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The MAY, 2021 Diner: Touring the US Anthracite Region

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Posted by BATMAN on Friday, May 28, 2021 10:58 PM

Sorry TF, Myself and four Golden Retrievers were on the couch cheering, couldn't get it done though.Sad

Like I always say as a Vancouver fan, we'll get'em next year.Laugh

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

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Posted by BATMAN on Friday, May 28, 2021 11:00 PM

Tops on me. Stadium beer and poutine on me.

Poutine - The Cozy Cook

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

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Posted by hon30critter on Friday, May 28, 2021 11:11 PM

BATMAN
Stadium beer and poutine on me.

THERE'S NOT ENOUGH GRAVY ON THAT POUTINE!!! I heard that fans are paying as much as $8000 for a seat in Montreal. If you are paying that much, at the very least, there has to be enough gravy on the poutine!!Smile, Wink & GrinSmile, Wink & GrinSmile, Wink & Grin

Sure looks good though!Dinner

Cheers!!

Dave

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

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Posted by NorthBrit on Saturday, May 29, 2021 2:50 AM

BigDaddy

David the scones I've had were baked by my wife.  Hardly authentic, but she has elderly former neighbor, born in Britain, that has made her scones.

I made some sourdough bread today and it has no sour Crying

This pic supposedly from 1939 on the Thomas Viaduct was posted on a Facebook old Baltimore photos.  What is the near engine?

 

 

Good morning all.  Toast and tea please, Janie.

A  sunny day today.   Yippee.

 

 

LMS  6220  Coronation  in model form

 

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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Posted by NorthBrit on Saturday, May 29, 2021 4:11 AM

A coffee please,  Flo.   Leave the jug I am rather thirsty today.

Restoration Day, more commonly known as Oak Apple Day or Royal Oak Day,  an English public holiday, observed annually on 29 May, to commemorate the restoration of the English monarchy in May 1660

 

David

 

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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Posted by York1 on Saturday, May 29, 2021 9:50 AM

Good morning, everyone.  Nothing going on today out here -- more rain coming tonight.

I love train stations, and whenever I go somewhere, I try to find the old stations if they are still there.

In 1957, my mother and I traveled on UP's City of Portland to Tacoma, WA., to see my grandfather who was sick.  We began in Grand Island, NE., and got on the train in the middle of the night.  This station was torn down in the 1960s, but I have vivid memories of it.

I also remember the Koehler Hotel across the street.  It had a large cafeteria that served the train passengers stopping there.

I was in Grand Island recently, and all of this is gone.  A parking lot is in its place.

Everyone have a great day.

York1 John       

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Posted by CNCharlie on Saturday, May 29, 2021 11:05 AM

Good Morning,

I see it is a holiday today in the US. We had ours last Monday to celebrate Victoria's birthday and Queen Elizabeth's birthday too. Not much happened though as much of the country is under covid restrictions.

We are getting a little sprinkle right now but it is supposed to be clear in the aftrnoon. I hope so as we have a lot of flower plants to get in pots. It goes fast as my wife has a potting bench and I just keep the assembly line supplied with pots, soil and plants.

Butter chicken burgers on the barbie tonight with peach chuutney. They are really good.

John, sad about the station being torn down. We still have both of ours. The CP station is now offices but in a run down area of the city. The Union ,mostly CN, station is still active with Via and has a lot of retail plus office space. It is very much in the heart of things and the nearby Fort Garry (CN) hotel has been restored. It is a beautiul hotel.

My RR activities have ground to a halt. The layout has been finished for a few years but I am thinking of a few additions if I can find room on it. I'm talking about the HO layout. My N scale one is done too except for small detail stuff but I just seem to ignore it.  I haven't run a train on it for a year or so. I have sold off all 7 steamers,  and 4 diesels plus a lot of rolling stock. I only have 3 locos and a RDC left.

More coffee time but I think my Doc while have me on decaf soon as my BP was up. Hope it isn't time for meds but at 73 I guess it likely.

CN Charlie 

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Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, May 29, 2021 5:52 PM

 

A cold, windy weekend here in NE Ohio. Quite a few boats were damaged by wind gusts along with several trees and utility poles down. Lows in the middle 40s! I'll be in the layout room!

This is an interesting look at the Lackawanna's Tunkhannock Viaduct in Nicholson, Penna:

     

Stay warm, safe and healthy —

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Saturday, May 29, 2021 8:00 PM

Good evening, everybody . 

Ed ... The video about the viaduct is very interesting. 

John - York 1 : ...... The UP station in Grand Island looks like a beautiful building. Sad it is gone. 

CN Charlie .... As you said, some railorad stations were saved and had new purposes. It is goof the CN stsaion there is used by Via. 

The big Cincinnati OH  Union Station is a meseum and theater as well as an Amtrak station. ..... The L&N depot in Hopkinsville, KY (near me) is an art museum. .....  The CB&Q station in Omaha is now an office building. That station was used by Walthers to to design its kit for Union Station. 

My Union Station is made from the Walthers kit. 

 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, May 29, 2021 10:51 PM

Hi guys, just quickly checking in.

I have been very busy getting ready to hit the road tomorrow.

I found this old photo from 1980 of me in my home-made Halloween costume! What fun.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by gmpullman on Sunday, May 30, 2021 4:28 AM

Sunday Morning!

Did I post anything for the Joisy Central?

      


 

I'm pretty bummed about messing up the grout job on the tub enclosure I did. The mix was too stiff. I should have added more water but I was at the max of 24 ounces to 7 lb. of mix. It just wasn't flowing right but I figured I would sponge it off like I usually do. Directions said DO NOT add additional water.

No way Jose! I turned around to start to level off the first wall I applied and the grout was already rock hard! It set up in fifteen minutes Super Angry.

Plus, I told the guy at Menards I wanted smooth grout — unsanded. This stuff dried like emery board grit! The kid says "Oh all the grout is unsanded nowadays". NOT!!!

Guess I'll put up shower doors, paint 'em black and keep 'em closed!

Grrr.

Otherwise, I got my signal bridge all wired up and the boards tied in to the turnouts so the signals play nice with the train movements!

Regards, Ed

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Posted by NorthBrit on Sunday, May 30, 2021 4:58 AM

Good morning Diners.  Tea and toast please, Flo.

A clear, blue sky.  The temperature is rising.   A family 'barbie'  to go to.  Seeing family we haven't seen properly for over 14 months  thanks to Covid.

Will catch up on 'news' here later.

 

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

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Posted by York1 on Sunday, May 30, 2021 6:52 AM

Good morning, everyone.  It's donut day!  I love glazed donuts.

Charlie, I'm glad to hear your city and the railroads kept the stations.  In my part of the U.S., there are very few left.

Ed, thanks for another month of videos and photos.  I knew very little about the Reading and the railroads in Pennsylvania.

Garry, that's a neat picture of your Union Station.  You did a good job with the lighted sign.  That station was saved by the Omaha ABC TV station, which has its studio and offices there.  I've never been in it, but I've been in the Union station across the tracks from there.  Neat place.

Kevin, I was already teaching in New Orleans when you were still going out trick or treating.  It looks like you were already interested in modeling things and building things.

David, now you've got blue sky, and it's pouring rain here.  You have a good day to go visit family.  It's a wonderful feeling of freedom to get out and about again.

After we get home this morning, we'll probably just stay home and watch it rain.  I'm figuring out what my next project will be on the layout.

Have a good Sunday, everyone.

York1 John       

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Sunday, May 30, 2021 8:22 AM

Good morning ... 

Ed .... The Jersey Central video was interesting. I can see some beautiful scenery along that railroad. ... Too bad about the grout. I suspect it is very unusual for one of your projects to be messed up because you typically do good work. 

David .... Enjoy the family get together. 

Kevin .... Enjoy your trip and travel safely. ..... I also made my own Halloween costumes. 

... 

Our weather today is sunny, but much cooler than normal. 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, May 30, 2021 8:28 AM

gmpullman
I'm pretty bummed about messing up the grout job on the tub enclosure I did.

When I did the bathroomn, I used a 100 dollar tub of pre-mixed grout that supposedly never needs cleaning or maintenance.

It worked nothing like regular grout. It stuck to the tile surfaces, dried quickly, and did not want to go into the grooves easily.

Using the sponge on it was very difficult.

I got better as it as I went along, but the first place I did it was the place most easily seen, and that is where it looks the worst. I should have started behind the door.

York1
It looks like you were already interested in modeling things and building things.

I was 12 in that picture. I did not have any interest in trains from the time I was 9 until 14. At 14 I got into N scale, joined a model railroad club, and really got bit by the train bug.

For ages 9-14 I was building plastic models, and making costumes. I made the halloween costume props for my sisters in those years too. I really hope I can find more pictures. I have so few from my childhood.

My first year in high school I joined the drama club just to help build sets and props. I loved it.

When two of my daughters became interested in cosplay, I jumped right in with them. I was back to building costume props, and as happy as I could be.

For a little while, my middle daughter and I were into LARPing, and we made a few costumes for that.

This is my baby-baby at 16 with a cosplay costume she made. I made the staff from a piece of PVC pipe. I carved the blade from a piece of foam insulation and added the gold decorations cut from 1/4" craft foam. There is a steel rod I formed at work going through the foam to give it strength to hold the lantern without breaking. The lantern is just a repainted bird feeder.

She was so good at sewing costumes. She made every piece of this. She wore it to a couple of Cosplay conventions, then trick-or-treating, and then modified it for this Christmas-themed Party.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, May 30, 2021 10:30 AM

Good morning

Having fun spending time with family in Mandan North Dakota.  Went to the grandsons baseball game yesterday and today is Graduation day.

Phone is glitchy over here.

 

I never liked tile grout and that's all I can say about that subject Ed.  I'm sure it'll be fine.  One thing you can feel good about is any application over 1/16 of an inch joint, sanded grout is better because it never cracks.  After a couple showers you'll forget all about the groutSmile, Wink & Grin

Thanks for the Wild support from you and the dogs BrentLaughSmile  I completely missed the last game and the Captain coke you offeredCrying  I only got the results of that game.  Oh well, maybe next yearPirateWhistling

 

Not much of a postcard but the only one I got so far.

It was cool how the railroad tracks on the ceiling changed colors.  It's the best sub shop in BismarckDinner

We haven't decided if we're heading to Mount Rushmore on Monday or Tuesday yet.

 

Drive carefully and have fun on your trip Kevin.  I'll see ya in St Cloud on the 8thWink

Hopefully you have your Texas travel plans to visit family figured out JohnYes

 

P.S.  I noticed I forgot the Bear in the WPF thread.  Judy was scolding me as I was posting in a hurry before we leftLaugh

I have a thing for those (W) style hoppers.  Those are hard to find in N scale but I have found a few.

 

Have a great day gentlemanWink

 

 

 

TF

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Posted by BigDaddy on Sunday, May 30, 2021 10:40 AM

Actually Charlie Monday is our holiday, Memorial Day which got it's start in various places after the Civil War. 

It is also the weekend that marks the start of summer as the school year is over or close to it and people start summer vacations.

It was 49 degrees when I woke up and is still only 52, cloudy and windy.  Fools in shorts and short sleeve shirts are hitting little white balls everywhere but to the green.

Tomorrow sun and warmer temperatures on tap for tomorrow.  We will be going to a cookout.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by howmus on Sunday, May 30, 2021 11:37 AM

BigDaddy
Actually Charlie Monday is our holiday, Memorial Day which got it's start in various places after the Civil War.

Ahem........  Memorial day "officially" was started about 5 miles from where I live.  Waterloo, NY is considered the Birthplace of "Memorial Day"!  I'll be over in that area tonight for supper and likely again tomorrow.  My son and his family live in Waterloo, NY area.  (Yes I know the idea was started about the same time all over the country, but!  (grin)... ) https://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp  Official government stuff about halfway down the page....  Enjoy!

Wouldn't be a bad day here if it was warm enough to be outside without a Winter Coat on!  Grrrrrrrrrr!!!  54°F with a good change of rain showers.  I am sick of trying to run  outside in the rain and the cold!

My Division of the NMRA had it's first in person Executive Council meeting yesterday at the home of a board member who just recieved his MMR.  All of us are fully vaccinated so got together, had an excellent planning meeting and lunch.  Then most everyone stayed and had an OP session at his house.  I had to leave early to recharge my Tesla (was a long drive) and then go out to dinner with my sister who is still having some problems mentally during this time.  We did have a good dinner and a long productive talk.....

Hope everyone is doing well, safe, and having a great Memorial Day weekend!

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Sunday, May 30, 2021 12:09 PM

TF .... When   I first saw your photo, I thought you were going to say it was a hobby shop. .... But You said it was a sub shop ! 

Ray ... Thanks for telling us about Waterloo, NY and Memorial Day. 

Kevin ... I hope you can keep us updated of your travles. Be safe and enjoy!

.... 

 

I just posted an update to the thread about hauling coal to show my coke loads. It took a while for things to dry between each step, and I was experimenting with various colors and materials. 

Be Back Later. 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by CNCharlie on Sunday, May 30, 2021 12:28 PM

Good Afternoon,

A nice day here, about 68F but it is suppsed to be 95 by the end of the week. Planting is going slower than expected. Not sure how much will get done today as I'm in the dog house again for not being vigilant enough about covid. I am scheduled for the second dose on June 15 so we are making progess here. We are at 56% nationally with one dose. Not bad considering the supply problems early on.

Big Daddy, I realized later it was only Saturday when I posted but didn't bother to correct.

Where is Ken?

TF, glad you are having a nice holiday.

CN Charlie

 

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Posted by der5997 on Sunday, May 30, 2021 1:00 PM

North Brit: Glad your restrictions are lifting. Next Wednesday Nova Scotia begins phase 1 of a 5 phase easing. Looking forward to hosting dinner outdoors for (up to) 10. We'll start with a friend we haven't seen in ages, the widow of an ex CN Rail chap, no longer with us.

"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.

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Posted by der5997 on Sunday, May 30, 2021 2:52 PM

So, it's been a while since I was here on anything like a regular basis. Some progress has to report. For instance, this  has become this  and this  become this  I'm Freelancing the CBNS kinda-sorta in Cape Breton Nova Scotia in N Scale. Had to design the decals and have them printed off at the local newspaper. After years of no protection, the road up from a station now has signal protection at the grade crossing; but the road markings are a work in progress. The decal film I'm using keeps breaking before I can apply it.Angry  I scratch built the signals (which don't bear too close an inspection - there's touch up work pending...Embarrassed) Too lazy to get a train in the shot as the nearest one is on the far side of the layout and I can't see from the camera position if the turnouts are aligned to move it in frame! More to follow., but I have to load a bunch of photos onto Imgur before I can show them. Stay Safe...ttps://imgur.com/aOwp5ZH

"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.

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Posted by CNCharlie on Sunday, May 30, 2021 6:06 PM

Good Evening,

John, nice progress on your layout. How are things in Pictou? Does the ferry still operate from there to PEI?

We stopped the planting to do a little birding and were rewarded with an indigo bunting at a bird bath only 15' from our lawn chairs. We bird in our back yard from our lawn chairs and the bunting is number 95 for our yard. 

I follow the listings of old cars(49-59) and there is a nice '56 Tbird for sale in Toronto for a very reasonable 22 grand. I have wanted a 2 seat Bird since I was 16 but I guess the window of opportunity has passed by. That sailboat bug got in the way for 35 years. 

We picked up a really interesting chocolate bar recently. It is a Cadbury milk chocolate with dynamite. It has popping candy in it so that if it melts in your mouth you get popping action. Appeals to my jeuvinile side. I have always liked Cadbury bars since I was 5. 

I guess Kevin hits the road tomorrow. Have a safe, great time.

CN Charlie

 

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Posted by gmpullman on Sunday, May 30, 2021 7:46 PM

 

The caption says this is a nuclear cask car but I know better:

 210423_2_altoona by lmyers83, on Flickr

See those little holes on the right end? This is the salt shaker. The pepper only has about six holes.

 Coal mining, Anthracite Region of Pa. Loaded cars being placed on cage to be raised to surface by Boston Public Library, on Flickr

 Coal mining in Anthracite Region of Pa. by Boston Public Library, on Flickr


 

Memorial Day ceremony at the American Cemetery at Suresnes, May 30, 1920

 Cérémonie du "Memorial Day" au Cimetière Américain de Suresnes, le 30 Mai 1920 (LOC) by The Library of Congress, on Flickr

 

 

I hope everyone is having a fine day today!

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, May 30, 2021 8:31 PM

Heartland Division CB&Q
Kevin ... I hope you can keep us updated of your travles. Be safe and enjoy!

Update #1:

I am in Central Florida now, this is the first night of the journey. We are just barely underway.

There are good plans to keep everyone updated next month. We bought a new computer to help with updates from the road. My wife is setting it up right now.

We will see how this goes!

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Sunday, May 30, 2021 8:54 PM

Ed ...  i like your photos of the coal minining and the " salt shaker ". 

Der John ... Your layout progress photos are amazing I'm looking forward to seeing more. 

Kevin... Good we will get updates from you.

 

CN Charlie.... I also miss Ken's visits to the Diner. 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by York1 on Sunday, May 30, 2021 9:04 PM

SeeYou190
I am in Central Florida now, this is the first night of the journey. We are just barely underway.

Have fun!

York1 John       

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Posted by NorthBrit on Monday, May 31, 2021 4:46 AM

Good morning Diners.  My usual tea and toast please, Janie.   

I hope those on journies are having a good trip.

We saw two of our grandchildren (yesterday)  'properly' the first time in 14 months.   Other times have been 'passing the door'  or in photographs.  It was emotional to say the least.

A day at home for us, so I shall manage to run a few trains.

 

Those missing from the Diner  for whatever reason,  a speedy recovery.

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

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Posted by gmpullman on Monday, May 31, 2021 5:57 AM

Good morning everyone.

Memorial Day in Connecticut:

 Southington, Conn. The Memorial Day parade, 1942 by Edmund, on Flickr

Don't forget to raise your flag at noon!

Summer is here when the girls start wearing their white skirts on the sidewalks of Lincoln, Nebraska!

 Sidewalk in Lincoln by Edmund, on Flickr

We are all the way up to 40° F right now but at least there is a hint of sun on the eastern horizon.

THIS is interesting — enjoy:

I wonder what the tabulated cost would be for all the machine and welding work on that whistle would total? There needs to be more sound of the final repair included in the video... Sad

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Monday, May 31, 2021 6:00 AM

I have an idea for the June diner.

I am willing to host as  travels go across the USA. I can post daily pictures of trains seen along the way.

Their is risk involved... I might not see anything worth sharing every day, I am not much of a railfan, and there might be days I just do not have time.

So, what do you think? Is this idea worth risking the June diner?

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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