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Jeffrey's Trackside Diner for NOVEMBER, 2023: California!

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  • Member since
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Posted by York1 on Monday, November 6, 2023 5:48 PM

It's a sad day for me.  It's 5:45 pm my time, and this is the first time in two days I was able to open the forum.

I imagine the diner will not survive.

It was very nice getting to know all of you.  Goodbye.


 

Now I'm really sad!  I may have the last top of the page for me in the diner.

 

How about everyone join me in a happy hour drink to the long run of the diner!

 

York1 John       

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  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Monday, November 6, 2023 7:38 PM

C'mon, guys!  We've all had a car we spent more times under than in.   Mine was a '75 MGB, and if Saint Pete gives me the keys to that car when I get to the Pearly Gate, I'll know where I  am.  Yeah, same thing if I get the yellow Pontiac Sunbird, but, well, you know.  There is 'the Other Place.'

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

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Posted by gmpullman on Monday, November 6, 2023 8:34 PM

As long as the ship is still afloat I'll be here. Kalmbach farms out the forum software and they probably have little control over day to day glitches. I'm sure a complete site revamp isn't in the budget so we have to make do with what's left.

 SP 1988 Superbowl Extra by Edmund, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by York1 on Monday, November 6, 2023 8:46 PM

MisterBeasley
We've all had a car we spent more times under than in.

 

Mine was a 1966 Toyota.  On the highway from New Orleans to Nebraska, I can point out every place I broke down in that car driving to see my parents.  In 1978, I sold it to a guy for $15.  He wanted one of the front seats for his car.

When I could not get into the forum this weekend, I checked the other forum and saw quite a few names I recognized.  What's missing is a thread like this diner, which I will really miss if it goes away.

 

California's Mt. Shasta:

 

 In the Shadow of Mt. Shasta by Bob Wilcox, on Flickr

 

For the few diners left, I hope you have a great evening.

York1 John       

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    August 2007
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Posted by CNCharlie on Monday, November 6, 2023 9:24 PM

I joined  the Forum 16 years ago to participate in the Diner. Many diners have come and gone in that time but the Diner survived. I can't believe it goes out of business because the whole forum goes downn for a couple of days. I rarely have problems getting on and I am using a tablet so old my Chrome browser can't be updated. 

I have gotten upset a few times from comments but am still here as I think the Diner is a great spot and value all the contributors. 

CN Charlie

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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Monday, November 6, 2023 9:33 PM

What's all this doom and gloom about the Diner and the forums  being down for a couple of days? It's a free service. We are getting a pretty good deal for the price! Stop crying wolf for goodness sake.

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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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 4:24 AM

hon30critter
It's a free service. We are getting a pretty good deal for the price!

HmmHmmHmmQuestionQuestion

 CP 1873 by Bear, on Flickr

Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them. Kia Kaha.
Cheers, the Bear.

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

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  • From: Ludington, MI
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Posted by Water Level Route on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 5:51 AM

Good Morning Diners!  Flo locked me out for the last few days (looks like more than just me), but I found she left the back door unlocked.  Ha!

BigDaddy
So thank you all for the education, the photos and the insights into your lives.  May we meet again in another forum or in that train station in the sky.

IF Henry is right, I too want to thank everyone here.  This forum got me out of my shell into at least trying to be more active online.

CNCharlie
Many diners have come and gone in that time but the Diner survived. I can't believe it goes out of business because the whole forum goes downn for a couple of days.

Hoping you are right Charlie.  I think the timing of it going down made it seem so much worse.  A whole weekend without!  If this had happened on a Tuesday and they had it fixed Wednesday afternoon, there would likely be less doom and gloom.  Maybe.

York1
What's missing is a thread like this diner, which I will really miss if it goes away.

Is what keeps me here.  

gmpullman
As long as the ship is still afloat I'll be here.

Glad to hear that Ed.  While I don't bring the value to this forum that you do, I'll be here with you.  Cheering you on! Laugh

The one thing out of all of this I can't help but shake though is the whole online MR experience (video plus?) they are pushing.  I don't subscribe to anything other than the print magazine yet.  Time being the primary factor.  Secondary though are the issues with the forum.  Concerns me that similar issues may exist with the video service.  Anybody able to confirm or deny that?

L.A. Union Station

Mike

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  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
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Posted by JoeinPA on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 7:00 AM

I just happend by to hear Water Level's question about the rest of the Trains.com offerings going down when the forum takes a dive. I am a subscriber to MR plus and all of the other offerings were up when the forum was down. It appears that the forum is treated differently than the rest of the Trains.com offerings.

Joe

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  • From: Ludington, MI
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Posted by Water Level Route on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 8:43 AM

JoeinPA

I just happend by to hear Water Level's question about the rest of the Trains.com offerings going down when the forum takes a dive. I am a subscriber to MR plus and all of the other offerings were up when the forum was down. It appears that the forum is treated differently than the rest of the Trains.com offerings.

Joe

 

Thanks for that clarification Joe.  Much appreciated.

Mike

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Currently in Chicago area
  • 830 posts
Posted by up831 on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 8:58 AM

Hi Everyone,

In the mode of Emily Litella, "what's all this fuss about the diner and the forum dying?"  Admittedly I'm largely an armchair modeler and don't get on the diner every day, but guys, have heart.  If as stated by several people, you all enjoy the forum, why sound the death knell.  Yes, it can be frustrating if things don't go right, but I'm sure whatever issues are present will be eventually be worked out.

In the meantime, I for one, have enjoyed reading everyone's posts and sharing the pictures.  I look forward to more. 
Edit:

Mike, that's a nice picture of LA's Union Station.  Several memories there.

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 Tuesday, November 7, 2023 11:50 AM

Good Morning,

A balmy 32F here in the GWN. Well sort of white as most of it melted.

Got my covid booster this morning. Was there for my Doc's first appointment which is 6:30. So far only a little sore arm.

No train news to report. I keep thinking I'll run a train today and then it is tomorrow.

I've only been to California once back in early Dec/95. It was a 4 day weekend to San Francisco. Enjoyed the trip, had some great food and saw the sights. A good freind of my wife lived in Vaccaville and took us all over the place including a night at her house. They lived on an acerage that was patrolled by 2 Bull Mastiffs, 160 lbs each  of pure muscle.  No intruders there.

Time for a nap.

CN Charlie

,

 

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Posted by Lazers on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 11:57 AM

 

"It's the South Shore Line, Jim - but not as we know it".

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 12:08 PM

I'm in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina right now.  It's sunny and in the low 70s.  Sorry, I don't like the weather, really.  Also, being up 13 stories in a beachfront condo might appeal to some, but not me.  The food is generally good.  A different set of craft beers is a big plus.

The GF bought this condo in the spring.  This week and next she's changing a lot of the furniture, so right now we're waiting for delivery.  The old stuff went out yesterday, so now we have nothing but cheap beach chairs to sit on.

I haven't seen real railroads nearby.  There is a decent sized model railroad club nearby that has a couple of open house days a week.  I might go there for a visit.

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

  • Member since
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  • From: Currently in Chicago area
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Posted by up831 on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 4:08 PM

Hi Everyone,

CNCharlie:  If your wife's friend has acreage in the Bay Area, they are not paupers.  My son works in Cupertino and he told me that he can live in the Chicago area and commute out to Cupertino for 3 days a week, with airfare, remote parking, rent a car, hotel, cheaper than he could relocate And live there.  Is that weird or what?  California has always been expensive, but SoCal is absurd and NorCal is ridiculously absurd.  I think in SF that a two bedroom is $7K/ mo.  Funny thing, all the hippies and musicians who got cheap rents in Haight-Ashbury in the 60's couldn't afford the same places now.

Love all the SP photos.  Brings back some good memories.

Less is more,...more or less!

Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • 2,123 posts
Posted by CNCharlie on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 7:29 PM

My wife's friend was a lot older than us, her kids were more our age. Yes they were well off. Her husband was an endocrinologist. He drove a Porsche and his wife a large MB. Unfortunately both have passed away. One son is a prof at MIT. 

CN Charlie

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Danbury Freight Yard
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Posted by OldEngineman on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 10:08 PM

Re the outage over the weekend...

I'll take a guess that the server on which the forums are hosted had a glitch of some sort, and being on Sat/Sun probably didn't get the attention needed to put things right until Monday.

Seems fine from where I am now.

  • Member since
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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 3:06 AM
 Water wings by Bear, on Flickr
 
Gidday Chloe, I hope Vinnie looks after you girls during these annoying lockouts!!

Did someone mention loving the SP Photos??!!!Hmm

 Shell by Bear, on Flickr

 The day is done by Greg  Brown, on Flickr

It's not worth doing something unless someone, somewhere, would much rather you weren't doing it. Terry Pratchett.

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
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 5:35 AM

I'm bailing as fast as I can, Bear Whistling

 Lansdowne_listing by Edmund, on Flickr

Wilson sure has a grand following here! I put him in charge of IT at my house:

 Wilson_blog by Edmund, on Flickr

Meanwhile, California:

 SP_ExtraX-6051_4-27-85 by Edmund, on Flickr

 Shasta Springs, California by Edmund, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
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  • From: Ludington, MI
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Posted by Water Level Route on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 6:12 AM

Good Morning Diners.  Chloe, coffee and a cinnamon roll please.

CNCharlie
They lived on an acerage that was patrolled by 2 Bull Mastiffs, 160 lbs each  of pure muscle.  No intruders there.

I had a boss in college who had a Mastiff.  He came into work one day looking rather messed up.  Cuts, bruises, and scrapes all over.  He said he had taken his dog to the park for a walk.  He wasn't paying attention when he opened the door of his truck and his dog had seen a squirrel.  The dog shot across him out the door, but my boss had ahold of the leash.  The dog yanked him out of the truck and dragged him across the parking lot and a couple dozen yards into the park to the tree the squirrel ran up.  He took the dog back to the truck (truck door conveniently still open) and went home.

Taking my youngest to the doctor in a little bit.  She's had a cough for 3 weeks that just isn't getting better.  Some other symptoms too, one of which is concerning to me.  Tested negative for covid.  Thinking it may be a lingering case of bronchitis.  We'll see what he says.

Have a good Wednesday everyone.

Mike

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
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Posted by York1 on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 9:08 AM

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

Nothing new here -- we (dog and I) just got back from our 2½ mile walk.  I get back tired, she gets back and looks at me like, "What are we going to do next?"

I'm still in the process of moving some tracks on the layout.  Today starts major work.  I will remove a single track bridge to widen it to a double track bridge.  Hope it works out.  This bridge took me a long time to build, so I don't want to start all over.  Geometry class.

I'm happy there are so many diners still using this place.  The waitresses are happy, too.

 

Mike, I hope your daughter is OK.

California dreamin':

 

 Hanging out at the Wye by David Parr, on Flickr

 

Have a great day, everyone.

York1 John       

  • Member since
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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Thursday, November 9, 2023 2:50 AM
Gidday Chloe, a tomato juice, please.
 
I hope your daughter only has a case of “change of season sniffles,” and gets well soon, Mike.
 
A pity about the fate of the Lansdowne car ferry, though I have read that the shells of the two Milwaukee Skytop Lounge cars were saved.
 
The subject of Car ferries is a good excuse for me to link to one of my favourite Shorpy photos…
 
 
….and to get back to California…
 
 
And while I’m selfishly indulging myself, though they were built in California, I came across this video of, IMO, one of the real good lookers, the Lockheed Constellation.
 
 
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: Ludington, MI
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Posted by Water Level Route on Thursday, November 9, 2023 5:30 AM

Good Morning guys.  Janie, I'll have grapefruit with just a little sugar sprinkled on.  Thank you.

Thanks for the well wishes for my daughter guys.  The doctor said he is not concerned yet.  He explained that sometimes as the body breaks down a bug, every once in a while it doesn't just clear it out of your system for whatever reason.  Those left over bits then can act a bit like allergies.  Then, in her weakened immune state she got her flu shot for the year, which he believes allowed the symptoms to ramp up.  As she hasn't got anyone sick around her and the other symptoms come and go, he says she just needs more time.  In two more weeks if she isn't better, get her back in.  We go to a soccer tournament next weekend.  I'm sure playing in the cold won't affect her at all. Confused 

Logging redwoods, circa 1910

Mike

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    August 2007
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Posted by CNCharlie on Thursday, November 9, 2023 8:20 AM

Good Morning,

A couple of days ago I said I felt fine after my covid shot. I spoke too soon. I felt really bad starting about 9 pm. Mostly stomach. It resovled quickly yesterday afternoon so I went to bed and slept for 17 hours. Feel fine now. 

Ed, I too enjoy hearing about Wilson. 

John, hope your bridge project goes well. 

Bear,  I agree, the Connie was a fine looking aircraft. There is one on display near the Toronto airport. It was in front of the Constellation Hotel for many years until the hotel was torn down. Glad they saved the aircraft.

No plans for today. No point in pushing things after yesterday. 

CN Charlie

 

 

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Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, November 9, 2023 11:53 AM

 

I had yet another MRI yesterday. I don't know what they were looking for this time? Had an MRI last Monday, then a radiation 'simulation' Wednesday. The health care industry is having their way with me. Next up, a cardiologist visit on December 1.

 

JaBear
….and to get back to California…

Another look at the 'Solano' car ferry in California:

 Solano, Central Pacific by Edmund, on Flickr

Those Milwaukee Skytops seen on the Lansdowne were sure a sad sight. I do recall as Bear mentioned, that the hulks were salvaged and trucked to a museum in Wisconsin, if I recall.

In better times:

 CMStP&P Skytop Coon Rapids by Edmund, on Flickr

 Hiawatha Skytop by Edmund, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

 

  • Member since
    February 2018
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Posted by York1 on Thursday, November 9, 2023 12:48 PM

gmpullman
Those Milwaukee Skytops seen on the Lansdowne were sure a sad sight. I do recall as Bear mentioned, that the hulks were salvaged and trucked to a museum in Wisconsin, if I recall.

 

Those are such great-looking cars.  I love all the inside styling.  I assume it's called art deco -- but I'm not an expert on styles.  Even the ashtrays were works of art.

York1 John       

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    February 2018
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Posted by York1 on Friday, November 10, 2023 9:01 AM

Good morning, diners.  Flo, I'll have bacon, eggs, and black coffee, please.

After I spend the morning picking up leaves, I should be able to get some layout time later.

A month ago, when the temps fell into the low 20sF, it felt like a deep freeze.  This morning, I walked the dog and it's 22°F, and it didn't seem too bad.  It's amazing how our bodies adjust to temperature changes.

 

Mt. Shasta, California, 14,179 feet high:

 

 Unconscionably late, but a great view by Greg  Brown, on Flickr

 

Have a great Friday, everyone.

York1 John       

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Posted by BroadwayLion on Friday, November 10, 2023 9:56 AM

I Sleep, Therefore I am...

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 BroadwayLion on Friday, November 10, 2023 10:04 AM

gmpullman
Wilson sure has a grand following here! I put him in charge of IT at my house:

Wilson_blog by Edmund, on Flickr

 

Looks liked my desk too!

 

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

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
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Posted by Water Level Route on Friday, November 10, 2023 12:12 PM

Howdy diners.  Flo, a grilled ham and cheese and a cherry coke please.

Just got done putting the Christmas lights up along the roofline of the house.  I'll work on the rest of the outdoor lights over the weekend.  Need to get them done this weekend as we are busy all next weekend and then Thanksgiving is upon us.  I don't want to have to put them up in crummy weather either.

Going to the eye doctor for my annual check in a little bit.  I dread going.  My eyes haven't changed in years, but because of whatever reason (I forget but there is a reason), the doctor insists I have to have my pupils dilated every year.  It always gives me a massive headache that lasts the rest of the day.  Not fun.

You know where.

Cheers fellas!

Mike

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