Good morning, a very nice day here today in New England, low 70's, low humidity, clear skies. It looks like Sue, Hoople, Der John, Fergie, Luc, J.R. and I all have the same nice weather.
Any thoughts from you guys on the new Athearn Diesel Catalog?
JEFF: The thread was: This is very Confusing, author: Smoke . This poor guys is getting some "strange" feedback on what to try to strip the paint off his shell.
R.T. Any luck on finding employment yet?
DER JOHN: The Sunday paper here had a story with pics about a guy who started collecting rainwater in a barrel when his town placed a bad on watering during a drought. His design was liked by a few neighbors, so he had some plastic barrels made to his design, and the business is taking off!! He can cascade the barrels so he captures all the rain water, and he has spigots etc. Necessity is the mother of invention.
MIKE: Having Arthritis that bad really sucks. There is a doctor around here that treats Arthritis sufferers with bee stings from honey bees. Apparently the venum stimulates the production of healing fluids that gives excellent relief. Natural methods win again!
Time to get out and get things done while weather is so good, see you guys at lunch.
Goodness, folks, we're not even on page 2! PC, Duke, have you been sleeping again? BUMP!
Jim in Cape Girardeau
WHAT ??????? I was last one on this morning at 9:58am??? Where IS everybody??? Jim just walked in the Diner, Jim...it's you and I an one of us is going to the TOTP and shell out lunch I fear.
...and make it a stong one please.
Only 99F today, then back up to 102F tomorrow.
Starting to wonder if I will ever get around to some of the kit bashing/scratch building loco projects or not. If I sold off those few locos waiting to be "transformered", then I could use that money for instant gratification and buy one of the diesels I desire. Although committed to steam these days, I am intrigued by the detailing on the the newer (to me) Kato AC4400CW, SD9043MAC, and the ATLAS GEB40-8W. They would sure look sweet on my computer desk. Tough call.
Off to start the day now. Take Care All! Rob
JimRCGMO wrote: PC, have you been sleeping again? BUMP!
PC, have you been sleeping again? BUMP!
More like working!
Okay, new page? So it's safe to post again? Here we go with more of the trip report.
Leaving the convention, we headed a short ways up the highway towards Zacatecas, and old silver mining center, and capital of the state of the same name. It's a really neat city, fun and interesting to walk around. Lots of up and down hill walking. The elevation bothers some people, as it is at 8,000 feet (about 2,500 meters) above sea level, but we were fine.In between Aguascalientes and Zacatecas we turned off the highway a bit to get to Chilacote. That's not a place of interest to any of you, but it's one of the few places where the KCSdeM tracks meet the FXE tracks. There's a "Y" interchange there and I stopped to take a few record shots (which I won't bore you with). Just before we got to Chilacote, I caught these FXE ES44AC's southbound with a manifest freight. It may be of interest to note that these are two of the ES44AC's that i shot a couple of days earlier at Aguascalientes. This time, since they are southbound, I got the different locomotive leading. Looks the same from this side in any case.We arrived in Zacatecas, found and checked into a hotel, and started to walk around the city center. Yeah, I know, shame on me because we didn't make a beeline for the tracks. Hey, I had the family in tow, you have to make some concessions. Anyway, while walking around we could clearly make out the sound of a train blowing for a crossing. Obviously the tracks weren't that far away. Ditching the kids in the hotel (they were tired of sightseeing anyway and wanted to watch tv) Fran and I grabbed a cab and told him to take us to the old station. He was kind of confused about that, since there are no longer any passenger trains. Guess we were the first railfans he had run into. But after a short cab ride we got to the station. Out in front we saw a 4-8-4 "Niagra" (that's how they spell it down here) stuffed and mounted. These were the last steam locomotives that NdeM ordered, and were constructed by both ALCO and Baldwin in 1946. This one, 3030, should be from ALCO. Unfortunately, it needs a little bit of tlc, and maybe some paint. Fortunately, that doesn't show in the photo.The old classic station is long gone, replaced by a nondescript concrete block. The guards, as is typical of guards down here, weren't interested in letting us past the gate. So we simply walked up and over the highway overpass (which gave a good overview of the station area) and came down on the unfenced back side of the area. Here's a shot of the station, freight station, and what's left of the tracks and platforms. Sorry that it's against the setting sun. That's a work train parked on the main. The tracks to the right all dead end against the new highway overpass just to the right of the photo. You can make out the earthwork just left of the mainline and ties piled up along the left side. Looks like they are redoing a long passing siding there.And I just had to post this little gem. This is about the cutest little water tower I have ever seen. At least, I'm assuming it's water. can't be fuel oil, not likely to be diesel, and doesn't have any sand tower nearby.More from Zacatecas leter.Ed
grayfox1119 wrote: JEFF: The thread was: This is very Confusing, author: Smoke . This poor guys is getting some "strange" feedback on what to try to strip the paint off his shell.
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
Afternoon, I'll just have an ice tea Zoe. So far the weathers been cloudy an cooler than forecast, even had a sprinkle of rain or two
DICK,,, we check on the bee stings, but for the type I have it doesn't help much. I've always looked at as" it can always be worse, and it does no good to complain about it. So try to enjoy what ya gots." If'en ya don't believe, just take the time to look around ya, and then give thanks, though it be mighty damn hard at times. Hey it's worked for me many a year.
Here's some more pics from Saturday. After leaving Harbor Freight, we headed east on Ft Harrison, stopped for gas at 25'th, just before we left the signals came on, then we heard the whistle, I grabbed the camera and almost missed this one headed for Indy.
Then we went on down 25'th to check out the old NYC yard, tried the yard office, nobody around to tell'em what I was doing [ya know security anymore], but found still these without pushing luck to far.
This one was coupled to some ballast cars.
The one kinda hidden had a MOW caboose coupled
This car was there too, and thought it was interesting.
After that was when we when we caught the coal train again, by then me n Mother were both bout done in and still had 2 more shopping stops to make. We were going to go down by the Milwaukee yard, but all we wanted was home. So that'll be another trip. Next are the ones from Palistine and a NYC Cairo line bridge on Sunday after football.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/4309
Hey, anytime I'm buying, there will be "FREE COFFEE" in the Diner, in honor of one of God's greatest gifts to mankind, the coffee bean. Your choice of Columbian or Verona. Note: Anyone found bouncing off the ceiling for extended periods of time may be cut off from the caffeine, depending on how funny the rest of the diners find you.
***Philip, we must think alike. First thing to pop in my head was, "that's not a water tower, it's an alien craft using extended landing gear until they are ready to begin exploration of the Earthling city."
While getting the underlayment yesterday to finish the floor, I forgot to buy more tape. Will work on repainting the guest bathroom today instead.
Rob
Hey there y'all.
Norfolk Southern Update:
The officer came by the house yesterday. He was a great guy, asked me about some model train stuff surprisingly. I filled out the necessary paperwork. He said that my background check was clean so far and all the paper work should be filed today. So hopefully soon I will get a date to go down to Georgia.
And I now know why I never heard from Amtrak. Apparently, when I told the HR manager that I would also be attending the recruitment session for NS, he immediately wrote me off, believing that I had no company committment. How can I have committment for a company that I don't work for? He could have told me right then and there that I wouldn't be considered, instead of telling me to wait to hear from them. But whatever, I would have chosen NS over Amtrak anyways, but that definitely changes my opinion of Amtrak. If they won't hire people that are looking for opportunities and choices, then I don't ever need to work for them.
Ed: Your series of pictures is amazing! I love the automated module display. That is very unique!
Jim in CG: Hopefully soon my friend....Hopefully very soon.
Colby: Sooner or later, I'll be able to snag a few pictures. But I will be there to work, not take photos, so it won't be a priority of mine and probably won't happen right away.
Rob: What? I can't go robbin' banks? There goes my plans for this week...Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait until I start making money.
I think that's it from me y'all. I'm outta here for now.
Scott - Dispatcher, Norfolk Southern
Afternoon, again. As Ed said:
egmurphy wrote:Okay, new page? So it's safe to post again?
Okay, new page? So it's safe to post again?
Gee, you can tell the ones who've been here a while - they rarely miss and hit the TOTP, right Ed?
egmurphy wrote: And I just had to post this little gem. This is about the cutest little water tower I have ever seen. At least, I'm assuming it's water. can't be fuel oil, not likely to be diesel, and doesn't have any sand tower nearby.
And I just had to post this little gem. This is about the cutest little water tower I have ever seen. At least, I'm assuming it's water. can't be fuel oil, not likely to be diesel, and doesn't have any sand tower nearby.
Ed, you have solved that mystery from the 1950's - those flying saucers back then were just the result of some Nor'Americano's who went SOTB, got a little too much tequila, and wandered way down there! Well, it sure could pass for a flying saucer - see the hatch open on top and all? Yep, PC, Rob, I'd have to agree with you there...
Scott, I didn't figure you'd have lots of spare time to take pics for a bit. You want to learn your job(s) thoroughly and keep yourself safe first and foremost. Later you can take pics. Of course, the will add up and make it nice for LHS trips. Plus, if you end up with a job that has layovers, you can find new LHS's, perhaps.
One more afternoon and evening of freedom, and then tomorrow back to wk. But it was nice, and tomorrow, I see outpatient clients, so that'll be easier to come back to. 'cept, I'm on-call tomorrow night. Hope the hot weather will keep everyone inside under the A/C and/or fans.
Zoe, I'll have a root beer float and a burger. I'll take the corner booth and watch those eggs cooking outside on the sidewalk...
Blessings,
Hello everyone.
You poeple have been rather busy I see in your posts. Ed's Mexican pictures are really nice.
We just returned from the great wedding in Champaign, IL. It was better than wonderful. My son and his bride did just about all of the planning and arrangements themselves, and all went smoothly. (I can't say "without a hitch", however.) It was really good being with people I've not seen for along time.
Before driving back yesterday, we went to railroad museum on Monticello. They only operate on weekends, but equipment parked outside can be viewed. Museum grounds are neat and well maintained.
Pictures below show IC business car and an IC passenger train with CN locomotve units. Paint look fresh and clean.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
More pictures from Monticello............
Hey all!
A nice cool, 72* F outside... Clear skies all over.
Jim: I enjoy the nice cool weather. No trade.
Closing in on the big boy, $243.77 saved, and $41.33 to go.
Well, later guys!
Mark
Evening nothing right Cleo, just quick stop
I talked to Jerry a bit ago and Sally's not doing well. Please keep her, Jerry and the family in your thoughts and prayers.
He might slip in later and give the details.
inch
Good Evening, Chloe - think I'll have a hot fudge sundae, please, and a cup of coffee. Thanks!
Couldn't say the wedding went (ahem) "without a hitch", huh, Garry? Sounds like a very good time spent there, plus you got to see some train equipment, too.
Mark, sounds like you're in close range for that Big Boy loco. Shouldn't be too hard to get together the rest of the money. Sure I couldn't talk you out of some of that cooler weather, even for a multi-decker cone?
Inch, your weather sounds a bit cooler than ours - we're at about 83 F now (9 p.m. our time currently). Supposed to be our 15th day with over 100 F for tomorrow. Let us know what you hear from Jerry & how Sallie's coming along. Will keep them both in our .
PC, you get a couple more days of hot weather, and then you'll catch up with us down here... I'm ready for October to get here, all right!
Well, 'bout finished with my sundae and coffee, so I'll be heading on out for now.
Evening Gang:
Jerry: I'm pulling for Sally. You take care now.
Ed: That is one great museum. The turntable diorama is fantastic. By the way please bore me with those boring pictures you mentioned.
It was another hot one here. The electrician did his thing and the electrical power company showed up promptly to change the service out. I cheated by calling our service rep direct. We've had alot of dealings with her since the meter reader locks us out on occation. Anyway she had things speeded up for us. It pays to be nice even when complaining. 104f again today. Tomorrow we load the calves early and head for the sale barn. I'm about done in for tonight so I'll head for bed.
Good Night All
[Ed: That is one great museum. The turntable diorama is fantastic. By the way please bore me with those boring pictures you mentioned.]
from me on all counts. Sure would be cool to have a layout like that turntable diorama in our side yard, all animated. Now, where did I put that winning Lottery ticket?
Got the old paint scraped off the bathroom wall, a little new caulking in the corners, then the first coat of new (and FINAL) color down. Wife is no longer allowed to paint any walls, as I always end up having to fix her mess. Will finish tomorrow and have one more house project checked off for good.
Have a nice evening all! Rob
Good morning ! from Indiana.
08-15-07
Bill Tidler Jr.
Near a cornfield in Indiana...
Good morning.
There's rain in the forecast today as well as a lot of heat. Heat index: 107 - 110.Today's Weather for: Sundown, LA 71446-6114 8/15/2007 Heat Index: 80°FHumidity: 88%Dew Point: 72°F So Far TodayHigh: 80°FLow: 75°FRain: 0.00"Rain Rate: 0.00"/hGust: 0mph NNE Important Message Heat advisory in effect until 7 PM cdt this evening.
Today High: 101 Partly sunny. Isolated showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs around 101. Southeast winds up to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 20 percent. Heat Index readings 107 to 110 in the afternoon.
Tonight Low: 78 Decreasing clouds. Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 70s. Southeast winds around 10 mph in the evening becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Good Morning All,
It's been a hectic couple of days but we got the truck loaded and sent to Grattan (Grand Rapids) this am and now have time to at least post. Sunny and hot already this morning but not as humid as last week. Good news is that Duke should be able to visit us at Grattan and I'm looking forward to meeting him.
Ed - love the pics from the road trip. I'm still not caught up with all of them, but great work.
Jerry - hope you get a chance to stop in, we're pulling for Sallie and you're both in our prayers.
Well back to trying to catch up posts and news I hope the rest of you are doing well. I was sorry to see that Scooters left us. He brought back memories of a better time when it was a thrill to go to the stadium and see the work of legends. Mantle, Maris, Berra, Howard, Skowron, Ford and so many more before and after. Last time back the grass was atrificially green and the fans had become vulgar and obnoxious. Sad to see the game reduced to "business" and civility out the window. It was truely different and better in the past. CUL,J.R.
Good morning
Happy MRRing
Good Morning, Zoe - I'll have a cup of that coffee Luc has, and one of Bill T.'s donuts (the chocolate ones), please. Thanks, JR!
Only 71 F (22 C), but supposed to hit 102 F (39 C) today. They are predicting it tomorrow to 'cool down' to only 99 F... Yeah, cooler - right! Another day to stay inside someplace cool, definitely!
Well, hate to eat & run, but got to do the W thing. Prayers for Jerry & Sallie, as well as for Luc & Gloria and all the others among us who are ailing currently. Take care of yourselves and keep us posted when you can, okay, folks?
Mornin, coffee please Zoe. Another hot one here with a chance of rain and we need the rain bad to finish out the crops.
GARRY ,,, glad your trip up this way went ok. To bad you didn't get to the museum when they were open, maybe next time you're up this way. I don't remember seeing that business car last year, might be a new addition
JIM CG,, it wasn't to bad out yesterday [87], but it's making it for it today. Highs back up into the 90's and humid. It's suppose to cool off for the weekend, highs in the mid 80's and into next week. Hope you enjoy your last day of freedom.
Here's some from the IRR yard in Palistine,
#34 pulled the INRR's Civil War museum around last spring
Liquefied petroleum gas tanker.
This is like one of the coal cars we see going through here
Morning all!
Hey, check this out! Read the color out loud. It messed me up!
http://www.ojohaven.com/cgi-bin/ColorText.pl
So what's up?
Not much here.....just another day of work.
Weather looks about the same!
It's makeing my air conditioning dollars look like this!
Can't wait for fall! It's my favorite season anyways!
Well, I'm off! Later!
BTW, love the IRR pics inch.
hi everybody,
I haven't posted here in a while so I thought I would post this idea. What would you think of having a MRR project forum to replace the MR 70th anniversary forum? The 70th anniversary forum is pretty useless because almost no one posts there. Having a project forum would spread out traffic in other forums and yield a place to talk about upcoming projects like "I'm going to kitbash ________". It could also be used to talk about DCC installations and scratchbuilding projects too.
So what do you think?
,please & thank you!
Still wrestling with train decisions...do I forget about doing some kitbash ideas and sell xyz in order to buy new UP or not!?!
Going to go lay the second coat of paint in the guest/inlaws bathroom today, then finish up some other small projects. 102F today and still no sign of rain.
Have a great day, all! Rob