Running Bear’s July 2021 Coffee Shop

[santafewillie]

Good Morning All. Clear and 72°, might make 89° later today. It's still well below average temperatures here for this time of year, only made 88° yesterday.The pool as well hasn't been above 84° since June 23!
I spent my day mowing yesterday. I mowed the front yard last Wednesday or Thursday, then got nearly 3" of rain Friday and it was extremely overgrown by yesterday. I not only did the entire east side, but the south and part of the west side as well. Nothing today until later as I have a 9:30 dermatologist appointment for my yearly skin scan. While I am in town, I need to make a dreaded stop at WalMart to replace the 20 year old floor fan that inexplicably stopped working Sunday evening. I took it apart yesterday, but couldn't find anything that might have been the cause. Just old I guess.

Just an apple fritter and a glass of OJ this morning Flo. I don't want to be farting in the doctor's office.

Thanks for the many likes and comments regarding yesterday's post; Karl, Joe, Hughie, Troy, Steve J, Tom O, Chad, Rick, Ken, Sherrel, Garry, Guy, Gary.

I did get the replacement driveway installed yesterday in the scene in the train shed.

But most of my time out there was spent cleaning stuff up and organizing boxes under the layout. Ha to quit earlier than normal as I had to get the grill ready for some pork chops.

Speaking of food, I mentioned the Black Krill tomatoes Sunday, here's one side by side with a Beefsteak one showing the similarities.

Behind them is much of the current crop.

I have to pick before they are fully ripe to keep them from being destroyed by grasshoppers. Never mind the trashcan in the picture, Hazel the robot vacuum cleaner moved it out of the utility room. She pretty much rearranges anything that's not too heavy to suit her fancy!
Some of the Beefsteaks can grow funny.

This one must be a boy tomato.

Troy - I forgot to answer your other question yesterday regarding the potential second level of your layout. Mine is 16" above the lower level. That could work for you on the left, but the part against the wall on the right might need more clearance.
Further thoughts on your dilemma: While a wet bar seems to be a dream for lots of folks, none of my acquaintances who have one actually use it other than a place to store liquor.That might not save much space since the fridge is already there. If the fridge has a water dispenser in it, all you need is a small cabinet with a finished top for mixing. You are probably going to have to bring the glasses upstairs to the dishwasher anyway.
Secondly, and I am prejudiced toward model railroading here, forget the gaming table! I know how much you love the war games and I have always had favorable thoughts for them, but not having a place on your side of town just doesn't seem to justify it. If I recall, Ft Wayne isn't really a very large city so getting to the other side of town doesn't seem to me to be a big hassle. But that's just the Texan in me. Maybe I am wrong. This is not meant in a bad way, but as something to think about.
Guy - You really did a nice job on Majestic Hardware. I really like Bar Mills kits like that one.
Sherrel - Sorry to read of your misadventure with the dog. I would still go to see a doc even if it is already feeling better.

Everybody have a great day.

 

[RaboIiot]

Hello Happy Members !
"Unfortunately, SWMBO (the spousal unit) gave me a direct order: "Gently take your toy apart and put it all in a box. Right away ! Save our money for food, gas, bills and every others serious things." I can't disobey to a direct order if I want to stay alive a few minutes more. So my switching layout has been dismantled and stored in a box."
All I can do is this:

 

[McLeod]

Good Morning!
It's a comfortable 52f at 6:30am, with an immature drizzle happening outside. I'd prefer we had a full adult rain; a real soaker. It is what it is, though.

Sherrel - So sad to hear about you're hand and I highly recommend you getting that looked at. I know all too well what a dog bite can do to ones hand.
My right hand pinkie is useless, and my middle finger will only stand half erect for the hillbilly salute. This is the result of a drunken brawl with a large canine when I was quite young. The dog tore the tendons in my hand, rendering it almost useless and deformed. That was also a case where I let it self-heal, and didn't bother to get it looked at. Paid for it most of my life.
I suppose I was lucky my trigger finger was left unscathed; otherwise I might be taking photos as a lefty.

Hughie - Well done on the Majestic Hardware-n-Feed. It looks the part positioned there on the layout. I gotta say, though, the roadway underpasses look suspect. Dosen't look like the transport truck is going anywhere... Or is that just the way I'm seeing it in the photo.

It seems a quiet few days here in the shop, this past holiday weekend. Hope none of you blew you're hands off with fire-crackers.

I had a bit of luck yesterday, when the wife and I drove downtown.
As we were crossing the tracks, I looked to the east and could see a train approaching way off in the distance. So I decided it was worth parking for a moment to get a photo of the passing train. I didn't know at the time, what was coming. As a matter of fact, I didn't know what it was until it came out of a patch of trees obscuring my view of the tracks, from where we were parked.
The train came in fairly quick, only allowing me time for a couple of quick photos as it passed by and made it's escape. Turned out to be a GP38 pulling a track evaluation ensemble. Here's the only two, rather poor photos I was able to capture from the parking lot:

I knew that train was going to park in either the town yard or the staging yard, and I knew it was worth coming back to take photos, later when the
crew had gone to rest. It was worth it to me to take some risk to get better photos.
As it happened, the GP38 was parked in a not so good location in the shade of the large Home Hardware building. So I could only take photos from the wrong side according to the sun's location.
I did manage to get many photos, though. Even poor photos are better than nothing. Here are a few pics of the GP38-2W:

That is the oldest engine I've seen come into town, since I've started taking rail photos.

Of course, I took some photos of the cars, as well:

All of those photos were taken facing south, which accounts for the poorer quality. Unfortunately, the fence on the other side is too close to allow a proper photo of the train from that location. I've tried that before, and it dosen't work.

I did look on RR.net, and there are photos of this GP38 train on that site. So, this must be a specific set-up that CN is keeping together for track evaluation purposes. It is nice to see, and I find it interesting.
I'm going to watch for the train and see if I can get more, better photos. It is nice to have about a dozen pics in the files, though, for the historical record.
Yesterday, I saved all of my photos to a flash drive, just incase this PC blows up. That's happened to me before, and it drives me nuts to lose photos.

Time to be on my way. Thanks for the coffee!

 

[troyphoto]

Well howdy there internet MRR people.

It's Troy again.

Sherrell... please go see the urgent care docs and get antibiotics for that hand.

Willie: Thanks for the tips on the 2 levels. As for the wet-bar, its primary function is to expand the kitchen storage from the level above. We are in a condo townhouse with a galley kitchen. Cupboard space is at a premium. So, it's primary function is to get a bar sink in the basement for me to set up a coffee station, have a place to clean my modeling paint brushes, and to handle ... dum... dum... dum... storage of the liquor. As well as the bigger pots and such that rarely get used, but when you need then, you are glad you kept them.

Plan B is to flip the basement ends. Main area of the basement is 11ft x 30 feet (or there abouts). The train area/wet bar is at the end of the side where the stairs and utility room are, so it's almost a separate room. Think of an L shape, with the train room being the bottom of the L

I've debated putting up a wall and door just to keep it separated. But, that's work that could go into hobby time.

The only reason I didn't put the Reclining/Napping/Music listening area where the train layout is, was because Wife's TV watching area is directly above that. I'm hard of hearing, she's not. Do the math and you'll see who I expected to be getting yelled at to turn the music down all the time. That hasn't been much of a problem, though

HOWEVER, that may be the more practical solution. It would require a major track redesign, but would allow room for expansion. And the utility room is on that end. Room to hide a helix out of site.

No decisions yet. I've got all summer and fall to figure out what I need to do. I predict much graph papering in my future.

 

[chadbag]

If I recall, Ft Wayne isn't really a very large city so getting to the other side of town doesn't seem to me to be a big hassle. But that's just the Texan in me. Maybe I am wrong. This is not meant in a bad way, but as something to think about.

I've only been there 4 times, but I technically am based in Ft Wayne for work, and occasionally have to go. It is not an overly large place. A little spread out but quite a nice small city.

 

[troyphoto]

Ft Wayne Indiana isn't large for Texas.

And, true, it's not that far to the game store. 20 minutes most days. 30 if in rush hour and I catch all the red lights. But, we have winters here. The words "lake effect snow" do occasionally get used. Having a home base or two on our side of town that is open as late as we desire, without teenagers playing Pokemon or Magic The Gathering is an appealing thought.

And, since I'm getting into the more historical games, the ideas of setting up a game and running it for three or four sessions may be a thing. There are rules sets that are geared toward 12+ hour games. But, for now, I'm learning the quicker sets. Play in a few hours.

 

[Texas Hobo]

Good Afternoon all! A cloudy day here in H-Town, but at least somewhat cooler than normal. Mid 80's currently where the usual for this time of year would be upper 90"s.

Mcleod - I had to go back and look at the photo. Then I saw it. That's not an underpass, it's a road crossing, well more a driveway crossing.
Raboliot - Know how a Murphy bed folds into the wall/cabinet. Might work for a switching layout.
Sherrell - You really should get the bite checked out. You could wind up craving Milk Bones, trying to scratch your ear with your foot or trying to lick your .......
Troy - Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Willie - how far from the floor to the lower level?

Making some preparations for tomorrow. The electricians are scheduled to come and replace breaker box.

STAY SAFE

LATER

 

[troyphoto]

Willie - how far from the floor to the lower level?

Depends on how many tequilas...

 

[kbkchooch]

Hello Happy Members !
"Unfortunately, SWMBO (the spousal unit) gave me a direct order: "Gently take your toy apart and put it all in a box. Right away ! Save our money for food, gas, bills and every others serious things." I can't disobey to a direct order if I want to stay alive a few minutes more. So my switching layout has been dismantled and stored in a box."
All I can do is this:

View attachment 129715

You don't need that kind of negativity in your life. A small switching layout is infinitely cheaper than other hobbies, like hanging at a bar or chasin skirts. My SWMBO would rather have me happily playing with my trains, than left to my own devices (or vices)

 

[DakotaLove39]

I try really hard to not disparage the methods of other modelers but.. this one just...

Someone went to all the work of installing a barely acceptable Digitrax Soundbug into this nice Atlas Silver U30C. And then drilled holes in the roof as their speaker holes.. sigh

But it was $125 so.

 

[Boris]

I ***could*** drill for actuators, etc. while installing for manual control? Two of the TOs are a fairly awkward reach, one other is not too bad, Maybe if I get the blasted thing built, I will decide that electronic TO control is for whussies er, not necessary.

I would pre drill the actuator holes, and do all your wiring, then when you get the actuator you want, it's just a matter of installing it. otherwise...it could turn into a PIA.

 

[TLOC]

Good evening from soon to be a very wet and windy So. Central Wisconsin. Nasty storms coming out of the NW and should hit around 8pm. We need the rain but not a deluge. Looks like MikeinHubCity got his share of the weather based on the Weatherchannel app but until he reports in who knows?

The wife’s small veggie garden is starting to produce Cherry and grape tomatoes. Terry loves the grape ones I prefer the cherry. Peas, beans, spinach and lettuce are starting doe off so will be pulled tomorrow. Radishs are going well as the hot weather hasn’t seemed to bother them.

I am getting ready to come in off the pool deck, low 90’s the last 3 days and the pool has been a refreshingly great distraction. No g/kids today but they will be here tomorrow around 9am. Heading to the trains with the NBA finals on the IPad. Generally no TV allowed in the trainroom but the Milwaukee team is in the Finals
TomO

M

 

[GarryCBQ]

You don't need that kind of negativity in your life. A small switching layout is infinitely cheaper than other hobbies, like hanging at a bar or chasin skirts. My SWMBO would rather have me happily playing with my trains, than left to my own devices (or vices)

Karl ..... My Dad had sign in his workshop where he worked on trains: ..... "It may be expensive, but it is cheaper than psychiatry. "

 

[IronBeltKen]

Hello Shop Dwellers! We have 84*F under partly cloudy skies with a 4mph SW breeze here in the heart of MD. Was up to 97 earlier. Thanks everybody for the likes on my Monday post.

No mrr news to report, since I decided to take a day off from layout prep and decompress from that for awhile...

Sherrell - I hope you've gotten the much-needed treatment for that infected hand!

. . .
So, beloved RR forum, do I:


1) Wait to install the TO's and yard track until I can afford the electronic controls?

2) Build everything up with 0-5-0 control and add the whiz-bangs down-the-road when money is surplus again?

I guess I am not sure how difficult it will be to add the TO controls later. I ***could*** drill for actuators, etc. while installing for manual control? Two of the TOs are a fairly awkward reach, one other is not too bad, Maybe if I get the blasted thing built, I will decide that electronic TO control is for whussies er, not necessary.

Chew upon that, friends all, and render your opinions.

SteveJ - I would go ahead and lay the yard track so you can at least run some trains there. But first, drill 1/2" holes dead-center where the turnout throwbars will be positioned, then you won't need to pull up any track if/when you decide to install the switch machines. That's what I did with my main line T/O's. I was going to recommend Peco turnouts [that stay shut to whatever direction you want them pointed in], but I see you've already invested in the ME's...

Willie - that tomato should probably be circumcised, ya think?

Good Night - and have a Pleasant Tomorrow!

 

[RaboIiot]

Gooooooooooooooooooood Morning ! It's 5:41 AM in France.

Raboliot - Know how a Murphy bed folds into the wall/cabinet. Might work for a switching layout.

A very good idea. Thanks.
Have a nice day guys.

 

[troyphoto]

Well, howdy there internet Model RR People!

It's Troy again.

Today, we're going to talk about making another trip around the sun.

Just Coffee this morning Flo, I've got a lot of birthday specials and coupons to use.... No... No... I don't want to take Mel up on his offer of extra gravy on the biscuits and gravy. I've got a birthday donut lined up this morning. And a Caramel Macchiato, and ... well, we'll have to see what kind of coupons show up in the email.

Wife has already warned me that she's got a rough day at work with two deadlines both hitting today. But, she promised to go to Outback with me for a steak dinner. I did have to remind her we usually get a chocolate thunder ice cream (and fudge brownie with chocolate sauce).

Evidently this day in July is a popular one for doctors to induce labor. It's on the Popular Birthdays list. I share it with several famous people, including Ringo Star ✌ and SciFi author Robert A. Heinlein. Anyone else?

I'm still only on the first cup of coffee today. We'll see what today brings.

Edit... as soon as I finished typing this and checked my email, the Kalmbach hobby store gave me $5 off coupon, and wants me to purchase trains socks! (I'll pass on the socks).

 

[kbkchooch]

Well, howdy there internet Model RR People!

It's Troy again.

Today, we're going to talk about making another trip around the sun.

Just Coffee this morning Flo, I've got a lot of birthday specials and coupons to use.... No... No... I don't want to take Mel up on his offer of extra gravy on the biscuits and gravy. I've got a birthday donut lined up this morning. And a Caramel Macchiato, and ... well, we'll have to see what kind of coupons show up in the email.

Wife has already warned me that she's got a rough day at work with two deadlines both hitting today. But, she promised to go to Outback with me for a steak dinner. I did have to remind her we usually get a chocolate thunder ice cream (and fudge brownie with chocolate sauce).

Evidently this day in July is a popular one for doctors to induce labor. It's on the Popular Birthdays list. I share it with several famous people, including Ringo Star ✌ and SciFi author Robert A. Heinlein. Anyone else?

I'm still only on the first cup of coffee today. We'll see what today brings.

Edit... as soon as I finished typing this and checked my email, the Kalmbach hobby store gave me $5 off coupon, and wants me to purchase trains socks! (I'll pass on the socks).

View attachment 129733

Happy Birthday Troy!!

 

[Patrick]

Morning all,

Well it was a fairly quiet day in the city yesterday. Everyone should be back today.

I got a surprise visit from the mayor yesterday and a bonus! Seems someone in the city turned me in for working weekends and holidays to keep systems running when most folks are home. City likes less downtime from the systems.

Troy: Have a happy happy!

 

[BigGRacing]

Happy Birthday Troy !

 

[Boris]

Good morning, 'all. 73° and sunny.

Yesterday, evening, a line of nasty thunder storms passed through ...seemed to last for about 3 hours with numerous close lightning strikes...1.70" of rain recorded at the Rutgers station 3 miles away. Shortly after midnight, we lost power. the outage lasted until 0630. That Rustbelt Utility Holding Company that serves us "sucks".

Went to the Pulmonary specialist yesterday. First impressions were favorable. He ordered another CT Scan to check out the discrepancies indicated i the first CT Scan, but based on lung function test, and examination, he is inclined to think the nodules are sca ring. Meanwhile, he changed my meds, and took me off of a BP med that is notorious for causing a cough. See him again i early August.

Happy Birthday, Troy!

Today, is Costco day....

CNJ RSD-4 #1604 at Jersey City. Warren Calloway Photo