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Jeffreys Track Side Diner for August 2024

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  • Member since
    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, August 15, 2024 3:10 PM

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 My 2 Cents

 

David

 

 

 

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
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Posted by Tophias on Thursday, August 15, 2024 3:17 PM

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

 

 

AEP528, in all due respect to the man, I've never heard of him.

Regards, Chris 

  • Member since
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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Thursday, August 15, 2024 3:23 PM

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.Sad

 

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

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Posted by AEP528 on Thursday, August 15, 2024 3:32 PM

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?

  • Member since
    August 2007
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Posted by CNCharlie on Thursday, August 15, 2024 3:38 PM

Wow, that was a shock to read of Ray's passing. Feeling a little numb. He was a great guy. 

CN Charlie

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Posted by saronaterry on Thursday, August 15, 2024 3:54 PM

AEP528
That 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

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  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, August 15, 2024 4:00 PM

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.

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

  • Member since
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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 Thursday, August 15, 2024 4:31 PM

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

 

 

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.

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
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 546 posts
Posted by Tophias on Thursday, August 15, 2024 4:34 PM

 

 
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.Sad

 

 

Bear, thanks for that info. Now Howmus I'm familiar with. Just never knew his real name, like most all of my fellow forum members.

Regards, Chris 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, August 15, 2024 6:06 PM

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.

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
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, August 15, 2024 6:29 PM

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

 

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, August 16, 2024 8:55 AM

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 Sigh enjoy your Friday.

I hope everyone, yes, everyone, has a good day today.

 

Remember Joe Btfsplk from the old Lil Abner comic strip?

 

 

York1 John       

  • Member since
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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 Friday, August 16, 2024 10:38 AM

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.

May be an image of text

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.

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
    February 2008
  • 8,885 posts
Posted by maxman on Friday, August 16, 2024 1:59 PM

 Must have been riding this train:

 

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Posted by Water Level Route on Friday, August 16, 2024 2:04 PM

Howdy diners.  Janie, strawberry shortcake please.

Mike, a very belated congratulations to your daughter settling on a school, is a scholarship involved?

Thanks Bear!  The school she committed to is Division III and for some dumb reason DIII schools cannot offer athletic scholarships.  There are academic scholarships though *wink wink*.  Regardless, this was the school for her.  Being recruited to play soccer there was just the icing on the cake.  We visited DII and NAIA schools, each of which could offer athletic scholarships, but they just weren't the right fit for her.  Her future school is also highly regarded for their physical therapy program, which is what she wants to study.  An all around win.

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Friday, August 16, 2024 3:51 PM

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.Laugh

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. Laugh 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.

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
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Saturday, August 17, 2024 10:49 AM

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.

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

  • Member since
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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Sunday, August 18, 2024 4:42 AM
Gidday Chloe, it’s as slow as a wet month of Sundays to get on to the Forum, but I find once I’m in, it’s quick to view various topics.
 
Been a cold, wet, windy day, did get some modelling done, but have mainly been in semi hibernation in front of the fire!
 
Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them. Kia Kaha.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile
 
 Ww480 & Ww644 by duesy1, on Flickr

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

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Sunday, August 18, 2024 5:48 AM

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.

 

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 Sunday, August 18, 2024 7:31 AM

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!

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
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Sunday, August 18, 2024 8:30 AM

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

 

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 Sunday, August 18, 2024 8:47 AM

Hi David, 

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!

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
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Monday, August 19, 2024 5:38 AM

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.

 

David

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,255 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Monday, August 19, 2024 5:46 AM
Gidday Chloe, I must admit that I’m feeling slightly guilty coming into the Diner and disturbing you ladies!
 
Nother cold wet windy day! Still, it is winter!
 
A428 on the Weka Pass Railway.
 
 WT by Bear, on Flickr
Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them. Kia Kaha.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

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

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,865 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Monday, August 19, 2024 8:32 AM

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!Laugh

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.

 

Mike

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, August 19, 2024 8:49 AM

Hi David, 

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!

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 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Monday, August 19, 2024 1:25 PM

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.

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

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • 2,123 posts
Posted by CNCharlie on Monday, August 19, 2024 7:06 PM

Good Evening,

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.

CN Charlie

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,255 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 5:39 AM

NorthBrit
...whilst I taste  'yucky'  hospital food.

It was nearly 18 months ago since my hospital stay, but I still can’t abide peach yogurt. Still like the lemonade ice blocks (popsicles) though. They were great at “wetting the whistle,” cool and soothing!
  
Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them. Kia Kaha.
 
Cheers, the Bear.Smile
 

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 10:51 PM

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.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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