Trains.com

FEBRUARY 2017 COFFEE POT Hot coffee with grits for the good Southerners and oatmeal for the Yanks. Be my Valentine. Locked

18479 views
263 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
FEBRUARY 2017 COFFEE POT Hot coffee with grits for the good Southerners and oatmeal for the Yanks. Be my Valentine.
Posted by ChiefEagles on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 10:02 PM

"And away we go."  Enjoy.

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 10:18 PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RTHappy B-Day

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

  Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC)   - Detroit3railers-  Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,050 posts
Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 6:06 AM

Mornin' boys.  Cloudy and 40 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  Must have slept on my arm wrong; can't pick, type or wipe. Surprise

Wifey called and stated that Francis looked better, and that the staff was removing most of the tubes and wires yesterday.  Still in ICU.

I am a fan of Milwaukee Tools.  I do like the look and feel of KObalt.  Grandpa left me his tools, and I still have a big tray of Mastercraft (Monkee Ward).

rt - Congrats.  How many candles again...? Cake

 

 

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: South Carolina
  • 9,713 posts
Posted by rtraincollector on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 6:08 AM

Thanks S.J. 

Morning all. To early to decide what happening today. Know going into Aiken. But what all we will do in there depends. Know we are going to Golden Corral for lunch. 

Hope all have a good day.

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: South Carolina
  • 9,713 posts
Posted by rtraincollector on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 6:13 AM

Fife Close enough for a bon-fire Laugh 

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • 1,029 posts
Posted by submmbob on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 6:22 AM

Hello all

I believe Kev wanted to see this:

Everything is back together except the roller pickup and the wiring. Next time I think I will order the Dallee E-unit and the few parts I need. If I can get one I think I will install a separate bell and bracket off a postwar steamer. Sound installation can come later.

Happy Birthday RT!

Almost ready to go find a pillow and then head down the mountain in the afternoon.

Bob

Tucson, AZ (aka the Ol' Pueblo)

Home of the Mt. Graham & Arizona Eastern Boiler Shops

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 6:29 AM

Morning.  45 degrees and fair.  Suppose to go into the high 60's today.  Off to the farms down east for a work day.

Happy birthday RT. Happy B-DayCakeCakeCake

Later

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: South Carolina
  • 9,713 posts
Posted by rtraincollector on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 7:08 AM

submmbob

Hello all

I believe Kev wanted to see this:

Everything is back together except the roller pickup and the wiring. Next time I think I will order the Dallee E-unit and the few parts I need. If I can get one I think I will install a separate bell and bracket off a postwar steamer. Sound installation can come later.

Happy Birthday RT!

Almost ready to go find a pillow and then head down the mountain in the afternoon. 

So are going to hear about a small layout in the near future to run this engine on? Nice looking engine

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Crystal Lake, IL
  • 8,059 posts
Posted by cnw1995 on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 8:04 AM

Aloha. Came in early for a meeting that was cancelled.. because the rest of 'em didn't want to come in early. LOL. Happy birthday RT! That SF unit looks great!

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 3,584 posts
Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 8:55 AM

 

Good Morning from drizzly 37°F Southern Ohio,

 

I won a couple of auctions for All Aboard pieces, a couple of tunnels and a switch.  I’ve not scored on the elusive crossover panel.  The planes are coming together for the train show downtown this coming November.  I want to display a larger  AF All Aboard panel layout that will have the 790 Trainarama background.

 

I’ve got quite a few of the Kobolt hand tools.  They seem to be getting better these days.  I’ll still pick up the older Craftsmans at flea markets. 

 

May God bless

 

Jim

 

 

 

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 9:10 AM

Good morning,

 Nice Bob, I like it.

 Happy Birthday RT!

Gave up on Milwaukee cordless power tools. I do have a killer hole shooter drill with a cord that is great. Battries were always going bad. Using DeWalt now with good luck so far.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: South Carolina
  • 9,713 posts
Posted by rtraincollector on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 9:30 AM

Kevin thats why I gave up on Craftsman Cordless. I went thru more batteries than years I had it. I'm still on my orginal Batteries I got with the Portal Cable sets. 

Thanks for the birthday wishes all.

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 318 posts
Posted by robmcc on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 10:27 AM

Happy Birthday RT!

I still have to be loyal and stick with Ridgid (lifetime warranty on the batteries) and Husky. I've had even had good luck with my Ryobi tools. Great for the weekend warrior. I guess I better stop before Mr. Keller nabs me for advertising!! Big Smile

The switcher looks good, Bob.

 

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 2:24 PM

RT I had the same problem with Craftsman cordless power tools also. The replacement batteries were more than I paid for the tools. Also the chuck wore out on the drill. The DeWalt 18 volt tools I have now are holding up way longer.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 9:34 PM

Good evening all,

Got caught up on case reports.  Good day to walk.  Not many kids showed for soccer so I tried to do a mile "at speed".  Did one tenth in 60 seconds and it went downhill after that.  Should be quiet days next few days.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 11:31 PM

Knock on wood.  Had great service out of Craftsman portable tools and the new Lythium batteries.  Take them into the woods and all over the place.  Had one bad "super type" charger go bad.  Craftsman is now owned by Black and Decker. 

A lot of the Craftsman drill bits and etc. are made by Stanley [owned by B&D].

Work accomplished down east on the farms.  Used Craftsman portables there today. 

Have a good one. 

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,050 posts
Posted by fifedog on Thursday, February 2, 2017 6:15 AM

Mornin' boys.  Clearing and 37 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  It's been a decent winter thusfar, no matter what that little rat you-know-what's opinion might offer today.  Gonna prep the train room for painting.

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Thursday, February 2, 2017 7:00 AM

Off to watch a sick grand-son today.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Sunny So. Cal.
  • 3,784 posts
Posted by dbaker48 on Thursday, February 2, 2017 7:57 AM

Good Morning,

Woke early, thought a good time to catch up.

I have a couple of Dewalt, and they have been great, 3 years running.  Had issues with the Craftsman battery also, went through batteries too fast.  And it was very heavy.

Belated birthday wishes RT !!

Hope your grandson is better real soon Kev, no fun lookin after sick kids!

A few remaining issues with the Chicago jjob, hope to get it all resolved soon.  Got busy again this week, 2 previous layout jobs want me to come back.  The first one I initially declined, it is a shelf layout on an expensive Cherrywood cabinet, requiring a lot of tunneling of wire.  Too high risk.  The second one is for the Dr (Mark) that I did last year.  Wants to add a couple of tracks, some new accessories, reposition some accessories, and add some uncouplers.  Probably a couple weeks of work.  Started working on that yesterday.

Going to the Gem and Mineral show in Tucson, on Friday.  (Bob sent you a PM.)

 

Don

  • Member since
    January 2013
  • 993 posts
Posted by lion88roar on Thursday, February 2, 2017 8:29 AM

Mornin' Fellas

I wasn't talking about power tools Wink, I was referencing their screwdrivers, wrenches, ratchets, air tools, etc. I used to buy Black & Decker, but their quality has fallen (had a 1/2" driver drill that I used to drill a 1/4" hole into a poured cement foundation, I got that done, but when I went to use it another time it wouldn't even turn), then went to Craftsman but had a circular saw crap out on me, then went through 2 10" compound mitre saws that wouldn't hold square. Now it is all DeWalt for power tools, Delta or Rigid for bench tools (I would buy DeWalt but can't justify the extra $$$$$$ for something I use rarely). Love my new Rigid 10" sliding compound mitre saw, perfect angles every time! Need to unload my Delta 10" table saw as I need the space in the garage, want to get a Bosche contractors saw with a collapsable base.

Can't remember what else I was going to say... having a Fife moment. Surprise

https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: South Carolina
  • 9,713 posts
Posted by rtraincollector on Thursday, February 2, 2017 12:47 PM

V8Vega

A guy on the MR forum wants to know how to model a gon. load of manure.

Now instead of what consitutes crappy modeling we want to know how to model crap.

I have enough in trains to buy a new Accord coupe for cash. It always has sort of bothered me in the back of my mind. I started buying in 83 and have almost stopped now.

 

 

Dennis Ill be up in York in a couple of months I could goto Lancaster and get him fresh road apples for his gondola's Laugh

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Sandy Eggo
  • 5,608 posts
Posted by dougdagrump on Thursday, February 2, 2017 1:20 PM

rtraincollector
 
V8Vega

A guy on the MR forum wants to know how to model a gon. load of manure.

Now instead of what consitutes crappy modeling we want to know how to model crap.

I have enough in trains to buy a new Accord coupe for cash. It always has sort of bothered me in the back of my mind. I started buying in 83 and have almost stopped now.

 

 

 

 

Dennis Ill be up in York in a couple of months I could goto Lancaster and get him fresh road apples for his gondola's Laugh

 

Hhmmm, Does that qualify as a "shovel ready project"?  Whistling  Laugh

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

www.sd3r.org

Proud New Member Of The NRA

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Crystal Lake, IL
  • 8,059 posts
Posted by cnw1995 on Thursday, February 2, 2017 2:53 PM

Aloha. Coooooold today. Back to winter with a high of 20. Baking a cake just for the heck of it. I had all the fixings here and it gives me something to do while waiting for some things from others at work. Tonight I'm bringing the youngest to the high school to pick his classes - wow, can't believe that's happening this fall. I'm so old school - or probably just cheap - just have corded tools and hand tools. Nothing with a battery.

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Thursday, February 2, 2017 4:15 PM

Doug is right and the ground hog said 6 more weeks.

Back home, put in my 8 hours with Jordan, he is much better, thanks. Drove the 70 mile round trip. Cold, never got over 24 today, was 13 when I drove to Shorewood. Fireplace is lit and a beer is open. Beer

I got a lot of tools that are in great shape and over 40 years old. They don't wear out if you don't use them. Laugh I guess it is a streach to hope a battery tool to last ten years without battery problems. Just that ten years don't seem that long anymore. Wink

Doug I can't think of doing all the work I did helping to build my neighbors and our shed with tools with a cord. I think that once you use the battery tools you won't want to go back.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Thursday, February 2, 2017 4:56 PM

Like Doug I have corded tools, except for a small pistol grip driver I used mostly for track screws. I don't use power tools very often so keeping them charged was a pain.

S.J.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

  Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC)   - Detroit3railers-  Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Thursday, February 2, 2017 5:32 PM

If you had the old nicad  batteries, you had to discharge them completely or they would build "memory".  Frankie use to put a cable tie around the "triger" and run them down compltely.  New Craftsman charger will discharge them completely and then charge.  Also if you can clip on a small bulb, it will discharge them completely before recharging.  The new Lithum batteries will not build in "memory".

They will run and not slow down.  They will suddenly STOP without warning.  Then you recharge. 

Red Robin for dinner.

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 3,584 posts
Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Thursday, February 2, 2017 8:31 PM

Good evening from cool clear 26°F Southern Ohio, 

Just got home from the Jr High Game; boys lost 42 – 32.  It was not a pretty game.  Lots of mental mistakes.  Gabriel had only 4 points and 8 rebounds and got into foul trouble.   

It's been busy at work.  Getting close to completing the last two qualifications.  These last two had 230 signatures and I have 16 sigs to go, the final oral board.  My bride closed the rear hatch on something and broke out the rear window so that will need to get fixed. 

My cordless tools are the 18v DeWalt and they are so handy.  To discharge the battery I use the flashlight and let it drain the battery.  My corded tools are Porter Cable, Milwalkee, and DeWalt.  Lots of use on them. 

May God bless 

Jim 

  • Member since
    May 2007
  • From: Glendora, Calif.
  • 2,672 posts
Posted by SPMan on Thursday, February 2, 2017 8:49 PM

Good evening all,

What's with having to sign in everytime you want to post lately?  I don't remember having to do that every time.

I took another day just for me today.  Had a leisurely breakfast, went to the bank and did a little shopping at the grocery store.

Got my old 87 buick preped for the next rain due tomorrow I think. The cover leaked last time so I put a plastic sheeting underneath it.

V8 , you can appreciate this.  I'm having trouble with my lower partial.  It has cut a place on my gum because it was out of adjustment.  I got some ointment from the dentist but it is slow to heal.  Every time you have to eat, it gets aggrivated.

Ran some trains this afternoon and it was good therapy.  Need to do it more often.  I have one of those WBB GP30 diesels among my latest purchases.  It has a sound system which is OK but boring after a short time.  Trouble is, there is no switch to turn it off.

Going to see my wife tomorrow.  They have been doing a lot of remodeling at her facility.  They put in some new counters  then discovered they were the wrong height so they have to redo the whole thing.

Have a good night all,

Ray

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Thursday, February 2, 2017 9:31 PM

Good evening all,

Fairly good day at work.  Wasted 2 hours watching "La La Land".   One of the worst movies I ever sat through.  I cannot believe it has all those nominations for the Oscars.  Ugh!!!  The only positive aspect was the music.  The plot, the pacing, and the end were just lousy!   Weather is cold here.   I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Sunny So. Cal.
  • 3,784 posts
Posted by dbaker48 on Thursday, February 2, 2017 11:39 PM

Evening All,

Busy day!  Worked on Mark's layout, fixed a couple of signals that got broke while family was doing scenery.  Also have 4 switches (30 total) that are all of a sudden acting up.  Tough day trying to troubleshooting them.  They are set up for non-derailing and all of a sudden when they go to the curve position they are switching back to straight immediately.  The Ross switches have the small "spikes" right at the frog of the switch and sometimes the spikes will touch creating a short.  Not the problem this time.  Checked track for any other foreign material, no luck.  Checked wiring for any shorts, nothing.  In desperation removed and replaced switch motor, and one is now working.  Hate to do that for the two other ones as they are paired together, maybe one of them is bad causing both to respond incorrectly.  Will chase that down on Tuesday.  (Going to Tucson for the weekend, HOPEFULLY will be able to hook up with submmbob.  don't have his phone number.)

Then, have been trying to find a person who would put in 3 switches at the Chicago layout, (DZ1000's).  That has really been tough, noone that I can find does house call.  Finally found one guy from Indiana, he charges $85/hour.  Think I'm undercharging, need to move to the Chicago area, lots of work.  And the person I was working for thought I was overcharging, wait tell she finds out what it will cost for someone else.

Kay, took her Dad to the VA for a follow-up appointment, while she was there his blood pressure dropped to 80 over 50.  They immediately put him in ER, and did lots of tests.  Finally determined he was dehydrated, gave him a saline IV, feed him lunch, and ended up sending him home.  WHEW! A close call!  But, he is fine tonight and all is well.

Still planning on making a trip down to see Doug DG, but will probably be another week or so.  Too many irons in the fire the next week or so.

While I was in Chicago went for a visit to "Joe's" layout that was so impressive, I just want to share 1 picture.  (Don't feel it would be right to post more, probably shouldn't post t).

And, these are ALL Bobbers, and no duplicates.  Unbelievable, it took me years to find ONE!

Take care all and be safe!

 

Don

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month