Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Welcome to the September Diner! This month we are in New Mexico! Locked

29738 views
686 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, September 24, 2020 11:42 PM

BATMAN
Dave, my Dad had muscular dystrophy and had one of these.

Hi Brent,

I just happen to have one of those! Mine came from a relative who was a Colonel in WWII and it was subsequently passed down to his nephew, my father, who used it extensively when he was commanding the Ontario Regiment which was (is) a reserve unit in the Canadian Armed Forces. It was a tank regiment when my father commanded it in the 1960s so he spent a lot of time in fields watching the manouvers.

I have used it a couple of times. Both times it was quite uncomfortable and both times I fell over backwards because I wasn't paying enough attention.DunceSmile, Wink & GrinLaughLaughLaugh A wheelchair is so much more comfortable and it doesn't leave any nasty marks in the floor which the steel spike on the bottom of the cane tended to do.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I have decided to go in comfort!Smile, Wink & GrinLaugh Besides, it will be much harder to fall out of the wheelchair when I have had a few drinks!Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaughDrinksThumbs Up

Cheers!!

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
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, September 24, 2020 11:41 PM

SpaceMouse
SpaceMouse wrote the following post 1 hours ago: gmpullman Finally worked out a way to have a little lift-out to access the track underneath. That section looks a lot better.

Thank you, Chip! Smile

 

hon30critter
I can't stand for more than a few minutes even when I am leaning on my cane, so we decided that I might as well be comfortable.

Have you looked into a "Rollator" Dave?

 

 

https://assistedlivingtoday.com/blog/best-walkers-for-seniors/

My sister had a condition called drop-foot (IIRC) and she used several varieties of these lightweight "walkers" but unlike the traditional scoot along types these allow sitting at a comfortable position along with a little better mobility than a traditional wheelchair.

Just an idea...

Good Luck, Ed

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Thursday, September 24, 2020 10:42 PM

Dave, my Dad had muscular dystrophy and had one of these.

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

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

Hi folks!

Well, I passed a milestone today, or it might better be described as a millstone. I rented a wheelchair.

As I have mentioned, we are headed north to the polar bear sanctuary in Cochrane, Ontario next week and there is the possibility that we may have to wait a considerable amount of time to see a bear. I can't stand for more than a few minutes even when I am leaning on my cane, so we decided that I might as well be comfortable.

I have had to use a wheelchair a couple of times in the past when recovering from various surgeries, but this is the first time that I using one to deal with my back pain. Oh well, it's a better option than drugs, and they don't work anyhow.

Cheers everybody!!

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
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Thursday, September 24, 2020 9:56 PM

gmpullman
Finally worked out a way to have a little lift-out to access the track underneath.

That section looks a lot better.

SeeYou190

That un-needed PENNSYLVANIA antenna is the only thing holding me back from clicking the "procede to checkout" button. 

Dremel makes this wheel thingy...

CNCharlie
Our hordes of Pine Siskins are still with us. My wife estimates 300 in our yard yesterday. Sure hope they move on soon, we can't keep buying this much birdseed. 

I suggest firecrackers.

It's Red-wing blackbirds that wipe us out. The females come in flocks in fall and can empty every feeder we have (and I have a few) in about an hour.

Ringo58
I did have to sell off 2 of my RTR athearns to justify the impulse buy in my head. But Id much rather a Genesis SOO f7 over a UP gp50 and a NS SD60!

As if we need to justify more locomotives.LaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaugh

 

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, September 24, 2020 9:22 PM

Heartland Division CB&Q
Kevin ..... You say you are tempted to purchase a brass model of Erie Built locomotive. .... I am pleased with the Erie Built produced by Proto 1000 several years ago. 

I have so far resisted the temptation. I spent the afternoon working on the tile behind the bathroom sink and mounting my beautiful new Dazor work lamp to my workbench.

Tomorrow I might become weak.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Thursday, September 24, 2020 9:02 PM

Good evening ..

Dave ... Speaking of TH&B, my boxcar kit which I just completed is a TH&B 40' boxcar. 

Kevin ..... You say you are tempted to purchase a brass model of Erie Built locomotive. .... I am pleased with the Erie Built produced by Proto 1000 several years ago. 

Here is my Erie Built ABA with the Super Chief. 

 

Below is the real thing. 

 

Everybody: .... Have a good night. 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, September 24, 2020 8:29 PM

gmpullman
TLT was recently bought by Atlas?

Hi Ed,

That is great news, especially because their first project will be the slab sided covered hoppers which, for some reason, are my favourite cars. They won't be doing the CP block or script versionsGrumpy, but they are doing Toronto Hamilton & Buffalo which suits me fine! They won't be cheap here in Canada, but the prices will be comparable to what the True Line originals now sell for on eBay.

Thanks,

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
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Posted by cudaken on Thursday, September 24, 2020 8:10 PM

 Eveing Diners

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

 Nothing new to report, just a lazy day. Did some running and spent most of the day with Dirk and the wife.

 Later, Ken and Dirk says Woof, Woof.

I hate Rust

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • 2,123 posts
Posted by CNCharlie on Thursday, September 24, 2020 7:10 PM

Ed, thanks for the link. I see they sold the molds for the C Liner. Hope they decide to produce it. I need a B unit. 

CN Charlie

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, September 24, 2020 5:58 PM

CNCharlie
I wasn't aware that TLT has sold. They are not longer in operation. The owner had health issues so who knows. 

https://mrr.trains.com/news-reviews/new-products/2020/08/atlas-acquires-ho-n-tooling-from-true-line-trains

Regards, Ed

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • 2,123 posts
Posted by CNCharlie on Thursday, September 24, 2020 5:08 PM

Ed, I see the model in question is #868/1000 so it is one of the later ones after they solved a lot of the QC issues of the early ones. I had an early one first that ran poorly but later got #895 that runs great. I understand they were made in the factory owned by Rapido. The fluid for the smoke unit is Rapido brand. I don't use the smoke. There is a switch under the sand dome to turn it on or off. The sound is in the tender and there is a speaker under the cab too. I find the sound to be very good on this engine. Apparently the whistle is from an actual U2g. To my eyes the U2g is one of the nicest looking steam locos. It just has a nice balance to it and I do like Boxspok drivers and Vanderbuilt tenders. 

I wasn't aware that TLT has sold. They are not longer in operation. The owner had health issues so who knows. 

 

CN Charlie

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, September 24, 2020 4:01 PM

CNCharlie
Ed, a while ago you mentioned that you would like to pickup a U2g.

Thanks, Charlie Yes  I'll keep an eye on that.

TLT was recently bought by Atlas? I wonder if they ever made any progress on their proposed NYC caboose? Maybe Atlas will move ahead with it?

Thanks to everybody, Ed

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • 2,123 posts
Posted by CNCharlie on Thursday, September 24, 2020 3:27 PM

Just back from a grocery run.

Ed, a while ago you mentioned that you would like to pickup a U2g. There is a TLT one for sale on ebay. Look up the listings for trains and such. They are a shop in Calgary that have been around for a long time. Anyway they have a NIB one for sale now for a really good price. The TLT version is as well detailed as the Rapido Hudson and are great if you get a good one. This one has been tested so it does work. The decoder is a QSI. They also list a lot of GTW colour slides. 

Going to sit out with Robbie and have a Starbucks Frappachino. I especially like the Caramel one. 

CN Charlie

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, September 24, 2020 2:04 PM

RideOnRoad
We didn't even see 70 this morning.

Were in the 90s! I love this time of year. Makes me so glad I am not up North. Warm and toasty, no ice ever, no snow ever, life is good.

I can't imagine how you guys are stocking up on firewood and getting ready to hunker in your bunkers for weeks on end.

Just wishing I could go to the beach again.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    December 2012
  • From: Mesa, AZ
  • 1,530 posts
Posted by RideOnRoad on Thursday, September 24, 2020 1:15 PM

CNCharlie
Supposed to be another warm day here, 70F or so.

We didn't even see 70 this morning.

Richard

  • Member since
    April 2020
  • 526 posts
Posted by Ringo58 on Thursday, September 24, 2020 12:56 PM

SeeYou190

Oh, The Temptation!

BrassTrains Dot Com has this set of Erie-Builts (A&B) that will cost me less than $250.00 with shipping right now!

These are not even on my "to-buy" list, but for some reason I am simply salivating over these beauties. They might be mine very soon.

That un-needed PENNSYLVANIA antenna is the only thing holding me back from clicking the "procede to checkout" button. 

-Kevin

 

Funny enough I had just ordered my "last" engine for a while. Well that was the CN sd70. Then I wanted an F7 for the roster. A soo line would be awesome! So I went to the parts bin, and pulled out my old bachmann F unit chassis from when I was a kid. (Shells were long gone) I found one that ran okay and ordered a soo line shell from bachmann. Get it on and it dosent look right. The plow sits way too high for my liking. Well a quick Ebay search led me to a bachmann plus F7B for 30. NIB I figured Id buy it for the chassis. ( so if anyone needs a PRR B unit shell, pm me!) But THEN on my way out of ebay I took a look at the "reccomended for you" section and what do you know- A genesis SOO F7! Just what I wanted! So I had to get it. Now I'll dress up the bachmann to match the genesis and run them together!

Long story short, if you see something you really like, I say get it! Ive heard of buyers remorse, but I always find me having didn'tbuy it remorse!

I did have to sell off 2 of my RTR athearns to justify the impulse buy in my head. But Id much rather a Genesis SOO f7 over a UP gp50 and a NS SD60!

But those are some really nicce locos, Kevin. I don't think I could resist either!

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • 2,123 posts
Posted by CNCharlie on Thursday, September 24, 2020 11:35 AM

Good Morning,

Supposed to be another warm day here, 70F or so. The leaves are turning fast and the large elm in our yard has started dropping its leaves.

John, funny how some dogs hate snow and others love it. We had 2 Westies a while ago and the male hated to go out  in the snow. The female was so excited when the first snow hit that she would run around the yard doing little stag leaps. She loved rolling in it, burying her face in it and generally getting covered in it. Oh, and digging out frozen crab apples to eat. She wouldn't touch them unless they were frozen. 

Nothing planned for today. I might run trains a little or just sit outside. It is quiet so far as the guys doing our neighbours driveway haven't showed up yet. They set the forms yesterday but have to do the re-bar. I thought the concrete was supposed to go down on Friday. 

Our hordes of Pine Siskins are still with us. My wife estimates 300 in our yard yesterday. Sure hope they move on soon, we can't keep buying this much birdseed. 

CN Charlie

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, September 24, 2020 11:31 AM

Oh, The Temptation!

BrassTrains Dot Com has this set of Erie-Builts (A&B) that will cost me less than $250.00 with shipping right now!

These are not even on my "to-buy" list, but for some reason I am simply salivating over these beauties. They might be mine very soon.

That un-needed PENNSYLVANIA antenna is the only thing holding me back from clicking the "procede to checkout" button. 

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Thursday, September 24, 2020 11:22 AM

Good morning, everyone.  Another beautiful fall day outside.

The leaves on the ash trees have turned brown.  Ash trees in our area always lose their leaves first, and they are never pretty.  They go straight from green to dark brown.

Now my maples and oaks are getting ready.  The maples will be bright orange, and the oaks will be maroon.

I've got a bunch of firewood ready.  What I'm really excited about, and why I love Fall the most, is that the grass quits growing, and once the leaves are picked up, I won't have to do yard work for several months.  I hate yard work.

As you can tell, there's not much going on in my life.  We will see more grandchildren this week and next week, so that's the highlight of the month.

I've basically finished my latest layout project, so yesterday I just ran the trains and watched.  Some operations modelers think it's boring, but I enjoy just letting the trains run and watching.

I have to find my next layout project.  I still have a bunch of empty space in the town, so I'm thinking of building a hotel.  The only drawback is the number of windows to cut out -- my least favorite part of scratchbuilding.

Our town finally got its five railroad crossings made into a quiet zone.  Everyone in town is happy except for me.  I loved the sounds of the trains coming through.  I could sit on my front porch, and listen as every train hit each crossing.

Daisy needs to go out and walk.  Pretty soon we will have to drag her out.  She hates winter.  I think her dachshund's short legs in the snow are why she hates that weather.

Hope everyone has a good, healthy day.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, September 24, 2020 11:07 AM

gmpullman
How did it get to be THURSDAY already?

That is a great question. This week shot by like a rocket on roller skates.

Heartland Division CB&Q
I completed the boxcar kit last night. 

I have not completed a boxcar in over a month. My "kit completion" to "kit purchase" ratio is way off. At this rate I will probably have over 100 kits in back-log by the time layout construction is underway.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Thursday, September 24, 2020 10:40 AM

Good morning

 

Brent ... the video of the train in snow is remarkable.

Kevin .... Thanks for the smoothie.

Ed ...... Your scenery and PRR tower look great. 

Ken ... Dirk must be a great companion. 

 

I completed the boxcar kit last night. 

 

Everybody ..... Have a good day. 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, September 24, 2020 5:35 AM

Good Morning!

How did it get to be THURSDAY already??

I hope everyone's week is progressing well. Weather has been near-perfect here in NE Ohio the past few days.

Heartland Division CB&Q
Anybody else working on their layouts or model trains ???

I'm glad to say that I'm getting back into more scenery on the layout itself. I was in a rut for a while, spending nearly all the time in the workshop doing decoder upgrades, planting little people into passenger cars and building kits.

I've had this bare plywood for way too long!

 Tower_April by Edmund, on Flickr

Finally worked out a way to have a little lift-out to access the track underneath.

Here's a look as of this morning with the static grass dry, tower and some details temporarily in place:

 Tower_grounds_9-24 by Edmund, on Flickr

That Walthers PRR tower is a beautiful kit Yes

 

Meanwhile—  back in New Mexico, the Santa Fe shop boys are looking over the Madame Queen in Clovis.

 ATnSF_5000 by Edmund, on Flickr

Santa Fe 5000 is still with us and now on display in Amarillo, Texas. Lots of neat details to see on the 1930 Baldwin.

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 11:31 PM

MisterBeasley
Hg is the atomic symbol for Mercury.

Yep, so my plate said "One Low 1966 Mercury", only no one ever got it. 

1LO66HG looked too much like a regular license plate number in 1986.

I am sure some science nerd following me got a chuckle out of it one day.

TOP OF THE PAGE

I just finished a bottle of Mango Smoothie, feel free to have one for yourself.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Posted by cudaken on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 10:50 PM

 Eveing Diners

 Flo, give the gang and I a Beer please and Robbie and Dirk a dog treat!

 Monday and Tuesday my customer where the walking dead. Today I had real people come in and there brains had not been eaten! Big Smile While not a great day, $2300.00 is not bad!

 While I lived in Ind My 68 Road Runner plates said Z Eater. I wanted it to say Rat Posion but to many letters. I am not a Chevy Fan, being a Mopar guy.

 Far as Dirk Pip? I did not want another Dog after we lost Sparkie. But my wife won and we have Dirk. I tell him "I did not want another Dog, but I am glad I meet you!" He is a thieve! He has stolen my heart.

 Later, Ken and Dirk says I love you Daddy Woof, Woof!

I hate Rust

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 9:59 PM

Two in a row! Post hog!

Tis the season.

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 9:42 PM

Evening all. The monsoons are really letting us have it right now. That's okay as everything will be so clean and fresh when the Sun comes out.

Took my new Rapido RDC1/PH2 out for a long spin, what a beauty eh? 

Forty years ago when I learned to fly, I had no problem getting a handle on all the gauges, knobs, buttons and procedures that were involved with becoming proficient with the operation of the aircraft. For my Rapido Royal Hudsons, FP7s and now the RDC I have to have the manuals spread out for easy reference. I am either too old to get a handle on memorizing all the "F#s" or maybe I am just trying too hard. I am glad they are there though as it makes for a lot of fun.

The interior lights still need the magic wand to extinguish, it will be nice if that can be done with a function # someday. Apparently the technology is not there yet according to Rapido.

It sure is windy, best go gas up the generator as this is just the start.

All the best to all. 

Image may contain: train, sky, outdoor and nature

 

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 8:52 PM

SeeYou190

 

 
RideOnRoad
RYDONRD. It's supposed to be read, "RideOnRoad". A while back my nephew asked me, "Why does your car have plates that say 'Ride-O-Nerd' on them?"

 

My vanity plate on my 1966 Mercury was:

1LO66HG

I dare your nephew to come up with a more nerdy license plate than that!

Laugh

-Kevin

 

Hg is the atomic symbol for Mercury.

Did you know that Venus, in its trips around the sun, has developed a "spin orbit resonance" such that it always points the same face towards earth?  Sort of like the moon always has one face towards earth.  Same fundamental laws, actually.

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

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 6:45 PM

A friend of mine bought some land in rural Georgia.  It was previously part of a farm so he need a new street number.  He called the tax assessor, who answered his own phone.

"I don't do that, you have to call Mary at 911 !!   He called 911 and Mary answered.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Currently in Chicago area
  • 830 posts
Posted by up831 on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 5:57 PM

Hi Everyone,

Brunhilda, coffee with cream, please.

Kevin:  I for one haven't a clue what your licwnse plate said.  It looks like "1 low 66 hog", but I doubt that's it.

Well, it is that time of year when Autumn makes its appearance.  Fall is beautiful for about the first 4 weeks, then IMO it turns into a brown dreary cold ordeal until late March.  But, with Fall comes the inevitable seasonal flavors that thankfully appear only once a year.  So, here is this year's offering.  

  Pumpkin spice overload by Jim S, on Flickr" />

 

Enjoy!

PS:  these are not photoshopped. They were that way on the shelf.

Less is more,...more or less!

Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!