Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

The MAY, 2021 Diner: Touring the US Anthracite Region

31930 views
619 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 10:19 PM

Started raining.  Looks like we're gonna get David's weather for a few days.  Maybe I'll drive out of it.

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 9:49 PM

Not much Chitty chat tonight.  Leon Jagermeister used to have a saying, ..."No Chitty, No Bang"! Laugh

I guess I'll be hitting the rack Kids

 

Nighty nightWink

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 9:08 PM

BigDaddy
we should not miss the East Broad Top, a narrow gauge railroad.

Hi Henry,

Thanks for the video!

I love the East Broad Top! I am so happy to see that it is being saved!

I have scratchbuilt approximate copies of the paint shop, the steam house and the main shops. The main shop complex has some flaws so I intend to build an improved model that will fit my current layout better.

The steam generator house is reasonably close to the original. I still need to add a large roof vent:

A very rough approximation of the main sheds and machine shop. I will make a second attempt on this because the footprint doesn't quite fit on my new layout and I hate the way the corrugated roof panels don't sit flat. Next time it will be a styrene roof:

The wheel shop (brake shop?):

The paint shop:

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 7:24 PM

Evening again

I was a little concerned a while back when I placed a turn-out on one of my custom bridges.  I wondered if it was prototypical to have a switch on a bridge?  For those of you who have wondered the same, ...Relax, The engineers have you covered.

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 6:45 PM

Howdy 

John York 1 : ... Where are you traveling to. ?

 

Kevin: ... I like the tank cars.

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 5:46 PM

As the now canceled Garrison Keilor used to say "Bee Bop A Ree Bop Rhubarb Pie."

I've only had strawberry rhubarb.  Much to my surprise, the plant, which looks like Swiss Chard has poisonous leaves, heavy in oxalic acid.

David is there rhubarb pie on your side of the pond or just those dried out scones my wife loves?Devil

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 5:29 PM

Track fiddler
Nice-looking tank cars Kevin!  You always get the decals on perfectly straight.  I bet you ain't measuring anyting.  You just have a gifted eye for that sort of thing

Thanks!

Both of those tank cars were decalled one letter at a time. There are a fair amount of flaws on the HPE car, but the GERN car is pretty good.

Both pictures show the "better side" of the cars! When I control the image, the worse side will never be seen.

Embarrassed

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 5:26 PM

Good evening

Lounge time on the porch with an ice cold brewski and a comfortable pair of sweats.  Tomorrow is pack and run a few errands in preparation for 5 AM Friday morning vacation blast offLaugh

 

Nice-looking tank cars Kevin!  You always get the decals on perfectly straight and balanced.  I bet you ain't measuring anyting.  You just have a gifted eye for that sort of thingYes

 

P.S.  Have a safe fun getaway and enjoy your time with the grandchildren John.  Visiting family is the bestYes

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 12:01 PM

BrassTrains Dot Com just listed my favorite tank car model at a reasonable price.

I already have two of these, so I am trying not to buy a third, but I would like a second GERN tank car.

Oh... the temptation!

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 9:55 AM

Good morning, diners.

Today is packing day and a day to cut grass, shop, etc., and load the car.  Daisy the Dachshund is excited because she will go with us.  She hates going to the kennel.

It will be good to hit the open road.  I will check in every so often to make sure no one is misbehaving.

Have a good day!

York1 John       

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 9:40 AM

Track fiddler

All that good cooking you do over there ought to be making up for your bad weather David.  From the sound of the dishes you make I should be sending you one of those tall white hatsSmile, Wink & Grin  Or better yet bring it to you personally so I can do a Fiddler Sampler of that great food you makeDinner  TF

 

I have one.  Laugh   Another could come in handy.   Always good to have others passing a comment.  Thumbs Up

 

David 

 

 

 

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 9:31 AM

I'm back for one more coffee to get me through the day please.

All that good cooking you do over there ought to be making up for your bad weather David.  From the sound of the dishes you make I should be sending you one of those tall white hatsSmile, Wink & Grin  Or better yet bring it to you personally so I can do a Fiddler Sampler of that great food you makeDinner

 

P.S.  Those dry crispy spells sure can be trouble Kevin.  Such a shame all the fire disasters California has had.  We were short on rain for the month of May and they raised the fire warnings up north.  Luckily we finally got some rain a while back before any fires broke out.

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 8:43 AM

Good afternoon Diners.  I am in need of a strong coffee please, Janie.

There is a lull in the bad weather.  The sun is shining.   Will it last?   A dark cloud is approaching.  TF.  The weatherpeople now say the good weather will be here by the weekend!

Received a letter to attend the eye hospital.   About time.   I was told a few months ago I was losing my sight.   Got to prove 'em wrong.  

John.   Great picture of the family.

Kevin.   Sounds like a busy day ahead.

Those missing from the Diner.   I hope whatever challenges you are facing are soon over.

 

The apple pie is going down well,  (so I am told).  Big Smile

 

Dinner  Chilli Beef Burrito Bowl with a Baby Gem Salad.   

        A Fruit Yoghurt Surprise to follow.

 

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

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 8:29 AM

Track fiddler
David, you shouldn't even be allowed to have that long of a streak of bad weather over there!  No more promises from me but it's gotta be turning around soon.

We need a change down here too!

There is a high pressure parked right on top of the state. This is preventing our seasonal rainfall. We are already ten inches below normal, at fire danger level 5, and water restrictions will probably go into place next week.

We are predicted to hit 95 today. That might be a record.

My lawn is dried up and crackly. I should have finished the sprinkler installation.

We need our daily rain!

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 8:01 AM

Good morning

Nice picture of you and the grandchildren John.  Looks like a great family you haveSmile

 

gmpullman

 

 
Track fiddler
Got my deck painted in 2 hours and then had a plumbing call while I was cleaning up. 

 

I know the feeling, TF. With my prostrate I get a plumbing call pretty often, too Whistling

 
LaughIndifferent Well if that's the case Ed, I'm a well experienced night plumber.  I have two jobs every night between midnight and 4 in the morningWhistling
 
Sounds like one of those little bit of everything thrown at you plumbing jobs you did lately.  Those can take a little bit of thinking transferring from the old to get to the new.  It seems I never have any of the right adapter fittings for those kind of jobs. I run into ABS glued to PVC all the time which is a code violation.  I always have to run and get a union to transfer between the two because I never have one of those either.
 
Sounds like you have a busy tile day today Kevin but I know you're really good at it.
 
Just some more painting outside for me today that I'm happy about because it's so beautiful out already.
 
David, you shouldn't even be allowed to have that long of a streak of bad weather over there!  No more promises from me but it's gotta be turning around soon. 
 
 
 
Have a great day gentlemanWink
 
 
 
 
 
 
TF
  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 7:35 AM

I missed 611 on it's way to Strassburg, it passed through Charlottesville, an hour away.  It may have passed closer than that.  Virtural Railfan seemed to know the route, but when they posted the video of it in Charlottesville, I could not find the route posted in the 'net.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 7:26 AM

Good morning all... Chloe, please bring me two slices of whole wheat toast with butter, and a cup of black coffee... thank you.

I am going to cut tile and capstones today. Hopefully I will get the last of the tile on the front walkway.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 7:20 AM

ED: Do you stage your pictures with workers near the rails or or someone on the walkway or do you leave the figures there full time.

While not an Anthracite railroad, we should not miss the East Broad Top, a narrow gauge railroad.   It's history is here

It sat for 9 years and is now being restored, engines are being rebuilt and they have started tourist trips with a diesel.    Here is a drone view

 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: New Milford, Ct
  • 3,232 posts
Posted by GMTRacing on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 6:29 AM

Good Morning All,

   Back from Birmingham and getting ready for Lime Rock this weekend. It went well enough though we had a pair of engines go down for the count. 

   A few pages back Bear posted his propeller picture. I also had a refinished wood prop for a long time though it disappeared after one of our moves to and fro. I like the addition of the clock though I suppose it just goes to show time flies.

    Unloading the trailers that got back from Alabama today and then shop work. Load in at the track tomorrow afternoon.     Ciao, J.R.

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,862 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 5:58 AM

NorthBrit
Some (here) ruin the no-stick qualities of pans.

From what I read recently, that is true of all of them.  We bought a new set this past Christmas, and the instructions clearly stated not to use cooking spray for that very reason.  I saw the same information elsewhere recently.  Our new set actually needs to be seasoned regularly with vegetable oil.  Maybe I should have bought cast iron. 

gmpullman
A signature Reading Company detail is that arched top on the cab window.

Ed, that is a really neat picture.  So much going on there.  The elevated trolley for (apparently) ferrying coal to the powerhouse sure is nifty!  It also looks like the coal tower was pretty empty when 2121 topped up.  Sure are a lot of fines/dust on the top of the pile in the tender.

All this talk of BLT's is going to force me to made an addition to this week's grocery list.  If you are ever near Birch Run MI (Kevin, I know you will be close, but Garry already gave you a good restaurant recommendation), have time to wait (the are usually busy), and are feeling like a glutton, head to Tony's I-75 restaurant.  Food portions are...generous.  I'll give all you guys in the diner one of their BLTs today, if you are up to it:

Mike

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 4:20 AM

Good morning Diners,  The usual toast & tea please, Janie.

Well, we are supposed to be having sunshine today.  Obviously the weather people haven't looked out the window.

Spray Oils for Cooking.  We are wary of some makes of them.  Some (here) ruin the no-stick qualities of pans.

 

Baking a Apple Pie today.  I'll leave some in the Diner.

A friend we haven't seen for 18 months  (because of Covid)  is visiting us this afternoon.

 

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 2:20 AM

CNCharlie
Please stop all this talk of grilled corn! I love the stuff but it is absolutely forbbiden forever!  I hate getting old. 

Sorry CN Charlie,

I'll try to refrain from talking about our grilled corn.

What if you were to put the grilled corn kernals in a food processor and make corn soup? Would the corn soup be allowable in your diet if you were to chop it up finely enough?

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 11:10 PM

John, that is a great family picture at Devil's Tower.

Ed, I had issues routing the DWV pipe for the garage sink with the CPVC that was already in the wall. No fun.

The World Is A Beautiful Place.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • 2,123 posts
Posted by CNCharlie on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 10:43 PM

Ed, I used to have that prostate problem too but my urologist fixed it. He took out my prostate.  A side benefit of cancer. 

Please stop all this talk of grilled corn! I love the stuff but it is absolutely forbbiden forever!  I hate getting old. 

CN Charlie

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 10:16 PM

gmpullman
Dave, I wonder if Olive oil cooking spray would taste any better? I just looked at my non-stick grill cooking spray and, guess what makes it non-stick?

Hi Ed,

Pam Olive Oil cooking spray is all that we use. We use a very light coating. The corn certainly doesn't taste oily. The only reason for using it is to get the Old Bay seasoning to stick better. The corn is tasty enough right off the BBQ so it really doesn't need butter, but if you are feeling particularly indulgent, adding butter makes it really rich!

Seriously guys, if you haven't grilled corn with the husks removed on a hot BBQ, you don't know what you are missing!! Old Bay seasoning makes it really tasty, but if you don't have Old Bay, just use salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Rotate it regularly. It grills pretty quick.

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 9:58 PM

Good evening .

Ed .... I appreciate all of the photos you post including the LV and Reading pictures you just posted. 

John York 1 ..... I've been to Devil's Tower, and it is an amazing rock formation. Your grandkids look very nice!

Brent ...... Wise words. 

Mr. B. .... The rainbow picture must be very special. 

CN Charlie .... I certainly understand how you feel about Robbie. 

Everybody ..... Have a nice evening !

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 9:35 PM

BATMAN
My kid is having a really bad day and I told him to print this off and hang it over his desk.

Hi Brent,

That is such great advice! If everyone lived that way the world would be a totally different place!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 9:32 PM

York1
Me and some of the grandkids at Devil's Tower:

John,

Great family picture!

You grandkids will have fond memories of the adventures you took them on for the rest of their lives!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 8:54 PM

Track fiddler
Got my deck painted in 2 hours and then had a plumbing call while I was cleaning up. 

I know the feeling, TF. With my prostrate I get a plumbing call pretty often, too Whistling

I just finished up a "nasty" plumbing job at Dee Ann's late parent's house. Mostly drain work BUT a contractor already installed a bunch of CPVC and PEX which I had to work around with 2" and 1-1/2" DWV. Plus install two drain pumps and a shower pan.

Glad it is done. I sure love whoever invented PVC drain pipe and Fernco joints. I had to adapt to cast iron in a few places Hmm

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 8:16 PM

Charlie, you can have some of our weather.  We have had the air on and running since yesterday.  My wife doesn't mind, but personally, I'll take the cold weather.

York1 John       

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!