A little over a week ago, a thread was started announcing the passing of Elliot, a member who literally started this Diner some years back. Not being regular in the Diner, I don't know if this was announced here or not. A quick review of recent posts suggests that Elliot's passing had perhaps gone unnoticed in the Diner.
When Jeffrey Wimberly passed away on December 14, 2014, it was decided to rename the Diner from Elliott's Trackside Diner to Jeffrey's Trackside Diner with the wholehearted approval of the MR membership.
https://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/243124.aspx
Elliot had passed away a few years earlier, but the Diner remained in his name and in his honor until another giant in our little MR family passed way at the end of 2014.
At the time of Jeff's passing in late 2014, a discussion was begun whether to rename the Diner in Jeff's honor. At that time, we learned more about Elliot, who he was and how he had contributed to the forum. Here are some excerpts about Elliot:
Turns out, Elliot is a fella who joined the forums back in December 2003. He is currently inactive on the forums but goes by the screen name of Big_Boy_4005. His profile indicates that he is a 3-rail O-gauge modeler. In 1992, he was the owner and designer of a large public display layout at the Mall of America, preserved in the pages of MR (October 1993) and CTT (September 1993). He had some serious health issues back in 2007-2012, but has now returned to modeling, building a 2,000 square foot layout in his basement. A Youtube video features the Twin Cities Central as of 10/30/14. He made a brief reappearance on the CTT forum in March 2013 with a short message on the Coffee Pot.
Big_Boy_4005 came up with the idea to start the diner back in April 2004. Initially it was called “The Coffee Shop (a place to chat) Est 2004”. Prior to that, and there seems to be some confusion here, there was a similar thread called the Beer Barn on the forums. The Coffee Shop closed on 12/31/06 and was restarted at the beginning of 2007 as the Trackside Diner. It was later renamed Elliot’s Trackside Diner by its participants.
Reappeared on 3-13-2013 on CTT Coffee Pot.
Elliot is Big_Boy_4005.
A 3-rail O gauger.
I'm 51, and have been interested in trains all my life. I have worked in every major scale (including full size) at one time or another. Today I focus all my energy on O highrail. (3 rail O) For a number of years, I actually made a living in the hobby industry. In 1992 I was the owner and designer of a large public display train layout at the Mall of America. If you would like to see the layout , it has been preserved in the pages of MR (Oct. '93, p 92) and CTT (Sept. '93, p 86). Now I spend my time working on my dream layout. With a 2000 square foot train room in my basement, and all of the material left over from the mall display, I have my work cut out for me.
UPDATE: It has been over 6 years since my cancer diagnosis. Two surgeries in Jan 2007 seem to have gotten it all, but one of the scars was I've lost much of my interest in trains. In May 2012, my oncologist said he didn't want to see me anymore. Time for a comeback!
RGrande, Elliott (AKA BigBoy4005 - not sure on the number part of his old handle) was the one who started this Diner, then known as the Coffee Shop, as a place where off-topic posts (non-MRR-related) were permitted. Before the Diner (and another topic, which I believe was the Beer Barn), if you got off of MRR topics you might get a talking-to from one of the forum moderators (not quite as hard on you as Vinnie is, though).
From what I recall, Elliott was involved with a MRR club (in Minnesota, I think) which had a layout (modular?) that they would set up in one of the enclosed malls in their area at some point in the year (like around the holidays) and run trains to infect expose the general public to model railroading. He wasn't as active in the Diner when I started hanging around here (and I would have to look up when that was - 2006, maybe?), and a few years ago (maybe even 7-10 by now), his health began to give him problems, and he did eventually die. We renamed the Diner after him several years ago, in his honor.
The Coffee Shop (a place to chat) Est 2004
Closed 12-31-2006
Renamed Trackside Diner
Later renamed Elliot’s Trackside Diner
First called Beer Barn , later Coffee Shop
Still alive, apparently building a huge o gauge layout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IeoACNbw3o
Walking tour of the Twin Cities Central 10/30/14
Rich
Edit Note: Sorry for the somewhat chaotic nature of this post. I am working to edit this bits and pieces into a more comprehensive summary of the origins of the Diner.
In any event, I felt that the current Diners should be aware of their origins.
Alton Junction
Our Indian dinner last night was delicious. Hardly anyone was there and even the roads going over were empty.
We tried to watch the Kitten Bowl yesterday, but they've moved to a different channel and changed the format. It was actually part of a 5-hour telethon about dog adoption. Pretty sad, but the shelters are full of dogs they can't find homes for. The GF volunteers cleaning out cat cages at a local rescue place. Those cats all get their forever homes very quickly.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Good morning, everyone. Bacon, eggs, and black coffee, Chloe.
I really enjoyed the Super Bowl this year, although I turned the channel to miss half-time. I can't say I've enjoyed the half-time shows in quite a few years.
We're in the lull before the storm. It will be in the 50s today, then freezing rain and snow beginning tomorrow.
After starting my new layout, I realized I didn't like one of the sections of track. The curve didn't look right to me. The train ran great through it, but I didn't like it. I tried to ignore it and I thought that eventually when I added some scenery or buildings, it would look better to me. Yesterday, I tore it out and put in a more pleasing (to me) curve. I guess it's all part of the game.
We have BritBox on our TV, and I've gotten hooked on a show called "Death in Paradise". It's a fun mystery. So, over the weekend I watched nine hour-long episodes. I enjoyed it, but I feel guilty about sitting in front of the TV that long.
Not much going on today. I will get Daisy the Dachshund outside more today before the snow hits. I have to drag her out once the snow or rain hits. The little dainty dog can't stand to get her feet wet.
York1 John
Henry: I saw the email you sent me. Thank you for the information.
I will respond this evening.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Got an Industrius Woodpecker in your yard. Seven Hundred pounds of nuts were removed from this house by a local exterminator.
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
-Photograph by Kevin Parson
Good morning everyone. Chloe, please bring me a big glass full of cold whole milk.
There has been a FEMA booth set up in the store for the past several weeks. Yesterday was their last day.
What people that had severe loss in the storm have been going through is heartbreaking. It was seeming like everyday someone would walk in with a story even more tragic than all previous stories.
There really is a very vulnerable portion of our society.
Water Level RouteGreat game last night.
I agree. I enjoyed it a lot.
I ate too much chips and dip.
Good Morning everybody. Chloe, a coffee to go please.
Great game last night. It's never a lot of fun watching a Super Bowl blowout.
Ed, what a thrill handling the throttle on that engine.
Mike
I had quite a time back in those days, Bear. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
Chessie says: "Remember your Sweetheart"
Chessie_Heart by Edmund, on Flickr
Cheers, Ed
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
SeeYou190 wrote: (about "The Last Boy") "It is not on Netflix/DVD. I will keep an eye out for it"
Can be found here:
ytstvmovies.xyz/the-last-boy-2019
(you'll have to paste in the "https://" in the front of it)
You may need a torrent client app if you don't have one.
Another look at a special paint job:
Chessie 2101; Smithton, PA; September 1978 by Adam Klimchock, on Flickr
I remember seeing all three of the Reading T-1s around Ohio and Pennsylvania. The 2100 is presently in Cleveland getting some work done on it.
2100_W3 by Edmund, on Flickr
2101 is sitting at the B&O Railroad Museum and the 2102 has been running on the Reading & Northern Railroad.
I used to have a bit of a working relationship with the 2102 when it was running in the Cleveland/Pittsburgh area even firing on the Pennsy main Line during a doubleheader with 2102 and 4070 from Pittsburgh to Altoona and back for two weekends in 1977.
That's me with my bowler standing on the tender slope sheet of the 4070:
RDG 2102; Gallitzin, PA; May 1977 by Adam Klimchock, on Flickr
In fact not long after this photo was taken it was necessary for some reason to move the engines farther around the Gallitzen loop track and the regular engineer was at lunch so it was up to me to take the throttle for a couple hundred feet.
I remember being really nervous as the tightness of that curve sure made the flanges squeal. I really had to apply quite a bit of throttle to overcome the friction. I was in fear that one of the flanges would surely climb the rail. Fortunately that wasn't the case.
At least I can truthfully claim that I ran steam on the late, great Pennsylvania Railroad
Afternoon folks!
I will be heading out fairly soon to help celebrate my son's MiL's 75 birthday. I think she is trying to catch up to me, but I'm still a year ahead and will be another one ahead before she turns 76 next year.... At least I hope so!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Just yogurt and fruit this morning for our breakfast. The cats had cat food.
We are going out for our Valentine's Day dinner tonight, because the fancy places we like here are all closed on Tuesdays. Fine with us. It's an elegant Indian place and doesn't have TVs all over. I haven't watched a football game all season and don't plan to start now. The teams don't interest me and the last halftime show I wanted to see was The Who. We were skiing out west that year with a group. I won a quarter in one of those pick a square pools, but the winnings didn't even cover a round for our group.
Chloe, I think I will have a porkchop and hash browns this morning, and of course, a large black coffee.
OldEnginemanHere's one I'd recommend: "The Last Boy", from 2019. A very interesting "post-apocalyptic" film.
It is not on Netflix/DVD. I will keep an eye out for it. Thank you for the suggestion. I read about it on IMDB, and it sounds good.
Attuvian1Are you limiting yourself to either-or?
I’m with John, run both of them!
Somebody bought it before I made it back to eBay once I decided to buy it. Oh well...
Yes, I should buy it!
York1When I first saw this photo, I thought it was fake -- photoshopped. But I looked it up, and Amtrak did do this to several locomotives.
WHY?
Yesterday I was using my Milwaukee M18 Fuel drill with a 4" hole saw on the soffit. The saw grabbed and the drill whipped around and twisted my right wrist.
This morning my LEFT wrist is sore and tender. Weird.
Good morning, diners. Just coffee this morning.
Thanks for the recipe, Ed. My wife would love it. Outside of ice cream, I'm not a dessert person. My wife, on the other hand, would make an entire meal of dessert. She loves pecan pie.
Super Bowl Sunday. Many years ago we used to go to parties. Tonight, we will just watch by ourselves. I'm a Chiefs fan, as are most of the people who live in my part of the state. I have been to quite a few games, and they are fun.
My friend who lives in Gilbert, Arizona, says he can't believe all the rich people who have flown into Phoenix for the game. It's too bad the game itself has become a rich man's game to attend. We peons have to be satisfied watching a one-hour game stretched into four hours, caused mainly by TV commercials.
I hope everyone has a great Sunday. I will check in later when we get home.
When I first saw this photo, I thought it was fake -- photoshopped. But I looked it up, and Amtrak did do this to several locomotives:
hon30critterI'd better not show that fantastic pie to Dianne! Pecan pie is one of her favourites. I don't mind a slice once in a while either.
It's really easy to make. I was surprised.
I hope Abigail doesn't mind if I share her recipe?
Pecan Abby by Edmund, on Flickr
I added a pinch of molasses and a hint of rum-flavored extract since I have to meddle with every recipe I make
Some bi-centennial paint schemes weren't exactly prize winners:
CR 7776; Kiski, PA; June 1976 by Adam Klimchock, on Flickr
Conrail GG1 4800 Bicentennial Morrisville 1976 by Charles Warren, on Flickr
I think we can be glad they're one-of-a-kind
Top of the Page! Well, it's that time of year for Paczki... I get the custard one!
Paczki by Edmund, on Flickr
gmpullmanThe other day I came across a recipe that I had clipped from a Dear Abby column in a newspaper from 1996 for Pecan Pie. Tonight I made my first pecan pie in 67 years. I won't be leaving THIS recipe out in the rain!
I'd better not show that fantastic pie to Dianne! Pecan pie is one of her favourites. I don't mind a slice once in a while either.
I buy our gin from a small distillery in Perth, Ontario by the name of Top Shelf. The gin is the best we have ever had, but as an added bonus, they have a butter tart operation on the side. Every time we place an order we also add a half dozen butter tarts to it. The butter tarts are divine!!!
Amongst other things, they also make a very interesting variety of flavoured moonshines which go down far too easily!
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
SeeYou190 wrote: "I prefer movies that tell a story and have an emotional story to go along with them."
Here's one I'd recommend:
"The Last Boy", from 2019. A very interesting "post-apocalyptic" film. It gets my highest recommendation.
It can be "found on the net", if you know where to look...
Hi Everyone,
Getting excited for tomorrow's Super Bowl. Normally I don't care one way or the other, but this year my team is in it. My son and I Are both Chiefs fans, me probably more than him because he also likes the Bears. But then again, I also like the Chargers, so there you go. The kids are having family over for Super Bowl party. We may go, but I'm also fine watching the game by ourselves.
I just can't get excited about movies or even the entertainment industry in general. I don't care much for movies made after 1965. Of course there are some exceptions, but by and large I don't miss them at all. However, my son and I have a small tradition. We do go to see Star Wars movies in the theatre. We went to see the one where Ridley defeated Palpatine. I think that's the last movie I saw in the theatre. I did enjoy Amadeus, though.
Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)
SeeYou190Should I replace it? Should I stick with the original plan?
SeeYou190 Oh the trials and tribulations of being a model railroader. Years ago I bought this brass RPO/Passeneger car for my mail train. -Photograph by Kevin Parosn Now this one, which matches the baggage cars, has come to my attention. Should I replace it? Should I stick with the original plan? Oh the turmoil! -Kevin
Oh the trials and tribulations of being a model railroader.
Years ago I bought this brass RPO/Passeneger car for my mail train.
-Photograph by Kevin Parosn
Now this one, which matches the baggage cars, has come to my attention.
Should I replace it? Should I stick with the original plan?
Oh the turmoil!
BroadwayLion
LION,
Is this what one sees when it's been ingested? I hope they're not used as worship aids at the Abbey.
John
Good morning, diners. Nothing for me this morning -- not feeling well.
We had several days of weather in the 40s°, and it got me into feeling like spring. Now, when it gets cold again, it's like going into deepest, darkest winter. We're on tap to get more snow this week.
Have a good Saturday.
Good morning everyone. Chloe, please bring me a stack of whole wheat toast and a scoop of softened butter. Oh, and a large black coffee as well.
Movies:
Since Covid I have not been interested in any of the new movies. None at all. "Wonder Woman 1984" was released during Covid, and I was really looking forward to it, but then it was just terrible.
I really enjoy the movies most people refer to a "Rom-Coms" or "Chick Flicks". I don't like either one of those terms. I prefer movies that tell a story and have an emotional story to go along with them.
There are plenty of decent movies I am "discovering" on Netflix.
gmpullmanI can't think of one that I'd have any desire to see.
Same here. I look at upcoming releases, and just have no desire for any of it.
gmpullmanI have a huge backlog of vintage DVDs that I dip into when the mood strikes.
Me too. I have 512 movies on DVD (two folders of 256 each) that contain every movie I have a desire to see more than once. I can pop one in the player any time I choose.
gmpullmanThe last movie I actually saw in a real theater was Titanic (1997) and even then was appalled at the whooping and shouting and general rudeness of the "adult" patrons.
The last movie I saw was either Star Wars IX or Avengers End Game. I cannot remember which one came out last. I felt it necessary to see these movies in the theater, and now I am done.
I cannot stand how rude people are in theaters now.
gmpullmanI invested heavily in a home theater system.
My living room has our "movie nest" built into it. We have the comfy couch and the big TV with 7.1 surround sound. I like this much better than the actual theater.
Bear: You did it again.
This is an absolutley beautiful locomotive. I love center-cabs, and this one is a gem.
It has been added to the "idea" file.
Good Morning Diners. Chloe, I'll have a slice of Ed's pecan pie. Looks good! I love pecan pie. Ed, we have a recipe for chocolate bourbon pecan pie. We make it, but without the bourbon. My wife prefers it over regular. I prefer regular, but don't pass it over that's for sure!
Taxes day today. I hate doing them, but am always glad to have them out of the way once I'm done.
Cheers everyone. I'll try to check back in later.
Good morning Diners. A hot chocolate please, Zoe.
Not feeling 100%, but life goes on.
A number of little jobs to attend to befre I can go anywhere near the train room. I must run my new carriages.
Try and call in later.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought