Kusojiji
RANK AMATEURS OF THE MODEL RAILROAD FORM MEMBER
Big difference from when I saw her at the LA County Fairplex when I stopped by as I was driving from VA to CA in '88.
Never thought she'd get put back on the road.
Running Bear's June 2026 Coffee Shop
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Never thought she'd get put back on the road.
1. Stop in the Hippodrome (Merry Go Round Building). See the 1922 Philadelphia Tobagan Company carousel. If a pig is one of of the animals, it's newer than the rest of the carousel. Maintenance subs it in when they pull another animal for repair or paint touchups.
the original carousel was by a gent named Charles W. Looff. He built an amusement ride manufacturing empire, and is the one responsible for the 2nd pier. The really long part was the "poop pier" built in the early 1900s. Long pipe to flush the wastewater out into the bay ... that ceased after a few years.
Looff saw the opportunity and built an amusement pier next to the poop pier. Getting permission to connect them was challenging. He eventually had to agree to restrictions wanted by the temperance union, and made the businesses on the amusement side "dry" (no longer the case).
The poop pier was made all concrete. A first on the west coast. Looff's pier was built with wooden pilings. His sons were engineers. One oversaw the driving of the pilings and is mostly uncredited with creating the idea of squirting water beneath a pile-driver before slamming the pile again.
2. If you can, go all the way to the far west end of the pier. that's where Forrest Gump ran to, when he hit the ocean and couldn't run anymore, so he turned around.
at the west end is the harbor master's office upstairs. There is a historical retrospective area on the pier level. And a couple of restrooms. TAKE THE ELEVATOR up to the upper level. It lets you out next to the harbor master's office (not in it) the elevator is for public use.
The walkway is a great vantage spot to see the pier in front of Santa Monica. Most people miss this view.
While on the walkway, keep going north. There is a room that is usually open. Sometimes its used by the restaurant below when they have an event in their upstairs. But that room is normally open. There is a full wall sized photo mural of the pier right after WW2, looking from the west end, back toward shore. It shows a very different scene than what you see today.
If you stop in the gift shop at the Hippodrome, they should have a book by the Pier Historian, Jim Harrison. Pick it up. It's worth the money. Well researched and lots of old pics.
You'll learn about Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and Popeye.
Oh, and a couple of scenes from The Sting were filmed on the pier or up in the hippodrome.
I stole the town name and pier, and use it in Pixie series. Only it's St. Mo, and in St. Maurice. Based on the guy who founded the town, was a bit "touched" mentally, and was last seen riding two dolphins and heading up the coast to the Bay Area in the late 1800s
The town's mayor and police chief squared off for the first match. The prize was a bottle of ketchup. Not sure why, but it was.
the bowling alley had problems with lanes warping - imagine that? Wood above a wet surf warping.
The breakwater installed in the 1930s started sand accumulating around the pier, so the city had to start expanding the beach to keep up with it. The surf line used to be back where the hippodrome is.
The hippodrome behind the silly docent.
Marine One and an escort flying over the pier in 2014. We moved out there the next spring.
I got to meet the REAL Gidget! Not Sally Field. This is the girl who inspired her father to write the book the show was based on.
The pier was my happy place in LA. I'd take my lawn chair and go sit and watch the people or the waves.
There are still docent led tours, but you have to get a ticket now. Back when I was doing it, we just sat next to the PIER TOURS sign and hoped someone showed up. Remember to tip your docent if you do go on a tour. They're worth the price of admission.
It is a Frankenstein's Monster of a JKU frame, shortened 1980s CJ-7 cab, Gladiator bed, the top is from a CJ-8 Scrambler, 1 ton axles, 304, T18 w/ Dana 20 T-Case, Hutchinson beadlocks w 40s. He built and painted all of it himself (with his wife's help, turns out she's damn good welder too) except for rebuilding the 304.
My rig is tiny by comparison, but at least I have a lower CG. LOL
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Never thought she'd get put back on the road.
Patrick
What, me worry?
Morning all,
Supposed to be our first official day at or above 100° with feels like temps at 105° to 110°. Winds gusting to 40mph+ will make it feel like a convection oven. Tomorrow rainy and 73° for the high.
Work is getting crazier, but it is what it is. I met a retired employee the other day and said I had 21 months at least, but forgot that they will put me on terminal vacation just prior, so take away 7 weeks....
About Route 66, I have been on the old road (as much as possible) between Springfield, MO and Tucumcari, NM. I have paralleled the route on the interstates from Joliette, IL to Flagstaff, AZ over the years. I even walked in Chicago a block or two when visiting when the kids were younger. The Willis (Sears) tower sits between the split one way streets that make up Rt.66 in Chicago. My wife absolutely hated their fast elevator to the observation deck.
Supposed to be our first official day at or above 100° with feels like temps at 105° to 110°. Winds gusting to 40mph+ will make it feel like a convection oven. Tomorrow rainy and 73° for the high.
Work is getting crazier, but it is what it is. I met a retired employee the other day and said I had 21 months at least, but forgot that they will put me on terminal vacation just prior, so take away 7 weeks....
About Route 66, I have been on the old road (as much as possible) between Springfield, MO and Tucumcari, NM. I have paralleled the route on the interstates from Joliette, IL to Flagstaff, AZ over the years. I even walked in Chicago a block or two when visiting when the kids were younger. The Willis (Sears) tower sits between the split one way streets that make up Rt.66 in Chicago. My wife absolutely hated their fast elevator to the observation deck.
TLOC
Well-Known Member
Good morning from the start of a wet Wisconsin morning. The rain started at 6:20, just a mist as I opened some window coverings and then a steady pour. Predicted to be severe at times before noon and radar shows that coming around 75 minutes from when I started typing this or 7:55!
We don’t need the severe crap but will be very grateful if it’s steady and not a down pour that will flash off
The grandson has group golf lesson with some kids at the local golf course. Then they will play with a member of the UW men or women’s golf team as an instructor in each foursome of kids. I hope the rain doesn’t spoil it. Lightning though will put a stop to it. Every Wednesday morning till the second Wednesday in August. The grandson has the basics down pretty good per the lessons he’s been taking since April. He and a couple buddies have been hitting on my simulator and a couple of the local driving ranges.
We saw the movie PRESSURE yesterday with Brandon Fraiser playing General Eisenhower. It’s about the weather forecasting for D Day. I thought it was accurate from what I know about the European campaign. I was a double major in college, Elementary Education and History. My emphasis in History though was WW2 in the Pacific. My Masters paper was regarding the Japanese surrender but the review board declined it. I then turned to a real world job in production management.
After I pick up the grandson we are heading to the LHS as the 2 new slot cars he ordered are there. I did spend a couple hours yesterday before the movie at the work bench.
After the movie Terry and I took the ATV to check out 3 home sites she and the girls picked out. We looked at them the other day but it was later in the day. One place overlooked the wetlands we have on the property but is mosquito heaven. I spend time on the decks and we’ve had very few mosquitoes over the years but the view was gorgeous. We will weather permitting check the sites before dinner today.
Enjoy the day
We don’t need the severe crap but will be very grateful if it’s steady and not a down pour that will flash off
The grandson has group golf lesson with some kids at the local golf course. Then they will play with a member of the UW men or women’s golf team as an instructor in each foursome of kids. I hope the rain doesn’t spoil it. Lightning though will put a stop to it. Every Wednesday morning till the second Wednesday in August. The grandson has the basics down pretty good per the lessons he’s been taking since April. He and a couple buddies have been hitting on my simulator and a couple of the local driving ranges.
We saw the movie PRESSURE yesterday with Brandon Fraiser playing General Eisenhower. It’s about the weather forecasting for D Day. I thought it was accurate from what I know about the European campaign. I was a double major in college, Elementary Education and History. My emphasis in History though was WW2 in the Pacific. My Masters paper was regarding the Japanese surrender but the review board declined it. I then turned to a real world job in production management.
After I pick up the grandson we are heading to the LHS as the 2 new slot cars he ordered are there. I did spend a couple hours yesterday before the movie at the work bench.
After the movie Terry and I took the ATV to check out 3 home sites she and the girls picked out. We looked at them the other day but it was later in the day. One place overlooked the wetlands we have on the property but is mosquito heaven. I spend time on the decks and we’ve had very few mosquitoes over the years but the view was gorgeous. We will weather permitting check the sites before dinner today.
Enjoy the day
Snowman
Well-Known Member
A Dukw. Yeah, that's about the only thing I could come up with. With a freeboard of maybe six inches (if dad was to be believed). Or maybe that was just the one he was commanding one day seven miles off the San Diego beach.
He did say they were "bailing in earnest," particularly his two terrified Marines who couldn't swim.
He did say they were "bailing in earnest," particularly his two terrified Marines who couldn't swim.
TLOC
Well-Known Member
As a kid we took Route 66 to Joliet quite a few times. We will be in Pasadena for a week starting 6/30. I will walk the last few blocks to the Santa Monica Pier which is the end of the Route. I still cannot believe that Google Maps no longer acknowledges the original RTR 66. It’s now a separately available app from what I’ve read.
RhB Michael
RhB Lokführer
Good morning folks. 72°F/68°F with a wind advisory starting at 1300. Gusts to 45 MPH. Severe weather expected this evening, especially north of here, and even gets worse in the north central part of Illinois. Tornadoes are expected in this area to add to our #1 position in tornadoes this season.
Tornado watches are already being issued in the north central part of the state where the red bullseye is on the prognostic charts. We will probably see at least a thunderstorm watch, but not until much later in the day into evening. It is supposed to be pleasant and sunny for most of the day here with a high of around 88°F.
Grocery shopping is done and waiting on delivery now. Have a safe Wednesday.
Servus!
Tornado watches are already being issued in the north central part of the state where the red bullseye is on the prognostic charts. We will probably see at least a thunderstorm watch, but not until much later in the day into evening. It is supposed to be pleasant and sunny for most of the day here with a high of around 88°F.
Grocery shopping is done and waiting on delivery now. Have a safe Wednesday.
Servus!
ctclibby
Well-Known Member
!llA gninroM dooG
52F @ 57% clear. Got to 87F yesterday, more of the same today.
Could only play in the Chicken/Goat house for an hour, got to where I could not see stuff due to sweat.
Off to Spo for Strip Steak, BFast links, then the VA. Promised Maria a month ago to stop at the Mex place in Priest River, so will do that on the way back.
Someday I am going to start a highlighter collection...mark my words!
For practice: Ice is just water going through hard times!
L8r
Forgot: I have a Route 66 T-shirt on! We got to see quite a bit of it while OTR.
52F @ 57% clear. Got to 87F yesterday, more of the same today.
Could only play in the Chicken/Goat house for an hour, got to where I could not see stuff due to sweat.
Off to Spo for Strip Steak, BFast links, then the VA. Promised Maria a month ago to stop at the Mex place in Priest River, so will do that on the way back.
Someday I am going to start a highlighter collection...mark my words!
For practice: Ice is just water going through hard times!
L8r
Forgot: I have a Route 66 T-shirt on! We got to see quite a bit of it while OTR.
troyphoto
Snarky Old Fart (in training)
I was a history docent on the SaMo pier. Allow me to give you the nickel tour.
1. Stop in the Hippodrome (Merry Go Round Building). See the 1922 Philadelphia Tobagan Company carousel. If a pig is one of of the animals, it's newer than the rest of the carousel. Maintenance subs it in when they pull another animal for repair or paint touchups.
the original carousel was by a gent named Charles W. Looff. He built an amusement ride manufacturing empire, and is the one responsible for the 2nd pier. The really long part was the "poop pier" built in the early 1900s. Long pipe to flush the wastewater out into the bay ... that ceased after a few years.
Looff saw the opportunity and built an amusement pier next to the poop pier. Getting permission to connect them was challenging. He eventually had to agree to restrictions wanted by the temperance union, and made the businesses on the amusement side "dry" (no longer the case).
The poop pier was made all concrete. A first on the west coast. Looff's pier was built with wooden pilings. His sons were engineers. One oversaw the driving of the pilings and is mostly uncredited with creating the idea of squirting water beneath a pile-driver before slamming the pile again.
2. If you can, go all the way to the far west end of the pier. that's where Forrest Gump ran to, when he hit the ocean and couldn't run anymore, so he turned around.
at the west end is the harbor master's office upstairs. There is a historical retrospective area on the pier level. And a couple of restrooms. TAKE THE ELEVATOR up to the upper level. It lets you out next to the harbor master's office (not in it) the elevator is for public use.
The walkway is a great vantage spot to see the pier in front of Santa Monica. Most people miss this view.
While on the walkway, keep going north. There is a room that is usually open. Sometimes its used by the restaurant below when they have an event in their upstairs. But that room is normally open. There is a full wall sized photo mural of the pier right after WW2, looking from the west end, back toward shore. It shows a very different scene than what you see today.
If you stop in the gift shop at the Hippodrome, they should have a book by the Pier Historian, Jim Harrison. Pick it up. It's worth the money. Well researched and lots of old pics.
You'll learn about Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and Popeye.
Oh, and a couple of scenes from The Sting were filmed on the pier or up in the hippodrome.
santafewillie
Same Ol' Buzzard
Good Morning All. Clear and 74°; mid-90's until Friday when it might rain again.
Much quieter around the house since my daughter and grandson came up yesterday afternoon and picked up the granddog. Grandson was done with his class in Italy about 8 days ago and spent time with family roaming around...Rome, Naples, Venice, and other places that I don't remember. They took trains everywhere. Interesting in that one of the Airbnb's that they stayed in was above a train station in one place. The thing that they spoke about the most were the pay toilets everywhere, no freebies except in restaurants only if you had a meal there!
Other than that, I mowed the SW area over the septic field.
At the wife's prodding, we had a new recipe for coleslaw last night. Exceptionally good; shredded Red and Green Cabbage, shredded Carrots, Jalapeno Pepper, Red Onion and Italian Parsley. The dressing was made from Lime juice, Honey and Olive Oil. It's a keeper. Had leftover baby back ribs with it.
Today's agenda includes more mowing and Tomato picking.
Out in the train shed yesterday, I continued with road striping and some other miscellaneous stuff. Got the first RR crossing down and finished all of the crosswalks. Finished the ground cover between the grade crossing and the parking lot.
While I was at it, I did the parking lane stripes on half of the parking lot for the recreation center across the street.
Over on the workbench, I started on the three visible stop signs that will be used, and the sidewalk that will be on the upper part of the intersection.
Next up will be painting. Another coat on the mini-brewery parking lot, and some aluminum paint on the back of the stop signs and on the poles.
Todd - I raised geese for many years. We sure miss those giant eggs.
Louis - My thoughts are with Angela. Hoping that her recovery is quick.
Everybody have a great Wednesday.
Much quieter around the house since my daughter and grandson came up yesterday afternoon and picked up the granddog. Grandson was done with his class in Italy about 8 days ago and spent time with family roaming around...Rome, Naples, Venice, and other places that I don't remember. They took trains everywhere. Interesting in that one of the Airbnb's that they stayed in was above a train station in one place. The thing that they spoke about the most were the pay toilets everywhere, no freebies except in restaurants only if you had a meal there!
Other than that, I mowed the SW area over the septic field.
At the wife's prodding, we had a new recipe for coleslaw last night. Exceptionally good; shredded Red and Green Cabbage, shredded Carrots, Jalapeno Pepper, Red Onion and Italian Parsley. The dressing was made from Lime juice, Honey and Olive Oil. It's a keeper. Had leftover baby back ribs with it.
Today's agenda includes more mowing and Tomato picking.
Out in the train shed yesterday, I continued with road striping and some other miscellaneous stuff. Got the first RR crossing down and finished all of the crosswalks. Finished the ground cover between the grade crossing and the parking lot.
While I was at it, I did the parking lane stripes on half of the parking lot for the recreation center across the street.
Over on the workbench, I started on the three visible stop signs that will be used, and the sidewalk that will be on the upper part of the intersection.
Next up will be painting. Another coat on the mini-brewery parking lot, and some aluminum paint on the back of the stop signs and on the poles.
Todd - I raised geese for many years. We sure miss those giant eggs.
Louis - My thoughts are with Angela. Hoping that her recovery is quick.
Everybody have a great Wednesday.
Bruette
Well-Known Member
Thank you, she’s already made great progress. This time, it wasn’t anything serious.
DeaconKC
Well-Known Member
Good morning folks, 76 here, sunny and headed for 91 today. Forecast is dry here and low 90s and upper 80s for the next week. We could use some rain here as it is fairly dry.
@troyphoto is SaMo Santa Monica? I have never seen that abbreviation before?
Got some hobbying done yesterday, paint on some buildings, waiting for a couple of deliveries today, more air-dry clay and a WS lighted diner and road material for my cobblestone streets.
My Jeep was a 78 CJ7 Golden Eagle with a 304 V8 and 3 speed. A soft top and Chicago winters didn't get along well but during the Summer it was great. 10 MPG thanks to 4.88 gears. But I did love that thing. And it was great for picking up pretty girls!
@troyphoto is SaMo Santa Monica? I have never seen that abbreviation before?
Got some hobbying done yesterday, paint on some buildings, waiting for a couple of deliveries today, more air-dry clay and a WS lighted diner and road material for my cobblestone streets.
My Jeep was a 78 CJ7 Golden Eagle with a 304 V8 and 3 speed. A soft top and Chicago winters didn't get along well but during the Summer it was great. 10 MPG thanks to 4.88 gears. But I did love that thing. And it was great for picking up pretty girls!
troyphoto
Snarky Old Fart (in training)
Yep. the town marketing team uses it often.
I stole the town name and pier, and use it in Pixie series. Only it's St. Mo, and in St. Maurice. Based on the guy who founded the town, was a bit "touched" mentally, and was last seen riding two dolphins and heading up the coast to the Bay Area in the late 1800s
TLOC
Well-Known Member
Thank you. I know the son said we “had” to visit the pier next time in with a few days. He and his girlfriend loved it last year!
troyphoto
Snarky Old Fart (in training)
Amaze him with the tales you know. The building next to the Hippodrome, used to house a bowling alley right after the amusement pier section was built.
The town's mayor and police chief squared off for the first match. The prize was a bottle of ketchup. Not sure why, but it was.
the bowling alley had problems with lanes warping - imagine that? Wood above a wet surf warping.
The breakwater installed in the 1930s started sand accumulating around the pier, so the city had to start expanding the beach to keep up with it. The surf line used to be back where the hippodrome is.
The hippodrome behind the silly docent.
Marine One and an escort flying over the pier in 2014. We moved out there the next spring.
I got to meet the REAL Gidget! Not Sally Field. This is the girl who inspired her father to write the book the show was based on.
The pier was my happy place in LA. I'd take my lawn chair and go sit and watch the people or the waves.
There are still docent led tours, but you have to get a ticket now. Back when I was doing it, we just sat next to the PIER TOURS sign and hoped someone showed up. Remember to tip your docent if you do go on a tour. They're worth the price of admission.
migalyto
Well-Known Member
Good afternoon all!
Round #1 of weather has exited the area, We never did see anything severe this morning into the afternoon. We did get a few rumbles
of thunder and very heavy rain. I just dumped 1.6" out of the gauge. I will also have to go out and drain some off the pool since it is
overfull again and running over the skimmer.
Just sitting back waiting to see what round #2 tonight looks like. They say the biggest threat has now shifted more south and west
than originally forecasted due to the duration of this mornings storms. Looks like the biggest threat is now south of I-80 and I'm a
little north of that.
Enjoy the rest of your evening and if you are in the path of severe weather, stay safe!
Round #1 of weather has exited the area, We never did see anything severe this morning into the afternoon. We did get a few rumbles
of thunder and very heavy rain. I just dumped 1.6" out of the gauge. I will also have to go out and drain some off the pool since it is
overfull again and running over the skimmer.
Just sitting back waiting to see what round #2 tonight looks like. They say the biggest threat has now shifted more south and west
than originally forecasted due to the duration of this mornings storms. Looks like the biggest threat is now south of I-80 and I'm a
little north of that.
Enjoy the rest of your evening and if you are in the path of severe weather, stay safe!
@DeaconKC You'd appreciate the rig my friend from New Brunswick built for our Rubicon trip.
It is a Frankenstein's Monster of a JKU frame, shortened 1980s CJ-7 cab, Gladiator bed, the top is from a CJ-8 Scrambler, 1 ton axles, 304, T18 w/ Dana 20 T-Case, Hutchinson beadlocks w 40s. He built and painted all of it himself (with his wife's help, turns out she's damn good welder too) except for rebuilding the 304.
My rig is tiny by comparison, but at least I have a lower CG. LOL
DeaconKC
Well-Known Member
That is really impressive, looks like a 21st Century Scrambler!
Afternoon all! Rainy and cool in the Brew City today. Not going to complain though. We haven't had a proper spring here in a number of years. Seems like it shot from 62 to 85 in just a day or two, so I'll be enjoying the cool weather thank you very much! I had taken a little time off from the bench as the wife and I got hooked on "For All mankind" over on Apple TV. She's not into sci-fi as much as I am, but this series is more an "alternate history" than true sci-fi, and the politics, science, and people are pretty interesting. Today I got back to the bench. Nothing terribly exciting. I have a dozen Stewart F units, eight are mine, and four are the clubs. They are getting assembled, decodered, lighted, and detailed. It's been a long time since I attached brake cylinders and such to diesels, and longer since I drilled for and attached grabs and eye bolts. 144 #79 holes, and 116 #76 holes! I'm about drilled out! 
No pics today, but the project is over on my passenger car thread should you be interested. It's been a blast from the past doing this sort of work, but I wanted some factory fresh ABBA F sets (F3's and F-7's), and those Kato driven Stewarts remain unsurpassed IMHO! I got them for cheap too! Painting the white grabs against black shells was a test in patience! What a blast from the past, as most diesels I've bought for years were basically RTR. I had disposed of all of my Athearn BB diesels years ago in favor of more modern heavily detailed units. This has been a "back to the basics" experience.
No pics today, but the project is over on my passenger car thread should you be interested. It's been a blast from the past doing this sort of work, but I wanted some factory fresh ABBA F sets (F3's and F-7's), and those Kato driven Stewarts remain unsurpassed IMHO! I got them for cheap too! Painting the white grabs against black shells was a test in patience! What a blast from the past, as most diesels I've bought for years were basically RTR. I had disposed of all of my Athearn BB diesels years ago in favor of more modern heavily detailed units. This has been a "back to the basics" experience.
KriegslokBR52
Well-Known Member
From what i hear those old frames are a lot more durable than the new ones.
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