Morning, Joe. I'll have some coffee.
It was another ski weekend for us. It was pretty cold up there on Saturday, but the snow was really nice. We actually got a couple of inches of fresh powder Saturday night and through most of the day on Sunday, but with the usual weekend crowds it was getting scratchy by the time we left.
No trains, though. Tough, because I got my new Peter Witt trolley (Bachmann Spectrum) on Thursday, and I'm just itchin' to give it a spin before it goes into the paint shop. It's an undecorated version, so it's essentially a kit without any instructions. At least they provided an exploded diagram. Looks like the underside of the circuit board, which functions as the interior roof of the car, has LEDs on it for interior illumination. The car's also got lights fore and aft.
The car comes with interior seats, but no passengers. The floor is high, to make room for the motor and gears beneath, so I'm afraid a few of the good citizens of Moose Bay are going to have their lower extremities amputated.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Hmmmm, Baileys sounds good on the rocks, please.
George, Your background building and backdrop are blending nicely. Thanks for sharing. You are keeping busy.
We exercised the Mike this afternoon. We worked it with 38 cars. It's a tough one.
Sue
Anything is possible if you do not know what you are talking about.
gear-jammer wrote: mikesmowers wrote: Sue. What is Windows Vista? Is that the newest version of windows? Yes, that is correct. XP will no longer be supported after 2010. I think that all new computers come with Vista. I have needed new drivers for all the old hardware. I had to update most of the software, too. $$$$. Ouch. My latest challenge is trying to get an external drive to work for backup. I am learning too much about computers.Sorry about the necessary pain pills. We can always serve hot chocolate in that case.We may not work on the layout today, but we will exercise the locos while we work out.Later, Sue
mikesmowers wrote: Sue. What is Windows Vista? Is that the newest version of windows?
Sue. What is Windows Vista? Is that the newest version of windows?
Yes, that is correct. XP will no longer be supported after 2010. I think that all new computers come with Vista. I have needed new drivers for all the old hardware. I had to update most of the software, too. $$$$. Ouch. My latest challenge is trying to get an external drive to work for backup. I am learning too much about computers.
Sorry about the necessary pain pills. We can always serve hot chocolate in that case.
We may not work on the layout today, but we will exercise the locos while we work out.
Later, Sue
Coffee and Baileys for me thank you
See it isn't so!! We have 9 computers and I am trying to STAY AWAY from Vista. I am even thinking of a MAC to get out of this PC spiral.
Well I am working on trains in between the whatever I caught.
Fianly got the background for Nanticoke to where I like it
I should have built a SMALLER railroad. Well stay warm!!!
Pizza was great......... Thanks!
Nice work on the building, Mike!
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
I would have another beer but I think I over-did-it today and my back is killing me. You know the story.. pain pill and to sleep. Mike
Sorry about being slow to respond. Pizza sounds great.
Mike, Great shop for the concrete trucks. I wish I could say that I have been doing train things, but Windows Vista has been a great test for me.
I'm here for a while. Sue, I'll take you up on the brew, and I'll have a slice of pizza also. I have been in the new trainroom today working on getting the walls ready for the paint and trying to finish up the electrical part. I hope to start on the benchwork in a week or two.
I have also been working on the shop building for Fillmore concrete.
Doing those interiors are really time consuming but with the big open doors in the back, I really needed something inside. Got to go back upstairs and build a wall. Take care and I'll check back in later. Mike
Bump. I had to rescue this from the bottom of page 5. You guys must be busy because noone has been in since I was in on Thursday. I suspect that Joe might be lonely. It is 5:00 somewhere so I will get this round of beers.
Our office in now in the age of digital x-rays. High speed film cut the exposure in half. Now digital has cut in in half again. We were checked out on the use of a Dental CT scan machine on Thursday and Friday.
I am still trying to get my computer functional. I guess that I will try to work on the scanner again today.
SilverSpike wrote:
I am always glad to see layouts that are partially finished. Nice crossing.
Good morning: I'll have a coffee and a breakfast too, Joe.
Mike: Gook luck dealing with the Worker Comp. people. I realize they are only doing their job (so to speak) but sometimes it seems they become the enemy!!
A bit of advice from a fellow that has "been there, done that": The most important thing that you can do at this point is to document EVERYTHING!! If you don't have one already... Start a journal going back to the day of the injury and / or even before if anything work related lead to the injury. Be specific with dates, times, witnesses regarding everything that happened on the job. In addition keep the journal as "on going" from the date of injury forward documenting when you saw which doctors and their treatment. It also won't hurt your cause to keep that journal up-dated with your daily goings on....What you do each day, how you feel, what the pain / discomfort is like, what you can and can't do....So on and so on.
Secondly, make very sure that the attorney that you hire for representation is the MOST experienced with worker comp. cases that you can find. No matter the cost, as it will pay off in the long run.
This is a major mistake that I made! I basically got my "back pay" for lost time and future med. bills covered....only to find out a few years latter that they were now disputing the costs of seeing a chiropractor, when needed, a few times a year! I had to go through the whole thing again with hiring an attorney and going back to court to straighten things out.
My new attorney while looking at the first proceeding, said "you really got screwed". There is no going back on a settlement (at least mine) but I did get the med. coverage back in case I need to have any major repairs. And that is the most important!
Sorry for ranting "off train topic" here! Bad backs and fighting an insurance Co. are "hot button" issues for me.
So...Moving along to the "on topic" part of the post: I have been taking advantage of our -30 to -40 wind-chill days by playing in the Trainroom a bit everyday! I now have a goodly part of the turnout control in place at cascade Junction and will paint fascia today! Also hope to get after a little more landscaping at Sawbill and Isabella Station.
Ryan: I like the picture. Thanks for sharing! Looking beyond the scene...It looks like your pike is coming together pretty well. I also did visit your thread on the tree making....Nice job there too! I also have a few million trees to make and appreciate any input I find on making a good tree...cheaply!
Mike, good luck with the Workmans Comp claim, hope it comes out in your favor!
Here is my latest progress on the layout, just finished up some tree making and scenery detailing.
Bubba in the 72' Chevy pick-up is thinking twice about crossing that grade with the NS mixed freight bearing down at a 45 mph clip.....
Ryan BoudreauxThe Piedmont Division Modeling The Southern Railway, Norfolk & Western & Norfolk Southern in HO during the merger eraCajun Chef Ryan
Morning all. Joe, I'll have a black coffee and a fresh omlet, not one of those that were scrapped from train rails. Thanks.
Sue I love the Plymouth! I have always liked Plymouths, don't know why, just liked them.
Not much traun stuff today, got to go see an attorney. Workers Comp has cut off my checks without warning leaving me in dire distress. They are wanting to settle with me for an unreasonable amount with no future medical, I cannot do this being that I will more than likely need back fusion surgury someday. What they are offering isn't half of what the surgury will cost. So, I am going to hire an attorney to get this settled.
Some one needed to post here to bring this thread up from page 4 or 5. Someone was playing games on the forums during the night. Guess I'll go and have my breakfast then in the shower and begin my long and painful day. You all take care. Mike
gear-jammer wrote: Good morning. It is too early for beer so I will have a hot cider.George, Thanks, Larry's baby with the production. I video and he cuts and pastes. There are other videos that he has done at our site. That buggy looks like you need to be coordinated to drive. Three speed on the floor. I haven't driven one of those in years. Does it chirp in second gear like our automatic did?Later, Sue
Good morning. It is too early for beer so I will have a hot cider.
George, Thanks, Larry's baby with the production. I video and he cuts and pastes. There are other videos that he has done at our site. That buggy looks like you need to be coordinated to drive. Three speed on the floor. I haven't driven one of those in years. Does it chirp in second gear like our automatic did?
Well lets see, 1850 lb car, Over 600 hp hooked to a 7.77 rear just MAYBE. Problem is keeping the frount on the ground. Well I am back to the trains and some Coors, anybody want one?
Well operation session tonight time to cuss at Rail-ops again.
PS what program did he use? We have Studio by Pinnacle and it is a PAIN to use. Probably the old fart running it but!!
JB, The only problem with orange peel is the splatter. There is a gritty textured paint that I used on my climbing wall. It is like sand in the paint. We saw one facia where they put burlap on it, but that goes on when you attach it. So we will see.........
I need to get ready for my walk about with the ladies group at 9:30. It is 19 degrees out so my layer system needs to be tweaked.
Good evening gang: Joe, I'll have a tap and how about throwing a couple of pizzas in the oven....I'm thinking I could go for a little snack.
Mike, once again I have to complement you on the photos and the street scene. Really love the looks of the buildings and they really blend into the street and walks too! I haven't done any blacktop yet....Hope I can make mine look as good!!
And speaking of blacktop....I did do some scenicing yesterday, finishing up the parking lot "yard area" at Hedstrom Lumber, got a great start on the ground cover around Burnstrom Oil (both at Sawbill) and a dirt road at Isabella Station. I hope to be able to spend some time again tomorrow at Isabella, as I want to get the majority of the landscaping done on the end of the peninsula before putting the backdrop in place....And I really want to get the backdrop out of the way. I've been moving it from one location to another for almost a year! I had it up, but then realized that if I had it down, I sure would be able to more easily accomplish the landscaping, working from the end too. Hindsight, it's always 20/20.
Sue: You are wondering about an "orange peel" finish. I too, was thinking along those lines. Once I had a primer coat on, I saw texture! So, I put on a finish coat, or two, and was satisfied with how it all came out. I used satin latex with a medium nap roller. Seems the roller gave enough texture....At least for my tastes.
And, you also asked about turnouts. Are you wondering what brand and size I am using, or how I'm controlling them, or both?
Well, the pizza is up...Please feel free to join me if you're hungry. And Joe, I'll have another brew too, please.
Sue, neat video. That was smart to get it on film. We had a REAL laugh over the Holidays. Daughter came up from Florida and when I bought car I said she could drive it around the yard, IF SHE COULD GET IN IT! She is only 5'2" and there are no doors.
Well she got in the car, I said OK now BEFORE you start it do you understand what that isbetween you legs? She looked down, rolled her eyes back and said WHAT IS THAT. I told her the Transmission and the big handle was the clutch, she said OH and got out of the car!
This is what she saw: PS also not to crazy about the belt between the legs
The one that is ALMOST straight is 1st and Reverse and the other is 2nd and 3rd. (Old picture a LOT cleaner now)
I am playing with scenery and over Rail-ops trying to get it to understand a Passenger train!!
Well time for a beer, who wants one? I am buying !!!!
Sue- I could tell from the sound twerent a Mopar. Was an autoparts man for over 35 years. Knew the good from the bad, mechanic wise, and could hear an engine and diagnose it and tell which make. My back rest would lift up and two seats come down with a metal rod about 6 inches long keeping the seat off the floor. Trunk was huge. Good old days.
Flip
Flip,
As you can tell, our 2 door sedan was not stock. We scavenged a small block chevy from my brother. It all started when a friend of Larry's had it sitting in his front yard as a lawn ornament. He needed money for his stock car project and I offered him cash. After limping to get new tires, we drove the flat head six home.
One of my Dad's neighbors said that there was a tray under the back seat where they used to hide their beer. Sure enough, he was right.
We will miss it. Great memories.
HI Sue! I had a '41 Plm. business coupe, kept it stock and tuned. Used to out drag 51 thru 53 Fords with it. This is back in 53 and 54 when still in high school. Oh boy,memories.
MisterBeasley wrote: What are you upgrading from? I don't think the change from XP to Vista really does much, but coming from anything else to XP was a problem for a lot of things. I had to replace my scanner completely, but I got everything else to work after scouring the web for new drivers.
What are you upgrading from? I don't think the change from XP to Vista really does much, but coming from anything else to XP was a problem for a lot of things. I had to replace my scanner completely, but I got everything else to work after scouring the web for new drivers.
They are older than that. The scanner was from 95, and the printer from 98. I also have a printer from XP. The scanner worked fine with XP, but is not going to work with vista. The HP 98 printer is working just fine with the driver download from HP(It is a color printer).
My 2 year old printer that came with the XP system so far has not worked. It looks like I may have installed the XP drivers. Until I get them uninstalled, I can't install the vista drivers. I am waiting for techsupport to help me with a path to uninstall.
I have learned one thing. Check to make sure things are compatible prior to installing.
gear-jammer wrote: Looks like very few hardware and software items work with Vista.
MrB, Hope that your team did ok.
Yeah, the Patriots are doing just fine, thank you. It's more interesting than it was earlier in the year when they were stomping all those weaker teams.
An while we're on that subject, Joe, did I see you in some commercial with a bar on Sunday? Have you ever been to Montana?
I think a cup of hot chocolate will do well for me on this frigid morning. Not a cloud in the sky and down in the 20's. It should warm up to mid 30's today.
Sorry no photos yet. I spent the better part of yesterday trying to get my printers and scanner to work on the new computer. So far I have one printer that works. Looks like very few hardware and software items work with Vista. I must admit that some were due to be updated, but......... It seems to be that $200 here, and $200 there, is way to painful.
Terry & JB, Your progress on facia is inspiring. Larry & I talk about what we are going to do but don't seem to get any further.
Mike, You are going like a hurricaine. Lots of projects will surely keep us out of trouble.
George, Did I tell you that we no longer have our rat rod? It sat in the garage more that we were driving it, and as you know, being idle is hard on old car parts. Larry made a video last summer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtqgth0cj2A
gear-jammer wrote: It's too early for beer, so I will just have coffee this morning. I thought that I would stop by to see if everyone survived the evening.George, Are you playing with that hot toy today? Did you get snow in your neck of the woods? On to my chores I go.Sue
It's too early for beer, so I will just have coffee this morning. I thought that I would stop by to see if everyone survived the evening.
On to my chores I go.
Car is ready for the Modified Reunion in Daytona on 2/15. Today is recover from teh Barrett Jackson shock wave. Car prices are in the toilet, (Pardon me have another JW Red and water, want one?) Mr Walker and I have been in a very serious meeting over this.
I am actualy getting to SCENERY!!!! Bought 10 of teh Mountain Valley Scenery Kits from Woodland Scence. That will teach Hobby lobby to have 50% and NO LIMIT!!! Like teh cloth works great.
Well back to trying to digest this market bomb!!!
Thanks all for such nice comments. Tha reason there was a ''fire'' in the store was the fact that I really screwed up the windows there, even more than the rest of them. I felt like it needed something to cover them, then it hit me, board them up for a fire scene and airbrush some smoke along the top. The plywood is made from dollhouse shingles, cut down to HO scale 4 X 8 plywood the thickness is about right for 3/4'' wood. I have used them in several spots on the layout.
I guess I will go to the shop and cut some more windows and doors into the Fillmore Concrete building. I have cut three of them this morning and need about that many more. Then I can do the painting and assemble work. I will try to post some pics along the way. BTW. When using the clear bubble wrap stuff that so many things come in for window glazing, what is the best way to glue them in? Will plain 'ol styrene model glue work? I tried some of the Testors glue that is made for clear parts and do not like it, the windows seem to fall out very easy, am I doing something wrong? Later. Mike
Hi, all!
JB: for a second there I thought you got a hold of one of my pics!:
I use the same method for facia.When I get to a butt joint I use fiberglass drywall tape, the kind that looks like mesh. Seems to hold the mud a little better.
Great pictures everyone!
Terry
GO PACKERS!
Terry in NW Wisconsin
Queenbogey715 is my Youtube channel
JB, Great progress on the facia. I wonder what orange peel texture would do for the masonite. We may consider that. What type of turnout switches are you using?
Mike, You are putting us to shame with all that layout time. I will try to get a river bed photo today. It's not raining so I should work outside.
MrB, Sorry that the tube is keeping you from skiing. Some of us wait for winter to work inside. Are you working on projects while you watch the games?
George, Are you playing with that hot toy today? Did you get snow in your neck of the woods?
Wow, great scene, Mike! I love the "fire sale" with the boarded-up windows. And the silhouette on the second floor is intriguing, too.
What did you use for the boarded-up store? It looks like real 4x8 sheets. (And let's not get started on the 4x8 layout debate.)
Morning all, Joe, I'll have a black coffee and a stack of your waffles. Thanks.
I am not much on football but I used to watch some with my dad. I will spend the afternoon building on some structures I am wanting to get done. I am working on a Pikestuff warehouse (like the Washington Salvage yard) but I am adding some different windows and walk doors I got Sat. in the mail from Tichy Train. I will use this building as a large shop building for Fillmore Concrete.
I promised last night I would post some pics of the ''old barn'' I am working on, Here are a couple of pics if anyone is interested;
I still need to make a base for it and get it mounted on the layout. This one is my very first attempt at scratgh building from styrene. I think it will look OK when I am done. What do you think?
How about a daylight pic of downtown Traintown, most folks seemed to like the night time pics so I thought I would post a daytime pic.
Here is one I took and liked so I will pitch it in for free, There will be no charce for this one.
Well I see Joe has my breakfast ready so I'll eat and check in later. Mike