Elliotts Trackside Diner (est 1-1-07)

[inch53]

A GOOD MOTHERS DAY to all the moms

I'll have a some- coffee Janie, another cool morning here.  The furnace kick on and its set on 60. Got all the baseball done for a few days anyway, but got another busy day running round to see our moms along with chores here. Both our moms are in their 70's and are in good health

DER,,, like the fence, looks great. I've got 3 blond haired grand daughters, may have to raid their brushes. I use straight pins for steel post on mine and wood tooth picks for corner and gatepost in HO.

RT,,, you keep going and you might get your layout going yet. Just a thought,, wasn't you going to fix that floor bout a year ago???

DICK,, 20 years on any piece of equipment is great. I'd almost bet you couldn't get that out of a new now days. I don't know how old our tiller is, we've had it a lot of years and bought it used. The only major repair was a new carb, after it caught fire.

Best get round ta some chores. Hope to finish planting the garden, though I'll have to wait on Leroy to help me [he likes to work in the garden with me]. And a little more mowing some time today. Hope ya'll has a great Sunday, take cares

[wetidlerjr]

Good morning ! from Indiana.

05-13-07

[Fergmiester]

Colby: The Fergie thing is in reference to our dear friend soldering himself while doing some wireing under the layout. I just hope that the gang here doesn't find out about some of my goofs since they can be ruthless. Who Me?

It was a phase... some lie body piercing while others like tattoos. I prefered screaming in agony and turning the air blue around me!

Colby: These are the things to remember about soldering

1. variable power soldering iron is an asset but not a must, minimum 25 watts 40 is better. slow heat will melt things in adjacent area. high heat is localised. use alligator clips to dispate heat if required.

2. keep the tip clean

3. always use flux even with resin cored solder

4. I use lead/cadmium free solder regardless always insure good ventilation

5. Make sure work is clean and dirt/paint/oil free

6. wear glasses if soldering over head (I use a face shield)

7. ALWAYS PICK UP SOLDERING IRON BY THE RUBBER/PLASTIC END!

8. Never dangle live iron over table edge and then go looking for lost pieces under table on hands and knees with a carpenter butt for the whole world to see. Soldering Irons are alive!!!

If you decide not to heed the last two insure youngsters are not within hearing range!

 

RT: I didn't mention your "Elivis impersonation, did I!?! 

I some how think the memory of Johnny Weissmuller is still intact.

Later All

 

Fergie 

[cheese4432]

Cheese:Please dispense with the long blank spaces. I hate scrolling down through all that emptiness.

 

ok fine I'll edit it.......

Anyone else want the rest of the sandwich? if not put it in the fridge and I'll have it tommorow for lunch.. Thanks Zoe.

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Hello everyone....

Perhaps some cookies and decaf will hit the spot tonight.

I had a lot of non-mrr stuff to do today, but did get into the train room this evening.  I'm still working on passenger cars now. I'm trying to make my own resin castings for some of the details. In particular, I am trying to add more skirts to CB&Q stainless steel cars to be consistant with the prototype. I'm hoping to make some with resin.

Earlier today I posted a couple of kit bashed cars on week end photo fun.

Bobk... glad those words helped. Do you live near Plymouth, Mass.?

Best wishes to all!

 

[mononguy63]

Greeting to all the regulars here in the Diner. I just wanted to drop in and say that I've been following Michael's situation, and you guys here have obviously been giving him some wonderful counsel. On behalf of all the other forum contributors who wish they could do more than just post to a thread, please accept my heartfelt thanks. You've all earned an extra star in your crowns.

Jim

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Paul wrote:

Colby: you will have to solder that wire. Hot glue and the others will not conduct electricity. Fergie is good at soldering things. Mostly his body. Check into a soldering iron.

(no comment...)

WHAT'S THAT SUPPOST TO MEAN?

Colby

Colby:It means get a soldering iron. You can get a good one for less than $20.

 

[Paul W. Beverung]

Evening Gang: Up north you guys do HO or N in the winter because the weather is cold outside. Then in the summer you do the outdoor thing when the weather is worm. Down here we should reverse that because the basement is cool in the summer and the temperature outside is HOT. I should have worked on the HO today. We worked on the track over at my friends all day. I gave up around 3:30. The temp was in the 90s and the humidity was up there also. It really took the stuffings out of me. We got alot done and we also found out that a bunch of guys are coming Monday to run there stuff. They are from out of state on there way to a meet further south. Surprise, surprise. Anyway they will get the last done tomorrow. I won't be there since I'm taking Mary Ann out for a lunchen. We did run the name passenger train all the way out and back so I guess things are in pretty good shape.

Colby: The Fergie thing is in reference to our dear friend soldering himself while doing some wireing under the layout. I just hope that the gang here doesn't find out about some of my goofs since they can be ruthless. Who Me?

Der: That's a real neat fence there. I'd never think of using hair for the wire.

By the way I've got a new E-mail address. [e-mail].

I'm going to head out since I have some printing to get done.

Good Night All

[cheese4432]

Tonight I'll hve another one of those gargantutan(sp?) sand wiches with a strawberry milk shake. Any one want the other half? 

 

As of this afternoon my track is permanently affixed to the extruded styrofoam table top! So I am now ready to lay down the scenery. I have decided to have my railroad (loosely based off santa fe) in a green place with a salt mine.

p.s. that is VERY loosely.

[grayfox1119]

Busy day today, this is the first time I have sat at the PC. Spreading the last of the mulch, putting the tiller back together after the repair job, planting the flowers that the CFO bought, church at 4pm, Fireman's spagetti supper fuind raiser...the 15month old grandson fell asleep in my arms for most of the Mass, boy, is he getting heavy to hold for 30 minutes !!

 Now I would like to wish all the Mothers a very Happy Mothers Day......may you all have a great day and be treated with the love and respect that you deserve.

MIKE: When you consider the 20 years that I received from this tiller, $386 is not that bad at all. Tomorrow I should be able to get the garden tilled.

FERGIE: We have a lot of glass in our added - on Family room which is an "L" off the main ranch house extending due West, with no windows facing North. There are three Velux sky lights that open manually ( long pole opener ) It is surprising how well the room heats in the daytime with sunlight. We use blinds for shades. The Pellet stove is in that room, and I have never had to turn that zone ON for heat, but we do allow the Pellet stove to run 24 hours a day, low heat at night, and it does a great job. We are going to go to a small wood burning stove, Vermont Castings, mostly because I have my own supply of wood, and the cost of Pellets just keep rising each season, now $4.45 a 40# bag. I used 110 bags this season, and Nov, Dec, and most of Jan were warmer than normal.

DER JOHN: You are the master of materials when it comes to landscaping!!! Now you are using your grandaughters hair for fencing wire.......now that has to be a first for MRR magazine, I think you should send that idea in John!!!

BOBK: You certainly had a day (and night) to remember, or should I say "forget"!!! You did a great job in staying cool tempered Bob, most people would be screaming at AAA for being so lax with customers. I see that you and Michael have made contact here in the Diner, it is good for both of you. And as you have seen already, the Diner has a great bunch of people, who share their feelings and support for each other like one big extended family.

Tomorrow, we head over to my daughter's house and the guys and older boys prepare breakfast for the ladies and Mother's of the family.

Prayers to all you my friends tonight......( except Yankee fans..........just kidding )

[rtraincollector]

Hey all thought I'd come by and say hi. Got the walls in my trainroom/office done about a month (3/8" plywood)ago and finally got the floor (5/8" plywood ) done today lets see I only had to fall though it twice befor I finally got it fixed lol.

See Fergie telling on us again. It wasn't phils faught it was that weak floor from the other owners that we never knew about till then (yeah right believe that one and I'll sell you my share of the Brooklyn bridge)

Any way time to paint walls next (white sealer ) to prime them and then not sure but thinking of a faint light blue as in sky color so I don't need to worry about a sky color just add clouds and all.

Hello to all I've missed I'm the odd ball around here I come to learn some good advive and to say hello to some great modlers) I collect/run O gauge 3 rail i do have a HO set but its Marklin you know the strange HO with the middle rail as long as it has 3 rails i'll run it lol

Well time to craw back into the corner and start watching everyone again

[ModelTrainLover]

Paul wrote:

Colby: you will have to solder that wire. Hot glue and the others will not conduct electricity. Fergie is good at soldering things. Mostly his body. Check into a soldering iron.

(no comment...)

WHAT'S THAT SUPPOST TO MEAN?

Colby

[ModelTrainLover]

Michael - sorry to hear about your son. I've also lost family members, though all of you guys here at the dinner have never know about it untill now. I lost my dog pepper back when I was in 1st - 2nd grade. She died of cancer, and my Grampy (granddad) on my dad's side durring the summer of.. was it 2002 or 2003? can't remember because of a heartattack, he died at the hospital in Bangor. I have some memories of him but I didn't know him real well. At his funeral it was the only time I have ever seen my dad cry.

   Come hang out at the dinner for a while and stick with trains.

 

[inch53]

Afternon, a barley pop please Janie,

Well two games done [watched 3 kids] and part of the yards mowed even. Going to get washed up, eat a very early supper, then head north for the double header [4'th kid] in Paris, probbley won't stay for all it though, be to late for us. Mother just hoolered, so best gets round

inch

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Jeff: You do have your work "cut" out for you (pun intended). Is the mill take off easy for identical desks or did a wrench get thrown in the works. I find the later can make it more interesting. I find that much of what I do is on site mill and cut to fit. People ask, "You must have a great shop?",  I have to say no, my shop is mostly in the truck for all on site custom work.

The desks are all identical, made from a single pattern. To be exact, it's 69 desks and 11 printer stands. The work is done in a 10,000 square foot shop area, with cutting and constuction done on one side of the area and staining, poly and finish work being done on the other side. The work is done by a crew of three. A shop boss and two employees.

[bogp40]

I really wanted to follow up on many of the replies since my last post. Was tied up all day and evening, this to be a story expained further down. Friday did turn out to be a very good day for me. As I mentioned Friday morning, thoughts of April were an enlightenment for me rather than sorrow. I hope this will continue. This is why I'm so glad that Michael, you have decided to join us. We have never met, but we have so much in common right now. Believe me,I do know exactly what you're going through. With all the support from this great group, I want you to start to feel some peace as I am experiencing. For 2 weeks after my wife's death I was in shock and was running on adrenaline. My house was a beehive of family and friends. Some stayed for a bit longer to help out and be there for us. Reality hit home about the 3rd week, was not pretty at at. I just went back to work, needed to keep ocupied. A good friend, another contractor, gave me some kitchen and trim work. He said if for some reason I needed time just take the day (as I needed to do last week). I couldn't afford to do this on any of my kitchen jobs still on hold. Real friends do shine in times like this.

The first time the house was empty was the absolute worst. No wife, the kids off at work or practice, just was very hard to take. Michael, I noted your anger toward trains, as I posted on the other thread, I was angry at Cancer. It seems everywhere, I just had enough- no more. I do hope that your initial anger will subside and things will become a bit more tollerable for you as they have for me.

I am looking at things under a new light these past few days. I have a promise to keep- I did tell my April that, "Not to worry, I will take good care of your babies". When I think of this it gives me strength to carry on. She would expect no less.

Jeff: You do have your work "cut" out for you (pun intended). Is the mill take off easy for identical desks or did a wrench get thrown in the works. I find the later can make it more interesting. I find that much of what I do is on site mill and cut to fit. People ask, "You must have a great shop?",  I have to say no, my shop is mostly in the truck for all on site custom work.

Dick: My drive to Cambridge from Weymouth is only short term. The next jobs are Sommervile, Charlestown, Lexington and Belmont. Why can't I get some close to home? I try to leave early to beat most of it. I do have a great story of what happened yesterday at 3:15pm while just leaving the job. I backed out of the jobsite and made it about 1/2 block when "Boom/ Crack", My lower ball joint sheared in the middle of a fairly busy cut through. That truck was not going anywhere. The tire was jamed in the fenderwell and the lower control arm was still suspended. Called AAA, said needed priority tow, Cambridge Police had not responded yet. 1 hour later called AAA, where's the wrecker? Be there within the hour, What? Now the police showed up. They would hold for 30 minutes and it would be a police tow. The driver calls, can't find me, turns out he is at the right named street but in Brighton not Cambridge. Called AAA set up with a Cambridge outfit, same as the police tow. The cop was great talked about kitchen remodel, my wife and kids, how I was handling everything, a real nice guy. The truck shows up at 7pm and they take me to their lot. There is no driver to take me to my house. What about the guy driving now? No, he has to go out on local calls. Great, hours go by now it is dark, The ramp truck w/ my truck on it has no lights and it is the only flatbed available. Long story,  I slept in my truck until morning and waited for a new driver to show to get my van loaded with tools to my door. The first real good day for me ended in a 18 hour ordeal. But I took it in stride, Yes AAA and the tow outfit were incompetent, but flipping out would have only made matters worse. Would you like to know what it was like staying in the "Dodge Hilton"? (my truck) absolutely fantastic and my back agrees with me.

Phillip: Since I have been feeling better these days I really needed to share such a beautiful experience with people that have shown consideration over these troubling times. I haven't checked emails yet.

GARRY:I did appreciate the post about the older man in your church, I do hope it will help Michael as well.

Jim:Dave Frary did have a hand in some of it Model Railroad Scenery (I have his singned copy of the 3rd edition), but  no, he's not a member. I wish!  The member that did the city scene, never did scenery before. You're looking at his first attempt. Not bad for a beginner, Ay. The member, John, is good at anything he does. Lots of research, practicing weathering on cheap buildings, lots of thought and trial and error, but look at the results- I know it is top notch. I feel that most of us in the hobby are already a cut above and when we apply ourselves, great things happen. It was a real hit at our last show.

 inch53: It's hard not to love a great story like that.  And der5997: I would be honored for you to call her April. Always loved the person and the name.

The dyed castings are only a base color. When the pics were taken the plaster was still damp. Once dry they will lighten and they will be drybrushed with all different shades and colors. The different texture between the rock types won't matter once the cast on area recieves all the brush and trees. the rocks will be only outcroppings. The cripplebush rubber ones started as dark gray primer, I colored them to what you see now. They still need some lightening and final drybrushing. This will be done when all the other rocks are set as to have uniform coloring throughout.

Well guys thanks for your support. I think, no I know it's time for a couple of cold Sam's.

---

 

[der5997]

Good afternoon Diners.   A good rain last night, and a cold cloudy morning, with a persistent wind.  However by lunchtime it cleared to a cool but very sunny afternoon.

 

Fergie:  Where would that Truro train show be held?  I’ve yet to get to the Truro one, and this might be the year. (Especially as the tax rebate came this week!)

 

Sue, I’ve been building fences too! Actually it’s a proof of concept model for a 3 strand wire fence using our granddaughter’s hair for the wire. (Donated from her brush on Wednesday)  These shots were taken in the sunlight on the train room floor about 25 minutes ago.

 

The posts are stainless steel headless pins that look about thick enough for N posts.  Doing the whole fence line on my cattle pasture, about 20 inches, is going to be quite the challenge.  I’m waiting for a reply to a question I sent to Liquisilk Ltd, whose new product was mentioned in the “New Products for Week of May 10^th” thing in the MR newsletter before I decide just which adhesive to use for the steel/hair bond.  I’ll probably go with ACC.  I used Chinaweld for this test as my ACC has dried up!  Anyway, no hurry, the field hasn’t had a fence for just over a year now!

 

It’s getting on to Rosie-the-dog’s dinner time, so I’ll say  Have a Happy Mother’s Day to Sue, and Kathy, and all mothers.

 

TTFN

[pcarrell]

PC,, enjoyed the poem a lot, so I sent it off to a friend who'd lost her husband of 45 years. Hazel said to tell ya thanks.

She's welcome...but I'm merely the messenger.

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Hello everybody........

I'd like some of Luc's Tim Horton's coffee, but I don't see any.  Some of you other Canadians should feel free to bring some to the diner too.  I'll settle for some Starbucks stuff instead this morning.

This week, I performed a little kitbashing.  I modified some of passenger cars in my attempt to make them look like drawings and pictures of Bulington passenger cars. I've been operating the layout too. A couple of days ago, some model railroaders stopped by for a session.

Upon reviewing some thoughtful posts in the forum regarding indivuduals who are grieving, I continue to conclude that model railroaders are the nicest group of people in the world with really big hearts.  To me, that's the main reason why model railroading is "The World's Greatest Hobby".

My prayers continue for those in need.

Happy Model Railroading, everyone!

 

[JimRCGMO]

Good Morning, Janie! Think I'll have some of Ed's orange juice, a bowl of those round cereal thingees with some milk, and a cup of coffee, please.

 

Yum! - and good for my cholesterol, too! 

Got the weekly laundry run to do this morning, so I won't be long.

Looks like we're going to have a hot one here today in SE Missouri, but no rain. Supposed to get to the mid 80's, and the humidity is at 93 percent already. Are we sure the summer didn't sneak in on us, and it's already August?

Well, need to finish this breakfast and head out. Hope everyone has some good weather for your weekend where you are.

 

Blessings and prayers,

Jim in Cape Girardeau 

[inch53]

Mornin, Janie think I'll have a irish coffee and a couple doughnuts today,

Down in the mid 50's now looking for a high in the mid 70's, with some clouds.

8500Michael,, a welcome to the dinner from us too, glad you've joined in.. I really can't offer any more words than too repeat what has already said and mine would not be as well spoken. I have lost a son and grandson, but both as infants. While the losses were painful, it still cannot compare to your pain. Time, faith, family, and friends will help ease the hurt in time, so hang in my friend.

BOB K,, thanks for sharing your story with us. It was very touching for us all, I'm sure.

DICK,, that wasn't to bad on fixing the tiller. Even at that price, it's still cheaper than a new one. Now ya can get the garden out at least.

PC,, enjoyed the poem a lot, so I sent it off to a friend who'd lost her husband of 45 years. Hazel said to tell ya thanks.

I've enjoyed all the PHOTOS that's been posted this week, keep'em coming.

Well I think I'm bout caught up with the goings on here.  Nothin been happeng round here any different with us. Gotta busy baseball day lined up, first ones at 10:00, then one at 1:00, both here in town. Then we're suppose to go to Paris for a double header this evening [darn grandkids] and in-between all that I need to start mowing again. Well best get back on the have-to chores, Yall have a gooden

inch

[Fergmiester]

Good Morning All

Phil: missed the Sub thing the other day. But there are days I feel like i'm in the sub as I see more water than sky, well not quite but it sounds, how does one say... Nautical, Ohh Raather Old Boy, top hat, pipp pip! man the pumps and all that rot

Richard: The trip did me the world of good as it got me away from a  situation that was slowly swallowing me up. Though I cringe when I see the state of the back yard and the debris field I have to straighten out when the project is complete. The Inlaw Suite and sun room have been a major concern as the amount of windows will be a heat sinc in the winter and will result in a higher heating bill. The area that the Sun room is going is where the deck was and can get up to 100f on a day where temps hit the high 80's. So hopefully with the sky lights having vents in them and partially covered with stained glass windows the heat thing won't be an issue.

MICHEAL

I'm very glad you've meandered into our midsts, though I must warn you some of these guys are excessive "parta~ay'rs" in every sense in the word. Kinda makes a mariner blush at the best of times. Look up and notice the reinforcing cable around light fixtures, hurricane proofing you may ask, nope! Florida Phil, Dick and Luc doing their "Me Tarzan, You Jane" imitations with Flo. Lucky we still have her especailly after the rafter came down and Flo and Phil landed in the basement. Luckily Phil broke the fall, kinda like a bag of potatoes hitting a trampoline. One second Flo is gone next second she's back! It was amazing, never spilled a drop of coffee, Well not exactly as Phill has worn sevaral cups since that episode. Sad... Truly Sad!

But I digress. Micheal We're here for ya  and I for one hope you stay and become a regular. I love your work and I'm sure we'll enjoy your company!

John! The crowd was getting ready to send me on a search for ya. Glad to see your not missing.Did you know ther's a show in Truro June 2nd?

Well that it for me! House work, flower beds, garage, planting bulbs, excavating. Home was not built in a day!

Later All 

Fergie 

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Today's Weather for:  
 
Leesville, LA  71446      5/12/2007 
Live Conditions 6:21 AM
Fort Polk Airfield
 
Temp 64.0°F
Wind  0 mph
 
High:  69°F
Low:  64°F
Wind Chill:  64°F
Humidity:  92%
Dew Point:  62°F
Rain:  0.00"
Rain Rate:  0.00"/h
Gust:  6mph N
 
Today  High: 88  Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly sunny with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. Light and variable winds.  

Tonight  Low: 65    Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the mid 60s. Light and variable winds.

[wetidlerjr]

Good morning ! from Indiana.

05-12-07

[pcarrell]

to the Diner, 8500Mike. As the others have said, your loss is unimaginable for those who haven't experienced it. I know that it seems so unnatural for a parent to have to say goodbye to his own child instead of the other way around. Give yourself time to mourn, and time to heal. Feel free to share what you want and are able to, here with those of us in the Diner. Many of us will be (or already are) praying for you and your wife. And feeling angry with God isn't unusual - I'm sure He can take it, because He knows what it's like to have a son die. He loves you, your wife, and your son. I think it's great that your son was able to enjoy seeing George's layout and running trains. There are a lot of caring people in this hobby, as you are learning. Lean on us anytime you need to, and email me if you want to. And hug your wife and be there for her, as well. We are praying for her healing as well.

I couldn't have said it better myself!  You may be all out of words for tonight Jim, but really, I think you've said some of the best, and truest, words yet.  Well said my friend.

[Paul W. Beverung]

Evening Diners:

JimRC: About the trip to the not so LHS. No bargins. I picked up a package of Kadee replace ment wheel sets, Gary got some dull coat and a bottle of paint and Ron got a couple of 40s Ford four door sedans and a copy of Great Model RRs 2007. Other then a really good Tex Mex lunch that was it. There is a train show the end of this month, I'll try and get a bargin there.

8500 Mike: Hang in there friend. My wife and I almost lost our son shortly after he was born. He did loose a leg when he was only 3 weeks old. I was so scared and angry. It took a long time for us to get over that but we did. Take care and like the others have said, We're here for you.

Well I think that I'll head for bed.

Good Night and God Bless.

[der5997]

Good evening Diners!  Fog instead of sun today, so we didn’t enjoy the warmth that most of the Maritimes had.  Rain for tonight, and we probably shouldn’t complain, especially with the fire rating being so high.

 

BobK:  Thanks for sharing the story of your wife’s last day here.  Others have said, more meaningfully, more than I could add, and like them, I was moved.  I’m glad that you are able to speak about her, (may we call her April?), as this is not an easy thing for many experiencing such a loss.

 

Instead of placing white castings for the rock cut, have you thought of coloring the plaster? I use powdered masonry dyes,

…Those are great rocks, and I especially like the long cut using the Cripplecreek  rubber rock. (Is that really flexible casting material?) I’ve thought about colouring the plaster first, and know it’s recommended to avoid the dreaded “UWCS” (Unwanted White Chip Syndrome).  However, I like the flexibility of “designing on the fly” when it comes to scenery, and especially rock formations and colours.  By colouring once the castings are in place I can get all sorts of subtle variations that I don’t think I could with pre-coloured castings. (The difference in fact between the solid coloured rock, and the Cripplecreek painted ones in your pic.)    For instance, in many places our rocks here change colour dramatically within the same exposed face.  That change is relatively easy to do if you colour two separate but adjacent castings, like this…

but if the colour change is on the same exposed face, one needs to be able to do the colours, sort of blending into, or emerging from each other…

Leaving the plaster white also allowed me to do a quartz intrusion (the lines were there in the projecting casting, and I thought it would be interesting to try, and also extend down from and away from that one rock.)  I had forgotten to put in those extensions when I was doing the lower courses of rock, but was able to scratch the paint away, revealing the “quartz”!  This feature incidentally should lead the eye away from the seams of the access hatches in that area, once the vegetation is in place… 

Altering the brown I don’t much like with a grey wash worked out OK…

Here’s where I left off on the last colouring I did.  It shows another reason I am doubtful about pre-colouring the plaster. I join castings into larger continuous faces with ceiling spackle. This takes colour much like plaster.  I don’t think I could do this with the solid pre-colour…

 

8500Michael:   I am sure that shutting the door of the train room is the right choice for you at this time.  As you say, you can’t possibly get into that now. I’m also sure that Ryan is right in advising not getting rid of the train stuff.  There will be precious memories.  Your wife is blessed to have you by her side through this.  It is “through” this, there will be a closure and a resolution.  But being there, as you are, for her is a great gift you can give her.  Presence is hugely important, even if words don’t fill a silence.  I learned that as a student minister, with the first death in the parish.  A young father had been killed at night in a snowmobile accident.  I found my role was to simply be with his widow; sitting wordless holding her hand for about four hours into the dawn.  It was only after that time, and that silence, that she had anything to say, or I anything to answer.

You know you are both in our thoughts and prayers.

 

Time once more for bed.  Goodnight all ,and God Bless.  Prayers for all in need of healing, comfort and peace.

 

[JimRCGMO]

Evening, Diners! Chloe, I'll have a cup of coffee and a hot fudge sundae, please.

 

Philnrunt wrote:

HARHARHAR! Then I remembered that she was built too wide for the locks (Mackinaw, not Amyjo) just to make sure the USN wouldn't do just that, and our Pirate plans were dashed upon the rocky shores of reality. Don't worry though, I have my eye on a real nice sub in Cleveland.......

Philnrunt, you're skirting on thin ice there with AmyJo... and does she know that you're flirting with subs now? Well, good to see you in the Diner, and that you're still gainfully employed (well, employed at least, huh?).

Cheese4432, I like those mugs for rootbeer floats too - when did the girls get those unboxed? Thought for sure they had been lost in the move to the Diner.

Paul wrote:

Colby: you will have to solder that wire. Hot glue and the others will not conduct electricity. Fergie is good at soldering things. Mostly his body. Check into a soldering iron.

(no comment...)

So Paul, how'd your LHS run go with the friend? What kind of bargains were you able to find?

 

DerJohn - I'd seen that story long time ago (as a letter from the worker to his insurance company, justifying why his medical expenses were so high for the incident) - might have been the first joke I read on the internet, even. I'll find the other one I was thinking of, which was almost as long as that one in the link, but different chain of events. Good also...

Colby, thanks for the story on the steam work day. I didn't begin to imagine all the work involved in a club like yours. Good writing and editing.

All right Bob K., it's your fault - I'm drooling all over myself over the cityscapes on your club's layout. Those are fantastic - do you have Dave Frary in your club or helping you guys (or someone of equal caliber)? I think I'm gonna save those pics to give me something to shoot for on my measly little layout.

About your last bit of time with your wife....Wow.... Thank you.

Jeff, that is too young for your firefighter friend. Heck, even at 53, it would be too soon (IMHO).

to the Diner, 8500Mike. As the others have said, your loss is unimaginable for those who haven't experienced it. I know that it seems so unnatural for a parent to have to say goodbye to his own child instead of the other way around. Give yourself time to mourn, and time to heal. Feel free to share what you want and are able to, here with those of us in the Diner. Many of us will be (or already are) praying for you and your wife. And feeling angry with God isn't unusual - I'm sure He can take it, because He knows what it's like to have a son die. He loves you, your wife, and your son. I think it's great that your son was able to enjoy seeing George's layout and running trains. There are a lot of caring people in this hobby, as you are learning. Lean on us anytime you need to, and email me if you want to. And hug your wife and be there for her, as well. We are praying for her healing as well.

I think I'm all out of words for now. Everyone get some rest tonight and tomorrow's a new day.

 

Blessings and prayers,

Jim in Cape Girardeau 

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Hello Michael and I'm glad you're here in the diner.  I know your loss is extremely painful.  I believe God can help you and your wife through this time. Two days ago I posted some thoughts in this thread to Bob K of my recalling remarks at church from a man who lost his wife of 47 years.  It may be some comfort to you to read that post.  We all must remember that each of us is a child of God including your son. God is looking out for you, your wife, and your son. 

Sounds like your wife really needs you now.  I believe God will give you all the strength you need to care for her.

Please keep sharing your feelings with your model railroad friends.  Your thread included people from across the USA and from around the world,too. Each of us cares for you very much.

Pass the tissues, please.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Micheal: I know it's hard to loose a loved one. I just came from the funeral of a good friend and fellow fire fighter as the Sundown Fire Dept laid one of their own to rest today. It's hard to let go and too move forward. Eventually, you will be able to move beyond your loss. I have lost many family members, many people whom I knew and loved. I keep their memory in my heart and cherish the time we had together. It's never easy, nor is it supposed to be. I, like you, was angry. I struck out at anyone and anything that reminded me of them. In time, I was able to put aside the anger and get on with my life. I use my modeling as an outlet for my stress, and some of the scenes I model reflect what I feel. I don't pretend to know what it's like to lose a child, for I don't have any. I do however know what it's like to witness the passing of a person whom I tried to save from a fire or an accident. My feelings are with those families in their time of loss and they are also with you in your time of loss. If you need help, support, friendship or just somebody to talk to, we're here. I have to stop now, for I can't see the screen or keyboard.