Looks like the backyard railroad is on hold for now, 3rd straight day of 100+ temps with no end in site. Best I have been able to do is keep the plants watered and happy. I will be amazed if my small Maple tree makes it.
So far, 2015 has been the hottest year since records began (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-surprised.gif)
The Pittsburgh and Castle Shannon is on hiatus too, but not because of the heat. Its rained every day for the past week or so.
I just ordered one of these yesterday from Silver State Trains in Nevada so that gives me something to look forward to while the backyard bakes away.
We’ve had mostly cool weather in Sandy Eggo the past several weeks, and even some light rain in May. But now the heat’s starting to kick in – got up to 88F today.
By the way for people who don’t live here, not all of San Diego is 88 degrees, some hotter, and 10 degrees cooler here by the ocean.
Perfect, as usual.
Bob, I hope you can keep your plants alive with the water restrictions. I’ve got all drip except 3 small pieces of lawn, which is limited to 2 days a week, all the drip is unlimited.
Greg
I have always watered 2 times a week for 8 mins per station so I have that part covered but trying to keep up on the railroad plants is not easy. If I miss one then next day you can really tell. I trickle water each plant and set a timer so I know when to rotate to the next one. I have been told that during extreme heat if you keep the root base wet your small trees can last longer, I hope so cause it peaked at 106 today and its going to be hotter over the weekend
Ahh… I started out by putting drip to all railroad plants… the only plants that need watering manually and 4 plants in pots that the wife insisted on having.
She gets to water them ha ha!
Greg
Ray Dunakin said:
We’ve had mostly cool weather in Sandy Eggo the past several weeks, and even some light rain in May. But now the heat’s starting to kick in – got up to 88F today.
We hit 85F today…, and I was out replacing a leaking sprinkler valve. It’s approximately 5 degrees cooler at my house than even a mile away because of our placement along the Santa Ana Canyon as the breeze makes it’s way to/from the ocean, about 11-12 miles away.
Recognize that we in Cowan Heights have big lots to take care of and they want us to cut to twice a week. Our average water use is about twice that of Beverly Hills per capita!
When MWD cut LA to twice a week in 2012, the infrastructure couldn’t handle the surge and they blew out lines left and right. At the community meeting the other day I warned Golden State Water of this same phenomon that could occur in our area.
I also asked how watering twice a week for 15 minutes a day uses less water than watering three times a week for 10 minutes, especially after they told us that with slopes, we need to water more often for shorter periods. They didn’t have an answer other than their infrastructure is newer than MWD’s and most pipes are sized smaller. We have to cut by 36%.
Yep, the drought has our master association (homeowners) in a conniption fit, people are letting things die, because they have to.
The association cannot fine people because they are complying with the restrictions.
Most people have not grown their lawns and plants to have deep, well established root systems, so they are suffering.
Also, the amount of water is limited to 8 minutes per station twice a week. There is not one lawn in San Diego that can tolerate this. This is how they saving water.
Greg
Here in the Central Valley its been 100+ for about 2 weeks…not a lot of enthusiasm to get out and work on the railroad. I’m like most everyone else…trying to keep the backyard plants happy and watered. The front is beginning to look real stressed because of the water restrictions.
I’ve purchased a 5 gallon bucket wet/dry vac from HD and use it to suck up the gray water from showers. It helps keep the front plants watered…
But keeping busy with a few RC/Battery conversions and repainting some weathered buildings.
Let’s hope the El Nina year everyone is talking about comes true!
Richard
Then you have us in the northeast where we go from snow and cold straight to rain and damp weather. I think on avereage we get about one nice day a week. Today we will be lucky to see 70 degrees.
Its very hard watching a bright sunny day go by and not break out some rolling stock but when it’s close to 100 by 10am I just watch railroads on YouTube and drink Ice Tea. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)
Based on the comments here I should get out of my chair and go run a train. It’s sunny and cool here - just perfect for me. It won’t last though - TS Bill is approaching and will be here this evening. Then very wet followed by warm and muggy.
David Maynard said:
The Pittsburgh and Castle Shannon is on hiatus too, but not because of the heat. Its rained every day for the past week or so.
Bummer. Is this because you just don’t want to run in the rain, or because it’s creating problems with the ROW ? Seems like your set up should drain ok.
Looking at the radar again, it looks like the cell coming through will be dropping water on us for the next few hours. Oh well, maybe if I get some ambition, I will clean up the workshop and finally finish my flat cars.
Randy, I don’t like playing in the rain, and neither do my electric trains.
A hunnert and a lot here!
I’m planning on raising the whole railroad 2’. Just checked the wood pile and that’s ok…
I’m tired of fighting Ma Nature and her cute gang of destructive critters. Half is elevated now and is so easy to use, the other seems to be the most convenient place for burrow tailings … there’s a total of 12’ buried track … too much work in this heat to run…
Guess I’ll sit in front of the AC and design legs…
Stay cool, dry and hydrated…
John
Daktah John said:
Based on the comments here I should get out of my chair and go run a train. It’s sunny and cool here - just perfect for me. It won’t last though - TS Bill is approaching and will be here this evening. Then very wet followed by warm and muggy.
Forecasters were totally wrong (what else is new). Ran a set-out train, then a way freight. The passenger train was making the circuit when it began to rain. By the time I got the engine back up the hill for a sweep train it was pouring (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-frown.gif)
Ah, the paid, professional, weather guessers. I would love to have a job, where I could consistently be wrong, and I didn’t have to worry about my continued employment.