I hope everyone had a good Fat Tuesday today.
The world is a beautiful place
Northern Pacific Historic Truss Bridge
Bismarck, North Dakota
TF
Garry check in when you can.
Roads were better today but still bad.
suppssed to get round two starting tomorrow. they are not sure where the track is going on this storm.
Good evening —
Still in central Pennsylvania, time for another visit to the East Broad Top Railroad & Coal Co.
THIS is a work of art!
No Hi-Vis green safety vests, no backup diesel in tow. Just a beautiful show of steam and scenery. I hope I'm able to visit the EBT again soon.
This is one of my early visits,
EJT_EBT_20_edited-1 by Edmund, on Flickr
To think we came moments away from completely losing this treasure! Thank you to the Friends of the EBT.
This album has some neat, recent photos, plus several shots of some of the remaining relics tucked away in the hills of Huntingdon County coal country:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lrmyers/albums/72157713172782647
200324_18_kimmel by lmyers83, on Flickr
200324_35_rockyridge by lmyers83, on Flickr
Cheers, Ed
I went there, not knowing it was closed. There was not gate, I just walked right in and peered in windows. Fortunately I was not a vandal or souvenier hunter.
The owner finally sold the RR and they are getting it running again.
Meanwhile down the road is Strasburg. You won't see anything tonight, they put the engine to bed. Tune in tomorrow
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
gmpullman
Thanks goodness for DCC and sound!
Water Level Route Track fiddler Don't you just hate that with those preppy whoever they are in their invincible four-wheel drives Well, some people don't even need four-wheel drive to be that stupid. Two stories for you. Once at college a bad winter storm came through closing down much of the city (Grand Rapids, MI). Some friends and I got together at a nearby restaurant that was still open for lunch. Some of the workers there were complaining about how slow people were driving with one genius saying he could go 55 no problem in this stuff. As we all sat there thinking "dummy with a four wheel drive", we watched him walk out of the restaurant and hop into....a Plymouth Horizon. Another adventure I had was driving home immediately following an winter storm that came through. plenty of ice followed by snow. Traffic on the freeway was doing about 30 and that was pushing it. Then in my mirror I can see some idiot in a Grand Prix passing people and moving at a pretty serious clip. Then one of the times he went to pass again, his car kept on moving to the left, down into the median where he met a turnaround for service vehicles. All you saw was a BIG blast of snow sort of explode in the air, headlights shine toward the sky, headlights bury themselves in the snow, and somehow he kept moving right back onto the freeway and tucked himself inline with the rest of us at 30 mph. I can't imagine the damage done to that car. Thoughts and prayers to those that need it. Work has kept me swamped lately, so I'm not up to date on the goings-on of the diner. Hope everyone is staying safe and warm. Later fellas!
Track fiddler Don't you just hate that with those preppy whoever they are in their invincible four-wheel drives
Well, some people don't even need four-wheel drive to be that stupid. Two stories for you. Once at college a bad winter storm came through closing down much of the city (Grand Rapids, MI). Some friends and I got together at a nearby restaurant that was still open for lunch. Some of the workers there were complaining about how slow people were driving with one genius saying he could go 55 no problem in this stuff. As we all sat there thinking "dummy with a four wheel drive", we watched him walk out of the restaurant and hop into....a Plymouth Horizon. Another adventure I had was driving home immediately following an winter storm that came through. plenty of ice followed by snow. Traffic on the freeway was doing about 30 and that was pushing it. Then in my mirror I can see some idiot in a Grand Prix passing people and moving at a pretty serious clip. Then one of the times he went to pass again, his car kept on moving to the left, down into the median where he met a turnaround for service vehicles. All you saw was a BIG blast of snow sort of explode in the air, headlights shine toward the sky, headlights bury themselves in the snow, and somehow he kept moving right back onto the freeway and tucked himself inline with the rest of us at 30 mph. I can't imagine the damage done to that car.
Thoughts and prayers to those that need it. Work has kept me swamped lately, so I'm not up to date on the goings-on of the diner. Hope everyone is staying safe and warm.
Later fellas!
Yep I hear ya Mike!
I could continue with the stories untill the cows came home I'll tell ya. If they make it across the road with the chicken
Sometimes it gets to the point where I get into my truck after cleaning it off to go out into the snow storm. After I warm up the vehicle and make sure the windshields clear I feel like something's missing. But I know better, there is nothing missing.
It still feels like something is missing doesn't even make sense. But it does still feel that way. I think it's the fact that I know I'm going to go join in with a bunch of idiots, out on the road way.
I almost feel like I should have some kind of life jacket on with the kill switch line that you have for your safety in one of those high speed snakey trick boats
I still to this day do not know what that feeling is, so that must be what it is. It does make sense as I would never drive in nothing but a full size truck. If I did have to drive in a little car, I would have a puffy suit on like the Michelin Man
maxmanThanks goodness for DCC and sound!
— and don't forget "chuffing" smoke units! How many gallons of coal-scented Lionel smoke fluid did they use?
All kidding aside, really. They placed smudge pots, or something, in the stacks of the dead locos to make them look ALIVE
This blows me away.
How to get out of this. Remembering it takes split seconds to do these things.
Take truck out of 4WD.
Put truck in neutral.
Apply the parking brake. This will pull the truck straight as only the rear wheels will have brakes applied.
Put truck in reverse.
As you gently apply gas release the parking brake. This will help pull the truck straight if it has not already done so by the parking brake.
After the truck straightens out keep the truck in reverse applying gas, it will most likely slow down if not get traction and stop. Keep foot off the brake while doing this so you can steer into the direction your spinning rear wheels may pull you.
If you have not gained control and are going to hit something you would rather not, put the truck into neutral, keep foot off the brake and steer around what you would have hit.
If you get clear of possibly hitting things you rather would not and are still sliding, with truck still in neutral apply parking brake, put truck in reverse and try again to slow or stop.
Even on ice, if you put the truck in neutral and do not put your foot on the brake you can most likely steer well enough to avoid hitting things. At some point, if you haven't gained full control you may have to decide to drive off the road rather than hit another car or people or something more important than a bush.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Step #11
Get out of the vehicle and let it slide down the incline. As long as you have your Caterpillar Waffle Stompers with sand molded into the rubber. Go back in the house and call your insurance company because there's going to be a call back waiting time. Your call will be answered in the order it was received.
Put your hockey skates on and go back outside and have some fun with your cell phone until the insurance company calls you back.
But the normal man that Isn't a preppy, wouldn't have taken his car out of the driveway after he fell on his Caboose in the first place
Track fiddlerSometimes it gets to the point where I get into my truck after cleaning it off to go out into the snow storm.
I always start the vehicle first before cleaning off the snow. That way if the vehicle doesn't start I won't have wasted my time cleaning it off.
maxman Track fiddler Sometimes it gets to the point where I get into my truck after cleaning it off to go out into the snow storm. I always start the vehicle first before cleaning off the snow. That way if the vehicle doesn't start I won't have wasted my time cleaning it off.
Track fiddler Sometimes it gets to the point where I get into my truck after cleaning it off to go out into the snow storm.
Perfect complete sense Maxman.
But I am so extremely faithful in keeping track and buying a new battery every 5 years. In fact, lately I've been buying a battery every four years and rotating the battery out of my truck into my Mustang.
But I remember in my younger days when the car would not start. Back then we all were guilty of trying to squeeze every last drop of life out of a battery saying, "Can you give me a jump man"
Speaking of quick snakey trick boats, I operated a few. The funner one of the few was the Switzer.
More importantly was the times when the lake got too rough and there was always one of our guests not accounted for still out on the lake. Dad would turn over the big Lund.
Were you liking the story so far because it's almost high noon and I'm hitting the rack
TF-PH=
I did not do any work on my house today. I took the day off and let my back heal up. I feel so much better now.
Tomorrow I will remove the drywall in the dining room where I found the mold/mildew.
I went to the dentist today just to find out that my appointment is on MARCH 16th! Whoops!
The World Is A Beautiful Place.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Don't rush into things Kevin.
You've been working hard and you need to give yourself another day for your break. This isn't your father speaking to you as you know but it is Track Fiddler.
Give your hard-working body another day of rest for crying out loud
A few for the Bridge guy:
CN, St. Lambert, Quebec, 1980 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
BN, Terrebonne, Oregon, 1984 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
BN, Valley City, North Dakota, 1980 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
CNW, Fort Dodge, Iowa, 1980 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
Happy Days!
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
So, while the Bear has remained a dedicated carnivore, I have always eaten my “shrubbery”! Cheers, the Bear.
You're killing me Bear I busted a gut after that one and could not stop laughing for a while
What a Great Awakening this morning!
All those delightful Bridges that Ed was so kind to post with all the Green Machines on top
Kind of reminded me of that one cake with my favorite icing on top
I sure hope Bridge Guy enjoyed all those
He Did
Sure wish that one house under Chicago Northwestern was my backyard I'd have to say! ........Judy would never be able to get me back inside the house
I'm a light sleeper. I would never get any sleep living there. When Trains traveled over that Bridge in the night, I would be getting up peeling the curtains off the window
Have a great morning gentleman, I know I did, and it ain't over yet
Howdy .....
The world is a beautiful place ? ? ? ? ? ...... Not from whaat I saw yesterday.
We drove home from FL Panhandle to western KY yesterday. We did not want to drive on Monday because of forecasted bad weather on that day. The route begins in Destin, FL and goes north through the middle of Alabama. In Tennessee, we continue north to Nashville. From there we go northerst to weatern Kentucky. Total distance is about 575 miles.
Moday's forecast was for freezing rain and snow in Northern Alabama and Tennessee. Kentucky was to get snow. We waited a day and drove yesterday. By then, much of the the road was cleared of snow and ice. Some places, however, were getting new snow, and we had to slow down. There were many vehicles in ditches in TN from the day before. Going through Nashville was easy because roads were clear, and there was little traffic. Apparently, most people stayed home on Tuesday.
Yesterday, county workers plowed snow on our road. I'm glad they did because we might not have been able to drive up a steep hill at the beginning of our road. It would have been disappointing to have driven 575 miles, and not get home anyhow because we could not drive on our road.
Brent.... Your video of the pickup truck on ice says it was in Franklin, TN which is in the Nashville area. It illustrates why I did not want to drive on Monday. Monday morning they had freezing rain, and Monday afternoon the had several inches of snow. Thanks for including instructions on how to control a truck on ice. I think a better option for that driver would have been to stay home.
Anyhow, we are tired from the trip home, and we have a lot of stucff needing attention.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
I'm certainly glad you made it home safely Garry
Welcome Home
That ain't nature but like a fine piece of art, she certainly is a beautiful one
Glad you made it Garry, I call that whiteknuckle driving.
Good morning, everyone.
Garry, I'll bet it's good to be home. I always worry about driving in bad weather, and will do anything to avoid it.
I finally got the arduino code right with some photo resistors and flashing red lights. Now I have to try to build some crossing signals. This will be the time that I will really wish I had started with HO instead of N.
It was sad to see the news reports on Mardi Gras yesterday with Bourbon street completely empty.
I hope everyone with health issues will have a relaxing day.
York1 John
moelarrycurly4 Glad you made it Garry, I call that whiteknuckle driving. Ditto! I was going to share the following story yesterday but wanted to make sure Garry got home safely. Here's my winter driving story. About ten years ago, I was headed south on I-29 somewhere between Council Bluffs and Kansas City trying to get south of an approaching storm. I didn't make it. I was towing a small fishing boat and didn't have 4wd or chains. It had stopped snowing but the snow on the ground was so dry that when I was passed by a semi, it was as if I were in a snow globe and I couldn't see the road at all for about 10-15 seconds. I steered by finding the rumble strip and staying on it until my visibility returned. This went on for quite a while. As I was doing this, I was passed by a black VW Golf. I remember looking at the guy and shaking my head. I knew I was in trouble but apparantly he didn't. Half an hour later I came upon flashing lights and there was the Golf crumpled up like a ball in the center median swale. I got off at the next offramp (which seemed to take forever) and found a motel next to a truck stop where about 20 semis were parked with their engines idling. I got a room at the motel and called it a day (it was about noon). Once I settled in, I turned on the AM clock radio and started listening to music. At the news break, the local station reported a fatal accident on the interstate I had just travelled. It was the VW Golf. To this day, I consider this story to be one of the more foolhardy things I've ever done and I've done quite a few. As a guy born and raised in sunny California, I now have great respect for anyone who has to cope with true winter conditions.
Here's my winter driving story.
About ten years ago, I was headed south on I-29 somewhere between Council Bluffs and Kansas City trying to get south of an approaching storm. I didn't make it. I was towing a small fishing boat and didn't have 4wd or chains. It had stopped snowing but the snow on the ground was so dry that when I was passed by a semi, it was as if I were in a snow globe and I couldn't see the road at all for about 10-15 seconds. I steered by finding the rumble strip and staying on it until my visibility returned. This went on for quite a while.
As I was doing this, I was passed by a black VW Golf. I remember looking at the guy and shaking my head. I knew I was in trouble but apparantly he didn't. Half an hour later I came upon flashing lights and there was the Golf crumpled up like a ball in the center median swale. I got off at the next offramp (which seemed to take forever) and found a motel next to a truck stop where about 20 semis were parked with their engines idling.
I got a room at the motel and called it a day (it was about noon). Once I settled in, I turned on the AM clock radio and started listening to music. At the news break, the local station reported a fatal accident on the interstate I had just travelled. It was the VW Golf.
To this day, I consider this story to be one of the more foolhardy things I've ever done and I've done quite a few. As a guy born and raised in sunny California, I now have great respect for anyone who has to cope with true winter conditions.
Tim
Late to the model railroad party but playing catch-up.....
You did make it Tim!
You were one of the Smart Ones that pulled off to camp out for a while until it passed.
I'm certainly glad you decided to do that so you are here talking to us today
A storm at sea is wicked. But not much different in comparison of fatal end results of the same when there's a storm on the road. Ships don't hit anything like cars do, but they do sink. Ships don't have the choice to pull over and wait things out for a while like drivers do
There would not be a better time than now for someone to post the song "The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot for memory and respect for all the unfortunate souls lost at sea
Afternoon folks!
Track fiddlerBut I remember in my younger days when the car would not start. Back then we all were guilty of trying to squeeze every last drop of life out of a battery saying, "Can you give me a jump man" Laugh
Back when I was first Married and lived in an 8" x 36" mobile home across the road from my Father's house on the farm. We had a few -20°F mornings. I was just going out to start my old 1960 VW bug to drive to College when My father yelled across the road, "don't bother!" They had two cars and the old Ford 861 Powermaster tractor which he parked in the barn. The tractor like the VW Bug had 6 volt batteries which were not good at starting in 20° below weather. Dad yelled over to me, "Don't even try!" He said he was walking up to the "corner" to Don Howard's Farm Machinery and grab something that would run and jump start his cars. I told him to give me a minute and I would give him a ride up there. He waved his hand and just started to laugh. Got in the bug, turned the key, and it went... rowr.............rowr.........rowr..., phut... phut, phut, putt, putt putt putt! About the third cylinder over fired and she caught and ran after about two more cylinders fired. That was the first time in my life I ever heard my Father use language like that!!!!!! Gave him a ride to the corner while he just shook his head. His next car was a VW, BTW... The bug was also fantastic plowing through snow that most other non 4 wheel drive vehicles could never get through. Good memories from back in those days.... I loved the VW ad that just showed headlights coming down the road and a putt, putt, putt sound. Then stopped, a door slammed. A few seconds later a diesel engine roared to life and the snow plough pulled out onto the highway. At the end a voice just said, "ever wonder how the guys who drive the plows get to work...?" Loved that one, I did!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Good Morning,
No 'Extreme Cold'warning today which is a good sign. 32F is predicted for Monday but the weatherman here has a sadistic streak so will probably be -32.
Henry, I see you are looking at buying a brass loco. Go for it. There is nothing like the piping detail and crisp metal castings on brass. Personally I wouldn't paint one as I don't have the equupment or skill. Luckily I do have a fellow here that does. He charges about $200 to paint a black loco. A tune-up runs $65 and is worth every penny as he has 40 years experience with brass. For$95 he took my CN Hudson that ran very poorly and now it runs beautifully plus he put in a TCS motor decoder. Oh and also changed the headlight to LED. Maybe there is someone like him near you?
Grocery run today and that is the extent of my excitement. My wife is still holed up in her bedroom. It seems that just being near me or talking to me upsets her.
Perhaps I'll run a train later and there is the daily NCIS re-run.
CN Charlie
I loved that Bug story Ray.
I was a bit confused with myself when you got to that part about your Dad yelling across the street as I was laughing and didn't know whether I had to brush my finger across the mist coming out of my right eye at the same time.
I could tell just by your words and the way you used them, what a wonderful man your Father was
Thank you for that story as it put a smile on my face, a tear in my eye and warmed my heart
Good evening all. Well we have had our first jab so to be on our way to freedom of lockdown. Oh no it isn't. Because Dawn is in the most vulnerable group she received information to remain indoors until the end of March; only allowed out for a walk.
As she can only walk 18 steps (on a good day) 'some walk'. And as I have to be with her 24/7 it seems as if we are on 'house arrest'. If we go out in the car we have to have a good reason - Doctor's appointment etc.
Baked some bread today. As half as been eaten already I take that as a success.
Some comfort food tonite. 'Bangers and Mash'. Which is Cumberland Sausages, mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
Thoughts & Peace to All who Require.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
In high school in the 1960s, I delivered prescriptions for a neighborhood pharmacy. The pharmacy owned two VW bugs.
We would put chains on the tires, and we could go through deep snow. The owner said he believed that the bug had a fairly flat bottom that went over the snow like a toboggan.
The other thing the VW bug had was a great first gear. Normally I would skip first and start out in second. But if you wanted to beat someone off the line, the bug's first gear couldn't be beat. For about 20 or 30 feet, that bug would beat any other car on the road.
I had some participation helping my buddy Ron restore one. The floor panels in that VW bug were rusted out so much there were holes underneath the floor mats.
I helped him restoring the floor panels on that Bug and some of the exterior cosmetics. It was no showroom floor restoration quality but that Bug sure look nice when it was done.
And in case anyone's wondering, I already beat you all to it. I didn't have to look too long because I know exactly where Gordon's Gold is amongst my thousands of CDs.
I cranked up The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald so loud my neighbors might be pissed off The Denon has been known to do that "Don't you know" ?
I'm just sorry none of you heard it. It sounded really good today and I wish you were all here to enjoy it with me.
The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down from the big lake they call it.........
Anyone, anyone...... Buehler
A great place to watch cruise ships leave Newcastle England (when they come back).
Tynemouth Priory