Kusojiji
RANK AMATEURS OF THE MODEL RAILROAD FORM MEMBER
Oh, haha. I'd still go with the ketchup and mayo... I've done bread, cheese, and mayo with 3 days away from payday.
Running Bear's September 2026 Coffee Shop
- Thread starter santafewillie
- Start date
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santafewillie
Same Ol' Buzzard
Good Morning All. Partly cloudy and 75°. High today is forecast to be only 92°, due to the outflow of cool air from Tropical Storm Edouard, which is now a depression stuck in SE Texas. The rain from it is not quite hitting Dallas; unlikely that it will reach us. Forum member Lonnie may have gotten a good soaking near the Bryan/College Station area.
Just a mixed variety of indoor and outdoor tasks yesterday; I won't bore you today with the usual breakdown.
Today is of course the weekly grocery trek with a twist. I'll be stopping at the pain management doctor first to discuss what's next since the epidural a couple of weeks ago, didn't seem to have worked. I did read, and he told me that there was only a 75% success rate on the first shot. HD, the bank and the pharmacy is on the itinerary today as well.
Nothing especially notable out in the train shed yesterday. Cleaned some track where I didn't get all of the paint off previously; added the under-layout wiring for structure lighting for two buildings and did a few other odds and ends. I also had to renumber that Blue Box gondola that I built last week. I didn't realize it was a duplicate until I went to enter it into the freight car database. Used the last of my 30 year old Woodland Scenics dry transfer numbers of that size in the process. Had two 8's left and started there, but spoiled the first one, and settled for a 5 of which I had three of. Still have one of them left.
Joe -
Troy/Kusojiji - The Gabapentin that I tried was just a plain white pill. However it didn't work on the spinal stenosis and I quit taking it after 90 days.
The late great American blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Freddie King, was born on this day in 1934. I actually got to meet him in person after a concert at NTSU (now UNT) where I was a student at the time. Others born on this day include Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine who is 84 today; Don Brewer, drummer for Grand Funk is 78 today and George Biondo, bass player for the post-1970 version of Steppenwolf is 81 today.
Everybody have a great Thursday.
Just a mixed variety of indoor and outdoor tasks yesterday; I won't bore you today with the usual breakdown.
Today is of course the weekly grocery trek with a twist. I'll be stopping at the pain management doctor first to discuss what's next since the epidural a couple of weeks ago, didn't seem to have worked. I did read, and he told me that there was only a 75% success rate on the first shot. HD, the bank and the pharmacy is on the itinerary today as well.
Nothing especially notable out in the train shed yesterday. Cleaned some track where I didn't get all of the paint off previously; added the under-layout wiring for structure lighting for two buildings and did a few other odds and ends. I also had to renumber that Blue Box gondola that I built last week. I didn't realize it was a duplicate until I went to enter it into the freight car database. Used the last of my 30 year old Woodland Scenics dry transfer numbers of that size in the process. Had two 8's left and started there, but spoiled the first one, and settled for a 5 of which I had three of. Still have one of them left.
Joe -
See above.
Troy/Kusojiji - The Gabapentin that I tried was just a plain white pill. However it didn't work on the spinal stenosis and I quit taking it after 90 days.
The late great American blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Freddie King, was born on this day in 1934. I actually got to meet him in person after a concert at NTSU (now UNT) where I was a student at the time. Others born on this day include Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine who is 84 today; Don Brewer, drummer for Grand Funk is 78 today and George Biondo, bass player for the post-1970 version of Steppenwolf is 81 today.
Everybody have a great Thursday.
TLOC
Well-Known Member
One of the Crew at another forum asked me how I determine the size of my birch trees I’m building and how much wire for the trunks! Thought I’d share it here
Here’s my response. Trees are something I’ve been building for years. No 2 trees are identical but here is my guideline for the birch I’m currently working on. I have guidelines based on government data for a few tree species, birch, oak, maple and aspen
Trees diameter from my understanding from a forester many moons ago is measured at 4-5' from ground level.
For birch trees I am creating trees of different ages and of course different trunk diameters and heights. I pulled the typical diameters and heights based on age from the US Forest Service data for the Michigan UP
HO Tree Age 5 years old 10 yrs old 20 yrs old 50 yrs old 100 years old
Height 10-15' 20 to 30' 35 to 45' 50 to 65' 60 to 75'
Real** 1.5 to 2.25" 3 to 4.25" 4.75 to 6.25" 7 to 9" 8.5 to 10.25"
Trunk dia. 1.0 to 1.5" 2.5 to 3.5" 5.0 to 6.5" 10 to 14" 14 to 18"
Number of twisted
Wire strands for the
trunks. 2-3 4-6 8-12 16 to 22 24 to 30
I definitely try to create the trunks to the sizes above though I may add a wire or 2 but never less. As to the heights I rarely build a tree taller than 10" and usually the heights typically top out around 8". A tree over 10" on a layout is overpowering in my view.
I rely greatly on the USFS data that I will typically screenshot and add to my Gemini and ChatGPT data bases. It makes the data so much quicker to find than my screen shot journal I used to keep in a notebook
** means I rounded
22 gauge bare wire is .025" diameter
I started building trees because the nice trees from custom builders were way too many $$$ and I want the trees to be taller than a train. Most of the commerical product trees from JTT and Woodland were too small. Hope this helps
Here’s my response. Trees are something I’ve been building for years. No 2 trees are identical but here is my guideline for the birch I’m currently working on. I have guidelines based on government data for a few tree species, birch, oak, maple and aspen
Trees diameter from my understanding from a forester many moons ago is measured at 4-5' from ground level.
For birch trees I am creating trees of different ages and of course different trunk diameters and heights. I pulled the typical diameters and heights based on age from the US Forest Service data for the Michigan UP
HO Tree Age 5 years old 10 yrs old 20 yrs old 50 yrs old 100 years old
Height 10-15' 20 to 30' 35 to 45' 50 to 65' 60 to 75'
Real** 1.5 to 2.25" 3 to 4.25" 4.75 to 6.25" 7 to 9" 8.5 to 10.25"
Trunk dia. 1.0 to 1.5" 2.5 to 3.5" 5.0 to 6.5" 10 to 14" 14 to 18"
Number of twisted
Wire strands for the
trunks. 2-3 4-6 8-12 16 to 22 24 to 30
I definitely try to create the trunks to the sizes above though I may add a wire or 2 but never less. As to the heights I rarely build a tree taller than 10" and usually the heights typically top out around 8". A tree over 10" on a layout is overpowering in my view.
I rely greatly on the USFS data that I will typically screenshot and add to my Gemini and ChatGPT data bases. It makes the data so much quicker to find than my screen shot journal I used to keep in a notebook
** means I rounded
22 gauge bare wire is .025" diameter
I started building trees because the nice trees from custom builders were way too many $$$ and I want the trees to be taller than a train. Most of the commerical product trees from JTT and Woodland were too small. Hope this helps
RhB Michael
RhB Lokführer
Good morning. 100°F expected again today. I don't even care about the heat index anymore. Hot is hot. 11 more days of this crap. Thank God the grass has stopped growing. In fact, parts of the yard are turning brown! Yea me!
Another day inside away from the heat. I noticed I've had to lower the thermostat by 2° to maintain the same inside temp as 2° higher. This house is not very well insulated and the windows are as old as the house. 16 32"x72" double-hung ancient single pane windows with storm windows attached probably sometime in the 60s. Just another summer in the Midwest.
Might run trains today, but it is about ten degrees warmer in the train room being in the front of the house and farthest away from the A/C. Still tolerable though if I feel like tolerating it.
Have a great Thursday.
Servus!
Another day inside away from the heat. I noticed I've had to lower the thermostat by 2° to maintain the same inside temp as 2° higher. This house is not very well insulated and the windows are as old as the house. 16 32"x72" double-hung ancient single pane windows with storm windows attached probably sometime in the 60s. Just another summer in the Midwest.
Might run trains today, but it is about ten degrees warmer in the train room being in the front of the house and farthest away from the A/C. Still tolerable though if I feel like tolerating it.
Have a great Thursday.
Servus!
santafewillie
Same Ol' Buzzard
From the point of view of someone who was in the window business for 43 years, replace those windows. Use double-pane insulated windows with Low-E glass, maybe even triple-pane ones if they are recommended for your area. They will pay for themselves in energy savings in 5 years or less, depending on how well the house itself is insulated.
migalyto
Well-Known Member
Good morning all!
Same weather story as the last few. Going to be hot again today. Currently its 83F looking for a high of 94F Heat advisories posted say heat
index could reach as high as 105. No break until Sunday.
Dog had a grooming appointment today at 8:30, just waiting for the call she's ready Have the dishwasher already emptied and on my
second load of laundry. Don't think much else is getting accomplished.
We have an away volleyball game tonight so dinner will be on the road.
Have a safe day everyone!
Same weather story as the last few. Going to be hot again today. Currently its 83F looking for a high of 94F Heat advisories posted say heat
index could reach as high as 105. No break until Sunday.
Dog had a grooming appointment today at 8:30, just waiting for the call she's ready Have the dishwasher already emptied and on my
second load of laundry. Don't think much else is getting accomplished.
We have an away volleyball game tonight so dinner will be on the road.
Have a safe day everyone!
kbkchooch
Verified Human
RhB Michael
RhB Lokführer
It's on my bucket list. This tent has my attention. It reminds of the food we used to prepare when we did our Oktoberfest at the club. Every tent will have good bier, but I'm going for the food.
Hochreiters Haxnbraterei
Many gourmets have already sung the praises of Hochreiter's legendary pork and veal knuckle at the Oktoberfest
santafewillie
Same Ol' Buzzard
Mayo might not be bad as long as you add a slice of cheese and a few strips of bacon.I'm gonna have to go on record here, but I find that kinda gross.
Kusojiji
RANK AMATEURS OF THE MODEL RAILROAD FORM MEMBER
Today is commissary run day. I need to remember to take the cool packs with me to keep the cold/frozen stuff cool. I carry an igloo in my car all the time, but never seem to use it. After my steaks went bad the last time, my wife suggested I take the cool packs. She shops out in town and they always provide ice that you put in a bag and use to keep your stuff cool. She has 3 soft coolers that she has in her car. She does this religiously and the store is only 5 minutes away. My drive is 20-30 minutes.
Weather-wise, the guessors are saying rain this evening and for the next several days. That'll be good, we could always use it.
I'm going to buy a rain gauge just for S & G.
Weather-wise, the guessors are saying rain this evening and for the next several days. That'll be good, we could always use it.
I'm going to buy a rain gauge just for S & G.
NYC_George
Well-Known Member
With golf season winding down I'm getting ready to start modeling again. I want to finish the display shelves in my room. I'm thinking about a 3D backdrop.
Kusojiji
RANK AMATEURS OF THE MODEL RAILROAD FORM MEMBER
Forgot to add that I need to ask if he had any issues going in to Thailand. Last time I saw him was at the pharmacy and the doc was nice enough to load him up with a year's worth of all his prescriptions. I'm wondering if Thailand immigration would treat him as a dealer...
traiNscale
Well-Known Member
I always like stuff like this.
Bill Tidler Jr.
Retired N&W/NS Signalman
Good Friday morning, Coffee Shop! Its 76°F (24°C) and clear. 
Have a great day!
Have a great day!
Bill Tidler Jr.
Retired N&W/NS Signalman
I know that ship! My last ship was LST 1173 USS Suffolk County. I was in the USMC.
Kusojiji
RANK AMATEURS OF THE MODEL RAILROAD FORM MEMBER
Yeah, we all served on USS Last Ship. Mine was USS Cushing DD-985. We have two APB/APLs in use today in Yokosuka and one in Sasebo, Japan, which I thought were converted LSTs, but I just found out that they were originally designed as berthing barges. Originally built as APB with engines, they were changed to APL-40 and APL-39 and engines removed. My buddy was stationed on APB-40 when it was in Nam and could show me all the bullet holes.
USS Nueces (APL-40) awards.
Top, l - r:
Navy Combat Action
Presidential Unit Citation
Navy Unit Commendation (bronze star means 2 awards)
American Campaign Medal (WWII)
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (3 awards)
Vietnam Service Medal (5 awards)
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 - device
I found out that the National Defense Service Medal is currently inactive. It is reactivated as needed. I have 2 of these.
Hint: for those aspiring stolen valor types, stay away from the Vietnam, Korea or WWII awards...
USS Nueces (APL-40) awards.
Top, l - r:
Navy Combat Action
Presidential Unit Citation
Navy Unit Commendation (bronze star means 2 awards)
American Campaign Medal (WWII)
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (3 awards)
Vietnam Service Medal (5 awards)
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 - device
I found out that the National Defense Service Medal is currently inactive. It is reactivated as needed. I have 2 of these.
Hint: for those aspiring stolen valor types, stay away from the Vietnam, Korea or WWII awards...
migalyto
Well-Known Member
Good morning all!
Happy Friday!
The heat continues again today. Currently a very muggy 72F with the high reaching 95F. Heat index is supposed to feel like 105-110F. Luckily
no outside activities today. Grass has pretty much stop growing so rapidly.
Usual stuff around the House today
Not much else going, lets hope it stays that way!
Have a safe day everyone!
Happy Friday!
The heat continues again today. Currently a very muggy 72F with the high reaching 95F. Heat index is supposed to feel like 105-110F. Luckily
no outside activities today. Grass has pretty much stop growing so rapidly.
Usual stuff around the House today
Not much else going, lets hope it stays that way!
Have a safe day everyone!
Kusojiji
RANK AMATEURS OF THE MODEL RAILROAD FORM MEMBER
My rain gauge came in. This thing is bigger than I had expected.
And yeah, that is my AT&T wired phone in the background. Along with the instructions on how to dial back to the states. With those super ridiculous wait times, I don't have to worry about the battery going dead.
And yeah, that is my AT&T wired phone in the background. Along with the instructions on how to dial back to the states. With those super ridiculous wait times, I don't have to worry about the battery going dead.
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