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Jeffreys Track Side Diner - June, 2019: Summer Time means Trains! Locked

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Posted by gmpullman on Sunday, June 2, 2019 4:25 AM

SPSOT fan
Hope that clears the air a bit!

Thank you, Isaac. That goes a long way toward garnering respect from the many visitors here.

I look forward to your contributions in the future. There is a certain degree of tact that is necessary here, especially since it is so difficult to project the percieved emotion by simply using the keyboard or an emoji.

I can relate a bit with the railroad rivalry. In the Cleveland, Ohio, area I call home there was a pretty good competition between the "Green Team" New York Central and the "Red Team" Pennsylvania Railroad. In the early merger days of Penn-Central there were some pretty nasty things that went on between the "teams" that's why I try to avoid any conflict or animosity regarding "those yellow things" or GN vs. NP etc. We're all here to have a good time and enjoy the camaraderie of all railroad enthusiasts.

Thanks again, glad to know you better Smile Ed

Speaking of Camaraderie, Top 'O The Page! Sunday breakfast is on me Dinner

In fact, how about a famous Great Big Baked Potato (I'll have mine with bacon and cheddar cheese, please).

 NP_Baked Potato by Edmund, on Flickr

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Posted by "JaBear" on Sunday, June 2, 2019 4:51 AM
Mr. TF, am pleased that you and your good lady are having a pleasant break, and thanks for sharing your photos. I was rather taken by that beautiful brick depot at Osceola. Will put it on the long list of things to get around to do (one day???), though if w**K keeps up the way its been recently, who knows when I’ll even get something that I’ve already started, finished!!!
Had to look up “s’mores”, what decadence!!Dinner
 
Thank goodness you’re far more diplomatic than I am, Ed!!
 
EDIT. Ahh, young Isaac, your latest post has cleared the air a bit. An itinerant lifestyle is not everyone’s cup of tea, but you’ll get to see things, hopefully not too ugly, that we will never have the chance to see, which as an optimist, I would suggest will help make you a far more rounded person in the long run.
 
Also, as Ed has top of the page, I’ll have a large glass of fermented and distilled sugarcane by product, please. As I am currently 17 hours ahead of US Central Time, the sun is well and truly over the yardarm. and also as tomorrow is The Queens Birthday, I’ve got a three day weekend, and only have a bit of paperwork to finish up, so will have the rest of the day off. (You guys could have celebrated it, if your lot hadn’t thrown perfectly good tea into the Boston Harbour, some years back.)WhistlingLaughLaugh
 
Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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Posted by York1 on Sunday, June 2, 2019 7:13 AM

Good Sunday morning, everyone.

It's cool, 60°, and sunny here.  Beautiful morning.  We are headed to church in a few minutes, and then a nice day to do whatever we feel like.

Today I am installing another switch machine under a small yard's maze of tracks.  I didn't put any switch machines under that section since I seldom use it.

I love the pictures some of you have posted lately.  We will be headed west in a month or two.  Some of you may have to hold your noses when viewing the pictures I will post, since we will be traveling along the beautifully-colored yellow locomotive UP mainline.

Hope everyone has a great Sunday (or Queen's birthday Monday).

By the way, Bear, if we celebrated the Queen's birthday here, we wouldn't have the fun of blowing up things in July!

 

York1 John       

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Posted by York1 on Sunday, June 2, 2019 7:21 AM

Isaac, my uncle was a mechanic for NP, living in Tacoma, WA.

When I was a kid, I loved the NP calendars he sent us each year.  I wish I had kept them.

York1 John       

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Posted by SPSOT fan on Sunday, June 2, 2019 7:39 AM

York1

Isaac, my uncle was a mechanic for NP, living in Tacoma, WA.

When I was a kid, I loved the NP calendars he sent us each year.  I wish I had kept them.

Wow! That's cool! I know a few people who worked on the NP line over the Cascades, but no one who worked their when it was still NP. Personnally I feel like the NP is overshadowed by the GN, though that could be my biased view as an NP fan... Huh?

Regards, Isaac

I model my railroad and you model yours! I model my way and you model yours!

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Posted by BigDaddy on Sunday, June 2, 2019 7:49 AM

The teaser for this morning's CBS Sunday Morning says singer Leon Redbone has died.  A fabulous barritone voice.   I hate to see anyone a within couple years of my age die.  Must be a For Whom The Bell Tolls thing.

Looks like today's Poconos Nascar race will be rained out, and we are getting the same thunderstorms.    I need to drill some holes for layout building lighting, but I'm not really into it.

Edit; also on Sunday Morning D-Day and the Jonas Brothers Comeback whom I've never heard of before today

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Sunday, June 2, 2019 9:16 AM

Howdy .... 

TF .... Thanks for sharing pictures of your trip. Looks like a fun location. GN coach 1097, in one of your pictures, looks like one the GN bought second hand from C&NW. 

Isacc.... No problems. You did well starting the June Diner. Montana will be a good place. You apparently have lived in interesting places. We are delighted when young people choose to particpate in model railroading. 

NWP-SWP.... Spekaing of young people, where are you? I hope your work is going well. 

Ed .... I recall NP advertising the big Idaho potatoes. In our recent trip, were were in ID briefly, and I did have big Idaho Potato with lots of good toppings at a local restaurant there. 

Everybody .... Have a nice Sunday. 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by herrinchoker on Sunday, June 2, 2019 1:28 PM

TF

In the cold light of day, sober, we realized that one of us would have had to ride in the back seat with the cow. Bucket seats in the front.

herrinchoker

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Posted by BroadwayLion on Sunday, June 2, 2019 2:43 PM

The subway has special windows between the cab and the storm door,  so that lights from the passenger compartment cannot disturb the Train Operqtor, nor can the passengers see the train operator. It makes interesting displays of light as you pass through the tunnekls.

ROARING

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

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Posted by trolleyboy on Sunday, June 2, 2019 5:14 PM

Good afternoon everyone. |It's been a long loooong time since I popped in here. Started visiting here when Elliot Big Boy ariginally started it eons ago. Sad to see the members now past that I remember interacting with. So a long overdo round for those and of coarse all teh "new" folks still visiting the old place.

Rob

 

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, June 2, 2019 5:32 PM

Track fiddler
The head conductor was such a cool guy.

.

Track Fiddler: I sent you a PM.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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Posted by "JaBear" on Sunday, June 2, 2019 5:52 PM

York1
By the way, Bear, if we celebrated the Queen's birthday here, we wouldn't have the fun of blowing up things in July!

Gidday John, if you’re into blowing things up, you could celebrate Guy Fawkes on the 5th of November, though we don’t get a day off for that, which, of course, is rather understandable as celebrating an inept abortive attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament, far pales to insignificance compared to celebrating the birth of a new Nation.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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Posted by cudaken on Sunday, June 2, 2019 6:35 PM

 Afternoon Diners

 Flo, give the gang and I a Beer Ed a Crown Royal, Brent a Royal Hudson and leave a stein outside for Ulrich.

 While I got a lot of yard work done there is still more to do. Sigh Cut out a lot of junk is front of the house front porch that use to be deorative and now just a over grown mess. It would have made a great duck blind, you could not be seen on the porch. Wife was mad I cut the stuff out, she can not hide now? To me it was just a over grown mess. By the end of summer I want it all gone! Got the gutter cleaned out over the garage. Gutter in around 22 feet wide and I filled my wheel barrow from the junk. Mainly maple tree seeds. Yes, I did clean them out last fall.

 What I like about not Smoking! Yeb day 33 and counting.

 1 No nasty ashes on my desk!

 2 No more burn holes in my clothes.

 3 Lossing the Lighter Thumb Callous.

 4 Not waking up at night hacking my brains out.

 Ed when you test ran the Mighty I1sa Hippo did it smoke? Yes the smoke switch is thrown and I added some BLI smoke fluid. When I looked up the CV values they where CV 218 and 219. When I checked my out dated JMRI just like the CB&Q the CV's did not show? I may need your help with the up grade, I saved the link you posted but could not get it done. I think that is why the smoke is not working.

 Well time to get the Big Hook out. Bang Head Yep it is in the 13 foot tunnel. Why I ever thought that was a good idea is beyon me now?

 Smoke Free Ken Derailing Again.

I hate Rust

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Posted by gmpullman on Sunday, June 2, 2019 7:44 PM

cudaken
Ed when you test ran the Mighty I1sa Hippo did it smoke?

I'm 99.9% certain I had the switch turned off. I forget how the switch was positioned when I put it back in the box? You only need about 3-4 drops of fluid. I hope you get it working (if you're into the smoking loco-thing). I hope you get lots of enjoyment out of that engine.

Glad you took up my challenge and came out a winner! BowBowBowBig Smile

Thanks for the "Crown" too Drinks

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, June 2, 2019 10:33 PM

Henry,

Leon Redbone RIP. Such a great voice!

Thanks,

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 hon30critter on Sunday, June 2, 2019 10:47 PM

We Canadians don't officially celebrate Queen Elizabeth's birthdays (she actually celebrates twice a year thanks to some obscure tradition that I have never understood). Instead, we still celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday on May 24th with an extra day off. It is usually quite a party! We refer to a standard 24 bottle case of beer as a "two-four" so May '2-4' is a fine excuse to pour a couple back. In fact, things got so rowdy in the past that the Provincial Parks in Ontario now ban alcohol at the campsites that weekend. Those inclined to smoke marijuana also see '24' as a significant number. I can't remember why.

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 SPSOT fan on Monday, June 3, 2019 12:53 AM

Gidday John, if you’re into blowing things up, you could celebrate Guy Fawkes on the 5th of November, though we don’t get a day off for that, which, of course, is rather understandable as celebrating an inept abortive attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament, far pales to insignificance compared to celebrating the birth of a new Nation.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

You know, I once had a British Friend who said that we Americans were geniouses for scedualing our anual fireworks explosion festival thing in the summer, because were he was from I guess it was always raining on Guy Fawkes day and the fireworks had trouble lighting. However if you live in Eastern Washington you will know that fireworks and summer to not really mix well... I feel like half the brush fires in the summer are started by some idoit with fireworks. Whatever, fireworks are fun, but only if you stay safe.

Regards, Isaac

I model my railroad and you model yours! I model my way and you model yours!

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Posted by York1 on Monday, June 3, 2019 6:51 AM

Good morning, everyone.  Loud thunderstorms this morning, so I guess walking the trail is out.  I can't even get the dog to go outside.

The bacon, eggs, and coffee will taste good with the sound of the rain and thunder.

Another day to work inside -- maybe today I can finish installing the switch machine.  I wanted to finish yesterday, but ran into trouble -- the baseball game on TV won out for my time.

 

 

We drove through Montana last summer on the way to Seattle.  We stopped at Little Big Horn in southeastern Montana.  I had never been there, but we found it very interesting.

The stones were put exactly where they found the dead soldiers.  The stone with the black writing was where they found Custer.  It is a great place to stop if you're ever in the area.

Eastern Montana also has beautiful driving -- very little traffic, 80 mph speed limit, and with no trees, you can see forever.

 

York1 John       

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Posted by BRAKIE on Monday, June 3, 2019 6:53 AM

BATMAN

 

 
BRAKIE
I was talking to the other two train buffs here at the rest home

 

Larry, it looks like you have enough train guys at your facility to mount a coup and turn the dining room into a trainroom. There are many senior facilities that have incorporated a layout into the place as both the male and female residents like to get involved with the hobby. I remember a care home up here that had a 30' x 50' space for a layout and on the news, they showed the ladies making hundreds of trees for it.

 

Brent,We talked about this yesterday over supper and we decided to talk to the activity director and get her feel on the matter. I talked to the maintenance man this morning on the way to breakfast and according to him  there is a vacant storeage room that could be used and he would be happy to wire the  layout to code. 

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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Posted by mbinsewi on Monday, June 3, 2019 7:33 AM

York1
We drove through Montana last summer on the way to Seattle.

My wife is from Billings, Montana.  We've been out there a few times. Her brother lived up in Kalispell, died unexplectedly two years ago this July.  He was an outfitter, and also worked fulltime as an HVAC engineer.

Anyway, for the funeral, even the Super 8 hotel rooms were $300 + because of the summer season and Glacier Park.

There were also lots of fires near by.  One day is was sunny and beautiful, the next would be smokey and hazy.  It is a beautiful area, in the mountains.

SPSOT, wife's grandfather, between farm jobs, worked for the NP on a M.O.W. gang, out of Billings.  

Going on 3 days with out rain!  Now if it would warm up a bit.  I remember some cool summers as a kid, too cold to go to the beach.

For the six years we lived in Iowa, that was never a problem.  Always hot and humid.

I have a tractor to work on, then it's packing up the truck getting ready to head North again, and back to work on our little place in the woods.

Our neighbor up there also loves old tractors.  He completely restored a 1966 Cub Cadet.  I really mean "restored", not just cleaned and painted. Trying to show a picture, but it seems Photobucket has fallen off the face of the earth.  Indifferent

Larry, hopefully you guys can get a lay out going !  Yes

Have a great Monday !

Mike.

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Posted by GMTRacing on Monday, June 3, 2019 7:36 AM

Good Morning All,

    My usual please Zoe. Lime Rock went well,all the drivers were happy and the cars are still running so it's all good. 

    Did some more on the layout yesterday after chores. Mostly done in the service yard and sealed the fascia to the framework with a bead of caulk so I could finish the ballasting and one area where there is enough margin next to the track to add some weeds and dirt. This week I will start on my lift out section after I have a clean up. I started cleaning last night but it will take at least another full evening before I can see the rest of the layout and the w**kbench again. 

   All for now, we need to unload and do prep on the cars for Hershey this weekend (a hillclimb) so we can reload and leave Thursday.  Chow, J.R.

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Monday, June 3, 2019 8:24 AM

SPSOT fan
You know, I once had a British Friend who said that we Americans were geniouses for scedualing our anual fireworks explosion festival thing in the summer, because were he was from I guess it was always raining on Guy Fawkes day and the fireworks had trouble lighting.

.

It rains in Florida 75% of the days in June, July, and August.

.

I cannot remember the last time we had a dry Independence Day.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Monday, June 3, 2019 8:38 AM

trolleyboy

Good afternoon everyone. |It's been a long loooong time since I popped in here. Started visiting here when Elliot Big Boy ariginally started it eons ago. Sad to see the members now past that I remember interacting with. So a long overdo round for those and of coarse all teh "new" folks still visiting the old place.

Rob

 

 

 

Rob !      Welcome back..... Please feel free to visit here more often. 

 

Ken ... Congrats on your 33 days... ... I also have a long tunnel. I included an access hole in the scenery so I could reach inside if needed. 

Larry .... It sounds like the beginnings of a model railroad where you are. Good for you! Keep us informed of progress. 

John ..... That is an interesting photo of Little Big Horn cemetary. 

JR ... It is good to hear you are making progress on the layout. Also, it is interesting to hear about your racing activities. I bet you are never bored. 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by Track fiddler on Monday, June 3, 2019 8:43 AM

Mr. TF, am pleased that you and your good lady are having a pleasant break, and thanks for sharing your photos. I was rather taken by that beautiful brick depot at Osceola. 
 
Cheers, the Bear.Smile
 

Here's another view for you Bear.  This was one of the conductors stories on the train. This Depot replaced a smaller Wooden Depot that was knocked off its foundation when a steam locomotive collided with another train on the platform and mowed the depot over.  The original Wooden Depot was built in 1887 and the derailment accident occurred 1890.

The timing of the accident was fortunate.  That Depot attendant, Hoxie Stone left for lunch minutes before the accident occurred.

Here is a photo of the New Richmond Depot, the town we are leaving this morning.  We will be stopping in Scandia Minnesota today.  I will take a picture of that Depot for you guys.  I like these small-town depots.

TF

Thanks each and everyone for the feedbackSmile

 

If I lived in this town, I would get these people off their buts.  I would volunteer my carpentry experience to help preserve this beautiful Depot,  it looks like it's rotting from the top side to the ground.  A shame is a shame.

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Posted by Track fiddler on Monday, June 3, 2019 9:16 AM

herrinchoker

TF

In the cold light of day, sober, we realized that one of us would have had to ride in the back seat with the cow. Bucket seats in the front.

herrinchoker

 

LaughLaugh   Had I been on that Yesteryear Bender with you,  I would have been more than happy to ride in the backseat with the cow.  I would have had you stop at the convenience store to get some Nestle's Quik.  I have found a tall glass of chocolate milk works pretty good for a hangover cure sometimesLaughLaugh

TF

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Posted by RideOnRoad on Monday, June 3, 2019 9:30 AM

Yesterday my daughter drove a Humvee from Casa Grande to Flagstaff towing one of these bad boys. She's pretty tough. Oh yeah, she only received her military driver's license on Saturday and has never pulled a trailer before in her life.

STT

Richard

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Posted by Lonehawk on Monday, June 3, 2019 9:46 AM

Hey all.

Flo, I'll take a coffee, please, milk and sugar, and a peanut donut.

 

Richard - what is that, exactly?  It looks like a comm system, but I've seen other things it could be, like a short-range radar or a microwave crowd control system (those things are nuts, if you've ever seen the videos).

Montana's certainly some interesting territory.  I've always wanted to get out there myself, and do some prospecting of the Mesozoic variety. Big Smile Looking at some of the pictures posted, I could almost envision a herd of buffalo in the background.  Which seems appropriate considering there are a couple of herds in Yellowstone, as I understand it.

So, has anyone ever had it happen that right when you think you're ready to go with a track plan, something comes up and makes you think again?  I had to redesign mine because I found out I measured part of my space incorrectly.  And now, after finishing the redesign (which, counteritiuitively, led to a more satisfying plan), I see that they're coming back with the 102 track plan book.  So now I'm going to hold off a couple weeks until I get that, and see if there's anything there that catches my eye to add or adapt.  I find that a lot of my favorite ideas are adaptations or elements from other published plans that I modified to fit my space and needs.

- Adam


When all else fails, wing it!

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Posted by RideOnRoad on Monday, June 3, 2019 9:51 AM

Lonehawk
. . .Richard - what is that, exactly?. . .

It is a Satellite Transportable Terminal.

Richard

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Posted by mbinsewi on Monday, June 3, 2019 9:55 AM

Track fiddler
Thanks each and everyone for the feedback here

Looks like you had a nice little trip.  Wifey and I used to take a day trip from our place in Northern WI. to Interstate Park a lot.  It's about a 3 hour ride west.

We'll have to check out the Osceola & St.Croix Valley.

Do you mean Somerset, WI.?  The only Scandia I found was in MN.

Have a safe trip.

Mike.

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Posted by Track fiddler on Monday, June 3, 2019 10:23 AM

Yep,  I re-edited.  Judy said Scandia Wisconsin,  it is Scandia Minnesota.

I'll have to check out Interstate Park sometime Mike.  Thanks for the tipYes  

We are waiting for our broasted chicken next door to go have a picnic on the way to Scandia.  Not Justa-Cafe in New Richmond.  I swear they must have a little Grandma back in the kitchen cooking everything, it's all homemade fresh to orderDinner  I had a slow-cooked roast beef Philly open-faced sandwich with garlic mashed potatoes and gravy yesterday.  Best road food I've had in awhile.

TF

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