Come and see Flo at Coffee Shop 18

[Screwjack]

Hey guys, man sounds like tough times are hitting all over.

alco; Sorry to here about the lay off, like Rex said its never pleasant. Hope you can get something worked out soon.

Chris; Hmmm, rent-a-husband could be a good thing, but it might turn into a lot of nagging

I really don't mean to be rubbing it in, but our shop is really busy right now. Not sure why but people are flying and some are spending some pretty good chunks of change. My radio guys are just starting a $55,000 GPS upgrade on a plane and we just finished last month a $125,000 job that included an auto-pilot and a new glass cockpit upgrade. The maintnenace side is holding steady with inspections and a lot of training planes breaking down with odds and ends stuff for the mechanics to fix.

In my experience general aviation is usually about 9 or 10 months behind the rest of the economy so I guess we could still see a slow down in the next month or two. But right now we just can not seem to get caught up. I just hired a temporary mechanic yesterday and if things stay busy he will become permanent in six months.

I sure hope things work out for you guys in the long run!

I am going to poke around the board for a few and then hit the sack, talk to you guys later...

 

[pcarrell]

Uh Chris, wouldn't that make her your pimp???

WOW!!!!!!






But I digress....................

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Spent most of the morning mowing my parent's yard. It was already in the upper 80's when I started at 9 am. I finished just before noon and stumbled home for a bit of lunch and some well deserved rest. Went to Alexandria in the afternoon. First to the LHS and picked up a Walther's 50' REA Express Reefer then to Hobby Lobby and picked up a Bachmann Canadian covered hopper (Santa Fe - that won't last long), a Mini-Metals '68 Ford Galaxy Fire Chiefs car and 3 new DPM kits. The #12100 Seymour Block, #10500 Skip's Chicken and Ribs and the #10200 Robert's Dry Goods. Stopped at Wal-Mart and picked up 10 sheets of sky blue poster paper. With what I already had at home that gives me 18 sheets, more than enough to do up a new backdrop.

 

[UP2CSX]

Evening, everyone.

Sorry to have been MIA but I have been out in California. My best friend on my former department was shot and killed in the line of duty last Wednesday, the 29th. He was only 51 years old and had three kids, including one four year old. Was making what appeared to be a routine traffic stop and was shot twice in the face. He was on life support until Friday, when the family made the decision to turn off life support and donate his organs.

I stayed with his wife and family for a few days until after funeral on Monday. I got back late yesterday. It was huge police funeral with about 2,000 officers from all the west coast. This type of incident is an officer's worst nightmare.

He somehow managed to get two shots off and wounded the driver. Luckily, a CHP unit was only two blocks away and got him stopped. He still didn't want to cooperate so several shotgun rounds and six 40 cal rounds ended his time on earth. The guy only had a suspended driver's license and a minor misdemeanor warrant and would have spent the next day in jail and made bail. Instead, two people are dead. I was his field training officer and he made the stop at 0300 in really bad part of town. I thought I had pounded in his head to wait for backup no matter how routine things looked. I guess it didn't take.

As you might imagine, model railroading was not the top off my mind. I just happen to have been building a new city hall and jail and I'll name it in his honor. Working on the on the layout might be good therapy.

I haven't had a chance read all the other messages here but it looks like some folks have been having a tough time of it too. I'll pray for all of us.

 

[wheeler1963]

Jim, sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure his family was grateful to have you there with them in their time of need. I hope people will read this and appreciate the work "ALL" law enforcement officers do and what they have to deal with. Our best wishes are with you and his family.

 

[blownoutcylinder]

Jim--Ouch. That is terrible news to hear. I read this to my wife who said we'll have both your friend's and your families on our prayer list. Nowadays one has to look for backup no matter the situation-- Definitely putting his name on that city hall would be a good thing-

-------------------------------------------

The weather here is for more sun and a high of 23C with the low tonight sitting at 12C. Nice stuff here.

I'm going to do the presentation this afternoon and then I'll be pulling a dog/pony show tomorrow here what with my office paperwork and that there---then it is off for 4 weeks---heeheehee Saturday I'll be doing a photo hunt with a friend of mine down to St. Thomas and area.

Take care

 

[vato loco]

Jim, sorry to here about your friend! Sometimes friends can be closer than family. Prayers goes out to your friend and his family and you!

Rex, gator wrestling! I'll leave that job to the Seminol Indians! Might start hunting Pythons, that might be a fun job for Alcomotive and me!

SJ, Alcomotive and Me are on our way We'd make good test pilots!

Well gentlemen, wife told me I got some work this week end to do Man thats quick. As soon as I get my yards done Saturday I got my first honey doo! Yes, my wife is pimping me out! I think pimping is the wrong word? Renting out slaves? slave sales? Now I'm really praying that 5% chance of saving my job come true, I might be up to my eyeballs in work!

 

[blownoutcylinder]

Chris Just think--you'd be busier being the rent-a-hubby than when working!! She'd better get good money for those services!!

Multiple Hunny dooos-----YIKES!!

 

[IronBeltKen]

Jim - that's horrible news! Sorta makes me wonder why anybody would want to work in law enforcement in the first place. My prayers go out to his family and to you.

Will post more later when I have the time...

 

[stationmaster]

What's up lately with friends passing away? I've lost two in the past month or so, both worked on the layout for the nursing home. And Jim losing one of his buddies...... A sign that we are just getting old I guess. A stark wake up call that life is indeed short, fragile, and a blessing. My condolences, Jim. And I must apologize for my tongue in cheek comments earlier.

Well, I won a Bachmann Plus F7 undec on eBay. Anybody want to paint it for me? I hate painting. I use chalks, and any other thing I can find when weathering, very seldom paint any more. About the only thing I've painted lately was the weathering on the nursing home's layout.

The better half found her eye shadow in the train tool box yesterday before going to the funeral. Threatened me with my life if she EVER found it there again. I can't imagine what it was doing in there, unless I forgot to put it back in her vanity the last time I weathered a car.....

Anyway, I HAVE to go to Kokomo to the hobby shop to get some PRR Black. Unless of course, one of you would like the honors of adding the colort. lol

I have a B-unit to match, a factory paint scheme, single yellow stripe with the keystone. Located some Champ decals on eBay, too. Since Champ has quit making decals, I hope I win.

Tim, my friends son and I were up LATE last night, or should I say we went to bed early this morning. He drug me over to his Dad's house to start an inventory. And we packed up the trains and brought them here along with Tom's old pickup. I guess I am now obligated to serve as administrator of the estate. Cindy, Tom's daughter, is going to take the car, 2008 Impala, back with her. Her daughter is 17 and it will be hers.

The truck is a 1/2 ton 1996 extended cab Chevy. Only 48,000 miles!!!! Almost smells new except for the lingering stink from Tom's C-GARS. Dog droppings would have smelled better burning.

I think we will be taking Tom's dog, too. It's a 5-year old Jack Russell and gets along well with our dogs. If Tom or Cindy don't take him, he has a home here. Our Boston Terriers will love another playmate. The Weimy is getting a bit big to rough house with for the little ones.

Well, I hear our company stirring. Better get off of here and pretend to be a good host. I'll try to get back on later if the opportunity arises.

Bob

 

[UP2CSX]

Thanks, guys. This is one of those thing in law enforcement that you always know can happen but it's a shock when it happens to a friend. His wife and family will be well taken care of financially by the police pension fund and his life insurance. They were high school sweethearts and he was one of the few cops I've known that never cheated on his wife. It's all just very sad but I can only have faith that God has a plan for why these things happen.

BOC, believe it or not, we had rain here for almost the whole week I was gone. Now that I'm back, it's going to be nothing but sun and 98 degree weather. I'm beginning to think I have some sort of supernatural bad weather powers.

Chris, in your case, I think pimping is not the right word for sure. I think something like indentured servant might be more fitting. Believe me, it's less work to "work" than be at home and have work made for you.

Bob, sounds like it's been a tough month for you too. Eye shadow does make some pretty good weathering power but I learned a long time ago to buy a couple of cheap sets at Wallyworld. The last time I got caught playing with her make up, she said I was wasting a $48 set of eve shadow. Cripes, I didn't even know you could buy eye shadow that costs that much. I still don't think she's over that.

 

[vato loco]

Thanks, guys. This is one of those thing in law enforcement that you always know can happen but it's a shock when it happens to a friend. His wife and family will be well taken care of financially by the police pension fund and his life insurance. They were high school sweethearts and he was one of the few cops I've known that never cheated on his wife. It's all just very sad but I can only have faith that God has a plan for why these things happen.

BOC, believe it or not, we had rain here for almost the whole week I was gone. Now that I'm back, it's going to be nothing but sun and 98 degree weather. I'm beginning to think I have some sort of supernatural bad weather powers.

Chris, in your case, I think pimping is not the right word for sure. I think something like indentured servant might be more fitting. Believe me, it's less work to "work" than be at home and have work made for you.

Bob, sounds like it's been a tough month for you too. Eye shadow does make some pretty good weathering power but I learned a long time ago to buy a couple of cheap sets at Wallyworld. The last time I got caught playing with her make up, she said I was wasting a $48 set of eve shadow. Cripes, I didn't even know you could buy eye shadow that costs that much. I still don't think she's over that.

Jim, I'm sure you and Bob are using the Eye make-up to weather your trains and NOT standing on the street corner looking for a cheap date Any who How never knew you can use I lash make up to weather trains New one to me.......

I'm kinda worried about my wifes dealing's Not sure what she got cooked up it can't be good though....... What ever happend to just cutting grass Hope your wives don't get this bright idea!

 

[tankist]

Jim, my condolences.

rip...

Hope your wives don't get this bright idea!

yes, one can hope. but then we all know better

 

[stationmaster]

Jim, I'm sure you and Bob are using the Eye make-up to weather your trains and NOT standing on the street corner looking for a cheap date Any who How never knew you can use I lash make up to weather trains New one to me.......

Jim, we've been found out. We need to find another street corner now.

Chris, I use anything I think would make a unique display, even baby powder(dullcoat doesn't stick to it well, though). I've used real concrete to distress my cement cars, real dirt, lamp black, smoke from an acetylene torch,... You name it, I've probably tried it. The free stuff is always the best.

Bob

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Did a bit of ordering of scenery items from Walther's today.

First, from Busch, background scenes, hilly landscape. Ordered 3 of these. Bckgrnd Hilly Landscape 189-2872

Detail Associates, background Rail-Scene, Rail-scene farm town 229-7508

Detail Associates, background Rail-Scene, Rail-scene land 229-7509

Detail Associates, background Rail-Scene, Rail-scene woods 229-7510

I also have on hand 18 sheets of sky blue poster board and enough white glue to stop a small army in it's tracks. Is it fairly obvious that I'm getting ready to build a new scenery backdrop?

 

[blownoutcylinder]

Good Evening--

HMMMN--Remember something I said about 3 days of sun? HAH!! Fat chance---today we had DULL DULLDULL instead as well as an errant dribble. Just wonderful

Finished the presentation and discovered that I'm now the new QC assurance guy. Tomorrow we have a meeting then I'll be off until after Labour Day

Jim This rain plays hide and go seek too? oiks! Actually around here we had a fair number of days that just DULLed up and that was it. Some spotty monsoon things and a bit of booming---yay

Catch you all inna bit

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

HMMMN--Remember something I said about 3 days of sun? HAH!! Fat chance---today we had DULL DULLDULL instead as well as an errant dribble. Just wonderful

I hear ya. I was expecting sunny and hot today. Instead it was heavy overcast, oppressive heat (high around 110) and humidity near the 100 mark. Think hot, dark and wet!

 

[sparkyftw]

Jim: Sorry about your loss of a friend.

Chris: Sucks about the job, glad someone is pulling for you. Nothing against the good government employees, but around here the whole lot need to be kicked out, elected or not.

So these last few days have been pretty fun. Started working again with the family business playing lab monkey. We make a polyurethane to fix concrete, and we are working on a clear product. I think it would almost make a good fake water for a model. The lab guy (my uncle) had so much to do he hired me to come in and mix up samples for UV test. Really cool to see something go from milky color to clear almost instantly, then a couple hours later change to a brown from UV light.

Today I took a roadtrip up to Duluth. Saw a few trains but my friends aren't interested in those so I didn't get to look around. It sure was a great day to do it though. My head cold kinda ruined it though.

As for modeling, I haven't done any. My little cousin finally decided on a track layout (for now), and needs a couple more switch motors. Being a nice guy and saying I have so many atlas ones, I will go over and help him. Plus I have to run a train at some point right?

 

[stationmaster]

Another LONG day. We, my friends son and daughter and myself, have a meeting tomorrow with an attorney to read the will and place me as administrator. Went to the bank today with Tim and Cindy to allow me access to Tom's accounts, once the paperwork goes through the courts, that should be sometime next week. It feels strange to me that the kids want to get this rolling so fast. I understand that both live a good distance away and things need to be done while they are here. But, sheesh, Tom was just buried yesterday. And both are leaving Sunday.

In addition to Tom's trains and truck, the kids gave me Tom's fishing tackle. He and I did wet line a few times. He was usually too busy working to spend much time on the water. He had some nice equipment nonetheless.

Can't sleep again tonight. My back is killing me. Took some good pain meds that took some of the edge off, but the pain is still pretty noticeable. I just over did it helping pack Tom's stuff.

Cindy packed Tom's clothes today. Those are going to be donated to the men's homeless shelter here in town. I'm sure they will find good use for the items. In the trunk of Angela's(my better half) car. Those old Mercury Grand Marquis have a voluminous trunk. Back seat is full too. Cindy and Angela are headed down to the shelter in the morning.

The kids are debating what to do with the furnishings. To that end I have no idea. I suggested just selling the stuff off, like a rummage sale or advertise it in the paper. I guess I'll get to make that decision after the lawyer's appointment and the court date. I just don't know what I've gotten myself into. There's so much stuff and so much to be done. The sale of the house has me a bit nervous too. Nice house, nice neighborhood, big yard..... Never get what it's worth though, I'm afraid.

Anyway, I did get to go through one of the boxes of trains. Nice lot. Quite a bit of brass engines. I think that my favorites are the three OMI PRR Centipedes, and of course the steam engines. Tom had good taste in quality engines, that's obvious. I venture to say that he had as much stock, if not more, than I do. Believe me, that's TOO much.

I may have to build more to my layout just to fit some of this stuff. Not something I would look forward to doing. My current layout is plenty big enough. Besides, I don't know if my health would allow me to undertake a massive bit of construction, or reconstruction, and add to my layout. Building modules is one thing, but a project with that enormity is another matter. I've been 12 years on the current layout, and I'm still tweeking it, I don't want to retrace those steps. Besides, it would cut into my fishing, boating, and biking time. Weather only cooperates a short time a year for most of that.

Enough for now, I guess I'll go get some coffee, check out eBay, and browse the web. Sleep isn't gonna be a part of my night, I can tell that now.

Bob

 

[vato loco]

Jim: Sorry about your loss of a friend.

Chris: Sucks about the job, glad someone is pulling for you. Nothing against the good government employees, but around here the whole lot need to be kicked out, elected or not.

(Trying to not get political, But my job and politics goes hand in hand)

The reason for me loosing my job is: The people responsible for the check book, they spend like a drunken sailor's and when it comes time to sign the pay check there's not enough money! I heard so many people going after and blaming the government low level workers......when they should look into the department directors and elected officals. It's easier to get a low grade employee fired than it is to remove a director! so a lot of people take their frustration out on the employee instead of the ones who are realy responsible for the spot we are in!