Good evening Diners. I hope you are all keeping well.
A short film of Perth Locomotive Depot in 1960s.
Former Caledonian Railway area. Clackmannanshire. Alloa Swing Bridge (now no more) was 'The Other Forth Bridge'.
Tomorrow we shall spend some time at the Caledonian Railway Society in Brechin, Angus.
Stay Safe Everyone.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
Ok Garry Hi to everyone and have a good day.
Best to all on sick call and those recovering
Take care
Duke
"Don't take a wooden nickel,because it isn't worth a dime" by my Dad
"There are only 3 things you need out of life:A gentle grade,the wind in your face,and cinders in your hair.....But keep an eye on the water glass!" Jack Evans
TF - I seen the Tom & Jerry one. Several very hilarious parts in it, imo.
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.
Good afternoon
Finally something to go do on a weekend. Wifey has today and tomorrow off and was just informed by one of her friends on Facebook that Vali-Hi Drive-In is opening tonight.
It's about 45 minutes away on the Wisconsin border and the only drive-in theater left up here. The new released movies are rather cheesy, Tom and Jerry for the little Kids and Godzilla versus King Kong for the big Kids.
We don't dare show up late to skip the first movie because everybody and their brother is looking for something to do these days. It will probably sell out. It's hard to find things to do with the covid and all. So we just got done going to the store to get all kinds of snacks to pig out on while we're there.
The first Tom and Jerry movie is supposed to be a real life movie with the cat and mouse cartoon characters dubbed in. We are bringing board games, Sorry and Scrabble to play on the center console in the truck just in case the first movie is really bad.
TF
Good afternoon all.
CN Charlie - The normal range area of the Gyrfalcon has me ruling him out, but the size and coloration were extremely close. But I don't see him being this far south if he was indeed a Gyrfalcon.
Osprery's I know love water, and while there are creek's and streams, with a large marshy-style wetland, and several beaver lodge ponds, there isn't really a good sized water feature that I would think they would like. While there are fish, waterfowl, turtles (including ginormous snappers) and beavers, I don't really think there's enough of a water feature. That's what has me thinking it's not an Osprey. Although an off-color one would fit the approxamate size.
I will have to check on the Goshawk option, as maybe a off-colored one would fit. From what I've seen, they are larger than the average Red-tailed Hawk, and my guy definitely is. His coloration don't quite fit though, as he is almost all white/silver coloration, with almost no dark color at all, even on his back.
The Goshawk may fit, off-colored, with the red eyes...
The Swainson's Hawk isn't normally this far east, at least from what I have seen, so I never even considered him as an option. His size also rules it out, as they are approxamately the same size as a Red-tailed Hawk, which my guy is noticably bigger.
(I even subscribed to, and downloaded, Cornell Lab's Merlin Bird ID to try to figure him out.)
The "clearest" resting shot I have of him, a 300mm lens, where he was approxamately 700 yards away. (He is so light colored, he sticks out like a sore thumb!) But, digital zooming pixelates to the point he's not clear at all...
Unknown Big White Bird by Richard W, on Flickr" alt="White bird" />
I have yet to capture a clear "in flight" shot of him, as he is very quick and very powerful when flying.
Kevin - Nice job!
Hope all are well, and all enjoy the day!
Track fiddlerKevin, You've sure been tiling up a storm down there. A lot of Top Notch work going on at the homestead. Did there used to be a big picture window there that some of your interior remodeling changed? Or maybe just an accent part of the house. Either way, you made it look like it's always been there or it's supposed to be
It was a 4 foot by 10 foot picture window. My living room is over twenty feet long.
I am repurposing about 1/3 of the living room space into my wife's new huge closet, so the window had to shrink. The living room will only be about 14 feet by 13 feet when we are done. Plenty big for the two of us the snuggle and watch movies together.
The smaller window fita behind the sofa perfectly, and will not require another set of $2,000.00 window dressings. I am through with that!
York1 I've gotten to like the Kansas City Royals, and I'm glad that our cable system will broadcast all 162 games this year.
When I was in High School, the Kansas City Royals were our home-town team. They did Spring Training in Fort Myers and I went to few pre-season games.
Now the Boston Red Sox are our home team, and tickets are impossible to get.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Good morning! It's cold, rainy, and dark outside. At least we're avoiding the snow. About 50 miles west of us they had 2 - 4 inches of snow.
More soldering today. Soldering small wires onto small electronic chips is not work I enjoy. I like the end result of electronic controls, but I sure don't like the tiny work.
I am really enjoying the new baseball season. I have loved baseball ever since I played Little League. Since moving to the midwest, I've gotten to like the Kansas City Royals, and I'm glad that our cable system will broadcast all 162 games this year.
I've never known much about the Rock Island railroad. I grew up with Union Pacific and Burlington. I didn't realize the Rock Island came through this state with quite a few lines in the southeast part of the state.
I hope everyone has a good day.
York1 John
Good morning
Love the castles and all the other Scotland stuff you've been posting David.
Kevin, You've sure been tiling up a storm down there. A lot of Top Notch work going on at the homestead. Did there used to be a big picture window there that some of your interior remodeling changed? Or maybe just an accent part of the house. Either way, you made it look like it's always been there or it's supposed to be
We had another Winter Blast after that spring teaser down here too Charlie. Maybe another dusting or two is in store for us but I think spring is on its way.
I like the Rock Island Depot John. The long overhangs remind me of the Owatonna Depot up here.
Well, I'm lucky to get one picture posted from Imgur as the forum site is extremely glitchy for me right now. The rest will have to wait.
Have a great day gentleman
Good morning everybody ....
David (UK) .... Thanks. Good hearing from you too.
Kevin .... Your work on your house is remarkable.
Everybody ..... Have a nice day.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Good morning fellow diners. Chloe is going to need to bring me a large cup of black coffee. I am up early today.
I slept so well last night. I feel great this morning. Here is to a great day.
My plan for the day is to fit in the small stones along the bottom of the ledger panels and get the wall on the south side of the house completed today.
Good morning all. A sunny day here in the land of the former North British Railway.
Garry. Glad to hear from you.
Today we are still in the land of the former Caledonian Railway.
Our first film was taken by Ivo Peters on a trip to Scotland.
A very short (silent) film of The Killin Pug. Killin was a station on the Callender to Oban Line. Sorry about the quality of the film.
At Killin is The Falls of Dochart.
A film of The Falls and Loch Lomond
I got the wall tile up around the new front window today.
The orginal plan was to install beige flat brick pieces, but I found a beautiful beige porcelain tile that I think looks very complimentary to the painted wall colour.
Before:
After:
I use tile leveling wedges on this wall because where I ground the bad stucco texture off the wall it was very uneven. The tile levelers did an amazing job of making the tile installation look very professional.
I am going to work on rock ledger panels tomorrow while all the adhesive mortar fully sets.
The World Is A Beautiful Place.
Howdy.....
Bill T ! ..... Good to see you ! Feel free to visit more often.
Duke..... If you are looking in, feel free to say "Hi" to everybody.
Ken, Lion, Rob ...... I hope you are all okay. Post when you can.
David (UK) thanks for more videos !
John York 1 ..... I like the old Rock Island station.
.....
Unplanned project of the day. Replaced one of our water heaters. Old one failed last night.
Good Evening,
Snow is starting to melt and with the sun expected tomorrow it should be gone soon. Mind you we did need the moisture so I'm not complaining too much.
Ricky, Gryfalcons are large and can take a rabbit but feed on waterfowl too. According to a book I have they can be found in southern Ontario on occasion but usually only immature ones. They winter around here but are rare. More of a tundra bird. I really doubt it is a gryfalcon. We have ospreys nesting about a mile from us. They built a large nest on top of a tall parking lot light standard at the university. It is less than a mile from there to the river which is a decent size where you can see them fishing. So you need a decent sized river at least to attract them. Another possiblity is a Swainson's hawk. They can be very light underneath with a brown collar and are quite large. They aren't very vocal. Or how about a Northern Goshawk. Now that is a possibility. They are the largest forest hawk and are very agile. Colour is light underneath, dark grey back and wings with a dark head and a white band just above the eye. They are quite widespread and more likely to be down in your neck of the woods.
The crew of the train sitting at my station did get their orders today and after topping off the water, proceeded on a decent run. Afterwards the mikado went into the engine shed to be replaced by the consolidation' or 'hog' in CN jargon, to do a little local freight business and get some other freight cars out of the storage siding. That is a job for another day.
Talking to a couple of fencing contractors about finally replacing the fence. One told me he can't source any cedar at all this year and he is one of the larger contractors here. He did say that the cedar lately is of poor quality from young trees and isn't anywhere near the quality of the cedar we used to build the fence 30 years ago. So pressure treated it is.
Well time for tea and tellie.
David, great job on all those videos of Scotland. As far as John's dilema of Scotland vs. Italy, Italy does have one advantage and for me that would be the food.
CN Charlie
Henry - I can't recall that I've ever heard a peep out of him. If he is doing calls, I'm either not realizing it's him, because it sounds so close to others I hear all the time, or I'm just not out at the right time to hear him.
He has me stumped, just because I can't recall ever seeing any other bird looking quite like him. (He looks sorta like a giant white seagull, but with a raptors body. He is that striking white against everything else, he just really sticks out.)
I really am wondering if it's some kind of off-color variation of some kind, and that, while I *should* know what he is, his color (or lack of it) is what's throwing me off, or that it is an uncommon bird for my area, and he somehow ended up out here.
But the family has now caught sight of him multiple times, all in the same general area, and throughout several weeks, so he isn't just passing by.
I really gotta get a better pic of him... The size I think would be right for an off-colored Osprey, being smaller than a bald eagle, and much bigger than a hawk, but his coloring is still throwing me off of that.
Hi back Bill T.
Good evening, diners. Brunhilda is the waitress tonight. That name doesn't sound like she's a native of Scotland. I'll have a large ice cream with chocolate sauce on it.
It turned out to be a busy day. I got the grass cut before the rain, I cleaned the shed, and I soldered a bunch of wires for my Arduino crossing signals projects. On top of that, I had two beers. This is living!
Tomorrow will be another busy day. I get to do things I want to do instead of things I have to do. It doesn't get much better than that.
Have a good evening, everyone.
The old Rock Island depot in Beatrice, NE. Some of the old track is still around, but last week I was in a small town in southern NE that used to be on the Rock Island line. There were no tracks left, and most of the right-of-way has reverted to private property. There were buildings and yards built across the old line. Too bad.
Good evening! I just stopped by to say "HI!".
Bill Tidler Jr.
Near a cornfield in Indiana...
Ricky, does it make noise? Ospreys are quite noisy with a piercing irritating cry. We had ospreys near the Chesapeake bay, we had one here in the Shenandoah mountains last year.
Ordered a dining set from Home Depot, which was supposed to be delivered Tuesday. They gave me 14 hour window, and didn't show up nor call. I had flames shooting out of every orifice. I called the 800 number and the agent called the local store. I had to hold on 30 minutes because nobody would answer the phone. It came Wednesday.
There is an upcoming primary election in VA. I don't know anything about the local politics so I punched in Rockingham County Board of Elections.
Unbeknowst to me, Google gave me Rockingham NC, where the "latest sample ballot" was from 2018. Then I tried Virginia Board of Elections. Their "latest sample ballot" was Hillary and the Donald.
As they say in Baltimore, Vote early, vote often.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Good evening all.
Zoe - A Coke float please, along with a nice slice of that yummy apple pie. Thanks.
Kevin - Nice work on the hous projects.
David - Liking the virtual tour, and enjoying the vids.
Birders - A very neat looking guy hanging around my area, very large predator style bird, much bigger than a Red-Tail hawk, slightly smaller than an full grown bald eagle. Very stocky build, very powerful flyer. It is almost all white/silver/light gray. Falcon style facial markings, in a black/dark gray, with dark spotted chest. But mostly white/silver/lighter gray feathers, including back.
I thought he was a off color Peregrine, but he's too bulky, and doesn't have the right dive. He swoops more like an eagle or hawk. It *could* be a off-color Osprey, but I don't think he would stick around this long. While there is *some* water around me, not as much as I think a Osprey would like.
The only thing I have seen that even closely resembles this guy, is called a Gyrfalcon, an Adult White-morph one I found online looks almost like a dead ringer. But they normally stay farther north (Canada) than me. (NW Pennsylvania.) So I am not sure that's what he is.
I have yet to get a good quality photo off on him, as he is very quick through the air, and has been hanging around mostly airborne, though I did catch him in the back 40 on a tree, but too far for a good photo. (Very pixellated due to zoom distance.)
Any ideas?
Trains - Painted a Coal Gon, and am working on decals on another hopper car. No real layout progress yet as the room remodel is still ongoing.
Kevin I hope Scotland taught you good things.
John. Plenty of castles in Scotland. Come and see them.
Just something a little different tonite. Pour your favorite drink and relax for 15 minutes. A little cruise on the Hebridean Princess.
Good afternoon. Our internet was out all morning, so I am just catching up on the forum. I was actually able to get a lot of things done when I can't sit down and stare at the screen.
I love the castles of Scotland.
Lots left to do that I started this morning. Hope everyone has a good Thursday.
NorthBritThanks for the drink, Kevin. Samuel Adams is a favorite, especially on an American cruise ship.
You are quite welcome Dave. I don't care much for Sam Adams Boston Lager, it is a bit too hoppy for my taste, but I love the Summer Ale we get this time of year.
All the videos you are posting about Scotland have really taught me a lot this month. Thank you for all the effort you are giving the diner.
Today I am doing some outdoor wall tile installation.
Coffee Time.
Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument on a rare sunny Autumn day, just managed to squeeze the monument in before sunset.
Scottish Castles
Have a Good Day
Good morning all from a sunny UK.
Thanks for the drink, Kevin. Samuel Adams is a favorite, especially on an American cruise ship.
Baking a Apple Pie this afternoon.
Our first film today was made in 1959. Note the ages of these locomotives. They are still around today.
Caledonian Railway locomotives.
Welcome back Caledonian Railway No. 419 and looking fantastic in her Caley Perth blue livery the preserved flagship locomotive of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society. This was the locomotives first test run with a brake van at the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway after being overhauled by the guys at the SRPS steam department and who all deserve a huge thank you in preserving this lovely Caledonian locomotive.All of my video footage was taken prior to their Bo'ness railways 2018 Autumn Steam Gala when Strathspey Steam Railways 1899-built 812 class 0-6-0 No. 828 will finally pair up with fellow John F McIntosh-designed 439 class 0-4-4T No. 419.
Enjoy.
hon30critterThe slate and tile are looking good!
Thanks Dave.
Sam Adams Seasonal Summer Ale is available right now. Please feel free to join me for one.
I am sore and tired. I think I am going to hit the rack early tonight.
Take care.
Kevin,
The slate and tile are looking good!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Track fiddlerI didn't like that slant corner in front of your house either Kevin. Great job on square forming that off. Copper Rust Slate is one of my favorite tiles with all the colors. It certainly appears you did a great job with it.
Thanks for all the kind comments. It is really looking much better.
Track fiddler I just hate grouting.
Grouting is my favorite part of installing tile.
I finished my dining room today. I put the last of the trim around the sliding door, and sealed everything.
I know it is not much to look at, but it is what you can't see that counts. The three big holes I had to cut into the ceiling, the drywall I replaced because of mold, and all the new trim are pretty much undetectable. It looks as good as it ever did.
TF You spotted The Fiddler.
Thanks guys for your comments. Glad you like the films. We are now in Perth.
Perth and the land of the former Caledonian Railway
https://www.crassoc.org.uk/web/node/9
Parisienne Chicken tonite.
Post Hog!
I'm having a rather difficult foam day. I've been beating my head against the wall all morning I'm still working on the removable foam mountains on both of the back corners of my layout. One side has three tunnel portals to be installed at a later time coming through in a rather tight cluster. I hate to admit I don't even know what to do with it yet. It is extremely confusing so I switched to the other side.
I have to finish these two mountain formations before I can tie the two together for my horseshoe ore line.
I like the steamer locomotive your dad made Garry. That thing is sweet! Now I know where you get your talent from.
Losing a father was tough. I lost mine when I was very young and only had my marine sergeant stepfather left.
Have a great rest of your morning gentleman
Morning
I didn't like that slant corner in front of your house either Kevin. Great job on square forming that off. Copper Rust Slate is one of my favorite tiles with all the colors. It certainly appears you did a great job with it.
I love laying tile and have done a lot of it in my life. I just hate grouting. I usually got someone else to do that. My old house in Prior Lake was full of tile as part of the reason I think it's sold so quickly.
You were wise on getting a synthetic copper rust porcelain tile for the walkway. The natural slate comes in such an indifferent thickness. The height indifference looks great Jagged on the walls. But it takes three times as long to lay it correctly on the floor so you don't trip on the stuff. People don't understand the extra expense on labor, so I only laid the real stuff a couple of times.
That Craftsman miter saw will suit you just fine. There ain't nothing wrong with Craftsman tools if you're not using them heavily everyday.
I enjoyed reading the lake story when you are a kid Brent. I remember you talking to me a few years ago about the native family that lived off the land across the lake. My memory can't be all that bad yet.
Your dad's Monopoly game he made is rather impressive. That fine piece of work he did definitely gives boardgames a brand new meaning.
I've been known to miss things sometimes David. I went back in past pages of the Diner to look at some of the things I may have missed the few days I wasn't very attentive here.
NorthBrit A bird's eye view of some of Scotland' landmarks and mountains captured by drone. In order of appearance :- Stac Pollaidh, Forth Rail Bridge, Sgurr na Stri (Skye), Ardvreck Castle, An Teallach, Stac Pollaidh, The Fiddler, Stac Pollaidh, Forth Rail Bridge, Suilven, Old Man O Storr, An Teallach, Dunnator Castle, Hebridean Princess off Skye, Suilven, The Fiddler, Eilean Donan Castle, Sgurr nan Gillian (Skye), Neist Point, Suilven, New Forth Road Bridge, Neist Point, Suilven, Neist Point, The Quirang (Skye) and finally Stac Pollaidh.
A bird's eye view of some of Scotland' landmarks and mountains captured by drone. In order of appearance :- Stac Pollaidh, Forth Rail Bridge, Sgurr na Stri (Skye), Ardvreck Castle, An Teallach, Stac Pollaidh, The Fiddler, Stac Pollaidh, Forth Rail Bridge, Suilven, Old Man O Storr, An Teallach, Dunnator Castle, Hebridean Princess off Skye, Suilven, The Fiddler, Eilean Donan Castle, Sgurr nan Gillian (Skye), Neist Point, Suilven, New Forth Road Bridge, Neist Point, Suilven, Neist Point, The Quirang (Skye) and finally Stac Pollaidh.
The Scots cat is out of the bag. Whether you know it or not you unraveled the riddle to the fiddle on how I picked my name here.
From the start I have planned to have a Fiddler rock formation on the back of my layout. The ore Shay will run through the eye of the needle. I don't have the room to duplicate it perfectly but the idea will be there.