Running Bear's Coffee Shop XLIX

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Good morning all. 33 degrees and clear. Should get into the mid 60's today.

KEN - Sorry to hear about the dental problems. I went through a procedure last year that made a world of difference. All of my upper teeth are in great shape, but I was having problems with the lowers. I ended up getting a complete lower and had implants put in. With the four implants, the dentures snap in and there is no movement or problems with them at all. Just like having natural choppers.

I did some snooping and with talking to relatives about the Bi Polars, I really didn't get an answer. No one could come up with information.

BiPolar E-1 - July 9, 1956 in Montana, East of Ringling, MT.jpg

I did find out that they were sent back to the West Milwaukee shops for a rebuild, but the shops apparently didn't know an electric from a toilet seat and they ended up screwing them up so bad that they were in worst shape than they were when they went in. Another brilliant move by management. After the rebuild, they were subject to failures and electrical fires. Between 1958 and 1960 they were retired. There was a story about getting one back with a bundle of wires disconnected and tagged "Don't know where these go".

Glad to here that Bill is alright. I was getting a bit concerned.

113 - If you want an interesting book, try to find the Jawbone Railroad. It tells the history of the line that the Milwaukee Road bought between Lewistown, MT and Lombard, MT. The Milwaukee Road took this over as part of their transcontental route. 157 miles of railroad that at times in the winter took 2 weeks to complete the trip.
 
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Thanks Montanan, been looking at a few different Milwaukee Road books lately....

is it this book that you're thinking of?

41Jxj+h+-gL__SL500_SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

The books that I've been looking at, is this one....

Milwaukee Road Narrow Gauge.jpg

...and this one..

Grass Beween the Rails.jpg
 


The one on the top, The Montana Railroad. They have some great stories and photos. Interesting seeing a locomotive and train stranded in snow so deep you can only see the smoke stack.

The Bi Polar picture was taken on this route.
 
Thanks mate, appreciated! See where I can find it, besides on the Amazon and ebay...
Have to say that the other two, looks very interesting too! :cool:
 
Good morning. It's cloudy and 64.
A couple of weeks ago, I had to purchase a new tablet. Yesterday, I had to use the insurance I purchased for the new tablet. The replacement should be here in a few days.

Take it with meals next time.
 
Good Morning, guys, we have 31 and some ight precip. We had a real soaking rain all day yesterday, and it really greened things up.

I was working on a new video over the weekend and hope to get it edited today, got some more figures for my log loading scene also some appropriate hand tools made by Keystone Locomotive Works. If it doesn't turn out it will just be the still photos getting posted.
 
MILW 113 ... You certainly are getting an impressive library full of good books...... Are you a speed reader? LOL
Chet ... I like seeing the photo of the bipolar locomotive in action. The bipolar I saw in the St Louis museum is impressive.
LASM .... Sounds like you are putting together a great video. Your log loading scene will be interesting with those details.

My model railroad plans for yesterday ended with an unexpected home repair. So I'll be busy with that repair instead of busy with the layout.
 
Morning All,

Did some small chores around the house already. Later I plan on starting on the bridge build. On Friday MOH and I are returning to WPB for a 3 PM meeting with our son, staying the night (have a free reservation) then spend some time with our son Saturday before driving home. Sunday will once again be painting at our daughters house.

I'm glad that Bill is OK.

Ken- Hope you get some relief. I have had my share of dental issues and I can definitely sympathize with you.

MILW113
- You must have a heck of a RR library by now. I frequently go through the Pennsy books that I have.

Montanan- What's wrong with El Paso? I grew up there. Just teasing you. I have not been back there since 1981. My Dad was stationed at Ft. Bliss for 11 years when I was a kid.

I hope everyone has a good day.
 


MILW 113 ... You certainly are getting an impressive library full of good books...... Are you a speed reader? LOL

Was a while, when I didn't buy much books, certainly catching up on it now....lol
Speed reader, I wish! lol

MILW113- You must have a heck of a RR library by now. I frequently go through the Pennsy books that I have.

Well, I'm working on it, with so many books that I want, I need to be careful....lol
Like me and my Milwaukee Road books, not very often that I'm not glued to one of them...lol
 
Evening All,

I started the bridge build today. In 3 hours I made it through step 3 in the instructions. The issues that are causing such slowness is that many of the parts look the same with minor differences and the leg parts all need trimmed to the size that I need. I was hoping that I could use 2 of the 3 sections on the legs but after measuring I only need the upper most section and then I will have to attach them to something about 3/4 inch tall (on layout). I hope to finish the leg sections in 2 days.

Tomorrow I think we are going to pick blueberries. Sunday on the way home from our daughter's house we saw the signs for it. The field is about 20 minutes from our house. Earlier today we had what I call our first summer thunderstorm which typically have high winds (50 mph today) and torrential rain. It looks like another storm line is still inbound tonight.

I hope everyone has a good night.
 
Sounds like quite a project Curt. Good luck and post some pictures.

Starting the day off at 39 degrees and clear skies. Expected to make it into the 60's again. The gress is growing. Guess I'll have to get the grand kids out to mow soon. They want to work but aren't old enough to get a real job so I put them to work mowing out 2 acre lawn. Problem is that I still have the plow on the tractor and we'll be up in Missoula, MT this weekend for a bowling tournament.
 
Good morning, we have 30 and a dusting of snow on the ground. Wondering what happened to the summer weather we had last week.


Evening All,

Tomorrow I think we are going to pick blueberries. Sunday on the way home from our daughter's house we saw the signs for it. The field is about 20 minutes from our house. Earlier today we had what I call our first summer thunderstorm which typically have high winds (50 mph today) and torrential rain. It looks like another storm line is still inbound tonight.

.

I guess in Florida it's blueberry season. I have picked a lot of blueberries in my day, but it was usually the end of June into July. I love blueberry (or huclkeberry) pancakes.
 


There an interesting video. I saw it years ago and finally ran across it again. Garry should enjoy this one. Vista Dome Adventure.

Having been a regular rider on the Hiawatha and North Coast limited, this flick brings back many good memories. In the 50's rail travel was the way to go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PuhIjJIyjI
 




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