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Jeffrey's Trackside Diner: December, 2022 and Winter Trains

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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, December 30, 2022 6:10 AM

Good morning

Good point Dave.  My dad used to get pissed off if we didn't leave the faucets at a slow trickle during the Sub-Zero temps near International Falls.  Well water was free but bursted pipes wasn't.

There was never a year we didn't fluff up bales of hay covered with tarps over the septic system in the fall.  And heat tapes around the sewer line exiting the basement in the lodge. 

Otherwise the outhouse would be a cold walk down the hill and could freeze ones buns on arrival.  We didn't have no heat tapes down there eh? Laugh

 

  Ajan/Pinterest

 

Have a great weekend gentlemanSmile, Wink & Grin

 

TF

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Posted by hon30critter on Friday, December 30, 2022 5:24 AM

SeeYou190
OK... forgive me here... If the weather falls below 32 degrees, how do the pipes NOT freeze? And... what is wrong if they do freeze? Wouldn't they just thaw out?

Hi Kevin,

If the air temperature around the pipes goes below the freezing point, then the pipes will freeze. Unfortunately, when pipes freeze they tend to burst. Why? Water expands as it freezes. That process has shaped our entire planet. Freezing water will eventually break solid rock. Given that, copper or plastic pipes are no match for freezing water. 

One trick to help avoid having your pipes burst is to leave your taps open a tiny bit so that a very small trickle of water is flowing through the pipes. Moving water does not tend to freeze as readily as stationary water. 

As you can imagine, burst water pipes can do a whole lot of damage! Our security service offers an option for monitoring excess water flow. Now that we are retired and rarely leave the house in the winter I don't see a need to pay for that protection, but if we were to go for a holiday during our cold weather seasons, I would definitely sign up.

Cheers!!

Dave

 

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

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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, December 30, 2022 4:39 AM

Good Morning Diners.  Just a quick visit, so a coffee on the go please, Zoe.

 

Somerset & Dorset Railway just before closure.  A railway line that should never have closed, but that is another  (political) story.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSDLZ6ZjN2k&ab_channel=PhilipFowler

 

Back Later

David

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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Posted by "JaBear" on Friday, December 30, 2022 3:33 AM
Gidday Chloe, been a long hot frustrating day. I hate it when customers ask me for advice, ignore it, and then wonder why things have gone pear shaped!!Bang HeadBang HeadSigh
Still, all fixed now but…Angry
 
Getting low on my winter poster stash!!
 
Winter4 by Bear, on Flickr
 
Thoughts and Best Wishes to Al 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 allegedlynerdy on Friday, December 30, 2022 1:30 AM

SeeYou190

 

 
moelarrycurly4
Other than that , no issues, the pipes did not freeze during the big freeze we just had.

 

OK... forgive me here...

If the weather falls below 32 degrees, how do the pipes NOT freeze? And... what is wrong if they do freeze? Wouldn't they just thaw out?

-Kevin (Floridian)

 

Inside your house is (hopefully) warmer than 32F, and any external plumbing (either a well or city water hookups) will be dug below the frost line (in the places that get this weather often).

However, especially in older houses, pipes in exterior walls can freeze (I lived in an 1880s farm house for a while- almost no insulation and the bathroom was over a space on the first floor we didn't heat so it happened a bit). At best, yeah you'd just end up with no running water until you thaw it out, but a bad freeze can fracture the pipes! I know people with houses on slab foundations who have had nightmares after their heat went out, they were able to stay with a friend but half the pipes in the slab froze and burst, basically had to have their entire foundation split open to repair. 

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, December 30, 2022 12:07 AM

moelarrycurly4
Other than that , no issues, the pipes did not freeze during the big freeze we just had.

OK... forgive me here...

If the weather falls below 32 degrees, how do the pipes NOT freeze? And... what is wrong if they do freeze? Wouldn't they just thaw out?

-Kevin (Floridian)

Living the dream.

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Posted by Track fiddler on Thursday, December 29, 2022 8:23 PM

That's a little too close for comfort MLC.  I'm glad no one was hurt, as ricochets can be just as dangerous as inline sometimes.  Especially high velocity.  There's nothing worse than an idiot with a firearm.

During hunting season we'd hear shots going off all day at the resort.  It wasn't the locals we worried about but the Cidiots. 

All those years we were lucky enough to dodge the bullet so to speak, in the lodge.  There was a hole at an angle through both walls in the corner of the fish house though.

 

TF

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Posted by moelarrycurly4 on Thursday, December 29, 2022 8:04 PM

Greetings from our southern command, we came to spend some time for new years,

we found a stray bullet had come thru our guest room windpw, breaking the window, the bullet was on the floor. it was a ricohet from prob the goobers up the road, now I must replace the glass. atleast no one was hurt, we filed a report with the SO, the deupty was goin got go have a talk with thes goobers.

Other than that , no issues, the pipes did not freeze during the big freeze we just had. So i would rather deal with window glass than plumbin any day. 

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Posted by York1 on Thursday, December 29, 2022 2:01 PM

Good afternoon, everyone.

Kevin, I'm glad to hear you had only mild symptoms.  This has not been fun.

I've started work on the layout for the first time in six weeks.  I need to finish some bridge approaches and get my final bridge installed so I can run a train again.  I have not bought anything for the layout in months.  I'm getting anxious to buy something -- anything -- just for the good feeling of buying some train related item.

We've had a reprieve for two days, with milder temps, but now we are again in the target for ice and some light snow.  It will be a white New Year's Eve.  I can't complain.  We need the moisture, and we're not getting anything catastrophic.  We'll gladly take the ice and light snow.  Daisy the Dachshund doesn't like it, though.

I'm looking forward to the January diner.  It will be fun to see what gets posted each day.  It'll also keep the waitresses on their toes.

Hope everyone has a good finish to this 2022!

York1 John       

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, December 29, 2022 1:01 PM

York1
When I explained the situation, he wanted to know why I was given paxlovid.  He explained that here, it is given only to someone with heart or lung issues.

When I had Covid-19 a few months ago, Paxlovid was all in the news as a great thing. My doctor said that there were too many possibilities for liver side effects, and it was suggested I not get it.

I was told that since I was vaccinated and double-boosted, I would have mild symptoms.

York1
I am jealous of those of you who got covid and had just mild symptoms.

That was me.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by Water Level Route on Thursday, December 29, 2022 11:08 AM

Howdy diners!  Flo, a grilled ham and cheese please.

Been enjoying the time away from work for the holidays.  Leaving in a few to go to our annual bowling day with my wife's family.  Got some sort of knot in my back, so might only be one game for me.  We'll see how I feel after the first.

Otherwise, no news from my area of the woods.  Later guys.

Mike

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Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, December 29, 2022 10:32 AM

Good afternoon Diners.   A cup of Darjeeling, some Christmas Cake with a slice of Wensleydale Cheese  and a Coconut Cookie, Kevin left please,  Janie.

 

That's a story and half, John.  Hope things change for the better now.

 

Trains and Winter Rains  -  Enya

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE2dr8v-nh4&ab_channel=enyatv

 

David

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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Posted by York1 on Thursday, December 29, 2022 8:22 AM

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

Kevin, I'll have the glass of milk, but I'll skip the coconut cookies.  For some reason, I have never liked coconut.  They were the only cookies my mother made I didn't like.

Long, boring sick story:

On the flight home from the vacation, I started to feel ill.  By the time I got to Dallas, I was sick.  I went to the doctor there and had covid.  The doctor said I should not fly for a week, so I spent that time at my daughter's house.

The doctor gave me paxlovid.  She said that it was an antiviral, and that I should take it because I was over 65.  I took it.  I was very sick, but felt better in four days.  I flew home and continued to feel better and better.  Then....

I woke up one morning sicker than I had been before.  My wife convinced me to go to the doctor here.  When I explained the situation, he wanted to know why I was given paxlovid.  He explained that here, it is given only to someone with heart or lung issues.

He said that he has dealt with case after case of someone taking that medicine, and then getting covid again worse.  He called it a 'rebound'.

I can see why some states restricted paxlovid's use.  I was so upset.  I've spent several weeks sicker than I've been in a long time.  Finally, yesterday, I've begun to feel better.

Before someone goes there, I was double vaxed and double boosted!  I am jealous of those of you who got covid and had just mild symptoms.

Now that I've been playing the part of an old man complaining about his health, I'll make the New Year's resolution not to talk about my health again.

A word of warning:  if your doctor ever prescribes paxlovid, run the other way.

York1 John       

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, December 29, 2022 7:54 AM

TOP OF THE PAGE

TREATS ARE ON ME

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

How about some coconut cookies and a glass of milk?

-Photograph by Kevin Parson

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

I almost made it a whole month without having the top of the page.

Good morning everyone.

It is warm here for the next week at least. I plan on spending ther next three days hard at work in the yard.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, December 29, 2022 6:18 AM

North Yorkshire Moors Railway  24th December 2022

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Itoj2JfSmI&ab_channel=Loco-Loco

        ---------------------------------------------------

A glorious treat from the team at Quorn Transport Films. Using real archive recordings from cold winters past, and contemporary scenes of Quorn and Woodhouse snow, watch this film with a warm cup of tea and be glad you're not out sweeping flakes off the platform. A beautifully put together feature, it's hard not to believe you're watching something from the 1950s.

A Winter's Snow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfG0t8LleKg&ab_channel=GCRofficial

 

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 NorthBrit on Thursday, December 29, 2022 5:48 AM

Good morning Diners.  A coffee on the go please, Zoe.

Three short films

 

Switzerland

The Glacier Express.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bADR5QowGXc&ab_channel=exploremarco

 

England

Farncombe

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slyRo5lMCPw&ab_channel=Jordy43008

 

Whyteleafe South

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ6PqpCbsLE&ab_channel=Jordy43008

 

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, December 29, 2022 5:12 AM

Good morning

gmpullman

Mrs. Pullman's 2015 Honda CR-V was having trouble starting the other day (-6°F the night before) so I put the trickle charger on the battery and took a look at things. I remember my days of tinkering with old cars and thought to check the "other" end of the ground cable where it connects to the chassis. Sure enough, it really looked corroded (they conveniently locate it near the front weel well Dunce) and I wire brushed then removed the cable lug.

Quite surprised the paint had not even been removed where the lug bolts on. As we all learn from poor pickup on locomotives, every little speck of resistance can make-or-break a current path.

Everything seems better today. I sanded off some of the paint, used a new, non-corroded bolt and coated everything with De-Ox-It paste. I wonder how many people get stuck buying a new battery when the cable lug/chassis bond might be the problem? The terminals at the battery itself look great.

It was a good thing you were able to figure that one out Ed.  A bad ground wire can be quite a puzzling problem. 

My Mustang had become temperamental last summer and didn't want to start sometimes.  Perhaps after several attempts the vibration restored continuity to the bad ground wire again.

One night it wouldn't start, even after many attempts.  As Luck had it, my brother-in-law in Wisconsin answered his phone.  He knows that car like the back of his hand after rebuilding it. 

After diagnosing it was a spark and not a fuel issue, he had me start chasing wires.  We found a ground wire that went from the distributor to a brass threaded spindle coming out of the block. 

The brass nut was somehow loose and stripped out.  After wiggling and hand tightening it, the car started right up.  Sometimes a big problem can be that simple, but hard to find.

 

The free-for-all idea of Brents, sounds like a good one.  Kinda like a bowl of me frosted Lucky Charms.  You never know what Sweet Surprises your gonna get in each spoonfulLaugh

 

Of Steam and Coal Blind Magazine

 

Have a great day gentlemenSmile, Wink & Grin

 

 

TF

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Posted by "JaBear" on Thursday, December 29, 2022 4:14 AM

hon30critter
One last snow train

????????????????Smile, Wink & Grin

Commuter Station On Christmas Eve by Bear, on Flickr

Railroad Magazine_ December Trains, 1951 by Bear, on Flickr

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 hon30critter on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 8:30 PM

One last snow train:

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
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Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 8:29 PM

BATMAN
We could just have a free-for-all and see what shows up every day.

Hi Brent,

I really like that idea! It would be sure to be very entertaining.

Opinions?

Cheers!!

Dave

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

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Posted by BATMAN on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 8:19 PM

hon30critter
I dunno. There's nothing that says we can't have two themes.

We could just have a free-for-all and see what shows up every day.

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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Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 7:11 PM

howmus
  Why not and!

I dunno. There's nothing that says we can't have two themes.

Cheers!!

Dave

 

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

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Posted by howmus on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 4:03 PM

gmpullman
I'm fine with touring Europe OR visiting industrial narrow gauge or specialty lines.

Hmmm....  Why not and!

Hey!  I'm fine wherever we end up.....  Not a bit fussy.Big Smile

73

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

We'll get there sooner or later! 

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Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 3:29 PM

It's still winter —

 Crossing the Snake by Mike Danneman, on Flickr

 Steam, sun, snow and shadows by Mike Danneman, on Flickr


 

Mrs. Pullman's 2015 Honda CR-V was having trouble starting the other day (-6°F the night before) so I put the trickle charger on the battery and took a look at things. I remember my days of tinkering with old cars and thought to check the "other" end of the ground cable where it connects to the chassis. Sure enough, it really looked corroded (they conveniently locate it near the front weel well Dunce) and I wire brushed then removed the cable lug.

Quite surprised the paint had not even been removed where the lug bolts on. As we all learn from poor pickup on locomotives, every little speck of resistance can make-or-break a current path.

Everything seems better today. I sanded off some of the paint, used a new, non-corroded bolt and coated everything with De-Ox-It paste. I wonder how many people get stuck buying a new battery when the cable lug/chassis bond might be the problem? The terminals at the battery itself look great.

Temps in the 50s by Friday...

I'm fine with touring Europe OR visiting industrial narrow gauge or specialty lines.

 

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 10:25 AM

I actually have a few Hawaiian pineapple railroad pictures I took, if I can find them.  It's just a tourist train now, but it does have a wooden deck turntable to reverse the engine, and is manually powered just like an Atlas.  I also saw a train running in the Dominican Republic, doing freight service.

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

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    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 9:07 AM

Good afternoon Diners.  A large mug of Assam tea please,  Chloe.

 

Next Month?

Europe or Industrial Railways?

 

Happy with either.   

 

Dewsbury.   My neck of the woods when I was a lad

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36A6VfJ_hrA&ab_channel=James_Transport91

 

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.  - and here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwtEumjf5Gc&ab_channel=acw71000

 

David

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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Posted by up831 on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 8:52 AM

Hi Everyone,

Brunhilde, coffee with cream, please.

My 2cents, I agree that Hawaiian trains maybe too limited in scope to last for a month.  It makes more sense to include all industrial switching and really short short lines.

When I was first in Hawaii, the only train I saw was a little switcher that went from the harbor to a plant on the inland side of Nimitz Hwy.  The only rolling stock they had were several flat cars.  The last time I was there, even that was gone, same with the sugar plantations.  A little thin for an entire month in the diner.

Industrial switching would be great if broader in scope.  My My 2 Cents

Less is more,...more or less!

Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 7:36 AM

TF

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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 7:27 AM

That could work.  Maybe see what the other guys' think.

TF

  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 7:18 AM

Track fiddler
Hawaiian Trains sound interesting as well.

Hi TF,

I think that, if we limit the Diner to just Hawaiian pineapple trains, we might run out of material pretty quick. I was only using the pineapple trains as one example of small industrial locomotives, but for certain there are lots of other interesting industrial critters out there for us to explore if we choose that theme.

Cheers!!

Dave

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

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