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Jeffrey's Trackside Diner, June 2018 Locked

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Friday, June 15, 2018 4:47 PM

Tinplate Toddler

 

 
angelob6660

Morning diners,

Ulrich- I can't see a 3 rail track in your pictures. So is the overhead wires going to be electronic to power the locomotives? 

 

 

It´s actually not a third rail, but little black studs in the middle of each tie.

With the overhead, I can run two engines on the same track independently from each other, one collecting the phase from the little studs, the other one from the overhead, both with a common ground via the tinplate rails.

 

 

Ulrich .... Marklin is very enginius with that kind of electircal pick up. .. Interesting. 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by RideOnRoad on Friday, June 15, 2018 6:39 PM

cudaken
. . .Been Hot Here! Right now it is 95 F. . .

We would kill for 95 this time of the year! Yesterday we topped out around 110. Actually, we are going to cool down significantly this weekend as the remnants of Hurricane Bud make their way through the area. The high tomorrow is only supposed to be 83, plus we can really use the rain.

I figure it is time to visit another northern Arizona site--today we head to Williams, the home of the Grand Canyon Railway. Attached for your viewing pleasure is a video (well, sort of an advertisement, but I am hoping Vinnie will let it pass) about the railway. It is missing one thing, though. Their fleet includes some restored Harriman cars. A few years back, Mrs. ROR and I took a trip on the train for our anniversary. We rode in a Harriman car on the way up (morning, no A/C) and a luxury dome car on the way back (afternoon, A/C). They were incredibly accomodating, finding a place for our mountain bikes on the train so we could ride on the closed roads of the canyon. So, without further ado, the video...

Richard

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, June 15, 2018 7:41 PM

RideOnRoad
We would kill for 95 this time of the year! Yesterday we topped out around 110.

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Wow, that is hot.

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It is extremely rare to ever see triple digits in the coastal counties of Florida. We hover around 92-94 for high temperatures during the Summer.

.

For the next 5 months: Low around 70, high around 90, 90% chance of rain. Welcome to Summertime in Florida!

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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Posted by up831 on Friday, June 15, 2018 7:56 PM

Good evening Diners,

Brunhilda, I'll have an Earl Grey tea with cream and honey, please.

Jimmy:  sorry to hear about the loss of your father.  You will get through it, but it's never the same.  There are a times I wish I could talk to my parents.  

Steven:  your issues with the females of the species are not likely to go away soon.  Just be patient and perhaps when the time is right, you'll meet Miss Right, or the equivalent thereof.

Ray:  interesting choice of pieces for your funeral.  I hadn't even thought about mine.  Toccata and Fugue in D minor, wow!  First, when the audience hears that theyll channel every Lon Chaney movie ever done.  Would that be played on an organ with 16' pipes or 32' pipes.  Either way, it'll be LOUD!

Hello to everyone, and I hope everyone is ok, and safe.

Less is more,...more or less!

Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)

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Posted by BigDaddy on Friday, June 15, 2018 8:13 PM

RideOnRoad
the home of the Grand Canyon Railway

OK Richard I am sold.  I was at the GC a couple years ago.  Pictures do not prepare you for the majesty of the view.  It was after Labor day, so while the park wasn't crowded, the shuttle buses were. 

Is it crazy to consider a January vacation there?  I'd love to stay in the El Tovar.  Stayed in the Glacier Nat Park Lodge and it was a great experience, compared to a Holiday Inn.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Friday, June 15, 2018 8:45 PM

BigDaddy

 

 
RideOnRoad
the home of the Grand Canyon Railway

 

OK Richard I am sold.  I was at the GC a couple years ago.  Pictures do not prepare you for the majesty of the view.  It was after Labor day, so while the park wasn't crowded, the shuttle buses were. 

Is it crazy to consider a January vacation there?  I'd love to stay in the El Tovar.  Stayed in the Glacier Nat Park Lodge and it was a great experience, compared to a Holiday Inn.

 

 

Richard .... Thanks for sharing the video of Grand Canyon Railway.... I can see the train ahs had some improvmnts since I road on it several years ago. Also, I see they still entertain you with make-believe bandits to hold up tarin passengers. 

Henry ... The hotel in Wiliams is decent and next to the train station. At the Canyon, we walked through the old hotel, and it looke like a great place to stay. However, we took the train back to Williams late in the afternoon. ... Also, I recommend riding the Verde Canyon Railway. 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Friday, June 15, 2018 9:00 PM

howmus

Afternoon folks!

Jimmy_Braum
I met with the funeral director...we decided on a graveside service. Nothing in a chapel, and no lucheon afterwards. I couldn't handle one. I just needed the graveside service for my own closure. I made sure to get him as close to his parents as possible.

I think that is a good way to send him off!!!  For me, I am already making a listing of what I want for my Final Service.....

Prelude:  None of that quiet maudlin, snuff, snuff, teary eyed crap!  First sound from the Organ, as soon as the family is seated, will be:  Toccata and Fugue in D minor by J. S. Bach (like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHNLdHe8uxY)  Have already told my sons that if the current organist at my church can't handle doing it with excellence, then hire whomever the Organ professor is at the time from Eastman!  I am setting aside a couple grand to pay for it!

First hymn:  "The Strife Is O'er, The Battle Won"  Complete with full brass quartet and organ!

Postlude will be:   "Toccata from Organ Symphony #5 by Charles-Marie Widor"  That will be played Full Organ....  Every major rank on and wide open!!!  (And my church has the organ for it!)

That, my friends, is the send off to the next place I want!!!!!!!!!!  Those three were also  done by an exceptional organist for my late wife's funeral service and there was not a dry eye in the sanctuary.  Be joyfull even in sadness!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, and if you decide to listen to those, put away the crappy little ear buds, turn on some Top Shelf near field monitors (or other pro sound equipment. I just used my Alesis pro monitors) and crank the volume!!!

Be blessed and 73 my friends!

Well . . . if we're posting our givens and druthers, mine are kinda similar to yours, but different.

I'd start off with the little Turkish march from Beethoven's Ninth. Then Dickey Betts' and the Allman Brothers' Jessica. I'm expecting a Big Heaven, and I plan to walk through the front door. And be in a good mood.

Robert

LINK to SNSR Blog


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Posted by NWP SWP on Friday, June 15, 2018 9:28 PM

Evening diners,

Dating thing, I'm just kinda putting myself out there a little, gotta walk before you run, hopefully when Ms. Right comes along I'll have enough sense about me to know it's her!Laugh

Well I'll be around for a while.

Steve

If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!

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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Friday, June 15, 2018 11:10 PM

Good Morning!

My vision has improved somewhat overnight and I just hope it stays that way!

Richard - thanks for the video! I visisted the Grand Canyon on my farewell tour throughout the western states back in 1974, shortly before I had to return to Germany (a move which I still regret very much). I have seen many of Mother Nature´s marvels, but for me, the Grand Canyon is the most awesome of them all!

Unfortunately, I could not take a ride on the GC RR - it was to expensive for this at that time 18 year old, who pitched up a tent on this tour instead of staying in solid accommodations.

Steven - you are at the beginning of the game, so take it easy! Just remember, that a woman´s soul and the contents of her purse will remain forever a secret to a man!

Have a good one, y´ all!

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, June 15, 2018 11:22 PM

Well, last night on Daytona Beach. Back home tomorrow and back to reality next week.

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The pelicans flew by one last time before the sun went down to say goodbye!

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.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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Posted by Jimmy_Braum on Saturday, June 16, 2018 4:38 AM

I was out train chasing last, and I collect glass insulators from the railroad. Well ,where I was shouldn't have insulators anywhere near it. I found a piece of a broken one right at my feet. After I said "dad, stay with me please. "

Today is gonna be hard. I know I'm not gonna be alone, but it's still gonna be hard.

 

 I went down to his train room, and I couldn't be in there long. I found two samsonga brass DRGW locomotives, a bit of rolling stock, a ton of craftsman kits for rolling stock, Rio grande buildings, and some material. I was looking for a certain photograph of him and I, and I found one more- A black stone K27.  I think the best way for me to honor his memory is to build some kind of small module or portable self contained narrow gauge layout. Its all HOn3" so it's possible probsbly. 

(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).  

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Posted by BigDaddy on Saturday, June 16, 2018 7:22 AM

Good morning folks.  I was wide awake at 6:00 am, unusual for me.  It's going to 90 degrees this weekend.  That almost always means high humidity too.

Looks like the fire is still burning in Durango and the railroad is getting the blame.

https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/is-the-durango-silverton-railroad-to-blame-for-the-massive-416-fire-

Making a latex casting of a rock.  It dries slow.  I've read conflicting things about putting it in the sun to dry.

 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by NWP SWP on Saturday, June 16, 2018 10:14 AM

Morning diners,

Ya know every time I mow by my Aunt and Uncles house at the back of the property I get an eerie feeling, she was always gardening before she passed, that yard was her pride and joy, perhaps it's her watching over her yard.

Well we're going into town for a little while, then it's time to cut the grass.

Steve

If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, June 16, 2018 2:09 PM

I made it home from vacation in tip-top shape. Roads were clear and no idiots seemed to be out. It was a good trip.

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I stopped at a Chicago Style pizza place in Sarasota and picked up a large stuffed pizza for us to enjoy the rest of the weekend.

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I need to get to work on the backsplash. We have the right tile for it now. I just need some internal motivation to get going.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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  • From: Mesa, AZ
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Posted by RideOnRoad on Saturday, June 16, 2018 4:24 PM

It was 10 degrees cooler when I went for my ride at 1:00pm today than when I left yesterday at 5:45am--78 vs. 85 degrees. We may not even hit 80 today. The big difference is the humidity, a rather moist 70%. For us desert folk, that is about riding riding a bike in a swimming pool. I rode inbetween storms and barely got sprinkled on. All in all, it was a good ride.

Richard

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Posted by NWP SWP on Saturday, June 16, 2018 6:08 PM

Evening diners,

Just go through mowing, got everything cut though! 

It's pretty dusty out there even though it's rained every evening the past week.

I'll be back later.

Steve

If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!

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Posted by cudaken on Saturday, June 16, 2018 8:22 PM

 Afternoon Diners

 Flo, yep the gand and I will have a Beer and don't forget Rick and Steven.

 Gary Watched the Video you posted! Yes The engines where PA's right? When I was at the Grand Cayon I was not into trains. I was on the Flagstaff side of the hole. It was around Feb or March I think, there was some snow in Flagstaff.

 Richard I have been in your neck of the woods before when it was 110 F. While in Las Veages I visted the hoover dam it was 111 F and my shoes soles started sticking to the dam!

 Train Front Played with the turnout my PRR M1a does not like. Got the section before the #4.5 turnout a little straighter and the M1a made 4 laps! Surprise I was ready to call it Fixed! Big Smile Then it derailed? Thumbs Down Hum, the M1a just lost 5 coaches and I don't even want to look. Whistling

 BBQ is done and so am I.

 Later, Ken

I hate Rust

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Posted by FRRYKid on Saturday, June 16, 2018 8:32 PM

Evening All!

(Scary) Hobby Front: I have begun the process of getting my older equipment changed over to Kadee couplers. (I had been using a different type of knuckle coupler on the older ones and finally decided that those would not work for switching. All the cars & engines worked on in the last two-three years have Kadees.) Where the scary part comes is I have already used two 25 pair 148 bulk packs and I still most likely will need a the majority of a third pack to finish with the cars (and two more engines). (I knew I had a lot of equipment but I am positively shocked at how much equipment I'm disccovering I do have.) I've also dicovered a few pieces that need to have some tweeks done to them as they are not accurate schemes.

"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 Heartland Division CB&Q on Saturday, June 16, 2018 9:17 PM

cudaken

 

 Gary Watched the Video you posted! Yes THe engines where PA's right? When I was at the Grand Cayon I was not into trains. I was on the Flagstaff side of the hole. It was around Feb or March I think, there was some snow in Flagstaff.

 

 

Ken .... Richard posted the link to the video.... The Locomotives are former Canadian National Alco FPA4's.... That type was originally sold only to CN as far as I know. 

Here are some when they were on the CN.. 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, June 16, 2018 9:53 PM

I just warmed up my first slices of Joey D's Chicago Style Stuffed Crust Pizza! Man what a treat! I can't do this too often, but it is so delicious.

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I hope all my fellow diners are enjoying the evening and the weekend. I need to work on my kitchen tomorrow, but I have enjoyed the afternoon and evening today.

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Stay safe!

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-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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Posted by angelob6660 on Saturday, June 16, 2018 10:27 PM

Evening Diners,

Ulrich- That track is really unique and interesting track. 

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

Amtrak America, 1971-Present.

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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Saturday, June 16, 2018 11:13 PM

angelob6660

Evening Diners,

Ulrich- That track is really unique and interesting track. 

The basic track idea goes back into the 1930s, but then it had a "real" thrird rail", which evolved into the stud contacts in the mid 1950s. This track has been Marklin´s weak point ever since, although not by function, but by looks. As late as 1969, Marklin introduced a new track system, which had a more prototypical look and included flex track, but never really caught on. The reason was they used stainless steel which is quite difficult to solder. With the introduction of digital control systems, Marklin developed the current track system, with a grey molded on plastic roadbed - about the worst looking track there is! In terms of reliability and function it is hard to beat! You can even integrate a switch motor and a decoder into the switches without them being visible. Of course, this has a price tag - a fully equipped switch runs up to about $ 100!

Marklin stopped making the tinplate track in the early 1980s, but there is still plenty around, which can be bought for reasonable prices.

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"

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Posted by Jimmy_Braum on Sunday, June 17, 2018 7:06 AM

Hey everyone. 

yesterday was so hard to do, burying my dad. But, I got him as close as possible to his parents and other relatives. Same section, but within sight of each other. 

  It was a biker funeral, and I was just stunned by how many showed up

The red panhead? That's my dads.  His best friend called me, and asked if I would be okay with him riding it up.  I said yes.  They got a police escort for him to, but I couldn't be part of it...I just couldn't emotionally do it.  I don't  ride but, I want to learn how to.  I want to learn so I can ride one of his bikes, as a way to connect with him, make peace.  Just where I could "feel Him".

I was able to saying something for him on the spot "thank you all for coming, I'm just touched, and I know he'd love it.  He's not gone though, he's still with everyone he cared about.  I was getting paperwork on Thursday, and when I was putting it in my car, I saw a big, vibrant, beautiful monarch butterfly around his mailbox.  I was the only one who saw it, and it disappeared when I looked away.  So he's still here with us. I'll  miss you, but I'll see you on the other side dad  love ya"  then that started  a whole lot more of good words about him.  I never really knew how much he meant to a lot of people.  

then i needed some normalcy, so I went to a Beatles tribute Concert  last night  I had them dedicate Helter Skelter to him-he loved the Beatles.  This is gonna be difficult to get over, but I'm actually at peace. 

 

(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).  

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Sunday, June 17, 2018 8:29 AM

Jimmy .... Thank you for sharing the funeral with us. Your post is very touching. It is good your Dad has so many friends. They may seem like family to you. I bet it would be good if you kept in touch with them. I suspect if you ever need assistance with anything, they will be there for you to help. I'll say hello to the next butterfly I see. Angel

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by NWP SWP on Sunday, June 17, 2018 10:28 AM

Good morning everyone,

Jimmy, glad you have found some peace, it's never easy putting a loved one to rest, nor will you ever "get over it", good luck, and best wishes.

Well not much to do, gave my dad a new key ring and a carabiner, he has been losing keys, now he lost the carabiner! Got him a pair of safety sunglasses too. Gonna give my grandpa a tomato plant, he'll like that.

Well I'll be in and out.

Steve

If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!

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Posted by angelob6660 on Sunday, June 17, 2018 10:38 AM

Morning diners,

Ulrich- That was amazing track history. I couldn't had improved the plastic stud design, but they did. 

Jimmy- I'm glad you're going to be okay after your father's funeral.

Anyone watching the world cup? I'm watching the Mexico vs Germany game, it's 0-1 Mexico.

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

Amtrak America, 1971-Present.

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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Sunday, June 17, 2018 11:01 AM

angelob6660
Anyone watching the world cup? I'm watching the Mexico vs Germany game, it's 0-1 Mexico.

I have never been into watching soccer, so I really don´t care who is playing whom and who finally ends up winning the cup. Switching the local is more fun!

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"

  • Member since
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Posted by angelob6660 on Sunday, June 17, 2018 3:01 PM

Afternoon Diners,

Tinplate Toddler

 

 
angelob6660
Anyone watching the world cup? I'm watching the Mexico vs Germany game, it's 0-1 Mexico.

 

I have never been into watching soccer, so I really don´t care who is playing whom and who finally ends up winning the cup. Switching the local is more fun!

Yeah me too. I quit watch it when it went into intermission.

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

Amtrak America, 1971-Present.

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Posted by BATMAN on Sunday, June 17, 2018 3:34 PM

Good afternoon from the hot, hot, hot West Coast. Temps suppose to be in the 30s this week. I know that is nothing for you Southerners, but it is to us in the Great White North. Of course, we are just starting to look for a jacket when you say it is wickedly cold down there.Laugh It all balances out in the end.

Jimmy, sorry to hear about your Dad. It hurts when we lose someone that meant so much to us. That's okay though because if we didn't hurt, that meant the person wasn't important or special to us and that would be truly sad. I can feel my Dads presence everytime I fire up the pike.

Went to a wedding of my wife's nephew last night and got home late. It was far enough away to be a bit of a trip, but not so far as to warrant an overnight stay which meant a house sitter for all the dogs. Had a great time regardless. I am in total deadbeat mode today as I am pretty tired. 

My son is thinking of changing to contract/business/entertainment law and being involved in the movie industry as he loves that so much. Last night at the wedding he talked to my wife's cousin who is part of a huge Law firm in Vancouver and she said they are screaming for entertainment lawyers at their firm as the TV/ movie industry is so huge now. Time will tell. He has a different view of the political world after his year in Ottawa. He also turned down his embassy internship for the same reason. Not people of good character for the most part he said, and definitely not hired based on ability. He figures it would be easy to be a movie mogul.Laugh 

Ulrich, I find that track quite interesting and am surprised I didn't know of it sooner. Glad you are enjoying your layout.

Hope everyone has/had a good Fathers day, we have eight coming for roast lamb tonight so I had better have one of my rare naps to prepare.Laugh

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."

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Posted by BigDaddy on Sunday, June 17, 2018 3:35 PM

Kyle Petty sums up my feelings on soccer. 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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