Boris
Beach Bum
Good luck! I never used it as a home page, but it keeps popping up, every update.
Running Bear's March 2025 Coffee Shop
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Nice to see a gondola with a track switch in it in real life on that background train
Good morning! It's 64°F in Tipton.
I would try a conductivity enhancer; they have worked well for me.
If you only need a small amount (Why buy more than you need?)
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Boris
Beach Bum
Nothing like being current, eh?
westtexjohn
Well-Known Member
Afternoon to all.............
I haven't posted for several days as not much going on. Got both mainlines on my layout, upper level operational earlier this week. Still have a few feeders to finish and turnout machines to install.
I've just been tired. I have plenty of "want to" but to recall an old saying......."My get up and go has got up and went". Went to grocery store in town yesterday and that was it.
I need to go to a dermatologist but the one I saw several years ago in Wichita Falls isn't returning my calls. I guess I will have to go to Dallas.
The pisser here is I have United Healthcare insurance. I have to pay an additional $62 per month in addition to whats held out of my social security because I live in west Texas. The very same insurance package, if I lived in Dallas, has $0 additional fee. Now if I lived in Dallas, I would have hundreds of doctors to choose from for service, but in west Texas there are 5 dermatologist in Wichita Falls, 3 of which get bad reviews, the one I can't get to return my calls and the best has a two year waiting list. I'm paying $62 extra for $hit service while folks in Dallas have plenty to choose from for $0 extra. Seems to me folks in Dallas need to pay extra for all the additional choices they have and I should pay $0 because of the lack of service available. Not hard to understand why someone saw fit to shoot the CEO of United Healthcare.........disclaimer : I do not indorse shooting folks as a way to resolve bad leadership habits.
Oh well, just sick and tired of having to pay for any service when I am the one having to spend all my time and effort to achieve any results.
Willie........Those little pieces you found in your parts box were usually the first parts lost on an Athearn blue box reefer. They were made to snap into place where they could hold the hatches open or laid down so the hatches could be closed. But if you did not glue them in one position or the other they would soon fall off. Trick was, glue them in place if you wanted the reefer hatches held open and just leave them off completely if you ran with the reefer hatches closed.
Everyone have a great day. For me, I'm late for a nap...........John
I haven't posted for several days as not much going on. Got both mainlines on my layout, upper level operational earlier this week. Still have a few feeders to finish and turnout machines to install.
I've just been tired. I have plenty of "want to" but to recall an old saying......."My get up and go has got up and went". Went to grocery store in town yesterday and that was it.
I need to go to a dermatologist but the one I saw several years ago in Wichita Falls isn't returning my calls. I guess I will have to go to Dallas.
The pisser here is I have United Healthcare insurance. I have to pay an additional $62 per month in addition to whats held out of my social security because I live in west Texas. The very same insurance package, if I lived in Dallas, has $0 additional fee. Now if I lived in Dallas, I would have hundreds of doctors to choose from for service, but in west Texas there are 5 dermatologist in Wichita Falls, 3 of which get bad reviews, the one I can't get to return my calls and the best has a two year waiting list. I'm paying $62 extra for $hit service while folks in Dallas have plenty to choose from for $0 extra. Seems to me folks in Dallas need to pay extra for all the additional choices they have and I should pay $0 because of the lack of service available. Not hard to understand why someone saw fit to shoot the CEO of United Healthcare.........disclaimer : I do not indorse shooting folks as a way to resolve bad leadership habits.
Oh well, just sick and tired of having to pay for any service when I am the one having to spend all my time and effort to achieve any results.
Willie........Those little pieces you found in your parts box were usually the first parts lost on an Athearn blue box reefer. They were made to snap into place where they could hold the hatches open or laid down so the hatches could be closed. But if you did not glue them in one position or the other they would soon fall off. Trick was, glue them in place if you wanted the reefer hatches held open and just leave them off completely if you ran with the reefer hatches closed.
Everyone have a great day. For me, I'm late for a nap...........John
TLOC
Well-Known Member
Thanks Mike. I am getting ready to do a few locomotives for the BNSF and I was looking on YouTube at Rochelle when I decided to check into the diner.
Nice to see a gondola with a track switch in it in real life on that background train
Boris
Beach Bum
I hear you, and I agree. It's almost impossible to get any sort of treatment for anything more serious than a cold, without an unreasonable wait. My question in your case is whether you can even travel out of your area to get treatment without dispensation from the insurance carrier. Some plans limit you to your home county or region...(which is why I stick with original Medicare and a Supplement, rather than a Part C).
chadbag
Well-Known Member
today was low 50s. Yesterday was mid 70s. Actually was in 70s or high 60s most of the week but a "cold" front came through last night with wind and today was overcast, with my solar generation slightly over 1/2 of what it was a couple days ago when it was sunny all day.
Its interesting how the geothermal heat pump allows me to scavenge extra heat when its heating the house to pre-heat the water going into the hot water heater (a heat pump/electric hybrid), which reduces the electric use of the water heater. I can get a graph of the energy use of the water heater for its app and this week, with the warm weather and the heat pump not running hardly at all (as the house is not really cooling down) this pre-heating of the water is not happening and the heat pump electricity use is noticeably higher. Of course the geothermal heat pump has almost no electric use so overall it's less electricity used this week even with the higher hot water use. It's just an interesting piece of data.
I've been working on updating my old test app that allowed me to do throttle and a few other DCC commands on my phone or Mac. It was working fine using some older plumbing and UI stuff and I've been updating it to have a more robust underpinning that I can work on to make a real commercial level app with. Last night I got it to allow me to control the train speed again using the new version. (The low level DCC stuff moved over but the whole way you accessed it and sent commands to it has changed). However I've been having a problem with it where the network connection to the command station is dying after 5-10 seconds of control. It shows a disconnected network socket. I googled and all sorts of research and testing but couldn't figure it out today. So I went back to the old app, which has the same low level network code, and got that running again. No problems. No disconnection.
I think it may be that the new code is not processing any data coming BACK from the command center correctly. So now I need to make sure the code that reads the command center is active (even if I am not doing anything with it) so that the data doesn't build up and overrun stuff and cause a disconnect...
Hopefully I can get it working tonight and get a bunch of other small things fixed or updated or implemented so that I can start working on fleshing it out.
right now it only works with Z21 compatible command stations but I hope to add a Loconet WiThrottle layer in so you can choose between the two (and later will add other options as I get new command stations to test -- like TCS LCC station etc).
Its interesting how the geothermal heat pump allows me to scavenge extra heat when its heating the house to pre-heat the water going into the hot water heater (a heat pump/electric hybrid), which reduces the electric use of the water heater. I can get a graph of the energy use of the water heater for its app and this week, with the warm weather and the heat pump not running hardly at all (as the house is not really cooling down) this pre-heating of the water is not happening and the heat pump electricity use is noticeably higher. Of course the geothermal heat pump has almost no electric use so overall it's less electricity used this week even with the higher hot water use. It's just an interesting piece of data.
I've been working on updating my old test app that allowed me to do throttle and a few other DCC commands on my phone or Mac. It was working fine using some older plumbing and UI stuff and I've been updating it to have a more robust underpinning that I can work on to make a real commercial level app with. Last night I got it to allow me to control the train speed again using the new version. (The low level DCC stuff moved over but the whole way you accessed it and sent commands to it has changed). However I've been having a problem with it where the network connection to the command station is dying after 5-10 seconds of control. It shows a disconnected network socket. I googled and all sorts of research and testing but couldn't figure it out today. So I went back to the old app, which has the same low level network code, and got that running again. No problems. No disconnection.
I think it may be that the new code is not processing any data coming BACK from the command center correctly. So now I need to make sure the code that reads the command center is active (even if I am not doing anything with it) so that the data doesn't build up and overrun stuff and cause a disconnect...
Hopefully I can get it working tonight and get a bunch of other small things fixed or updated or implemented so that I can start working on fleshing it out.
right now it only works with Z21 compatible command stations but I hope to add a Loconet WiThrottle layer in so you can choose between the two (and later will add other options as I get new command stations to test -- like TCS LCC station etc).
chadbag
Well-Known Member
Here is a short video showing a train on my simple loop in my office. The train speed was being controlled through my app using the new plumbing I've been working on the last week off and on.
I got the issue of the disconnects fixed and am handling data from the command station now.
For some reason there is sometimes a momentary pause in one location. Train goes around and when it hits this one location it stops for a second or two. DOesn't always happen and I don't know why. It usually fixes itself. I'll worry about that later.
I got the issue of the disconnects fixed and am handling data from the command station now.
For some reason there is sometimes a momentary pause in one location. Train goes around and when it hits this one location it stops for a second or two. DOesn't always happen and I don't know why. It usually fixes itself. I'll worry about that later.
CambriaArea51
Well-Known Member
Good morning....Coffee Flo, please in the big cup. Wakeup Mel and have him get the bacon going.
A rainy weekend, see what I can get done in the train room.
A rainy weekend, see what I can get done in the train room.
Bill Tidler Jr.
Retired N&W/NS Signalman
Bruette
Well-Known Member
It could be a conductivity problem with the rails.
I would try a conductivity enhancer; they have worked well for me.
If you only need a small amount (Why buy more than you need?)
Boris
Beach Bum
Good morning. Near 80° expected with brisk winds and "Fire Danger"....anything to ruin a nice day, eh? 
The winds preclude any attempt to paint the flour mill, so I wait.
May as well get my taxes done this weekend....
Another look back into yester year, as a Steamer responds to an alarm. 3rd & Market Chester PA around 1900. Multiple utility poles reflect multiple competing electric and telephone / telegraph utilities. Note the Police Officer in official "Keystone Kop" uniform as well as period clothing on the populace.
The winds preclude any attempt to paint the flour mill, so I wait.
May as well get my taxes done this weekend....
Another look back into yester year, as a Steamer responds to an alarm. 3rd & Market Chester PA around 1900. Multiple utility poles reflect multiple competing electric and telephone / telegraph utilities. Note the Police Officer in official "Keystone Kop" uniform as well as period clothing on the populace.
troyphoto
Snarky Old Fart (in training)
well, howdy there internet people, and those nice Canadians!
It's (somewhat nice) Troy again.
I mentioned Canada because I had my ball cap with "CANADA" in big letters across the front, on the brim, and on the back strap (I got it at Niagara Falls a couple of years ago, because it was big enough to fit my fat head).
Anyway, I wore that out for the errands this morning. And the nice girl in the donut shop asked if I was from Canada?
"No, but I try to be nice..."
Did the errands this morning. Back home and doing some 3D printing for a friend in the gaming hobby. He needed some figures printed up for a post apocalypse game he wants to run at an upcoming convention.
I've been playing with the supports on the figures (the little toothpick or smaller sized support structure that hold up the model as the resin is built up slowly layer by layer.) The supports are either too thick to remove the model cleanly from the supports, or two thin, and I leave parts like legs and feet behind on the "sprue" of supports.
I think I've got it dialed in... maybe. I should go look and see how the last batch did.
It's (somewhat nice) Troy again.
I mentioned Canada because I had my ball cap with "CANADA" in big letters across the front, on the brim, and on the back strap (I got it at Niagara Falls a couple of years ago, because it was big enough to fit my fat head).
Anyway, I wore that out for the errands this morning. And the nice girl in the donut shop asked if I was from Canada?
"No, but I try to be nice..."
Did the errands this morning. Back home and doing some 3D printing for a friend in the gaming hobby. He needed some figures printed up for a post apocalypse game he wants to run at an upcoming convention.
I've been playing with the supports on the figures (the little toothpick or smaller sized support structure that hold up the model as the resin is built up slowly layer by layer.) The supports are either too thick to remove the model cleanly from the supports, or two thin, and I leave parts like legs and feet behind on the "sprue" of supports.
I think I've got it dialed in... maybe. I should go look and see how the last batch did.
santafewillie
Same Ol' Buzzard
Good Morning All. Cloudy and 64°, expecting clearing and 84° after noon. No need to look at the forecast because it's Spring and it changes every day. The additional rain yesterday didn't even register in my gauge. At least the grass and leaves are cleaner!
Lots of medical stuff involving Coffee Shop regulars last week, I wish all of you a speedy recovery; David, Tom O, Len and Hughie. And any others that I may not recall right now.
If the weather forecast for today is accurate, then I will be spending a lot of time outdoors in the sunshine. I don't think that there is anything pressing, but I can always find something to keep busy with. Pruning low hanging branches, hauling and stacking already cut up firewood, cutting additional downed branches, although there isn't too many left; or puttering around in the garden. Tomorrow or Monday will be Green Bean & Squash planting time, later in the week it will be time for Tomato planting. Those planting beds are already prepared.
Out in the train shed yesterday, I moved forward with completing the already built DPM structure. I added the interior as planned, but it took a little longer than I thought due to what I wanted to achieve. Found the interiors that I had printed out a year ago, cut them out and glued the two front ones to a piece of .030" styrene.
Repeating what I posted yesterday, cafe on the left and appliance store on the right. I want to recess this wall to provide some depth to the scene. Ironically enough, there are showroom windows over on the right which are just right for indicating those in the structure. Then I added the interior picture directly on that right wall.
Then the installation of the front set-up.
Lastly I added a piece of black construction paper to eliminate cross-views.
There's room to add figures between the wall and glass, but unless I get my hands on some 1/100 figures, I will not do that as the interior scale is less than 1/87. Next I will add passer-by's along the sidewalk. I haven't looked for signs yet, but that's generally easy.
Hughie - I still think that you are a masochist doing those N scale laser-cut wood kits. But the results like my HO ones, are always excellent. Looking forward to whichever kit you choose to start.
John - I don't quite understand either, the why of your West Texas surcharge on the insurance? I'd be looking at a different insurer. My Medicare coverage with a supplemental policy from Blue Cross has no such restriction, although I don't live quite as far out in the boonies as you.
I can certainly see how those reefer hatch parts would get lost if not glued in place. I remember now trying different configurations on the reefers that I built before just gluing them all shut. But eventually I settled on a later era and those cars have been in a box (among others) for the last 15 or more years.
Joe - I have read some of your previous posts about the long wait times for some medical treatments. I guess that I should consider myself/wife lucky that we don't seem to have that issue in our area. The longest that either of us has had to wait is about 10 days, most doctors will add an appointment in under 5 days. I have my own theory, but to discuss it might be across the imaginary political line here.
Everyone have a super Saturday.
Lots of medical stuff involving Coffee Shop regulars last week, I wish all of you a speedy recovery; David, Tom O, Len and Hughie. And any others that I may not recall right now.
If the weather forecast for today is accurate, then I will be spending a lot of time outdoors in the sunshine. I don't think that there is anything pressing, but I can always find something to keep busy with. Pruning low hanging branches, hauling and stacking already cut up firewood, cutting additional downed branches, although there isn't too many left; or puttering around in the garden. Tomorrow or Monday will be Green Bean & Squash planting time, later in the week it will be time for Tomato planting. Those planting beds are already prepared.
Out in the train shed yesterday, I moved forward with completing the already built DPM structure. I added the interior as planned, but it took a little longer than I thought due to what I wanted to achieve. Found the interiors that I had printed out a year ago, cut them out and glued the two front ones to a piece of .030" styrene.
Repeating what I posted yesterday, cafe on the left and appliance store on the right. I want to recess this wall to provide some depth to the scene. Ironically enough, there are showroom windows over on the right which are just right for indicating those in the structure. Then I added the interior picture directly on that right wall.
Then the installation of the front set-up.
Lastly I added a piece of black construction paper to eliminate cross-views.
There's room to add figures between the wall and glass, but unless I get my hands on some 1/100 figures, I will not do that as the interior scale is less than 1/87. Next I will add passer-by's along the sidewalk. I haven't looked for signs yet, but that's generally easy.
Hughie - I still think that you are a masochist doing those N scale laser-cut wood kits. But the results like my HO ones, are always excellent. Looking forward to whichever kit you choose to start.
John - I don't quite understand either, the why of your West Texas surcharge on the insurance? I'd be looking at a different insurer. My Medicare coverage with a supplemental policy from Blue Cross has no such restriction, although I don't live quite as far out in the boonies as you.
I can certainly see how those reefer hatch parts would get lost if not glued in place. I remember now trying different configurations on the reefers that I built before just gluing them all shut. But eventually I settled on a later era and those cars have been in a box (among others) for the last 15 or more years.
Joe - I have read some of your previous posts about the long wait times for some medical treatments. I guess that I should consider myself/wife lucky that we don't seem to have that issue in our area. The longest that either of us has had to wait is about 10 days, most doctors will add an appointment in under 5 days. I have my own theory, but to discuss it might be across the imaginary political line here.
Everyone have a super Saturday.
Len Turner
Well-Known Member
Good mornin' crew on this wet Saturday morning. Cloudy with light rain and 40 here in Cheyenne. Winds are light from the SW @ 5. High for the day 49 and low tonight 27. Forecast is for rain turning to snow later this evening with accumulations of 1-2".
Got a little bit of stuff done in the garage yesterday afternoon and some workbench time yesterday evening. Still some limits on my physical activity, but getting a little better each day.
Damp weather got NJ(ret) a bit under the weather too so looks like today is a stay home day. She's my chauffeur, so when she's out of service, so am I...
Y'all have a good day and enjoy your weekend. Take care.
Got a little bit of stuff done in the garage yesterday afternoon and some workbench time yesterday evening. Still some limits on my physical activity, but getting a little better each day.
Damp weather got NJ(ret) a bit under the weather too so looks like today is a stay home day. She's my chauffeur, so when she's out of service, so am I...
Y'all have a good day and enjoy your weekend. Take care.
TLOC
Well-Known Member
Good morning from So. Central Wisconsin where the high today will again be near 80. The issue is around 7pm it’s starts to plummet to Sundays high in the low 50’s and the expected Monday morning 2-3” of white stuff
Tonight we head out to see the famous Red Hot Chili Pipers and it should be fun but dinner is home. Nope we never had any ideas we were going to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Been there done that.
Terry gave me a list of bands and comedians to pick 4 coming to Madison the first of 2025. I picked the Pipers, Jerry Seinfeld on 5/30, ColdPlay in July and Taylor Tomlinson in October.
This week mulch at Home Depot is 4 bags for $10. The son in law will go get 8 bags which will be more than enough! The days of buying a truckload every Spring of mulch have ended. Since both of us are restricted on what we can do the SIL and grandson will spread it sometime in April. Mulch always has been part of the Rites of Spring for us, not any more. Terry came in from getting the Saturday mail this morning and said the tulips are starting to break the soil. She said she has over 500 planted but it will be a couple weeks yet before blooming! Lots of the yard will be starting to pop in April and bloom in May. I do enjoy the colors, not the bees!
Enjoy the day
TomO
Tonight we head out to see the famous Red Hot Chili Pipers and it should be fun but dinner is home. Nope we never had any ideas we were going to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Been there done that.
Terry gave me a list of bands and comedians to pick 4 coming to Madison the first of 2025. I picked the Pipers, Jerry Seinfeld on 5/30, ColdPlay in July and Taylor Tomlinson in October.
This week mulch at Home Depot is 4 bags for $10. The son in law will go get 8 bags which will be more than enough! The days of buying a truckload every Spring of mulch have ended. Since both of us are restricted on what we can do the SIL and grandson will spread it sometime in April. Mulch always has been part of the Rites of Spring for us, not any more. Terry came in from getting the Saturday mail this morning and said the tulips are starting to break the soil. She said she has over 500 planted but it will be a couple weeks yet before blooming! Lots of the yard will be starting to pop in April and bloom in May. I do enjoy the colors, not the bees!
Enjoy the day
TomO
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