Here are a few iron horses in action:
More later,
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Thanks for opening the doors, Dave.
Nothin like a smokin Royal!
H1c 2822 with Sunday afternoon train for Ottawa. Montreal West. June 21,1959 Bob Krone
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
VERY Impressive pictures!!!
I do feel for the homemakers hanging up wash near trackside though.
BTW, I read somewhere that Alco's are often thought of as honorary steam locos.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Good morning
Thanks for starting us out in the August Diner Dave, glad your doing better.
Well, we had a nice get-a-way in Wisconsin, along with almost too much fun, if there is such a thing
One of our family members didn't want the photo of us in the musky's mouth posted, so I'll have to respect that.
The Giant Musky in Hayward.Roadside America
Looks like something Ansel Adams would do.Patricia Mock on Pinterest
Make it a great Thursday gentlemen
TF
Good evening dinners. Flo, a Baileys with ice please.
So I've been a bit removed from the forum over the two weeks. Presently in Lake Placid with guys on a golf outing. Even here weather has been very hot. But golf has been very good, though not necessarily MY golf!
So two weeks ago my wife and I along with my wife's brother and his wife took the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Bamff. A fabulous trip. Not inexpensive, kind of a once in a life time deal. Spent a whole day exploring Vancouver then next day onto the train. 10 hours later we arrived in Kamloops, where it was 100 degrees at the time. The Train was great, scones and coffee once you board, then a great breakfast. Then at 10:00 the "jolly trolley" started. Bloody Mary's (or what Canadians call bloody Caesar's) or whatever livation you please. Mind you all food and cocktails are included in the price of the trip. Lunch, which was more like dinner, was served around 1:00-ish. Again, great food and unlimited cocktails or wine. Nobody on our car took advantage nor became a problem. Second day, rinse and repeat. Arrived in Banff, a little less hot but still toasty for me. Spent 1 1/2 days touring Banff then they took us to Calgary, where we flew home to Boston the next day. The whole trip was Sunday to Saturday. I would do it again, but maybe the trip to Jasper. But yet, I read Jasper has been decimated by wildfires. No issue for us on our trip except vistas we're hazy from smoke. All in all a great trip, and if you are fortunate enough to be able to afford the trip very well worth it. Lots of details I could add but I can't go on and on forever with this. And yes, when my summer schedule slows down I will learn how to post pics and will do so.
Regards, Chris
Oh, one thing to mention. Delta/Westjet lost one of our suitcases on the return trip. After 4 days with no communication I went back to Boston Logan and searched an acre of luggage in the terminal all around the carousels and found it on my own! What a clustermuck!! I only knew it was somewhere in Terminal A because of my Apple Air Tags. Sad really, in this day and age of technology that the consumer has to do his own investigation and tell the airlines the lost luggage is under their nose! Oh well, just glad to have it. But never again a Westjet flight!
Good Grief Chris, that was a lot of yardage. Best be driving that beautiful Corvette by Fall, when we're all cooled off outside...
You're Good People Chris.
Ain't ever been ashamed of the junk in my trunk
Gladly shown, whatever it'll be.
Nor sitting at my favorite bridge when it's a little Vinder!
Her in doors of the Mach 1, learned from The Bear. That's my Judy for 34+ years.
There She Blows
SUP?
Double Stackers For All!!!
Didn't think I'd forget ya? Did you?
mobilman44I do feel for the homemakers hanging up wash near trackside though.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Hi TF,
you really know how to torture a guy don't you! I just had a tooth pulled and I am restricted in terms of what I can put in my mouth. That burger is a work of art but I can't have it!!
Thirty-four years is an accomplishment in this day and age. Congratulations!
I love the louvers on the back window of the Mustang.
Hi Bear,
Thanks for the Shorpy photo. No wonder life expectancies were lower back then!
Today we get to go for a little drive. We have rented a cottage in Northern Ontario. It is on a beautiful lake with very few other cottages, and the fishing is great. Our son Cole and his wife Kaitlin along with baby Callum will be joining us. We have vacationed with them before and we always had a great time. Having 13 month old Callum along will add a new dimension.
Oh, that little drive - it's only about five hours.
Good morning, diners. Bacon, eggs, and coffee please, Brunhilda.
We haven't had Canadian smoke for the past several days. I guess the upper winds are giving us a break.
Today is county fair day for me. Since my kids are all grown and I no longer have contact with school kids, the county fair isn't as interesting to me. However, I will do my yearly walk-through today. The local kids all do lots of work with animals and 4-H projects, and it's always good for me to see the things, but once through is enough for me now.
The rest of the day I will stay inside, so hopefully I will get in more work on the layout. The major project continues to be a new building, which has taken me weeks. The good news is that the end is in sight.
Chris, that sounds like a great trip on the train. I wish my wife would want to go, as I don't really want to go myself. Maybe sometime a friend or family member would want to go with me. I'm looking forward to your photos.
TF, nice photos of the Mustang.
Bear, those Shorpy photos have so many things to see in them. It's amazing the details those early photographers got into their photos.
Dave, I hope you enjoy your time at the lake house. It sounds great. Enjoy your time with the grandchild.
For all the diners mentioned and the ones I haven't mentioned, I hope you have a good day. David, we are continuing to think of you as you go through your treatment.
Train in the forest fire smoke!
In the smoke by wacamerabuff, on Flickr
York1 John
What a sweetheart, my daughter understands my troubles sleeping well in the last year or so. Something to do with age I'm thinking. Ulrich used to talk about this sort of thing, and didn't know what the heck he was talking about, until lately.
Back to my lovely daughter, she texted me a link to ten hours of brown noise Slept like a rock. Friday is Judy's day off, so us sleeping in, (which never happens), happened today. Finally a healthy sleep aid. When the brown noise quits working, I'll have her send me some Green! All I'm remembering is waking up to the sound like a torpedo heater blowing in the garage, when your trying to keep warm working on something in the Winter
Being a bit more serious then "Night Guy", well rested in the morning, that sounded like a fun trip Chris. Except for the part about losing your luggage. I'm glad you were lucky enough to find it. Your experience, and one of my own way back when, is why we only travel with carry on duffle bags now. Haven't been out to play golf yet this year. Going to have to plan that for Fall, as it's too hot to really enjoy anything out there right now. Maybe early in the morning, but good luck getting on the coarse, with everybody and his brother with the same idea
Thanks John. What Mustang? They were suppose to be pictures of the Train No really, they're probably my two favorite things. Three, if you count a good burger
Thanks Dave. Sorry for the teaser. Don't feel too bad, I've not been able to have one either, with my DT condition I'll still role the dice with one over the Kingsford, once in a blue moon, on one of Judy's picnics. Red meat is risky though. That big slab of Prime Rib at the Texas Roadhouse sure put me back on anti-biotics in a hurry. It's called giving into temptation...
Have a great start of your weekend gentlemen
Definition of Gorge-ous?...Pinterest
Afternoon Diners! Janie, a large chocolate malt and an order of onion rings please!
Busy week. Took my daughter on another school/soccer visit Wednesday. How did it go? We left early. Good talk about her options on the 3 hour ride home. That evening she called the coach of the school that seemed so perfect for her and committed. I think the coach was more excited than she was. So very proud of her!
Wife's grandmother's funeral went well yesterday. Small affair and we met at my in-laws for a nice lunch together afterwards.
Spent the last several hours on my roof. Not fun, especially in the heat. I have to hold on to a rope anchored on the other side of the house to keep from sliding off. I was looking for where bats made it into the house. Pretty sure I found the spot where one of the dormer walls meets the main part of the roof. Now to hope my exclusion works. Fingers crossed.
Dave, excellent job moving the diner and great pictures to kick things off too!
Chris, my wife and I put the Rocky Mountaineer on our bucket list, but it will have to be a retirement trip I think. We want to go in either fall or winter, and with her teaching, we're kind of stuck. Glad you found your luggage.
TF, that is a beautiful Mustang!
John, I enjoy walking around our county fair, but I think I'm the only one in the family that likes to go, so I haven't been in years. I kind of miss seeing the animals and eating the carnival food. I can do without the demolition derby and the rides.
Anybody heard from Ed lately? Diner isn't the same without our gmpullman.
Have a good afternoon everyone.
Mike
Hi Everyone,
Thanks for expertly moving the diner Dave.
TF: that burger looks exceptional. Is this Pavlovian, because I'm practically salivating.
The locomotive with smoke pictures are all wonderful. Truly great stuff.
Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)
Water Level RouteAnybody heard from Ed lately? Diner isn't the same without our gmpullman.
Thanks for askin' Mike! I'm here — TF's burger brought me up to the counter, though I admit I'd rather have two singles than a double. Just too much to try to tackle without the bun falling apart and the tomato squeezing out the sides!
There were a couple of greasy-spoon diners I used to hang out at in my youth in downtown Cleveland. When I worked at a 16mm film processing service there was a place on E. 40th called George's Corner Lunch. Everything they offered was EXCELLENT! George was Greek and a great cook. I'd give anything to sit down in that diner once more and order the daily special or one of their fantastic burgers.
This is all steam but it sorta looks like smoke:
EBT_12 by Edmund, on Flickr
My dad brought me with him to the East Broad Top on several occasions in the '60s and '70s. Always great fun!
Summer chores has me doing plenty of yard work and firewood cutting so when I get in I'm plenty whooped! Today there are some much needed storms passing through so I can get caught up with internet stuff.
Cheers, Ed
Cherish those days at the town fairs with your little ones, gentlemen. Our local town fairs and the bigger ones where they're supported are magical to our sons and daughters. Some have animals, but ours was confined to face painting and dunk tanks, with much enjoyment anyway for everyone. We had fire engines and DPW trucks, chicken, burger and hot dog stands.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
We made it to the cottage. Once we got past Gravenhurst the traffic was good. Getting through Barrie, not so much.
The cottage is very nice. There is no AC but there are lots of fans. The view of the lake is very relaxing. There are no other cottages in view. The weather is hot but that's only supposed to last for a couple of days.
Evening
Thanks Jim. And Thanks Mike
gmpullman
Hate it when that happens Ed.
Ya try to eat the thing, and it starts blowing out the side walls, with the fixings and condiments becoming quite unmanageable
We slowed the Train down for ya, and diverted to a siding, to have UP remove the top stacks...
to make for two singles to make things a bit more manageable for you...
I'll be joining you in the Diner around 8:15 to have those two singles with you, as those doubles are a bit too thick anyway in my opinion as well
Glad you took those double stacks off one container at a time, TF. BNSF has a quicker method that may have mixed results:
(Looks like I can't embed the video so you'll have to click here)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=754c3PCM4R4
A group of guys arrived in the hi-railer to scratch their heads and flip a coin to see who gets to make the first move to clean this mess up.
Hope there's no Rapido train deliveries in any of those cans!
What a train wreck!
I'll be hanging out in the Diner with a Grain Belt, until Flo gives me my walking papers
I'm going to put that 10 hours of brown noise back on the JBL Blue Tooth my daughter taught me.
You Kids take it easy and rest well. Wishing the best to all of you
[quote user="gmpullman"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=754c3PCM4R4[/quote]
Brooms by Bear, on Flickr
Sure glad that's not my father's railroad.
One of the members of my old train club worked for Canadian National. He spent much of his career recovering wrecked trains. He had some amazing stories to tell like the number of times that he had sat atop a recently drained tank car with a cutting torch. He had photographed every wreck that he worked on except the ones where fatalities were involved. The pictures were very interesting. They gave a better understanding of the huge forces at work when a large train leaves the tracks. He even had pictures of one freight car sitting atop another in a yard that was caused by the shunting engineer using too much power.
Testing 1....2....3......
I'm not wasting any more ink until I know it works.
Good Afternoon,
Wow, the forum has been down for over 4 days. Not doing much for the profile of Model Railroader.
Got our large elm tree injected for Dutch Elm disease. We have been doing it for 30 years and have one of the few very large trees left in the neighbourhood , well it was as is the largest, about 140 years old.
Not much new, have been watching a little of the Olympics. Prefer the winter one.
Hope to hear from the other Diners soon.
CN Charlie
As far as I can tell, the forum went down late afternoon on Friday and somehow just returned late afternoon on Wednesday.
Ridiculous!
Disgraceful!
Not a good omen.
Rich
Alton Junction
Welcome back everyone!
I agree that four days down is a bit much, but let's not dwell on it. Onward and upward.
We have had good weather thus far at our rental cottage. Tomorrow and Friday may be a bit damp.
Not much in the way of birds. We have had a pair of loons cruising close to the dock, and we saw some warblers for about 10 seconds this morning. Kind of disappointing.
I'm eager to get home because there are a couple of eBay purchases waiting for me.
The waitresses are still working!
I need to get a life. When the forum is down, I check the other forum, but for some reason I'm just not ready to change. I'm a little upset that an online forum means so much to me. Like I said, I need to get a life.
Charlie, with so few Elm trees around anymore, is the disease still out there? I know our nursery has some disease resistant Elm trees, but I don't know how good they are. Right now, we are in the beginnings of the Ash borer invasion. We are not happy about that -- in my town's parks, about ¼ of all the trees are Ash trees. They are perfect for our climate -- they withstand hot weather, cold weather, and drought. The university says within ten years, most of the Ash trees will be dead.
Looking through the entries, it seems like the diner is about the last gasp of the forum. I don't know if it will recover if and when the software is fixed. Not a good outlook.
I've missed everyone. Hope you all have a good day. David, I don't know how you're feeling, but if you're reading this, we are thinking of you.
While this photo has no smoke, maybe they're able to keep the smoke away with this:
SPOCK, ...IT'S ALIVE!!!
CAPTAIN, It seems to be back.
I've been doing an experiment with the MR forum for the last two years, and more recently, been given an empty promise about a month or so ago, that the new software will be in effect. Everything will work just fine they said, with best intentions I'm sure. I'm only ashamed, (That This Hasn't Happened Yet)!!!
Did you contact Scotty in engineering, and tell him the importance of incerting Dilithium Crystals into the Warp Overdrive Generators, before they made that empty promise Spock.
No! I did not Captain, you know that Vulcans cannot lie. I decided to see if the new software worked for a week or two, and if not, the month after that, or the following year, or the year after that.
SPOCK!, ...You do realise, We will have to clean this mess up sooner than later than sometime, or we may have to send Bones in, ...to assist these Model Railroad Forum Members with their broken hearts. With their Hearts not being able to swallow this kinda garbage for too much longer, as they are losing faith!
I get that Captain, as there is no excuse for this kind of neglect, or behavior disrespecting the members patreonage here for very much longer anymore. If that was ever excusable at any time at all.
The few that are left here Captain!!! .......
See what you can do Spock, before the Space-Time-Continuum turns into Shambles!!! Otherwise, no one will remain here on this planet.
The financial groups will move on, ...MOVE all their advertising to Another site as professionalism is what they seek.
Logically speaking, with all Illogic present here, this once was a great site. I do believe you are correct Captain
The Advertising Stooges certainly didn't make this a great site. The members here have always done that
TF - C/O Spock & Captain Kirk
Dutch Elm Disease is still around. I cut down several elms every summer. They make good firewood but they're a bear to split. I believe our variety is called a 'slippery elm' for some reason. A while back we had an arborist visit and he showed us how to detect the disease. Just under the bark the wood will have a dark grey staining to it. You have to remove the stump completely as the disease will travel through the soil to other trees.
Smoke:
23-13102 by George Hamlin, on Flickr
The chemical used to stop Dutch Elm is about 80% effective but it is expensive, $900 every 3 years so really only practical for a single specimen tree. We had an arborist assess our trees some years ago. He said ours was a native variety and they seem to be more resistant to disease than the planted ones. Its trunk is 3' in diameter.
Good evening fellow dinners, good to finally be back. Flo, Baileys on ice please.
so I was last able to post on 8/1. I'm not angry, just disappointed. I hope better days are ahead.
TF, your Mack 1 looks incredible. You obviously keep it pristine. More so, you drive it! I can't understand these guys who spend $$$$ for classic cars then garage/trailer them. Whatever!
Evening everyone. Glad to be back.
Dave you may not be seeing the birds you were hoping for, but the cabin still sounds great.
Trying to post from my phone right now, which isn't easy. Posting in the show me thread used up most of my patience.
Hope everyone is well. I'll try to check back in tomorrow.
York1 I need to get a life. When the forum is down, I check the other forum, but for some reason I'm just not ready to change. I'm a little upset that an online forum means so much to me. Like I said, I need to get a life.
For those of us who consider model railroading a major hobby, we look to the forum to share experiences, ask questions, provide answers, and just generally enhance our love of the hobby. With all of the departures that have occurred and the loss of expertise that has gone with those departures, this forum has become a shell of its former self.
I have been working feverishly on my layout to pass time in the summer heat and humidity. As issues have come up, I don't even bother to pose them on this forum any longer. I go to that "other forum" for help. We are in the fourth month of new ownership and, yet, not one word from the new owners has been posted on this forum. What's up with that?
I'll catch up with you tomorrow Kids
Here you go TF.
Ambient Bridge noise. Eight hours worth.
Good Morning Diners! Chloe, coffee. Janie, pancakes. Brunhilda, a sweet roll please. Have to spread my tip around a bit to keep these girls from wandering off to more regular employment!
John, I hear you about missing the forum when it's down. Everyone in the diner makes for one of my social circles and I miss hearing from everyone when there are issues with the forum. For those of us who have stuck around through the software issues, I think there is a real sense of community. I hope we don't lose that.
David, hope you are doing well on the health front, even if there are no updates.
With summer starting to wind down, I'll have to be moving my oldest back to school soon. With that in mind, I pulled out a half a brisket I've had waiting in the freezer. It will make a nice Sunday dinner when it comes out of the smoker. Our last Sunday dinner together before she moves back, as next weekend my youngest has a tournament out of town.
Hope to hear from everyone sooner than later, even if it's nothing more than to pop in and say you haven't completely given up on this forum. The last long outage we had pushed a lot of people away.
Good morning, diners. Just coffee this morning.
By the look of the radar, I have a small window of time this morning to walk the dog before more rain hits. Of course, it may all dissipate before it gets here -- just our luck.
The good news on the layout is I'm almost finished with a building that has taken me two months, off and on, to complete. I think I can get it finished by tomorrow at the latest. Then ... start laying track for a new diesel shop. I'm able to reuse to the building I have from the last layout.
Some strange news for me yesterday is that I've made the decision not to go with my family next summer. The daughters and families are all headed to France, and I, for the first time, will not go with them. I've decided that overseas flights are just not good for me anymore. I guess I could change my mind if the right trip came up, but my age is really slowing me down. We've had some great trips together, but my body is telling me to slow down.
When I read the diner entries on the other forum, I fear the latest problems drove more of our group away.
I just checked the radar and again and it looks like I can make a break for it. The dog wants to go walking even if it's raining. Not at all like our last dog.
Have a great day, everyone.
richhotrain We are in the fourth month of new ownership and, yet, not one word from the new owners has been posted on this forum. What's up with that? Rich
We are in the fourth month of new ownership and, yet, not one word from the new owners has been posted on this forum. What's up with that?
AEP528 You say you've been working on your layout? Prove it. Stop posting opinions and post about the layout progress. Act like a model railroader.
You say you've been working on your layout? Prove it. Stop posting opinions and post about the layout progress. Act like a model railroader.
As usual, you missed the point of my earlier reply. The operative word was "word". "Not one word from the new owners has been posted on this forum". Capisce? I didn't ask for an update on the acquistion. I expressed frustration over the silence from the new owner.
Looking forward to your photos of your modeling.
Wow, other than one window on 8/7 when I got in a short post, it seems like it's been two weeks the forum has been down. As I said earlier, not angry, just disappointed.
that said, today the forum seems to fly when logging in today. A good sign? Or just an unusual event. Regardless, I'll hang in until they permanently shut out the lights (Hope that never happens).
Tophias Wow, other than one window on 8/7 when I got in a short post, it seems like it's been two weeks the forum has been down. As I said earlier, not angry, just disappointed. that said, today the forum seems to fly when logging in today. A good sign? Or just an unusual event. Regardless, I'll hang in until they permanently shut out the lights (Hope that never happens). Regards, Chris
After trying each day and failing, my first thought this morning on opening the forum was, "Yes! It's working!"
Unfortunately, the first diner post I read was a real downer.
Now, on to more pleasant things.
I've nearly finished the building I've been working on. I originally saw a model of the building, but I didn't want to pay the price for the kit. I decided to try to build it from scratch. I've still got to finish the crooked roof over the diner and the cigar sign, along with several mis-fitting trim pieces. Instead of N, I think O would have made the whole project easier. The end is in sight:
Another "smoke and train" photo:
https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/news-photos-poseidon-helps-cn-fight-alberta-fires/
I hope all the current and former diners are doing well.
Don't directly tell anyone you don't like them; just say, "You're the Monday of my life!"
Well. I guess were back. For now.
John, I love your Nighthawks rendition. That is a fantastic idea. If I ever get up the nerve to try my hand at scratchbuilding, I definitely want to make that. Very cool.
Good morning from the cool and cloudy West Coast.
York1but my body is telling me to slow down.
I know how you feel John, for the first time ever I have chosen not to go out and do yard work because of the heat and it wasn't really that hot. So I have often been into the trainroom this summer for lengthy sessions. I also went for a run one day and at 14km my extremities started to swell so I packed it in. In the past, I could motor all day in the heat and it would never bother me. Getting old sucks.
richhotrain AEP528 You say you've been working on your layout? Prove it. Stop posting opinions and post about the layout progress. Act like a model railroader. AEP528, I have been a member of this forum for 20 years. You have been a member for 16 years. I have posted innumerable photos and videos of my layout and my projects. I don't recall ever seeing one photo from you. Do you have a layout? You say, act like a model railroader. You would do well to take your own advice. Looking forward to your photos of your modeling. Rich
AEP528, I have been a member of this forum for 20 years. You have been a member for 16 years. I have posted innumerable photos and videos of my layout and my projects. I don't recall ever seeing one photo from you. Do you have a layout? You say, act like a model railroader. You would do well to take your own advice.
Well, I for one have seen many photos posted by Rich over the years and when he talks about his layout I can immediately picture it in my mind (small as my mind is)
Mr. AEP, please post your photos, we are waiting.
As far as the forum software goes, I appreciate the effort of the MRR staff in trying to keep it up and running, it must be quite frustrating for them to constantly have to attend to it. Hopefully, it will be fixed properly soon.
Mike, Now my daughter has her own car she doesn't need Dad to take her back to University. This should be her last term, but that may change if she wants to keep going. She has so many opportunities on the job front in so many areas of her expertise she may want to just dive into the workforce again. She has a beautiful place in Victoria and only has to work at her Government job for a month and her rent is paid for the year, University is basically free, so she lives like a Queen while going to school quite easily.
Her brother lived like a King while going to University in Ottawa because he made so much working in the TV/movie industry at every opportunity. He could afford to rent his own house in Ottawa. With grants and scholarships, tuition was virtually free.
Time for a scoot through the woodland and then yardwork on this cool day.
All the best to all.
Odd day yesterday. We had a boat party for our local Parrot Head Club, a Jimmy Buffet fan group. We chartered a small pontoon boat that took us out on the bay. We got lucky and saw a lot of pelicans and a lot of playful dolphins. On the way back, the boat died. They called in, and another boat was sent out. In the meantime, the beer was free.
Eventually the other boat showed up. They added some more gas to our tanks, but that didn't help. So, we had to transfer all of us to the other boat which took us home. Forget about a hazardous crossing. The sea was still as an Environtex lake, and probably not much deeper. One step from one boat to the other and we were there.
MisterBeasleyWe had a boat party for our local Parrot Head Club, a Jimmy Buffet fan group.
A few years ago a local couple I know had a car license plate "FINSRUP". This is the hat I wear when walking Cookie the dog.
There are Parrot Heads even out here 1500 miles from the beach.
Hi gang,
We just got a video that was taken only a few minutes ago from our son and DIL showing our almost 14 month old grandson, Callum, taking his first few steps! Gave me goosebumps.
Twenty years ago I told myself that I would only use my cell phone for business calls. I considered it to be an intrusion into my private life. My attitude has changed. Now we can see wonderful family events almost instantaneously from miles away. Today we take it for granted. Imagine what someone 200 years ago would think of it! Heck, not even Captain Kirk had video!
How's everybody doing out there? The late summer days are here and we're stocking the last of the firewood for the season. We had a nice weekend with the neighbors visiting while the camp fire was going and the grand kids here for a look at the meteor shower and a bit of the Northern Lights visible between 2 and 3 am. Good times!
Is the theme for August still smoke?
Smoke Show by Don Kalkman, on Flickr
Steptoe sunrise by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Good morning, diners. I'll have bacon, eggs, and coffee, Flo.
It's good to have the natural order of things restored to the online universe.
Several years ago my wife gave me a model kit of an old movie theater. I didn't really like it, but naturally I thanked her and told her how good it was. Today, I'm going to work on it and see what I can do with it. I'm not sure where on the layout I will put it, but it needs to be there so she can see it. I'm such a good husband.
Schools in our town start this week. For 42 years, in New Orleans and then here, I was excited about that. It's nice to be on this side of retirement!
Union Pacific fire crew in California:
hon30critternot even Captain Kirk had video
No, but he did have a transporter and a replicator.
richhotrain AEP528 You say you've been working on your layout? Prove it. Stop posting opinions and post about the layout progress. Act like a model railroader. AEP528, I have been a member of this forum for 20 years. You have been a member for 16 years. I have posted innumerable photos and videos of my layout and my projects. I don't recall ever seeing one photo from you. Do you have a layout? You say, act like a model railroader. You would do well to take your own advice. As usual, you missed the point of my earlier reply. The operative word was "word". "Not one word from the new owners has been posted on this forum". Capisce? I didn't ask for an update on the acquistion. I expressed frustration over the silence from the new owner. Looking forward to your photos of your modeling. Rich
I'm not a forum freeloader spending all of my time complaining about the forum hosts and continually writing self-entitled demands that the magazine owners conform to exactly what I want.
BTW, a forum member that all of you know passed away a couple of months ago. A true friend of that member posted a tribute on a magazine social media site. I haven't seen anything here yet. So much for the quality of diner friendships.
AEP528BTW, a forum member that all of you know passed away a couple of months ago. A true friend of that member posted a tribute on a magazine social media site. I haven't seen anything here yet. So much for the quality of diner friendships.
Since this forum and one other model railroad forum are the only social media I use, could you give us the name of the person?
Just because I didn't mention it here doesn't make my friendship any less.
Good morning, it is cool and cloudy again with 415 fires burning in the Province, 94% started by lightning.
AEP528BTW, a forum member that all of you know passed away a couple of months ago. A true friend of that member posted a tribute on a magazine's social media site. I haven't seen anything here yet. So much for the quality of diner friendships.
How about filling us in as to who it is like an adult instead of having us try and speculate? Many have come and gone in the 18 years I have been here and I have wondered about the fate of many who no longer participate.
I have been trying to find out about Elias (Brother Lion) however the Assumption Abbey website doesn't allow foreigners to contact them ( I can't fill the required fields). Here is the contact page if someone wants to take a crack at it. It doesn't cost anything.
https://www.assumptionabbey.com/business-office-contact
Spent a few hours in the train room again yesterday. I am having to install some caboose ground throws one track over as they are on curved turnouts and my passenger cars hit them if I put them in the more traditional spots. I have boxes of everything I need to construct the linkages from my R/C airplane days. Had the tunes playing, it was most relaxing.
Before R/C planes my friends and I flew line control planes, Here is me (in disguise) in the late sixties. I move up in size of line control planes to the point of having cable for the lines instead of fishing line. Those planes took a lot of real estate to fly and would be deadly if they ever hit anyone. As soon as I got my driver's licence I was totally into R/C because I could drive to the airfield.
Have to go pick up my brother-in-law at the airport. It would be cheaper for them to go to long-term parking than drive into Vancouver twice, however, economics is not my sister's strong point, so I'll be a good brother and go for a drive.
Has anyone heard from Ray lately? I always enjoy his posts, I know he was going to the UK to see his son, but that was a while back.
Hi AEP528,
I find it difficult to understand why you would not post the name of the deceased forum member yourself. That would seem to be the 'friendly' thing to do.
Here at the diner we are the bearers of the torch for the RIP Track, our ongoing tribute to those who have gone to either the Big Roundhouse in the Sky or that hot smelly train room in the basement. It sometimes takes a bit of detective work when someone just disappears without telling us, but somehow we find out. We are all brothers (and occasional sisters) here, so if anyone hears of a forum member who's left us, we all share that information.
Strictly speaking, only forum members, though not necessarily Diner members, get a spot on the RIP Track. So, I don't think someone like the late Paul Dolkos qualifies on that ground, although if there were sufficient support to add him, I wouldn't object.
The story goes that us old timers always check the RIP Track to make sure we're not on it.
I contacted the Assumption Abbey. Brother Michael reported that Lion was going to vote in the primary election and fell. He broke his shoulder on one side and his arm on the other side.
The result is that he could not continue at the Abbey, and he was moved to a nursing home. He should be able to move back to the Abbey next month.
Br. Michael said Lion has a computer at the nursing home, but he may be like the rest of us and got discouraged trying to enter the forum.
Edit: Top of the Page!
It's 9:30 p.m. on the plains -- just the right time for a bowl of ice cream. Whatever flavor you want -- it's my treat.
AEP528 I'm not a forum freeloader spending all of my time complaining about the forum hosts and continually writing self-entitled demands that the magazine owners conform to exactly what I want.
York1 I contacted the Assumption Abbey. Brother Michael reported that Lion was going to vote in the primary election and fell. He broke his shoulder on one side and his arm on the other side. The result is that he could not continue at the Abbey, and he was moved to a nursing home. He should be able to move back to the Abbey next month. Br. Michael said Lion has a computer at the nursing home, but he may be like the rest of us and got discouraged trying to enter the forum.
Good Evening,
John, thanks for tracking down the Lion. Hope he is recovering well and that we hear from him once he is back at the Abbey.
Have trained a red squirrel to take a peanut from my hand which indicates how busy my life is right now. He stashs the nut in his garage hideout and is back for another in about 60 seconds flat. Red squirrels sure are fast and agile.
Dave, sounds like you had a nice time at that cottage. Nothing like the sound of a loon on a still evening. It has been a long time since I have heard one.
TF, does your Mustang have a four speed, manual ?
Time to turn out the light.
Still getting Forbidden 403.
Still this side of the 'Great Divide' having treatment etc.
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
Does anyone have any idea who the person who passed away that AEP528 was referring to is? I would like to see him added to the RIP track. AEP528 seems to want to keep the information to himself. Why, I don't understand.
hon30critter Does anyone have any idea who the person who passed away that AEP528 was referring to is? I would like to see him added to the RIP track. AEP528 seems to want to keep the information to himself. Why, I don't understand. Cheers!! Dave
It seems that we always have a single forum member like this. My hope is that the new forum software will contain a feature that allows a member to block another member. I can only think of one member that I would block.
We got rain last night! In the plains farming areas, any rain makes a great day.
Flo, I'll have bacon, eggs, and coffee, please.
I hope everyone is doing well today. It is cleaning day at our house. I will be better after the chores are done.
How about another Union Pacific fire train working on wildfires:
Simon
https://www.trains.com/mrr/news-reviews/news/in-memoriam-paul-j-dolkos/
Thanks maxman,
Paul will be missed by the modeling community.
hon30critter Thanks maxman, Paul will be missed by the modeling community. Cheers!! Dave
Does anyone know if Paul Dolkos was forum member? I don't think there's a firm up/down vote on forum membership in any case. He's been a credit to the MR community in any case, and deserves to be honored if that's the forum's choice.
When I scan down through the RIP Track as each new month starts, I think of the friendship and camaraderie we have all developed through this hobby. That should be our reason for inclusion here.
John, please send that rain north. We could use some here.
North Brit Dave, how are you doing? Are your treatments going well?
I have been re-reading Ian Wilson's books. I'm on To Stratford under steam. Another 8 books to finish the series. They are all set in August 1954 and involve mostly the CNR.
CNCharlie Good Afternoon, John, please send that rain north. We could use some here. North Brit Dave, how are you doing? Are your treatments going well? I have been re-reading Ian Wilson's books. I'm on To Stratford under steam. Another 8 books to finish the series. They are all set in August 1954 and involve mostly the CNR. CN Charlie
I am not stating that Mr. Dolkos is the party in question. Someone else mentioned his name and I just did the Google thing. Could very well be someone else.
John, yes that Stratford. It was a big CNR town and the location of their major steam overhaul shop. The last regular overhaul was in the winter of 1959 and it closed down later that year. The shop building was huge but it is all gone now.
CNCharlie John, yes that Stratford. It was a big CNR town and the location of their major steam overhaul shop. The last regular overhaul was in the winter of 1959 and it closed down later that year. The shop building was huge but it is all gone now. CN Charlie
Thanks for checking in on The Lion, John!
CNCharlieJohn, yes that Stratford. It was a big CNR town and the location of their major steam overhaul shop. The last regular overhaul was in the winter of 1959 and it closed down later that year.
I was really fortunate that my dad brought me along on a CN fan trip around 1962 or so to Stratford. I still have fond memories of that. If I recall we went from Windsor to Stratford and on the way back went to Sarnia before returning to Windsor. Here's an 8mm film that dad shot during the trip:
A while back a fellow did a documentary on the Stratford Shops and he used some of this film.
More Smoke!
Smoke 'em if you got 'em by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Good morning Diners. Keep the coffee going please, Flo.
John Thanks for checking on Lion.
Charlie The treatment is working as expected. The heartbeat still misses a beat every so often; but then it always has since I was born. It 'scares' a new doctor though. Should have checked my records first.
I have to have a big examination on 10th September to see 'how well I am'.
Other matters.
Dawn is much better. (Cannot have both of us down.)
She sent me off on a three days holiday staying at a railway station in Scotland. Watching trains. It was on my 'bucket list'; one I thought I would achieve.
David
MisterBeasleyDoes anyone know if Paul Dolkos was forum member?
“A human being must have occupation, if he or she is not to become a nuisance to the world.”-Dorothy L. Sayers
MisterBeasley Does anyone know if Paul Dolkos was forum member? While Mr. Dolkas was a very talented model railroader, a stalwart contributor to the Model Railroader, (I used to look forward to his articles), and probably a good bloke to boot, having used several search criteria, I cannot find any evidence that he was a Forum member. So, in my opinion, despite what I’ve already written, he is not eligible to be included on the RIP track. My reasoning being that we are not being honest to ourselves and the Forum if we start claiming “allcomers”! The Forum may be ailing but I would not like to see it accused of False Pretences! My 1/8 Cheers, the Bear.
MisterBeasley Does anyone know if Paul Dolkos was forum member?
FWIW -
Saw this on Facebook:
Hi all!
Sorry for the short notice, but we have put a freeze on the Trains.com Forums. The Forum is not going away, but we are in the process of updating it and need to temporarily pause posts to the Trains.com Forums. While the forum can be accessed and viewed, you cannot log in, add posts, or create new threads.
Of course, you’re wondering when access will return. The Trains.com Forums are huge, and we want to make sure that all of that information is preserved and threads maintained. So this is not something we want to rush. We will continue to work on the updates for the rest of the week. The team will keep us apprised of its progress, and we will post here whenever we have new information, no matter how small.
Thanks for your patience and support, and we will have the Trains.com Forums open and ready for business as soon as can be.
The Trains.com crew
Firecrown Media
Rich, is this "Breaking News" or something from a couple of weeks ago that explains why it was down 12 days? Regardless, the communication is a breath of fresh air!
Tophias Rich, is this "Breaking News" or something from a couple of weeks ago that explains why it was down 12 days? Regardless, the communication is a breath of fresh air! Regards, Chris
Good morning from the Pacific Rim. 394 fires in BC, 95% lightning caused.
It has been (so far) a relatively smoke-free summer for a change which has been nice.
I took my wife to see a specialist yesterday and then we did 6.4km along the ocean with two of the dogs we took along. We only saw one person the entire walk, it was spectacular weather and scenery.
John, thanks for checking on Brother Lion. I would have eventually phoned the Abbey but was hoping someone Stateside would shoot them an Email.
Tourism in Hawaii is down 22% and the deals are starting to show up, we booked Kona for $369.00 return in January. After covid, the prices went through the roof but are now returning to normal. My whole adult life Hawaii was the place where you could just get on an airplane when you hit the exhaustion wall and go. When I was single I never booked ahead, I would just walk into the office and tell the boss I was taking a month or two off and go get on a plane. Having my own parking spot at the airport where I worked made it easy to do. I always had a small go bag in the car.
Fall is in the air and I have seeded the last area of lawn I was putting in, should be looking good by October. Now through to November is my favourite time of the year as the snow is mostly off the mountains and the hiking is good. The mountains on the Northern edge of Vancouver are filled with lakes which the dogs love. The bears are fat and happy and just give a tip of the hat as we walk by.
I have to take the wife to do a consultation of the Veterinarian kind for a good friend out even farther in the sticks than we live so best get going.
Hi everyone,
The question has come up as to whether or not Paul Dolkos' name should be added to the RIP track. He was not a member of the forums but most certainly was a highly respected modeler.
I am of the opinion that we should include him in the RIP track. The RIP track is intended to honor modelers. I'm not comfortable with excluding someone who's modeling was excellent just because they didn't post to the Forums. That seems a bit petty to me, but that's just my opinion. I'm not trying to disparage anyone who's opinion differs, and I am not suggesting that every person who laid a piece of track who was not a forum member should be added to the list, but I will point out that many organizations recognize people of note who are not part of the organization.
I hope others will voice their opinions on the matter but please let's not turn this into a huge fire storm!
I was not refering to Paul Dolkos.
That nobody else seems to know shows that the forums are not a place of real, personal friendships or relationships.
https://coegenungfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/846/Raymond-Howard/obituary.html
hon30critter I am of the opinion that we should include him in the RIP track. The RIP track is intended to honor modelers. I hope others will voice their opinions on the matter
I am of the opinion that we should include him in the RIP track. The RIP track is intended to honor modelers.
I hope others will voice their opinions on the matter
The RIP Track almost exclusively contains names and avatars of deceased forum members. But there are one or two exceptions. Perhaps the RIP Track should include members of the Kalmbach "family", so to speak. That would certainly include Mr. Dolkos as well.
Just my thoughts.
Since being a member I have always thought the RIP Track was for Forum members and nobody else. Their contributions to be remembered.
To have others from outside the Forum mentioned seems a case of how far and wide does it extend? The likes of John Allen are not added to the list, yet is a 'Master' modeller to me; yet a contributor to RM.
Just my
AEP528 I was not refering to Paul Dolkos. That nobody else seems to know shows that the forums are not a place of real, personal friendships or relationships. https://coegenungfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/846/Raymond-Howard/obituary.html
AEP528I was not refering to Paul Dolkos. That nobody else seems to know shows that the forums are not a place of real, personal friendships or relationships. https://coegenungfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/846/Raymond-Howard/obituary.html
This was posted an another forum in regards to the MR forum.
The future of the MR forum is much less of a concern because there is almost no one left on it and the source of content and expertise has virtually disappeared.
Clearly this person doesn't believe the diner participants, who are the most active remaining members, are providing any content or expertise.
I wonder if that person will stand up an admit to disparaging the diner participants on the other forum?
Wow, that was a shock to read of Ray's passing. Feeling a little numb. He was a great guy.
AEP528That nobody else seems to know shows that the forums are not a place of real, personal friendships or relationships.
Does this make you feel good? Or superior to us peasants? I had many personal conversations with Ray.
It would have been nice to know THIS was who you were referring to.
Dumb. Terry
Terry in NW Wisconsin
Queenbogey715 is my Youtube channel
CNCharlie Wow, that was a shock to read of Ray's passing. Feeling a little numb. He was a great guy. CN Charlie
Ray passed away, according to the obit below, in mid June of 2024. He was a modeler, for sure, and would often post here on the forum, in the Diner and other threads. That's how we knew him.
That time frame probably includes much of the long dead sessions we had on the forums, so it's not surprising that we lost touch with many of our members, through neither their faults nor ours. I will miss Ray for his good cheer, his modeling and his stories. See you in the big roundhouse in the sky, big guy.
AEP528, thank you for posting this even though it let the wind out of my sail to hear it.
I have never met Ray in person or was likely to ever do so even though he kept saying he was going to drive across Canada in his Tesla to visit family on Vancouver Island and we would have to get together for dinner as he passed through.
When I first signed up here I was welcomed by Ray and he helped me a lot with questions I had. I was struck with one scene on his layout and have had something similar to it on mine under construction for a long time.
Ray was a talented and caring human being and I exchanged many, many PMs with him until they stopped working. Most of them were about his/our volunteering and the vast array of things he was interested in. Ray was a very obese man when I joined the forums, having lost the love of his life it was understandable. We communicated a lot about his journey back to fitness and changing to a healthy lifestyle over the years. He was always thrilled when he reached a new level in his fitness journey.
Another area we talked at length about was kids, especially the ones that came from dysfunctional homes that we had come and go in our lives.
Was Ray a friend or an acquaintance, it doesn't matter to me as that does not change the relationship I had with him. Labels need not be applied and why should they have to be?
I think I need to go for a run while I digest this sad day.
AEP528 I was not refering to Paul Dolkos. That nobody else seems to know shows that the forums are not a place of real, personal friendships or relationships. https://coegenungfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/846/Raymond-Howard/obituary.html One of the last communications we had from Ray was that he was planning on visiting his son in the UK. There was very recent speculation by at least one Forum/Diner member that that was possibly why we hadn’t heard from him lately. We are not mind readers, and don’t live in each other’s pockets, and generally only learn of members passing by third parties. If you’ve deliberately sat upon this information then I hope you’re satisfied! I do have words to describe you but, ailing or not, the Forum is still a family show, so… The Bear. Edit: Chris, Ray went by the “name” of “howmus”, a great modeller, and a real public-spirited gentleman. If I had ever got to the Finger Lakes Region, I had an open invitation to visit him.
I always enjoyed Ray's posts. Hearing about his career and his volunteering was very interesting.
Ray did have a significant influence on my life. His weight loss success was one of the things that inspired me to do the same. I have lost 50 lbs in the last 18 months and I am very happy about that.
As for including non-forum members in the RIP track, I will defer to others. I do recognize that it could get out of hand.
It is always sad to hear of the passing of a fellow railroad modeller.
I only knew him as howmus and always read his posts.
R.I.P. Ray
Good morning, diners. I'll have bacon, eggs, and black coffee, Chloe.
Today is the lull before the storm. I have nothing scheduled today, but then the next several days are full. Retirement.
Bad news about Ray. He often talked about his son in the UK. Condolences to his family.
Our little town was settled back in the late 1800s when the railroad came through this part of the country. We have a big deposit of clay which was a good supply for making bricks. Many of our streets are still brick, over 100 years old. A street was recently redone with a new sewer line, and the bricks were replaced with concrete. The town is offering the bricks to town residents, so this weekend I'm going to get a bunch and put in a small brick section in the backyard for our fire pit.
I have a friend who retired from BNSF, and while he worked, the railroad took out a small town station near here. He got a huge supply of the bricks from that station's platform, and he made a great backyard patio and walkways with those bricks.
For those of you working at jobs enjoy your Friday.
I hope everyone, yes, everyone, has a good day today.
Remember Joe Btfsplk from the old Lil Abner comic strip?
Good morning from the land of big trees.
A little before and after in the Jasper area. Someone said the forest will come back at some point......not in my lifetime. Oh well, at least I got to enjoy it when I did.
We have some weather moving in so I better get on the Deere and do a bit of windproofing. Found myself thinking of Ray when I sat down with my guitar last night, music was one of the things we would often talk about.
I might have to go down to Oregon tomorrow with my wife as she wants to see a dog down there. My daughter says she will go with her but may have to back out if the phone rings, so I am the backup. I sure hope she can go because those roads through Seattle and Portland are a gong show for a guy who hates the rat pit style of living.
Best get at it, but first another cuppa.
Feelin a little Restless today.
Must have been riding this train:
Howdy diners. Janie, strawberry shortcake please.
Mike, a very belated congratulations to your daughter settling on a school, is a scholarship involved?
I was wondering about Ray, but to see the confirmation today makes me sad. I appreciate AEP528 for sharing that. I didn't know just what city Ray lived in, but recently searched obituaries for several towns in the Finger Lakes region, but didn't find the right one. Was hopeful. So much for that. He will be missed.
Back to my task of resealing the tub surround. Fun fun.
Mike, it's nice to hear of your daughter's journey through school and the athletics associated with it. It just occurred to me that neither of my kids participated in sports that were associated with the Universities they attended and I find that kind of strange now I have come to realize it.
In high school, my daughter did quite well on the swim team and excelled on the golf team and my son also excelled on the school golf team, however, his life was hockey and that was not connected to his high school. They are both here for dinner tonight so I will interrogate them as to why they weren't on any of the University teams.
Just knocked off 8km, came home and made myself an iced mocha.
I started watching a 10-part series called "The Night Agent". It's about an FBI agent protecting a woman in Washington DC, however, it was filmed in Vancouver and it is obvious that it is Vancouver, so that takes away from the show. Also in one scene, there was a truck as plain as day that said Canada Post on the side of it. Don't know how they missed that one.
The acting is bad, especially the President's Chief of Staff. However, I am four parts in so I'll tough it out to the end.
My daughter went to a small college in Maine. She had played lacrosse and did downhill skiing in high school, but the school was small and everyone on both teams just did it for fun. They weren't looking for scholarships, and all just enjoyed the activities.
Still, the lacrosse team tried to recruit her. They were looking for a big time commitment, though, for training and practice, hours every day. She told them she was there on an academic scholarship and saved her time for studying.
Good morning Diners.. A large coffee on the go please, Janie.
Just a quick visit. Dawn is on a throwing out of things we no longer need. She says yes or no. I dispose what is yes. (I locked the train room. lol.)
Stay Safe Everyone.
Hi David,
Dianne and I have had several clear-outs over the years. We had one earlier this summer. We rented a 10 cubic yard disposal bin and filled it! In fact, we had more than that but you can't overload the bins or you get charged big time. Most of the stuff was from the garage renovation.
That was the third time we have rented a bin since we moved in 36 years ago. Each time the bins were filled to the brim. The funny thing was that the garage didn't look any different after the first two bins were filled. However, this last clearance did produce some noticeable results but we still have a dozen large boxes to sort out. I may have to buy some more storage cabinets.
We also have gotten rid of a lot of stuff simply by placing it at the curb. It seems people will take anything if it's free!
It's amazing how much junk can be acquired during a lifetime!
Hi Dave.
When the In-Laws passed, they left so much stuff. Stuff that was broken the FiL was going to repair and never did. They were a generation that threw nothing away.
Dawn said she would not let our children go through the same challenges with our items. Therefore if it hasn't been used for some time, out it goes. Mindst you I lock the train room. lol
My parents were exactly the same as Dawn's. We took trailer loads of broken and useless stuff to the dump. Dianne and I have made the same vow. We will not burden our son and DIL with the same situation!
Good morning Diners. A large mocha coffee and a piece of carrot cake please, Brunhilda.
Got to have another stay in hospital as I seem to have taken three steps forward and two back. (At least it is one step forward. lol)
Dawn is having a run of good days (thank goodness). Oldest grandson will stay with her whilst I taste 'yucky' hospital food.
Hopefully back soon.
Good Morning Diners. Brunhilda, coffee and a slice of cheese danish please.
Fully into the start of a whirlwind 6 weeks or so for the family. I had a work thing last week that saw me leaving home about 6:30 in the morning and returning just after 9:00 at night, basically each day. Then, spent the weekend out of town at a soccer tournament with crummy weather (our stuff will take days to dry out). Another out of town tournament this coming weekend, plus have to move my oldest back to school Saturday. Then in a couple weeks I'm off on a week long work trip, while my youngest has two to three soccer games every weekend through September, all of them at least a 90 minute drive from home. September is going to age me!
David, I hope your stay in hospital isn't too long.
Our last truly big purge was when we moved house about 10 years ago. Since then, we've done smaller purges as time permits to try to stay on top of things. All in all, I think we are doing fairly well at keeping the unneccesary stuff to a minimum. Still, I can see another mini-purge on the horizon after we get our oldest's stuff out of the basement and back to her dorm.
I hope your progress gets a little more positive, but at least the count is in your favour. Keep thinking positively. I'm glad that Dawn is doing better.
I know exactly how you feel. My hemoglobin count has decided to take a dive. It is less than half what it should be. The result is that my muscles are not getting enough oxygen so I am very weak. Just walking a few feet exhausts me. The good news is that it can be corrected, but it takes a lot of time.
Best of luck!
God afternoon, gentlemen.
When I moved from Massachusetts to Delaware, I got everything in my VW Jetta and one big moving Pod. My house in Delaware was empty, so getting everything in was easy. Unfortunately, the GF had 2 big Pods so that was not so easy. The garage is still mostly full of her stuff, and the pile is growing.
David, hope your hospital stay has a good result.
A warm day here.
Nothing new to report so I suppose that is positive. Have nearly finished my driveway project. I only spend an hour or so at a time at it as it is a tedious job scraping the moss and dirt around each brick.
Time to fire up the grill. Salmon burgers tonight.
NorthBrit ...whilst I taste 'yucky' hospital food.
I got an email from Mark Roach who is a member of the forums. He has asked me to post a message explaining the problems he is having signing in.
He has not been able to sign in for over two weeks. All he has been getting is an error message that tells him to contact customer support, but that has been "fruitless". He has to be signed in to contact any of the administrators so that isn't working.
He is hoping that one of the administrators will see this post, and he would like to hear from anyone who has had similar problems and how they were resolved.
Water Level RouteFully into the start of a whirlwind 6 weeks or so for the family.
Good Morning Diners. Flo, coffee and one of those croissant's Bear left. Thanks Bear!
When I bought my truck, there was a tonneau cover on it that was not at all my style. It's expensive and very heavy duty, but ugly as all get out. It's been high on my list to replace as soon as I can. Had to take it off the truck last night to get ready to load up my daughter's move back to school. I don't think it's going back on, but I have to come up with the $$ now for the one I want. First world problems.
Got the Niagara out last night for a spin around the rails. I need more train time.
Have a good day everyone.
Water Level RouteGot the Niagara out last night for a spin around the rails. I need more train time.
Gotta love a Niagara! I like to keep the wheels shiny on mine —
NYC_6008_S-1 by Edmund, on Flickr
Another 4-8-4, this time with smoke:
UP_8444 by Edmund, on Flickr
Question of the day: Why did railroad engineers do this?
Altoona_CR_Alto by Edmund, on Flickr
I've seen these 'loopy' sidings in several other instances. This one is in Altoona on the Pennsy/PC/Conrail main through town. I can't imagine they did all that additional track work just to make a little extra room for that little dwarf signal there.
Fall is just around the corner here in Ohio. It is 47° this morning... Brrr.
Good Morning Diners. Janie, I'll have the special with bacon and wheat toast.
Ed, only thing I can think of is there used to be a signal bridge there that had to stay in place until the newer signals were put up in the background, after the tracks were installed?
Bear, I too have always liked the look of the German steam locomotives. As for the red/black scheme, that color combo looks good already. Having the running gear red makes it pop in my opinion. (shows all the details!) I always thought it would be neat to have a European themed layout, but I wouldn't do it in place of my primary layout. It would have to be a second layout.
I see CN & CPKC locked out their employees. I wonder how long this is going to last.
Speaking of Canadian railroads...
Happy Thursday!
Hello again diner staff. Quiet lately. Chloe, can I have a stack of onion rings and a chocolate malt please.
My truck is all loaded up with my daughter's stuff for her dorm. Makes me sad. Still, it's her last year and who knows, she might end up back near home after graduation.
Took Otis the dog for one of his walks this afternoon and saw a doe laying in a neighbor's yard just munching on grass and watching us walk by. Didn't seem to care that we were there at all.
Bad news on another thread this morning. I don't want to add to that thread, but I've been thrust into the decision-making role when my Mom was leaving us.
It still wasn't easy, but it was much easier because she had a living will that clearly asked us, if she could not tell us herself, not to prolong her life beyond any hope of survival. She was dying of cancer, and no longer conscious. I spoke to the doctor and he agreed. She probably had a few more days, so it was a blessing.
Think about a living will for yourself. It makes the call much easier when it's necessary.
MisterBeasley,
I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. She did you a great favour by establishing her living will.
hon30critter MisterBeasley, I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. She did you a great favour by establishing her living will. Dave
Thanks. It was 30 years ago, but I still remember it and still remember talking to the doctor about it. Knowing it was her will and not some sort of medical recommendation makes things like that easier. Medicine then could do no more for her.
MisterBeasleyThink about a living will for yourself.
Speaking of our MIAs, I just got an email from John York1 this morning. He's doing fine and wanted us all to know that. However, he cleaned out some stuff on his computer and, surprise, he's lost his ability to log in here. I also noticed his absence from this forum.
Good afternoon Diners. Afternoon Tea please, Chloe. Add an extra scone please.
Back home having a decent cup of tea and food.
Apart from some catching up to do not a lot going on.
Must go and see the train room, but Dawn has me 'taking it easy'?
I have been looking at some photographs of or daughter, SiL and grandchildren in Italy. Earlier in their trip they saw Amanda, our daughter's Godmother and spent some time with her and her family. That was good to see.
Thoughts & Peace to All who Require.
Good morning from a very wet Pacific Rim.
Had to make a run down to Oregon Thursday to get a dog bred, back yesterday. 700km each way. What a gong show traffic was, we drove to the border and saw maybe three cars on the way and there was no one waiting at the crossing with many lanes open. From then on it was bumper to bumper all the way there and all the way back. We listened to most of Luis Elizondo's book Imminent on Spotify down and back. It is a ten-hour listen. Also played tunes and the wife got a couple of long phone calls from people needing opinions on how to proceed with some medical issues. Those were on speaker and I listened intently with my high school education while all the time realizing how much knowledge and experience my wife and her colleagues have obtained over the years.
Bear, thanks for posting Ray's Blacksmith shop in WPF last week. I remember the build as he placed each shake on the roof and told us how many he got done in a day.
Hope Dave and David and any others are making positive progress with their medical issues.
I think it is a day in the trainroom as it is still pouring rain, but first, a pile of bacon and eggs is in order.
Model boating by Bear, on Flickr
BATMANBear, thanks for posting Ray's Blacksmith shop in WPF last week
Sure is quiet in the Diner.
A hot, humid day here but those are becoming in short supply at this time of year. A few trees are starting to drop leaves partly due to the heat and dryness for the past month. Our water bill will be insane.
Have seen a couple of warblers as the migration is starting for songbirds.
Nothing new on the RR front. I am running my Consolidation but will have to find out why it was stalling on a couple of turnouts. I suspect a pickup problem to sort out as other locos are running fine.
Keep cool,
Good Morning Diners. Chloe, bacon and eggs please. Oh, and a black coffee.
I can't wait for this coming weekend. We have a wedding to go to Saturday, but otherwise that's it. It's the only sane weekend we're getting in September. Got the oldest daughter moved in to her dorm Saturday. Each year the process has gotten a little easier and a little quicker. Her new roommate seems nice. So far so good.
Also, my youngest had a soccer tournament this weekend. (Yes, I did a trainload of driving this weekend) Her team ended up winning the thing. Gave up 1 goal total across four games while scoring eleven. The incredible thing is, they still don't look like they are playing well. Half the girls are new to the team and it shows. If they can figure each other out and build a little trust in each other they could be scary good.
David, glad you are home from your stay in the hospital.
Bear, you've got me to talk to during the week here. No promises on the weekend, but I'll try.
Take care everyone.
Good afternoon Diners. A cloudy day with rain expected.
A coffee on the go please, Chloe.
After a number of good days, Dawn is struggling a little today.
I have to do a (quick) mini-shop then hopefully see the train room.
We heard yesterday that our daughter and family are on their way to Rimini; their next part of their tour of Italy.
Thoughts & Prayers to All who Require.
I'm sitting on my deck watching a new roof being installed on our deck. The panels are clear polycarbonate so the light can come through.
This is the second set of polycarbonate panels. The first set was described by the manufacturer as being 'clear' but they were anything but. They had a coating on them to block infrared and UV light but what was not explained was that they also blocked 80% of the visible light! We were not happy at all so we decided to do it all over again with truly clear panels.
Needless to say, we are not too pleased with having to pay double for the roof but the improvement in brightness has been well worth it.
For York John, in case he's reading the forum even though he can't post.
We've had a good year for birds here. Our egret population seems to have rebounded and we've seen more of them all summer. We now regularly have two herons instead of just one. And, we occasionally see a flock of ibises, which we've never seen here before.
The weather has been what I consider oppressively hot all summer. Of course, the GF complains about how cold it is when the temperature drops below 80. Delaware has an annoying regulation that says cars can't have tinted glass, so any car that sits out in the sun all day like mine becomes a genuine hothouse. I sometimes have to open the doors and air it out a bit before I can drive it. C'mon, guys. I'm 77 years old and I'm not doing drugs or drinking a beer or talking on a hand-held cell phone or driving without a seat belt or even doing the hand jive.
Dare I mention that it is close to the end of August? Here in Southern Ontario we still have about six weeks of nice weather left, but then......more train time!
It's the end of the month. Where would you like to take the Diner in September?
August was a good month! We got lots of smoke and steam. Thank you to the contributors!
Good Morning Diners. Zoe, waffles and sausage please.
Baby it's HOT outside. We're under a heat advisory today, which doesn't happen very often. Honestly, should have been yesterday as well. It was miserable. My new tonneau cover came in for my truck yesterday and I was outside from about 7:00-8:30 putting it on. I was drenched in sweat when I got done. I still have to sell my old one, but that will happen soon enough. I just need some time with the wife to talk her through the details to have her post it for sale on facebook.
As for the next Diner destination, I don't really care. We could go back to a destination instead of a theme. We could also do an era as the theme. We could pick a major railroad and use its predecessor lines as the theme. Interested in hearing other's thoughts on what to do.
Just a little steam and smoke!
Here's a neat photo of some carloads of 'smoke pellets' ready to ship out. This coal processing plant and mine were right near downtown Pittsburgh.
Coal Goes To War by Edmund, on Flickr
Pittsburgh Coal Cleaning by Edmund, on Flickr
Click to enlarge the photos. Anyone remember the Donora Death Fog?
https://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/literary-cultural-heritage-map-pa/feature-articles/cloud-silver-lining-killer-smog-donora-1948
An inversion trapped the hot gases and smoke in the Monongahela Valley. I remember reading that the mills saying that it wasn't their fault yet years later after they installed scrubbers (mandated) they bragged that they were removing a hundred tons of soot and particulate from the stacks each day.
More here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_Donora_smog
I seem to recall a suggestion to visit back shops, roundhouses and servicing facilites for a Diner locale? Just one possibility...
Good afternoon Diners. A cloudy day with showers.
Afternoon tea please, Zoe.
Spent the morning in hospital. Heartbeat skipping more than usual. Not that anyone can do anything about it. Back home. Dawn is worried for me. She says she is okay, but ----
The good news is I can run trains this evening. Yeah!
Wherever the Diner is in September is okay by me. I remember when I took the Diner around Italy. That was a good time (for me).
I hope TF (and others missing) return.
Favourite song at the moment
YouTube Music
It's a sunny morning after 24 hours of major monsoons and wind. It's supposed to be sunny and warm until further notice. This part of the world is well-washed and very fresh-smelling.
Ed's suggestion of roundhouses and service facilities sounds good to me as there are plenty of photos on that subject.
Had a phone appointment with the Doctor yesterday about something that has been nagging me a bit on my 10km scoots, he wants me to see a specialist. Talk about quick, I see him September 4th. If I have to be laid up for a repair fall is good. Just thinking back on my 67 years, there have been a lot of broken bones and soft tissue injuries. Sure have had my money's worth out of the medical system.
Think I'll continue painting the garage today.......Oh boy.
Good evening diners. Flo, how about a Gunpowder gin with Fever Tree tonic.
Good to be finally able to get into the forum. Let's see how long it lasts. I guess this is the new norm until the new software gets installed. Just glad it still kinda works! Not much new here. Getting ready for Fall here in Massachusetts. Replaced my old John Deere in the spring. Converted the old bagger system to fit the new one by buying just a new lower chute kit. Saved close to $800. JD pricing is ridiculous! I only bag in the fall after the leaves start falling. I blow them into the woods but you don't get every one. Plus there's always acorns, pine needles and pine cones. Can't believe summer almost gone, but will be good to get cooler weather. But then again that means the Corvette is ready for winter storage. Bummer. Wishing all the best for those here with various health issues.
Good Morning Diners. Ladies, I'll have what the Bear posted. Looks tasty!
I dunno know Chloe if I can get Mr. TF to “bite,”
I'll try as well.
Somebody forgot to move the train when they demoed the tracks!
Cheers everyone!
Let's see if a two-fer will get a response?
150103_26_duffield by akmyers83, on Flickr
Just realised I'm at the top of the page. Tin Roof sundaes for everyone!
hot-tin-roof-sundaes by Edmund, on Flickr
I may have ask someone else to move the Diner. I'm back in the hospital again and will likely be here for a few days. I came in because I was feeling extremely weak. They did a CT Scan of my head and unfortunately they discovered two small masses in the bones around my right sinuses and eye socket. The odds are that it is paranasal sinus cancer, and the fact that there are two masses suggests that the cancer has already begun to spread. So, I'm here for heaven knows how long while they poke and prod. I don't know how to post the Diner graphics from my cell phone.
P.S.
One of our fellow forum members was kind enough to update the RIP track but I'm having a senior's moment and I can't remember who it was or where it was posted. Perhaps the kind gentleman could re-post the list. Thanks.
Good Morning,
Dave, sorry to hear you are in the hospital and the cause.
Yesterday was a bad day for my wife. Her stress was boilng over. Nearly 7 years she has being suffering with it. She talks to her psychologist weekly but she can't get over some hurdles. Not exactly fun times for me either.
No plans for today. Nearly finished my driveway project. It looks much better. Hard to believe it was laid 36 years ago.
Supposed to be sunny and about 75F today, so ver pleasant.
Gee Dave. Sorry to hear of your challenges and having to go back into hospital. Prayers hoping it is not what the Doctors say and a speedy recovery.
Stay positive.
David & Dawn
We've got your back, Dave. Envision your room packed with your MRR buddies. We're there for the duration.
John
hon30critterOne of our fellow forum members was kind enough to update the RIP track but I'm having a senior's moment and I can't remember who it was or where it was posted.
I believe it was Ja Bear if I'm not mistaken?
Sigh by JaBearz, on Flickr
Thanks for updating the RIP track Bear.
The latest on my health problems is that I have multiple myeloma. That is cancer of the white blood cells. It is treatable but there is no cure yet. Prognosis is anywhere from 18 months to 10 years with a few people going past the 20 year mark.
The doctors still have to do a bunch of tests so they can get a better idea of how far it has progressed and how to treat it. Today I will have a bone biopsy and a bunch more blood samples taken.
I will say that the doctors are not wasting any time. The tests are being done pretty quickly. I'm happy about that.
hon30critter...people going past the 20 year mark
Good Morning Diners. Janie, coffee please. Actually, if there are any tin roof sundaes left from Ed I'll take one of those first. Who says you can't have ice cream for breakfast?
Dave, that is certainly better news than it could have been. Shoot, you'll be back to working on that garage in no time.
My wife and I finished watching season 2 of "Only Murders In The Building" last night. That's such a fun show. She and I rarely get the opportunity to sit down and watch one of "our shows" together, so that was nice. I think it's taken us about a year and a half to watch two seasons (24 episodes total). Like I said, we don't often get a chance to watch and when we do we usually try to get in two or sometimes three episodes. The recap they do at the start of each episode is very helpful.
Somewhere in Spain...
Geez.
Deltic class diesel.
This doesn't look good.
Water Level Route This doesn't look good.
How can you tell? Could be that Ed Crankshaft has fired up his grill again.
maxman Water Level Route This doesn't look good. How can you tell? Could be that Ed Crankshaft has fired up his grill again.
smokin' diesels
Bing Videos
Received the latest, October, issue of MR today. Has a full page, color, ad for "What's Neat This Week". Thought that was an interesting development.
And now —
a word form our Track Fiddler!
Hi Ed, sure like the double bridge pic, and certainly will take one of those sundaes. I can't login to the forum no matter what I try. Say hi to the guys and thank them for posting all the neat bridges, if you would please. According to my e-mail from customer service, it could be quite some time before the IT team irons out the issue of not being able to log in for alot of members.Wishing you and yours well.
TF sent me a message through my Flickr photo site. Clever fellow
I'll bet there are plenty of others who have attempted to access the forum and have simply given up in frustration.
I can open the September Diner since Dave will be otherwise occupied and anyone else's access is sketchy at best.
Will it be Shops, roundhouses and service tracks then?
Hi Ed
Thanks for offering to open the Sept. Diner.
I like the idea of visiting shops, roundhouses and service tracks. I'll get out my dirtiest pair of coveralls, and with your permission, my grimiest bowler hat too.
On the health front the doctors and nurses are working as fast as they can to establish a final diagnosis. Yesterday they did a bone scan (apparently my bones are still as hard as rock), took blood samples four times (no wonder I'm anemic!), and x-rayed me from head to toe. Today I get a colonoscopy and probably other tests too.
I have two things to look forward to when I get home (in addition to not having to suffer hospital food anymore). I have just replaced our ancient desk top computer with a new Dell unit including a 27" monitor, and I have just bought a new Samsung A35 5G phone. Neither of them are top end but they will suit our needs just fine.
I have decided to use a professional computer service to move all the stuff from the old computer to the new one. I'll get them to clean out all the extraneous apps on the new computer at the same time. I have already cleaned the junk files out of the old computer. The phone transfer I should be able to do myself.