Evening Gang: Well I didn't get back to the shop. My mind was willing but my body said no. Mary Ann and I feed the animals and I walked down to check the cows and hay. Well have to put out hay tomorrow.
Right now I think that i'll head for bed and get an early start tomorrow. The clean up man from Shell is coming out to look at the well site with me. There is a bunch of trees and brush that were pushed down when the site was prepped 2 years ago. I want to get that cleaned up and get the gravel area cut down. The gravel I'll use for roads. We also want them to replant the grass so we'll have some grazing again. I'd like them to make the site a real show piece since it's right next to the road. That would be good PR for them.
Well I'd better get going. I'll see you all tomorrow.
Good evening Tracksiders. Rosie-the-dog’s water dish didn’t freeze today. That’s the first time in quite a while.
Not much mrr in the last couple of days, but a fair bit of rock work around the major access hatches west of the lower tunnel before that.
Have to let that all dry really solidly before disturbing it.
Alex: You asked about the pros and cons of foam and “conventional” web and plaster scenery. Up to this layout I’d not used foam, having no need to for one, and being put off by tales of static electricity making it a pain to clean up the bits, especially sanded foam dust.
On previous layouts I’d used a web of cardboard strips (cut from grocery boxes etc. about 1 inch wide. The fastest way to glue them together is, I think, a hot glue gun, and clothes pegs. In no particular order:-
Pros, quick, you can make changes relatively easily. Quite impressive scenery, like mountains, achievable for low cost.
Cons. You have to remember to allow space on the sub road bed for the attaching the strips. Potentially messy if you cover with paper towels soaked in plaster. Plaster cloth is said to be much less messy, but it’s way out of my budget. Another con, if you plan to move your layout around, the plaster can weigh quite a lot, depending on the size.
Foam. Pros. Light weight, so easy to move. In N at any rate, roadbed can be laid right on the foam. Flat surfaces form bottoms of bodies of water with little additional work. Easy to carve in details like track side and road side ditches. Can be glued into layers with white glue etc. to form hills and mountains. Can be rasped or sanded smooth, takes paint well. Access hatches are fairly easy to make, should you need to.
Cons. If no sound deadening support given to the foam, acts like a speaker for train noise, trust me, I know! Static cling of shaved or sanded bits. (I’ve not tried to use “Static Guard” or similar products on this problem, but it works on ground up clear plastic cookie trays, so I don’t see why it wouldn’t cut the static problem on foam as well.)
Until painted, there is a “sea of blue” (or pink) If you have a lot of vertical layers, hiding that fact is difficult with small rock castings, but that can also be used as a geological feature, as I’m doing on this layout.
On the derailments, in addition to what has already been said, check that al the rail joiners are in fact joining rails together, and that none are sitting with one end below a rail instead of being connected to the rail. Also, if the derailments are happening at the same place it may well be a track problem, even if it doesn’t happen all the time. But, if they are happening randomly all over the place, then it’s more likely to be the wheel sets that are out of gauge. You say you’ve checked the wheels, but did you check to see if there is a build up of crud on the wheels themselves? This happens more quickly on plastic wheels than metal, but dirt from the track collects on the wheels, causes them to no longer be exactly round, and kerplunk!
On the oils spills paint, there is a Poly S paint called “Oily Black” that looks pretty good. It’s not an acrylic, so you’ll need solvent to clean up with. Remember on those spills, it’s easy to overdo it, so start small.
OZJim: Tough on that umpire call. It would have been nice to end the season on such a note, but as the Boston Red Sox fans are said to say…”There’s always next year!”
Sorry I don’t have any cricket ball gifs, you’ll have to put equatorial seams on these, and colour them red (I hope they are still red?)
Colby: You asked how the harbour was going. It’s mostly done, and I’m working on details. I’ve stopped that though to do some more rock casting and scenery work on the cliffs that hide the tunnel up to the upper level. I’ve yet to build a Rear Range Light to go up on the cliff behind the harbour. I’ll post some more pics in a while.
Garry: That’s an impressive layout! Thanks for posting the photos.
Got to go. all, and God Bless. Prayers for all in need of healing, comfort and peace.
"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.
Grayfox,
Babyproofed, huh? Man, my youngest is 11 and I can't imagine having to babyproof now, let alone after all those years! I'll probably do like you one day and just run my fool head off trying to keep up with the little tyke!
Hi again, Diner denizens - didn't mean to stir up a hornet's nest, really! Chloe, I'd like a nice salmon steak, please, with a rice bed and a nice green salad. Oh, and a cup of coffee, too.
Dick, you might want to get yourself (and your wife) to your doctor - the symptoms you're describing for your CFO and yourself sound a lot like what mine were like (sinus headache, sore throat, having to clear my throat/cough). My doc gave me an antibiotic and an antihistamine, and it's helping clear some of the yuck stuff out. He told me I wouldn't be infectious by Thursday, but I have been feeling better today, even (still have four more days on the meds, though). Wasn't singling you out.
Paul, I sort of thought you might be in your shop, working on your track, from your earlier posts. Wasn't really thinking of you, either. And Jeff was in after my morning post, too.
I was wondering more about where the others (besides you guys) were. Maybe it's partly 'cause I'm starting to feel better, but not enough yet to go back to the 'W-word'. Got my wiring holes drilled and the wires pulled under the layout (and re-arranged one track section), even got out some buildings that I've already assembled and put them in place to make things look a bit more like a 'real' layout and less like the Plywood Prairie. Weather was really nice - the temperature only said it was mid-50's, but with the sun out this afternoon (when I went to the store to get more liquids) it felt closer to the 60's. I even heard our local ice cream truck's tune this afternoon - that guy must check the weather forecast each day, I'll bet!
Hoping to hear from some of the rest of the troops tonight. I know Sue and Chuck and Kathy were in a day or so ago. Anyone hear from DerJohn? I got an email (back) from him today, but haven't seen several of the 'old-timers' crew in. Must be busy, too, I suppose.
Chloe, could I have a brownie a la mode for desert, please? I'll be in the corner booth if anyone comes in before I finish up.
Blessings,
Jim in Cape Girardeau
Hi Gang: Since JimCG is hollering about nobody being in this afternoon, I'll chime in early. I just came in from the shop. My back got to the point that I had to quit for the day. I did get 2 more track panels finished and all the parts for another. I may still weld it up later after my back gets a chance to rest.
The weather is about like yesterday but winder. There is also some dust in the air but not a dust storm.
I think that I'll head back out and try and finish that track panel. No pain no gain.
See you all later.
Well, I know where I have been today Jim, here is my list of what I did today:
So Jim....you asked...WHAT have we been doing all day? This is MY list, how about the rest of you guys and gals?
Now I have a raspy throat, feel really tired, have to keep swallowing, so that means bad news unless I get this thing early. So a real hot shower is in order, then a tablespoon of grandma's cure ( 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1/2 cup honey, mix well ) 6 per day.
Later,
Tsk, tsk - what is this? The Diner on page two? Where has everyone been today?
BUMP!
I'll have a cheese amd mushroom omelet and one of the splenda rolls that Jim brought in.
Today's High: 78 Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. Southeast winds up to 10 mph.
Tonight's Low: 52 Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s. Southeast winds around 10 mph in the evening becoming light and variable.
My blood sugar crashed early this morning, read 28 on the meter. I have it back up to 130 now but still feel like s**t.
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
Good Morning, Zoe - Looks like only Colby has been in today. Others sleeping in? I'll have a waffle with maple syrup and a side slice of ham, a tall glass of Ed's fabulous oj, glass of milk and a cup of coffee to wash it down. Dick's still paying, too? Great - thanks, Dick!
Oh, I also brought in a few of these for the early bunch - enjoy! (The ones in the 2nd row underneath were made with Splenda, for those watching their sugar intake)
Somewhat cold this a.m. - about 28 degrees (F), some frost on the cars outside, but no wind blowing at least. Sun's shining, and we might hit the 50's today.
Paul W. Beverung wrote: The weather was perfect again today. About 70f and a clear blue sky with a light breeze. Sorry guys up north. The Devil made me say that.
We're not as fortunate as you, Paul - but you indirectly reminded me of one cartoon I'd seen:
Got my track all down last night. Planning on painting the figures for the club's diner (that I assembled for them) today. Tried to take a couple of pictures of the layout last night, and the camera acted like the batteries didn't have any oomph. I changed for some other battteries and could only get one shot with flash out of the camera each time. Guess I'll have to start saving up for a digital camera sooner than I'd thought.
So what's everyone else got in store for their day? I figure that Colby will be giving us the report on the big fight at his school (later today, "film at 11"). Good that you weren't too close to it, Colby! Sounds like you might have a possible future in something like engineering or a technical field, based on your project of the last few days.
Well, I need to chow down and then get going on my painting job. Hope everyone is doing well. Haven't heard from our Nova Scotian crew recently - DerJohn, Luc, Fergie, are you guys snowed in or what's up?
Blessings and prayers for those in need of healing,
THIS JUST IN....There was a MAJOR FIGHT in front of the school today!
details later.
Morning guys!
well I just made the bus this morning. I'll have orange juice.
now a few days ago I completed a long disired goal of mine to have my layout stretch from my room out to my living room. and it worked! but soon after I had to take the tracks up, now I working on adding a motor to my Turntable, I am unable to have the motor directly conected to the TT but I have gears which I can glue to the TT and then tape the motor into place.
I got the motors from a crane that my mom was going to trash but I gutted it of all motors, lights, ect even the remotcontroll.
Colby
Evening Gang: Not a whole lot doing today. I did get one more section of track done. At this rate I'll get done with the 12 sections in time for next years train show. Tomorrow I'm going to spend the day in the shop come whatever.
The weather was perfect again today. About 70f and a clear blue sky with a light breeze. Sorry guys up north. The Devil made me say that.
I think that I'll head for bed.
Good Night All
Now, it's chili and tacos! Jeffrey knows how to make me hungry with those pix!
JimRCGMO.............thanks; the flour mill is 4' long. Yes, it can be busy. I made it from 3 Walthers kits. Both the flour mill and the brewery are consignees for grain shipped from my grain elavator complex in the town of "Prairie View". (my towns are all ficticious)
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
jeffrey-wimberly wrote: [IMG]http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h80/jeffrey-wimberly/chili.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h80/jeffrey-wimberly/chili.jpg[/IMG]
Jeffrey,
Your chilli always looks good. Maybe I will go fix some.
Sue
Anything is possible if you do not know what you are talking about.
Good evening, Chloe - I'd like some of that homemade veggie beef stew there in the stove, and a large glass of Dr. Pepper, please. Thanks, Dick! Got to get my liquids, like the doctor said.
Alex, sounds like you have a good start on the rolling stock and all. Have you had any tips yet on weathering the oil tankers? I just winged it on one or two of mine - in fact, one of them
Trent, glad we could be of help to you and the CFO, and good to hear that she's improving.
Garry - nice photos of your layout. Now THAT's a goodly-sized flour mill; I'm sure you can justify daily pickups and deliveries there of several cars' worth. Good shots of the Grand Central, too!
Jerry, sounds like you've been getting some work done on your layout - always good when you get to where you can run trains. I'm hoping to get back to that myself, soon.
Yesterday and this morning I was able to get all the track nailed down (except for the two engine tracks, which I hope to finish tonight). Next to drill holes for running the power wires underneath, and I have one or two places I will need to solder power leads. Then we'll see about some scenery! Need to take some pictures, don't I ?
Saw the doctor this afternoon, and he prescribed an antibiotic and stronger antihistamine, which mercifully wasn't too costly (got generics). Asked him how long I'm contagious for, and he said I can go back to work on Thursday.
Fargo, I would figure that you probably got a lot of snow, since you're further north than Lee and our other Hoosier folks. How much snow have you got lately?
Back to my tracklaying (and finish it up for now). Sounds like Dick will be busy until grandson's Dad gets back to rescue him (Dick, not the kid).
Blessings on your week,
Put me down for tacos and chili
Fargo.... thanks for the comments. You may appreciate my name choice for my brewery made from Heljin and other kits. Old Style anybody? Many years ago I rode to La Crosse from Chicago on "Silver Dome" (front seat) behind an E5. I think Amtrak taking over train service was worse than Stroh's taking over Heileman's.
Ohh sure, leave one minute to chase the 1 year old and now I have to pay for everyones supper $%!!!!!
Meat Pie for supper, Cajon style with southwest hot sauce on top.
Hi everyone not been in for awhile see we have a few new faces,welcome all. I don't said much about weather but man we got hammered this weekend. 22ins. in LaCrosse. The BNSF is down to a crawl around here.
Heartland, Nice pics of your CB&Q. As you may guess there are a alot of people around La Crosse Wi that model the CB&Q. Their was alot of workers that lived here still do. We have #4000 (Alice the Goon) on display in one of our parks. They are really fixing her up nice. Just put a roof over it. fixed the boiler along with a new paint job.
Der, hows the harbor going.
Well gotta run, stay safe.
Fargo
Good afternoon everyone, busy day so far, first, I had to go get the grandkids in two trips to the school bus, we had about 4" of a "dusting" of snow last night, so their driveways were too steep to get down with their cars. Then of course I had to shovel the 4" of "dusting" of snow. Just when all that was done, the brand new Super Walmart that is opening in two weeks in our town, called my daughter inlaw to come into to work to help set up...she wasn't supposed to start for two more weeks, and on 2nd shift. Sooooo, we have the lates grandson, 1 year old...and you all know how much time I have free keeping up with him now that he is walking and into everything, and I mean everything!!! Dad will be picking him up at 4:30, by then I will probably be asleep standing.
Looks like a wild week here weatherwise, cloudy with snow flurries just about every day . I hope to get more RR layout done on the CAD program, but with the little obe here until Wednesday...well....we will have to play this one by ear.
Don't forget everyone, daylight savings time starts 3 weeks earlier this year, March 11th. I wonder if that will get me any more time doing MRR work?
I hear mischief, time to run...
hey all.
Like I promised I'll tell you guys what i have for rolling stock.
Engine, Santa fe. read my previous post to find more about it.
an ATSF Shock Control boxcar.
a Canadian Pacific boxcar.
a Southern Pacific boxcar.
an ERIE Gondola,
and a Texaco tank car.
-Alex
Trent.......... good to see this board provided some comfort in a sad time for your family. Thanks for the comment regarding grandkids.
Jerry......... thanks for the comment on the Grand Children Central. My wife, Shelley, and I did get a bit carried away with buying the wood trains. Photo of a Prairie Zephyr passing the flour mill on my layout below:
Everybody: Happy Model Railroading!
Mornin Ladies, I'll have some OJ please.
Hey Folks!
Kelly & I would like to express or thanks for all your prayers and thoughts on our behalf. You'll never know this side of heaven how much they ment to all of us.
RT- Thanks for the update and let Elliott know we are praying for him.
PC- Prayers for your wife and hopping she gets a GOOD nights sleep!
Jim @ the cape-Hope you get better and that your new glasses help your eyes get better as well.
Colby- Congrats!!! Hey, don't worry bout "used" stock as I sell and use it on my own layout(when I am not tearing it up)!
Jerry- My prayers for you and hang in there.
Garry- Love those Jr. Engineers! Soon they'll want to run yours!!
Prayers and continued blessings for all.
Trent
French toast! .............. and I had oatmeal...............terrific.
Good morning.
Congrats Colby!
Well, I see it's nice around Jeff's place today! Wish we had some of that!
Well, I meant to work on the RR this weekend, but it just didn't happen. Things have been at a standstill in there lately. I've just been so busy with work and school that I'm just wiped when I get home, ya know? Maybe this week I can get some time?
Hey everyone, thanks again for all the prayers for the wife. She's doing a bit better now.
JimRCGMO wrote: Colby, I feel your pain (as the saying goes) about the weekend ending (and going back to sch**l or w**k). If I haven't had a brain freeze, IM would be Individual Medley, correct? (As in: so many laps using the br**st stroke, so many with side stroke, so many with butterfly, etc.). Congrats on shaving down your time - how often do you have to go practice each week? And I'm certainly hoping they have an indoor pool for your practices...Blessings,Jim in Cape Girardeau
Colby, I feel your pain (as the saying goes) about the weekend ending (and going back to sch**l or w**k). If I haven't had a brain freeze, IM would be Individual Medley, correct? (As in: so many laps using the br**st stroke, so many with side stroke, so many with butterfly, etc.). Congrats on shaving down your time - how often do you have to go practice each week? And I'm certainly hoping they have an indoor pool for your practices...
IM is Individual Medley it can be a 100yd, 200yd, or a 400yd IM
which would be 1 lap of every stroke, 2 laps , and 4 laps.
Fly, Back, Br**st, Free. most pools are indoor, practice is 5 times a week every week and
STATES are this weekend in Orno, Maine at the University of Maine.
Today's Weather for: Sundown, LA 71446-6114 2/26/2007
Sundown Fire Dept., Station 23 Wind Chill: 39°FHumidity: 85%Dew Point: 35°F So Far TodayHigh: 43°FLow: 38°FRain: 0.00"Rain Rate: 0.00"/hGust: 0mph NNE High: 75 °FLow: 48 °F
Today High: 75 Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. South winds up to 10 mph shifting to the southwest in the afternoon.
Tonight Low: 48 Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s. Southwest winds up to 10 mph in the evening becoming light and variable.
I'll have french toast today.
Good morning all,
Well the dryer broke so the repairman is coming over this morning.
Grayfox: Well if I get out this year I'll get $24,000/year. If I go 10 more years I'll get $54,000. If I go 20 more years I get $56,000, not really worth the hassle! I keep my medical at a 20% cost share unless I go to a VA or Military hospital and it's free. I get free over the counter meds free. I've been in over 18 years so even if I get "fired" I keep my retirement. I had savings and investments and stuff, however the ex-wife got some of those so I am working on rebuilding. I'm 40 now, so I'll retire at 50.
Lee
BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret) L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes