Running Bear’s July 2021 Coffee Shop
- Thread starter bnsf971
- Start date
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kbkchooch
"retired" conductor
Good morning gang.
Another nice day on tap, and I'm stuck here at work.
No MRR stuff going on, been spending time with the dogs. Clipped the little dog and the cats nails(claws) last night. Also I've been trying to keep the little dog tired (lotsa fetching) so she is no so hyper around Bud. Sadly he has regressed and the Vet has upped his meds again in an attempt to reverse his course. He is limping badly, trying not to use his one front paw, and he rear legs shake when he stands. Laying on the couch or his bed he seems ok. We're keeping a close eye on him, hoping he improves. We did have a talk about his pain level and quality of life last night and as much as we love him, we are not going to let him suffer needlessly. Fingers crossed
prayers sent 
I got it yesterday and forwarded it to Bob and Terry, she's gone.
BBL
Another nice day on tap, and I'm stuck here at work.
No MRR stuff going on, been spending time with the dogs. Clipped the little dog and the cats nails(claws) last night. Also I've been trying to keep the little dog tired (lotsa fetching) so she is no so hyper around Bud. Sadly he has regressed and the Vet has upped his meds again in an attempt to reverse his course. He is limping badly, trying not to use his one front paw, and he rear legs shake when he stands. Laying on the couch or his bed he seems ok. We're keeping a close eye on him, hoping he improves. We did have a talk about his pain level and quality of life last night and as much as we love him, we are not going to let him suffer needlessly. Fingers crossed
prayers sent I got it yesterday and forwarded it to Bob and Terry, she's gone.
BBL
JazzDad
Gandy Dancer
TLOC
Well-Known Member
Good morning global modelers from So. Central Wisconsin, USA. Thanks for the likes and notes on the photos yesterday. Interesting what Mother Nature and her winds can do. The SIL says we will be having another fireplace wood sale in September. The storm damage from 2 years ago was logged and cut to firewood size and it is now dry enough to use. With the Tuesday and Wednesday’s fallen trees we can restock the piles of wood that will be sold.
I also reported the stupid link yesterday to the powers that be.
63f degrees now on the deck and the 3 weather guessing outfits I look at all agree the high will be 77. That is rare as they usually always seem to be 1 degree different then each other. Today Terry and I will be walking and checking the front yard for construction debris. There is 260’ to the County Road at the driveway entrance, I don’t want to get any debris into the grass cutting toys. Yesterday I found a few 2x4’s struck like arrows in the ground cover that covers the house roof.
Thursday, FEMA and the NWA said again straight line winds are what hit at 1-2am but that the NWA is sending in a team to investigate as it may have been a tornado based on the way debris was tossed around. Either way the damage could have been worse and from what the internet said the only injured were outside watching the storm hit. What the heck can you see other then the lightning show at 1am?
Tom, pictures of the party tents are so much nicer then the flooding pictures. Enjoy the celebration.
Have a great day
TomO
I also reported the stupid link yesterday to the powers that be.
63f degrees now on the deck and the 3 weather guessing outfits I look at all agree the high will be 77. That is rare as they usually always seem to be 1 degree different then each other. Today Terry and I will be walking and checking the front yard for construction debris. There is 260’ to the County Road at the driveway entrance, I don’t want to get any debris into the grass cutting toys. Yesterday I found a few 2x4’s struck like arrows in the ground cover that covers the house roof.
Thursday, FEMA and the NWA said again straight line winds are what hit at 1-2am but that the NWA is sending in a team to investigate as it may have been a tornado based on the way debris was tossed around. Either way the damage could have been worse and from what the internet said the only injured were outside watching the storm hit. What the heck can you see other then the lightning show at 1am?
Tom, pictures of the party tents are so much nicer then the flooding pictures. Enjoy the celebration.
Have a great day
TomO
TLOC
Well-Known Member
We didn't even give her a chance to come up with train photos?
didn‘t deserve a chance
Tom
McLeod
Forest Lurker
Good Morning!
It's a very comfortable 56F this morning, with a beautiful red sunrise. Supposed to be hot later, somewhere above 80.
We had another short hailstorm last evening; not nearly the fury of the ice-rock storm that pounded the garden the other night.
Tom in Wisconsin - Sad with all the damage of the tornado. I'm glad we don't get a whole lot of those.
Chadbag - Thanks for the words of support regarding my CN photos.
TomO - You've given me words of encouragement a few times in the past. I appreciate the kind thoughts.
Steve - I hope you find Little Joe. I really hope you don't have a thief in your midst.
Gary - Thanks for your kind comment regarding the CN pics, as well.
Tom - A 'mosquito company'?!? Never heard of it, and definitely won't throw hard earned money away on one. 'Raid' is our mosquito company. But, we don't have many mosquito's this year; to hot and dry.
I'm going to share stories about 'Ballast' this morning. Or, what is used for ballasting the tracks in my local area.
In modern times, CN seems to be using what I believe is crushed and washed limestone. This material has to be brought in from the Rockies, as we only have sandstone and river rock in this area.
I find the material sitting in piles placed beside the tracks here and there. I suspect the MOW boys will pick this up with their high-rail vehicles and take it to where it's required on the tracks.
Here's a photo of a pile of ballast, that looks very grey from far away:
When you get close, it don't look so uniformly grey any more. I placed the bubble-gum cigarette there for scale comparison:
I think that nice, new ballast material is just shoveled onto the track bed here and there. When I walk the tracks, the material is only put down in quantity on a short section of track near the McLeod River bridge.
Most of the track I walk is ballasted with what we call 'river rock', just uncrushed gravel stones quarried from the river bed. I walked up those tracks a few miles, and the ballast all looks like this:
There's only a scattering of the grey limestone mixed in with that river rock ballast. Some of the river rock is crushed, and some isn't.
Also, notice how the rail-ties are not always perfect straight or evenly spaced.
Another thing I find interesting to note, there is often metal rail plate and spikes, along with other metal bits, laying about along the tracks. This is just a small bit of knowledge that I find interesting as a modeler. There's even a little green paint on there:
Anyway, it can't always be locomotive photos. There is always something to point the camera at as I walk the tracks, even if it's just a bunch of stones.
Anyway, the dog is pointing out it's time to go for a walk. Have a good one!
It's a very comfortable 56F this morning, with a beautiful red sunrise. Supposed to be hot later, somewhere above 80.
We had another short hailstorm last evening; not nearly the fury of the ice-rock storm that pounded the garden the other night.
Tom in Wisconsin - Sad with all the damage of the tornado. I'm glad we don't get a whole lot of those.
Chadbag - Thanks for the words of support regarding my CN photos.
TomO - You've given me words of encouragement a few times in the past. I appreciate the kind thoughts.
Steve - I hope you find Little Joe. I really hope you don't have a thief in your midst.
Gary - Thanks for your kind comment regarding the CN pics, as well.
Tom - A 'mosquito company'?!? Never heard of it, and definitely won't throw hard earned money away on one. 'Raid' is our mosquito company. But, we don't have many mosquito's this year; to hot and dry.
I'm going to share stories about 'Ballast' this morning. Or, what is used for ballasting the tracks in my local area.
In modern times, CN seems to be using what I believe is crushed and washed limestone. This material has to be brought in from the Rockies, as we only have sandstone and river rock in this area.
I find the material sitting in piles placed beside the tracks here and there. I suspect the MOW boys will pick this up with their high-rail vehicles and take it to where it's required on the tracks.
Here's a photo of a pile of ballast, that looks very grey from far away:
When you get close, it don't look so uniformly grey any more. I placed the bubble-gum cigarette there for scale comparison:
I think that nice, new ballast material is just shoveled onto the track bed here and there. When I walk the tracks, the material is only put down in quantity on a short section of track near the McLeod River bridge.
Most of the track I walk is ballasted with what we call 'river rock', just uncrushed gravel stones quarried from the river bed. I walked up those tracks a few miles, and the ballast all looks like this:
There's only a scattering of the grey limestone mixed in with that river rock ballast. Some of the river rock is crushed, and some isn't.
Also, notice how the rail-ties are not always perfect straight or evenly spaced.
Another thing I find interesting to note, there is often metal rail plate and spikes, along with other metal bits, laying about along the tracks. This is just a small bit of knowledge that I find interesting as a modeler. There's even a little green paint on there:
Anyway, it can't always be locomotive photos. There is always something to point the camera at as I walk the tracks, even if it's just a bunch of stones.
Anyway, the dog is pointing out it's time to go for a walk. Have a good one!
santafewillie
Same Ol' Buzzard
Good Morning Everyone. Is it Friday yet? Clear and 76° here, topping out today at 99° although the weather geeks haven't been correct all summer with the high.
Quite a busy day yesterday with the grocery/beer trek, the stop at Hobby Lobby and the bi-weekly stop at the Wine Store. Then we went to my wife's favorite fried chicken joint and they were closed for remodeling.
So I went to Schlotzsky's instead. Neither place is low-carb friendly and neither one serves onion rings or beer, so it didn't matter to me. After returning home, it was laundry and I made my last batch of pasta sauce for this season with the homegrown tomatoes, garlic and onions; supplemented with oregano, thyme and basil from the back porch pots. The remaining tomatoes and the few still left on the vine should last us another three weeks of fresh eating.
Got the bloodwork results yesterday...A1C is now down to 5.7, happy for that. Everything else is in the OK range or just barely out of it, not enough to matter. Didn't mention yesterday that my BP was 130/60, a good reading for me. Beat my wife who had 140/80.
Thanks for the likes and comments yesterday regarding the cleaning progress and layout tour; Karl, Christian, Steve J, Tom, Patrick, Chad, Hughie, Guy, Tom, Chet, Garry, James, Sherrel.
Out in the train shed yesterday, I did some infrastructure work. Whoops! Can I post the word "infrastructure" without invoking the wrath of a moderator??? I installed another 2' light fixture under the upper deck, replaced a couple of 22 gauge wires with 16 gauge and generally bundled up and tied together some stray wiring so it wouldn't hang down in pictures. I also started looking at my collection of vehicles and figures for some of each to add to the Graham scene. I managed to get four vehicles for Wayne Feeds, dull coated them and added them in.
While looking at the scene I realized that I had left the sign off Woody's Country Mart so it got found on the workbench and added. Vehicles for here are next.
I am at an impasse on more figures right now. But I did add four more to an already existing structure in Maultown while I was cleaning the tobacco shop. I needed tenants for the upstairs apartment and here is Miss Daphne meeting with one of her friends.
Miss Zelda is on the other side of the building meeting one of her friends.
A very friendly friend.
Steve J - Nice job weathering those wheels.
Guy - I love your posts no matter how many, what the subject matter is or whether they contain photos (rail or non-rail) or not. Being here in Texas, I don't get any exposure to CN which I find refreshing. For the same reason, Joe's posts about eastern RR's are great as well. Like others, I also like looking at the weathering and trackside details. This forum is the only social media in my world (by choice) and I find everybody to be friendly and interesting.
Tom O - I always say "who cares if it is straight line winds or a tornado", serious business either way. Thankfully everyone is safe.
Steve - Thanks for the invite. I surely hope that the "Little Joe" is simply misplaced.
Jaz - Garden looks great. Ducks look yummy!
Never thought to see if the PM yesterday contained any train pictures! Like others, I reported it as soon as I saw it. Didn't especially want my wife seeing it!
And a salute to Patrick today. It is National System Administrator Appreciation Day. Those geeky guys (and gals) who know what porn sites everyone in the office visits, and gets us out of trouble when we hit the wrong key combinations.
Everyone have a great day, and an awesome weekend coming up.
Quite a busy day yesterday with the grocery/beer trek, the stop at Hobby Lobby and the bi-weekly stop at the Wine Store. Then we went to my wife's favorite fried chicken joint and they were closed for remodeling.
So I went to Schlotzsky's instead. Neither place is low-carb friendly and neither one serves onion rings or beer, so it didn't matter to me. After returning home, it was laundry and I made my last batch of pasta sauce for this season with the homegrown tomatoes, garlic and onions; supplemented with oregano, thyme and basil from the back porch pots. The remaining tomatoes and the few still left on the vine should last us another three weeks of fresh eating.Got the bloodwork results yesterday...A1C is now down to 5.7, happy for that. Everything else is in the OK range or just barely out of it, not enough to matter. Didn't mention yesterday that my BP was 130/60, a good reading for me. Beat my wife who had 140/80.
Thanks for the likes and comments yesterday regarding the cleaning progress and layout tour; Karl, Christian, Steve J, Tom, Patrick, Chad, Hughie, Guy, Tom, Chet, Garry, James, Sherrel.
Out in the train shed yesterday, I did some infrastructure work. Whoops! Can I post the word "infrastructure" without invoking the wrath of a moderator??? I installed another 2' light fixture under the upper deck, replaced a couple of 22 gauge wires with 16 gauge and generally bundled up and tied together some stray wiring so it wouldn't hang down in pictures. I also started looking at my collection of vehicles and figures for some of each to add to the Graham scene. I managed to get four vehicles for Wayne Feeds, dull coated them and added them in.
While looking at the scene I realized that I had left the sign off Woody's Country Mart so it got found on the workbench and added. Vehicles for here are next.
I am at an impasse on more figures right now. But I did add four more to an already existing structure in Maultown while I was cleaning the tobacco shop. I needed tenants for the upstairs apartment and here is Miss Daphne meeting with one of her friends.
Miss Zelda is on the other side of the building meeting one of her friends.
A very friendly friend.
Steve J - Nice job weathering those wheels.
Guy - I love your posts no matter how many, what the subject matter is or whether they contain photos (rail or non-rail) or not. Being here in Texas, I don't get any exposure to CN which I find refreshing. For the same reason, Joe's posts about eastern RR's are great as well. Like others, I also like looking at the weathering and trackside details. This forum is the only social media in my world (by choice) and I find everybody to be friendly and interesting.
Tom O - I always say "who cares if it is straight line winds or a tornado", serious business either way. Thankfully everyone is safe.
Steve - Thanks for the invite. I surely hope that the "Little Joe" is simply misplaced.
Jaz - Garden looks great. Ducks look yummy!
Never thought to see if the PM yesterday contained any train pictures! Like others, I reported it as soon as I saw it. Didn't especially want my wife seeing it!
And a salute to Patrick today. It is National System Administrator Appreciation Day. Those geeky guys (and gals) who know what porn sites everyone in the office visits, and gets us out of trouble when we hit the wrong key combinations.
Everyone have a great day, and an awesome weekend coming up.
GarryCBQ
Well-Known Member
Howdy ....
Karl ..... I'm sad to hear about Bud's health . Prying he recovers.
Tom Wisconsin .... Laughing at the tiger joke. It reminds me of seeing the Kellogg's building in Battle Creek, MI with a big statue of Tony the Tiger in front.
Guy ...... Congratulations for being the only person I know who used a bubble gum cigarette for a scale comparison. You certainly are resourceful .
Christian .... Good to see your train running.
Willie ..... You just now posted another great batch of photos. Watch out for Miss Zelda and her friend. Who is the man in the white suit? Is it Sherrel ? ... LOL .... Maybe Sherrel will say "What happens on Willie's Layout, stays on Willie's layout." .. LOL
....
I have been working on ore cars, and I have added 4 more to the layout. My ore train now has 34 cars. I am currently pulling the train with tow Northern Pacific RS3's ....
Karl ..... I'm sad to hear about Bud's health . Prying he recovers.
Tom Wisconsin .... Laughing at the tiger joke. It reminds me of seeing the Kellogg's building in Battle Creek, MI with a big statue of Tony the Tiger in front.
Guy ...... Congratulations for being the only person I know who used a bubble gum cigarette for a scale comparison. You certainly are resourceful .
Christian .... Good to see your train running.
Willie ..... You just now posted another great batch of photos. Watch out for Miss Zelda and her friend. Who is the man in the white suit? Is it Sherrel ? ... LOL .... Maybe Sherrel will say "What happens on Willie's Layout, stays on Willie's layout." .. LOL
....
I have been working on ore cars, and I have added 4 more to the layout. My ore train now has 34 cars. I am currently pulling the train with tow Northern Pacific RS3's ....
Rabοliot
Old Bandit
Thanks. I'm very pleased with the result. I buy my cars only according to the colors and the price. Nothing else. I'm not looking for realism, particular area or era. I'm very happy in that way.
santafewillie
Same Ol' Buzzard
Thank you for your persistent and thankless work.
santafewillie
Same Ol' Buzzard
Naw! He's too big for Sherrel! He's a W.C. Fields impersonator.
kbkchooch
"retired" conductor
Kinda reminded me of Boss Hogg!
Patrick
Alien Attitude.
Afternoon all,
Currently partly cloudy and 100° in Doo-Dah. Made it to the sister's house in time for her youngest to do a load of laundry on the newly installed washer and dryer. Dryer cord change went as it was supposed to. So she should be safe for a while. Then I was able to pop over to the care center and had a half hour outdoor visit with mom. Center is on partial lockdown, residents restricted to their particular hall and meals brought to their rooms. They then allow 1/2 hour outdoor patio visits. All this because a staff member tested positive.
I'm back home safe for now.
Currently partly cloudy and 100° in Doo-Dah. Made it to the sister's house in time for her youngest to do a load of laundry on the newly installed washer and dryer. Dryer cord change went as it was supposed to. So she should be safe for a while. Then I was able to pop over to the care center and had a half hour outdoor visit with mom. Center is on partial lockdown, residents restricted to their particular hall and meals brought to their rooms. They then allow 1/2 hour outdoor patio visits. All this because a staff member tested positive.
I'm back home safe for now.
MilwRoader_Steve
Well-Known Member
Hi y'all, back from golf. Wonderfully mild here for a change - didn't get above 75F until I was on the way home. Shot 91 total, which is pretty good for me. Last time I played that course, I shot 107, so much improved. Front nine was 42, back was 49! If I ever get consistent, I'll be dangerous.
Going to shower and then lay down for a nap. Wife's easy day apparently going bonkers on her. Not home yet and she was talking about an early out day.
Got started laying out the yard. But we ended up watching a movie togethet last night instead of working separate hobbies. Not so bad sometimes. After all, she is the money in our relationship, so gotta keep her happy! But maybe this evening, unless she needs martinis which sounds like she may. I have done RR-ing with a few toddies under my belt, but do not think it is a recommended procedure. I'll post some pics SUnday or Monday of the progress.
Enjoy the weekend, all! ---------Steve J
PS: WIllie - - - - By the mid 70s, Forest Lane had become the big drag racing venue. Many a Friday and Saturday night we'd 'cruise' the Lane looking for 'chicks' and trouble and the occasional race. When my brother deployed to Westpac, he left his 1970 GTO with the 455 HO engine with me . . . . . I won many of those rat races. "Ah, youth," said Joseph Conrad - - - seems to be a theme for me lately!
Going to shower and then lay down for a nap. Wife's easy day apparently going bonkers on her. Not home yet and she was talking about an early out day.
Got started laying out the yard. But we ended up watching a movie togethet last night instead of working separate hobbies. Not so bad sometimes. After all, she is the money in our relationship, so gotta keep her happy! But maybe this evening, unless she needs martinis which sounds like she may. I have done RR-ing with a few toddies under my belt, but do not think it is a recommended procedure. I'll post some pics SUnday or Monday of the progress.
Enjoy the weekend, all! ---------Steve J
PS: WIllie - - - - By the mid 70s, Forest Lane had become the big drag racing venue. Many a Friday and Saturday night we'd 'cruise' the Lane looking for 'chicks' and trouble and the occasional race. When my brother deployed to Westpac, he left his 1970 GTO with the 455 HO engine with me . . . . . I won many of those rat races. "Ah, youth," said Joseph Conrad - - - seems to be a theme for me lately!
Texas Hobo
Well Known Hobo
Oh I beg to differ! It's not so much the big hands as it is the poorer eyesight.
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