Running Bear's April 2022 Coffee Shop
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BTW - I was awakened this morning by a strange sound ... the sound of raindrops falling on the patio cover. Pretty good little 1/4 inch shower; believe me it is needed.
Thank you all for the kind words on the MIL. I could not have asked for a better one. In 30 years I have never heard her mutter an unkind word towards anyone!
YES, KEN, she does know her heavenly Father - and will meet him shortly!
Did that include insurance? USPS is really quite expensive now with priority mail and insurance. Funny thing is with (most) priority mail, is that it doesn't matter if it is 100 miles or 2000 miles. Same price. (There are Priority Mail regional A, B, and C boxes which do take distance into account but they are not available over the counter but only through account based [online] mailing)
I have also decided to have a nighmare when it comes to switch the yard(s). I have 2 single ended yards that require you turn the power AND a couple of passenger cars if needed. I suspect that these two will be done first; at least I can run point to point until the Main is complete and big double ended yard gets done. Happy days!
Dave - have an 88 Blazer and so far love the thing. Ya, mine needs some body work. If trains don't keep me busy, this thing will.
This is on a '78 3/4 ton frame; 454 4 bolt main; 650cfm Eldebrock. We just went through ALL of the running gear and replaced and or renewed everything. Only have the steering box left to do. Then I get to play with and learn interior stuff.
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D&J RailRoad
Professor of HO
sorry to hear of the MILs condition Sherrel. We all have to cross that threshold someday. Whether it's by ourselves or with family nearby, the reality of it crosses the mind many times for those who are aware. Some welcome that step in surrender to their fate, others see it as the door to their savior.
I trust that your MIL is comfortable this condition and knows her Lord.
I trust that your MIL is comfortable this condition and knows her Lord.
McLeod
Forest Lurker
Good Morning!
I put a great deal of weight on an honest photograph. The thing is, I've seen photographs of Sherrel, so I know what he looks like over just having a virtual friend somewhere in the mist of words. This fact seems to make my sadness over the loss of one of his loved ones more real.
I'm truly sorry for your impending loss, Sherrel.
It's 31F at 5:40am, and I'm expecting some warmth from the sun today. Might even hit 60F, which will be wonderful. I'm very anxious for the ice in the forest to disappear so I can freely walk the dog.
Yesterday, I installed my first ground throw on the layout:
I need to go see the wife off to work; build her a travel tea and send her off. BBL maybe.
I put a great deal of weight on an honest photograph. The thing is, I've seen photographs of Sherrel, so I know what he looks like over just having a virtual friend somewhere in the mist of words. This fact seems to make my sadness over the loss of one of his loved ones more real.
I'm truly sorry for your impending loss, Sherrel.
It's 31F at 5:40am, and I'm expecting some warmth from the sun today. Might even hit 60F, which will be wonderful. I'm very anxious for the ice in the forest to disappear so I can freely walk the dog.
Yesterday, I installed my first ground throw on the layout:
I need to go see the wife off to work; build her a travel tea and send her off. BBL maybe.
D&J RailRoad
Professor of HO
That looks like a Peco, self-locking turnout. Why would you use a ground throw on that?
santafewillie
Same Ol' Buzzard
Good Morning All. Cloudy and a warm 70° again today. A repeat of yesterday here, high around 85°, maybe cooler tonight in the mid-60's. Weather geeks at the NWS are still predicting major thunderstorms and much lower temperatures Sunday and Monday; no snow though. The 20 mph winds from the south will continue until Sunday when they turn from the north for a couple of days. High on Monday is only expected to be in the mid-60's.
Oh my! The attire at the grocery store changed this week from Lululemon pants to booty shorts and Daisy Dukes! Other than much higher prices all around, my Kroger has returned to pre-pandemic condition. Looks like inflation and the dropping of "free money" has brought about full employment in this part of the country. Our Kroger store is located in Denton TX and at least half of the employees are college students. The two universities in town (UNT & TWU) have 55,000 students enrolled and most need to work at least a little bit. The rich kids that don't need to work, all go to SMU in Dallas!
The overall grocery trek was successful yesterday. Instead of the shoe store, we went to the jewelry store instead and dropped the car wash since we're expecting rain. Those were all my wife's decisions - I just drove. Spent more money than expected at Home Depot. I somewhat remember the good old days when my favorite store was Victoria Secret's; now it's Home Depot or Lowes with Tractor Supply in close third.
I sorted, cut and stacked the firewood that I got from the tree trimmers later in the day. Despite the 85° temperature, it was cloudy and windy so it wasn't too unpleasant. Got to get it out of the way for continuous mowing. I think that I am going back to Dallas today to take my wife to the other daughter's home for a three day grandson sitting job. Daughter #1 could easily do it as she lives only a mile away, but my wife hasn't been able to visit with him in a while. They went out of state for spring break and she hasn't been able to spend much time with them. I think that she really wants to get away from me.
As always, thanks for the comments and reactions to yesterday's post regarding the sidewalk.; Patrick, Steve J, Rick, George, Sherrel, Karl, Troy, Smudge, Joe, Hughie, Dave B, Chad, Mikey, Louis, Tom O, Curt, Guy, Tom, OB Ken.
I didn't do anything of substance in the train shed yesterday. I did however remember to take a picture of the minimal detailing on the roof.
And since churches seem to be a subject for this week, as I posted below to Jaz, I have some. Here are two of them, both currently in unfinished areas.
Guy - I need a day or two to find some pictures of the extra things that I do with ground throws in my extensive unfiled archive.
Love the recent pictures of the mule deer.
Sherrel - Yep! These Medallion signature guarantees can be really tricky as I have learned in my short exposure to them. I really think the $50 in his bank did the trick for me!
I am praying that MIL can fight it through until Sunday for Kate and her sister's sake.
Jaz - I do have three churches on the layout, but none of them are in areas that are completed yet. None as elegant as yours however.
Dave - My small pond of about a quarter acre, completely dries out mainly in the summer, but this year it was empty until February. I often wonder where the frogs and turtles actually go when it is dry. They always reappear when the water returns?
"bloated bureaucracy" is a redundancy.
Tom O - Never say never!
I agree that a bank is more at home among the MR structures than a church.
Earth Day today. Everyone have a great day.
Oh my! The attire at the grocery store changed this week from Lululemon pants to booty shorts and Daisy Dukes! Other than much higher prices all around, my Kroger has returned to pre-pandemic condition. Looks like inflation and the dropping of "free money" has brought about full employment in this part of the country. Our Kroger store is located in Denton TX and at least half of the employees are college students. The two universities in town (UNT & TWU) have 55,000 students enrolled and most need to work at least a little bit. The rich kids that don't need to work, all go to SMU in Dallas!
The overall grocery trek was successful yesterday. Instead of the shoe store, we went to the jewelry store instead and dropped the car wash since we're expecting rain. Those were all my wife's decisions - I just drove. Spent more money than expected at Home Depot. I somewhat remember the good old days when my favorite store was Victoria Secret's; now it's Home Depot or Lowes with Tractor Supply in close third.
I sorted, cut and stacked the firewood that I got from the tree trimmers later in the day. Despite the 85° temperature, it was cloudy and windy so it wasn't too unpleasant. Got to get it out of the way for continuous mowing. I think that I am going back to Dallas today to take my wife to the other daughter's home for a three day grandson sitting job. Daughter #1 could easily do it as she lives only a mile away, but my wife hasn't been able to visit with him in a while. They went out of state for spring break and she hasn't been able to spend much time with them. I think that she really wants to get away from me.
As always, thanks for the comments and reactions to yesterday's post regarding the sidewalk.; Patrick, Steve J, Rick, George, Sherrel, Karl, Troy, Smudge, Joe, Hughie, Dave B, Chad, Mikey, Louis, Tom O, Curt, Guy, Tom, OB Ken.
I didn't do anything of substance in the train shed yesterday. I did however remember to take a picture of the minimal detailing on the roof.
And since churches seem to be a subject for this week, as I posted below to Jaz, I have some. Here are two of them, both currently in unfinished areas.
Guy - I need a day or two to find some pictures of the extra things that I do with ground throws in my extensive unfiled archive.
Love the recent pictures of the mule deer.
Sherrel - Yep! These Medallion signature guarantees can be really tricky as I have learned in my short exposure to them. I really think the $50 in his bank did the trick for me!
I am praying that MIL can fight it through until Sunday for Kate and her sister's sake.
Jaz - I do have three churches on the layout, but none of them are in areas that are completed yet. None as elegant as yours however.
Dave - My small pond of about a quarter acre, completely dries out mainly in the summer, but this year it was empty until February. I often wonder where the frogs and turtles actually go when it is dry. They always reappear when the water returns?
"bloated bureaucracy" is a redundancy.
Tom O - Never say never!
I agree that a bank is more at home among the MR structures than a church.
Earth Day today. Everyone have a great day.
TLOC
Well-Known Member
Good morning from a wet So Central Wisconsin. A steady rain has been occurring since maybe 4am according to the weather app. This is an all day rain as it is 90%+ every hour until 7pm with much of the day at 100% chance. The area definitely needs it especially if it’s a soaking rain. Downpours are not needed.
The brother let my sister know his girl friend is having additional breast cancer surgery this morning. Says the chemo will start in about 30 days. I spoke to him this morning and he is trying to get her to think one day at a time.
Because of the weather, it may drive me into the train room. I hope this is a good turning point for me.
Have a good day
TomO
The brother let my sister know his girl friend is having additional breast cancer surgery this morning. Says the chemo will start in about 30 days. I spoke to him this morning and he is trying to get her to think one day at a time.
Because of the weather, it may drive me into the train room. I hope this is a good turning point for me.
Have a good day
TomO
Sirfoldalot
Days Gone Bye!
I would assume for the sake of modeling realism - looks?
BTW - I was awakened this morning by a strange sound ... the sound of raindrops falling on the patio cover. Pretty good little 1/4 inch shower; believe me it is needed.
Thank you all for the kind words on the MIL. I could not have asked for a better one. In 30 years I have never heard her mutter an unkind word towards anyone!
YES, KEN, she does know her heavenly Father - and will meet him shortly!
MilwRoader_Steve
Well-Known Member
<SIGH>
Was hoping to get a golf round or two in before surgery. My "boss" is still "helping" protect me from myself by continuing the horrid weather. Sorry Dave - all of Minnesota is suffering because of me. Rainy and cold outside today, with not much change before my 9:44 tee time and 2:30 when we ought finish. So train room instead, eh?!
GUY- loving those Caboose GTs. I have not yet tried painting mine. I am starting to lean more and more towards using them on a semi-permanent basis and maybe even long term. I already have 21 TOs installed and will end up with at least 25. Even if I could automate them for $30 per ... that's $750 - and with the thises and thatses more like a cool grand+. That's 'spensive!! So maybe ground-throws are the answer. Besides - I'll get more 'steps' during ops, right? Added value!
But what's next? Still struggling there. Perhaps today:
***I will straighten the first or main ladder track so that it passes more square to the EM uncoupler that now does not work. I'm hoping that getting the track to run more centered over the magnet will improve performance.
***Maybe run the wires to add the 12VDC and 16VDC bus to the main table so I can wire up the EM uncouplers installed there.
*** Run one more feeder that is not needed but nice to have (as previously mentioned, I like soldering feeders now!).
*** Finish the track plan for the interior of the loop industries.
*** watch "Band of Brothers."
So I have options!
SFW - Looking forward to those 80s temps next week!! Def bringing my swim trunks!
Was hoping to get a golf round or two in before surgery. My "boss" is still "helping" protect me from myself by continuing the horrid weather. Sorry Dave - all of Minnesota is suffering because of me. Rainy and cold outside today, with not much change before my 9:44 tee time and 2:30 when we ought finish. So train room instead, eh?!
GUY- loving those Caboose GTs. I have not yet tried painting mine. I am starting to lean more and more towards using them on a semi-permanent basis and maybe even long term. I already have 21 TOs installed and will end up with at least 25. Even if I could automate them for $30 per ... that's $750 - and with the thises and thatses more like a cool grand+. That's 'spensive!! So maybe ground-throws are the answer. Besides - I'll get more 'steps' during ops, right? Added value!
But what's next? Still struggling there. Perhaps today:
***I will straighten the first or main ladder track so that it passes more square to the EM uncoupler that now does not work. I'm hoping that getting the track to run more centered over the magnet will improve performance.
***Maybe run the wires to add the 12VDC and 16VDC bus to the main table so I can wire up the EM uncouplers installed there.
*** Run one more feeder that is not needed but nice to have (as previously mentioned, I like soldering feeders now!).
*** Finish the track plan for the interior of the loop industries.
*** watch "Band of Brothers."
So I have options!
SFW - Looking forward to those 80s temps next week!! Def bringing my swim trunks!
ctclibby
Well-Known Member
Ya, that oil refinery begs to be modeled; South side of the interstate. I especially like the spiral stacks. Have been wanting some time to drive in and ask if I could walk around a bit - safety vest, hard hat and camera ... etc
D&J RailRoad
Professor of HO
Sherrel, that is comforting to know that. Just waiting for his call then.
I got an email from my local e-tailer, with a blowout sale offered.
I clicked the link for my scale, and found a very attractive price on a Kato GS4 and decoder. I then went to shipping, and the cost for usps, with no alternative, was roughly 15% of the price of the engine. $21 shipping to go 120 miles.
I clicked the link for my scale, and found a very attractive price on a Kato GS4 and decoder. I then went to shipping, and the cost for usps, with no alternative, was roughly 15% of the price of the engine. $21 shipping to go 120 miles.
chadbag
Well-Known Member
Did that include insurance? USPS is really quite expensive now with priority mail and insurance. Funny thing is with (most) priority mail, is that it doesn't matter if it is 100 miles or 2000 miles. Same price. (There are Priority Mail regional A, B, and C boxes which do take distance into account but they are not available over the counter but only through account based [online] mailing)
McLeod
Forest Lurker
Hi again.
I tried to make this post earlier, but, messed it up good and needed to delete the original. Here's the retry.
So, I see no reason not to add them to the home layout.
Besides, this is my first layout, and I really don't know what I'm doing all the time. The Peco switch seems to work ok with a Caboose throw.
As it is, I walked into the local CN yard to get some close-up shots of the mainline ballast used here in town:
The crushed grey rundle-rock is a new material, added when they installed those newer ties. The crushed river bottom gravel is the older material. - I've got 3x different blends of WS grey medium in stock, and some brown on order, so I can try copy this for the layout.
Finally, since I was down at the yard anyway, I captured a few shots of the C44 and an SD75 being used currently on local switching duties. Here's one of the photos:
Sorry about messing up that earlier post, if anyone saw it before deletion. I consider myself a computer idiot.
Have a wonderful day!
I tried to make this post earlier, but, messed it up good and needed to delete the original. Here's the retry.
Sherrel is correct. I'm trying to make the layout somewhat realistic. Every turnout in my area has a manually operated ground throw.
So, I see no reason not to add them to the home layout.
Besides, this is my first layout, and I really don't know what I'm doing all the time. The Peco switch seems to work ok with a Caboose throw.
Thank you , Willie. Looking forward to the ground throw expert class. - OOOHH! I captured some good Muley photos on todays walk. The dog and I were surrounded, with the leashed dog going ballistic for the chance to attack. Might post some on another day when I have no photos to share.
As it is, I walked into the local CN yard to get some close-up shots of the mainline ballast used here in town:
Finally, since I was down at the yard anyway, I captured a few shots of the C44 and an SD75 being used currently on local switching duties. Here's one of the photos:
Sorry about messing up that earlier post, if anyone saw it before deletion. I consider myself a computer idiot.
Have a wonderful day!
D&J RailRoad
Professor of HO
Greg@mnrr
Section Hand
Good Morning Everyone from rainy Wisconsin. It's been raining here since late last night and it's a nice steady rain which is welcome after our lack of snow last winter. The grass is turning green by the minute and after the fertilizer that was applied yesterday the process is faster than what Mother Nature would do.
Riley can't understand why she can't go outside in the rain. A long hair dog and rain don't mix. I intended to go outside tomorrow since it may reach 80 degrees, so I'll wait until Sunday to venture to the train room.
Later I have to make a telephone call to a former business contact that I became good friends with and then call another friend that I've known since our Freshman days at high school. Then I'll watch some videos on the Manchester and South Franklin to get motivated once again.
The fence contractor was here yesterday and will start on Monday installing the posts. Wow the price of a 10 foot, treated 4x4!!! The fence will be six foot high and help hide the neighbors trash and recycling containers and the other junk that he stores along the garage during the summer. I'm not too sure he will like the high fence, but he needs to understand that I've looked at his plastic storage cabinet since he moved in and he's the one that cut down a 40 foot spruce that gave both him and us some privacy.
McLeod: I built a yard on my layout similar to the one in the photos you posted. It will be a switching night mare, but on a smaller layout some time that a good thing to have complex switching situations. The yard will require at times the road locomotive and the yearn switchers to work the yard. At first the ballast in that yard's photo's raised an eye brow being round stones bad round stones don't bond well. But with the crushed stone added to the round stone it should tighten up and hold the ties in place.
Round stones no matter the size like pea gravel all roll and turn.
If you custom mix your ballast, keep records of the mix's ratio of colors and ballast used. I didn't keep a record of my ballast ratio and I'm down to my last coffee can of custom mixed ballast.
Finally, Cathy says that I need to start working on the railroad and use what I've purchased so far in the past two years. A table in the Packer Room is covered with model railroad items and well as the floor in the layout room.
That's all for now......................
Greg
#################
Riley can't understand why she can't go outside in the rain. A long hair dog and rain don't mix. I intended to go outside tomorrow since it may reach 80 degrees, so I'll wait until Sunday to venture to the train room.
Later I have to make a telephone call to a former business contact that I became good friends with and then call another friend that I've known since our Freshman days at high school. Then I'll watch some videos on the Manchester and South Franklin to get motivated once again.
The fence contractor was here yesterday and will start on Monday installing the posts. Wow the price of a 10 foot, treated 4x4!!! The fence will be six foot high and help hide the neighbors trash and recycling containers and the other junk that he stores along the garage during the summer. I'm not too sure he will like the high fence, but he needs to understand that I've looked at his plastic storage cabinet since he moved in and he's the one that cut down a 40 foot spruce that gave both him and us some privacy.
McLeod: I built a yard on my layout similar to the one in the photos you posted. It will be a switching night mare, but on a smaller layout some time that a good thing to have complex switching situations. The yard will require at times the road locomotive and the yearn switchers to work the yard. At first the ballast in that yard's photo's raised an eye brow being round stones bad round stones don't bond well. But with the crushed stone added to the round stone it should tighten up and hold the ties in place.
Round stones no matter the size like pea gravel all roll and turn.
If you custom mix your ballast, keep records of the mix's ratio of colors and ballast used. I didn't keep a record of my ballast ratio and I'm down to my last coffee can of custom mixed ballast.
Finally, Cathy says that I need to start working on the railroad and use what I've purchased so far in the past two years. A table in the Packer Room is covered with model railroad items and well as the floor in the layout room.
That's all for now......................
Greg
#################
logandsawman
Northern Pacific history enthusiast
Good afternoon all,
42° and vert light off/on rain. Yesterday afternoon was beautiful, I got off early to pick up the burby (1988 Chevrolet Suburban, with Silverado package) at the repair shop and was witness to the first frogs of spring chirping gleefully in one of our ponds. Willie - somehow those frogs can withstand just about anything going into a somewhat dormant state.
Sherrel - your MIL post brings up the last days of my mother in hospice. She passed in the living room of the house they lived in for over 58 years, same place my Dad passed a couple years earlier. We had a somewhat distant relationship, however that last evening my wife and I relieved the hospice nurse by giving mom a sponge bath. She went to be with our Lord a few hours later. That was somehow a healing time for me, and I hope for her as well.
Ken OBTC - hope the outside work goes well today
Willie - Victoria Secrets? (sometimes I read every word)
Guy - great pics of the 1:1 rails. Lots of river cobble in the crushed rock they are using. There is a % crushing requirement spec I used to verify while a materials technician, that must have just squeaked by.
Todays photo from the old layout, those powerlines kept on getting snagged, however were elastic so I wasn't constantly repairing. Maybe put a two wire telegraph wire on this new layout:
GOOD to read everyones activities!! Too bad I can't remember all my comments when I do my post
Dave LASM
42° and vert light off/on rain. Yesterday afternoon was beautiful, I got off early to pick up the burby (1988 Chevrolet Suburban, with Silverado package) at the repair shop and was witness to the first frogs of spring chirping gleefully in one of our ponds. Willie - somehow those frogs can withstand just about anything going into a somewhat dormant state.
Sherrel - your MIL post brings up the last days of my mother in hospice. She passed in the living room of the house they lived in for over 58 years, same place my Dad passed a couple years earlier. We had a somewhat distant relationship, however that last evening my wife and I relieved the hospice nurse by giving mom a sponge bath. She went to be with our Lord a few hours later. That was somehow a healing time for me, and I hope for her as well.
Ken OBTC - hope the outside work goes well today
Willie - Victoria Secrets? (sometimes I read every word)
Guy - great pics of the 1:1 rails. Lots of river cobble in the crushed rock they are using. There is a % crushing requirement spec I used to verify while a materials technician, that must have just squeaked by.
Todays photo from the old layout, those powerlines kept on getting snagged, however were elastic so I wasn't constantly repairing. Maybe put a two wire telegraph wire on this new layout:
GOOD to read everyones activities!! Too bad I can't remember all my comments when I do my post
Dave LASM
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ctclibby
Well-Known Member
Greg/McLeod:
I have also decided to have a nighmare when it comes to switch the yard(s). I have 2 single ended yards that require you turn the power AND a couple of passenger cars if needed. I suspect that these two will be done first; at least I can run point to point until the Main is complete and big double ended yard gets done. Happy days!
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ctclibby
Well-Known Member
We have found frogs and other creepies 6ft down in the soil ( mostly mud ). Ya would be digging and find a hand or foot sticking out. Don't know how many have been amputated - dug a couple out carefully and after they warm up, off they go.
Dave - have an 88 Blazer and so far love the thing. Ya, mine needs some body work. If trains don't keep me busy, this thing will.
This is on a '78 3/4 ton frame; 454 4 bolt main; 650cfm Eldebrock. We just went through ALL of the running gear and replaced and or renewed everything. Only have the steering box left to do. Then I get to play with and learn interior stuff.
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