Yeah, we had a busy weekend, but it won't get any better until Spring. Holiday season is upon us, and ski season is coming, too. We're still a bit old-fashioned, so we actually give dinner parties with things other than pizza and burgers. (We eat our share of those, too.) Last Friday we also had the Tournament of Plays, an annual thing at the High School in which each class puts on a short play. Our daughter Annie played a Mime. Great fun for all.
I still managed to get in some scratchbuilding time on the Burns Coal and Oil building. This is my first scratch-built "building," although the subway stations are all a different form of scratchbuilding. I've really had fun designing and building this one. I hope to get some pictures up in a week or so.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Morning all, looks like I've got some catching up to do. Made it to Wilmington Sat. It was fun, just wish there had been more layouts but I understand why they had to limit them. I didn't find anything I wanted but such is life.
MrB and Sue, now you two spent your weekend much the same way as myself busy..busy..busy.
Boy PC, I'll have to try that nap thing some time, last time I took a nap in the afternoon(barring sickness) was when I was pregnant with my #3 son.
Jim, It's great to meet you and I'm glad you decided to join us, good luck with your layout, I'm still on DC myself but maybe someday I'll switch over. Good luck with your wife, for myself I have the opposite problem.
David, Don't worry about your ears here we keep it sweaky clean no matter who's here. As for your oppinion not mattering because your a kid, your being a kid makes no more difference than my being a woman.
DG, Thanks for the info, I figured there had to be at least one LHS with that name but I didn't think it would make a difference on a forum, for now I think I'll take a wait and see attitude as far as name changes.And I didn't take you comment as being critical, my skin is generaly pretty thick.
Jeff, Heard about you ordeal with the dizzy spells please take care of youself and I am glad you are doing better.
Well everyone I have taken up enough time for now I have a lot more to do to be ready for Thur. so I'll check back latter.
The Fez Room was open, but it was just tables where people could eat their lunch. (For those who don't understand all these non-railroad names, the Wilmington show is held in the Shriners' Hall. The Shriners are a social organization that supports hospitals and such with large donations, for which they raise funds by hosting train shows, circuses and other events. They have kind of a near-eastern motif to the organization, hence the names.)
Maybe they were using the room the night before, so it wasn't available for setup or the first day of the show. That's too bad, because it makes a great place to have the larger layouts, away from the hustle of the main vendor area. As it was, the main area was just about full, and there wouldn't have been room for another big layout. But, I guess that's a good sign that the hobby is healthy, right?
Maybe more than some of these armchairs do.
Until someone else who uses the name for a business actually says something about it, I see no reason to change it.
David Parks I am the terror that flaps in the night!
Hey Jim, welcome!
Those Christmas trains have spawned many a basement RR empire. While your's will be just the latest in a long list I'm sure it will eventually reach greatness.
BTW, if you ever figure out how to get the wife involved, let me know. I'd like to do the same, but mine views trains as kind of a male "sickness" that she does not want any part of. She thinks it's OK for me, and even encourages me to do it, but see's nothing for herself in it.
Anyways, welcome to the WS!
Regarding the name choice:
I'm sure you are aware that there are two 'Whistle Stop' RR stores - one in Pasadena, the other in Portland - and might be confusing to some. Both are major contibutors to our hobby - one a major SP&S source, the other a major brass importer as well as dealer.
Your usage of that name might bring you some "Where's my Order" or other complaints, as well as some identity confusion. You might consider a name change - or might not. (They won't be ringing MY bell).
Since 'Coffee Shop' is taken, 'TEA ROOM' might preserve the feminin motiff, or 'PIT STOP' be a more suitable suggestion if not a more indelible identity. A 'Name' contest might be fun as well as popular. I might even tender 'Mabel's Table' or 'Mrs. Harvey's House'.
'I very much applaud your original idea, so this is in no way a complaint!
Sincerely,
DG
Hello everyone,
This is the first of this type of thread that I’ve joined although I’ve followed several over the last few months. Seems like a nice group of people here.
A brief intro: I’ve been in the hobby since November 2005, having been influenced by the resurrection of our “Christmas tree layout” using my childhood AF S-gauge train set. Had to go to a LHS for some scenery stuff and I immediately got hooked – and here I am. I’m now working on an HO plan that is based on the RDG and PRR as they served the Pottsville, PA area in the mid-40’s to mid-50’s. I’m still on a 4X8 practice layout because my basement renovation keeps getting unprioritized by other projects.
I keep busy by working on structures that fit into my plan and slowly adding rolling stock and locomotives. I’ve installed DCC on my small double-loop practice layout – gives me trains to run while I slowly progress. I really enjoy the journey so I’m not too discouraged with the basement situation – I’ll get there eventually.
I’m also trying to draw my wife into the hobby, my ulterior motive being that she can help me with scenery eventually. So far I’ve not been terribly successful. I have managed to get her into my other passion – community theater. This past weekend we performed “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”, presented as a radio studio performance from the 1940’s. She was the Foley artist, doing all the physical sound effects – she did quite well and really enjoyed herself.
Good morning all,
Had a busy weekend. We went to the Puyallup show on Saturday. There were lots of club layouts. We found a few NP cars. I took a ga-zillion pictures. Logging is predominant in the NW. Yesterday, we started to work on our benchwork extension. We needed to add 5 inches for the RH. When we held the one foot by 8 foot piece up to edge of the layout, we decided to add the whole thing. At 11:00, we made a decision to change the 3 stall RH into a 6 stall RH. Back up to Tacoma. We finished the benchwork and I got the RH floor together and painted last night. We might get it running this weekend even with the changes.
Larry's uncle, the one who got us started in MR, is coming up this morning to see the layout. OPERATING SESSION.
Have a great day. Sue
Anything is possible if you do not know what you are talking about.
Wow Mr.B, busy weekend!
I gave away two fish tanks on Saturday then went to church. On Sunday I had a tough day of napping! Haven't done that in years. Gotta remember to do that more often!
Saturday turned out to be the yardwork-and-errands day. I had to make a trip to Chelmsford for beer and wine, as both the beer fridge and wine cellar were about empty. (No, we don't really have a wine cellar. But we do have a basement that we keep the wine in, along with ski boots, art supplies, laundry detergent and the usual run of basement things.) Of course, my LHS is on the way to the wine shop, so I couldn't resist stopping in.
I did get to the show for a couple of hours on Sunday. It seemed very well attended. The main area and lobby were full of vendors and a few layouts, but I was kind of disappointed that the "Fez Room" had no layouts in it. The last time, the big N-scale layout was in there, along with a couple of others. Neither that one nor the European layout were at this show. Maybe they're waiting for spring, or maybe they're going to be at Marlboro in a couple of weeks. There were lots of Thomas vendors, plus the usual assortment of off-topic things like dollhouse furniture and Star Wars figures. I really liked the big S-gauge layout in the back corner. They have a working hopper car tipper (scratch built) that looks really neat. This show always has a lot of S and O-gauge vendors, and this time around was no exception. The Lego layout was enormous.
I came home with a few details. One vendor had very good prices on Woodland Scenics figures, so I picked up the Roofers and Checkers Players sets. A number of vendors had J.L. Innovative stuff, and I picked up a small propane tank from one of them. I also found a couple of relay boxes for $4.
Thanks Sue I'll try but it's not easy to pace myself, I've had back problems since my early teens. I am thinking about it but I'm in a wait and see mode for now.
MrB, My boys and I could always adopt you for the day. We'll be getting there between 10-10:30 on Sat.
Lisa, Take care of you back. This not a good time of year to be under the weather. Yes, she is a 7 mo lab. She brings the ball up and puts it in my hand, slobber and all. I have never seen a dog that throws the ball. If I ignore her, she throws it and retrives it. Have you been studying locos for the show tomorrow? Once we got one with sound, we were hooked.
MisterB, Good to see you here, too.
Sue
Hi gang, I haven't been in in a few days, I threw my back out (nothing unusual) on Wed. trying to get ready for Thanksgiving. Type2 personalities don't like to wait for help and we generally pay for it some way, with me it's always my back. Any way it's better now, just in time for the trainshow in the morning.
Sue, your dog looks like a Lab,my Mom has one sweetest animal you ever want to meet but she has a real problem with rocks, she loves to carry them and at 12 her teeth are either broken or worn down.
Nelson, It' s nice to know that you were following my old thread and it was good of you to introduce youself. My husband is doing well, although he is struggling not to worry about a mole that needs to be removed, that will come off next month and I am very hopeful that it's nothing.
Pc, I was glad to hear more about you, even though we've soken many times at the CS I didn't know much about your interests. So thanks for filling in some blanks.
I hope to see some of you in Wilmington,MA at the train show how we will know each other but who knows.
See you later
Sue,
I'm glad she's so well trained. I'd hate to see all of that hard work trashed in a moment of puppy exuberance. Speaking of which, I was really impressed with the painting you showed on the backdrop thread. The clouds and the mountains looked great, particularly the haze on the distant peaks. I wouldn't mind seeing more photos if you have them available.
Nelson
Ex-Southern 385 Being Hoisted
Welcome, Nelson,
Yes, she has lots of bones & rawhide chews, firewood, branches, cornstalks,etc. Just about anything that she can drag up on the deck to shread. She is, however, very careful with her things. The only thing that she gets into in the train room so far is the gargage, and a few trees that I had drying. She had learned to throw her ball, and managed to throw it up on the counter. Hopefully, it will not end up on the layout.
Philip, We finally lost power on Sunday night. I got the generator out; hooked things up; and the power came on. I guess it was a good dry run. Yes, Larry was home patched the roof; took off for LA; and should be back home this afternoon. I think that he will be home until after Thanksgiving weekend. We should have lots of layout activity.
Saturday, we are going to the Great Train Expo in Puyallup. I am looking for some good buys on NP cars.
I need to head to town to get my DOT physical. Talk with you later.
Mornin'!
How's everyone doing today?
Just thought I'd stop in and see how everyone is.
Hey, does this place serve food or drinks? I'd like a Moxie. Is there a waitress?
So Sue, hows the roof holding up and is the hubby back yet?
And Lisa, hows the family's health holding out? Been praying for you all.
Hi Sue and Lisa,
I haven't spoken to you before, but I was keeping up on your other thread. Good to see you've established a permanent home here. Lisa, I hope things have settled down for you as well.
gear-jammer wrote: She is only 7 months old. I am impressed how white they are. No, she has not been bleaching them, and I have not had to clean them yet. Lots of bones are in her path. I should blow up that picture and hang it at work. Sue
She is only 7 months old. I am impressed how white they are. No, she has not been bleaching them, and I have not had to clean them yet. Lots of bones are in her path. I should blow up that picture and hang it at work.
Yes, you'd better give her plenty of bones and rawhide chews to keep her from teething on things like locomotives and scenery.
fiatfan wrote: gear-jammer wrote: You are welcome to stop by. We are very casual and do little eating or drinking here. Oh by the way. How is this for a happy picture. Sue Sue,If I send you my teeth, can you make them that white? Tom
gear-jammer wrote: You are welcome to stop by. We are very casual and do little eating or drinking here. Oh by the way. How is this for a happy picture. Sue
You are welcome to stop by. We are very casual and do little eating or drinking here.
Oh by the way. How is this for a happy picture.
It amazing how young teeth are so white.
gear-jammer wrote:You are welcome to stop by. We are very casual and do little eating or drinking here. Oh by the way. How is this for a happy picture. Sue
Life is simple - eat, drink, play with trains!
Go Big Red!
PA&ERR "If you think you are doing something stupid, you're probably right!"
coborn35 wrote: lisap wrote: I'm not entirely sure what to look for in a steam engine sound would be nice but do I have to have a special controler? It should run on a DCC controller. My understanding of DC is that the sounds will work, you just cannot use the whistle, bell, headlight control etc.
lisap wrote: I'm not entirely sure what to look for in a steam engine sound would be nice but do I have to have a special controler?
I'm not entirely sure what to look for in a steam engine sound would be nice but do I have to have a special controler?
It should run on a DCC controller. My understanding of DC is that the sounds will work, you just cannot use the whistle, bell, headlight control etc.
If my memory serves me right, (we have only had DCC since last December), if you flip the on/off switch quickly you access the bell, and if you flip the on/off switch slowly, you access the whistle.
With the newer Proto 2000 and Broadway Limited, that have a QSI sound chip, you can get a DC sidekick to attach between the power pack and the track which will allow you to access the sounds. I believe there are some others (Athearn?) that have remote control units.
Have fun looking, Sue
lisap wrote: I'm sorry if I came across as harsh. I think the reason you see so many of these chat threads is that you get a group of people who have similar ideas and we like to have a place to chat about it. I didn't mean to offend anyone and I am very sorry that I did. Next time I promise not to get offended. I'm not entirely sure what to look for in a steam engine sound would be nice but do I have to have a special controler?
I'm sorry if I came across as harsh. I think the reason you see so many of these chat threads is that you get a group of people who have similar ideas and we like to have a place to chat about it. I didn't mean to offend anyone and I am very sorry that I did. Next time I promise not to get offended.
Mechanical Department "No no that's fine shove that 20 pound set all around the yard... those shoes aren't hell and a half to change..."
The Missabe Road: Safety First
Thanks for the suggestion. "Bash" is a little harsh. We just chose to continue what we have been doing since August.