Ed, that doesn't sound good about the birds. Maybe this time of year they're out in the fields.
We've been missing birds for several days recently because a big hawk is sitting in the top of a tree in our yard.
Edit:
We're out of town so I'm trying to write this on a phone. I'd love an ice cold beer right now so everyone can join me.
York1 John
Good Evening,
Ed, that is really strange that your birds have disappeared. We are still getting some Juncos and White throate d sparrows besides the usual ones that live around here. A couple of red breasted nuthatches have been on the suet for a few weeks now. They may stay for the winter. Sure can fly fast.
Hope Garry is recovering and will be home soon.
Not much new here, same old daily routine. We did get the elm tree beside our house trimed as it was touching the neighbours roof. Two guys did it by climbing, one was about 40 feet up. Not my kind of job, my palms sweat watching someone on a cliff on TV.
Tea time,
CN Charlie
Hi Ed,
Your situation is strange. The number of birds that we are seeing has dropped off a bit, but we are still seeing lots of birds. I hope that things get back to normal soon!
I'm sure all of you have seen this video before, but it is worth posting again. It will remind you to do your collar up tight and not get too close to the railroad snow plows!
Looking at the snow sends chills down my spine!
Cheers!!
Happy shovelling!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
York1Kevin, that's great that you have a group of friends like that. In New Orleans, I had a group of friends like that. However, moving to farm country, I've never really gotten into a group. That's partly intentional on my part, but I do miss the comradeship.
It is great to have a good group. Even though our group is shrinking.
When I worked a lot in Tampa I would meet up with a board-gaming group there. Those guys were great, but I have lost touch with all of them now. I will never forget our screening party for Sharknado III, that was one of the most fun evenings I have had in my entire life.
York1Moving from southern Florida to Minnesota just before winter? I hope your friend knows what he is getting into.
We were all teasing him about that. He is going to live with his brother. I do not know all the details that led to this decision.
I would never leave Florida for Minnesota in the Winter time.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Good morning Diners. Tea and toast please, Brunhilda.
Garry and Others. Our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery
Tractor wth a difference
Trapped In Snow - 1955.
Bridego Bridge.
A hot and sunny visit to the infamous Bridego Bridge or Train Robbers Bridge situated on the West Coast Mainline on Saturday 8th August 2020. The main reason i came here was because 57 years ago on the day of recording was the Train Robbery of 1963. I had never been here before so it was a first for me. So what was the Train Robbery of 1963? The Great Train Robbery was the robbery of £2.6 million from a Royal Mail train heading from Glasgow to London on the West Coast Main Line in the early hours of 8 August 1963, at Bridego Railway Bridge, Ledburn, near Mentmore in Buckinghamshire, England. After tampering with the lineside signals in order to bring the train to a halt, a gang of 15, led by Bruce Reynolds, attacked the train. Other gang members included Gordon Goody, Buster Edwards, Charlie Wilson, Roy James, John Daly, Jimmy White, Ronnie Biggs, Tommy Wisbey, Jim Hussey, Bob Welch and Roger Cordrey, as well as three men known only as numbers "1", "2" and "3", two of whom later turned out to be Harry Smith and Danny Pembroke. A 16th man, an unnamed retired train driver, was also present. With careful planning based on inside information from an individual known as "The Ulsterman", named (possibly erroneously) as Patrick McKenna in 2014, the robbers escaped with over £2.6 million (equivalent to £55 million in 2019). The bulk of the stolen money was never recovered. Though the gang did not use any firearms, Jack Mills, the train driver, was beaten over the head with a metal bar. Mills was so severely injured that he never worked again. After the robbery, the gang hid at Leatherslade Farm. After the police found this hideout, incriminating evidence led to the eventual arrest and conviction of most of the gang. The ringleaders were sentenced to 30 years in jail. Stopping the Train: Just after 03:00 on 8 August, the driver, 58-year-old Jack Mills from Crewe, stopped the train on the West Coast Main Line at a red signal light at Sears Crossing, Ledburn, between Leighton Buzzard and Cheddington. The signal had been tampered with by the robbers: they had covered the green light and connected a battery to power the red light. The locomotive's second crew member, known as the secondman or "fireman", was 26-year-old David Whitby, also from Crewe. As a signal stop was unexpected at this time and place, Whitby climbed down from the cab to call the signalman from a line-side telephone, only to find the cables had been cut. As he returned to the train he was overpowered by one of the robbers. Meanwhile, gang members entered the engine cabin from both sides, and as Mills grappled with one robber he was struck from behind by another with a cosh and rendered semi-conscious. The robbers now had to move the train to Bridego Bridge (now known as Mentmore Bridge), approximately half a mile (800 m) further along the track, where they planned to unload the money. One of the robbers had spent months befriending railway staff and familiarising himself with the layout and operation of trains and carriages. Ultimately though, it was decided that it would be better to use an experienced train driver to move the locomotive and the first two carriages from the signals to the bridge after uncoupling the carriages containing the rest of the sorters and the ordinary mail. On that night, the gang's hired train driver (an acquaintance of Ronnie Biggs, later referred to as "Stan Agate" or "Peter") was unable to operate this newer type of locomotive; although having driven trains for many years, he was by then retired and was experienced only on shunting (switching) locomotives on the Southern Region. With no other alternative available to them, it was quickly decided that Mills would have to move the train to the stopping point near the bridge, which was indicated by a white sheet stretched between poles on the track. Biggs's only task was to supervise Agate's participation in the robbery, and when it became obvious that Agate was not able to drive the train, he and Biggs were sent to the waiting truck to help load the mail bags. The robbers had cut all the telephone lines in the vicinity, but one of the rail-men left on the train at Sears Crossing caught a passing goods train to Cheddington, where he raised the alarm at around 04:20. The first reports of the robbery were broadcast on the VHF police radio within a few minutes and this is where the gang heard the line "A robbery has been committed and you'll never believe it – they've stolen the train!"
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
Hello. Thanks everybody for thoughts and concerns. I had a very rough time. Now I'm better. Being discharged from hospital today. it will be a while before I post again here
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Good morning, everyone.
That's good news, Garry! You'll continue to be in prayers.
David, pretty neat story of the train robbery. I didn't realize it involved so much and had so many people. I know movies have been made of it, but I don't remember seeing any of them.
We got home very late last night. The truck traffic on Interstate 80 is very heavy at night. I decided to come home rather than wait for morning. It's always nice to get to your own bed.
It's raining right now, so we will probably spend the day inside. Church is livestreamed.
Not much else is going on.
Have a good Sunday, everyone.
In Grand Island, Nebraska, the Burlington coal line coming from Wyoming crosses the Union Pacific. Until the late 1900s, these lines crossed, and when those long heavy trains hit the crossing, you could hear the noise for miles.
Finally, Burlington built a flyover bridge, with the line elevated through the entire town to eliminate road crossings.
Since both the UP and BNSF are busy on these lines, it's a great place to watch trains crossing trains.
The best I saw was when UP's 8444 crossed under a BNSF coal train. I didn't have a camera.
This photo was taken by Jim Wrinn, who writes for the the Trains forum. He caught an eastbound UP loaded coal train under a westbound BNSF empty coal train:
Great news, Garry. I found being home was better for recuperation than in hospital. Take things at an easy, gentle pace. You remain in our thoughts.
John. I remember the robbery well. It was said the Police knew the names of some people involved, but could not prove it.
Heartland Division CB&QHello. Thanks everybody for thoughts and concerns.
Garry, I am very happy that you are heading back home.
Take care of yourself, and please check in when you can.
Heartland Division CB&Q Hello. Thanks everybody for thoughts and concerns. I had a very rough time. Now I'm better. Being discharged from hospital today. it will be a while before I post again here
Yay! Particularly now, I wouldn't want to go to a hospital for any reason.
About 25 years ago, I took a bad fall skiing and tore my rotator cuff. I had it repaired and was in the hospital overnight. It was a painful experience with a long recovery time, but the thing I remember most was still the dreadful hospital food. Really, how can you screw up what was obviously boxed Mac and cheese?
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Check out this (swing to lift) rail bridge project below now underway, this is both a commuter and freight line running over the Raritan River, 5 yr. job
Bayway Terminal NJ
https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/infrastructure/article/21154501/raritan-river-bridge-replacement-project-
gmpullmanHaven't seen a Cardinal, Blue Jay or even a Robin in over a month. Somethin's fishy!
The birds have been far less active down here also. It has been a while since I have seen a Burrowing Owl, and the flocks of Egrets that normally walk through the yard several times a week are nowhere to be seen.
Bayway, that's a pretty neat bridge they're building.
Here's the image of what will be there:
Glad to see Garry is on the mend.
Howmus - I have JMRI & DecoderPro on my laptop. Currently I use DecoderPro only, while the new layout is undergoing construction.
The benefits of DecoderPro for programming and testing locomotives can't be overstated in my opininion. Only important notes I can think of: Sound programming can get "tricky" with certain decoders, and ESU Decoders program best with the LokProgrammer and software.
But the quick, easy programming and the ability to test the programming from the computer is a very nice thing. (JMRI has a built-in throttle, and my portable test track can go from workbench to computer desk to diningroom table as needed, and allows simply testing of lights/sound programming right from the JMRI throttle. You do need to supply the command station, or the throttle won't work.)
The new layout will make use of JMRI on the signals, which will be few and simple. (Looks only really. Like the prototype I'm using as a basis for my proto-freelanced layout, only ends of passing sidings, interlocking approach and diamond crossing will have signals. Only other signals will be grade crossing signals.)
But I feel even the small benefits of using the JMRI software I do made it a worthwhile thing.
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.
Thanks for your thoughts everybody . My discharege is delayed a day. because of minor issues.
Garry, the less time spent in the hospital, the better. Hope you get home tomorrow.
Rich
Alton Junction
SeeYou190 The birds have been far less active down here also. It has been a while since I have seen a Burrowing Owl, and the flocks of Egrets that normally walk through the yard several times a week are nowhere to be seen. -Kevin
Our birds here in Delaware have been a bit in short supply, too. It may be that the last of our egrets has flown south and we haven't seen our local ducks for a while, either. The Canada geese have yet to arrive in force.
Being on a serious migratory path, we expect a shift change to different birds for the winter. The GF used to want to actually live on the ocean, but now we both realize that our salt marsh a mile or two inland offers better shelter and a great variety of both winter waterfowl and seasonal land birds, so we're happy here.
Good afternoon from the rainy West Coast.
I just got off the bike, burned 2000 calories in 75 minutes, I usually do it in 60 but this low-pressure system has made the Arthritis make an appearance. I feel much better now as the exercise almost always takes care of the pain.
The cargo ship that dumped 40 containers into the sea off Vancouver Island is now on fire. Hope there was no train stuff in the mix.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/fire-container-ship-hazardous-materials-1.6223180
Garry, hope to see that you are home soon and back enjoying your layout and the forum.
I was out with the dogs late last night and I could hear a lot of geese honking as they were flying over in the dark. There must have been a lot of them judging by the racket they were making. I didn't know they flew at night, maybe they just wanted to be out of town before the storm tonight.
The Vancouver Canucks dispatched the Seattle Kraken in their first-ever home game. 4-2
Time to hit the showers and then the trainroom.
All the best to all.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Just took this pic, the calm before the storm. Somewhat foreboding.
I guess Young Sheldon last week featured a story where one of the characters, successful & educated, quit his job to go work in a Supermarket. I heard the show contained a line like "he gave it all up for a job wearing an apron with his name on it."
I have received about 20 emails from friends and family saying "this is you!"
My job with an apron is a blast. To heck with all of them!
The World Is A Beautiful Place.
Like Brent's surreal lighting, this photo struck me as looking almost, too — something. It looks like a screenshot from MS Train Simulator!
Green on the Sandpoint Local by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
That lead GP50 has sure racked up some miles. Looks like the trucks were just rebuilt and they're painted Northern Pacific green? Just how many warning labels and stickers are on that old monster?
What's that thing just to the left of the cab window by the arm rest?
My thoughts are with you as you recover, Garry
Cheers, Ed
Good morning guys. Good to see ya!
Been busy getting some things done outside and winterizing the truck before the snow flies. Started a new bridge I've been working on in the evenings.
Garry, I was saddened to hear about your rather serious condition you've been going through but happy to hear your on the mend You take it easy when you get home my friend.
Again, Great Diner theme this month! Thanks for every one sharing bridge photos and videos, Enjoyed Right up my ally sort of thing and wish I could be a bigger part of it.
My phone has been getting more and more Wanky since it fell on my exhaust manifold and got melted Posting a picture with it would be like pulling teeth lately I have insurance on it but haven't made it to my provider to get a new one yet. Quite typical of me and my procrastinatory tendencies
I'm going to make it a point to stop in more often and say hi to you fine bunch of gentlemen here
I see that Green Machine Ed
Wishing everyone well and a great day
TF
Good Morning All,
First three trucks are loaded and down the road to Daytona. We load the fourth and fifth today for COTA as we will still be at Daytona when they have to leave for Austin (a four day trip). In between loading I will be cleaning up and I'm already checked in for tomorrows flights.
Good to hear from Garry. I hope you get released today with no issues. I know you will have to convalesce at home and hope that all goes well.
David - thanks for sharing the Great Train Robbery story. As it turned out before he was apprehended, one of the robbers, Roy James bought a Brabham BT6 Formula Junior race car. It ended with my friend John Rapley in New Zealand and he still races it. True to form for a car with a sketchy past, thee ca and trailer were stolen and disappeared for almost a year before being recovered. Funny that. Nothing on the layout front as I'm still doing the essentials after the move and want to get as much done as possible outside before the cold weather sets in. Next up when I get back from my trips will be scraping and painting the sun room windows which we are not replacing (the rest of the house will get Anderson windows after much research).
A couple of pages ago the subject of trucks (tractors) came up. This is my '94 KW 9000 with west coast sleeper and wing.
KW by J.R. Mitchell, on Flickr" alt="" />
All for now. Ciao, J.R.
Good afternoon Diners. A bowl of chicken soup please, Flo.
A busy morning packing a suitcase. Going on holiday for a few days in Perthshire, Scotland.
Garry. Hope you make it home today. Our thoughts are with you.
Kevin. I get funny looks when I wear my apron for cooking. Do I care? Not at all.
T.F. Glad you are back.
Brent. I love the Autumn colours.
Abandoned Royal Mail Train in Yorkshire. No knowledge of where. There is a bridge though, on the left.
Cornwall. Trains & Bridges
Thoughts & Peace to All who Require.
I had a couple of aprons. One is a kitchen apron, one of those mail-order things with the family name and crest on it. I gave it to my daughter. She's married now and has taken a new name. I hope she remembers the old one, as she is the last of our line and the family name will be gone in a few years.
The other one is really just a waist apron for holding nails and a hammer when working on a ladder or whatever.
Good morning, everyone. Just black coffee today, Chloe.
I got a little wet from the mist on my morning walk . The trees are actually very pretty this year. Many years, our area's trees just turn brown. For some reason, this year there are all shades of yellow, orange, and red. Brent, your picture is beautiful.
I haven't done any layout work in weeks. I'm not sure why things have gotten so busy, but traveling doesn't help. I think we're home until Friday -- then another road trip. Maybe my wife is squeezing in as much highway time as she can before the snow and ice hit. Normally I'm the one who wants to go, but she is pushing travel right now.
If I get out later, I have a couple of small bridges I will try to photograph.
Have a good day, everyone.
gmpullmanWhat's that thing just to the left of the cab window by the arm rest?
I do not have any idea.
SeeYou190I do not have any idea.
They appear to be rearview mirrors. I don't recall seeing a type like these before. The ones I'm familiar with are incorporated into a wind deflector.
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2122700
Note to weathering experts: Be sure to get the "drippings" from the chemical toilet connection where it splashes onto the lead truck!
Evenin' folks!!!
I think I will be feeling what I did today by tomorrow morning..... I did my 5k over at the Fieldhouse at the college, but today I cut off about 5 minutes and the last 2 (16 laps is .2 of a lap less than 5k....) laps I opened up to a good full run. Sprinted the last 1/3 lap and was still able to breath with the mask on. LOL Felt good!
OK, this month has been all about bridges and we have seen many, many wonderful examples of beautiful long bridges all month. I have loved seeing them all! But... There are many more little short bridges that do their jobs every day out on the railroads and I haven't even seen one of those here. So...... Here is one I used to plan a scratch built bridge on my layout. (Actually it became a curved bridge that was longer, but I used the bridge structure layout to make the one on the Model.... Enjoy (or not....). It is found still being used on the Finger Lakes Railway near Phelps, NY but was built by the NYC way back when.
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Thanks to all again for thoughts and well wishes. My discharge from the hospital has again been delayed for medical reasons.