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Jeffreys Track-side Diner - October 2023

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  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 8:55 AM

I hope Henry is wrong about the forums being shut down too, but the frequency of posts does seem to be going down a bit. I wish more people would respond to threads, especially those started by newcomers, and I wish more people would start threads.

John, if anyone is guilty of writing posts that are too long, it is I! I really need to avoid including two or three different topics in a single post (just like I am doing right nowSmile, Wink & Grin). I'm sure I have caused several people's eyes to glaze over in the past.

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 York1 on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 7:39 AM

Good morning, everyone.  The usual, please.

Jim, I live about three miles north of I-80, so I imagine you came pretty close!

Henry, I hope you're wrong about the forum.  I would really miss it.  I'm guilty of sometimes writing too much.

At Celilo Village, Oregon:

 

 Southbound Manifest by Keith Owen, on Flickr

 

Have a great day, everyone.

 

Edit:  Top of the Page!  You're welcome to join me in the best breakfast ever!

 

York1 John       

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Posted by Water Level Route on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 7:29 AM

Mornin' diners! I had to travel out of town for work, but it gave me the chance to stop by where my oldest goes to college and take her out to dinner. The name of the restaurant she chose? "Meat".  It is a BBQ joint and it was good. I had the brisket plate and they had five or six different house made sauces right on the table. Worth the stop!

 I agree that business seems down lately but I'm still optimistic it's not the end. 

Have a great day guys!

Mike

  • Member since
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Posted by Attuvian1 on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 12:16 AM

BigDaddy

When I see I have had the majority of the new posts, I have to think this forum is dying.

 
It certainly does make one wonder, Henry.  If it happens, I wonder if there will be any warning.  A last week could be pretty wild with folks suggesting other outlets and trying to figure out ways to swap email addresses and whatnot.  I've given up on ever seeing a restoration of the PM function.  There are some great "relationships" - including some that developed into face-to-facers - they have been generated here.
 
John
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Posted by BigDaddy on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 5:59 PM

Jim Big Horn is something to see  You can imagine the soldiers scrambling up the hill to save their lives.

I would like to see Cheyenne.

When I first joined this forum, I read every post.  Now I am more discriminating.  No idea why some posts go on and on and on.

I don't post just to see my name on the Internet, only when I have something to say.   When I see I have had the majority of the new posts, I have to think this forum is dying.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by up831 on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:31 AM

Hi Everyone,

Just got back from our fall journey.  This year we went to Montana.  Drove up thru North Dakota on the freeway.  Came somewhere near where Lion has his lair.  Went on and drove almost the entire length of Montana.  Went up to Glacier, which is GN country as well as Grizzlys in the park.  Missoula is NP country and BNSF runs some very long trains through there.  I was surprised at how long the yards are.  Ya know the old saying that you can never have a train longer than your shortest passing siding, well, they must have passing sidings around 3 miles long.  Saw some very beautiful scenery.  
On the way back we stopped at Little Big Horn.  That was something I've wanted to see for some time.  
Went down to Cheyenne, but it was already dark so we didn't get to see anything there.  Between Pine Bluffs,WY and Kearney, NE, we must've seen 10 trains on the UP main line.  A lot of rail traffic on that route.  
John:  We drove by Grand Island and York, NE, which as I understand it is in your neck of the woods.

Good to be back to say hello.  Will catch up on posts, etc later.

Less is more,...more or less!

Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)

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Posted by York1 on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:11 AM

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

Henry, that sounds like an interesting diner you stopped at.  I been to a few places like that -- you're never sure if you want to see what the kitchen looks like.

Mike, I'm kind of in the same boat, although my time is not used by kids anymore.  I've got a list of outdoor projects that at one time seemed manageable, but now I see with the weather change that I'm not going to finish the list.

Out-of-town company leaves today, so I will have some more time.  I'm still thinking and drawing in my mind what changes I want to make on the layout.  I know that one entire section of the layout is going to be removed and redone, with new track.  I'm just not sure how to get what I want it to be.  I guess this all part of the fun of the hobby.

 

Klamath Falls, Oregon:

 

 Modoc Bound by Greg  Brown, on Flickr

York1 John       

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Posted by Water Level Route on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6:03 AM

Good Morning Diners.  Chloe, can I have a black coffee please.

Not much news on the layout front.  Just haven't had time to spend in the basement.  I'm running out of time for a couple of projects that I need acceptable temperatures to complete and between w*rk and family stuff (especially my daughter's soccer), I'm starting to wonder how I'm going to get them done. Grumpy

Hope everyone is doing well.

Mike

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Posted by BigDaddy on Monday, October 16, 2023 10:33 AM

David  You've posted lots of pictures in the past and know the drill. How can it be the laptop?

Took the wife to see 611 yesterday and the WV Fall leaves.  This diner sure beats the one we had breakfast.  It was unusually very dark inside and the regular patrons were very loud, but maybe that was age related hearing problems.  The waitress could have been WWE wrestler 10 years ago.  The food just was OK

 https://youtube.com/shorts/A6nfKDWuv28?si=AtMg_bQs-j2Wj9eV

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by York1 on Monday, October 16, 2023 9:29 AM

Mt. Hood Railway, Oregon

 

 Mt. Hood Railroad by BCOL CCCP, on Flickr

York1 John       

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Posted by NorthBrit on Sunday, October 15, 2023 7:09 AM

Good afternoon all.   After a cold night,  a cold, dry day.  The temperature is in the low single figures C.

Thanks guys for your kind thoughts on my health.  I am 'rattling wth painkillers'.  I have to go for an x-ray on my ankle in just over a weeks time.

The posting of pictures has been a failure.   Other Forums have been successful, but here is difficult.  Oh well!

Having the elevator installed this week.  That will be a huge benefit for Dawn.

 

Hopefully see the train room later.  Work is required on the new street scene.

 

 Safe everyone

 

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 Sunday, October 15, 2023 6:52 AM

Good morning, diners.  Donut day, so just black coffee, please.

Sorry to hear there have been some issues in the diner.  I must have missed something (or maybe I'm the cause? Sad)

I live in a sparsely populated area, and have very few friends (by my choice).  I consider the diner patrons as my friends.

We have company coming today for a few days, so I may be missing unless I can arrange some time by myself to check the computer.

The layout still has not received any attention.  I'm missing the work and relaxation the trains bring me.  Now with winter coming, I'm hoping that will change.

A while back, Kevin sent me a kit of an N scale train station.  Sad to say, it's still in the box.  I hope to get to that, too.

David, I hope your new laptop is quickly configured and we can hear from you again.

Bear, for many years I was very interested in politics. About three years ago, I got so upset with the news that I completely quit reading the news and watching the news.  At my age, there's nothing I can do about the issues, and I don't want to spend my last years on earth worried and upset each day.  I will say my life is much better when I don't know what's going on (and with the way my brain is working, I don't know what's going on most of the time).  My wife fills me in when there's something important happening.

 

The Salem, Oregon, train station:

 Salem, OR train station by Ron Reiring, on Flickr

 

 POINT Cascades Route - Salem Amtrak by Oregon Department of Transportation, on Flickr

 

It's kind of a trite saying, but I truly hope everyone has a good and healthy Sunday.  For me, it's off to church.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Sunday, October 15, 2023 5:52 AM

testing to post pictures on new laptop

 

That did not work.

 

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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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Sunday, October 15, 2023 4:57 AM

Ray, I do hope you get to make the trip.

BigDaddy
New Zealander, Bear has nostalgic view of our Bill of Rights

Henry, my high school history lessons were some 47 years ago, and I am well aware of the changes; that said it is still the case of if the US gets a cold, then NZ catches pneumonia, which is why I keep an interest in US politics, but this is as far as I’ll go, as quite rightly politics is a verboten subject here.
 
“He who does not desire power is fit to hold it.”- Plato
 
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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Posted by BigDaddy on Saturday, October 14, 2023 8:26 PM

Jeeze what a post to follow Confused  While I was stewing over it, Ray chimed in.

Duck Duck Go, I did not know it was a browser as well as a search engine (but it is!)

I did not notice when Brent went AOL.  He had a wonderful life and family, but shared a bit more than I would have. Not everyone in this forum is as fortunate.  However we exchanged emails, back when that worked in the forum and I consider him a friend.

I do not remember a specific conflict, nor can I find it.

New Zealander, Bear has nostalgic view of our Bill of Rights.  Our Founding Fathers would have understood "firing" but "canceled" has a different meaning in 2023, and "deplatformed"", shadowbanned", "de-banked", "doxed" were unknown in the 18th century.   Add to that, the current confusion between Political Opinion and Morality. 

On the train front, I saw the NS 611.   It's BIG!  My previous steam experience was exclusively narrow gauge.  When I got home I discovered my SD card reader disappeared in my move.  I have no pics to shared until my new one arrives from Amazon. 

Behind the tracks, near where 611 was parked, a WW2 Duece and a half, a double decker bus in poor condition, a steam engine, a Shay and maybe a tank engine sat in a field.  I would have had to cross the tracks and there was not enough time.

TSG Multimedia, a youtube channel) does chasing trains videos.  Let me tell you it is not possible in Virginia.  The road closely parallels the track and the engine is going about 55 mph and the 4 cars in front of you are going 51 mphAngry on a 2 lane road.

 

 

 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by howmus on Saturday, October 14, 2023 7:14 PM
"Mike is correct regarding Batmans absence from the Forum. I have been in recent communication with Brent and he didn’t feel that he needed to put up with his Diner posts being critiqued on content, and so has moved on. On the bright side there has been another litter of pups to keep him and his good lady occupied."
 
Hey Bear..... I am going to try to send you a message sometime soon if I can remember how to get it to work!  I considered Brent a good friend here at the forum and had hoped to sometime drive to the "Other Coast" and meet him and his family in person...  I do very much miss him here and had wondered what was going on.
 
73
Ray

 

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: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Saturday, October 14, 2023 6:17 PM
Gidday Chloe, a large banana milkshake please. Spring weather in this neck of the woods can certainly be changeable. Last week we had close to perfect conditions for aerial photography, and I actually got the BBQ out, (I suspect in US terminology grill would be the correct term) and had grilled lamb chops, eggs over easy, coleslaw and fresh asparagus. Yet tonight it is low cloud, raining and we have lit the fire!!
 
Dave, is there such a thing as “a proper amount of booze”?? Hope that Dianne, yourself, and friends have a great getaway!
 
David, I hope your prognosis is positive!
 
Mike is correct regarding Batmans absence from the Forum. I have been in recent communication with Brent and he didn’t feel that he needed to put up with his Diner posts being critiqued on content, and so has moved on. On the bright side there has been another litter of pups to keep him and his good lady occupied.
 
SoapBox WARNING!!! SoapBox
 
Of late I’ve been writing replies to various threads and then sitting on them overnight to see if my reply is appropriate. Some I’ve deleted and some I’ve self censored.
This one has been self censored twice!
There are those who believe that “Jeffreys Trackside Diner” has no place on this Forum. Their opinion is that the Forum is for Model Railroading, and that is that!!
Now everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I remember from High School history lessons, the US Constitution’s First Amendment covers that matter.
 But how about those who infrequently raise this opinion, put their brain into gear before typing and posting such fatuous comments!
You are not forced to click on any of the Forum threads!!
So, take some Personal Responsibility, if you don't like them, then simply ignore the happenings in the Diner, after all there are Forum Policies on what is permitted or otherwise, on the Forum!!
 
 Now, my Grandma used to say, “If you don’t have any good to say, then don’t say anything!” but I feel the need to give an example of what I regard as a fatuous comment.
He pops up occasionally on MRH, at least one post within the last week. And oddly enough, all of his posts there are exclusively model railroad related.”
Ok, so the first part of the quote imparts useful information, but what I’ve highlighted is a fatuous comment!!
 
And while I’m stupidly ignoring my Grandmas good advice; Kevin, “Install” Adblocker, or make your concerns directly to Kalmbach directly, I’m finding the complaining here is becoming tiresome!! Of course, feel free to ignore me!!Smile
SoapBox over!!!
 
On a much lighter note. As seen above there is a difference in US Vs NZ terminology, i.e., BBQ vs Grill. In the current thread “how does a steam locomotive increase speed?one of Ed’s interesting links referred to a “scoop.”
Now to the Bears tiny brain this is a scoop…
 
 Scoop by Bear, on Flickr
 
…though a shovel of ice-cream while sounding nice, is on reflection, a little excessive even for a virtual Diner.
 
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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Posted by York1 on Saturday, October 14, 2023 1:35 PM

Another busy day.

This is southeast of Crater Lake National Park in central Oregon:

 

 Great train, grunge power by Greg  Brown, on Flickr

York1 John       

  • Member since
    January 2021
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Posted by Attuvian1 on Friday, October 13, 2023 5:05 PM

Water Level Route
CNCharlie
Where is Brent? Nothing from him in over 3 months. Hope he is ok.

Mike,

That would be a first class bummer. Grumpy

John (of Attu)

 

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Posted by Water Level Route on Friday, October 13, 2023 12:50 PM

Afternoon diners.  Flo, a chocolate malt please.

Well, I was right.  I was put on the jury.  The case was okay.  I would be happy to serve again.

David, I'm sorry to hear about your health issues.  Hope things lighten up for you soon.

Dave, the "cottage" sounds fantastic!  Hope you have a wonderful time!

CNCharlie
Where is Brent? Nothing from him in over 3 months. Hope he is ok.

I fear our friend was run off by one of the other diners.  Some repeated, unwarranted animosity as I recall.  

Mike

  • Member since
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, October 13, 2023 12:21 PM

York1
Kevin, I haven't had the issues you do with this site.  I may be lucky.  One thing that helps me is that I use Duck Duck Go as my browser.  It removes a lot of the tracking issues that seem to plague Google and Edge.

I would hate to need to switch browsers just to access one site.

It makes no sense to me why this site is the only one of my favorites with consistent issues. Maybe if I knew more about how the internet works I would understand it.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by York1 on Friday, October 13, 2023 9:24 AM

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

David, I hope the doctors are able to help your issues.  I realize it may be difficult to type, but please keep us informed.

Charlie, even though you live a long ways north of us, it seems your weather is about the same as ours right now.  By winter, you will be much colder than us.

Dave, enjoy your cottage adventure!  It sounds like a wonderful time.

Kevin, I haven't had the issues you do with this site.  I may be lucky.  One thing that helps me is that I use Duck Duck Go as my browser.  It removes a lot of the tracking issues that seem to plague Google and Edge.

 

AEP528
Edit to add: While writing this post, and editing it, I have had no issues with cursors or timeouts or anything that others seem to complain about.

Same here.  Not sure why.

 

An arborist comes today to look at my oldest Oak tree.  It has a split that I'm worried about.  I decided to pay this guy to look at it and give suggestions instead of just getting someone to cut it down.  When it goes, I will be upset.  It shades our patio and a good portion of the house's roof.  I imagine my air-conditioning bill will go up if we have to remove the tree.  It seems this fall I'm spending a lot of time on trees.

I can't wait for winter -- my layout needs attention again.

 

This is Oregon's Mt. Hood Scenic Railway:

 

 

Have a great Friday!

York1 John       

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 327 posts
Posted by AEP528 on Friday, October 13, 2023 7:00 AM

CNCharlie

Where is Brent? Nothing from him in over 3 months. Hope he is ok.

CN Charlie

 

 

He pops up occasionally on MRH, at least one post within the last week. And oddly enough, all of his posts there are exclusively model railroad related.

While that forum has several contentious threads, it is entirely model railroad centered. 

Edit to add: While writing this post, and editing it, I have had no issues with cursors or timeouts or anything that others seem to complain about.

  • Member since
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, October 12, 2023 11:56 PM

CNCharlie
Where is Brent? Nothing from him in over 3 months. Hope he is ok.

I am pretty sure he is OK. I checked for any news on him, and nothing came up.

Maybe his cursor won't stay in the text box either???

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, October 12, 2023 7:51 PM

Hi everyone,

Dianne and I are off to cottage country! We are joining three other couples for week of too much food,   too much booze a proper amount of boozeWink, and great company! We are responsible for three meals (the gang has agreed to only do bruch and supper each day). We will be serving beef bourgignon with parmesan mashed potatos for one meal, and spagetti al a bolognaise with home made sun dried tomato and basil artisan bread for another. The bolognaise is made from scratch using real roma tomatoes (no canned sauces), and herbs from our own garden. For the third meal (brunch) we will make grilled cheese sandwiches using a variety of cheeses and various breads, and we will accompany those with home made sweet potato soup. It took two of us 2 1/2 hours to get the bourgignon stew ready for the oven! Julia Child never made things easy!!Smile, Wink & GrinDinnerWink

The cottage that we have rented is not exactly what I would call a 'cottage'. It is four years old, very modern, absolutely sparkling, water front home with 4000 sq. ft. on two levels, with each level being completely self sufficient right down to having their own laundry facilities. The owners only rent to people who they know or who come recommended by their close friends.

The owners are very generous! They urge their guests to use anything they want in terms of food, snacks and coffees/teas, and they don't want the items replaced. They do that on their own so that they don't end up with huge surpluses. When we were there in August the fridges were full when we got there.

We are hoping that there will still be some fall colours visible but we might be a bit late. Apparently one of the effects of the changing climate is that the trees are turning earlier. There are lots of wide trails on the 20 acre property. The owner has deliberately widened them to reduce the risk of tick bites.

One final note about the owners. They were made aware of my difficulties walking and standing earlier in the summer. They offered to let us use the cottage for three days for free, including guests, in August so I could find out if I would be comfortable for a longer period of time.

I'll be monitoring the forums while I am away but I don't plan on spending a lot of time on my phone. I'll give a full report when we are back.

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
    August 2007
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Posted by CNCharlie on Thursday, October 12, 2023 7:44 PM

NorthBrit David, sorry to hear about your health. Do keep us posted on your progress.

Mild fall here so far. No frost yet and 55F temps. Some trees still have green leaves. Thirty years ago fall came earlier than it does now.

Where is Brent? Nothing from him in over 3 months. Hope he is ok.

CN Charlie

 

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, October 12, 2023 5:46 PM

This transfer caboose showed up on ebay today.

It is a beautiful model, I recommend it highly. I love mine.

-Photograph by Kevin Parson

It usually sells for less than $100.00, I guess it is not a very popular prototype.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, October 12, 2023 2:47 PM

Good evening all.    Just a quick visit to say I still look  in now and again.

 

Having trouble with arthritis in my hands  and have difficulty  walking.  Having an x-ray to find out why.  When that will be I do not know.

 

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 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, October 12, 2023 2:19 PM

SeeYou190
Train box art sure could be creepy looking back in the day.

I do recall some of the interesting artwork back then. Some had a bit of the creepy factor:

 Happy Lionel by Edmund, on Flickr

Meanwhile — in Oregon:

 SP on the Siskiou-2 by Edmund, on Flickr

 SP on the Siskiou by Edmund, on Flickr

Some big UP power in Perry, Oregon:

 UP, Perry, Oregon, 1978 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    January 2017
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, October 12, 2023 12:08 PM

Bear: Thanks for the Thai. That is always a wonderful treat. I'll take John's share of the spicey stuff.

York1
Kevin, enjoy the cool weather while you can.  That's a nice change for your part of the state.

It's over.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Still having trouble posting. The cursor will not stay active, and I lose almost everything I am typing.

My new computer has multiple displays, and I have browsers open on both screens. Whenever I have this site open, it messes up both browser windows.

Sad

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Train box art sure could be creepy looking back in the day.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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