Running Bear's August 2025 Coffee Shop
- Thread starter Bruette
- Start date
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L8r
Just kind of looks like it belongs there. It would look good with some different vegetation.
Decisions? Decisions?
A - Leave it with weeds etc growing. (The easy choice.)
B Leave it with weeds growing, adding a backdrop of that trackbed extending on as if a single line to wherever was closed and line lifted. That would be my choice. (Something a little different.)
C - Remove altogether is not an option to me.
Just my 2 centsworth
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Bruette
Well-Known Member
I haven't watched a Brewers' game yet. But I have been following them on the Rundown Recap on MLB.TV. They find any and every way to win ball games. The Brewers may not be loaded with power hitters, but they look to be one of the best at playing station to station baseball.
santafewillie
Same Ol' Buzzard
Good Morning All. Partly cloudy and 75°, maybe not even hitting 90° today. The NWS has added rain to the forecast for early afternoon today, and around dawn tomorrow! There's a pretty big system in western Oklahoma right now heading SE in our direction. If it holds up, then we will get some thundershowers. It would be welcome. I topped up the pool on Friday in hopes of enticing some moisture.
The party yesterday celebrating my SIL's 20th anniversary of arriving in Texas went well, but we ended up staying too long. It was as I suspected mostly a pool party for several mid-40's couples and their kids. We feasted on Texas BBQ and Lone Star beer. There was also Shiner Bock (another Texas beer) which I indulged in. We kidnapped our granddaughter and headed home around 5:30 while the party was still in full swing. It was scheduled to be from noon until 4:00! I also managed to put my feet up back in the den for a nap between 3-4. Their dog kept me company. SIL had already set up our old 60" TV on the patio by the poolside so that they could watch Whiffle Ball baseball, and other sports.
While I was there, some of the kids used the trampoline, which reminded me that back in the 60's, we used the neighbors trampoline without that annoying sissy net. We also rode our bikes for miles without a helmet and did the usual skateboarding holding on to the back of a vehicle; again without a helmet. Many of us used a homemade skateboard made from a split roller skate and a piece of 2" x 4" salvaged from nearby homes under construction.
On today's to do list after church, is to take some "stuff" that we removed from the guest bedroom, up into the attic. I was overruled when I suggested the dumpster instead. Reminds me that I need to install a proper retractable stairway up there instead of continuing to use a ladder through the scuttle-hole.
Got home too late to make it out to the train shed, but if it rains today, I will have some extra free time.
Patrick - I didn't realize that the forest fire haze had made it all of the way down to Kansas.
Karl - Great to read that you are feeling better every day.
Mike - Blooming Onion is one of the few attractions left that keeps me going to Outback. Otherwise, the one nearest me has shrunk it's menu so much that Longhorn, Texas Roadhouse and Saltgrass are better options. And you can tell by the lack of crowds lately. At the one nearest me, they have eliminated the Alice Springs Chicken Quesadilla appetizer, the Chicken Fried Steak dinner, the Porterhouse steak dinner and are now only serving the Prime Rib on Fri-Sun. There may be other things that have disappeared, but those are the ones that I indulged in. I'll probably stop going once my various gift cards and rewards run out.
Steve/Kusojiji - Boy, y'all are speaking geek to me! LOL
James Hetfield, lead singer/rhythm guitarist for the metal band Metallica is 62 years old today.
Everyone have a great Sunday.
The party yesterday celebrating my SIL's 20th anniversary of arriving in Texas went well, but we ended up staying too long. It was as I suspected mostly a pool party for several mid-40's couples and their kids. We feasted on Texas BBQ and Lone Star beer. There was also Shiner Bock (another Texas beer) which I indulged in. We kidnapped our granddaughter and headed home around 5:30 while the party was still in full swing. It was scheduled to be from noon until 4:00! I also managed to put my feet up back in the den for a nap between 3-4. Their dog kept me company. SIL had already set up our old 60" TV on the patio by the poolside so that they could watch Whiffle Ball baseball, and other sports.
While I was there, some of the kids used the trampoline, which reminded me that back in the 60's, we used the neighbors trampoline without that annoying sissy net. We also rode our bikes for miles without a helmet and did the usual skateboarding holding on to the back of a vehicle; again without a helmet. Many of us used a homemade skateboard made from a split roller skate and a piece of 2" x 4" salvaged from nearby homes under construction.
On today's to do list after church, is to take some "stuff" that we removed from the guest bedroom, up into the attic. I was overruled when I suggested the dumpster instead. Reminds me that I need to install a proper retractable stairway up there instead of continuing to use a ladder through the scuttle-hole.
Got home too late to make it out to the train shed, but if it rains today, I will have some extra free time.
Patrick - I didn't realize that the forest fire haze had made it all of the way down to Kansas.
Karl - Great to read that you are feeling better every day.
Mike - Blooming Onion is one of the few attractions left that keeps me going to Outback. Otherwise, the one nearest me has shrunk it's menu so much that Longhorn, Texas Roadhouse and Saltgrass are better options. And you can tell by the lack of crowds lately. At the one nearest me, they have eliminated the Alice Springs Chicken Quesadilla appetizer, the Chicken Fried Steak dinner, the Porterhouse steak dinner and are now only serving the Prime Rib on Fri-Sun. There may be other things that have disappeared, but those are the ones that I indulged in. I'll probably stop going once my various gift cards and rewards run out.
Steve/Kusojiji - Boy, y'all are speaking geek to me! LOL
James Hetfield, lead singer/rhythm guitarist for the metal band Metallica is 62 years old today.
Everyone have a great Sunday.
logandsawman
Northern Pacific history enthusiast
Good morning all,
A cool 53 headed for 75, a near perfect day other than some haze in the air.
I am signed up for working at the History Center for 5 days in August, yesterday being my training day. It is an old elementary school converted, pretty amazing in that most of the manpower is volunteers.
They have a big model railroad layout, something I worked on several years ago. I will be not very active in that group as my hands are full with my own stuff, I like playing by my own rules; having grown up in a family with 3 brothers very close in age and myself being the least dominant (most oppressed?) I think it is my turn. I will fix derails if needed, however.
We are getting ready for church, second cup of coffee, listening to the wife going through her morning stretching routine...
Cat Box Woes (Troy): We are the proud parents of 8 feline friends. Our research led us to using large cat boxes, the non mechanical type, like a rectangular 12" x 24" washpan with 6" sidewalls. We had two in convenient locations (one in each bathroom). Clean it often, like twice per day.
Trains later this afternoon,
Dave LASM
A cool 53 headed for 75, a near perfect day other than some haze in the air.
I am signed up for working at the History Center for 5 days in August, yesterday being my training day. It is an old elementary school converted, pretty amazing in that most of the manpower is volunteers.
They have a big model railroad layout, something I worked on several years ago. I will be not very active in that group as my hands are full with my own stuff, I like playing by my own rules; having grown up in a family with 3 brothers very close in age and myself being the least dominant (most oppressed?) I think it is my turn. I will fix derails if needed, however.
We are getting ready for church, second cup of coffee, listening to the wife going through her morning stretching routine...
Cat Box Woes (Troy): We are the proud parents of 8 feline friends. Our research led us to using large cat boxes, the non mechanical type, like a rectangular 12" x 24" washpan with 6" sidewalls. We had two in convenient locations (one in each bathroom). Clean it often, like twice per day.
Trains later this afternoon,
Dave LASM
TLOC
Well-Known Member
Good morning to all. This sleepy head woke at 8:10 this morning while the go to sleep time was the normal close to midnight. No interruptions or tossing and turning. Making the bed this morning was a breeze. I do feel like I’ve lost half the day already though
This week maybe a crazy one. Too many OPS sessions, 4 avail but this morning the layout build session groups are offering 3 with 2 from the same place. He has 36 weeks before his 1st official OPS session and finally realized yesterday he’s behind. He was part of yesterday’s work session and also realized we can work longer than 9 to noon if we have lunch. He scheduled his next 2 sessions to start at the normal 9am and end at 4! Lunch at noonish! We have 2 retired major project managers in the group and there are 2 wife’s that also were project managers. All are always willing to help out. I guess yesterday he listened to the one that was at the session and in his text this morning he announced one of the ladies will be helping him. She was coming over this afternoon to review where he and the layout are at. He says he is committed to listening to her. That’s a good thing.
Today for me. I am not 100% sure but I have a few things planned. I know I have to pack up for shipping Monday by the USPS 5 diesels. Going to use my account and create the labels here at home and the USPS will pick up here tomorrow. Basically doing the labels here saves me the cost of the cartons I use. I try to reuse the cartons they are sent in but the cartons from the manufacturers like Scaletrains are overkill for my purposes and the weight adds to the cost. I do like the Crew at my local post office but 4 of the 5 guys at the front counter have been retiring taking the buy out packages they were offered since February. These units have been done a couple weeks but the guy has a schedule he follows. He paid last night. I love PayPal…
The SIL just texted the pool guys are out at the new place this morning. The SIL and family are in Chicago this morning but his security cameras let him know they were there at 6 this morning. I will go check on them!
The grandson yesterday texted about slot car racing. The SIL’s friend they are visiting oldest son is 3 years older than Brooks and has one of my slot car tracks. He and the older kid have been racing and having a good time. Grandson asked if he buys new tires today can I help him after dinner tonight. Sure, that will be fun.
We have weather! Like the last 3 days, dry, heavy smoke haze, may get to 80.
Enjoy the day
This week maybe a crazy one. Too many OPS sessions, 4 avail but this morning the layout build session groups are offering 3 with 2 from the same place. He has 36 weeks before his 1st official OPS session and finally realized yesterday he’s behind. He was part of yesterday’s work session and also realized we can work longer than 9 to noon if we have lunch. He scheduled his next 2 sessions to start at the normal 9am and end at 4! Lunch at noonish! We have 2 retired major project managers in the group and there are 2 wife’s that also were project managers. All are always willing to help out. I guess yesterday he listened to the one that was at the session and in his text this morning he announced one of the ladies will be helping him. She was coming over this afternoon to review where he and the layout are at. He says he is committed to listening to her. That’s a good thing.
Today for me. I am not 100% sure but I have a few things planned. I know I have to pack up for shipping Monday by the USPS 5 diesels. Going to use my account and create the labels here at home and the USPS will pick up here tomorrow. Basically doing the labels here saves me the cost of the cartons I use. I try to reuse the cartons they are sent in but the cartons from the manufacturers like Scaletrains are overkill for my purposes and the weight adds to the cost. I do like the Crew at my local post office but 4 of the 5 guys at the front counter have been retiring taking the buy out packages they were offered since February. These units have been done a couple weeks but the guy has a schedule he follows. He paid last night. I love PayPal…
The SIL just texted the pool guys are out at the new place this morning. The SIL and family are in Chicago this morning but his security cameras let him know they were there at 6 this morning. I will go check on them!
The grandson yesterday texted about slot car racing. The SIL’s friend they are visiting oldest son is 3 years older than Brooks and has one of my slot car tracks. He and the older kid have been racing and having a good time. Grandson asked if he buys new tires today can I help him after dinner tonight. Sure, that will be fun.
We have weather! Like the last 3 days, dry, heavy smoke haze, may get to 80.
Enjoy the day
RhB Michael
RhB Lokführer
56°F chilly degrees here at 0630 this morning. Windows were al open for the last few days now and it was 68°F in the house this morning. I had to put on sweats to keep the windows open. I just opened the curtains and the blinds to let the air spill in and the temp seems to be holding at 68°F in here.
I'm going to fire up the grill in awhile and cook up hamburgers and Bratwurst.
I'm going to fire up the grill in awhile and cook up hamburgers and Bratwurst.
Word from the hospital is “probably today, maybe really early tomorrow.”
In the meantime, I’ve been working on the railroad.
The layout I have was purchased as a temporary one until I could find somewhere with enough room for my real one to be set up. Since that is looking more and more like it’ll happen on the 12th of Never, I’ve started looking at the one I’m using as the permanent one, and less of a “caretaker” one for now. One of the things that has bugged me about it is this one really short spur to nowhere. It’s at the beginning of a curve, and is on a steep grade. It only holds up to one 50 foot car, and the grade is so steep, anything I try to park there immediately rolls down and fouls the main, unless I physically restrain it. It’s also been a source of derailments in both directions, since the spur is the straight part of the turnout, and you have to go through the curved portion as the through route.
This morning, after yet another frustrating series of derailments. I decided I’d had about enough of the useless siding. It has been removed, and replaced with some 11” radius curved track. I’ve included a pic here of the area. The question I have for the group: Do I clean the old ballast off and replace with grass and weeds, or do I leave the ballast, and simply add some grass and weeds to make it look like it was really ripped out in the real world?
In the meantime, I’ve been working on the railroad.
The layout I have was purchased as a temporary one until I could find somewhere with enough room for my real one to be set up. Since that is looking more and more like it’ll happen on the 12th of Never, I’ve started looking at the one I’m using as the permanent one, and less of a “caretaker” one for now. One of the things that has bugged me about it is this one really short spur to nowhere. It’s at the beginning of a curve, and is on a steep grade. It only holds up to one 50 foot car, and the grade is so steep, anything I try to park there immediately rolls down and fouls the main, unless I physically restrain it. It’s also been a source of derailments in both directions, since the spur is the straight part of the turnout, and you have to go through the curved portion as the through route.
This morning, after yet another frustrating series of derailments. I decided I’d had about enough of the useless siding. It has been removed, and replaced with some 11” radius curved track. I’ve included a pic here of the area. The question I have for the group: Do I clean the old ballast off and replace with grass and weeds, or do I leave the ballast, and simply add some grass and weeds to make it look like it was really ripped out in the real world?
Bruette
Well-Known Member
My MTH Premier Conrail Bicentennial GG1 arrived yesterday. I haven't unboxed it yet. Too much baseball to watch.
Of course I watched my Birds first. The Brewers jumped out to a five-run lead over the Nationals and never looked back, I skipped that game. The Marlins blanked the Yankees, 2-0, I had to watch that. Then I watched the Rundown Recap. It is always more fun to watch when my Birds win!
Now I'm watching the Colorado Rockies with the worst record in MLB. They are facing the best starter in MLB, the Pirates' Paul Skenes. The Pirates jumped out to a 4-run lead in the fifth. You would think, "game over". Nope, the Rockies rallied and chased Skenes in the 6th. As often happens the Pirates bullpen faltered and the Rockies won their 30th game of the season, 8-5. The best vs the worst...
There is only a slight difference between the best and the worst teams in MLB, another reason I love MLB!
Of course I watched my Birds first. The Brewers jumped out to a five-run lead over the Nationals and never looked back, I skipped that game. The Marlins blanked the Yankees, 2-0, I had to watch that. Then I watched the Rundown Recap. It is always more fun to watch when my Birds win!
Now I'm watching the Colorado Rockies with the worst record in MLB. They are facing the best starter in MLB, the Pirates' Paul Skenes. The Pirates jumped out to a 4-run lead in the fifth. You would think, "game over". Nope, the Rockies rallied and chased Skenes in the 6th. As often happens the Pirates bullpen faltered and the Rockies won their 30th game of the season, 8-5. The best vs the worst...
There is only a slight difference between the best and the worst teams in MLB, another reason I love MLB!
ctclibby
Well-Known Member
Terry: Either way works! I have seen both in my neck of the woods on the BNSF. Also have seen just the rail removed and the ties left in place where not necessary to remove - whatever turns your crank!
L8r
migalyto
Well-Known Member
My opinion would be to leave it.
Just kind of looks like it belongs there. It would look good with some different vegetation.
NorthBrit
Well-Known Member
Decisions? Decisions?
A - Leave it with weeds etc growing. (The easy choice.)
B Leave it with weeds growing, adding a backdrop of that trackbed extending on as if a single line to wherever was closed and line lifted. That would be my choice. (Something a little different.)
C - Remove altogether is not an option to me.
Just my 2 centsworth
TLOC
Well-Known Member
Pictures from yesterday were posted to the group sites. I strangely enough took no pictures, too busy!
Randy in the hat drove up from Iowa, 3.5 hours. Some of us are that dedicated as the lunch was super but not worth a 3.5 drivev1way. Randy while retired also is a custom builder of switches. Many of the layouts I have operated on use his switches. We are cutting dry wall
Wow it fit! I believe that’s some of Randy’s Navy training kicked in with the broom. He was constantly sweep up the dry wall dust we were creating. He was a good work partner!
After lunch I moved over to help with wiring. Those are all twisted wire bus lines. Every 2’ after this picture a label indentifing it’s purpose was added
I had a great time yesterday. This week I will return with 1 other and we will cut the drywall board that goes above this section and the roughly 80’ on this level that has the bus lines in. John the owner and a different 2 crew members will put the homemade cork roadbed down and then lay track the following day.
Randy in the hat drove up from Iowa, 3.5 hours. Some of us are that dedicated as the lunch was super but not worth a 3.5 drivev1way. Randy while retired also is a custom builder of switches. Many of the layouts I have operated on use his switches. We are cutting dry wall
Wow it fit! I believe that’s some of Randy’s Navy training kicked in with the broom. He was constantly sweep up the dry wall dust we were creating. He was a good work partner!
After lunch I moved over to help with wiring. Those are all twisted wire bus lines. Every 2’ after this picture a label indentifing it’s purpose was added
I had a great time yesterday. This week I will return with 1 other and we will cut the drywall board that goes above this section and the roughly 80’ on this level that has the bus lines in. John the owner and a different 2 crew members will put the homemade cork roadbed down and then lay track the following day.
Texas Hobo
Well Known Hobo
Louis, don't look
santafewillie
Same Ol' Buzzard
YES! YES! YES! It's actually raining here for the first time since mid-June. First wave through has left .55" in the gauge and there is a secondary wave coming along in about 30 minutes; I hope that it makes it. That .55" won't close any of the cracks in the ground, but the temperature has dropped to 69°; never gets that cool here in August. Interesting that the Hummingbirds were crowding the two feeders even during the rain.
RhB Michael
RhB Lokführer
I would leave the ballast. I would have left the sleepers too, but that's in the past now. If anything, remove some of the taller pieces of ballast and go to work with the grass and weeds.
These short stub tracks are found all over Germany and Austria and were used to park a shunting locomotive. Especially at smaller stations. Not used as much anymore, but they're still out there.
These short stub tracks are found all over Germany and Austria and were used to park a shunting locomotive. Especially at smaller stations. Not used as much anymore, but they're still out there.
shortwrench
Well-Known Member
There is a little space between the team track, ATM, and factory that I haven't been able to do anything with; so there is a tree as a placeholder.
Finally occurred to me that a cell phone tower and equipment shelter would be a nice fit.
Fabricated with odds and ends from the junk box. Had a Walthers chain link fence kit laying around-makes for a nice security fence.
Another piece of prime real estate utilized.
Finally occurred to me that a cell phone tower and equipment shelter would be a nice fit.
Fabricated with odds and ends from the junk box. Had a Walthers chain link fence kit laying around-makes for a nice security fence.
Another piece of prime real estate utilized.
RhB Michael
RhB Lokführer
Is it possible to place that parallel to the white fencing near the trailer? It sort of looks like it was forced into the position it is now.
Bruette
Well-Known Member
I failed to mention earlier that we worked this morning. We had booked a second block, but when we arrived, they didn't have any ready. We got paid to go home, thank you Amazon.
When I got home, I took advantage of getting home early and cool weather. I used my time to do some things on the back porch. The most tedious was to organize the socket drawer in my toolbox, it was a disaster! I bought magnetic socket organizers; they were delivered over two weeks ago.
I was using socket rails, but I struggled to get the sockets off and on the rail sometimes. It was also getting hard to read the sizes on the sockets. The organizers I bought have the sizes printed in white. I can read them without my glasses and the sockets are easy to pick up out of the organizers.
I have three full sets of SK sockets Metric and SAE 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" drive. Each in a heavy molded case. But those cases are getting to be too heavy for my hands. It is so much easier to open a drawer, grab a socket, ratchet, and go. Next on the list is the wrench drawer.
I was surprised by this morning's blood pressure reading, 127/73-68 heart rate! Since I have been tracking it that is only the third time the top number has been over 120. Usually, it runs between 90-100 plus or minus 10., usually more on the minus side. The 73 on the bottom was the seventh time I made it into the 70s. I must be doing something right.
In the last month, the MAP (mean arterial pressure is derived from blood pressure using a complex formula or in my case an easy app on my phone
) has only been below 60 (critically low) once. I knew I over did it that day. Often it is in the low 70s, which is in the low range, but still normal. 70-100 is normal, 60-70 is still safe, below 60 is dangerous. Oddly, my MAP is better in the morning than in the afternoon. My wife worries I will die in my sleep, "I'm just tired little Angel and I love you too much to die now."
Day after day, I am checking things off the to-do list. Compared to some of you my progress is extremely slow, but I can maintain this pace. Even after the little I did on the back porch this morning my body is "talking" to me. Extreme aches and pains I can deal with. No internal issues so I'm happy.
Before long I will have trains rolling!
I'm done for the day, that's all folks.
Have a great night Everybody!
When I got home, I took advantage of getting home early and cool weather. I used my time to do some things on the back porch. The most tedious was to organize the socket drawer in my toolbox, it was a disaster! I bought magnetic socket organizers; they were delivered over two weeks ago.
I was using socket rails, but I struggled to get the sockets off and on the rail sometimes. It was also getting hard to read the sizes on the sockets. The organizers I bought have the sizes printed in white. I can read them without my glasses and the sockets are easy to pick up out of the organizers.
I have three full sets of SK sockets Metric and SAE 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" drive. Each in a heavy molded case. But those cases are getting to be too heavy for my hands. It is so much easier to open a drawer, grab a socket, ratchet, and go. Next on the list is the wrench drawer.
I was surprised by this morning's blood pressure reading, 127/73-68 heart rate! Since I have been tracking it that is only the third time the top number has been over 120. Usually, it runs between 90-100 plus or minus 10., usually more on the minus side. The 73 on the bottom was the seventh time I made it into the 70s. I must be doing something right.
In the last month, the MAP (mean arterial pressure is derived from blood pressure using a complex formula or in my case an easy app on my phone
) has only been below 60 (critically low) once. I knew I over did it that day. Often it is in the low 70s, which is in the low range, but still normal. 70-100 is normal, 60-70 is still safe, below 60 is dangerous. Oddly, my MAP is better in the morning than in the afternoon. My wife worries I will die in my sleep, "I'm just tired little Angel and I love you too much to die now."Day after day, I am checking things off the to-do list. Compared to some of you my progress is extremely slow, but I can maintain this pace. Even after the little I did on the back porch this morning my body is "talking" to me. Extreme aches and pains I can deal with. No internal issues so I'm happy.
Before long I will have trains rolling!
I'm done for the day, that's all folks.
Have a great night Everybody!
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