Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Jeffrey's Trackside Diner, July 2018 Locked

27687 views
611 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, July 19, 2018 5:11 AM

hon30critter
The good news is that it has been detected very early

I hope the prognosis is good for Dianne, Dave. Fortunately, huge inroads have been made in cancer treatment. My mother was diagnosed with the same condition back in 1968 and she was treated and lived to be 92. All three of my sisters have overcome cancer as well.

I wish you both well Angel


 

Seems I've landed on the top 'O the page!

 

A round of favorites to all...

 hot-tin-roof-sundaes by Edmund, on Flickr

Regards, Ed

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, July 19, 2018 6:05 AM

Thanks Ed,

She has the operation in two weeks, and it will take another two weeks to find out what additional treatments, if any, will be required.

As the surgeon said, "...if you have to get cancer, this is one of the better ones...".

My mother had colon cancer when she was in her late 50s. She lived to be 92 too.

We think positively. There will be no moaning in self pity. There might be some moaning from the pain but she is a real trooper.

Hot tin roof sundaes eh! We were out for dinner a few days ago and Dianne decided to have a banana split for supper! It was huge! She finished the whole thing! Didn't even leave any chocolate sauce on the plate for me to lick off!!LaughLaugh

Again, thanks for your thoughts, Thumbs Up

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Thursday, July 19, 2018 7:52 AM

Good morning ... 

Dave ..... My thoughts and prayers for Dianne. 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • 2,980 posts
Posted by NWP SWP on Thursday, July 19, 2018 9:31 AM

Morning diners,

Death, of all the things man can accomplish, the one thing we cannot achieve is physical immortality, for those who believe in heaven there's still hope, but for now we're all just stuck on this rock with all the manure that goes with it.

Prayers and thoughts to those suffering, in need, and have lost.Angel

Train front, not much to report, I have kinda put a freeze on purchases for a while, at least until the whole work thing straightens out in a few weeks. I'll start buying parts for the next kit bash in about 2 weeks.

Good news is, I feared asking Sarah out would possibly make her stop talking to me, but luckily that's not the case so that's awesome.

Steve

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

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: Nova Scotia, Northumberland Shore
  • 2,479 posts
Posted by der5997 on Thursday, July 19, 2018 10:34 AM

Good afternoon Diners! Those Tin Roofs look good, so I’ll splash out for as many as fancies one.
 
cudaken:
 Train Front I have a new respect for folks that have the passanger cars full of people! It is a pain in the caboose to get them in there seats! I am using Woodland Senics Accent Glue any tips?
When I was doing w*rk for the local Community Museum, we couldn’t afford elaborate security. However, working on the premise that most theft from such places is casual and opportunistic, we used a sticky wax to hold smaller items to their display stands. It’s not a glue, but offers a noticeable resistance if you try to pick up the item.  Google Museum Wax and take your pick. Since it’s not glue, you can move the seated figures whenever you want. Works great, even better maybe, for standing people. They don’t go flying if someone brushes against them with a sleeve or whatever…
 
Dave:
You don't need to remove the wood. All you need to do is carve a 'V' groove in the lead and then hold the pencil on a 45 degree angle (or thereabouts) perpendicular to the track. One side of the V should sit flat on the top of the rail. The other side of the V just serves as a guide to keep the pencil on the rail.
Thanks! I’ll give that a try. Keeping the pencil more or less intact is far better (less w*rk, less danger of cutting oneself, overcomes the “bound to be broken inside from the pencil having been dropped” issue) Looking forward to seeing the results. Please thank your club member for me in advance… Sorry also to hear about Dianne’s diagnosis. I second Ed ‘s motion on her behalf! Angel If you are coming to PEI, are you going by the bridge or the ferry? If the latter, PM me as we are just a few Kms from the terminal.
 
Steven O:
You don't need to remove the wood. All you need to do is carve a 'V' groove in the lead and then hold the pencil on a 45 degree angle (or thereabouts) perpendicular to the track. One side of the V should sit flat on the top of the rail. The other side of the V just serves as a guide to keep the pencil on the rail.
  Absolutely true for large quantities. However what’s in view here is tiny amounts, almost attempting a graphine thin layer.  A light touch is mentioned in the video IIRC….
 
Ed: Thanks for the Graphite sticks link. I’d seen similar on a “major on-line retailer” website. However just one stick will last me longer than I’ll be around the hobby and our local single sticks just don’t seem to be available. Besides, I’ve two pieces of carpenter’s pencil in the workshop – so I don’t need to spend anything extra…
 
CN Charlie:
Speaking of sad, we need to add another name to the RIP track. I was wondering about Cape Jim and found that he passed away April 16, 2018.  He hadn't posted for some time but when I was first active on the forum he was posting nearly every day so in a way I got to know him a little and also through private e-mail. 
…Thanks for letting us know. That is indeed sad news. We exchanged emails and the odd item over the years…
We keep the doors locked at all times even if we are outside in the yard. 
…We don’t go as far as the outside in the yard thing as our yard isn’t large. But otherwise, yes. Home invasions seem to happen almost anywhere.
That’s as good an outcome for Robbie as may be hoped. Let’s hope also that the diet fix does the trick…
 
Train Front: The Combine roof painted up without flies sticking to it, so that’s good. The car photos are now in my N Scale for Sale Folder!  and 
 
Lunch time now – hope the sundae didn’t spoil my appetite!
 
 
 

"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.

  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Posted by cudaken on Thursday, July 19, 2018 4:11 PM

 Afternoon Diners

 Flo, the gang a Beer and Rick and Steven what they like if you can take a I.O.U.

 Car Repair Front. Bang Head Labor and parts came to $334.00 and I bought the gas tank! Bang Head So total was over $400.00. Now I did have a oil change that was needed and a new fule fliter installed so $45.00 of the bill was for that.

 Two things real have me PO'ed!

 1 Not a spot of rust in the old gas tank. I have had the car break down two times because of a clogged gas fliter. I was hopping there be a lot of rust so I would feel like I gained something.

 2 Been working hard to get my CC blances lower. Guess I will be taking some funds out of my meger savings. But Bob will work with me on a payment plan.

 Der I will take a look at the Museum Wax. 

 Trains are running well, wife is driving me nuts and the BBQ is done. So later.

 Ken

I hate Rust

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • 2,123 posts
Posted by CNCharlie on Thursday, July 19, 2018 6:44 PM

Good Afternoon,

A thunder storm here now but we sure can use the rain.

Garry, Cape Jim's name is James Rodhe. A google search with his name and Cape Giradeau will bring up the obit. 

Dave, so sorry to hear about Dianne. Glad to hear they caught it early. 

I took the car for an oil change this morning. I'm now paying $70 for one now. Still the car is in great shape and only has 63k miles on it which isn't much for a 2010. 

Think we will watch a movie tonight as more showers are expected. Anyone else watching the series called The Tunnel?  

Well time for dinner,

CN Charlie

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Miles City, Montana
  • 2,289 posts
Posted by FRRYKid on Thursday, July 19, 2018 7:37 PM

Evening All!

W*rk Front: Ended up leaving at lunchtime. The soreness from yesterday ended up hitting back with a vengence. Not a big deal. That seems to happen every once in awhile if I have overdone it. (And I have plenty of space for the absence. We get 8 1/2 unexcused occurrances in any 6 month period. Going into today, I didn't have any.)

Hobby Front: On the other hand, I was able to get some work done on the relocated layout. I got the two closet door sections leveled using my small level. (Bought it at a local pawn shop. Was after a 7/16" wrench and found it in the same small tools bin. The two tools cost me all of $1! I knew the floor wasn't level but I didn't realize quite how out of level it actually is.) The next step is to put the second screw attaching them to each other. Then I need to level the corner to the doors.

"The only stupid question is the unasked question."
Brain waves can power an electric train. RealFact #832 from Snapple.
  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Thursday, July 19, 2018 7:53 PM

Good evening ... 

Ken .... As you said, we are at the point where we attend more funeral than weddings. We just returned from a wake for one of Shelley's lady friends who died from cancer. ...... Best wishes paying off debt. At your age, you dont need any of that. 

Ulrich .... Thanks for updating RIP for Cape Jim .... I believe we should also include Inch (Mike Myles) who passed away in January from cancer. He and Jerry Cox (on the RIP list too)  lived near each other and were good friends. 

CN Charlie .... Thanks or the info about Cape Jim.  I feel badly I did not keep in touch with him. ... I have not seen John Boy lately. I assume he is just busy. 

FRRY .... Sounds like good deals at a pawn shop. I hope the soreness goes away and stays away. 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Currently in Chicago area
  • 830 posts
Posted by up831 on Thursday, July 19, 2018 8:10 PM

Good evening Diners,

Brunhilda, I'll have a glass of Pinot Noir from the Russian River area. 

Condolences and prayers to those dealing with grief and major illnesses.  I can't imagine what you're going through.

This last Monday was our 40th wedding anniversary.  Didn't do anything.  My wife was exhausted from babysitting our granddaughter.  We may go for a nice dinner this weekend.  

I want to start saving up for an anniversary trip to Europe in a couple of years or so.  She has always wanted to see Finland.  I would like to see Sweden and take the fast train to St. Petersburg.  I would also like to see Auschwitz, and I've always wanted to see Paris.  But, I imagine we'll be lucky to see the first three, if even that.  It would also be cool to take another fast train to the Arctic Circle,but I think all of that would start to get into major bucks.  Needless to say, start saving and planning, now!

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)

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Miles City, Montana
  • 2,289 posts
Posted by FRRYKid on Thursday, July 19, 2018 9:10 PM

Heartland Division CB&Q

FRRY .... Sounds like good deals at a pawn shop. I hope the soreness goes away and stays away.

I was quite surprised at how inexpensive the two tools were.

This upcoming week I actually have more days off than I actually am working, so that should help. Additionally, Hardware is a bit easier of a job than the area I currently work in. (I work Saturday and Sunday, off Monday and Tuesday (regular days off), work Wednesday, off Thursday and Friday (Vacation days for my first major band music concert - Imagine Dragons is playing in Bozeman on Thursday night. A coworker is driving. I told her I would pay for lunch Thursday afternoon.)

"The only stupid question is the unasked question."
Brain waves can power an electric train. RealFact #832 from Snapple.
  • Member since
    January 2017
  • 2,980 posts
Posted by NWP SWP on Thursday, July 19, 2018 9:51 PM

Evening diners,

Work, I am going in for a few hours tomorrow to work on some things, at least I'll get something next payday.

Driving, went on the interstate for the first time today, I was OK, I white knuckled the steering wheel until I got off an exit. I've logged about 2-3 hours a day on average, some days an upwards of 4-5 hours, I'll probably go sometime next week to do the 3rd party test and get a full license.

Tomorrow afternoon I'll be going to the bank to discuss the possibility of me getting an auto loan, and what that entails, the car I'm eying is a 1980-83 (I know a little old) Datsun (basically a Nissan with different badging) 280ZX, I'm looking at a few one that's blue and silver, five speed manual, T-top, near mint condition, another that's basically the same but burgundy/brown and champagne.

The biggest problem is the cars being out of state, and most are being sold by some sort of dealer, I will of course not purchase anything if I can't afford it, inspect it in person, or have a mechanic of my choosing give it a once over (make that twice over)!

I'm not going to get Schnookered into buying a rust bucket with 3 wheels in the scrap yard and the 4th not far behind.

The reason I like the Datsun is proportions, its on the smaller side so I won't be likely to hit things with it, it's sporty but cheaper, technically a classic and a Nissan (and everyone knows Nissans will run forever when looked after) it's really unique so it'll turn some heads when I go cruising down main street, and the monthly payments are something I can afford.

Now the reason I don't want to buy a used car in my area, well cars that are for sale by owner are usually dogged out wrecks with some major mechanical problem rendering the car near useless, or they've been modified by some aspiring wrencher and sports some ghastly changes to the cars appearance, and lastly the good old Louisiana shake down, where someone tries to sell their car for what they paid for it new, I've seen newer pickups for sale BY OWNER with prices well into the 20k range.

And don't forget the used car lots! They are notorious around here for selling dilapidated jalopies that "appear" to be a reliable vehicle, until you actually rely on it.

OK I'll get down off the soap box now.

Steve

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

  • Member since
    January 2018
  • From: Douglas AZ.
  • 635 posts
Posted by Little Timmy on Thursday, July 19, 2018 10:06 PM

NWP SWP
the car I'm eying is a 1980-83 (I know a little old) Datsun (basically a Nissan with different badging) 280ZX,

You should know that , as a new driver your Insurance will be high.

You should also know, the Insurance companie's believe the 280ZX is a sport's car ... so insurance will be even higher.

I "HIGHLY RECCOMMEND" getting ( just as a first car ... not forever) something with a 4 or 6 cylinder engine, that Insurance companie's wont concider a "hot rod / sport's car".

On of my first car's was an old 1976 Oldsmobile four door Cutlas ( Big old land Yacht!) It had a 350 engine but since it was 4 door's , The insurance wasnt very much ( and if I had too ... it could hold me and 7 friend's.)

Rust...... It's a good thing !

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • 2,980 posts
Posted by NWP SWP on Thursday, July 19, 2018 10:14 PM

The Datsun has a Inline 6 (non turbo) but yeah the two door thing is gonna shoot me in the foot.

Steve

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

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • From: 53° 33′ N, 10° 0′ E
  • 2,508 posts
Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Thursday, July 19, 2018 11:25 PM

Heartland Division CB&Q
I believe we should also include Inch (Mike Myles) who passed away in January from cancer.

Done!

Steven - Datsun was initially the name of a small car the DAT Motorcar Company of Japan built in 1931. At first, the name ewas Datson "Son of DAT", but was changed into Datsun, the sun being a key symbol in Japan. In 1934, Nissan took over the DAT Motorcar Company. When Nissan started to export automobiles in the early 1950s, Datsun was chosen as the brand name outside of Japan. In 1984, the Datsun brand finally disappeared and "Nissan" became the new brand.

The Datsun 280ZX is quite a beast and requires a good deal of driving experience. It is by no means a car for someone who has just passed his driving test. The 280ZX was quite an appealing car in its days and I can fully understand your fascination, but I als fully believe that this car will mean trouble to you. Better get a more "docile" car, maybe a pickup, which would support your lawn mowing business?

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

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

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • 2,980 posts
Posted by NWP SWP on Thursday, July 19, 2018 11:53 PM

I have a pickup perse, my dad is going to give me his 93 f150, but I am wanting a car a nice car, one I could take ya know... girls out on dates in... the truck as much as I love it isn't exactly a chic magnet.

And sadly I cannot borrow my parents cars because the Mitsubishi Lancer has no AC (remember I live in Louisiana) and the van well its a minivan, and it's not the most reliable of the bunch despite being the newest at a 2013 model year.

I want a car that's nice, preferably rear wheel drive, doesn't have to be "fast" but needs to have a wee bit of giddyup for driving on these country highways especially when pulling out onto a highway from a side road, it's run or be run over. Could be considered a classic, or nice enough for it not to matter, definitely not the usual suspects like a Camery, Civic, Accord, ect...

Steve

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

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,879 posts
Posted by maxman on Friday, July 20, 2018 12:15 AM

NWP SWP
Tomorrow afternoon I'll be going to the bank to discuss the possibility of me getting an auto loan, and what that entails

It entails having a steady job.

NWP SWP
The reason I like the Datsun is proportions, its on the smaller side so I won't be likely to hit things with it

Oh, that's great.  A new, inexperienced, teenage driver who believes that a smaller car will make it easier for him not to hit something.  What happens if someone hits you?  Does it have any safety equipment, like airbags?  And you'll be lucky to afford the insurance.  The insurance company will look at your age, that "hot rod" (and that's what it is; they're not going to be fooled because you call it a "classic"); the lack of safety equipment, and their statistics.

NWP SWP
Now the reason I don't want to buy a used car in my area, well cars that are for sale by owner are usually dogged out wrecks with some major mechanical problem rendering the car near useless, or they've been modified by some aspiring wrencher and sports some ghastly changes to the cars appearance, and lastly the good old Louisiana shake down, where someone tries to sell their car for what they paid for it new, I've seen newer pickups for sale BY OWNER with prices well into the 20k range. And don't forget the used car lots! They are notorious around here for selling dilapidated jalopies

And somehow used cars from across the state line are from the other side of the fence where the grass is greener.

 

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • 2,980 posts
Posted by NWP SWP on Friday, July 20, 2018 12:27 AM

maxman

 

 
NWP SWP
Tomorrow afternoon I'll be going to the bank to discuss the possibility of me getting an auto loan, and what that entails

 

It entails having a steady job.

 

 
NWP SWP
The reason I like the Datsun is proportions, its on the smaller side so I won't be likely to hit things with it

 

Oh, that's great.  A new, inexperienced, teenage driver who believes that a smaller car will make it easier for him not to hit something.  What happens if someone hits you?  Does it have any safety equipment, like airbags?  And you'll be lucky to afford the insurance.  The insurance company will look at your age, that "hot rod" (and that's what it is; they're not going to be fooled because you call it a "classic"); the lack of safety equipment, and their statistics.

 

 
NWP SWP
Now the reason I don't want to buy a used car in my area, well cars that are for sale by owner are usually dogged out wrecks with some major mechanical problem rendering the car near useless, or they've been modified by some aspiring wrencher and sports some ghastly changes to the cars appearance, and lastly the good old Louisiana shake down, where someone tries to sell their car for what they paid for it new, I've seen newer pickups for sale BY OWNER with prices well into the 20k range. And don't forget the used car lots! They are notorious around here for selling dilapidated jalopies

 

And somehow used cars from across the state line are from the other side of the fence where the grass is greener.

 

 

maxman

 

 
NWP SWP
Tomorrow afternoon I'll be going to the bank to discuss the possibility of me getting an auto loan, and what that entails

 

It entails having a steady job.

 

 
NWP SWP
The reason I like the Datsun is proportions, its on the smaller side so I won't be likely to hit things with it

 

Oh, that's great.  A new, inexperienced, teenage driver who believes that a smaller car will make it easier for him not to hit something.  What happens if someone hits you?  Does it have any safety equipment, like airbags?  And you'll be lucky to afford the insurance.  The insurance company will look at your age, that "hot rod" (and that's what it is; they're not going to be fooled because you call it a "classic"); the lack of safety equipment, and their statistics.

 

 
NWP SWP
Now the reason I don't want to buy a used car in my area, well cars that are for sale by owner are usually dogged out wrecks with some major mechanical problem rendering the car near useless, or they've been modified by some aspiring wrencher and sports some ghastly changes to the cars appearance, and lastly the good old Louisiana shake down, where someone tries to sell their car for what they paid for it new, I've seen newer pickups for sale BY OWNER with prices well into the 20k range. And don't forget the used car lots! They are notorious around here for selling dilapidated jalopies

 

And somehow used cars from across the state line are from the other side of the fence where the grass is greener.

 

 

Thank you for shedding some light on this, and yes cars from out of state are from a magical other world where everything works perfectly!Laugh 

^please don't take that the wrong way, I mean it joking, seeing as how you're 100% right that I will find the same overpriced wrecks elsewhere.

A better reason for buying a car elsewhere now that I think about it is I haven't really found a car I like yet.

I will admit that those comments don't reflect what I meant in the best way.

Also I am inexperienced in the operation of motor vehicles on a road way but I've been driving cars on our property for years now so I'm acquainted with the controls more than most new drivers.

And also this is the great thing about the diners, you guys have wisdom I do not yet possess. 

I just want a "nice" car. That's my goal.

And it's really late so goodnight all!Zzz

Steve

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

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • From: 53° 33′ N, 10° 0′ E
  • 2,508 posts
Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Friday, July 20, 2018 12:40 AM

NWP SWP
but I am wanting a car a nice car, one I could take ya know... girls out on dates in... the truck as much as I love it isn't exactly a chic magnet.

How the times have changed! When I was your age, those of us who could take their girlfriend out on a date and had a pick-up truck for that purpose were considered the lucky ones ... On Bainbridge Island, WA that was called going to watch the submarine races... Those were the years before vans became popular. A few years later, while visiting my US foster parents again, I saw a van with a sticker that said "Don´t laugh - your daughter could be in here!"

Seriously, the kind of girls you need to have a bunny chaser sportscar for  to go on a date are not the ones to fall in love with.

Aside from that, a 35 year old car is not at all cheap to keep on the street. Spare parts are long out of production and will cost an arm and a leg. They also might not be readily available.

 

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Friday, July 20, 2018 12:54 AM

Steven:

If you can find a mint 280Z for a reasonable price then go for it! However, I'm going to give you a little dose of reality.

You need to get some driving time under your belt (a lot of driving time actually) before you venture into something like a 280Z. You simply don't have the driving skills yet to control it if things get out of hand, and a car like that in proper working order has enough power to make things go wrong really fast. 

Let's talk about "mint condition". In order for a 35 year old car to be truly in 'mint' condition every piece that is prone to wear or aging will have been replaced. That includes the suspension bushings, suspension springs, clutch, hoses, brake lines, brake cylinders, pedal bushings, radiator and heater cores...., and the engine will have been rebuilt because of weak valve springs, burned valves, worn piston rings, worn oil pump, worn crankshaft bearings, dried out oil seals, and on and on and on..... If the tires are old that will set you back several hundred dollars for a decent quality new set. Don't go cheap on the tires! Your life depends on them!! Oh, and we haven't even begun to touch on worn upholstry or seat springs. Bottom line is that a 35 year old car that is all original is a recipe for bankruptcy.

You will be pretty lucky to find a car that is actually 'mint' throughout for a reasonable price. On the other hand, you are mechanically inclined enough that you could do a lot of the work yourself, that is if you can afford the parts, and if you can afford to pay to have things repaired that you can't do yourself. This isn't a lawn mower that we are talking about. You can only jury rig so much before a car becomes unsafe.

Then there is the chick magnet thing. A car up on blocks isn't exactly a chick magnet. You want a reliable vehicle for that stuff. You won't gain any points by saying "we can't go out. My car broke down".

There! I have probably thoroughly muddied the topic! Just go in with your eyes wide open and your impulses totally under control!

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Georgetown, Maine
  • 573 posts
Posted by herrinchoker on Friday, July 20, 2018 1:39 AM

Thanks to all for the kind thoughts and prayers.

herrinchoker

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,864 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Friday, July 20, 2018 6:46 AM

Morning all.  Zoe, I'll have a stack of blueberry pancakes with a side of ham.  Not much happening on the hobby front lately.  Projects around the house have kept me too busy, however, one of those projects was expanding the shelves that are in the basement, one of which is my staging yard, so there's at least that.

Steven, good luck finding that first car.  The 280Z is a fun car, but don't get a car thinking "chick magnet".  I get the idea young men have about that, but girls that are attracted to you for your car are not worth having and won't stick around anyway.  However, I completely understand not wanting to be going out on dates in a minivan!  Just find something sensible that isn't a "grannymobile" and won't cost you an arm and a leg in insurance and repairs, and you'll be all set.  Honestly, depending on the starting condition of the F150, simply putting some money into that to fix it up some if needed may be the smarter way to go.  You would know for sure.  Nothing wrong with going out of a date in a pick-up truck.

Mike

Moderator
  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Waukesha, WI
  • 1,764 posts
Posted by Steven Otte on Friday, July 20, 2018 8:52 AM

Well, it's Friday... the end of what feels like a long, long week. Anyone else who needs comfort food as much as I do, come on up and grab some French toast from the breakfast buffet.

--
Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editor
sotte@kalmbach.com

Moderator
  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Waukesha, WI
  • 1,764 posts
Posted by Steven Otte on Friday, July 20, 2018 8:55 AM

As for car insurance... NWP SWP, you're still young enough to be carried on your parents' policy. Paying the increase in premiums to add you to their policy will be much cheaper than getting covered on your own, because the risk is "spread out" over more drivers, some of whom have a longer driving record than you. So go that route. Then, when you're ready to go on your own, you have an established relationship with an insurance company, plus a few years of a (hopefully safe) driving record, so they'll look on you much more favorably.

--
Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editor
sotte@kalmbach.com

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • From: 53° 33′ N, 10° 0′ E
  • 2,508 posts
Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Friday, July 20, 2018 8:56 AM

Steven Otte

Well, it's Friday... the end of what feels like a long, long week. Anyone else who needs comfort food as much as I do, come on up and grab some French toast from the breakfast buffet.

 

 
Yikes, Steven! My mouth says yes, but my arteries cry no!

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

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

  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Posted by cudaken on Friday, July 20, 2018 9:01 AM

 Morning Diners

 Flo, I have a big Coffee please.

 Steven I would stay away from 240, 260 and 280 Z's. They have a real problem with the frame rusting and breaking in half! I was in auto body and paint and seen more than a few swiss chesse frame's.

 Far as to fast? Whistling Not by my standerds and I have driven a few of them. Parts shoulld not be a problem with it being a collectable. They even make new frame rails, that should tell you some thing right there.

 Good looking car but could wind up as a money pit. Check some 280 Z clubs on line for feed back.

 Ken

 

I hate Rust

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Friday, July 20, 2018 9:36 AM

Good morning, everybody .

We were in Branson, MO last month, and we are now sad to hear about the tragic sinking of a duck boat full of tourists on the lake there yesterday. 

Steve O .... Thanks for the French toast breakfast. ... It hit the spot. 

Steve NWP SWP .... My My 2 Cents. ... As others are advising, get a vehicle that is friendly regarding insurance rates. I dont have a high opinion of Datsuns, and I would not consider one. You might be able to locate a low milage car that was driven by an older lady to church once a week. ..... It is important for you to have a clean driving record especially in your beginning years of driving to keep insurance rates down.  Promise yourself to obey traffic laws and not get any tickets. Also do your very best to avoid accidents. 

 

..

Not much progress to report on the layout. I did run some trains last night, and I enjoyed that. 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • From: 53° 33′ N, 10° 0′ E
  • 2,508 posts
Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Friday, July 20, 2018 10:28 AM

Just to get the attention back to why we are here in the first place - trains!

We are in Colorado, so let´s enjoy more of the fine Colorade narrow gauge railroading!

 

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

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

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, July 20, 2018 10:38 AM

When my daughter was old enough to drive, I bought her a sedate Corolla, used but in good shape.  It served her well for quite a while.  It was never a temptation to "push it" on a curvy road.

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

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • From: 53° 33′ N, 10° 0′ E
  • 2,508 posts
Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Friday, July 20, 2018 11:15 AM

Since we are back to cars - my first one was an old and beaten up Renault 6, which was not what you´d call a car ladies are attracted to.

It had the same odd creme color, brown upholstery, a funny manual gear shift on the dash, no radio and no A/C. It didn´t stay long with me, as it didn´t pass the road test a year after i bought it. My next one was a Volkswagen 1302L Beetle, a lot more reliable, a good drive, but, again, not a car to impress the ladies with!

Here is good old me, aged 20, sitting on the bumper of my Beetle:

In those days, I had more hair and less weight ...Whistling

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

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

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!