Wow. It is almost the middle of February already. Where did January go?
I've been busy mentoring the local high school's FIRST Robitcs team. They are building this year's competition robot. Typical day for the last several weeks is work, home to walk the dog and have dinner with my wife, then off to the high school to work with the kids. I'm pretty wiped out when I get home.
This is a good program, as it gives the kids hands on experience in desigining ans building something from scratch. The teacher/coach of this endevor has the kids divided up into teams that work on different aspects of the robot. It has been fun watching the kids learn how communication and teamwork actually work.
The competitions start in a few weeks, so the flog is on to get the robot together and the bugs worked out of it.
I was in Akron a few weeks back, and had enough time to find and stop in the train store that is listed in the back of CTT. Interesting shop. He has some neat post war items there - he knows what he has, and they are priced accordingly. I did purchase the 1990's re-release version of the Minuteman boxcar with a cannon.
Fifi - I think it was you who mentioned that you had an aunt who taught in Lansing, Michigan. It is a sizeable school district, but there is a chance I might have had her as a teacher. How about sending a PM with her name?
Seems like there were a couple other comments I wanted to make, but I was so far behind, I really don't remember what they were.
Prayers for healing - both people and pets.
All for now.
Mornin' boys. Very blustery and 32 in the Potomac Highlands. Wifey would like me to get things rolling on the groundfloor, this week.
8ntruck - Can do.
Chief, I gained a pound-and-a-half just reading your post.
Morning guys,27 with heavy frost heading to 43, You guys out east have our wind from yesterday. Sunny and calm here.
Trip to the post office to send off the # 53 to Hudson John so he can replace the bent axle and wheel and then some bridge planning for the reverse loop before I go to Menards to pick up my new Alaska freight cars I ordered that will be there later in the week so I can get the material I need for the bridge there at the same time.
Not much else.
Have a fine day.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
Mornin' FellasFairly uneventful weekend... thank goodness. Christina lost her first tooth Saturday night, she was very excited and even more so when she woke Sunday morning to find the Toothfairy had left her a $5.00 bill and a $1.00 coin (gold colored). Told her not to expect the Toothfairy to leave that much for each tooth lost. She has had to show everyone her 'haul'. Love that little girl!Not much else in the works... ttyl.
https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/
Good evening all,
Good news is that all are ok. Bad news is the PT Cruiser is totalled. Something went wrong on the way home and I wound up in the catch fence along the inside of the median on the interstate. Was hoping that car would last another 4 years. That is not going to happen. We are exploring our options and we will see what we can do. Work was kind of frustrating as well. I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
Mike glad everyone is okay. The car can be replaced.
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
Mike C - wow! Glad you guys are all OK!
Spinkler system backflow valve replaced and no surprises. Inspections and sign off tomorrow.
Brent - sweet! Good times!
Dennis - I don't attend trains shows much anymore unless I have friends also attending.
Valentines cards - check!
Flowers - check!
Kids coming for dinner with cards - check!
Dinner plan - check!
Regards, Roy
A big mushy to ya boys. Sorry about the whisker burn . I was a bit of a turtle yesterday, even used FifeMax as a therapy dog.
Gonna try not to watch too much news today. I definitely need to replace MSN as my homepage...
cheapclassics - Glad you and yours are ok. Presidents' Day is a good time to buy.
Hey Tooth Fairy - I need to set in the Dentist's chair soon. How 'bout fronting me a few of those gold dubloons.
Morning crew. 41 degrees. Mid 50's today. Off to the Legislature. Got meeting with State Senator and buddy about local legislation for Town. Wiley the Yorkie is at vet to see if he has elongated pallet. ???
Shake and Bake and I started making plans for York this spring. Happy Valentines Day to all.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
Good morning,
May get a little warm today around 82 or 83 for a high. Thursday and Friday supposed to be cooler near 74 for a high.
All that rain in California is really terrible.
Hung a shelf for the wife today. Have not worked on layout for a couple of days.
I have a minor problem with a Gargraves 042 switch and that is one of the center rails is cut through on the top, almost cut all the way through, and I don't remeber cutting it with a dremel tool. The same switch and 3 others have issues with corrosion, so I may have to clean them with a small wire brush attachment in the dremel tool.
Lee Fritz
Mornin' Y'all.
Lots of lurkin' but not much posting. Just to pooped to post.
Happy Valentines Day, hopefully everyone remembered their significant other.
As Lee indicated Cali has really gotten the rain & snow this year, nothing on record compares to this year. The Oroville dam is in real trouble and there are three more significant storms coming in later this week. Sandy Eggo is only going to be on the southern edge of it and they are talking about the possibility of as much as a foot of rain over the the weekend in the local mountains.
Need to get up on the roof and check the gutters but the BetterHalf is really giving me the skunkeye. We shall see.
Dennis, I didn't go to the show in Pomona, heard it was good though. Might go to the GATS show this weekend in Del Mar, much closer and much smaller crowd.
Shake-N-Bake and Chief at York, there goes the neighborhood. Maybe one of these years I'll make it, Road Trip !!!!!!
Later all.
Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.
www.sd3r.org
Proud New Member Of The NRA
Good afternoon,
Mike, glad no one got hurt. Wonder if you would be better off in a self-driving car?? NOT!
The Oroville dam thing looks real bad! Sure hope it don't break.
Got two Lionel box cars NIB for $20.00 and that included the shipping. Both from late 90s and I am going to put the Toyfaire one into the paint shop.
SJ, I am going to get some of that X2 Rust-Olemun when I pivk up my Alaska cars from menards. Maybe tomorrow. I will let you know how it does on plastic.
Kevin I just got a email from Menards saying all Floor models are 30% of and you still get the rebate thing.
Busy day at work. Semi-quiet night at home. Starting to form a plan on how to replace vehicle. We may have more options than we thought. Will have to see what happens. I hope everyone has a good day.
Evening all!
40's and it rained all day, causing the sprinkler backflow valve inspection to be postponed. Muddy mess and it might take a couple of days to dry out.
Sunny and 60 tomorrow.
Mike - good luck and glad the car thing may come out better.
Dougnotta - good to see you post! Stay off the roof!
Chief and Don - true "grits"
8n - I was a FIRST robotics mentor for years at my kids HS, even after they graduated. Our team made it to finals one year. Great fun.
Good news on scooter carb. The Amazon seller is going to send the correct part. And said they did not want the random parts back. Too bad I have no idea what the parts are for. Someone elses order obviously. Just a few bushings, a plastic cover, a sprocket looking thing...
Valentines planning paid off. Everyone happy!
Wouldn't you know it, now that the weather has changed and the webcam lens isn't covered with snow/ice/rain drops there isn't any rail traffic.
http://tahoetopia.com/webcam/downtown-truckee
Overcast and 30 but no snow...
Kev hopefully plastic safe will have the colors you need.
Chief going to York, I will have to find my no grits badge.
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
Morning rain and 44 degrees. Much needed rain. Regional Transportation Committee this afternoon at 4. Wifey doing her Master Gardener's thing with the senior living home. They are starting seeds. Then will transplant them into food plot outside. Great project.
SJ, watchout for a grits raid.Have a good one.
Mornin' All.
8n, By any chance are you still in need of the Rudolph characters from the TV show for the Polar Express layout? Came across some in the back of the closet. If so message me your address and I'll send them on to you.
Got to get up and get a move on, blood work today and enhanced CT on friday for my first quarterly cancer screening.
I scored a Railbox Boxcar with Diesel Trainsounds that was listed as buy it now for $39.99 and $9.75 shipping. 4 people were watching it, WTH they are always better than $80 no matter what and this one looks un-used. The Alaska I have I gave $65 for it four years ago and thought I stole it then.
Waiting on wifey to get it in gear so we can grocery shop. Maybe do KFC for lunch.
SS payday, so,
Made the truck payment. I only have $1,300 to go and it is paid off!!
Doug DG, checked out your video cam when I got up this morning and it was dark there.
Good late morning from sunny 37°F Southern Ohio,
It has been a crazy busy week. I’ve been studying and I finished my last two qualifications yesterday and passed my oral board evaluations. It was 3 ½ hours of job related questions and answers testing job knowledge. I was brain dead by the time it was done, but got it done in one day. Usually this oral board is a two or three day ordeal. That makes a total of 6 job area qualifications completed in 10 months. I’ll shadow an experienced supervisor for a bit then I’ll be shadowed by another experienced supervisor before they turn me loose.
I did remember to pick up some roses and a card for my bride Monday night and left them on the table for her to see first thing Tuesday when she got up.
Kev – Love it when they are paid off!
Mike – Sorry to hear about the car; as said glad no one hurt.
Brent – when our girls and then with the grandkids when I played tooth fairy I had two identical 35mm film canisters and the tooth would go into the film canister under the pillow. After they went to sleep I’d go in and check on them I’d palm the other canister with some money inside and slip my hand under their pillow drop the money and retrieve the canister with the tooth. Never got caught, or at least I don’t think I got caught.
May God bless
Jim
On tooth fairy thing I remember once when I was little, I guess my parents couldn't find my tooth one night. I found the money and the tooth and told my mother and father I was going to put it under the pillow again and see if I get more. They where quick to cut that off saying the tooth fairy punishes those who try that by not giving them anything for the next two times.
Morning all not feeling well, have a stomach virus of some sort really tearing me up. Been rainy all morning with some thunder I think, don't think it was me.
Talk to you all later
High 50's today and sunny. Warmer tomorrow.
Sprinkler guys showed up and corrected the minor install issues. Waiting on backflow pressure test and city inspection/sign off. No rush as the rain yesterday took care of the lawn.
Phish - congrats! Been a long road on those certs.
RT - get well quick!
Kind of stupid day at work. Did sell some stamps tonight. It was money I did not have before so it is good. Wife feeling really puny as something hit her hard last night. Appears to be on the mend. I hope everyone has a good day.
Good Evening,
IF there were a "draft" file of posts, I'm sure I would have it full, for the number of times I start a post and fall asleep at the keyboard.
Congrats, Jim! That's a lot of hard work!
I know there is a lot of other stuff I should comment on, see if I can get a few things in without writing a book.
- Been working at Mark's place when I have time, he wants some Trolly tracks added to his layout. Which will mean a lot of rework, a number of new accessories to add, and then having some problems with the Z2500 switch motors. UGH!
- FIL fell last Wednesday evening, then MIL fell while trying to help him. Kay ended up at the ER room with her mother, while I took him to the VA ER room. He had a nasty bump on the head and numerous bruises, but pretty much OK. She got the worst of it with a broken pelvis, and very badly bruised hand. She can hardly get around. Kay has stayed with them since Wednesday. I forced a meeting with them, that they need to have someone helping them on a daily basis. Need to get some relief for Kay, she has a full time job + with them right now. I found some agencies (Visiting Angels), and a private company, for them to meet with. Visiting Angels meeting was today dont have any feedback yet. (This scenerio will be a real challenge I'm sure.)
- Its time for the Oscars again, so getting paper and ink ordered and delivered. Couple more days and that will be done.
- Last weekend I spent at the "Greatest Hobby Train Show", George called and asked if I would be willing to help set-up/tear down the LCCA booth. So did that and took a bunch of rolling stock for their layout. It was fun.
- With the forecasted rain coming on Friday, projected 2 to 4", (4-8" at the foothills, hope Dennis and Ray make it ok.) I cleaned out all the gutters, and got buckets lined up at the pool for draining. They are also talking about winds as high as 50 on Friday evening, so bringing plants into the shed for protection. I just hope the river channel behind our house doesn't overflow. That thing is at least 100' wide and 30' feet deep. It drains from the foothills to the ocean, so water accumulation will be major. I plan on being here on Friday to watch if it crests, don't know what I will do if it does, but at least I will be aware.
- Then tomorrow will check gutters and stuff at the in-laws to minimize impacts there.
- Oh did I mention had another tooth pulled this morning?
So everything is going just fine, and really glad I'm an optimist, so much looking forward to York. Don't plan on buying anything, just will enjoy walking thru, seeing everyone that is able to attend, and the Chief's "Box". May need to take some Cream of Wheat with me. I'm sure I still have some of those "NO GRITS" badges from before.
Thanks for listening and hope everyone stays safe and healthy. Also prayers for Banks' Mother.
Good night and God Bless (Oh Boy, Mac & Cheese for dinner, soft food. UGH)
(Doug DG, I still plan to coming down to see you, just as soon as I can get it worked in.)
Don
Bright sun with a high of 34. But NO snow. A very different winter from the norm. Just checkin in.
31 heading to mid 40s and sun. Heading into the 60s for the next week and 69 on Monday,,,,If they are right. Picked up some ribs yesterday just in case I need to light the grill.
Don, I hope you can get the help you need for the inlaws.
Morning all.
Started at a crisp, frost on the roof, 39 this morning (well when I got up anyway) and should hit low 60's?
Don - for the in-laws, you and Kay.
Work was an unmitigated headache today. Fortunately both pain one and pain two will be gone tomorrow and I got to listen to the Speedway historian, Donald Davidson, tonight at a local meeting. That was special. Weather getting warmer. I hope everyone has a good day.
Good morning from 30°F Southern Ohio,
Forecast calls for high 50's by noon. I'm off today and the kids are on the way to school, laundry started and the critters fed. I started waxing the truck last night, the roof and hood are done and the driver's side is ready to buff off. Having a garage allows you to spread the job out and on a crew cab dually that is a good thing as there is a lot of sheet metal.
I'm anxious to try out a new tool. It is a simple compound gauge (measures both vacuum and pressure) that will measure the fuel system pressure. After adding the lift pump on my truck the fuel system should be at a pressure instead of the vacuum the system normally operates at. I won't be able to get a baseline pressure on the condition of the fuel filters but it will tell me pump(s) functionality.
Don – I was talking to my daughter that lives in LA, and she is describing the rain you all are experiencing. Wow. I pray the channel is not breached, and Kay's parents are in my prayers too.
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