Running Bear's April 2022 Coffee Shop


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Good morning all! 34 degrees now and heading for sunny and 60. We got a lot of rain and heavy wind yesterday and last night but fortunately the worst storms missed us. Probably have some sticks and small limbs down outside but no real damage.

I think this infection in my eyes is getting worse instead of better. I've been using the eye drops the nurse practitioner at convenient care prescribed but they don't seem to be helping. Going to see about getting an appointment with an eye doctor. This constant burning and watering is making me crazy(er).

Lots of projects to work on right now at the job and I'm loving it. So happy I got this position.

Hope you all have a great day!
Ken
 
Good morning global modelers and lurking readers. Wisconsin, in my section anyway around noon yesterday was at 65f degrees. 35 at 6pm and down to 30 overnight. The high today and supposely until Sunday will be 44. 32 feeling like 22 now. In other words, it’s chilly outthere.

Mikeinhubcity, I have had multiple deer run into our cars over the years, I’ve had a bear bounce off the passenger door, had a flock ducks with ducklings appear out out the dense fog try to walk in front of the car. Never have I had the impact like that was, even including a t-bone accident I had.

Terry, I am so hopeful your current run in life will improve for you and the wife

Ken, you need to see a specialist. The eye issue sounds annoying. Very glad the new job is enjoyable

Willie, I have a FB friend taking a trip through the Hill Country this week from San Antonio to Fredericksburg and then up to Lubbock. The wildflowers are in bloom but he says the locals are saying it won’t last as they are much later and it’s still too dry. His pictures are wonderful though

Troy, when you have writing deadlines, what happens if you miss one? Life seems to be getting in your way of writing this book.

Everyone else. I have been reading but not always commenting. That doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable or I disagree, it means I am no longer living on the forums. Not everything needs a response. My tome overall online since February is down almost 50%. I hope you understand

Enjoy the day
TomO
 
Morning all,

Temp stayed slightly above freezing. I'll know in a couple of days the amount of any fruit damage. The apples are about to get started as they are showing some pink and green. After 7 years, I'm still learning about the apples I planted and why I should have left them at the nursery...lol

Hopefully the day slows down. I am on "vacation" next week, but like all my vacations, I'm not going anywhere. Got some work to do on the fence as I had a post break a month or so back and it's braced, but needs replacing. At least this one is on the high side of the yard, so the ground won't\shouldn't be too bad to dig out the post. I have the new one bought, so famous last words are it shouldn't take all day to do. Possibly scheduled some more interviews for our new IT tech next week. I told the boss to let me know as I would come in. Met with 3 candidates yesterday.

Everyone have a great day!

BBL
 
TLOC said:
Troy, when you have writing deadlines, what happens if you miss one? Life seems to be getting in your way of writing this book.
Click to expand...
The outcome would depend on which deadline I miss.

The deadline in the immediate future is getting the book to my editor. We agree on a date for delivery to her. If I'm late without an extension she charges a penalty and fits it in where she can. Which will delay her getting the work back to me.

I do build in a 3-week window after her expected completion, for me to make revisions, and the get the book out to my advance readers. They are my last line of typo defense (trust me, we still miss some...) and there is always someone ready to leave a bad review because I've allowed spell check to substitute "Duck" for ... well... you know. ;)

The critical deadline is with Amazon. I always put a pre-order up for my next book. That way I can put a link in the end of the current book to it. The pre-orders usually cover the cost of hiring the editor. Good to get that paid the first day the book is out. I have to upload the final file to Amazon 4 days before the pre-order release date.

BUT, If I don't upload the book to Amazon by the date required for that preorder, then I lose pre-order privileges for an entire year following. The preorders are canceled, and I lose the immediate sales and hope those who did pre-order have signed up for my email list. If not, they may not re-order the missed book.

The solution seems to be, just upload the version back from the editor, then update it after I do revisions.... That... unfortunately is a gamble. Amazon's system farts occasionally. About once a year, during an update of their end of stuff, they release old versions, not the current version of any preorders in queue. They don't tell us when this is going on. It just happens, then readers get grumpy because those who uploaded and early version have that version release despite having a clean and spiffy version properly loaded.

It's filed under the Can't Win For trying clause or something.

Last year I did 6 book releases. This year I'm doing 4, with hopes of staying on a 6 book writing schedule to get two books ahead. So far, that isn't working. I'm using up my cushions due to family emergencies.
 
LesterL said:
I have a Model Power (they bought out Mantua) 4-6-2 that will run on dcc but not on straight dc. Would be glad to pay someone to take out the decoder and make it run on straight dc. Live in Columbus, GA
Click to expand...

It is possible that one CV in the decoder is disabled that allows the decoder to work on DC. Reprogramming may be all that is needed.
CV 12 IIRC
 
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Good Morning folks.
Only 14F out there, even though the sun's trying to make a difference. The sun's warming rays just can't cut through that artic air.

Karl - I'm also very sad that your loyal friend has gone. I'm betting she was greeted by those faithful who were waiting for her in puppy heaven.

TLOC said:
I am no longer living on the forums.
Click to expand...
TomO - Don't feel bad about spending less time on the forums. There's healthier, better things to do. Now that I have a layout table to work with, and a dog to walk, I'll be spending less time with my face planted in a computer screen, as well. I intend to just pop in when I've got some decent photos or layout work to present.

I'm working away on my new layout, trying to get some track down. It's taking me longer than I thought it would. I question everything, though. Is this the way?, Is there a better way?, How to do this, How to do that? ; I'll get through it with a bit of effort.

Here's where I left it yesterday:
Layout_04-14-2022.JPG

Not very far, at all, and I'm running out of Peco track joiners that I mistakenly thought I had lots of. Oh well, the order is in and I'll have to wait a week before they arrive along with some other stuff. No problem, I can always resume building the 3rd class depot and build the bridge I'll need. - I don't think there's any down time in this hobby.

The dog's looking at me with expectation. This dog can tell time, and she knows it's time to go for a walk. She also knows what time the wife gets home from work, and waits by the door.

Have a good one!
 
troyphoto said:
The outcome would depend on which deadline I miss.

The deadline in the immediate future is getting the book to my editor. We agree on a date for delivery to her. If I'm late without an extension she charges a penalty and fits it in where she can. Which will delay her getting the work back to me.

I do build in a 3-week window after her expected completion, for me to make revisions, and the get the book out to my advance readers. They are my last line of typo defense (trust me, we still miss some...) and there is always someone ready to leave a bad review because I've allowed spell check to substitute "Duck" for ... well... you know. ;)

The critical deadline is with Amazon. I always put a pre-order up for my next book. That way I can put a link in the end of the current book to it. The pre-orders usually cover the cost of hiring the editor. Good to get that paid the first day the book is out. I have to upload the final file to Amazon 4 days before the pre-order release date.

BUT, If I don't upload the book to Amazon by the date required for that preorder, then I lose pre-order privileges for an entire year following. The preorders are canceled, and I lose the immediate sales and hope those who did pre-order have signed up for my email list. If not, they may not re-order the missed book.

The solution seems to be, just upload the version back from the editor, then update it after I do revisions.... That... unfortunately is a gamble. Amazon's system farts occasionally. About once a year, during an update of their end of stuff, they release old versions, not the current version of any preorders in queue. They don't tell us when this is going on. It just happens, then readers get grumpy because those who uploaded and early version have that version release despite having a clean and spiffy version properly loaded.

It's filed under the Can't Win For trying clause or something.

Last year I did 6 book releases. This year I'm doing 4, with hopes of staying on a 6 book writing schedule to get two books ahead. So far, that isn't working. I'm using up my cushions due to family emergencies.
Click to expand...
Troy, Thanks for the explaination. I have a rather well known author as a good friend since childhood. Your explaination was better then anything she has ever talked about. She does disappear every couple years to get back ground on her stories. She rarely will talk about any of her stories and never about her process but once or twice a year I get a book before it gets to the public. She signs with her real name and I have promised never to reveal her writing name. She has become stranger and more distant as the years move on. Her partner has been a friend since grade school who has often been to our house for shoulders to cry on while the author is writing. It has always been a turbulent existence for the 2 of them and they were a same sex couple in high school but in the 60’s of course it was a secret. Neither publicly came out until about 2000.

The time you have spent online with us here on the forum make you seem so “normal”. Of the 3 writers I personally know I can’t say that about any of them, their spouses or partners. Keep on railroading, that must be the secret!

TomO
 
kbkchooch said:
It is possible that one CV in the decoder is disabled that allows the decoder to work on DC. Reprogramming may be all that is needed.
CV 12 IIRC
Click to expand...
The problem is that running a DCC locomotive on DC is not a good idea, they never really run well, and not only can damage the decoder possibly the motor as well, it's the same as running a DC locomotive on DCC, it will work, sure, but it won't do your Loco any good, especially long tem, much easier and safer to remove the decoder and either do a simple rewire or if it's got a DCC board onboard, fit a blanking plate.
 
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Good Morning All. Here it is clear and 43°, a lot chillier than yesterday, but it is just a one day thing.

I re-planted a few of the tomato plants and the Jalapeno peppers in the garden yesterday. Still have more tomatoes to go. Meanwhile the green beans that I planted on 4-4, started emerging. Plan is to now plant the other half of the row so I have a somewhat staggered harvest. Due to heat issues, the season for them is rather shortened.
Since it's Thursday, I'll make the usual weekly grocery trek this morning. I have to go by a lab on the way and do a blood draw for the cardiologist prior to the stress test on the 28th. I have another stop to make, but I can't remember what it is. Whoa! Here it is on the grocery list, Walgreen's to pick up a prescription. I need lists.

Thanks for the comments and likes regarding yesterday's photos; Dave B, Smudge, Sherrel, Guy, Karl, Hughie, Chad, Curt, OB Ken, Rick, Tom, Patrick, Joe, Tom O.

Did a little work on the two new projects yesterday out in the train shed.
On the building upgrade, this is one thing that I encounter quite often.
IMG_0662.JPG

I have these very tiny spiders sharing my space out there. After removing that, I installed blinds and shades on two back walls.
IMG_0667.JPG

IMG_0668.JPG

Pause here as I find some scale 9' tall interiors for the other two walls. Or I may have to increase the print size on some that I already have.
On the CF7, I had to dig out the craft paint that I found a while ago, that matches Santa Fe Yellow better than anything else that I have.
IMG_0666.JPG

Citadel Colour Sunburst Yellow.
Here you can see the difference between the faded out original handrails on the left, and the re-paints on the right.
IMG_0665.JPG

It's much more noticeable in person.

Greg - Eight at once! Now you're serious about this. I did mine four at a time. Your tooth fairy needs to work overtime.
Dave B - You're getting a lot of wildlife sightings out there on the new place.
I need a lot of structures due to the locale of my layout. I have 10 cities/towns and there just are not enough structures available for all to be unique. I have about a half dozen duplicates and by using different coloring schemes, most are not noticeable. I will also mount them facing different aisles, and on different levels so they are not so apparent.
Tom O - Time off the Internet is OK. I already limit myself for most stuff. I still spend the same amount of time here, but I have fallen woefully behind on a couple of threads that I wanted to follow. That's why some of you might see "likes" from me several days behind!

Today is Maundy or Holy Thursday, really just Good Friday Eve. It's National Gardening Day which means a lot to me. It is also National Ex-Spouses Day, a day set aside to remember all of those good times and reflect on all of the positive moments. Hmmmh! Do you really need a whole day for that???o_O I'm still on the first, so that's an experience that I will miss.

Everybody have a great day.
 
Afternoon Folks.

The Cricket is on so I will be brief, nothing much going on in my part of the world, had a lazy morning, stayed in bed late, always nice to be on holiday even if I'm not going anywhere. I'll do a little more work on the layout tonight, but that's about all that's planned.

I've posted a few foto's over in the weathering section, you can't miss it, any comments or suggestions on my first attempt at this are more than welcome.

Enjoy.
 
TLOC said:
Troy, ...

The time you have spent online with us here on the forum make you seem so “normal”. Of the 3 writers I personally know I can’t say that about any of them, their spouses or partners. Keep on railroading, that must be the secret!

TomO
Click to expand...
Glad to help.

If your friend has a traditional publishing contract, I'm the exact opposite. I'm my own one-man show. But I get 70% profit from the sale of any ebook. (Paperbacks are lower % because of higher production costs).

By building my own business, I pay my own editor, use my graphics/photo background to design my own covers - after doing a few weeks of research on what makes good covers, and what to include for my specific genre (you'd be surprised how important getting the cover right can be). So the net is lower, but I control how the books are marketed, or not. Where they go, who works on them, etc.

After all that, I had to research and discover if I'm better off with my books being exclusive to Amazon, and using their Kindle Unlimited plan. Some publishers/authors (JK Rowling!) are outside of that exclusivity. BUT, if I want to have my books in Kindle Unlimited (KU) and get paid BY THE # of PAGES READ by KU subscribers, I can't have them on any other ebook platform.

AND, add in audio books. I made a mistake copying that idea of exclusivity over to Amazon's Audible service. I've got one series that is too far in for me to afford to purchase the rights back and go wide. But, I am in the process of paying my narrators even more $$ to get them out of a Royalty Share agreement (I pay half their fee up front to get them to record, then we split the royalties). That royalty share with them locked me in to Audible.

Too many business decisions to make running this business.

PS: IF your friend is going to either the 20Books Convention in Vegas, or to NINC (Novelist Inc) Convention in Tampa FL, have them look me up. One of those requires membership, the other is open to all authors, even trad published ones.
 
Smudge617 said:
The problem is that running a DCC locomotive on DC is not a good idea, they never really run well, and not only can damage the decoder possibly the motor as well, it's the same as running a DC locomotive on DCC, it will work, sure, but it won't do your Loco any good, especially long tem, much easier and safer to remove the decoder and either do a simple rewire or if it's got a DCC board onboard, fit a blanking plate.
Click to expand...
No, I disagree. Either on DC or DCC, the motor always gets DC power. The decoder filters and feeds the motor on DCC, and just bypasses the decoder on DC (very generic explanation)
Running a DC loco on DCC can damage a motor because of the AC voltage that makes it to the motor. IIRC Digitrax is the only system that allows that by stretching the AC wave.
 
kbkchooch said:
No, I disagree. Either on DC or DCC, the motor always gets DC power. The decoder filters and feeds the motor on DCC, and just bypasses the decoder on DC (very generic explanation)
Running a DC loco on DCC can damage a motor because of the AC voltage that makes it to the motor. IIRC Digitrax is the only system that allows that by stretching the AC wave.
Click to expand...
I stand corrected, thanks
 
kbkchooch said:
No, I disagree. Either on DC or DCC, the motor always gets DC power. The decoder filters and feeds the motor on DCC, and just bypasses the decoder on DC (very generic explanation)
Running a DC loco on DCC can damage a motor because of the AC voltage that makes it to the motor. IIRC Digitrax is the only system that allows that by stretching the AC wave.
Click to expand...

I don't believe that the decoder outputs actual DC. I believe it outputs an approximation using PWM. There are analog power packs/throttles that also use PWM output for "DC" as well...
 
Good morning all,

31° and cloudy with some off and on snow flurries.

Flo - I would like a cup of hot coffee and some coconut cream pie. Thank you

Supposed to have chilly weather here for a week, below average temps. Its been that way since January, I believe. I think it is the coldest winter in at least the last 8 years. Where are the greenhouse gasses when you need them? I guess they are busy melting the glaciers. 😩

I got in the train room, put down another batch of hydrocal after supper. At this rate, working weeknights, the hydrocal may be done early next week.

Ken - the watery eyes are not nice. Possibly allergic to the prescription on top of whatever is really wrong

Patrick - we are off to Arkansas for vacation, leaving in a week or so. It is for the wife (although she is retired and me working to pay bills), otherwise I would stay home and work on projects.

Willie - amazing about the little spiders. They would fit right in if it was an abandoned building.

Smudge - glad you are able to salvage the engine house. The painting you are doing adds a lot to the project.


Here is the second batch of hydrocal for this week "overtime" work on layout

second batch.png


I watered down the paper towel first this time, was able to smooth out the mud with my fingers. This stuff was hard in an hour.

more later, Dave LASM
 
kbkchooch said:
No, I disagree. Either on DC or DCC, the motor always gets DC power. The decoder filters and feeds the motor on DCC, and just bypasses the decoder on DC (very generic explanation)
Running a DC loco on DCC can damage a motor because of the AC voltage that makes it to the motor. IIRC Digitrax is the only system that allows that by stretching the AC wave.
Click to expand...
That is correct. The decoder has a full bridge rectifier in it that changes AC to DC after the DCC code is stripped off of it. When you're checking your track voltage ya need to put your VOM in AC mode.
 
Afternoon All,

Started out at the VA for a blood draw. After that I took MOH to breakfast, Kohl's, and Aldi. After getting home I did some more ground cover that needs to dry before adding bushes and trees. I couldn't get motivated to do other things.

Greg- That is a lot of teeth to be pulled at one time and a lot of mouth and wallet pain.

Karl- Happy Birthday to your daughter. Please thank Sharon for her brother's service and sacrifice.

Ken (IL)- I hope you get some relief from your eye problems.

TomO- I understand. A couple of years ago I deleted FB and a couple of other social media sites. I don't miss them at all. When I look for library books online (county library system) I always look at the book covers to see if they interest me.

Willie- Nice job the decorative building parts.

Troy- There are two types of ships-Submarines and targets! :)

I hope everyone has a good night.
 
santafewillie said:
Greg - Eight at once! Now you're serious about this. I did mine four at a time. Your tooth fairy needs to work overtime.
Click to expand...

Yes Willie and Curt, eight teeth out at one sitting and some oral surgery. Actually the extraction process was no pain and not what I thought it to be like. The Dentist administered a bit of "Laughing Gas" to relax me and then placed a IV in my left arm. I remember talking to him and the all of a sudden he says to me, "We're all done, Greg" In the chair at 8:15 AM and out to the car at 8:45 AM.

The worst was yet to come with the associated bleeding that is lessening as time goes by and I took only one pain pill since coming home.

No hard foods until Friday and then they should be on the soft side. Watching TV every commercial is about some type of food.

With the infect teeth removed I feel better and for the most part only the x-rays revealed the extend of the tooth damage. I'm becoming a believer that that the condition of a person's teeth can affect other parts of the body.

This lunch time I had Chicken Noodle soup and milk, my first real food since Sunday. Mainly ice cream was my main diet.

With me talking it sounds like I'm the only person to have teeth extracted. No tooth fairy came to visit me!!! :confused:

Greg
 
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