"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Here are some pictures of the dining areas and galleys in Pullman dining cars:
Between services. Car circa 1915:
Christmas time? Note the party crackers on the tables and the decorations:
An old Pullman diner. The workmanship is incredible:
Where the delicacies were created:
Simply beautiful!
An observation lounge:
For those of you who would like to detail the galley interior:
Menu circa 1892(?):
Is that Ed?
This galley has had a little use:
What a place to have dinner!
A little less formal:
Bear, ask and ye shall receive!
More to come!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Dave,
Well done-!, well done--!!
herrinchoker
Ed: Thank You for doing such a great job with the Diner for the past two months. The tour was wonderful
Dave: Thank you for the fantastic opening of the new diner for march.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Even though I have said it before, I was remiss by not starting the March Diner with a shout out to Ed for the excellent hosting job that he did in January and February.
Thanks Ed!!
hon30critterBear, ask and ye shall receive!
hon30critterIs that Ed?
No but this is:
P1100032 by Edmund, on Flickr
The things we do to get free train rides!
C&O_3_1974B_edited-1 by Edmund, on Flickr
Thanks again to everyone who rode along on our circuitous journey! Glad you fellows enjoyed it. I gained about ten pounds!
You're pulling out all the stops on the very first day, Dave! Great job
Now, back to that Century Dinner Salad
Cheers, Ed
Good morning all. A frosty morning. Hopefully the sun warms things up soon.
A great start, Dave.
My first trip on a Pullman train was about 1952. We were traveling from Leeds to Newcastle and we boarded 'The North Briton'. The decor was something 'out of this world' compared to the austerity we were living after the war. Food rashioning was still in force in the UK, yet meals on the train were plentiful. Watching the passing scenery on a full stomach was a delight.
Coffee time. With Muffins. Help yourself The Blueberry one is mine.
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
Good morning
I'll have the early Dining Car Special please
Crazy Minnesota! Sunday it was almost 50 degrees, and yesterday it was chilly with snow flurries all day. A spring teaser as I would call it
Thanks for starting the new Diner off Dave Just jumped aboard and getting settled here. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Thanks for the wonderful job you did on the Diner the last 2 months Ed Appreciated -&- Enjoyed!
Well, I got done dealing with some family issues last week. Not to go into detail but things got ironed out, I made sure of that. Brent, Charlie, Ed, Dave, John and anyone else I may have forgot, Thanks for your support!
Starting the week off here with some custom cabinetry continuation on my layout benchwork, Down in the Boiler Room I'll post some pictures later or start another thread, ...Who knows? I just hope that one monster I thought I saw out of my profile vision isn't down there anymore
Have a great day gentleman
TF
Good morning, and happy March First.
Ed ..... Again many thanks to you for hosting Jeffrey's Diner in January and February.
Dave Critter ..... Thanks for starting the March thread. Dining Cars is a great idea for a theme this month.
Assuming it is okay with everybody, I'll post some pictures of Diner Cars on my railroad this month. I have several full diner cars and I have a few cars that are half diner car and half parlor car.
The picture below is a model I built of a Burlington modernized heaveyweight dining car. The prototype was equipped with thermopane windows.
The railroad acquired several streamlined stainless steel cars made by Budd in the 1940's and 1950's for its Zephyr passenger trains. Also, older cars were upgraded to work on secondary passenger trains. They were painted silver to more closely match stainless steel cars. The railroad attempted to apply shadow striping to resemble fluted stainless steel, but that was not successful. Thereafter, such cars were simply painted silver.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Good morning, diners. I guess our regular waitresses are taking a month off and we'll be served by actual dining car waiters.
Thanks, Ed, for the last two months of travel, and thanks, Dave, for taking this months dining car journey.
TF, I'm glad everything worked out. Family issues are never pleasant.
My first dining car experience was on UP's City of Portland. I was pretty young traveling with my mother to visit my sick grandfather in Tacoma, WA. We slept two nights in the coach seats, but my mother splurged and had us eat in the dining car. She had to explain to me what the little bowl of water on the table was used for. What a great trip.
Hope everyone, including those facing health issues, has a good day today.
York1 John
Heartland Division CB&Q
In what city was this photo taken?
I never realized that the prototype actually had a ground throw that almost looks exactly like the Caboose Industries item.
Morning all.
Back from the Southern Command, drove thru some nasty thunderstorms on the way home in the Missouri Bootheel.
Garry, I missed your good news about the tumor, great to hear, nice diner cars too.
lots of stuff going on at work. we are looking to hire another position and going thru group internviews. I think we have it narrowed down. Note to those who want a job, don't show up for interviews dressed like you just woke up on a park bench in central park. That person went to bottom of list.
Dining cars were not a feature of the railroads where I grew up, being all commuter lines. So, I've only eaten in dining cars 3 times, and two were permanently parked cars simply used as dining rooms. The first was an old diner used at the Iron Horse restaurant, a place in the ski town of Newry, Maine. The second was a car at a restaurant near here in Delaware called The Salted Rim. I suspect it was actually just an old coach that had been renovated.
We did get to ride in an in-service diner on the Cape Cod and Hyannis Railway, a tourist line on Cape Cod. Delicious food, but only a short trip. The conductor told us the car had been part of a consist on the Illinois Central that ran as the City of New Orleans.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Good evening Diners. I have been running a few trains, whilst Dawn has been to exercise classes to strengthen her legs to help her walk. It was all done by a zoom meeting.
Chinese Chicken Curry with Fried Egg Rice and Potato Wedges.
Hello Railfans!
Top of the day to yas! Starting out pretty fair here.... cloudy - overcast, and calling for rain which im sure there is 100% chance of no chance! A half mast humbug day for sure.
Critter Dave) WOW, that was a heck of a hole-shot starting off the month like that. Took me 30 minutes to read past the front door . Excellent! You picked a very good subject. Your posted pics are excellent too - look at how ornate some of those cars are! But are you gonna be able to keep Ed in that white tux all month?
( My mystic eye is forseeing many food fights ahead should the 'animals' be let in )
In general) Again, my best get well wishes to those who are suffering. Better weather and better views are coming!
Not much going on in the train room so to say. Did a little puter work on my inventory program last night. Prolly do more of the same tonight.
Have a wonderful evening folks!
Green Lights!
Douglas
Good evening, everybody ....
maxman In what city was this photo taken? I never realized that the prototype actually had a ground throw that almost looks exactly like the Caboose Industries item.
Maxman .... Thank you ...... It's the city of Heartland.
MLC ..... Thanks for your comment about my news.
....
Here is another modernized heavyweight car I built. It is a diner / parlor car. So, half of the car is a diner while the other half has parlor seats.
In all my years of "train watching" I often saw one of the cooks "looking things over" as the diner was passing through the station or passing another train:
rn1-436 by George Hamlin, on Flickr
P-C_1000 by Edmund, on Flickr
Always a friendly wave or a "How ya' doin'?" as the car passed by. A long-standing ritual.
I had to replicate this on my layout.
PRR_diner by Edmund, on Flickr
The above cars are ones that were built by Budd for service on Pennsy's "Blue Ribbon" fleet. In later years the Tuscan paint was stripped off. I did the same and repainted them with AlcladII. I could never figure out why Walthers never offered this later "bare-stainless" version. It would be appropriate for late PRR, Penn Central and Amtrak.
If I were to add up all the available diner chairs I have for my little HO people i'm sure it would number close to 500. Maybe more! I do have an affliction toward collecting diners
I hope everyone is doing well this first day of March
Welcome back, TF
Good evening diners.
I received a nifty little gem in the mail today. I finally have an Athearn Hustler. I saw this one come up for sale and bought it instantly. It has the rare gear drive conversion installed.
The description said it ran erratic and needed repair. It runs fine. It does draw a lot of current (1.2A) and makes some noise.
I think it is the original Athearn motor. I am not familiar with the ins-and-outs of the gear drive conversion. I have a small Sagami can motor that might get installed one day.
I spent the day putting on layer two of mud in the dining room and the ceiling repair patches.
Nothing else to report.
The World Is A Beautiful Place.
SeeYou190I received a nifty little gem in the mail today. I finally have an Athearn Hustler.
Hi Kevin,
There's an opportunity for a nice model!
One of my first purchases when I got into model railroading years ago was a Tyco switcher with a pancake motor. I didn't have a clue about what I was buying. I was probably attracted by the price.
I also didn't know much about how to lubricate a locomotive, other than the fact that it needed to be done every so often. I proceeded to oil it liberally. What I ended up with was a diesel with lots of smoke and the accompanying stink of something electrical burning! I thought it was hilarious because I immediately recognized what I had done wrong.
I started to detail it but I soon realized that it wasn't worth the effort. For one thing, the locomotive is too big. I haven't done anything with it since but I still have it. If I ever get a table at a train show, I'll pawn it off on some unsuspecting newbie.
Have fun with your new "gem".
Cheers!!
The dreaded words "What do you have?" were heard--followed by a brown dog racing at high speed from the kitchen to the living room. Puppy poop patrol starts, if any components from a 4-8-4 show up, off to the vet we go---The 4-8-4 is now a 3-5-1, only one side rod, two gears, a very small nut, part of a motor, and only part of the upper half of the boiler. A sad looking pile of parts to say the least. Dame Agatha not fazed the least. All four of the passenger cars, and the tender are on the rails, just missing the 4-8-4.
The list grows, two pair of sneakers, one pair of boots, pair of ski mobile boots, (wife's), corner of coffee table, jacket sleeve, towels, face cloths, bed covers, (assorted). If the dog wasn't so birdy, delivering to hand, steady to shot, I do believe that I would have some new very furrey brown slippers. Her saving grace is she is completely without guile--and picks upon my emotion, knowing when the joints are not functioning as they should, being very gentile around me..which I appreciate.
Temp. on the down swing, hit 44F today, supposed to have a wind chill of -14 by the AM. Very strong NW wind at present, have the stove choked full of dry oak, running a 1/2 front and back draft, and in the dark can see a dull pink glow on the side of the stove. The next four days are to be below normal temp. wise.
Bruse on my butt some how has migrated to my ankle, and it is turning into various and interesting colors. I looked at my backside in a full length mirror, the word baboon comes to mind, although the blue isn't as bright, more of a dusty color.
My next chore is to repair the control rod for the snow blower chute that was bent when it flipped over backwards as I was cresting the top of the hill. Definately will be making an alternative path to bring the machine back to the top of the hill.
Hope all are dry, warm, well fed. Prayers to those in need. Best to all.....
herrinchokerThe list grows, two pair of sneakers, one pair of boots, pair of ski mobile boots, (wife's), corner of coffee table, jacket sleeve, towels, face cloths, bed covers, (assorted).
My youngest daughter's cat destroyed this door trim. She never damaged anything else, just this one door, and just in one spot.
This will give you an idea of how large the Pullman factory was:
War time production at the factory:
Inside the Pullman factory:
Is that a diner car in the front?
The Pullman offices:
More war production:
Heavy machinery:
I'll try to find more pictures of the inside of the factory. Stay tuned.
Here is a history of the Pullman Standard Company:
The Pullman Company, from its humble beginnings in the late 1860s by George Pullman, became the face of the passenger train industry during the Golden Age of rail travel through the first half of the 20th century. The company became famous for its passenger train cars, especially its sleeping cars, although during the peak of rail travel during the streamliner era of the 1930s several railroads chose Pullman to equip their entire trains (and many railroads were proud of this fact by stating that their trains were "All Pullman" equipped). Pullman began facing stiff competition in the market when the Budd Company and their famed stainless-steel streamlined equipment hit the rails, most notably on the Santa Fe's Super Chief and El Capitan trains.
As is perhaps to be expected, the Pullman Company died with the privately operated passenger trains and mostly ceased to exist by the late 1960s (although the company attempted to entire the freight car market it was only marginally successful). As far fetched as it seems you can again experience classic Pullman services thanks to Pullman Rail Journeys.
The Pullman Company has its beginnings in February of 1867 (originally known as the Pullman Palace Car Company) by George Pullman who was tired of riding on long train journeys with nothing but an uncomfortable bench seat to ride on the entire way and no type of sleeping arrangements. Pullman essentially created the market of sleeping arrangements aboard passenger trains when set up his company a few miles outside of Chicago, Illinois in a newly incorporated town (created in 1880) known as Pullman (everything in the town, including the homes, were all company owned).
Head-End Equipment
Coach Cars
Dining Cars
Lounge Cars
Dome Cars
Sleeping/Bedroom Cars
Observation Cars
Pullman's original sleeping cars were not the well remembered full/half bedroom arrangements that would come later in the 1930s and onwards, they were simple multipurpose "berths" whereby the seats could be laid out into a bed during the night. These types of early sleeping car arrangements were quite common for years although Pullman's early cars became just as famous for their luxurious interior decor as for the bedding they provided. In 1900 the Pullman Palace Car Company was renamed simply the The Pullman Company to oversee the corporation's numerous acquisitions it had gained over through the latter 1800s. The Pullman Company would eventually become the parent corporation to several subsidiaries (all owned by the parent), such as the Pullman Car & Manufacturing Company which actually built the passenger cars.
Throughout the company's existence building wooden cars of the 19th century to the steel heavyweights of the early 20th century Pullmans were always painted a dark, forest green (there is actually a color called Pullman green, and is still used today by model railroaders), unless specified by a railroad. However, that changed in the 1930s when Pullman broke into the lightweight, streamliner era. The company built its last heavyweight in 1931 and following the debuting of several streamliners in 1934 and beyond Pullman built and painted their cars to match the train's colorful livery. The year of the streamliner in 1934 also saw the Pullman Company's manufacturing division change its name to the Pullman-Standard Car Manufacturing Company when it merged the Standard Steel Car Company into its operation that year. Eight years later, in 1944, Pullman saw significant changes to its operations. It was forced to sell off its passenger car operating division as the US Department of Justice claimed anti-trust violations were occurring by the company having both operating and manufacturing operations.
Pullman eventually sold its operating division to 57 Class I railroads but continued to manufacture passenger cars under its Pullman-Standard division (the parent company remained Pullman, Inc.). The Pullman Company operating division had been a trademark aspect of the company. Since Pullman owned its entire fleet of cars, and thus leased them to the railroads to operate within their trains, it also provided full staff and porter services. After selling its fleet to the railroads they had no use for Pullman's personnel and subsequently dropped them from the payroll providing their own on board staffs. And thus, after the breakup of Pullman the company solely built cars no longer providing services aboard them.
While increased sleeping services began to take hold in the first part of the 20th century, new innovative designs and layouts during the streamliner era meant passengers had a wide range of options to choose from regarding their sleeping arrangements. Instead of simply the option of a berth most Pullman-built sleeping cars on board famous trains like the 20th Century Limited, Super Chief, and Empire Builder carried the choice of a berth, roomette (somewhat like a berth but it also was a small enclosed room with more privacy), or a full bedroom (which featured, among other things, a full private bath).
The 1950s were truly the last profitable times for the Pullman Company. Already receiving stiff competition from Budd since the mid-1930s, during the '50s most railroads ordered their final car fleets as the writing was on the wall that passengers were ditching trains for automobiles. With few orders during the 1960s its not surprising that the railroad aspect of the company ended operations at the end of December, 1968 with all assets dissolved the next day, January 1, 1969. While aspects of Pullman continued on through the 1980s, and some of which remain even today, as a builder of passenger train cars and part of the railroad industry, this all ceased by the beginning of 1969.
Following the end of Pullman service it was presumed we would never get to experience the days of friendly porters, elegant full-course dining, full bedrooms, observations, and domes again. Incredibly, however, it was announced in 2012 that a new company known as Pullman Rail Journeys owned by short line conglomerate Iowa Pacific Holdings would be bringing back and has now been established. As of now the company has a select fleet of restored equipment which it plans to run on just a few Amtrak trains. If the traveling public shows growing interest in the return of Pullman services expect the company to grow its fleet and add cars to additional Amtrak trains.
I was starting to wind down for the day thought Id stop by an raid the fridge before i go a few rounds with the sandman.
Critter Dave) Awesome shots of Pullman. Better pass Ed a mop. Love the 'inside factory' shots!
HerrinChoker) I forsee a username change in your future from Herrin to Dog. Very sorry to hear that bit of news.
Kevin) So you decided on a lil Histler instead of the Brass bummer? Or are you still teetering on the decision?
Have a good night all! See yall tomarow prolly.
Yard Limit!
hon30critterIs that a diner car in the front?
I think the first 5 (?) are Pullman Gallery Cars built for commuter service,
Hi Bear,
Okay, your explanation makes sense. When I first looked at them I didn't see the upper row of windows. Obviously they are a bi-level car.
Thanks,
Good morning all.
Cats and dogs. We had cats most of our married life. One of them was tough. Boy was he tough. Dog walkers would make a wide detour rather than pass him as he glared at them.
He would often stop car drivers from going down the street. His arched back on defiance because he had been disturbed.
Some days he would lift the lid off the fish tank and started 'plodging up and down'. He never tried to catch any fish. Just loved the water.
Taking Dawn to the Hospice for treatment, so that is the day taken care of.
Early coffee time with biscuit
Good Morning. Tuesday already!
Thanks for heading up this months Diner activities, Dave Great job!!!
I think the first 5 (?) are Pullman Gallery Cars built for commuter service, Dave.
The C & NW did add an extended-height roof to two of its smooth-side diners so they would "blend-in" with the Pullman gallery cars. Tough to find photos of them.
http://skytopmodels.com/bileveldiner.html
I rode those cars several times in Chicago and when Kato made them in HO I picked up a few:
IMG_5641 by Edmund, on Flickr
OK, no crabbing about the NYC Mohawk One of the "Show Me Something requests was for a steam powered bi-level train and this is what I made up. I usually have an E7 on there. I added sound to the cab car so when in the "push" mode I have a horn and bell on the forward cab car
Here's a look at "wrapping" the roof panels:
Trains_BuildingCar002 by Edmund, on Flickr
The 1880s Pullman Administration building suffered a huge fire in december 1998.
Pullman_Admin-Ill by Edmund, on Flickr
It was gutted. Through great effort much of the building has been somewhat restored:
A little something to go with your coffee this morning:
I'll have the waffles with extra Pelican brand butter and syrup in the Pullman dining car please.
Happy Taco Tuesday! Hopefully tacos are on the menu in the dining car this evening
Crazy Minnesota again. It was almost 50° on Saturday, hovering near 20° Sunday and Monday. Today it will be near or exceed 50° again. I'll take it Finally spring is on its way in the Klondike
NorthBrit Cats and dogs. Some days he would lift the lid off the fish tank and started 'plodging up and down'. He never tried to catch any fish. Just loved the water.
Cats and dogs.
Nellie was our favorite dog that had characteristics of a cat. We had a pond in the backyard. In the fall we would take the koi and put them in a hog feeding bin in the basement for the winter. Nellie loved the water as well and would paw her foot in the water. Both her and Magnum would get all the way into the pond in the summer to cool off. I don't think the koi minded but I never asked them She would sit and watch the fish in the basement just as she did in the backyard.
One day she came upstairs whimpering nervously and repeatedly doing an about-face towards the stairs. It was almost like one of those Lassie movies where she tried to get us to follow her right away. The one yellow koi that liked to jump was out of the hog bin flopping on the floor. Nellie had saved the fish. I think she liked fish just like she liked frogs but that is another story.
Thanks for all the pictures, history and information you have provided on the thread so far this month Dave. Great job Thank you as well Ed, for your contributions and the welcome back
My contribution to the Pullmans.
A little contribution as they come in small Micro-Trains boxes. Interesting How Great Northern called thier color Pullman green. I see Pullman green as almost black unless it's right next to black. It shows a greenish but almost a more brown Hue in certain lighting. It's a tricky color and almost impossible to duplicate. A lot of the MR manufacturer's screw it up. These cars certainly look great behind my Northern Pacific Challenger, .....Well, It could have happened!
Good morning, diners! I hope the regular waitresses are enjoying their month off as our food is served by dining car waiters. I'll have my regular -- bacon, eggs, and black coffee.
Herrinchoker, that's a hilarious story of your puppy. Good luck looking at piles of **** on the lawn looking for train parts. Hope your body recovers through all of this.
Dave, I am loving all the passenger train stuff. Passenger trains are my favorite on layouts. If I had to pick a time to live besides the present, I think I would go back as a rich man to the 1940s-1950s and ride all of the name trains we rode the past two months.
I have to go to a funeral this morning, so that's all from the Great Plains.
Good evening all. Back from the Hospice. Dawn is progressing well with her walking. Still a long way to go, but much better than five years ago when Doctors' said she would never walk again.
Chermoula Prawns with Spiced Giant Couscous is on the menu.
A Fruit Salad with a Banana Sauce to follow.
Stay Safe Everyone
York1If I had to pick a time to live besides the present, I think I would go back as a rich man to the 1940s-1950s and ride all of the name trains we rode the past two months.
Mike
PM RailfanKevin) So you decided on a lil Histler instead of the Brass bummer? Or are you still teetering on the decision?
I am absolutely not buying the brass model. Unless someone makes one, I will never have the Cummins Diesel Locomotive.
I have enough material for three or four center cab diesel projects that will exist in the SGAU.
York1Dave, I am loving all the passenger train stuff.
I know very little about real trains, and almost nothing about passenger cars. Thanks to Dave, my knowledge of passenger cars has probably doubled in just a couple of days.
Water Level RouteAgreed. I'll forever be jealous of those who got to ride at least one of them.
I have never had any desire to ride a passenger train. I have ridden a few excursion and tourist trains, and they don't do much for me.
My middle daughter has ridden a passenger train all the way across Canada and loved it. She has also taken rail tours of Japan and France/Germany. She loves passenger trains, but hates Amtrak.
My oldest daughter has taken one Amtrak trip from Chicago to New York City, and said it was the best way to do that journey.
Howdy.
David North Brit ...... Sorry to hear about Dawn. Hope she recovers soon. Praying for her.
Kevin ..... Regarding your thread about a brass locomotive. The CB&Q had several, unique, one-of-a-kind, small switching locomotives with center cabs in the late 1930's. Eventually, General Electric produced its 44 ton center cab switcher, and Burlington acquired a few of them.
Below is a photo of my DIner/Parlor/Obsevation car which I kitbashed from a Walthers Budd observation car.
Everybody: .... Have a good afternoon.
Garry, that is one of the most realistic scenes. It's difficult to tell if it's a model or an actual train.
York1 Garry, that is one of the most realistic scenes. It's difficult to tell if it's a model or an actual train.
John York 1 .... Thank you.
Heartland Division CB&QEventually, General Electric produced its 44 ton center cab switcher, and Burlington acquired a few of them.
Evenin'!
Let's see how many of you know the difference between the 44 tonner and a 45 Tonner. Below is GE 45 Tonner Beebee Station which we have at the R&GV RR Museum in Rush, NY. I'll buy virtual dinner in the dining car of your choice to the first person who knows the difference...
You know, I haven't seen our 45 tonner up and running in quite a while. Hope she gets some use this summer and fall!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Went to Home Depot today to find a piece of plywood to use as gussets. I found a 1 x 6 x3/8" in the cut wood cart, with a 70% off sign.
They had 6 self service registers and the Pro register. The girl at self service could only tell me it was 70% off but didn't know what to do. I was behind a guy who was maybe 4' 6" with two carts of lumber and one of cement blocks.
Another employee opened up a register but she was clueless too. She called someone who didn't answer, then called another guy who had to come to the register and go back and get a number. The number didn't work. We repeated the process and the number still didn't work. i got the piece for free.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
What could be more fun than a Bobcat bucket full of Bob Cats?
Bob-Cats by Edmund, on Flickr
My son takes care of these strays at his w**k. His wife is a vet tech and they all have been spayed and vaccinated.
I had some visitors yesterday:
Doe-a-deer by Edmund, on Flickr
I like this video. It shows how a berth is made up and a few other highlights of a vintage B&O ride.
I like the attendant in the EA unit. Even through the later cab-unit years, EMD was still putting an attendant call button on the engineer's controls.
Engineer Schroder sure is tired! Ran that train from Washington DC to Lamy, New Mexico without a wink of sleep!
Thanks again for hosting this months' great Diner episode, Dave
Regards, Ed
Good Evening,
Nice job on the March Diner Dave.
If I had the space I would have a layout with predominately passenger trains. I like large driver steam engines.
I have riden on passenger trains a few times. In 1960 I travelled on CN's Continental from Winnipeg to Vancouver and back. Then in 1971 I went from Winnipeg to Toronto. I remember a wonderful roast beef dinner in the dining car. In March of 1977 I went to Toronto again to pick up a new car, a Buick Skylark S/R . The drive home started out wih a blizzard from Toronto to London. It was dark and I got behind a truck as visibility was terrible. In fact it was better with just parking lights on. Cars passed but usually I wound up later passing them in the ditch. I was on the 401. I stayed in London for 3 days waiting for them to dig out the highways.
My most memorable passenger train ride was from Pretoria to Cape Town on Rovos Rail in 2015.
Tea time,
CN Charlie
gmpullmanI like this video. It shows how a berth is made up and a few other highlights of a vintage B&O ride.
Hi Ed,
The video was very interesting. Nice shiny new engines. Pardon my lack of knowledge, but was that an E6 A&B?
Hi, Dave
Good question worthy of discussion.
Those are EMC EA units: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMC_EA/EB
Essentially the first in the legion of E units.
Sitting Pretty by The Mastadon, on Flickr
Neat Stuff!
Ed
Since we are in Chicago, how about some pictures of the place.
Here is an excellent transition era photo:
Downtown circa 1950:
Lake Michigan in the background. Freight terminal on the right:
End of the line on the 'L':
Elevated tracks:
An icon:
Englewood Station:
The Chicago stockyards. Ah, the smell of money!!:
Not sure of the date. Things seem to have gotten a bit warm:
PRR:
More soon.
Heartland Division CB&QThe CB&Q had several, unique, one-of-a-kind, small switching locomotives with center cabs in the late 1930's.
Garry, Thank you for the information on the CB&Q switchers.
howmusLet's see how many of you know the difference between the 44 tonner and a 45 Tonner.
I would say the difference is 2,000 pounds.
There is a great clip that shows up on discussion boards from time to time where a news crew thought they were interviewing the director of the animated movie 102 Dalmations. The man they were interviewing had the same name, but was not the director. They asked what was the difference between the movie 101 Dalmations, and the sequel 102 Dalmations. The man look right into the camera and very seriously replies "umm... one dalmation". It is completely hilarious.
Seriously, I believe the 45 ton locomotive had slopier hoods and siderods.
howmusLet's see how many of you know the difference between the 44 tonner and a 45 Tonner.... ...I'll buy virtual dinner in the dining car of your choice to the first person who knows the difference...
1 ton!
Cheers the Bear.
Edit. Was the 45 tonner designed specifically as an industrial switcher?
gmpullmanThose are EMC EA units: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMC_EA/EB
Thanks for clarifying that. I think that the sloped noses are absolutely beautiful! Have there been any accurate models made of them that a normal person might be able to afford? Edit: BLI made a Paragon EA.
Good morning all. A cold day with snow forecast later.
Garry. Thanks for your concern. Five years ago Dawn was in intensive care for a month and a further four months in hospital. Some Doctors said she would never walk again. Eighteen steps she can do now. (Twenty on a good day.) The bad days she is knocked sideways (never back). The good days are really good.
Coffee time.
Baking a Cherry Pie this afternoon.
Thoughts & Peace to All who Require.
A high of 48° yesterday was nice. I got done with my woodworking in the Boiler Room early enough in the day so I could go out in the afternoon to enjoy it. Mid to upper 40's for the rest of the week with a high of 55 on Sunday I hope it rains good once inbetween, so I can Fire Up the Stang and go out for a good romp
Looks like it may be an early spring up here after all. I won't be holding my breath though. There's always that one last surprise show storm in April up here in Minnesota.
Thanks for all your continued efforts of being such a great host Dave! Enjoyed
howmus
NorthBrit Five years ago Dawn was in intensive care for a month and a further four months in hospital. Some Doctors said she would never walk again. Eighteen steps she can do now. (Twenty on a good day.) The bad days she is knocked sideways (never back). The good days are really good.
Hi David,
I can only imagine how hard Dawn is working to try to recover. You are a truly dedicated husband and deserve to be recognized for how hard you must be working to take care of her and help her recover. You are a good person!
My wife Dianne has helped me through three medical crisis. I would have been lost without her. In fact right now she has had to take on all of the household chores because of my broken Achilles tendon. We have a very comfortable lifestyle thanks to the pension that she earned through many years of hard work. I am truly grateful.
Best wishes for Dawn's continued recovery!
By the way, cherry pie is my favourite!
I'm not sure what we're exactly looking for in the designation of the GE 44 tonner. One reason it is "44 ton" is that there was the 1937 "90,000 pound rule" that stated the weight of a locomotive 45 tons or over required a fireman on the crew.
The 44 tonner skirted this by reducing the weight on axles, much the way the drawbar between the FT-A and FT-B made it one locomotive only requiring one crew.
Diner_Erie8 by Edmund, on Flickr
Dining on the Erie Limited
gmpullman The 44 tonner skirted this by reducing the weight on axles, much the way the drawbar between the FT-A and FT-B made it one locomotive only requiring one crew.
SeeYou190Seriously, I believe the 45 ton locomotive had slopier hoods and siderods.
Ding, ding, ding! We have a winnah....! The hood may be a difference of when the loco was built, Im not sure, but the 1,000 lb. siderod on each side was the main difference. (together that made a 2,000lb, 1 ton difference. IIRC the reason for GE removing the siderods had to do with the FRA not requiring two people on board with the lighter loco. Just got under the weight limit. edit: Ed beat me to it! The 45 tonners and the 44 tonners were mainly industrial switchers and were liked well by their crews.
You can read all about the old girl here: http://www.rgvrrm.org/about/railroad/rge1941/
Elkhart_Valley by Edmund, on Flickr
BandO_4-24-66_service by Edmund, on Flickr
NYC_menu_1927 by Edmund, on Flickr
Good morning again
I'll have the fresh lake trout broiled in parsley butter, sauteed potatoes and string beans for .95 cents Ed, Thanks
I got up really early today and I'm all coffeed out. Usually when I do that I have coffee crash around noon
I have to go put the stain on my layout cabinet doors I finished. I better go do that before the coffee crash happens
It's off to the Boiler Room Batman
Good morning .....
David ... You are welcome. Prayers continue.
Kevin ... You are welcome reguarding info on CB&Q center cab switchers.
Speaking of the Chicago area, EMD had its huge plant in LaGrange. That was about 10 miles from where I grew up.
Here is an EMD builders photo of a Santa Fe F7 ABB taken at LaGrange. If you like F-units and E-units, that is where they were born.
........
Cheers.
Heartland Division CB&QSanta Fe F7
Good morning.
I have to head out to do some work, so just a quick photo of a neat Rock Island train station in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. It is now a bank. It was a great use for a building that otherwise would have probably been torn down.
Garry & John: Thank you for both of those beautiful photographs.
Santa Fe F units are truly iconic.
That station is a beauty.
On the F unit photo the warbonnet paint is visible behind the stainless steel grille. I did not know it was painted back there.
howmus Evenin'! Let's see how many of you know the difference between the 44 tonner and a 45 Tonner.
Let's see how many of you know the difference between the 44 tonner and a 45 Tonner.
2000 lbs
Heartland Division CB&Q Here is an EMD builders photo of a Santa Fe F7 ABB taken at LaGrange. If you like F-units and E-units, that is where they were born.
I know I've said this many times, but for me, this is how trains are supposed to look.
I've mentioned before that in 1978 my wife and I rode the last Southern Crescent to New Orleans from Atlanta. The dining car workers were all in a good mood for their last day of work. The waiter gave my wife this menu. They were guarding all the silverware and plates.
Top of the morning to yas! Wow, sunny and 60F on the thermo-ticker. I dont mind the 60F, but i could do without the blinding, retina singing, optic nerve frying high beam in the sky! HUMBUG!
John York) After i put on my welding goggles and sunglasses i could see that awesome pic you posted of SF #306 et al. I agree whole-heartedly - THATS the way trains should look! (this forum REALLY needs a centerfold!)
And some odd 50 yarns ago, that very look is what bit me into being a Railfan. More than any other livery out there, and Ive seen them all, the Red Warbonnet is by far, hands down, the epitomy of livery design. Id say thats my opinion, but looking at it, i cant see why that isnt a fact!
Concerning Southern's Crescent. The Crescent was pretty much the only name train running thru my neck of the woods growing up. Albeit AmTrak's version by the time i came into being a Railfan. So i never actually got to ride the Southern version. There were other name trains thru the east side of Va., but none of the same stature.
Plenty of nighttime trips (thats when it traveled my area) from the District of Corruption (our nations capital) to Greensboro, N.C., where Id catch a night of sleep before an all day return to DC via one of Southern's steam specials. IE: 2716, 611, 1218, the next day.
I have NEVER ridden an AmTrak where the staff was not profressional, courteous, helpful, and exceptionally tolerant no matter what name or number the train has. Today they may frown fervantly at dutch door riding, back then all ya got was "Hey, what you doing?" - "Im a Railfan, and Im doing what Railfans do." - "Well, theres tunnels on this line and youll never see one coming... dont stick your head or hands out, be careful!" - "Thank you sir!".
One can only imagine what Pullman service was like first hand beyond that. While i didnt get any menus, silverware, or the like... i did walk away with hair full of cinders, a face like a reversed racoon (goggles ya know), a few pics, and some very fond memorys of steam on the Southern.
As some are envious of those who have been fortunate enuf to have placed hand on throttle, those too can be just as awed by something as simple as the pleasure of dinner on the "Crescent". Indeed i am sir!
GE Switcher delima) Now being an EMD guy, i never really payed much attention to the GEs, especially the switchers. So i was really looking forward to the answer of the diff betwixt 44t and 45t. 2000lbs seems like the 'sarcastic' answer ID give, but that cant be the only diff... really? Learn me something today, please.
Critter Dave) Excellent job so far! Love the pic postings. I had to do a double take with enlargement on the pic "Lake MI in the background, freight terminal on the right".
If you look in the middle of pic Id swear I saw King Kong hanging off one of the roofs! Before much longer itll be "I swear thats Bath & Hammondsport" when its really Wisconsin Central!
See what sunny days will do to your eyes!
Yall have a wonderful evening.
Clear Ahead!
Hey folks - one more thing. I need a bit of help from you guys. Especially those from the paint department.
Ya know that flatcar project im doing? Well, im at the point where i want to test paint a few models. My delima is i dont have a/the new spray rig yet. And since its just a test, i was considering using rattle cans. Should be a quick and simple fix for my paint deparment not being up to snuff.
So, where the help comes in is this... I havent used them before (for model railroading) and have no clue "who" would make a decent spray. Or "Who" even makes the colors i need. Which would be - Caboose Red, Boxcar Red, Pullman Green, Freight car Black (not steam black), Roof Black, and a good red wine colored Red. A light grey wouldnt hurt either.
If one company makes pretty much all those- great. Who are they? Do they offer small cans?
Id ask out in the real world (post a thread) but id be reading the same names that are in here anyways. Thanks for the help folks- much appreciated!
PM RailfanGE Switcher delima) Now being an EMD guy, i never really payed much attention to the GEs, especially the switchers. So i was really looking forward to the answer of the diff betwixt 44t and 45t. 2000lbs seems like the 'sarcastic' answer ID give, but that cant be the only diff... really? Learn me something today, please.
Actually I posted the answer a page back..... The 2000lbs is not the answer... It was a few lbs off from that. The major difference was the 45 tonner had side rods as only one set of drivers was actually powered. The 44 tonners only needed to have one person on board as it was under the weight of the requirement to have two crew in the cab back then. I file stuff like that under little known and completely useless information unless I am out at the museum when we are open and I get to spout all kinds of "stuff" like that.
The little engine is a sweet runner and I hope that when we open later this year she will get to pull some trains.
OK, here is another one for you guys...
"Lehigh Valley No. 211 was originally built by Alco for the Pennsylvania Railroad in December 1953 and was delivered as PRR 8445. It is unique in that it has a raised short hood used to house the dynamic brakes and a steam generator for heating passenger cars. For obvious reasons it soon got the nickname “Hammerhead.” It is the only survivor of a group of five RS-3s built with a high short hood for PRR and Western Maryland Railway, and one of only a handful of surviving Conrail rebuilds where the Alco prime mover was replaced with an ???" (You might know if you were paying attention to another post I made a while back.)
Did I see some Stratton & Gillette equipment featured in the April issue of M-R?
Nice to see one of our favorite Diner patrons recognized
Ray, a GM 567 ?
CNCharlie Ray, a GM 567 ? CN Charlie
Yep! An EMD 567B to be exact. I can remember several old train employees coming to the Museum during Diesel Days when we would have her up and running. They would get this funny look on their faces and say, "she just doesn't sound right!" LOL
gmpullmanDid I see some Stratton & Gillette equipment featured in the April issue of M-R? Nice to see one of our favorite Diner patrons recognized Cheers, Ed
I think this is really great! I can now say that I know someone who made the big time -- actually published in MR.
And, it's a fun thing to read, too!
Kevin, congratulations!
Just got my currant Model Railroader tonight.
Loved your article Kevin! Sweet!!!
Thanks guys!
Mine has not come in the mail yet, but I am excited to see it.
Finally... 12 contributions to get one in! (actually 1.15)
I enjoyed this little video production:
I was fortunate to have been along for several private car runs in and out of Chicago. Great memories. Glad I did it while I could, sadly I don't see much future in it.
One of the cars I got to work on was an ex Nickel Plate 10-6 Pullman, sold then to Illinois Central and renamed Cynthia (all I-C 10-6 were named for "C" cities on the route) The paint and lettering on these cars remind me of this.
A story about the Pullman, Illinois area:
I have a pass to tour the factory but, for some reason, I didn't get there in a timely fashion:
Pullman_Pass_0002 by Edmund, on Flickr
Wow, a hundred thirty-seven years old!
Here's another Pullman Company pass from my collection:
Pass_Railroad_0010 by Edmund, on Flickr
This is only to occupy the Pullman space. The holder would still need a railroad pass or to buy a ticket.
Thanks for the video Ed.
Our stop in Chicago would hardy be complete without visiting a train station or two. Chicago has had a total of six major stations.
Union Station:
Here is the Wikipedia blurb if you are interested:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Union_Station
The original:
Union Station in the old days:
Dearborne Station ceased rail operations in 1971:
Dearborn St. Station:
Cool streamliner at the bottom of the picture!
Grand Central Station:
LaSalle St. Station:
The original LaSalle St station:
North Western Depot:
Three generations of Chicago stations. Not sure which is which:
Lake St. tower:
What diner manufacturer should we do next?
Wow! That was great stuff, Dave!
Now, about that streamliner. Whatever is it? After enlarging the photo, I don't think I've ever seen a photo of anything like that upper smokebox fairing. I really hope someone can give some info on what this was and maybe even another photo or two of it. I do note it was coal-fired.
Other interesting things here, too. A Central of Georgia coach on the left. In Chi-town? Trucks in the distance have styling that seems to fit maybe the late 30s. But there's no diesel power anywhere. Wonder when the photo was taken.
Thanks again. The diner has been really fabulous these last few months. It's evident that the 'Net is getting a real workout!
John
Ed,
I don't know how I managed to do this, but I totally missed the two videos that you posted on the bottom of page 1 covering the rebuilding of the Pullman Headquarters and the history of dining cars. They were excellent!
Attuvian1Now, about that streamliner. Whatever is it?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/railphotoart/25558956371/in/photostream/
https://chuckmanchicagonostalgia.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/photo-chicago-train-grand-trunk-and-western-streamlined-steam-engine-6409-1948.jpg
I wasted away an entire day. We had a "cold" front go through around noon, it rained for about an hour, and the temperature dropped to the low 70s. My wife and I spent the day cuddled on the couch watching nonsense on Netflix.
It was a great way to waste away a day.
Here she is again:
Grand Trunk Western #6409:
A sister #6408:
And another one:
Made by Lima in 1938.
This is slightly off topic but who cares!
Good morning all. The Heavenly watering can is busy.
Dave, TF & Garry. Thanks for your concern. As for been a good husband? Just looking after my 'best mate' like she does for me.
Dave. Great pictures. Thanks for posting
Kevin. You have made it in M R. Fantastic. Someone might send me a copy.
I am been told to 'run some trains'. "After making some coffee."
Coffee time. With some Cherry Pie I made yesterday.
gmpullman Did I see some Stratton & Gillette equipment featured in the April issue of M-R? Nice to see one of our favorite Diner patrons recognized Cheers, Ed
i just saw it. Kevin, good to see your S&G in MR. Very clever.,
Good Morning All,
Just getting a regular to go then going Zoe.
Ed - thanks again for the two month tour. Really excellent work.
Dave - you are doing a great job on the Pullman thread. Much appreciated.
My thoughts are with those of you recovering or trying to help others recover from health issues. I did manage to get my first shot of vaccine. The state web site is a disaster but once at the site the folks there (all volunteer fire folks) were superstars. Organised, efficient, professional. Shot went well and no side effects so far. Catch y'all later, way too much going on in the shop. Ciao, J.R.
South Island by J.R. Mitchell, on Flickr" alt="" />
Good morning, diners. No breakfast yet. I'm getting off the dining car to go get my second vaccination. I'll catch up with everyone at the next stop.
One daughter who has gotten both shots said she did not feel well for a day after. Small price to pay for the protection.
I'll have the kippered Herring on toast with scrambled eggs off the New York Central Lines menu for $.65 cents this morning please, Thanks. If anyone else would like an order, I'm buying. With exception of Douglas who made himself very clear once, that he doesn't eat that sort of thing
Lots of great Train Stations to admire here this morning, Thanks to our good host Dave Also, I always enjoy the videos Ed.
Seems to be a pretty popular Steamer here. I've never seen that one before, then again I haven't seen a lot of RR images that are posted in the diner. But that's what keeps things interesting around here
Not alot going on for me today. I got my layout cabinet stained last night that should have been done outside last fall, instead of over the carpet with a tarp tucked under I let the stain on the cabinet doors dry over night down in the Boiler Room and brought them up this morning.
I need to go to Menards to get some adjustable hinges now. I have a $47 dollar in-store credit left but I don't know if that'll be enough? Those things are spendy! So far starting from last fall, I've basically built this project for free from store credits
I need to stop by Scale Model Supply and exchange one of my Twin Cities & Western's that had a front right railing missing. Good thing I noticed that before my brother's birthday.
Mornin'......
Kevin! Welcome to the club! Congratulations on being published. I will read your article as soon as I get the issue and have a few minutes (or more) to see it.
I have found out I will be getting my Author Certificate in the NMRA as it has passed muster with the Region. You have to come up with a total of 42 points to recieve it. Turns out Model Railroader being a National Publication I could get a lot of points for the article I managed somehow to get published. That totalled 40 points for the certificate all by itself. A few Local Division columns and a couple handouts for clinics I presented gave me way over the required amount.
Kevin, if you are a member of the NMRA and have not earned it, do look into getting your Author Certificate.
Again Looking forward to reading your article! Congrats!!!
Thanks, guys, for the pics of the GTW 4-8-4s. I'm gonna suppose the distinctive vaned front was proprietary for GTW from the Lima Works. One photo seems to show that it could pass air flow. Exhaust management?
Just returned from getting the second shot. Look out world, I'm back out in public.
I hope you guys up north appreciate this. On my morning walk, I counted 42 million geese flying over. I made sure not to let them stop here -- I told them they were wanted further north. They sure made a lot of noise going over.
In December, 1989, we had just gotten off the City of New Orleans at Union Station in Chicago. We were waiting to get onto the California Zephyr. The station was being remodeled, and there wasn't any heat. We ate at one of the stands wearing our hats and gloves. Sorry about the blurry picture. Taken with a $4 camera!
Good morning all from a dry O/C West Coast.
I have been soaking up the wealth of info being posted here, thanks, Dave and everyone. It is nice to have so much RR education just dropped in your lap to consume.
NZ had a big shake, not to close to Bears cave but hope all are OK up the top of the world.
Finally had some time to speed match my Rapido FP7s and B unit. They are now pulling as a team. I think if I ever have the time speed matching with the 28 speed steps would be the cat's meow.
The kids have been writing exams this week, so not much floor work going on as quiet is the name of the game.
The kid is winding down his work on the covid front as the vaccines have come online. He finished up by helping work the numbers on the world distribution of the vaccine with the countries hardest hit getting the greatest share first. That is the fastest way to knock the thing down world wide. The kid was not a superstar in math but can glance at data and answer questions about it without hesitation. That was his main job in these high-level meetings he sat in on. Glad it is wrapping up as he needs a lot less on his plate.
Kevin, congrats on the MRR contribution, better be careful it might lead to a job at MRR.
The grass is growing like crazy, I wish it would wait a bit as finding time to cut it is a problem right now. I might have to enlist the daughters' help, she used to do it but it has been a while.
Time for the bike and then I have to take the boss to a medical appointment, hopefully, some more train time later.
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."
Good Morning,
Snow shoukd start melting today. We are expecting a heat wave of 50F over the weekend.
Kevin, congrats on your MR publication. That breed of fly sounds dangerous.
That streamlined GTW Northern comes from a CN design that actually used a wind tunnel in the design process. CN built 5 U4a class in 1936 and then GTW did 6 U4b in 1938. They differed in stack area but otherwise were the same. Supposedly this engine is on Rapido's list.
Good Afternoon all,
Yes, I recognized that GTW U-4b. The streamlining may have been designed "in house" I'm not sure but I do remember seeing one in storage at Durand, Michigan in the '60s.
Rapido had the engine on it's list of "coming attractions" —
https://rapidotrains.com/content/icons-canadian-steam
Hope I live long enough to see it. I have a fondness for CN/GTW steam.
6218_Chatham by Edmund, on Flickr
6218_Chatham-cab by Edmund, on Flickr
I'm off to Menards to pick out some tile for a tub surround.What fun!
I got to eat in a Dome Diner once in my life, but it sure was a memorable time
UP_Dome-Diner by Edmund, on Flickr
Fiddler and Ed are off to Menard's... we don't have one down here.
I do have a $75.00 in store credit, and a $100.00 gift certificate to Mendard's. I hope I can make a trip to one before the Summer time.
Everyone sit down and have a large cup of coffee with me... and your favorite lunch sandwich is on me.
Good evening all. Well the sunshine forecast today did not materialize. Wet and miserable.
I know we clean the track and the wheels on our locomotives; today I cleaned the wheels of most of my carriages. Still some more to do plus my trucks to do as well.
Coconutty Haddock Curry.
Stay Safe Everyone.
I know nothing about these, who, what, when or why. Just thought they are cool.
Those snow sculpture Trains are way cool Brent, ...SWEET!!!
Judy and I have gone to the Snow Sculpture Carnival in Saint Paul every year but I have never seen anything like that!
It would have been interesting to see the process and the ladders or scaffolding involved.
It goes without saying those took whoever a lot of time and talent
Whoever Larry Turner was, sure did a good job on the logging shay.
I was just listening to Lucia Popp singing 'O mio babbino caro'. She just blows me away. I think she has the most beautiful soprano voice I have ever heard.
Nothing new here. Where is Ken?
Just can't get motivated to do anything lately.
Top of the day to yas! For you beach weather lovin types, you got your wish around here today. Pretty mild for March, and blindingly sunny.
The fair day gave me the opportunity to scamper out from under the proverbial rock and do a few things. Mostly turn somemore wrenchs on the SIL's vee-hickle. Got the worst of it over with today. Now, weather permitting, its put it all back together time. Another day or so then its vroom vroom time.
Around this homestead, i tore into the printer last night. Was dreading the bearing change, and it was a little troublesome, but not as bad as anticipated. Still have the top half of the machine to do. I betcha a dollar to a doughnut, thats where the fun will begin.
Put some pieces parts on order today, they should be in in about a week.
Brent) Wow! Ive never seen anything like those snow sculptures. Awesome, thanks for the share. Save those for a day when its 110F outside in about 4 months.
TF) Thanks for the breakfast warning. I'll just park the Ferrari's while yall chow down
Critter Dave) "What diner manufacturer should we do next?" Well brown grits n green gravy, are we done with Pullman already? I was hoping you were just getting wound up!
Kevin) I havent seen the article yet, but I understand congratulations are in order. I spose this means you get the good parking spot in front of the diner for the next month?
Spose Ill see yall after while, i need to go move my car.
PM RailfanKevin) I havent seen the article yet, but I understand congratulations are in order.
Mine arrived today, and my daughter shared it on Instagram!
Good evening
Arn't daughters great Kevin! Good to see you so happy
"My adorable dad" That one is priceless! I would copy that and hang it on the wall over your desk if I was you
Glad to see you finally got to see your own article Did you have the hardware store cut the glass and polish the edges or did you just happen to have that piece?
Track fiddlerDid you have the hardware store cut the glass and polish the edges or did you just happen to have that piece?
I am going to post an explanation in Weekend Photo Fun tonight.
Another daughter instagram post. Daughters are the best.
Funny you mentioned the little spring tonight Brent as I can certainly relate to that one.
Just yesterday I was doing coupler conversion kits on a GP 7 and an RS 1. I was successful on the GP 7. The RS 1, not so much.
I busted both draft boxes trying to put them in the slot. Man those N scale tolerances are tight! I had to pick up another conversion kit at Scale Model Supply today while exchanging my Twin Cities & Western.
Can you see the little springs in the atlas box. The small spring you can barely even see is the micro trains one that I would never get back together in a million years
Track fiddlerMan those N scale tolerances are tight!
After lots of upset, bad language, screaming, and eye strain, I decided that I will never again buy an N Scale car or locomotive that needs the coupler changed.
Yes, Daughters are the best Kevin
I'm seeing my youngest one this weekend and I have to remember to get a few more phone lessons These kids know everything about phones and computers.
I know how to make a phone call and type on the keypad
I hear you John!
I didn't know you could bust coupler draft boxes with your fingertips. Now I Do!!! You should have seen the look on my face as I was looking at all the little pieces all over the table
$16 later I will try again. Bruce down at SMS gave me some pointers that I hope will work.
I Hope, ...If I bust another one, that's going to cost me as much as the locomotive did
York1After lots of upset, bad language, screaming, and eye strain, I decided that I will never again buy an N Scale car or locomotive that needs the coupler changed.
Way back in the early 1990s when good running N scale equipment was just becoming available, the locomotives still had truck mounted "rapido" couplers with a huge hole in the pilot for the coupler sweep.
Micro-Trains (still part of Kadee then) released conversion kits that contained the pilot fill piece, body mount adapter, and the coupler.
I had to cut the coupler box off of the powered trucks, drill and tap the body, put in the pilot, assemble the coupler, and then put it all together.
It took about three hours to do my first RS-3. I had eight or ten of them... I looked at them and thought about how much better G scale must be.
What you just described is exactly what I was doing with my coupler conversion kits yesterday Kevin. I knew to hand tap was the way to go because the drill wood strip it out.
The GP 7 went smooth as silk. It wasn't till the RS 1 I had serious problems. Bruce told me he had heard more than once that the tolerances on those are way too tight. He told me to take a Jewelers file and give the slot openings a once over before attempting to fit the coupler draft boxes in. I'm hopeful that will work for me tomorrow.
Post Hog!
Well, it's 11 O-clock and time for me to hit the rack. My wake time somehow shifted from 5 in the morning to 4. I haven't been so fond about losing that extra hour.
Nighty night and have a great night gentleman
CNCharlie Good Evening, I was just listening to Lucia Popp singing 'O mio babbino caro'. She just blows me away. I think she has the most beautiful soprano voice I have ever heard. Nothing new here. Where is Ken? Just can't get motivated to do anything lately. CN Charlie
BATMANI know nothing about these, who, what, when or why. Just thought they are cool.
Cool!!!??? Freezing more like!!!
Good morning all. A mixed bag weatherwise today. Up and about at six o'clock.
O Mio Babbino Caro. One of my favorite songs.
N Gauge. Everything is too small and fiddly for me never mind changing couplings and losing springs!
Now I need some coffee to stay awake.
After conducting a forensic search of the area where the 4-8-4 met it's demise courtesy of Dame Agatha, I was concerned there was just too much of the engine not found. Soo--off to the vet we go. An X-ray, enemas, and more X-rays, a bath, Dame Agatha was given the green light. $427.86 later. I could identify the back section of the boiler, part of the cab and sand dome. There were however, other items that definately were not train related. Mostly pine scraps, I think. With another seven months or so to grow, ( If I let her live that long) she now weighs 103 pounds. As I move about in a controlled lurch/fall, with cane assist, ( At this point I refuse to use a walker) the sound of her coming from one part of the house to another causes an immediate survey of grab points to maintain stability. She has one speed, flat out.....sorta like the gorrilla that could hit a golf ball 600 yards, his downfall was he putted the same way.
At least I can stop worrying about her having a gut/intestine punched and her getting sepsis. Still trying to figure how she sucked just the engine, and left everything else standing on the track. The track is 35 inches above the floor, and she had to reach over the control box, which is 11 1/2 inches wide, and 4 feet long.
Cold, high wind, freezing spray advisory, the best part is no boat to worry about, and I can stay in a warm bed.
Best to all, hope all are well fed, warm, and dry. Prayers for those in need.
From the Island,
Something's good cookin' in the Diner!
GN_Amtrak-Diner by Edmund, on Flickr
Fourteen degrees Fahrenheight in NE Ohio right now! Brrrr!!
We picked out some nice ceramic tile at Menards yesterday. Wow, that place has tons of stuff. I really could have spent a few more hours in there just looking at everything!
B-O_menu_0002 by Edmund, on Flickr
2983-010 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
American Car & Foundry, Berwick, Pennsylvania plant.
2984016 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
2983-023 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
PM Railfan"What diner manufacturer should we do next?" Well brown grits n green gravy, are we done with Pullman already? I was hoping you were just getting wound up!
Hi Douglas,
Nothing says that we have to move on just yet, but I was thinking that five days in any one location would be enough. If anyone wants to contribute more Pullman stuff, feel free!
Good morning, diners.
I've got a sore arm, but that's about it after getting the second shot yesterday. My wife actually feels sick.
Herrinchoker, I wonder what the dog smelled that she thought would taste like food?
Here's a blurry picture of the dining car on Amtrak's City of New Orleans in 1989. Compare that with all the pictures we've seen of the dining cars in the 1950s. Makes me kind of wish for the good ol' days.
I'll take the Spanish omelette with Melba toast for $.85 cents off the B&O Royal Blue menu please
The plan for today is to get my new hinges on the cabinet doors and get them installed. I never did find the right hinges I wanted at Menards or Home Depot. I ended up finding them at Rockler which is a fine woodworkers store up here. They had the exact hinges I was looking for but I had to dip into my pocket a bit.
After that I'm heading back to Menards to get the materials for the floor bases and four temporary shelves. I don't want to build all the slide-outs for it until it's nice outside.
It would be interesting to see the ceramic tile you chose Ed. As you said, Menards sure has a lot to choose from. Choosing the tile you prefer is like being a kid in a candy store with only one choice permitted. I'm hoping you'll share your progress with your tub surround I'm always interested in seeing a good project in progress
NorthBrit N Gauge. Everything is too small and fiddly for me never mind changing couplings and losing springs!
Top of the day to yas!
Critter Dave) Yeah i guess 5 days is about right so as to hit the rest too. Your doin a great job but your fans want more!
Time relavance) As it seems above, 5 days have just flown by me like the 20th running 3hrs late. I ordered some parts just 2 days ago (evening of the 3rd). I wake up today and I have a msg about one part.... "Delivered". 1000 miles in 1.5 days? Yeah, i dont believe it either. So much so i didnt even go down to the PO (a mile away) to see if its true. So im wondering, did the sun flare and we hit a time warp or something - or am i just getting old?
"Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping, ...into the future."
Have a great evening folks - im off to cause some dis-array somewhere.
Double Red over Green!
Friday night and the regular crowd shuffles in —
Track fiddlerIt would be interesting to see the ceramic tile you chose Ed. As you said, Menards sure has a lot to choose from.
Well, it is just a plain ol' tub surround, TF. I stripped out the molded plastic one that survived raising two kids (drywall was perfectly fine underneath so there wasn't any water problems).
I put up Hardie Cement board, sealed that with the Red Guard, built the "niche" rather than pay $80 for a "prefab" job.
The tile is pretty basic ceramic. I wanted to stay with a simple color as the porcelain on cast iron tub is still in good shape (beige) and the existing wall tile I put in around the rest of the bathroom is still good (almond) so when I went to find the color for the surround we chose "bisque" which is what I guess they call the latest trend in tan-colors.
Yeah, you can go crazy with all the mosaics and accent pieces. Sometimes that can get a little, shall we say, busy?
Here's what I had after I stripped the drywall off:
IMG_1412 by Edmund, on Flickr
I added those 2 x 8s as a place to anchor the assist grab bars, plus a vertical 2 x 6 on the upright at the left. Nothing fancy. I did fully insulate the walls of the surround. Mainly to act as a sound deadener.
I was big into N scale back in the late '90s — 2000s. A friend of mine asked me to install Microtrains couplers in his Kato F-3s A-B-B-A set. It took me hours to do each one! . I gave all my N scale stuff to my older son. as far as I know it is still sitting in boxes on his damp basement floor
Here's a video of an open run night at the North American Prototype Modelers layout. If THIS doesn't inspire you to keep working on your layout, nothing will
gmpullmanThe tile is pretty basic ceramic.
When we were planning our bathroom reno a few years ago we were having a hard time deciding on which tile to use. Dianne's brother suggested that we look into faux marble instead. What we ended up with is a walk in shower that looks like marble and is super easy to keep clean. There are only four wall panels plus the floor basin. There are no grout lines. The joints between the panels are caulked and so far the caulking has stayed perfectly clean with minimal effort. If it does get dirty it can easily be replaced. The cost was about double that of a tile job but worth every penny AFAIC.
My only caution would be that, unless you have experience with similar installations, you should hire someone who knows how to fit the panels and the base properly. The workmanship on ours was amazing. My brother had a similar system installed and the amateurs who did the job totally botched it.
gmpullmanFriday night and the regular crowd shuffles in —
And I'll have a tonic and gin....
My idea for leg gussets won't work. The leg and the joist are in the same plane, meaning a only gusset of 0" thickness would work. That exists in geometry but not in carpentry.
3 days of sun, Wednesday and Thursday were 57 today was cold. Next Thursday is forecast to be 68! We still have some snow next to the house.
gmpullmanI added those 2 x 8s as a place to anchor the assist grab bars, plus a vertical 2 x 6 on the upright at the left.
Great addition to the bathroom.
I added four grab bars to my bathroom, all anchored into new reenforced 2 by 6's. All the grab bars (and believe it or not, the towel bars) will hold my weight.
I feel much safer in there, and my wife and I will never be any younger.
I also opted for no mosaics or accent tiles. Basic is good enough, and I do not like anything "busy". The back porch (lanai) is the only place where anything is added for accent.
There are only three grab bars in this picture. A fourth one was added vertically on the right wall.
I am having an ice cold Diet Pepsi. Feel free top grab one for yourself.
Its seven O-clock on a Friday
The regular crowd shuffles in
There's a couple of guys on transformers
Operating the layout again
Sing me a song your a railroad man
Sing me a song tonight
Cause were all in the mood for our Train Club
And the clickety clack gets us feeling alright
La de de de la la la
La de de de La
Sing us a song You're a railroad man
Sing us a song tonight
Cuz we're all done for the day at the Roundhouse.
The Locomotives bolts are all tight.
Kevin, nice work on the bathroom.
TF, I saw Billy Joel in concert at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum in 1984 or thereabouts. Of course, everyone waited for The Piano Man, so that was one of the last songs he played.
I've always liked the piano man John. I somehow was never fortunate enough to get to one of his concerts but I do have all his music in my rows of CDs.
Looks like a great start on the bathroom Ed Good call! I think you'd be surprised how many contractors get ahead of themselves and forget to put the backer boards in. Not me! There's a way to do things after it's forgotten but it certainly makes things more difficult. The finished picture of your bathroom looks great as well Kevin. I remember your "blood, sweat and tears" removing that other tile from the cement slab last year. What a job!
Loved the Open Run Night video. Sure was a wide variety of locomotives on that layout. My favorite was the two Green Machines with the Sky Blue in between. I think I remember seeing a string of Burlington Hiawatha Passenger cars too
It's a great Friday night! I hope everyone's having one as well
It has been a while since the bottom pop-up ads on this site were funny. Lately they have been all about model building and hobbies.
Until Today, now they are pushing me to adopt a teenager...
Um...
NO!
How in the world did that ad get targetted to me?
Post Hog! Post Hog!
Hey! I just stopped back to show you my good findings.
The next time you have a hankering for some good ice cream, grab yourself a tub of this
Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Weren't we all just talking about stealing cookie dough out of the kitchen while your wife's making cookies and she gets mad? Now you won't have to do that anymore
It is kind of dangerous though. I just purchased my fourth tub in not too long of a time span. I just can't quit eating it once I start. Hopefully you guys have a little better moderation threshold than I do
I think I'm turning into some kind of ice cream - cookie dough Junkie. I need to mellow out with this stuff or I'm going to get gout again
SeeYou190Until Today, now they are pushing me to adopt a teenager...
Teen by Edmund, on Flickr
Thanks for the "Pop" Kevin.
I dug to the bottom and found a Diet Coke
In the Video, who made those Burlington commuter bi-level cars at 4:25?
The weathering on those Road-Railer cars (trailers) was perfect!
gmpullman In the Video, who made those Burlington commuter bi-level cars at 4:25?
If you're bored with your Saturday Morning cartoons —
There's this:
Waiting for the warming trend. Mid-forties next week!
My wife and I were playing the board game Twilight Imperium tonight. After four hours, and a tight game I got up to get a drink, and I bumped the table. Everything moved, and we could not continue the game.
Oh well. We'll do something different tomorrow night.
SeeYou190 My wife and I were playing the board game Twilight Imperium tonight. After four hours, and a tight game I got up to get a drink, and I bumped the table. Everything moved, and we could not continue the game. -Kevin
Now where have I heard that before when one is losing?
Good morning all. A grand looking day with the sun shining.
I know we clean the track and wheels of our locomotives, but the poor carriages and trucks tend to be neglected. I have been cleaning mine and making them 'look smart' again. Just a few more to do.
Coffee time. Muffins on the table.
NorthBritI know we clean the track and wheels of our locomotives, but the poor carriages and trucks tend to be neglected. I have been cleaning them and making them 'look smart' again.
I'll do that on a random sampling basis. I'm amazed that certain cars seem to be exceptionally prone to building up lots of black gunk while others seem to stay spotless. I recently began picking up cars of my Capitol Limited train, fourteen cars. All Walthers cars and these pretty much run together so they all traverse the same track and in the same configuration.
On nearly every car the left front wheel and right rear wheel were caked with crud while the other six wheels were perfectly clean!
One of the quandaries in life.
I hope everyone is well these days. Had a nice chat with Ken last night He's doing fine.
I have a large framed print of this Norman Rockwell painting in my quarters.
NYC_Diner_Rockwell by Edmund, on Flickr
December 7, 1946
The New York Central had provided a dining car from the 20th Century Limited but Mr. Rockwell decided it was too modern-looking and asked if they could find an older one. This is the result, a car from the Lakeshore Limited. His 10 year-old son, Peter, posed for the painting.
Managed to sleep a little later this morning. The cardinal woke me up with the sunrise. He sure sounded happy. A little later over coffee I heard his answer. He must have lured in his female already. And then it got quiet. I'm sure looking forward to Spring and All the birds singing again. It puts a smile on your face
We've had a nice streak of near 50° for almost a week here. Good flannel weather when I take a project break and get out there. Low 60's Sunday. Nice!
I like the painting. Good to hear Ken's doing fine. I noticed he's been a bit scarce lately along with the Lion and SaronaTerry hasn't dropped by for his occasional visit for quite a while. How ya been Terry? What's new?
Don't even know what I'm going to do yet today. I'm sure I'll figure it out.
The world is a beautiful place
23F (-3C) overcast with light flurries this morning. We are due for high winds later. I'll have a regular and a short stack of blueberry pancakes Flo. I hid some blueberry jam in the back last month on our trip through Maine so I'll have that instead of the usual maple syrup please.
More truck/trailer work today. I need to replace the rear cap door on the F350 dually crew cab as it is being put back in service in a little over a week. Then install a gen set in the Featherlite tag trailer that will be hooked to it. We normally use the 24' matching grey paint tag with the crew cab but it needs more attention than I want to give just now. I am thinking it will be a good time to get rid of it as it has been abused and wasn't much good to begin with.
I like the bathroom renovations. I need to consider all the hand rails as well as both the CFO and I are getting to the point where they would be useful (and no cracks about us being unbalanced please).
Kevin I liked your article in Model Railroader (the postal service finally got finished browsing through mine and delivered it). I was interested to see how they had edited the photo compared to your original concept. Unfortunately my lift out has a curve in it. Does your brain trust think a super conductive magnet would generate enough force to bend the beam and make the curve?
070 by J.R. Mitchell, on Flickr" alt="Lockeport lighthouse" />
Time to get after it - the truck was plugged in overnight so it should fire right up. Toodles, J.R.
Good morning. Bacon, eggs, and coffee, please. Since we're in a dining car, do I need to write that down?
After change after change, I finally got my plane reservations nailed down for next week. I can't believe how difficult it was to navigate the airlines' changes of flights and times over a four-week period. I think part of it is where I live. We have planes flying over us, not taking off from here!
I'm feeling better this morning. Yesterday I got the post-second-vaccination ill feelings. It was almost like a dark cloud over me last night. I guess it's worth it to now feel protected from this stupid virus.
Another day with nothing to do. I'm waiting on a cord for my Arduino nano. UPS got it from New Jersey to Kansas City in 12 hours, but it has now been in Kansas City's UPS building for four days. It aggravates me because it will now go to the Post Office and the USPS will deliver it to our town. If only I could get UPS to take my little package, walk it out the door and drop it in a mailbox, I would get it Monday.
I don't remember where this was, but I'm pretty sure I took this picture out the window of the Southern Crescent in Mississippi.
Nice pic John. I agree, especially after the management change last year, USPS delivery schedules have gone all wonky. I end up getting everything i need for the shop shipped DHL if it from overseas and Fed Ex or UPS here in the states. J.R.
GMTRacingI agree, especially after the management change last year, USPS delivery schedules have gone all wonky. I end up getting everything i need for the shop shipped DHL if it from overseas and Fed Ex or UPS here in the states. J.R.
Our problem out here is not with the post office, it's with UPS. UPS doesn't deliver to our small town -- they get it to Kansas City or Omaha, and then they have the post office deliver it to us.
If UPS would just get the package to Post Office, I'd get it much quicker. Right now it's been sitting in a UPS building for several days, waiting to go to the Post Office.
Once it gets into the Post Office system in Kansas City, I will have it the next day.
GMTRacingKevin I liked your article in Model Railroader (the postal service finally got finished browsing through mine and delivered it). I was interested to see how they had edited the photo compared to your original concept. Unfortunately my lift out has a curve in it. Does your brain trust think a super conductive magnet would generate enough force to bend the beam and make the curve?
I am sure a curve could be made.
My original concept was much longer. Probably a full page, and I also started building a prop to represent the machine.
After reading it a few times, I saw it was way too long for a humorous article, so I cut most of the jokes out of the copy and greatly reduced the background information before I sent it in.
The MR staff only made a couple minor changes to the copy, so I guess I cut the right amount out before submission.
Got it John - my misconception. I just assumed you were having the same issues we are here. The up side is we now E-mail invoices and more and more of our clients are choosing to pay on line. With so much online shopping now my guess is a lot of facilities are just overwhelmed.
GMTRacingGot it John - my misconception. I just assumed you were having the same issues we are here. The up side is we now E-mail invoices and more and more of our clients are choosing to pay on line.
Yeah, we're a little different out here. It would be impossible for UPS or FedEx to deliver to each house -- with some houses five, ten, or even 20 miles from a paved road or other houses, they would spend all day driving to make just a couple of deliveries.
One good thing for us that may not be good for most people:
Our little town has a sales tax. For years, when people shopped online, there was no tax. Our local businesses, who support the school, charities, and other local entities, always complained that this was unfair. They were not only paying property taxes, but felt they were at a business disadvantage to non-taxed online retailers.
With the new laws requiring sales tax on online purchases, our little town has gotten in quite a bit of money that had gone elsewhere over the years.
I know it's a pain for online retailers, and I have never, ever, been in favor of paying more taxes, but in this case, I guess I agree with our local businesses...
Good evening all. Had members of the family visiting throughout the day. Lovely to see them even though they could not come into the house. We can get fined if they entered. Roll on the end of Covid.
A 'Picky Supper' tonite. Pizza, Chinese Spring Rolls, Samosas and other bits and pieces.
Stay Safe everyone.
We live in Delaware, so we have no sales tax at all. That's a good thing.
We live in Delaware, so we have no commercial air service at all. That's not a good thing. It's a couple of hours at least to a real airport, perhaps Philadelphia, Baltimore or Washington. Frontier might start flying from Wilmington, but the only destination is Orlando.
The Norman Rockwell painting is another reminder of times past. Have you ever been to his museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts? Rockwell recruited local townspeople for his models, and they, at least, haven't changed much. When you leave the museum, you notice that the folks you see on the street remind you of the art you saw inside. I'm sure the original population of his town will soon thin out, intermarry and lose that distinctive old New England Yankee look, but for now, even the people are part of the time machine.
NorthBritA 'Picky Supper' tonite. Pizza, Chinese Spring Rolls, Samosas and other bits and pieces.
Dianne and I love doing those types of meals, but only on special occasions like Christmas Eve. I don't think they are particularly healthy so that's why we don't do them too often.
I wish that I had thought of doing that when we did the bathroom over. We are about to install a grab bar in the shower. However, I'm not too worried about the bar being able to bear my weight. We had a seat installed when the shower stall was installed and AFAIK the installers did not provide any additional bracing. I sit on it regularly and it has never shown any signs of movement. I think the large faux marble panels are able to distribute the weight better than a tiled wall would be able to. There is a layer of concrete sheeting behind the faux marble as well.
Top of the morning to yas! At first glance nothing special about it.
Actually, thats not true. The last 24 hours has been a tender of bad coal for 2 days now.
Todays outlook - im not optomistic! It seems pretty quiet in here too. I hope no body else is sharing in the same quagmire I is.
Red over Red!
PM RailfanRed over Red!
I hope things go better for you soon, Douglas
Here's where a little styrene, a pair of new Kadees and draft gear, and maybe some handrails and cut levers might have to be replaced.
In the days before so many automatic controls the engineer may have been able to keep the power applied long enough to get the engines ahead of the following train and reduce the chance of a "run-in".
Now with the throttle disengaged, engines at idle after a penalty brake application all you can do is sit like a duck in the water and wait for the "bump"!
We hit about 50F today which is about 25F above normal.
Well I'm confined to the basement again. I went out on an errand and when I returned my wife was ranting that I left a basement window open and now the basement is contaminated (covid) as there was a 20 mph south wind. I realize she has anxiety problems but good grief. I can't see how she will even be able to go out in the yard as she is afraid covid is floating in the air.
I called my LHS today and suggested to the owner she consider ebay for the large number of consignment locos she has in stock as there is little traffic now with covid restrictions. I have 4 of them. She thought it was worth exploring.
Well think I'ĺl have a tea and a couple of shortbread,
MisterBeasley Frontier might start flying from Wilmington, but the only destination is Orlando.
That's the only destination you need!
Good morning all. Icy cold blasts are spoiling what could be a lovely day.
Dave. Like you we very rarely have a picky supper. Just now and again it gives me a break from a busy day.
Douglas. I hope things are getting better.
Charlie. I think i undertand what you are going thru. Dawn is obsessed anything coming into the house is sanitized etc. It is a struggle getting her to leave the house to go to the Hospice or Doctors. Hopefully this Covid stuff will end soon and we get our lives back.
Baking a pie this afternoon. Not sure what, but I'll see what ingredients I can put in it.
Coffee time. Biscuits are on the table.
Another beautiful one! Today is going to be the warmest day so far this year. A high predicted in the low to mid 60"s, ...Nice! Another great day to be alive! To bad it hasn't rained yet to wash the salt off the roads or I'd take the Stang out for a romp.
Well, covid or not, It looks like I'm spending a week with my brother-in-law as they are coming down from Wisconsin next week. We had an unfortunate occurrence last week as Judy's best friend suffered a severe heart attack. She started feeling chest pain at work and she works at the hospital. Why the RN didn't give her an EKG and just sent her home is beyond me. She walked in the door and her daughter asked her, mom, why are you home so early? She said "Well that was really something" and fell over on the floor. Of course her daughter called 911 immediately.
The paramedics from the hospital know her is the only reason she's alive today. They hit her with the defibrillator almost 50 times is what I was told. Normally they wouldn't have tried that many times. She has suffered cracked ribs as a result but they saved her life. She was legally dead for 15 minutes and is having some memory problems.
Where she lives it's only an hour away from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. It was too foggy to fly her there in the helicopter, so as soon as she was stabilized the ambulance took her there. She has had two stents put in her main arteries that were plugged and a pacemaker.
The girls are going to take turns taking care of her as she is home now. What is strange is she forgot who her daughter was temporarily but she remembered Judy. She had her daughter dial-up Judy because she just needed to hear her voice. Judy and her sister are going to take their turn taking care of her next week. I'm so thankful Sue is recovering and still with us.
It looks like my brother-in-law and I are going to hang out for a while. They had better lock the doors on the condo complex, cuz when my brother-in-law and I get together, Look Out! Him and I invented fun
Thanks for the Billy Joel song Bear. I don't know what it is, why music sounds so much better when someone posts it for you
Keep your chin up Douglas. Things always get better. What helps me when I'm down is unfortunately, someone is worse off than me.
I remember you talking about that before Charlie. Hopefully you can get through to her as she is lucky to have you. Maybe when it's beautiful out and the birds are singing, she can forget her fears.
Top of the evening to yas! Thought id stop by before i park my head on the pillows.
I wanna thank you guys for the well wishing. After reading Charlie and TFs latest posts, i didnt feel as bad as they do. So imma passing on the well wishin to them.
Had a pretty productive day. Got a few things solved. Some things not. Some things are even beyond my control - which is the problem to begin with. However, Im gonna call it better than it was and 'proceed restricted'
If i had to fess up the whole truth id even have to say a couple things actually went my way. Believe you me.... no ones more suprised about that than I!
All said, i got a few things done without inventing any new... um.... bad words . So without further adieu i will leave you fine folks to your lazy Sunday.
Have a 'better' day everyone!
A#1 North!
Good morning. It's sunny and warm. It really feels like Spring. Daisy the Dachshund loves sitting outside with all the smells in the air. She gets winter cabin fever worse than we do.
It's also nice that church is getting back to normal. I actually had to find a parking place this morning.
TF, Douglas, and others, glad things are going a little better.
Bear, good news that the earthquake didn't affect you too much. Please keep them on your side of the equator.
Charlie, I hope you (and your wife) can get some relief. You are having a lot to deal with.
The layout work is on hold until I get a part I've ordered. I'm getting more and more serious about tearing up part or all of the layout and reconfiguring things. One part of me doesn't want to, and one part does. I'm not sure which side will win out.
If you've seen the Grand Canyon only from the south side, it's worth the time to see it from the north rim. There's very few people there! Grand Canyon Lodge was built by a Union Pacific subsidiary in the 1920s. It's a great place to hike the canyon's trails.
This sign is in the lobby:
This is one of the patios overlooking the canyon:
Neat place.
York1If you've seen the Grand Canyon only from the south side, it's worth the time to see it from the north rim.
When we went to the Grand Canyon in April, 2019 we stayed in Utah and wanted to go to the North Rim because everyone I talked to said it was a better experience. Then we found out the North Rim is closed in April, and we were on the wrong side.
I had to drive all the way around the Grand Canyon to get to the South Rim, and it was CROWDED, but still worht the trip. The parm management said the crowds were light, so I am sure I do not want to go back to the South Rim.
On the trip, around the canyon we found some neat sights to see, so it turned into a good day.
SeeYou190Then we found out the North Rim is closed in April, and we were on the wrong side. I had to drive all the way around the Grand Canyon to get to the South Rim, and it was CROWDED, but still worht the trip.
That's too bad. I think the North Rim opens in May. That's a long ways around.
A while back I was at the South Rim in January, and it was crowded, but not nearly like later in the year. I hiked to the bottom and stayed at Phantom Ranch -- it was a great experience. I would like to do it again, but I don't believe I would be able to hike out again. That was tough.
Storm over Dodge’s Bluff by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Amtrak No. 5, the California Zephyr, crosses over McDonald Creek at the base of imposing Dodge’s Bluff just east of Utaline, Colorado, on July 18, 1990. Four EMD F40PHs haul the 16-car train westbound through impressive Ruby Canyon.
Santa_Fe_Grand-canyon by Edmund, on Flickr
Oh Yeah!!!! Thanks Bear!
I wonder how many folks out there noticed the mic Billy was using? I owned about 10 of those back when and they were my go to vocal mikes most every time. Plain old standbye SHURE SM-58!
Thanks for posting that. Made my day!
Good afternoon all.
Flo - Your stuck working another weekend? Sorry about that. I will have a Coke float please. Thanks.
Everyone - Well, I'm still around. (Vinnie, I'm just giving fair warning. No need to be alarmed. What's that? Oh, it's nice to see you too!) Glad to see most are hanging out still.
I did drop off radar for a while, but was dealing with some stuff. Had to take a break from a lot of things. Still dealing with fallout from one thing, but I've decided it's their problem instead of mine. I know that I did what what was right, and it had to be done, and if some can't understand that, so be it.
Finally getting back into some of the things I took the break from, but have not yet gotten back into everything.
Enough of that - Let's talk trains!
Ed - That had to be one really rough "bump" they got for that kind of damage. Yikes!
I like the canyon pics from everyone! That is one of the places I've not made it too yet, but would love to go someday. Eventually I will get there.
Missed the NS 911 Honoring First Responders in the area today. Maybe I will catch the return trip if they are nice enough to leave it on the same train.
Layout - Remodel has not progressed very much yet, so still just working on nailing down the track plan, and small modeling projects for now. Hoping that come spring (once the ground is less muck) we can get some stuff done.
Seems to be the weather is looking a bit nicer for the coming week, maybe I can get the garage warmed up to fire up the paint booth towards the end of this week. I have a couple items ready to go, but with the garage only being insulated, not heated, it's a bit too cool to paint still. But with 60+ forecasted for a couple of days in a row, it should become feasible.
Meanwhile I will sit here enjoying the scenery while enjoying my Coke float.
Hope all are well, those who are not get feeling better, and everyone is enjoying the day!
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Glad to see you back in the Diner, Rick
The fellow narrating that video said he figured the cars hit the locomotives at about 20 MPH. Lots of momentum there!
A while back someone commented that a photo I posted looked like a model. I came across another photo that sure fits that description:
Hottest of the hot by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
(What freight trains should look like )
Here's the same engine leading a Santa fe freight at the NAPM model layout:
Return of the Warbonnet by NAPM Model Railroad Club, on Flickr
I scoped out a plumbing job at Mrs. Pullman's mother's house. About 200 feet of rusty, Galvanized water pipe has to be ripped out and replaced.
I said, thanks but no thanks. We have a good, local plumber that can tackle that job and be out of there in a day or two.
About two years ago my neighbor had a leak right at his well where the pipe connected to the outside of the pitless adapter. I forget what month it was but I do remember it was bitter cold.
The plumber hand-dug six feet down to the outlet pipe and replaced about four feet of that where the line had split. Had the water back on only a few hours after he called him.
He charged $350 for the whole job and my neighbor said, yeah, he was OK but he sure charges a lot!
I thought that was about half what an average well repair job would run. I sure wouldn't want that job. Sometimes it's better just to not recommend someone when somebody asks.
C'est la vie —
gmpullmanAbout two years ago my neighbor had a leak right at his well where the pipe connected to the outside of the pitless adapter. I forget what month it was but I do remember it was bitter cold. The plumber hand-dug six feet down to the outlet pipe and replaced about four feet of that where the line had split. Had the water back on only a few hours after he called him.
Plumbers earn their money. Plumbers in cold areas really earn their money.
A few years before I retired, an outside water main going into the school broke. A student's father owns a plumbing company and came to fix it.
In below freezing temps, in an 8 foot deep hole, in the mud and water in the hole, they had to take out the old main connection and put in the new.
I will never complain about plumbers or how much they charge.
Post Hog Alert!
This reminds me of a teacher's husband who was the only locksmith in our area.
At 1:00 a.m. he got a call from a woman at a gas station at the Interstate who had locked her keys in her car.
He got out of bed, got dressed, stopped at his shop for his equipment, and drove the four miles to the station. He unlocked her car, which took him about two minutes.
When he told her his charge was $50, she refused to pay and told him she wouldn't pay someone $50 for two minutes' work.
He said, "Fine." He put her key back into the car, closed and locked the door, and drove away.
I'm not sure how she ever got the key, but she did not call him back.
York1 Post Hog Alert! This reminds me of a teacher's husband who was the only locksmith in our area. At 1:00 a.m. he got a call from a woman at a gas station at the Interstate who had locked her keys in her car. He got out of bed, got dressed, stopped at his shop for his equipment, and drove the four miles to the station. He unlocked her car, which took him about two minutes. When he told her his charge was $50, she refused to pay and told him she wouldn't pay someone $50 for two minutes' work. He said, "Fine." He put her key back into the car, closed and locked the door, and drove away. I'm not sure how she ever got the key, but she did not call him back.
After years of dealing with John Q Public -
This is exactly how every "entitled customer" should be handled.
These films remind me of my "old days" when you could see so many different railroads and such a variety of equipment.
He wasn't kidding about the bad track. You could go under 20 or over, say, 35 but there was that certain speed where the cars would rock and roll and, yes, sometimes flop right over due to the excess rocking.
P1090025 by Edmund, on Flickr
Still fun times, though.
Ed, where are the ashtrays and the cigarette smoke in that lounge car?
York1Ed, where are the ashtrays and the cigarette smoke in that lounge car?
Oh, that photo was taken in 2002. The purge has begun
The PRR addressed the issue early on —
PRR_smoking2 by Edmund, on Flickr
I sure remember being in plenty of smoky lounge and club cars back in the day. Passing through the Mahoning Valley and into Pittsburgh didn't exactly help clear the air, either
Good evening, Diners.
I have not participated here in a few days. As info., I have not felt well for several days. My congestive heart failure is bothering me. I had an appointment with my cardiologist on Thursday, and he ordered some tests. Some are discouraging. Tomorrow, I have more tests. The cardiologist has already changed one of the drugs which are controlling my condition, and that should help. I hope to get back to normal again soon.
Meanwhile, I'm too tired to do much of anything including participation in the Diner.
Everybody: ...... Have a good evening. Your friendship here is appreciated.
Garry , praying you condition improves
York1He said, "Fine." He put her key back into the car, closed and locked the door, and drove away.
True story:
Back when I was doing field repair work, we had a customer in Saint James City that owned a 45 foot Sport Fisher with a pair of 650 HP diesel engines.
One had a failed starter, Another tech diagnosed it on Friday. We had the replacement starter couriered down from Atlanta for Saturday delivery. I was available Saturday, so I took the repair job. The customer wanted me there at 3:00 AM so they could sail out by 5:00 to go kill a tarpon or two.
I met the courier at 2:00 AM, and drove the the customer's house in Saint James City.
Now... this is 3:00 AM in Florida coastland in Summer. The mosquitoes are thick as fog, and this is an open deck marine vessel.
So... I sprayed myself down with Deep Woods OFF to ward off the mosquitoes.
The customer's wife started yelling at me for spraying that "smelly stuff" on me, and she did not want the boat to smell like bug spray. She ordered me to go home and get a shower. She went on and on about how they were missing prime fishing time for tarpon. I cannot share the language she used on this forum.
I had been awake for 23 hours, and I was not in any way going to get 200 mosquito bites so they could go kill a tarpon. Time-and-a-half has its limits.
So, I went home and took a shower. Then I took the battery out of my beeper, took the phone off the hook, and went to bed.
The customers over the years and so many stories I could tell. I wouldn't even know which one to choose from. Tonight I don't think I'll tell any of them.
You guys already did. Replacing all the galvanized pipe for $350 sounds like a gift to me. And then the customer or the neighbors being unappreciative saying that it costs too much
And the little old lady that was Saved by the Bell, waking up the locksmith out of a sound sleep to get conveniently back into her car so she could drive home. Perfect! Then she complains about $50. Unbelievable! I just loved that story and really like that locksmith
People down in Texas after the big freeze with the power outage at the same time can't even find a plumber to save their soul. I would hope when they finally get one and they have their water back, they don't complain too much but just be appreciative that they were fortunate enough to be next in line.
Then the carpenter or a drywall guy has to come in and repair all the water soaked drywall and cuts that had to be made for the repairs after the plumber is done. I would imagine that costs too much too.
It's the same with everything. I remember people over the years that wanted custom Cabinetry. I learned quick to keep current with updates on a signature daily for time spent. Waiting till the end of the job was never a good idea in my younger days.
I don't know what people think, that you just show up and wave your magic wand and everything is done. They don't understand how much heart and soul, craftsmanship and experienced trade professionalism that goes into any job.
Towards the end of my career I had many forms and was always insisting on a signature daily to prevent not being paid by people that don't understand how much goes into a job. A large majority of my jobs were time and materials as I was never able to see through walls. 50% up front. Brought up to 80% before the job is finished.
Your stories made me swallow hard, bite my lip and laugh, all at the same time
Thanks for the stories and the humor guys, Interesting stuff
Heartland Division CB&QMeanwhile, I'm too tired to do much of anything including participation in the Diner.
Garry,
Please take it easy and take care of yourself. I hope to hear more from you when things are better.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Good Lord!
Where does the time go some evenings?
Oh Well, maybe I might sleep a little later to my liking tomorrow.
I don't post this much so I hope you appreciate it Kids!
Now that's the Boss.
Wifey could not even compare to that.
Green Machine
As Sinister as she looks, it makes me wonder when they chopped the hood down so the engineers could see on both sides
Good morning all. Today's forecast is sunshine all day. Why is it raining?
Lovely pictures by everyone. Thanks.
Smoking. Interesting how things change. Where people could smoke before is now 'out of bounds'. Other places to smoke have to be found/provided.
Good Morning:
I awoke to this today —
March_Sunrise by Edmund, on Flickr
My sleep schedule is all whacky. I actually slept all night and awoke at 4:45!
Track fiddlerPeople down in Texas after the big freeze with the power outage at the same time can't even find a plumber to save their soul. I would hope when they finally get one and they have their water back, they don't complain too much but just be appreciative that they were fortunate enough to be next in line.
That's a similar situation we were in when we found Richard from Pike's Plumbing.
After the 2008 "correction" real estate prices tanked and we were looking for a condominium for Mrs. Pullman's son and wife to live in. We found one that had been foreclosed but, don't 'ya know, somebody must have turned on the water main in January, and nearly every solder joint was ruptured and lots of the copper was split open!
I was working steady 12 hour shifts and couldn't do the job. Dee Ann called maybe eight plumbers, out of those only two replied and of those two, only Richard showed up to even look at the job. This was on a Sunday morning, yet!
He got their water on temporarily later that afternoon. He also cleaned out TWO toilets that the daughter-in-law continued to use, but couldn't flush!
He put in three days of work, provided all the material and left everything spotless, and even suggested the drywall contractor that was also a good, reasonable worker.
I expected a bill somewhere around $3600 to $4000.
How about $1,450! I sure hope he doesn't plan to retire soon
— A beautiful place:
Outrunning the storms by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Gòod Morning,
I woke up at 04:30 and just couldn't get back to sleep.
Garry, Sure hope you are on the mend soon.
Supposed to hit 55F today. Robbie doesn't like the wet outside. I have to carry him to a patch of snow to do his business.
Maybe I'll run a train today. I know I often say that but that beautiful little J4e Pacific is just sitting in front of the station.
Time for brekky. Sure would like some kippers and scrambled eggs but that isn't going to happen even if I had the kippers, She hates the smell.
Garry - I hope you get better soon. Hopefully the doc can figure out a better course for you.
Still struggling in the shop trying to catch up though we did go see the grandson yesterday. That was great. He is now 18 months and turning into a little dickens. I don't think my son appreciates it too much when I just laugh at it but then again payback......
I won't even start on customer stories but it seems most of you have the same perspective. Like the guy who couldn't pay his bill because he was going on vacation to the Carribean. Sometimes it was necessary to go outside and see if there was a steeple on the shop roof (as in a church - a non profit organisation).
Hopefully today we get the final ok on the house deal and financing so wish us luck. Catch y'all later, J.R.
Good morning, diners. Flo, bring the coffee. Just leave the coffee pot on the table.
Garry, I hope the medicine issues get straightened out quickly.
Ashtrays. I remember that every living room, even in houses of people who didn't smoke, had an ashtray or two.
My father got free cigarettes after they landed in France in WWII. I imagine that if someone wasn't a smoker, they sure were after the war. I remember when he quit. He started smoking a pipe, thinking that a pipe was so much work that he would get tired of it. Even with the little vent window in the car, we couldn't stand the smell of whatever his pipe tobacco was. But it worked. After a short while, he quit completely.
I wish I had learned from him. I smoked a lot for some years before I quit.
The best plumbing money I spent was to have my sewer pipe replaced to the street.
Sometine before we bought the house the line had been updated to PVC , it is a long run down teh back yard . A few years after we moved in, like clock work every FEB the sewer would back up into the basement. I would call the pipe cleaners and we would be good for a year. clogs were cause by roots. I finally after three years or so got tired of this and called some one out to replace it.
They found that the original pipe joints had never been sealed so roots moved in.
They did the job right for about $3k. the plumbers took $750 and the rest went to the backhoe owner.
Still good after all these years.
moelarrycurly4Sometine before we bought the house the line had been updated to PVC ,
My house was built in 1977. All the drain piping both inside and out is sch. 40 PVC.
I remember my dad saying "that plastic stuff isn't any good" well, he was raised on cast iron and clay pipe.
I have never had one bit of trouble with the DWV system or the septic piping at my house. The PVC looks as good as the day it was installed.
I did have one P trap rot out. It was brass
This looks like the inspiration for the Rockwell painting:
lot 390 001 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
Here's one for that guy that likes bridges!
Montana Rockies Daylight by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
I hope you find some relief soon, Garry! Pulling for you
Me again, gosh it is only 8:30. I think it will be a long day.
John, my Dad started smoking in the war too. After the briefing before a mission they had to wait around and they smoked to try and ease the stress. My Dad changed to small cigars which wasn't great in the car during winter. The heater in a Morris Oxford isn't great so opening a window just meant you froze. We are talking Winnipeg here so it was froze indeed. Don't think I'ii ever forget the smell of a Trump cigar.
Bet I drink a lot of coffee today. At least I have the good stuff.
Well, I finished up my unplanned experiment from last night. Judy worked Thursday through Sunday so Sunday night was our Saturday night. Apparently if you're up till after 3 in the morning you are able to sleep till 9:30. I was finishing up my bench work project and lost track of time after Judy hit the rack. I couldn't even believe my eyes when I looked at the clock. Time sure flies when you're having fun.
That $1450 for a plumber for 3 days is certainly beyond reasonable Ed. Wow! It's nice to know that there are contractors out there that don't gouge their customers. I was always fair with my customers through the years but $1450 for three days of time and materials doesn't even seem to add up. I would hang on to that guy's number as I'm sure you are.
The cigars Charlie. That smell doesn't go away anytime too soon either. A few years ago my ignition switch went out in my truck and I didn't want to tackle it. I was referred to this mechanic in Hopkins because my mechanic Damien was out of town and I needed my truck. When I showed up the man was smoking a big cigar. I didn't know he was going to keep smoking it while he worked on my truck though. That repulsive smell lingered for about a month. I've always liked the smell of a certain brand of pipe tobacco that smells like vanilla. But I've never liked the smell of a cigar.
I agree with you not letting the plastic come in contact with the locomotives just to be sure Brent. I'm beginning to not know what materials react to What anymore. I set some oven bake clay on my layout for a future retaining wall job I was planning
Here's the impression that it left melting into the foam. It stuck so well it was pried off off in about five pieces with some of the foam permanently stuck to the back of it.
I can't quite remember who it was here that saved me from making a costly mistake. I had lined the bottom of my storage containers with a rubberized foam tool box liner to store my Rolling Stock. By the time I got back from a short vacation two of the cars were already starting to stick.
I was saddened to hear you're not doing well Garry. You are in my thoughts and I am pulling for you as well. I hope you are feeling better soon as you are appreciated around here.
Have a wonderful Monday gentlemen
Track fiddlerThat $1450 for a plumber for 3 days is certainly beyond reasonable Ed.
Well, it was about ten years ago. Still, I knew it was a very fair and reasonable price.
Track fiddler I would hang on to that guy's number as I'm sure you are.
Right on the refrigerator next to the sketches and notes from the grandkids
This is what is known as "High Iron"!
That’s a lot of bridge… by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
I seem to really like High Iron here!
It's pictures like that that make me wish I had more room for a bigger layout. Something like a gymnasium could come in handy But at the rate I'm going with a 50" by 86" I would have to be much younger to take on a project of that size
Earlier I wrote about a locksmith friend of mine. I don't want to give the impression he was being mean. The woman was driving the kind of car to indicate she could well afford the charge -- she just didn't want to.
This locksmith always opened a car for free if it involved a parent locking the key inside and had a baby locked in the car. (That happened more than I thought.)
For the bridge man, how about this beauty? This is the Marble Canyon bridge in the Glen Canyon Recreation Area in Arizona. The bridge on the left is the newer highway bridge. The one on the right is the Historic Navajo Bridge built in the 1920s, and it is a pedestrian-only bridge.
It's 467 feet high (142m) above the Colorado River
This is a neat place to stop. There is a parking area, and at the entrance to the footbridge, there is a set of booths for the Native Americans to sell things.
I wish I had taken more pictures, but I was in a hurry. Just stopped, clicked, and back to driving.
That locksmith sure sounded like a good guy to me to get up in the middle of the night to go help someone out. He deserved to be paid as I wouldn't go out in the middle of the night for $50. I had to laugh as I would have done the same thing he did locking the keys back in the car
That's a good picture John. I've already Googled how far Glen Canyon Arizona is from Laughlin Nevada for the next time we're down there. I was a bit disappointed it's four and a half hours away but maybe.
I've always enjoyed looking at one bridge but two in a row would be quite delightful It would definitely be a spend the night thing but that could work as I enjoy scenic drives, especially on vacation.
That hundred-year-old Navajo Bridge on the right sure did age well. Just goes to show how well they built things back in the day. The Northern Pacific bridge I just posted from Bismarck North Dakota is over a hundred years old too. I remember reading she was updated at one time though. She still holds her weight. The Trains with heavy hopper drags still roll over her.
TF, be forewarned this bridge is on a two lane highway in northern Arizona and is a long, long ways from anywhere if you are traveling cross country. It's beautiful driving, but there's not much there in the way of civilization. Also, cell phones don't work in large areas out there.
Thanks for the heads up John. My limit anymore is a 5 hour drive in a day or I get to darn stiff from not moving around keeping the joints greased Just one of the many privileges of getting older I guess
We are always looking for new places to go when we're down there because we have been to Laughlin so many times. We like to get out of town for a day at least once while we're down there, otherwise after being there so many times it just feels like the same old same old. Too bad those bridges are out in the middle of nowhere.
I've always wanted to go to Ely Nevada to see the historic Nevada Northern Railway Museum. It would be fun to meet Bill Holt that's been on American Restoration so many times, he seems like such a great guy. The Musuem is quite far away too. We were down there one July and it was a hundred and fifteen degrees as an average. I didn't want to be on that lonesome highway with the chance of something going wrong in the desert heat. Maybe in the winter some time.
gmpullmanMy house was built in 1977. All the drain piping both inside and out is sch. 40 PVC.
My house was built in 1989. We had copper for the fresh water, Sch40 PVC for the irrigation and drain lines. The copper piping failed in 2001. The hard water in this area destroys copper pipes.
When I was building houses in the mid 1980s, the builder I worked for used only copper plumbing. He told me that PVC was much better, but people would not buy houses with "junk" plastic pipes. He made comments that was job security for every plumber 10 years from now.
My copper pipes laster 12 years, then I got a pinhole. Sure enough. We had the house re-piped with CPVC and have not had any problems.
My drain line was replaced in 1998 when the munincipal sewer was installed and the septic tank was disconnected and filled in. It is only about 5 inches under the sod, so any repairs needed will be easy.
York1This locksmith always opened a car for free if it involved a parent locking the key inside and had a baby locked in the car. (That happened more than I thought.)
My neice once locked her keys and baby in the car. Without hesitation she broke a window.
I used to keep a sapre key tucked up into the frame somewhere
Back when my GMC Canyon was only a month or so old, Mrs. Pullman had to borrow it to help her son move some stuff. He got out of the passenger's door and rested a box on the armrest for a moment, then slammed the door shut.
Well, when he set the box on the arm rest it clicked the locks and, as so many women do, the keys were in her purse on the driver's seat! (Why don't women put the silly keys in their pockets?)
We traded cars that day. I was at work, thirty miles away.
It dawned on her to call On Star and see if they could unlock the truck. "What's your pin number?" On Star asks. "I don't know, my husband never set it up".
Well, GM went ahead and pressed F5 on the DCC satelite controller and unlocked the doors from space!
(I never did sign up for On Star, though. This was when it was still in the 30 day free trial period)
I miss that Canyon...
Ski Train in South Draw by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Heartland Division CB&QI have not participated here in a few days. As info., I have not felt well for several days. My congestive heart failure is bothering me.
Hi Garry,
I hope that things improve for you soon. Heart problems are scary!
gmpullmanI used to keep a sapre key tucked up into the frame somewhere
I have a key very well hidden on the Colorado.
The Impala has an option to prevent the keys from ever being locked in the car. On the options menu screen select "anti-lockout". With that option, the doors can only be locked by pressing the key fob or putting the car in drive.
Yep the old lock yourself out of the truck trick. The second to the last time I did that it was five below zero. Blaine and I just finished working outside for the day in our Carhartts. For some reason the keys were sitting on the center console and not in my pocket from the last time we warmed up a bit. I decided I like bare hands to put my smaller tools away in the side compartments so I threw my gloves on the center console and shut the door. Simultaneously the gloves hit the lock button some how. Judy called her best friend Sue who was kind enough to bring my spare set of keys up to me.
The last time it happened was just last fall. I have this camouflage jacket I threw in the trash after this happened. The pockets are shallow and slanted wrong and I forever had things falling out of my pockets. As I was getting out of the truck I had not noticed the keys had fell out of my pocket on the seat. Judy has a habit of pushing the lock button as she shuts the door. I never had a problem with that until this time.
We were at the restaurant and there was a laundromat two doors down so I went and got a coat hanger. The door is too tight so I needed a pry bar or something to pry the top open to get the coat hanger in. I didn't have one so I found a fat stick and had Judy stick it in the door when I took my fingertips pulled the door open as hard as I could.
I guess Vehicles aren't too hard to get into if you have to.
Now I'll stretch the topic even more, since key fobs were mentioned.
Each year, I took some graduating students on camping-canoeing trips at the end of the school year. I didn't like sleeping on the ground, so I would sleep in the back of my Durango. One night, I climbed into the back, and used the key fob to lock the doors.
In the middle of the night, I woke up to use the nature restroom. I opened a door, and immediately the theft system started honking the horn. I found out later that if the car is locked with the fob, it had to be unlocked with the fob or it would trigger the theft warning.
I could not figure out how to turn that thing off. For minutes, in the middle of the night, with everyone in their tents waking up, the horn kept honking. Finally the stupid thing turned off. I never did admit what happened -- I told the students that something had gone wrong with it.
That's funny John.
The first time I accidentally hit my panic button on the truck fob, I didn't know what it was. Since I didn't know what it was I didn't know how to turn it off yet. It was at about 10:30 at night so I guess it wasn't too bad
The alarm system on my Mustang is almost too good. It is armed any time you get out and shut the door, even if the windows are open. There's a way to change that and I probably should figure that out one day. The alarm is rather annoying as it makes all kinds of bells and whistle sounds when it goes off and it's a bit embarrassing when I come out of the gas station and forget
I generally don't like to be the center of attention at the gas station, only at the poker table when I'm telling a joke
I'm at home tonight. I had thought about going to my favorite dirty, smoky, divey bar a few blocks away but have elected to stay in. I had wine with dinner that is plenty. Dinner was excellent, we had oven roasted pork chops made with homemade BBQ sauce, maple bacon jam, strips of bacon on the top, and brocolli-tots.
At the grocery store today, I got a note on my truck that someone "slightly scratched" a spot on the right rear quarter panel around the wheel-well and the mudflap.
The guy who did so was polite about it. He had given me his insurance info and phone number and offered to pay out of pocket for the repairs. I took it to Maaco earlier today to see about the repair costs and they quoted me about $470 for everything. I know his insurance will cover it and he seemed to be a man who meant what he said. However, I feel that the "damage" is so minor as to not warrant repairs. Plus, the vehicle is not some immaculately kept classic, it's an 8-year old Nissan Frontier, I take care of it but do not expect it to look immaculate. Certainly not when it's a means to haul furniture, yardwaste, tools, farm equipment, trash, etc., Also, if I get the repair done, I'd still have to have I imagine a couple hundred or more for taxi and rental car fees as the repair would take a few days to get done. I'm sleeping on it but I think I'll contact the guy tomorrow and tell him not to worry about the repair.
Speaking of classics, a guy was getting his 1980 Pontiac Firebird coupe looked over and that thing was awesome; it looked like it needed only minimal paint and finishing work to be truly spectacular. Sounded great too. I don't know what engine it had but those carbeurated V8s with dual pipes sound sweet.
Alvie
I don't know if the war had anything to do with my father's smoking, but on watch, looking for Japanese torpedos, while his captain was drunk in his cabin, didn't heip. Look at the 1930's William Powell movies. Everyone smoked except Myrna Loy
His impression was that Japanese torpedos were inaccurate. He was wrong, and he was lucky. Had lymphoma not killed him, his COPD would have. I hadn't gone to medical school yet, but the shape of his chest changed and his morning coughing couldn't have been normal.
Garry I share your illness and I wish you all the best.
We are supposed to be in the upper 60's this week. We still have a small pile of snow next to the garage.
My friend who lives in Ohio and had not ventured out of her house for nearly a year is getting her first vaccine Saturday, if it's not Johnson and Johnson She is convinced she will die unless it's 95% effective.
Seems like cutting off your nose to spite your face. 85% is better than nothing.
Alvie you are good people and so is the guy that accidentally damaged your Nissan. We need more people like you guys in the world here!
You're in the upper 60s this week Henry. Nice! Where do you live? It's supposed to hit 65 on Wednesday and I can't wait.
Today it was unseasonably warm in the morning to the early afternoon. It was cloudy so I opened the windows and was cutting some foam for my removable mountain tunnels I'm building.
Then the sun came out and it was time to put my layout project away. I went out to the parking lot to clean my pigsty of a truck that the winter kill had created when It was cold.
I was putting my stuff on the pavement to organize it and put it back away.
Oh Lord, ...One of those Chill Willies took over my stomach and the shock went through my arms to my fingertips.
I'm glad it wasn't but can you see how my first glance was a decomposing fingertip on the pavement, ...Yuk
I turned it over and found out that it wasn't. Must be some kind of insect cocoon from last Fall. Perhaps a June bug, I don't know. I'm just glad it wasn't a fingertip.
I threw it in the bushes so whatever it was could hatch. I've gotten kind of goofy like that as I've grown older. I don't like to kill anything anymore, even a bug. I take a glass in the summer and put it over a spider or a bee and slide a piece of paper under and let them go outside so they can enjoy their life too. I just don't like them with me in the house. I think I got this stuff from the Dalai Lama or something
With the exception of the winter, it would be unhumane to let them go outside in the freezing cold to freeze to a slow death. So in the winter time, I still squish them
It's 10 minutes till rack time and I'm hitting it early.
Have a great night and sleep well my friends
cats think well of meI feel that the "damage" is so minor as to not warrant repairs. Plus, the vehicle is not some immaculately kept classic, it's an 8-year old Nissan Frontier
My Colorado got bumped in a gas station by a 16 year old in his mom's car when it was 5 years old. Damage was similar to yours. The kid was terrified.
I let that one slide. The truck is 13 years old now, and it has lots of battle scars now. It does not matter at all.
Track fiddlerI threw it in the bushes so whatever it was could hatch.
I hope you find a beautiful almond tree growing there next year
TF, the 21st century Johnny Almondseed
VIA 2 curving out of Swan Landing by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
howmusOh Yeah!!!! Thanks Bear!
For those of you who might still be interested, Ulrich is making great progress towards building a new home. He will hopefully finalize the property deal within the next week. He is having a bit of difficulty finding a contractor who will build the house within his budget, but he is prepared to downsize the house to get it to where he can afford it.
I can say that he sounds much happier these days. That's a good thing.
Okay gang, it's time to move the Diner!
I'm going to suggest that we go to Philadelphia to study the Budd Company. Certainly the Budd passenger cars are the most recognizable with their beautiful fluted sides. Let's have a look at what they made and, in the next post, the people who made them:
Here is the Wikipedia version. It's worth a read because Budd was into way more than just passenger cars:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budd_Company
Here is a photo of the interior of a Budd dining car. Note the beautiful etched glass dividers:
The galley:
Here is a view of the beautiful fluted sides of a Via Rail Budd diner:
An older version:
Missing a little paint:
Another classic example:
Another older photo of a Budd diner's interior:
Here is a newer diner design circa 1986:
A recently refurbished Budd diner. The table settings seem to be missing the opulance of former days:
In Amtrack colours:
Not quite as fancy as some of the Pullman cars, but impressive none the less:
Garry. Our thoughts for a speedy recovery. (I have been in the same place as you.)
Dave. A great set of pictures.
Taking the day as it comes today. No pressure.
Good morning guys. Below freezing this morning, but supposed to be in the mid-50's this afternoon. Sure wish I could have these temps on the weekend, but no. Oh well. Soon enough.
Garry, prayers headed your way. Hang in there.
Alvie, great response to the situation. It sucks, but it is relatively minor and if you use your truck like a truck, it's bound to get some bumps and bruises. When I got my current one, it was a couple years old, but other than some miles was in pristine condition and I was determined to keep it that way. Hasn't worked out, but you know what? If you don't know where to look, you'll never see the damage that's been done.
Anybody know the waiter's name today? I really need my coffee.
Good morning, everyone. Bacon, eggs, and coffee, please.
Dave, thanks for the great pictures. It really makes me wish I could go ride in those trains and eat in those cars. The other thing in most of the pictures during that time was that everyone was dressed up. You don't see people in the trains wearing pajama pants.
We are taking Daisy the Dachshund to the vet today for her annual visit. I'm sure she will hate it like she usually does.
This is the dining car on the Southern Crescent, 1978, right before Southern RR dropped the service and it went Amtrak. Not the luxury of the 1950s dining cars, but it was a nice trip from New Orleans to Atlanta.
I'll have what John's having this morning, sounds good to me.
Grocery day and I'm dreading it. It's the only time we go indoors around people and the only time I have some anxiety.
Thanks for all the diner car pics Dave. Enjoyed! I have a few passenger car pics I can share from Osceola Wisconsin.
Looks like we got another great Billy Joel song added to the list, courtesy of the Bear
Continued thaughts and prayers. Hope you are well soon Garry.
Have a great Taco Tuesday gentlemen
Good Afternoon,
It rained last night and with the mild temp most of the snow has melted in the back yard. Mind you, we had very little this year. We try to keep the bird seed debris cleaned up throughout the winter but still now are faced with some clean up. I will try to get some done today but it is too wet to do much. We are having an early spring.
I too have locked keys in my car but not for a very long time. It can't be done in my current car as the electonic key also contains the lock button that you can only access with the key out. If you do push it and lock the doors while in the car, it un locks as soon as you pull on the interior door handle.
Dave, great photos of those Dining cars. I am always amazed that such extensive menus could be produced from those tiny kitchens that weren't exactly steady and all from scratch. Via has a repair facility here and there is always a few of those old Budd cars they use outside.
Hope we can get vaccinated soon but I fully expect it won't ease my wife's fears much as it isn't 100%. In her mind 90% still means you can get it or not. No amount of arguing can persuade her otherwise even though I took statistical math at university and do have a good understanding about odds. She is a very bright person and arguing with her is difficult. She is an informartion junkie with a near photographic memory.
I did run the Pacific yesterday and just put a short express reefer train behind it, perfect for just watching it do laps at a decent speed, whistle wailing at the crossings.
hon30critterUlrich is making great progress towards building a new home.
Is he staying in Germany, or did he manage the relocation to Denmark?
Great Update In The Diner that you posted! That post must have been a lot of effort, but it was very worth reading. Thank you.
Not sure what happened, but I was able to log in as Tin Can with my new email address, and then I couldn't. So I have not been able to post for a while; and work has been such that I have not had any time to browse the forum.
Resolution is that I had to create a new profile as Tin Can II.
I looked at a house last weekend. It is smallish, but it has a full basement. Unfortunately, the basement isn't really suitable for a train room, as it is set up for a party room, a pool room, a bedroom and a bathroom. But that is ok, because there are two barns on the property; a 30 x 50 and a 12 x 50. Both have concrete floors. That solves my storage problem. With a little insulation and a HVAC install; I should have a space for exactly what I want in a layout. Wife comes up this weekend to look at houses, hopefully, this one will meet her needs.
SeeYou190Is he staying in Germany, or did he manage the relocation to Denmark?
Ulrich is staying in Germany. He got a very cool reception in Denmark so he eliminated that option. I'm not sure where in Germany but it is a rural property.
Here is some information about the Budd Company. They were into a lot more things than just railcars.
https://hiddencityphila.org/2018/08/budd-company-an-industrial-icon-that-broke-the-mold/
I'll dig up some pictures of the Philidelphia area tonight.
hon30critterHere is some information about the Budd Company. They were into a lot more things than just railcars. https://hiddencityphila.org/2018/08/budd-company-an-industrial-icon-that-broke-the-mold/
That is an amazing history and I liked the pictures of the abandoned plant today. Men like Budd helped build this country, and they don't come along real often.
Thanks, Dave!
Downtown Philadelphia. (Click on images for larger view):
An important piece of history on display:
City Hall:
Philadelphia Museum of Art:
Independence Hall:
30th St. Station:
30th Street Station railyard and power house:
Pennsylvania Railroad's original Chelten Avenue station:
Pennsylvania Railroad Suburban Station:
Broad Street station, now a Hard Rock Cafe:
Broad St Terminal train shed:
Broad Street Station train sheds circa 1882:
Interlocking tower:
Philly roundhouse:
Gravers Lane train station 1n 2019. One of several preserved commuter stations in and around Philadelphia:
Valley Forge train station:
Radnor train station:
Shawmont Station to be restored:
Chestnut Hill East:
More to come.
Great story about the remarkable Edward Budd and the company he built. Thanks for sharing it and all the photos.
Tim
Late to the model railroad party but playing catch-up.....
Thank you for the Philadelphia pics! I spent a lot of time in Philly in 2009 when I had a job in the town of Media. I loved that time and rode trains in and out of Philly all the time.
That beautiful bridge reminds me of the Lionel Hellgate bridge.
SeeYou190That beautiful bridge reminds me of the Lionel Hellgate bridge.
Yes, it is a pretty neat bridge.
Gidday Dave, thanks for the great hosting and an especial thanks for the link to Budd. Seems he was not only a clever chap but a great employer who took care of his staff.
There is one rather negative aspect to George Budd's hiring policies. He would not hire black workers. I'm not trying to make a political comment here. It is simply a statement of fact. As great an employer as he was, he was limited by the times he was in.
I'm sure glad grocery shopping is over with from yesterday. Two heaping carts again. The freezer, refrigeulator and cupboards are full again. That ought to hold us another six, seven weeks. I prefer to go to the grocery store as little as possible these days.
Good to hear Ulrich is finally getting closer to moving into his new house. I hope the very best for him and Petra
The host with the most! Thanks for all the info and pictures of Philadelphia Dave.
I didn't know an almond could look like a finger tip Ed. I enjoy almonds as a snack all the time. I buy them by the $10 sack but never noticed. My curiosity got the best of me so I dumped them out on a platter. I only found two like that in the whole bag
Head Over Heels this morning. It seems the young Albatross over in the Bear's neck of the woods, had a bit of trouble with his Landing.
Even a bird shows embarrassment with the little Shake of his head They say young albatrosses are excellent in Flight right away but have problems with their Landings sometimes. Seems to me I had some problems with my Landings when I was young too
Good morning all. A wet and wild day with the wind'a'blowin'. My second birthday in lockdown. No hugs from my grandchildren again.
A great host, Dave. Lovely pictures of Philly. The city is much bigger than the village Philadelphia here in the UK.
Kevin. Great looking bridge. I thought it was Tyne Bridge here in Newcastle.
Happy Birthday David!
I forgot to comment on Dave and Kevin's Bridge my last post. Here's my comment
Morning Post Hog!
By the way, any of you guys have any good suggestions on what type of glue I should use to put this railing back on?
I certainly don't want to make a mess all over my new locomotive. I'm getting kind of sick of running back and forth to the hobby store and they don't have another #2300 anyway
It should just fit back into the holes it came from.
I don't about N scale locos, but most HO scale, you need to remove that railing, or at least detach it from the steps, to get the shell off.
Mike.
My You Tube
Thanks Mike
I tried to snap it back in three times. It just fell right back off. Perhaps the snap barbs stayed in the holes. I'm going to have to glue it or return it and there is no more 2300's left.
Good morning, diners. I'll have plenty of black coffee, please.
My two mile walk this morning was a battle between me and the wind.
Happy Birthday, Dave! Too bad about his garbage virus keeping you from enjoying the grandchildren.
Hope everyone has a good day!
Dave! I hope you find something enjoyable to treat yourself to today!
Garry, I hope you're doing better today
I like these Bednar films. In the Anthracite regions, they show how nasty things had become before the Conrail advent:
Lots of vintage equipment here. Probably all the track seen in the video is gone today.
Thanks for your great tours of the car builders' for this months Diner, Dave
Edited
Nevermind, ...but I guess great minds think alike sometimes
I'm finally getting the rain day I wanted to wash all the salt off the roads
Some Forum News
We had a bad derailment in Plymouth Minnesota this last Sunday. Tweaked the rails like spaghetti. The video is a bit too long, the first couple minutes is plenty.
The good thing is no one was hurt. The tanker cars were carrying molten sulfur used to make asphalt. Those Procor cars must be built rather well as nothing leaked so no evacuations were necessary. CP anticipates the cleanup and rail repair to go well into Summer.
P.S. I think I liked Ed's video from the mid-70s better
PH
Oops, double post, please delete
Happy Birthday Dave in Britain!
TF, It shouldn't be hard to glue that railing back on. I would remove the shell and put a very small dab on the back of the holes to minimize the chance of getting glue on the paint assuming the holes go right through. I've taken the shells off N scale locos many times to install decoders. I have a set of very small jewellers screwdrivers. I then slowly pry off the shell using a tiny screwdriver to hold the shell apart. I use glue on the end of a straight pin as an applicator. Or perhaps the shop would do it for you.
Time for another coffee. Robbie is stretched out sleeping on the sofa beside me.
Thanks Charlie
I have never been good at coming up with common sense solutions but your idea sounds great. Funny I didn't think of that while I had my magnification visor on and could see through the tiny holes but I didn't. Your idea can't miss
Thanks again Charlie
hon30critterHe would not hire black workers
I think you need to read the comments on that article , Dave.
David.
Good afternoon
It quit raining for a while and wifey wants to go to Hobby Lobby. I guess I won't argue, I'll just put my Hefty two ply mask on. I need some stuff for the layout and they have 40% off coupons on my phone they swipe.
Track fiddler I need some stuff for the layout and they have 40% off coupons on my phone they swipe.
NOT ANY MORE!!!
I looked for one this past week and couldn't find one. Starting looking around on the net and came up with some info that they had discontinued those general 40% off coupons.
maxman Starting looking around on the net and came up with some info that they had discontinued those general 40% off coupons.
I did not get my usual "50% off next purchase" coupon the last time I bought something at Michael's.
I did not think anything about it at the time.
Budd-built cars were always sought after due to their ALL stainless steel construction, even the center sill. Pullman used Cor-Ten and clipped stainless sheathing on to it which actually trapped moisture and caused the corrosion to get worse.
Zephyr by Edmund, on Flickr
Zephyr_0006 by Edmund, on Flickr
Zephyr_0003 by Edmund, on Flickr
I don't recall some of the finer points of the Pullman Company anti-trust lawsuit but one of the sticking points was the fact that in the beginning Pullman refused to staff Budd-built sleeping cars.
It must have really irked Budd management that some of their cars were lettered P U L L M A N on the letterboard!
Evenin'folks!
As long as we are taking a great look at passenger cars I would present the Original Empire State Express (or at least what is left of her) now owned by the Rochester and Genessee Valley RR Museum where I volunteer. I can't put individual photos of the remaining cars up but the link will take you to the Muesum site which has some fairly detailed information about the cars we have.
http://www.rgvrrm.org/about/railroad/ese/
I have served as a car host several times when we have had them out on the mainline of the Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad. We have been restoring the cars and keeping them operable for a good many years now. Last year due to the pandemic we did not use them, but hoping this summer we might be able to have a trip with them again. Time will tell!
Alonzo, the baggage car has a small diesel prime mover in it. That is used to provide electric power to the rest of the cars for light and (when it works) air conditioning. When we are using them two of our volunteers ride in Governor Alonzo to keep the old diesel running....... Oh... All the cars were named after NYS Governors. Most of the cars we have been able to find out which governor it was. Sooner or later the plan is to make copies of the name plates that were originally on them and reinstall them on the proper cars.
Hi again Kevin,
Here is some info from Ulrich:
The property is located near the town of Pasewalk in northeastern Germany, not far from the Polish border and the Oder river delta. It´s an area of outstanding natural beauty and a paradise for bird lovers.
This is road which his property is on:
Looks like a nice place. He says he plans on moving this year, but he has been slow making progress on the house design.
Top of the page! Everyone have your favourite poison on me!
I am happy to hear about Ulrich. His travails have been heart breaking.
Daffodils are coming and it has been 60+ the last two days but we still have a small pile of snow
Another real scene that looks like a model. Why is that utility pole there? Usually the wires go over the mountain.
Illinois tunnel by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
You would never see a tunnel so close to a crossing, right
My wife had another dentist appointment today. I have one next Wednesday, and a lab appointment for blood drawing on Thursday. Then we both have doctor appointments the week after that.
I had no idea being retired would mean we go to medical appointments so much more frequently. There isn't anything even wrong with me!
Oh well.
These two beauties arrived today. The old IMWX kits with the special edition Des Plaines Hobbies Viking Roofs! Both are complete and in mint condition. This was a good find.
Here are some pictures of Budd passenger cars under construction:
Metroliners:
A few of Budd's interesting projects.
The Zephyr was the first stainless steel lightweight train:
Michelin rubber tired train. This was the first experiment at producing the RDCs:
The Crusader(?):
This must have been very noisey:
Let's not forget the RDCs:
Here is the Wikipedia version:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budd_Rail_Diesel_Car
Of course I had to start with a Canadian paint scheme:
They got around! This one is in Brazil:
Puffing a little smoke:
I wonder how well the heaters worked?
Repurposed:
Via Rail:
Amtrack:
BCR:
In production:
Diesels eh!
An interesting variation:
Interesting consist:
hon30critterLet's not forget the RDCs:
While talking RDC, if you don't have it already, this is a good book on the RDC well worth acquiring,
KitbashOn30While talking RDC, if you don't have it already, this is a good book on the RDC well worth acquiring,
Hi KitbashOn30,
Thanks for the recommendation.
Here is the (Canadian) listing on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.ca/Rdc-Budd-Rail-Diesel-Car/dp/0870951033
Good morning all. Raining, sunshine and strong winds all day.
Thanks for the birthday wishes guys.
Garry. I hope your health is improving.
Revamping and freshening up the layout today. Adding a few items I received from my grandchildren for the layout.
Before that Coffee time and a piece of cake.
Anyone know?
On my local Ships & Shipping Forum a member has asked "How many steam ships are still on the Great Lakes?"
This weekend. A Virtual Railways Exhibition U. K. style.
https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/information/world-of-railways-virtual-exhibition
Kevin, good catch. That is the Hell Gate Bridge between the Bronx and Queens NY. I guess this picture got mixed in with the Philly pictures.
Eric P.
Just coffee for me please, black.
Yep, 40% off coupons swiped from your phone days at Hobby Lobby are over I found out as you said Maxman. They had 30-50% off throughout the store is how thier doing things now but nothing I was buying.
I researched your question on steam ships David but all I found was a lot of interesting information from early this morning to occupy my time over coffee. Some company is manufacturing a steamship replica that will be completed in 2022. It will be equipped with a diesel engine though.
For me Kevin, I don't want to go for random visits to the doctor. The mind is a powerful thing and I don't need to be told something's wrong and start believing it. I believe we all have things wrong with us at times through life and your body naturally fights it off itself as long as your eating good. There's those times something is missing, I keep running to the kitchen for a healthy snack and I'm not content until I finally get what my body was craving. I know when something is wrong and then I'll go in if I have to
Looks like you found a couple more nice box car kits. I know how you love customizing those to the Stratton & Gillette rolling stock that turnout way cool
Thanks for the info and images on the budd stainless passenger car manufacturing and the RDC's Dave. Interesting stuff.
Well, Haven't decided what I'm going to work on today but it'll be something. I'm taking Judy to work this morning and will have to find something to occupy my time.
SeeYou190I had no idea being retired would mean we go to medical appointments so much more frequently. There isn't anything even wrong with me!
Just wait till you hit Medicare you'll get bounced from doctor to doctor, as they love that medicare payment.
Nice RDC pics Dave. The RDC-A (with the cab) would make an interesting kit bash.
With 50 and 60 degree weather lately:
Of course, in WI., this is like a fake spring.
Ed, you are right, that does look like a model scene. I have to go to Google satellite and find that. I think that track coming out of the tunnel is CN.
Have a great day !
gmpullman Another real scene that looks like a model. Why is that utility pole there? Usually the wires go over the mountain. Illinois tunnel by Mike Danneman, on Flickr You would never see a tunnel so close to a crossing, right Cheers, Ed
Don't look right to me Ed!
Hopefully the train in the tunnel, engineer's mom told him to stop look and listen before you cross the street
Perhaps the utility pole by the tunnel powers the red light, green light a hundred feet within the light at the end of the tunnel
Maybe it would have just been easier to put a big red stop sign out there
Can't you just imagine the engineer pulling up the stop sign, looking both ways and then putting the pedal to the metal
Thanks TF for looking re steam ships on the Great Lakes. I came to the same conclusion. I just wondered if one maybe was 'lurking' there.
The track coming out of the tunnel crosses the river, which is right behind the photographer, and into Dubuque.
Going into the tunnel, it ends at about 1,000', and joins the BNSF main line. CN has track/haulage rights on this line with the BNSF, south, to about Galena, where the line branches off, back on CN home rails.
pavKevin, good catch. That is the Hell Gate Bridge between the Bronx and Queens NY. I guess this picture got mixed in with the Philly pictures.
Really?
I had no idea there really was a Hellgate Bridge, I thought it was just a Lionel marketing name.
NorthBrit Anyone know? On my local Ships & Shipping Forum a member has asked "How many steam ships are still on the Great Lakes?" David
https://www.ssbadger.com/
I found reference to a 2008 book talking about freighters that said at the time there were fewer than 20 steam powered ones left sailing. Sounds like at least one, the Arthur M. Anderson is sailing. Had been laid up for a while, but retrofitted in 2014 (?) and pressed back into service. That one is famous for being the last ship to have visual contact with the Edmund Fitzgerald, as the Anderson was following the Fitzgerald that fateful night.
Cue Track Fiddler posting the Gordon Lightfoot song now.
It has been mentioned in the Diner once or twice:
NY_Connecting-HellGate by Edmund, on Flickr
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_Gate_Bridge
Good Afternoon All,
Just stopping by for an early afternoon coffee. Good to hear more on Ulrichs' progress. He and Petra have had quite the tussle with life and i hope this starts a new better chapter when it finally comes together.
Hope Garry is getting better along with the rest of you in need of healing. And a belated Happy Birthday David.
Closing on the new digs is off for Monday as they are still waiting for the title search to finish. Shouldn't have been a big deal as the house is fairly new and only had one other owner before this one. Just need patience.
New doc for the stuff they found with the last contrast MRI. Didn't seem overly concerned but did order about 2 dozen blood tests. Hope I have enough blood left to get home after.
We have had a couple of RDC's at the museum. Powered by a pair of the same 318 Detroit Diesel that was in the Ford 900 cabover I used to row cross country in. The motors are laid over on their side and are two stroke so a bit noisy but to answer the question, the heat was good. If done today as a 4 stroke with turbo and electronic injection so they make way less emissions, they might make a viable commuter rail solution. Problems on the New Haven were the crossings where they were often too light for the sensors to trip the crossing lights which is not good. Also they were prone to going to ground in heavy snow so they often had an RS2 or 3 attached up our way to cut through the buildup on the tracks. Probably all solvable with modern technology.
The Acela on the HellGate bridge brings back memories. It sort of fits as Philly is on the northeast corridor and the train will at least pass through there. No bridge over the Hudson on the southern end of the river so you go through the tunnels built some time before the middle ages after you leave Penn Station going west. I was awed and amazed they didn't get wrecked during the last big hurricane as they did flood.
The B&O I think was first but the New Haven electrified early on and used overhead catenary. The Pennsylvania borrowed one of the early box cabs and used it to copy for their own electrics culminating in the GG-1 probably the most successful electric for its' time.
All for now - time to get back to the shop. Ciao, J.R.
Colder today with snow flurries but supposed to hit 45F over the weekend.
Seems the flock of crossbills has largely left. I guess they felt it was getting too warm, so headed back to the boreal forest.
My wife was looking up photos of antelope type animals we took in Africa and realized she had photos of a female and fawn Sitatunga. They are only found in the Okavango Delta. They are rarely seen and when we did see a male on a previous trip our guide was really excited as he had only seen them twice in 10 years. She was wandering about the camp at siesta time so no one was around. I was asleep. Got some amazing photos. The walkways at this camp are all raised about 6 feet off the ground and the 'tents' are on stilts.
TF, yes your body will tell you when something is wrong but by then you might be seeing a Doc to find out how long you've got. I had prostate cancer that was only found by annual tests. I had zero symptoms. Once it starts to affect you with symptom it likey has metastized to bone cancer. A good friend of mine died of prostate cancer at age 64. He wasn't getting annual tests and when he went to see why he felt poorly it was too late. He was a master model railroader. When they were wheeling me into the operating theatre I felt perfectly fine. Sorry if this was a bit of a rant.
Wife is doung a roast chicken for supper wih sour cream and sweet paprika sauce. It is really good.
A flock of house finches just arrived on the feeders I can see from my window.
NorthBrit Thanks TF for looking re steam ships on the Great Lakes. I came to the same conclusion. I just wondered if one maybe was 'lurking' there.
Not at all David. It was my pleasure reading over all the history and information on the Great Lakes Steamships this morning over coffee. I found it quite interesting. It's a tough act to follow trying to pinpoint things you want to know though.
Mike, I tried posting Gordon Lightfoots Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald and it wouldn't let me do it. I don't know how Brent did it, maybe they have less restrictions in Canada or something. The ones I was going through must have been copyrighted or something.
Charlie, Thank you Same thing my wife and some of my friends keep telling me. I know? At least I've been thinking about it latly.
hon30critter
If you look up "ugly" in the dictionary, this picture appears.
Are you sure that this is not photoshopped?
"...I tried posting Gordon Lightfoots Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald..."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgI8bta-7aw&t=307s
Good evening all. A couple of days of icy blasts of wind and showers.
Mike. Thanks for the information
Garry Take care. Our thoughts are with you.
A busy day revamping and freshening up the layout. Still more to do but I am happy with the progress made.
Baked Ratatouille Fusilloni with Goats' Cheese.
I think YouTube was saturated. That's what it was. I see the Bear has the Edmund one down. Thanks Bear! How about this one?
For the Bear and anyone else that likes some good Billy Joel.
I wasn't so sure I was a very big fan of that last video I posted. I never seen it before so I changed it up one frame back.
Much better!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The Roger Williams was one of the attempts by the New Haven to continue passenger service with lightweight train sets as ridership declined. Originally a 6 car train set it would have fit right in today when the average commuter train length on the Danbury Branch of Metro North is 6 cars. Designed during a time when the railroad was again facing bankruptcy as well as sky high electric rates and disintegrating self owned power plants it did away with the idea of electric catenary power in favor of diesel operation. Like many failed ideas I think it ended its revenue days banished to the Boston area where all their ideas went to die. Unlike "The Man Who Never Returned" it ended up restored and on loan to the Danbury Railway Museum for display.
Track fiddler I believe we all have things wrong with us at times through life and your body naturally fights it off itself as long as your eating good.
That's a scary statement. How does that work with hypertension, athersclerosis, colon cancer, glaucoma, thyroid disease and about another several hundred diseases?
My grandfather had hypertension, but back in the 30's to the 50's the only treatment was the Duke rice diet. There were no diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors. He ate the rice and had a stroke and couldn't work and had another stroke and it killed him at age 66. His wife lived as a widow for another 25 years.
We just had two very nice days with temps in the 70's, although we still have a pile of snow. I went to Home Depot and bought some chives, parsley and day lilly bulbs and planted them. At last my landscaping has a bit of my signature on it.
maxman wrote: "If you look up "ugly" in the dictionary, this picture appears. Are you sure that this is not photoshopped?"
It better not be. I used to hostle that pair around New Haven Motor Storage 1979-1980. I remember those two kinda "smelled funky" inside. The pic is at Meriden, CT.
Today at least one is in the Danbury (CT) Railroad Museum.
Becks was on sale at Publix this week, buy-one-get-one-free. Help yourself.
I talked to my baby daughter for a while today.
She bought a new car, but she would not tell me what it is. I asked her to send me a picture. In the picture she sent, the car is barely visible, but I think the part of the roof I can see looks like a black Ford Mustang-GT.
Nothing else going on, I hope everyone is doing well. Best wishes to all who need them.
Good morning all. A sunny start to the day.
Doctors and check-ups. At one time I used to be worried seeing a Doctor as I was born with a tiny hole in the heart. My heartbeat 'skips a beat' and at times mimics a heart attack.
About six years ago I visited our Doctor for a repeat prescription. The Receptionist said 'Because of my age the Doctor wanted to see me.' It wasn't my regular Doctor, but young, new one to the Practice. Out came the stethoscope and as soon as it touched my heart area I knew what She was thinking.
A few minutes with the 'scope and off she went next door. (My regular Doctor's room.) The conversation
"It's alright. He has an irregular heartbeat."
"But it is a heart attack."
"His heart does do that. Does he look okay?"
"Yes, but his heart is missing beats."
" If you feel that way then send him to hospital."
Four days eating hospital food, having tests etc. then given a prescription and sent home. The prescription was what I wanted four days earlier.
At least I had a thorough check-up. My heart still skips a beat and at times mimics a heart attack.
Coffee time with some coffee cake.
Black coffee please.
Still reasonably warm, even on our rain day the other day. Temps hovering in the upper 40's, low 50's at times for our extended early Sping teaser.
I finally decided what I'm going to do to finish my viaduct bridge that's been on the back burner. The styrene sheet I need was either unavailable on the web or they wanted a minimum order of $50. I went to the hobby shop near my house and they ordered me one package. I'm a platinum member so I think my buddy John there likes to keep me happy.
It will be nice to have one of the custom bridges of the eight completed in its entirety. The other five of the eight need to be painted now, before they can be reinstalled in place of the masonite temps.
Going for an early Spring walk at a big Nature Reserve with Judy today as soon as I drive her into work this morning so she can get the forms for her new medical insurance filled out. The new owners of the hotel are making all the gals switch to a less par insurance company. So nice how some employers show how much they appreciate thier workers
That un-equal beat heart murmur situation runs on my Dad's side of the family as well David. I do hope your medication is working for you and keeping you well. I may be having to make plans for that one some time in the future, ...Yikes
That sounds like a possible sweet ride your youngest Daughter may have bought Kevin. I hope she didn't get the one with, both the blue and red key option. Dads don't need any thing extra to worry about.
Looking forward to the fresh air on our walk later this morning as it's out of city limits a bit. I like the pine flavored air.
Have a great day gentelmen
Sorry about including the Hell Gate bridge in NYC with the Philly photos. There was no caption on the picture so I just assumed the picture was taken in Philadelphia.
57F (13C) this morning with blue skies after a rain last night. I'll have a regular to go please - a bit too early tho I like Becks. Thanks Kevin, if there is one left when I get home, I'm in. Haven't heard from Ken lately or did I miss him? Still waiting on the title search for the new house so nothing doing there. I am scheduled to get my second shot the 27th so I'm looking forward to that.
Just think TF if you'd become a roofer you could be the fiddler on the roof.I'll look forward to seeing the viaduct later. Are all the bridges to be the same? When they built the Merritt Parkway here in Connecticut, they made all the bridges different to each other on purpose. They have held up well over the decades but apparently some of the more art deco ones are a brute to fix with all the fancy embellishments.
Speaking of bridges David, it turns out the Hell Gate bridge was the basis for design of the Tyne bridge in England. Funny that. There was a large entry on Wiki that I read last night. Here's the link. linkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_Gate_Bridge
Time to pick up tools and get after it. Ciao, J.R.
maxmanIf you look up "ugly" in the dictionary, this picture appears. Are you sure that this is not photoshopped?
Hi maxman,
In 1956, the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad ordered a custom-built, six-car train set they named the Roger Williams, based on the RDC design. It consisted of two single-ended cab units and four intermediate cars to make a complete train. The units were fitted with third-rail shoes, electric traction motors, and associated gear for operation into Grand Central Terminal, though this was short-lived.[citation needed] In the New Haven's later years, the set was broken up, and used with regular New Haven RDCs, and by Amtrak into the 1980s.[23]
Hobby lobby stopped 40% coupon Feb 28th
GMTRacing Just think TF if you'd become a roofer you could be the fiddler on the roof.I'll look forward to seeing the viaduct later. Are all the bridges to be the same? When they built the Merritt Parkway here in Connecticut, they made all the bridges different to each other on purpose. They have held up well over the decades but apparently some of the more art deco ones are a brute to fix with all the fancy embellishments.
It's funny you should mention that one J.R. I was the "Fiddler on the Roof" for a few short extended times.
Roof jobs are darn good money. After bad storms came through, we would switch gears and temporarily go into the roofing business. It's getting the bundles up on the roof and moving them off the peak during the job that'll break your back and wear you out.
I always paid the extra fee with the delivery service to have the shingles conveyored or boomed up to the peak of the roof to stack them. Then Scott and I would keep our nose to the grindstone while we had a kid up on the peak pitching us shingles so we could just keep moving along Like the Wind.
We would start early in the morning while it was cool and go, go, go until it got hot. Then we would knock off and take couch naps and get up in the evening after it cooled off a bit and go, go, go until dark. Or until a neighbor started yelling at us There always seemed to be a neighbor yelling at us later in the evening, popping out of his air-conditioned house for a moment
Yes, ...I consider Bridges fine pieces of Art I can appreciate how they are all different. One could almost consider me a "Bridge Hugger" as I feel all the fancy ones should be renovated and restored, preserving their architectual beauty and more importantly thier History
I just had to come back and post the rest of the story instead of a P.S. It's kind of ironic and kind of neat.
There was this house near my Mom's house that had this brass "Fiddler on the Roof" ornament that was quite unique. My Mom was a realtor at the time and for quite a few years she would buy houses that I would renovate and then we would sell them and split the profits.
On this particular roof, Scott was sick so Judy helped me pitching shingles down from the peak. This lady walking by asked if we were going to put the Fiddler back on the roof after we were done. She was very disappointed when we told her that the owner had taken it with him. That Fiddler had been up there for many, many years. I don't know where that Fiddler ornament ever ended up or I would drive to see it again if it wasn't too far away.
Track fiddlerThat sounds like a possible sweet ride your youngest Daughter may have bought Kevin. I hope she didn't get the one with, both the blue and red key option. Dads don't need any thing extra to worry about.
I don't have anything to worry about.
The Mustang we gave her when she graduated high school had a "teen key" that limited accelleration and top speed. When she was 22 or 23 we visited her in Orlando, and we noticed she had the teen key on her keyring. She had no idea she was driving the car derated for 5 years!
She drives like me. Right lane, posted speed limit.
My oldest daughter was the only one we had problems with. We gave her the Grand Marquis when she graduated, and she had three speeding tickets in a year.
Daughter's and Cars. Before my daughter married and had a family she drove a gold colored BMW Z4. Heads would turn as they saw the car and she knew it. (Her blonde hair helped as well.)
One day I was working late. My car was in the local garage having some work done on it. My daughter came to pick me up. The conversations by others was priceless.
Butter Chicken with Coriander Rice. A Toffee Yoghurt Surprise to follow.
It's 5 O-Clock on a Friday
Mike's over there painting mountain sides
Kevin's customizing box cars again
Sing us a song You're a Railroad Man
We're all in the mood for Great Northern
Southern Pacific is working alright
La De De De La La La
La De De La
There always is time for the layout
That makes a little less time for the wife
If I could complete this crossover wiring
We just might be running locomotives tonight
We're all in the mood for the layout
The DCC is working all right
Hey! Where did everybody go? I thought the food was good in here.
Hello, Hello! I think there's an echo.
Huh, ...I guess everyone went to bed early on a Friday night
I hope my Friday Night song didn't offend anyone tonight.
I including a few admired Forum members in the song. Next week or Saturday I was going to include a few more.
Maybe that was a bad idea. It was all in fun and I thought the members included would feel appreciated.
I did notice it got quiet around here after. If I did offend anyone I do apologize as it was not my intent.
TF -
I'll bail you out. I liked your song, and that you added diner patrons to it. That's real class.
Wonderin' if guys have been out BBQin'. Or maybe their ladies frowned when they began to walk toward the diner right after din. Bad move, guys. Especially if you didn't each much.
I came in for desert. A dish of pears just didn't cut the mustard. Hey, look at all the goodies that ain't yet been taken!
Okay then.
I guess I'm all good here John
Yeah, but you oughtta be alert, TF. Too much hog in the diner and Flo might BBQ you!
Nah!
I'm that one pig that don't taste good, ...Or don't have good taste, I don't know which one yet
If anyone doesn't have a T-shirt like this, I suggest you get one!
You should see the looks I get! walking down the Avenue
I don't think the people that read the shirt decipher a model railroad. They give me a look like they wonder if I own a railroad or plenty of stock and I give-em a wink
Meanwhile I do have my Milwaukee Road hat on
T-shirts can be fun
Loved the song TF, thought of adding a verse or two of my own.
Been too busy getting the underlay down as the tile guys show up Monday.
I walked around the neighborhood for a while today.
The house they started just five weeks ago is really moving along.
Right across the street from that house, an older house was torn down, and they are grading it for a new house. No foundation yet, and it is already for sale!
It looks like a house three lots away from mine is going to be torn down soon. The power lines to it are disconnected and the city was there today removing the sewer connection.
This has all the ear-marks of 2007!
Now I know I'm in the clear Brent. Love the Canadian Mountie standing by CP 2816.
Reminded me of a story to tell.
When I was a Kid we would go to Nestor Falls Canada to fish Lake of the Woods every year. My dad was a retired Marine Sergeant and a tough-looking guy. I don't know what his deal was but he always wore his Marine Sergeant hat with a black and red checkered Lumberjack flannel when we went fishing up there.
It worked out well when he found the hot spot fishing hole on the lake and everyone would wave but stayed away. For a while it worked. Maybe that's why he wore that attire fishing up in Canada
P.S. I've always loved setting tile but never really liked laying the Dura Rock underneath it. We all like different things though. The foundation is the whole job I hope you show pictures of your beautiful tile job when it's done
TF, 15 sheets of plywood = 1920 screws At 64 that's a lot of screwing, good thing I'm in tiptop shape.
Wow, Brent. Watch your post get outta hand in a hurry, with sly allusions by the bushelful. Hope the kids have gone to bed . . .
Yeah you are!
1920 Yikes!
I hope you have the 18-20 volt lithium Makita or Milwaukee impact driver as a screw gun! I departed with my big clunky DeWalt and got the Milwaukee about 6 years ago as my wrist thanked me and my carpal-tunnel went away.
No substitute when there's that many screws to drive
My 18v Mastercraft packed it in halfway through so I bought a new 20v one that was on sale for half price. The old one lasted so long it didn't owe me anything.
Okay fellow model railroading nutcases, where shall we take the Diner next? Who else made dining cars in significant numbers (or passenger cars - I'm sure people ate in them too). I'm willing to do the research and post the photos, but I'm getting in over my head here because of my lack of knowledge of real railroading history. You get to recommend where we go!
I do remember jobs through the years when one of my tools crapped its pants halfway through. I've been a firm believer in buying the best tools available for about the last 20 years and won't bat an eye paying for them. But I must admit they do not exist anymore.
Today's Milwaukee outcasted to be manufactured in a foreign country is by no way shape or form near the quality of the Milwaukee's that were made in Milwaukee Wisconsin years ago. They're better than anything else that's out there, just like Makita but nothing like they used to be.
Great talking to you Brent. I'm hitting the rack. Sleep well my friend
I didn't even see your post while I was posting mine Dave. Fellow nutcases Yeah I am
I don't know either. I just learned from you my Silver Streak stainless steel passenger set cars proto typically were manufactured by Budd.
I'm still learning here and would not be a good advisor. But I do thank you Dave for being such a good Host this month
Rack Time for me. You sleep well tonight too Dave
hon30critterWhere shall we take the Diner next? Who else made dining cars in significant numbers (or passenger cars - I'm sure people ate in them too). I'm willing to do the research and post the photos, but I'm getting in over my head here because of my lack of knowledge of real railroading history.
Let me start with a disclaimer, because I do not know how true this is.
I was told that the MILWAUKEE ROAD built the distinctive train sets for the Hiawatha passenger trains in their own shops.
If that is true, it might be a fascinating place to visit.
hon30critterOkay fellow model railroading nutcases, where shall we take the Diner next?
Well, Dave, you certainly have offered up a lot of reading on the manufacturing process and I have been soaking it in. We could always hop over the pond and visit some foreign carmakers. Where ever we get to I'll be reading and viewing.
Hi Kevin and Brent,
I like both of your suggestions very much, but I think we should follow Kevin's lead and go to Milwaukee for a few days. After all, their trains were reputed to offer some of the finest passenger service on the continent.
Here is Wikipedia's brief history of the Milwaukee Road's passenger service:
The Milwaukee Road aggressively marketed passenger service through much of its history, maintaining a high quality of service until the end of private intercity passenger operations in 1971. The Milwaukee prided itself on its passenger operations, providing the nation with some of its most innovative and colorful trains. The railroad's home-built equipment was among some of the best passenger equipment ever run on any American railroad. The Milwaukee's reputation for high-quality service was the principal reason that Union Pacific shifted its service to the Milwaukee Road for its "City" streamliners in 1955.
The Milwaukee Road's Pioneer Limited was one of the first named trains and its colorful Hiawatha trains were among the nation's finest streamliners. The post-World War II Hiawatha trains remain a high-water mark for passenger train industrial design.
Starting in November 1955, the Milwaukee Road assumed joint operation of the Union Pacific's City of Los Angeles, City of Portland, City of Denver, and Challenger trains as well as the UP/Southern Pacific City of San Francisco. After assuming operation of the UP's services, the Milwaukee Road gradually dropped its orange and maroon paint scheme in favor of UP's Armour yellow, grey, and red, finding the latter easier to keep clean.
The Milwaukee Road's streamlined passenger services were unique in that most of its equipment was built by the railroad at its Milwaukee Menomonee Valley shops, including the four generations of Hiawatha equipment introduced in 1933–34, 1935, 1937–38, and 1947-48. Most striking were the "Beaver Tail" observation cars of the 1930s and the "Skytop Lounge" observation cars by industrial designer Brooks Stevens in the 1940s. Extended "Skytop Lounge" cars were also ordered from Pullman for Olympian Hiawatha service in 1951. The Olympian Hiawatha set, as well as some full-length "Super Domes" were later sold to the Canadian National Railway.
Regional passenger trains that the Milwaukee Road operated from Chicago up to Amtrak's assumption of passenger operations in 1971 included the Twin Cities Hiawatha serving Minneapolis, the Sioux serving Madison, Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Express serving Milwaukee, and the Varsity serving Madison.[40] Amtrak still operates the Hiawatha Service along the Milwaukee Road's former Chicago-Milwaukee route.
For years, the Milwaukee Road also operated an extensive commuter rail service in the Chicago area. One branch served the northern suburbs and extended into the outer suburbs of Milwaukee, one another branch served the western suburbs. These services passed to the Regional Transportation Authority in 1982 after the Milwaukee Road's bankruptcy. They are still operated today by Metra, Chicago's commuter rail agency, as the Milwaukee District / North Line and Milwaukee District / West Line. Canadian Pacific runs freight trains on both of these lines.
Here are some pictures from the Milwaukee Road Menomonee Shops where they built their equipment:
Early days:
Now there's a roundhouse!
Here are some of the Milwaukee Railroads passenger rolling stock:
What else could I start with other than a critter!
Okay, okay, time to get serious:
Perhaps the most beautiful passenger car of all time,
This guy looks pretty shiny:
Smokeless! I guess that was the whole point:
Needs a bit of a scrub!
Transfer table cab:
Note the exhaust stains down the side of the B unit. A few flame outs perhaps?
There's an oddball:
Mixed times:
2-6-6-2?
Ooops:
Coming back to life:
Don't forget these guys:
Strange looking beast!
Good morning all. A mixed bag weatherwise here in the UK.
Dave. Great pictures (again). Thanks.
Getting quotes today to have handrails outside to help Dawn with her walking.
(Twilight Zone music keys in)
Top of the evening to yas! Pretty close to the 60f mark with a tinge of moisture in the air. And if you look closely, its been warm enough around here to fool a few trees into budding already.
NorthBrit Dave) First things right off - Happy Belated Birthday to you! I dont know if you still make wishes and blow out candles, but if you do.... i hope it came in your roadname!
The Bridge Guy) Havent seen ya, but if your ornery enough to atleast get some reading done, were thinking about ya!
Critter Dave) Most excellent. Loved the Budd series. I have always had a fondness for the first stainless trains. I even liked the RDC that ate the NH E7 (the one listed under 'ugly'). Though i think i would pass on the jet powered stuff! I think thats taking "TGV" a bit toooo far. Its 'Tres Grande Vitesse' not 'There Goes Vanderbuilt'.
Now ive never really been a fan of the Milw., but the pics you posted are pretty eye popping. One of my pet peeves is facilities, nice shots of those. That aerial shot kinda puts Wyo. Yards to shame. Btw, i liked the starting critter shot. Perfect subject for a model.
TF) Fiddler on the Roof?? - taken. Fiddler-a-loof?? Eh, it could pass. Fiddler on the loose? Ding!
Tools) The only battery operated tool i own has four wheels, a gas tank, and a bench seat. All my other tools plug into that coal fired/nuclear powered wall socket.
Have an wonderful day folks!
(Twilight Zone music fades out)
A#1 North,
Good Morning —
Try this on a model RR and see how many raised eyebrows you get!
Pole-kink by Edmund, on Flickr
Utility pole too close? Just put a little deviation in the track!
That photo looks like it's right out of a Walthers catalog. Besides the Skytop car there's the octogonal crossing tower, far right, train shed and Everett St. Station.
Milwaukee by Edmund, on Flickr
I like the looks of that red brick Everett St. station I bought one to replace my present Union Station
I'd like to borrow some ideas from that neat looking sanding facility in the other photo. I'm at a point on my engine service tracks where I'm looking for a sand tower but I don't want one that is too tall.
Sand tower by Edmund, on Flickr
I have one of those bucket conveyors, the tank and all the other details in my junk box. Now I have to get busy.
It will go somewhere in here:
Fuel-rack1 by Edmund, on Flickr
The Skytop observation cars were built both by Pullman (the sleeping cars Creek series) and Milwaukee Shops (the parlor cars Rapids series).
They were designed by Brooks Stevens.
Milwaukee_Road by Edmund, on Flickr
CMStPnP_Coon-Rapids by Edmund, on Flickr
Before the SkyTops, the Milwaukee had several variations of the "Beaver Tail" observation cars.
Milwaukee_Beaver by Edmund, on Flickr
Jack Delano, January, 1943
Mitchell
Here are photos of what's left of the two, Arrow Creek and Gold Creek, that were welded to the deck of the Lansdowne:
https://www.montevideomrhc.org/Skytop/index.html#
What a sad ending, for BOTH the Lansdowne and the Skytop Cars:
Lansdowne_listing by Edmund, on Flickr
I saw these cars when the Lansdowne was moored in Erie, Pa. for a while (mid- '70s?) The photo above was in Buffalo. Erie, ©2005
Most of my recent cordless tools have been Bosch. I've had excellent results with these. We had lots of Milwaukee at w**k. The original Sawzall were great and would take a beating. When we got the first Milwaukee cordless tools the battery contacts would burn up. They bought DeWalt after that but they weren't all that great either.
I hope Garry is doing better. Shout out to Ken! Where ya' been Ken???
Thanks for all the neat photos, Dave.
Model Railway Exhibition is OPEN
https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/virtual-exhibitions/wor-virtual-exhibition-part-iii
I was up early putting out the bird feeders. My wife cleans and refills them every night and I put them out in the morning. I'm looking forward to daylight saving time as I am now up at 6:30 to have the feeders out for the 6:45 sunrise.
I was cleaning up some old papers and came across a Kohler catalogue from 1993. The cast iron bathtub in our house, built in 1960, was still in it. The tub is square with a seat in one corner. When we renovated the bathroom in 2016 we retained the bathtub as it is in perfect condition, still looks modern, is white, and changing it would mean major renovation as it is built in with walls on 3 sides.
I am still looking at brass loco listings. I don't plan on buying more as I have the 3 I wanted and looks like I lucked out as the only ones currently available are considerably more expensive. Also I doubt that the paint could be any better. I would like a Bullet Nose Betty but brass 8 driver locos won't go around my curves. I won't buy if I can't run them at all.
We are having an early spring here with 50F and sun today. Supposed to be in the 40F range and sunny for the next week. The snow should be gone by then,
Say, where is Ken? Hope he is ok.
Hope Garry is feeling better. I think he should get a feature done in MR as his layout is as nice as any they show each month.
Coffee time again.
Anyone care for a post breakfast snack? Judy made her mini graham cracker crust vanilla pudding cherry pies this morning
Gotta love that woman! Take a couple if you wish, they're on the dish
Thanks for the cherry tarts, TF!
I found an additional photo of the Skytops on the Lansdowne:
Resurrected by Mark, on Flickr
The photo posted in my earlier reply was actually taken in Erie, Pennsylvania, along with this one after she was pumped out and refloated. Some time in 2009 she was scrapped in Buffalo, N.Y.
In better days:
Lansdowne by Edmund, on Flickr
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Lansdowne
Oh boy! A high of 44°F here in NE Ohio. Bright sun, though
Here's one for the "Bridge Guy"
Thomas Underwood Coll B&O107 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
B&O Susquehanna River Bridge from Havre De Grace, MD side. 2/17/1962
Everyone must be doing their St. Patricks' Day shopping?
Anybody have some rare wildebeast to entice LION out of his den?
IMGP1262 Meat Market by Claudio e Lucia Images around the world, on Flickr
Besides Bridge Guy and Ken, I've been wondering where Brother Broadway has been lately myself Ed?
If that one is a little overdone, maybe these would suit the Lion's fancy.
That ought to do it!
I'll put a fan on them blowing out the window. He should pick up the aroma in North Dakota next door in no time.
And here's one to help entice "Bridge Guy"
Between your bridge and my bridge posted, that ought to work
Thanks Ed, I always do appreciate those Bridge Guy posts
It's 5 O-Clock on a Saturday
Ed's building more beautiful Passenger cars
And tunnels that they can run in
Wayne finished all of his Bridges
And Oh such a Wonderful sight
Now Brent is a great Canadian Pacific modeler
He gets his box cars for free
His front door's very near to the Wilderness Railroads
And there's no place that he'd rather be
Peter just completed a breathtaking scene
That made the real picture not even look right
Everybody sing it now! La De De De La La La Add your own verse if you got one! La De De La
Track fiddler Judy made her mini graham cracker crust vanilla pudding cherry pies this morning
Boy those look good!!! Cherries are by far my most favourite fruit!
A Difficult Weekend for me. I don't keep in close contact with aunts, uncles and cousins. No bad feelings, it's just we are physically distanced and rarely see each other.
I found out, a relative has transitioned into a man and needs mental health therapy, which he refuses. Despite being a doctor, that degree of gender dysphoria is beyond my comprehension. From a father or mother's standpoint, you have visions of you baby girl, your growing daughter, maybe walking down the aisle and then 20 years later you find out she thinks she is a guy. How does one cope with that?
I am not homophobic, but having major surgery that doesn't really create a 100% transformation, just the illusion of it, doesn't sit well with me.
That's only half of it. I have another relative, one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen, I would rank her #3, She is wealthy, 81 yo and has a 46 yo boyfriend. Any bets on if he has more money than she has?
Old men married to young women are common place. Limbaugh and Larry King come to mind. My father was 18 years older than my mother and left her a very young widow. So that doesn't sit well with me either. She has done this before so I guess it is worth it to her to throw money at a younger man.
I feel like this is something Galaxy would have posted.
Rack Time
It's been real, it's been fun, it hasn't been real fun though, the day that is
A little relaxation music to unwind
Speaking of the Floyd —
Did everyone — those affected, at least — remember to set their clocks ahead One Hour ??
Tired of lying in the sunshine staying home to watch the rain.You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today.And then one day you find ten years have got behind you.
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.
EJT_1962_fix by Edmund, on Flickr
GE_fini by Edmund, on Flickr
gmpullmanDid everyone — those affected, at least — remember to set their clocks ahead One Hour ??
Thanks for the reminder!
I like your hat. I could never wear a white hat. I wouldn't be able to keep it clean!
Nice! Ed!
I always liked that picture of you tipping your hat ya handsome devil! You looked like you were one bad as #@&*# You were and I'm sure you still are underneath that more pleasant side of you that Shines today.
I got up for a little sleep break an hour or so in. Gilmore always does it right and that modern-day version of the 70s Pink sure sounded good.
I better give us some old Pink for everyone to enjoy over coffee tomorrow morning though.
That ought to do it for some morning wake up music an hour ahead of time
My you were a cute young lad with Santa That made me want to go look for my Santa pictures in that old trunk
I just scored a P2K E8A in Canadian Pacific maroon and gray on eBay. I got it for what I consider to be a reasonable price in Canadian dollars, and the shipping was reasonable too. As my wife would explain, I really didn't need another locomotive, but I couldn't resist! It looks to be in pretty good shape, and according to the seller it has had very little use.
I hope I have learned enough about how to handle delicate models that this one will survive my often ham fisted handling intact. My previous experience with P2K Es and Fs is that things like the lift rings and grabs will jump off the shell if you even think about picking it up.
Track fiddlerI better give us some old Pink for everyone to enjoy over coffee tomorrow morning though.
Good morning all. Mothering Sunday today. The family will be visiting (from a distance).
Later I shall be in the train room.
To pick-up from the Bear ---
"Dream BIG dreams and do not let anyone take them away"
Ken and Garry. I hope things are turning for the better.
Anyone else going thru a tough time. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe you cannot see it. Just ahead the tunnel curves round and light shines in.
Coffee time with cookies.
Just caught up on my Diner reading.
Wow, this was one of the best pages in the diner ever.
Dave: Great shares on the MILWAUKEE ROAD!
Ed: Thank you for everything you added.
Garry: Please take care of yourself. You know you are in my thoughts now.
A late sleeper I am today. I'm still on yesterday's time here. Perhaps I'll set the clock ahead 2 minutes everyday for a month. I can't lose an hour right away all at once
It seems I had some extra music to listen to over late coffee this morning. Some Cirrus Minor, I put whipped cream on top of my coffee for that one.
Speaking of birds, my daughter now w**ks in Dunedin and Her-in-Doors drove down with her late last year, and while she was down there, they visited the Royal Albatross Colony where that clip was taken. Apparently, the albatross spends so much time roaming the Great Southern Ocean that landing on dryland can be somewhat problematic at the best of times! They do look magnificent in the air.
Garry, I've got congestive heart failure, too, along with a number of other issues. But, I think the medications make me feel even worse. The good news is that my condition has improved from a few years back. I'm 74 now, and I was actively playing hockey every week until I was 70. I still bicycle and walk the neighborhood.
Eveing Diners!
Flo, give the gang and I a please and the slimer Dirk and Robbie a dog treat.
Lot to talk about.
Transunion credit score is up too 799. That will be taking a big hit soon.
New Discover Card $7000.00 credit limit.
House Repairs begain! Had 2 rotten termite eaten joist beams (Not the joist, but the beams that the joist sit on) No live termites but I am going to have a exterminator come out and check. Saw 3 flying ants (no such thing) last week. All so had a new slumb pump install. Cost $4000.00 but had to be done. One more support beam too go for another $1500.00.
My old Town Car is on the RIP track. Took it in for a oil change, wheel hub replaced and new shocks. After the oil change the teck saw the Trans Cross Member had rusted in half? Maybe able to get it fixed, maybe. He has a car that might have a good cross member, we will see.
Took a Cash Advances off my old Discover card for $10,000.00. Long story on that one. New Discover card did not show up on time (was going to use to pay the contractor) so I took a cash advances at 3% fee and 12 months no intrest. That covers the $4000.00 beam repair and new slump pump and I have $6,000.00 for a car if I need to buy one. Do not want a car loan with the way my company is going!
Walking the heck out of Dirk Pip! He weight 27.5 pounds when we got him. Last Jan he was at 31.8 pounds! Wife thinks it is no big deal? That is a 11.56 weight increase. If a person weight 200 pounds that would be like going too 231.20 pounds! No good! We have been walking about 3/4 of a mile on my day's off and a 3rd of a mile when I work. He is now down to 30.0 pounds.
Time to walk Dirk so later, Ken and Dirk says Woof, Woof!
I hate Rust
Nice to have you back Ken!
Good for you! Good job getting your credit score up. As far as creditors goes, don't let them suck you back in.
I've been debt-free for 7 years and I really like that feeling and so shall you, if you play your cards right
Glad to see you checking in, Ken. Too bad you're getting hit with all those repairs. $4000 for sump repairs? That sounds like a major expense! What all had to be done?
Here's one of those scenes that looks like it is on a model RR:
Thomas Underwood Coll B&O068 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
Here's another one, Point of Rocks Tunnel:
Thomas Underwood Coll B&O092 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
Just checking in, glad to see everyone seems to be accounted for.
Everything is fine in my world right now. Might be back to post more later.
And yet another one to enjoy this evening
Floyd did not have a Hawaiian Steel guitar although it sounded like that
Nothing a steel pipe on a finger didn't take care of
And one hand was always good enough for the keyboards
So much Old Pink little known
Seamus the dog of Pink Floyd was certainly a good member of the band
Isn't she a cutie
Man that dog could sing
Track fiddlerSeamus the dog of Pink Floyd was certainly a good member of the band
Thanks TF, I had never heard those recordings before. Very talented dog! You'd almost think she (?) was reading a music score!
I saw Pink Floyd at the Lee County Civic Center in 1983 or 1984 here in Fort Myers.
They performed the entire album of Dark Side Of The Moon, but no songs at all from The Wall or The Final Cut. That was a little strange, because The Final Cut was their newest album.
We were very lucky with all the bands that came through Fort Myers in the 1980s and 1990s. Back then, the promotion company that handled Florida set up every band to go Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, Miami, and Jacksonville in that order. We got to see everyone.
Then Ticketmaster came along, and everything changed.
SeeYou190 I saw Pink Floyd at the Lee County Civic Center in 1983 or 1984 here in Fort Myers. They performed the entire album of Dark Side Of The Moon, but no songs at all from The Wall or The Final Cut. That was a little strange, because The Final Cut was their newest album. We were very lucky with all the bands that came through Fort Myers in the 1980s and 1990s. Back then, the promotion company that handled Florida set up every band to go Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, Miami, and Jacksonville in that order. We got to see everyone. Then Ticketmaster came along, and everything changed. The World Is A Beautiful Place. -Kevin
Exactly who is that in the picture? One of the Rolling Stones? Or some other stoned musician?
maxmanExactly who is that in the picture? One of the Rolling Stones? Or some other stoned musician?
That is a rock in the Joshua Tree National Park in California.
It was some kind of strange rock that had a sign to describe how special it was, but I have since forgotten everything that was written there.
Good morning all. The sun is losing the battle of warming things up as the temperatutre drops towards freezing. Snow is forecast later.
Ken. Glad to hear from you again.
Garry. Remain positive. Our thoughts are with you.
Monday is deliveries of groceries etc day. we can eat for another week.
Afternoon in the train room
Good Morning
I'm still not use to this hour ahead yet. They are talking about doing away with daylight savings time, I hope they do.
So much for the spring teaser, it's snowing up here today.
Good evening all. Managed to spend a couple of hours in the train room.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Chicken Stew is on the menu.
Greek Yoghurt & Dark Chocolate Surprise to follow.
Good Afternoon.
We are having a very early spring. Warm and sunny for the rest of the week.
Ken, yes there are ants with wings. If they are large, they could be female carpenter ants. That would explain the chewed floor joists. Your exterminator can confirm. We had a problem in our house about 15 years ago with carpenter ants. They are a large, black ant with large pinchers. It took an extrminator a few times to finally get rid of them. They like dry wood and can really do a lot of damage. Luckily we found them befote that could happen. Glad to hear you are able to get work done on your house.
Garry, hope you are feeling better.
I was looking at ebay and came across a beautiful cnr S2a Mikado. The only cn engine with belpair firebox and it has a vandy tender. I'm a sucker for vandy tenders. Luckily the auction was nearly up. I have a big vet bill to pay off.
Well time to go and pickup arefill of Robbie's meds.
SeeYou190 maxman Exactly who is that in the picture? One of the Rolling Stones? Or some other stoned musician? That is a rock in the Joshua Tree National Park in California. It was some kind of strange rock that had a sign to describe how special it was, but I have since forgotten everything that was written there. -Kevin
maxman Exactly who is that in the picture? One of the Rolling Stones? Or some other stoned musician?
I guess it just wasn't what it was cracked up to be.
Track fiddlerThe only Floyd concert I made it to was the Momentary Lapse of Reason tour. They did some of thier old Music too. They sure put on quite the lazer light show.
The best laser light show I saw at a concert was at the Jacksons Vistory Tour in the Orange Bowl stadium in Jacksonville.
It must have been very hard to set up. There were mirrors all around the top perimeter of the stadium, and the lasers would bounce off of the mirrors to other mirrors in all kinds of patterns. This was in 1984, and lasers were brand new and cripplingly expensive, and they did it on a large scale.
That concert was the greatest show I have ever been to. I was 16, and it was incredible. No "pop" show since, not even The Backstreet Boys in 2001 even came close.
The Jacksons Victory Tour also had the worst opening act I have ever seen... A Juggler! Not kidding, and it was not a joke. That guy might have been the best juggler ever, but not the right thing to get a crowd warmed up at a concert.
Who loves you baby?
The Track Fiddler does!
I always liked that one too
THREE Geeps, three Fs. What a train is supposed to look like!
Thomas Underwood Coll B&O531 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
Somebody forgot the Dullcote!
Thomas Underwood Coll B&O517 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
* First B&O engine I've seen with a Hancock Air Whistle
And a beautiful, historic place:
Thomas Underwood Coll B&O465 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
gmpullmanSomebody forgot the Dullcote!
Even the engineer's cap is bright and clean!
Good evening from the beautiful West Coast of the Great White North. It was T-shirt weather today and I enjoyed being out in it.
The tile guys started today, it will likely take them four days to get the job done, we are having to take circuitous routes through the house to avoid the set tiles.
Both kids had to write two major exams today and are both writing their second ones now so no movie watching as my sound system shakes the house and quiet is the standing order right now. We did order in a huge surprise sushi feast for in between the two exams and it made their day. They both returned to their computers with a renewed vigour.
I have 20 yards of topsoil sitting in the front yard as the lawns need levelling in some spots. Haven't done it in a few years and it shows. We have two septic fields, each with 450' of runs and over time sinkholes develop.
We have been purging a lot of stuff and using FB market place to sell stuff. When the people get here I usually just give it to them. When I see a guy in a minivan with a wife and three kids in it pull up and is often a new immigrant I just cannot take a dime from them. It makes their day and I feel really good that the stuff is going to a good home.
Garry, I have been thinking of you a lot as you battle your heart disease. In my family, there has never been cancer ever on either side, however, heart disease is prevalent on both sides. It is one of the reasons I keep extremely fit. It is well documented that those in my extended family that kept fit and in shape lived into their late eighties or early nineties while those that did not, never made seventy. My Father-in-laws Dad and his three brothers all died in their 50s from heart disease. My FIL is 84 and fit and healthy, he works out several times a week. I hope your Dr. can get your Meds figured out so you can get back to the layout and the diner as I always enjoy your post.
The Sun has just disappeared and I only got three hours sleep last night. I stayed up for 53 hours once when I was travelling and working 25 or 30 hours straight at the airport was not unheard of for me, however, at 64 I find my eyes are just closing a little too easily these days.
One of our close friends of sixty years just lost both her parents this week. They were both respected specialists in the medical field. He past from the complications of Alzheimer's and she suffered horribly from Osteoporosis, constantly suffering from broken bones. It was planned that she would hang on until he died and then she took the needle a couple of days later. Decades of memories came flooding back. They were in their own home until the end with the Government homecare doing a great job of caring for them. It is sad there will not be a service for them with covid still raging away, however, with all their children also in the health care industry, educated, rational behaviour prevails over emotion.
When my Moms health went downhill we had her move in with us and for the last several months the healthcare system had fulltime care for her in our home until the end. It meant so much to her and us that she was here and not institutionalized and her two very young Grandchildren could visit several times a day by just walking through a door.
Well, a glass of red and off to bed I think.
Yep, Because it was so beautiful and new. The weathering of the dull coat look hadn't yet begun. Needed a bit more time Ed.
It takes a while for those
You have good Tile Guys Brent and I can hardly wait to see it
A few weeks ago L Zhou posted a link to a Chinese gondola car with side doors that looked like great material for a fun project.
I ordered it from Amazon. Projected delivery date was in May!
It showed up today. Woo Hoo, two months early.
I took it out of the box, and thought, Goodness! this thing is huge! It is way too big for a 1954 gondola car.
It won't even fit on the track! The guage is about 1/4" too wide.
Then I noticed it is 1:64, not 1:87... it is S scale!
I checked, and yes, I did order one that was HO scale, 1:87.
I went to return it, and Amazon says I cannot because they say it has not been delivered yet, and I need to wait until FOUR WEEKS after the scheduled delivery date to make a replacement request. The scheduled delivery date is still two months away.
So, I cannot file a claim until June, then wait another 5-6 weeks for the replacement to arrive!?!?!
Oh well...
That sucks Kevin, and just when you're getting your hopes up. As I always say, ....What are you going to do though?
I think those rocks in the water line are about a 1073' foot diameter 536.5' radius. The Lone Pine at the end knows as he's been around a lot longer than me.....
Zoom in on him. He was dropping limbs because he didn't need those ones anymore as I was taking the picture because he thought no one was looking
Good morning all. A cold day with showers and sunshine?
Kevin - That proves their 'tracking of parcels' is a farce. Here in the UK since the start of Covid, I have never signed for an item yet a signature has been required.
I received two little card kits (for my layout) from two of my grandchildren. I must make the kits up and place them in 'prominent positions'. A photograph to take and sent to the children.
Coffee time with a slice of cake.
We got a blanket of snow covering the ground this morning. It's cloudy and low lit today. Predicted near 60° for Saint Patrick's Day. No parade again this year though.
Judy and I are planning a mini trip over to La Crosse Wisconsin to spend a four-day weekend on the river. One must get creative to find something to do these days I guess.
I like those two Bridges Ed
I wonder where Saints Fan John has been unless I'm missing something here. It's unlike him not to post in the morning after his walk with Daisy the Dachshund. He's missed!
NorthBritKevin - That proves their 'tracking of parcels' is a farce.
This item was shipped from China, with no tracking. Everything I order that is shipped from USA or Europe has accurate tracking.
Our delivery services (mail, UPS, FedEx) have not asked for signatures for anything in about a year.
Track fiddlerI wonder where Saints Fan John has been unless I'm missing something here. It's unlike him not to post in the morning after his walk. He's missed!
It has only been a few days. Hopefully John checks in soon.
Cloudy and about 40F for us today. At least we didn't get TF's snow. We won't be able to do much yard work for about another month.
Nothing planned for today. My wife now basically stays up all night and is in bed all day until 4 or 5 in the afternoon. Not sure how she will be able to do any gardening on that schedule.
Good evening all. The rain that was forecast did not materialise.
A zoom meeting with Ocean Liner & Shipping at 7.00pm, so early dinner.
Steak, Mixed Veg, Potatoes and Yorkshire Pudding. All invited. Bring a bottle.
I keep hoping things get better with the wife up there Charlie. Be patient, she's lucky to have you and I'm sure she'll come around one of these days when it starts getting really nice outside. Cabin Fever sucks and we'll all start coming around soon.
It was about 15 years ago and I remember we went for a short road trip and had lunch in Hinckley, Minnesota. I don't know if it's still there but they had this privately owned Zoo.
After we payed the admission it was highly advised that we buy a few ice cream cone cups as the lady said the Giraffe loves those.
I never met a Giraffe before but I certainly did that day. When I held up the ice cream cone cup, she came high-stepping across the field quickly. It was a bit scary and the freakiest thing I had ever experienced when she dipped her head over the fence. This big long black snake like tongue came out of her mouth and wrapped around my forearm and then wrapped around the cone. Then she unraveled her tongue and ate it. I swear that Giraffe winked at me so I got the other cone out of my back pocket and did it again because it was way cool.
If I had room in my condo I would definitely have a pet Giraffe I'm sure you would be quite the popular neighbor walking your pet down the block. Can you imagine the length of the leash?
TF, I keep hoping that once we get vaccinated things will improve but if the last 3 years are any guide my hope level is low. There is a hotel near Nairobi in an old mansion where giraffes stick their heads in the window. We went to a giraffe centre near there where you can hold a treat pellet in your teeth and a giraffe will take it from you with its tongue. My wife actually did it. We have seen many giraffes on safari. They are amazing animals. They sure can cover a lot of ground when running.
That's cool Charlie
I didn't know others had met Giraffes too Now that I think of it, I think that experience was more like 20-25 years ago. I haven't heard anything for quite a while about that giraffe still being up there.
But if she is, that could be something else I could fit in my lacking schedule of very few things to do these days
TF, I recall a guide saying giraffes live about 25 years in the wild so if it was young and being in captivity, it is possible it is still alive. My wife's griraffe encounter was in 2007. A giraffe can kill a lion with one kick from a back leg. Needless to say lions avoid the back of a giraffe.
I have heard that before Charlie. I just hope I never have a day where I need to kick a lion to survive
Speaking of Brother Lion, I wonder where he has been lately. I kinda miss him too
TF, If you are that close to a lion and need to kick it, you won't survive. On our last safari in 2019, we were observing 2 male lions after a kill, eating what was left of a Kudu, anyway a female decided it wanted more to eat but one of the males wasn't up for that. In a matter of 5 seconds it lept off the carcass, covered about 20 feet of ground and gave the lioness a swat it soon wouldn't forget. It was a little unnerving to know that if a lion wanted to get us in the vehicle it could do so and so fast you wouldn't have time to do anything. The guides in Botswana aren't allowed to carry guns but it wouldn't matter as they wouldn't even have time to shoulder the weapon if that lion decided on us for dessert.
I wonder if Lion could be tempted out if he knew a herd of Wildebeest had been spotted in N. Dakota.
Lions you should read https://www.amazon.com/Man-Eaters-Tsavo-Peter-Capstick-Library-ebook/dp/B00I1W23XQ
Tsavo is in Africa and they were trying to build a railroad bridge, while 2 lions feasted on 100 workers. They would stand on the guy in the bottom bunk, to drag the guy in the top bunk out to within hearing range, as they crunched on his bones.
In Africa Toyota has the market over Jeep and the landcruiser is not like what the giant SUV you can buy in the US. It is a hardtop Jeep vehicle that can be converted into a convertible. I met a guy who said a lion attacked the landcruiser throwing his body against the door. His claws peeled the door down. No one got hurt.
We met a pet giraffe at a ranch in Tejas. He or she was quite friendly.
Like everything else there are bad lions and good lions
Henry, a movie was made about the man eating lions called The Ghost and the Darkness that starred Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer. We have the DVD and it is a good movie.
The Toyota Land Cruisers are indeed different from the ones here. They basically have everything from the cab back including the rof removed and 3 tiers of seats added. I've ridden in quite a few but prefer the Land Rover version as they are far amoother riding.
I don't understand this.
Last year, after the lockdown in March, Florida refused to close the hotels and end Spring Break. All those kids met down here, then returned across the United States, and that event is often credited with being one of the major initial main sources of spread.
Now... Spring Break is in full effect again. All hotels are packed 100%, no rental cars can be found, and the beaches are full. This year is the worst Spring Break since the 1990s. There have been so many arrests, and the parties are out of control. There is grafitti and garbage everywhere.
One of my friends that has a condominium on the beach says it is like a war zone down there.
The East Coast is even worse.
This just seems terribly irresponsible to me when we are so close to the end.
Sorry to everyone that gets exposed to one of these super-spreaders when they go back home.
I feel your frustration, Kevin. There are a lot of people out there that just blow off the advice of the highly educated.
When I was a kid and seat belts in cars were the topic of protest, people would say accidents happen to other people, not me, I am not wearing a seatbelt, my freedom is more important. Now, most of those same people would not drive ten feet without a seatbelt done up. It is all about education and change and human nature shows we hate change. Education is a wonderful thing. I would never debate an anti-vaxxer, but when I see a discussion between an anti-vaxxer and those that actually know a bit about biology like Drs. or bio researchers it makes my eyes roll heavenwards. Just ask an anti-vaxxer about vaccines containing live virus vs those containing a dead virus. They have an opinion without ever cracking a book.
Tile guys were here for about six hours laying more tile, they have a hard time not boxing themselves in, but should be done tomorrow and then the grout on Thursday. My garage is easing a sigh of relief as there were about 8000 lbs of tile in there. They are some fussy tile guys, that's for sure, trimming every little thing so the job is perfect.
Got the statement from the insurance company today, the cost of replacing the floor in the kitchen /family room was $38,000.00. That was a big job, it took a week just to get the old stuff up. The old stuff was high-end stuff from Italy we had put in in 1996.
I tore up all the floor in the front hall, office, laundry room and powder room and put down 12.5mm ply for underlay. I don't think that is a job I will ever take on again.
Doing the master bathroom is the next biggie and the rest will not be much work as it is a simple floor replacement. Then the whole house will be done. The master bathroom is quite large but I can have it gutted to the studs in a day and then start putting it back together. There is a learning curve, but now I have done a few it goes pretty quick.
If we stay here long enough we will get the windows done along with new front doors at the same time, the quotes for that (28 windows) are in the $50,000.00 range but the new owners can deal with that and choose the windows and door arrangement.
We are going to Vancouver Island next week to pick up my daughters' stuff. She rented a place for a year and spent a total of three weeks there as the University was shut down due to covid. We will look at some waterfront acreages while we are there as we still would like to build our own custom house. Starting to feel a little too old to take that project on though. Even having it all built for you, is a lot of work.
Liked reading about the vehicles used in Africa. We have gone to some very remote places here and have come across the grocery-getter SUVs that had no business being off-road, in trouble. They would have multiple flat tires due to city slicker tires ( as we liked to call them) Or ground clearance so low a dusting of snow gives them trouble. Our truck has more than proved itself going to the most remote ghost towns hours from the pavement going over huge logs, rocks and lots of other crap. My kids often talk about those adventures.
On the trip where the above pic was taken, we stopped for a pee break and were sitting looking at the map for a few minutes before we got out to do the deed. Just as my friend was putting his hand on the door handle to open the door, I yelled NO! A giant Grizzly was looking in the window at us. We drove down the road a little further for our pee break.
Parks Canada teaches a course on Grizzly Bear attacks. If you are attacked you have a 76% chance of stopping an attacking bear with a gun and a 93% chance of stopping it with bear spray. We choose the bear spray but have on occasion packed a police special shotgun as well alternating the rounds between slugs and shot as recommended. Only in the early Spring are Grizzlies ever a problem.
It is another quiet night as exams are going on and I have been told not to exercise the sound system. I'll go watch TV in the bedroom with the wife, as soon as she starts snoring I can turn Ghost Adventures on. A few weeks back I mentioned the cable company dropped our bill by $30.00 a month, gave us 5G internet a well as a better phone plan with long distance to Europe now free. Also, the guy said you now get every channel we offer included, we only had basic service before just so I could watch the Hockey. I think the wife figured out we now get 586 channels. Some of those Italian and Eastern European stations have some pretty racy stuff on them, cruising the dial is becoming an interesting pastime. The fact they are not speaking English is hardly noticeable.
Always something good cookin' in the Diner!
CNW, Baraboo, Wisconsin, 1981 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
ATSF, Los Angeles, California, 1970 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
A big green EMD gives a hand to some ailing GEs:
Green leader on the Chief by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Speaking of a beautiful place:
South Draw shadows by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
I was up at 6:30 this morning for an 8 AM doctor appointment. Please arrive fifteen minutes early they admonish. And I was.
I arrived all masked up, told the receptionist I was here and ... "We're sorry, the doctor isn't feeling well today. He took the day off."
"We would be happy to reschedule for you — Arrrgh!!
I was back home by quarter to eight. At 9 AM I get a robo-call from the health care professionals. Doctor so-and-so will not be in the office today. We hope this will not be an inconvenience for you...
But patients who arrive late for appointments are charged a restocking fee!
Pfft!
BATMANParks Canada teaches a course on Grizzly Bear attacks. If you are attacked you have a 76% chance of stopping an attacking bear with a gun and a 93% chance of stopping it with bear spray. We choose the bear spray
When we were in BC a couple of years ago on a Grizzly Bear tour, all our guide carried was a can of bear spray. He quoted roughly the same statistics regarding the effectiveness of bear spray vs a gun against a Grizzly attack. However, he also noted that Black Bears are not nearly as disuaded by bear spray. It is much less effective against them.
I'm glad that bear spray works so well against Grizzlies. Moma Grizzly got to within 60' of us while chasing a salmon down river towards us! Fortunately the fish saved us from any further trauma by turning back upstream and taking moma bear with it. I was giggling like a fool at having had such a great view of the bear. Dianne was somewhat less impressed!
BATMANParks Canada teaches a course on Grizzly Bear attacks.
All this talk of 'kicking a lion'. No wonder Brother Lion has gone.
Hope he returns soon.
We like pussycats. Had them around the house until Dawn took bad.
Good morning all. "A grand day indeed"
Kevin. We have the same carry on over here. People having parties etc and disregarding the rules. Then they want us to feel sorry for them if they get Covid.
A day of 'pottering around the house'.
Dave, I read your story about your grizzly encounter and you laughing but your wife was upset. A similar thing happened to us in Africa. We were watching a herd of elephants cross an open area. They filed past until the last one, a male. He looked at us about 100 feet away, flapped its ears and charged. I didn't know a Land Cruiser could go that fast in reverse but it wasn't fast enough as the ellie was gaining quickly. Luckily it broke off the charge. Ater the tracker, guide and myself burst out laughing. My wife was terrorized and in shock. That ellie could easily flip the vehicle and crush it. She thought we were really stupid to laugh about a dangerous situation. The guide had a rifle mounted above the dash but there was no time to get it and doubtful it would stop an ellie.
Well I'm back in the doghouse again. I won't go into details but what was a trivial issue to me and likely anyone else was a major blowup to her upstairs. Not sure when we will be talking again. Going into the 4th year since her breakdown and after some good progress, covid fears have knocked her back to square one and beyond. I'm starting to develop a thick skin but not sure if that is good.
Nice out again today. I usually can't pump the snow melt that fills the pond until late April but at this rate it will be late March.
Time for another coffee.
Afternoon Folks!
BATMANWhen I was a kid and seat belts in cars were the topic of protest, people would say accidents happen to other people, not me, I am not wearing a seatbelt, my freedom is more important. Now, most of those same people would not drive ten feet without a seatbelt done up. It is all about education and change and human nature shows we hate change. Education is a wonderful thing. I would never debate an anti-vaxxer, but when I see a discussion between an anti-vaxxer and those that actually know a bit about biology like Drs. or bio researchers it makes my eyes roll heavenwards. Just ask an anti-vaxxer about vaccines containing live virus vs those containing a dead virus. They have an opinion without ever cracking a book.
Yep, absolutely right! I remember back when I was in High School NYS made it a law that everyone riding in the front seat of a vehicle had to have a seatbelt on. Of course our old Dodge truck didn't have seatbelts so we just ignored it. Our old but new enough to have seatbelts Rambler American Station Wagon did have them. One morning when I was a Senior in High School and had my licence we had an emergency on the farm (water problem I think) and by the time my dad and I had it fixed I had missed the bus. Dad let me drive to school but had me take my mom's car as he needed the truck. I got in the car and sat right on the belt buckle. Said a few bad words, and since it was already in my hand buckled up.
As I pulled up to the school there was a 4 corners where there was a 4 way stop. I had to go through the corner and around to the back of the school where faculty and student parking was. An old (84 year old) gent had just dropped off his grandkid at the main door of the school and was coming out the to the intersection on my right side. He didn't see the stop sign and just kept going! When He finally saw me he accidently stomped on the gas instead of the brake. He t-boned the front passenger side of the rambler. I was thrown towards the passenger door but the belt allowed me to hold on to the steering wheel. I was able to just turn the wheel enough to miss the huge maple tree straight ahead of where my car was headed. Missed the tree by less of a foot. If I had not had the seat belt on, I am pretty sure I would have been badly injured and likely killed!!!
I ended up having to go to the police station (the other driver didn't have a belt on and went to the hospital.....). I was scared silly to say the least. The Chief of Police wanted me to sign a statement so they could arrest the old man in the car. When he left and the officer who took me down to the station told me to ignore the SOB chief as the old guy would be losing his licence anyway and it would just cause a lot more hurt for him and he would have to go to court for no real reason.
Ultimately both cars were totalled (although dad tried to have the rambler repaired. It failed inspection a couple months later...). I always buckled up the seat belt after that, BTW. My Father decided he should use seatbelts as the law said after that as well! To say he was scared s******less would be an understatment!
Same thing is true with those today who think there is some horrible conspiracy to keep them from their "right" to not have to follow guidance with the Virus. I know of few around here that have changed their speeches after one of their older relatives caught the virus and died from it... They don't like to talk about what they used to spout either. (Don't try to remind them of their stupidity!!!)
Enough said!
73 and stay well!
Good evening all.
Charlie. This Covid has a lot to answer for. I have to 'force' Dawn to go into the garden or to the car just for us 'to get out'. we thought it was going to end soon, but we have been informed (because we are in the vulnerable group) to stay indoors until the end of March and possibly longer. Only allowed out to go for a walk or essential shopping.
Dawn can only walk a very short distance. 18 steps at best is her 'long walk'. At least I have the train room, but the Covid is affecting her (and many others).
'Tonites Special'
Curried Fish Tray Bake with Turmeric Yoghurt
Greek Yoghurt Strawberry Surprise.
A little Guinness is in order for tonight.
Some of the office personnel get some fun posing for the photographer at the American Car & Foundry plant:
Lot 3447065 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
This was part of an order to re-equip the Empire Builder.
Lot 3447068 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
Lot 3447037 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
Lot 3447058 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
Go For The Green!
Sully Springs green by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Greenhorn Trestle by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Happy St. Patrick's Day...
Got my covid shot booked today. It was opened up to age 73 today and that is my age. The online registration was fast and easy. I got an appointment time in a minute. It is for April 1. The age criteria is dropping fast. My MIL said the process was fast with very little waiting. She was in and out in 45 minutes. You get a time slot and they are right on time so kudos to Manitoba Health.
I'm feeling better today. I do have a thick skin developed in 35 years of commercial credit. Approval or rejection of all new dealer applications was my call and I got abuse from our own sales dept when I turned down an applicant they wanted. A sales manager even hung a sign in my dept that said 'Sales Prevention Dept' . I just treated it as a joke and left it up for a long time.
Regaeding seat belts, my Dad had them installed when he bought a new 1962 Galaxie 500. We always used them.
CNCharlie The age criteria is dropping fast.
My wife qualifies for the shot with the latest drop here in Florida. I need one more drop so I qualify... Then I am going on vacation!
*** Actually a road trip. I am always on vacation. ***
CNCharlieIt was opened up to age 73 today and that is my age. ..... The age criteria is dropping fast.
That would not be my conclusion.
Virginia has had an age 65 limit for quite some time, they however the registration was a mess, with multiple agencies having multiple lists.
In fact, I got a call today from the very first list I signed up with a couple months ago. Too late, my 2nd is Saturday
I planted some onion sets, radish seeds and day lilly bulbs this week. I am ready for spring.
Top of the morning to yas! Well morning for me i spose. My sleep routine is a bit off again.
Thank goodness this is an all night diner and i can still come in and raid the ice box. Though passing through on my way in here, i did have to do a double take.... it seems ive seen those black shoes before, hmmmm .
The hitching post and i were discussin earlier how boring its getting around here (my place). Cant do anything in the train room - waiting on a few things to show up and they isnt posed to be here til Monday.
Though aside from parts, i did manage to buy a couple of smiles for my face this week. 1) a lil MDC/RH 0-6-0 and 2) now hold the eyeroles.... a TYCo SF F7-A. Oh yeah - 4015! Much like kids they werent planned buys, they kinda just popped up.
I was perusing thru my boxes of 'unopened xmas presents for retirement' and came across my old 4015 from yestercentury. Ofcourse, ole 4015 wasnt looking that good, and certainly not original. Back in those days, i was quite the tinkerer with trains. Had to know what made them tick.
Whats wrong with ole 4015? Shes an FL9-A now . A Warbonnet Red FL9-A. Seriously, no kidding. I have no clue why i did that but i had mated the rear truck from an E unit inplace of the rear Blomberg on the 4015. Oh holy heck in your hand basket - WHY? Kids!!!!
Well, onwards into the models i find a B unit of same vintage. I had totally forgotten i had this one. So when i saw the 'other' 4015 floating on the 'bay', i decided to snag it and get an 'original' back in possession. And IF, ahem IF(!) i can find the original truck, i will swap it back. This will give me a nice A-B-A set. A nice homage to my Model Railroading youth.
The 0-6-0 just happened to float by as i was fishing out the F7 and was at an awesome price. In pristine looking shape (yeah, well see AFTER it gets here), all it needs is a motor. I just happen to be in the market for old Mantua/Tyco motors and parts because of another project (project #4,782 - an old Rodgers loco).
Not a bad week hobbywise, though all is not honeysuckle n roses. I also came across a perfect set of AmTrak cars (NIB!) that were really pulling at my 'buy me now strings'. When you have a modelling addiction as bad as i do you have to know when to say when. I thought 2 locos this week was enough. Those red marks on my caboose side are from where i been kickin myself.
Lastly, i also caught sight of the Broadway 2-8-0's that oddly enough come in PM flavor. Once i regained conscienceness, i realized a car payment wasnt in my plans so i very quickly moved on. The model looked nice.
OK folks thats enough steam from the poop deck, and no more cake in the fridge. Hope all are well this fine rainy day. See yall round the beanery!
Howdy ...First, I sincerely thank each of you who posted thoughtful comments and words of encouragement regarding my recent health situation. ... I am starting to feel somewhat better in recent days. I believe it will continue slowly improving. I’m way behind with non model railroad stuff. I have glanced at your recent posts. You guys are certainly busy.
Everybody: ....... Have a good night.
PM RailfanI was perusing thru my boxes of 'unopened xmas presents for retirement' and came across my old 4015 from yestercentury.
I bought a 4015 for myself last year. I held out until I found one with the yellow air horns.
I wish I had a before picture of this house. This house is on a prominent three lot corner building site in my neighborhood. This one was built in 1974. It was a terrible eyesore for the last decade.
It was bought, rehabbed, and flipped. The new residents have just moved in. It is a pretty good looking house now. It still has some of the silly looking 1970s features, but it is so much better to look at.
You cannot tell from the front elevation, but this house is over 4,000 square feet and has an additional "1/2 floor" on the rear overlooking the lake.
Garry: Thank you for the update... we are pulling for you & a fast recovery.
Heartland Division CB&Q I believe it will continue slowly improving.
Good morning all. A grand day indeed. Summer is on its way.
Garry. Good to hear from you. Keep looking forward, never back.
I managed to run some trains yesterday after 'freshening up the scenery'.
I wanted to bake a pie today, but Dawn said to bake it on Saturday. Other food in the refridgerator to eat first.
Just a regular to go. Middle of the day in a week of Mondays with a steady drizzle coming down and s**w predicted tonight. Good to hear from Ken and Garry. I agree Ken with the way things seem to be going for you a pile of avoidable debt is not a good idea in general right now.
Garry - I have the likelyhood of kidney issues due to the blood pressure meds I take but I guess for me, the tradeoff is worth the risk. Hope you feel better soon.
Atlanta mext week then back to Sebring where I hope to avoid most of the "breakers" though we fly into and out of West Palm Beach to get there.
We were supposed to close on the new house Monday and that got put off because the title search wasn't done. We had a walk through Tuesday and that was fine but we returned to the shop to a message from the lawyer that there was a problem with the title. Hopefully it can get ironed out quickly as everything else was ready to go and we now will have to pay for the privilige of having our interest rate locked in after the date the loan was supposed to transfer to the seller. This on a house that has only ever had two owners. Glad we have a worry wart for an attorney.
Bear - I loved Dunedin. Built on hiily land and looked very European to me (what do I know). Walking around the two days we were there was a treat plus the train ride.
I guess my family neve quibbled about the seat belts. When we moved to California they had just been mandated there for all cars and we had them put in our 59 Plymouth wagon. Just the two for the front seat even though we carried 6 people in it. Go figure. The 62 Ford wagon that replaced it had belts of all 6 positions which made more sense. I wore them from the beginning and as wild as I was then, it is probably the reason I'm still here. Now the no mask, no distance, party hearty thing I just don't get. Guess that means I'm getting older.
I too have some Tyco stuff put away. When I got back into the hobby, I started with some dime store Tyco train sets - New Haven of course though they didn't have EMD stuff until the FL9's and a couple of Geeps at the end. At least they had the right paint scheme. The New Haven did have the largest fleet of DL109's which I remember from early days. They were allowed to order more during the years of WWII because they could haul passenger trains by day and double up as the power on freights at night. Needless to say they were all pretty well used up by the end of the war and none survive today in any museum. For that matter to the best of my knowledge none of the New Haven steam or electrics survive either with the exception of an EF4 from the batch acquired at the end from the Virginian after they were taken over by Norfolk Western. The RS-11 we have at the museum survived only because it was sold to and retreived from a quarry in Georgia and we got it because they had worn the flanges off the wheels and it was too expensive to fix.
Well back into the shop I go. If enough goes wrong for long enough eventually something has to go right. I hope. Ciao, J.R.
GMTRacing Atlanta mext week then back to Sebring where I hope to avoid most of the "breakers" though we fly into and out of West Palm Beach to get there.
I wish I had my vaccination, I would drive over to Sebring and check it out.
Someday this will be over...
Good evening all. An easy going day.
Just been informed by the Government we can go out from the 1st of April. I hope it is not an April Fools Joke. Having said that, they say it could all change!
Oven-Baked Beef Mince & Black Bean Chilli.
Stay Safe.
David,
Hope your edict from on high comes true. I'm sure even a stroll about would be welcome at this point.
I get my second shot next Tuesday. Hope I don't have a big reaction as we are short people and I don't think anyone can fill in for me if I can't travel. Until this pandemic is more over I will mask up and be cautious anyway but I can't just close down. Not a fun last year for sure. J.R.
Hi JR.
I myself can get about reasonably okay. It is Dawn who has the real challenge with not being able to walk far. I just have to be with her 24/7.
Come April we will be able to visit family twelve miles away without any worry of Police stopping us.
Tonite I saw Dawn smile properly for the first time in over a year.
To celebrate, it is 'open house in the Diner'.
NorthBritTonite I seen Dawn smile properly for the first time in over a year. David
Glad to hear it. I have a very dear friend with MS who has left her home only twice in the last year. She had a decent job before her illness and is now barely able to afford her medications. She only got her 1st shot last week.
JS ask your doctor to check your uric acid. My internist checked mine e,very year and when I asked him why, he said he learned it from his senior partner who was a Nephrologist and the uric acid is an early sign of renal dysfunction. Of course anyone can have a high uric acid for other reasons. He was looking for a change.
Went to the store looking for scallops tonight. Krogers was $16/lb, Martin's $18/lb and the seafood specialty store was $23. I ended up with a Sushi tray for $11. The was a dab of Wasabi, it was HOT
OT I got a call from Soda Springs Calif. I looked it up, populaton 81?
I got the quote to paint my house today. $3,250.00 for the whole job.
Pressure washing, fixing two tiny cracks, getting rid of the nasty growths, sealing, priming, and painting with Sherwin Williams Emerald Flex.
This guy comes recommended, and he painted a couple other houses in the neighborhood that look great. He does not use a sprayer, rollers and brushes only. I don't know if that is good or not.
Good morning all. A day of rain and very little sunshine.
Kevin. It sounds a good deal regarding the price for the work to be done. Especially as you can see his previous work.
I received a few 'fiddly items' for the model railroad. They are little items that will add to little scenes I do. They need painting etc. so that's a job for the coming week.
Coffee time with muffins. The blueberry and apple one is mine.
Good morning, diners. I'll have coffee, bacon, and eggs. And more coffee.
I can't personally respond to all the diners who are having health or family issues. I hope you know that you have friends in the diner who are thinking of you and supporting you.
I just got back from having the kids and grandkids for a week in Florida. While not exactly the kind of train we model here, it was pretty neat to come out of your hotel room each morning to see a monorail gliding through the lobby. This was the view of the lobby from our room's door:
The Germany exhibit even had a fairly large garden train layout:
The kids and grandkids were all extending the vacation a while in St. Pete. Kevin, I'm not sure how far away the Tradewinds Hotel is from you. They all meet there every-so-often for beach time. I didn't go to the beach this time -- it was time for me to get home.
Ed, I've got to comment on your posts. I absolutely love those old Empire Builder's ashtrays! I even checked Ebay. They had one for $700, which means I will just admire them in pictures.
It's good to be back in the diner. I've got a lot of forum posts to read through today. Have a good day, everyone!
Just a to go please Zoe. Hopefully my run of Mondays is done for now though I have my doubts. Still no word from the sellers lawyer about the title but we are hopeful. David if you make an extra blueberry goodie next time, I'm in.
Kevin - I think brush and roller is better than a spray rig. Especially if you have breezes a lot. I used to run the shop at a place called Mecca Development and it was at the barn behind the owners house. He hired a painting crew I reffered to as Larry Darryl and Darryl after the Newhart comedy show (beecause the head honcho was indeed named Larry). They showed up with a commercial spray rig and some tarps and proceeded to paint the house New England white. They also managed to paint the barn, the breezeway the lawn, the driveway and every car at the shop the same white as they kept going on a windy day. I had parked at the back of the barn so any paint that I got was large droplets the wind could carry that far. I ended up with a brown speckled white Fiesta not unlike a birds egg. They were going to fix everything but when i saw them heading for the bosses Corvette with sandpaper I put a stop to it. Fortunately the cars were fixed with a wipe down of mineral spirits and a buff out but the moral of the story is roller good - spray rig bad. Time to head back into the shop. Ciao, J.R.
Good Morning everyone!
John: I stayed in the Walt Disney Contemporary Resort about ten years ago when the International Plastic Model Society had their convention there. I really enjoyed the monorail views.
The Tradewinds Resort in Saint Petersburg is about three hours North of my location. I hope the Spring Break up there is better than it is down here.
GOOD NEWS! Florida has just lowered the age again for Covid-19 vaccination again, so I am now in the approved group. Hopefully I will be vaccinated soon, and I can hit the road in a couple of months and hopefully visit some fellow human beings again.
Howdy .....
Thanks again, everybody, for thoughtul comments and words of encouragement.
I actaully ran some trains on the layout. .... Two Burlington passenger trains with E-units (of course). ... One Burlington freight train with SD24's. ..... One Great Northern freight train with GP'7s.
Everybody: ........ Have a good afternoon.
I hope that running trains was a good way to keep your spirits up, Garry!
More great photos from the Underwood collection:
Thomas Underwood Coll B&O614 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
Martinsburg, W. Va. 1959.
Thomas Underwood Coll B&O542 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
Tnuuelton, W. Va. 1965.
Thomas Underwood Coll B&O550 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
Dundon W. Va. 1960
I finally called the John Deere dealer to ask about an update to my Feb. 5th order. Oh, yes, your tractor came in. But the snow blower hasn't arrived yet.
Any chance I take delivery of the tractor and come back for the snow blower sometime later?
Sure, if you want to.
This is supposed to be good customer service? Why not give me a call or email and keep me up-to-date? Hadn't occurred to them?
C'est La Vie... Ed
Garry, running trains is a good sign.
Ed, great photos!
We hit 55F today and supposed to be over 60 tomorrow which is more than 30 degrees above normal. Only a few small patches of ice in the backyard. It is heavily treed. Very dry here. We will need rain in April.
You sure have to be careful with ebay. There is a vanhobbies cnr k5a hudson the seller says was professionally painted. I would strip it and repaint, it is so poorly done, orange peel and running gear painted black. The local brass expert would charge $300 to do such an engine if it was unpainted due to the colours involved.
Nothing new here. Grocery run today and out for a few small pickups tomorrow. Think I'll get the car washed. That is my exciting life these days.
Heartland Division CB&QI actaully ran some trains on the layout.
This is great news to hear. I am so happy you are feeling better.
How many of our friends in the southern US and around the world know what a 'Ski-Doo' is? If you answered "snowmobile" you would be correct.
How many of you know that the maker of Ski-Doos went on to become one of the largest manufacturers of transportation equipment in the world. The company is called Bombardier, and it started in Quebec, Canada.
Among many other things, Bombardier has made thousands of passenger coaches and commuter train cars, although I couldn't determine how many Diners they made, if any. They had factories all over the world.
Here is a brief history of the company, some good, some not so good:
Bombardier Inc. is a manufacturer of private airplanes that was once among the world’s largest manufacturers of trains and commercial airplanes. Headquartered in Montreal, the company was originally incorporated as L’Auto-Neige Bombardier Limitée in 1942. Its founder, Joseph-Armand Bombardier, was a Québécois mechanical engineer who invented one of the first commercially viable snowmobiles. Bombardier Inc. grew considerably from its beginnings as a snowmobile manufacturer into an iconic Canadian company, known for its public transportation vehicles and jetliners. Facing financial troubles in the 21st century, however, it began to sell off parts of its business. In 2020, it made deals to sell the last of its assets outside its private-jet business, including its commercial plane and rail divisions.
In the 1920s, an American inventor patented the term snowmobile after he devised tracks and skis that fit onto Ford Model T and Model A cars, converting them into early snowmobiles. However, these snowmobiles were heavy and slow. During the 1920s and beginning at age 15, Joseph-Armand Bombardier also began developing a car-based snowmobile design. His desire to create vehicles that could move easily in the snow was shaped by the fact that he lived in the small town of Valcourt, Quebec, where winter snowfall was heavy and roads were not systemically cleared. This rural isolation turned tragic when, in 1934, Bombardier’s son Yvon died after his appendix burst and the family was unable to reach a hospital. The event further motivated Bombardier to develop a vehicle that could travel through snow.
By 1935, Bombardier had created a track system that turned with sprockets, or toothed wheels, which connected to and rotated the track. The sprocket, still on the Bombardier Recreational Products company logo today, enabled the creation of the seven passenger B7 auto-neiges in 1936. Along with the more efficient sprocket and track system, the B7 had a lightweight cabin, a new rear suspension system and improved weight distribution. The B7 found customers among clergy, postmen, army officers and travelling doctors. Bombardier set up a new factory in his hometown in 1941 and the following year incorporated L’Auto-Neige Bombardier Limitée. Many of Bombardier’s family members were major shareholders in the new company. Family shaped Bombardier’s operations for much of its history.
In 1949, Quebec premier Maurice Duplessis began a rural road clearing program, reducing demand for snowmobiles. To contend with this slump in sales, the company created the Muskeg tractor, an all-terrain vehicle that could be used at isolated forestry, mining and oil work sites. Further, Joseph-Armand Bombardier continued to refine his snowmobile models in order to create a smaller recreational snowmobile (see Snowmobiling). He drew on advances in engine design, allowing for an engine small and powerful enough to drive a single or two-passenger vehicle he called the Ski-Doo. Launched in 1959, within four years Ski-Doo sales increased from 225 to 8,210, and the Valcourt factory expanded.
After this success, Bombardier died of stomach cancer in 1964. The firm’s presidency went to his son, Germain, who resigned within two years. Joseph-Armand’s son-in-law, Laurent Beaudoin, took over the company in 1966. Germain’s resignation was controversial. Beaudoin, who holds a Master of Commerce, contended that Germain lacked the managerial temperament or education required for the job, but rumours persisted that he pushed Germain out. Beaudoin remained the chief executive — almost uninterrupted — until 2008, and was instrumental in furthering the company’s diversification efforts. The firm changed its name to Bombardier Ltd. in 1967, reflecting Beaudoin’s ambition to expand the company beyond snow vehicles.
Marketing and engine refinements to the Ski-Doo contributed to the company’s revenue growth between 1964 and 1972, from $10 million to $183 million. During this period, the firm purchased the Austrian tram building firm Lohnerwerke GmbH, in 1970. Lohnerwerke’s subsidiary, Rotax, made motors for Ski-Doos. However, in 1973, sales abruptly declined due to a spike in oil prices (see Commodity Trading) and a series of winters with little snow. These challenges contributed to CEO Laurent Beaudoin’s desire to further diversify the company’s products.
In 1974, with encouragement from Montreal mayor Jean Drapeau and train building expertise from its Lohnerwerke subsidiary, Bombardier won the contract for 423 Montreal Metro cars for the city, to be built at the recently purchased facility in La Pocatière, Quebec. To further increase its manufacturing capacity, Bombardier took over the Montreal-based locomotive manufacturer Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW) in 1975. The Quebec provincial government facilitated the purchase by providing Bombardier with financial assistance. With this deal, the role of state money grew in significance for Bombardier’s operations, a trend that would persist through all of its expansions.
A strike by the Confédération des syndicats nationaux local in La Pocatière, lasting from 2 December 1975 to 20 April 1976, complicated the metro car contract. Workers protested limited wage increases during a period of major inflation, and expressed concerns about who the company was promoting on the shop floor. Delays led to Bombardier delivering only some of the cars in time for the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.
Meanwhile, poor management and labour trouble also beset the MLW plant in Montreal, including a lockout of 600 United Steelworker employees during the summer of 1977 and a six-month strike of 1,000 employees during 1979. Grand ambitions for the plant’s Light Rapid Comfortable (LRC) train cars, including a significant VIA Rail purchase, were dashed by persistent mechanical issues, and Bombardier shuttered the entire plant in the mid-1980s.
Orders from North American cities for public light rail and subway cars cushioned the losses from MLW. Following these successes, the company won a contract from the New York Metro Transit Authority for 825 subway cars in 1982. The order, valued at around $1 billion, was the largest single export sale by a Canadian manufacturer. It was facilitated by two things that were important parts of Bombardier’s operations: assistance from the Canadian government to help finance the deal, and use of another company’s expertise — in this case, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, a firm with personal transport, trains, shipbuilding, aerospace and other interests. The company also joined a trend of sending managers to Japan to learn about factory operations and managerial techniques.
The success of the New York bid, which sparked orders from other North American cities, including cars for Vancouver’s SkyTrain, encouraged the company to expand its public transport capacity. The company identified Europe as a key market, given the importance of mass transit for most European countries. In 1986, Bombardier began to gradually absorb the Belgian railcar manufacturer BN Constructions Ferroviaires et Métalliques. The company continued to buy European rail firms, culminating in the $1.1-billion purchase of Germany-based Adtranz from DaimlerChrysler in 2001, making it one of the three largest train manufacturers in the world.
In 1986, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s government sought to privatize the federally owned aerospace firm Canadair. Bombardier initiated the purchase for four reasons: CEO Laurent Beaudoin’s constant interest in diversification, the relatively low purchase price (about $140 million), the prospect of owning and developing Canadair’s well-regarded Challenger jets, and the opportunity to use its new aeronautic expertise to secure contracts for maintaining Canada’s CF-18 fighter jets (see Military Aviation). When the Mulroney government awarded Bombardier the CF-18 contract over the bid of the Winnipeg-based subsidiary of Bristol Aerospace, long-held western suspicions of federal preference for eastern industrial development over western interests re-emerged. For years, the Reform Party and Canadian Alliance, both with considerable power in the West, would claim that Bombardier was a beneficiary of corporate welfare and federal favouritism for Quebec.
Following the Canadair purchase, Bombardier continued looking for value in struggling aerospace companies. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s government sought to privatize the Northern Ireland aerospace company Shorts in 1989, and Bombardier moved quickly to bid, offering $60 million. The company sought to acquire some of Shorts’ regional jet expertise (i.e., small, short-haul aircraft) and was encouraged by British government assurances that they would help fund the modernization of the plant, among other benefits.
Along with entering the commercial and military aerospace markets, Bombardier expanded into the private jet market with its 1990 purchase of Kansas-based Learjet for $75 million. Keeping with its tendency to accumulate other companies’ expertise, Bombardier kept much of Learjet intact, making only moderate adjustments to the firm’s managerial practices.
In 1992, Bombardier acquired aircraft manufacturer de Havilland Canada from another aircraft company, Boeing. De Havilland was particularly known for its Dash 8 commuter airplanes, complementing Bombardier’s regional jet production. Government contributions, including a 49 per cent equity stake in the firm purchased by the Ontario government, further facilitated the deal. By 1997, Bombardier transformed these government-supported purchases into about a 50 per cent share of the global regional jet market.
Following Bombardier’s significant expansion, CEO Laurent Beaudoin strained to manage the massive company. Under the direction of his executive vice president, Dr. Yvan Allaire, the firm restructured the management of its five operating groups in 1996 — aerospace, rail transportation, recreational products, international markets and financial services — each one getting its own president and chief operating officer. The relatively small Montreal headquarters, with about 150 employees, oversaw the five groups, but each unit was given considerable independence for making operational decisions.
Originally, the financial services arm of the company, Bombardier Capital, primarily concerned itself with arranging financing for snowmobile dealers. Inspired by how General Electric’s financial services unit, GE Capital, had expanded into financing a wide range of activities, Vice President Yvan Allaire led Bombardier Capital’s expansion into ventures unrelated to its core transportation businesses. These ventures included offering mortgages for high-risk, prefabricated home development, concentrated in Texas and South Carolina. However, this expansion failed, as many people who took on these mortgages were unable to pay their loans and investors found Bombardier’s mortgage business increasingly unappealing. Following this episode, by 2001 Bombardier had largely withdrawn from the mortgage market, having lost $663 million in company value.
Following the 2001 purchase of German train manufacturer Adtranz, Bombardier Transportation discovered they had underestimated the company’s costs and overestimated its assets, leading to a dispute between Bombardier and Adtranz’s parent company, DaimlerChrysler. During the purchase negotiations, DaimlerChrysler had refused to allow Bombardier to directly contact Adtranz’s management, since the two firms were still in direct competition, but Bombardier went through with the purchase anyway. In 2004, the two firms agreed to shave about $300 million from Bombardier’s original $1.1-billion purchase.
At the same time, Bombardier Aerospace struggled with stiff competition from the Brazilian company Embraer, and from a decline in the overall market following the 11 September 2001 attacks by the terrorist group al Qaeda in the United States (see 9/11 and Canada).
The company found itself in considerable trouble after two decades of rapid growth. Paul Tellier, the former Clerk of the Privy Council Office and CEO of Canadian National Railway, became CEO of Bombardier in January 2003. He undertook an aggressive program of downsizing, eliminating 3,000 aerospace jobs in Canada and Northern Ireland, 6,500 rail jobs in Europe, and closing down Bombardier Capital.
Seeking to improve the company cash flow, Tellier also decided to sell off the products that started the company. After considerable debate, he sold the recreational vehicle division in 2003, including the iconic Ski-Doo snowmobiles and popular Sea-Doo watercrafts. The Bombardier/Beaudoin family decided to purchase a 35 per cent stake in the new Bombardier Recreational Products company, which sold for nearly $1 billion. The firm is based in Valcourt.
Having made those controversial decisions, Paul Tellier left the CEO post in December 2004, and Laurent Beaudoin retook the position, eventually passing it to his son Pierre in 2008. In 2015, leadership transferred again, this time to Alain Bellemare — former executive at American aerospace and defence company UTC Propulsion and Aerospace, and only the second non-family member to run Bombardier. Under Bellemare’s direction, the company embarked on a five-year turnaround plan that saw it sell off significant parts of its business to reduce debt.
For several years, Bombardier continued to service national railways, including a major sale of 660 cars to a British rail operator in August 2016. It also remained involved in regional and municipal public transportation, including significant contracts with Ontario’s Metrolinx and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). The Metrolinx and TTC contracts — for light rail vehicles and streetcars throughout the Greater Toronto Area — tested Bombardier’s reputation, as it missed several delivery deadlines. In 2016, the company’s woes were also reflected in a series of layoff announcements, beginning with 7,000 job cuts announced in February followed by another 7,500 announced in October.
In November 2018, a consortium of Bombardier and French train manufacturer Alstom received a $447.7-million contract to build 153 train cars for the Montreal Metro. The deal was crucial to the survival of Bombardier’s plant in La Pocatière, Quebec, where nearly 170 of its employees built the AZUR-model cars.
In February 2020, Bombardier reached a multi-billion-dollar deal to sell its rail division to Alstom. The announcement came within a week of Bombardier’s agreement to sell off its last stake in commercial aviation. With these decisions, CEO Alain Bellemare aimed to pay down debt and focus the company’s activities on the manufacture of private jets.
Under Bellemare’s direction, Bombardier’s aerospace business has also faced challenges and been downsized to pay off debt. Its C Series line of passenger aircraft, hailed for being larger and more efficient than other aircraft on the market, was plagued by cost overruns and delivery delays. In an effort to support the ailing project, the Quebec government gave Bombardier $1 billion in financing in 2015. While the company originally planned to deliver customers 15 aircraft in 2016, only one plane had been delivered by June. By September, the company announced it would only meet about half its 2016 delivery goals.
In September 2017, the C Series jetliner became the subject of international trade disputes. The United States levied a 219 per cent duty on C Series imports after American company Boeing complained to the US Department of Commerce that Bombardier had sold the planes to Delta Air Lines at an unfair advantage because Bombardier received government subsidies for the C Series. Meanwhile, the World Trade Organization announced it would establish a panel to investigate allegations by Brazilian company Embraer that Bombardier’s C Series program received unfair advantage from its government subsidies.
In October 2017, Airbus, a multinational aerospace corporation, bought a majority stake in the C Series program. In the deal, an Airbus plant in Mobile, Alabama, was repurposed for C Series assembly, which circumvented the large duty levied in September. Program headquarters remained in Montreal and Airbus was given the opportunity to buy the remaining stake in the program from Bombardier and the Quebec government. Airbus renamed the jetliner A220.
Bombardier continued to sell parts of its aerospace business. In November 2018, it announced the sale of its Q Series turboprop passenger aircraft program to Viking Air of Sidney, British Columbia. The US$300-million deal also gave Viking Air the rights to the de Havilland name and trademark, which Bombardier had owned since 1992. At the same time, Bombardier announced the sale of its business aircraft training activities to Montreal-based flight training company CAE for US$645 million. On top of these changes, Bombardier revealed it would lay off 5,000 employees: 2,500 in Quebec, 500 in Ontario and 2,000 outside Canada. The job cuts amounted to more than 7 per cent of the company’s workforce.
In June 2019, Japan-based Mitsubishi bought Bombardier’s CRJ regional jet business. In February 2020, Bombardier sold its remaining stake in the A220 program to Airbus and the Quebec Government. With these deals, the company shed the last parts of its commercial plane-making business after three decades in the market. Bellemare declared his turnaround plan complete and said Bombardier would concentrate on growing its private jet business.
I'll cut this post off here, but I will try to find some pictures of Bombardier passenger cars.
Evening from Sunny La Crosse Wisconsin. At least it has been the last two days and nights and we're staying two more.
Sunset out our Radisson window
The silhouette of the step climbs of the Bluffs
The Ski Doo Bombardier, Are you Kidding me! First Snowmobile I ever drove by myself. My dad had one and us Kids called it the Snow Bumblebee, ...Nice! I did appreciate the vintage snowmobile like that, although the Arctic Cat Cheetah 440 was a bit more exciting in the later years.
We should be getting back to the homestead Sunday night or Monday morning.
Good to touch base with you guys from our little getaway. I'll be visiting the Burlington 4-6-4 tomorrow and perhaps a picture from the Historic La Crosse Railroad Station.
If Judy didn't have to work Tuesday, I'd be thinking about renting a boat as I've seen a few out
hon30critterHow many of our friends in the southern US and around the world know what a 'Ski-Doo' is? If you answered "snowmobile" you would be correct.
Not me. I am not even 100% sure what snow is.
It all seems very silly to me.
Poor Amtrak — again
Good morning all. A day of sunshine.
Garry. Glad to hear from you.
Dawn had a bad night last night. We hardly slept at all. As we say here "There are worse things at sea."
A day of being around the house; hopefully running some trains later.
I need a few cups of coffee.
One of our most important members has gone missing.
Byron was a very helpful track planner, and was always ready to add good advice to discussion of model railroad planning.
His profile just says "no activity", so I do not know how long he has been gone.
I hope he is still out there and everything is OK.
We got our 2nd vaccine today. Things were better organized than the first. Too early to tell about side effects.
Kevin if you click on the number of his posts, you will find Byron last posted 2/24. It looks like he did not post between November and this January so maybe he just got tired of people who ignored his advice.
His personal website is still up, although that doesn't necessarily mean anything. It does have a contact page.
I have neighbors with daffodils in bloom but not mine.
Good evening all. I managed to get Dawn out for a couple of hours drive in the sunny countryside. She is much happier.
We had our first jab the end of January. Our second one is expected in April?
BigDaddy Byron. It looks like he did not post between November and this January so maybe he just got tired of people who ignored his advice.
Byron.
It looks like he did not post between November and this January so maybe he just got tired of people who ignored his advice.
I find it puizzling how some people ask for help and have others doing work for them. Then do not return any thanks. It does become disheartening. As it is often said 'Been there'.
Halloumi Cheese Burger with Chimichurri Mayo and Wedges.
Good afternoon, diner patrons. It's about as perfect out as it can be.
First day of Spring! After the winter we had, it is welcome. Of course, every year, we don't really celebrate until after the usual April snowstorm.
I'm going to finally start soldering wires and resistors for the layout's crossing signals. For some reason, I have put this off until it now seems overwhelming. Maybe it's a fear that once I've done all the work, I'll turn on the power and it won't work. That's happened more than I will tell you.
Last year, my wife and I bought our cemetery plots, bought the headstone, and began planning. I wrote out my funeral desires, obituary, etc., but my wife didn't. She is now working on hers. Hopefully, these won't be used for quite a few more years. Writing the obituary just about guarantees that the daughters won't write anything about what a nerd I am or how bad things got when I cooked food for them or combed their hair.
Have a great first day of Spring!
"The City of Portland". The way passenger trains are supposed to look:
Top of the morning to yas! We have an ultra bright, welders goggles wearing day today. Must be warm, the next door neighbor is out mowing the grass. I dunno personally yet, havent gone outside and stuck a wet finger in the air. Ill let you guess which ones though 20% of you would be right!
Ed) Amazing the thing humans do for fun. I mean, and as the video quotes, "they all took out their phones and started recording". Im thinking, "and not one idiot within a miles reach decided to use their phone to call the number on the crossbucks and alert the train there was an obstruction on the tracks". Nor did the contractor who got the truck stuck!
Ofcourse we did have the gratuitous statement - "and experts say it takes a train a mile to stop .... (blah blah blah)". Yet, the accident still happened. Its funny how this is the only thing humans know about trains.
On the lighter side, when that JD of yours hits the back yard, shoot us some pics. I grew up on JD's - nothing runs like a Deere! (cept maybe a Lima)
NorthBrit David) Glad you guys got out for a few smiles. But do take it easy, things still arent right out in the world. BTW, loved the 'junkyard' scene on your layout. The 'cluttered' look caught my eye. Well done!
Kevin) I sure hope that pic of a stack of ties is from your backyard. In hopes that your gonna suprise us by saying your buying a caboose?
Garry) Glad to see your posting and much better to hear your running trains. Best medicine there is - better than laughter!
Charlie) WOW! $300 to repaint brass? Is that a modellers price? I imagine that would be about the price of the model too. While i have absolutely nothing against brass, i just dont think i will ever reach that level of modelling.
Then again, i just saw a pre-Moses Mantua floating in the 'Bay' for $1000. It needed a paint job too....
Critter Dave) Impressive article on Bombardier. Never really thought about it, but yeah, theyve got their fingers into just about everything.
We have more 'Sea doos' down here than 'Ski doos', but we know what they are. The yahoos that have them here run them on tall grass. Either for jumping or just racing them.
Hillbillys dont need snow i guess. Just beer..... mud.... and an audience.
Big Daddy) Trees are budding here and some kinda purply looking ground cover is blooming in the sunny spots. And we still have nights close to freezing if not a degree or two below.
In General) Somehow it was managed that my two recent purchases arrived early. And in one piece too! I did my usual maintenance routine on the 4015 (TyCo) and man does she run nice for an old school growler. While she shows very little wear shes broken in smooth.
She managed to pull 20 cars right off the bat. I use the old Tech II stuff which had GREAT momentum throttles. My new 4015 ran just like old leather.
And ofcourse, who can forget that smell from running 'old school' models? That brings back alot of memories, aye? Something ive noticed the new models dont have.
The 0-6-0 is also in pristine shape. Cant figure why it has no motor unless the original owner blew it. Still though, this lil ticker looks good and i cant wait to remotor it.
I threw her in the train when i was testing the 4015. I figure this would add another 5 to7 cars in pull weight. Not only did the lil 0-6-0 track just fine, 4015 pulled all of that! Totally impressed with this two axle powered, light weighted, non flywheel havin, ..... TyCo!
Oh yeah, the headlight still worked too - at 12 volts! Remember those dim bulbs that didnt start glowing until you reached race track speeds around the XMas tree?
Well folks, thats about all from my side of the tracks. It sounds pretty mean outside the front door in every direction, volcanos erupting here, revolts and coups there, COVID everywhere.... so yall take care in what you do. Remember, the best antidote to it all is....
STAY INSIDE AND RUN TRAINS ALL DAY!
PM Railfan "and not one idiot within a miles reach decided to use their phone to call the number on the crossbucks and alert the train there was an obstruction on the tracks". Nor did the contractor who got the truck stuck!
I've always been interested in these types of "accidents" and contenplate what could have been done to mitigate, or even avoid them.
When I hear the word "contractor" I immediately get nervous. The truck operator, contracted by U. P. should have at least had some training for working around the railroad. Maybe they did?
At the very least, as soon as they knew they were stuck they could have "shunted" the rails at that point. There are shunts, like jumper cables, made for such things. This would have dropped the signals to red (track occupied) and caused the crossing gates to lower (minor inconvenience) and immediately call or radio the dispatcher. Even a piece of pipe, fence post or anything metal at least 4' 10" long would have worked.
Of course, now with so many block signals removed (much longer blocks) and/or PTC coming along maybe this wouldn't have helped.
As you pointed out, the phone number posted at crossings should be put to use. Most of today's clueless-types certainly wouldn't have thought of it.
Fortunately, no one was hurt as far as I have heard. More Amtrak equipment out of service, though. Fortunately the fire damage wasn't as bad as this one:
— and this classic. "Gee, where should I park my ladder truck?"
Got my errands done and the car washed. About 60F today, normally it would be 35 F. Naturally showers are expected tomorrow.
Douglas, that $300 is Canadian or about $225 US and is expensive as this loco is green and black. I bought brass as it is the only way you can get models of Candian steam. Like most large RR their steam had a distinctive look. Well there has been 2 steam canadian in plastic, a CN northern and recently a CP hudson. Mind you the detail level is amazing. Most of these brass locos are 30 to 45 years old.
Supper time soon as I really didn't have lunch.
Evenin' Folks!
gmpullman"Gee, where should I park my ladder truck?"
Luckily Fire Departments around here are much smarter and use proper protections....
howmusLuckily Fire Departments around here are much smarter and use proper protections....
Jump to 4:30, or just watch the whole thing
Soitenly! Nyukk, Nyukk, Nyukk
You still here, Ken??
Cheers, Ed.
Good evening from La Crosse Wisconsin.
Too bad you never hired me for one of your jobs Ed. Contractor would no longer be a bad word in your vocabulary as I always left a trail of happy customers at a fair price
Good to see you back Garry! Happy to hear you're doing better and I hope things just keep getting better and better for you. They will! , as "Good Karma" always has a way of taking care of itself.
You guys didn't think the Fiddler would go on a mini getaway to a River Railroad Town and not drive around for a few hours to get some Railroad pictures for you, Did you? ..... I didn't think so
Burlington 4-6-4. I don't particularly think our Heroes of the Roads deserve to be cooped up in pens when they retire.
I was interested but I didn't go to the other side to read the history board because there was some rough-looking Heshers smoking weed. To each thier own but they didn't look like the friendly type in my book and I didn't want to get involved with a possible confrontation.
I located the Historic La Crosse Depot that Amtrak still has in operation. I suppose it's still stands proud to this day because the third little pig built his house out of bricks instead of straw
While I was there I was fortunate enough to have a couple of Brent's CP Rails stop by. I was a bit delighted with that while I had my camera out.
I have more but that's enough for now before it all disappears as that usually happens posting from a phone.
Hope you all are well and happy like Judy and me tonight
P.S. I always admired Cuyama's gifted model railroad design talent. It is always bothersome when one of our fellow Forum members is missing here.
Track fiddlerToo bad you never hired me for one of your jobs Ed.
I know there's lots of good, commercial contractors out there, TF. What I'm refering to are corporations (or the US Military) that hire contractors to perform jobs that were once done "in-house".
At GE we used to do all our crane and hoist inspections and repairs. In the 2000s or so GE decided they didn't want any more liability risks for doing the job in house.
So we gave all our parts, manuals and experience to an outfit that was called Cranes-R-Us (or similar).
One time after they finished one of their professional inspections I got called over to a five-ton hoist that would no longer hold the load. As soon as the operator released the up button, the fairly light load, maybe one ton, would come quickly back to earth!
The electrician and I began taking covers off to see what was up with the brake. In order to get to the adjusting screw a pipe plug had to be removed.
I unscrewed the pipe plug and about a half-gallon of oil poured out. Mr. professional filled the brake housing with 90 wt. gear oil!
These are the kind of "contractors" I was refering to.
Nothing was ever said to the Cranes-R-Us people. As it turns out the outfit was owned by one of therelatives of a higher-up.
Take a look at so many of the industrial disasters out there and, not always, but still quite frequently, there's a contractor involved.
The world looks wonderful through the windows of a Park-series observation car!
Skeena at 8 by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
You look dashing in front of that Burlington Hudson, TF! One cool dude
I gotcha Ed. You probably had that explained but sometimes I just don't catch things. Probably my bad and it's all good.
This Radisson is my kind of hotel as they have Train and Bridge pictures scattered about. I thought of you as I took pictures of a few of the Train pictures they have in the lobby. I thought they were right up your alley as I know how much you like your passenger cars. I've always appreciated how you know about them and the history behind them. I pay attention.
In the lobby.
I hope that Burlington wasn't in motion or else the kid on the bike was really stupid or both
Even if the kid absolutely knew he could make it as all kids think they're invincible. A shoelace could become wound around the pedal and stop him dead in his tracks, but kids don't think like that.
I always enjoy looking at these stainless steel beauties Ed, but I have no idea what they are until I learn sometimes.
Thanks for the dashing compliment. Well there's another big smile on this old carpenters face
Good evening ....
David North Brit, Douglas, and TF. .... Thanks for your kind remarks. Also, again to all who posted workds of encouragement to me over past several days, I sincerely appreciate it.
Ed ..... I like the picture of the Skeena with Park series observation car. I would like to ride that train. My experience riding in a Park series observation was on Via Rail's Ocean in Eastern Canada.
John York 1 ..... I like the photo of UP's City of Portland.
TF .... I like the LaCross photos .... 4-6-4. .... The station. ... Twin Cities Zephyr.
Everybody...... Have a good night.
PM RailfanKevin) I sure hope that pic of a stack of ties is from your backyard. In hopes that your gonna suprise us by saying your buying a caboose?
Nope. I believe that picture was taken at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga.
gmpullmanWhat I'm refering to are corporations that hire contractors to perform jobs that were once done "in-house".
My worst experience when a contractor was hired to do something we normally did in house was when we hired an outside firm to come in and inventory our Tampa parts warehouse.
We had parts from tiny tamper-proof drive rivets to 750 Kw generator sets in stock.
They did not count any small parts accurately, could not find many items, and could not figure out how to certify serialized inventory.
We had to do it all over again ourselves, and then the finance people were upset of the discrepencies between the two counts... so we hired ANOTHER CONTRACTOR to come in an verify the count.
What a disaster.
Old School
An old black-and-white photo with one blue one next to the blue streetlight that I thought was interesting.
Judy and I are very strict with our diet and what we consume. A Coca-Cola once or twice a month is a treat.
I never thaught I'd ever see a hand-painted Coca-Cola advertisement on the side of a brick building that had the patina that this one did. I had to stop and take the picture.
When contractors just won't listen!
I had just started at GE and was on a gang helping to get vertical tanks ready for a contractor to patch rubber lining inside the tanks. The "tank farm" was a couple hundred feet behind the plant.
Sometimes you just have a feeling when things are going to go wrong. The leader of the vulcanizing crew was not exactly somebody with "people skills". His group had finished two tanks and it was lunch time.
We told him, "Don't do anything until we get back, we're going to lunch".
Oh boy, what a fiasco we came back to. Lots of hollering and guys running around.
The "boss-man" decided he was going to send his guys into the third tank. Time is money! One of his guys goes in the tank and immediately passes out. Sure enough, a second guy goes in to "rescue" him and he's out.
This is about when we came back on the scene. We called for the plant nurse and called the rescue squad. It was a mess trying to extracate those guys from inside that tank. One had a harness but wasn't connected to a rescue line. The other guy just lowered himself in using a rope ladder.
Neither one came out alive. The boss-man and his people had moved one of the air purge lines and reconnected it — to a nitrogen line.
This was before OSHA had really gotten a footing. GE used vessel entry permits and we would take oxygen readings before going in a vessel. These guys weren't going to take the time to wait for us to come back from lunch to do that?
What a sad outcome. I've heard scenarios like this pretty often in industry. Contractors don't have a "feel" for what the dangers are in the plant. Sometimes an employee is assigned to them and they know enough to listen. Other times they wander off on their own or cut corners and don't obey the safety rules.
Sometimes they get away with it.
For the bridge guy...
Potash over the Snake by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Good morning all. The sun is shining here in the land of the former North British Railway.
Douglas. We do take care (wherever) we are. Cannot afford the luxury of not doing.
Garry. Glad you are about.
Ken. I hope things are getting better.
A few jobs around the house to do. Maybe get to run some trains later.
Coffee time. Apple & Cinnamon Muffins & Blueberry Muffins are in the Diner.
Good morning. No breakfast for me today, just coffee. It's Donut Day!
I think there are several regular diner patrons we haven't heard from in a while. Hopefully they are just too busy to check in.
Rain today. In farm country, them's good words!
This picture was taken a few miles south of us at Rock Creek Station. The Blue River (actually a small creek) cuts through here with about a ten-foot deep channel.
Before the transcontinental railroad, the wagon trains heading west on the Oregon Trail could not cross the river. A man built a small wooden bridge at this spot, and he charged tolls for the wagons to cross.
He hired a young man named William Hickock to help out. One night, Hickock got into a fight with an unarmed man, and shot and killed him. He took off and began his career as the gunfighter Wild Bill Hickock.
This was when our kids were young enough to enjoy camping. It wasn't too many years before they wanted hotel rooms with bathrooms instead of tents and bushes.
Top of the Page! Donuts are on me! The Krispy Kreme glazed ones are the best.
Good Morning Everyone.
MMM donuts!
Not much to report, I have been on call this past week.
Work is going to send me to another hospital to help deploy new equipment. They are overwhelmed and have gotten behind and have a June deadline. So i will work there a few times, a week at a time.
Good morning gang, something I seen on my Face Book this morning, maybe that building would fit better on the layout if I turn it 90 degrees:
Here's the story:
https://www.stadafa.com/2019/11/indiana-bell-building.html
Video doesn't work, but the full story and a video is in the link.
Have a great day!
moelarrycurly4MMM donuts!
Yea... MMMmmmmmm!
Thanks John.
mbinsewiGood morning gang, something I seen on my Face Book this morning, maybe that building would fit better on the layout if I turn it 90 degrees:
This reminds me of one of the chapters in the life of George Pullman and raising buildings along the lake shore in Chicago:
https://www.classicchicagomagazine.com/moving-buildings-with-george-pullman/
I'll try to find the photo of the apartment building that tipped over somehwere in Asia when they were excavating for a parking garage. You could see the building's pilings were only like little sticks in the mud, no anchorage to bedrock or solid ground.
Found it:
More here:
https://www.engineering.com/story/ever-see-a-12-story-building-just-fall-over
Speaking of tipping over
It looks like BNSF has been installing some Kadee wheelsets in this ballast gondola in Denver?
23rd Street Denver by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Finally a sunny and only slightly cool (59°) day here in NE Ohio. A visit from my son and his wife will be this afternoon
Good evening from back at the Homestead.
The Fiddler and Judy winded their way back home from La Crosse Wisconsin today.
The lighting on the River Step Bluffs was really vivid this morning as we said goodbye. Probably because the strong winds blew all the haze out of the valley.
It was so windy that it was a bad day for travel. My truck was all over the road and I saw 18 wheelers looking like they were almost going down the road sideways dog wagging.
We swung through Austin Minnesota to look in on Judy's best friend Sue that had the heart problems a few weeks ago. Judy had to bring her a fruit basket, a cold cut cheese platter, some flowers and a big hug. We just wanted to make sure she had everything she needs as her daughter's doing a good job taking care of her back to recovery.
Sue bought me a tool bag from the dollar auction that she likes to bid in. I gave her a big hug too.
Bridge guy sure likes the High Steel Bent Bridge and needless to say the multiple Green Machines Ed I never seen so many in one place at one time Nice!
They say you sleep the best at home in your own bed. I say Bull Pucky that this is not always true. It could be the fact that I haven't had a vacation in over a year due to the corona. But I found I sleep the best under bridges
Yep, The Radisson had bridge pictures over the beds and I slept like a baby. I think perhaps I'm going to take down the rare, numbered and signed Penni Anne Cross Native American picture we have hanging over our bed at home. A replacement of a breathtaking bridge picture so I can sleep better would be much more better Wish me good luck with Judy on that one
Those fancy curtains that let absolutely no light into the room at hotels could have something to do with it too. I'm going to have to get me a set of those things soon
Glad you're safe and sound back home TF!
Track fiddlerA replacement of a breathtaking bridge picture so I can sleep better would be much more better
If I keep spending money on trains I might be sleeping under a bridge, too!
I like to sleep in a totally dark room, too. Mrs. Pullman can have the blinds wide open and the sun streaming in! Not me. I w**ked off-shifts so much of my career that I need to sleep all hours of the day. It has to be dark!
Honestly, I've had some of my best, most restful sleep while riding a train in the crisp, white sheets of a Pullman berth. If it's a six-axle heavyweight car, all the better, although the Amtrak Superliners have a fairly decent ride.
Here's one for Mr. P. Marquette!
I have a new appreciation for the three-rail guys
Here's my favorite BN paint scheme!
Lookin’ like BN by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
I liked it so much I had to get one for my garden railroad
IMG_1132 by Edmund, on Flickr
Sure was a quiet day in the Diner. Beautiful weather today in NE Ohio!
We're overdue for Ken, The Bear and Lion to check in, anyone else?
gmpullmanSpeaking of tipping over It looks like BNSF has been installing some Kadee wheelsets in this ballast gondola in Denver?
It makes one wonder how it was possible to flip that hopper car completely over. Somebody had to really mess up.
One of the members at my old train club, Brian, worked for CN on a wreck recovery crew for many years. He was in the habit of taking pictures of the wrecks, partly for reporting purposes, but also for his own interest. He had quite a collection of scary looking photos. Quite often when cars were crushed or flipped over in a yard it was because somebody didn't get off the throttle when they were supposed to. The damage that even a single switcher could do when one end of a train stopped moving and the power was still being applied to the other end was incredible.
Brian always told the stories with a smile on his face, but things could get a bit sobering when he talked about yard workers getting killed.
gmpullman Glad you're safe and sound back home TF! Honestly, I've had some of my best, most restful sleep while riding a train in the crisp, white sheets of a Pullman berth. If it's a six-axle heavyweight car, all the better, although the Amtrak Superliners have a fairly decent ride. I have a new appreciation for the three-rail guys Here's my favorite BN paint scheme!
Thanks for the welcome home Ed
Sleep under bridges due to the MR bill
Yep! I got home and it's a good thing I remembered. My PayPal account payment is due on the 24th. The bill all consists of train stuff purchased and I'm glad I remembered.
Not as much as the Green Machines but I like your favorite tan and harbor blue paint scheme BN too! Brent has a picture of one of those machines on a low bent trestle, with his truck that matches parked underneath. I would only hope that he reposts it because I really like that picture.
I saw one of those BN paint scheme locomotives near Memphis Tennessee on my tour of the south vacation when I got lost in the Ozark Mountains in 2019 That's the first time I seen one.
Honestly though, looking more at your picture, those could be black and white and I'm thinking of a different one?
It's that ride on the train and the back and forth wag that I would have to agree I sleep well on a train too. I've only rode on the more modern-day Amtrak's. But when I slept, I slept good.
I can appreciate the 3 rail model railroaders too, and liked the video.
Hopefully the missing Forum members stop in for a visit here soon
hon30critterIt makes one wonder how it was possible to flip that hopper car completely over. Somebody had to really mess up.
This one has me scratching my head, Dave —
NYC_xm1 by Edmund, on Flickr
From all the checking I have done I believe this siding leads into the Ravenna, Ohio Army Ordinance Plant (note the EXPLOSIVES plackard on the end).
NYC_xm2 by Edmund, on Flickr
There's a perfect imprint of the car door in the mud. The track looks freshly ballasted and completely undisturbed! I really don't see how this could have happened.
Things that occurred inside the Arsenal were certainly kept hush-hush so there isn't too much documentation on this event.
Sure seems curious. All I can figure is a shifted load. They made a lot of 500 lb. bombs there.
I did find a newspaper article about a boxcar on fire and, fortunately, the bombs were empty casings IIRC.
The last time we were in La Crosse, I felt really bad because it was our last day. Huck Finn's is down a ways from Tom Sawyer's and just to the left on the river bay but did not open until 4 p.m.
Judy really wanted to go so I made sure she got there this time. The food was great. We had the walleye sandwich, coconut shrimp and the lightly battered onion rings.
It was only the second day they were open since the corona. You can always tell when the cooking oil is fresh
I call them Flying Rats! (The third picture shows them best as they came in flocks but the picture shows no justice of what we saw) The seagulls were in abundance. I was worried about getting crapped on while we were eating our food Judy just enjoyed how they dove down in the water and came up with little fish they all fighted over. You should have seen her smiling face as Judy is just like a little kid and might be the very reason I love her so much
The owner of the establishment told us how the bald eagles Kongregate by the hundreds in the fall. I have seen that in Red Wing Minnesota on the Saint Croix River but we might have to go back to La Crosse this Fall to see the same thing from a different perspective.
There are always Golden Eagles in the mix of bald eagles anywhere they congregate for their little convention I have seen those Eagles swoop up ducks. Don't get me wrong as I do like ducks but it is rather entertaining.
More Green for TF
Grain Train at Lyman Junction by NAPM Model Railroad Club, on Flickr
Beautiful!
Now that we are talking about Bombardier, let's have a look around Thunder Bay where Bombardier has a major rail car/trolley manufacturing plant:
This is one of the iconic scenes as you enter Thunder Bay. It is called 'The Sleeping Giant'. The Aboriginals call it 'Nanabijou'. Their legends suggest that it is the remains of a person who was turned to stone for showing the white men where the silver deposits at 'Silver Islet' where located:
Silver Islet has an interesting history:
(From Wikipedia)
Silver Islet refers to both a small rocky island and a small community located at the tip of the Sibley Peninsula in northwestern Ontario, Canada.
A rich vein of pure silver was discovered on this small island in 1868 by the Montreal Mining Company. At that time, the island was approximately [50 m²] in size and only 2.5 metres above the waters of Lake Superior. In 1870, the site was developed by Alexander H. Sibley's Silver Islet Mining Company which built wooden breakwaters around the island to hold back the lake's waves and increased the island's area substantially with crushed rock. The islet was expanded to over 10 times its original size and a small mining town was built up on the shore nearby.
After most of the purest ore from the original site had been removed, a second vein was discovered in 1878. By 1883, most of the highest quality silver had been extracted and the price of silver had declined. The final straw came when a shipment of coal did not arrive before the end of the shipping season. The pumps holding back the waters of the lake stopped and in early 1884 the islet's mine shafts, which had reached a depth of 384 metres, were flooded. They would never be de-watered, and the mine's underground operations would never be reopened.
The actual island can be seen in the middle right of this photo. It is the white looking rock:
The tiny village of Silver Islet is quite interesting. Many of the original miners' cabins have been taken over by artisans, and there is a quaint village store/restaurant that serves great food.
This is typical of the Lake Superior shoreline:
I couldn't find very many pictures of the Bombardier factory in Thunder Bay, but here is an interesting history of the plant which originally started out as the Canadian Car and Foundry Company. Not too much on railway equipment I'm afraid:
Thunder Bay, Ontario
"Can Car" was the main plant of Canada's largest aircraft manufacturer during the Second World War. Here, workers built 1,451 of the reliable Hawker Hurricanes that won renown in the Battle of Britain and 835 Curtiss Helldivers, significantly expanding Allied air power. Now a mass-transit factory, this complex retains many early 20th-century elements behind its modern exterior. It speaks to the wartime contributions of its workers, including some 3,000 women who moved into jobs traditionally held by men, mastering new skills such as riveting, welding, and precision drilling. These women would serve as models for later generations.
Canadian Car & Foundry National Historic Site of Canada is located in the southwestern part of the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Set within the Bombardier Transportation facility, the site is bordered by Montreal Street to the south; Mountdale Avenue to the east; Neebing Avenue to the west; and the CN railway tracks to the north. The site consists of the existing elements from the Second World War period, including a low-rise two-storey steel-frame metal-clad structure that is divided into Building 1, comprised of Production Bays A, B, and C; Buildings 2, 6 and 8; Building 7 to the south and Building 3 to the north. Official recognition refers to the area of the site encompassing 55,127.36 square metres.
Canadian Car & Foundry was designated a national historic site of Canada in 2008 because: here, at the main plant of Canada's largest aircraft manufacturer during the Second World War, thousands of men and women expertly constructed 1, 451 Hawker Hurricanes for the British Royal Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force, and 835 Curtiss Helldivers for the American Navy, thereby expanding the Allied forces' air strength; ten percent of the world's production of the reliable and long-serving Hurricane, an aircraft that played a pivotal role in winning the Battle of Britain, were built here; this aircraft production facility is representative of the wartime contributions made by thousands of women, some newly arrived from other regions of Canada, who quickly and effectively demonstrated that women could do non-traditional jobs such as riveting, welding, precision drilling and much more, guided in part by the technical leadership of pioneer aeronautical engineer Elsie MacGill; "Can Car" speaks eloquently to a watershed period in which thousands of women gained new skills, confidence and workplace alliances that would carry them into a changing postwar workplace and society, bringing issues of equality in pay and conditions to the attention of industry, government and unions; this complex, which retains many elements from the first half of the 20th century behind its current exterior, has played an important role in the mass-transit manufacturing industry, its products ranging from railway cars to buses and subway cars.The Canadian Car & Foundry was created in 1909 following the merger of the Rhodes Curry Company of Amherst, the Canadian Car Company of Turcot and the Dominion Car and Foundry of Montréal. With a qualified and enthusiastic production team, the foundry quickly established an exceptional track record. In 1938, the company was hired to supply the British Royal Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force with Hawker Hurricanes, which played a pivotal role in winning the Battle of Britain. The company became the largest aircraft manufacturer during the Second World War, producing more than 2,300 fighters. In 1942, it was contracted to produce SB2C Curtiss Helldivers, which were used by the United States Navy during the War in the Pacific.As male enlistment increased during the war, the Canadian Car & Foundry hired and trained a greater number of female employees. Representing the wartime contributions of women who left traditional ‘female’ occupations to work in the public sphere, the female workers in the factory took on welding, precision drilling, riveting, sub-assembly of instruments and inspection. These technical contributions and changes in labour trends were guided in part by the aeronautical engineer Elizabeth Muriel Gregory ‘Elsie’ MacGill, a person of national historic significance, who oversaw the company’s first original design for the Hawker Hurricane. The period saw women gain valuable skills and confidence, earn financial independence, and helped to demonstrate that women could do non-traditional jobs.After the war, the demand for aircraft dropped exponentially. The Canadian Car & Foundry eventually found a niche in the manufacturing of large transportation equipment, including logging equipment, buses and highway trailers. In 1955, it began producing subway cars for customers around the world, which it continues to do under the current ownership of Bombardier Transportation of Montréal.Source: Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Minutes, 2008.
Key elements the contribute to the heritage character of the site include: its location within the Bombardier Transportation facility in an industrial neighbourhood of Thunder Bay, Ontario; the polygonal massing of the low-rise two-storey steel-frame metal-clad complex divided into Building 1 consisting of Bays A, B, and C; and Buildings 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8; the original brick walls, the side windows and the clerestory windows in the roof; the three original and visible Production Bays, ‘A,’ ‘B,’ and ‘C’; the original girders, support and cross beams on the partial walls separating Production Bays ‘A’ and ‘B’ and Bays ‘B’ and ‘C’; the original large walkway toward the east end that connects Production Bays ‘A,’ ‘B,’ and ‘C’; the three original large rolling doors at the east end of each Production Bay; the manually operated ten-ton overhead crane used during the Second World War in Production Bay ‘C’; the original staircases in Building 8; the integrity of any surviving interior or exterior materials from the Second World War period; viewscapes from the site to the Canadian National railway tracks, the Kaministiquia River and the surrounding industrial buildings.
Track fiddlerThose fancy curtains that let absolutely no light into the room at hotels could have something to do with it too.
My master bedroom has "black out" shades on the windows, and they do work. Absolutely no light gets in, and I sleep very soundly.
Down here in the tropics, all Summer long, the sun goes down at 9:30 and comes up before 6:00, so the shades do help a lot.
hon30critterNow that we are talking about Bombardier, let's have a look around Thunder Bay where Bombardier has a major rail car/trolley manufacturing plant:
Dave, I don't have a picture I can share (NDA), but Bombardier manufactures some really neat self propelled rail cars for China. They are like super RDCs.
hon30critter This is typical of the Lake Superior shoreline:
Yes it is and a beautiful picture at that
It wasn't that long ago we passed Duluth and went up the North Shore to Thunder Bay Canada after spending two nights at Lambs Resort Lake Superior, North Shore.
A different world up there with the steeple rocks are quite fascinating as they hold almost a Doctor Seuss look to them. I like the sleeping Indian that is laying down and forms the foothill as soon as you get to Thunder Bay but somehow forgot the story behind it through the years.
When we first got there Judy had been cooped up in the truck too long and really had to relieve herself. Wouldn't you know it, the gravel road I took turned out not to be such a good idea.
While she was squatting by the truck I don't think she appreciated the Canadian Native that appeared with the shotgun and neither did I.
Apparently we had strolled upon Sacred Tribal Grounds. The man with the shotgun wasn't too happy at first but after Judy pulled up her pants and started talking to him, all of sudden everything was okay. Especially after she showed him her LCO Tribal Card.
She ended up introducing me to him and we ended up going out to eat at Boston Pizza, Thunder Bay.
The pizza was OK but I have had much better. Being that the day could have gone much further south then it did, I think the pizza tasted rather good.
We dropped Eli off and checked into our hotel. I remember how Eli laughed at us when I asked him where the Bay was.
Something to go with your coffee this Monday morning. No mention of trains here but I guess all that steel got from Bethlehem to Manhattan somehow.
This short documentary offers a dizzying view of the Mohawk of Kahnawake who work in Manhattan erecting the steel frames of skyscrapers. Famed for their skill in working with steel, the Mohawks demonstrate their nimble abilities in the sky. As a counterbalance, the viewer is also allowed a peek at their quieter community life on the Kahnawake Reserve, in Quebec.
I found it interesting how many grave markers in the Kahnawake Cemetery were made of steel beams and shapes for the victims of the Quebec Bridge collapse.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_Bridge
Interesting, too, that most of the lifting hooks do not have the safety catches that are required today. These guys wanted to use their skills to knock the hooks out quickly in order to get a fast-grab on the next lift of steel.
Imagine, too, the stiff leg guy derrick winch operator near the ground floor operating the crane with no vision, only bell signals. Amazing!
Kevin, I have many pairs of name brand sunglasses. But I really need to get me a pair of those bedroom shades
Anytime there's talk of the North Shore Lake Superior
Top of the morning to yas! And for once.... its actually morning as Webster would define it. Only thing missing is the smell of bacon and eggs.
Some of you have mentioned window coverings for daytime slumbering. I find that a black plastic trashbag (new and only unfolded - still 'uninflated') taped around the window molding is excellent for removing unwanted, unyielding, bright sunlight from coming in. Easy to remove and replace when window service is needed (and bag still usable if you dont tear it!).
While looking like a tinted window on the outside, it also keeps alot of heat out during summer hours too. And normal window dressings can still be applied on the inside for that - homestead look, since the bag lies flat across window.
Now on to more important things.... as if yall didnt know this was coming -
Ed) WOW - just WOW! I have to throw a few 's and a couple of 's toward that video you posted of the 3 railers. I knew about the 'Legacy Lionel PM Berkshire' but never gave it a second look. Im into HO after all, right? Well.....
I first saw one a couple months ago floating on the 'Bay' for about $5700. No lie, i have a pic of it because i couldnt believe it had the price tag of a car. I could tell this wasnt any ordinary Lionel. But had no clue it was a model of the caliber i just watched in the video.
One reason im not into bigger than HO is they never looked like trains to me, more like kid toys (no offense!). And who would have three rails? Heh, well, im giving that some rethink after seeing that incredible video. And the model itself doesnt look like any ordinary Lionel. It looks like a Lionel should..... like an HO loco! Lionel just gained about 10 points of respect from me!
So, i have to ask the Lionel folks among us... can we have some info??? Is this 'Legacy' model a one off? Some kinda special one time only kinda thing or do these things really come with controllable smoke (check out the smoking whistle!) and controllable sound now? Im not talking press a button and you get a pre recorded two longs a short and another long preprogrammed recording, it sounded like each toot was controlled. Even the chuffing was controlled, not just whisping smoke! AWESOME! That cant be stock. It doesnt appear to be one of your 'run-of-the-mill Polar Express' knockoffs, yet it looks like Lionel has a design engineer now that has actual modelling talent in trains.
Ive only ever seen one other loco (G scale NYC Hudson) that was customized to work like that. Though between the two, the LGB's smoke unit blows the Legacy Lionel away, even as good as i just saw it to be.
Ed, thanks for posting that. It really made my morning. That is just an awesome video. Even if it wasnt PM, and say it was an NKP or C&O Berk., that is an awesome model! I dont know about yall, but id love to see one close up, even the innards. Id like to see just what it takes to produce the effects.
Admittedly, at that price, i will remain the kids glowing face in the store window looking in..... and to think, i never gave that model a second look at first glance. But i will say now, Lionel and the 3-Railers..... thanks for raising the bar! Id call this home run a grand slam for sure - outta the park even!
So Ed, in fair play Imma fire this 'NYC' with Pullmans.... back at you! Enjoy my friend, and thanks for the Legacy PM.
Folks, may you enjoy the rest of your Monday! Gonna see if i can find some KK glazed o-rings. Start the day off sweetly!
Good morning all from a bright, sunny land of the former North British Railway. It is lovely until the icy blasts of wind from the North strikes.
Yes, a few Diners are missing. I hope things are not serious and they return soon.
Dave & Ed Great pictures. Thanks for showing.
Monday is a busy day with deliveries of groceries and other items. Trains will be running late again.
Coffee time with cookies this morning.
I'll just have a black coffee please.
I have a tough morning to deal with today. As bad luck has it, my tool trailer was stolen again. It's not that we live in a bad neighborhood but at the end of a secluded cul-de-sac for easy pickings I guess. I had a heavy duty tongue shank lock on the trailer but these thieves must have portable acetylene.
I have heard of these Mohican High Steel builders before Ed. Interesting post! Apparently I have no Mohican blood in me whatsoever as I become afraid of heights at about three stories
Yep, I got the call from the Bloomington Police Department early Saturday morning but we didn't want to let it ruin our little get away.
So not only was I bent over backwards by thieves again but now I have to deal with tow charges and two days of storage at (and get this, Chiefs Towing) They found it abandoned at the Comfort Inn hotel.
We had a bunch of stuff left over stored in the trailer from when we closed out our storage facility in Shakopee. The expensive oil bronze twig lights, sconces and Casablanca ceiling fan that I haven't reinstalled yet. Among other things, just sentimental pictures and such.
I'm going to sell or scrap that trailer as it is a bad omen. My brother-in-law told me to take the wheel off the side that does not face the building and put it up on a cement block and remove the Hub. I suppose at that point, it would make the thieves mad and they would take their acetylene torch and cut off the spindle "You Can't Win For Trying". My brother-in-law and I laughed about that one too last night
Wow.
It was a good morning until I read TF's post. It just makes one angry to think that a person's hard work is stolen by someone who doesn't care.
It's interesting about the differences in sleep habits and light. I can sleep in just about any conditions. I fall asleep as soon as I lie down, even with all the lights on. My wife is the opposite. The room must be completely dark, and she will still lie awake for a long time.
When we toured the far north, we spent the summer solstice night at Dawson City. It bothered me that the sun was still shining in around the edges of the curtains at bedtime.
It's a rainy day today, so I guess I will have to put off unimportant outdoor work to do the important things in my life. Layout chores!
Good morning everybody .
Ed ....... I agree with you regarding your favorite BN paint sceme. The BN Cascade Green paint sceme never seemed very attractive to me.
TF .... Sorry to hear about theives taking you tool trailer.
Everyone.......... Have a good day.
gmpullmanThis one has me scratching my head, Dave —
TF, I'm so sorry to hear of your troubles again. Hang tough.
Garry, good to see you posting again. Hope you are feeling better.
Everyone else, happy(?) Monday.
Water Level RouteMaybe an empty car in a wind event?
We have had some empty coal hoppers blow over in storms out here. Not often, but it has happened.
Thanks John, Garry and Mike, for the sincere trailer sympathy Who ever said anything like that since the beginning of time but all I can do is laugh And I do thank you again, as I appreciate some good people left in the world today.
Oh, It did get worse
Chiefs Towing wanted $420 from me this morning to get my trailer back. They lied!!! They said the bill consisted of $175 Towing fee + 4 days of storage. Well that's kind of funny since the police officer told me it was towed at 6:20 in the morning on Saturday.
After I stated that fact to the gal at the counter, the bearded man came out of the office and said, we will knock $80 off the bill then.
Well that leaves $340 dollars. I don't know? But it seems to me the last time I did some math, $175 dollars, plus two days of storage at $40 dollars, equals $255 dollars.
The trailer used to be white with chrome diamond plate on front but that's the paint job the last ratbag thieves did on my trailer. Ugly huh! I wouldn't be caught dead driving that ghetto trailer down the road anymore.
I told Chief's Towing, Why don't you give me $420 and keep it? I'm washing my hands of this thing. I want nothing to do with the police report, the insurance company, or the trailer anymore.
The last time this happened I lost all my expensive tools, I was made to jump through so many Hoops, I could have been out working for the time I spent dealing with things and made much more money then I ever collected for my loss.
The criminals charges were dropped because he had bigger felonies on top. So he sold all my equipment, pocketed the money and that is okay. It seems thieves rights in our judicial system are way better than the victim they prey on is entitled to. Did that statement even make sense???
What's funny about the picture of the contents the thieves left behind. They staged it! That pink styrofoam for my model railroad was 4×8 sheets. They cut the foam and put it back in there, left the empty boxes, the glass globe on top with the paint roller as a slap in the face as they were done with their job. The addition to their slapping my face was the Mardi Gras beads as they we're good enough to leave me my treasure
All you can do is laugh and I sure hope these people's Karma comes around to them. They at least deserve that!
I haven't called Chief's Towing back yet but I'm going to. They have a big account at the hotel where my Judy works. Judy's best friend Kendra from high school is in charge of who does the towing out of that hotel lot and there is a lot of them every month. Apparently hotel parking lots are good cover dumping grounds for stolen cars and stripped equipment. Kendra told Judy they will not be using Chief's Towing anymore after hearing my story this morning.
A little tidbit for me to chew on to make me feel a little better today And I will be letting everyone know at the Chamber of Commerce meetings too.
Sorry to hear about your challenges, TF.
What comes round will come round to the thieves.
As for the Towing Company? Trying to profit of others misfortune is just as bad. Good on Kendra supporting you.
I didn't know where to post this without getting in trouble, but here's my latest layout video. This one covers unboxing some new D&H trains and running the last few trains on my layout before the teardown starts tonight.
https://youtu.be/RDiVWAF74Lg
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
Had a little rain yesterday but I did get the snowmelt pumped out of the pond. That is about a month earlier than normal. Still some ice at the bottom though.
TF, sorry to hear about your trailer. Seems a lot of towing companies are crooks.
Winnipeg in the late '50s had buses made by CanCar. I remember them as the engine was under the floor behind the front wheels. They had a wide stainless steel band on the side. I rode in them a lot.
Robbie turned 12 yesterday. We had pizza to celebrate. He goes nuts for it. We can't say the word, or round thing or pie. Started calling them cicular object. He only gets a tiny piece of crust from each slice. My wife is convinced he won't make it past summer but it all depends on how fast the liver tumor grows. So far it hasn't affected him at all. He's sleeping beside me on the downstairs sofa right now.
I have to get the tax info ready today so that I can get it off to the accountant but first I need more coffee.
Track fiddlerThe addition to their slapping my face was the Mardi Gras beads as they we're good enough to leave me my treasure
I was about to comment on the fact they left behind the most important part to any New Orleanian -- the Mardi Gras beads. Stealing those would be a fight'n matter!
Track fiddlerI have a tough morning to deal with today. As bad luck has it, my tool trailer was stolen again. It's not that we live in a bad neighborhood but at the end of a secluded cul-de-sac for easy pickings I guess. I had a heavy duty tongue shank lock on the trailer but these thieves must have portable acetylene.
There are lots of trailers stolen down here. Hitch locks are easily defeated, or thieves don't even mess with them and just use a hook to tow the trailer away.
Most trailers stolen down here have boats on them. The theives remove the engines and loose valuables from the boat, then leave the boat and trailer in the woods.
Also, in Florida, you can register a trailer as "Home-Made", so registering a stolen trailer is very easy.
Sorry to hear about that lousy turn of events, TF. At least tou didn't get hurt — I mean, you could have happened along while the "perps" were there and got hit over the head with a tire iron! Carjackings are on the rise in the Big City near me
One of the "tin-knockers" we used at GE told me once that he got out of his van at a gas station. While he was putting more air in the rear tire it suddenly began rolling away! Somebody jumped in and took off with it! Thousands of dollars worth of sheet metal tools
I used to see people ALL THE TIME leave their cars running while just "popping in" for a quick coffee at the convenience stores. Every now and then I hear about somebody driving off in a car and there are children in the back seat!
They'll never learn...
David, I saw your locomotive scrap yard in the "Show Me" thread and was reminded of this:
Laying NEW TRACK at the East Broad Top!
210317_2 by lmyers83, on Flickr
Spring is really HERE today!
[edit]
Somehow my post migrated to the top of the page! You know what that means
Tin Roof Sundaes all around!
hot-tin-roof-sundaes by Edmund, on Flickr
Good evening all. A warm day, but didn't go out. With workpeople coming and going, being indoors was required.
Roasted Squash, Jeweled Bulgur & Zhoug is on the menu.
Mixed Fruits in a Greek Salad to follow.
Tf,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your trailer! When I first read it I had horrible thoughts of thousands of dollars worth of lost tools. I'm glad you didn't have to go through that a second time. I'm glad you are taking it in stride.
In the Toronto area the tow truck wars are getting nasty. In the past year there have been about a dozen tow trucks torched. The government is finally starting to crack down on the towing industry. There are some pretty shady characters involved in it. I have always used the CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) and I have had excellent, professional service every time.
gmpullmanLaying NEW TRACK at the East Broad Top!
That sounds encouraging!
Ed. Thanks for posting the film. Very interesting. On my layout http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/284615.aspx?page=1 I wanted a scrap yard that was different to others I had seen.
Good evening.
Thanks David, Charlie, John, Kevin, Ed, Mike and Dave.
Yep!
John, ...I still have those beads! Those big ones are the Clydesdale beads I wore at Mardi Gras 2000. People don't steal Mardi Gras beads as they know Voodoo is prevalent in New Orleans I just don't have the heart to throw those away as every time I look at them I get a great big smile on my face.
You should have seen me! I was like a Rock Star in the eyes of the tourists that night But an idiot in the eyes of the people that live down there A Night to Remember, ...Yes?
I was going to let the trailer go but it's back in the East Lot now. Kendra called Jeff, the owner of the towing company and he released it to me for $100. That's more than fair as I understand the cost of diesel, employee payroll, taxes, paperwork and liability insurance. I think that equals more than $100
The trailer is back and ready for Fire #3 I usually think positive but I'm going a bit Sinister as my mind is wandering to conjure something up for thief #3. I darn well know it's going to happen
I was thinking of some kind of high pressure spray wand filled with permanent fluorescent orange paint mixed with skunk piss and habanero pepper sauce, hooked up to a door trigger switch
You can't hook up a 12 gauge to a trigger switch when the door opens. In the 70's when thieves were stealing Outboards On Mille Lacs Lake, one of the resort owners did that and went to prison. So that's not a good idea for me as I've been known to occasionally drop the soap while taking a shower
I really want to get Thief #3. This is getting to be like a game for me that I'm more than ready to play
Anyone have any other brightideas? I'm willing to listen
Good Evening All,
TF - That is truely awful. Glad you had people intervene on the tow/storage charges at least that takes the insult out of the injury and I'm sorry for your loss.
I have had a rig and just a trailer stolen over the years. We keep it all on the lot with a fence and gate and surveilance cameras. The rigs have locators hidden in them since they are fairly expensive even without cars in them. Some of the truckies we've used haven't liked it either when we've called them out for excessive speed as you can monitor as they go as well. Look into alarms and other antitheft devices but I think when you leave for a weekend I'd probably use an alarm or tracker and chain all the wheels together with one of those cobalt hardened chains and matching locks. Of course with your luck they'd probably show up with a roll back and drag it on or just strip it where it sits.
We lost my bosses rig Thanksgiving weekend in West Palm Beach. Stolen right out of the hotel parking lot - Surburban and tag trailer with the race car and all our tools and support equipment. The trailer was found two days later stripped and abandoned next to a crack house with the race car sitting in the middle of the empty lot with minimal damage. Guess he didn't know what to do with a Cooper Monaco - especially one of a kind. All the tools and parts were gone along with anything else of value along with the Suburban. The thief pawned everything he could and drove the Suburban until it ran out of gas then abandoned it too. Just as we were making preparations to get the car and trailer out of impound, it turned up. The guy that stole everything did it regularly taking stuff out of hotel parking lots in the wee hours. He was caught and convicted and was supposed to make restitution. Still waiting on that.
I like the idea of hooking the doors to a booby trap like paint or some sort of scent like eau de skunk. At least you'll have the satisfaction of getting them back.
Ciao, J.R.
I enjoyed reading your reply J.R.
I'd like to thank for that, as your experiences made mine feel a little easier
Hey!
Who took the last cookie out of the cookie jar and didn't put some more in?
And can someone tell me why there was a piece of masking tape going over the coin slot on the jukebox?
See what happens when I go out of town! Not everything, but some things went to shambles. I'm back now and I have a quarter to liven things up a little bit around here, .....OK!
Although the music I prefer is usually a bit mellow though
And that one was aimed at Brent! And all you other good people that can enjoy it
You didn't know I had another quarter, ...Did you?
Well I did
Here's Johnny
Did you know when your ears are ringing they call it some word that starts with a T. But it really is no big thing. You just need to listen to The Roaring silence because you were a working man all your life
I filled up the cookie jar but I'm running out of quarters here.
And you know how it is that you never quite know if you're doing a good job on the music selection. So you guys might have to plug in a few quarters yourself
Hello, hello, hello
Is there anybody in here
Just nod if you can hear me
I think there's an echo again
I'm glad I was never a Rockstar as they all seemed to have their problems
Track fiddlerYou can't hook up a 12 gauge to a trigger switch when the door opens. In the 70's when thieves were stealing Outboards On Mille Lacs Lake, one of the resort owners did that and went to prison.
In Florida, and I would hope everywhere, passive devices that cause harm are EXTREMELY illegal. There was a case in Tampa many years ago where an owner of a construction company booby-trapped his yard. An 11 year old kid, a child of one of his customers, was crushed in a trap he set.
Yikes Kevin!
I don't like to hear a story like that. It's a good thing we ain't all like that guy.
Judy says we're going to the post office this week and I'm bringing the wagon top
Old school mello rock
Viz.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/booby-trap-man-shot-killed-gun-death-home-thanksgiving-maine-van-buren-a9228491.html
How do you make a beautiful bridge look even more beautiful?
DH, Ninevah, New York, 1973 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
Sprinkle a few PAs on top!
John: I went to the store today and NUTTY BUDDIES are back in stock!
Douglas ... Thank you for your kind message.
Ed ... The tin roof sundae was yummy. Thank You.
TF ... JR has good suggestions about theft protection. Surely, you can set up an alarm system or something that will help.
everybody ... Have a good night.
J.R. got me thinking too Garry. I'm going to figure something out here. I thank you for your support too
I like the silver and powder blue PA's on that bridge. It's always appreciated Ed. But do you have any Green Machines on a bridge again
SeeYou190 John: I went to the store today and NUTTY BUDDIES are back in stock! -Kevin
Nutty Buddies??? Is there something I don't know about here John and Kevin???
I buy these by the two pound extra large box
But I could be missing something here. You guys might have to help a brother out
Oh! The plural thing threw me off. It looks like I'm good
Take it easy on me as you got me a little riled for nothing. Sometimes when they add an S they have an extra ingredient like caramel or peppermint or something I started getting very interested real soon
SeeYou190John: I went to the store today and NUTTY BUDDIES are back in stock! -Kevin
They are here, too! The multiverse is again in order!
Track fiddlerNutty Buddies??? Is there something I don't know about here John and Kevin??? I buy these by the two pound extra large box
Several weeks ago, Covid struck close to home. Instead of toilet paper, there was panic buying of Nutty Buddies and the two stores in town were out.
I've resolved to buy them by the truckload so that I never go without again.
Well I hope your happy Kevin and John!
I forgot about those things for a while but not so much no more
It's getting close to bedtime and you just threw the Fiddler all out of whack
That ought to keep me up for a while
Yikes again
York1 I've resolved to buy them by the truckload so that I never go without again.
That is hilarious John!
I think these things have a very good shelf life
It's funny that I pay for everything but groceries and booze. That is Judy's and my little deal.
I'm like a little kid when I throw one Nutty bar in the grocery cart. When she turns her head I throw two more in and bury them so she can't see them
And I do that with other stuff too and I usually don't get caught
This challenge is the only kind of behavior that keeps me sane at the grocery store
Some call it Supermarket Sweep. I call it Supermarket Sneak
I do get scolded later when we're both putting away the groceries. At that point it's too late. Later in the week my scoldings become so worth while
The key word is challenge. It's like a Sport for me trying to get a little less caught and a little less scolded the next months grocery shop
Something to ponder
How about a Big Green snake, TF?
All green—almost by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
— and the requested bridge
Frigid Java by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
gmpullmanSomething to ponder
That was a cool video!
Oh man!
They are all Green! Winding through the S's bluff. I don't know where you find them Ed And the Green Machines on the Winter Mountain Bridge
It's after 11 but now my night is complete
I don't even know why that helicopter had Blades. Looks like some Area 51 reverse engineering to me! Huh? I've researched and watched so many documentaries on Area 51 that I'm starting to see repeats. Some pretty cool stuff eh?
Thanks Ed, ..... Racktime
Spring Break is completely out of control. Miami has declared a state of emergency as the police are overwhelmed. Tampa, Daytona, Fort Lauderdale, and Pensacola are all having problems. Down here we have reached a record number of arrests, but suposedly we have not tipped the scale yet.
It is not just college students. Apparently every party-animal-wannabe that has been pent up for a year came to Florida at the start of Spring to simply go nuts.
The addition of other forces into the social mix in addition to college students on a ritual pilgrimage had created all kinds of problems.
And just to make it more interesing, a lot of the hotel rooms are rented out to homeless people and rehab participants in stimulus efforts to keep the hotels in buisiness during lock-down, so that adds a whole new layer to the cake.
What a mess.
SeeYou190Spring Break is completely out of control. Miami has declared a state of emergency as the police are overwhelmed. Tampa, Daytona, Fort Lauderdale, and Pensacola are all having problems. Down here we have reached a record number of arrests, but suposedly we have not tipped the scale yet.
That's too bad Kevin. I guess after a year of being locked down some people just can't control themselves.
We have an area on Lake Huron called Wasaga Beach. It has been a really popular tourist destination for generations. However, unfortunately things have gotten more and more out of control over the past few years so the town is going to severely restrict access to the beach areas. The cost of policing and cleanup has become greater than the value of the tourist dollars that the beaches bring in.
In Barrie, just north of us on Lake Simcoe, the city has several very nice beaches. Some of them are controlled access but many of the smaller hidden gems were free. Unfortunately the city's tourism people made the mistake of advertizing these nice, quiet beaches on their tourism website. The result was that the beaches were overun by people from outside the city who didn't care one little bit about keeping the beaches clean. In a few short weekends the beaches were covered with garbage including dirty diapers and all manner of filth. Some of the visitors dug holes in the sand and set up toilet tents. Imagine having your child digging in the sand only to come up with a shovel full of poop. Barrie responded by eliminating parking on the streets in the areas around these beaches unless you have a residents' permit, and the paid parking areas are more than $50.00 for the day for non residents. Apparently the out-of-town yahoos could care less so the problem persists.
Good morning everyone from the land of the former North British Railway.
Some activity in the Diner these past few hours.
TF Sundown was the first Gordon Lightfoot LP I bought.
Ed. Love the pictures. They make me want to run my green engines.
Kevin. Love the picture of the building. As for the lockdown. Things are getting rediculous and out of control here. I'll say no more otherwise I will get Political.
Dawn is at a Zoom meeting so i shall 'sneak' a quick coffee before I make hers.
I'll take a mocha coffee with a Nutty Buddy this morning.
We had a conversation over here. I asked Judy why they call it a Nutty Bar when there's no nuts? She said it's because it's loaded with peanut butter. I guess that kinda makes sense then.
I've always liked that Gordon song Sundown too David. His young guitar player in that video doesn't even have to look at what he's doing with his fingers on the strings too much.
Judy mentioned something to the effect that spring break is going to be flooded in California and Florida Kevin. I guess you just confirmed it.
I went to Spring Break in Palm Springs once when I was quite young. The only time I was in Florida was when I was young too. We spent some time in Orlando before our Cruise to Nassua in the Bahamas. I remember I had a boat load of pictures of the architecture of all the Epcot Center buildings I took my time taking all day. Walgreens did something wrong and wrecked all the film
Well, She woke me a bit early this morning. I can't sleep when I don't hear "The Sound of O'l T-Rex" one foot over anyway I guess the four days of sleeping inn till 9-9:30 with the hotel black out shades is over I still say I need to get me a pair of those.
Good morning. I'll have a large cup of black coffee.
I watched a program I recorded on the RFD channel about the Santa Fe Super Chief. Pretty neat program that makes me wish I could go back in time and ride that train several times.
It's another cold rainy day, so it's another day to stay indoors.
I hope everyone, regardless of health condition, has a good day today.
Speaking of Spring Break...
Each year, I took a group of some of the graduating students on a camping-canoeing trip in the spring. This was our spring break.
This picture, taken with a wet camera, is under the water fall. Our canoes were about 100 yards from this falls. I'm in the orange shirt, yelling to hurry up and take the picture. The waterfall water was freezing.
Edit: Top of the Page! On a cold rainy day, a good breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns, sausage, and lots of coffee for everyone. The diner's breakfast bill is on me.
Good morning .
John York 1 ....... That sounds like spring break was a fun adventure for graduating students. .... Regarding going back in time, one of my better memories was a family trip on the Super Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles in 1957.
Here is a postcard I saved from the trip.
,,,,,,
I still use Facebook for railroad and model railroad groups. Yesterday morning I saw this interesting video. A train separated while moving at a rapid speed.
This proves I am prototypical when my HO trains uncouple in the middle of the train while I am operating them !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o38pP4mexPo
Everybody: ........ Have a nice day.
Good morning everyone. I will have a large cup of black coffee and a bowl of granola to start the day.
It is absolutely beautiful weather outside.
I woke up feeling great this morning, so I am hoping that feeling continues for the rest of the day.
Good evening all. The strong breeze has been blowing all day.
Managed to have a decent time of running trains.
I had better spend some time with Dawn.
Creamy Chicken Potato-Topped Pie with Kale.
SeeYou190Good morning everyone
Said Kevin at 12:35 this afternoon.
Some of you guys in here stay up way too late.
mbinsewi SeeYou190 Good morning everyone Said Kevin at 12:35 this afternoon. Some of you guys in here stay up way too late. Mike.
SeeYou190 Good morning everyone
LOL. That was Central Time. It would have been 1:35 PM where Kevin is on Eastern Time. LOL
Only the lucky ones
My embossed styrene sheet came in at The Hobby Shop as I got called a half hour ago
Sweet! Now I think I can finish my bridge
TF, so that's what happened to me.
Yep
Charlie, .....I would guess you are one of the chosen ones! I keep waiting
Since my sighting across Wooden Frog to the Grassy Islands I should have waited and not ran
They were coming to pick me up and I blew it
Track fiddlerThey were coming to pick me up and I blew it
"They're coming to take me away, ha ha, They're coming to take me away ho, ho. To the funny Farm......."
6
They were coming to take me away to the funny farm, that works.
Spaceship humor
P.S. Well you can call me Ray or you can call me Jay but you doesn't have to call me Johnson
Remember when cars came in different colors? That goes for RR cars, too!
Thomas Underwood Coll B&O714 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
That Fire Engine Red Falcon sure looks spiffy!
I remember being in a Cadillac dealer, maybe '65 or '66, there was a book on one of the desks with paint chips, color swatches and materials for the interiors, leather, brocade or a suede-like fabric. Then you could choose about a dozen colors for the vinyl top!
I like those cars and the color choices Ed!
Track fiddler I like those cars Ed! TF
I like those cars Ed!
Kind of ironic but in a year-or-so that B&O snack bar car will probably be rolled into new sheet metal for the auto makers
Grandeur of Montana by Gales of November, on Flickr
Zoe - A big RBF please. Thanks.
Boy, what a day!!! It started with a full blown migraine at 6 AM, progressed to a family member needing a Ambo ride at 9, my 11 AM dental appointment going south and needing to transfer to a oral surgeon, who happens to be booked solid for the next 6 weeks, then my car's right rear caliper locking up on my way home, less than 500 miles since doing rear pads and rotors.....
So, I decided the afternoon's airbrushing session should wait. At the rate I was going, it would probably explode sending paint all over the garage.
The family member is now back home, resting, with a referral to see a specialist in the morning.
Trains - Caught a local freight with a pair of Alco/MLW Century units last week while running errands, and got treated to a smoke show from the friendly engineer. (Gotta love the smell of Alco smoke in the morning...) Once my new computer finishes all it's updates, I will upload a pic.
Remodel has no progress, so models are still smaller projects for now.
Nice to see all the pics & vids guys, Thanks!!!
Hope all are well, and all enjoy the night!
Heartland Division CB&QLOL. That was Central Time. It would have been 1:35 PM where Kevin is on Eastern Time. LOL
Yeah, I did not roll out of bed until after 1:00 PM this "morning".
I have an update on this saga: A few days ago I posted about a 1:87 gondola I ordered from China through Amazon, but they delivered a 1:64 gondola model by mistake.
I could not make a replacement request because the estimated delivery date was still 2 months away.
A little more background... I also ordered a livestock car from the same seller at the same time, and it has not arrived yet. The gondola was 13 dollars and the stock car was 14 dollars.
Well, I finally figured out how to report a problem, so I filed a claim through Amazon for a replacement. First the seller offered me a 5 dollar partial refund, then a 9 dollar partial refund. I said I did not want a refund, I wanted the correct 1:87 gondola car.
Today, the seller issued me a full refund of 27 dollars for both the gondola car and the stock car... not what I wanted. According to tracking, the stock car is in transit.
I am not sure what to do. If I get the stock car and it is correct, the seller deserves that money. I guess I will wait for it to show up, but the gondola car with the side doors was the model I really wanted.
Good morning Diners. We have been up before some of you got to bed. Waiting for a workman to do a little work. He did not give us a time of arrival. I bet if we had stayed in bed a little longer he would have been knocking on the door.
A few regular Diners are missing. I hope they are all okay.
I managed to run a few trains yesterday. Hopefully, with Dawn having good days, more train running today.
Early coffee time. In fact I will have time for two cups this morning.
It's a good rain day for a project up here. To bad the hobby shop don't open till 11:00 to pick up my styrene I had ordered. I should be able to finish my viaduct bridge now.
Everyone have a great day
Hi all,
Just hopping in, but enjoyed seeing the posts and photos about the Santa Fe Super Chief, that was truly a gorgeous train back. I'd have loved to have traveled on it during its heyday as well.
I got bitten by a bug I never thought I'd get bitten by, the New England model railroading bug. I just acquired a few B&M boxcars (two Rapido and two Kadee, which are on order) and looking around at others I'd like to get. Even looking at locomotives here and there. Given the room I (don't) have, the Boston and Maine appeals to me. I'm still keeping my Pennsy collection, but do think I'll dabble in Boston and Maine awhile. I'd never owned Rapido freight cars before and wow! They are sharp!
Good morning, diners. It was a good cold but dry morning for a walk along the creek.
Garry, I don't think I have seen a train that separates while running like that. I wonder how often that happens?
Mike and others, I agree about the sleeping late. Some of you who sleep late are like my wife. She can stay awake all night and sleep all day. I'm the opposite. The only time this causes issues is on vacation when staying at hotels. I'm up and want to get on the road hours before she does.
Ray, I haven't thought of the Funny Farm song in years!
Ricky W, I'm glad I don't live near you -- some of that bad luck might rub off on me. I'm glad to hear your family member didn't have to stay in the hospital. The only good news is that dentists and oral surgeons don't inflict pain like they used to.
Kevin, it sounds like you will have some free rolling stock that you can't use. This is one of the issues we have now in finding things we want but the only way to get them is online where we can't see what we are buying. Modern problems.
David, I'm glad to hear that your wife is having some good days. You are a great husband taking care of her. It seems that any progress is measured in months and years.
TF, you'll have to post more pictures as your bridge project gets finished. It's been a long project.
Alvie, I agree. The Super Chief must have been some train. I would think the Super Chief and the 20th Century must have been the top two trains running back then. Imagine traveling from New York to Los Angeles on those two!
Ed, I love that Montana pic. Those kind of scenes illustrate how beautiful North American rail travel can be.
Charlie, I know TF has seen a UFO. Have you? That's something I can't claim. I am going to eventually put a flying saucer on my layout.
This is the New Orleans City Park train. Don't get off the train -- there are alligators in the water.
I hope everyone, including those I haven't mentioned, have a good healthy day today.
York1This is the New Orleans City Park train. Don't get off the train -- there are alligators in the water.
I rode that train back in the early 1980s. Is it still there?
I was out of bed at 10:00 this morning!
Top of the morning to yas! Somewhat warm here with the clouds blocking that bright thing that wont go away. Looks like we got a pinch of rain early on.
Cletus- "Hey Zeke?"
Zeke- "Whatchu want Cletus?"
Cletus- "Didju see that?"
Zeke- "See what... i cant see nuthin but thah' dagburn train in front'uh us."
Cletus- "Well there wuzzan invizble caw betwixt them other two caws - I seen plum right thrus it yonder iz plain iz day!"
Zeke- "Ya fool, they calls that a second section, followin neh' bahind."
(Incredible video!)
Did yall notice the car sitting at the crossing in the distance? Prolly just an ordinary civilian thinking "Darn! The train is stopping and i bet it makes me late for my google influencer appoinment!". Never realizing how close they were to a train in 'emergency'. Held me breathe most of the video thinking "please nothing hit the ground!". Nice to see a video were railroad safety features get the upper hand!
Not much going on around here in the train dept.. Managed to rescue 3 lil Varney cars that were floating in the 'Bay'. Dunno why other than been feeling a lil nostalgic lately. What with the recent purchase of the TyCo and the RH locos.
Was thinking if the rain holds and my plans get cancelled, the backup plan is to do some dress work on some flatcars. We will see.
Been binging on some old Star Trek this week. Kinda missed seeing it. Work continues on the printer so those projects are on hold. Theres a new idea, projects on hold....
See yall around the beanary!
SeeYou190SeeYou190 wrote the following post an hour ago: York1 This is the New Orleans City Park train. Don't get off the train -- there are alligators in the water. I rode that train back in the early 1980s. Is it still there? I was out of bed at 10:00 this morning! -Kevin
Kevin, the train is still there. They even expanded the track route since then.
If you were there in the 1980s, you were about four blocks from my house. The daughters and I walked or rode our bikes to this park several times a week. Now, who knows. We may have been in the park at the same time. Small world.
It is a magnificent park for Live Oak trees and Spanish Moss.
PM RailfanBeen binging on some old Star Trek this week. Kinda missed seeing it.
We have a station here that is running all the orginal series in order. They are now in the second season. Not as good as the first, but better than anything else on TV right now.
In the 1970s, in New Orleans, I attended a couple of Star Trek conventions. The highlight was the theater room where we got to watch movie screen size Star Trek episodes. Of course, everyone was saying the lines along with the show. Lots of fun before marriage ended that kind of experience.
York1If you were there in the 1980s, you were about four blocks from my house. The daughters and I walked or rode our bikes to this park several times a week. Now, who knows. We may have been in the park at the same time. Small world.
I have only been to New Orleans that one time, so it would have been quite the coincidence.
I just received notice from the Historical Miniature Gaming Society that Historicon 2021 has been cancelled. I am very afraid that when the big hobby conventions get up-and-going again attendance is going to be way down.
A little colder today, about 25F right now.
John, I don't have a vivid memory about being sucked up into the saucer, but my wife keeps saying I've changed, forgetful, impulsive, so aliens is the only logical explanation.
Ed, I agree about the colours of cars. In that photo there is a '57 Olds. I really like the look of them especially the 2 dr. 88 roof line. My Dad had black Fords in the '60s, a '62 Galaxie 500 but it had red upholstery. He then had a '66 LTD that had turqoise brocade.
No RR plans today but maybe the Pacific will finally leave the station with the express reefers. Hope there isn't fish in them.
Kevin,
I think you're right about concerns that attendance will be way down when the conventions open back up. I was reading on here somewhere about the Timonium shows limiting the number of guests and only selling so many tickets, plus only allowing people I think 4-hours in the show. If I didn't work that weekend I'd plan to go, but alas I'm working the same days as the show is happening.
Star Wars Son-in-Law has 'a good few models' in his 'den'.
UFOs I saw one about 45 years ago. (Genuine.)
People at Shows. With so many new laws appearing every day here in the UK, I don't think we are allowed to breathe let alone go anyway.
On a much liter note. I ran a few trains.
The Chef's hat. (I have one.) Baking an English Bacon & Egg Pie.
Bacon & Egg Pie, Potato Wedges & Peas (maybe Carrots as well.)
Greek Yoghurt Surprise to follow.
Howdy ....
Speaking of the Santa Fe Super Chief, here are pictures of our 1957 family trip on it. Poor quality images, but you can see enough. I was with my sisters.
In those days, people dressed up for traveling unlike most people you see in today's airports.
On other trips, we rode PRR Broadway Limited, IC City of Miami, SP Daylights, Burlington Zephyrs, and several others. I miss the pre-Amtrak days.
Tomorrow, I will be at the cardiologist for a follow up appointment.
Everybody: ...... Have a good evening.
Garry, no wonder you love trains today. What great train experiences growing up.
Edit: I'm not sure what is going on in the cosmos, but this is the third time in three days I have had Top of the Page.
I'm getting a little low on cash continually buying food and drink for all of you.
However, since it's a rule, I'll buy again. In my time zone, it's after dinner evening, and a good glass of wine sounds right. But since I'm low on funds, this will be the wine:
"What's the word? Thunderbird! What's the price? Thirty twice!"
These pictures are great! Thank you for sharing. Hoping your appointment goes well tomorrow.
Railpax turns 50 —
I remember the "Rainbow Era" well. I did get a chance to ride the B&O and the Erie Lackawanna. Penn Central, too. Most of the Penn Central rides I've blocked out of my memory
Got my second Shingrix vaccine today. Now a 30 day wait before I can get the Covid #1.
The handoff:
Passenger power by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Like threading a needle!
Through Tunnel 39 by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
The ice is completely gone from the river here which is at least 2 weeks earlier than normal.
Kevin, saw a '66 S33 convert. go at the Barrett Jackson auction today. It had the 428 and went for 45k.
Train is still at the station, hopefully those reefers have been re-iced.
Soon tea and tellie time.
York1PM Railfan Been binging on some old Star Trek this week. Kinda missed seeing it. We have a station here that is running all the orginal series in order.
Hard to believe that William Shatner is 90 years old! Dianne and I were real Trekies!
A lot of people know that the city of Chicago used to dye the Chicago River and Barge Canal green for Saint Patrick's Day.
Did you know the Milwaukee Road used to make their tracks green for the same occasion???
A futuristic train in a not-so-futuristic setting by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
CNCharlieKevin, saw a '66 S33 convert. go at the Barrett Jackson auction today. It had the 428 and went for 45k.
Every so ofen I really get a hankerin' to get another 1966 S55, but it will never be as fun as when I was 18, living in Nashville, in 1986.
Good morning all. A cloudy day and getting colder. Snow expected this weekend.
Garry. I hope it all goes well today.
Dawn had a 'bad night' so we shall take it easy today. Daughter-in-Law is bringing us some groceries. It will be nice to see her.
I have been going thru some model railway 'to do' stuff, so that will keep me quiet.
Coffee time. I shall raid the cookie jar.
Good morning, everyone. Lots of coffee this morning, Flo!
Today is cleaning day. I'm awaiting instructions from someone still sleeping.
David, I hope you have a good day after the bad night.
Today, I was able to walk the trail with just a light jacket on. All the snow is gone, and the trees are budding. It's quite a change from just several weeks ago when my backyard storage shed looked like this:
Top of the morning to yas! And a wonderful morning it is now. A gorgeous overcast sky with that wonderful life restoring rain falling from it. Perfect morning to be sleeping.
Two things missing though, a metal roof and my sleep routine is off. As i mentioned earlier i believe, i had some work to do on the outside of my locked in world. It cleared up yesterday enough i got to spend about 4 hours out in it. For a spring day, it hit the mark. Thus now, my routine is off.
Our efforts were not fruitful either . Never the less, somehow i made it home with a homemade German Chocolate cake - my fav! Freshly made. So today, now that its been in the fridge and set up properly, grab a fork folks, id like to share! My SIL does cook purty goodly.
Now on to more important stuff like train stuff....
Ed) Absolutely amazing video on the AmTrak paint schemes. That was done well enough Id swear the narrator was a real Railfan, not just a marketing lacky. Sure did make it easy for me as alot of their schemes get a bit confusing.
Critter Dave) Star Trekkie/Wars fan here too. Cant get enough of the 'good' sci fi. Though as of late it has kinda dropped off. Some of the new stuff isnt too bad.... Mando, Picard, Expanse.
Now that you mention it, i wouldnt have thought Shatner was that.... 'wise'. Must be from all those years in zero G.
Kevin) I have to agree with you, '66 was a good model year. For alot of things!
Well folks... rainy day, pretty much no chores, no errands to run, no dog to walk, no girls to chase..... sounds like a good day to spend in the train room. If I ony had one!
See yall later!
Good morning,
Cloudy and 52 this morning in SoCal. I'll have maple syrup oatmeal and an iced tea please.
Garry I too hope that all goes well with the doctor today. I wanted to thank you for posting your pic from 1957. It took me back to when I would ride the train up to Fresno to visit my grandparents on the farm. Your picture could have been me (without the sisters) and I remember having to wear an itchy wool suit in the summer heat.
Ed Great post regarding the Amtrak color schemes. I had no idea there had been so many versions!
Mrs. Crunch came across the photo below while surfing the net. It's a string of abandoned locomotives in Siberia.
abandoned locomotive siberia by Tim Neely, on Flickr" alt="" />
Well, it is official, Summer is here.
The 70/90 days have begun, and will continue for the next 8-9 months. These are the 275 consecutive days when it is within 3 degrees of 70 for the low, and 3 degrees of 90 for the high.
Paradise has ended for us, normality has returned.
SeeYou190The 70/90 days have begun, and will continue for the next 8-9 months. These are the 275 consecutive days when it is within 3 degrees of 70 for the low, and 3 degrees of 90 for the high. Paradise has ended for us, normality has returned.
Garry, hope the doctor goes well for you.
Everyone: I just want to say I appreciate what a great group of people we have in the diner. Class acts every one. That includes our regulars who apparently switched trains a while back too. Hopefully they are back on board soon.
Douglas, thanks for the German Chocolate cake. One of my favorites!
Who remembers the trolley bus?
I used to ride to school on some days here in Cleveland where there was a pretty extensive trackless trolley system. This was back in 1960-63. Was it a design before its time?
1948 Marmon-Herrington Trolley Coaches by Alden Jewell, on Flickr
I just got a call saying the new John deere will be [finally] delivered tomorrow. I offered to pick it up last week but they said they would much rather deliver it.
We're supposed to have rain all day
C'est la vie — Ed
Good evening all. Snow is back; falling as I type. Had the North British Railway line still been open the snowplough would be needed in the morning.
Dawn had a good day today. I didn't run any trains just in case she needed me urgently. We remain positive for a good night.
Southern Thai Chicken Panang Curry
Mixed Fruit Surprise.
Water Level RouteAnd that's why I won't live in Florida.
Rainy season starts next month, hurricane season the month after that.
We have a few days left in the month so I would like to continue with our theme of moving the Diner to a place where dining cars or passenger cars were built. Someone had suggested that we go across the pond to see what they made over there, so I did some research but so far I haven't found much information. Can anyone help out?
A few scratchbuilding ideas here
Thomas Underwood Coll B&O869 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
Note the cut-down box car end and roof as a shed.
Thomas Underwood Coll B&O887 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
One of those Roundhouse Old Timers cars could be the basis for this car.
Thomas Underwood Coll B&O901 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
...and the ever popular icicle breaker. I believe Bowser has done a 3D print of the beams for an easy conversion.
KEN, you still there? LION? Seems pretty sparse around here lately.
Is it the food?
Spam_55 by Edmund, on Flickr
gmpullmanIs it the food?
If Spam is all that is being offered I'm not surprised that some members are missing!
My mom served Spam regularly when I was a kid. At the cottage it was Spam or canned ham, or nothing. No refrigeration.
When Dianne and I were in Cuba we decided to have lunch at a restaurant that was right on the beach. It was convenient but busy, so we had to wait a while to get seated. One of the items on the menu was "Ham Burgers". Note the use of two words, not one as is the usual spelling. We had been served decent burgers at another of the resort's dining spots so we assumed that we would be getting the same thing. What showed up (after another long wait) was fried Spam in a burger bun. We were not impressed but we were hungry so we decided to give them a try. Dianne took one bite and nearly hurled. They were horrible! What made it worse was that there were no condiments offered so there was nothing to mask the taste. We missed lunch that day!
No Spam for me tonight!
I warmed up the leftover pork roast from a couple days ago and mixed it with barbeque sauce for dinner.
It was much better than I expected!
Pink Floyd stay video
I'm so sorry Kids, sometimes these days these Pink Floyd videos are not so quiet coefficient
I will try now efficient
One of these days
Did you remember not further back or a few days ago when I said there was no Hawaiian guitars and Pink Floyd only used pipes on their fingers
Well I'm sorry, I lied
I TOLD those guys, "be sure you put plenty of padding on the sides before you put the engine back in the box." Did they listen?
Broken mirror by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Well here I am trying to fit these little pins in the holes! Anybody got any Super Glue?
I don't believe I've ever had the pleasure of a slab of Spam. I'm guessing it really isn't much different than bologna, which is Spam only ground up finer.
I will make a fried bologna sandwich with grilled onions and Miracle Whip every once-in-a-while, whenever I think my bad LDL is getting too low
The wind is really picking up here. Expected gusts of 60 MPH from now 'til noon.
I liked that image of the blue locomotive Ed!
I'm not going to try to distinguish or elaborate.
We had a saying to each other in high school when we were pissed off or dismayed at one another.
Eat Spam was the saying Your bologna and such can't be too much more better
I had spam once and that was enough. After that It was ham and scrambled eggs always.
Until then I will now stick with how to stick with my Friday morning's, Friday nights and Saturday nights.
Although none of them feel much the same these days
We had fog this morning and although the circumstances, I got my trailer back in the parking lot and it's starting to look like Fort Knox here. I will send pictures tomorrow or the next day.
Either I'm doing good with what I've done or I'm in big trouble Ed
It's a good thing to have a rear view mirror on Big Blue. Not as a preventative measure but sometimes you need to see behind you if something goes a little South
hon30critter We have a few days left in the month so I would like to continue with our theme of moving the Diner to a place where dining cars or passenger cars were built. Someone had suggested that we go across the pond to see what they made over there, so I did some research but so far I haven't found much information. Can anyone help out? Dave
Here in the UK railway carriages were built by each Railway Company within their workshops. Information on carriages themselves is hard to find as most people are not interested; wherereas it is different regarding the locomotives.
For instance.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holgate_Road_carriage_works,_York
The North British Railway is even more difficult. Anything but what you want.
https://www.railwaywondersoftheworld.com/north_british.html
To go into detail on anything one has to join a Society like --
https://www.nbrstudygroup.co.uk/
I shall search around the various railway workshops and see if I can find anything better.
More on Railway Carriage Works
The exLNWR works at Wolverton in Buckinghamshire.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolverton_railway_works
http://www.royaltrain.co.uk/wolverton-works-news/4588327577
In most places to get information one has to become a member.
https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/17763895.queen-carriageworks-asbestos-legacy/#gallery0
Post Hog.
Spam. I had to eat the stuff during rationing here in the UK late 1940s and into 1950s. Disliked the stuff, but one ate it because there was nothing else.
It has made a 'comeback' with the younger folk, but we older ones haven't taken to it.
Coffee time One sugar and a little milk please.
Good morning. Looks like some of you were up all night!
TF This was on my Face Book this morning, thought I'd pass it on:
https://www.hootowlresort.com/
Private cabins, on 2 lakes.
Have a great day, it's Friday! WI. fish fry tonight!
Good morning all (Owl) and especially good morning to Mike
I'll have the bacon and scrambled eggs with HAM! , Wisconsin cheddar cheese over the whole works and a thick cup of coffee
Perhaps I should go to the Hoot Owl Resort as I have Judy looking over all the information right now after me!
It seems I have become a little off my rocker lately, as the cushion has gotten a little loose above Its supports at night
It hasn't even been a week yet but I could use another retreat
Making it to the Wisconsin Friday night fish fry doesn't look good but I am hopeful as I really like that Walleye
The Hoot Owl could be the exact therapy I need to unwind, relax and brush up on my late night activities and maybe get a little better at them a bit
Good morning, diners. It's another near-perfect day out. There was a little frost this morning, but the sun is shining and it should get into the 50s today.
My newest granddaughter is being baptized Sunday, so we are having all the kids and grandkids here this weekend. That means the house is being cleaned. That means I'm cleaning the house, under the direction of the house foreman. It's good there's not such a thing as mind-reading.
As a kid, we had Spam once or twice. Growing up in farm country, we didn't get too much meat like that. If I remember, I thought it was OK. After moving to New Orleans, I got to love seafood. Now I can't get seafood, but we sure eat a lot of beef here. I would have a terrible time trying to be a vegetarian.
The foreman is calling. Hope everyone has a good day today.
We got about 2" of wet snow last night that hasn't melted yet but hopefully will by the end of day.
As a kid my mother sometimes served Tulip brand canned meat that came from Denmark. I think it is similar to Spam. Anyway she stuck cloves in it and made a sauce with ? and baked it. It was ok. A poor man's baked ham.
The Betties Diner model from Walthers has a menu board right out of Monty Python's Spam skit. It was the first building kit I did when I started my layout.
Robbie got up at about 10, his usual time, had brekkie, his special low copper dog food topped with a chicken baby food sauce. He then went outside for his constitutional and now is sleeping beside me on the sofa.
Another no plan day. Looking forward to yard cleanup.
I've been typing on my tablet for a long time now. It is a slow process with a rubber tip pen but I've gotten used to it. I'm actually quite fast on a keyboard as I can touch type without looking at the keys. I learned in high school along with latin as my school didn't have spare periods. Keep them busy at all times was the moto. The latin was only helpful on IQ tests as there always were long words that you could figure out the meaning with the latin root.
Coffee time againl
gmpullmanI don't believe I've ever had the pleasure of a slab of Spam. I'm guessing it really isn't much different than bologna, which is Spam only ground up finer.
I only like Spam two ways that I have tried it.
Both require the Spam to be cubed, and cooked over medium heat with onions for about 30 minutes.
1) Mixed in scrambled eggs with mild salsa.
2) On a sesame seed bun with pickle and spicy barbeque sauce.
CNCharlieThe Betties Diner model from Walthers has a menu board right out of Monty Python's Spam skit.
There is a thrid way, I have only had it once and cannot prepare it myself.
I stopped at a barbeque place in Alabama that had a Smoked Spam (!) sandwich. The waitress said I had to try it. She was right, it was amazing.
Huh, I never knew Monty Python did a skit on spam Charlie.
My daughter's gave me the whole Monty Python collection for my birthday one year.
I must admit I have not watched the whole box set yet.
Kevin, If you say that a smoked spam sandwich was amazing, I will definitely take your word for it. I do believe that sandwich could only be prepared by a (Train)ed professional Kids don't try this at home I honestly do not believe I've had spam since I was a teenager.
Judy finally got a day off this week. We went to the post office for the first time in five weeks and just returned from the grocery store with two rotisserie chickens. We are making a big batch of our chicken enchiladas today. You are all invited over for dinner this evening
I'm seriously considering the Hoot Owl Resort Mike. I hope I don't find like everywhere else, nobody has a vacancy for two months.
Pretty neat video I thought. It's very much admirable how wild animals can sense a kind spirited person.
And that picture was snapped at one particular moment out our picture window from six stories up at dusk. Harbor Blue is one of my favorite colors, very hard to mix with paint and this Image will never be captured again. It wasn't good enough for me that Judy and I were the only ones that saw it. It had to be shared
La Crosse
Thank you Bear
Your work in your profession is way out of my league. But I can appreciate the craftsmanship of any Tradesman of any trade and I do. Wow!
I had delusions through my life of building a wooden plane wrapped with canvas instead of paper like the models I built. And a wooden boat framed with wood and wrapped with wood like the models that I built.
They didn't have to be delusions but I never seemed to get the time for them so they were And that just goes to show you that life is a little short.
I must tell you I kind of understood why the propeller would spin one way, stop and go the other way Bear. But I don't.
I know it has to be speeded up and slowed down during flight but I'm not ashamed to admit I know nothing about how it works.
Again I will say my favorite plane was the Corsair
I got the Staples started for the chicken enchiladas.
I remember watching dancing bear doing a skit to this music on Captain Kangaroo when I was just a lad. I can't find it or I would play that video for you. If I could just get a little help please
Post Hog
Track fiddlerKevin, If you say that a smoked spam sandwich was amazing, I will definitely take your word for it.
I love the things some barbeque places put in the smoker.
There used to be a place in Georgia that had smoked meatloaf! Unfrotunately they only do catering now.
In Tampa you can get smoked corned beef! That will change your life.
It was then sold to, and saw service with the Finnish Air Force and is known to have shot down 9 Soviet aircraft before being short down itself. It was recovered from the Russian tundra.
If you ever want to read about endless unbelievable heroics, the Finnish defensive stand against the Soviet invasion just prior to the Germans invading the Soviet Union in World War 2 was just amazing.
SeeYou190 In Tampa you can get smoked corned beef! That will change your life.
Kevin, That was Rich!
You have three sides to you I have gathered through the years
The thoughtful Kevin that would give the shirt off his back to help anyone out
The serious Kevin who is a very talented modeler that shows modeling skills that amaze me
The hilarious Kevin that says things off the wall and busts my gut wide open
I like all the Kevins!
After the chicken and the chicken stock is added, after the jalapenos, onions and garlic simmered so long you can't even tell it's in there, I hover into the kitchen about every 15 minutes and squish the whole surface of the goodness with a fork to persuade the juice to soak in and make the chicken softer and more flavorful.
I keep that up for a couple of hours or four until the water evaporates out of the chicken stock and the rest of the flavor of everything combined goes into the meat. It's no wonder we eat at 9:00 sometimes but it's well worth it
Slow Cook Hog
Post Hog Post Hog
You guys should try to Post Hog with me too sometimes
It gets lonely up here on top!
Pre oven view after enchilada sauce and the last generous sprinkle of Wisconsin cheese
Judy is trying to make tamales with the other rotisserie chicken. That's not going so good I told her, her friends get up at 5 in the morning to start making those things.
But need not to worry, I've been making chicken enchiladas for 20 years.
Dinner is at 9:15. I will understand if a few of you are late but I expect all of you to be here
Friday Night
St. Patrick's Day is behind us but today I'm goin' for the Green!
Deere_X590 by Edmund, on Flickr
Ordered her on Feb. 5th and here we are. The dealer asked if I wanted them to install the snow blower? Hummm, well, maybe. Today it was a brisk 48°. Almost tee-shirt weather
This will be Mrs. Pullman's ride for the Summer. She's in charge of keeping the grass on an even keel. I'm in charge of scraping, dumping and raking:
Kioti_CK2510 by Edmund, on Flickr
In the winter it will be my job to keep the drive plowed. I got a cab for the Deere!
My son said he'd be glad to adopt the old Husqvarna which used to be the main lawn tractor. Man, that thing was "cheep". I spent more time repairing it than running it.
Here we are, cutting gaps to wire up the frog power. You should see the Frog Juicer they use
Grinding by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Well, ...48° is T-shirt weather Ed. I would suggest you Man-Up and buy the good Carhartt T-Shirts instead of the thin Kmart ones
Nice green machine! I feel almost at home looking at your New lawn mower
SWEET!
I'm using 22 gauge wire for my layout but I do have some -55 cable leftover from theft proofing my trailer for that prototypical turn out if you and your comrades need a strand of it
Done!
Kevin, Ed, Charlie, John, David, Dave, Ken, Ray, Stix, Brent and Lion, wherever he's been gets the first piece and so does our friend Steve-O of course. So does everyone else as a second Corning Ware is coming out of the oven soon.
Digg Inn guys and don't forget "Who Loves You Baby"!
Telly Savalas
If I eat this with you, it will be my second supper. I had the first one at 4:00 this afternoon.
The older I get, the earlier I have happy hour, which then means I eat supper earlier, too.
It's 10:00 O-Clock on a Friday
Just Kidding, Maybee Saturday Night. I'm hitting the rack after dinner now. I'm glad you enjoyed your second Supper John, I made it just for you
Sleep well My Friends
Mike, those pictures of the Hoot Owl Resort look great! That's my kind of vacation place.
TF, let us know if you are going to go to that lodge.
Track fiddler I would suggest you Man-Up and buy the good Carhartt T-Shirts instead of the thin Kmart ones
One step ahead of you, TF:
Last Day by Edmund, on Flickr
Carhart by Edmund, on Flickr
One thing I'm really picky about is clothing, bed sheets, towels, etc.
100% cotton!
Thanks for the tamales, TF
I actually have a few Negra Modelos in the ice box. Those are going down pretty good. The tamales will be the perfect compliment!
Track fiddlerI would suggest you Man-Up and buy the good Carhartt T-Shirts instead of the thin Kmart ones
I used to swear by Carhratt Ts, until I bought a Dickies T shirt. I like them much better.
gmpullmanSt. Patrick's Day is behind us but today I'm goin' for the Green!
Nice looking tractor Ed. I have a lawn service that mows and edges. I take care of the trees, gardens, and shrubs.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Well... Florida has totally dumped on me. This week Covid-19 vaccinations were opened up to people in their 50s. I tried to get an appointment, but all were booked up instantly.
Now... on Monday they will drop the age to people in their 40s, and on Monday, April 5th, they will open up to EVERYBODY! All the way down to 16 years old.
We still have not vaccinated all the elderly, and us in our 50s never even had a fair shot at getting the needle.
I hope I can get an appointment sooner than later.
NorthBritHere in the UK railway carriages were built by each Railway Company within their workshops. Information on carriages themselves is hard to find as most people are not interested; wherereas it is different regarding the locomotives.
Thanks for those links. No wonder I had trouble finding any information!
I have only read a few small parts of the websites that you posted the links to. I will read more tomorrow.
Thanks again,
We are now only four days before the end of the month, so that means that we have to decide where to place the Diner for April. I've been picking my brain but I haven't come up with any really creative ideas. If anyone has any suggestions please speak up!! If there are no new format suggestions we could just go back to the practice of choosing a single location or state/province/country to make things simpler.
Also, does anyone else want to host the Diner for April? The job is not difficult and you can post as much or as little information as you want. If you just want to sit back and observe, then that's okay too.
Good morning all. The sun has melted the little bit of snow we had. A bright, sunny day ahead.
I see it was a busy time in the Diner.
I have a few things to do on the layout, so that will keep me out of mischief.
April's Diner. If there are no takers I will be interested again. This time around Scotland
Beauty by Rail:
Passing of Tweedsmuir Park by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
NorthBritApril's Diner. If there are no takers I will be interested again. This time around Scotland
That is most generous of you to offer to host the Diner! The last time you hosted it you did a tremendous job! I'm certainly willing to have you entertain us again!
Scotland, Scotland, did I hear somebody say Scotland???
Sounds good to this old Scotsman David. You may take the reins for this one! A wonderful job you did last time around Truly an entertaining Host you are!
Just make sure you have your red and green plaid Kilt, matching Tam and don't forget to grab your Pipes on the way
Thanks David. Sounds good to me
gmpullman 100% cotton!
Perfect! Yes you are and I beg your humble pardon as you know what shirts to buy I have that one too, .....And the thin thread number count of cotton sheets
If NASA hired more men wearing Carhartt T-Shirts and picked our brains for half a day, they might be a lot further along in their Space Program than they are. They build everything twice with our tax dollars as they know the first one is going to fail
Good morning. I'm making breakfast for house visitors this morning. It should be a fun day.
A Fun day indeed planned John! Carry on
Sounds good to me
Howdy : Good to see each of your posts. ........
Regarding my Thursday appointment with cardiologist: ... Making some progress. Doctor revised medications. My blood pressure was being over corrected. It was 77 / 47 at the appointment which is a bit low. He also has been trying to regulate congestion. Weight went up 12.5 pounds in February and has decreased by 16 pounds so far in March. That should stabilize. Hopefully when BP normalizes, I will feel better. My sister in AL texted Thursday evening when her town was under tornado watch. She was in a closet hunkering down with her dog. Fortunately, not much damage in her town unlike nearby towns.
Everybody: Have a nice day.
Good evening all, Diners.
Garry Good to hear from you.
Baked a ham and egg pie today. Got the thumbs up when we tried a piece.
Did not manage to get to the train room. Must try better tomorrow.
The said Ham & Egg Pie with Wedges & Baked Beans.
Greek Style Strawberry & Blackberry Chocolate Surprise with Cream
Good Afternoon —
Toast and jam while watching a boy and his tram:
The seasoned oak sleepers are soaked in creosote and what? I thought the narrator said vegemite? That can't be right. (1:40)
I wonder what the oak was seasoned with? Paprika, maybe
Yes
Solid as Oak Ed!
Check out my little munchkin as he's growing up so fast and makes me proud to be a Grandpa
My little Fiddler Xavier (Zav), the chip off the old block
Sent to me today. Just like his Daddy as he dresses so nice and I'm so thankful his Daddy doesn't have to work hard like I did
I got to get over there to see him again, otherwise it's going to tear me apart
And now we're down at the Mexican restaurant 3 blocks from our place
Yes, I see what was in the ice box Ed
Garry: It sounds like things are heading in the right direction. Please take care of yourself.
Good morning all. Timepieces were put forward last night, here in the UK. Adjusting to the loss of one hour!
Ed. Thanks for the model tram film. Took me back to a time when I lived in Leeds and traveled by tram. And more recently being the Assistant Treasurer to The North East Electrical Tram Trust. I retired from the Post to look after Dawn full time.
An easy going day today. Hopefully get time to run a few trains.
Coffee Time. A little sugar and milk.
I've GOT to talk to that landlord about getting a new place!
They told my I'd love the Ivory Coast!
Even Pennsylvania can be a beautiful place:
Rain and color at Mance by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Back to a cold and rainy Sunday here in NE Ohio. It IS still March. The Daffy Dills are popping up around the property, though
I'm glad you liked the tram film, David. I believe we all owe a great deal of gratitude to the British for making the model railway hobby as robust as it is today.
Ed. The Rain & Color picture is gorgeous.
As for the cat
I liked the fall colors, piano cat and the double decker trolleys, it did sound like he said vegemite?
I'm hopeful they get your blood pressure balanced out Garry. Good to hear from you. I'm hoping your feeling better soon.
It's been rainy up here, another good day to work on the bridge.
Have a great day gentlemen
Good heavens Garry I had blood pressures like that 6 years ago. I could barely stand up and I looked as bad as I felt. Hopefully the get you straightened out quick.
In the states Home Depot is selling reclaimed pallet wood. They remove the nails and that's it, the rest is up to you, only $30
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Crates-Pallet-Full-Pallet-Reclaimed-Parts-Only-94721/203837921
Nascar filled the Bristol racetrack with 2,000 truck loads of dirt so they could race on it. They've been hyping the race for a month.
After heavy rains and "track drying" they made it around the track twice and nobody but the guy out front could see out their windshield. More rain forecast for today.
Good morning. It's a pretty busy morning for me -- I'm the breakfast cook for the grandchildren. I made biscuits and sausage. There weren't any complaints. They know that they are welcome to make something else if they don't want what I make. They were all happy with what I made.
They will all be leaving this afternoon. I will sleep for four days.
NorthBrit Timepieces were put forward last night, here in the UK. Adjusting to the loss of one hour!
I did not know England had Daylight Savings Time. I assumed you guys were smarter than that.
I have always been irrritated by the clock changes.
gmpullmanThey told my I'd love the Ivory Coast!
That was a good one!
BigDaddyIn the states Home Depot is selling reclaimed pallet wood. They remove the nails and that's it, the rest is up to you, only $30
My middle daughter, the one in Seattle, has decided that she is going to build all the furniture for her new house from old pallett wood. I hope she changes her mind before she starts the project. The thought of her using power tools terrifies me.
SeeYou190 NorthBrit Timepieces were put forward last night, here in the UK. Adjusting to the loss of one hour! I did not know England had Daylight Savings Time. I assumed you guys were smarter than that. -Kevin
Always had it since WW2. It was canceled one year, but the complaits were numourous.
There is talk again of doing away with DST. We shall see.
For dinner it will be 'Sunday Dinner' with all the trimmings.
David (UK), Kevin, TF, Henry, and anyone I missed: ..... Thanks for your comments about my health situation. It's improving. ... Yes, Henry, the low BP bothered me a lot.
Ed ... That is nice photo in Pennslylvania. Much of PA is beautiful.
Regarding DST, I don't think it makes any sense to change clocks back and forth twice a year.
Everybody ....... Have nice afternoon.
I went through the same thing with my BP meds a couple of years ago. I had been taking three BP meds for years. After the dizzies kicked in, the Doc cut me back to one and my BP is perfect.
Hoping everyone is doing well tonight.
I did some painting work on the model trucks from my windows for HO trucks thread. The bodies and cabs still need to be painted, but the chassis, wheels, and tires are pretty much done. I did the primer coats earlier tonight and that went well. I'm letting the paint dry overnight and I'll work on doing color coats tomorrow. I'll post pics of course.
It has been a while since I posted a house remodel update. I have been working on the ouside cement... NO FUN!
My house has these weird 1980s angled walls along the front. Removing them was out of the question. I decided to square them up and once the house is painted I will cover them with slate stacked stone ledger panels.
I have learned a lot about rebar and casting concrete.
There were four sections of wall that needed to be squared up for the stone panels.
All of the stucco where there will be rock panels had to be ground down to bare cement and a level surface. Then scratch lines had to be cut into the walls to hold the rock mortar.
I also removed the stucco from around the new front window. The stucco texture did not match what was previously on the house, so I will just cover this area with thin brick. Once the Sea Grapes grow in, it will be hard to see this anyway.
Then, I attacked the rear wall on the Lanai. Same problem as the front window, the new stucco did not match what was on the house. I am just going to put a thin rock veneer on this wall, and it will look fine.
This has been a ton of work. All boring, noisy, dusty, and irritating. That is why there have been no updates.
I am so glad this is over.
The painting crew is supposed to be here tomorrow to clean the house and get it ready for primer. Hopefully some time next week I will no longer have a pink house.
Only in Canada!
This is revolutionary!!!
Note that there is limited availability. Watch to the end of the video or you might miss out.
Good morning all from the land of the former North British Railway. A case of holding on to your hat as their is strong gusts of wind blowing.
Garry. Good to hear from you. Stay positive.
The Opticians are giving Dawn and I eye tests today. So, depending how long they take I shall take the rest of the day as it comes.
Ordered some handrails so Dawn can 'get about outside' easier. They are to be specially made.
All this work I see from Kevin is making me want a coffee.
Coffee time. Milk and a little sugar.
Thirty-two degrees F here in NE Ohio this morning! Brrr.
I hear the Ever Given is beginning to make some progress
Meanwhile, along the Columbia River:
Cape Horn by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Above Cape Horn by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Good Morning all.
I will be in and out for while as I am being sent to a Hospital we purchased to help them set up their new computer systems. They have a June deadline and not much time. I will be out of town for a week.
So I will be cracking the whip at them to get going.
I am up way too early so the painters can start work. They are supposed to be here in 20 minutes.
Chloe, you might as well leave me the whole pot of coffee.
Dave: I cannot see your videos. When I click on them it says they are private.
SeeYou190Dave: I cannot see your videos. When I click on them it says they are private.
Same here.
Dave, try just posting the link, sometimes that works on those troublemakers.
Good morning, diners. Flo, I'll have bacon, eggs, and coffee.
I'm delivering Meals on Wheels today to shut-ins, so the day will be busy.
David, I, also, didn't realize the UK followed Daylight Savings Time. I personally don't like it. We are on the west side of the Central Time Zone, and it is dark here in the mornings when the switch is made. Good luck with your handrail project.
It's funny to see the ads at Home Depot for pallet wood. For years those were thrown out or burned. My father could not stand to see things thrown away. He took pallets apart, saving even the nails. He was ahead of his time.
Garry, take care. Hope the BP meds get regulated.
Alvie, I'm looking forward to the photos of your truck work.
Kevin, you're doing pretty well with that concrete work. You're braver than I am in tackling that job. It will look great finished. I think half the houses along the Gulf Coast are pink (or what the owners call "coral"!).
Ed, great photos of the Columbia River.
Good luck with the work project, MLC. Just thinking about that makes me glad I'm retired.
Brent, it's good to see you again in the diner! It seems like a while. I know you've also been busy with house projects.
It's a nice spring day here. All thoughts are turning to spring planting for the farmers. Of course, the school kids have been thinking summer vacation for weeks already, even though there are still six weeks left until graduation.
Hope everyone has a great day.
York1I think half the houses along the Gulf Coast are pink (or what the owners call "coral"!).
When I went to Cape Coral High School in the early 1980s, and the school was brand new, our colours were what they called "Coral and Blue". They were actually pink and baby blue, completely 1980s! In the 1990s they colours were changed to a darker blue and orange, like the University of Florida, but they still call it "Coral and Blue".
Every house I have lived in here in Southwest Florida has been pink. My parent's house in high school, my first apartment, my "dream house", the duplex, and this house. The only exception is the apartment my wife and I rented the first year we were married.
I am looking so forward to having a typical off-white house! The "Little pink houses, for you and me" are disappearing (finally).
My house a couple years after I bought it. This picture is before Hurricane Charley when the big tree was lost. It is also before I replaced the roof for the first time. Probably 2001.
I could talk a lot about coral as I do know a lot about it. Actually the guy that had it in his miniature aquarium environment knew more about it than the ocean guys did.
Today I took the recycling down to the garbage. I Heard a Voice come out of the lower garage and it sounded like Sally asking me to unwrap her to come out and play.
It's been raining hard for days and the old garage is leaking
It was her and I was just as happy to see her as she was to see me.
It is supposed to get to 71 degrees out today. Guess What? I'm taking Sally out for a romp.
I tend to be easy on her for the first ride. The second and third ride is quite different as she was built with good parts and she can take it.
I Romp Sally hard I think she likes it!
I do suspect to ride her three times today
I had to check the Home Depot pallet wood.
Are you kidding me??? $30. ? No thanks. And, they are out of stock.
Nice work on the walls Kevin, I'm sure you drill and epoxied dowels into the excisting, as I didn't read all the text.
Whats the 1/2 block, imbedded in the crete, on the corner for?
Suppose to get to the mid 60's here today, lots of sun, but the wind is getting crazy!
mbinsewiNice work on the walls Kevin, I'm sure you drill and epoxied dowels into the excisting, as I didn't read all the text. Whats the 1/2 block, imbedded in the crete, on the corner for?
There is a webbing of rebar inside all of the concrete.
The walls will be covered with stacked stone panels, and the block on the top is there to help keep the corner square. There is rebar in the block, and it is filled solid with concrete.
When the ledger panels are installed, they will extend 1/2" - 1" above the concrete walls, then the top will be filled and a cap-stone put in place. I sure hope it looks good.
The painting crew is cleaning my house right now with chemicals.
I am hoping all the landscaping survives.
I am still drinking coffee, not much sleep last night. Go ahead and help yourself, a new pot is brewing.
Track fiddlerActually the guy that had it in his miniature aquarium environment knew more about it than the ocean guys did.
Cheers guys!
And I like Mike
So, a half a block from home my throttle sticks wide open in my Mach 1 and it starts redlining.
Of course I turned the key off.
The Chevy dealership is right next to where I live and the guys were out for a smoke break.
There was six of them under the hood of my car immediately and Randy Saved the Day
It was a kink in throttle cable because it's 50 years old.
Randy gave me his phone number and told me he would put a new throttle cable in it this weekend I am thankful that you cannot have one too many Randy's
I fipped him twenty bucks before I get to his house this weekend
Top of the day to yas! Hope everyone is on the good side of the fence today. Purty good beach weather day - retina burning sunshine with modest high 60s on the thermo meter.
Not much going on around these parts. Figured Id stop by and see whats cookin in the kitchen car. Sneak a few cookies whilest Flo aint lookin.
Ed) Somehow, I was expecting more green and yellow. Question is, are ya gonna give it the 'Pullman' treatment and go with a passenger 'green and gold'? So many intended puns in that! ) Ya had me going. What did Mrs Pullman say when she saw the training wheels on the deck? Check your PMs.
TF) Nice stang, wait till Ken sees that!
Critter Dave) Hey buddy, jumping on the 'i cant see your vids either' band wagon.
OK folks, hate to nosch n run. Have a great evening all!
PM RailfanEd) Somehow, I was expecting more green and yellow. Question is, are ya gonna give it the 'Pullman' treatment and go with a passenger 'green and gold'?
It was nice out the whole week before the Deere got delivered. On the day it arrived it was 36 and rainy! I did flip the training wheels around the right way. The ability to turn those wheels 90° in order to roll the deck out is a nice feature.
It may be a few weeks before the grass needs to be mowed
Deere Green & Yellow reminds me more of the old C&NW colors
Fresh Heritage by Don Kalkman, on Flickr
I kind of come full circle. When I first bought this house back in '83 I made a low initial offer. The seller counter-offered and I came back and told them I'd meet their counter offer if they threw in the John Deere 212.
Deal!
Deere_212 by Edmund, on Flickr
I'll check my PMs
My house has been treated and pressure cleaned. They are coming back tomorrow to seal the cracks and cut in the primer.
I took the day off and did not do anything!
Here we are on the last Tuesday of March. The weather is riding a roller coaster in N.E. Ohio. Possibly 75° today and lake effect snow on Thursday A little bit of everything in between.
My wife Dee Ann's mother passed away yesterday. Covid related. Age 88. Sad state of affairs.
One of my favorite "sad" pieces from a movie soundtrack is called Cavatina from the Deer Hunter. I found this quite superb rendition of it played on guitars.
See if you agree:
The Deer Hunter rates right up there with one of my all-time favorite movies.
Steel Mills, railroads, Axel's Cadillac, Meryll Streep, parts of it were filmed on the near-west side of Cleveland and parts in the mill towns along the Monongahela, Mingo Junction, Wierton, Pennnsylvania. Viet Nam conflict was no picknick. I had a lottery number but was young enough that I didn't get called up.
A little green for the Bridge Guy.
Missouri River crossing by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Crossing the Mighty Mo by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
I don't think Ken has checked in at all in March. Maybe I'll give him a call tonight.
Good morning all. See what you see, not what you thought you saw.
The sky is a hazy blue. A faint whisper of a cloud here and there. A gentle sway of the thinner branches on the trees. Some trees haven't any leaves on yet, even though Spring is here. The sun is shining. It's rays warming the heart. The greenery is showing her fifty shades in all her glory. Nature at work.
30th March 1750. The birth of John Stafford Smith, English composer. He is best known for writing the music for the American patriotic song 'The Star Spangled Banner'. In 1931 it was adopted as the national anthem of the United States of America.
Coffee time with milk and a little sugar.
NorthBrit30th March 1750. The birth of John Stafford Smith, English composer.
Let's have a rousing tribute:
Sorry to hear about your mother-in-law Ed, especially that it was virus related.
Sad news about your mother-in-law Ed. My condolences to you and Dee Ann.
Sorry to hear the sad news, Ed. Our condolences to you and Dee Ann.
Good morning, diners. Just coffee this morning.
Ed, you and your wife have my sympathy.
I hope we hear from some of our missing members soon.
Ed, deepest condolences to you and yours!
Jason Shron just sent this out via email:
The view from inside the train is interesting.
hon30critterJason Shron just sent this out via email: The view from inside the train is interesting. Dave
gmpullmanMy wife Dee Ann's mother passed away yesterday.
Hi Ed and Dee Ann,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother in law/mother. We deserve to die of ripe old age, not this Covid crap.
Take care,
Hi Kevin and everyone,
Sorry about that. I lack YouTube experience.
I believe I have made them public. Will you do me a favour and check them for me?
Dave, while I'm not Kevin, (I'm bald and he has hair), I tried the videos and they now work!
I've got to tell you that bike video had me going. I'm glad you said to watch the whole thing!
Thanks John!
I may re-post them for those who missed them. The bear one is hilarious.
Ed , my condolences to you and your good lady.
Craig the Bear.
I'm going to repost the two videos so folks don't have to go searching for them:
Only in Canada:
This could be revolutionary!! Stay tuned until the end!
I hope everyone can see them this time!
Deepest Condolences Ed & Dee Ann.
Ed, sorry to hear about your MIL.
Ken, where are you? Robbie was asking me if I'd heard from 'Unca Ken' recently as he does enjoy those dog treats you send him.
We had a fast moving low pressure system go through that are called an 'Alberta Clipper'. Temp dropped from about 50F to 15F and we had winds gusting to 50mph out of the NW. We have a silver maple in the back yard that has 3 stems one of which is dead. Well the dead one snapped at the base but didn't fall. It is about 2' thick at the base and 30' high. I was afraid it would snap off and do a lot of damage if it didn't kill me or my wife. I called a tree service and they came around and cut it off. One fellow climbed the tree in that wind. They had to take it down from the top to avoid damage. Amazing job but it will be expensive as it was on an emergency basis. Some tree companies won't even come out when it is that windy.
We had Robbie at the gromers and also the vets yesterday. The groomer does senior dogs once a month on a monday when she is normally closed. She takes her time and only does a few dogs so as not to stress them. At the vets when found out he potentially has dry eye in one eye that we hope can be cured with meds. If not treated it is very painful. His leg also isn't doing well so he is on more meds for that. Poor guy is showing his age.
No RR stuff the past few days.
Sure doesn't feel like spring outside. There is a windchill of -20 right now.
Evenin'Folks!
Meanwhile in Canada.....
THANK YOU to everyone for the condolences and kind words
I have passed along your well-wishes to Dee Ann and she will be very appreciative.
Dave, that was neat to see the OCD bear! He just can't relax unless he knows that cone is in proper form.
Time to start dinner. Pork chops in an orange-ginger glaze, pierogies and Brussels sprouts. I'll be back after dinner
PAs lean into the curve at Damascus, NY:
DH, Damascus, New York, 1974 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
Glistening sun reflections:
CN, Hyde Park, Ontario, 1986 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
Good evening ..
Ed ... I just now read your post with sad news about your mother in law. Sincere condolences to you and Dee Ann.
i'm busy catching up on NMRS ( non model railroad stuff )... So I have not had much time available to contribute here. That should improve.
Good night.
My wife and I both have our appointments to get our Covid-19 vaccination next week!
As soon as that needle is out of my arm I am planning a road trip!
Got Overburden?
Excavator_RK_5000_Lom_ČSA_Czech_Republic_2016_2 by Edmund, on Flickr
For the fans of huge machinery:
On a scale almost unimaginable. Amazing.
*Douglas. I sent you an email and another PM*
Track Fiddler:
The package arrived. Thank you!
I will share it in Weekend Photo Fun in a couple of days.
I am enjoying Yuengling tonight, feel free to have one with me.
Top of the evening to yas! Just stopping by to say howdy... HOWDY! Wanted to also say..
Ed) "you've got mail". Or atleast you should. I know things are a little busy right now, but when you get the chance it should be there, hopefully. Also wanted to tell ya i really enjoyed the "view the layout from inside the model" video. Superb!
Critter Dave) I can see, i can see! Your videos came in. Had me thinking i wasnt in the 'hip club' not having a password et al. Thinking man, im missing all kinds of discounts on model train stuff, memos, tours, special hat and jacket with club logo on it, secret handshakes, etc etc.
And if i isnt in the hip club, then i must be in the Zeke n Cletus club..... with you know who and whats his name. The Redneck Railway! Hillbilly Central! No wait, that last one is my location not my designation.
Have you hugged your trains today? Have a great evening folks!
Highball!
Good morning all. Another warm, sunny day.
We shall take a little trip out for a couple of hours. Not far as the 'rules' are as clear as mud on what we can do and not do.
Where is the Diner going in April? I have offered to take it around Scotland, but it hasn't been confirmed. If it is me, can someone set it up for me? Glasgow would be the starting point.
Those that are missing I hope all is well and you return soon.
NorthBritWhere is the Diner going in April? I have offered to take it around Scotland, but it hasn't been confirmed. If it is me, can someone set it up for me?
Scotland gets my vote
I can get all the html stuff set up tonight then I'll toss the keys across the Pond for you to run with it, David!
BR, Loch Eilt, Scotland, 2008 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
NorthBritWhere is the Diner going in April? I have offered to take it around Scotland, but it hasn't been confirmed. If it is me, can someone set it up for me? Glasgow would be the starting point.
I fully support your offer to take the Diner to Scotland in April. You did a fantastic job when you last hosted so please take the reins again!
I have to apologise to everyone because I didn't put my best effort into hosting the Diner in the last few days of March.
Dave, I'm not sure what you mean. I think you did a great job this month. I also gained some weight, which means the diner was a welcome stop for me.
Another busy day for me. Next week things should calm down.
I'm looking forward to Scotland. During WWII, before heading for France, my father was stationed in England. He never said much about England, but he did talk about traveling to Scotland and how beautiful it was.
York1Dave, while I'm not Kevin, (I'm bald and he has hair), I tried the videos and they now work!
Kevin has too much hair! I will try to get an updated picture sometime. I look so silly!
Dave: I saw the videos... love the bear... the bike video was very funny.
hon30critterI fully support your offer to take the Diner to Scotland in April.
I do too.
Thank you to David for the generous offer to host again.
Supposed to get up to 30F today, but it is sunny. Expecting 60 by Sunday.
Scotland sounds great. Only connection we have to Scotland is the West Highland White Terrier or two that we have had since 1983.
CNCharlie Scotland sounds great. Only connection we have to Scotland is the West Highland White Terrier or two that we have had since 1983. CN Charlie
For you, Charlie
Good evening all. Two days of warm weather 16-18 degrees C.
Dave. You have done a sterling job and is much appreciated.
I managed to get Dawn to the car and go for a drive. She is getting a fear of going out. Once out she is okay.
Waiting to get our second jab then we can go and see our family.
Asian Style Pork Noodles with Stir Fry Peppers.
Mixed Fruits Surprise
Stay Safe Everyone and see you in Glasgow tomorrow.
Ed, I am so sorry to hear about you and Dee Ann's loss.
My heart goes out to the both of you.
SeeYou190 Track Fiddler: The package arrived. Thank you!
Thanks again to everyone for the show of kindness and support. Quite appreciated
Here's a look at a critter on the move:
A double-header with a pusher. I love that machine pushing with the derrick mounted on the stack!
Interesting video of a UP intermodal derailment as it happens:
Train derailment reported near Gibbon - NEWS CHANNEL NEBRASKA
York1Interesting video of a UP intermodal derailment as it happens:
That is quite an exciting seven second video. Shocking.
Ed I am sorry about your loss, but 88 years is a good run.
I pulled my first almost all nighter in 19 years. My motherboard died and I replaced one of the hard drives with a solid state drive. They have M2 drives which are about 50% bigger than a stick of chewing gum. I had an extra because my laptop also died.
Itunes no longer worked as it it couldn't find any of my music, even though I made mulitple backups of my music file. There are programs that purport to download you music down into Itunes. The two i tried could not detect my Iphone.
Last night i decided to get down to the bottom of it.
I staggered, literally stagged upstairs at 3:45 am, as if I was drinking all night. My wife said she couldn't fall asleep waiting for me and then once I came to bed, couldn't go back to sleep.
In the morning I ate breakfast and tried to go back to sleep but was too tired. That's a real thing, being too tired to sleep.
Tried again after lunch and slept till 4. Went back to the computer and got rid of the rest of the duplicate files.
I heard tonight we will be able to travel coast to coast on a high speed train. I think we should have that, I would travel that way, but i don't expect to see it in my lifetime.
Ed, my condolences to you and Dee Anne on your loss. May she rest in peace.
Howdy .
Ken ... I've not seen a recent post from you. I hope you are okay.
Ed ..... That's an interesting video of steam tractors moving a "critter". It would be nice ifthere were some explanatory remarks to understand when, why, and where.
John York 1 ........ The UP derailment video is remarkable. I hope the crew is okay. I saw the locomotives rolling onto their sides.
Kevin ... Yuengling is good. I just happened to have some here also.
Is see Scotland is the April location. Should be enjoyable.
Ed, enjoyed the video of the steam traction engines pulling and pushing the trailer with the shunter on top.
That video of the intermodel derailment, wowser, hoping no one was hurt.
Hello, again
Heartland Division CB&Q It would be nice ifthere were some explanatory remarks to understand when, why, and where.
I looked into some details and I'm learning about the Great Dorset Steam Fair:
https://www.visit-dorset.com/whats-on/the-great-dorset-steam-fair-p468653
I believe that particular clip was from 2011 but there are dozens on YouTube. My dad used to take me to some of the steam tractor events we used to have around Ohio. Things changed after 2011 when an engine had a boiler explosion near here in Berea, Ohio. Five people were killed.
https://www.farmcollector.com/steam-engines/tragedy-at-medina-county-fairgrounds/
I remember seeing the smaller-scale traction engines and how much I thought it would be neat to own one. Some of them were monsters! I can't imagine trying to traverse a muddy field with one of those lumbering machines.
I'd be like a little kid at the GDSF!
Henry, I've been thinking about getting a solid-state HDD for my old desktop Dell. Maybe I'll finally get around to it before I really have to. My present 2TB drive is only about 50% used but it seems to be sluggish lately.
Yes, 88 is a good run and there's no regrets. Dee Ann is a retired nurse and has spent lots of time with geriatric care so she knew all the signs. Her mom wasn't quite on a ventilator but was getting oxygen and knew it was time to say good bye.
After my sister died last year it was a sign to get our living will and end-of-life papers in order. Glad that's all taken care of.
See you all in Scotland. I want to ride a train over the Firth of Forth bridge. I think that's a pretty neat structure
Again, thanks to you all for the outpouring of support