Good morning, diners.
David, I think I spotted Jimmy Carter in that video of Old Washington. Was that correct?
I'm on my third Arduino lesson today, but I can sure tell I'm not in school anymore. I have to stop the videos and try things three times. Even at that, I forget what I learned.
Looking at Kevin's map, I realize I haven't been in several states, and I probably won't go to those, either. When I was a kid, my father took us on long car trips, so I can claim most states. I imagine this diner trip will be my only claim to certain other states.
Hope everyone with health issues has a good pain-free, worry-free day.
York1 John
Hello Railfans!
Yeah i know, im sposed to be in my room under lock and key - bread and water routine. But ya know what will cheer you up better than Stevie Nicks in swimwear singing at your own private birthday party? 50paks of Kadees showing up.
And as if that wasnt enough, the "Potomac" just showed up too. A C&O car by Branchline. One of the 1000 plus projects i have going is im trying to put together a nice lookin G.W. train. So what started out as a purely unadulterated HUMBUG of a day - sure has clouded up nicely to a rather smooth afternoon.
Were only at half mast humbug status right now - the day aint over yet!
Dontcha just love how model railroading can take the vinegar right outta ya though? This prolly means at some point this evening i will be installing Kadees. Then on to testing the new cars.
Kevin) Dont get me wrong, i like wa-wa too. They have awesome steak n cheese subs and excellent smashed taters. Theyre price gougers like every one else but the food aint bad, and the gas isnt too watered down. Race-tracs were popular in the 80s but then the wa-wa's came in and took over. 7-Elevens which were the only ones around, are now the verge of extinction species.
Like everyone else, im pretty impressed with your map work. Your certainly more traveled than I. I hope most of it was by train!
Have a good afternoon folks - im certainly gonna try for it.
Riding the Yellows,
Douglas
Edit: just noticed i got top of the page a few miles back. Dont think thats ever happened b4. So doesnt that mean lunch or something is on me today? Or is it, i drink for free today? Well, either way.... first round on me tonight apres dinner in the lounge car. (I did manage to think of 1 thing Va is good for - EverClear! Hope you folks brought your good shot glasses!)
John - York1. Jimmy Carter Correct.
A busy day around the house, but did not manage to run any trains.
Fish Florentine is the main course tonite. Plenty to go round.
Stay safe.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
PM Railfan i like wa-wa too.
WaWa has my favorite convenience store coffee. If I am driving in Florida, there is a cup of WaWa coffee in the console.
PM Railfan So doesnt that mean lunch or something is on me today? Or is it, i drink for free today? Well, either way.... first round on me tonight apres dinner in the lounge car.
Traditionally, when you get the top of the page you "buy" a virtual round of drinks for all the fellow passengers in the diner car.
NorthBritFish Florentine is the main course tonite. Plenty to go round.
Mmmm... That does sound good.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Well, it may be thought that I'm visiting the diner for the first time. Not hardly. I've been consigned to lurking here for well over a year. Under "Attuvian" (without the "1" at the end) I could formerly post anywhere. Then I was waylaid by some sort of glitch in the system that led to attempts to change passwords under my old moniker, none of which enabled re-access to my old account. As a consequence I have no access to former postings, PMs, etc. A couple of attempts to rectify the problem through the Customer Service options went no where.
So I'm starting from scratch. I can handle being treated like a newbie when it comes to the monitoring of my posts. Frankly, a couple of the old one's that later sliiped by Mr. Moderator probably should have rubbed out!
At least I can order again: How about a piece of that cherry pie, Flo? And while we're at it, top off everyone's joe on me. I'll have a hot chocolate.
It's a great trip, Ed. Any chance whatsoever in hitting the Twilight Limited from Detroit to Chicago? It would pass a block away from where I lived in Michigan for 28 years. I have plenty of stories about auto misadventures at the grade crossing on Wisner Street in Jackson. It never had gates while I lived there, just a 3' high concrete oval base to the flashers - right in the middle of the street. Penny's Tavern was right next to the tracks. You probably can imagine the rest.
John
Good afternoon fellow travelers!
PM RailfanGeeezmus Ed, I think we just witnessed your first scheduling faux-pas.
You have to confer with the conductor for special travel arrangements, Douglas Making a bypass around that particular state might add just a few miles to the trip. Your solution of closeting yourself in your room with the shades drawn and an appropriate beverage was a wise choice.
RFnP by Edmund, on Flickr
The Big Apple, met and passed We traversed the New York Connecting Railway which includes the beautiful Hell Gate Bridge.
NY_Connecting-HellGate by Edmund, on Flickr
Here we are behind a smoking GG1 in "patched" vintage paint at "Shell Tower" where the connection from Grand Central meets the New Haven main to continue up the east coast (NY,NH & H signal station 22, New Rochelle, N.Y.)
GG1_4883_Shell-Tower by Edmund, on Flickr
As previously mentioned we will continue from New Haven using diesel-oil-electric power.
Amtrak_New-Haven_11-71 by Edmund, on Flickr
We're in New Haven territory!
New-Haven_Norwalk-Ct by Edmund, on Flickr
Speaking of smoking GG1s have any of you heard of a GG1 being spotted for loading of coal? (Trivia question )
I have my weekly chore of taking the garbage trolly up to the cul-de-sac. I'll be back later.
Enjoy the scenery of Connecticut and it will get better as we head toward Boston.
Regards, Ed
Howdy .....
Ed ... Thanks for the quick trip up the East Coast to New York City. You said next is Bean Town. That means we will pass by JR's home on the way.
Kevin .... Interesting map. I have been to all 50 states in my lifetime including numerous visits to Florida.
Everybody: .... Have a good evening.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Douglas I am a new Virginian, I note I-66 through Bull Run and I-81 through New Market battlefield. Maryland ran I-270 through the Monocacy battlefield. That was the battle that saved DC.
Perhaps you can explain why Right Turn on Red is mostly unknown in this state?
If we are going to have 72 yo Stevie Nicks celebrating birthdays, why not go big or go home and get Dolly Parton, who celebrated her 75th, in a bikini?
Kevin if you think your morning was bad, you need to watch Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Arthur Dent's morning was much worse, for him and his house.
Larry Puckett suggested using 2x2 for legs on the layout so I bought some at HD. I didn't look at them closely except to see they weren't warped. They use better wood for tomato stakes. I had to get th belt sander out to make them look halfway decent.
We watched North by Northwest on the Turner Channel There were two film critics point out how wonderful it as before and after the movie. There is a long train scene in the middle where Cary Grant goes to Chicago. I won't spoil the movie for anyone who fell of the watermelon truck, but he gets the girl in the end and they end up in a Pullman sleeper.
The critics pointed out the symbolism of the very final scene, that I hadn't appreciated. A passenger train pulled by a F-7 going into a tunnel.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
C'mon people. It's Wawa, not WaWa, or Wa-Wa.
BigDaddywhy not go big or go home and get Dolly Parton, who celebrated her 75th, in a bikini?
You're not going to get all religious and say something about a cup running over, are you?
Good grief. You'll put your eye out, kid.
Eveing Diners
Flo, give the gang and I a and Dirk and Robbie a dog treat.
Feeling like ash pit today. Seems the Shingles Vaccination and my Silfur Antibotic have similar side effects. My left arm feels like someone hit me with a hammer. Both can make you feel weak, tired and achy. I will be in bed by 8:30 PM.
Kevin Did you see the message about the book on the last page?
Glad today all was quite in the National news.
Later Ken and Dirk says Woof, Woof.
I hate Rust
Heartland Division CB&QKevin .... Interesting map. I have been to all 50 states in my lifetime including numerous visits to Florida.
I doubt I will ever get to Alaska or Hawaii, but I hope to hit all the contiguous 48.
I just realized I made a mistake on the map. Pennsylvania should be red, I have only been there once.
cudakenKevin Did you see the message about the book on the last page?
Ken, I had missed that.
The Airacobra was not well served in the USAAC, but the Soviets were much more successful with it, probably out of shear necessity.
The book sounds very interesting, but the absolute last thing I need is another book on World War Two. I have been thinning my library as much as I can. I cannot believe how many books I have accumulated on WW2, ACW, and AWI. I might have a problem.
maxmanC'mon people. It's Wawa, not WaWa, or Wa-Wa.
Well, what do I know?
I have consumed probably 1,000 gallons of Wawa coffee, and I always thought both of the Ws were capitalized.
I wish you well, Ken and hope you get back to hitting on all 8 cylinders, soon. I keep putting off my shingles vaccine OK, first thing next week I will get 'er done!
Meanwhile, at South Station:
South-Station-Boston by Edmund, on Flickr
As Mr. B. pointed out there is no direct connection to Boston's North Station where we will ber catching the Alouette for Montreal in the morning. We already missed the night train, The Red Wing, but we will be able to see more scenery during the daylight anyway.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North%E2%80%93South_Rail_Link
In 1990 the Amtrak Night Owl approached the Back Bay station at excessive speed and derailed hitting an MBTA commuter train. No one was killed but the clean up was a real challenge. Over 400 were injured.
Anyone want to stick around for the eclipse?
NYNH-H_Eclipse1932 by Edmund, on Flickr
Cheers, Ed
gmpullmanSpeaking of smoking GG1s have any of you heard of a GG1 being spotted for loading of coal?
Did they need coal for a steam boiler?
Good evening ....
TF ..... Speaking of John Denver, I liked his version of "City of New Orleans". ... Also, regrding 2-6-6-6 Aleghanies, I have seen C&O 1601 in Derborn, MI. It is huge.
Ed ... Montreal, eh. I have been there many times for business trips several years ago. In the 1970's we rode CN's Tempo from Windsor, Ontario to Toronto. There we changed to an overnight train to Montreal. Normally, we stayed at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel over Montreal's CN station.
Ken ..... I hope you feel better. Too bad you reacted to the shingles shot, but if you have seen anybody suffering from shingles, you know you need the protection from it.
Everybody: .... Have a good night.
SeeYou190Did they need coal for a steam boiler? -Kevin
A Blue Ribbon Winner!
Actually the PRR was experimenting with a coal-fired steam heat boiler. Obviously, they settled on an oil fired Vapor-Clarkson model.
Sure would have been neat to see a GG1 under a coal wharf
The maître d'hôtel for your free hot fudge sundae, Kevin!
Coal-boiler_GG1 by Edmund, on Flickr
Be sure to have your white trousers on while handling your virtual coal-scoop!
Boston_BB by Edmund, on Flickr
Heartland Division CB&QKen ..... I hope you feel better. Too bad you reacted to the shingles shot, but if you have seen anybody suffering from shingles, you know you need the protection from it.
That's the truth! One of my school's Kindergarten teachers had shingles. It lasted a long time and was very painful.
That teacher encouraged me to get both the Zostavax and the Shingrix. I forget which is which, but one of them was one shot and one of them was two shots separated by a few months. The two-shot vaccination gave me a sore arm for two days.
The diner has now carried me into the states I have never visited. We were going to take a trip to New England, but the virus stopped that idea. I haven't been to those states northeast of New York (until today).
I can't believe some of the trips I took as a kid. My father would work all day on a Friday, come home, and we would take off on the vacation. He and my mother would switch off driving all night to reach the first stop, and then more of the same. We could pack a lot of destinations into a two-week vacation.
Now, my wife and I drive for several hours and we're already getting grouchy with other.
Good Evening,
Strange day here as the temp got up to 35F but will plunge overnight.
Kevin, Wawa is a town in Ontario on the north shore of Lake Superior. It is on Highway#1 about half way between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie. It has a giant Canada Goose statue beside the highway. That is its claim to fame. I have been there several times as we had a dealer store that required my attention. Didn't know they did a coffee too.
The Diner sure is putting on the miles this month. Ed, you are and excellent tour guide. I looked at the map and can say I have been to 15 states. Not likely I will add to the number so this is a good way to see your country.
Keep safe,
CN Charlie
Heartland Division CB&Q Good evening .... TF ..... Speaking of John Denver, I liked his version of "City of New Orleans". ... Also, regrding 2-6-6-6 Aleghanies, I have seen C&O 1601 in Derborn, MI. It is huge. Everybody: .... Have a good night.
Thanks Garry
"City of New Orleans" I never heard that one Garry but I would like to. I wish you would post it because I don't know how.
And speaking of those big Monsters in museums, I've seen a few myself. Those machines are big.
Glad to know you are familiar with the 2-6-6-6 as I don't know why no one else is. It would seem there would be much more interest in a historical steam engine such as that.
Not too much excitement here. I thought she was quite historical and deserved a little more interest.
You guys did gather it was the 2-6-6-6 Virginian didn't you?
I'm almost ashamed in the lack of enthusiasm here.
TF
Realy though? Where is the enthusiasm here anymore?
Updated diner travel map:
gmpullman SeeYou190 Did they need coal for a steam boiler? -Kevin A Blue Ribbon Winner! Cheers, Ed
SeeYou190 Did they need coal for a steam boiler? -Kevin
Wow, talk about a lucky guess! I will take being lucky for $1,000.00 Alex.
Chloe, I will take a hot fudge with nuts and whipped topping on Ed's tab please.
York1Now, my wife and I drive for several hours and we're already getting grouchy with other.
I am very lucky in this arena. My wife and I can ride in cars together for weeks on end and never get tired of one another. She is the best car-riding-buddy ever.
CNCharlieKevin, Wawa is a town in Ontario on the north shore of Lake Superior.
There is also a Wawa, Pennsylvannia, and that is the town the Wawa chain of convenience stores is named after.
The World Is A Beautiful Place.
And I will take Blue Bunny pistachio almond. Unless you've tried that ice cream, you have no idea what you're missing
Sorry TF but for me, that loco just doesn't do it. I prefer my steam to be neater in appearance and articulateds just aren't very neat. Far too many pipes and such. Mind you the D & H Challengers were nice. Hope I don't get drummed out of the Diner.
Track fiddlerAnd I will take Blue Bunny pistachio almond.
Good stuff!
CNCharlieSorry TF but for me, that loco just doesn't do it.
I need to agree. I always thought the 2-6-6-6 was kind of goofy looking. I really like the clean lines of the non-articulated USRA locomotives.
Track fiddlerWhere is the enthusiasm here anymore?
Hi TF,
I think your personal 5 amp booster has become temporarily disconnected! Maybe it's just the winter blues.
I don't see any change in the attitude of the active forum members. I'm still enthusiastic about participating in the forums, especially when I think about the incredible efforts that Ed and David have put into this month's and last month's Diners. I'm also extremely enthusiastic about the number of views that my 'Layout on a Rotisserie' thread has had and the excellent suggestions that people are giving me!
To me, things are still good here. Recent issues on the forums seem to have settled down. Based strictly on casual observation, I don't think activity levels are declining.
Cheers!! Have one (or three) on me!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I'm glad you're agreeable on the pistachio almond Kevin.
Charlie you will never get drummed out of the diner. That's preposterous! I've been here too long less than everyone else here and have too much respect for you.
Unfortunately I'm hitting the rack.
Hopefully you gentleman will be a little more commutative next time I show up
Frustration!
I was removing the masking from the kitchen after paint, and a big piece of the new paint peeled up with the masking tape.
Now I need to fix something that was all brand new.
SeeYou190I was removing the masking from the kitchen after paint, and a big piece of the new paint peeled up with the masking tape.
Better it happens on a wall rather than the nose of an F unit with all sorts of custom striping and colors
TF, I visited the big C&O 1601 Allegheny when I was a lad or five or six at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.
https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/henry-ford-museum/exhibits/railroads/
I hope that counts for enthusiasm.
The C&O had a passenger train, the F.F.V. or Fast Flying Virginian.
Poor John Denver may have died doing what he liked but I'll bet he sure wishes he would have figured out that reserve fuel valve just a few minutes earlier. Also, the fuel gauge was behind the pilot's seat!?
Dave, thanks for the beverages!
SeeYou190I was removing the masking from the kitchen after paint, and a big piece of the new paint peeled up with the masking tape. Now I need to fix something that was all brand new.
Hi Kevin,
Well that certainly sucks raw eggs!
We just had some painting done by a truly professional painter. He hasn't a roll of masking tape to his name. His lines are so perfect that they defy explanation! I guess that is what years of practice does for you.
I used to do all of my own painting but my back problems put a stop to that. I am so happy that we have found someone who can do the job so well. He is a true gentleman! It is a pleasure working with him, and his fees are absolutely reasonable!
Cheers!!
gmpullmanBetter it happens on a wall rather than the nose of an F unit with all sorts of custom striping and colors
Well, that is certainly true.
hon30critterHe hasn't a roll of masking tape to his name. His lines are so perfect that they defy explanation!
I cannot do that! I need my masking tape.
I did not have any paint bleeding under the tape this time. Not sure if that is progress or not.