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

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  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Friday, December 16, 2022 11:28 PM

CNCharlie
In the past 5 months I have driven the car 1200 km or about 700 miles. At this rate I can see me driving a 20 year old car. Old guy in an old car. 

Hi CNCharlie,

IMHO, there is absolutely nothing wrong with keeping a car for a long time, that is assuming that it is maintained and is safe to drive, and it hasn't become a money pit. We plan on keeping our 2014 Odyssey for at least another five years and hopefully longer. It has almost 200,000 kms on it most of which occurred when Dianne was commuting to work. Now that we are both retired I'm guessing that it is barely getting 5,000 kms/year. It runs and drives beautifully and we still make regular use of the huge cargo capacity.

We do maintain it fastidiously. I don't believe in waiting until something totally breaks down before fixing it. For example, last summer one of the front springs broke due to corrosion. The dealer said that all I needed to do was replace both front springs, but I asked them to go over the whole suspension and replace any worn parts. They discovered that there were a few other problems which were not serious, but we had the whole suspension rebuilt anyhow. There was a noticable improvement in the ride quality and the tracking so it was worth it.

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 CNCharlie on Friday, December 16, 2022 11:22 PM

Good Evening,

Still snowing.

TF, interesting about that building demo. My wife's uncle owned the largest demolition company here for many years. He pulled down many large buildings here. A lot of skill and knowledge is needed to do it safely. He has been retired now for some years as he is 90.

On the car front my biggest worry is the availability of parts. My car wasn't a big seller but the model was made for 7 years or so. I really like it so hope it lasts. That in line 6 sure sounds great when it revs.

Maxman, yes the pump wasn't made by GE but the one I ordered is the one used by GE. Just like my car that has a transmission made by ZF. 

Time to turn out the light,

CN Charlie

 

 

 

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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, December 16, 2022 10:28 PM

Don't know, as some of my guess work is speculatory Mister B.  Get kind of bored as this time of year has never had a lot of work of its own.  Like it that way sometimes.  So I've been stopping by the site and checking things out.  Kinda like watching crane guy last winter.  

Couldn't see what they were doing on the floors when the crews went in the morning.  I'm sure they were cutting and dismantling the pipes before the demo.  The red fire marshal truck was there frequently in the beginning and stops by once in awhile now.

They've been moving right along rather well this winter.  Ya see the bobcat pushing out all the metal studs and sheetrock among all kinds of who knows whatLaugh

Have known Kevin the excavator for years.  He grabs a little bit of everything putting it in the long dumpers with his clawPirate

 

TF

  • Member since
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  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, December 16, 2022 10:04 PM

Gotcha beat on a botched demolition job, TF.  I worked in a two-story office building and the company moved us to another building some distance away.  We had owned the old place so basically all knowledge of the structure went with us.  Then, we got a call because they tried the same thing as those guys, running a bobcat down the halls to gut the interior.

Kids, don't try that in a modern office, particularly one with a fire extinguisher system, and particularly not IF THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER SYSTEM IS STILL LIVE.  Yeah, it was a mess.

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

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  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, December 16, 2022 7:42 PM

CNCharlie
At this rate I can see me driving a 20 year old car. Old guy in an old car. 

My truck is 15 years old. Only been driven 3,500 in the last three years.

I think it will make it to 20 years. It is less than a 3 mile commute to work now.

That is only about 1,500 miles per year in work driving.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Friday, December 16, 2022 7:40 PM

More trains in the snow, this one compliments of Ulrich. It was filmed just a week ago in the Harz Mountains. Great sounds as well as great video:

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
    February 2008
  • 8,877 posts
Posted by maxman on Friday, December 16, 2022 7:34 PM

CNCharlie
I wanted a GE part not an aftermarket. There was very little difference in cost.

It has been a long, long, very long time since GE has made all the parts that go into a product themselves.  It wouldn't surprise me that both pumps come from the same birthplace.

  • Member since
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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, December 16, 2022 6:54 PM

Good evening

Bummer.  Our favorite Mexican restaurant El Loro, that occupied half of the first floor is no more.

They're stripping the outdated shell off the building and turning it into a condo complex. 

It's kind of cool, they put a bobcat on one floor at a time to gut the office walls.  Then push the sides off the building and all the demo rubbish out from the top down.

Thought it was funny, the dump truck disposal company is DemoliciousLaugh

 

TF

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  • From: Finger Lakes
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Posted by howmus on Friday, December 16, 2022 11:38 AM

CNCharlie
In the past 5 months I have driven the car 1200 km or about 700 miles. At this rate I can see me driving a 20 year old car. Old guy in an old car. 

Oh how I wish somehow my family had saved the 1934 4 ton axle Chevy Truck we had on the farm!  I would love to have that fixed up to take to antique Auto shows.  That was the first large vehicle I learned to drive.  I was 7 at the time. (Learned to drive the Ford 8n tractor when I was 4.....)  It even had working brakes!  Only on three wheels though.  The cable had rusted out on the fourth.  But still better than the 1937 one that had "Hydraulic" brakes.  The lines had rotted out so nothing happened when you stepped on the brake.  The emergency cable brakes did work though (had to reach across the cab and yank them...).  Had to remember which truck I was driving!!!! LOL

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 Attuvian1 on Friday, December 16, 2022 10:56 AM

CNCharlie

Old guy in an old car.  

An excellent concept, Charlie.  Worthy of a painting in the Louvre!

Or a greeting card with a snarky, age-related sentiment inside.  Laugh

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Posted by CNCharlie on Friday, December 16, 2022 10:40 AM

Good Morning,

Windy and still snowing here but the snow is powder now and not much. It is supposed to be like this until Sunday, then the temp will plummet as it clears. Still no sign of snow removal crew for the driveway. The city cleared the street yesterday.

Thanks to the internet I found a video on how to replace the washer pump. It was easy to remove the front panel and the pump is at the front so easy access. Just need the part now. Supposed to be here on the 28th. It has to come from the US as I wanted a GE part not an aftermarket. There was very little difference in cost. Am feeling optimistic for a change. 

In the past 5 months I have driven the car 1200 km or about 700 miles. At this rate I can see me driving a 20 year old car. Old guy in an old car. 

CN Charlie

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    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, December 16, 2022 9:18 AM

Good morning

An English muffin with cherry preserves and a black coffee if you would please, Flo.

Not much going on over here the past few days.  Judy hasn't recovered from her busted ribs yet and the Doc excused her from work another week.  Nice having her home but don't get anything done on the layout thoughCrying

Thanks for the smorgasbord of donuts Mike.  John has a hankering for those things.  If he wasn't in the Middle East, he would be in Donut HeavenLaugh 

Enjoy the videos and like the ScotRail David.

Like the Snow Train ski girls BearStick out tongue

 

How about The Western Maryland Ed?

Light at the start of the tunnel Andrew Dierks

 

Have a good weekend gentlemenWink

 

 

TF

  • Member since
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  • From: New Milford, Ct
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Posted by GMTRacing on Friday, December 16, 2022 7:03 AM

Good Morning All,

   Thanks Mike - that's quite the spread.  I'll have a couple of the apple spice cinnamon filled please to go with my coffee. With all the goodies being dropped off this time of year my diet has gone all to pieces even though I try. The two main doctors are happy though so.... the 22nd I go for my annual MRI to visit my pituitary. If that is good I'm set for another year. 

   

   It's in the mid thirties with rain so most of the snow is now gone. When it is first fallen it is a great ride into the shop with everything covered and pristine. Now that it is mostly melted I can await the next snowfall where it will start over.

    All for now w**k awaits.     Ciao, J.R.

  • Member since
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  • From: Ludington, MI
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Posted by Water Level Route on Friday, December 16, 2022 6:12 AM

Good Morning Diners.  Zoe, coffee and some cinnamon raisin toast please.

Happy Friday everyone!  So glad we are at the end of the week.  Keeping busy with holiday prep stuff this weekend, hopefully.  The plan was for this to be our big holiday cookie baking weekend, but that is in jeopardy.  My oldest has been sick the last couple days with something that is just knocking her out.  Her symptoms match the same illness that is sweeping through my wife's school.  I wonder where she got it from? Whistling 

Finally got a little snow on the ground this morning. (Yay!)  Supposedly more on the way.  I sure hope so.  I hate a brown Christmas.  Even with all the lights up on the house, the Christmas trees up, and all the little decorations everywhere, I have trouble getting in the Christmas spirit without snow.  I don't know how people in warmer climates do it.  The way things are going though, I should probably find a way around this mental block as I don't think we are going to start getting winters like we used to again, at least not in my lifetime.

Cheers!


Top of the page!  Help yourselves!

 

Mike

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    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, December 16, 2022 5:48 AM

Good morning Diners.  A large bowl of soup and bread please, Brunhilda.

At minus 7C it is rather cold.

 

Scotland

 

Corrour Railway Station  built by the North British Railway Company

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAkJJ110CEA&ab_channel=mykull

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgc3cQeSKOc&ab_channel=philipdean345

 

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 16, 2022 2:30 AM

B&M by Bear, on Flickr

Smile

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

  • Member since
    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Thursday, December 15, 2022 5:28 PM

CNCharlie

I plan on attempting to repair the washing machine myself. It is the pump that is gone and a new one has been ordered. I think I have figured out access and it appears to invole the removal of the bottom panel. I have looked at exploded diagrams of our model on line. Wish me luck as I will need it.

Hope the snow removal guys come soon as I can't get down the drive in the car at least not safely. 

 
Hi Charlie.
 
Don't think you'll need any luck fixing that washer.  Used to look at appliances as some kind of complicated machines.  There really isn't a lot to them, especially the more old school ones.
 
Of course it took me longer than an experienced repair guy, but fixed a stove, a dishwasher, a dryer and a washer on several occasions.  Never had to tackle the fridge.  You'll get it figured out, they really ain't that difficult.  
 
Hope your snow plow guy gets you dug out soon too.  Looks like you did get the snow storm that came through here first. You're the one that gave me the heads up.  That thing was like a big swirl.  My brother-in-law in Wisconsin got 14 inches.
 
Hope your washer part comes in soon.  Not sure about the wifey, but I'm sure you'll be fine without it for a while.  Sometimes I'll keep wearing my same jeans and flannel for a week or until you can stand them up in the corner.  Whichever comes firstLaugh
 
 
 
 
TF
  • Member since
    March 2021
  • 260 posts
Posted by Tin Can II on Thursday, December 15, 2022 4:48 PM

MisterBeasley

Tin Can, I hope your layout is in the basement.

The GF had Covid, which she got from a houseguest.  Just like a cold, not even that bad of a cold.  I was here the whole time, never got Covid from anyone.

I slept upstairs, and did the shopping and cooking.  Then I left the room while she ate.  It was nice to finally go out to dinner again.

 

Mr. B; the trains are downstairs, as is she.  As you did, I am upstairs with the kitchen and our bedroom.  She has a full bath and a bedroom downstairs where we normally sleep as it is cooler in summer and warmer in winter.  

Got a text from my asst. director at my previous job that our accountant passed away this morning.  Wholly unexpected; she developed a very serious medical issue that rapidly escalated. 

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Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, December 15, 2022 3:02 PM

Fourminutes of self indulgence.

Bavaria.   I was here in 1976

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ2QbvFY3r0&ab_channel=GustavoFurlan

 

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: Currently in Chicago area
  • 830 posts
Posted by up831 on Thursday, December 15, 2022 2:58 PM

Hi Everyone,

Brunhilda, coffee with cream, please.

Nice to hear of everyone's music experiences.  I too love music.  the first music that I was aware of as a type of music was classical.  Still love it to this day.  Had I made some smarter decisions when I was younger, I'd be doing it a lot more than I am.  The problem is sight reading.  Unfortunately, reading always got in the way of playing, so I never really learned to read.  Definitely paid a price for it.

I shan't bore you all with pictures, the few that I have.  I'll just sum it all up with this: I loved performing and recording, I hated the industry.  Glad I'm out of it.

Well. I've no train in snow pictures to share; however, those pictures of trains out in the cold and snow make one long for a cozy cup of hot chocolate as you sit by the fire.

 Winter Hot Chocolate by Jim S, on Flickr

And, if one is feeling hungry on a cold winter gameday, then there's this...

 Pizza and beer by Jim S, on Flickr

I've been feeling a little under the weather the last couple of days, so I'm loading up on echinacea and oranges, and drinking herbal tea.  That has really helped.

Hope all are feeling well or at least soon will be.

Less is more,...more or less!

Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)

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    August 2007
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Posted by CNCharlie on Thursday, December 15, 2022 2:43 PM

Good Afternoon,

Another blustery day here but still mild at 30F.

As my wife can't tolerate delivery or repair men in the house I plan on attempting to repair the washing machine myself. It is the pump that is gone and a new one has been ordered. I think I have figured out access and it appears to invole the removal of the bottom panel. I have looked at exploded diagrams of our model on line. Wish me luck as I will need it.

Hope the snow removal guys come soon as I can't get down the drive in the car at least not safely. 

I sure miss watching NCIS reruns with my buddy. 2 years now.

CN Charlie

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, December 15, 2022 1:25 PM

Tin Can, I hope your layout is in the basement.

The GF had Covid, which she got from a houseguest.  Just like a cold, not even that bad of a cold.  I was here the whole time, never got Covid from anyone.

I slept upstairs, and did the shopping and cooking.  Then I left the room while she ate.  It was nice to finally go out to dinner again.

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, December 15, 2022 1:13 PM

Here is another snow plow hard at work:

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
    March 2021
  • 260 posts
Posted by Tin Can II on Thursday, December 15, 2022 9:52 AM

We went on a cruise out of Galveston last week; family event.  Back to work on Monday and lots of catch up; lots of catch up here in the diner.

Good to see Ken check in; hope he pops in more frequently.

My brother got covid in the middle of the cruise and was quarantined.  My wife started having symptoms on the last day; and she tested positive when we got home.  Despite a 12 hour car ride with her, I have managed to test negative twice since them.  But we are living apart in the same house; basements really do come in handy!

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Posted by Track fiddler on Thursday, December 15, 2022 7:37 AM

Good morning

Red Caboose yesterday, Green Caboose today.

 

Flickr  Remove the second one though....

Bad color matchLaugh

 

Make it a great day gentlemanWink

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, December 15, 2022 6:29 AM

 

This is fun!

 

Even the stodgy, old Pennsylvania Railroad gets into the Holiday Spirit:

 PRR_xmas by Edmund, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

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    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, December 15, 2022 5:35 AM

Good morning Diners.  A cold, snowy day in the land of the former North British Railway.   A hot chocolate and some cookies please,  Chloe.

 

New Zealand

 

Snow at Arthur's Pass.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6acPX_00M9Q&ab_channel=railpast

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h8otbcMiF8&ab_channel=CPRail1

 

 

Tranzalpine

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heYCThxvei4&ab_channel=geoffmackley

 

David

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Thursday, December 15, 2022 2:31 AM

Snow train by Bear, on Flickr

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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  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
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Posted by ricktrains4824 on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 9:27 PM

Good evening diners.

Zoe - A strong coffee with a peppermint stick in it please. I will take it to go. Thanks.

Train news - Layout section 2 of 4 is up! Just need the other leg of the L now, it wil be two sections simply for ease of getting the materials up the stairs. (As a self proclaimed wimp, I do not wish to wrestle a full 8' long hunk of plywood up a flight of stairs.)

The fun part is that might take a while - I have some sort of bug, negative Covid tests, but of unknown type and who knows where I got it at, which is not helping the asthma any, hence the coffee, and I fell on some ice Monday, hurting my hip and back. Landed hard enough that I "knocked the wind" from my lungs. I highly suggest that others not try it! (Although somehow I did not end up with a concussion. Knew my hard head was good for something. Laugh) So layout benchwork is taking an unexpected break.

Hope all are well, and all enjoy the day. 

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.

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Posted by NorthBrit on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 8:08 AM

Good afternoon Diners.  A Brunch (breakfast/lunch) and large coffee please,  Chloe.

Congratulations, Dave and Dianne.  Enjoy!

 

Japan.

Sunrise Express.    The first half is nightime in suburbia.   The second half is morning in Wintertime.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG53Pr3pFg4&ab_channel=Kuga%27sTravel

 

 

The Limited Express.     Snow all the way.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKp9CjFrcz4&ab_channel=Kuga%27sTravel

 

The liyama Line.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcT1OP_Vgvs&ab_channel=Kuga%27sTravel

 

The Aizu Mount Express

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ8cgpdhNnc&ab_channel=Kuga%27sTravel

 

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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