BEER BARN

[mikesmowers]

I will have a cup of blace coffee. thanks.
    I got a Walthers Gold Line cement hopper in the mail this morning. I won it off E bay last week, it sure is nice. I have been looking for one and found one at Walters on sale for $14.95 regular about $20.00, the kicker is that is out of stock and due date is unknown.
  Why put an item on sale that you do not have.   I also am running a sale on Atlas Steam locos for $19.95 brand new in the box, but I do not know when I will get them in LOL.  
    Might get a chanch to run some trains today.  By the way,,,I am needing a switcher and would like to know who makes a good inexpensive one?     Catch you later.       Mike

[MisterBeasley]

I don't think you can beat a P2K S1 for a switcher.  If you look at places like Trainworld or M.B. Klein at www.modeltrainstuff.com you can find them for 30 or 40 bucks, new in the box.  Road names might be a bit limited.  These are really nice, although you do have go inside and isolate the motor from the frame before you install a decoder.  I also replaced the incandescent headlights with LEDs, and relocated the cab-end light to the cab-end, rather than trying to shove light through that silly little plastic pipe (not even fiber-optic.)  Now I can actually see the track ahead after lights-out time.

These switchers have a reputation for being great crawlers, and I can verify that.  Their low-end gearing is great, and they move very smoothly.  While you've got the shell off, put in a pair of Kadee #5's, though.  It's an easy drop-in, but this way you'll save yourself the trouble when the originals fall apart after a couple of weeks.

[mikesmowers]

  Thanks Mister B.  I bought 2 of the P2Ks in BN paint a couple of weeks ago and now I can't even run them because they will not stay coupled together. I am waiting on some Kaydee #5's to come in next week sometime maybe Wed. I do like the way they run very smoothe and quiet great pullers also, one at a time it will pull 22 cars up a 2.5% grade they work better double headed.              Mike

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Ditto on that coupler replacement. The McHenry couplers that came with both of my P2K locomotives were the cheap plastic things with the little whisker on the knuckle. They didn't last the first week. I replaced all of the with Kadee #5's. I must admit thouch that the one on the front of the PA1 looks a little strange because it just does clear the pilot. However it looks fantastic when the loco couples to a car and  backs out pulling the car along with it. It looks really close coupled.

[mikesmowers]

     Evening all, I don't what time it is where you are, but here in Okla. the clock says it it BEER TIME!!!
   
 Any one care to join me in a cold drink or will I have to go at it alone?      Mike

[jeffrey-wimberly]

In Louisiana, any time is beer time, or for that matter, anything else time. Set me up a 6-pack of Bud.

[mikesmowers]

   Are you buying for everyone tonight, Jeffrey?

[GUB]

Just a quick Scotch. Still a lot to do befor to morrow.

Finally got the web cam set up so we can talk with our neice and her husband and of course my great niece tomorrow in Germany.

Well gotta go.

Next rounds on me.

Will check back later.

GUB

[jeffrey-wimberly]

   Are you buying for everyone tonight, Jeffrey?

Negative, Ghost rider. You're at the top of the page, not me.

[mikesmowers]

   I was afraid someone was going to bring that up. Joe, better set me up a tab tonight, may have to wash glasses befor I leave here tonight.      Mike

[MisterBeasley]

Howdy, gents.  Just got through with a grilled rib-eye dinner, potatoes, garlic bread and salad with blue cheese.  Buds for the prep time, and finally Harpoon IPA with the meal.

Sidetracked to replace the mailbox post today.  The old one finally fell victim to underground nibbling and collapsed.  That poor old veteran had withstood years of New England weather and the standard slams by baseball bats, but this was too much.  Popped the old box back on - we'll wait for the spring to replace it.

Back to Baldy's Barbershop - I got all the windows together and glued into the walls.  The interior (Mike, you'll appreciate this) mostly came with the kit, including paper cutouts for the walls, plastic guys in barber chairs and a counter with a cash register.  For some reason, they didn't include a barber, so I picked through my collection of unused citizens and found just the right guy.  Sorry, he wasn't bald, so I took some sandpaper and flesh-colored paint to his head.  Ah, the sacrifice he made for Art...

[mikesmowers]

   Mister B, thats all fine and dandy, Lets see some pics..Joe I think we're all getting a little low on the suds here, mind filling them up.........Thanks.        Mike

[MisterBeasley]

Well, let's see if I can do the photo, upload to the computer, upload to RailImages and post it here before the barkeep makes it back with the suds...

Not bad...I've got a Harpoon IPA in hand, too.

(Oh, I've just gotta do something about that white doorway...)

[tatans]

Yikes, 12 pages on booze?? I hope none of you guys are driving, c'mon guys, theres got to be a little more to life than stumbling around with that first shot and getting that little buzz going. I know , I know, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and what you do is your own business, and it's a free country, and I can do anything I want 'cause I got the money.(plus a 100 more justifications)  As above I think 12 pages is beleaguering the subject don't you?? surely there are a little more interesting subjects to discuss.

[mikesmowers]

    titans      back off!!!!!    we are just a small group that like our freedom like the rest of you,  My mother taught me ''If you can't say something nice keep it to yourself''
     I don't see any one complaining about the coffee shop and it has been here longer than the Beer Barn.
     Personally  I like the Beer Barn, if you don't well then  Leave it alone.



                            Am I alone here,    Sorry Bergie
                                                                                            Mike

[MisterBeasley]

Well said, Mike.  Beer Barn is no different from the Coffee House at all.  If you've read through all 12 pages, my friends, you've found some interesting ideas for both modelling and cooking.  Oddly, we seem to have attracted a number of gourmet cooks to this thread.

So, has anyone modelled a backyard barbeque?  So far, I've squeezed all my houses in so tight to the tracks that there's no room for a grill, but I'm going to see if I can put one in.  There are a couple of things that pop up on Walthers, but I'm looking for more of a guy with a Webber.  Anybody seen anything like that?

[GUB]

    titans      back off!!!!!    we are just a small group that like our freedom like the rest of you,  My mother taught me ''If you can't say something nice keep it to yourself''
     I don't see any one complaining about the coffee shop and it has been here longer than the Beer Barn.
     Personally  I like the Beer Barn, if you don't well then  Leave it alone.



                            Am I alone here,    Sorry Bergie
                                                                                            Mike

Mike,

You are definitely not alone. I like it here. You guys have given me a lot of encouragement, good ideas and the inspiration to stay in the hobby when it is so discouraging knowing how much work I have left to do before I can even start my Train Room. And for this I say thankyou to all. As long as the lights are on I will continue to come in for a drink and some good company regardless of how tatans or titans or others like that feel about this thread.

GUB

[GUB]

Morning Everyone;

Quiet this morning. I'll have a coffee to start. Not a whole lot of time before the multitudes show up. Last count 35 and that means a lot of hungry and thirsty people. festivities begin in about four hours.

Yesterday I was up in the attic where my train room will eventually be and in looking around I discovered if I utilize the space behind the chimney I could actually have sizable yard or staging. My original plan was to have two levels of track without the two connected running through the same scenes, but now I am thinking I could have a small helix to connect them. Or I could perhaps use the space behind the knee walls (hidden track) to run the trains up to the next level or down.

Also by utilizing the space behind the chimney I could raise the level of the track even higher so that i could go around the otherside which is over the attic stairs. This would be a perfect spot for a viaduct / bridge if I can figure out a realistic way to do it. This section could be an add on to the original layout design. If this wass to come to fruision then the office would have to go and this would truly become a train room only.

I do have a question though. If I wasn't going to connect the two levels would I have to have two separate systems to power. I am thinking of DCC. I like the idea of sound and it seems the way to go.

Also one other question this morning. I've read somwhere that you should avoid s-curves. I am assuming that this has to do with yards and crossovers. Am I correct in my assumption? Why are they to be avoided?

I guess I had a bit more time than I thought. Down to 3 hours and 42 minutes.

GUB

[mikesmowers]

   Good morning friends.   I'll have a black coffee here.  Thanks.  
  
    Mister B, Do you remember a place on my layout that I call The Fillmore Estate? Well there is a backyard BBQ on the back patio. Yesterday I put up the rest of the rail fence, still need to do a little tree planting.   
    I wonder what Jeffrey is having for breakfast this morning, Maybe steak and eggs again?  See ya later.     Mike

[colvinbackshop]

tatans:

I worked as a bartender at a small municipal a number of years ago (a dime tap, was really only a dime...so it was a bit ago) where a lot of the local farmers came in to "have a bump" play some cards and to shoot the bull...mostly about farming! It wasn't a fancy place at all, as a matter of fact it was in an old creamery and very, very basic.

To say the least, when folk came in that expected music, gambling and / or multiple TV's they were disappointed...They didn't come back.

Where I'm going here is that if you don't or couldn't find anything of interest to you here at the Beer Barn...Don't come back.

I'll give you that there is some silliness going on here, but we're having fun talking to one another and learning about one another regarding a pretty wide range of topics...Not necessarily all MRRing. I also have to say that I hope that some who read this thread may find inspiration (just to point out a few) in GUB's attic MRR project, Jeffrey's onion-skin graffiti, Mr. B's barbershop project, reefer collections or from pictures that we post.

I personally hope that the photo of my Long Bridge trestle over the Greenwood has given someone an idea in their planning or scenicing. I can also guarantee that you won't find an August Meininger Brewing Co. reefer in the local hobby shop....Maybe that gave inspiration to a MRRer to develop a local "fictitious" brewery and a fleet of custom cars!!

I tend to be a very passive type and I'm sorry if this comes across too harsh, but if you haven't gleaned anything from this thread, found any of it interesting...Or think that it's a waste of your time to read...Just don't visit us.

[inch53]

Hey ya'll, how ya be doing this fine day. I'll have a cold one Joe, bout time for the games to start.

Fixed ham n beans over to the campground last evening. We had some fun with family n freinds, ate beans, played some dominos, had a few barley pops and watched the full moon come up. Got to do some rail fanning also, the CSX track from Terre Haute, IN to St Louis runs just out back., Got a couple photos too.

Bill,,, we set out by a fire here of an evening also and just enjoy the quiet.

Mike,, I've seen those cement cars over at the LHS, nice looking cars. I ever get the track running again plan on getting a couple. Think I'll pass on your sale.

I'm with ya, maybe the clown needs to learn of some of the finer things in life to enjoy them.

MR. B ,,, thanks for  link, stuck in the favorites list, for future referance.

Seen a mail box over to N. Terre Haute Thur. evening held on the post with duck tape. Looked luck it had lost a 8 round fight, but still trying. 

Your barber shop looks like the one I go to in Casey. Good job there.

Had a BBQ at one time. Lost in a move. The last layout had a camp fire with a pot on it, but I can't find the photo now. Plan for one on my new layout. Never seen a model Weber grill

Gub,,, we had 9 here for breakfast this morning,. Glad the #3 daughter didn't spend the night, there'd been 6 more here. Just normal round this place.

Hope your doings goes well, nice to have family n freinds around.

You would have to figure out how long a space you have for a grade from one level to the next. If you have the room, I think it would work better than a helix. Can't help on the power, know nothing bout DCC.

Best get off here, the games started. Wanted to watch the Bears, but the local tv decided to show the Colts, can't stand the Colts to over rated here. Their bout all we hear bout, every one else is 2'nd rate

Catch ya'll at half time maybe

inch

[colvinbackshop]

 GUB: To address your thoughts and questions on the Attic Pike.

"If I utilize the space behind the chimney I could actually have sizable yard or staging."

Yes! This would be a great way to have staging...providing that you can easily get to it. One thing I hear often is that a staging yard that was hard to get to..Is now being moved, which of course means a major undertaking. I have mine in an adjoining room, which isn't real convenient, but it is VERY accessible.

"My original plan was to have two levels of track without the two connected running through the same scenes, but now I am thinking I could have a small helix to connect them. Or I could perhaps use the space behind the knee walls (hidden track) to run the trains up to the next level or down."

This also sound good! I like the idea of running the train "once through", but a continues run is fun too. Regarding a helix: You mention a small helix...And I have to ask, small meaning in diameter, or height? My experience with a helix is to make it as large as you can...meaning a large radius. The larger radius makes for a better pull (able to take longer trains up the "hill" without derailments. The around the room helix idea is a great one, but again providing it is accessible. I have seen a number of these around the room trackage helixes that have worked real well. Even being able to scenic them in some places. 

"Also by utilizing the space behind the chimney I could raise the level of the track even higher so that I could go around the otherside which is over the attic stairs. This would be a perfect spot for a viaduct / bridge if I can figure out a realistic way to do it. This section could be an add on to the original layout design. If this wass to come to fruision then the office would have to go and this would truly become a train room only."

Also a great idea....Use as much space as possible! A tall viaduct / large bridge can be a real "eye catcher" And if there is space elsewhere...loose the office space, and make a Trainroom!

Regarding your questions on DCC and S curves: You can power your pike with one DCC system either separated or connected. I would however suggest dividing it into a number of districts, each protected with some sort of short circuit protection. For example: If you have a busy yard with many turnouts, a helix, staging....each would have it's own circuit resulting in a safety feature where the entire pike wouldn't shut down because of a short (only the smaller area) and the short would be easier to trouble shoot. My thoughts on S curves may not be in line with the "Experts". I like a LARGE sweeping S curve and have a few. The key to my madness, is that they really are large. Small, tight S curves can give you trouble regarding coupling and tracking.

Hope my thoughts help a bit...Enjoy your day, Happy Thanksgiving!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Seem to me that Tatanis didn't read much beyond the first line of many of the posts. Much of what's didcussed here is educational, helpful and humorus. Of course, there are those who have nothing better to do than sit back in the armchair and complain. Jeeezzz, I wish they'd get a hobby, other than trying to make others misireble.

I'm going to be offline a couple of days at least. My modem bought the big one yesterday. A tech will be coming from SuddenLink (I call Sometimes Link) to bring a new one, probably tomorrow or Tuesday.

[91rioja]

The coolest sound to hear on a Sunday Afternoon in October.  43 cars firing their engines in Dolby 5.1 Surround at Talladega.  Time to watch some racin'.

Stewing a chicken today as well.  It is a good way to cook; set it and forget it.  I get to cook and watch the race at the same time.

Chris

[mikesmowers]

91.....   Lets talk about this for a moment shall we.
    You are in the house in your comfy chair, watching the race, cooking, and who knows what elece.
     I, on the other hand, am up on the roof doing some patch work to try once again to keep the rain OUT of the train room.  They are forcasting rain here tonight and tommarrow. 


             Must be something wrong here.    Wouldn't you rather be here helping ME?????????
                                                     Mike

[91rioja]

91.....   Lets talk about this for a moment shall we.
    You are in the house in your comfy chair, watching the race, cooking, and who knows what elece.
     I, on the other hand, am up on the roof doing some patch work to try once again to keep the rain OUT of the train room.  They are forcasting rain here tonight and tommarrow. 


             Must be something wrong here.    Wouldn't you rather be here helping ME?????????
                                                     Mike

Um, let me think about this one a sec. . . . . .   No.  But I will have a cold one for you.

It is raining here and I need to get some lights for my room; when we have no sun, my room is rather dark.  Today is your day to work; I still have yard work to do when it stops raining.

Chris

[tatans]

Back Off, Back Off ! I'm backing off fast,  OK OK I get it now, this forum is not really about a bunch of juicers playing with trains, I was really beginning to wonder how drinking and model railroading became synonymous, so this is simply a forum to discuss anything and use the term beer, by the way a lot of posts on this forum drink coffee.  choo-choo on.

[mikesmowers]

A big THANK YOU titans.      Mike

[colvinbackshop]

I'm cooking today too......BTW, I love stewed chicken!

With frost forecast a few days ago we harvested the remaining produce from the garden (mostly peppers and tomatoes...and a couple of water melons).

So on Thru. I put up about twelve meals of Stuffed Peppers (in the freezer) and still had produce left.

Anyway...On the menu tonight, as the White Plate Special, at Dad's Kitchen is Fried Green Tomatoes topped with Shrimp étouffée 

BTW "tatans" I'm glad to hear that you understand where we are coming from regarding this thread...And welcome aboard if it's your "cup of tea" so to speak.

[91rioja]

I'm cooking today too......BTW, I love stewed chicken!

With frost forecast a few days ago we harvested the remaining produce from the garden (mostly peppers and tomatoes...and a couple of water melons).

So on Thru. I put up about twelve meals of Stuffed Peppers (in the freezer) and still had produce left.

Anyway...On the menu tonight, as the White Plate Special, at Dad's Kitchen is Fried Green Tomatoes topped with Shrimp étouffée 

BTW "tatans" I'm glad to hear that you understand where we are coming from regarding this thread...And welcome aboard if it's your "cup of tea" so to speak.

Now you're talkin'!  Etouffee or Creole rocks.  So what type of roux do you make with the etouffee?  1 Beer or 2 beer?

Not sure what I'm going to do with the chicken; just put it in the pot to fester all day.

By the way, Jeff Gordon is whining about bump drafting again.  Call the whaaanbulance!!!

Chris