Running Bear's August 2022 Coffee Shop

[Snowman]

Other freelance railroads: Three well known ones come to mind right off the bat. Allen MccLelland's Virginia and Ohio, which was shown in a multi-part series in MRC. Dr. Bruce Chubb's* Sunset Valley was another--there were books covering both. The New England Berkshire and Western of the RPI club would be the third, but there are some others quite well known too. Tony Koester's (former editor of MRC magazine, who now pens the last page in ModelRailroader each month) Allegheny Midland, which was part of the Appalachian Lines system, alongside the V&O**...Jim Hediger's Ohio Southern, which he conceived as linked to the real world's Detroit Toledo and Ironton...and many, many more. I would venture a guess that it's the second most practiced idea in model railroading, and there are some who do that here too, I know.

[**Koester's AM inspired yet another book]

Chubb's Sunset Valley was closely or directly modeled on the Southern Pacific, but it's now defunct I think because Chubb models the SP directly...MccLelland's wrapped up shop with the sale of his house and a move to assisted living...Koester moved on, and now models the real world Nickel Plate, perhaps in part because his friend MccLelland went on his way.

Some prototype inspired roads are standalone, some imagine a link or use a link to a real railroad. It's a great idea either way, IMO, and second only in numbers to schemes or layouts which have individual names, but which draw on real world prototypes (only).

It's also much more easily practiced today with the widespread availability of inkjet and laser printers--you can print your own decals easily enough, although printing white takes a lot more work.

[*Chubb is the man who designed CMRI]

 

[chadbag]

We're trying to get the trenching in so the plumber can put the rough-in drains so we can start the slab work. He came yesterday and painted out where and I arranged to have a mini-excavator dropped off this afternoon and a crane to put it inside the basement. I needed a smaller mini-excavator (under 4000lbs) so that the crane I usually use could put it the distance needed.

I found a place that advertised a Kubota KX018, which is about 3700lbs. They said they had it and would drop it today between noon and 1pm. A little after 1pm the guy said he was 25 min out so I went home and then went back when he got there. However, I noticed the mini-excavator was white and Kubota are red or orange or something like that. So I went and checked and he had a Bobcat E20. I remembered that their website said it was like 5000lbs so I told the guy that was not what I was promised and I needed the lighter one due to crane limitations. He called in and we talked with their office who said that their Kubota KX018 was out and a week overdue (so why did you tell me you had one on the lot?). He looked up the actual weight of the Bobcat, which was 4300 lbs. I called the crane guy and he said the most he could do, and it was a stretch, was 4100lbs, and so I told them I couldn't take their Bobcat. The driver (who was just the messenger) apologized and left and I canceled the crane, as he had not gotten there yet. (He had a 40 ton crane).

I went home and started looking at other places. I called the Kubota dealer as they said they had rentals as well but they didn't have the one I needed available. Being the dealer I asked who they would recommend as all the rental places would have gotten theirs through this dealer. They gave me some names and I started calling. One website said they had the Kubota U17 (same size class as KX018 but slightly different cab config with the lack of overhang) and also some brand Yanmar in the same weight class, which Wikipedia says is a Japanese diesel engine maker, but has expanded by purchasing Indian and German companies. I called them and they had one available and could bring it by this afternoon. It was also a little cheaper than the other one. He rented me the Yanmar.

I called a couple crane companies as the guy I had been using and had had the appointment with was booked for the next 2 days and he also said that that weight at the distance I needed was on the edge of his capability and so I would be better served calling some other companies (he gave some referrals). I called one but they couldn't come until tomorrow (and their min was 3 hours). I called another large company and they had a 60 ton available that could come this afternoon. Their hourly rate was $10 more than the other but had only a 2 hour min and I don't think had the same "fuel surcharge" that the first had. So I arranged for him to come. The mini-excavator was dropped off while I was getting my daughter from school (which was an hour after I had called them) and the crane guy showed up 15 min early and was getting set up when I got there for the appointment. I helped the crane guy get it ready and guided him by radio into the hole. It was pretty quick and easy.

Once the hoist was done I went to get some food as I had not eaten lunch yet and then I went back and spent 2 3/4 or 3 hours figuring out how to drive it and to build a ramp up ver a footing as I needed to trench on both sides of the interior bearing wall footings and there was no way to go around -- the gaps were too narrow. So tonight I built a ramp up one side -- through trial and error as I did not have that much room. Once I had the ramp up one side I drove up and rotate to be perpendicular to the footing and the front resting on the footing and I started to take dirt from the other side to build the ramp down on the other side. Finally as it was getting dark I had enough to get down and drove it down and went home. By then it was 8:45pm and past dusk.

Tomorrow I, and my son, will dig all the trenches on the one side I am on with the machine now, and the drive back across and dig the trench on that side, the original side. That will leave the machine where I need it to be able to hoist it out again. Hopefully we get it all done tomorrow. not being experienced we are slower but it still goes pretty fast. The plumber is sending his guys over tomorrow afternoon and they should be done laying pipes by Thursday evening. There is a small amount of trench in the cold storage room at the front that needs to be done by hand, as well as under some footings.

 

[Sirfoldalot]

CHAD - And that would be just about the time that I found that garage size bolder about 3 inches under the soil.
Trying to set a "pad" for a house up in the hills West of me, on 20 acres that I had ...
The site engineer that I had to have, big bucks by State Law, wanted the pad leveled down another ONE foot and we hit a house sized boulder that the CAT D-8 could not budge. Wound up leaving it and enlarging the pad in another direction which involved another 8K of dozer work plus redesigning the house, driveway and re-submitting plans to the County - more money!
I finally tossed in the towel. The power company wanted $73,ooo ($27.00 per ft) to run electricity the 1/2 mile to the property.
Fast forward to now! I would have installed solar with a backup generator.
In spite of everything, I made a profit which would have tripled by now!

 

[MikeGTW]

Speaking of wind storms

This is free but you have to move it

 

[troyphoto]

Other freelance railroads: Three well known ones come to mind right off the bat. Allen MccLelland's Virginia and Ohio, which was shown in a multi-part series in MRC. Dr. Bruce Chubb's* Sunset Valley was another--there were books covering both. The New England Berkshire and Western of the RPI club would be the third, but there are some others quite well known too. Tony Koester's (former editor of MRC magazine, who now pens the last page in ModelRailroader each month) Allegheny Midland, which was part of the Appalachian Lines system, alongside the V&O**...Jim Hediger's Ohio Southern, which he conceived as linked to the real world's Detroit Toledo and Ironton...and many, many more. I would venture a guess that it's the second most practiced idea in model railroading, and there are some who do that here too, I know.

[**Koester's AM inspired yet another book]

Chubb's Sunset Valley was closely or directly modeled on the Southern Pacific, but it's now defunct I think because Chubb models the SP directly...MccLelland's wrapped up shop with the sale of his house and a move to assisted living...Koester moved on, and now models the real world Nickel Plate, perhaps in part because his friend MccLelland went on his way.

Some prototype inspired roads are standalone, some imagine a link or use a link to a real railroad. It's a great idea either way, IMO, and second only in numbers to schemes or layouts which have individual names, but which draw on real world prototypes (only).

It's also much more easily practiced today with the widespread availability of inkjet and laser printers--you can print your own decals easily enough, although printing white takes a lot more work.

[*Chubb is the man who designed CMRI]

Wasn't Gery Leone's (spelling? or is it Gerry) layout semi-well known? He does a lot of video content for MRR+/Trains.com - and a house sale saw the destruction of the old, and a new trainroom at the new abode allowed him to give a new version a go. I need to get back to MRR+ and give the rest of his series a watch.

 

[Patrick]

Morning,

I'd say good, but haven't had my coffee yet. Big cuppa and a short stack with bacon. Thank Francine!

Kids successfully picked up and delivered to their parents.

Time to head to the office.

BBL

 

[troyphoto]

Well howdy there internet MRR peeps, those with infestations of excavators burrowing into their basements

It's troy again

Got Mom all doctored up yesterday... This was the cardiologist. With her Afib still going on, treatment by drugs is her only option. She's too old and infirm for the shock inversion. Had to ask the doc how to tell the difference between afib chest aches and real chest pain get to the ER type

He suggested Nitro pills. One under the tongue. If it works and chest pain decreases significantly, those are the bad type of chest pains. Call him or the ER immediately.

Need to word some words, make a grocery run, and start figuring out how to exercise slowly with kettlebells. Since walking isn't on my list of doable activities right now. Short treks for grocery are ok, but the few times I've tried half or less of my usual neighborhood strolls, I end up popping advil and wishing I hadn't done that. *%!@$#%@#$% Plantar Fasciitis.

Speaking of which, since this appears to be in a long-term injury, I may be selling of my treadmill. Those of you who have done the Facebook Marketplace sales, what are the ins and outs of that? Do I need to use FB for payment? Can I just advertise Paypay or cash on the spot?

PS: If you're like me and longing for the sweater weather of autumn, here's an ambiance vid you can pop up on youtubez:

 

[ctclibby]

Good Morning all!
60F in Libby and dark.
62F in Sun Prairie and dark here too.
Should be outa here bout 6 heading for Chicagoland, then back to Olive Branch.
We are now counting the days. Had busy brain last night so sleep was a concept. Will see how far I make it before nap is required. Busy brain is a pain as there is really nothing I can do until I get home. I have probably over thought *everything*. I suspect I will do pretty much nothing for the first few days, other than fuss around a bit. Then, watch out:
Electrical needs tidied up in train cave.
Track plan needs to be further along, lower level anywho.
Bench work can be started.
Ongoing busy work: web site, mail and backup server needs installed: got new to me ones. Signals need designed, turnout fixtures need created. Dirty code 83 needs cleaned, tie cutting process needs to happen. All power and cars need to be in inventory. Some power is RTR with DCC and DCC/Sound but still needs looked at first....the list goes on. Do you think that this will keep me busy for ...like... the rest of my life? Ya, well add the house as a hobby too.
As you might guess, we have no desire to go anywhere during retirement .. imagine that. Well, I promised a date with the wife a couple of years ago in Canada ( BC ) that she will hold me to. The plague quelched that. Been about 10 or 15 years since I have followed BCRail and CN from the Fraser Canyon to Golden and am looking forward to that. Life is tough!

Later.

 

[bnsf971]

Speaking of which, since this appears to be in a long-term injury, I may be selling of my treadmill. Those of you who have done the Facebook Marketplace sales, what are the ins and outs of that? Do I need to use FB for payment? Can I just advertise Paypay or cash on the spot?

For FB or Craigslist, insist on cash in person, no shipping, no e-payments of any kind.
Also, not that the scammers will care, but in the ad, insist on all messages going through FB, NO texting. If you allow texts off FB, be prepared for dozens of prospective buyers texting you codes to make sure you're not a scammer. If you read the code back to them, they then can take over your phone number/account.

 

[OBTC 1909]

Good morning all! 53 degrees on the way to a sunny and pleasant 81. Not a whole lot to report today. Off to work and school soon. Speech class this morning and the two work meetings in the afternoon. No other big things going on as far as I know. Hope you all have a great day!

 

[ctclibby]

For FB or Craigslist, insist on cash in person, no shipping, no e-payments of any kind.
Also, not that the scammers will care, but in the ad, insist on all messages going through FB, NO texting. If you allow texts off FB, be prepared for dozens of prospective buyers texting you codes to make sure you're not a scammer. If you read the code back to them, they then can take over your phone number/account.

Yes, green cash only. Since yours is a smaller item, try to meet whomever in a public place to close the transaction. Do not put phone, email or physical address in ad. Wife does FB stuff once in a while and uses their messaging for everything. CL has their own anomous email which is a pain, but works.
Back about 2008 we put a class C on CL, and we were privy to one of the first "we will send you a check, then our agent will come and pick up" scams. Got a check for 17,000 which was 4,000 more than asking "for our trouble". Took to the bank for them to check out and they were willing to cash right then without verifying funds! Check looked good for the most part, but there was some issue with the MICR line and the originating Bank was non existent that I noticed and re-questioned them. Still willing to cash - would have been without class C AND would have had to pay the 17,000 back ifn I would have beed dumb!

Not buyer beware any more, add seller beware to that.

 

[Boris]

Good evening. A short lived thunder storm passed through here around 2100, 0.11" of rainfall. This is the driest summer in recent memory.
The summer actually went fast. I wasn't the warmest, but remained in the 90s most of the time. (Yeah, I know summer goes to September 22).

I didn't watch any baseball tonight, have other stuff on my mind. I did a few things in the train room, mainly work on the oil loading platform and paint over the botched Bob Ross effort on the back drop. I'm also playing with roadway surfaces around the Reading passenger station, (which didn't exist on the prototype, but will on my version, because I like passenger trains).

Snowman, you are right about freelance railroads that mimic a real railroad. The ones you mentioned, McClelland, Dr. Chubb, Tony Koester and Jim Hediger were noteworthy and inspirational in their efforts. I feel their work contributed to the development of prototype modeling, because it showed that the average modeler had the capability to create real scenes.

One other noteworthy theme all thes "Proto-lance" railroads offered was plausible prototype operation, the introduction of staging, and the use of timetable, vs.just watching trains repetitively trace a route.

Aerial view of my unfinished port view. Clearly, the pigs don't belong, they are entirely too large for the scene. Just thought I would try them, but they are headed for the storage box, pending disposition. I picked the flats up at Timonium, maybe 8-10 years ago,the trailers maybe 5 or six years ago. In any event, the prototype, (Now demolished), was strictly box cars in the warehouse. and flat or gondola transloads to / from barges on the dock. Main off load of the barges was paper pulp, trucked across to the paper mill.

 

[TLOC]

Wasn't Gery Leone's (spelling? or is it Gerry) layout semi-well known? He does a lot of video content for MRR+/Trains.com - and a house sale saw the destruction of the old, and a new trainroom at the new abode allowed him to give a new version a go. I need to get back to MRR+ and give the rest of his series a watch

Not sure how well Gerry Leone was until he started doing stuff for the Kalmbach video. He was never someone I remember reading about in RMC or MR. The others mention by Snowman are icons in the model train world of North America. I was a MR subscriber from 1966 to 2019 when I finally dropped it. TonyK’s column Trains of Thought kept me involved in model railroading even though family, golf, RC boats and other things from 85 to 2000 kept me more interested.

 

[Patrick]

Morning again,

First on my agenda was locking down 2 user accounts for employees who quit. Help is really getting hard to find. In the past month, I setup 6 new employees, 5 of whom quit within a few days of being hired, 1 lasting a day. These two were setup in the past 2 weeks.
Not sure why, not really my worry. I know the State of Kansas had a job fair last week to try to fill the 900 various State positions they had open.

Don't understand why the Kansas unemployment stands at 2.4% and was 3.5% pre pandemic, where'd all the jobs come from? I partially get that some left permanently due to retirement and some employers still want to hire as cheap as possible, thus making their jobs stay open., but explain to me where the jobs came from?

 

[TLOC]

Well howdy there internet MRR peeps, those with infestations of excavators burrowing into their basements

It's troy again

Got Mom all doctored up yesterday... This was the cardiologist. With her Afib still going on, treatment by drugs is her only option. She's too old and infirm for the shock inversion. Had to ask the doc how to tell the difference between afib chest aches and real chest pain get to the ER type

He suggested Nitro pills. One under the tongue. If it works and chest pain decreases significantly, those are the bad type of chest pains. Call him or the ER immediately.

Need to word some words, make a grocery run, and start figuring out how to exercise slowly with kettlebells. Since walking isn't on my list of doable activities right now. Short treks for grocery are ok, but the few times I've tried half or less of my usual neighborhood strolls, I end up popping advil and wishing I hadn't done that. *%!@$#%@#$% Plantar Fasciitis.

Speaking of which, since this appears to be in a long-term injury, I may be selling of my treadmill. Those of you who have done the Facebook Marketplace sales, what are the ins and outs of that? Do I need to use FB for payment? Can I just advertise Paypay or cash on the spot?

PS: If you're like me and longing for the sweater weather of autumn, here's an ambiance vid you can pop up on youtubez:

Suggestion on the pain! My doctor suggested I pre-load the pain killer before I exercised to get the pain handled ahead of time. Better to be a head then catch up was the way he put it. That was the suggestion for my blue pill headaches and my walking and treadmill hip pain. 3-200Grams (?) of Ibprofuen 15 minutes before the blue pill or the exercise.

If you have to mail something out I only use PayPal. If someone comes to pick something up, CASH ONLY.

IMO, if you check FaceBook Market Place for your local area you will see how much TreadMills go for. You might be better off hanging on to it as the PF will get better and you’ll have to walk again.

Go get the words!

 

[troyphoto]

Also going up on the chopping block errrr FB marketplace is my home Barista espresso machine. Bought it mostly for research purposes to write about what a barista does in my main book series. But I've got two excellent coffee shops within walking distance (if the foot heals).

So, if anyone needs a Bambino machine, let me know before I put it up.

It's at least shippable. The treadmill, not so much.

As for the treadmill, yeah, I figured the $350 we paid, minus the $300 fitness reimbursement from the wife's company, means I let it go for $50 and break even.

 

[TLOC]

Morning again,

First on my agenda was locking down 2 user accounts for employees who quit. Help is really getting hard to find. In the past month, I setup 6 new employees, 5 of whom quit within a few days of being hired, 1 lasting a day. These two were setup in the past 2 weeks.
Not sure why, not really my worry. I know the State of Kansas had a job fair last week to try to fill the 900 various State positions they had open.

Don't understand why the Kansas unemployment stands at 2.4% and was 3.5% pre pandemic, where'd all the jobs come from? I partially get that some left permanently due to retirement and some employers still want to hire as cheap as possible, thus making their jobs stay open., but explain to me where the jobs came from?

I have always thought the job reports open and filled were political propaganda!

Remember that when unemployment runs out for out of work folks those numbers drop off any reporting mechanism. We have many more unemployed folks in the USA then the official numbers tell us. We also have the undocumented (not saying illegals) worker who barters for his/her services or gets paid cash. I am personally am aware of 2 Veterinarians who officially retired but now work for cash only and come to where they are needed. Terry will no longer use them in the stables. There are Combine Operators in our County who only work for a percentage of the harvest, no paperwork, no cash, no checks. Say they harvest 10,000 bushels, a portion of that is taken by the combine folks with no records. Lots of that happens and is therefore skewing our “OFFICAL” numbers. Artists are notorious for off the book stuff. Unknowingly years ago I had a trio of dinosaurs fabricated for off the entrance to the driveway. I like whimsical and when he delivered and installed them he said I only take cash! I knew he didn’t take credit cards but also no checks, no invoices, nothing just cash!

Some States have also adjusted the hours that qualify a worker as full time or part time.

I truly do not believe any government reported numbers.

 

[LongvaΙΙon]

Hello Happy Fellow Members !
I'm back and very happy to be here again !
Christian from France

 

[TLOC]

Hello Happy Fellow Members !
I'm back and very happy to be here again !
Christian from France

Welcome back try staying a bit longer. Some of us have missed you.

I missed the pictures of the French scenery you posted, and ok, you to!

 

[logandsawman]

Good morning all,

Internet is down on the work computer, doing a brief check in with my cell phone.

Curt - your layout is progressing rapidly, are you fully retired? It sure looks great.

Todd - I have no travel plans for retirement either. Mine could be a ways off, though

Patrick- I am thinking the job openings are due to low wages or employers unable to train, or some combination. With the massive homeless population, it is not a problem of not enough workers.

Troy - a little irony that it is your foot slowing you down.

More later, Dave LASM