Good morning. #0 degrees to start the day with overcast skies.
Phil - Cold at 41 degrees??? No sympathy from me. That's almost shorts weather up here.
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Terry - Improvement for your wife does sound good. Hope she continues to improve.
Curt - What's left of your layout really hurts after all of the work you put into it. I am looking forward to see your new one though as I'm sure that you learned a lot over the years and probably have some items to add that you have seen.
Garry - I will have to agree with you when it comes to adding grab irons. Put a lot of them on over the years. Don't know if I would want to attempt it today.
Ray - I have seen a lot more coverage of the fires down there and it's hard to believe how bad it is and that they may continue for quite a while. Hope you are safe.
Tom - Nice photos on the work on the hoppers. Nice.
IBKen - Looking forward to see what you add next to the layout. Looking good now.
Alan - That baggage car is outstanding. I have heard many good reports on Rapido equipment. The only thing I own from them is n RDC which is an exceptionally nice running car. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Unfortunately Rapido does not make any locomotives decorated for any railroads that I connect to or an undecorated version.
Joe - The background structure is looking good. I was a bit apprehensive about using them on my layout, but now that they are in, I do like them.
Beady - That's an interesting photo from Germany. Like it.
One thing I enjoyed when traveling in Europe was riding on their trams. I like to get on YouTube and watch the "cab View" videos.
Sherrel - Have you narrowed down what king of truck you want. I am a Chevy guy but did sell my 2012 and kept my old '72 Chevy truck as it is easy to work on. Not a fan of any of the new trucks, but I have also heard good things about Toyota trucks. They're running all over in the middle east.
Willie - I do like your photos as usual, especially the BBQ joint. Nice. Glad that you have critters to keep the mosquito pupulation down at the pond.
Greg - Nice looking switcher. I do have a couple of bar stools down in the train room which is better than standing, but still with the leg in the sitting position my time is limited. The best way to get it comfortable is to lean back in the recliner with a small pillow under the knee.
Johnny - You had a post about 1/87 vehicles for the mid 50's. I am an avid collector of any vehicles 1957 and older and here are some of the Oxford Diecast vehicles I have collected over that past three or four years. I try not to duplicate any but will buy the same vehicle in a different color with the exception of '57 Chevys as I do have a Chevy dealership on the layout. Oxford like the Mini Metals seem to be improving with each new vehicle they bring out. Oxfords are reasonably prices and a little looking on the internet can get you some decent prices. I do have vehicles from other brands such as Neo, but these can get pricey but have excellent details. By the way, the back '40 Ford pickup on the right is from Motor Max, $3.99.
I did get down to the train room for a while over the weekend and took this photo while running trains. May attempt a trip down there again today.
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