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Welcome to the November, 2020 Jeffrey's Trackside Diner in New Zealand

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  • Member since
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  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
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Posted by BATMAN on Friday, November 6, 2020 10:42 PM

Good evening all, it was a beautiful day here on the West Coast warm and sunny.

Ken, Nothin like spending time with the dog doin nothin. Very late at night, I would walk out a few hundred feet from the house and lay down on my back and just watch the stars. Being rural, some nights the show was pretty good. My old dog would patrol the area and then always come lay down next to me and put his head on my chest. We would lay out there in the dead quiet taking it all in for quite a while some nights. I could never live in a place where the noise never stopped. Some nights it would be so quiet it was like I did not have ears at all.

Picked up my RDC at PWRS today. They are under Covid rules and so I tapped on the door of shipping/receiving and this older women answers the door. I say I am here to pick up my RDC and she says I have to phone ahead to arrange P/U do you know how much stuff I have in here? It will take me forever to find it and you need to phone ahead.Laugh I know the staff there and realized she must be new and totally overwhelmed with the new job. So I phoned the number on the door and said Hi, this is Brent ****** I am here to pick up my RDC. The girl in the office says hi Brent, we will be right out with it. Fifteen seconds later the same lady that told me she could would never be able to find it came to the door with it.Laugh

They have great staff there and I am sure the little old lady knows who I am now.Laugh

Ed, I liked the pic of the yard in NZ. It looks so dirty and grimy. I think the best days of my working life were when I came home too disgusting to be touched by even the dog. The dirt and grime is one thing I really liked about the steam age.

Have not seen Brakie on the forum lately, He was active on some other forums as well but I have not had a chance to hit those ones up in a while.

I am too tired to take my new RDC out of the box so I will park myself in front of the idiot box and try and stay awake.

All the best to all.

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 Friday, November 6, 2020 10:08 PM

Yawning and tired here

I never like when my sleep is interrupted and I wake up at 4 in the morning wide awake.  That's the way it was this morning.  I prefer to wake at 6

 

I'm hitting the rack Kids

I always enjoy talking to you guys

 

Nighty nightWink

 

 

 

TF

 

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    August 2007
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Posted by CNCharlie on Friday, November 6, 2020 9:55 PM

Good Evening,

When we were in Zimbabwe in 2019, I hoped I might see some steam action especially a Garratt but steam was gone from the lines around Vic Falls. 

CN Charlie

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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, November 6, 2020 9:31 PM

Thanks Ed

Enjoyed!  I love the old Black and Whites.  I especially liked the one drifting.  The steamer going downhill relaxing reminded me of me in the evening after I went up hill all day

And the Steamers pulling backwards and some of the black soot coming out because they hadn't been cleaned for a while

And the Engine That Could coming up the steep grade

 

Thanks Ed,  Liked it! Stick out tongue

 

 

 

WinkTF

  • Member since
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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Friday, November 6, 2020 8:54 PM

Good to hear from you, Ken! Give Dirk a treat from me Wink

Friday Night At The Movies (NSW Style):

Regards, Ed

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  • From: Maryville IL
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Posted by cudaken on Friday, November 6, 2020 7:31 PM

 Eveing Diners

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

 Charlie I have had only 2 male dogs, and there health does seem worst than females. Sparkie rest his soul went blind around 12 years old from cradic's. I did not have the need $3000.00 for the surgary. When I did, his health was to bad to do the surgary. Sigh Dirk will not go blind, not another friend!

 Garry Hope you get over what you have soon and get back into tip top shape!

 T/F Credit score is not a real worry, 748 is still good. Called Discover Card today and had my wife added to the account. They all so bumped my credit limt up too $10,700.00. They must like me! Big Smile I should be up too 751 Trans Union.

 It was a Dirk day today.

 You know you are getting old when you sit outside, drink coffee with your dog and count the leaves falling out of the trees! Yep, I did that and counted 800 + leaves falling. We walked a 1/3 of a mile, sat outside a little more. Later we took him to the park again. Boy we are treating this dog like he is our child. Confused Part of it is beacuse I am trying to make it up for Sparkie. I did spend a lot of time with him, just not outside.

 Later, Ken and Dirk says Woof, Woof!

I hate Rust

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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Friday, November 6, 2020 6:41 PM

Good evening,

MisterBeasley
Ray, we tried to buy a small turkey yesterday, but they were all sold out.  All they had was big birds.  It struck me that so many Thanksgivings this year will be only small gatherings, not the feasts of yore.

There was a story in the Washington Post a few weeks back about how the turkey farmers missed their projection and grew too many birds.

I wonder why they don't split them into halves or quarters like they do chicken? We buy turkey at least once a month, sometimes more often. I smoke them and cut the meat up for sandwiches. Sometimes we find turkey for less than a dollar a pound. Why wait for Thanksgiving?

Today Dee Ann and I went to our local department on aging (fancy name for our county seniors center) and signed all the papers for our updated wills, power of attorney, update the house deed (survivorship) and all that good stuff. Excellent legal service at $25/visit. What a bargain! Glad to have all that paperwork finalized for the enevitable.

Still enjoying gorgeous weather here, too! Great stuff.

Great spot for train watching:

 NZGR, Greymouth, New Zealand, 1967 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr

Here's another "critter" for Dave to model!

 Pleasant Point/Timaru, New Zealand, 2006 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr

Stay safe and be happy, everybody —

Cheers, Ed

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    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, November 6, 2020 6:06 PM

Evening

Dusk is earlier now (Hate daylight savings-time) Started getting noticeably darker at about 5:20.  Christmas music was playing in the hallways at my condo.  I don't have anything against Christmas or Christmas music but it took me by surprise because it's so nice outside

Got my truck winterized today enjoying the nice weather 

Judy got picked up 10 minutes late this evening, I thought I'd get a 12-pack of tacos because I didn't feel like cooking tonight and with that, I didn't think she would either

This freak season blessing upon us with this nice weather is going to come to a screeching halt come Monday.  Rain, possible thunderstorms and snow with 30 degrees coming up soon after that

I don't slap a gift horse in the mouth.  I sincerely enjoyed the second wave of Indian Summer and we'll ride it out to the endYes

I would very much like to go out to my buddy Erv's tomorrow for a visit as I haven't seen him for weeks.  His next door neighbor's have covid sweeping through the house

I know his neighbors and my prayers are with them but I will not be going out there tomorrow

 

I have a bridge to finish and it is easily removable.  I think I will take it out on the patio tomorrow and do some modeling in the nice weather before it ends

 

Have a great night gentleman

 

 

TF

 

P.S.  Garry you chimed in but you did not give us an update on how you're doing with that upper respiratory infection.  I'm concerned as I know others are

How ya doing Kid? Smile

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, November 6, 2020 5:57 PM

Cederstrand

Using a basic Digitrax DCS52, how many connections for current should I hook up around a 4x8 layout? Thanks for any help.

Cowboy Rob

It's the same with any DCC system, at least one set of feeders for every two sections of track.  If you have a string of turnouts, then even more feeders.  Feeders are good, and more feeders are better.

Ray, we tried to buy a small turkey yesterday, but they were all sold out.  All they had was big birds.  It struck me that so many Thanksgivings this year will be only small gatherings, not the feasts of yore.

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

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Western transplant to the Deep South
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Posted by Cederstrand on Friday, November 6, 2020 5:11 PM

Cheese enchiladas with rice and beans, please.

Using a basic Digitrax DCS52, how many connections for current should I hook up around a 4x8 layout? Thanks for any help.

Healing thoughts for those in need. Have a nice evening all. 

Cowboy Rob

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Friday, November 6, 2020 1:09 PM

Afternoon folks!

A beautiful Fall day here in the Finger Lakes Region of NYS today.  Temp outside at the moment is 71°F.  Enjoyed my first run of the day a while ago and will be heading out to finish my 5k soon. 

My family has decided that this Thanksgiving will be held at my house and it will be just my son's family, my sister, and I.  So for the first time in about a decade, I will be doing the Turkey!  I will also make a large batch of my Grandmother's recipie stuffing which they all love.  Other dishes will be brought by the others to share mostly.

Did just get a good email from my contractor (a former student of mine) Who had to get the testing for the crap out there.  His wife caught it from a friend of hers who is a nurse.  So far the wife does have it but the contractor and the kids all tested negative.  That is very good news for me as he was here at my house on Monday!!!!  Wife was exposed last Saturday!

York1
I really like seeing these sites on a large computer screen as opposed to a small phone screen.

Me too!  Looking at photos on a cell phone really makes me shake my head.  No real definition unless you only see a very tiny small part of the photo.  Cells phones are useful but I still hate the things!

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
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  • From: Flyover Country
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Posted by York1 on Friday, November 6, 2020 12:04 PM

Happy Friday, everyone.

I just finished drying Daisy the Dachshund.  My wife gave her a bath.  I've never seen a dog hate getting wet more than her.

I am looking at some new laptops.  Since I don't have a cell phone, this laptop is my only connection.

The school system provided my cell phone until I retired, and I decided then that I didn't want to be connected to anyone all day long.  I haven't regretted not having one, but if the laptop goes, I will miss being online until I can get another one.

I really like seeing these sites on a large computer screen as opposed to a small phone screen.

Have a great Friday.

York1 John       

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    August 2007
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Posted by CNCharlie on Friday, November 6, 2020 11:54 AM

Good Morning,

TF and Brent, thanks for the kind words on Robbie. Our last male westie had the same surgery. We have spent a small fortune over the past 35 years on vet bills for 3 male westies. The female we had was certainly healthier and certainly tougher. 

Nice counter top Brent. I sure agree that renos are a pain. 5 years ago we did our bathroom and just choosing the countertop involved many trips to stores. We(she) finally chose stuff called Vetrazzo. It is made out of cement with bits of car windshield glass. Beautiful stuff but then we found the distributor quit handling it due to the freight cost getting it here from S. Carolina. Luckily he had a half slab left of the style we wanted. Man that stuff was heavy. 

Not as warm today as predicted yesterday, only about 40F which is still 10 above normal.

I was looking at my N scale layout and my give it a run today. Guess I kind of lost interest in it. I did think about selling it all off but wouldn't get much for it so in the furnace room it shall remain.

CN Charlie

  • Member since
    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, November 6, 2020 10:10 AM

MisterBeasley

 

 
York1

Does anyone know what happened to the thread, "Layout Changes"?

I posted earlier.  Now when I checked back, the thread is blank.

 

 

John, I just checked that thread, and it looks fine to me.

 

I still see it.

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, November 6, 2020 10:06 AM

York1

Does anyone know what happened to the thread, "Layout Changes"?

I posted earlier.  Now when I checked back, the thread is blank.

John, I just checked that thread, and it looks fine to me.

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

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Friday, November 6, 2020 9:46 AM

Good morning, everybody. ... I'm actually awake. 

Bear....  thanks for the good food. I did post a CB&Q locomotive along with an NP engine in Photo Fun. I told the crews to watch out for a bear that may be lurking. 

Kevin .... Apparently, your computer is functioning again. That's good. .... Thanks for the FL OJ. Good stuff. 

Everybody: .... Have a nice day. 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, November 6, 2020 7:52 AM

I am getting envious with these high temperatures you quote.

I shall have to cheer myself up.   'It's Burger Friday'.    A simple cheese burger today, with wedges and slaw.   I dislike mixing the meat with breadcrumbs and ketchup,  but a job has to be  done right. Smile

All invited.  Bring the beers!

Stay safe 

David

 

 

 

 

 

 

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, November 6, 2020 7:16 AM

Track fiddler
I would imagine winter is your best enjoyable season down there

Yes, Winter is absolute paradise. Highs in the 60s or 70s, no humidity, and no rain.

It is the perfect time to do a lot of airbrushing!

-Kevn

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, November 6, 2020 6:59 AM

SeeYou190

We will be in the mid 80s today, but the tropical humidity is back again. We were dry for the last few days and it felt great.

 

Good morning Kevin, you're up early again today.  I would imagine winter is your best enjoyable season down thereYes

 

 

TF

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, November 6, 2020 6:50 AM

Track fiddler
We are getting spoiled up here with the unseasonably warm-weather continuing.  A predicted high of 77 today.  I know it isn't going to last much longer but I'll take it while I can

Good morning everyone. Chloe, please bring me a bowl of Corn Flakes with milk, and a large cup of your darkest coffee.

We will be in the mid 80s today, but the tropical humidity is back again. We were dry for the last few days and it felt great.

TOP OF THE PAGE

Everyone enjoy some Orange Juice with their breakfast on me.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, November 6, 2020 6:32 AM

Good morning

We are getting spoiled up here with the unseasonably warm-weather continuing.  A predicted high of 77 today.  I know it isn't going to last much longer but I'll take it while I can

Thanks for the treats Bear and the Steamer videos, ...Enjoyed

Liked the stage coach pic David, here's the one I have

The new quartz vanity top looks nice Brent.  I bet you'll be happy when the adhesive on the undermount sinks dry so you can get the faucets installed and break it in.  The puppies at nap time put a smile on my face especially the one sleeping on his back with his feet in the airSmile

Hope you're feeling better Garry,  get well and hope to see ya soon 

 

Taking Judy to work soon.  Going to be outside enjoying the weather, doing a few things to the truck getting it ready for winter today

 

Have a great day gentlemenWink

 

 

TF

 

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,251 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Friday, November 6, 2020 4:20 AM
"They seemed to be constantly belching heavy black smoke. Were they always under load because of the grades, or is that a result of the grade of coal being used, or is that just how they worked? The trains didn't seem to be long enough to justify the apparent load they locomotives were under."
 
Gidday Dave, my thinking is that by the time that video was taken those Garretts were over 50 years old, and though they had had a major rebuild in the early 80s, they were , by 2011 getting rather “long in the tooth”, and given the severe decline in Zimbabwe’s fortunes, would have been receiving minimal maintenance, not to say that the “Railwaymen” wouldn’t have done their best in keeping them running. Hard to do when there’s a lack of funds, though!
 
 "I'm assuming that would have made for some interesting variations in tractive ability as the water level decreased."
 
Yes, as the water level dropped so would the adhesive weight and accordingly the tractive effort. This was a problem with all tank engines, though a retired driver told me that the secret was to top up the tanks at every available chance.
 
Here’s a video showing the NZRs biggest tank engine, a Wab class, 4-6-4T.
 
 
 
The other day, Ed posted a photo of Glenbrook Vintage Railways No 4, formerly the Taupo Totara Timber Co No 7, 2-4-4-2, the only compound Mallett in NZ. She is currently in storage, but here’s a video of her when she was in action.
 
 
I see that I managed to neglect the Diners as my last post ended up top of the page so please tuck in to some sausage rolls and lamingtons!
Comfort food. by JaBearz, on Flickr
Lambingtons 1 by JaBearz, on Flickr
Lambingtons2 by JaBearz, on Flickr
 
50 feet of snow, Holy coldness Batman!!We’d go to pieces if we saw 50 millimetre’s here!!
 
Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them, Kia Kaha.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

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

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, November 6, 2020 4:17 AM

When we say  "There is snow on the line    ----  "

There is a a train there  ---  somewhere.

 

Good morning all.    Winter is approaching.   The temperature is in the mid 30sF

We haven't had a delivery of mail for nearly a week.   It was quicker in the old stagecoach days

 

 

Take care everyone.

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • 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 Friday, November 6, 2020 12:18 AM

Good evening all.

Kitchen renos are a pain, too many details to take care of.Sigh

The Quartz arrived for the trainroom bathroom today, I helped the guy put it in place, man that sucker was heavy,

 

I am glad I am getting an electrician to do the kitchen as I have really lost interest in the whole project and would be dragging my butt to get it done.

Charlie, sorry to hear Robbie needs surgery. The wife has done many cruciate surgeries over the years. Good thing insurance will cover some of it.

I have been misbehavin and eating too much and have missed the bike for a couple of days because of house renos. I need to drop a couple of pounds, usually I need to eat more so that was a bit of a surprise for me. No biggie for me to do.

Dave, the pups eat pureed puppy food as they have no teeth yet.

I can't believe we ate the whole thing.

Image may contain: dog

TF, your barbecues in the park look so relaxing, I could use that right now. The guy that put in the bathroom quartz measure up the kitchen before he left.Tongue TiedLaugh Can't take it with me is all I will say.

I need to get my flu shot and I keep forgetting when I go out. I just need to pop into any pharmacy, it is free and you are in and out in five minutes and I still forget.Dunce

Garry, hope you are on the mend.

Albert Canyon gets/got over fifty feet of snow a year.

All the best to all.

 

Brent

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

  • Member since
    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Thursday, November 5, 2020 10:26 PM

Congratulations on your pick of Thursday Night Football John

At least San Fran went out with a bit of dignity

I ain't the coach but I have no idea why they waited until the last 15 minutes of the game to try to start passing instead of trying to run it up the center that wasn't working the whole game

But then again I don't understand a lot of things

 

It was nice of San Fran to show up for the last 10 minutes of the game

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Thursday, November 5, 2020 9:50 PM

Don't feel bad

My smartphone is failing.  People's posts here are only showing up half of the text they're typing sometimes.

My PayPal is offline and can't be accessed.  I was on hold for 2 hours and talk to them for 1 hour and never got anything resolved

It's almost like I have a virus in my phone.  Viruses in phones are very rare but I think I will have to put on my mask and stop in at my servers store

I hate to go in stores and try to avoid it as much as possible

 

But my phone is jacked

 

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    February 2018
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Posted by York1 on Thursday, November 5, 2020 9:42 PM

Track fiddler
I just dug it up on a commercial John Your post was there and my reply to your post and my last post to Mel

 

I really think my laptop is failing.  There are a lot of funny little things going wrong.

York1 John       

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    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Thursday, November 5, 2020 9:34 PM

Good evening .

Charlie ... Sorry to hear about Robbie.

 

Bear.... Thanks for your very kind remarks.

 

To all.  Thanks to each for well wishes. I still need lots of rest.  

be back later.  Cheers

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Thursday, November 5, 2020 9:29 PM

I just dug it up on a commercial John

Your post was there and my reply to your post and my last post to Mel

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Thursday, November 5, 2020 9:15 PM

Does anyone know what happened to the thread, "Layout Changes"?

I posted earlier.  Now when I checked back, the thread is blank.

York1 John       

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