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2008 and the Coffee Pot is still on and over 3 years. Here we gather as friends with trains. Sweet ice tea too. Locked

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Posted by RockIsland52 on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 12:04 PM

Greg,

I'm glad to hear your wife is doing well.  Nothing is more important than your wife and your family, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  Nothing.  The rest can be replaced.  This job thing will one day seem to be just an unpleasant bump in the road.  You may even look back and say it was one of the best things that has ever happened to you.

Check your private messages from the Forum.

Jack

IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.

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Posted by johnandjulie13 on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:02 AM

Hello Greg:

My best to you and your wife.  I hope she is doing better and is on the road to recovery.  Please stay optimistic, you may yet find that you will be able to run trains again.

Take care,

John

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 8:56 AM
Doug,
If you use an adheasive the coupler will not be functional... have you considered using one of the couplers off a madison car? They are screw mounted to the frame and would make the front coupler functional.
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Posted by cnw1995 on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 8:48 AM

Morning all. Hang in there, Greg. Don't give up. Glad you're keeping a few trains. You can always get your favorites out again in different circumstances to run. Hope your bride is recovering swiftly...

Class finished last evening. Now I have to send out finals and get ready to grade everything. Then class begins again in 10 days. In the meantime, I am working on the Content Mgt. Sys. for my real job. Got my daughter some Euros for her (ridiculously expensive) trip to France... Gas here is 3.50. It'll be 4 by Memorial Day.

Any advice for an adhesive that would bond the hard plastic of a coupler to a metal frame?

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

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Posted by GregM on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 8:28 AM

Sorry for the confusion. I thought the meaning was a given.  I became unemployed as of yesterday after over 23 years.  It is a common situation in todays economy and at my age I am not real optimistic.  I am a pessimist by nature and it really wasn't a surprise, I knew it was just a matter of time.

As for the trains, I haven't actually run a train in over a year.  Christmas 2006 was the last time I had set up a circle of track under the tree.

Last September, the love of my life, my wife Karen had emergency heart bypass surgery (5 bypasses).  It was at that time that I pretty much decided I didn't care about the trains anymore.  I have aways said, if I ever had to choose between the trains and my wife, the trains would be gone in a heartbeat.

I have actually been sorting through the trains this morning, I want to keep no more than three trains and it is actually a little more difficult than I expected deciding which ones to keep.

If anyone wants anything in particular (Brent *smile*) send me an email at Greg4trains(at)neo.rr.com and I will let you know if I have it.

I have really enjoyed this forum and will stick around for a while.

Thanks,

 

*EDIT*  Karen has recovered very well and for that I am eternally grateful.

GregM
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Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 7:23 AM

GOOD MORNING,

I'm not sure about the temp. this morning,but I think it's about 34. One of our  little monsters is coming to spend some time with us,while his mom and brother go on a school field trip. I love my grandsons but love them more when they visit with a parent. Probably run some trains for him but the little ones have busy hands so have to keep an eye on them.

Buckeye, the best train store in the area is Wild Bill's in clinton twp.they have a web page but very rarely update it. All three rail  except for Lionels flyer and sometimes something used. We also have several hobby shops that discount,one that does not.   A good day to all,,S.J.

PS I too like this forum and do miss the posters who have strayed.

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

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 7:20 AM
 GregM wrote:

Well yesterday I became a statistic.

So it is time to reduce the accumulation of toys.  Look for a list of items for sale on the other site's buy/sell board. 



Greg,
Hope all is well medically. If it is job related, I'm certain something will come up. But since you just found out yesterday and have already decided to sell your trains... that doesn't bode well.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Posted by johnandjulie13 on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 7:16 AM
 GregM wrote:

Well yesterday I became a statistic.

That sounds ominous.  I hope all is well.

Regards,

John

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Posted by cheapclassics on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 7:06 AM

Good morning all,

IIABSDISEI with temps in the high 40s, near 50.  Should get the PT Cruiser back today and turn in the rental.  More dollars going bye-bye.  John Bakeer, that is a high price for a gallon of gasoline!  Greg M, I am not sure what you meant by being a "statistic", but it does not sound good if you have to sell your trains.  If it is a medical situation, I hope you can make a full recovery. 

I went to the YMCA and surprised myself with a better than expected track run.  I also got new license plates for all the vehicles (even more dollars going bye-bye, but I did not have to wait long in line).  Watched a little bit of James Taylor on PBS as well.  I got my second set of Halsam Brick Blocks yesterday.  The roof pieces and the tabs that hold the pieces together are both different than the first set.  Variations exist even in toys, not just trains!

I had a great breakfast this morning of bacon and biscuits and no grits on the dining car.  It is headed to "Points East".  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by GregM on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 6:37 AM

Well yesterday I became a statistic.

So it is time to reduce the accumulation of toys.  Look for a list of items for sale on the other site's buy/sell board. 

GregM
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 6:25 AM

Mornin' Fellas.

Another night another night with nothing accomplished on the layout. [tdown] I did check to see if the JB Weld held, worked like a charm! Thumbs Up [tup] Thanks for the recommendation. It even held up to a little corrective work with the hammer. Wink [;)] Didn't have time to paint them and forgot to grab one before I left for work, so I can't stop at the LHS to see about some plastruct detailing... will have to do that tomorrow.

Going to be in the HI 50's today so I have to get the leaves vacuumed that are around the garage and deck. Also need to finish painting the shed... yeah that project isn't completed yet... Wink [;)]

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Posted by John Bakeer on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 5:46 AM
I wish our gas was $3.45 a gallon , instead of $9.60 Road Rage Wotcha moaning about? No 





John Baker

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Posted by dbaker48 on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 10:33 PM

Hey guys !

Been away for awhile, been busy with work, and wife's birthday.  And, a little bit of train time.  Working on my switches, and finally have the Legacy system up and running.  So that's where I've been.  Notice a lot of stuff going on; generators, steaks, brakes & rotors, recipes, you name it.  Glad everyone is doing well, even with all the snow and bad weather.

I had let some details regarding the maintenance of our web site and data base get away from me, so it took a lot to get that all straightened around.  Then come home, and choice; Go on the Web, or Go play with the trains.  So obviously decided on the later.  Then too, I realized how much time spent in front of the screen and thought that, This isn't good!  So don't think I'm abandoning, just going to try and spread my time around. 

Sure don't know how some of you guys have such super layouts, the time required to get stuff done is really consuming!  But, sure do enjoy it!

Till later, Have a great day!!  Going to go see why my AC4400 thinks its a Trolley Car.

 

 

Don

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Posted by Brutus on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 10:19 PM
BARK - Chewy said Good Night!  Nice layout, 88 - keep up the good work!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 10:05 PM
Buckeye,
Did you see the redress on the O'Hare Spans? Check out my layout update thread...
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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 9:44 PM

Sir James...What is your favorite train store in the Detroit area?  Sometimes I'm known to enjoy the beauty of Detroit Michigan.

Long day with night meeting. 

Our new NS yard was supposed to open today in Columbus. 

Computer Geeks....Do any of you read Bill Husted in your local paper?  He had a great article in our Monday edition.

GAS at $3.45 per gallon.  Sad [:(] I thinking of becoming Amish and riding a horse to work.

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 Tuesday, March 11, 2008 9:37 PM

Evenin' boys.  Kinda quiet here on the Coffee Pot tonight.  Perhaps everyone is resting up for St Patty's Day.  Perhaps the Snohizoans are just plain exhausted from pushing all that snow.  Perhaps the tea is sweeter someplace else...  Me, I like it here.  Got the stool trained and fits my tookus just fine.  And even though the coffee can get a little stale (not when Mitchie makes it of course) from time to time, it's still my favorite "joint" to hang out.

G'nite Chief...left the light on for ya.

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Posted by sir james I on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 9:32 PM
and three of those rib eyes,icecreaam later.four if doug wants to come.

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

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Posted by Brutus on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 9:24 PM
Kurt, grab that soufle and I'll meet'cha at Sir James' house!  Go!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 9:05 PM

Brent ---- Thumbs Up [tup]

I'll get it on the table tomorrow.  Hope U R getting your reading done....

G' night boys....Devils get slammed 4-0, I'm exhausted after softball practice

Good thing 2 morrow is Wednesday --- halfway home....

Sigh [sigh]

 

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 sir james I on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 8:46 PM

Brutus,,,if your still around we still have banilla and peach. Its not easy to go in there and not buy. he always has something on close out. He still has the nascar sets$95.00 and add ons for $30. Nascar engine and caboose $60.,set cars $15 each,one of the docksiders $60., see what I mean. the Nascar engine has the two can motors and trainsounds,a good repaint canidate. tough to look away.,,,S.J.

Kurt you come too,

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

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Posted by kpolak on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 8:45 PM

MMmmmmmm!

Just finished making chicken scallopini for Bride, with Molton Chocolate Souffle for dessert! 

We buy beef tenderloins too!  We can usually find them on sale about $6/pound, and cut our own.  We wrap with Newski bacon.  Tastes like it just came out of the smoker.

I ate too much chocolate.

Kurt

One Souffle left...I'll leave it on the counter!  Fresh coffee too!

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Posted by Brutus on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 8:34 PM

Gotta hand it to you Sir James, I have a problem with train stores - they eat up my allowance!  I need a bunch more track though....  Nice in St. Louis today and supposed to be like 70 tomorrow?  Snow Saturday???  We'll see....  Rushed home so I could get online and say hi while folks were awake - see how that works for a change.  TTYL

Dinner [dinner]  Steak!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by sir james I on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 7:22 PM

EVENING ALL

Another sunny but cold 36 in Detroit area today..Went to my fav. train store for a couple of hours, it's tough being in there without wearing blinders. Need a lot of self control to keep any loose change in my pocket. That and breakfast with my train buddy was all of my morning and a bit of my afternoon. No trains rain at the house today,but they are waiting,,S.J.

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

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Posted by chicochip on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 7:14 PM

Fife,

Not to worry. It works for breakfast, too!

 

Chicochip

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Posted by johnandjulie13 on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 7:01 PM
 dougdagrump wrote:

Best cut of beef, toss up between a nice bacon wrap filet or a nice thick rib eye. Dinner [dinner] Best way to cook beef, medium rare without all the fancy flavorings just plain old salt and pepper. And just gotta have a big ol baked tater with lots of butter. oink-oink

Sign - Ditto [#ditto]

John

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Posted by dougdagrump on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 6:43 PM

Never clean a mushroom with water, they act like a sponge and soak up the water. Wipe them with a damp cloth to get any dirt and big crusties off. Saute in butter.

Best cut of beef, toss up between a nice bacon wrap filet or a nice thick rib eye. Dinner [dinner] Best way to cook beef, medium rare without all the fancy flavorings just plain old salt and pepper. And just gotta have a big ol baked tater with lots of butter. oink-oink

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 6:11 PM

phillyreading - I simply figured when Comcast tried to buy Disney, they certainly didn't need my monthly stipens any longer...

chicochip - I just finished dinner, but after reading your post, I'm kinda hungry all over again.

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Posted by jmkk on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 6:07 PM

  Brent - Filet, rare, 2 1/2" thick, wraped in bacon, fresh coarse blackpepper, sea salt and topped with homemade garlic butter. Side of garlic smashed redskin potato,s made with chicken stock, sour cream, butter, fresh chives and butter. I cut my own filet's from Beef tenderloin's. I did a short stint as a apprentice meat cutter before the store closed. Lucky for me, the butcher I was an apprentice for workes at the local butcher shop. Lets just say I get some great deals. 

 Well that was a well deserved rest I just had a 12 hour "nap". Bride just took the kids to go see a play her students are putting on. Ah piece and quiet. I think I will go runn the trains and then it will be time for work.

 Jason 

Jason   

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Posted by chicochip on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 5:50 PM

Filet Tips with Sautéed Mushrooms

 

This is my original recipe based on an entree once prepared at The Gallery restaurant in Orland, CA. Filet tips is a mild blend of good quality, tender beef pieces; sliced, fresh mushrooms; dry white wine; and butter. This dish is best accompanied by a baked potato and a fresh green vegetable. I prefer a steamed artichoke.

 

Ingredients

>One pound beef filet tip

>Sixteen fresh mushrooms (about the diameter of a fifty-cent-piece)

>Two tablespoons butter (margarine may be substituted)

>1/4 cup of dry white wine (an inexpensive Sauvignon Blanc will work well)

 

Preparation

> Slice the filet tip, across the short direction, into four small steaks about one inch thick.

> Thoroughly wash the mushrooms under running cold water, making certain to remove

   all soil and other foreign matter.

> Cut stems from mushrooms and discard.

> Lay the mushrooms flat side down and slice vertically - about five slices per mushroom.

 

The Easy Part

In a nine-inch skillet, equipped with a lid, melt the butter (or margarine) over medium heat. Once the butter is all-liquid, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet.  Gently stir and toss until all slices have been coated with melted butter. Continue to sauté in this manner for one minute. Add the 1/4 cup of wine and immediately cover the skillet. Remove the skillet from the burner. Set aside for one minute. Pour the mushrooms and wine/butter sauce into a small bowl and set aside. Return the skillet to the burner and bring the heat up to medium high. Just as the skillet begins to lightly smoke, toss in the sliced filets. Sear quickly on all sides. Note: searing means very quickly browning the outside of the meat - sealing in the moisture. Once the meat has been seared, reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Let the meat cook for about three minutes. Turn the meat over and cook another three minutes until done. Place the filets on a serving plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Return the skillet to the burner and turn the heat off. Pour the mushroom mixture into the skillet. Gently scrape and stir until the mushroom sauce mixes well with the residue from the meat. Pour the mushroom sauce over the filet tips and serve at once.

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