Running Bear's June 2024 Coffee Shop

[Snowman]

Rio Grande and SP had already merged in 1987. When UP "merged" with SP in 1996, it merged itself into SP, then changed its name to UP. So, technically, SP still exists, though renamed UP. A difference that makes no difference is no difference, but our society seems to live by technicalities.

I had a very long reply to this post of yours, but at a single keystroke I lost it. In in any case, thanks for this. I just did not know it.

 

[NorthBrit]

Good morning all. A cloudy day with a mix of sunshine and showers. With the car having a service and MOT it is a day indoors. Therefore I should see the train room.

 

[Smudge617]

You are lucky. Here 'up north' you can collect mail from 08.00 - 10.00 Mon - Sat.
Gone are the 07.00- 12.00 Mon- Tue. Thur. - Sat.
Wednesday used to be 07.00 - 20.00

No it's the same timings here for the Royal Mail, Parcelforce have left it at the Post Office, different company now remember.

 

[NorthBrit]

No it's the same timings here for the Royal Mail, Parcelforce have left it at the Post Office, different company now remember.

Yes, off course. I forgot.
I am lucky (in a way) the letter Delivery Office is 150 yards away and the Post Office is a mile away.

 

[traiNscale]

hello everyone

- Vacation Day 3
- a bit of sun but mostly cloudy
- around 15 celcius (we had a signifficant drop in temperature)
- its now 1pm (CEST)

did more work on my N scale layout the past two days. track all done, roadbed all done. still to figure out how i will do the turnouts. so the ugly motors are not on top..

picture of today:

a nice picture of a teebox from a discgolf course in the swiss alps. this year on this course we will also play the swiss championships.

 

[santafewillie]

Good Morning All. Partly cloudy and 69°, high today in the upper 80's. Tomorrow we return to the 90's for highs. We just couldn't make it all day yesterday without a brief rain shower around 6:00 pm. Not much, but enough to dampen everything and cause a heavy dew this morning. It did rain heavily all day yesterday in the area about 35 miles south of me. I still have puddles from Monday. The forecast, if it is to be believed, calls for 8 days in a row with no precipitation. So far in the first 11 days, we have gotten our total average June rainfall.

Started the day yesterday with the dishwasher and then moved to picking up and cutting up branches in the immediate area around the pool. I expect to be doing that task all over for the next 6 or 8 months, as I am not in a hurry and I won't overdo it. Most stray stuff is done, I will move into the major downed trees later this week. Still waiting for the ground to dry enough to call in the professionals for the branches that are still attached to standing trees and the stuff that I don't want to handle. Maybe by Friday. I still consider myself lucky, as my neighbor who's home was totally destroyed, finally got all of the trees removed from the top of his pickup truck which has been buried for two weeks. His insurance company had already declared it totaled and is still providing him with a rental.

The train shed no longer smells like damp cardboard since I have had fans running out there for 2 weeks. I have also been removing some of it that cannot be salvaged. The main problem is what to do with the stuff that was inside those boxes. If I mention it to my wife, she will go on an Amazon spending spree which will provide many more quickly. Yesterday I ran trains mainly. I also replaced my figure painting palette. I keep a handful of figures on standby and every time that I paint something, I also paint a bit on figures. The palette got wet and warped, so it needed replacement.

New one was easy. None of my stockpile of cardstock got wet.

Back to structures today, I think that I only have two left.

Swal - I don't know? That extended weather forecast that you posted yesterday looks pretty nice to me. I know that it never gets as warm in NY as it does here, but highs in the 70's and 80's is summer clothing to me...anything above 60° is t-shirts and shorts for me.
I am fully aware that Medicaid regulations differ from state to state, but if I am reading ours here in Texas correctly, two vehicles are permitted for a couple. They have to be registered to each person individually, even if one is infirm and in a care center. Our Medicaid eligibility benefits in Texas are known to be a bit less liberal than many other states. But I remember that you had a lawyer look into it and he/she should know best for NY.
Rather than selling all of your model railroading equipment, why not just box it all up and store it at a friend's home???
Joe - The income level here is $29xx/month. And yes, asset determination seems to vary per state.

Everyone have a wonderful Wednesday.

 

[TLOC]

Good morning from a beautiful Wisconsin morning! 60f degrees now under a blue sky with just a few wisps of clouds. Heading to 87, yikes! Nothing like skipping the high 70’s and the low 80’s. Just jump right in. Storms though appearing after sunset and into the overnight

3 unexpected helpers in the train room yesterday. One took over the maintenance project on the 10 cars I pulled from the layout for derailing for no reason. New couplers on 7 of the 10, 1 needed weight added and new wheels on 3 of the 10 making all 10 wearing the Walthers Proto steel wheels and axles I now prefer. Track inspection by the inch it felt like yesterday for me and a partner. The third helper is a genius at soldering and did all the feeders in the west end of the papermill and then added the 2 circuit breakers. A resistance soldering rig is a marvelous tool!

Last night after the g/daughters softball game I moved my NCE Power cab and WiFi connections permanently to the layout. They are now centered in the layout room and nicely attached on the fascia but out of the way. I use WiFi throttles from TCS and cell phones so the PowerCab throttle just needs to be plugged in. That did create an earthquake in the wood chip area of the mill though! Parts of the conveyor and the blower building ended up on the floor. One of my signature scenes will be different after the rebuild. FEMA is not being invited out to visit! I will add the NCE SB5 booster to the system today but that spot was already in place

Today, my maintenance helper will be here from lunch at noon till around 4. He is going to change out the couplers on my tank car fleet. Kadee shelf couplers finally being exchanged with the crap Scaletrains provides and the decent ones on the Walthers Proto cars. I have 10 ethanol (ST), 12 sulfur (Walthers Proto) and 10 acid (Genesis) cars pulled off the shelving for him. If he has time he will pull all the other ST cars I have and change the couplers that have not already been done. My maintenance records in his opinion are “poorly” lacking. He says he will fix that. He’ll be back Thursday. Thankfully I only have 3 diesels and 106 freight cars. He promises that he will have my big STB Reefer cars free rolling by time he is done.

The friend who inspected track with me yesterday will be here around 10, stay for lunch and leave around 3. We will be re-doing the pavement on the west side of the Papermill. I will also decide if a section (5’) of track needs to be ripped out. There is a slight “s” curve and it has become the derail spot for 2 diesels. Not cars, just the diesels. Aggravating!

So I am much farther along than I had anticipated without the friends showing up. It’s great to have friends who want to help. It’s also nice that one has the MMR thingy from the NMRA and another working for one. The soldering guy is in a world of his own. Brings his own resistance rig and just works! Is an electrical engineer by trade and another great guy. He told me why I needed to move my WiFi setup in the train room. So, I did.

They all already have nice scenic medium sized layouts that run perfectly. In return for their expertise besides lunches I will be doing some freight car weathering or structure building for them. It all works out…

Be well!

 

[troyphoto]

Well, howdy there internet peeps and those dealing with arseholes...

I found the new nesting spot. Last year it was in the neighbor's tree. Maintenance removed that nest while it was below freezing one day.

Now, they're under the tar paper roof of my "garage" - it's a converted carport. But the rain-gutter on the front is pulled out a bit, and they appear to have found a way under the tar paper behind it.

I got the spray out this morning, and I'll put in a work order with condo maintenance later. I suspect we'll at least the roofers out, if not the exterminator, since I can't get the spray under the tar paper very easily.

Of course their nesting spot is right above the mail slot, and next to the walk gate to the patio.

 

[santafewillie]

He is going to change out the couplers on my tank car fleet. Kadee shelf couplers finally being exchanged with the crap Scaletrains provides and the decent ones on the Walthers Proto cars.

I love the looks of the Kadee shelf couplers and have them on a number of cars already. But they are a real bitch for me to uncouple. I'm going to have to practice a lot more with the pick to see if I can get it down. I'll have to try the Rix uncoupling magnet some more, but I only have one and I keep it by the main staging yard. May need a few more.

 

[Grizzled]

50F, spanking clear, with 79 for a forecast high. Our friends from Clancy, MT are coming for lunch and to pick up the Warn 9.5 XPS that was on the POS Jeep JK I sold last Aug. Always a good visit.

Mail: we are supposed to get 6 day delivery to our rural mailbox but for the last several years, we are lucky to get mail four days a week due to staffing problems at the local post office. Something about people being able to make more money flipping burgers than delivering mail.

I spent some time whittling out parts for PFM's Rayonieer No 45 yesterday only to have the resistance soldering unit I bought from MicoMark 6 months back fail. In that 20/20 hindsight, it should have been American Beauty and I will have to now chomp down on that proverbial bullet and get that unit anyway.

All the ingredients were there for a great sunset last evening but it couldn't quite pull it all together.

 

[NYC_George]

Swal - I don't know? That extended weather forecast that you posted yesterday looks pretty nice to me. I know that it never gets as warm in NY as it does here, but highs in the 70's and 80's is summer clothing to me...anything above 60° is t-shirts and shorts for me.
I am fully aware that Medicaid regulations differ from state to state, but if I am reading ours here in Texas correctly, two vehicles are permitted for a couple. They have to be registered to each person individually, even if one is infirm and in a care center. Our Medicaid eligibility benefits in Texas are known to be a bit less liberal than many other states. But I remember that you had a lawyer look into it and he/she should know best for NY.
Rather than selling all of your model railroading equipment, why not just box it all up and store it at a friend's home???

Willie I had to put on a thermal under shirt at the end of yesterday's golf round. It's June 11 I shouldn't have to be doing this.
I've spoken to people here that had to go through what I'm experiencing with Medicaid tell me they bankrupt you first then they start paying. It's been 44 days since my lawyer sent in the Medicaid application. The nursing home has started sending me bills. The money we have in the bank is our money not just my wife's money. My lawyer tells me do you really need two cars I think you should sell one. Other people that have been through this say they only allow you one car, so you better sell one. There's a 100,000 new people that live in New York City that are on New York state's health care system now. I'm sure this takes up some of the resources dealing with New York Medicaid system. My lawyer says we just have to wait now until they assign someone to your case. Who knows when that will be? If I start paying the nursing home, I'll be broke by then. Mission accomplished by the state.
Swal

 

[D&J RailRoad]

dang, this is almost looking political.

I love the looks of the Kadee shelf couplers and have them on a number of cars already. But they are a real bitch for me to uncouple. I'm going to have to practice a lot more with the pick to see if I can get it down. I'll have to try the Rix uncoupling magnet some more, but I only have one and I keep it by the main staging yard. May need a few more.

I usually just pick the simulated hose to uncouple the Kadees. Was never clear on stabbing the pick into the coupler.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

Willie I had to put on a thermal under shirt at the end of yesterday's golf round. It's June 11 I shouldn't have to be doing this.
I've spoken to people here that had to go through what I'm experiencing with Medicaid tell me they bankrupt you first then they start paying. It's been 44 days since my lawyer sent in the Medicaid application. The nursing home has started sending me bills. The money we have in the bank is our money not just my wife's money. My lawyer tells me do you really need two cars I think you should sell one. Other people that have been through this say they only allow you one car, so you better sell one. There's a 100,000 new people that live in New York City that are on New York state's health care system now. I'm sure this takes up some of the resources dealing with New York Medicaid system. My lawyer says we just have to wait now until they assign someone to your case. Who knows when that will be? If I start paying the nursing home, I'll be broke by then. Mission accomplished by the state.
Swal

I think ya just have to face it and own it. Planning wasn't done right. Now there's no wiggle room to escape. You will be a true New Yorker.

 

[chadbag]

dang, this is almost looking political.

describing the problem isn't political.

Talking about the cause and swearing about it is when it becomes political

 

[NYC_George]

What planning. I'm not a child I'm my wife's husband. If I put everything in my name that doesn't work in NY. Our lawyer tells me were joined at the hip on the issue of assets. All assets are our assets. You mean I should have gotten a divorcee years ago. I guess that would have solved it.
Swal

 

[Bruette]

Anyone remember the band Steelers Wheel?

View attachment 191572

Clowns to the left of me and Jokers to the right...

Sounds political to me.

 

[Texas Hobo]

Clowns to the left of me and Jokers to the right...

Sounds political to me.

Wish I thought of that.

 

[TLOC]

Good morning from a beautiful Wisconsin morning! 60f degrees now under a blue sky with just a few wisps of clouds. Heading to 87, yikes! Nothing like skipping the high 70’s and the low 80’s. Just jump right in. Storms though appearing after sunset and into the overnight

3 unexpected helpers in the train room yesterday. One took over the maintenance project on the 10 cars I pulled from the layout for derailing for no reason. New couplers on 7 of the 10, 1 needed weight added and new wheels on 3 of the 10 making all 10 wearing the Walthers Proto steel wheels and axles I now prefer. Track inspection by the inch it felt like yesterday for me and a partner. The third helper is a genius at soldering and did all the feeders in the west end of the papermill and then added the 2 circuit breakers. A resistance soldering rig is a marvelous tool!

Last night after the g/daughters softball game I moved my NCE Power cab and WiFi connections permanently to the layout. They are now centered in the layout room and nicely attached on the fascia but out of the way. I use WiFi throttles from TCS and cell phones so the PowerCab throttle just needs to be plugged in. That did create an earthquake in the wood chip area of the mill though! Parts of the conveyor and the blower building ended up on the floor. One of my signature scenes will be different after the rebuild. FEMA is not being invited out to visit! I will add the NCE SB5 booster to the system today but that spot was already in place

Today, my maintenance helper will be here from lunch at noon till around 4. He is going to change out the couplers on my tank car fleet. Kadee shelf couplers finally being exchanged with the crap Scaletrains provides and the decent ones on the Walthers Proto cars. I have 10 ethanol, 12 sulfur and 10 acid cars pulled off the shelving for him. If he has time he will pull all the ST cars I have and change the couplers that have not already been done. My maintenance records in his opinion are “poorly” lacking. He says he will fix that. He’ll be back Thursday. Thankfully I only have 3 diesels and 106 freight cars. He promises that he will have my big STB Reefer cars free rolling by time he is done.

The friend who inspected track with me yesterday will be here around 10, stay for lunch and leave around 3. We will be re-doing the pavement on the west side of the Papermill. I will also decide if a section (5’) of track needs to be ripped out. There is a slight “s” curve and it has become the derail spot for 2 diesels. Not cars, just the diesels. Aggravating!

So I am much farther along than I had anticipated without the friends showing up. It’s great to have friends who want to help. It’s also nice that one has the MMR thingy from the NMRA and another working for one. The soldering guy is in a world of his own. Brings his own resistance rig and just works! Is an electrical engineer by trade and another great guy. He told me why I needed to move my WiFi setup in the train room. So, I did.

They all already have nice scenic medium sized layouts that run perfectly. In return for their expertise besides I will be doing some freight car weathering or structure building for them. It all works out…

Be well!

I love the looks of the Kadee shelf couplers and have them on a number of cars already. But they are a real bitch for me to uncouple. I'm going to have to practice a lot more with the pick to see if I can get it down. I'll have to try the Rix uncoupling magnet some more, but I only have one and I keep it by the main staging yard. May need a few more.

i use a bambo skewer as the uncoupling pick and have issues at times. Thinking about this I’m not sure I ever have uncouple the Kadee shelf couplers. I normally clip off the coupler lever on Kadee but I’ll wait on these shelf couplers. I know the LHS has the Rix uncoupler wands in stock. I better get a couple as these tank cars will get shoved around alot

Thanks

 

[Bruette]

Just venting.

It's good to let off steam, I wish you well.

 

[migalyto]

Clowns to the left of me and Jokers to the right...

Sounds political to me.

Not my intention, just a little humor for the evening!

But now that you mention it...