hon30critterI'm trying to send you a PM but the system won't let me. Without going into details, please know that you have my full support with regards to a recently locked thread.
Dave, if you click the STRATTON AND GILLETTE herald by one of my posts it takes you to my profile page, and my email address is listed there.
That was weird, I posted this one sentence, and someone just went off the deep end.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
hon30critterThese Sherman tanks appear to be missing their barrels:
Dave, I cannot be sure, but I think those are a variation of the Sherman called the "Jumbo".
The "Jumbo" version had a very thick front glacious plate that could take a direct hit from a German 88mm gun. To get the armor this thick presented all kinds of problems for this variation, one of which was transport.
To move the tanks, all kinds of appliances would be removed so they could be light enough to ride on train cars, including the (undersized) main gun.
In a tank company equipped with some Jumbos, the Jumbos would always lead the way drawing enemy fire. Then the tanks with larger guns like the "Easy-8", "Hellcat", or M36 "Destroyer" would fire at the German tanks that revealed their positions shooting at the Jumbos.
I have read stories that the main gun on the Jumbo was so worthless that some crews replaced it with as big pipe to make the germans think it was not a Jumbo. The tiny main gun was a spotting feature of this tank variation. The Germans figured out not to shoot at Jumbos, so installing an ersatz gun would draw German fire again.
I have also read that some Jumbos ran with crews of only 3 or 4 since it was so under-gunned.
It must have been terrifying to roll out in front as just a big target.
Good morning, diners.
The baby is up and woke me up. Normally at home I would have been up long ago but staying here I seem to sleep later.
Christmas trains sounds good to me for December.
Headed to Cracker Barrel for breakfast with all the little kids (always an adventure) then hit the road for home.
York1 John
Good morning
Those military train photos are neat Dave. Do you suppose they figured if they painted that big Canadian Pacific the color of the sand that nobody would see it
Happy Birthday Ray, they certainly come round quickly these days don't they?
It certainly looks like you have a lot of back-breaking work ahead of you Kevin. Better you than me I think most of us take the holiday season off and take it easy. I suppose with your nicest weather this time of year, you just keep on going like that one battery commercial
I had to take a modeling break yesterday. My friend Bruce that owns the hobby store in St. Paul builds a lot of his own bridges. He told me when you build a timber trestle, build it first and then form the landscaping around it. He went on to say that building it trying to accommodate landscaping that's already there is almost impossible as he's been down that road before. He ended up removing the landscaping and re-doing it all over again anyway.
I would have to say I agree that he is correct but trying to form the landscaping around all the timber ends to keep relief for the little footings that the bridge will slide in and out of is extremely tedious. I think this part is harder than building the model was and it's driving me nuts Perhaps a little more nuts than I already am
Whatever theme you guys decide for the Forum next month is fine by me. I'm easy and you've always done a good job with that in the past here
Happy Holidays and have a great Sunday gentleman
TF
Glitchy site and double post this morning, proceed to the next frame.
LazersThat's a good lot of varied photos.
Hi Lazers,
Thanks. Finding the photos was easy using a simple Google search for 'Military train photos'. The search revealed literally hundreds of photos but I tried to limit the ones I posted to subjects that I thought people might find entertaining.
To everyone:
Have we been able to choose a theme for December? Brent had suggested either Christmas trains or trackside structures that were not stations. Personally, I would prefer to use the Christmas train theme and save the trackside structures for January or February. What do you guys want to do?
Cheers!!
Dave
P.S.
We had the Christmas pudding with caramel sauce last night at my family's Christmas celebration, and everyone agreed that it was absolutely great! We did the traditional flaming with brandy. It was beautiful, but one of our guests who is 11 years old didn't quite know what to make of me trying to set the table on fire!
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
hon30critterhon30critter wrote the following post an hour ago: I'll squeeze in a few more military train photos before the month ends: I like the chalk marking on the side of this one,
Hi Dave,
That's a good lot of varied photos. I like the red Lambretta Scooter & Sidecar combo evading the large off-road vehicle. Also the S160's are nice and the head-on collision is 2 No. London Midland Scottish Railway, Stanier-design 8F's. These 2-8-0's were initially used as British War Department standards, prior to the design and adoption of the Austerity 2-8-0's & 2-10-0's. The 8F's were used mainly in the Middle East. Paul
"It's the South Shore Line, Jim - but not as we know it".
I'll squeeze in a few more military train photos before the month ends:
I like the chalk marking on the side of this one,
I like the colour scheme,
Union Pacific honouring the Armed Forces. Was this a 'Desert Storm' loco scheme?
WWI tanks:
They gotta learn somewhere:
Oops:
Which war?
Squeaky clean:
Let's put on a little show:
Okay, this is different! This is an overland train developed in the 1960s. No rails. I can't see the practicality of the design. All the enemy has to do is knock out the power unit and the whole thing is kaput. I guess that's the same for any train on rails, but I don't understand the logic of exposing your transport system to the same risks on open land.
If you want to learn more about it:
https://www.vintag.es/2020/06/tc-497-overland-train.html
Excellent modeling:
This one isn't quite as shiny:
Ummm, somehow I don't think this is a regular railway crossing:
A CP loco in Desert Sand colours (?):
Adult sized fireworks!:
A WWI train likely used close to the front lines:
These Sherman tanks appear to be missing their barrels:
No comment necessary:
Steam train on the Somme 1918:
I don't think this was planned:
I guess that's enough for now.
Hope you enjoyed.
SeeYou190I am tired, so I am going to hit the showers then hit the rack.
Hi Kevin,
I'm trying to send you a PM but the system won't let me. Without going into details, please know that you have my full support with regards to a recently locked thread.
Ray.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
MisterBeasleyTree's up. It's a giant artificial one. I think we've finally got the hang of dragging it out and assembling it.
Congratulations!
Dianne and I were struggling to get our ancient and heavy artificial tree up to the living room a week ago. We had to go past the front door on the way. When we got to the front door we were beat so I suggested that we take a break. Then I went down to the computer and ordered a pre-lit 4' tree. When I told Dianne she was thrilled! We put a 'free tree' sign on our old tree and got a neighbour to help us get it to the curb. It was gone in an hour.
The new tree is great. It weighs almost nothing, it only took a few minutes to decorate and from the street it looks like we have a full sized tree! We kept the ornaments that really meant something to us and gave the rest to our son to do with as he pleases.
Well, good evening everyone.
We had Chik-Fil-A catered into work today as a "thank you" for everyone's great effort on Black Friday. That was strange. Half the people that worked Black Friday were not there today, and I did not work yesterday, but I sure had some Chik-Fil-A today!
So, Black Friday was weird. The whole seasonal area is nearly bare. We did over $500,000.00 in sales yesterday. And... there were no Black Friday sales! Everything that was on sale yesterday, has been on sale for three weeks already. No one had to come in on Black Friday to get the deals.
Oh well.
I am tired, so I am going to hit the showers then hit the rack.
The World Is A Beautiful Place.
BATMANOnce you got fit do you find it work to stay fit? For me, it is like a walk to the mailbox, no biggie and I feel great all day long afterward.
Not at all! I feel like I am missing something if I can't get over and run a bit. I make myself put in at least 5,000 steps on days I don't run which is just about 2.3 miles. But I feel much better when I get the 5k in or do a run in the neighborhood. I open up and run as fast as my tiny short legs will carry me for the last quarter of a lap. We have to wear a mask in the facility at all times. And when I finish I am gasping a bit... LOL. The other day I had sat down to change into my other sneakers to leave and a lady with a HWS (college) Athletic shirt (I think maybe one of the coaches at the college) came over and asked "How you doing?"? I assured her I was good and it felt good. We talked for a few minutes and she was very complimentary about my running at 75. What does 'tic me off' are the ladies that are almost my age that are over there power walking the track when I am just jogging. How dare they walk past me!!! Not fair! Of course each of them is at least 5 inches taller than I am... Longer legs is a plus!
My new hero is Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins. She has set the worlds record for the fastest woman alive in her class in the 100 Meter Dash! Of course her "class" is the over 105 years of age class. She still holds the record for the 100 to 104 age class as well....
Take care out there and stay safe!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
howmusI have done the math and if can keep the regimen up I will receive the Equator Award. Of course, I will also be 102 years old..... May not get that one! I do wish I had started years earlier! A couple of weeks ago my Doctor evaluated all my blood work and listened intently to my heart, breathing, stomach, etc., and told me that I should sit down and have a serious talk with my family. He told me to let them know they might have to put up with me for several more years.....
Don't cut yourself short Ray. You could very well hit 102. Just think how much dust will be on the layout.
On my last visit to the Doc, he said your numbers are those of a teenager. I have been challenging myself with a new fitness test. The top-level is a professional cyclist, the next one down is amature pro and then comes the excellent fitness and it goes down from there. I am just starting to sometimes hit the amateur -pro category, however, I don't think I will ever get firmly seated there as my age is holding me back. I feel like my skeletal structure will explode on those days.
Let me ask you a question, I am very fit and find it no effort at all to maintain that level. Once you got fit do you find it work to stay fit? For me, it is like a walk to the mailbox, no biggie and I feel great all day long afterward.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Thank You Brent!
I have done the math and if can keep the regimen up I will receive the Equator Award. Of course I will also be 102 years old..... May not get that one! I do wish I had started years earlier! A couple weeks ago ago my Doctor evaluated all my blood work and listened intently to my heart, breathing, stomach, etc. and told me that I should sit down and have a serious talk with my family. He told me to let them know they might have to put up with me for several more years.....
I am now doing a 5k in about 47 minutes. Certainly not world class, but the best I have ever done. Bummer is that the Fieldhouse at the college is closed until Monday for the holiday here.
Been getting ready today to have folks come over for desert after we eat at the Castle tomorrow. I will be glad when the fal-der-ahl is done with. I hope my family has fun putting it all on and everyone stays safe!
Tree's up. It's a giant artificial one. I think we've finally got the hang of dragging it out and assembling it. The lights are part of it so that part's done, too. The ornaments are next.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Good afternoon from a very wet West Coast. We are being nailed again with a lot of rain. I feel like crap today, I almost feel like I am sick which never happens so I just hope no one needs my help today.
Ray, happy belated Birthday to one of my favourite forumites. You are an inspiration with your modelling, environmental and fitness disciplines. I read a good article on how being fit is the best way to protect yourself from covid. 78% of covid deaths were obese people likely caused by the much lower number of antibodies they have.
NorthBritBrent. What a beautiful song by Sissel. I had never heard it before. Thanks for posting.
Glad you enjoyed it, David. Nothing helps me unwind better than listening to Sissel for a while with a glass of the good stuff. Everyone thinks Celine did the vocals for Titanic, not so it was Sissel. Celine just sang the song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jX2H4lK1x4&ab_channel=EnfermoLiguista
Here is a video of some Highway repairs going on. At 3:50 there is an interesting bridge. Can anyone tell me what kind it is, you see a lot of them if you go offroading as the Forest Service puts them in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GadbYCPKbjg&ab_channel=SteBros
I never take a nap, I never have to get up and pee in the night, my BP averages 104/60HR42 but I sure need to go lay down, I think.
All the best to all.
Afternoon Folks!
Hope everyone out there had a wonderful Thanksgiving! (That includes all those around the world, even those who wouldn't have celebrated it. Hope you had a great week too!)
I had my immediate family over to consume a lot of turkey, mashed Potatoes and gravy, stuffing, and of course, winter squash. Desert was a large assortment of items including some home baked brownies and Pecan Pie!!! Yum. I just got around to cook down the remains of the bird for some homemade Turkey soup for next weekend. Will finish up the soup with vegetables, etc. later in the week and it will become dinner over at my son's house next Sunday.
I am evidentally in the midst of a long familiy celebration of my birthday this year. Turned 75 yesterday! Don't feel any older but I already felt pretty old..... They are planning a "large" gathering at the Belhurst Castle tomorrow in my honor. We will be ordering off the menu of the smaller restaurant on site but will gather in the large dining room of the Castle (for better distancing) and will be the only people there. Then most of the group will be coming to my house for dessert. We are all pretty much family and everyone is fully vaccinated (I hope!).
This morning Fitbit honored me with the "Russian Railway Badge". They say I have now put in the distance of the entire Trans-Siberian Railway. That is 5,772 miles in the last 3 years and 7 months.
I wil have to increase my milage to work of the amount of food I have consumed in this last week!!!
Hope you all have a great day!
mbinsewiI have the same Makita drill as you, and I also have a much bigger Bosch demolition drill.
About ten minutes into the demolition I seriously considered renting a bigger tool.
Thank goodness there was no rebar.
Good morning all,
That looks like a project, Kevin. I have the same Makita drill as you, and I also have a much bigger Bosch demolition drill.
Sometimes, if the slab isn't attached to other concrete, lifting it up with a bar, and swinging a mall works just as quick.
I've always wanted one of those little mixers that you bought. .
Anyway, starting to get easier getting around on the new hip. The doc encourages me to add my full weight as much as possible, so I have been using a cane. I still have the walker as a back up, for the not-so-easy days, and middle of the night trips to the can.
We had a nice quiet Thanksgiving. Our son and daughter went to their spouse's homes, one in Ohio and the other in Indiana, for Thanksgiving, so the wife and I had a nice dinner for 2. She found a small turkey breast which suites us just fine.
Earlier in the week, our daughter and one of her running friends, participated in an Iron Man race in Tempte, AZ. Daughter says thats the last Iron Man for her. Race results weren't as good as our daughter had anticipated, but they had a great time, and seen a lot of country, as they drove from Kenosha, WI.
Getting back to model railroading can't come soon enough. I can handle the basement steps, OK, just want to be able to get around a little better, once I get back to it. I have lots of cleaning up and moving around to do.
We're going back up to our north woods hide a way on Tues. Spend a couple of weeks, and then close the place down for the rest of the winter. We usually open it up in early March.
Now that building material prices have settled down, next construction season's projects include the painting and installing siding on a shed I built, and getting the ground work done for a 10' addition to the cabin, that will happen in a couple of years. That addition will make the little place ready for year around living, which just might happen in the not too distant future. I have a younger brother, and his wife, that is currently building a home up there, 2 miles from us.
Thats about it for now guys, time to do my hip exercises. Have a great weekend!
Mike.
My You Tube
News flash. It's warmer in the south than in the north. I fought the grand children for the last pieces of bacon. I'll check in tomorrow. I don't like typing on this little phone. Hope David and Lazers have survived the storms. Later.
Good morning everyone. I don't need to get ready for work for another three hours, so I am going to go make an attempt to get something going on the backyard project.
Good Morning All,
30F this morning with a few scattered light flurries last night to boot. Youngest son is on his way back to Long Beach this morning - it was good to see him. Middle son is in Savannah for a week so we have Emmet the dog while he's gone. Daughter is back working and the granddaughter is off oxygen entirely and has her first set of premie clothes. Now we wait for her release from NICU. Oldest son is just hanging out at home though he was in the shop yesterday following up on some loose ends for the winter rehab of the Pescarolo that ran at Daytona. Still it was good to see everyone over the holiday even if it wasn't in person with my daughter.
Still no progress in the basement as I'm doing the last of what I can manage before the real winter shows up. Hope you are all doing well. Ciao, J.R.
Hi David, we're ok thanks, but most of the fence panels and posts are not. Wheelie-bins and contents on display. House windows blathered by dirty water. Even the Washing-line came down. There is stuff littered around the garden and yard. Went to Tesco's this a.m. Trees down along the roadside and no newspapers! Still no trains on the ECML. 13:30 UK time.
Our roof survived, but my neighbour has a couple of Roofers working on his right now.
None of this may seem excessive in the States, but in England - it is a all major disaster.
I hope that you and your family and all forum members are ok.
To quote Mark Twain, "It was a wild night for homeless young heads to be out in". A line I never forgotten from my school-kids edition that I bought from a jumble sale, when I was but a nipper myself. Paul.
Good morning Diners. A bowl of porridge please, Zoe. Add some extra Scotch in it.
The storm that has hit the U.K. is finally subsiding (here at least). I hope Lazers is okay. Apparently he has had worse weather than us.
Brent. What a beautiful song by Sissel. I had never heard it before. Thanks for posting.
Another Railway line in Norway. The Flam Railway. The final construction by the Germans in WW2. I have travelled on the line twice. Once in Summertime, the other Wintertime. Magical both journies.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fl%C3%A5m_Line
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcsxfHmDJ2g
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
POST HOG!
I just tried Walthers for the fourth time today, and the Promo code DC12OFF finally worked!
My order is in.
What a day!
I thought I would get to "play" with my new Ryobi Concrete Mixer today... nope.
I have all the materials on hand, and I am ready to go... it is backyard paver patio time. All I need to do is remove a 36" by 36" concrete stoop. I fired up the Makita SDS Plus hammer, and went to work.
IT TOOK FOUR HOURS to chip away the old stoop. I figured 30 minutes tops. It was way more work than I expected.
Here it is about 75% of the way done.
I did start surveying the lines for the new landscape wall, but nothing got built, and no concrete was mixed.
SeeYou190If you do, I will send you the BB script for the new RIP track graphic. -Kevin
Thanks,
All I have done in the past is copy and paste the opening paragraphs and photos from the previous month's Diner and then edit the wording as appropriate. You have already updated the RIP track to include Garry so I should be good to go. If I have trouble, I'll let you know.
hon30critterI will move the Diner unless someone else wishes to do it.
If you do, I will send you the BB script for the new RIP track graphic.