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Jeffrey's Trackside Diner, December 2018, from the Christmas City of Bethlehem Pennsylvania! Locked

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Posted by Steven Otte on Thursday, December 6, 2018 2:46 PM

MisterBeasley

I don't like the "Autism Spectrum" thing.  In our town, we've interacted with both high-functioning Asperger's kids and the ones who run around and can be very disruptive.

While the root cause may be the same, I disagree with lumping them all together in one classiication.  Each one really needs individual attention and a different treatment plan, and any less does a disservice to both the patient and the rest of society.

Well, that's why they call it a "spectrum." People can range from one end of it to the other. No two cases will be the same.

With that being said, let's remember that several members of the Forum have described themselves as being on the spectrum, and there are probably others who haven't felt comfortable saying so publicly. So let's be a little careful about how we discuss subjects which we have neither a professional nor personal experience in. For example, let's not try to diagnose a child we have never met who lives half a world away as being on the spectrum simply because we have heard him described as troublesome. That's not kind to people who are on the spectrum.

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

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Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, December 6, 2018 4:00 PM

Steven Otte
With that being said, let's remember that several members of the Forum have described themselves as being on the spectrum, and there are probably others who haven't felt comfortable saying so publicly. So let's be a little careful about how we discuss subjects which we have neither a professional nor personal experience in. For example, let's not try to diagnose a child we have never met who lives half a world away as being on the spectrum simply because we have heard him described as troublesome. That's not kind to people who are on the spectrum.

Well said.

Dave

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

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Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, December 6, 2018 4:52 PM

Good Evening, Folks...

CudaKen asked me to check with the good folks here wondering if they are having any troubles logging-in to the M-R site?

Ken says HI and he will be back as soon as he gets his log-in situation cleared up.

I'll stop by later — Hope everyone is well!

 US1_plus by Edmund, on Flickr

Regards, Ed

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Posted by BigDaddy on Thursday, December 6, 2018 4:57 PM

gmpullman
any troubles logging-in to the M-R site?

Not today, but every other day this week has been hit or miss for me.  Yesterday there was an hour where I couldn't log in and there were no other posts.  Didn't seem to affect MRVP. 

When is the update supposed be be done?

Henry

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Posted by mbinsewi on Thursday, December 6, 2018 5:15 PM

Yesterday I tried for about 3 hours, no luck.  CS wasn't any help other than "things are being updated".

I also noticed that everybody has access to the digital archives.  I'm guess that's a temporary thing.  Maybe a type of promotion? like Sirius Radio does from time to time?

Mike.

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Posted by BigDaddy on Thursday, December 6, 2018 5:27 PM

mbinsewi
I also noticed that everybody has access to the digital archives.

Nyet

Unexpected Error Occurred

Henry

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Posted by NWP SWP on Thursday, December 6, 2018 5:54 PM

Ulrich may I suggest three things, 1 have some patience, 2 understand that although you can go in another room or something to get away from the noise that lad is trapped inside himself, 3 invest in a pair of noise canceling headphones.

Sorry that the child is disturbing you.

Steve

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

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Posted by BigDaddy on Thursday, December 6, 2018 6:10 PM

Has anyone watched the Great Model Railway Challenge?  It's a British reality TV of model building.

Kathy Millat is one of the judges.

Henry

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Posted by Track fiddler on Thursday, December 6, 2018 7:56 PM

Good evening rail fans.  I will have the walleye with asparagus and a loaded baked potato please.... I only wish. I'm fresh out of good food here. I don't much care for grocery shopping when tired after work. Looks like Campbell's Soup and a bologna sandwich for dinner tonight. Yum Yum.

Henry what are the digital archives? Am I missing something?

Last night it seemed everything was screwed up. It took longer than normal to get on the Forum here. Imgure was completely jacked. I must admit I was a little jacked last night too. When all's work and no play, this tends to happen to me once in awhileTongue Tied

The temperature is dropping here in Minnesota. With that in mind I send out warm wishes.    TF

 

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Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, December 6, 2018 7:57 PM

Interesting flyovers (drone) of the abandoned Bethlehem Steel Works:

Where once a peak of 31,523 workers toiled (1943) today remains but a casino, a restaurant and — egads — an outlet mall Ick!.  How the mighty have fallen.

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by BigDaddy on Thursday, December 6, 2018 8:13 PM

Track fiddler
Henry what are the digital archives? Am I missing something?

They are the digital version of present and past issues.  I was able to access one of them earlier in the week, but now the link is dead, for me.

I found the Great Model Railway Challenge on youtube and have watched a couple.  It has some interesting creativity, but a lot of trumped up drama for tv.  There are announcements that "3 minutes are remaining" that sound like Kathy Millatt is holding her nose closed and imitating Natasha from Rocky and Bullwinkle. Big Smile

Henry

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Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, December 6, 2018 8:27 PM

Steven Otte
The Great Train Story at the Chicago Museum of Science & Industry They also have a CB&Q Pioneer Zephyr.

.

I made it there and saw the HO layout and the Zephyr.

.

 

.

What I did not expect was that they also had a German U-Boat. That was crazy to see in person.

.

 

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, December 6, 2018 8:31 PM

ROBERT PETRICK
My first visit to Sonny's #1 in Hogtown would have been in September 1970. They served what was at the time an outrageously large glass of ice tea (sweet, of course). Nowadays, given modern food portions, those would be called 'medium'.

.

Those original Sonny's tea glasses were 24 ounces. The only other place in Gainesville (Hogtown) you could get a soft drink that size was at the UF stadium.

.

Yup, that outrageously large glass of tea is a medium now.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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Posted by NWP SWP on Thursday, December 6, 2018 8:47 PM

Hi all,

I caught the live stream of the funeral train outbound at Spring, Texas. I was surprised to see that it was 4141 and 9096 on the lead and 1943 was not. To thicken the plot 1943 and 8003 were used to haul the train south in preparation for the the procession, maybe 1943 had mechanical issues preventing her use in the train.

Also yeah I realized that they wouldn't be doing 70, one of my friends had said it and I posted it before doing further reading.

Seems some enterprising people are trying to now sell Bush Funeral Train flattened coins?!

My truck is now going to cost another 300 bucks to fix, seems the vibration the truck has around 35 is the driveshaft bearing, its gotta get done though because if it fails the driveshaft will make like a polevault or if I'm lucky it'll break loose and puncture the gas tank, oh joy!

Saw one of my old teachers today, he and his family are missionaries now, back when I was a student of his he was a real horses patoot, now he seemed a bit more humble, I shook his hand and wished him well as he heads back to Thailand.

Well that's bout it.

Steve

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

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Posted by BigDaddy on Thursday, December 6, 2018 8:54 PM

SeeYou190
What I did not expect was that they also had a German U-Boat. That was crazy to see in person.-Kevin

Way back when there was only the Today Show on morning TV, Adm. Gallery was there, hawking his books.  He graduated from the Naval Academy in the 20's, became an aviator and was commanding the task force that captured the U-boat.  It was his idea to organize a boarding party just in case a U-boat surfaced to allow it's crew to escape.

His book did not mention they captured an Enigma machine, because it was still classified. 

The boarding crew captured a bunch of souvenirs but had to turn them in for "secrecy"  They were all stolen and no one got any souvenirs back after the war.  I would like to see that U-boat.  My wifes' uncle and my orthopod's father served on US submarines.  Submarine service was a high mortality service on all sides.

 

Henry

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Posted by NWP SWP on Thursday, December 6, 2018 9:19 PM

Right now I'm listening to (trying to at least) Benny Goodman, not the Saint Motel song but the man himself, my interest in big band and jazz was reignited the other day when I forgot my bluetooth speaker that I use as a stereo (the car I'm driving doesn't have any external input such as bluetooth) so I started scrolling through and my choice was either new "christmas" music (I prefer old Christmas music from the 40s and 50s) or jazz, which was really nice and a good change of pace.

Steve

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

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Posted by gmpullman on Friday, December 7, 2018 6:56 PM

Hello... 

Did the Diner close?

I'll heat some water and have an instant Sanka to-go.

Flo is sound asleep in the back booth.

Guess I'll stop in later. Hope everyone is doing well.

Regards, Ed

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Posted by NWP SWP on Friday, December 7, 2018 7:40 PM

Hello! *echoing off in the dark void*

Hey Ed!

Where is everyone?

Steve

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

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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, December 7, 2018 8:27 PM

No..... the diner didn't close Ed. 

Everyone is just a little busy around holiday time as I'm sure you are too. How ya doing Ed?   I assume well, you sound good.

Young Stephen did you get your truck fixed yet. I hope that you did, repairs are expensive. A lot of those truck repairs have been going around lately. 

My wife is thinking of her friend who has had a lot of problems. I helped her friend out a little bit, not a lot but a little bit. I will put in a word for her to the man upstairsWink  I hope my help makes her holiday season a little better.

I think it will try to post a fun thread in the next day or two ... hopefully that'll fly.

Take care.  I kind of miss you guysWink               TF

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Posted by NWP SWP on Friday, December 7, 2018 8:34 PM

Hey TF, no now my truck needs a driveshaft or u-joint bearing replaced, another 300 on top of the 700 for the leaks.

Steve

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

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, December 7, 2018 8:49 PM

NWP SWP
now my truck needs a driveshaft or u-joint bearing replaced, another 300 on top of the 700 for the leaks.

.

A Universal Joint replacement is an easy do-it-yourself repair on a Ford F series vehicle. Since you have talked about building your own engine (difficult), you should try this repair (easy) first. You will develope a lot of skills.

.

And... the timing chain cover is also easy, and the timing chain is a straightforward repair as well. Why not save several hundred dollars and get some of the abilities you are going to need for other projects?

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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Posted by NWP SWP on Friday, December 7, 2018 8:56 PM

Something called my dad...

I was going to figure out what was wrong with my truck and fix it myself but my dad wouldn't hear of it, he said that I must take it to a shop, I'm not allowed to any more basic maintenance on my truck.

Remember the truck is not in my name yet and I still need a roof over my head at night.

Steve

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

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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, December 7, 2018 8:59 PM

I only wish I could have my mechanic Damien do the work for you Steven. He is a straight shooter (Honest) Do you know how hard that is to find these days. I always tip him 30 $40. I hope everything turns out well for youWink      TF 

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Posted by NWP SWP on Friday, December 7, 2018 9:25 PM

I know how hard finding an "honest" mechanic is.

Well it all will work out, all I have to do is remind my parents how much it cost me ( I have to pay for the repairs of course) and to please keep that in mind while holiday shopping!MischiefLaugh

Here's something off YouTube that's interesting.

Steve

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

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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, December 7, 2018 9:50 PM

Well  Hmmm.  A little anticipation with the runaway tanker car here. What was the end result, just curious?

I was more interested in the truss support on that bridge at the end of the videoIndifferent

 

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Posted by ricktrains4824 on Friday, December 7, 2018 10:23 PM

Chloe - A hot cocoa please. Thanks.

Ed - I have been having the "can't log in" issue of late that Ken asked about. The only way I'm on tonight is with a different web browser on my tablet. It seems "stuck" on the log-in, as I enter my info, it "spins" and re-loads back to "log-in" and goes all over again.

Also - How much sn*w is flying out that way? I need to go to Avon tomorrow to see my Grandpa and was curious on how the weather is. (He's in the hospital out there with a serious health issue. Seems his immune system is attacking his blood platelets, and destroying them faster than his body can make them.) 

Ken - Stuck outside the diner door? I would like to know which prankster switched the "pull" sign to "push" on all of us. Stick out tongue 

Health - Getting closer to where I would like to be breathing wise with the asthma, but still not there yet. Mainly having issues now late night/early mornings, with not too bad times most of the daylight hours.

W*^k - Okay day sales wise, but I have had way better before. Will miss my shift tomorrow, but it's for something I feel is more important than money, and that's family. (Now if only everyone else would understand that...)

Weather - Cold and some white stuff flying, with "an inch or two" expected tonight. (Guessers haven't been so right lately in my area, so we shall see.)

Hope all are well, and all enjoy the evening!

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.

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Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, December 8, 2018 2:19 AM

ricktrains4824
Also - How much sn*w is flying out that way? I need to go to Avon tomorrow to see my Grandpa and was curious on how the weather is.

You should be able to breeze right through on I-90, Ricky. A little light snow is falling here in Chardon (MP 200) but is supposed to end by 4 AM. Along the lake shore there will be less.

I hope your grand-dad gets better soon Angel and have a safe trip.

Regards, Ed

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Posted by ricktrains4824 on Saturday, December 8, 2018 7:59 AM

gmpullman

 

 
ricktrains4824
Also - How much sn*w is flying out that way? I need to go to Avon tomorrow to see my Grandpa and was curious on how the weather is.

 

You should be able to breeze right through on I-90, Ricky. A little light snow is falling here in Chardon (MP 200) but is supposed to end by 4 AM. Along the lake shore there will be less.

I hope your grand-dad gets better soon Angel and have a safe trip.

Regards, Ed

 

Thanks Ed.

Its just light flurries here, so hopefully a smooth and uneventfiul trip.

I will stick my head out and shout hello when we go through Collinwood, just incase you are out and about. Big Smile

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.

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Posted by moelarrycurly4 on Saturday, December 8, 2018 4:16 PM

Good afternoon/evening all.

Speaking of car repairs, I just replaced all the motor mounts on my Saturn. Boy was it in need of them. I also put in a new clutch release system and new spark plugs and wires.  While I was changing stuff I noticed it is time for new tierod ends, I am just going to replace both inner and outer since they have 229K on them and I could loose a wheel bearing and tear up tires with bad ones.  

I was surprised I did not have to make any extra trips to auto parts store. Eveything lined up and I had no stuck bolts etc. took me about 3 hours. 

 

I had to redo some lights on our Christmas tree as several sets burned out after 2 weeks. That was harder work than my car. 

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Posted by NWP SWP on Saturday, December 8, 2018 4:31 PM

Evening all,

Nasty day today, the club open house became the club do crazy stuff and have fun day.

I ran a 27 car coal train with four SD40s on the lead.

Something interesting I heard was the rumored reason 1943 wasn't in the Bush funeral train was because GW Bush didn't want it to "detract" from 4141, again this is a rumor, the new media reported that the unit supposedly had "mechanical issues".

Well I'll be around later.

Steve

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

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