It rained pretty good last night. It's kind of a big deal since it has been 143 days since the last rain, a new record.
Richard
Good morning from the really wet West Coast, it is 6c, pouring rain and the pumps are holding. One thing about the amount of rain we get is everything is always nice and clean when things dry up.
I remember having some good PM conversations with Jeffery, he was a very nice man and I was saddened by the conditions he found himself living in.
My inlaws have a real them and us attitude, even toward their own kids. I have made it clear that the family home is the family home and my kids can come home to live whenever they want to. That goes to other family members that may need a place to stay as well. No deadbeats though.
We are having close to twenty for Christmas dinner this year. The numbers have been dropping over the years as the geezers pop off, however, the younger ones are growing in numbers so some table logistics are in order. We may just set up in the Kitchen/family room with two sheets of plywood this year. We use to do that at the peak of numbers a few years back and the MIL had made beautiful tablecloths to fit over our two 9' x 5' pieces of plywood that go end to end.
We do gift draws for after dinner. People always fight for my name because I am so easy to buy for. A $75.00 gift certificate to PWRS. After this Christmas and my Birthday in January, I should have about $800.00 on account there to help pay for my two Rapido Royal Hudsons that I hope will eventually show up. Gotta love Christmas.
Well better get back to the preps for the big day. I am running on impulse power the last few, as dealing with the flood has severely damaged my warp drive.
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."
Morning diners,
RideOnRoad It rained pretty good last night. It's kind of a big deal since it has been 143 days since the last rain, a new record.
I didn't know you kept track of the rain.
Plus it's raining here too, we're apart a few hundred miles.
Brent- Although I'm easy to buy for. My family makes it difficult.
Steven- CSX does have heritage units, but their not colorful. They have decals or stickers on far edge on the nose.
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4426799
Here's a picture of one of them.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
Good morning to all!
On the subject of cats, my daughter has a pair of them, both from rescue. They are both well-behaved, playful and affectionate, and the best of friends. "Bandit" is all black and "Tux" is black with a white chest.
My girlfriend has both a tiny cat named Emily and a big Doberman named Bruce. She tells people he's a "90 pound lap dog" because he insists on sharing the couch with either or both of us. I agree with the problem of having to take a dog for "walks," but it gets us out for exercise which we might otherwise skip, and that has to be good.
As a retired guy looking to move someplace warmer, I found the concept of "The Villages" interesting. I've never been there, and Florida is too much on the "warmer" side for me. I guess some love it and some hate it. Urban legend has it that the place is a hotbed of senior sexuality and related diseases, and the women outnumber the men 9-1. All of this comes from a couple of "sensationist" magazine articles, and some fact-checking shows it to be largely baloney.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Why does Ulrich (Sir Madog) show up to me as "Anonymous"?
Bill Tidler Jr.
Near a cornfield in Indiana...
wetidlerjr Why does Ulrich (Sir Madog) show up to me as "Anonymous"?
Bill ... I guess he followed through with a request to Kalmbach to end his account. Last time he was here, he became unhappy with something and decided he wanted to leave. ..Unfortunately, he leaves a forum with people who like him. ... Anyhow, I'm glad to see you here again.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Good afternoon.
I made a video for the kid in Ottawa, he is chomping at the bit to get home for Christmas. His giant suitcase full of dirty laundry is ready to go.
He gets home Friday morning at 0900hrs after his last exam.
All the best for a good evening.
Heartland Division CB&Q wetidlerjr Why does Ulrich (Sir Madog) show up to me as "Anonymous"? Bill ... I guess he followed through with a request to Kalmbach to end his account. Last time he was here, he became unhappy with something and decided he wanted to leave. ..Unfortunately, he leaves a forum with people who like him. ... Anyhow, I'm glad to see you here again.
Too bad about Ulrich. I hate to see that. I always enjoyed reading his posts. Even though I don't post here often, I have stopped by more than once to read and keep up with everyone.
I just might visit more often.
Evening guys
Yes, when the month began, I remembered it the anniversary of Jeffrey Wimberly's passing. He is surely missed.
Because I often mentioned his posts to My OH, and I dealt wiht him buying/selling/trading trains adn train stuff, and I told my OH of "Jeffrey-isms", my OH vicariously knew Jeffrey, even though my OH has never read these forums.
I DO remember the night he passed, as his sister actually PM'd me at his instruction, to tell me his prognosis wasn't good, that his infection was ravaging his body and he could no longer talk but could nod and he recognized family and recognized my Screen name as one he wanted to contact to relay a message to the diner. I asked if it was OK to share, she said "please do"....a few minutes to an hour later, another diner patron got word to us she had contacted him too, and she said Jeffrey had Passed away, i just that shrort a time. Sad news, sad enough thtat I had Tears streaming down my face, when MY OH came home,and asked what was wrong...I choked out the words: Jeffrey died. My OH gave me a gbig hug and had eye tears as well for the news. It was very quickly suggested by someone to name the diner after him,and NOT one person objected, we all thought it was a grand idea to remember him.
I remember one time I had ordered something from Jeffrey, and He noted to no one in particular on the forum that he idn't deal again with those who failed to pay him correctly for merchandise he sold them. It dawned on me that I had not paid him I wasn't sure! SO I went for my checkbook and sure enough, I hadn't! I quickly messaged him and said I had completely forgotten,definitely not intentional, adn he said it wasn't aimed at me, just a general comment and I told him the check was in that day's mail. He said he figgured somehting like that, and knew me well enough to know I wasn't stiffing him, just probably had forgotten. It was only $10, but tha $10 always meant a lot to him, and being On SSDI compared to his SSI, I knew what it menat. I sent him a check for $15 to cover my shortage on him.
Jeffrey was a good egg, and is surely missed here by many. I know every December I think of him for sure, as well as often when I open "jeffrey's Trackside DIner"....
Cats or dogs, Ive had both, each has their attributes, but I thnk Of myself as a cat person. MY OH wants to get a small dog whne the CUDS {his shortened name and the one he answers to} goes. Ive said repeatedly I DON't wnat any more animals. They need care adn vet bills are about what people bills are, they need caring for and all they eventually do is die on you and break your heart. CUDS Only asks for pettums and luvins and food once in a while and gives back volumes of luv. But Im not ready for any more pets.
I have a whole room full of plants and Im thinking of giving them up. They give me much ennjoyment, but when we "retire" to the south, they too, like pets will need to be cared for. Its my "other hobby"..plants. But i may have to give them up when we start goign back adn forth for the winter months, which will be as soon as my FIl passes, which could be soon, or in a few years.
Well see.
At work again tonight, and it sucks Kens railspikes. Only 5 check ins for 8 hours of time, but at least I still get 8 hours of pay. My OH will get hours cut, in fact already is at the grocery store as come Jan FEb and Mar ALL retail gets cut back.
I have hernia surgery coming up Jan 8th, if I havent mentioned that yet. I blew out a hernia with all the coughing Ive been doing with a nasty cold Ive got. Cant seem to shake it, though I think I am improving. Keeps me frm smoking so much too. SPeakign of which, the years end is when we ahve decided to quit smoking and this time My OH seems to be onboard with that. FInally.
Ok what else...Oh, Ken, I don't have the money to get the stair climber, and we have very steep steps, nto sure just a generic one would work, as they should be made for the stairs they traverse, in length adn steepness. My FIl had two sets put in his house, a split level, so I knew what they cost, nad his will be too short for our basement stairs as his stair cases arent; full staircases, only about 2/3rds. I'l see. If we retire earlier than later, we will aHVE A RANCH IN THE SOUTH AND NO STEPS, opps caps lock, and will have to find a room for them as well have no basement, we ahve a ranch now, but it has a basement. It might need a trian room. Remember also, my OH is into N scale, and wants a layout too....modeleld after German or eurorail trains and scenery. A lofty ambition, btu its not just me who needs space for trains/
The new washer and dryer are installed completely in the kitchen now. Ill certainly enjoy not having to navigate those steep stairs just to do laundry anymore. Ill see what happnes next, I have to learn the digital controls for the washer and dryer and how to use them, goodie.
well, thats about all from THIS "lake Woebegone"...to paraphrase Garrison Keeler....
Take care all, and If I don't get back here before, have a merry chirstmas, and happy chanukka to all our friends.
-G
-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.
Evening All! Flo (or whoever's handy), could I get a clubhouse sandwhich with some cottage fries with some white cheese on them and some iced green tea? Thank you some much.
Hobby Front: I believe someone mentioned that they had gotten mail on Sunday. That happened to me today. The package of track and bedding I was expecting tomorrow was waiting for me when I came home from work. Now I can only hope that the car shop shows up Tuesday before I head out to the ranch. Reason being is that I would like to be able to install the track in the base and install the bedding around that base. If worse comes, I can always inset the base into the cork after I install it.
HEY DARTH SANTA FE! If you are out there...
.
I saw this on the Florida Lego Railroaders layout today... It is a DARTH SANTA!
I love the sleigh being pulled by AT-ATs.. too bad they are a few short!
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Darth Vader said to St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) "Santa, I am your father... Santa responds HO HO HO (scale)!
Steve
If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!
Eveing Diners
Flo, Ed, Jan, Gary, Inch, Brent, Angelob, Bill, Galaxy, Mr B and I will have a and give Rick and Steven a RBF and leave a stein outside for Ulrich!
Dingbat Work Front Yep Nancy was there again today and I hope this is the last weekend! She is driving me nuts!
Brent Thank you for Bing.
Train Front The Mighty B&O F7's are draging coal again! Thank you Ed! Using the same motor and trucks and no driveshaft rubbing sound's. Chassis must have been cracked when you got it.
I am beat so later.
Ken
I hate Rust
maxmanAnd with dogs one has to carry a bag of poo on the way back from the walk. Not my idea of a good time.
Our late and lamented Jake never left us holding the bag, as it were. He always waited until he got home. We didn't train him to be like that. That was just how he did his thing.
Too much information!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Bill T ... It would be nice to see your old railroad photos again if you care to post again here. . However, be aware PhotoBucket is no longer good for posting photos unless you want to pay a steep fee to Photobucket. .. I now use Flickr. .. Others here use imgr.
Galaxy .... Thanks for sharing your memories of Jeffrey. It meant a lot to me to read them. Have you ever heard from his sister or other family memebrs since then ?
Have a nice evening everybody
Evening diners, I'll take a slice of cheese pizza and a glass of Coca Cola, place a stein of beer err root beer I mean outside for Ulrich...
I never had the pleasure of meeting Jeffrey but he sounds like he was loved by all of you guys here on the forum and may he rest in peace...
The railroading front, nothing much to report... I learned that the default whistle on my BLI Paragon2 Pennsy T-1 is not prototypical and that the correct whistle can be used by setting CV224 to a value of 2 so that will be taken care of Tuesday at the club... I also have been considering after the new year to start a kitbash project by building a simple centipede boxcab diesel just to see what I can cobble together... my plan is to build something similar to the NYC boxcab electric P-2 and T-2 types I figure I'll house the drive shaft inside a Trainmaster style deck that is a span bolster for each set of trucks that way clearance is not an issue, and the cab will ride atop two such span bolsters that are centrally pivoted to allow for better tracking of curves... I am going to dub my creation "Big John" kindof reminiscent of John Henry or the song "Big Bad John". I am excited to see what sort of track bending tractive effort it will unleash ...
In other news, I am starting to really get into the Christmas Spirt this year it now being only a week away... The Spirit of Christmas has kinda skipped me over for the past two or so years... NO I am NOT a scrouge or grinch just I haven't been as festive of late perhaps it's part of growing up Well maybe its better this year because it's actually getting chilly if not cold and its not 80 degrees outside...
Well Merry Christmas all and Bah Humbug And for those who celebrate holidays other that Christmas this time of year Happy Holidays!
Well goodnight all, see you all back here same Bat-Time, same Bat-Channel! (And yes I have watched the classic Batman 66.)
Oh and Walter the cat says "MEOW" which I hope means "Hello and Goodnight" and not "I knocked over the Christmas tree!"
Well goodbye again!
That's Kylo Ren from the new movies, not Darth Vader. You can tell by the silver on his helmet and the cross-bladed lightsaber.
Sorry. When it comes to Star Wars, I'm a rivet counter.
--Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editorsotte@kalmbach.com
I thought Berea was in Ohio, but perhaps it is in a galaxy far away. ....
WOW
The News is reporting an Amtrak train derailed with one of its passenger cars crashing off a bridge onto an Interstate highway in Washington State.
Heartland Division CB&Q WOW The News is reporting an Amtrak train derailed with one of its passenger cars crashing off a bridge onto an Interstate highway in Washington State.
Yep. I-5 near Mt. Hood. A traffic cam caught it... (Sorry, no link for that yet...)
Cascades service set jumped off the tracks shortly before 7am their time.
Injuries are being reported.
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.
Good afternoon Diners,
Brunhilde, I'll have an extra large coffee with lots of cream, please.
That is such a tragedy. When I take the CTA downtown to the Mart, I sometimes think of that, what if?! A person starts their day as normal, and a short time later. Everything changes,...forever.
On a lighter note, once MOH and I took the South Coaster from Old Town San Diego to Solana Beach and back. It was quite an enjoyable trip.
Im saddened to hear the Ulrich actually did cancel the forums. To bad, he always brought an interesting perspective to the diner.
Well, nothing to report MRR wise.
Hello to everyone, and I hope everyone is OK, safe, and warm.
Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)
Afternoon, sad to hear about the derailment and following crash, I was heading into town a little while ago and passed the "Paw Paw Store" which had recently closed after 65 years, and saw they had torn out the windows and door in the front so I looked it up and I discovered that "Jetts Convenience Stores" a local chain of gas stations hd purchased the store and is renovating it... I'm glad that they're not doing a demo... the "Paw Paw Store" is named that because of the proprietor that everyone calls "Paw Paw" they had some of the best burgers in the area, but they closed due to Paw Paws declining heath but you can see him putting around town in his little pickup truck...
Evening Diners,
Heartland Division CB&Q The News is reporting an Amtrak train derailed with one of its passenger cars crashing off a bridge onto an Interstate highway in Washington State.
Just googled the incident... not looking good reports are that there are 3 casualties ... goes to show you that we should appreciate every day, every one, and every thing we have because it can all change in a blink of an eye. Well see you later...
Steven Otte You can tell by the silver on his helmet and the cross-bladed lightsaber. When it comes to Star Wars, I'm a rivet counter.
Yes, The Lightsaber with the flaming Quillons is a dead giveaway.
Star Wars fanatics aren't rivet counters... we proudly call ourselves nerds!
Evenin' folks!
Janie, I'll have a cup of decaf to tide me over 'til bedtime. Please and thank you Ma'am!
First off prayers for all those affected by the Amtrak crash today. Certainly one of those incidences where something went very wrong that shouldn't have. It will be interesting to see what gets found out.
I have now been wearing the Compression Stockings for almost 2 weeks now. Interestingly, they are actually quite comfortable while wearing them. A pain to put on, but I have little difficulty getting them off at night. I have had some areas of my psoriasis clear up over the last two weeks, and my arthritis in my knees and ankles is much, much better. Hmmmmmmmm???? Itching and burning on the legs is gone as well.
Went to the eye doc today, and while I am getting a new presciption for my glasses I use here at the computer, he is amazed at how good my overall sight is for a 71 year old. When he was checking presciption he asked me to read the next to the bottom line on the projected chart he uses. I said, how about if I read the bottom line? He laughed and said, sure. I read it and he sat back and started to laugh. Said I don't believe it! (I got it perfect!) He had never had anyone my age be able to do that before. He also said he believes I am ready for the eyelid tucks (I have drooping eyelids) and has set me up with an appointment with the eye surgeon who does that here. I am at the point where the eyelid droop is starting to interfeer with sight, so.......
Manet has been on a transdermal pregnisone for 5 days now, and the tumor appears to have shrunk! That should be very good news for the little guy... Oh, the comments about cats vs. dogs. I have had both, and they are both wonderful pets that become friends for life. I would not tell anyone that one is better than the other! My two kitties are very special as I inherited them from my father when he died. They were his last bit of life's work and they have been handled by humans since the day they were born. They are the most loving and sweet animals I have ever seen, and unlike most cats don't disappear when company arrives. They come right out and try to sit in peoples laps and cuddle.....
Got several more Christmas presents wrapped and set to be delivered on the day. Answered a ton of email that was hobby oriented as well.
Quote for today: "Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up." - Robert Frost
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Good evening from the West Coast. Temps to drop to -9c this week. Very unusual for this part of the Great White North.
Well, the cavalry is on the way finally. Tomorrow the City will start digging to fix our drainage issue. They start first thing tomorrow. Good thing as I had two pumps going last night and had the third at the ready.
Steven, have you seen the new Star Wars movie and if so is it good? I asked the kid if he wanted us to wait to see it until he got home or if he was going to see it in Ottawa. We will see it while he is home. We usually head to the Steakhouse after a movie so I'm guessing that has something to do with it.
Sad about the Amtrack accident in Seattle, we often talk about taking the train to Seattle one weekend as it is a popular trip.
I hope Ulrich returns after Christmas, not enough of us foreigners on this forum. He is a good contributor to what goes on here.
I dropped into PWRS and did a little Christmas shopping for myself today. I always like the look on everyone's faces when I ask who I should be thanking.
The dinner bell has rung so....
All the best to all... Especially Ulrich.
I just sent Ulrich a short note to tell him that he is being missed. Nothing more. I didn't want to be pushy.
Evening Diners
Flo, UP831, Kevin, Ed, Gary, Brent, Jan, Inch, Angelob, Galaxy, Ray and I will have a please. Give Rick and Steven a RBF and leave a Stein outside for are friend Ulrich.
Star Wars I saw the first one 32 times! It helped that Ft Bragg Movie theather was across the street from my barracks! But I loved the movie and was never bored by it.
Funny Star War monment. Went to the Indy Premier of the second Star Wars move. They had a guy dressed like Darth Vader, and it was a good costom! He approched my 5 year old daughter and said "you will turn to the dark side"! She screamed Dad! I step forward and towered over there Darth Vader and he said "I see the forces is strong in your father" and then he left.
Sorry to hear about the Am Track Misshap.
Does anyone know why Ulrich Left? Do miss seeing his post and hope he is doing well!
Later, Ken
I don’t think the media are doing very well figuring out the cause of the Amtrak derailment and they should wait for the official report. Some are saying the train was going too fast for a curv, but you can see it was derailing before the curve on the bridge. Some are saying the train hit something on the track, but the lead locommotive was still on the track and photos show no front end damage. The rest of the train derailed but not the lead locomotive.
I wonder if slack action as the train slowed for the curve was a factor. There were two engines. One pulling from the front and one pushing from the back. The twelve lightweight cars may have had an accordion effeet between the two heavy locomotives. The train may have been defying physics.