Trains.com

Happy New Years! May this year bring cheer and good news to you. The Coffee Shop is open for all. Locked

11860 views
343 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Sunday, January 27, 2019 9:52 PM

Good evening all,

Ran some trains today.  Old Marx set and a not so old DC set.   Nostalgia can be overrated at times.....  Weather good today.  Rainy tomorrow and then a deep freeze.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
  • 1,429 posts
Posted by MartyE on Monday, January 28, 2019 5:25 AM

Not a lot of repairs on Saturday.  A few easy ones.

We're supposed to get a blast of cold for a couple of days.  Hope everyone stays warm!

Trying to update my avatar since 2020 Laugh

MartyE and Kodi the Husky Dog! ( 3/31/90-9/28/04 ) www.MartyE.com My O Gauge Web Page and Home of Kodiak Junction!

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,026 posts
Posted by fifedog on Monday, January 28, 2019 6:26 AM

Mornin' boys.  Cold and clear along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  Heading into the office in a bit, then over to the yard to start installing pink light strings on the train for Romance on the Rails trains.  Hopefully I'll have help.

Spent the afternoon in the train room, sorting out the 21 buildings I'm trying to install in my trunkated version of Cumberland.  It's kind of like a 3D game of tetris.  I'm ready to start scenicing the layout to some degree.

Chief - Have you made any progress in the famous train box...?

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 3,584 posts
Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Monday, January 28, 2019 8:52 AM

 

Good Morning from a clear 29°F Southern Ohio,

 

It was a busy but refreshing weekend.  We made another batch of venison jerky and Sunday we took venison chili to a pot luck at church.  Both the jerky and chili was a hit.  I ordered the roadbed and it should be in by this coming Friday.  Looking forward to actual assembly of the layout.

 

Today is to get warm (mid 50’s) but by Wednesday it is to be COLD as in below Zero with a slight chance of snow.

 

Fife - Looking good in the conductor’s uniform

 

Rob - We do the same with the electronics.  At 10 pm all phones are to be docked in the kitchen.  If the phones don’t make it to the dock, they don’t get a phone the next day.

 

Chief - I too find the softwear here let’s say … challenging

 

Mike C - The old Marx are so easy, put them on the rails and they run!

 

May God bless you and your families

 

Jim

 

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2013
  • 993 posts
Posted by lion88roar on Monday, January 28, 2019 9:02 AM

Mornin' Fellas

Spent the weekend cleaning up the work room, getting things organized and sorted. I think we have a pretty good handle on what will be heading to storage. I decided to take most of the train stuff. I will not put any bins containing engines, set boxes, Legacy Sets, or boxes containing transformers. Gotta keep the electronics in climate control. I'm up to 4 bins of Christmas train stuff, and 19 for non-Christmas stuff... and that does not include the sets in boxes, transformers, command control stuff... lol.

The new Lionel Catalog is not very impressive. About the only thing I am interested in is the North Pole Central Lion Chief+ Berkshire... but at $500 that may be out of range...

Gotta run

https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,505 posts
Posted by KRM on Monday, January 28, 2019 9:51 AM

Morning,

Been plowing out from last night's 4" but at least it is 30 out there so I trimmed everything way back with the JD.

 They are sticking to the -21 to -24 for Tuesday night with no higher than -12 Wednesday then -24 at night with max of -2 Thursday and -13 at night again before it breaks 20 degrees on Friday. These are real temps not that windchill BS they love to scare people with. Going to shut down the water hydrant to the shed for a few days just to be safe. We have a pretty good ground cover of snow so that should help with the ground frost.

 

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • 1,979 posts
Posted by 8ntruck on Monday, January 28, 2019 12:21 PM

Low 30's and partly sunny today.  30MPH wind and the temperature is supposed to bottom out in the single digits tonight.  Was brisk, to say the least, while walking the dog this morning.

Looking through the new Lionel catalog.  A few items caught my eye: the Spy vs Spy car, the MKT caboose with the web cam, and the NYC heavyweight passenger train pulled by a Hudson.  The web cam feature on the caboose was interesting, but the MKT markings were the selling point.  I'll have to see how the finances develop in the next couple of months before making a decision on the NYC train.

Got word that the Polar Express gateman I ordered is on the way.

I noticed that my last post seems to have dissapeared.  Curious.

About all for now.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Hightstown, NJ
  • 2,886 posts
Posted by anjdevil2 on Monday, January 28, 2019 1:53 PM

Good Afternoon!!

Recap - Friday night helped a friend get more of her stuff moved around and boxed up and was more of a sympathetic ear than mover.  She had a friend come over just as I was leaving and she was better.

Saturday slept late, still fighting a cold, got a start on the laundry and ran to the Depot.  As for the FD layout board, got that cut and it's straight!!  Making plans to fetch it later in the week, visited (now) GF (don't ask, it's complicated) and was supposed to go out to a movie, but that got shelved until next weekend.  

Added 2 more shelves to the attic entrace for a total of 4 and have 2 more to install.  I can fit an engine, tender and a caboose on each and looks great.

Sunday GF had to work 2 to 4, baby sat the little Princess (she's 10) made a HD run and she was buried in her phone (ok, I get it, it's HD, not interesting for a 10 y/o), took a run to Micheal's (she very creative) and that got her out of her phone.  She wanted a Moosh (stuffed animal) and we shopped. 

Did see the metal buildings ar 80% off and ALMOST took the leap on the factory, but, as is, I have so much stuff right now, not sure where to place it all.  Coupons are the bomb, got 50% off EVERYTHING.  Ran to Friendly's for some Ice cream, by that time the GF was home, I fixed a few things around the house and headed to my house.  Had a date with my Princess, I was late, so we caught the 930 show of Bohemian Rhapsody.  Highly recommended!!  In between, I measured and cut the legs for the ex-FD table, so when I get that upstairs I can get this assembled and upright.  All I need now is the foam and glue it all down.  I'll most likely go over to the house and get the "foots" (the height adjusters) installed tonight.
I am using pink foam (it's very dense) and I did consider Homasote- it is locally produced-but I have had great success with the foam, so I'm sticking with what works for me. For the ping pong table, I'll need 2 sheets obviously, it's a foot short on each side....

Fife!!! Looking good, my friend!!!  Very awesome photo!!

I'll need to peruse the new catalog in person, there are a few items I may want, but need to see what exactly is available and go from there.   

Need to visit my LHS and see if my order came in for my "house" and place the order for the First Responder set (LC+).

Busy already and had a quick phone meeting with the boss and already on scan 10 (submitted a VW and soon a BMW - can't do those) and have 2 more after that so this is another busy day.

I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.
I am the venom in your skin  --- Breaking Benjamin


  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, January 28, 2019 2:01 PM

Quick pass through.  Since yuz giz up north want to share, you deserve it. Wink

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
    January 2013
  • 993 posts
Posted by lion88roar on Monday, January 28, 2019 3:24 PM

anjdevil2

Sunday GF had to work 2 to 4, baby sat the little Princess (she's 10) made a HD run and she was buried in her phone (ok, I get it, it's HD, not interesting for a 10 y/o), took a run to Micheal's (she very creative) and that got her out of her phone.  She wanted a Moosh (stuffed animal) and we shopped. 



A missing hyphen made this a fun read... How many GFs do you have bud? You refer to them by the day-of-the-week?

Just kidding! BowLaugh

https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Monday, January 28, 2019 8:41 PM

Good evening all,

A missing comma is bad, but a missing period could be worse (or better depending on the situation).  Work was busy but productive today.   Weather was good enough for an outside walk, but probably won't be this week.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Near Altoona Pa.
  • 1,896 posts
Posted by Banks on Monday, January 28, 2019 8:53 PM

Hello there,  

  Rich......how many times does this make??? Good progress on the layout.
Yesterday was busy. Mass, home for breakfast then back to church to count and deposit collection. A double whammy. Last weekend storm gave us extra envelopes and one team member had to work. 

Afterwards Mrs and I enjoyed dinner out, did some grocery shopping, visited Mom then home. By the time we got settled and made a pitza it was time to crash.

I did skim an article in CTT about a layout TW TRAINWORX was involved with. Maybe Roy can elaborate.


Today another B of B disk and house husband stuff.

Follow up with doc on Thursday. Hope some restrictions are lifted. Little bit of snohio and lots o cold predicted. We're thinking Mrs is going to miss at least 1 day of school . 


Best try to sleep


                                             
Prayers for those in need

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

  • Member since
    May 2007
  • From: Glendora, Calif.
  • 2,672 posts
Posted by SPMan on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 12:42 AM

Good evening guys, just checking in after a few days absense.  Haven't done much training this weekend but went to a Dixieland Jazz concert instead.  Heard a good band which is well known in the world of Dixieland.  My friend Larry who is retired from his band sat in with another band and really got a work out on the drums.  I finally got rid of my old 1987 Buick.  I donated it to a worthy cause.  Now my drive way is empty for the first time in years.  Went for a check up today with my primary doctor and got a good report from him but I still have some issues to be resolved by my gastrointerologist soon.  Just got word that a nephew of mine is out here in California on business and maybe we can get together with him.  He is from New Hampshire.  It's a rarity for me to get relatives out here.  They all live on the East Coast.  No more rain for a while but that last one was a good one.

Ray

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
  • 1,429 posts
Posted by MartyE on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 6:01 AM

Getting ready to hunker down for a few days.  The pups will miss their walks but I'd rather have them warn than trying to get around the block.  I feel for the folks even further north.

Work, work, and more work.  Gotta keep those 53' white boxes on the road.  We have many trucks in Atlanta for the game.  I really don't miss those days.  A lot of work, which I don't mind, but a lot of silly work, which I do.

Everybody stay warm.

Trying to update my avatar since 2020 Laugh

MartyE and Kodi the Husky Dog! ( 3/31/90-9/28/04 ) www.MartyE.com My O Gauge Web Page and Home of Kodiak Junction!

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,026 posts
Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 6:13 AM

anjdevil - Go back and buy that factory.  At that price, you will regret not getting it.  Paint it flat black, and place it somewhere along the front edge of the layout, running the tracks behind it.  

88 - Wise to keep the engines "warm" until the move.  I'm still unpacking freight cars.

SPMan - It's good to clear out surplus vehicles.

Banks - Take it easy.

Phish - Funny musing: I still was wearing my suit on the way home, and Wifey  told me to stop by the Dollar General.  The paper was still sitting on the counter, and the kid behind me started making the connection.  I said, "you might be front page news in the morning kid, but you will be picking up milk, bread, and pads that night".

Stay warm.

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 3,584 posts
Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 6:25 AM

 

Good Morning from a windy 24°F Southern Ohio,

 

It is just starting to spit a little snow, so travel is good, just cold.  We had a quiet evening, the youngest did well at her swim meet and is being bumped up to the “A” team (the fastest) for her races.  We’re really proud of her swimming ability.  She is the only freshman on the A team. 

 

The vendor of the foam road bed suggested attaching the track to the roadbed with clear latex caulk.  I’m finding clear silicon but not latex.  Do you think the clear silicon will work too?  I’ll contact the vendor for clarification.

 

Got to go.  May God bless you and your families

 

Jim

 

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,505 posts
Posted by KRM on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 8:23 AM

Hi guys, The fun starts today!

A balmy -1 now and if they are right it will be dropping all day to -22 by tomorrow at 9:00am then -13 for a high and dropping to -28 by 9:00am Thursday morning. Nuts.

BIL has NG baseboard water heat. We need to call and see how they are doing. He ain't the sharpest tool in the shed.

Good one Mike (.) Whistling

Stay safe out there!

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 Tuesday, January 29, 2019 9:04 AM

Checking in.

Cloudy and 12 degrees. Monday's 5 inches of snow has been cleared, now the sub zero temps approach. We have the oldest car in the garage but the Escape will have to sit in the driveway. I just won't try to start it till we get back to or near +.

S.J.

Silicone will work just fine, I would use some screws to hold the track down for 24 hours. After it sets you could remome the screws. The screws carry sound to the wood. Removing them will make it quieter.

"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
    July 2006
  • From: Hightstown, NJ
  • 2,886 posts
Posted by anjdevil2 on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 10:59 AM

Brent & MikeC - Yeah, ya caught me....and I try to pride myself on spelling and grammar....lol.....Mike, I'm hoping we are all done with the missing periods...lol!!!

Banks - Moth to flame situation, trust me, it's very complicated.

Fife - Nice on the newspaper.  Yeah, I'm really considering getting it.  I sat looking at it in my hands for like 5-10 minutes.......and I have a siding it would work on.

No layout work last night, ran to bed early, starting to get the crud (AGAIN!), so snapped out at 9, not before watching my NJ Devils POUND the Peguins 4-1 before slamming the eye lids shut (Final - 6 to 3 Devils).

Waiting for the Rain/Snow/Rain/Snow event....cuz no one knows what we are getting....until it's too late.....

 

 

I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.
I am the venom in your skin  --- Breaking Benjamin


  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 9:42 PM

Good evening all,

Should have been a good day, quiet day at work, got CTT and Lionel catalog....should have been.  Just unsettled.  Tomorrow could be a long day commute and weather wise.  Got to play indoor soccer with the high school kids again.   Wore me out.  I hope everyone has a good day....and stays warm.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 9:53 PM

Evening all!

Missed a day so behind. We got a freeze last night but not the predicted deep freeze. It's cold but not like Chi-Town! So we will not get a string of freezing days as the front skipped above us here.

Fife - nice, some dose of reality for the kid Smile, Wink & Grin

MikeC - hope for improvement tomorrow!

Regards, Roy

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,505 posts
Posted by KRM on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 7:44 AM

BURRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

 Just as they said,, -23 at 7:40AM, just when you want them to be wrong. Bang Head

Sure is easy to find where your house has air leaks on a day like this.

 Found a place between the top of foundation wall and plate that had gaps letting cold air in. So stuffed those up and so far so good. How did I find it? Frost on the floor. Whistling

Hope DougM is doing okay!

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,026 posts
Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 8:37 AM

Yowza!  Compared to some of yuz guyz in the upper-midwest, we're downright tropical in WV.

Captain

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Hightstown, NJ
  • 2,886 posts
Posted by anjdevil2 on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 9:05 AM

17F at 0700 this morning - all my doors were frozen, finally got the right rear door open and climbed through - on my way to work, all the lights and warnings were going off as the doors were thawing out.....supposed to get to a sub-tropical 33F later then nose dive to the 0s and single digits.

Fife - I neglicted to tell you, whilst at Michael's I picked up a couple of yard flamingos for my house on the layout in honor of you.....(One of MTHs decorated houses is almost an exact replica of my house), so when that goes up, they will be in the front yard...

 

I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.
I am the venom in your skin  --- Breaking Benjamin


  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 9:28 AM

28 was the low.  35 now.  Errands, eye exam and meeting today.  

Yuz giz stay warm.  Really feel for you.  

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
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 9:38 AM

Morning deep freezers!

Only 39 here and did not freeze last night. May get into 60's by the weekend.

Coldest I have experienced is Crested Butte CO. -40 nights/morning and -5/0 during the day with a stiff breeze. Could only ski a couple hours a day. So cold. Flew into Madison WI one late afternoon, admiring the lake. Next morning the lake was completely frozen over.

News noted Niagara Falls are freezing over.

Stay warm guys! Be careful out there! Time for another cup...

Regards, Roy

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
  • 1,429 posts
Posted by MartyE on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 2:09 PM

Getting colder today but not Illinois cold.  Down to -4 over night.

Going home and working out and then staying put.  Might play around with RR track.

 

Stay warm everyone!

Trying to update my avatar since 2020 Laugh

MartyE and Kodi the Husky Dog! ( 3/31/90-9/28/04 ) www.MartyE.com My O Gauge Web Page and Home of Kodiak Junction!

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 318 posts
Posted by robmcc on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 3:21 PM

Afternoon All,

This is unbelievable. We're expecting a windchill of -35 overnight. Hope DougM and Kev and the Illinois folks are doing okay. My wife said one news report was it was WARMER in Antartica than in Chicago!!

Having my dad over for supper tonight. He's still the "bachelor" while my mom is helping my sister with her recovery. Not much else going on considering outside.

I've been spending a lot of time train watching with Virtual Railfan. Too cold to do the real thing!! Nice to check out the different locations.

Marty - I've been fooling around a bit with RR-Track too. Still working on that dream layout!

Have a good one and prayers. Stay warm!!

Rob

 

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,505 posts
Posted by KRM on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 3:46 PM

Yup, it is cold! Heat wave right now at -10!!  

Walking to the shed is about as far as you want to go today. it is about 150 to 200 foot depending on if you walk a straight line or use the driveway. Went out through the snow to the septic field drain by the ravine and it seems to still be flowing, Thank God for that!

If we make it through the night (real temp of -28 if they are right) there is a good chance we will be okay. Friday it will break 0 and go up from there for 3 days. I am going to put adding some Great Stuff sealer between the basement top of wall and sill plate on my list of to do's when things warm up.

Fired up the Rusty Ranger to check the mail,,,,, to find out it is so darn cold they told the mail carriers to stay home. WTH is with that? Truck was sure stiff and did not want to move but got around to it after a minute or two of warm up.

DougM must of worked from home today because all rail line mass transit into and out of Chicago are shut down till Friday. I see it was real temp where he lives of -24 this morning!

Be safe guys!

Tonight's fun, now -16!

Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around -29. Wind chill values as low as -44. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday
Snow, mainly after 3pm. High near -1. Wind chill values as low as -44. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Thursday Night
Snow, mainly before midnight. Temperature rising to around 9 by 5am. Wind chill values as low as -15. East southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 24. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,026 posts
Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 7:37 PM

anjdevil - I saw those.  I'm honored.  I picked up the old time sofa, gold framed mirror, and mantle clock.  They look good in a pile on the Marx loading dock.  I also bought the pathways.

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