Good Morning All. Cloudy and 59°, headed up to 74° later. Then December-like changes. Thunderstorms this afternoon and then shortly after midnight a severe wind shift from the north and the high tomorrow of 50°. Then four nights in a row near or below freezing before returning to the 70's Thursday for the Christmas weekend. Dry in the forecast for ten days except for this afternoon. The radar loop shows minor showers passed near but not here in the last hour. I'll need to go out and put the cover on the grill and move the shredder and chainsaw into the shed.
Another mostly successful weekly grocery trip yesterday. Shelves were mostly well stocked and store was mostly uncrowded. No line at the checkout and I had the credit card this week. However my wife's brand of iced coffee was out at three places that I went to. So she got dark roast this week instead of medium roast. Masking looks to be down to about 30% of customers and 95%+ for employees at all places that I went. That is except at the small town Dollar General nearby, where they never really masked up since the beginning of the panic. Gas at nearby stations went up by 5¢/gal since I gassed up Tuesday, now $2.80.
We went out to eat at our favorite Italian Bistro last night. Wife went exclusively and unassisted with the cane, even after we split a bottle of wine. Except that I did open the doors and help her up the porch steps. So progress is being made.
Thanks to all fellow patrons for the likes and comments regarding what is to become the next project;
Christian, Sherrel, Karl, Joe, Steve J, Gary, Louis, Jaz, George, Tom O, Hughie, Patrick, James, Mikey, Curt, Tom, Rick, IB Ken, Tom H.
Apple-chicken sausage and two over easy eggs this morning Flo. Something a little different. OJ and whole wheat English Muffin on the side.
Nothing out in the train shed yesterday. Yes, nothing. I went out briefly, but cut it short so we could go out to eat before the crowd. I do have a question regarding end of track wheel stops or chocks. I have the following pair; I don't remember where I got them or do I have the instructions.
View attachment 137048
Several questions, firstly do they have a specific name??
How do they attach?? Which side faces the wheels and which side faces off-track?? A picture might be helpful, I have been unsuccessful with the internet so far. I think that I have them right side up in the picture, but I am not sure.
OB Ken - Sorry to read about the loss of your modeling friend, and your late friend at the Police Department.
Despite all of the oil pumped and refined here in Texas, there are five other states with a lower per gallon gasoline tax. However at 20¢/gallon, we are a lot better off than CA, Pennsylvania or Washington at 50¢+.
Jesse - Good to read that you're pumping up the economy.
Tom O -
I find that true at my LHS, Discount Model Railroads down in Addison TX. While they have a website, they remain in the last century with no online ordering. When I asked the owner about that, his comment was that they don't need the added expense (website development, shipping and handling, potential extra employee, and inventory storeroom); and they have more than enough walk-in business to do well. He admits that they probably could increase their sales though.
I grew up in the 50's-70's and my life was fun and exciting. Maybe it's because my face wasn't stuck to a phone or tablet screen!!!
Christian - An Atlas Controller will also work for reversing loops. Neither it or the Twin are automatic so you have to pay attention to what you are doing. I have a couple of old ones, but I purposely designed the current (and last) layout without reversing sections in it.
Greg - New years train resolutions. I have had the same one for many years now, "
FINISH MORE SCENERY". It's one that I have been able to accomplish. It's obviously open-ended.
Chad -
That's true in a lot of instances, but I've known this Dr Pepper lady for over 5 years and she had told me that they receive weekly briefings on stuff like that because they also represent the company for all of their customers. The Coke guy I never really paid attention to, and yesterday was the first time that I ever spoke to him even though I have seen him before. Neither one knew the reason behind the change, just the technical stuff.
Troy - Just wait until
you think that you are finished and she'll show you something that you missed or she changed her mind.
Everybody have a great day and a wonderful weekend. Stay safe.
