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Lutz

Just a thought, we haven't had a video chat for a while. We did have a bit of a problem with the last one that I hosted, It turned out that out of seven that said they'd be there, only Lutz and myself showed up. Remember, Lutz stayed up very late to talk with others and no one else showed. I know that Big Blue is part of a hobby and we're pleased that everyone takes the time to participate here. Getting together by video is a plus, but we sometimes all have more important things that takes precedent, just that it would be nice if we could set aside the time we agreed to.

So, do we arrange a video chat one of these evenings, or even earlier to accommodate those not living in North America? If so, would someone else like to host it? I am willing to give it another shot. If you are, then post something here about a time that would work best for you and see if we can't get another chat going. With vacations coming up, that may not happen until the fall, but let's start talking about it now.

A really late start for this weeks photo thread.  Here is a different angle of a train climbing the grade on the Wilderson.      Charlie

Both Big Blue and FlattBear are having server "time out", issues. Pat is diligently working on the problem, but if you have difficulty with accessing or staying on this site, we are aware and working on it.  Sorry about that...

A little bit of action in the east yard.     Charlie

On Monday, May 9, I officially rejoined the workforce as the Senior Inspector for the Flat Rock Dam Project in Philadelphia. The project involves reconnecting the Manayunk Canal to the Schuylkill River.



This the portion of existing dam that will be removed and replaced.



The Schuylkill River running high from the weekend rains.



This is the existing intake gate which was built in the 1820's. The brick gatehouse was added sometime around the turn of the 20th century. The section to left was added in 1920. The intakes were permanently closed in 1940. Due to the poor condition the gatehouse will be removed down to a wall about 2 and half feet high. The 1920 section will be demolished completely.



Another view of the intake gate structure



The structure to the left and in the foreground is part of the 1920 addition. This portion will not be demolished but the pipes will be blocked and filled. The original structure is to right.



Looking down the canal. The intake is to the right. The wall on the left is the end of the lock.

The project is scheduled to take 900 days.

I am surrounded by rails. Running along the canal is the former PRR Schuylkill Valley Branch (now a trail) and the Reading now SEPTA's Norristown Branch. Across the river is Norfolk Southern. I am going to try to get some photos.

Over this weekend I have been busy fixing and painting some of the railroad cars. I have painted one caboose and one gondola so far. Now I just have to find out where to order the decals I need for them which is the V&O. I understand the blue might be a little dark but after some weathering you shouldn't be able to tell the difference. I am making a trip to the hobby store this week as they changed their hours and are now open tuesday, wednesday, and thursday. I will be getting a few more cars to take apart and repaint. I'm hoping to have these two finished at least with all the painting this weekend.

Gondola
   

Caboose
   
   

Starting the week early---lots of time for everyone to join in (I hope)

P1460759 by Ed Creechan, on Flickr

Just curious, but some time ago I wondered if there was a use for used toothpaste tubes so I collected a few. When cut open the become a thin, small sheet of pliable plastic that is silver on one side. I think I threw them away when I realized that for N scale, they scale as over an inch and a half thick and wouldn't work for what I wanted to do. They measure around 6" x 4" x .01".

I'm wondering if any of you have used this material for anything? I cut one up again thinking it could be used maybe as tin siding or roofing material or shape it for scenery. Not sure how it would glue up or hold paint, but I'll find out.