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The MAY, 2021 Diner: Touring the US Anthracite Region

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  • Member since
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  • From: North Dakota
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Posted by BroadwayLion on Friday, May 21, 2021 5:52 PM

York1

 

 
BroadwayLion
I want to go up to the train room, but there are too many stepss between herea and thjere. I sure wish they would put an elevator in that building.

 

Could you 'accidentally' change some computer code to make it appear you've been given permission for a ground floor space to use for the layout room?

 

\

 

Nah. it would not work. Too much to move, we are talking 12 scale miles of track, and many real miles of electric wiring.

The stairs are quickly becoming the lest of my problems: my manual dexteirty is also a problem, and sometimes I think my brain as becoming as numb as my feed. The abbey is alreasy getting ready to retire me from nursing and computer management. It might give me more time to post here or something, but I had just laid down for a nap after lunch, and now it is time for Mass...

ROAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

  • Member since
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  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, May 21, 2021 1:03 PM

BroadwayLion

I was looking at some of the weekly sales flyers. One of them was touting overnight delivery, next to a picture of a cup of coffee.

I wonder what that was all about!

ROAR...

The GF is an over-the-top coffee snob.  She actually orders unroasted coffee beans online and roasts them herself.  As often as not, coffee roasting sets off the smoke detectors.  Not pleasant.  She also insists that coffee has to be drunk no more than two days after roasting, so this is a small batch, every other day process.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by BATMAN on Friday, May 21, 2021 12:49 PM

BroadwayLion
I want to go up to the train room, but there are too many stepss between herea and thjere. I sure wish they would put an elevator in that building.

There must be trouble in the subway room!

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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  • From: Flyover Country
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Posted by York1 on Friday, May 21, 2021 10:58 AM

BroadwayLion
I want to go up to the train room, but there are too many stepss between herea and thjere. I sure wish they would put an elevator in that building.

Could you 'accidentally' change some computer code to make it appear you've been given permission for a ground floor space to use for the layout room?

York1 John       

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: North Dakota
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Posted by BroadwayLion on Friday, May 21, 2021 10:22 AM

I was looking at some of the weekly sales flyers. One of them was touting overnight delivery, next to a picture of a cup of coffee.

 

I wonder what that was all about!

ROAR...

 

I want to go up to the train room, but there are too many stepss between herea and thjere. I sure wish they would put an elevator in that building.

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

  • Member since
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  • From: Flyover Country
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Posted by York1 on Friday, May 21, 2021 9:44 AM

Good morning, everyone.  Bacon, eggs, and black coffee please, Brunhilda.

I'll write this knowing that as soon as I say it, I will go out to try to start my truck and it will have a bad fuel pump.  In all the years with all the cars and trucks I've driven, I've never had a fuel pump go bad.  There, I've done it now.

I have what may be my last visit with the physical therapist today.  He will hurt me for the last time.  The virus did not affect my physical activity, but the knee sure stopped me from walking for several months.  Hopefully I can get back at that soon.

Hope everyone has a good day today.

York1 John       

  • Member since
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  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, May 21, 2021 8:32 AM

Good morning everyone. I am going to settle in while I wait for Chloe to bring me a bowl of granola and a cup of coffee.

NorthBrit
The Heavenly watering can is working overtime.

We are still waiting on our Summer rainy pattern to start this year. There is a high pressure stubbornly positioned that is preventing the sea breeze from forming clouds. It will be raining every day very soon.

Hurricane season starts in a few days. They are already watching two systems that are showing signs or organization.

Track fiddler
My buddy Erv had a bad fuel pump last year.  He has a heavy duty hook in the middle of his garage ceiling he uses to dress out deer.  He used that to pull the bed off his Chevy to do his.

Yep, the decision whether to pull the tank or the bed can depend upon if you have a lift, or if you can get three buddies to help you pull the bed off of the truck. Or, as in Erv's case, the hoist!

Laugh

Water Level Route
My youngest wants to watch "Glory" as she has become really interested in the Civil War lately.  Might have to do that tonight now instead.  I certainly won't mind that.  I enjoy a good war movie.  Doesn't matter which war either. 

My youngest daughter also liked to watch war movies with me.

Glory is a good one. We also liked Cold Mountain. We did not like Gods & Generals.

Gidday Chloe, if there’s any left, I’d like to try a bottle of NorthBrit David’s, Thwaites Lancaster Bomber Ale, please.

I would too. Now that I can shop more easily, I hope to find a sample of this soon.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by "JaBear" on Friday, May 21, 2021 6:40 AM
Gidday Chloe, if there’s any left, I’d like to try a bottle of NorthBrit David’s, Thwaites Lancaster Bomber Ale, please.
It would be kinda appropriate, considering my new temporary neighbours.
WO1 by Bear, on Flickr
WO by Bear, on Flickr
Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them. Kia Kaha.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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Posted by Water Level Route on Friday, May 21, 2021 6:18 AM

Good morning everyone.  Its Friday, so chocolate cake for everyone.  Who says it can't be for breakfast? Laugh

My daughter's soccer game for tonight was cancelled as the other team has Covid running through it, so I unexpectedly have a bunch of free time tonight! Big Smile  My youngest wants to watch "Glory" as she has become really interested in the Civil War lately.  Might have to do that tonight now instead.  I certainly won't mind that.  I enjoy a good war movie.  Doesn't matter which war either.  

Have a great day everyone!

Mike

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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, May 21, 2021 4:15 AM

Good morning

Hi Ed,  Kevin.  Damien removed the tank to replace the fuel pump.  One of my straps was corroded and the tank was hanging out of kilter so he replace those too. 

My buddy Erv had a bad fuel pump last year.  He has a heavy duty hook in the middle of his garage ceiling he uses to dress out deer.  He used that to pull the bed off his Chevy to do his.  A little more dinking around but a lot easier on an old guy when he doesn't have an auto lift.  "A half a horse a piece" Erv always saysHuh?

From what I understand these units are finicky and like to be surrounded by gas as a coolant.  Sucking air while the gas is sloshing around in a low tank also causes them to wear out sooner as well.  Probably is my fault mine wore out prematurely.  I've been known to let the gas level run low but won't be doing that anymore.  It's high time I quit coming into the gas station like a little humming bee fetching a little more nectarLaugh 

Damien replace my fuel pump 3-4 years ago during that big April snow storm.  I was up at the VFW having brunch with the guys when it went out.

I was curious when I was told gas is always cold so I felt the swivel nozzle while I was fueling my truck.  I was amazed how ice cold it was.

 

The bill for the repair with Damien's tow guys charge was $580.  He gets a preferred rate from his tow guy because he's a frequent flyer.  Anywhere else this service charge of $580 would have been close to twice that or more without the tow charge added.  It goes without saying my mechanic is a fair honest man who has certainly earned my business through the years.

 

I'll be finishing up my cabinet shelves today.  I couldn't quite get done yesterday.  All that up and down and crawling around on the floor wore me out before the day was done.  I hate to admit it but this year and a half of Corona crap,  I have become out of shape from less physical activity anymore.  Nicer weather and frequent rides on my mountain bike is the plan to get back into shape here.

 

Make it a great dayWink

 

 

 

TF

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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, May 21, 2021 2:45 AM

Good morning Diners.   The usual toast and tea please,  Chloe.

  The Heavenly watering can is working overtime.   It has caused the Seniors Cricket to be cancelled. It gets worse.   It means we can go shopping instead.  Sigh

Ken.  I hope things are getting better.  Hope to hear from you soon.

Others 'Missing'.   I hope all is well. 

 

Thoughts & Peace to All who Require

 

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 Thursday, May 20, 2021 11:51 PM

Hope all are well. I had a great dinner, and I am waiting for Chloe to bring me that big slice of cherry pie.

The World Is A Beautiful Place.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
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  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Thursday, May 20, 2021 10:16 PM

Howdy ..... 

I wish Ken would show up with a round of Beer

I'm glad to see so many contributers to the coal thread. 

Not much model railroading today. We were boating.

 

Good night 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
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  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, May 20, 2021 9:39 PM

gmpullman
NO, we've never seen a fuel pump where the bed had to come off.

On a lot of full-sized Ford pickups you can either drop the tank or remove the bed to replace the fuel pump. It is a six-to-one-half-dozen-to-the-other situation. If the tank is empty, drop the tank. If the tank is full, pull the bed.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, May 20, 2021 6:53 PM

Good Evening:

 

       

TF, I remember when I had to have the fuel pump replaced on my 2009 GMC Canyon. It was the middle of January and wasn't a job I wanted to do myself so I took the truck to a shop.

I told them there's a bunch of stuff in the bed, you want me to take it with me? Oh, no that won't be in the way (Steel plates and bags of concrete for Winter weight). I told them you're going to have to remove the bed, anyway.

NO, we've never seen a fuel pump where the bed had to come off.

Three days later I get a call, you can pick up your pickup.

I told the manager, I see all the stuff rearranged in the bed. Yeah, he says, you were right. The bed had to come off.

Darned thing is, I knew the pump was good BIT the very short 90° bend in the pipe coming out of the assembly had rusted through and was spitting gasoline.

I checked the shop manual and the first step was to remove the minus cable from the battery.

Step 2: Remove bed!

$950 to replace a perfectly good fuel pump but the sending unit and all was one assembly. No way to get in there to make a repair.

Everything else on the fuel system, including the tank, was corrosion resistant but this little tube was just plain steel. To make it worse, they design the tank so the sending unit sits in a recess that fills with road salt and mud!

 

C'est la vie — Ed

 

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Thursday, May 20, 2021 10:12 AM

Good morning ..... 

John York 1 ..... It sounds like you have good ideas for changing your layout. Keep us informed as you progress.

David UK ....... I can understand what ou are talking about regarding restrictions on the layout. It seems like there is never enough room to do all we envision. 

...

I added pictures to the coal hauling thread. In the past few days, I made loads for my coke cars, and I posted photos of that . 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, May 20, 2021 9:54 AM

I was in a similar position of having a layout that had a number of restrictions.  I had a station that could only accommodate four carriages at most. Crown Point Yard was much smaller.  To get around that I altered the entire layout by doing it in sections.  Though part of the layout was demolished I was still able to run a restricted train service.

By doing  that it made me 'get on' with the remodeling  and not become 'bored' and stop altogether.

The Station was 'closed'  and a new Crown Point Yard was built in its place.  I had a  small scrap yard  which was remodeled in the area of the old Yard.

Now I am not restricted to the length of trains.

Once I had done that I tackled what  was nondescript to become Clarence Dock.

 

John.  Whichever way  you go about the remodel, just 'bite the bullet'  and do it.  Otherwise it can 'eat away at you'  until you can become disgruntled and pack up.   

I have seen it happen too many times.   Many a layout broken up because of an error or two;  the owner moved on to something else.

As for the errors and mistakes;   we have all been there.  Whistling Smile   and some of us  are still there.  Laugh

 

David

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
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  • From: Flyover Country
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Posted by York1 on Thursday, May 20, 2021 9:24 AM

NorthBrit
John.   What changes are you planning?

Right now I have a double mainline around the outside of the layout, and some switching sidings, very short, at various places.

I like to add a small loop with some bridges that cross the mainline.  It will require some major changes, including adding some more table work, removal of a mountain, and the removal of a small non-usable intermodal set of tracks.

This is a change for me, since I had been considering scrapping the entire layout and building a new one.  Since this was my first layout started three years ago, I've made a lot of mistakes, and found lots of things I wish I had done differently.

York1 John       

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Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, May 20, 2021 9:19 AM

John.   What changes are you planning?

 

David

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Thursday, May 20, 2021 9:14 AM

Good morning, everyone.

Since it's morning here, David, I'll have coffee right now and save the Lancaster Bomber until after lunch.

We're having another dark, cloudy, rainy day.  I love days like this, and my wife hates them.

I'm going to run some trains today.  I did yesterday, and I decided that sometime soon, the layout will undergo some major changes.  I've already thought about it before, but I just can't take that first step.

My daughters' plans of a trip to Israel have been postponed until December.  I'm seriously considering going with them.

Everyone, I hope you have a good, healthy day.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, May 20, 2021 8:56 AM

Good afternoon Diners.   A coffee and a blueberry muffin please,  Janie.

Had an interesting few hours playing Seniors Cricket,  before the rain spoilt proceedings.   I must be getting used to it.  I feel okay afterwards.

Another game tomorrow.  A longer one of six hours (if the weather allows).

 Edit.  Top of the page.   Janie.  Open a tab for me and a drink for everyone.

 

Off to run trains.

 

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
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Posted by Track fiddler on Thursday, May 20, 2021 6:20 AM

Good morning

SeeYou190

 

 
Heartland Division CB&Q
Cruises ? ..... Being on a big ship full of thousands of people does not appeal to me. I do not like being in crouds. 

 

I'm with you Garry. I have never taken a cruise, and nothing about them appeals to me.

I would rather stay at an Ocean-Front resort and relax for five days.

 

I concur Garry, Kevin.  And just because I take Judy to the State Fair every other year doesn't mean I share her enthusiasm.  Being stuck in crowds with restricted movement gives me a claustrophobic feeling that is not at all my cup of tea.

As David mentioned the smaller cruise ships have a rougher ride.  (By the way, did your nasty weather ever straighten out over there?)  I unfortunately experienced this on my first and LAST cruise in 1988.  It was a younger ship captain traveling too fast through the rough water to make his timeline. 

The whole ship was sick and smelled like barfIck!  The only relief you could get was to take a Dramamine and stay in the rack with one foot on the floor.  Doesn't that sound like a delightful way to start a vacation? Tongue Tied

I'm looking forward to planning a good vacation as soon as the pandemic chills out a little more.  Big boats and planes will not be on that menu.

Those were some interesting sizing diagrams you posted Mike.  It was fun to see the cruise ship sizing in comparison with the Titanic.

 

Well, we're still getting rain coming up from the south.  I think I'll see what I can do with the rest of this benchwork shelving project today.  Lord only knows with the increased price of building products, these are some spendy little shelves and need to be put to use.

 

Enjoy your morningWink

 

 

 

TF

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Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, May 20, 2021 2:36 AM

Good morning Diners.   The usual toast and tea please, Flo.

up831

Hi Everyone,

Those pictures and size comparisons of the cruise ships are astounding.  The question I have is how can they have so much superstructure above the main deck without capsizing?

 

So long as there is more weight below the waterline.

Mindst you many are close to top heavy and sail like 'drunken ducks'.

Queen Mary 2 is the only one modern cruise liner capable to handle bad weather,  and does the Atlantic Crossings to a timetable.

The other cruise ships can be rather 'rough rides' in bad weather.

We would rather be on one now rather than having to remain here because of Covid

 

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 Thursday, May 20, 2021 1:38 AM

Heartland Division CB&Q
Cruises ? ..... Being on a big ship full of thousands of people does not appeal to me. I do not like being in crouds. 

I'm with you Garry. I have never taken a cruise, and nothing about them appeals to me. Buffets, parties, crowds, and gambling are all things I do not enjoy.

I would rather stay at an Ocean-Front resort and relax for five days.

Track fiddler
I was even able to place an avatar on the side.

Did you get my email address above? Edit: Yes, I see you did.

The World Is A Beautiful Place.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 10:01 PM

Well that worked.  I was even able to place an avatar on the side.

Thanks hgodling

 

 

TF

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 9:22 PM

hgodling

The desktop site isn't very friendly on the phone, but it does work. I have to do the same thing to get the bbcode on Flickr. 

 
That does make sense.  Quite a while back when Imgure re-configured their format that was the only way I could get it to work again.
 
I'll have to give that a shot and thanks for your suggestionYes
 
 
 
 
 
TF
  • Member since
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  • From: Currently in Chicago area
  • 830 posts
Posted by up831 on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 8:07 PM

Hi Everyone,

Those pictures and size comparisons of the cruise ships are astounding.  The question I have is how can they have so much superstructure above the main deck without capsizing?

We once took the ferry from Yarmouth, NS to Portland, ME.  We thought that if we were ever to consider a cruise, this would be a good test.  11 hour glass smooth crossing and we still felt quesy.  I guess we're confirmed landlubbers.

Less is more,...more or less!

Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)

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Posted by hgodling on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 7:33 PM

Track fiddler

 

 
SeeYou190

If you click on the SGRR herald, that will take you to my public bio page, and my email address is listed on the right. That will be easier!

That is the "Sunshine Skyway" bridge into Tampa bay. Currently, all cruise ships that are under constrcution WILL NOT fit beneath that bridge. There are all kinds of plans to keep the cruise liners in Tampa, but time will tell.

 

 

 
It may come as no surprise but this is what I get when I click.
 
 
Same thing when I try to access messages or anything on this site since I got my new android phone a year ago.
 
 
Wow!  Looking at that bridge it truely fascinates me that the new cruise ships will not fit under it.  The last time I was on a cruise ship they may have been a little bigger than a large PT boatLaugh  I haven't seen the new cruise ships yet but they must be astonishingly tall!
 
 
 
 
 
 
TF
 
 
 

I have the same issue. However you can click the three dots in the upper right. There is an option for "Desktop Site"

The desktop site isn't very friendly on the phone, but it does work. I have to do the same thing to get the bbcode on Flickr. 

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 5:33 PM

BroadwayLion

 

 
Track fiddler

I was reflecting on my layout this morning on how much I've gotten done so far over a long period of time.  Even though what's done so far looks pretty decent it sure doesn't look like much accomplished yet.  

My conclusion, .....To complete this layout is going to take a lot more man yearsLaugh

TF

 

 

i have alreaddy discovered that this layout will NEVER be finished, since I do not have that number oy years left no matter how you count them.

 

Ahhh, ...Sounds a bit sad when you say it like that.  If it's any consolation, anyway you look at it we're all in the same boat in one way or anotherHuh?

You being "King of the Beasts" would know Lion,  "It's not the kill, It's the thrill of the chase"Stick out tongueSmile, Wink & Grin  I've seen that layout of yoursYes

 

P.S.  That vaccine shot sounds like it had some nasty effects and I hope you're feeling better nowSmile

 

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: North Dakota
  • 9,592 posts
Posted by BroadwayLion on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 4:03 PM

Track fiddler

Good morning

 

 
BroadwayLion

You cannot fool the LION....

Bowling Green is a SUBWAY stop in New York City!

 

 

 
So I want to get this straight.  If one is mowing the lawn as a sport, knocking down as many grass blades as you possibly can, if some straggly areas are still sticking up in the corners of the yard, your lawn mowing bowl was not a strike? Laugh  
 
Do you get a chance to pick up the spare with the weed whipper then, or is that against the rules? Huh?
 
 
I was reflecting on my layout this morning on how much I've gotten done so far over a long period of time.  Even though what's done so far looks pretty decent it sure doesn't look like much accomplished yet.
 
My conclusion, .....To complete this layout is going to take a lot more man yearsLaugh
 
 
 
 
 
TF
 

 

i have alreaddy discovered that this layout will NEVER be finished, since I do not have that number oy years left no matter how you count them.

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

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