Running Bear's Coffee Shop LXVI

[Greg@mnrr]

Chet: I hope with the location of your cyst inside your groin, that you had a pretty, young female Doc take care of you. Less painful that way...!

Willie: I need to try your mosquito repellent.

Everyone: I dislike hospitals and several years ago had to spend 13 days in cardiac critical care and then 30 days in an intensive care nursing facility. It sucked. I stayed up all night watching a limited selection of TV programs and slept all day. Then 60 days of confinement at home, using a walker, doing rehab with a OT two times a week and PT three times a week. Insurance would not allow me to leave home for most non-medical reasons.

So, I know what you guys are going through. Keep the faith and everything will improve.

Finally, a train day! Several mishaps at first. A train was controlled by another Digitrax throttle and it ran a closed turnout derailing all the cars and loco.. Then, I accidentally started a train and forgot about and it ran into a siding with another train parked on the siding.

Best part of the day was when I ran an ALCO with 12 ore cards through reversing (loop), cross over turnouts without incident and then ran the train around the layout through one of the cross over turnouts that has had many repairs to the points. It does need replacing with a new turnout. Someday. I ran the train opposite of the normal direction of travel. Ore cars will find the smallest defect in your track work.

Have a limited edition SW 1200 for the Algoma Central (ditch lights on front and rear) sitting on the work bench with several other locomotives. An accident waiting to happen. So I took the five locomotives and placed them in a A Line storage container. Found that placing a piece of plastic cut into the shape of a square under the locomotive(s), and then by holding and lifting the plastic squares along with the locomotive, it will help lift them out of the storage box without damaging small details. I use clear food storage baggies that I cut to fit.

That all for now.

 

[montanan]

Good afternoon. Being that I took the day off and it was hard to sit down due to the location of the cyst, I spent some time down in the train room. The cyst is apparently draining like it should. Sherrel, draining the cyst wasn't painful at all, because the doctor gave me a shot first. Normally needles don't bother me at all, but due to the location, I'm sure that I probably let go of a few four letter words. Greg - There was a nice looking nurse attending. Guess it was about an inch deep, but it was drained and flushed and I'm supposed to go back tomorrow to have the gauze wick removed.

Curt - Number 2

Walthers recently advertised an undecorated parlor car that was supposed to be partially restored and weathered. I did order one to be used as a trailer for my RDC. Got it and it was partially weathered, one half of it, with the line of weathering right to the middle of the car. Really !!! I took some alcohol and scrubbed the weathered area and was able to make both ends of the car match. I do like the looks of the car and could also use it for my tourist train. I also have the B&O dining car setting on a siding that will become a restaurant and I guess the parlor car could also be used for a coach for a dinner train.



Greg - I make sure that nothing that can be knocked off the workbench is put somewhere that gravity won't be able to affect it. I got rid of the few ore cars that I ran across, but like you, I have a couple of cars that can locate any track problems. A couple of gons that weigh almost nothing. When I was building the last yard, I backed long trains of 20 or so cars through every possible route in the yard with the cars put in various places in the string of cars.

I use these cars as MOW cars and will put ballast in them for weight and use them if I am touching up track ballast. I also have been replacing plastic couplers on any locomotives or cars that I missed. The RDC had Plastic couplers, but they were replaced although they won't be pulling long trains on grades. I will need to find Kadees for my little GE 45 ton locomotive as it has an extremely short shank on it due to the small size. I also heard from Atlas and got the RS-1 that crapped out all boxed up and ready to send in for repairs.

Going to head back down to the train room and do some switching. Later.

 

[Boris]

Good evening.

Chet, sorry to hear of your discomfort. I have two RDC1s, (P1k), that I occasionally run as a commuter train. I ended up replacing all the stock couplers, with Kadee #5s on the outside, and Shelf couplers at the coupling, as they have a tendency to part.

Speaking of RDCs, Leaving Reading Terminal around 1963.

 

[montanan]

Joe - Nice photo, Thanks. I only got to ride on an RDC twice when I was a kid. Thought it was neat to ride on a train without a locomotive. The RDC is perfect for a rural railroad like I have. I fell in love with the new Rapido RDC's until I saw the price. $225 for a DC version. I could feel my wallet pooching up in my back pocket. I can do without one.

 

[tootnkumin]

Having a gefuffle with the NBN (National Broadband Network via FTTN) install. Got the new necessary Modem on Friday, supposed to get a letter advising when the changeover from ADSL2 would occur. Tuesday afternoon, computers and fixed line phones went down. Eventually called faults because the service hadn't restored (by cell phone), told that our line connection had already been broken (the letter advising us of the date of happening arrived the following day) and to install the new modem. Previous correspondence indicated a technician would be required ?? Upshot is, while the computers are working, the fixed line ones, still not. Calls to faults connects to the sub continent, where I can make out about 1 word in 6. Heard something about 6pm, but the rest, unintelligible.

As a note, our Node is about a mile away and the copper wires in the street, we were told 20 years ago should have been renewed long before that. The Govt that started this designed it to be FTTP. The Govt that replaced them promised they could do the job cheaper and faster with FTTN. Yeah

 

[Sirfoldalot]

JOE -- Nice photo! How about dem Washington players today? Whoo-Wee! Eight HR, wow!

 

[kbkchooch]

Good morning gang,
72 degrees, rain in the forecast. Hopefully I'll get my truck back today. In the bodyshop for left door hinge bushings and 3rd door skin repair. Been driving a Traverse all week. Big, wallowing hog of an automobile, my puckup handles better.

 

[Sirfoldalot]

It's early out here - all the houses in the neighborhood are dark. Just another weird night which makes two in a row. It's making me crazy - by 10 AM I will not feel like doing anything. Took some sleeping meds last evening .. maybe not enough?

Guessers say clear and 90 today - they missed 5 degrees again yesterday - it has been about 5 degrees hotter than the "guess" for many days now, and the SUN is intense!

Looks as if Karl beat me to the forum this morning.

 

[BigE]

I've been around since about 0400 but haven't had anything to say.
I got the table finished the other night and then slept the entire day yesterday.
Now I have so much RR real estate available I don't know where to start.
E.

 

[Sirfoldalot]

Say, JOE ... I complain about a lot of things here in "Commiefornia", but not the weather!
Traffic, Government, too many people, expensive (caused by the Government) ...
In spite of it all - the weather is great!

 

[2Tracks]

Good morning all.......the heat wave continues here in the Great Basin, except without the Tstorms now. Numerous small fires in the area from the lightning but the fire suppresion forces are on top of them. First, Terry, Chet, Louis, Dave, Sherrel, Curt, thank you all for you replies, and you Willie, "What Addiction?" You my friend are in deniel, that is not healthy!...lol...

Second, I've tried for two mornings now, too figure out how to extract either whole quotes, or pieces of quotes from multiple post, to make a reply. Louis' reply #736 on page 74 on this thread is what I'm talking about. I will be the first too admit that I am a real Dumb Ass when it comes to this computer stuff. I went through the FAQ. It talked about the multi quote button, then click post reply, now you get the "full editor". Ok, now what? I clicked on everything I could think of. And then there's the "Go Advanced" button, didn't see that in the FAQ, (is it in there?) I did click that, got another window, now what? Yeah I tried clicking this & that but...... I did send a message on the "contact" button, yesterday morning about my Dumb Assedness, can understand whoever being busy, but no reply yet. I'm thinking there's some other newer users of the forum that might be wondering about this same thing.........Some help please

Ok, I'm done with my rant, everybody have a great weekend, Happy Railroading......ta ta

 

[santafewillie]

Good Morning All. 76° and mostly cloudy right now. Weather guessers are predicting 101° for today, they haven't been right in a while. That was the forecast for yesterday and it only made 95°. Made the grocery/beer trek yesterday that took a lot longer than normal, because we went to Home Depot, the O'Reilley Auto parts store, the wine shop and we also went to eat BBQ at a place called Rudy's.
Needless to say, I didn't get much time in the train shed and I only ran a small local switching run.

Terry - Hoping that you get over the migraine quickly.
Eric - The attachments from yesterday am didn't come through here.
Ken (D&J) - Continue to have a safe journey. Is the Canyon Diablo bridge on the agenda?
Chet - Hopes for a speedy recovery. Both you and your wife. I'm with you on the tire thing. I don't need any problems on these country roads with the non-existent or steeply sloped shoulders.
Beady - That book looks like a pretty neat find.
Sherrel - You dealing drugs now? Your overgrown yard reminds me of a few areas around here that I haven't gotten to yet. No vines, but hundreds of tree seedlings around parts of my pond.
Curt - If you didn't have insurance, you can be sure that you wouldn't have even been admitted to begin with. Don't know about FL, but here in TX if you tell them to "let me out", they have to do it. I have a particular disdain for hospitals and the medical field in general, but they are for the most part a necessary evil. That's not to say that there aren't many good practitioners...I think that most of them are.
Greg - I bet that you are glad that your mishaps on the layout didn't produce any floor models.
Jerry -

Some help please

In the Quick Reply window header, the icon on the far right (looks like a cartoon dialog balloon) is for quotes. Copy the part you want to quote first, then click on that icon and paste it there, between the two words "QUOTE". We have other tricks, but I won't spring them on you yet!!!

Everybody have a great Friday.

Willie

 

[Sirfoldalot]

I'm pretty dumbassed myself, but if I catch your drift - highlight the part of each post that you do not want and then delete it.

 

[Sirfoldalot]

I should have added: after you copy and paste it to the "quick reply" box.

Listen to Willie .. he knows what to do.

 

[montanan]

Good morning. 56 degrees to start the daywith the high in the mid 80's again.


Eric - You have to start at the beginning. Coming up with some sort of a plan would be a good place to start. You have a number of buildings already built. You could set them on the table and work a track plan around them.


Jerry - It took me a while to figure out how to use the forum. Once you get the hang of it, not too hard.

Sherrel - Sure wish you could keep the Californians down there. They are moving up here trying to get away from all that is going on in California but then they want everything they had down there up here. Come up here with pockets full of $$$, build their Mc Mansions and drive property taxes up with everything they want.
Hope you can get back to a normal routine soon.

Karl - I sure hope you can get your truck back soon. It can be a pain driving something that you're not used to.

Willie - The rural roads with the lack of shoulders can be dangerous if you're not paying attention. Sometimes I do prefer them to the interstates. There is a lot of beautiful country out here.

Talking about interstates, I am going to head to Billings shortly and possibly stop by a model railroad shop if I have the time. They don't usually have much of what I need, but maybe I'll luck out.

Here's my rail photo for the day.



Gotta get movin', later

 

[GarryCBQ]

Good morning ....

Chet.... I like your photos of the RDC and coach. I saw Walthers advertising the half weather car, and I was wondering what to heck are they doing. .... Regarding tires, etc. for the truck.... The truck was next in line to get tires. I already got tires for Shelley's Caddy and also for the old Porsche. Treads still look good on the truck, but the tires were 8 years old. .... The damage to the truck was more extensive than I thought. None of the real lights is connected because flying tire tread broke all wires going to the rear. One connector with maybe 8 wires broke off and is missing. Two vinyl fender panels for the Avalanche need replacing and some sheet metal needs to be straightened out. Early next week I will get tires and have the dealer repair the truck. Not driving it before then.

----

Below is photo of latest progress on my current scenery project. ..... I worked on "water"... I am not done with the waterfalls. ... I still have to add trees and so on.

 

[Bruette]

Good morning Everybody!

I know we refrain from politics, but since the rules don't specifically forbid it I thought I would share this with you all. It's really not political, just factual. Many of you already know these things, but incase anybody has forgotten.

I posted this on Facebook because I don't like seeing John McCain being criticized for doing what he believes to be best for our country. I voted for him for President and I would happily do it again. I don't always agree with him, but I always respect him.

Finally, somebody is willing to put our country ahead of party politics. Who better than the great American Hero John McCain!

While Donald Trump was receiving 5 deferments from serving in Vietnam John McCain was refusing to be released until all other prisoners of war captured before him were released. He endured severe torture for 5 and 1/2 years to prevent the North Vietnamese from gaining a propaganda victory. To this day John McCain cannot raise either of his arms above his head because of his injuries and torture.

John McCain is a true American Hero

John McCain - Prisoner of war
(Copied from Wikipedia)
McCain's capture and subsequent imprisonment began on October 26, 1967. He was flying his 23rd bombing mission over Hanoi in North Vietnam when his A-4E Skyhawk was shot down by a missile. McCain fractured both arms and a leg when he ejected from the aircraft, and nearly drowned after he parachuted into Trúc Bạch Lake. Some North Vietnamese pulled him ashore, then others crushed his shoulder with a rifle butt and bayoneted him. McCain was then transported to Hanoi's main Hỏa Lò Prison, nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton".
Although McCain was seriously wounded and injured, his captors refused to treat him. They beat and interrogated him to get information, and he was given medical care only when the North Vietnamese discovered that his father was a high-ranking admiral. His status as a prisoner of war (POW) made the front pages of major newspapers.
McCain spent six weeks in the hospital, where he received marginal care. He had lost 50 pounds (23 kg), was in a chest cast, and his gray hair had turned as white as snow. McCain was sent to a different camp on the outskirts of Hanoi. In December 1967, McCain was placed in a cell with two other Americans who did not expect him to live more than a week. In March 1968, McCain was placed into solitary confinement, where he would remain for two years.
In mid-1968, John S. McCain Jr. (father) was named commander of all U.S. forces in the Vietnam theater, and the North Vietnamese offered McCain early release because they wanted to appear merciful for propaganda purposes, and also to show other POWs that elite prisoners were willing to be treated preferentially. McCain refused repatriation unless every man taken in before him was also released. Such early release was prohibited by the POWs' interpretation of the military Code of Conduct: to prevent the enemy from using prisoners for propaganda, officers were to agree to be released in the order in which they were captured.
Beginning in August 1968, McCain was subjected to a program of severe torture. He was bound and beaten every two hours; this punishment occurred at the same time that he was suffering from dysentery. Further injuries led McCain to attempt suicide, which was stopped by guards. Eventually, McCain made an anti-American propaganda "confession". He has always felt that his statement was dishonorable, but as he later wrote, "I had learned what we all learned over there: every man has his breaking point. I had reached mine. "Many American POWs were tortured and maltreated in order to extract "confessions" and propaganda statements; virtually all of them eventually yielded something to their captors. McCain received two to three beatings weekly because of his continued refusal to sign additional statements
McCain refused to meet various anti-war groups seeking peace in Hanoi, wanting to give neither them nor the North Vietnamese a propaganda victory. From late 1969, treatment of McCain and many of the other POWs became more tolerable, while McCain continued actively to resist the camp authorities. McCain and other prisoners cheered the U.S. "Christmas Bombing" campaign of December 1972, viewing it as a forceful measure to push North Vietnam to terms.
McCain was a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for five and a half years. He was released on March 14, 1973. His wartime injuries left him permanently incapable of raising his arms above his head.

 

[Bruette]

That all the time I have for today. I am working a few hours this morning to avoid working in the coming monsoon!

Have a great day Everybody, God Bless Us Everyone!

 

[Boris]

Good morning, Happy Friday! 77°, and humid.

 

[Boris]

JOE -- Nice photo! How about dem Washington players today? Whoo-Wee! Eight HR, wow!

Sherrel: That was one awesome display of slugging. Only thing holding that team back, is relief pitching. Meanwhile, Milwaukee is falling apart, and the Cubbies are rising.