Running Bear's January 2026 Coffee Shop
- Thread starter bnsf971
- Start date
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A great way to make an intern feel a part of the team.
I pay too much for most of what I buy there (at the local model train store)… I know I can almost always find it cheaper online
However, I also despise all leftist, anti-liberty, anti-US tech and other platforms (including Amazon, YouCensor, Google, Farcebook, and dozens of others on my personal ‘no go’ list)… and really try not to patronize them when alternatives exist
But that’s just me… Me taking my business elsewhere (whenever possible) is meaningless to those big outfits… but it means something to me
Same with made in China stuff… I try to avoid when and if possible
Ok, rant over
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traiNscale
Well-Known Member
howdi peeps
- airport is up and running. still some "troubles" because Amsterdam Airport has some snow issues i guess. but overall airport ZRH is up and running
yesterday i was at a friends house (first time) saw his HUGE N scale Layout the first time. was impressive, i think around 50 locos on there. N scale is nice because you can build so muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch on a small space. well i totally forgot to take pictures of it. maybe when iam there next time.
why i was there? well hes now my "soldering guy". he did some track stuff for my two nTrak modules iam building (because of him). and i also braught him a H0 track that he has to cut and solder for my liftout bridge segment. so that means, soon i have the track for my liftout section and the work can continue there. i also now have my ntrak tracks back so that would mean i also could start on those two modules
here is a picture of supervisor Aria.
She would welcome it to get down to the layout room.
cheers
Marco
- airport is up and running. still some "troubles" because Amsterdam Airport has some snow issues i guess. but overall airport ZRH is up and running
yesterday i was at a friends house (first time) saw his HUGE N scale Layout the first time. was impressive, i think around 50 locos on there. N scale is nice because you can build so muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch on a small space. well i totally forgot to take pictures of it. maybe when iam there next time.
why i was there? well hes now my "soldering guy". he did some track stuff for my two nTrak modules iam building (because of him). and i also braught him a H0 track that he has to cut and solder for my liftout bridge segment. so that means, soon i have the track for my liftout section and the work can continue there. i also now have my ntrak tracks back so that would mean i also could start on those two modules
here is a picture of supervisor Aria.
She would welcome it to get down to the layout room.
cheers
Marco
troyphoto
Snarky Old Fart (in training)
Well howdy there internet peeps, and those with cats in boxes
It's Troy again.
Been awake since 2:30a... finally decided to sit upright. Will start coffee once I'm done with the post.
Just saw that Michael Reagan, son of Pres Ronald Reagan, died Jan 4 in LA after a battle with cancer.
On a different note, Berkeley Breathed, creator of Bloom County comic strip is opening a Patreon for $3/month for access to his new strips. He's moving off facebook due to it's algorithm sucking all the fun out of the platform.
OK, time for Coffee.
It's Troy again.
Been awake since 2:30a... finally decided to sit upright. Will start coffee once I'm done with the post.
Just saw that Michael Reagan, son of Pres Ronald Reagan, died Jan 4 in LA after a battle with cancer.
On a different note, Berkeley Breathed, creator of Bloom County comic strip is opening a Patreon for $3/month for access to his new strips. He's moving off facebook due to it's algorithm sucking all the fun out of the platform.
OK, time for Coffee.
Bill Tidler Jr.
Retired N&W/NS Signalman
Good morning! It's Wednesday, 39°F and mostly cloudy. 
Have a great day!
Have a great day!
kbkchooch
Verified Human
Good morning gang!
41° under partly cloudy skies with a daytime high of believe it or not 53°. We are having a heat wave! Woo hoo! Actually, you’re supposed to get warmer as the weekend approaches even though they are also calling for rain on the weekend. To me that just means more time in the basement.
BBL
41° under partly cloudy skies with a daytime high of believe it or not 53°. We are having a heat wave! Woo hoo! Actually, you’re supposed to get warmer as the weekend approaches even though they are also calling for rain on the weekend. To me that just means more time in the basement.
BBL
There's a reason I call it "Fecesbook".
RetiredinIowa
Well-Known Member
Morning ladies and gents
Have a super Wednesday everyone
I'm not a drinker but saw this and it made me laugh
Have a super Wednesday everyone
I'm not a drinker but saw this and it made me laugh
Last edited:
Patrick
What, me worry?
Morning all,
31° and clear, high today of 66°. Record high for today is 69°, so no record for today. Hit 69° and broke 120 year old record yesterday. Prefer that over what's coming Friday into Saturday. As much as an inch Saturday morning, but most likely far less. While we've had a couple of flurries, there's been nothing measurable yet this season.
HR had a busy night last evening. Nothing like sending me a new hire after hours and starts today. Problem is it's an intern with a new job title and
I have no idea if they even need the computer account as most interns never get one, so now I have to wait until after 8:00 when his supervisor gets in to see what he needs access to, if anything. First world problems in the big city...
31° and clear, high today of 66°. Record high for today is 69°, so no record for today. Hit 69° and broke 120 year old record yesterday. Prefer that over what's coming Friday into Saturday. As much as an inch Saturday morning, but most likely far less. While we've had a couple of flurries, there's been nothing measurable yet this season.
HR had a busy night last evening. Nothing like sending me a new hire after hours and starts today. Problem is it's an intern with a new job title and
I have no idea if they even need the computer account as most interns never get one, so now I have to wait until after 8:00 when his supervisor gets in to see what he needs access to, if anything. First world problems in the big city...
santafewillie
Same Ol' Buzzard
Good Morning All. Clear and 46°, headed into the mid-70's again today. NWS is still holding on to their forecast of what they're now calling thunderstorms, sometime after midnight tonight. However they have dropped the chance to 25%. High wind out of the SW, which might bring severe weather, think tornadoes, if all conditions are right. But they are not predicting that yet. Looks like January weather might finally be coming starting Saturday with overnight lows in the 30's for a few days.
Starting my day with an MRI this morning. Not necessarily looking forward to that, but if it determines whether or not there is an issue, then it's OK. After that I will make an unscheduled stop at the hearing aid place. I have an appointment for tomorrow, but circumstances changed. My LH one stopped working yesterday, after being overhauled just 4 months ago. The RH one needs to be sent in for the same overhaul but I have been putting it off until after the holidays. They don't have loaners and it takes 2-3 weeks! The RH one has been freaking out for 2 months now, but as long as I can jury-rig it, it at least works. If they recommend sending both in, then I am prepared to say screw it and just get a new pair on the spot, even though the LH one is still under warranty.
Not much of note yesterday. Put away the few decorations that we had up this Christmas. Not many since I was recovering from the surgery of 12/11 and didn't put up as many as usual. Stacked the logs that I cut up Monday and piddled around both the house and yard doing random tasks. Went to Taco Tuesday at a local Mexican joint for supper. $2 off draft beer, tacos and Margaritas.
Out in the train shed yesterday, I did run a couple of trains. Ran into a problem with an industry siding that serves 4 spurs to different industries. No power! It had power the last time that I used it, maybe 3 months ago. It's on a DC block of it's own. So I began by removing stuff from under the layout, to be able to clearly see the wiring; it's on the lower level. Got that done but stopped there because my time was up. This siding is the last part of the track being inspected and cleaned in this quarter's cleaning project. I'm talking about 3 switches and about 20' of track which I think has 3 feeders attached. I do have power up to the local terminal block that it's wired to. Haven't yet traced from there.
Troy - Thanks for inadvertently reminding me that I have a jury check to cash as well. I hadn't even opened up the envelope yet. I just checked and it is void after 60 days and today is day #33.
David - Good to see you again. Hope the rest of the trip continues to go well.
Jerry - Welcome back.
Karl - While I always refer to it as Dull Coat, I actually use matte finish for most of my figures and other work. Although I have three cans of actual Dull Coat that Chet sent me in a box with other stuff.
Marco - Great picture of the cat in the box!
Everyone have a wonderful Wednesday
Starting my day with an MRI this morning. Not necessarily looking forward to that, but if it determines whether or not there is an issue, then it's OK. After that I will make an unscheduled stop at the hearing aid place. I have an appointment for tomorrow, but circumstances changed. My LH one stopped working yesterday, after being overhauled just 4 months ago. The RH one needs to be sent in for the same overhaul but I have been putting it off until after the holidays. They don't have loaners and it takes 2-3 weeks! The RH one has been freaking out for 2 months now, but as long as I can jury-rig it, it at least works. If they recommend sending both in, then I am prepared to say screw it and just get a new pair on the spot, even though the LH one is still under warranty.
Not much of note yesterday. Put away the few decorations that we had up this Christmas. Not many since I was recovering from the surgery of 12/11 and didn't put up as many as usual. Stacked the logs that I cut up Monday and piddled around both the house and yard doing random tasks. Went to Taco Tuesday at a local Mexican joint for supper. $2 off draft beer, tacos and Margaritas.
Out in the train shed yesterday, I did run a couple of trains. Ran into a problem with an industry siding that serves 4 spurs to different industries. No power! It had power the last time that I used it, maybe 3 months ago. It's on a DC block of it's own. So I began by removing stuff from under the layout, to be able to clearly see the wiring; it's on the lower level. Got that done but stopped there because my time was up. This siding is the last part of the track being inspected and cleaned in this quarter's cleaning project. I'm talking about 3 switches and about 20' of track which I think has 3 feeders attached. I do have power up to the local terminal block that it's wired to. Haven't yet traced from there.
Troy - Thanks for inadvertently reminding me that I have a jury check to cash as well. I hadn't even opened up the envelope yet. I just checked and it is void after 60 days and today is day #33.
David - Good to see you again. Hope the rest of the trip continues to go well.
Jerry - Welcome back.
Karl - While I always refer to it as Dull Coat, I actually use matte finish for most of my figures and other work. Although I have three cans of actual Dull Coat that Chet sent me in a box with other stuff.
Marco - Great picture of the cat in the box!
Everyone have a wonderful Wednesday
TLOC
Well-Known Member
Good gloomy morning from Wisconsin. 30f degrees now and low 40’s later. Heavy duty fog
Went to the movies yesterday late afternoon. Marty Supreme, here’s the theater’s Synopsis: Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness. It starred Timothy Chalamet and because dad always said if you can’t say nice things about something don’t say anything at all. The Milk Duds were fresh and excellent, the free popcorn was good
Afterwards we hit up Jason’s Deli a national but not too big a chain. We have not been there since the start of Covid. It’s different as it’s not fast service, it has a decent variety of sandwiches to choose from and the ice cream machine is free.
It’s a weathering day! I did inspect, clean and fade the cars that came in Monday. Today I will do the same for 6 diesels that arrived yesterday.
I belong to 2 operations groups and have met guys at these sessions from across Wisconsin but also many other states. A guy I barely know from out of state texted last week me after I mentioned on my FB page I was having issues finding styrene structural pieces and some flat sheet. Asked me what I needed as he’d ask his group. Last night he texted he added 10% to what I needed and he’ll bring it to an OPS Session he is coming to tomorrow night a few miles from me. Fearing the price I had to ask. Damn almost free! What a great group model railroaders can be.
Enjoy your day
Went to the movies yesterday late afternoon. Marty Supreme, here’s the theater’s Synopsis: Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness. It starred Timothy Chalamet and because dad always said if you can’t say nice things about something don’t say anything at all. The Milk Duds were fresh and excellent, the free popcorn was good
Afterwards we hit up Jason’s Deli a national but not too big a chain. We have not been there since the start of Covid. It’s different as it’s not fast service, it has a decent variety of sandwiches to choose from and the ice cream machine is free.
It’s a weathering day! I did inspect, clean and fade the cars that came in Monday. Today I will do the same for 6 diesels that arrived yesterday.
I belong to 2 operations groups and have met guys at these sessions from across Wisconsin but also many other states. A guy I barely know from out of state texted last week me after I mentioned on my FB page I was having issues finding styrene structural pieces and some flat sheet. Asked me what I needed as he’d ask his group. Last night he texted he added 10% to what I needed and he’ll bring it to an OPS Session he is coming to tomorrow night a few miles from me. Fearing the price I had to ask. Damn almost free! What a great group model railroaders can be.
Enjoy your day
Most of you know my 52 week old iPhone suffered a failure 2 weeks out of warranty.
So, I decided to get their extended warranty so I don’t have to buy another phone in 12.5 months.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered they no linger offer their extended warranty, only a warranty including theft and loss insurance, and only on a monthly subscription. It’s about $120 more for the same length of time. At that price, it would cost nearly as much as just buying another phone of the same model if it breaks again.
After a pointed chat with Apple, they managed to find the plan without theft insurance, it’s only $5 more than it used to be. So, that’s what I now have.
So, I decided to get their extended warranty so I don’t have to buy another phone in 12.5 months.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered they no linger offer their extended warranty, only a warranty including theft and loss insurance, and only on a monthly subscription. It’s about $120 more for the same length of time. At that price, it would cost nearly as much as just buying another phone of the same model if it breaks again.
After a pointed chat with Apple, they managed to find the plan without theft insurance, it’s only $5 more than it used to be. So, that’s what I now have.
RhB Michael
RhB Lokführer
43°F heading for 63°F today, and that was with a 'cold' front that moved through overnight.
Good morning folks. Nice and sunny here, but rain is expected by tomorrow morning.
Going to get scrips later this afternoon, and that's about all that's on my plate today.
Yesterday's session didn't start off very well. I changed out the DB Br.111 pulling the RegioExpress for the Br.249 Dual Mode locomotive running on the inside tracks. These are the closest to the station. Coming out of the tunnel in front of the station, the pantograph caught the edge of the platform roof and knocked it from the supports. This wasn't glued down so I can add lights later when convenient for me.
Catching the corner of the roof of the platform and dragging it to the roof of the station and stopped the whole train hanging on the pantograph. It bent the pan up and bent the spring rod that keeps it from extending up too far. Took it off the track and straightened the spring rod and all was well again. I also moved the platform back about 3/16" to clear the pan. I didn't realize how wide this particular wiper is on this pan.
This locomotive does not normally run on this track and is instead usually pulling freight on the outside track in the opposite direction. Lesson learned...almost the hard way.
In the middle of the session I started hearing a sort of grinding noise and couldn't figure out where it was coming from. Well, after looking and listening over the layout and yard area, I found that my commuter Bayern-Bahn triebwagen set decided to make an uncommanded run out of the yard. Except it was heading in the wrong direction and just ran itself into the wall at the end of the yard track. I quickly pulled up that set on the hand controller after removing the powered unit from the rail to get it to stop running. The throttle was at '0', no lights on, and sound was off.
I have no idea what made this unit move on it's own. It wasn't even on the running menu when it occurred. No explanation for that.
Third item was a turnout at Langwies that I forgot to throw when I pulled out the ABe 4/4 II from a parking track nearest the station. With two other trains parked in front of the station, this turnout is easily missed when pulling a train out from this track. Upon the first circuit around the Arosa Bahn and coming into that turnout, the locomotive got hung up in the points and promptly stopped while the wheels were still spinning. I hand fed it through the turnout not realizing I hadn't thrown the turnout for through traffic and derailed both cars behind the locomotive.
They re-railed themselves a couple of feet down the tracks when they passed through two more properly set turnouts. I'm certainly glad of that because it's a PITA to try rerailing wagons three tracks deep under catenary. That derailment has never happened before and I hope it doesn'T happen again. Next time I might not be so lucky.
So how was your operating session?
Good morning folks. Nice and sunny here, but rain is expected by tomorrow morning.
Going to get scrips later this afternoon, and that's about all that's on my plate today.
Yesterday's session didn't start off very well. I changed out the DB Br.111 pulling the RegioExpress for the Br.249 Dual Mode locomotive running on the inside tracks. These are the closest to the station. Coming out of the tunnel in front of the station, the pantograph caught the edge of the platform roof and knocked it from the supports. This wasn't glued down so I can add lights later when convenient for me.
Catching the corner of the roof of the platform and dragging it to the roof of the station and stopped the whole train hanging on the pantograph. It bent the pan up and bent the spring rod that keeps it from extending up too far. Took it off the track and straightened the spring rod and all was well again. I also moved the platform back about 3/16" to clear the pan. I didn't realize how wide this particular wiper is on this pan.
This locomotive does not normally run on this track and is instead usually pulling freight on the outside track in the opposite direction. Lesson learned...almost the hard way.
In the middle of the session I started hearing a sort of grinding noise and couldn't figure out where it was coming from. Well, after looking and listening over the layout and yard area, I found that my commuter Bayern-Bahn triebwagen set decided to make an uncommanded run out of the yard. Except it was heading in the wrong direction and just ran itself into the wall at the end of the yard track. I quickly pulled up that set on the hand controller after removing the powered unit from the rail to get it to stop running. The throttle was at '0', no lights on, and sound was off.
I have no idea what made this unit move on it's own. It wasn't even on the running menu when it occurred. No explanation for that.
Third item was a turnout at Langwies that I forgot to throw when I pulled out the ABe 4/4 II from a parking track nearest the station. With two other trains parked in front of the station, this turnout is easily missed when pulling a train out from this track. Upon the first circuit around the Arosa Bahn and coming into that turnout, the locomotive got hung up in the points and promptly stopped while the wheels were still spinning. I hand fed it through the turnout not realizing I hadn't thrown the turnout for through traffic and derailed both cars behind the locomotive.
They re-railed themselves a couple of feet down the tracks when they passed through two more properly set turnouts. I'm certainly glad of that because it's a PITA to try rerailing wagons three tracks deep under catenary. That derailment has never happened before and I hope it doesn'T happen again. Next time I might not be so lucky.
So how was your operating session?
troyphoto
Snarky Old Fart (in training)
Welp... since my last post, the cat barfed on the stairs, I didn't see it, nor feel it when I put my big thick Croc-encased foot on it, and then tracked it around the basement.
Wife is on business calls, so no vacuuming with the carpet cleaner until she's off when I have the inclination to suck up the Resolve Carpet Cleaner I used when cleaning up the original stain.
Went out to get my hairs cut. Stopped at the liquor store. Needed more Vermouth, and saw a new to me dark rum. I like the Planteray regular dark, so this should be a good addition to the Tiki Bar reserves.
Came home to check on laundry and get lunch before heading out to cash my Jury Duty check. I have 2 years, but why wait?
Oh, and I'm running vinegar through the coffee make and the counter-top ice maker for cleaning cycles. The kitchen smells like a pickle factory, and I hate pickles.
Wife is on business calls, so no vacuuming with the carpet cleaner until she's off when I have the inclination to suck up the Resolve Carpet Cleaner I used when cleaning up the original stain.
Went out to get my hairs cut. Stopped at the liquor store. Needed more Vermouth, and saw a new to me dark rum. I like the Planteray regular dark, so this should be a good addition to the Tiki Bar reserves.
Came home to check on laundry and get lunch before heading out to cash my Jury Duty check. I have 2 years, but why wait?
Oh, and I'm running vinegar through the coffee make and the counter-top ice maker for cleaning cycles. The kitchen smells like a pickle factory, and I hate pickles.
chadbag
Well-Known Member
Interns don’t need computer account? I’d think you’d at least want them in for email and their departments comms facilities.
A great way to make an intern feel a part of the team.
DeaconKC
Well-Known Member
Good morning folks, 60F here and light clouds. Supposed to hit near 70. Errands today include the Post Office, Pharmacy, lunch and Church tonight. Did get out to the layout last night, have to get the rest of the track covered for more scenery work and paint. And Avia is a beautiful cat.
RetiredinIowa
Well-Known Member
Yep, understood… but I really try to support my local (only) brick and mortar model train store whenever possible
I pay too much for most of what I buy there (at the local model train store)… I know I can almost always find it cheaper online
However, I also despise all leftist, anti-liberty, anti-US tech and other platforms (including Amazon, YouCensor, Google, Farcebook, and dozens of others on my personal ‘no go’ list)… and really try not to patronize them when alternatives exist
But that’s just me… Me taking my business elsewhere (whenever possible) is meaningless to those big outfits… but it means something to me
Same with made in China stuff… I try to avoid when and if possible
Ok, rant over
migalyto
Well-Known Member
Oh, I defiantly get it and understand!Yep, understood… but I really try to support my local (only) brick and mortar model train store whenever possible
I pay too much for most of what I buy there (at the local model train store)… I know I can almost always find it cheaper online
However, I also despise all leftist, anti-liberty, anti-US tech and other platforms (including Amazon, YouCensor, Google, Farcebook, and dozens of others on my personal ‘no go’ list)… and really try not to patronize them when alternatives exist
But that’s just me… Me taking my business elsewhere (whenever possible) is meaningless to those big outfits… but it means something to me
Same with made in China stuff… I try to avoid when and if possible
Ok, rant over
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