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Jeffreys Track Side Diner for March 2024

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  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,860 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Thursday, March 7, 2024 6:13 AM

Good Morning Diners.  Flo, coffee to go please.

Ed, thanks for the offer.  You are too kind.  I actually don't mind the sounds that are there for the horn and bell.  I just laugh that they had the sounds of a diesel in an electric locomotive.  Are there really that many other sounds in an electric?

MisterBeasley
The GF would think she locked her car, but she was too close to the car when she did it, so it didn't lock.

My first exposure to a car that worked entirely off a key fob was at work.  A guy bought a Challenger and you could actually start his car with him inside the building he worked in!  Granted he was only seated about 20 feet away from the car, but through a concrete block wall with no windows it would still work.  Was I ever relieved when we got our first car with only a fob.  It knew if you were in the car or standing right next to it outside of it, and responded accordingly.

BATMAN
Hybrid, it is more expensive to buy but in our case, that difference will be paid off quickly. The drop in what we pay for gas every month was huge.

My last work trip down to Dallas, I was given a hybrid at the car rental place.  I was shocked when I turned it back in three days later.  About a 90 minute round trip between the airport and hotel, plus several short in town runs while I was there and the gauge never moved off of full.

All the best to everyone!


Top of the Page!  The site wouldn't let me edit this post earlier, so hopefully John (York 1) still gets some.

 

Mike

  • Member since
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  • From: Flyover Country
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Posted by York1 on Thursday, March 7, 2024 8:05 AM

Good morning.  No breakfast yet -- just coffee.  I'm about ready to head out the door to the dermatologist.

Now that I've finished the first section of the layout's streetcar system, I'm moving on to some other projects.  I have several buildings I will scratch build, and that is my favorite part of the hobby.

I hope Ed's treatments are going well.

Dave, are you doing OK?  Are you giving up on plans for the new layout?

David, did the pneumonia clear up?

Lots of health issues going on in the diner customers.  I hope everyone is restored to health.

Have a great day today.

 

Sugar Pine narrow gauge near Yosemite National Park in the Sierras:

 

 Sugar Pine Railroad by Phuket Paul, on Flickr

York1 John       

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Posted by maxman on Thursday, March 7, 2024 8:32 AM

NorthBrit

 

Just heard today of a model railway show being held locally.  Hopefully I shall take a look tomorrow.

David 

Any report?

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Posted by CNCharlie on Thursday, March 7, 2024 9:43 AM

Good Morning,

Got about 6" of white stuff from the storm yesterday. 

John, all fine here on the health front. My wife is having a tough time right now. Her psychologist is trying to help.

TF, good luck with your Big Boy quest. I thought Kato did one a little while ago. 

Was up before 7 putting out the bird feeders. My wife cleans them every night. Besides we can't leave them out as they are too much of a temptation for the racoons. 

Coffe time again.

CN Charlie

  • Member since
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  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, March 7, 2024 11:30 AM

I've got a Bachmann GG1.  I like it and it runs very well.  I had to replace the garbage plastic couplers the first week, of course, but that's SOP and I always have Kadees in stock for that reason.

My GG1 has no noticeable motor sounds.  It's got a bell and a horn.  As I recall, the GG1 was referred to as a ""Widowmaker" because track crews couldn't hear it coming.  I've read that they are actually putting sound systems in electric cars because pedestrians can't hear them coming. I'd like to hear them put in steam engine sounds for that.

I think a Widowmaker is an old logging term for a large suspended branch that can break off and injure a logger.  I think Sugarloaf ski area I'm Maine has a trail named that.  Give it respect.  I have a friend, not a very good skier, who says he always looks for trails with names like "Fluffy Bunny" because they're more his skill level.

My ad blocker software has taken care of the very annoying and non-train-related big pop-up ads very well.  They've mostly let a lot of women's underwear ads through, though.  They were making it impossible to even enter replies here.  It was a good decision for me.

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

  • Member since
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Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, March 7, 2024 11:59 AM

maxman

 

 
NorthBrit

 

Just heard today of a model railway show being held locally.  Hopefully I shall take a look tomorrow.

David 

 

 

Any report?

 

 

It was just a small show.   Six layouts and a similar number of small companies selling items.   To be kind - the layouts were 'okay'  and those selling were keeping prices very high.    I was in and out in just over half an hour.
 
At least model shows are returning. 
 
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, March 7, 2024 12:08 PM

John York1.

The pneumonia has eased a lot.   I still  have to have an x-ray to see that it has gone.    Another reason for the x-ray is,   doctor's think a strain of cancer is on the lung.

I doubt that very much as I feel okay  and all that.

 

David

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, March 7, 2024 3:00 PM

York1
Dave, are you doing OK?  Are you giving up on plans for the new layout?

Hi John,

I'm okay, except my balance continues to get worse. Thanks for asking.

I'm not giving up on the layout by any means. I (I should say 'we') ran into a couple of snags last fall.

One was that Dianne tore her left calf muscle severely so she wasn't able to lift anything. She is still recovering. I rely on Dianne to do all the lifting because my balance is so bad.

The second was that I got totally frustrated with my snow plow project because I couldn't get the custom sounds to load properly despite working on the thing for hours and hours. It burned me out.Grumpy

There is a silver lining to all this. I went back to have another look at the layout plan and I realized that all of the destination sidings on the main part of the layout could only hold two or three cars each. I have acquired a number of cars that I want to run in unit trains such as TOFC and tank cars, as well as lots of freight cars of course. The original plan had no place to put larger cuts of cars from one train except in the large yard which is off of the layout proper. I replaced a couple of the industries in the center of the layout with a small yard that can hold up to 14 cars. The yard has most of the features of a proper yard including a run-around, a drill track and a parking spot for a switcher, and it has enough space at one end to accommodate the TOFC operation.

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
    December 2001
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Posted by chutton01 on Thursday, March 7, 2024 6:19 PM

Hmm, seems like as good a thread to post this as well as anywhere, but the first time in years that MR had a pretty decent (IMO) April Fool's article, and no mention of it on the forums (issue has been out for weeks, especially on-line edition I suppose).

  • Member since
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Posted by maxman on Thursday, March 7, 2024 7:06 PM

chutton01

Hmm, seems like as good a thread to post this as well as anywhere, but the first time in years that MR had a pretty decent (IMO) April Fool's article, and no mention of it on the forums (issue has been out for weeks, especially on-line edition I suppose).

 

Thanks for reminding me.  Forgot all about it.  I'll have to take a look.

  • Member since
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  • From: Flyover Country
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Posted by York1 on Thursday, March 7, 2024 7:09 PM

chutton01
Hmm, seems like as good a thread to post this as well as anywhere, but the first time in years that MR had a pretty decent (IMO) April Fool's article, and no mention of it on the forums (issue has been out for weeks, especially on-line edition I suppose).

 

I just got my paper issue two days ago.  I haven't even had time to open it.

Now that I know, I will have to pay close attention to what I read.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Thursday, March 7, 2024 9:53 PM

Evening

Slow down guys, your jumping ahead too quickly. I'm still enjoying March with all these Beautiful temps.

My brother-in-law's birthday is April Fool's DayCool  That poor guy, he just got all his teeth pulled out, and is going through a tough ordeal with lots of painSad

He'll be good as new in a couple weeks, and have his brand new smile.....NICE!  Steve-O is good people

 

TF

  • Member since
    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Thursday, March 7, 2024 10:14 PM

Post Hog!

Mr. John, my New Orleans girl Judy made me red beans and rice for dinner tonightDinner  After she soaked the beans for two days like she does.

Twas GOOD GOOD.  Still would like to try yours though, and know it's GOODDinner...Pirate

 

TF

 

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
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Posted by York1 on Thursday, March 7, 2024 10:26 PM

Track fiddler
Mr. John, my New Orleans girl Judy made me red beans and rice for dinner tonight  After she soaked the beans for two days like she does. Twas GOOD GOOD.  Still would like to try yours though, and know it's GOOD

 

Sounds good!  Red Beans and Rice, when done correctly, has a great unique taste.  Nothing like it!

York1 John       

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
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Posted by Water Level Route on Friday, March 8, 2024 5:36 AM

Good Morning Diners.  TGIF! (For those that it still means something anyway)

Supposed to get some cold, crummy weather this weekend.  Figures as my new toy from the R/C shop is supposed to be in today.  Oh well, better weather will be here soon enough.

MisterBeasley
I had to replace the garbage plastic couplers the first week, of course, but that's SOP

Glad you mentioned that.  I forgot I had an issue with mine.  The whole coupler essentially lifted up (rotated up at the coupler box is probably a better description) with a full train behind it.  Found that out the hard way when it decoupled from the train it was pulling at the top of my steep and tightly turning ruling grade.  I had two track cleaning cars in the consist that I think acted as a sort of brake as the string of cars didn't come rocketing down the grade.  To be sure, they rolled down quickly, but didn't get out of control.  I've a note in my phone now to take a look at it.  Thanks!

Mike

  • Member since
    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, March 8, 2024 6:20 AM

Good morning Diners.   A large coffee and blueberry muffin please, Brunhilda.  I'll  sit in the corner by the window.

Not a great deal going on here.  I must do a mini-shop this afternoon though.

 

Dawn is battling some kind of stomach bug.  The doctor prescribed some antibiotics for her.   She has come to the end of them; maybe she needs some more?

 

Myself.   I feel fine.   As mentioned previously I still have to have an x-ray.  That, I believe will be towards the end of this month.

 

I know a few Diners are going through various challenges.   Our thoughts and prayers  go out to you.

 

David

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Friday, March 8, 2024 6:46 AM

Good Morning!  TGIF!

Mike, you're right.  In retirement, that doesn't mean much anymore.  Everyday is Saturday.

Charlie, we continue to have a large number of cardinals at our feeders.  Not many bluejays, which is unusual for us.  We get several zebra-backed woodpeckers at our bars, but we've never had a pileated woodpecker.  You are lucky to have them in your area.

Ugh.  We woke up to a layer of snow and more coming down.  I'm ready for everything Spring brings -- except lawn mowing.

Today I am cutting out a section of track that includes two turnouts.  I will be able to use the turnouts in a planned yard, and the new straight section of track will allow more room for a train station.  This is my own fault for not planning better when laying track the first time.

Many of us are at the age when one doctor's visit may mean a complete change in life.  I hope and pray everyone in the diner has good health.

 

Rock Creek reservoir in California's Sierra Nevada mountains:

 

 Crystal Clear by Patrick Dirden, on Flickr

York1 John       

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, March 8, 2024 10:33 AM

Nope.  We're in the Tourist Zone, so Friday is batten down the hatches day.  It's not so bad this time of year, but in the summer we have to get our grocery shopping done early and avoid weekend travel, particularly to restaurants.  Most places don’t take reservations any time of year, so if we are going out, it's best to leave by 5.  A few local beach towns have expensive pay-to-park from early May to mid-September, so we avoid eating there in the summer.  It's no wonder restaurants are selling their downtown locations and moving out to the places with plenty of free parking.

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

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,860 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Friday, March 8, 2024 11:21 AM

MisterBeasley
We're in the Tourist Zone

Tourism is what my town lives on.  Still better to be home on a weekend avoiding tourists than to be at work on a week day.

Mike

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Friday, March 8, 2024 12:00 PM

MisterBeasley
We're in the Tourist Zone, so Friday is batten down the hatches day.

 

Our area has nothing of interest to tourists, so we don't have that issue.  Our small town sits on Interstate 80, so the tourists stop here to buy gas, stay in hotels, or eat fastfood.  Then they move on.

The best part?  Our town has a 1½ % sale tax, and all those tourists just pass through, but leave us a lot of money.

 

Flanger near Donner Pass:

 

 Back to Roseville by Patrick Dirden, on Flickr

York1 John       

  • Member since
    August 2007
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Posted by CNCharlie on Friday, March 8, 2024 7:05 PM

Good Evening,

I sent an email to Dr. Wayne on Monday but no reply so far. 

John, those zebra backed woodpeckers are likely Downeys or Hairys. They look much the same except for size with the Hairys being a lot larger.

Have a nice evening,

CN Charlie

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 527 posts
Posted by Attuvian1 on Saturday, March 9, 2024 12:26 AM

CNCharlie

I sent an email to Dr. Wayne on Monday but no reply so far. 

Charlie

 
Did the same, same day, Charlie.  No reply on my end either.  Nothing on the net about him that's recent.
 
John
 
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: North Dakota
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Posted by BroadwayLion on Saturday, March 9, 2024 4:46 AM

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

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

  • Member since
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  • From: North Dakota
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Posted by BroadwayLion on Saturday, March 9, 2024 4:49 AM

York1
Today I am cutting out a section of track that includes two turnouts.  I will be able to use the turnouts in a planned yard, and the new straight section of track will allow more room for a train station.  This is my own fault for not planning better when laying track the first time.

dats ok... The big boys do that all the time.

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

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
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Posted by York1 on Saturday, March 9, 2024 8:41 AM

Good Saturday morning.  I'll have bacon, eggs, and coffee, Chloe.

Spring is nearly here.  Even though we got snow the other day and it's still below freezing this morning, it will be in the 60s° on Monday.  There were masses of semi truck accidents on the Interstate -- they just can't slow down even if there is ice and blowing snow. 

BroadwayLion
dats ok... The big boys do that all the time.

Lion, that's true, but I'll bet those guys do it faster and better than I did on my small track.  They get paid more for doing it, too.  Big Smile

On the layout today, I'm painting some streets and starting to map out the next section of town to be built.  I would love to put this in, but I'm not sure I want to pay the price:

https://wit-and-wisdom-models.com/product/full-scene/

 

Time for breakfast.  Have a great day, everyone.

 

Above the Feather River in California:

 

 Deep within Serpentine Canyon by Patrick Dirden, on Flickr

 

 

York1 John       

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  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
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Posted by BATMAN on Saturday, March 9, 2024 11:00 AM

Good morning from the very soggy West Coast where it is 6c.

Out of bed at 0500hrs this morning, let the dogs out while I made coffee, let them in, and sat and played my guitar for the next three hours. My daughter is coming home for a couple of daysBig Smile I have to pick her up at the ferry. The Canucks are playing tonight and there is a new bottle of scotch on the bar. I see train time in today's line-up. Could life get any better?

I sure hope Dr.Wayne is OK, I really like his contributions to the forum. I will keep poking around as we have some mutual online friends.

Watched the series "1883" and really enjoyed it. Things I feel are worth watching seem to be becoming a rarity these days. The next one in the series is "1926". Harrison Ford is in that one so fingers crossed.

Dave, sorry to hear about Dianne's leg injury. I have had many, many leg injuries including a bad break. Once I was in the mountains and ripped all my tendons and ligaments while coming down a steep hill. No cell phones back then, it was me and the dog. After laying there in agony for a while I used the dog like a crutch to get out, it took hours. It was while I was learning to fly that it happened and I had to stop for three months until I got medically cleared again. Wished I lived closer so I could at least help you to get some trains running.

David, hope your chest issue clears up and I hope Ed's treatments are progressing well.

Bacon and eggs, then to the trainroom.

All the best to all.

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
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  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Saturday, March 9, 2024 3:17 PM

Good afternoon all.

Good news, I have just heard that Doctor Wayne is alive and well, just experiencing computer problems, hearing that makes my Saturday a good one.

We are having a good blow today and the ferries are on and off so the daughter may not get home today.Sad

I have the generator ready to go as the Canucks are on later. Priorities don't you know.Laugh #1 son asked if I had rum, of course, I said, he is worried about power for the game as well but he doesn't have backup so he is coming out. Kids these days, so unprepared.LaughPirate

The Captain is waiting for him.

Captain Morgan transparent PNG - StickPNG

 

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
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Posted by Water Level Route on Saturday, March 9, 2024 4:49 PM

Howdy guys.  Chloe, a large pizza with all the meats, onion, and jalapenos please.  A cold beer too.  Everyone welcome to join me.  Chloe, maybe make it two pizzas.

BATMAN
I have just heard that Doctor Wayne is alive and well

Glad to hear Dr Wayne is okay.  Sure hope he gets his computer issues sorted.  I do miss seeing pictures of his work.

Had a disappointing day on the layout today.  I had my Trix mikado parked in an odd spot and couldn't remember why.  Then I ran it.  Appears something happened to the decoder somehow that royally screwed up the sounds on it.  It doesn't make any chuff sounds anymore, no bell either.  The whistle sounds but gives two toots each time you press it.  It makes the basic hiss of a steam locomotive sitting still.  While it was rolling forward, I pressed the direction button and it sounded a bit like an atari game making the sound of a rocket launching.  It was bizarre.  I tried a factory reset on it, but the only change was the locomotive address going back to three and the volume turning all the way back up.  JMRI tells me its a Loksound V2.  I won't put a Loksound back in, and to put a Soundtraxx or TCS decoder in is going to require a bit of work.  BUMMER.

Mike

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Saturday, March 9, 2024 7:22 PM

Hi Mike,

Have you considered posting your problem on the ESU forums? I have been able to get help there several times.

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 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Sunday, March 10, 2024 6:56 AM

Good morning, diners.  Donut day, so I'll have just coffee this morning.

Warming up today!  Predicted to be 65° today.  Snow several days ago, now warm again.

Several days ago, someone mentioned the April Fools article in Model Railroader.  I've found two possibilities:

1.  I'm too dumb to find it; or

2.  The April Fools joke on me is that there isn't an April Fools joke in the April issue.

Have a great Sunday.

 

1999 Excursion train at the Feather River in California:

 Over the Bridge, Into the Tunnel by Craig Sanders, on Flickr

York1 John       

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