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May 2020 Coffee Pot. (16 years and counting) Let's see, last night's fried chicken, reheated pizza, tomatoes, and Rolaids to get your day started. Locked

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Posted by traindaddy1 on Sunday, May 31, 2020 7:15 PM

SadSo sad .. Yesterday, here in Orlando, great lift-off. Cheers!

Today, 10:00 pm curfew because of possible George Floyd protests.

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Posted by cheapclassics on Sunday, May 31, 2020 5:36 PM

Good evening all,

Home after visit with granddaughter.  Nice trip home.  Off work the next two days.  Glad of that.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Sunday, May 31, 2020 4:31 PM

Good to know RT, thanks!

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Posted by rtraincollector on Sunday, May 31, 2020 4:25 PM

Flintlock76

 

 

 
dougdagrump

 

 
Flintlock76

Yeah, if what I hear is true the modern flat-screen TV's aren't designed to be readily fixed, not like the old picture-tube types.  That's progress for you.

 

 

 

Kind of like some of our trains, heaven forbid you need replacement electronics after a very short time. How often have you gone looking for parts and it says "not available".  Bang Head  Grumpy

Throw it away and buy a new one. NoAngry    

 

 

 

Well, depending on what you want or are willing to give up, there is a work-around.

About a year ago, maybe a little longer, I bought a used ( I won't say what or who made it) locomotive that worked well for a few months, then died on me.  Not just died, but popped the circuit breaker on the transformer whenever I shot the juice to the track.  Oh brother.

"Well, I fixed copiers for thirty years, I should be able to figure this thing out!" I said to myself.  Long story short, I found a pinched wire that blew the board package!  I went to the manufacturer's website and found a replacment board package sold for $200, AND I had to send the old package back!  OK, maybe there's proprietary stuff on the boards they don't want anyone to know about, I get it.  I had other expenses at the time so had to wait to order, and when I checked again after several weeks I found the board package was no longer available!  Great, NOW what do I do?

I checked Dallee Electronics and found they had a drop-in board assembly that would restore conventional operation.  That's fine with me, I only run conventional anyway. What I lost was sound; no whistle, bell, "chuff-chuff" or anything else.  Again, no big deal, I installed a Williams "bell and whistle" sound package I had on hand in the tender.  Bell and whistle's all I need.

It cost me much less than $200 to get it going again too.

The engine runs just fine now, and no problems since.

So, if you've got a modern exotic and it dies on you, don't toss it, there is another way to go.

Honestly, with all the stuff they're packing in modern locomotives I think they're a little too smart for their own good!  

Or you can go ERR ( which I did when I fried a board ) Looked at Williams, they offered there bell and whistle with no control on the Whistle part for $109.95 ( yes I know most dealers you can get it about $80. ) but for $89.95 I got ERR sound board which gave me whistle control, engine sounds, crew talk, & tower coms. So to me worth the extra $10. I also picked up err AC/DC commander for $100 since I didn't have the sound I ended up paying for that but still I saved the engine. Also should you have a Lionel and the sound board is still good after frying the main board you don't have to worry about that, and I still was able to use my electrocouplers, ( yes MTH will work with Lionel/ERR boards.) 

 

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

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Sunday, May 31, 2020 4:07 PM

dougdagrump

 

 
Flintlock76

Yeah, if what I hear is true the modern flat-screen TV's aren't designed to be readily fixed, not like the old picture-tube types.  That's progress for you.

 

 

 

Kind of like some of our trains, heaven forbid you need replacement electronics after a very short time. How often have you gone looking for parts and it says "not available".  Bang Head  Grumpy

Throw it away and buy a new one. NoAngry    

 

Well, depending on what you want or are willing to give up, there is a work-around.

About a year ago, maybe a little longer, I bought a used ( I won't say what or who made it) locomotive that worked well for a few months, then died on me.  Not just died, but popped the circuit breaker on the transformer whenever I shot the juice to the track.  Oh brother.

"Well, I fixed copiers for thirty years, I should be able to figure this thing out!" I said to myself.  Long story short, I found a pinched wire that blew the board package!  I went to the manufacturer's website and found a replacment board package sold for $200, AND I had to send the old package back!  OK, maybe there's proprietary stuff on the boards they don't want anyone to know about, I get it.  I had other expenses at the time so had to wait to order, and when I checked again after several weeks I found the board package was no longer available!  Great, NOW what do I do?

I checked Dallee Electronics and found they had a drop-in board assembly that would restore conventional operation.  That's fine with me, I only run conventional anyway. What I lost was sound; no whistle, bell, "chuff-chuff" or anything else.  Again, no big deal, I installed a Williams "bell and whistle" sound package I had on hand in the tender.  Bell and whistle's all I need.

It cost me much less than $200 to get it going again too.

The engine runs just fine now, and no problems since.

So, if you've got a modern exotic and it dies on you, don't toss it, there is another way to go.

Honestly, with all the stuff they're packing in modern locomotives I think they're a little too smart for their own good!  

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Posted by dougdagrump on Sunday, May 31, 2020 3:17 PM

Flintlock76

Yeah, if what I hear is true the modern flat-screen TV's aren't designed to be readily fixed, not like the old picture-tube types.  That's progress for you.

 

Kind of like some of our trains, heaven forbid you need replacement electronics after a very short time. How often have you gone looking for parts and it says "not available".  Bang Head  Grumpy

Throw it away and buy a new one. NoAngry    

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Sunday, May 31, 2020 1:26 PM

Yeah, if what I hear is true the modern flat-screen TV's aren't designed to be readily fixed, not like the old picture-tube types.  That's progress for you.

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Sunday, May 31, 2020 12:19 PM

Morning/afternoon folks!

Sunny and warm!

Watched the SpaceX launch yesterday! Very cool! TV comentary was inept/inane...

I have watched the Sputnik, Echo I, Echo II, etc., satellites fly over at night, Mercury launches, Apollo launches, man on the moon, Space Shuttle tests, Shuttle being shuttled on the back of the 747, Shuttle launches/flights/landings, SpaceX landing a rocket stage vertically, and SpaceX launching astronauts...all very cool!

Dennis - I repaired my daughter/SIL's 55 in LG. The flickering is what their TV did and the most likely cause (as it was in theirs) is some LEDs failed (as apparently happens often on LG TVs - due to LG pumping a very high current/voltage to the LEDs, stressing them) or the LED power supply (part of the power supply board for the entire TV) has failed. Most manufacturers supply 80 - 115 VDC to the LED strips which reduces the cost of the power supply (only requires about 30-35 milliamperes at 100 VDC to power a series of strips). The repair is pretty easy if it is the power supply (about $60 on line). If it is an LED strip it gets harder. The strips are somewhat a pain to remove. Currently replacement LED strips are hard to get due to shutdowns in China due to Covid. Last year they were hard to get due to new tariffs put in place. These repairs at a shop will likely exceed half the cost of your TV when new, and there is a risk the repairs do not last. My advice is to buy a new TV, and make sure the place you buy it from will let you drop off the old one. They do get recycled for repair parts.

Regards, Roy

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Sunday, May 31, 2020 11:49 AM

Morning. 83 and sunny. Low humidity. Off to Frankie's for a meal.

Weak new Raleigh Mayor and her weak PD Chief let things get out of hand last night in Raleigh. Waited to long to take action. Same in Fayetteville. Durham perfect example of peaceful demonstrations.

Enjoy your week.

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

              

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Posted by sir james I on Sunday, May 31, 2020 9:23 AM

Yes much better. Thank you.

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

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Posted by fifedog on Sunday, May 31, 2020 9:04 AM

Better?

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Posted by sir james I on Sunday, May 31, 2020 8:56 AM

fife your choice of print colors are hard to read.

Sun at 45 degrees. House is a chilly 68. I had another at home hair cut as the barbers and hair salons are still force to remain closed. Heaven help us if Biden chooses her as a running mate. Remember the name WHITMER. No train news our club meets have been canceled and the summer outing one is in doubt.

CHIEF set your alarm for midnight.

S.J.

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

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Posted by fifedog on Sunday, May 31, 2020 7:45 AM

Mornin' boys (and girl).  Sunny and 55 in the Potomac Highlands.  Wifey and princesses going hiking up Helmstetters Curve in a while.  She loves the GAP trail through there.  

Middle Princess drove us up to visit Mom, yesterday.  Had a nice long visit.  I even fished a little, but it was kinda windy.  Not much open, restaurant-wise, in these parts, so we wound up at a local red-neck biker bar.  In my Nautica pink button down, khaki shorts, and docksiders, let's just say I felt like I showed up at the prom in a Halloween costume.  Service No, Food Yes, Ambiance Whistling.  And yes, the tattoo and ear piercing hurt.

Buckeye - We're probably several months from operating tourist trains again.  We may have a job opportunity for you, in the near future.  I'll email you.

rt - I have several spots on my layout that I have supplies sitting on, as well as my Z4000.  They shall be the last to be sceniced.

Banksie - I would like very much to attend a livestock sale, down in Moorefield, but I can never pin down a date when it's happening.  I don't like their website.  Not looking to buy, just want to go and watch, since I'll be modelling the South Branch Stockyard.

Chief - When opportunistic hooligans (NOT the peacefull protestors) KNOW the police won't interfere, that's when you get the scenes we're getting.  We learned nothing from R King, decades ago.  It has politics written all over it.  Would be curious to see how many out-of-town license plates are parked near these "flash-points".

 

 

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Posted by Banks on Saturday, May 30, 2020 10:49 PM

Hello there,

Started this a couple days ago.
Where'd the week go? Had a picnic with son's family Monday. Wings, onion rings, french fries, macaroni salad, brownies and lots of bike riding by the girls. Broke up early so son could go to the livestock auction. The 3rd week in a row there was none there that he wanted.


Tuesday Son planted all his corn, I added some junk from behind the garage to the trailer and took the roof remains to the scrap yard. Had 1300lb and got $4.00 a hundred. Later brought BIL and his sprayer here to spray my spruce trees with fungicide.


Wednesday he went to Belleville, in Amish country, an hour 15 trip. He got 2 bulls and a heifer. 1800lb for the 3 of them. Bigger than we like but the price was right, less time to feed them too. Yesterday had a follow up with urology doc. Lookn good come back in a year. Mrs and I got our hairs cut today, 1st time since January 31. Feels way better. I was looking like Larry from the 3 Stooges.

Mrs' little poodle looked like a mini black sheep. Got him groomed on Wednesday and found a lump the size of an egg on his hind leg. Took him to vet Friday, only animals allowed in building. Vet techs running back and forth with pets and payments. Lump is undetermined, got to call Monday and schedule removal.

Grass is past due for cutting. Decided to get the walk behind and use it. A shot of gas down the carb and it started on the 4th pull. Got better than half done and decided I was wupped.

Today I put the tiller on the Gravely. Did neighbor lady garden and started ours. Had planned to get our plants in but ended up digging crimper out of the shed and running it over the hay son cut before he had to go to work. When I finished I found the 2 littlest granddaughters helping Mrs plant flowers.. After they left ordered pizza, a shower and watched Mass online for tomorrow. Then a glass of wine

First hillclimb tomorrow, we'll see how the social distancing works out.

Best get to sleep

Prayers for those in need and the end of this pandemic.

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

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Posted by traindaddy1 on Saturday, May 30, 2020 8:32 PM

Dobry den: Zacal Buckeye nieco? Velly den tu v Orlande vidiet raketu ist hore. Dufam, ze ich misis pojde dubre.

Hello: Did Buckeye start something? Great day here in Orlando seeing the rocket go up. Hope their mission goes well.

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Posted by Penny Trains on Saturday, May 30, 2020 6:37 PM

Buckeye Riveter
when the tours will start again at the Age of Steam Roundhouse.

The latest I got from them was on May 18th:

COVID-19 Update from the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum
The Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum is waiting for guidelines from the State of Ohio on what will be required of us to open to the public for our 2020 tour season.
 
We want all of our stakeholders and potential visitors to know that the Museum will do everything it can to meet, and even exceed, these guidelines to insure that our staff, volunteers and visitors are as safe as we can possibly make them.
 
We are currently putting in place many of the safety and cleanliness requirements that we fully expect will be required of us to reopen. While your visit to the Roundhouse this summer may be different than it has been in the past, we fully expect that you will be able to fully enjoy your experience with us. Some of the potential changes may include:
 
  • All tickets for all tour timeslots must be purchased in advance. No walk-ins will be permitted.
  • Tour size will be strictly limited to numbers determined by the State of Ohio.
  • Visitors should wait in their vehicles or the parking lot until 10 minutes before tour time.
  • Visitors and staff must adhere to social distancing requirements as determined by the State of Ohio.
  • Museum staff will wear masks at all times when interacting with visitors; Visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings.
  • Public areas (gift shop, restrooms, etc.) will be cleaned and disinfected multiple times a day; a deep clean is performed once a week by an outside, professional cleaning service.
  • After the tour visitors should not reenter the Depot building unless there is a need to use the restroom facilities and that should be done one at a time.
 
The State of Ohio may require additional actions, but the above represent what we anticipate our 2020 visitors should expect. Once the State of Ohio releases its guidelines for museum reopening, we will notify all of our stakeholders and potential visitors via our email list, website, social media and press. As always, thank you for your interest and support and we look forward to seeing many of you this summer.
 
Noel B. Poirier, Executive Director
Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum

Trains, trains, wonderful trains.  The more you get, the more you toot!  Big Smile

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Saturday, May 30, 2020 2:18 PM

Afternoon folks!

Sunny. 80's. Nice. 

Slept very little last night due to alergy/sinus issues. Did not sleep well the previous night either. Waiting on the SpaceX launch in a few minutes. 

Regards, Roy

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Saturday, May 30, 2020 1:27 PM

rtraincollector
He was fired the next day. Arrested two days later. 

And rightfully so!  He's facing murder charges as we speak.

I did some checking on him, and I find he's had 18 Internal Affairs charges against him in the past.  The Minneapolis PD won't provide specifics, but one was closed with a serious reprimand.

Hence my wondering if he had "connections," that is, someone who got him on the job to begin with, and kept him on the job after it was obvious he was trouble.   Time will tell.  His connections won't help him now, that's for damn sure.

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Posted by rtraincollector on Saturday, May 30, 2020 12:59 PM

Flintlock76

I have to wonder if that idiot Minneapolis cop got on the job (and stayed on the job) because he had "connections."  Know what I mean?

I can tell you from experience no one hates a bad cop more than a good cop.  The bad ones just make life harder than it is for the good ones. 

He was fired the next day. Arrested two days later. 

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

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Saturday, May 30, 2020 10:03 AM

I have to wonder if that idiot Minneapolis cop got on the job (and stayed on the job) because he had "connections."  Know what I mean?

I can tell you from experience no one hates a bad cop more than a good cop.  The bad ones just make life harder than it is for the good ones. 

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Saturday, May 30, 2020 9:15 AM

83 and partly cloudy.  More rain guessed this afternoon.  Then fair for days.

Being lazy this AM.

Fifey, you are right.  Also, observe, lots of whites in the groups.  Me thinks being couped up has everyone on edge.

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       

              

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Posted by rtraincollector on Saturday, May 30, 2020 8:19 AM

Good Morning All


No plans for today, yesterday I moved some heavy items around in the train room and ended up making more room, or at least opening up the area some. I have this cabinet that is 3' wide, 2' deep, and 7' tall that was made out of 3/4" plywood. I also have a work bench 6' long, it was in a store of some type, as you can see where it use to have a big roll of brown paper or something like that. And lastly a upright freezer. 

Trying to clean/straighten up the train room, so it's easier to get around and the table isn't full of crap on it also. ( the front side of it ( about a 1 1/2' area of it. ) 

Hope all have a good weekend, 73* going to 87* today Later all. 

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

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Saturday, May 30, 2020 8:03 AM

 

58 and sunny on The North Bluff will hit 70 later, great weather for yard work so, like Don I spent the day yesterday cutting and weed waking everything but the south east corner. Good thing is I got in there three days ago before the last rain and made my mud tracks through the grass then. I am sore all over today. Dead

Today have to pick up a queen-sized bed from my uncle from his spare bed room. It is like new and never used but by the cat. Laugh He is moving back to Plainfield to be closer to my sister and will only have one bedroom. So, we are taking that bed to replace the one in the kids’ room here that we got from the free warehouse after the tornado in 1990. Surprise Wife will spray it down to kill off any cat bugs first.

 Fife, what bothers me is what they are doing in the twin cities IS not helping their cause at all. And they wonder why the police overact. But hey it is warm out so let’s go wild, huh? Angry

 Be safe out there.  Yes

 

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Saturday, May 30, 2020 8:00 AM

Fife...What are they telling you about the opening of your railroad? I'm awaiting word as to when the tours will start again at the Age of Steam Roundhouse.

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR

TCA 09-64284

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Posted by fifedog on Saturday, May 30, 2020 6:04 AM

Mornin' boys.  Clearing and 64 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  What a week.  Busted my tail at the railyard, visited with Mom, and had to deal with an on-going water problem with local PSD.  Zero time for anything else.  Caught the news out of Twin Cities=all this caused by 1 inexcusable move.

Sigh

Middle Princess going up to visit Mom today, which will surely brighten her up.  Mom was a middle princess, and they have this "connection".

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Posted by dbaker48 on Friday, May 29, 2020 8:48 PM

Good Evening,

Chief, What a great job you are doing!!  Thanks for all your work and concern!  Knowing how you are helping those people has to be very gratifying, you will live on with them forever!

Weather cooled down a bit, and was beautiful outside so spent most of the day working outside.  Trimmed back Sego Palm and cleaned  a couple of flower beds, and front lawns.  Place doesn't look to bad.

Finished watching the Nascar races that I recordered.  Enjoyed them.

Re Covid, Many stores are opening up again.  I haven't been in many maybe one or two.  But, halve to say the precautions and procedures that are in place is significant and appear that they may be effective.  My biggest concern is a 2nd wave, I'm sure is inevitable.  I was at the VA Hospital yesterday, it was really strange, very few people there patients or staff.  Most of the Clinics were closed and not expected to reopen until August.  (I had to have an eye injection.)  The only people they are seeing are emergency or critical situations.

As a wise man once told me, "If you don't have anything to say...Shut Up".  So best wishes for you all and stay safe!!  God Bless!

Don

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Friday, May 29, 2020 6:32 PM

I personally distributed 250 bags of produce today.  Begining to get releif as folks are helping me by taking over trailer parks for me.  We've had a lot of rain. Like inches.  More tomorrow.

R&R now.

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

              

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Friday, May 29, 2020 9:11 AM

Sounds like a chip off the old block Roy! Wink

Perfect weather today and the next few. Low to mid 70s with lot o sun. Cool

 Had a good time with the grand kids yesterday. I put a pile of gravel next to wifey's garage and the 6 yo boy needed no watching, just a few toy trucks and he was set for the day. Smile, Wink & Grin

Grass is growing so fast I can almost watch it. That will teach me to weed and feed! Laugh

Best get.

 

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Friday, May 29, 2020 9:02 AM

Morning folks!

A sunny day and me thinks summer has finally started. High 80's/maybe 90...and sun for the foreseeable future! The lawn is happy!

Son is turning into a gardener of sorts...rooting geranium cuttings, taking good plugs of grass from yard and planting in bare spots...planting/tending flowers in pots and two front (small) flower beds around front stoop. And doing the same at his GF's house.

Regards, Roy

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