Elliotts Trackside Diner (est 1-1-07)

[grayfox1119]

Me too Paul......fifnished the cement work on the wall and sidewalk in front of house, dodging raindrops off n On all afternoon, but nothing long enough or hard enough to bother the mortar or cement. Swinging those 89# bags around has me tired tonight....I fell asleep reading MRR, now that's BAD !!!

So before I miss any more keys typing...we will see you guys for breakfast...

Code 5

[wetidlerjr]

Good morning ! from Indiana.

06-12-07

[Fergmiester]

Good Morning All

Well the fog lifted for a whole 20 minutes this morning but I hear the fog horn is back bemoaning her endless cry of dispair and "Look Out I'm over here".  Every two minutes she laments... every two minutes...

After a while you don't hear it anymore, a kind of selective hearing I dare say that I've developed over the years.

Ed: glad to see you enjoying paradise, musty be nice to have NO FOG! Yes I'm envious. Temps out here yesterday was in the 40's might get into the 50's today.

Richard: Not quite sure what this lot is up to yet all I know is they are doing Ocean mapping and looking at sea bottom formations. Lots of coal I'm told. Any signs of tropical waves yet?

Well the work continues on the erie Steam Shovel but it's a perverse little kit with many parts and the wrong glue (My fault I'm afraid). Should have had the slower CA or the "Orange Peel" non toxic stuff. But once I apply paint it will look great.

That's it for me

Later All

Fergie

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Good morning. A little bad news. My mother landed in the hospital yesterday due to complications from diabetes and bronchitis, so please excuse me if I'm not in an agreeable mood.

Today's Weather for:  
Sundown, LA  71446-6114      6/12/2007 

Sundown Fire Dept., Station 23
 
Heat Index:  77°F
Humidity:  95%
Dew Point:  70°F
 
So Far Today
High:  74°F
Low:  72°F
Rain:  0.00"
Rain Rate:  0.00"/h
Gust:  0mph NNE
 
Today  High: 95    Partly sunny. A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 90s. Light and variable winds.  

Tonight  Low: 72    Mostly cloudy. A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the lower 70s. Light and variable winds.

[JimRCGMO]

Good morning, Zoe - a cup of coffee and one of Bill T.'s chocolate donuts please, to go.

I see Fergie's been through already - sheesh, in your time zone that would've be what? - 3 or 4 a.m. that you posted? Goodness, Fergie, don't forget to get some 's!

Yesterday was not one of my favorite days - I'll just say that I have to go to court on the 21st on a civil matter (no, not a woman involved), and the company filing is a PITA that I tried to work things out with earlier, but they weren't interested. Just bummed out. Didn't even feel like going to MRR club last night. Accountants and lawyers! Okay, I'll step off of the box now.

Hope today goes better.  One good thing yesterday was, my P2K ATSF GP7 arrived.

Hope your week is going better,

Jim in Cape Girardeau 

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Jeff, we'll be praying for "Mom"!  

Hello and good morning, diners!  ..... and good mooring, Fergie!

If you snooze you loose. I missed out on some muffins from Der a couple of days ago.

Forecast is sunny and high 80's today. Another day to do the outside stuff in the morning before the heat bothers me.  Jeff's keeping cool I hear (when not working his desk job). Dick's looking out for you. Take care of yourself!

Been busy here.  I noticed not one of you showed up to help lift the steam locomotive back up to the "upstairs layout".   I can tell who my friends are.  I still owe a couple of you (Jerry and Dick) some pix you requested.  I've not forgotten.  I'll get a round tuit.

Paul, I'm interested in what you're doing.  I'm sure I missed out on some earlier posts. Sounds like you're involved with big model trains.  As for your watching a John Wayne, I'll say Hollywood has not made a good movie since John Wayne died. You have to get an old movie if you want to see a man being a man.

BobK ...... nice photos of the club layout!  Good to see B&O operating in Mass. NH can park their trains!

Ed........ so exactly where is "paradise"? We like Mexico, but never considered staying there.

Der........... so it's back to rocks, eh........ and the backdrop, too.  I was just patching up some of mine.  The first sections of my backdrop (Faller) are wrinkled.  Reason for that condition is that I followed their instructions precisely to the letter.  They said to use wallpaper paste. I learned water based paste on paper makes it swell and stretch. Subsequently, I use generous amounts of 3M spray adhesive to install, and I'm happy with that method.

Fergie.....  Good you're feelin' better.  Food poison is no fun.  You should only eat at the diner.  Lessons learned.  Can we look forward to steam shovel photos.

Lee ........nice photos of the WM GP40.  Atlas? Looks like it.  They make great locos.

Sue ..........teaching a class on leading rock climbing? wow! it's uphill now, right? Keep smiling.

Hey Ryan....... that's really good food you're eating.  glad you're under control.  (splitting meals). Keeping the pounds off okay?

Interesting skeeter brew Inch. Skeeters aren't too bad here. Ticks can be though. I suppose that might work on them. I don't see many of those bug zapping lights anymore.

Dick.............. thanks for the gardening updates. Strawberry rhubarb pies yet?

Hello Indiana Bill. ... Thanks for your contributions. Feel free to talk a bit.

Philip ..........  I hope your daughter's vacation is in somebody else's car.  OR else you may be rescuing instead of soldering.

Cape Jim.................. sympathies if you must be dealing with lawyers, etc. Hard to get stuff done with legal matters out there. Good luck with the GP7.  I bet you really like it!

Everybody........ Have a nice day!

 

 

[pcarrell]

Jeff, we'll be praying for "Mom"!  

I'll second that motion!

They have her stabilized I hope?

 

Philip ..........  I hope your daughter's vacation is in somebody else's car.  OR else you may be rescuing instead of soldering.

Yeah, she's riding with friends.

 

Fergie, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!  Pics of trains in the fog are cool!  Now grab that camera and hit the tracks!

 

For Mr. Vollmer........

Well, last month we were almost 3" shy of our normal rainfall, and this month we're on track to do it again.  We're an inch short already and no rain forcasted for the next 5-7 days.

Dry Weather Continues!

TODAY:  Not much to say here...dry, warm weather continues highs today will hit the mid to upper 80's.

EXTENDED OUTLOOK:  Since the pattern is stagnant, lets skip right to the extended outlook.  Not good news for farmers or for the water companies here.  Here is the upper level map by Thursday morning. 

(Click any of these pics to enlarge)

A ridge of high pressure will surround the state, and help keep the dry weather locked in.  We should officially get below normal in the rainfall for the year by Thursday or Friday.

DROUGHT WATCH:  Rain has been an endangered species since the month of May.  Here is a rundown of some of the stats. 

Usually drought refers to a period of time longer than a month, but May was so much below normal, that it does classify as a short-term drought on the Palmer Index.  Here is the latest Drought Assessment. 

Look at the progression of the drought from the southeast U.S. to here in Indiana!

When could we see relief???  Well, the latest projections point to the early or middle of next week.  Here is the GFS Model map by Tuesday night.

And for all the laymen out there.......

[egmurphy]

Good Morning Coffee Clubbers,

Another beautiful day down here in Paradise.    Should get up to around 98ºF today.  The technician is coming out to do the yearly maintenance on the a-c unit that cools the upstairs part of the house.  That means the a-c will be down for part of the day!!  Horrors.  I'll just have to put the fans on high and try to hold out.

CG_Jim - I see Fergie's been through already - sheesh, in your time zone that would've be what? - 3 or 4 a.m. that you posted?

Nope, remember he's ahead of us by around 2-1/2 hours (Atlantic Time).  It was probably around seven o'clock when he posted.

Heartland Division - so exactly where is "paradise"? We like Mexico, but never considered staying there.

Tuxpan, Veracruz.  On the Mexican Gulf Coast, maybe about 10 hour's drive south of the border at Brownsville.  Not a very touristy spot, typical gulf coast beach, not that white sand and crystal clear water like Cancun, and not one of those places that makes it into magazines as one of the "100 Best Places to Retire in Mexico" either.  We retired here because Fran's family is from here.  In fact, we built next door to my in-laws.  It's actually a bit hot and humid for my tastes, but that's why they invented a/c.

Hasta luego guys,

Ed

[Anonymous]

We (my dad and I) just got back from breakfast and we were crossing the CSX line that runs through town when we saw two of those MoW trucks with the train wheels on them (i don't know what they're called).  My dad made a comment about how he'd "hate to have that job".  Then I realized what he was talking about... Since they're not heavy enough to trip the crossing gates, I don't know if they trip the signals, either.  Imagine, going down the tracks in one of those things...and then three SD70Ms pulling 150 coal hoppers come up behind you at 50 miles per hour!  Not exactly the perfect recipe for a good day.

[cheese4432]

since Heartland Division CB&Q is buying I'll have cheese bread toast fo breakfast with butter and apple jelly on the side. Hot weather here and throughout the whole summer .

[grayfox1119]

Good afternoon to all......the weather here is still being influenced by that stalled upper level LOW off the New England coastline. It is acting like a block for every weather system across North America. ( See Philips weather maps, they depict the situation better then 1000 words. )

FERGIE: Did you say they have found lots of "coal" on the ocean bottom during the mapping? Is that natural occuring or from ships sunk in WW 2 bringing supplies to Allies?

As for Tropics, all calm so far, so once that upper level LOW breaks down in a couple of days, the seas should calm and the fog will disappear.

GARRY: No need to excuse being tardy with pics..I have railfan shots that are very delinquent, tsk tsk. And as for Strawberry Rhubarb pie....guess what I had for supper last night for desert? And, with Vanilla bean ice cream on top ( low fat of course )

JEFF: It is OK to be stressed, no need to worry about us, we understand only too well. Mom is in our prayers Jeff, you too!!

PHIL (PC) : Great job with weather maps, it shows the culprit off the Atlantic coast causing the entire weather back-up.

CAPE JIM: I have empathy for you buddy, I have a strong dislike for "some Lawyers" that pull this crap.....I have a hard time keeping my wits and cool about me when I get engaged with them.....good luck Jim !!!

ED:  98 huh!!! You have the right idea in heading north to NewFoundland for 5 weeks, being north in the summer is smart, just as being south in the winter is equally smart. There is a steam excursion on July 14th in North Conway, New Hampshire. The Canadian built 0-6-0 , Grand Trunk RR yard goat built in 1921, is going to pull passenger cars all the way through Crawford Notch, past Mt Washington, to Fabyan RR Station.This is a 5 1/2 hours trip that is very picturesque through the White Mountains, along the Saco river, crossing over 5 bridges and one large trestle. It is extremely rare to have steam on this route, so if you can possibly hit this area when up north, it will be well worth the trip.

Ohh, I see from the Google Satellite maps, you are on your hammock on the front porch taking your noontime siesta....what is that drink you have in your hand? Ohh , and there's Fran bringing you some fruit for lunch...NICE !!! I love Google maps!!!

Ok, time for me to get back outside, work to do..... Paul, John and I have some RR ties to change out.

Ohh, BTW ED, it is a cool and very comfortable 75F, 62% Rh and a DP of 56F here in the central hills of Massachusetts ( land of many hills as the Algonquin Native Americans named the state )

Code 5

[egmurphy]

It is extremely rare to have steam on this route, so if you can possibly hit this area when up north, it will be well worth the trip.

I should be so lucky.  That's way too far off the route.  Go, and post pictures.  I'll live vicariously through your trip.

....here in the central hills of Massachusetts ( land of many hills as the Algonquin Native Americans named the state )

I thought that was "Land of many ragweeds".  Isn't that where the "achoo" part comes from? 

Luego,

Ed

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

G'afternoon folks!

Nice outside now.  Mid 80's and a breeze. Low humidty.

Fort Campbell, KY  42223      6/12/2007

Temp Wind 15 mph 86.0°F Click here to see more observations Switch to Celsius

Heat Index: 85°F Humidity: 31% Dew Point: 53°F   So Far Today High: 86°F Low: 59°F Rain: 0.00" Rain Rate: 0.00"/h Gusts: 24mph E

Regarding:

We (my dad and I) just got back from breakfast and we were crossing the CSX line that runs through town when we saw two of those MoW trucks with the train wheels on them (i don't know what they're called).  My dad made a comment about how he'd "hate to have that job".  Then I realized what he was talking about... Since they're not heavy enough to trip the crossing gates, I don't know if they trip the signals, either.  Imagine, going down the tracks in one of those things...and then three SD70Ms pulling 150 coal hoppers come up behind you at 50 miles per hour!  Not exactly the perfect recipe for a good day.

CSX ...... Those are Hi-Rail vehicles. Highway trucks with rail wheels added. I've been in some of them. Even drove one briefly one time. They are insulated and do not trip highway flashers and gates. So, they stop and cross highways when clear. A few years back a Canadian company was selling Hi-Rail truck tractors (part of 18 wheelers) as mobile switch engines.

Thanks, Cheese, for going easy on the budget.

Okay, Dick......... low fat my eye.  

Back to work here.

Bye.

 

[JPowell]

Afternoon all -

  Let's see if I can do this post again... Long story for another time - lol

Ed - What is the 'virtual' rate you are charging for a carload of mixed fruit? If the price is right, I may have a vendor willing to take a load or 2 from you.

Dick - Weather sounds nice in Central MA this afternoon. It a warm 84F, rh - 51%, wind - 13/G20,  pressure - 30.06, dp - 64F, heat index - 85F, visibility - 10mi. So, what about those Red Sox? 4-6 over the last 10, while the Evil Empire is 8-2 over the same stretch. Good to see that Lester is in Pawtucket now and working his way back to form.

  I had tried earlier to post some photos of the new Ladder Truck my Fire Dept is getting come July 1st, but seems the files are a might big to fit in the forum. Speaking of posting photos and links, seems that the toolbar option for posting urls is not working. Is it me or is everyone experiencing this? Anyway, for those that would like to see it, I will provide links to them over at my photobucket account -

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s303/nuts4sports34/Firefighting%20Related/100_1042.jpg

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s303/nuts4sports34/Firefighting%20Related/100_0927.jpg

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s303/nuts4sports34/Firefighting%20Related/100_0926.jpg

And here's the link to a brief story from our department's website about the Truck -

http://www.fayettevillefd.org/fullstory.php?46880

Back to MRR ing, anyone got a suggestion for a substitute to use in place of WS Scenic Cement? Seems the bottle that came w/ the module I purchased a few months ago is all separated to liquid w/ a paste on the bottom. I'm trying to cement the culvert together so I can continute to work on this since it has been a while.

Well, I am off to check my emails and whatnot.

Take care!

[ModelTrainLover]

I asked my dad if we had one he said yes. and I still have the first power pack jeff sent me. I think I know what's wrong with that one. The brush that's connected to the wire that controlls how much juice goes to the tracks might be jamed.

[ModelTrainLover]

"So check out what I saw today! (I know, it's not really all that exciting. We just don't get these much around here.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j319/pcarrell/Prototype%20Train%20Photos/6-9-070.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j319/pcarrell/Prototype%20Train%20Photos/6-9-071.jpg " PC

Intermodal freight or the lead loco?

[pcarrell]

The TFM.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I took off from work early today. My feet were pretty much gone and I was having muscle control problems in my legs,like a creeping paralysis, so I decided it would be best to quit for the day. I had to get a copy of my vehicle registration certificate from DMV then get my vehicle inspected. As always, it passed. The inspector wasn't scared by the horn this time. He remembered it from last year and covered his ears.

As regards my mother. She's doing well, they got her stabilized last night, though her bronchitis is still a problem. I can identify with that, mine kicks up every year and is a real problem when I laugh. Went to look in on her and had to rub it in a little (she's always on me about my health). I simply told her 'Ah ha, went to see the doc and he slapped your happy butt in the hospital, eh? She got a laugh out of that.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

"So check out what I saw today! (I know, it's not really all that exciting. We just don't get these much around here.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j319/pcarrell/Prototype%20Train%20Photos/6-9-070.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j319/pcarrell/Prototype%20Train%20Photos/6-9-071.jpg " PC

Intermodal freight or the lead loco?

TFM? I see those everyday. (Yawn)

[SilverSpike]

Just a quick hello and a drive by!  Hello!

Catch up with you all laters!

[myred02]

Garry: I've heard of those Hi-Rail tractor-trailer trucks being used as locomotives. Too bad I don't see any, as there is a host of EMD Geeps and GE 4-axles around here to handle that sort of thing. However, I am still amazed at how much pulling power they have (For not acually being a locomotive, I know big rigs are plenty powerful!).

Colby: I saw a TFM unit a few days ago. Caught it in Kelly, KY as part od a light engine move headed south and followed it down to Hopkinsville where I came to find that it was power for one of the many Military trains that go out of Ft. Campbell, KY. The base has it's own railroad that operates from Ft. Campbell up to Hopkinsville on former Tennessee Central trackage where it interchanges with CSX via a huge wye. Heck, they even have their own set of power consisting of old GP10s!

[Edit] I'm not sure what those tall masts and wires next to the tracks in that pic are for, but they've been there since they built that "new" section of track in 2003. However, they don't run along the entire stretch of track, so it can't be any type of pantograph (they're way too tall anyway). Possibly for communication purposes? Do any of you know?

Jeff: Glad to hear that your mom is doing better. Bronchitus (or however you spell it ) isn't my absolute favorite thing to have, although it's been awhile since I had it...  

Happy railroading to all!

-Brandon

 

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Brandon....... that looks familiar. Hopkinsville's not far from here. I recall those engines (or some just like them) hauling a train of loaded flat cars (military vehicles and equipment) from Ft Campbell shortly before Iraq war.

Bye.

[grayfox1119]

GARRY !!!!!!!  It really was low fat Vanilla Bean Ice Cream...how do you think I keep this 5-10" 68 year old frame at 185# ?????? LOL

ED: I rode that 0-6-0 steamer through Crawford Notch 5 years ago on Railfans weekend in October. This time, I want to give chase and take photos and videos along the route. I am going to have Lorraine take the videos while I shoot with the Nikon D70. There are man excellent spots along the route to take shots, and I know every inch of  route. So unless the weather is bad, I should have some real nice photos for you to enjoy a virtual train ride.

Believe it or not, Massachusetts is the name that the Algonquin Native Americans gave to this land. It was so hilly that they called it the "land of many hills", which translates in their language as "Massachusetts". And, what many do not know, it also included all of the state of Maine and past of New Hampshire. The sneezing is from all the pollen, the air is yellow, the cars are covered with yellow, and when it rains, the streets turn to gold. LOL Even the dogs and cats sneeze here in the Spring!!!

JP: The sox have had great pitching during this trip, but the bats are stone cold, they are lucky they won the games they did. The Yanks on the otherhand have been playing teams that are lousy, and they ARE hitting, hence their record of late. Wait until they get up against some tough teams.

JEFF: Glad to hear that mom is stabilized, now you go eat some low fat yogurt!!!

Code 5

[Cox 47]

Evening All....Its hot and humid here today and we are needing rain bad with none in the forcast....I'll have a Root Beer Float please..Thank You....I havn't got much done still fighting the back house trots Dr. sent me some new meds today its got me kinda run down...did get the hand car set out in and another home made coal load...

Jeff...Glad to hear your Mother is better...

Fergie and Ed.....Good to have you back in the Dinner

Anybody heard anything from RT? Last I heard he was painting walls...Also don't think Inch has been in...

Derjohn.....Hows work coming on you N scal empire? Looking forward to more pictures...When I see the great progress you are making makes me feel bad and want to get my rear in gear...

Well almost time to wake Sallie from her nap we have to have supper over before 6 because she has to fast for some tests..She is having some problems with her heart please keep her in your thoughts and prayers...You all have a good one...Jerry

[Train Master]

JEFF: Glad to hear that mom is stabilized, now you go eat some low fat yogurt!!!

ha! he hate lowfat yogurt. you just dont know how much

[pcarrell]

Glad mom is OK Jeff!

[pcarrell]

Yeah, I know Chloe!  It's all about me again, huh?

 

OK boys and girls!  Step right up and get the Surf & Turf Special!

I figure I might as well just offer it to you since thats probably what you're going to order anyways!

Oh, and I brought my dog Maggie with me to clean up and droppings from you all!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Glad mom is OK Jeff!

I'm glad too, you just don't know how glad I am.

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Good to hear good news about your Mom, Jeff.

Dick: .....sure, Low fat vanella bean ice cream.......uh huh, sure,....okay... (selling any bridges up there?)

[JPowell]

So, does anyone think I can use regular glue in place of WS Secnic Cement? Or is there something else I should try?

TTYL!