I got an 18-135mm lens for the DSLR I've been lent and these were the first pictures I took to test it. I'm happy with what I've seen so far. Its not the best lens by any means, but for a novice photographer just graduating from using a phone, so far its great. Will probably get a dedicated telephoto at some point though.
I just finished my worst year of school ever. It was my first year at community college after graduating High School, and I assumed it would be somewhat similar. Boy, was I wrong.
Due to many reasons (having to live in a camper for the first few months because the house was under construction, all class work being online, undiagnosed, but probably present ADHD making it very hard to focus, etc), I was burned out by the middle of fall semester. I didn't do well in my classes for that semester as a result. The 3 weeks of Christmas vacation weren't enough to shake off the burnout, which led to an even worse spring semester. I only passed 2 classes. Its been hell. I've been miserable since October, with only very brief periods of actually being "happy." I've tried to lug through it, but it's become clear to me that I can't.
I hate everything about my experience in college so far and am seriously considering (almost completely decided) not going back next semester. I want to take a year off to focus on sorting everything out. Figure out exactly what went wrong with this year and how to avoid it next time. Would probably go back in fall 2027 in this case.
At the same time, I feel like I should continue because my parents have always told me once you take a year off school, you will struggle to return. I suppose this might be true...but I also don't believe I will be doing myself any favors by returning next year.
I'm completely lost, and unsure what to do. I don't want to drop out, but I also don't want to set foot in that place any time soon. Anyone have any advice?
As is usual for the 7 (since it runs in the morning in this area), it's a bit backlit. There was also a bit of a dust storm yesterday, so it was kicking up a bunch of dust off the tracks. Still made for a good picture imo.
Finally got knuckle couplers on my last few freight cars, so I assembled a train with every car in my collection. The consist is made up of 39 freight cars, 13 passenger cars, and 3 locomotives. It measures just shy of 7 feet long.
This locomotive always was on the noisier side, but after putting DCC in it, the noise went from understandable to sounding like it was trying to eat its gears. I've adjusted the contact strips, lubricated everything, and replaced the plastic worms with brass like people recommend. There's been marginal improvement, but it's far from as smooth & quiet as people say it should be after replacing the defective plastic worms. The noise is coming from the front truck. I found that out by lifting up on each truck individually. The rear truck--beneath the cab--is soft and smooth. The front truck growls. This happens regardless of which truck is installed on the front.
Not sure if anyone has any experience with these models, but if you do and have any tips, I would greatly appreciate it.
This is a LifeLike SW9/1200 from 1997 btw.
Edit: I discovered one of the motor contacts was pressing against the frame when the locomotive was assembled. I fixed that, and the really nasty gear noise went away. It's still very noisy, but at least it doesn't sound like its eating its gears anymore.
This was the last time I properly ran my BLI Big Boy before shipping it to BLI to get a few issues resolved.