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Jeffrey´s Track Side Diner - December, 2019 - Christmas in Vermont/Maine Locked

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Posted by maxman on Sunday, December 29, 2019 12:01 PM

hon30critter
Animals, dogs in particular, are unpredictable. Our son's 1 1/2 year old Boston Terrier had been great with other dogs since he was a pup. However, last summer one of our relatives brought her Pomeranian to the house and the Boston Terrier went totally berserk and tried to attack the other dog.

I don't see anything particularly unpredictable about that.  Terriers were originally bred to hunt vermin and probably thought that the Pomeranian was a fluffy rat.

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Posted by CNCharlie on Sunday, December 29, 2019 2:12 PM

Greetings,

Expecting it to start snowing shortly but I think I will go to the gym anyway. 

Dave, Maxman has a point regarding terriers. If by discipline you mean giving the dog a smack, never do that. They don't understand it. Isolation is a far better course. If the Pom started to get pushy, not surprised that the Boston had a go but while to us it seems extreme, that is what dogs do to establish a pecking order. Only if it becomes a fight is it a real problem. When we had 2 West Highland terriers, they played together a lot but if the male got a little too aggressive with the female she would attack him and even drew blood a few times. Just to show him who is boss. As far as the store incidents you mentioned go, I think it is entirely the owners fault. We never let anyone get their face near our dogs. To them it is an aggressive act especially if they are being held. That German Shepard should have been on a leash. It probably was really frightened and so acted aggressively. By the way, I think dogs shouldn't be allowed in stores because there are so many irresponsible owners whose dogs are likely poorly trained. 

I may be coming across as trying to be some sort of dog expert but I'm not. Just had a dog for 45 years. Also we have friends who bred and showed Westies for many years. They ran a grooming business so have a great knowledge about various dog breeds and their behaviour. 

Yesterday I did run the C liner. I did a night run with all the lights in the village lit as well as those in the passenger cars. I wish I could find a B unit but I don't think True Line made one. 

Well time to hit the track, walking not running like Ray.

CN Charlie

 

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Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, December 29, 2019 3:07 PM

Good afternoon railroad fans.

This place looks like it's going to the dogsSmile, Wink & Grin...... just kidding.

I spent Saturday and night with my brother checking out his layout.  It was so good to see he had his priorities straight just like mineWhistling  

My layout is in the living room and it's a part of it.  His layout is much bigger and takes over the whole living room.  His couch and coffee table occupy about a 6x10 area with no TV.

After a pat on the back and telling my brother how proud I was of him.  He told me after his second woman didn't work out,  this layout is his third and final wifeLaugh   We laughed.

I helped him foam out his elevated S curve last night.  We had to remove half his yard as it will be reducing turnout to turnout to go under a bridge on the S curve with two opposing directional mains.  Good thing he took my advice in using the Alex Plus.

My brother kind of wings it as he goes along.  Something I could learn from him, .... he's got more done in two months then I've gotten done in two years.  We had a lot of fun yesterday.

 

Looking at my brother's choice of track.  I have to tell you I am reconsidering everything. 

Peco code 55.  I have only seen this stuff on the hooks in hobby stores and never held it in my hand to examine it.  The downside is the tie size and spacing reminds me of old Atlas code 80.  But the rails are embedded in the ties and it looks like the cast iron Cadilac Brick House of all track I've ever seen.

As perfect and flawless as the turnouts appear with their click action.  I would not foresee derailments happening on these turnouts.

I'm going to switch things up here and take after my brother like he's taken after meYes

 

 

TF

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Posted by BATMAN on Sunday, December 29, 2019 3:24 PM

Good afternoon from the beautiful West Coast of the Great White North where it is a nice 12c (sorry Charlie)

The kid and I went to the Canucks game last night to watch them dispatch the LA kings, it was a sperm of the moment (as Archie Bunker used to say) decision and $400.00 later we left with big smiles having had a great time with good centre ice seats surrounded by great fans. 

I had a great workout this morning with some serious HIT training and great work with the weights as well. I ate stadium food last night and man does it ever show up in poor energy levels and how I feel the next day, but I got it done regardless. 

The kid has been writing for the OHL ( Ontario Hockey League) this year. They approached him on the recommendation of some West Coast hockey broadcast people last summer. He was asked out of the blue and thought it might be fun even though it is unpaid. This has lead to internet hockey talk show participation as well as radio commentary. Just recently the boss at TSN has contacted him about employment as has Sportsnet. He thanked them politely and said he has a lot of education still ahead of him as he wants to be the puppeteer, not the puppet.Laugh They both laughed said to call them first when he is done with school. A perfect example of creating your own luck as some around him said they would not have done it without getting paid. If he gets his law degree in entertainment/contract law along with his economics degree he will be able to write his own ticket. The movie/video game industry interests him the most but sports are right up there as well. As long as he gets me free tickets to the Canucks I'll be happy.Laugh

Well, the wife wants to go for a long walk with the dogs so whats another 500 calories other than several rums and Pepsi's to replenish the loss.Pirate Three double Rums and Pepsi's are about 450 calories so I am way ahead because I'll probably have only two.Laugh

To the sunshine!

All the best to all.

Oh baby it's cold outside.

Image may contain: sky, snow, tree and outdoor

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 Track fiddler on Sunday, December 29, 2019 4:34 PM

The hockey games sound fun Brent.  I miss playing hockey in my younger days.  The Sunshiny day sounds good too.  Why don't you send some of that down here once and awhile instead of the FrigidaireLaugh

 

My brother and I had Show and Tell last night too of course.

I showed him this and told him it was made by somebody I know in Florida that is quite the Craftsman.  I asked him what he thought about it.

He said  "It looks Factory Bro."  That's the other thing I like about my brother,  he talks just like meYes

Mind you,  my brother used to be a skateboarder until he Jacked his knee one too many times.  We have the same limp when the weather changes too abruptly. 

Come to think of it,  I may have got that phrase from him.....?

 

 

TF

 

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Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, December 29, 2019 5:30 PM

On the Football front.  The Bears were a better team today and as hard as it takes me to admit it.  So were the Packers last week.

So here's to the Bears and the Packers from XavierLaughWhistling

All in good fun..... No poor sports hereSmile, Wink & Grin

 

Gotta love that kid!

 

This picture was taken when we all went to Xavier's Brother's football game at the high school.  I swear to God that kid knew everything that was going on.  Look how psyched he is.

You should see the pictures of him with his brothers now.  That little baby is growing up fast and 100% aware of his surroundings.  It's the difference when parents spend time with their kids and the difference it makes.

I am so proud of my Son!

 

 

TF

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Posted by cudaken on Sunday, December 29, 2019 5:44 PM

 Evening Diners!

 Flo, give the gang and I a Beer please and Dirk half a dog treat.

 Had to work on my day off. Sigh Nancy wanted off today but even she realized Jerry the Dunce he should not work a lone and She is just as bad as him about being a Dunce. Only thing that happened while I was there is Jerry the Dunce had a customer pick up. Of course he gave them a full sizes mattress and they bought a Queen. Whistling What can I say? Laugh

 Bright side? I need to return a couple of things to Harbour Freight which is by work. So I got paid to return something I need to return 2 months ago.

 Only hung around for 2 hours, no customers so I blew the fire trap, cruzied some chicks and got trashed.

 Later, no longer young but none smoking Ken and Dirk says Woof, Woof.

I hate Rust

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Posted by mbinsewi on Sunday, December 29, 2019 7:44 PM

Track fiddler
So were the Packers last week.

You wouldn't think that watching todays Packers/Lions game.  Surprise

It took the Pack down to the last 3 seconds to win.  Very stressfull. Laugh

Following the Pack is NOT for wimps. Indifferent

Mike.

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  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, December 29, 2019 7:54 PM

I made it to Atlanta. Traffic was awful. Lots of people were heading home after the Christmas Holiday, and there were several section of congestion on I-75 where I normally have smooth sailing on a Sunday.

.

There were no wrecks that I saw, that was good.

.

Meetings for the next two days, then back home on New Years Day.

.

Yay.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, December 29, 2019 8:00 PM

mbinsewi

Following the Pack is NOT for wimps. Indifferent

Mike.

 

 

Amongst my Vikings Packers Rivalry all these years.

You got that right Mike!

And Thanks for that..... I think that made me feel somewhat better.

 

Wink You're good people Mike.

 

Congratulations on your team's WinIndifferent........... I can't even believe I just said that.........LaughLaugh.........Smile, Wink & Grin

 

 

TF

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Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, December 29, 2019 9:41 PM

Post hog Post hog.

I'm for sure planning on ripping up the Atlas track I've already laid and replacing everything with Peco.

By far a more Superior track. 

 

 

TF

  • Member since
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Posted by "JaBear" on Sunday, December 29, 2019 11:13 PM

Track fiddler
I'm for sure planning on ripping up the Atlas track I've already laid and replacing everything with Peco.

Mr. TF, while I’ve only used Peco and Atlas Code 100 flex track in HO, I don’t feel that I can sufficiently comment on your plans, but of course being a Bear, I will!!!
 
If your current Atlas track is not giving any problems running trains, why rip it up? For sure, for all future use go for the Peco.
 
Just the Bears, “waste not, want not” policy. Besides at the ripe old age of 56, I reckon, you can probably make your own decision.Wink Smile, Wink & Grin
 
“Thrift is poetic because it is creative; waste is unpoetic because it is waste.”
― 
G.K. Chesterton.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile
 
Atlas by Bear, on Flickr

"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 Monday, December 30, 2019 7:46 AM

Good morning.  It's cold, snowy, and the wind sounds like a hurricane outside.  Even the dog doesn't want to go out.

Yesterday was a sad day.  All the kids and grandkids headed home.  That leaves an empty, quiet house that had been filled with life the past several days.  I'm not sure why this time it was much harder to see everyone leave.  I stood in the snow and wind on the street watching the last tail lights as they left.  Empty feeling.

I'm looking forward to seeing New York City.

York1 John       

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Monday, December 30, 2019 2:17 PM

Howdy 

I hope everybody had a great Christmas .

 

We just returned home in KY from our Christmas trip in OH and MI. I have a lot of things to catch up on. 

When I get back to the model railroad, I will continue with my Super Chief project. 

Cheers !

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by moelarrycurly4 on Monday, December 30, 2019 2:52 PM

Garry,

Glad you made it back safe. 

Winter is back here. I am tired of all this rain. We will be heading to the Southern Command for most of this week since I was on call for work during Christmas week I am taking this week off. 

 

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Posted by cudaken on Monday, December 30, 2019 9:56 PM

 Eveing Diners

 Flo, give the gang and I a Beer please and Dirk half a dog treat.

 Work Front With some luck I may have made a extra $70.00 or so. Did a satisfaction exchange that Jerry & Nancy wrote. Woman want a firm mattress because her back hurt. So they sold her a firm mattress. Now her back is killing her! Explained how a mattress worked and she bought a softer Memory Foam Mattress.

 Beside Coyote's the neighborhood now have Foxes. Saw a pair when I walked Dirk tonight, luckly he did not see them to busy peeing on a mail box. Rather have foxe's than coyote's. Anything that will kill a raccoon is sort of a friend to me.

 Later none smoking Ken and Dirk say's Woof, Woof.

I hate Rust

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Posted by hon30critter on Monday, December 30, 2019 10:09 PM

cudaken
the neighborhood now have Foxes. Saw a pair when I walked Dirk tonight,

Hi Ken,

I think foxes are one of the most beautiful animals on the planet. Years ago we had one move in under our cottage. We were a bit concerned that she might be aggressive but she was actually quite friendly. She let her pups play quite close to us, and she thoroughly enjoyed the dog kibble we put out. In hindsight, feeding her was probably not the right thing to do. She was there for two years.

 

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
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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 5:11 AM
Her in doors and I have just watched the fireworks at the lakefront from the balcony and as it’s now 0011, 1/1/20, we’ll wish you all a Happy New Year.
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 Track fiddler on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 8:24 AM

Bear!   I just turned 56 and I'll RIP UP that Atlas track if I wantLaugh

But really, it won't be a waist.  I only bought a small quantity in both Atlas and ME and laid a little sampler in both to see what I thought about it before I made a decision.

Put down with Alex plus it will come up easy.  I will find someone at my Railroad Club or a swap meet that can use it.

I'm giving up prototypical tie spacing for the robust quality and trouble free turnouts that Peco offers.  I think I made the right decision.

 

Happy New Year to you and yours over there in New Zealand BearSmile

 

 

TF

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Posted by BroadwayLion on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 10:07 AM

hon30critter
I think foxes are one of the most beautiful animals on the planet.

 

Spent some time watching the Artic Fox in the Zoo.  I was waiting for her to give me a news report.

I guess she was not that kind of a Fox.

 

ROAR

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 York1 on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 10:15 AM

Good morning on the last day of the year (or first for Bear).

Lion, tomorrow we move to NYC.  We'll expect to see some of your great pictures.

York1 John       

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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 10:25 AM

Good Afternoon!

A little over 6 1/2 hrs. and it´s good bye to 2019. I am glad this year is coming to a close now. It has not been a good year. Here is to hoping that 2020 will be much better.

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

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

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Posted by York1 on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 10:39 AM

Tinplate Toddler
A little over 6 1/2 hrs. and it´s good bye to 2019. I am glad this year is coming to a close now. It has not been a good year. Here is to hoping that 2020 will be much better.

We're about 13½ hours away here.

I also hope that you have a better year.  Maybe by this date in a year, you will be posting from another place.

York1 John       

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Posted by BigDaddy on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 10:47 AM

Happy New Year or New Year's Eve, as it applies.  Will be staying home, I've done more than my share of carrousing on this date.  They specifically said there are no porta potties in Times Square.   Doesn't that get messy?

We have had fireworks in the neighborhood almost every night since Christmas Eve.  Scares the spikes out of the dog. 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by BATMAN on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 11:53 AM

Good morning, it is a heavy, heavy, rain day today and 10c. Glad I have a steel roof on days like this.

Just can't get going yet, the Arthritis thing is getting me with this extremely low pressure system going through, but I'll get there.

We are having fourteen for dinner tonight, the wife had to leave for unexpected reproductive Veterinary duty so I had better get busy cleaning the house and make a start on dinner. But first, the bike gets top priority, then vegetables and beef tenderloin.

It is only 1000hrs here, but Happy New Year to all! I don't think I'll have time later.Laugh

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 CNCharlie on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 11:56 AM

Good Morning,

Nice sunny day here.

TF, if you like Peco better then get rid of the Atlas. On my little HO layout I got rid of Atlas Tru Track and replaced it with Kato Unitrack, at least for the 'mainline' as I wasn't happy with the Atlas. I kept the Atlas for yards and siding as I didn't want the built in roadbed of the Kato. I regret using those Atlas turnouts and have thought about replacing all of the yard track with Peco. I used ME for my N scale but would likely have gone with Peco except the cost was high. The ME turnouts are ok, but I do get stalling sometimes if the track isn't clean and I find that the ME track seems to accumulate crud quickly.  Also I don't have live frogs. I solved the stalling issue by getting rid of all my N scale steam. I find it too small to see the detail anyway. 

We don't have any New Year's Eve plans but tomorrow we will have some nice smoked salmon and a very small bottle of bubbly to go with it to celebrate. 

This past year has been one of ups and downs for me mostly on a stress level.  I hope 2020 is more on an even keel. At least my health has been good. 

Here's to a great 2020 for all of us.

CN Charlie

 

 

 

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Posted by herrinchoker on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 1:16 PM

Happy New Year to all, hope this one coming is better than the last one---just finished shoveling 12++ of 1-3, did they ever get that one wrong!

From the Island,

herrinchoker

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Posted by gmpullman on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 1:48 PM

Good afternoon and Happy New Year!

 

    — A prelude to the Diner's visit to the island of Manhattan in 2Ø2Ø:

 

 

I wish everyone well,

 

Sure wish I would have bought more Walthers Amtrak cars when they were closing them out for $25. each!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HO-Walthers-Amtrak-Phase-IVb-85-Budd-Grill-Diner-Car-RARE/274166647714?hash=item3fd59b0ba2:g:QHcAAOSwp2deBQVW

 

            Cheers —  Ed

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Posted by BATMAN on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 2:12 PM

Great video Ed, I have put it on my FB page as some of my friends love NY and go there often.

Well, I burned off 1200 calories, I am a proactive person and do not believe in credit.Laugh I can now be a pig tonight with no exercise bills to pay. Now where is my first bottle of red to go with the tenderloin, I can sample while I peel the carrots, potatoes and make the cauliflower and cheese.Pirate 

But first a shower....yes definitely a shower.Laugh

 

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 Water Level Route on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 6:14 PM

Only have a minute to stop in and say hello. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. John-I'm not where you're at age/family wise, but as my kids get older, I find myself worrying about those days that are coming like yours. Makes me sad already. I hope everyone has a happy and safe New Years. 

Mike

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