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April ‘22 Coffee Pot. No fooling, we’ve been dishin’ it out for 18 years. Locked

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Posted by fifedog on Saturday, April 30, 2022 4:59 AM

Mornin' guys and gals. Cloudy and 32 in the Potomac Highlands. Getting ready to volunteer at our NRHS chapter table at the Allegany Fairgrounds (9-2) today. Need a sugar boost, so will stop at M&M Bakery. Dinner

Had a very good YORK. Picked up a huge armload of rolling stock, as well as some future gifts for the boys. Ran into Mitchie, Laz, Charlie, and got to chat with Hal Miller and Neil Schorr. Spent the night at my my buddy's house, then handed back for a more thorough look in the Orange (dealer) hall. I enjoyed my first Thursday foray, and will probably do that again in the future.

Hope to post pics of my booty in SPF. Pirate

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Posted by mitchelr on Thursday, April 28, 2022 9:03 PM

Good Evening All, 

It sure was great running into Fifedog and Laz, two longtime forum members at York today. We had a nice chat. No major purchases today. We strolled thru the Red, White and Orange halls. Tomorrow we'll hit Blue and Silver. Long day. Going to turn in soon. Hope to run into more Coffee Pot regulars tomorow. 

Take care,

Mitch

Bob Mitchell Gettysburg, PA TCA # 98-47956 LCCA# RM22839

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 7:39 AM

Mornin' guys and gals. Drizzle, but 60, along the Patterson Creek cut-off. The Mrs is watching youngest grandson all day, and I'll get her breakfast after while. Gotta help our NRHS chapter secretary pack up sale items for the train show this Saturday, at the Allegany Fairgrounds. That's why I'm attending YORK on Thursday (a first for Fifey). Still hope to run into some old friends, just the same.

Here's a pic of the "nursery", with our hillside covered with rows of creeping phlox. Trying to replace the old juniper bit-by-bit.

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Posted by Leverettrailfan on Monday, April 25, 2022 8:05 PM

Weather was pretty good today out here in Western MA. Unfortunately I think I've gotten hit by some spring allergies (hoping it's that, and not another cold). Something arrived in the mail for me, unfortunately it wasn't packed well at all and something important got broken. Sometimes I wonder what makes people think that a spartan packing job won't lead to trouble down the road.
I swear I'm still an O-gauger through and through, but I bought another small batch of Lionel HO that includes another locomotive. This time, I'm trying to record video of me working on the new loco- I was disappointed by the total lack of videos on the web that show how you work on postwar Lionel HO, so I'm going to have a shot at making my own and see how it turns out. With almost no replacement parts procurable, and no re-prints or scans of the Lionel HO service manual documents, you really are on your own. 

Spring break came and went for my brother and my mom (school teacher), and things are quieter around the house. Spring has meant a lot of work to do outside, I wrapped up pruning our fruit trees last week, so this week is probably going to be removing all the fallen branches and sticks so it's done before the lawn needs mowing. I'm sure there's no shortage of work for me to do.

-Ellie

"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, assume every train for sale requires servicing before use"

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Monday, April 25, 2022 2:07 PM

Fife, great stuff on SPF. As always great work, Northwoods, we got the same going on here but not as cold as you have it, cold just the same. Slow on here.

I managed to drive over the weekend. Felt good. Delivered the kids and dog back to their house and we spent some time with them and the newborn. George the cat is happy to have "HIS" house back. Walking is very slow going and not without plenty of pain. A lot of swelling after walking on it. Guess it is what it is, they say it can do this for up to a year? Tongue Tied Hope not.
Went today to get the second booster shot on my own. Went well, also picked up softner salt at Farm & Fleet. PT starts Wednesday morning. Sure would be nice if the weather broke this cool streak.
About all there is from here on The North Bluff above Marseilles.

 

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by fifedog on Monday, April 25, 2022 10:27 AM

Northwoods - Anxiously awaiting the next Blueboard Central.YesCool

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Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Monday, April 25, 2022 9:08 AM

Spring is having a difficult time making its way here to the Northland.  Lots of fog and rain over the weekend. Its interesting to see the fog roll in and out from the bay. Its 35 here this morning with a predicted high of 37 for the day. Most of the week we will be in the 30's and 40's.  We mght see some sunshine breaking through the clouds. fife, there is lots of boat traffic coming and going in the harbor.  There were at least 4 boats sitting out in the lake waiting to come in yesterday, and we've had a few salties arrive. I can hear the boats and the ariel lift bridge signaling each other.

I'm returning to painting the walls in the train room.  An electrician will  be making his appearance in the train room sometime in the next week or two to put up new lighting. Once those two projects are completed work on displays and the layout can begin.  Progress is slow.

Have a great day.

Northwoods Flyer

The Northwoods Flyer Collection

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Posted by fifedog on Monday, April 25, 2022 5:56 AM

Mornin' guys and gals. Partly sunny and 57 in the Potomac Highlands. Spent all day Saturday working on "the nursery". In particular, removing sections of juniper, and planting rows of creeping fox, all on a clay hillside. Labor intensive stuff, especially after application of brown mulch. I was whooped. FifMax was whooped just watching me. Sunday took it easy. Just mowed the lawn, and watched NASCAR. My 43 almost won.Broken Heart

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Posted by fifedog on Friday, April 22, 2022 7:59 AM

Mornin' guys and gals. 50 and gearing up to be a pur-dy day in the Potomac Highlands. Pretty sure Ms Kelly wants to do some shopping today, and I have a list of gardening items that need tending to.

Spent yesterday working on a "winter hut" for my civil war fort. Took an old Plasticville log cabin and selectively compressed (lopped off) the back walls. Then I painted it up using pics from area reserved cabins.  For a background structure, looks ok.  Need to get working on some red sedum trees. Will post on SPF or WPF, which ever starts first. Wink

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Posted by smokey1 on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 10:08 PM

KRM

Yeah, got down in the basement today and ran the trains!! No pile ups. Yes Down with the bad and up with the good 14 times gets it done! Big Smile

 

Thumbs Up  

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 8:38 PM

KRM
Yeah, got down in the basement today and ran the trains!!

Now THAT'S an achievement!  Truly, you must be well on the mend!  

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 7:35 PM

Yeah, got down in the basement today and ran the trains!! No pile ups. Yes Down with the bad and up with the good 14 times gets it done! Big Smile

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 9:54 AM

Good Morning (3rd attempt in 2 days to do this ----)

Off and running today, many work-related problems first thing this AM - work is recovering, slowly, but we are catching up.

Easter was a very low-key affair, made ham with a Rum based glaze, came out great, plenty of leftovers.

Not much on the train front, did get the news that the Princess and my future SIL are being stationed at NAS JAX, which is a Master Jet Airbase.  Was either that or NAS Oceana (I would have preferred that).  June 9th is when he is to report - and they aren't married yet, which presents some problems.  The wedding is scheduled for May 2023 in Jacksonville.  Not sure what the kids are doing, they may JP it and do the formal next year.

So, if I sell my house, it’ll be August of this year.  Still too many moving parts right now.  I'll probably start transitioning some stuff over here.  Clothes for sure.  Maybe the trains later

KRM - Congas on the grand daughter and the trip to the fridge - small victories will win the battle.

Fife - mine is like Ms. Kelly - gotta love those types of women.....lol

OK gotta get back, will check in when I can.

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


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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 7:19 AM

Mornin' guys and gals. Sunny and 32 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Frost overnight, but the hanging planters and flowerpots were in the garage anyway. Need to take down the Easter decor outside, and get the bees buzzing and hummingbirds (don't get ahead of me now...)

humming.

Did get the Ft Mulligan area covered with scenery, and will vacuum all the residuals today. Wifey came into the train room to see the new section, and saw my Bicentennial themed train on the main line. "You need more cars for that." I love her.

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 7:05 PM

Congratulations and well done Kevin!  

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Posted by smokey1 on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 6:27 PM

congratulation all the way around Kevin. Glad to hear you are back up and moving. 

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Posted by pennytrains on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 6:14 PM

Great news all around!  Big SmileThumbs Up

Big Smile  Same me, different spelling!  Big Smile

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 10:46 AM

KRM - Congrats to the Grandpa-to-be. AND, congrats on the beer fridge milestone. Man's got to have his priorities. BeerPirate

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 10:40 AM

Hi everyone, We also woke up yesterday to 1.5 of the white stuff. Gone by mid afternoon. Yes

Been busy, but,,,Good news Friday at the 7 week post op check up. Everything looked perfect and I started 1 week walking with the boot and walker then this Friday off with the boot and pitch the walker. PT 4 to 6 weeks once a week and I should be on my own.

Awful sore walking on this thing ( a little unsteady, wakening up things that have not moved in two months ) but a little at a time and I hope to get there. It is not going to be a cake walk for sure.

It is only 150' each way but I made it to the beer fridge in the shed and back Sunday with tennis shoes only. So things are looking up. I hope to start the stairs next week so I can get to the trains!

Daughter will bring Abrianna Faith into the world Friday so I hope to get into the hospital to welcome her into the world?

Prayers for all in need of them and never give up!

 

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 8:10 AM

Northwoods - Received the half foot of snohizo you sent us. Thanks. Fortunately, it was the "good" kind, that melted off the roads by morning. No kidding, it's vamoosed.CoolYeah

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Posted by pennytrains on Monday, April 18, 2022 7:38 PM

We got the northern edge with an alternating mix all day.  It finally moved east at sunset.

Big Smile  Same me, different spelling!  Big Smile

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Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Monday, April 18, 2022 4:36 PM

April 18

30 degrees 5 inches of snow and now blowing winds.  You have to love Spring storms.

Have a great day

Northwoods Flyer

The Northwoods Flyer Collection

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American Flyer Trains

"The Toy For the Boy"

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Posted by fifedog on Monday, April 18, 2022 1:40 PM

April 18, AAAAnnnnd snowing' like crazy in the Potomac Highlands. When I took youngest princess to college, a little wintry mix. On the way back through Sidling Hill, swear I passed the Donner party.Dinner

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Saturday, April 16, 2022 10:27 AM

Good Morning and Happy Easter fron Central NJ

65F now heading to 70F and cloudy

Doc appointment for Jenni went well, pizza at a local pizza joint and a little lawn work at La Villa M until until I ran out of both gas and sunlight.  Got the riding lawnmower running after dark. 

I work until 4, then will head out to get crickets and hay.  The little critters need to eat. 

Church at 8, we will leave at 7.  HOPE to get some lawn time in before, we'll see.  

Easter Dinner will just be Jenni and myself and the Princess at 7 PM.  Miss Mom alot, first Easter without her.

Prayers for all in need and a Happy Easter.

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


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Posted by fifedog on Saturday, April 16, 2022 5:24 AM

Mornin' guys and gals. Cloudy and 60 in the Potomac Highlands. Easter egg hunt at middle princess estate today. Will spend some time in train room working on new scenery.

Yesterday, went and picked up youngest princess from college, with stops at Hobby Lobby, Halfway, and Olive Garden. Before that, gave Fifedom its first lawn cut of '22.

Hope everyone has a pleasant weekend.

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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 5:26 AM

Mornin' guys and gals. Cloudy and 51 (might see 80) along the Patterson Creek cut-off. We will be watching youngest grandson this AM, then head to our local greenhouse for porch plants.

It was gorgeous yesterday, so Fifey sat on the deck and worked on his base Cool. Burgers on the grill for supper.BeerBeer

Received some Bicentennial items with flanges for birthday, and paired them up with my Bicentennial GG1 and caboose. Then held my breath as I ran them on the main line (pantographs down,of course), and it navigated just fine.

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Posted by pennytrains on Monday, April 11, 2022 6:09 PM

Leverettrailfan

 

 
pennytrains
I've always just used sandpaper, an Emory board or a metal file to remove gunk from battery terminals.

 


I bet some fine grit sandpaper glued to a popsicle stick would work well in absence of files or emery board, iirc my Lionel 1940 operating manual tells you to do something like this to polish the commutator of a locomotive. 

My go-to methods for battery terminal cleaning have often been simply scraping the corrosion off with a screwdriver. Usually I'm just trying to make a quick fix so I can see if the device is still working. I've been wanting to try the fiberglass pencil on some battery terminals since it's a lot easier to use in tight spaces than sandpaper and files- but I haven't had anything on the workbench since I got it that needs a battery terminal cleaning!

-Ellie

 

 

Yeah, if you can completely remove the terminals, or at least make them fully accessible if not disconnected, a carbon steel brush in a Dremel is a good way to go.

Big Smile  Same me, different spelling!  Big Smile

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Posted by fifedog on Monday, April 11, 2022 7:08 AM

Mornin' guys and gals. Sunny and 32 in the Potomac Highlands. It's peaceful once again in Fifedom, as grandsons were exchanged yesterday afternoon. Wifey and I celebrated with dinner at Olive Garden. Came home and put away all the toys scattered on the den floor. BTW, did get the Little Lionel engine working, after some diligent cleaning and sandpapering.

Older boy and I cut and installed some risers on the last remaining unsceniced section in the train room. Need to play with the heights of the buildings, particularly the winery.

Middle Princess taking us out for dinner tonight.Dinner

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Posted by Leverettrailfan on Saturday, April 9, 2022 10:45 PM

pennytrains
I've always just used sandpaper, an Emory board or a metal file to remove gunk from battery terminals.


I bet some fine grit sandpaper glued to a popsicle stick would work well in absence of files or emery board, iirc my Lionel 1940 operating manual tells you to do something like this to polish the commutator of a locomotive. 

My go-to methods for battery terminal cleaning have often been simply scraping the corrosion off with a screwdriver. Usually I'm just trying to make a quick fix so I can see if the device is still working. I've been wanting to try the fiberglass pencil on some battery terminals since it's a lot easier to use in tight spaces than sandpaper and files- but I haven't had anything on the workbench since I got it that needs a battery terminal cleaning!

-Ellie

"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, assume every train for sale requires servicing before use"

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