Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Elliotts Trackside Diner (est 1-1-07) Locked

307510 views
8265 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: In the State of insanity!
  • 7,982 posts
Posted by pcarrell on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 9:34 AM

Mornin' all!

Hey Ryan!  How'd the models go over for Christmas?  Hope your boy likes them.

Philip
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Cherry Valley, Ma
  • 3,674 posts
Posted by grayfox1119 on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 10:07 AM

Good morning everyone, I see that some people were up early, others have not got out of bed yet. The new Diner really looks nice, and the new unifoms for the girls really are something else!!!!!!! No wonder Fergie is in here so early.....you little devil!!

The fog and rains have departed, the sky is clear and dark blue, temp is 38F, so I think I will take advantage of the weather and take down the outside lights and wreaths. I have done that job in bitter cold, snow covered, etc......no more making that mistake.

On the general forum, one of the guys had a thread asking if anyone had ever seen/used the creeper that MicroMark tools has. How about you guys and gals in the Diner, have you ever used one of these? It seems to me that anyone who want a full 4x8 layout against a wall, this would be a great tool to reach those areas beyond a 30" reach. Then you could have some bigger radii curves for longer cars and locos. Any comments guys? I know that it is a little pricey, but it is really very well made with nice adjustable features.

 

Dick If you do what you always did, you'll get what you always got!! Learn from the mistakes of others, trust me........you can't live long enough to make all the mistakes yourself, I tried !! Picture album at :http://www.railimages.com/gallery/dickjubinville Picture album at:http://community.webshots.com/user/dickj19 local weather www.weatherlink.com/user/grayfox1119
  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Perry County, PA, US
  • 453 posts
Posted by Attaboy on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 11:10 AM

Thought I would stop in for lunch and check out the new digs.  Looking pretty good.  They even got rid of all the ladders and other...OUCH...well almost all the ladders.  Have to watch where I'm going.

Sign - Welcome [#welcome] to the new folks, I won't name names since there seems to be more than one from the last pages of the CS I didn't see.  Which reminds me, going from CS to TD could take a little getting used to.

Here's a link that may interest Jeff and Ryan.  http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,240622,00.html

Better get your waders ready Jeff. Wink [;)]

I'll just go over here in the corner and eat my lunch now.

Age is an accident of birth, being young or old is a state of mind
  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 11:50 AM
 Attaboy wrote:

Here's a link that may interest Jeff and Ryan.  http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,240622,00.html

Better get your waders ready Jeff. Wink [;)]

Attaboy: I'm not worried about that. That's southeast Louisiana, I'm in west central, 18 miles from the texas line.

I saw robins in my front yard this morning, they're at least a month early!

Also made a modification to my car today that should help the gas milage some. I put a Tornado in the air inlet hose where it connects with the throttle body. It says on the box that I would notice a change in horse power. Boy, did I! Thare's an increase of at least 5 hp on the low end and a lot more torque.

Time for lunch! Today I'll have the lamb chops.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Euclid, Ohio
  • 2,822 posts
Posted by LSWrr on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 11:56 AM

Greyfox,

Is this the topside creeper? You bend over a padded bar and allows you to work over top of an engine?  I've used this type of creeper at work and they would be great for reaching over a layout.  Very sturdy and easy on the back since you are supported at the waist and the chest.  I would look at your local auto supply store to compair prices.  We have had these at work for years and I think we paid $100 or $150 for the last one we bought.

 Lee

BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret)
 L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Euclid, Ohio
  • 2,822 posts
Posted by LSWrr on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 12:00 PM

Jeff we had robins up north here too!  Normally we don't see them until April. 

This Tornado you installed do you have a link for more information you could share with the group? I wonder if it would work in my diesel?

 

Lee

BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret)
 L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Pa.
  • 3,361 posts
Posted by DigitalGriffin on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 12:02 PM

Morning all!  And Happy Belated New Year!

Okay now that I have the formals out of the way...Someone have the coffee?  I've been up since 5 and on the road till 11:00 dropping my car off to get fixed.

Jeffrey It has been warm hasn't it?  I can't believe the first day of winter was 55 in York PA.

 

Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions

Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: In the State of insanity!
  • 7,982 posts
Posted by pcarrell on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 12:11 PM
 LSWrr wrote:

Jeff we had robins up north here too!  Normally we don't see them until April. 

This Tornado you installed do you have a link for more information you could share with the group? I wonder if it would work in my diesel?

 

Lee

Here's a link: http://www.tornadoair.com/ .  I know they work in diesels too.  It basically just creates a vortex in the incoming air flow so that you get better ionization of the air/fuel mixture which causes less waste in the combustion chamber.  The mixture burns more evenly and so you get improved performance.  This in turn causes the driver to puch down less on the loud pedal which improves fuel economy.  I've known several people who've had them and swear by them.  Haven't tried one myself though.  You can easily remove it from the vehical when you go to sell it to, so you can reinstall it in your new ride.

Philip
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Seattle WA
  • 1,233 posts
Posted by Hoople on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 12:16 PM
It's already like the old coffee shop. I already need to read about 4 pages to catch up!
You people reply a little fast...
just a little fast...
Well, my evil plot has been stopped. The parental unit thinks that a 12 year old can't handle the PCM big boy. (What I wonder is why in the heck did she let me run my grandfather's brass trains that some are worth more than $5,000?)
Oh well.
Mark.
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Euclid, Ohio
  • 2,822 posts
Posted by LSWrr on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 12:44 PM

Military Discounts, I know we have a few retired and active duty military members in the Coffee Shop so I wanted to pass this along: http://www.4militaryfamilies.com/militarydiscounts.htm lists all the stores that give a military discount.  You might be surprised to find how many vendors honor the military.  I get 19% off my phone, satellite TV, long distance, and cell phone every month (AT&T/Cingular).  Lowe's gives a 10% military discount everyday.  One of the owners of Auto Zone is a retired Coast Guard Quartermaster so they always give military a discount.  IHOP and several restaurants hook us up every day.  Home Depot only gives us the discount on Veteran holidays and generally it's rather limited.

My LHS gives me a 20% discount on any Walther's products.  Not sure if it's the LHS or Walther's that does this.

Lee  

BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret)
 L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Euclid, Ohio
  • 2,822 posts
Posted by LSWrr on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 12:45 PM

Hoople,

What is the minimum turn radius for that PCM Bigboy?  I know my Mallets require a minimum of 24".

Lee

BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret)
 L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes

  • Member since
    August 2002
  • From: Wake Forest, NC
  • 2,869 posts
Posted by SilverSpike on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 12:51 PM

Lee  / soumodeler, I've never heard of White Rain being used in scenery, please enlighten me on this procedure / technique.

Philip, Ben was so surprised to get the model kits. He just needs to decide which one to start building first. Thanks again for bringing a bit of joy to our holidays!

Dick, I have seen the creeper in the catalog, but for $269.00 I will be just looking at it for a long time to come.  I bet it is great for those hard to reach areas and for me it would take some getting used to leaning over the layout as in the photograph.

Attaboy, I am sure that debate will continue until the whole thing does go underwater or slides past Mexico, or both. Having lived in the said area for the majority of my life I have heard the ground is sinking debate almost every day, but that is the first time I have heard of the ground actually shifting or sliding into the Gulf of Mexico. One of the reasons for the water intrusion into the city was due to the levees sinking as much as a foot over the last 20 years.

Personally, I won't have to worry now though; we live 120 miles off the Atlantic coast and are 400 feet above sea level in North Carolina now. My parents and in-laws still live 8 feet below sea level, they probably won't have to worry about it either.

Ryan Boudreaux
The Piedmont Division
Modeling The Southern Railway, Norfolk & Western & Norfolk Southern in HO during the merger era
Cajun Chef Ryan

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: hillbilly hide away and campground C, M-ville,ILL
  • 2,153 posts
Posted by inch53 on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 12:56 PM

Today we can honor a good man, with his final discharge to his service to us all,

Honorable service in our defense,

Honorable service in our government,

and his highly Honorable service in life in life it‘s self,

MR. President, we greatly honor you, this day, for all of the service to us all.

May you always be remembered as good man, who gave his best in service to his country.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/4309

DISCLAIMER-- This post does not clam anything posted here as fact or truth, but it may be just plain funny
  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: North Central Texas
  • 2,370 posts
Posted by Paul W. Beverung on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:03 PM
Sign - Ditto [#ditto]What Inch said. Ford was a truly good person.
Paul The Duluth, Superior, & Southeastern " The Superior Route " WETSU
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: In the State of insanity!
  • 7,982 posts
Posted by pcarrell on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:05 PM

Ryan, it was no problem.  I'm glad he likes them.

Oh, and White Rain can attract a lot of dust over time because it stays kind of tacky. (No, I don't that its in bad taste)  If you use it, be sure your layout area is pretty well maintained.

Philip
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Euclid, Ohio
  • 2,822 posts
Posted by LSWrr on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:24 PM

Silverspike,

The white rain hairspray has lots of alcohol in it and it comes in a pump bottle.  You lay out your ballast or ground cover shape it the way you want and spray the area with the White rain.  Then using an eye dropper apply a 50/50 mix of white glue/water to the area.  The alcohol in the hairspray causes the glue not to stick to the top but run around to the underside of the ballast to bond it to the table, roadbed or whatever.  This works for ground cover as well.  Any hairspray will work as long as the first ingredient is alcohol and it comes in a pump bottle.  Using an aerosol can will shoot your ballast or groundcover to kingdom come!  White rain is $1/bottle around here.  

Lee

BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret)
 L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Georgia
  • 486 posts
Posted by soumodeler on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:29 PM

I'm confused again!

Someone said you didn't have to put more glue on. Do you or do you not?

If yes, then why not use rubbing alcohol which is 2/$1 at the Dollar General?

As for the areosol hairspray, I use that sometimes just to add touchup scenery. The trick is to spary from far away and a lot of it. 

soumodeler --------------- The Southern Serves the South!
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Georgia
  • 486 posts
Posted by soumodeler on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:31 PM

Sign - Dots [#dots] Banged Head [banghead]

I have come to the conclusion that people with the scroll bars at the bottom of their posts are special. The question is, in a good or bad way?!?Confused [%-)]Question [?]

 

soumodeler --------------- The Southern Serves the South!
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Euclid, Ohio
  • 2,822 posts
Posted by LSWrr on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 2:17 PM
I normally don't put glue down first, then ballast.  I do think it bonds everything together very well.  Do you just brush out the glue and then lay ballast?  I'll have to look for the rubbing alcohol in my DG, you might be on to something.

BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret)
 L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Georgia
  • 486 posts
Posted by soumodeler on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 2:23 PM

For ballast, i spread it out and spray with alcohol and then glue with 50/50 glue and water with a few drops of soap. For regular scenery, I pour out glue and spread it even with a wet paintbrush and then grass. Again soak with alcohol and diluted glue.

 

soumodeler --------------- The Southern Serves the South!
  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 2:50 PM

Lee: The tornado that I got this morning works like a dream. My car gets better milage (about another 2.3 mpg) and has more hp and low-end torque. It could take off fast before, but it really moves now! I can wind it out in first and hear the turbocharger screaming as it shifts to second. At 70 the turbocharger keeps a steady low whine, music to my ears.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Fairmount (Syracuse) NY
  • 1,226 posts
Posted by JPowell on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 3:09 PM

Happy New Year all!

  WOW! New digs for a new year. Impressive. I wonder how much this cost Kalmbach! Nice to see the old faces in the new place and even better to see new faces stopping by the new place.

  Lee - Thanks for the link to the businesses that provide Military Discounts! On that subject, I've had a few 'issues' with Home Depot. The one closest to my home, and work for that matter, only does it on certain Holidays, while the other 3 in the area do it every day. I was told by the store manager that the 'home' office told them to stop doing it every day. Kinda stinks if you ask me, but hey, I have no problems taking my business to the other 3 stores, or even Lowe's.

  Dick / Ed - Any thoughs on the upcoming Red Sox season? I really wish they's re-sign Trot and Loretta as a back-up plan. Loretta more so than Trot, but Nixon has been w/ the Sox his entire career so far. Loretta, imho, is a better 2nd baseman than Dustan. In any rate, How would you like to be a pitcher facing a starting 5 lineup of Lugo, Youk, Ortiz, Manny, and JD Drew? I'm not sure I'd be able to make it without giving up a run or 2.

  Well all, Off to get some things accomplished around the apartment before I start packing my bags for work tomorrow.

  Take care!

//signed// John Powell President / CEO CNY Transportation Corp (fictional)

http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s303/nuts4sports34/

Hunter - When we met in January of 2000, you were just a 6 week old pup who walked his way into this heart of mine as the only runt in the litter who would come over to me. And today, I sit here and tell you I am sorry we had to put you down. It was the best thing for you and also the right thing to do. May you now rest in peace and comfort. Love, Dad. 8 June 2010

I love you and miss you Mom. Say hi to everyone up there for me. Rest in peace and comfort. Love, John. 29 March 2017

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: South east Michigan
  • 927 posts
Posted by bjdukert on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 3:41 PM

Hey Duke, Hey Jim still with us?
I am Fergie but I think we will have to nudge Jim as it sounds like he is snoring over there in the other corner.Zzz [zzz]Zzz [zzz]

Duke

Since the Diner is stationary we really won't need anything to pull it but if we did,I think a nice looking BERKSHIRE like I have in my Sig would work just fine. Right Dick?? 

"Don't take a wooden nickel,because it isn't worth a dime" by my Dad

"There are only 3 things you need out of life:A gentle grade,the wind in your face,and cinders in your hair.....But keep an eye on the water glass!" Jack Evans

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: East central Illinois
  • 2,576 posts
Posted by Cox 47 on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 4:04 PM
Afternoon All.....Its been Sunny but cool here today can't kick for this time of year......I'll have a order of onion rings and a rootbeer float please thank you....Looks like the new place is doing well.....Not much railroading for me caregiver didn't have time to take Christmas tree down so layout is still covered maybe Thursday....Sallie and I watched Former President Ford's services from DC this morning very moving.....One more thing on the White Rain hair spray I don't use unless I can open up apartment...It can be a little "perfummy" if you know what I mean....Smells better than somethings I have tried on the railroad over the years....but a little goes a long way.....Somebody mentioned it draws dust but I have never had that problem as it dries pretty fast no worse than any other glue method.....You all have a good evening.....Jerry
ILLinois and Southern...Serving the Coal belt of southern Illinois with a Smile...
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Seattle WA
  • 1,233 posts
Posted by Hoople on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 4:35 PM
 LSWrr wrote:

Hoople,

What is the minimum turn radius for that PCM Bigboy?  I know my Mallets require a minimum of 24".

Lee

18" raduis. (I know it looks better on wider curves. I have 22"s.)
Mark.
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Georgia
  • 486 posts
Posted by soumodeler on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 4:49 PM

Wow, a Big Boy around 18"? My SD9 has trouble around them, and as for my E8? Not a chance!

 

soumodeler --------------- The Southern Serves the South!
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Euclid, Ohio
  • 2,822 posts
Posted by LSWrr on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 5:18 PM

Jeff,

Very nice.  I plan on looking into it, but I doubt it matters since I have a turbo the size of a coffee can on the top of my engine.

Hoople,

18" very impressive. 

BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret)
 L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Cherry Valley, Ma
  • 3,674 posts
Posted by grayfox1119 on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 5:56 PM

Good evening gents, I trust dinner was to everyone's liking.

DUKE: Right ON, a BERKSHIRE a1 would do just fine!!! Shhhh don't wake up JIM, he's snoring in the last booth.

LEE: Yes, I have heard that the creepers sold at Auto Parts stores are cheaper, but I wonder if they have all the adjustments and features of the MicroMark creeper?

  Did any of you guys catch the Oklahoma, Boise State game last night? That had to be one of the most exciting, action packed bowl games that I have ever watched. The last 2 minutes and then the OT was undescribeable, you would have to have seen the game to appreciate the exciting and plays.

Later,

Dick If you do what you always did, you'll get what you always got!! Learn from the mistakes of others, trust me........you can't live long enough to make all the mistakes yourself, I tried !! Picture album at :http://www.railimages.com/gallery/dickjubinville Picture album at:http://community.webshots.com/user/dickj19 local weather www.weatherlink.com/user/grayfox1119
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Euclid, Ohio
  • 2,822 posts
Posted by LSWrr on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 6:11 PM

Over Engine Creeper $220.00 eBay #160049282695  Same one we looked at before.  I would go to Auto Zone, Advanced Auto Parts, and Auto Zone and see what they have it for.

BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret)
 L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 6:16 PM
 LSWrr wrote:

Jeff,

Very nice.  I plan on looking into it, but I doubt it matters since I have a turbo the size of a coffee can on the top of my engine.

Lee: My engine has a turbocharger and it made a he** of a difference.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!