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Jeffreys Track Side Diner for August 2024

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Saturday, August 31, 2024 1:17 AM

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.

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 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Friday, August 30, 2024 11:06 PM

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 Wink

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?

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,853 posts
Posted by maxman on Friday, August 30, 2024 1:50 PM

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.

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, August 29, 2024 6:03 PM

smokin' diesels

Bing Videos

 

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 527 posts
Posted by Attuvian1 on Thursday, August 29, 2024 4:57 PM

maxman
Water Level Route

This doesn't look good.

  

How can you tell?  Could be that Ed Crankshaft has fired up his grill again.

 
Laugh Bow
 
Have run across an explanation of this before but can't remember what it was.  Can someone refresh my fragile memory?
 
Attuvian John
  • Member since
    February 2008
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Posted by maxman on Thursday, August 29, 2024 4:37 PM

Water Level Route

This doesn't look good.

 

How can you tell?  Could be that Ed Crankshaft has fired up his grill again.

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,853 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Thursday, August 29, 2024 4:32 PM

This doesn't look good.

Mike

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,853 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Thursday, August 29, 2024 4:31 PM

Geez.

Deltic class diesel.

 

Mike

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,853 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Thursday, August 29, 2024 5:44 AM

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...

Mike

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,247 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Thursday, August 29, 2024 4:43 AM
Ah good, Eds grabbed the updated RIP track. Saves me having to do it as I’m going away for a few days. I can follow the Forum on my phone but find it a right pain to do much else. It should be able to be copied and pasted by whoever moves the Diner In a couple of days.
 
Interesting article regarding Denora, while some of us may look nostalgically at the era of the “Romance of Steam,” reality was a very different beast! My Dad born and bred in the British industrial city of Birmingham, emigrated to NZ in the early 50s and didn’t go back til the late 70s. His Dad had worked in the city centre and when Dad went back, he had difficulty in picturing the area, something was not quite right! With help from his brother, he worked out what was bothering him. As a result of several Government “Clean Air Acts,” the stone buildings had been cleaned, losing their grimy grey look, and had been returned to their natural stone colours!  
  
Her-in-Doors and I are off to farewell an old friend, well for 26 years anyhow, who passed away recently. He didn’t want a funeral, but an occasion more along the lines of a ceilidh, so we’re going down early to help set it up.
 
Neville had been an Ag pilot, or in North American parlance, a crop-duster, and was one of the select few that got to fly the Douglas DC3 on single pilot Ag ops. He didn’t fly AZL, the subject of this video, but they were all had the similar mod.
 
 
From Italy…
 
hon30critter
...people going past the 20 year mark
Well in that case we’ll get to see that snow plough running around your layout, then!!Big Smile
 
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 Thursday, August 29, 2024 4:05 AM

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.

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 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 6:32 PM

hon30critter
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.

I believe it was Ja Bear if I'm not mistaken?

 Sigh by JaBearz, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 527 posts
Posted by Attuvian1 on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 1:33 PM

We've got your back, Dave.  Envision your room packed with your MRR buddies.  We're there for the duration.

John

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 10:56 AM

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

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • 2,123 posts
Posted by CNCharlie on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 10:24 AM

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.

CN Charlie

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 7:13 AM

Hi everyone,

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.Grumpy 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.

Cheers!!

Dave 

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.

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 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 6:40 AM

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

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,853 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

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,247 posts
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
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 533 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 

 

  • 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
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
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
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
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

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,853 posts
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 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,247 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
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
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
    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
    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
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
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

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