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Jeffreys Track Side Diner for August 2024

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  • Member since
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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 4:48 AM
Well Chloe, if this keeps up, Cousin Vinnie must be considering the long-term future of the place! Sigh
 
 
Water Level Route
Fully into the start of a whirlwind 6 weeks or so for the family.
As long as you all don’t get blown away!!
 
For a change, some smoky French locomotives.
 
 
Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them. Kia Kaha.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile
 
Edit: Top of the page. Staying with the French theme, anyone for a croissant with ham and cheese?
 
 Homemade crossiant by Tony Shi, on Flickr

"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 Water Level Route on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 5:47 AM

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.

Mike

  • Member since
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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 6:36 AM

Water Level Route
Got 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.

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by "JaBear" on Thursday, August 22, 2024 4:08 AM
 Curved set track by Bear, on Flickr
 
Gidday Chloe, I’ve said it before and no doubt will say it again, but I do think the red and black looks smart.
 
 
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
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  • From: Ludington, MI
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Posted by Water Level Route on Thursday, August 22, 2024 6:35 AM

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!

Mike

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
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Posted by Water Level Route on Friday, August 23, 2024 1:04 PM

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.

Mike

  • Member since
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  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, August 23, 2024 4:32 PM

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.

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

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Posted by hon30critter on Friday, August 23, 2024 7:20 PM

MisterBeasley,

I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. She did you a great favour by establishing her living will.

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
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  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, August 23, 2024 9:05 PM

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.

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 Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:00 AM
Gidday Chloe, I hope we haven’t run out of bacon and eggs, just that I haven’t seen York1John of late. Mr. Tf, either for that matter. Come to think of it there are quite a few MIA!!
 

MisterBeasley
Think about a living will for yourself. 

Already have, Mr. B.
 
I guess you gentlemen, (and ladies??) don’t need to be reminded of winter, but this was posted a couple of days ago…
 
 
 
And from Norway…
 
 Rauma valley by Frühtau, 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
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  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:56 AM

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.  

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

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    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:46 AM

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.  Big Smile

 

Thoughts & Peace to All who Require.

 

David

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
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  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
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Posted by BATMAN on Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:14 PM

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.

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."

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Posted by "JaBear" on Saturday, August 24, 2024 6:15 PM

 Model boating by Bear, on Flickr

Smile Sigh

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

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Sunday, August 25, 2024 3:36 AM
Gidday Chloe, would you mind setting up a table, seat, and umbrella outside, please. Just because York1John can’t come in, doesn’t mean that he should have to miss out on his coffee, bacon, and eggs.
 
Sort of caught up with paperwork this weekend, though Her-in- Doors and I have taken up “Aqua jogging” at the local geothermally heated Aquatic Centre, (though I’m more of an “Aqua stroller”) and went for down for an hour this morning, very pleasant.
 
BATMAN
Bear, thanks for posting Ray's Blacksmith shop in WPF last week
 
No worries, Batman, I was saddened to see that Rays original posts on his blacksmiths shop had suffered from “Photobucketitis.” I particularly remembered his making of the stone wall moulds and casting them. I think there may have been a couple of attempts before Ray was satisfied. I do wonder if he ever qualified for his NMRA “Master Model Railroader” but no matter what, his overall service to the public in various forms made him a “Master Gentleman” and general all-round good bloke in my book.
 
Good to see you’re back home, David.
 
Dave, thanks for taking the time to help out a fellow Forum member, and contacting Eric White. I’m guessing they’re flat out getting used to a new system of management and all that entails, but I still think a quick post here on the Forum would have been good. Learning about what’s going on from another Forum has a certain irony!!
 
Anyhow, a Swedish ore train…
 
 
…and a Swedish built locomotive in Turkey.
 
 
Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them. Kia Kaha.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

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

  • Member since
    August 2007
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Posted by CNCharlie on Sunday, August 25, 2024 8:35 PM

Good Evening,

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,

CN Charlie

 

  • Member since
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Posted by "JaBear" on Monday, August 26, 2024 4:34 AM
Gidday Chloe, thank goodness Charlie dropped in, otherwise I’d end up talking to myself. Actually, talking to yourself isn’t too bad, even arguing with yourself is OK, unless you lose, which I seem to do more frequently.Sigh
 
Anyhow, from Bulgaria…
 
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
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  • From: Ludington, MI
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Posted by Water Level Route on Monday, August 26, 2024 5:57 AM

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.

Mike

  • Member since
    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Monday, August 26, 2024 6:50 AM

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.

 

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 Monday, August 26, 2024 8:31 AM

Hi gang,

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. 

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
  • 21,481 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Monday, August 26, 2024 10:36 AM

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.

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

  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 2:57 AM

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!

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,245 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 4:30 AM
Gidday Dave, not personally fussed where the Diner ends up, just so long it remains “accessible.”
 
 Some more Bulgarian locomotives…
 
 Full steam by Ivo Radoev, on Flickr
 
…and not sure whether he’s given up in disgust, been reprimanded for dissent, or just can’t get back on, but a couple with bridges for Mr. TF.
 
 
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
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Posted by Water Level Route on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 5:50 AM

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!

Mike

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 6:38 AM

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...

Cheers, Ed

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    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 9:41 AM

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).  Smile

I hope TF (and others missing)  return.  

 Favourite song at the moment

YouTube Music

 

David

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
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  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 10:26 AM

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.Laugh 

Think I'll continue painting the garage today.......Oh boy.Sigh

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
  • 529 posts
Posted by Tophias on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 5:17 PM

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. 

Regards, Chris 

 

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Posted by "JaBear" on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 5:12 AM
I dunno know Chloe if I can get Mr. TF to “bite,” but from the Czech Republic…
 
 
And something for York1John, though I’m sure the girls can rustle up more for other diners…
 
 
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
  • 1,850 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 5:49 AM

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!

 

Mike

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