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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: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Monday, November 2, 2020 11:41 PM

BATMAN
I was out in a T-shirt all afternoon and it was a spectacular day.

Okay Brent, rub it in, rub it in!Smile, Wink & Grin

Actually we may be close to 16 and sunny tomorrow so I'm sure we will be on the deck. That's supposed to last until next Tuesday and maybe go up to 19 so we will make the most of it.

Our deck has a fiberglass roof so we can sit out in all sorts of weather provided that it is not terribly windy. We spend a lot of time on it watching the birds and feeding the chipmunks.

Here is a view from the garden. It's not the best shot but you get the idea:

It was the best investment that we have ever made! You are all welcome to join us for cocktails and appetizers any time you want!

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
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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Monday, November 2, 2020 11:44 PM

BATMAN
I never put anything on a commercial flight unless I screened it first, it did not matter who it was from.

ValuJet 592 Blindfold

Your RDC will need to have her wheels trued-up after an unexpected 2000 20,000 mi. round trip Whistling

Thanks for the chow, Dave! Poutine — Yum Dinner

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 12:01 AM

gmpullman
Your RDC will need to have her wheels trued-up after an unexpected 2000 mi. round trip 

2000 miles?!? Google suggests that the one way trip is just over 10,000 miles! I think you missed a 'zero'.Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaugh

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
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Posted by gmpullman on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 12:10 AM

hon30critter
2000 miles?!?

I got the data HERE

Don't tell me the internet was wrong?

Well, I'm just on my first cocktail. My mind gets sharper after the second Big Smile

OK, MY BAD! Who'da thought there'd be another SYDNEY! In Nova Scotia, yet!

This one seems to be more better...

https://www.trippy.com/distance/Toronto-to-Sydney

 

Cheers, Ed

  • 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 Tuesday, November 3, 2020 12:39 AM

gmpullman
Well, I'm just on my first cocktail. My mind gets sharper after the second 

Mine too! Unfortunately, the delirious effects of my two rum and Pepsis have worn off. 

We are in New Zealand so let's not forget about the rail line that crosses an active runway at Ginsborne Airport. I wonder if the engineer had to go to ground school?

Gisborne Airport- Railway track on Runway! - Album on Imgur

Apparently, there is a real steam excursion that you can go on that crosses the runway.

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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  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
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Posted by BATMAN on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 12:44 AM

Just completed the Ohio-New South Wales-Ontario endurance race!

Trackside Treasure: VIA's ex-CP Canadian Cars - Scrapped!

 

Brent

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

  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 1:04 AM

BATMAN
Just completed the Ohio-New South Wales-Ontario endurance race!

Oooops!! Not a great way to start your day!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 1:09 AM

BATMAN
Pups had their first meal today, Yuck!

Yuck is right! What is that stuff?!? I suppose it takes all the guess work out of what's going to come out the other end!Ick!Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaugh

Now I know why I'm not breeding pups!

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 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,251 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 1:33 AM

hon30critter
I'm sorry to hear that Covid-19 has messed your business up so badly.

Thanks for your concern Dave, but I shouldn’t really complain, my exposure to aerial tourism and flight training operations catering to international students has been deliberately minimised over several years.
The ffolkess I feel sorry for, amongst them most of my neighbours, are those whose main reason for getting up in the morning is directly or indirectly involved in international tourism, especially the ones with young families and a mortgage. I should also add all those who have lost family and friends to Covid, or still in, or going back into lockdown.
 
Anyhow…
 
Brent wants to go to Queenstown, which over the years has turned into a tourist trap. Once upon a time working smucks could afford to holiday there, but because of the lack of space the camping grounds disappeared years ago. Still it’s a beautiful place and what better way to admire the scenery is from the TSS Earnslaw.
When I was a youngster the Earnslaw  was still operated by the New Zealand Railways and was a working boat, in that she would, along with carrying tourists, carry freight to the various sheep stations on the lake, I can remember a small road grader being off loaded at one of stations, and another occasion a large flock of lambs being loaded on to the bottom deck, starting their trip to the abattoir. The US tourists were amazed and there were a lot of photos taken.
 
 
 
Glenorchy at the head of the lake had, I suspect the shortest bit of track n NZ, about a hundred yards from the end of the wharf to the goods shed. Though the track is gone, the Goods Shed is still there along with a low side 4 wheeled wagon.


He tangata takahi manuhiri, he marae puehu.  -A person who mistreats his guest has a dusty Marae (Meeting house) A Maori proverb.

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
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 1:48 AM

Still it’s a beautiful place and what better way to admire the scenery is from the TSS Earnslaw.

Hi Bear!,

The TSS Earnshaw is a beautiful ship! Thanks for the links.

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 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 1:55 AM

Lost by Bear, on Flickr
Some years ago, I was working early on Saturday morning for a company in Hamilton and as the only one there, answered the phone. The call was from a Florida based company and the young lady sounded, to me, like the perfect Southern Belle, (as a single man back then I went slightly weak at the knees) however I had the darndest job trying to convince her that I was in Hamilton New Zealand, not Hamilton, Ontario!! (I’m not sure I succeeded!)

hon30critter
The TSS Earnshaw is a beautiful ship! Thanks for the links.

Glad you enjoyed it, Dave.Thumbs Up

 

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

  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 2:43 AM

I had the darndest job trying to convince her that I was in Hamilton New Zealand, not Hamilton, Ontario!!

I think I'd rather be in Hamilton, New Zealand! Hamilton, Ontario has been home to a huge steel industry for decades. In fact, doctorwayne used to work there. Unfortunately Hamilton (Ontario) is still paying the price for all the pollution.  Hamilton Bay, which is on the western end of Lake Ontario, is still a big mess although it's not as bad as it used to be. For many years the only things that could survive in the bay were ugly red sludge worms. My wife has a cousin who kayaks regularly on the bay because it is close to her home but she still thinks it is disgusting!

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
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Posted by gmpullman on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 4:11 AM

OK, it is almost an hour and a half. Watch it in segments. It is well worth it!

 

These folks have done an amazing job to preserve these locomotives and equipment.

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
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  • From: Western transplant to the Deep South
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Posted by Cederstrand on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 9:31 AM

Extra strong coffee in a Union Pacific mug, please.

We're making slow progress in the train room on the two 4x8 tables. Remainder of track should arrive today. Then we can start gluing in the risers and inclines. 

We have a Digitrax DCS52. Wondering if adding a pair of  Standard InfraReady, UT4 upgradable to UT4R radio version would be a good idea? Any thoughts or suggestions?

Have a great day all. Cheers! Cowboy Rob

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Posted by NorthBrit on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 9:32 AM

Good afternoon all from the UK.   A bit of a rush going on by most people before the total lockdown on Thursday.  We have managed to get Christmas Presents bought for all the family.  

Last night we had a Mexican style dinner.  Today I shall be cooking a chicken Jalfrezi Indian curry.

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

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    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 9:43 AM

The computer is as good as it is going to get.

My RAM cards fried, and they needed to be replaced. Apparently one of the 4Gb memory cards had been no good for a long while, and then the second one failed.

It is running with a single 4Gb card now. Apparently new memory cards require more power than old ones, and in order to run 8Gb I would need a new power suppy.

Also, for some reason, my computer uses Apple style memory cards, and I had to send the cards to Seattle to have them reformatted to work with my mother board.

My son-in-law, who served as tech support for this, is all over me to replace my ten year old Acer computer, but I am not replacing anything non-house related right now.

Everything seems to be working as normal, so hopefully I will be OK for a while now.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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  • From: Paducah KY
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Posted by moelarrycurly4 on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 3:22 PM

I am n the process of setting up a new pc for work. 

my old one had done its' duty. 

 

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Posted by York1 on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 3:29 PM

I don't like hearing of computer problems.

Lately, my laptop has been doing some funny things, which I assume means that the end may be near.  I'm making sure to backup everything that is on it, which I don't do regularly enough.  Yes, I know things can be automatically backed up to the cloud, but that's not something for me.

Since I don't have a cell phone, if this laptop quits, I am offline.  Maybe that's not such a bad idea.

York1 John       

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  • From: Shenandoah Valley
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Posted by BigDaddy on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 5:12 PM

I've been getting black and gray background squares lately in Firefox appearing randomly on some, but not all sites.

My wife and I used gmail and google calandar.  Yesterday she saw I had "an appointment" with a guy working for a mortgage company.  I never heard of either, but on her screen, it said I created the event, with my email addy.  It was not on my calendar, at all.

Been looking at 1x4's and I swear the price goes up $2 everytime I go to Lowes or Home Depot.  I should just bite the bullet and buy what I need.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by Track fiddler on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 6:24 PM

Evening

Had a great day!  Who could not have a fantastic day with a high of 75° in November?

Judy and I took a road trip to the hilly big town of Mankato today.  We both just love old river towns.  We just drove around doing some sightseeing for hours.  It was great with the windows down in the nice weather.

I saw the old Mankato Depot.  It's rather large and appeared fully restored not too long ago.  It's a big Depot.

Judy found an Old A&W that was converted into a taco drive inn.  Thier chili cheese arritos were really somethingDinner.

 

Charlie I read your response that your tablet gets that same 404 message but not your notebook.  That kind of made sense to me.  My message center unreachable I think started happening right when I got my new phone 5 months ago. 

Maybe the updated system here doesn't work with small devices anymore, ...Dunno

 

Have a nice evening gentlemenWink

 

P.S.  Speaking of boards.  The price of Cedar is off-the-charts here.  I kid you not I bought 4) 2x4x10's at Scherer Brothers Lumber about 2 months ago and it costed $96.  Maybe due to the cedar shortage that was prevalent at the time.  I haven't checked the prices lately.

 

 

TF

  • 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 Tuesday, November 3, 2020 6:30 PM

BigDaddy
Been looking at 1x4's and I swear the price goes up $2 everytime I go to Lowes or Home Depot.

1 x 4s at my local lumber yard are $.32ca/$.24USD per foot any length up to 16', spruce or fir.

Good afternoon from monsoonville. It is wet today.

My second Rapido RDC is in at PWRS so I will have to pick that up at some point though with this kitchen reno who knows when I'll get back to the trainroom.SighIt is starting to wear thin talking to so many different people between the insurance and others involved. I let my wife do most of the work on that front as I have a hard time getting excited about such things. I was up in the attic this morning making sure I can go to a larger pipe for the stove fan.

I am feeling worn out so called an electrician for an estimate. I think I am starting to wave the white flag on doing everything myself. The Mother-in-law phoning in the middle of the night does not help the energy level. She has dementia and it is taking its toll on us all. Went through it with my Dad 25 years ago so I know what to expect but it is all new to my wife and her family.

Think I will cut the drywall away from around the electrical panel and call it a day.

. On November 2nd, 2020 n Holland, a Metro train overran the stop blocks at a station outside Rotterdam has been left balancing 10 metres above ground on the plastic tail of a whale sculpture.

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
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  • From: Kentucky
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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 6:59 PM

Howdy .... 

Brent .... Your Picture from Holland is remarkable. That is a whale of an accident.  .... It reminds me of the flying F3 in LA many years ago.

 

I was at the doctor's office today. My sickness of over two weeks had evolved to an upper respiratory infection which has become very nasty. So far, I can rest at home with a lot of antibiotics (He increased that today.) . Chest xray showed I don't need to be in the hospital, thankfully.

Everybody: .... Have a nice evening.  

 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 7:13 PM

BigDaddy
Been looking at 1x4's and I swear the price goes up $2 everytime I go to Lowes or Home Depot.  I should just bite the bullet and buy what I need.

I just got back from Home Depot. 2 by 4s are under $6.00 now, but 1 by 4s are the same price!

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: CAPE CORAL FLA
  • 511 posts
Posted by thomas81z on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 8:04 PM

SeeYou190

 

 
BigDaddy
Been looking at 1x4's and I swear the price goes up $2 everytime I go to Lowes or Home Depot.  I should just bite the bullet and buy what I need.

 

I just got back from Home Depot. 2 by 4s are under $6.00 now, but 1 by 4s are the same price!

-Kevin

 

i grabbed as much as i could from my work , i got the blessing of my CEO &  since at the time my work was down the street from my house in cape i loaded up my car for a week everyday lol 1x4 2x4s the only thing i bought was the 4x8s sheets & cut them to the fit what i want to build .

i might go back to see if i can still get another load for my new build

those prices suck lowes or home dept

  • Member since
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Posted by moelarrycurly4 on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 7:51 AM

Garry,  you get better, I don't want to see you here ( at my work).

 

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 8:12 AM

Good morning

As the song goes "Save big money at Menards" 

Did a little editing this morning.  I hate when I write something I think is funny late at night and no response by morning I feel that maybe it wasn't so funnyEmbarrassedWhistlingLaugh

Another beautiful day forecasted.  My modeling is going to have to wait on this nice weather lately.  I'm taking a break guys!

 

Upper respiratory infection does not sound good Garry, I hope it's just a bad cold.  Feel better soon.

 

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 8:39 AM

Good morning.  Not much happening here.  Have a doctor appt., and the rest of the day is free.

TF, I enjoy your posts, even though I don't respond.  Usually I have nothing to add.

Garry, I hope you feel better.

Cederstrand, it's good to hear from you.  Sounds like your layouts are coming along OK.  Good luck with the track issues.

More Indian Summer here.  Last week it snowed, today's high will be 80°F, 26° for many of you.

I don't know how many of you deal with these, but we have these tiny insects called Minute Pirate Bugs.  During the summer, they don't bother us, but in the late fall, they bite like crazy.  You can barely see them, but you can sure feel their bite.  And repellents don't work.  It sure makes being outside unpleasant.

I don't have anything from New Zealand to post.  I wish I had a bunch of vacation photos to post, but that would be impossible since I have never been there.

York1 John       

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    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 8:47 AM

York1

TF, I enjoy your posts, even though I don't respond.  Usually I have nothing to add.

I don't know how many of you deal with these, but we have these tiny insects called Minute Pirate Bugs.  During the summer, they don't bother us, but in the late fall, they bite like crazy.  You can barely see them, but you can sure feel their bite.  And repellents don't work.  It sure makes being outside unpleasant.

 

Thanks John

I wonder if those insects are what's known as Noseeums up here or if that was just an adopted slang name.  The little guys that get ya!  I had a few bites this year but nothing like you described and I'm thankful for that!

On the North Shore past Duluth we had these tiny black flies in swarms on our camping trip. The only relief you could get was sitting up on the cliff with the Wind coming off Lake Superior.  It was so miserable we had to pull up camp and move up to Thunder Bay Canada.

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 8:57 AM

Mornin' folks!

Minute Pirate Bugs....  Beneficial insect that usually eats other insect eggs.  https://communityenvironment.unl.edu/minute-pirate-bug

Not fun to be a victim though....

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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Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 9:15 AM

Track fiddler
I wonder if those insects are what's known as Noseeums up here or if that was just an adopted slang name. 

Down here no-see-ums are actually Sand Midges or Sand Flies. That slang name could probably be applied to anything at a regional preference.

We install special screens that have small enough holes to keep them out. When I shop in Menard's up North, I think the holes in the screens are huge.

Apparently, Sand Flies are also very common in New Zealand and Australia.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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