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Jeffreys Trackside Diner - May 2020 in Ontario, Canada Locked

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: North Dakota
  • 9,592 posts
Posted by BroadwayLion on Friday, May 29, 2020 12:17 PM

Cederstrand

Italian roast coffee in a AT&SF mug, please.

HO scale Kato Unitrack crossing signals? Was really hoping to find some plug and play or drop in signals for the expansion layout project, but have found no such products from Kato in HO scale. What would be the easiest way to add grade crossings (lights and gates) to the future layout with least amount of trouble/wiring?) 

Cheers! Cowboy Rob 

 

 

Subway trains don't have no stinkin's crossings. : )

 

Oh LOOK! LION is on the TOP.

Well make it rare wildebeest for everyone.

 

No, wait, this is Friday.

 

OK, Fresh octopus sauteed in its own ink.

 

ROAR

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

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

  • Member since
    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, May 29, 2020 12:28 PM

BroadwayLion

 

Oh LOOK! LION is on the TOP.

Well make it rare wildebeest for everyone.

 

No, wait, this is Friday.

 

OK, Fresh octopus sauteed in its own ink.

 

ROAR

 

 

Oh Thanks Lion but do we get a choice?

I'll take your first suggestion rare pleaseDinner   Thanks

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, May 29, 2020 1:05 PM

Cederstrand

Italian roast coffee in a AT&SF mug, please.

HO scale Kato Unitrack crossing signals? Was really hoping to find some plug and play or drop in signals for the expansion layout project, but have found no such products from Kato in HO scale. What would be the easiest way to add grade crossings (lights and gates) to the frvuture layout with least amount of trouble/wiring?) 

Cheers! Cowboy Rob 

 

I bought crossbucks from Oregon Rail Supply and gates-and-crossbucks from NJ International.  The Oregon Rail Supply crossbucks are a simple kit with LEDs and wires.  The NJ International gates had very weak activation wires which broke off before I assembled them, so I had to create alternate linkages.  I used the Rob Paisley detection circuits, photodetectors between the rails.  I used one Tortoise with add-on linkages to raise and lower the gates.

Because each detector uses 6 photo diodes, there were a lot of wires, but everything worked great right away.  This was a relatively inexpensive system, and it allowed me to have the first detectors several feet from the crossings instead of right on top of it, so my "motorists" would get some warning.

These were visible light photodiodes, but they still worked in even almost dark nighttime room lighting.

The circuits do also have connections for bell modules, not included.  An acquaintance brought over an old real railroad crossing bell.  I looked at it and it said 12 volts, so I hooked it up to the gate module, and it actually worked.  Dang it, a real crossing bell is loud.

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

  • Member since
    December 2012
  • From: Mesa, AZ
  • 1,530 posts
Posted by RideOnRoad on Friday, May 29, 2020 1:28 PM

Tinplate Toddler
. . .Today was not a good day. While the official answer to our application to be allowed to buy a house in Denmark is not yet in, we were informed that our last valid option was sold today.

If you complete the application process, and are approved, will you be able to purchase a home, should another viable candidate become available?

Richard

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • From: 53° 33′ N, 10° 0′ E
  • 2,508 posts
Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Friday, May 29, 2020 1:35 PM

RideOnRoad
If you complete the application process, and are approved, will you be able to purchase a home, should another viable candidate become available?

I hope so, but I am not sure. At the moment, there is not much on the market, which would suit our needs.

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

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

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, May 29, 2020 4:54 PM

Good Evening 

We had a picnic over at Bush Lake again.  Perfect weather, high of 68 today and low humidity.  Double decker California 1/2 lb. Burgers with American and swiss. and homemade potato salad for the side.

We put a full rack of baby back ribs in the crock pot on low before we left.  It'll be a late night dinner with loaded baked potatoes and asparagus.

I love good food days.  I hope ya'll enjoyed some good food today yourselfDinner

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Friday, May 29, 2020 5:44 PM

Good evening, everyone.  It's past 5:00, so I'll have an ice-cold beer.

My legs are sore and killing me -- I was up and down a ladder today working in the garage.  I got a lot accomplished today though.

I guess I'd vote for North Dakota -- I would like to see more of the largest subway system west of the Mississippi.

Have a good evening, everyone.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • From: 53° 33′ N, 10° 0′ E
  • 2,508 posts
Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Friday, May 29, 2020 5:51 PM

York1
I guess I'd vote for North Dakota

Not a bad idea - I could use some time in seclusion to sort my head. Or go on a vision quest  like our friend Jeff did.

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

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

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Friday, May 29, 2020 6:03 PM

Tinplate Toddler
Not a bad idea - I could use some time in seclusion to sort my head. Or go on a vision quest  like our friend Jeff did.

 

You know, Ulrich, since I retired, I've been very happy with my seclusion.

Whenever I watch a TV show about someone building a house off the grid, I envy them.

If anyone ever thinks the world has too many people, a trip through the Great Plains, including North Dakota, will change his mind.

 

I still have hopes for you and Petra to find the perfect place.  It may take longer than you want, but I still hope the dream is attainable.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Friday, May 29, 2020 6:10 PM

Howdy ..

Another small Ontario railroad is the Algoma Central. It operated scenic passenger trains over its line north of Lake Superior. It also operated freight service.  ... It was acquired by Wisconsin Cnetral. WC was later aquired by Canadian National. CN is willing to allow a separate company run the scenic train operation, but I read so far, no such company has been located. Passenger service in the future is doubtful... If somebody knows the situtation better than I do, please correct me.

 

....

 

Regarding June location, I would be happy if it was North Dakota as has been talked about by some of you. ... I hope it means we see a lot of pictures of Lion's subway layout. 

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, May 29, 2020 6:16 PM

York1
I still have hopes for you and Petra to find the perfect place.

I do too! Not knowing where to find a home for the two of us is pretty bad. Something like this would be close to being ideal for us.

Right in the middle of nowhere and a 5 minute bike ride from the beach!

 

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

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

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Friday, May 29, 2020 7:52 PM

Rob glad everything is stable.

Got a dumpster today for the pre move clean out and put some tools for sale on Nextdoor which is a social media app geared to your location.  No MR for me as the powercab is boxed up as are all the engines.

The virus has prevented me from going to the gym, but I am walking a lot more.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Friday, May 29, 2020 8:27 PM

Evenin'Folks!

 Henry, good for you!

I have been pushing myself to run at least a 5k every day that the weather allows. I am running it in two halves at the moment, but think I could without too much problem actually run it without stopping.  I have been running the first half in the morning and then the second after lunch.  I do make sure I have run and walked at least 5 miles every day.  When the weather doesn't co-operate that is a lot of walking around in circles inside my house!!!  LOL  fitbit says so far today I did 11,220 steps.  By the time I hit the sack it should be around 13,000 I hope.  What program are you useing to track yours?  Next week I will be running a 5k for a fund raiser for a nature/wildlife group.  Hey, I will get a "free" t-shirt for the $140 I have raised for this.  Neat huh?

I am sitting here waiting to Zoom with a wonderful lady I have been dating for quite a while now.  Tough not being able to see her in person during this time, but the Finger Lakes is now in stage 2 of the reopening of things and are now saying it is OK to socialize with a group of 10 people as long as it stays the same group.  So my Lady Friend and I are planning to do some bike riding (if the roof top car carrier ever arrives for mine) and hopefully have some dinners out again (on the outside porches of some restaurants properly spaced in her area as safety permits).

Tomorrow I will be a good brother and take my ailing sister for a drive up to Sodus Bay on Lake Ontario to get her out of her house for a bit.  Round trip will be less than 100 miles, but just in case I am charging the Tesla to full charge (250 miles) tonight.  She needs to be out and around a bit after all the problems she has dealt with last Winter.  Her Psychiatrist upped her amount of antidepressant she was taking.  That gave her a horribly dry mouth which...., of course, made her more depressed.Sigh

Hope everyone out there is staying safe and getting some hobby time in.

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Friday, May 29, 2020 8:50 PM

Thanks Ray.  That is a screen shot form my Iphone and the resident app.  We have a circuit, around a county park and back home of about 2 miles.  Our iphones measure different distances and different number of steps.  I did it twice today.  My 9 year old coonhound can't do it every day.  He starts to limp.


I feel almost anxious, now, if I don't walk enough.  I hope that feeling doesn't go away with the virus.  It's too easy to get into the habit of saying I'm too busy and sit on my caboose.

Enjoying the youtube videos of Suzanne's fine dining, who used to have a restaurant in your neck of the woods.  We were there for our honeymoon in 2012.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by ricktrains4824 on Friday, May 29, 2020 9:30 PM

Good evening all.

Zoe - Do you enjoy these late shifts? You seem to get alot of them. A nice big iced pepermint mocha please. Thanks.

Health - First, I do not have the virus, but I did have a asthma flare-up. (Hence the iced pepermint mocha.) Stinking weather on top of allergies is not working right now with me. On a steroid dose to help push me through. (It is helping, but I will start packing on pounds now... Bang Head Angry Bang Head)

Trains - I posted some update pics on the photo thread of the diesel locomotive detailing project, as well as a prototype shot for what she will be painted as. (Very close, but not an exact model. My "prototypical-freelancing" at work for a suitable very close stand in.) The painting projects (This loco and 12 coal hoppers) are on hold until the asthma is better a bit though. So only some more detailing on the loco for now.

Weather - Hit a very humid high of 82°F today before the storms came. Now sits at 56°. Tomorrow's high is a cool 62° forecasted. 

Hope all are well, safe and healthy. Everybody enjoy the night!

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.

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, May 29, 2020 9:30 PM

I just watched an 18 year old movie... The Ring.

Neither my wife nor I had seen it. I am amazed how many pop-culture references and jokes came from that movie, and I never knew their origin.

I need to make sure I watch all the socially relevent movies in a more timely manner.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Friday, May 29, 2020 10:24 PM

Heartland Division CB&Q
Dave: .... You did a great job startng the May Diner thread. Would you like doing it again in June ?

I'm quite willing to start the Diner in June (is it June already?!?), but I will ask that more people contribute information about the new location, wherever that may be. If anyone else would like to move the Diner then by all means speak up. Ulrich and I do not have a monopoly on the franchise. If you like the Diner then why not get involved?

So far I'm inclined to go to Duluth, Minnesota, if only to see the big ore freighter loaders in operation. If you want to go somewhere else, please speak 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 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, May 30, 2020 12:57 AM

hon30critter
but I will ask that more people contribute information about the new location, wherever that may be.

Dave,

I love to contribute, but if the diner is outside of Florida/Georgia/Carolinas I am afraid I do not have anything to add.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    December 2018
  • 57 posts
Posted by schief on Saturday, May 30, 2020 1:09 AM

hon30critter

 

 
Heartland Division CB&Q
Dave: .... You did a great job startng the May Diner thread. Would you like doing it again in June ?

 

I'm quite willing to start the Diner in June (is it June already?!?), but I will ask that more people contribute information about the new location, wherever that may be. If anyone else would like to move the Diner then by all means speak up. Ulrich and I do not have a monopoly on the franchise. If you like the Diner then why not get involved?

So far I'm inclined to go to Duluth, Minnesota, if only to see the big ore freighter loaders in operation. If you want to go somewhere else, please speak up.

Dave

 

I don't post in the diner but I do scan through it and enjoy the location posts.  Duluth is an area that I find Great Lake ports interesting and would enjoy reading about.  Alas, I do not live there so I have nothing to contribute on the subject.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Saturday, May 30, 2020 1:26 AM

Okay then!

Is anybody going to furiously disagree with going to Minnesota? We will have to leave present day Minniapolis out of the discussion for obvious reasons,Grumpy but we can certainly discuss its past railroading history.

See you in Minnesota in 22 hours!!

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
    April 2018
  • From: 53° 33′ N, 10° 0′ E
  • 2,508 posts
Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Saturday, May 30, 2020 3:27 AM

Good Morning!

It´s a fine morning with lots of sunshine. We got up early, woken up by the noise of the farmer cutting the grass on the adjacent meadow.  As soon a s he had finished, that little herd of deer showed up to munch on some of the cut grass!

We kkep most of the windows open to let the clear air in. Hardly any man made noise can be heard, instead Mother Nature is providing us with a mixed symphony by the frogs in the nearby pond, accompanied by various birds. Something like this:

Very relaxing!

And now something more model railroading like - I dare to post it here and not on CTT!

Dave, I am fine with Minnesota, as long as we stay away from Minneapolis. Not the place to be these days.

Have a great weekend!

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

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

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, May 30, 2020 8:07 AM

Good morning

A phrase you say to wish people well is what I'm doing.  It's not a good morning up here. 

I realise this isn't the place for a discussion of what is happening where I live so I'll bite my tongue and avoid any detail.  

Our lives have changed on a dime here.  Night 4 was the worse and is getting beyond the comfort zone of too close to home where my judy and I live.  Its growing and spanning out.

I told Judy we need to pack a bag and head next door to Wisconsin and watch this thing from afar.  Better safe than sorry.  There is really nothing here out side our front door anyway.

 

I'll catch up with you good people in Duluth.  Good people is what we need right nowSmile

I wish everyone well

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, May 30, 2020 9:30 AM

Tinplate Toddler
Mother Nature is providing us with a mixed concert of frogs in the nearby pond, accompanied by the singing of various birds.

I went outside last night at 2:00 AM and had a beer. The frogs and birds were sounding like a symphony. It was incredible and I stayed out there for more than thirty minutes.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Western transplant to the Deep South
  • 4,256 posts
Posted by Cederstrand on Saturday, May 30, 2020 9:48 AM

Strong coffee in a SOUTHERN mug, please.

***Roar, and the little town of Sherman on my layout has no subways. Big Smile

Still need to find some easy to install crossing gates with signals that will work with HO Kato unitrack!?!

Have a great day all.

Cheers! Cowboy Rob

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Saturday, May 30, 2020 10:02 AM

Good morning .... 

schief .... Thanks for chiming in with your thoughts. Please feel free to visit with us and tell us about your model railroading interests ....... and other stuff if you want. 

Ulrich .... Thanks for posting the videos. 

Ray, Henry, and Ricky ....... Nice to see your posts last night. 

Rob, Kevin, Dave, and John York 1 ..... Good to see you this morning.   

.............. 

My suggestion ........ Visit both Minnesota and North Dakota at the same time. They are adjacent to each other. .... Now that I think of it. South Dakota is nearby, of course. 

My vote: 3 states ... Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. 

Who wants to comment on that suggestion. ??

 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by ricktrains4824 on Saturday, May 30, 2020 10:15 AM

Garry - I like that suggestion.

I would say the same, let's do a region. Get more RR comments that way possibly.

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.

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Saturday, May 30, 2020 10:48 AM

Good morning, everyone.  Same breakfast as every other day for me -- bacon, eggs, and coffee.  Am I in a rut?

I really have no preference for the diner's location.  Garry's idea of ND and MN sounds good.

Still more garage work.  I had an electrician friend here yesterday to do something I couldn't figure out.  Today I can start finishing the sheetrock.

I'm very glad I am retired and do not have to deal with the current school situation.  What happens in the fall?  Some students worked on things and will be ready for the next level.  Others didn't work and will not be ready.  If the teacher spends the first months reviewing, the parents of the kids who worked will be upset.  If the teacher goes ahead with the regular curriculum, the parents of the kids who didn't work will be upset.  Happily, I will just let the guy who replaced me worry about it!

Time to go out to more work on the walls.  My legs still hurt from all the ladder climbing.

 

York1 John       

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, May 30, 2020 11:17 AM

York1
Happily, I will just let the guy who replaced me worry about it!

I have thought about how difficult it is going to be to get my previous operation up and running again after the total shut-down due to the virus.

I also am very glad it is someone else's problem.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, May 30, 2020 1:12 PM

Tinplate Toddler

Right in the middle of nowhere and a 5 minute bike ride from the beach!

 

 

Ulrich,  I would live somewhere like that in a minute!  In the middle of nowhere like you say.  I hope you and Petra can find an opportunity like that.  I feel you both deserve it and hopeful for you both.

I would like to thank You and Garry's past words of concern. 

The Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs residents are greatly relieved today after our Governor's press conference this morning.  13,200 Troops with combat air support are being deployed here today in preparation for tonight.  I highly doubt any of these cowards of past days will show up tonight.  What a relief that we all needed.

Just like Monday and all year through, I am so thankful and appreciative for our military and all our people of service. God bless them all!

 

Now that we can all breathe up here I can relate to the frog front.  I remember the symphony of frogs where I grew up,  they sang every night.  I crossed a catwalk dock at the swampy edge of the bay where I lived after dock duty at night.  Wooden Frog camp ground on beautiful Lake Kabetogama was at the other side and was the place to be when we were young.

Most recently I always enjoy the beaver dam pond right next door to Judy's Mom's house in Wisconsin.  Later at night when we're all around the campfire enjoying a beer and good conversation it's not only the frogs but the beavers that make these strange sounds like plastic spoons tapped on pots and pans.  They must somehow make the sounds with their flat tails.

Periodically the DNR has to come in and blast some of the Beaver Dam out with dynamite so the pond doesn't flood.  Judy's brother said it's quite loud as the dam is only about a hundred yards from their house.  Not to worry, the Beaver Lodge and the beavers are safe from this yearly task.

 

Have a great day everyone,  mine has sure gotten better!

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Saturday, May 30, 2020 2:03 PM

Spacex launch in 18 minutes  nasa.gov or national news on cable

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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