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Jefferys Track Side Diner for April, 2022

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  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,250 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 5:32 AM

SeeYou190
I have a tool box in my garage

That’s not a tool box!!! That’s a classic Snap-on roll cab with add-ons, the size of a pocket battleship!!!
 
No one can accuse you of skimping on quality Kevin! Though an old engineer told me, and I’ve tried to follow his advice, “If you Need a tool more than three times either buy or make the proper one.” (He would accept the use of an adjustable wrench, when push came to shove, but would prefer not to have to use one.)
 
Making trout laugh, Lake Taupo.
 
LT 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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  • From: North Dakota
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Posted by BroadwayLion on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 4:58 AM

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: North Dakota
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Posted by BroadwayLion on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 4:57 AM

ROBERT PETRICK

ROBERT PETRICK

 

Nothing wrong with your thinker!

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

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 12:04 AM

SeeYou190
 
BroadwayLion
Are you a auto mechanic or a heart suregon!

I worked with heavy equipment in various roles for 35 years. Now I hang out at the Home Depot service desk!

I think him was commenting on the cleanliness and tidiness of your shop. 

LINK to SNSR Blog


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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, April 25, 2022 11:26 PM

CNCharlie
Yesterday was a very stressful one for us. The storm Lion got came here but we had a lot of rain including a thunderstorm. The rain melted snow too and then with the frozen ground ran into the window wells at the side and front o f the house. We had water coming into the basement from the small lake along the front.

Hi CNCharlie,

I'm sorry to hear about your water troubles.

We have one small occassional leak under the laundry tubs. Fortunately the floor drain is very close so the water just runs a few feet along the concrete floor and goes down the drain. Even that small problem is very irritating, and what's worse is that it would be very expensive to fix. I can understand your feelings.

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
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, April 25, 2022 11:15 PM

MisterBeasley
Back when I drove British sports cars, I always had a full set of tools in the car, too.

Hi MisterBeasley,

Been there, done that!! I remember beating a bent valve pushrod straight again using an adjustable wrench and the top of a guardrail post as an anvil on the side of Hwy. 401 in the middle of the winter.

I used to do almost all of the work on my MGB and BMW. I rebuilt engines, transmissions, differentials and bodies in order to keep my MGB and BMW on the road. I simply couldn't afford to pay someone else to do it. I think I must have been fairly good at it because I coaxed more than 275,000 miles out of my 'B'. I was pretty meticulous about the mechanical work. The body work, not so much!Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaugh

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 Monday, April 25, 2022 11:14 PM

BroadwayLion
Are you a auto mechanic or a heart suregon!

I worked with heavy equipment in various roles for 35 years. Now I hang out at the Home Depot service desk!

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Prices on all kinds of products are falling. Milk, eggs, cream cheese, and butter are all a lot less expensive than they were last week. Gas is down a good bit. Plants and landscaping supplies are much less expensive than they were last year. I hope this spreads to other items.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Florida lost the internet today while I was at work. All Comcast customers went dark. I am surprised my wife made it through.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

The World Is a Beautiful Place

 

-Photograph by Kevin Parson

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

I finally finished the shower valve replacement in the bathroom. That was no fun at all.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
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  • From: North Dakota
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Posted by BroadwayLion on Monday, April 25, 2022 3:30 PM

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

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: North Dakota
  • 9,592 posts
Posted by BroadwayLion on Monday, April 25, 2022 1:40 PM

Are you a auto mechanic or a heart suregon!

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

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Monday, April 25, 2022 11:25 AM

I have a tool box in my garage, and OBD electronic troubleshooting devices, stocked well enough so that I could repair any failure on my own cars.

-Photograph by Kevin Parson

I don't repair any of them.

Same as John, I just pay someone else to do it.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Monday, April 25, 2022 9:41 AM

ROBERT PETRICK

 Regarding warm beer . . . I think, technically, the Brits drink room temperature beer. The thing is, room temperature in Britain is pretty dang cold! Explains all the tweed.

 Robert
 

 
LaughLaughLaugh
 
 
Warm British beer  for me.
 
Samuel Adams   chilled.
 
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 2014
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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Monday, April 25, 2022 9:35 AM

MisterBeasley
York1

I'm off to the car repair shop.  The Durango needs new brakes.  Years ago, I used to do all these things myself.  Now I just take it in and let someone else do it.  I think it's a combination of being older with with physical limitations, and the fact that I have a more money now than I used to.

Same here.  I even rebuilt my engine by myself.

Now, I wouldn't know where to start.  You need a garage full of electronics to properly do the job.  It's too complicated.  Back when I drove British sports cars, I always had a full set of tools in the car, too.  "Every part that falls off this car was installed by the finest British craftsmen."

Also, "Why do the British drink warm beer?"

Because Lucas makes refrigerators.

 
I agree with your automobile sentiments. Back in the day, I had both an MGB and a Midget. When they ran, they ran like a watch. When they didn't, they didn't.
 
Regarding warm beer . . . I think, technically, the Brits drink room temperature beer. The thing is, room temperature in Britain is pretty dang cold! Explains all the tweed.
 
Robert

LINK to SNSR Blog


  • Member since
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  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Monday, April 25, 2022 9:06 AM

York1

I'm off to the car repair shop.  The Durango needs new brakes.  Years ago, I used to do all these things myself.  Now I just take it in and let someone else do it.  I think it's a combination of being older with with physical limitations, and the fact that I have a more money now than I used to.

Same here.  I even rebuilt my engine by myself.

Now, I wouldn't know where to start.  You need a garage full of electronics to properly do the job.  It's too complicated.  Back when I drove British sports cars, I always had a full set of tools in the car, too.  "Every part that falls off this car was installed by the finest British craftsmen."

Also, "Why do the British drink warm beer?"

Because Lucas makes refrigerators.

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

  • Member since
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  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Monday, April 25, 2022 7:38 AM

Good morning, diners.  Bacon, eggs, and black coffee, please.

I'm off to the car repair shop.  The Durango needs new brakes.  Years ago, I used to do all these things myself.  Now I just take it in and let someone else do it.  I think it's a combination of being older with physical limitations, and the fact that I have more money now than I used to.

After I walk back home, I'll check back in to the diner to give the waitresses a tip.

 

York1 John       

  • Member since
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  • From: Ludington, MI
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Posted by Water Level Route on Monday, April 25, 2022 6:01 AM

SeeYou190
The problems with starting engines in the cold during WW2 had more to do with the lubrication and fuel systems than ignition.

I recall reading somewhere that they used to light fires (think small campfires) beneath the engines of the planes (and possibly other equipment) to keep the oil heated up enough to flow during the Russian winters.  I also read that this was vital on the German planes (and American built planes flown by Russia) as the engines were built to very tight tolerances and the bitter cold would effectively seize them up.  The heat from the fires kept the internals freed up.  The Russians didn't have the same problem with the planes they built as the engines were not built to as tight of tolerances for that very reason.

Mike

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  • From: North Dakota
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Posted by BroadwayLion on Monday, April 25, 2022 4:59 AM

 

Don't want to make a PIG

of myself!

 

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

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, April 24, 2022 11:38 PM

up831
Example: in WWII, the German army had diesel powered tanks, which is fine until you're in a Russian winter.  Then if you shut them off, you'd never get them started again.   oh well, Vinnie will probably delete this.

During World War 2 virtually every German vehicle, armored or otherwise, was powered by a spark ignited gasoline (or distillate) fueled engine. The widespread use of compression ignition engines in German land based war machines simply did not exist.

There is a page on Wikipedia about different Maybach engines used in WW2 German fighting vehicles that is pretty good. As far as I know, all armored fighting vehicles designed and manufactured by Germany proper in WW2 (Panzer III, StuG III, Panzer IV, Tiger, and Panther) were powered by these gasoline fueled and spark ignited engines.

If there were any German armored fighting vehicles with diesel engines they would have been either captured vehicles or from countries annexed by Germany prior to the outbreak of hostilities.

The German engineer corps did build several versions of armored A/A guns and armored howitzers on captured diesel powered French tractor chassis. These were unusual and did not see widespread use. I am not aware of them being used outside of France, and certainly not on the Eastern Front.

The most widely used non-armored vehicle in the German forces was the Opel Blitz truck. Nearly all of these were powered by a flathead straight six gasoline fueled engine based on a Buick design.

The British repowered lots of Lend/Lease Sherman tanks with diesel engines, and these had great success.

The Americans had one limited class of haul truck that was powered by a Cummins compression ignition engine, and quite a bit of heavy support equipment with similar engines. Nearly all American fighting machines were spark ignited.

The Soviet T-34 and KV-1 (beginning in 1940) main battle tanks did have diesel engines, and they had no serious problems starting in the Russian Winters. Like all Soviet equipment, these were simple, reliable, and effective.

The problems with starting engines in the cold during WW2 had more to do with the lubrication and fuel systems than ignition.

It would be another 10 years after WW2 before compression ignition engines proved themselves in heavy applications as superior to spark ignited engines.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Sunday, April 24, 2022 10:47 PM

Supercat by Bear, on Flickr

Smile

Edit. Top of the page, so as it’s ANZAC Day join me for a tot, or possibly several, and some bully beef and piccalilli pickle sandwiches.

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

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Sunday, April 24, 2022 10:15 PM

A couple of weeks ago I noticed this Maple was ready to come down. I had made plans to clear a path, get out the come-along and persuade it into the right direction.

Nature had other ideas as a bit of wind the other day took care of the top half for me Whistling

 Tree_Down-2 by Edmund, on Flickr

How lucky we were that the other Maple there kept the fallen trunk away from the caboose roof! Close call for sure!

 Tree_Down-1 by Edmund, on Flickr

With a slingshot, kite string and some nylon rope I got the slings pulled over and into position to give her a tug.

 Tree_Down by Edmund, on Flickr

Now the cleanup and cut the rest of the trunk and then the second trunk which will be easier to deal with. At least it's leaning away from the caboose. Lots of standing dead trees over the past few years, Emerald Ash Borer and a Beech Blight has taken its toll. For some reason several of the maples have gone, too.

At least I've never had to buy firewood.

 Otis_cordwood2 by Edmund, on Flickr

 


 

My money's NOT on the Pontiac —

 CP_2860_Widetrack-Pontiac by Edmund, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,250 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Sunday, April 24, 2022 10:15 PM
Today, the 25th, is ANZAC Day, New Zealand and Australia’s Day of Remembrance.
After two years cancellation, due to Covid, we were able to attend the ANZAC Day Dawn Parade and commemoration down at the Ohinemutu Marae War Memorial.
I didn’t know what to expect but while down on past years, attendance was pretty good, and well worth getting up at 0445 hrs.
 
Gathering, 0539.
25 April 22 by Bear, on Flickr
Predawn 0622…
25 April 0622 by Bear, on Flickr
…0639
25 April 0639 by Bear, on Flickr
Passing Out Parade.
Passing out 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."

  • Member since
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Posted by maxman on Sunday, April 24, 2022 8:49 PM

howmus

 up831

What happens when these are ready for the scrap pile. What happens to the batteries and all of that acid and other toxic substances.

 

https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-lithium-ion-batteries

It gets recycled!

73

 

Yes, gets recycled.  But removal/replacement doesn't look like a shade-tree mechanic job.

  • Member since
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  • From: Finger Lakes
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Posted by howmus on Sunday, April 24, 2022 12:45 PM

up831
What happens when these are ready for the scrap pile. What happens to the batteries and all of that acid and other toxic substances.

https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-lithium-ion-batteries

It gets recycled!

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
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  • From: Currently in Chicago area
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Posted by up831 on Sunday, April 24, 2022 12:21 PM

Hi Everyone,

Brunhilde, coffee with cream, please.

Raining here now.  Rained all day Friday, but it was a slow soaking rain.  I'm sure the crops and the water table welcomed that.

A thought on electric cars.  What happens when these are ready for the scrap pile.  What happens to the batteries and all of that acid and other toxic substances.  My opinion, but I don't think the mfrs have thought this all the way through.

Example: in WWII, the German army had diesel powered tanks, which is fine until you're in a Russian winter.  Then if you shut them off, you'd never get them started again.  
oh well, Vinnie will probably delete this.

Lion:  we went through ND on I-94 last September.  First time in North Dakota.  I'm glad we didn't experience the snow like in your pictures.

Yes, they do grow sunflowers in ND  as a cash crop.  We drove by fields of of them.

Nothing else exciting to report.  Glad to see most everyone is ok.

Less is more,...more or less!

Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)

  • Member since
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Posted by CNCharlie on Sunday, April 24, 2022 10:46 AM

Good Morning,

Yesterday was a very stressful one for us. The storm Lion got came here but we had a lot of rain including a thunderstorm. The rain melted snow too and then with the frozen ground ran into the window wells at the side and front o f the house. We had water coming into the basement from the small lake along the front. I put in a small submersible pump I use to pump out the pond but after about 3 hours it quit. Luckily the water was gone by then. Got water in the workshop window, first time in 32 yers. Only damage may be to a small section of flooring in the basement. The underlay is supposed to wick away moisture. It was the only one that was approved for below grade at tn casehe time. I have extra flooring if I need to replace but not the saw to cut it. We were up most of the night emptying pails of water from the laundry window well. 

Rain has stopped and now cold and very windy. About 30F. Will try the pump inthe pond in case it just needed to cool down. A replacement has been ordered for Tues. delivery. It is the kind that uses a garden hose..

That is my excietment for the week. I now have a summer project to stop that from happening again. I am afraid I will need a contractor to replace the window wells as the sides are to low to let me build up the ground sufficiently. Aso the AC unit is out there and was in 6 inches of water for a time. Hopefully it survived.

CN Charlie

 

 

  • Member since
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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Sunday, April 24, 2022 4:15 AM

Pretty in Blue —

 New Oakway by Mike Danneman, on Flickr

Happy Sunday!

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, April 24, 2022 12:44 AM

Where did the day go?

The World Is A Beautiful Place

-Photograph by Kevin Parson

I am off to sleep.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: North Dakota
  • 9,592 posts
Posted by BroadwayLion on Saturday, April 23, 2022 5:55 PM

Snowing in the lands of Dakota Norsk.

Hre are North Dakotas Traffic Photos... I-94 west of Dickinson:

 

Closder to us...

I-94 is closed west of Dickinson, Between here and Dickinson "No Travel is Advised."

 

I'd take their advice if I was ewe!

 

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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Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, April 23, 2022 3:02 PM

Today it is 84°F outside. Wednesday's high is expected to be 40.

Everyone's needs for vehicles is quite varied, of course. We could use an EV but it wouldn't be our only vehicle. I bought a new pickup in 2019 and have just over 5000 miles on it. My needs are very light, indeed.

I had given some thought on the recharge situation.

Imagine if you will, quickly exchanged "battery packs" like your power tools have. Why couldn't an electric vehicle be designed to use, say, three or maybe four "standardized" designs of a battery package.

You would drive into the exchange station, sort of like a Quick Lube or a car wash, where your "spent" battery would be lifted — or dropped — depending on the design, using automated handling equipment. Off you go with a fully charged "power pack" while the depleted battery would be inspected, carefully charged, monitored and ready for another vehicle in a few hours.

Quite similar to how many places do the propane tank exchange these days. Took me a while to get used to that.

I know of three people who have lost their vehicles (all Fords) to fire, and in one case a guy's house burned down. He had a Crown Vic with the "faulty" cruise control switch that was always "hot" and tranny fluid would leak into the contact area. Although I appreciate that battery fires are worse to deal with.

For now my only EV is my 2008 Club Car.

 IMG_6608 by Edmund, on Flickr



 

I love studying photos like this. Look at how many interactions are going on here. Cars backed in for a quick getaway. 

 Rock Island commuter train New Lenox IL 1978 by Mark LLanuza, on Flickr

Maybe it is a Friday and all these arriving commuters are ready to get their weekend started. And there's the Preiser "big man" in the orange shirt!

 

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Saturday, April 23, 2022 1:33 PM

maxman
While the battery is recharging you are expected to be on fire watch duty.

Hmmmm.....  My son say's the risk is "about the same as for gas".  Depends on who you read, I think.  Forbes published this:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilwinton/2022/03/02/electric-car-fire-risks-look-exaggerated-but-more-data-required-for-definitive-verdict/?sh=32fbcc42327e

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, April 23, 2022 11:26 AM

Yeah, it’s possible I did win BUT if I did, then so did the bloke who has just bought another brass tank car.

I am definitely a winner on this one.

I will share it in Weekend Photo Fun after the model arrives. It showed up with a Buy It Now at less than half of what I have seen them sell for.

York1
Kevin, while I don't have a desire to move, I am envious of your ability to grow just about anything in your climate.  Whenever I look through a seed catalog and see something really interesting, it's almost always restricted to one of the warmer zones.  I wish dandelions would have that restriction.

There are plenty of problems growing things down here. The biggest is weeds. Weeds will take over everything if you turn your back for a moment.

Droughts are another one. We get four or five months a year with no rain. We are in that position right now. Every year people act like it has never happened before. In four weeks we will all be drowning in rain, same as every year.

Most lawns, including mine, are more weeds than grass. With the watering restrictions right now, almost all the lawns in my neighborhood are dying.

A lot of plants are banned because of high water needs. Every year they threaten to add Hibiscus to this list, but they never do.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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