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Jeffreys Trackside Diner - May 2020 in Ontario, Canada Locked

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Posted by Track fiddler on Monday, May 18, 2020 9:53 PM

hon30critter

 

There are two absolute truths about losing your glasses. One is that they are in the last place you put them.

 

 

LaughLaugh

Yep!!

This rule applies to other things too.  I was working with Blaine once, he's another Carpenter.  He as well asked me what I was looking for?  I said my hammer.  He said why isn't it in your tool belt?  I said I don't know, if it was I wouldn't be looking for it.  He said where did you last use it?  I said I don't know, if I knew that, it wouldn't be lost and I wouldn't be looking for itLaughConfusedIndifferentLaugh

 

 

TF

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Posted by Track fiddler on Monday, May 18, 2020 10:07 PM

Post Hog

Now this one is really bad.  Judy called me from work and asked if I could pick her up because she's getting off early.  She doesn't drive you know.

While she's explaining to me in detail about her bad day I'm searching through the house looking for my phone

 

 

TF

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Monday, May 18, 2020 10:47 PM

Track fiddler

Post Hog

Now this one is really bad.  Judy called me from work and asked if I could pick her up because she's getting off early.  She doesn't drive you know.

While she's explaining to me in detail about her bad day I'm searching through the house looking for my phone

 

 

TF

 

 

TF ...... You mean the phone you were talking on at the time ? .... LOL Smile, Wink & Grin

 

Well, I had a bad day too. ..... I fell off of a ten foot ladder. Thankfully, I did not hurt myself because I was still on the first rung. Whistling .... Oh never mind. LOL 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by maxman on Monday, May 18, 2020 11:25 PM

howmus

 maxman

My first one of these is supposed to happen this coming Friday. I'm not completely thrilled about it either. The only two things that I like about it is that I don't have to leave the house, and I don't have to wear pants.

 

And you won't have to bend over for...  Ah...  That particular test we get!  LOL  Yes, unless in person is needed, safer for all concerned at the moment!

73

 

Not quite true.  Even that is do it yourself now.  There are a number of youtube videos showing the procedure.

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Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 2:37 AM

Here is another small heritage railroad, The Portage Flyer, that still operates in Ontario. The Portage Flyer was the shortest commercial railway in the world at just 1 1/8 miles long:

The railway started operation in 1904 as a means of portaging from Peninsula  Lake to Lake of Bays in the Muskokas in Northern Ontario. Access to the Muskokas had been opened up by the completion of the Northern & Pacific Junction Railway to Huntsville in 1885. The Muskokas became a real attraction for tourists, and several large hotels were built on the lakes throughout the area. Access to these hotels  was primarily by steamship. The Algonquin transported the tourists from Huntsville to North Portage on Peninsula Lake and then the Iroquois transported people and goods from South Portage throughout the Lake of Bays area. The challenge was the 1 1/8 mile trip between North Portage and South Portage. There was an elevation difference of 170' between the two lakes.

Originally horses and wagons were used to transfer people and goods between the two lakes, but the process was very slow and the ride was quite uncomfortable. Thus was born The Portage Flyer!

At one point, the grade was 7%! There are stories of the passengers having to get out and push the train up the grade when the engine lost traction due to the number of tent caterpillers on the tracks in the early summer. The train was affectionately known as the "Hot Tamale" by the crew because of its habit of blowing fire out of the smokestacks. They also called it "The Corkscrew Route" because of the tight curves.

The railway still operates, although not quite in its original location.

https://www.muskokaheritageplace.ca/en/ride-the-train/history-of-the-train.aspx

Here are some historical facts and pictures of the early equipment:

https://www.railwaypages.com/the-portage-flyer

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 "JaBear" on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 3:18 AM

hon30critter
I have added Harold's name to the RIP Track.

Thanks, Dave.

ladder 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 Track fiddler on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 8:19 AM

Good morning

I've been tying my head in knots with Railroad trivia since 5:30 this morning and don't believe I have gotten anywhere.  But then again, neither has anyone else apparentlyTongue Tied

A cool cloudy day in Minnesota this morning.  That's okay by me as it makes it easier to work inside.

I made it to the Hobby store yesterday to pick up supplies.  Sweet!  I have fuel for the fire to complete my fourth custom bridge.  Hopefully in time for WPF this weekend but I don't know yetSmile, Wink & Grin

 

Have a great Taco Tuesday everyoneYes

 

 

TF

 

My sincerest sympathy for Harold and his family.  

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Posted by BroadwayLion on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 8:54 AM

Track fiddler

 

 
hon30critter

 

There are two absolute truths about losing your glasses. One is that they are in the last place you put them.

 

 

 

 

LaughLaugh

Yep!!

This rule applies to other things too.  I was working with Blaine once, he's another Carpenter.  He as well asked me what I was looking for?  I said my hammer.  He said why isn't it in your tool belt?  I said I don't know, if it was I wouldn't be looking for it.  He said where did you last use it?  I said I don't know, if I knew that, it wouldn't be lost and I wouldn't be looking for itLaughConfusedIndifferentLaugh

 

 

TF

 

Yeah... I once spent 15 minutes looking for a tool that I was hoklding in my left hand,.

 

Speaking of which, I put Transparent paint on a locomotiver and then never found it again.

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 Track fiddler on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 9:06 AM

BroadwayLion

 

Yeah... I once spent 15 minutes looking for a tool that I was hoklding in my left hand,.

 

Speaking of which, I put Transparent paint on a locomotiver and then never found it again.

 

 

LaughLaughLaugh

I remember looking for a tool that was in my hand when I was tired out at the end of the dayLaugh

 

I bought a camouflage shirt once and thought I hung it in the closet and maybe I did..... I never did find that camouflage shirtHuh?

 

 

TF

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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 9:08 AM

Good Afternoon!

It´s kind of hot and humid here, which makes me feel uncomfortable.

Speaking of glasses, That´s one thing that will probably never happen to me. Without my glasses, I am as blind as a bat, so I know that I have them on me - somewhere. Now can anyone please tell me, whgere I left them?

Remember what railroading was like in the days, when climate change, globalisation and mass hysteria were unheard of? When trains used local fuel, engines and cars were made by local companies from steel made locally and skilled local craftsmen? When freedom didn´t end at your door and only bank robbers wore masks?

Here is a retrospective of those good old days!

 

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

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

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Posted by Attuvian on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 10:13 AM

I visit the diner fairly often but don't speak up much - it's more fun just to listen to the locals and regulars.  But some things can get me talking . . .

Track fiddler

All the stores with their own door opened up today.  The first thing I did after work was drive down to St Paul to the Hobby Store to get some things I need.  I'm back in business for some more ModelingSmile, Wink & Grin

TF

 
Went to my regular haunt here in Portland yesterday as the guv had "opened" up the state a bit more last Friday.  This LHS had been virtually shuttered, with a sign posted that said they were "accepting deliveries only".  Apparently those deliveries included two or three tall stacks of banana boxes of mystery treasures from someone's retired layout, either as a donation (?) or for consignment; but the size of the lot puts both in question, I think.  Didn't have the courage to ask when it's contens would be revealed.  Instead, I rifled through their consignment and gift closet where I've often found a goodie or two.  Nothin' this time.  BUT, the shop also has a glass case where their consignment brass is displayed.  That's generally dream stuff for me but there was a Lambert Espee flanger in virtually mint shape.  As an SP MoW freak I only had to muddle over the purchase for ten minutes!  Turns out it was a very good deal.  Just glaze the windows, small repair to one of the roff flags, paint, decal, and weather and good to go!  Now if I can someday find an OMI low-nose B&M Jordan spreader that's "affordable" Whistling I could knock off another dream.  Per a reference held by the shop's proprietor, there were only 125 of them built.
 
Pardon, Flo, do you have a slice of rhubarb pie?  And not the prissy stuff with the stawberries mixed in.  And coffee or hot chocolate for all is on me.
 
John 
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Posted by RideOnRoad on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 10:48 AM

maxman
. . .Even that is do it yourself now. There are a number of youtube videos showing the procedure.

Nope. Just, nope.

Richard

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Posted by mbinsewi on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 11:05 AM

BNSF UP and others modeler
Maybe others can clear the air.

Not sure if I can clear the air, but a little info that I found.

I'm going with GOT, as the original scheme, as the pre-merger (or the official pre-merger paint) shows the BN white strip curving down, and it was quickly "dumped" after the official merger.

According the RRpicture archives, GOT 903 is an EMD rebuild as a NPCU (non powered control unit), and was originally built in 1952, as ONT 1512. (Ontario Northland)

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/Locopicture.aspx?id=59449

When it was a powered unit, it was GOT 9861

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/LocoPicture.aspx?id=231586

The link to the site that Ed provided, also shows all of the BN paint schemes.

Mike.

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Posted by ricktrains4824 on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 11:29 AM

Speaking of lost phones, my Dad pulled the ultimate Dad prank recently... He called my sister to say he had lost his phone somewhere in the house and needed her to help him find it.

She spent about 15 minutes hunting for it before it clicked that he called her from said "lost" phone.....

 

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 Tuesday, May 19, 2020 1:49 PM

Track fiddler
I remember looking for a tool that was in my hand when I was tired out at the end of the day

More than once, I've popped a cup of coffee into the microwave to warm it up. went back to the kitchen a minute later and opened the refrigerator and stared inside trying to remember why I came back to the kitchen Dunce

I can't seem to find my Scotch Invisible tape Whistling

Track fiddler
I bought a camouflage shirt once and thought I hung it in the closet and maybe I did..... I never did find that camouflage shirt

Saw some photos of military GI's wearing camo while switching railroad cars. They were also wearing high-visibility vests?

The employee gate at GE would open automatically as your vehicle approached it. On some occasions I would absent-mindedly press the button clipped to my visor for my garage door opener — duh? Embarrassed Hope no one was looking...

Often, the last thing heard from a casualty victim is "Here, hold my beer and watch THIS!"

 

Not Ontario but there's a Canadian heritage here, just the same —

 4070 Leaving Chicago by Edmund, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

 

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Posted by BroadwayLion on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 2:08 PM

gmpullman
Often, the last thing heard from a casualty victim is "Here, hold my beer and watch THIS!"

 

Well I've been there to pick up the pieces.

Down at the railroad crossing, the car did clear the tracks moments before the train came. Engineer caled it in. We wend down there in our ambulaance. The car landed in a drainage puddle about up to his windshield. Broke through the ice and all.

We were not going in to help him. Something about "Is the scene safe?" we called out the fire department. Let them get all wet, that's not our work.

The first thing out of the guy's mouth "I never realized those things moved so fast!" I have to tell you that BNSF locomotives are absolutely intiminating when you are seated in a car and that thing is right in front of you.

 

Well the officer did offer to take him to the station for booking, but he chose to ride with us instead. Now he had to pay for an ambulance ride as well as for his bail.

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 Track fiddler on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 3:21 PM

gmpullman

More than once, I've popped a cup of coffee into the microwave to warm it up. went back to the kitchen a minute later and opened the refrigerator and stared inside trying to remember why I came back to the kitchen 

The employee gate at GE would open automatically as your vehicle approached it. On some occasions I would absent-mindedly press the button clipped to my visor for my garage door opener — duh?  Hope no one was looking...

 

 

 

Funny stuff Ed

It's kind of disturbing at times how we lose control over our minds.  Maybe the cause, a state of preoccupation perhaps.

One-time Judy wasn't home and I was carrying the laundry basket downstairs because I had nothing to wear.  Next thing I know I have the laundry basket parked on the kitchen floor with the fridgerator door wide open and wondering if I thought I was going to put it in there.

After my little moment of temporary insanity, I stared back at the laundry basket for a moment, grabbed it, then headed back downstairs.

I had no idea who was driving my ship at that timePirateStick out tongue

 

 

TF

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Posted by Track fiddler on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 5:01 PM

Post Hog

It was good to see one again.  I don't see them very often anymore.  I seen a BN amongst the CP's in the Saint Paul yard as I took the long way home from the hobby store yesterday. I do believe it was an SD40-2.

It was good to see Green Machine again.  She brings back a lot of memories of my childhoodShy

 

Steve O Smile, Wink & Grin

Can you provide us with more emojis please?  I can't always find the right one.  More would be funnerYes

Thanks

 

 

TF

 

 

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Posted by BroadwayLion on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 5:28 PM

I opened this up, but I forgot what I was going to say.

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 SeeYou190 on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 6:00 PM

I laid down another 80 square feet of tile in the garage today... it is looking really good now.

I ate two more mangos off of the tree. These were bigger than softballs! So delicious. Maybe my tree is finally mature and producing perfect fruit.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by cudaken on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 6:09 PM

 Eveing Diners

 Flo, give the gang a Soda and Dirk a Beer please.

 TF and others, your comments are hitting was to close to home. Yes I have looked for the phone while I was talking to a friend on it at the time?

 Getting Old Sucks!

 Woof, Woof, Ken and Dirk says later.

I hate Rust

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Posted by BigDaddy on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 6:49 PM

How to clean an avacado:

  • Take a knife and cut around the equator, down to the seed.
  • Separate the 2 halves and with a chopping motion cut into the seed, twist and remove
  • Use a spoon to scoop out the avacado
  • Put the 2 halves of the avacodo skin in your wife's salad instead of the trash
  • Wait for the fireworks

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by Track fiddler on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 6:52 PM

Excuse me,  I'm confused!

Ken, ... Why is it for years we have got a beer every night and tonight we only get a soda? LaughSmile, Wink & Grin

 

 

Huh?TF

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Posted by howmus on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 8:17 PM

BroadwayLion

I opened this up, but I forgot what I was going to say.

 

Huh?  Hmmmmm...  Almost had a thought, but...  What?

Bought a "Hybred" Bicycle today.  Good for on road and most trails.

73

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

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Posted by Track fiddler on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 9:18 PM

SeeYou190

I laid down another 80 square feet of tile in the garage today... it is looking really good now.

I ate two more mangos off of the tree. 

 

 

 

Hi Kevin

I bet it does look goodYes  I laid my share of tile in my time.  Besides my many many jobs of it, my whole house in Prior Lake was tile laid by me, except for the bedrooms.

How's your knees and your back? Tongue Tied  And could you mail me one of those softball-size mangoes fresh off the tree on dry ice pleaseDinnerLaugh

 

 

TF

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Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 12:04 AM

Track fiddler
Ken, ... Why is it for years we have got a beer every night and tonight we only get a soda?  LaughSmile, Wink & Grin

The way I interpreted that was SCOTCH and soda. That's what I'm having, anyway.

 Pullman (2016_08_17 08_08_12 UTC) by Edmund, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

 

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Posted by GMTRacing on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 6:35 AM

Good Morning All,

   46F with blue skies this morning. A good day to continue on my primary trailer which is getting a new gen set and other improvements. 

   Not much to report on the layout front. Next will be adding track to the area around Sperry and painting the backround. 

  I get the where did I put it thing. Happens every day here. Last time I bought some Invisible Glass Cleaner but couldn't find the glass I needed to clean. Must have vanished.             Ciao, J.R.

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 7:18 AM

Good morning

I woke up to what looks like it's going to be a nice day.

I've been making some progress on my fourth custom bridge.  It's another bridge on a curved configuration.  Before I put the three sections together I was looking into changing my 24 inch radius to a 30 but I would lose too much Mountain real estate behind it.  A 24 inch radius in N scale is equivalent to 44 in HO.  I did an experiment on the kitchen table,  a 4-8-4 Northern and an 86 foot passenger car fit through with good clearances.

I don't own a Challenger locomotive yet and it's my favorite steamer.  I just wanted to prepare for one that it will have adequate clearance but the 24 inch radius is going to have to stay.  I decided not to change things, so hopefully it will fit through fine when the time comes.

Ed, ... I can't even remember or find anything.  I don't know how I could be expected to put your scotch tape and Kens soda in lieu of beer together for a Scotch & SodaLaugh  Easy to see after it was spelled out for me though.  I like the sign, funny stuff!  I have a shirt that says "Doesn't Play Well With Others"Pirate

 

Have a great day everyoneSmile, Wink & Grin

 

 

TF

 

P.S.  I wonder where Brent has been hiding out?  Saints Fan John as well?  I see we have one of the John's back.  

Welcome back Attuvian.

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Posted by Steven Otte on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 9:12 AM

Track fiddler

Steve O Smile, Wink & Grin

Can you provide us with more emojis please?  I can't always find the right one.  More would be funnerYes

Thanks

Sorry, that's not my department. I have no idea what the Forums are going to look like after the Trains.com redesign. But if you need an emoji that's not there, I always just do a Google Image search for the one I need, and insert it into the text like an image, setting the image height dimension to 24 or so. 

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

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 10:21 AM

Track fiddler
I bet it does look good I laid my share of tile in my time.

I will post a picture of the progress tonight before I go to bed.

Track fiddler
How's your knees and your back?

The old knees and back are doing OK. I am no stranger to hard work, so this is not too bad. I have never used 24 inch square tiles before, and these are a lot heavier than I am used to.

Track fiddler
Could you mail me one of those softball-size mangos?

No, they are not suitable for shipping once tree-ripened. Freezing will ruin them. A Mango that ripened on the tree will ooze the juice out of the skin. Also, they are so juicy and fragrant, much more than any store bought mango. They will cover the cutting board with juices and make a huge sticky mess. You can smell them in the house for days after slicing the cheeks. It is all worth it, they are just amazing.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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