Just Between You, Me, and the Cottonwood Tree: Life Lessons from the Cabin

Could it use some trimming? Ole Brett knows a dude

 

Maybe that's this guy's method....
As long as he doesn't outpace the tree growth, he's got a job forever.

 

I think Brett will allow this post. Trump's budget is ending funding on long haul Amtrak service.

I have always wanted to take train from here to San Fran and back, so Guess I need to do it this year.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/31/travel/amtrak-trains-us-photos/index.html

 

When I was a kid, maybe 8 or so, my grandparents took me and my brother and cousins on a weekend trip to Glenwood via Amtrak from Denver.

The engine derailed in Gore Canyon.

Was a shit show getting it sorted out.

Got into Glenwood like 14 hours behind schedule.

Screw Amtrak and their government funding.

 

I took an Amtrak from the Bay Area in California to Salt Lake City in college for a ski trip. Was a good time with great scenery, would recommend.

 

Been on Amtrak once, short trip from Chicago to Milwaukee in the middle of summer. About halfway there, debris on the track punctured a diesel tank on the main engine. Guess trains are like planes, when the engines aren't spinning all air handling stops. So the train started to become an oven. We're all standing around on the side of the tracks because the 100 degree day was cooler than the inside of the train. Amtrak had no fix or alternatives available for 5 hours. By then most people had rides from IL or WI come get them and take them home or to their destination. First and last non-light rail train ride. Too much hassle, and ended up making the trip by car anyway.

 

@Madjik_Man trailgear still loves you.

 

Are those low rolling resistance tires?

 

Super hard rubber like the one in your seat plenty of smooth operation

 

Dafuq is up with that innuendo?

 

This happened last night.

 

He's been cutting at night, this wasn't missing yesterday afternoon.

 

Next he will go full Tarzan and swing up on vines.

 

My On30 track showed up today.
That's the new On30, code 100 on the left and standard HO code 83 on the right.


I'm already looking forward to fall.

 

So is there a difference in rail size and width? It's hard to tell from the pics but really it looks like just the tie is thicker/larger.

 

Yes, for the most part you are correct. The rail is full code 100, which was prototypical for narrow gauge. The d&rgw actually used a tall rail profile. The ties are also uneven and slightly random in length. As well as wider spacing.

In the real world, narrow gauge RR used whatever they had on hand and some sections had no ties at all.

 

Ah that makes sense. I knew that On30 existed but never knew the history on it. Cool.

 

Let's cut to the chase. What's the fastest train you can make on this thing? Can you emulate a bullet train?

 

Actually, yes I can. But it wouldn't be period correct on this track. Plus in real life the track would disintegrate with that kind of speed.

 

The dichotomy would be awesome. Like Laura Ingalls listening to a walkman.