I feel like I haven't replied to the November Coffee pot, and I can't bother checking!Here's a few little updates:Last week a friend helped me recap some Lionel "Sound of Steam" boards. It fixed one of them, the others need more work, including replacing some failed transistors.Yesterday I had another go playing with a 1970s Moped that came off the side of the road a few months ago. A guy up the street fixed the engine (wonderful guy) but the electrics have some issues I need to work out- headlight won't come on bright, and the horn switch isn't doing anything. So far I've eliminated the bulb being the wrong voltage (should be 6v), but the horn is an interesting puzzle. I think I need to search up a wiring diagram, looking at it isn't telling me anything.Not much happened today, since the wind was howling and the rain was pouring down like crazy, but I got in a little train time once the rain let up and I could make it over to the workspace. Due to have some dinner with the family this evening- and celebrate a few birthdays. Probably will bring over a train for my grandfather to watch.-Ellie
"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, assume every train for sale requires servicing before use"
Have a safe trip home Spank!
Sorry.
Great to hear you made it home safe!
smokey1 And here is a video I watch every veterans day It brings the truth home In honor of our brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate price
And here is a video I watch every veterans day
It brings the truth home
In honor of our brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate price
It was there the other day
Evenin' guys and gal(s). Returned from Florida trip. Fifepup is a married man now. Experienced Amtrak's Auto Train, driving back and forth from Gulf to Atlantic, and Orlando traffic (woof). Even squeezed in a stop at Mario's on the way home. Will elaborate more tomorrow maybe.
Mornin' guys and gal(s). Sunny and 43 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Hey, took the wife to Daytona Beach on Tuesday. We had breakfast at the Cracker Barrel, right outside the speedway. Visited the museum/gift shop, but didn't buy a thing (which amazed her), then headed east to the ocean. Drove on the sand, and she got to dip her toes in the cold Atlantic. On Sunday we had driven to Venice FL, so she got to dip her toes in the not-as-cold Gulf. So we got bi-coastal, mainly due to having our Durango to get around in.
No sooner than we got home, the railroad summoned me to work all weekend. Oh well...
Off to the train show site later this morning to assist with the table set-up. Our showmaster needs the assist and as a rising star in the club (ME? How'd THAT happen?) I'm going to show up and supply some muscle. Not an easy job, those tables are HEAVY! The table rental people drop 'em off but that's all they do, the rest is up to us.
Next time you go to a show, give a thought as to how much effort goes into it, it's not as easy as you think! Not an agony* by any means, but a lot of sweat goes into it just the same.
* The ecstasy begins 9:00 Saturday morning!
fifedog Evenin' guys and gal(s). Returned from Florida trip. Fifepup is a married man now.
Evenin' guys and gal(s). Returned from Florida trip. Fifepup is a married man now.
Its good to have you back fife. I hope all went well with the wedding. Its usually much easier being the father of the groom than the father of the bride. I've followed the Pot for so long that I feel like I have watched your family grow up. Congratulations!
Northwoods Flyer
The Northwoods Flyer Collection
of
American Flyer Trains
"The Toy For the Boy"
Northwoods - Thank you kindly. Wedding went off without a hitch. It was held at Saxon Manor, near Brookville. Bride was gorgeous. The happy couple are honeymooning in Gatlinburg, TN.
DJSpankyThanksgiving is gonna be weird this year
Well that's a shame. It was certainly weird for us last year what with the pestilance and all, we couldn't do our yearly pilgrimage to my sister-in-law's place in PA and get together with her, her husband, and her delightful daughters. (My drinking buddies!) I didn't get to "make a raid" at Henning's Trains in Lansdale either.
This year, praise be, it's going to be different! The trip's on again! Pennsy in November, turkey, wine, the foliage, the chill in the air, the farmer's market where we spend too much, and train shopping!
Been nuts around here for the last two weeks or so.
Congratulations Fife, wishing the best for them!
After a party with a group of people on the 6th our daughter got sick on the 10th and it was the C-19 thing, (Iguess we can't mention) We were all at her revel party on the 7th. She has both shots but she got hers abut 8 months ago because she works in health care. Because she is 4.5 months preg they have given her 5 of the infusion treatments of the same stuff they gave the last pres I think. Then the youngest Jordan then got it. Both are doing much better but we had to lock down and wait 5 days to get tested last Saturday. We are ok on this end but staying away from others for now. Everyone has been tested and holding on just looking out for those around us. Been a rat race. Just glad she was vaxed or she could of ended up in the hospital or worse. She was having a hard time getting her breath and her blood ox was low along with the fever & cough so the stuff is real for us. Then Wed we had to take a He!! of a trip, 3.5 Hours to talk for 10 minutes to a doctor. Wifey had a leg vein burst and she was bleeding all over the place about 6 weeks ago, Because it is those veins the INS always think your trying to just look better so she needs to jump through hoops and try compression socks for two months then they can do the ultrasound and see where we can go from there. Freeking heath care! So we get to do it again in late Jan. Hope the weather is good that day.
Hope no one is ofended by this post, you just can't tell these days, can you?
Best get.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
Hang in there KRM. Don't let the b-@#/%^s get you down.
We are planning a rustic Thanksgiving this year. A couple three years back, we bought 20 acres of woods just outside of Bowling Green, Ky. with the intent of building there. The C-19 situation has kind of put a kink in our plans.
This year, I managed to spend a bit of time there, picking out a route for the driveway and a site for the first building. Did some clearing of underbrush at the building site and along the driveway route.
The Thanksgiving plan is to set up a camp site and cook the dinner outside. Might have to adjust the day this happens to match the weather. Hopefully, our kids will be able to join us there.
KRMHope no one is ofended by this post
Not offended at all KRM! Sometime you've just got to vent to someone, and that's why we're here. You'll alway find a sympathetic ear or two here, at least from me.
Best wishes for the wife! And stay strong sir!
Mornin' guy(s) and gal(s).... Sunny and 38 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Need to get truck state inspected, and oil change, before working the train this evening.
Thoughts on traveling on Amtrak's Auto Train this past week...
The drive to Lorton, VA took 2 1/2 hours, and was uneventful. Got there about 1245 hrs, turned up the drive, straight to the gatehouse, gave our names, to which the attendant handed us our boarding pass, and vehicle claim pamphlet. We grabbed our overnight bags, left the key fob, and the Durango was promptly loaded onto a waiting auto rack rail car, just 50 yards away.
Masks are required once you step inside the station and train. Checked in at the counter, handed a menu, was asked if we want to eat at 5, 6, or 7 (we chose 5), and instructed to board sleeper 5345 at 1430 hrs. Watched P42s 852 and 151 couple up to Train #53, and checked out rail traffic heading north and south on the old RF&P (CSX). Lorton Station was clean and modern looking, but could use more seating outside for those that want to breathe freely. As we were boarding, promptly at 1430 hours, the switch crew were busy shunting the 27 auto racks to an adjacent siding. Our roomette #3 was approximately 9x4, with 2 nice upholstered recliners, and clean (even the windows). Interior was blue, with independent airflow, several lights, and most important, a sliding door and drapes (so you can unmask when shut).
Eloy was our Porter, and checked in on us before our 1600 departure. We chose tortellini with chicken breast for meals, and just chilled until heading south. All the switching was done on our side (east), so that kept me interested. 53 left on time, and it was cool seeing VRE train sets passing by, and the sometimes startling meets with numerous CSX freights.
The Porter showed up with our dinners approximately 1700 hrs, and I tipped him $20 (thinking ahead...). The food, to my surprise, was very good, and filling. Our roomette had a pull out table, which tucks away in a panel under the windows. I had cheesecake, and Kelly had ice cream (single scoop), both tasty. Alcoholic beverages were available in the lounge car (which separated sleepers from coach class). Coffee station was in each car, and only 20 feet away from Fifey's chair. There were 4 restrooms (1 upper, 3 lower) as well as a shower stall in 5345.
As we passed over the James River (Richmond), at 1800 hrs, daylight ended, so unless there was lighted buildings or signals, not much to view. My buddy, Tom, actually watched our train rolling through Ashland via Virtual Railfan. We had 18 passenger cars and 27 auto racks, making our train an impressive 3/4 mile long.
Our Porter was very friendly, and whenever we needed something, he was on top of things. At 2130 hrs it was time to turn down the bunk beds. We opted to recline instead, and the pillows were sturdy, and baby blue blankets comfy.
Crew change was at Florence, SC, and we were on time, at approx. 0230 hrs. Then CSX held us for two hours for approaching traffic. So instead of an 0830 arrival, we were now looking at 1030. The trip was smooth throughout, and we enjoyed the traveling, especially when the sun came up. Breakfast was available in the Diner car, and there was plenty to eat. You simply picked what you wanted, and the attendants bagged it up and sent you back to your quarters (however, you could eat at a table is you so chose).
We had a medical emergency on-board, near Jacksonville, and the train rolled up to a street crossing, where a medic unit was awaiting to transport an elderly passenger. That maneuver, as well as a second crew change between JAX and ORL, gave us an 1130 arrival at Sanford station (3 hrs late). That didn't bother us. We walked to the lobby, and waited exactly 45 minutes until our number 063, was announced. I yelled out "BINGO", which got a collective chuckle from the others still waiting, as wifey cringed...
Our one-way sojourn cost $1100, and when you consider the rental car situation in Orlando presently, that was a bargain. Meals were included in the price (not so for coach class).
All-in-all, we gave the experience , and I would do it again, especially for a prolonged visit to FL. Every Amtrak employee was courteous and nice, and they get an A+ from us.
fifedog All-in-all, we gave the experience , and I would do it again, especially for a prolonged visit to FL. Every Amtrak employee was courteous and nice, and they get an A+ from us.
Evening fellasSorry my extended absence. I got logged out of the website (finally) and spent the next few weeks trying to log back in. Reset my password (and forgot it) 5 times... got 'upset' and stopped trying to get back on. Been working a lot lately and really enjoying the new job. Decided it was time to start venturing in to the office once per month and I'm really enjoying the trip down US340 from Frederick, MD to Berryville, VA, then a short jaunt down VA 7 to Winchester. The trip reminds me how much I enjoy the Harpers Ferry area.Been 'dealing' with a landscaper who redid our 'island'... she and her 'crew' (they look like the fellers from the Moonshing show (the 70+ year old characters). They started 10/2 and 'finished' yesterday... but they failed to clean-up and are due back Tuesday, if they don't show (or if I decide I have had enough - more likely) I will do it myself.Fife - the auto train trip sounds cool. TheQ and I have been thinking about doing that and the over-nighter sounds like the way to do it. The wedding sounds lovely.Taking the family to see The Nutcracker next Saturday, didn't think to check the theater's website so getting the C-19 requirements taken care of will be interesting. Have a trip to Cumberland planned for 12/18 to ride in the Vista Dome behind 1309 for the PE excursion. Kids are hoping to see Mr Fife (and Matthew promised not to get upset if Mr Fife gives TheQ a hug this time ).Priced out finishing the train room a couple weeks ago... the cost is now 3 times what it would have been this time 2 years ago. So will probably have to wait longer now. Definitely starting the new Christmas train garden after the new year.
https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/
88 - Mr. Fife no longer with WMSR. Now performing conductor duties in Romney, WV. However, if you guys head out to the Queen City early enough, you can do a drive-by at Fifeland (7 miles down 28). Local media reported that 1309 made a trip up to Frostburg this past week, so that's promising. Thanks for checking in, B.
KRM - Sounded like a fun tour of the southwest.
'Mornin'
Kev - Sorry about your trials and tribulations - pray that you and the family heal up soon. Can't say the C word - I might get banned, so you get my drift....
Good to see LionRoar - Thanks for checkin' in
Fife - THANK YOU for the review of the AutoTrain - it's gonna be one of those bucket list things - I have a year and a half to plan on the Princess' wedding in FLA USAso, that might be an avenue to take. We have a motorcycle carrier for the Hemi Magnum, wonder if that would be a problem or added cost. We are planning a week or so in JAX as that is where the wedding is.
Gargoyle lights are in and prototyped on the layout and they look good. RR Station module is up and lit, need a Hobby Lobby or Michaels run to finish it off. Fife, your circle around the Christmas Tower was genius and it looks great!! Once it's done, I'll post pictures (if they aren't too large for this site). THEN I can get to the Summer/Spring section
Off to work - I'm off next week for food prep for Thanksgiving....20 people !!!!
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
Kevin, so sorry to hear of that problem you had. ( shame we can't even say that word to say sorry you caught it) Glad you are back. I was starting to wonder where you were when didn't see you for a week+. I was starting to wonder if you said something by mistake and got booted. Glad your back and doing better, First ribs then this. Hope ribs are okay as I know a lot of coughing can aggravate them also.
Morning all.
Turned the heater on out in the shed for my wife's plants last night, may just leave it on till Thursday as days at below freezing till then.
Otherwise not much else going on.
Hope all have a good turkey day if I don't post by then.
Anjdevil - From Sanford Station, JAX is probably 75-90 minutes Northeast up 4 and 95. Too easy. But do roomette.
Yeah, definitely roomette - I've traveled that I4/I95 corridor many times.....thank goodness its FAR AWAY from I4 in Orlando....lol
Mornin' guys and gal(s). Overcast and 40 in the Potomac Highlands. Four North Pole Express trips in the book. Met a lot of nice folks. I'm off today, unless someone calls in sick. If not, I'm "reclinerizing"...
Still need to get in the train room and exorcise the Halloween items and pirate ships from the layout. May leave the night lighting up until after the holidays, as it's a hit with the family.
Well today is day 14 since the exposure and everyone has tested negative and all are feeling well and healthy. Was a heck of a scare.
Yes that trip to the southwest was a great trip. We were going to go to the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff but we woke up and there was a foot of fresh snow so that cut that out and we left the next day for home.
Had the cable people install all their latest and greatest stuff they had to replace the old modem/router set up that kept cutting out. Part of why I gave up trying to use the PC for a while. WOW way better and now I have full access Wi-Fi in the shed as well. This set is separate modem and router and has much better range. Also set the PC up to the wire for a faster signal.
SIL came out yesterday morning and sat in the stand. About 10:30 he got a nice 8 point buck. Banks would like this.
Still just waiting out this stuff but there is light in the end of the tunnel!
[Edited by admin. Bloody hunting photos are not appropriate for a family-oriented forum like this.]
Wow! Somebody's going to have some well-stocked freezers!
Venison for Thanksgiving?
Flintlock76 Wow! Somebody's going to have some well-stocked freezers! Venison for Thanksgiving?
Yes and no, it takes about 3 months to get the meat back from the locker. I am,, going to get six pounds of Venison sticks out of the deal.
Sunny and about 60 in mid Mo.today.
Getting ready for our tripto Ky. next week, we spent the afternoon pulling out, cleaning, testing, and loading selected camping equipment that we haven't used for over a decade. With the exception of the iron dutch ovens, fry pan, and sauce pan which are getting re-seasoned, all is in the truck ready to go tomorrow.
Only one of our sons will be able to meet is there for our wilderness Thanksgiving, though.
Absolutely horrible incident in Waukesha (Kalmbach hometown). for the victims, families, and community.
Hopefully, officials will provide some answers this morning.
Yes, I heard about that horrible attack this morning. Right now there's more questions than answers.
I don't know what else to say.
Update. I got a response to an e-mail I sent Roger Carp. Roger says as far as he knows no-one at Kalmbach was a victim in the assault. Thank God.
This is the latest.
https://www.newsmax.com/headline/christmas-parade-suv-driver-fleeing-crime/2021/11/22/id/1045646/
fifedog 88 - Mr. Fife no longer with WMSR. Now performing conductor duties in Romney, WV. However, if you guys head out to the Queen City early enough, you can do a drive-by at Fifeland (7 miles down 28). Local media reported that 1309 made a trip up to Frostburg this past week, so that's promising. Thanks for checking in, B. KRM - Sounded like a fun tour of the southwest.
lion88roar he wants to catch and release... no sense killing a fish to eat when we can go to the store and buy ones that are already dead
Well, yes and no. Take it from me no store bought trout tastes as good as one right out of the water. Not saying store bought fish is no good, far from it, but it's hard to beat out of the water and into the pan.
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