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

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 9:32 AM

Interesting Kevin

Now that you mention it I do remember getting bit in my screen porch but thankfully it wasn't very frequent

I guess we are lucky we don't have much of a problem with those in this area.  You are right that the screens manufactured up here have too big of holes

 

 

TF

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  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 9:39 AM

Track fiddler
You are right that the screens manufactured up here have too big of holes

We also have another product called "Florida Glass" which probably has a different name in other areas.

This is screen with a solid plastic filler. It is commonly installed on the lower screen portions to give more protection from those nasty biting flies.

This is not my house, but it is a good example.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 9:42 AM

We live on a tidal marsh, so bugs are always a problem here.  They attack the GF mercilessly, but I seldom get bit at all.  I figure it's all the old man pills I take.  Maybe the diabetes meds drop my blood sugar enough that my sweat isn't sweet enough for them.

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

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 9:43 AM

That's cool Kevin

A lot of times up here you see a thicker darker screen that's pet safe on the lower portion.

Just curious, is that Florida Glass sturdy enough to protect against Pet Paws as well?

 

 

TF

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Posted by York1 on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 9:43 AM

When we spent time on the beaches in Florida and Alabama, the no-see-ums were just that -- they were so tiny you couldn't see them, but you could feel the bite.

I remember my wife covered us with Johnson's Baby Lotion, and that seemed to be the only thing that worked.

York1 John       

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 9:47 AM

MisterBeasley
They attack the GF mercilessly, but I seldom get bit at all.

My wife seems to attract biting insects 25 more frequently that I do. I have no idea why this is.

Track fiddler
Just curious, is that Florida Glass sturdy enough to protect against Pet Paws as well?

Nope... my niece could tell you all about that!

Laugh

York1
When we spent time on the beaches in Florida and Alabama, the no-see-ums were just that -- they were so tiny you couldn't see them, but you could feel the bite.

There is another bug called a "Sand Flea" that is nasty on the beaches. It might be the same thing as a Sand Midge with just a different slang name. Not sure.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 9:50 AM

A big thing up here is everybody uses Avon Skin So Soft.  It seems to work. I'd rather use it because normal bug spray makes my skin feel like it's slightly burning,  don't like that!  Must be the deet

I'd rather smell like baby powder and be comfortable than being bit by a bunch of bugs or my skin burning

 

 

TF

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 10:08 AM

SeeYou190

 

There is another bug called a "Sand Flea" that is nasty on the beaches. It might be the same thing as a Sand Midge with just a different slang name. Not sure.

 

We have a version of that here.  It looks like some kind of armored gnat that hatches out of the grass in sandy soil areas.  The things are nasty and will attack you in swarms and on beaches here too.  If I would slap one on my arm it was almost like they would laugh at you and just come back for more.

Those are the worst!

 

 

TF

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  • From: Flyover Country
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Posted by York1 on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 10:47 AM

SeeYou190

 

MisterBeasley
They attack the GF mercilessly, but I seldom get bit at all.

My wife seems to attract biting insects 25 more frequently that I do. I have no idea why this is.

 

Same situation here.  My wife believes because she eats a lot of sugar, the bugs bite her more.

I have a friend who is an avid fisherman who believes eating a lot of dill pickles makes him smell unattractive to mosquitoes.  Of course, he also drinks lots of whiskey while fishing, so there's that.

 

York1 John       

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 11:06 AM

Mr B,  John

I've noticed bugs favoring Judy over me.  I think its perhaps thier girly girl shampoo and perfumes may attract them more.

For me.  It seems when we're eating healthy the bugs don't bug us as much.  I think it's because we use onions and garlic in almost all our cooking. 

Vampires don't like garlic must have came from somewhere.  There's no such thing as vampires but those darn bugs want to suck your bloodLaughWhistling

 

 

TF

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  • From: Western transplant to the Deep South
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Posted by Cederstrand on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 1:08 PM

Extra strong coffee in a Southern mug, please.

Think we now have everything needed to build our two 4x8 layouts. Cool! Heading down to the train room shortly. Just waiting on hay delivery first.

Healing thoughts for those in need.

Cheers! Cowboy Rob

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Posted by CNCharlie on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 1:35 PM

Good Afternoon,

Sitting outside with Robbie right now as it is at least 60F.

Bugs sure like my wife but she has an allergic reaction to many. On our 2016 trip to Africa she had a major reaction to sand flea bites while we were in the Okovango Delta. Her legs were swollen and painful. 

It was Johnboy's birthday yesterday. Hope he had a good one.

CN Charlie

 

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 3:38 PM

Cederstrand

Think we now have everything needed to build our two 4x8 layouts. Cool! Heading down to the train room shortly. Just waiting on hay delivery first.

 

That sounds way good Rob

As far as Judy and I are concerned, it's 77 degrees out

This ain't no party, this ain't no disco, this ain't no fooling aroundLaugh

Getting ready to eat outside at the lake KidsDinnerBow

 

Indian summerYeah

 

 

TF

 

P.S.   What the hay?  The only thing I remember about the hay delivery Rob was to winterize the septic tank up at the resort.  If you don't mind me asking, is that what it is?

Unless you may have some big pets

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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 3:54 PM

Good evening —

Gorgeous weather here in NE Ohio, too Cool

I got my dentist cleaning and x-rays out of the way this afternoon. I'm sticking around railroad forum and train sites to avoid the "news cycle" which is an endless stream of babble-de-goop Dead

Sure glad I have my model railroad hobby Big Smile

Good to see you here, Rob, TF, Mr. B, Ray, CNCharlie, John. Glad you're back on the air-waves, Kevin! And to all the folks I missed.

I recall building my first Pentium computer. I bought the chip, held in the palm of my hand while shelling out $800 with my other hand. Memory was $150 per megabyte back then and a 100 Mb hard drive was HUGE "You'll never need more storage than that" the dealer told me.

The first CD drive I bought was $450 and it was read-only! Oh, the good old days of PCs. Setting up a modem was an all day affair.

Here's a little gem:

 GVR, Glenbrook, New Zealand, 2004 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr

Look at the tread on those pilot wheels. Kind of looks like they scaled them up from N scale? That's a neat-looking jib crane in the background, too.

Cheers, Ed

 

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 3:58 PM

Upper sixties here in Delaware.  We had a pair of monster rib-eyes last night, so I think tonight will be a leftover smorgasbord to clear out the remains of several delicious dinners from the fridge.  Still a lot of meat on those rib-eyes, so they'll be the main course.

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

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 4:34 PM

Sounds like you're day was as beautiful as mine in a lot of places todayYes

The chicken turned out perfect, I nailed it

A slow cook after searing high on the grate.  Tender and juicy, any longer on the Kingsford and it could have been a hockey puck.  Kingsford has a tough act to follow with chicken

 

I'm glad everybody else had a great day too gentlemanYes

 

 

WinkTF

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  • From: Finger Lakes
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Posted by howmus on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 4:37 PM

Evenin' folks!

Been a nice day here in the Finger Lakes Region of NYS as well.  High was 68°F and it was beautiful out there running a 5k!  Had a Podiatrist appt. This afternoon which amounted to us talking about our cars while he worked on my feet.  He just bought a Tesla Model Y (https://www.tesla.com/modely).  He got the top model in the Y and we spent much of the appt. discussing driving them......  He is still learning and will be for a while.  They ARE different, but FUN!

I'm having a small (4oz) steak from the grill and stir fried vegetables (zucchini, celery, onionb, and mushrooms) for supper tonight.  Likely will have a small glass of meade to wash it down and then a bowl of ice cream fro dessert. 

Cathc you all later!

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

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Posted by howmus on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 5:16 PM

Track fiddler
The chicken turned out perfect, I nailed it

So, Playing Euchre after dinner?

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 6:08 PM

howmus

 

 
Track fiddler
The chicken turned out perfect, I nailed it

 

So, Playing Euchre after dinner?

73

 

Kings in the corners was the game planed after dinner Ray.  Judy and I play that card game a lot.  And I won tonightStick out tongue

Before dinner it was Yahtzee and some other card games while waiting for the food to cook.

Euchre, Hearts and Spades are really fun card games that I always like to play but they are always funner with couples when you can give signals across the table to your partnerLaugh  I think that's half the sport

I learned all those card games when I was very young on the school bus on my hour and ten minute ride to school everyday when I lived by the Peg

 

 

TF

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 6:29 PM

gmpullman

Gorgeous weather here in NE Ohio, too

Good to see you here, Rob, TF, Mr. B, Ray, CNCharlie, John. Glad you're back on the air-waves, Kevin! And to all the folks I missed.

Here's a little gem:


 

 

Thanks Ed

I always enjoy your post but I didn't know I was one of the missingLaughWink

And I sure like that little gem of a Steamer!  You always post some of the best pictures and links! 

I like how that steamer is shiny and black but rust on his nose on the top of the stackYes

I have always heard Ohio is a pretty mild climate state for all the seasons and thought of moving there a time or two.

But if the Fiddler ever does move to Ohio.  You will know he is there not too soon after his arrivalLaughStick out tongue

 

 

TF

  • Member since
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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 7:27 PM

Track fiddler
I always enjoy your post but I didn't know I was one of the missing LaughWink

 

Maybe I didn't leave enough space after the period, TF?

gmpullman
Good to see you here, Rob, TF, Mr. B, Ray, CNCharlie, John.

Then in a separate sentence I wrote:

gmpullman
And to all the folks I missed.

Sorry about the confusion.

You're welcome in Ohio anytime, TF Wink Sometimes there's a few nasty storms that blow over Lake Erie but nothing we can't handle. I live in the "snow belt" so when the rest of the area gets 8-10 inches of snow we might get 16-20. But I'm used to it Whistling

 Kioti_Snow by Edmund, on Flickr

 IMG_2908 by Edmund, on Flickr

I was hoping to be plowing snow with a brand-new John Deere X590 with a CAB but they're no where to be found Crying Got to get those folks in Horicon back to work!

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 8:05 PM

That's a Nice Red Machine Ed!

One heck of a tractor.  I'd be pissed if I wanted a new upgraded toy like that and it didn't snow early like predicted this year too.  And even worse after it does snow and you can't get one. 

The one you have now before you get the cab and the heater is nice

But now that you're saying 16 to 20 instead of 8 to 10 and you need a machine like that down there, ...Maybe Ohio isn't as mild as I thought it wasLaugh

I love operating Machinery like that Ed.  The only difference between boys and men is the size of their toysYes

 

And now my feelings are hurt that you didn't even miss meCrying

 

 

LaughTF

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 9:28 PM

For the People that fought for our Freedom.  Our Veterans that are so greatly appreciated and our current People of service

The only thing that appalles me is.  Any given kindergartener can count unlike some adults from exactly 20 years ago to now

 

Proud to be an American

Thankful for our People of service to our Country

 

 

 

John

 

 

 

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 10:10 PM

I had a frozen pizza for dinner. I don't remember the last time I had a frozen pizza, but it has been at least nine months since I had any pizza of any kind.

It was wonderful. I had forgotten how good pizza is.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 10:27 PM

Every once in a while I settle and bring home a frozen pizza Kevin.  It's only when I'm tired and feeling lazy and don't want to cook

There are only two pizza places in Minneapolis that are worth getting.  Dulono's or Broadway Pizza, ...That's it.

There is no better but I remember going to Chicago once in a year and that place had award-winning Pizza's.  We couldn't have possibly tried them all

I remember one night we were going to go out to the town and we had Gino's deep dish pizza delivered to our hotel room and we ate so much that we just stayed in that nightDinnerLaugh

 

But it was worth it!  Gino's was my favorite down thereDinner

 

P.S.   Some of the frozen pizzas are pretty darn good.  I'm sure you know the best one where you live but the best frozen pizza up here is Heggies

 

 

TF

  • Member since
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  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 10:55 PM

There used to be a great hole-in-the-wall pizza place in Fort Myers that was amazing. Then they moved to fancy place a few miles away, and the price went up and flavor went down.

I got so spoiled by the amazing pizza places in Atlanta that nothing down here seems even worth the effort to get it.

I once had a pizza at a place called "Luigi's" in Waukegan, Illinois, North of Chicago, that was the best pizza I have ever eaten.

"Joey D's" in Sarasota has good pizza, and is worth the trip, but their Chicago style hot dogs are even better.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 11:02 PM

And homemade pizzas are kind of Hit and Miss like lasagna, enchiladas or fettuccine alfredo, ... but sometimes you nail it! 

The misses are still pretty decent as they all have lots of cheeseDinner

 

Its 11:00 and I'm hitting the rack Kids

Nighty night

 

Everybody have a great night and sleep well

 

 

TF

  • Member since
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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 11:57 PM

Track fiddler
But now that you're saying 16 to 20 instead of 8 to 10 and you need a machine like that down there, ...Maybe Ohio isn't as mild as I thought it wasLaugh

Um...

In 1996, from November 9 through November 13, a storm dropped over 70 inches (178 cm) of lake-effect snow in the city of Chardon over a period of six days. Governor George Voinovich declared a state of emergency as a result, and the Ohio National Guard was brought in to assist with the cleanup.

November 9th! and here we are today at 70° Cool

We love our snowWhistling

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Thursday, November 5, 2020 2:54 AM
Garry, you take care of yourself, I rely on you to provide my regular CB & Q fix!!Smile, Wink & Grin
Ray recently mentioned Garratt locomotives, and Ed posted a photo of one of the 3 NZR G class 4-6-2 + 2-6-4. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful and were only in service for nine years. To paraphrase, several books I have on the History of New Zealand Railways they were “over cylindered, under boilered, over gadgeted, with a temperamental automatic stoker, light radius-rods, and perpetually shrouded in a fog of leaking steam!”
 
The painting and photo of the NZR Garratts are by the late W.W Stewart.
WW Stewart G by Bear, on Flickr
NZR Garratt by Bear, on Flickr
 
All three were cut up, the engines fitted with modified Ab class boilers and tenders, the 6 remaining in service for another 20 years, though they too, had a dubious reputation.
The photo of the NZR G Class 4-6-2 is from S.A Rockcliff.
 
G class Pacific by Bear, on Flickr
 
So as not to give anyone the impression that Garratts were a waste of time, and with the magic of the interweb I’ll take the liberty and divert the Diner to Zimbabwe briefly. At least the gauge is the same though I gather that the tyre and rail had a different profile.  
 
 
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
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, November 5, 2020 4:03 AM

Hi Bear,

Thanks very much for the video of the Garratts operating in Zimbabwe! I had never looked at them closely enough to understand the exact wheel configuration and how the other parts were arranged. I take it that the the water tank was located over the front set of drivers. Correct? I'm assuming that would have made for some interesting variations in tractive ability as the water level decreased.

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.

Interesting stuff!

Dave

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

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