Running Bear's September 2022 Coffee Shop

[Boris]

Nothing to do with learning Russian in the USSR. Stalin moved Russians all over to try and ethnically merge the various Soviet states into a Russian dominated one. Central Asian countries, the Baltics, etc all have large Russian minorities that were transplanted there during USSR tiems (mostly during Stalin IIRC).

FWIW, At the same time, My grandfather's relatives that chose to remain in Lithuania, were relocated to Siberia. This was all done under Stalin. At least he didn't have them shot by his notorious firing squads. Putin is reportedly following the same strategy, by forcibly relocating Ukranians in occupied portions, to interior Russia.
I remember, my mother sending "care" packages there, through a specialty "travel" agency. First time I ever saw Cyrillic Alphabet and Chinese Character Typewriters.

 

[McLeod]

Good Morning!

Looks like I was 12 pages+ behind. The times have been very busy, and I don't expect it to be getting any more laid-back until the snow fly's.
Hunting season begins in 4 days, and although it's too warm to hunt big-game, I enjoy walking through the autumn forest for grouse and ptarmigan. The larger game will wait until October.

I'm not going to way in on current world events, other than to say that I remembered Sept 11 with equal respect and hurt that I felt at hearing the loss of the Queen. With both Sept 11 and the death of JFK, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing. The Queens death will probably fade from memory, although I highly respected her and the pure grace she displayed throughout my life as Queen of the Commonwealth.
I've seen Charles in person before, along with Diana. The locals are wondering how they'll fit Charles ears onto a coin.

I have been going down into the layout room when I've had a chance. Being sick-n-tired of not being able to run trails, I wired up all the track I've laid. Running trains on what amounts to a 20' shelf layout, is better than nothing.
Here's a few photos of my efforts:

I've installed a pilot-lighted main disconnect for the A/C power to my layout control station. Also, I've positioned three terminal strips around the layout tables to take care of the D/C needs. These are fed with 14awg bus, and I'm using 18awg thermostat wire for the track feeders.

I ran all the track feeders and took a couple of hours to solder all the track. Actually found the soldering process rather enjoyable.

The five switches are for the insulated track blocks I've created, so I can keep many locomotives on the layout without them moving when I'm running a particular train. All of the holding tracks are switched except the unfinished one. The spur on the cork is switched in two places. Total of five blocks.

Yesterday, I tested it all out with an old Tyco locomotive. It all works.
So, I put on most of my good engines and played for a while. It's the first time running for some of those engines. I'm glad all functioned very well.
The Rapido SW 1500 runs the smoothest, with the Backmann steamer making the most noise and running the roughest.

Getting trains to run is just something I had to do, as my interest seemed to be getting short. Now, I have renewed energy to continue working on the rest of it.
Today, I'll replace the missing rail-ties and install the Caboose switch throws that need installation. Then I can get on with the rest of the show.

I admit to not reading back all 12 pages, but, I'm glad some post photos as we go along. I like photos.
Gotta go. Have a wonderful day!

 

[Boris]

The rail strike is looming for Friday. Amtrak has announced the cut back in long haul trains, i.e. Southwest Chief, Empire Builder, California Zephyr and some of the Texas Eagle. The article didn't say when the cancelation would go into effect but I suppose it would be before Friday, so passengers aren't stranded. Also, they don't want to have passenger trains sitting on the rails away from storage tracks.

I don't know if we should stand in solidarity with the rail service and not run the model trains until this contract stuff is settled.

Not for nothing, most of the issues have been decided by the Presidential Emergency Board (aka PEB). The hold up, seems to be over a quality of life issue. The Organizations, are insisting on giving their members Unpaid time off for the expressed reason of seeing a Doctor or Physician.
That's right...Operating Railroad Employees do not have paid sick leave or Personal Days, they can only use a portion of their "earned" vacation, and then only if the Carrier authorizes this well in advance. During the active Pandemic, Operating employees, who took time to seek medical attention, and follow Covid protocols, were disciplined, for violating Carrier Attendance Policy.
Last year,American Railroads turned out record profits and record productivity. The Hedge Funds and Private Capital Funds including Mr. Buffet, (BNSF), want even more. Management is doing everything to deliver for the Carriers. The Workers have been without a contract for 5 years, following the protocol of the Railway Labor Act.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

soldering rail together, what a novel idea. after so many tell us they never solder their rail nor install drop feeds and never have a problem.

 

[santafewillie]

Good Morning All. Mostly clear and 64°, won't start to warm up until Friday. While the pool is still at an acceptable 82°, I need to shut it down by this coming weekend. We leave for an extended vacation on the 24th and I won't be here for maintenance.

Mowed the north and west part of the yard behind the train shed yesterday, it was a bit tough. I mowed some of the area around the totally dry pond, thought about getting the weeds growing inside of it but I decided not to fight the dust. They won't matter much when and if it fills up this winter. I'm starting to get a bit ahead on the mowing since I will be out of town from the 24th until at least the 1st. That depends on how long we decide to take coming home. When I am gone, yard maintenance comes to a complete halt...wife doesn't understand this! She questions why I don't want to take longer vacations.
This afternoon we're going to Dallas for our anniversary dinner at some fancy steak house that my wife found. Kinda upscale as you need reservations! The good thing is it's just around the corner from Discount Model Railroads so we're going in early to get much needed in person retail train therapy. I still have my gift certificate from one of my kids for Father's Day.

Thanks for the likes and comments yesterday regarding the 7-11 progress; Louis, Smudge, Tom O, Sherrel, Karl, Troy, Hughie, Patrick, Mikey, Gary, Tom, Curt, Rick, Joe, Guy.

I only spent a short period of time out in the train shed yesterday. I just added some ground foam to the 7-11 site and then ran some trains. I didn't take any pictures yet.

But in lieu of layout pictures, here's the remainder of the Will Rogers Garden shots from Friday.

Ken - It's a drag when health gets in the way of pleasure. Good luck with your back.
Mikey - Nice looking pipe loads.
Tom O - You made amazing progress yesterday. I often wonder how far I could go if I spent more continuous time rather than just a small portion each day. I'm not good for much for the rest of the month as I prepare the estate for vacation.

Everybody have a great day.

 

[Sirfoldalot]

Good morning everyone, including the linguists! The sun, missing for 4 days now, has re-appeared.

TomO - Does your solar take a vacation while the sun is missing?
Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[troyphoto]

TomO - Does your solar take a vacation while the sun is missing?
Inquiring minds want to know!

It shouldn't be totally gone. Light is light. It's just more scattered and diffuse.

Heck, even vampires know that the moonlight is really sunlight reflected off its surface. Just a smaller amount.

Makes me wonder what kind of power a solar cell aimed at a full moon would draw? About 1/1000th of normal? I'm not sure what the reduction is

 

[Sirfoldalot]

That's right...Operating Railroad Employees still do not have unpaid sick leave or Personal Days, they can only use a portion of their "earned" vacation,

JOE --Think maybe you meant that they do not have "paid" sick leave?

 

[D&J RailRoad]

I just checked the history of my solar array.
Over the past few overcast and rainy days my system produced over 25KWhs each day. Sunny days will see upwards of 80KWhs.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

Great news in Virginia. Governor Younkin signed a bill that removes military pensions from being taxed by the state.

 

[Jaz avalley]

My understanding is that only Russian speaking Ukrainians come from the Dombas Slobozhanshchyna and southern parts of Odessa and Zaporizhia oblasts regions.

Fun fact.

The Ukrainian language and country are older than Russia and Russian, is derived from Finnish.

Apparently a number of people in the capital speak Russian everyday but can obviously speak ukranian

 

[Jaz avalley]

I just checked the history of my solar array.
Over the past few overcast and rainy days my system produced over 25KWhs each day. Sunny days will see upwards of 80KWhs.

Hoe many kwp do you have

 

[Jaz avalley]

I think Poland like, Estonia Latvia and other Baltic countries see the potential threat Russia now poses in an attempt to re establish it's dominance (by force if necessary) in the area, hence the overwhelming support Ukraine is receiving.

But now I believe we're straying into the area of politics, and probably boring the pants of the other members too

I cynically think that supporting someone else to fight the Russians is a whole lot easier than fighting them your self, so throwing kit at the Ukrainians could be a no brainier for many,yes I know cynical.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

Hoe many kwp do you have

47 panels.

 

[Jaz avalley]

Yes.

The forced relocations of peoples was part of that as well. Moved different peoples out of their lands and moved Russians in. Ukraine, Baltics, Central Asian republics, Georgia, Soviet Armenia, etc.

Should also note that Russia alone was not the only country to do this. Poland ruled parts of Ukraine, Lithuania, Byelorussia / Belarus, and outlawed or at least highly discouraged the use of the native languages of those people and encouraged or perhaps forced Polish to be the language of the state in those areas. https://www.britannica.com/place/Ukraine/Western-Ukraine-under-Polish-rule

Of course, now, Poland is one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine and their past is just that, their past.

Past is past but history can repeat as people follow proven patterns, should we feel bad because our historical countries had slaves yes, but should we be made to pay for it, no I am sorry, now if we hold stolen art if acts, we’ll that’s hard as someone now owns them but clearly if they were stolen not sold then I think your in a sticky wicket buying items with such a history is iffy, that said I have 1900 tourist items, wooden elephants which I think have real ivory tusks, only small, and a shield with what looks like a big cat skin on it, again small. The problem is in the days these were made no one thought anything of it, but now?! Patterns that work no matter how horrible are repeated by people with little conscience, and unfortunately given the chance a lot of people can ignore what they know is wrong. Many of us are law abiding because it does not pay to be otherwise, and many others ignore the law because for them it does pay, amazingly the biggest breakers of decent laws tend to go down in history, rather than fade off into a twilight as friends and family follow them.
But I agree if you did not do something,if your family who are alive did not do something, if your ancestors did sonething that was a different time and you are not responsible, if in the present you benefit it does not mean you condoned,and often those who are frowned on in their days were not seen as criminals, well except by the people they persecuted. I personally would not hold a person responsible for what a dead ancestor did, nor even frankly for what a brother or a father did, i believe we can only be held for our own actions.
Violence is inevitable when people have something someone else wants. putin thought our reliance on his fuel would make us ignore him nabbing Ukraine, he got away with the Crimea, but luckily our ruling classes saw this as an issue, and Putin has admitted to wanting more, so we are warned. Hopefully his bridges are so burned they will turn on him, the problem then is who climbs to the top.

 

[Jaz avalley]

47 panels.

But how many is in each panel. We have um 82 panels which is 29.6kw, but the DNO limits our export to 25kwp per hour. We put ours in 2019 and chose just down from the best as the cost per kilowatt was better.We can charge our Tesla in 3 hours give or take at that speed but our zappi charger is limited to um 14 per hours so 14,28,42,56,70 so about 5-6 hours when good sun.
Wealso chose to use some south facing roof for best output, but some east west roof so earlier am and later pm so we can free cook evening meal most of the summer.

 

[Jaz avalley]

Sorry I stand corrected, thanks.

Hungariand believe those who arrived on horse came first and chose the lush Hungarian lands, those who walked were forced to continue Finland being one certainly that had a similar vocabulary style, interestingly Kalmar in Sweden is the Hungarian word for merchant and occasionally market town which Kalmar would have been, but the vikings travelled extensively over the area, and Ukraine Russia and many others were ruled by four brothers which as time went on broke away from each other,

 

[Bruette]

Not for nothing, I expected the Birds to rival the Nats for the absolute worst record in MLB, again this year. I find it difficult to follow the Birds in the off season, and I don't always remember to check the schedule for the MLB out of market telecast. So, I was shocked and surprised to see just how strong their player development has been, and that all these new people are actually competent ball players from day one with the big team.
It was an exciting season, to see them come back from, what?, 15 games below ,500 ? I hope they recover sufficiently from this slump to finish 10 games over ,500. It would be a tremendous milestone. Regardless what happens, they have had a successful season, but I want more...

Boris, you can never be sure how young players will develop. You could have easily been right.
I'll bet the Nationals front office thought they would have done better this year.
I'm of the mind of an old Brooklyn Dodgers fan, "wait till next year"
I will say this, win or lose this year's Orioles are fun to watch. Those boys never give up!

 

[Sirfoldalot]

KEN/JAZ - YOU Guys Sure make my 18 Panels look puny!
At the time they were installed, I was not allowed to produce more electricity than my previous annual average usage + about 10%. The panels I have generally gave me about a 10% rebate as account was "zeroed" and a check issued to me from the power co. namely SCE. That 10% has now fallen to 6% or so due to the panels aging in production.
SCE said at the time that they were not into customers producing power - A position that I think has changed with the "Green" push.

OAN. I feel that "The Queen" should have been transported back to London on a TRAIN! That was thousands of folks could have lined the tracks in tribute?
AND, the 'Flying Scotsman' could have pulled the train!

They could have gone into Victoria Station - not far from Buckingham Palace!

The 'Flying Scotsman' Made Train History When The Speedometer Hit 100

The first locomotive to hit 100 miles per hour was billed as "The Most Famous Train in the World"

www.smithsonianmag.com

 

[Boris]

JOE --Think maybe you meant that they do not have "paid" sick leave?

Thank you Sherrel, I was a little pre-occupied this morning when I wrote this.

Over my 42 years, I only recall two strikes, most settlements were imposed by Congress, implementing the PEB recommendations. Back in the 1970s, Paid time first appeared as an issue with operating employees. The carriers were dealing with numerous problems, which negatively impacted earnings. They looked first at containing labor costs. The Unions made concessions, which eliminated many of the "Featherbedding Issues". of the late 50s and early to mid 1960s. The Unions asked for Five Sick Days and 5 Personal Days each year, for employees with over 10 years service. The issue went to a Board. A Board consists of a Labor Representative, a Carrier representative, and a Mutually Agreed upon Neutral. After all the testimony was heard, the Neutral sided with the Carriers, He felt that the Operating Employees would abuse the sick / personal days which were not accumulative. The Neutral was an Academic. Operating Employees are subject to irregular hours, Six and Seven Day work weeks, and Workdays that exceed 12 hours. At that time, Four Weeks was the common Vacation for people with over 25 years of service. Yet this fellow, who worked regular hours in a system with plenty of paid time off, thought that the railroad work force would use these ten basic rate days as a subterfuge to avoid Duty. GTFOH.