the car works, I am pretty cheap and did not use it most of the time.
YGW Long story about why I have hung in there this long with this company. Main thing is my feet, cannot stand more than 3 hours a day. Main reason I am trying to get my blood sugar down. There is more to than that a lone. I am just not as sharp as I use to be. I use to catch math misstake, now I make them.
Randy
Ed I know you are lurking here! Saw your post about SCALETRAINS.COM. Great another thing I want and don't need! I do like his reviews, reason I bought the Bachmann Sound Vaule F7's.
Trains are hauling caboose at 45 Smph! Ops, just typed to soon. Now where is my big hook?
Ken
I hate Rust
Well, every indication is that I have "aged out" of the IT industry. I have sent my resume to a number of companies with openings for my skills, in one case the requirements looked like they were lifted from my resume, and in every case I was not even contacted for a first interview. I am guessing that they are looking at my resume, seeing that I started in 1984, and saying, "Dinosaur." We are looking at different options for income to tide us over until it is time to really retire. The most likely option at the moment is to go into the piano tuning business. I took a course on piano tuning and repair a while back with the intention of using it at a source of supplemental income when I was retired. I have a son who got his degree in Internet-based marketing (sort of) and who is running a very successful web-based business. I have asked him to help me with my business plan. I am giving myself a year to ramp up to being fully engaged. Mrs. ROR is also looking at getting a full-time job that will provide healthcare benefits. It is both exciting and intimidating to have to start over.
Richard
Hey diners,
I been adding an expansion section to my layout. Although it's in the drawing phases of placing a train station and other industry finishing up downtown.
A few things that I want is still missing but not limited to; post office with trucks, railroad park, abandoned textile mill by a river and a river. I can probably live without the train yard or intermodal yard.
My previous post with the w was a the keyboard and monitor acting up. I couldn't type or said anything more.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
Afternoon everyone.....
Janie, I could use a cup of decaf for the moment. Thank you Ma'am!
Haven't gotten in here much the last few days... I've been spending most of the week with various Scout things. Have been out at camp checking the sound system(s) out there to be sure all is well for the season. Even trained several staff members in how to use (and not to use) the main system at the Dining Hall. First point was where the "kill" switch is on the wall..... That is the first thing to do if something goes wrong. Second thing is to call me! Warned them about the effect of clipping (over powering a channel or the mains), and showed them the proper way to use a mic and why.
I am donating a new small system for use at camp. It will mostly be used at the waterfront for music and to call boats to shore. That should arrive at my house sopmetime today, so I will be driving back out to camp tomorrow most likely.
Also spent 3 days trimming the grass and weeds around the tents in the campsites. New EGO trimmer is awesome!
Had a couple evening meeting for Scouts as well, so not a whole lot has gotten done here. My son arrived this morning with some milkweed plants he dug up at his house. I planted them early this afternoon in the bed in the front lawn where I want them. They are pretty stressed at the moment. I hope they recover.
So... who's the new guy? Oh, Randy... Howdy Randy! Be sure to tell us a bit about yourself and what you are into in the hobby. You will find us to be a great bunch in here. Just follow the simple rules and Vinnie (the bouncer AKA Steven) will ignore you, but remember he can bend a crow bar with his bare hands and isn't afraid to use it if nessessary!
OK, back to multitasking.....
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Modelling HO Scale with a focus on the West and Midwest USA
Morning diners,
Welcome to the forum, Randy.
YGW- Thanks for the update on the hobby barn.
JeremyB- Its nice to hear from you again.
W
Welcome to the forum and to our diner.
I am a LION
I build SUBWAY trains in North Dakota
I also like CATS
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Morning everyone
Last beautiful day here before it gets hot as you know what !
Hobby barn - No progress on the building other than I have been taking home a pick up truck loads of dirt everyday to fill in the tracks from the dump trucks that had to travel through the yard. Some of these are really deep ! And it is tearing up the mowing equipment ! Its like running acoss a bunch of RR tracks.
I hope to be painting the exterior soon. I have met with the electrician and laid out the path to bring power from the hobby barn, measured the wire and scheduled the excavator to dig the ditch for the conduit. That should start in two weeks- I hope -
Henry - The local news I listen to had the story wrong they said it was just two people on the track not anything about other RRers. Tragedy either way.
MoeLARRY - I agree that would be hard to do. But it would be jaw dropping to look at !! $400 ???!!! Thats nuts !
Randy - Glad you feel comfortable dropping in. Please tell us more about yourself ? Such as scale, ? Era you are modeling etc...
Alvie - Glad to see you in here always enjoy seeing you in the diner. Wow you have a lot going on in the hobby ! Sounds like a lot of fun !
Frrykid - What if you primed it fiirst with grey or white ? Would the silver cover better ?
Ken - Frankly I am surprised you have held on this long. If it had been me I wouyld have changed years ago.
Jeremy - Glad to see you are alive and kickin. Whya havent you had "the itch" to model ? Other interest right now ?
Steve - Hope your day gets better and as Rodney King said "cant we all just get along ?"
Garry - for traveling mercies for you
Lion - ROAAAAR - Translation - Good morning
Ulrich - replied to your email.
Yannis, DER, Mr. B, Howmus - High guys hope to see you back in here today.
YGW
Welcome Randy. You have to follow the directions posted in the sticky to get pics to appear. I like imgur much better than photobucket for a free site.
Hobby front, not much, the pop off valve on my compressor water trap popped off. I never had the pressure cranked up so I don't know why. It also never seemed to have any visible water so I'm not sure it's worth replacing.
On the social front, my community has a waterfront. Two 15 year olds were fishing last night and they both caught perch. Neither one knew how to hold a fish on the end of the fishing line so they could take the hook out. Nor did they know how to get a hook out.
I guess this isn't covered on playstation. Their parents taught them how to drive a golf cart though.
A sad note in the train world. A CSX frieght train got a warning of a wheel fault. They stopped next to Amtrak tracks to inspect the wheels and 2 conductors got nailed. Happened near Union Station in DC
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
welcome Randy!
As for picture posting, I used a hosting site that has changed their rules and you can no longer post to 3rd part sites without paying $400 a year so I am looking for another site.
Hi all,
I've missed being here. My thoughts and prayers to all who can use them.
Not much new happening in real life land. I've been enjoying the summer weather a lot, and spending more time outside lately. I went kayaking a few weeks ago at a local lake, and I've been riding my bicycle more often. I've also taken up some side-work landscaping for people I know, and recently tore down a shed for the first time. It took me six hours working by myself and filled up the bed of my truck twice with scraps to haul to my local dump. I have another old shed demolition job lined up for next month.
On the MR front. I now have two working BLI Reading T1 4-8-4s. #s 2102 and 2124. They're Paragon2 and Paragon3 respectively. Both did not work properly out of the box, so the P2 I trouble-shot on my own and determined a possibly bad decoder and a certainly defective wire harness. Replacing both did the trick, and it's running great. The P3 shorted on a couple different places on my club's layout, so when I could not find an obvious problem, I sent it back to BLI and they found one of the tender wheels had been installed incorrectly. One of those, hey I could have fixed that myself! moments. *Annoyed grunt" but I did not, however the model works great now. The Paragon3 model of 2124 has traction tires, and I've had it pull a 58-car freight train at the local club's layout. I have another dozen plus freight cars to finish and add to the consist in time. I'll have about 75 in time. The Paragon2 as I took out the traction tires can only pull about 40-cars around the layout. For fun, I took a Bowser PRR BS-12ms and had it play pusher engine to help get the freight train up the hill. I'm still building resin car kits, of the nine I bought in February. Three are finished, and three are assembled but not yet painted. Those three I'll be doing runs on the railroad and iron out any issues before paint and decals. The other three are in varied states of completion, I.E still much work to be done before they can be added into the fleet.
Alvie
Flo (or however's handy), could I get a creme de menthe milkshake. (The ice cream flavoring kind.) Thank you so much.
Hobby Front: Went a little overboard with purchases this evening. Got a passenger car that's not even for any of my railroads. (Eventual donation to the local museum whose display I have worked on over the years.) It's one that I have been looking for. Found by accident when I happened to punch the search up just to check.
I also purchased a ballast hopper. Been looking at changing a car I had with decals but decided this car would be easier. (And a better car overall as well.)
Also will get another coat on the caboose tonight. (Learned something for the next time I decide to paint something all silver: Get it in a light color or paint it white first. Red is a pain to cover with silver paint!)
Evening Diners
Flo, give Brent, Ed, Jan a beer if they show up? I will have a and give Ulrich a stein if he would like one.
Not so much Work Front. It is really time to knuckl down and work on a new Resume. Seems the owner is now trying to sell / lease a second store. Sales for my store so far this week is $90.00? That sale was by me today and the other store for sell / lease had only $80.00? If only I could hang on for 8 more months then I get SS. Not counting the waiting time.
Ulrich Hope you keep in touch with Clause! He sure seems like a good friend! All so glad to see you post!
Blood Surgar I woke up around 11:00 PM starving. I was a bad, bad boy ate things I knew I would pay for, and I did! Woke up and I was at 232! At 1:05 with nothing to eat was at 203? In between that reading I had 17.5 carbs over 7 hours and at 8:50 I was still at 183.
Gary Stay in touch while you are on the road and best wishes to Dan!
Later, Ken
YGW I would love to see a model of it built but not practical.
Hi guys
havent been in for a while now. Weather has been warm but we have received a lot of rain in the last couple weeks, seems like it's round after round of storms.
tomorrow is the last day of school here, my nephews and niece I'm sure are excited. Can't believe there done already. Before you know it it will be September. Haven't done any railroading in close to a year now and really haven't had the itch to do so.
hope to pop in more regularly
MoeLarry
Geez that is HUGE ! I wonder if anyone has ever built a scale model something that big and kept it to scale ?
Lion - Glad you are safe : )
I have Headache today......
Anyway, I have been researching the Metropolis Il railroad bridge for a newsletter.
It Turns 100 this December. In doing a little calculation the longest span (720') woudl be ober 8 ft in Ho scale! the whole bridge is longer than 1 mile an HO scale copy would be over 80 Ft.
Heartland Division CB&Q Where is Lion ? The news is reporting a subway train derailed in New York City, and I thought of our pal, Lion.
Where is Lion ?
The news is reporting a subway train derailed in New York City, and I thought of our pal, Lion.
LION is nice and save in North Dakota. Spent all day yesterday taking monks to doctor Appointments in Bismacrk. Looks like more of the same for today, except that we will be going to Dickinson.
Lunch time !
Hello all , uh wait a minute where did every one go ? Vacation ?
Well everyone chow is on me. Flo give Steve an ice tea he is very cranky today.
Garry - praying for a safe trip for you and hope your friend Dan is recovering well
Ulrich - thanks for the videos.
Good Afternoon!
After a couple of hours of sunshine this morning, it has started to rain again. There is no end in sight, so this will be one of our usual wet summers. Not a pretty perspective.
Petra and I have withdrawn completely from outside life. The only time we leave the apartment is to restack the food supply. The only people calling us are my MIL and our son, once a week. No other social contacts. Needless to say this does not lift me up.
If you are interested in some odd railroad line, then let me present the Austrian narrow gauge line from St. Poelten to the pilgrimagr of Mariazell. It´s a 55 mile 2 1/2 ft. gauge, electrified line built in 1907 to haul the hords of pilgrims to the Mariazell monastery. Traffic increased so drastic in the years follwing, that only 4 years later, the line was electrified. Up until recently, the original set of electric locos, though modernized in the late 1960´s, were in service. In 2013, they were replaced by ultra-modern EMU´s and the line lost a lot of its imperial Austrian charme.
The following video shows the line prior to the completion of the modernization:
... and thois one shows the line as it is today:
The new electric railcars are named "Himmelstreppe", which translates into "stairway to heaven".
Enjoy!
I was going to say the Super 8 up by Garry says it is pet friendly.
But Garry beat me to it.
Howdy .
Ken .... Those hotels are not in this town. Super 8 is in town and on the internet, they say they are pet friendly.
Speaking of trips.... I'm going to Cincinnati tomorow. My wife will be with familiy there. On my way to Cincinnati I will stop in Lexington to visit my friend, Dan, in the hospital. My wife and I will head back via Louisville where we will stop to take care of some stuff. ... I will drive a total of 700 miles over the two days.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Flo, Brent, Jan, Ed and I will have a please.
Not a great day off. Spent little over a hour at the Vet so Sparkie The Rocket Dog could get his shots. Seems the Vet had a cat before us that could not pee. She was able to get the cat to pee and the Vet got hosed! Took her around 45 mintues to get cleaned up.
Did the rest of my running and after I got home felt like Ash Pitt.
YGW Well the company is on Craigs List, Face Book and we have a Web Site. But there are no prices, people want to be able to shop on line and with out a dollar amount? What iteams we do have prices for, well we don't want to sell the junk and the customer won't buy the junk.
Angelo Thanks for the Tip!
Gary Any of the motels Angelo half way close by?
Galaxy Thanks for the Chicken Skin tip. Just BBQ 5 thighes and no flare ups! Hope you find time to drop by, we worrie about you.
BBQ is done and so am I.
Hello all
Crazy busy at w**k. To much going on and still short people. Local paper is still looking for plumbers with a $5000 sign on bonus. Amazing I thought with taht kind of money being thrown around they would have filled the position the first day. I guess the shortage of skilled workers is worse than i thought !
Johnboy - Hope your computer problems get fixed soon
Angel - The computer is in the repair shgopo. I am using a borrowed puter
Ken - My son is in sales also and there is construction right in front of his location which has basically put a halt to traffic. He has turned to Facebook and craigslist to help supplement his tarffic and he has improved his closing by about 50% which has helped him stay afloat. DO you use social media at all ?
Ricky W - Some times when one gets to greedy like the sales agent you mentioned they loose everything that was not smart on her part !
Moe Larry - That is one neat photo !
Ulrich is it still raining there ?
Hello to all the rest of ya - Garry, Homus, Lion Yannis, Der etc....
TTYL
Ken- I know of three hotels that will allow pets. The Merriott, Motel 6 and Best Western. I remember the best western because we drove across country with our dog Murrey at the time.