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

[wrmcclellan]

Morning all!

For once a day without endless mind numbing meetings. The bride and I are going for our weekly Friday lunch today.

The V-Day dinner did not go extremely well as our daughter showed up too late to eat and we had schedule a late dinner just so she could attend. It turns out she stopped at a store for extra V-Day stuff - not realizing that her mom would rather have her at dinner than having an extra card.

Cloudy and getting cold here. Light rain later today and heavier rain tomorrow. The good news is we do not have a soccer game tomorrow. First game is Tuesday evening. Will be warmer by then!

Doug - just terrible about those shootings in your area. Prayers for the victims and families.

Hope yuz giz have a great day!

[dwiemer]

Well, Not much going on today.  Valentines went well.  I know this is going to sound strange, but we ended up going to Waffle House for dinner as the kids were tired and we didn't want to wait.  It was nice, kids were happy and that allows SWMBO to be happy...... 

I have a second Georgia Power Lionel train set coming.  This is the one with the 1996 Olympic set.  I already have one, but the girl at work got one and she doesn't collect trains.

Brent, just a thought, but several manufacturers make a New York Susquehanna and Western boxcar in the "Susie Q" scheme.  It might be a nice surprise for the bride.  I have several and you can find them from Lionel, Weaver, Atlas, etc.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

God Bless,

dennis

[dbaker48]

Good Morning

Really sad regarding NIU, another unexplained, unreasonable attack.  Seems things just don't get better, just more violence.  A major funeral going onhere today, for a SWAT officer killed earlier this week.  Seems it gets harder and harder to find good news.

Ran trains for a bit last night, and did some DVD copying.  Running back and forth every 20 minutes.  Sure will be glad to get some switches wired on my layout, will make running trains that much more fun.  I still am amazed when I see all the functionality that exists in the trains today.  I picked up a MTH Mikado at York last year, and that engine STILL is my favorite.  Extremely versital, big sounds, and really looks great!

Busy day, need to get ready for a small electronic show tomorrow, only 1/2 day.  Will spend as much time in preparation as time spent in the show.  Oh well, its what needs to be done.  One of the great advantages of having your own business.

Sure sounds like a lot of complaining coming from here, don't mean too.  HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT DAY !! 

[kpolak]

Kurt - Where did you get the plywood you used for the curved corners on the christmas layout? I had some 1/8 stock that I salvaged from the bathroom vanity shipment but it won't bend worth a darn... Did you have to soak it or heat it to get it to bend? 

I found the 1/8" plywood at Fingerle's Hardware Store.  Large local lumber supplier here in Ann Arbor, $20 4'x8' sheet.

Didn't have to soak ot or heat it, worked it around by hand, and added brads as I went along.  I only had a 2' radius to cover.  Are you going with or against the grain?  I found it easier to bend if the grain ran in the direction of the bend.  Maybe try a hot iron without steam.  The moisture might affect the glue holding the plies.

Kurt

[sir james I]

Good Morning

Doug-send those teenagers here,we have leather whips and wooden chairs,we can handle them.

Kurt- I got your PM and will call if we go/get there during that  time.

We have ptly. sunny and 25 this morning,but a cold nite and Sat. forecast. My daughter did not have to be at work till after the school bus so my wife is home this morning. Seems like Saturday,but she has a nasty cold so extra rest will help I guess. Me I'm waiting and hopeing.

A safe day to all,,,Sir James

[cnw1995]

Morning all. NIU shootings are big news here because it is close by. Very sad: it happens again. Many friends raced over to pick up their kids. 

That big meeting of yesterday? I was 'window dressing', even in my tie - I spoke maybe twice for 15 seconds. LOL.

I am impressed with everyone's Valentines day plans. The bride was frantically busy all week - not her usual routine. So we showed up late for our dinner reservations, but had a nice leisurely meal. Then made it to mid-week church. Now, she's leaving in a few minutes for a weekend with friends in Iowa of all places The daughter has a dance and the middle boy is going to Michigan with 860 others for a jr. high church group weekend. Look out Sir James. So the youngest and I will be together the most. Today I have to watch a few of his friends too until their dads come home. Looking forward to lots of train time, as well as some serious track rearranging tonight and tomorrow night.

Mike, is Lucas a senior?

[Wes Whitmore]

Going to Valentine's day dinner tonight.  My parents are coming up to watch jack for the evening.  Taking a half-day at work, going to the movies, shopping, then then the comedy club for dinner.

I've been eyeing the K-line Circus series and giving strong thought to the 20% off deal at my LHS.  That makes the engine $64, which is about as cheap as it comes for O.  I just hope it isn't jackrabbit fast and has room to put TMCC in later.  Anyone run one?

Have a good day!

Wes

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is slightly warmer in SE Indiana with temps in the 30s.  A terrible day at Northern Illinois yesterday.  A daughter of a good friend of ours luckily avoided all the events by just a few minutes.  My thoughts and prayers go out to those who were not so fortunate.  I hope people are reconsidering their policies in the wake of this second major incident at a college campus. 

On a brighter note, my wife and I did enjoy Valentine's Day together as I had the day off for a variety of reasons.  We went to Appleby's Wednesday night, and Thursday we got the financial aid forms done for Lucas and did some shopping.  I had the usual fare for breakfast this morning.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[laz 57]

Mornin' Fellas.

 

Going to BARRYs train SHOP this after just to poke around to see whats new. 

When have you gone to Barry's and just looked? Probably come home with the Grey FEF, the Legacy Chessie GP-30 and some more 'scenery' for the young males on the layout!

 

BRENT you never know what I'll find?.

laz57

[Anonymous]

Mornin' Fellas.

Since I had all the power drops installed for the lower level I just had to power up a mainline so I could run some trains! A couple days ago I stopped at the Local Local Hobby Shop (there are two within 30 minutes of the house, and at least 8 within an hour) - but the closest is only 8 minutes or 6 miles away... any how I stopped in to see how things were going since I hadn't stopped in in about a year and half. (bad I know)

Anyhow I was browsing the shop since there was a older lady with her grandkids in the store. The kids were really loud so I couldn't hear what they were talking (screaming) about. Then I hear 'GRANDMA LOOK!!!!!!  HOGWARTS!!!!!!' She looks at the set and says to the owner, 'When I was a kid that set would have been $25.00' Shop owner says, 'Yes I know, but since then there has been a lot of inflation, and prices reflect that. All sets are 20% off. So the price would be $240 for that set.' 'I don't have that kind of money, who would spend that much?' Glad she was out of the store before I made my purchase! Which brings me to Laz...

Going to BARRYs train SHOP this after just to poke around to see whats new. 

When have you gone to Barry's and just looked? Probably come home with the Grey FEF, the Legacy Chessie GP-30 and some more 'scenery' for the young males on the layout!

As for my purchase... well it is getting harder and harder not to spoil the SPF surprise. One hint - I requested the afore mentioned Legacy Chessie GP-30 for my B-Day (really hoping I get this)...

Kurt - Where did you get the plywood you used for the curved corners on the christmas layout? I had some 1/8 stock that I salvaged from the bathroom vanity shipment but it won't bend worth a darn... Did you have to soak it or heat it to get it to bend?

I had a Eureka moment this morning and am now thinking of using plexiglass for the mountain sides so you can see the trains in the tunnel... Does plexiglass bend easily?

[kpolak]

Morning!

Sir James:  I responded to your PM.

Bride came home from training early, so we all went out for dinner!  Usually we're eating between 7:30-8:00pm... I need to feed the kids at 5:00, and then do 'family' dinner later.  Kids ate well, and there was no crying!  A first at a restaurant.  Molton chocolate ice cream cake for dessert!

We received an invitation to a wedding for my Bride's co-worker's daughter, in Mexico.  We'll see.  Good thing everyone has passports.  A certain Mayor may also need intervention with local authorities for wearing a thong...

Quiet day here...chores done a day early, so I can take the girls out for some fun.  Corned beef and cabbage for dinner.

Kurt

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cloudy 33 degrees. Going up to 38 today with cloudy skies.

Today is a busy day. I have a few chores to do around the house. Later this afternoon, I plan on running trains and working in he train room. We are suppose to have company tomorrow, for supper. Little 4 year old Nephew likes to see trains run. Should be fun.

Dining car has arrived and it's " All aboard " for breakfast. Later.

Y'all have a great Friday.

Chuck

[laz 57]

HI GIZ,

  24 and nice today, maybe rain this afternoon?  Going to BARRYs train SHOP this after just to poke around to see whats new. 

  Run trains tonite in DA laz CAVE.

  B good or B gone.

laz57

[mitchelr]

Morning Folks - A fresh pot is on. TGIF - no interviews tonight.  Lots of work for online class this weekend.

Have a great day.

Mitch 

[sir james I]

Its quiet here tonite....Good nite Chewy.....S.J.

Oh and peanut butter, both kinds.

[Brutus]

Butter pecan - yummy!

[sir james I]

GOOD EVENING TO ALL

Brutus I hope your mom is mending nicely. My wife brought home ice cream but I think she got butter pcon.sorry she didn't know that we need both. Of course we still have banilla.

Nothing exciting to talk about tonite except we all made it through the day,although our western friends have to wait a few more hours. hang in there a little longer. 

Kurt- I sent a PM to you. ...........       Sir James

[Brutus]

Hi guys - oh, it's Valentines Day already?  Dang!    Spent the day getting materials ready for a training class next week.  Lucky I was reading some of the instructions, 'cause it turned out one guy needs like an extra 50 hours of training.  Double lucky - I don't have to do that training, just this training!  Well, Happy Valentines to Miss Lisa, Misty and Newbie Lady and any other ladies in the auditorium.  Jim S-P, you sure have gotten a lot done, congrats!  Don Plenty of cookie cake left, guys - Nick left most of it, guess he wasn't hungry after he fought Chewy for the crumbs?  Doug, my tie has Pooh bear on it (no joke) - I had to buy a new one to do interviews with folks at work.  Sir James, sounds like you have had some good luck.  Everybody else, I read all the posts, but it's just too much to reply to all of them!  God bless us all!

[Blueberryhill RR]

It's kind of quiet on the coffee pot tonite. I wonder why??

Doug Murphy...I just read about the shooting at Northern Illinois U. That is a terrible shame. It seems to continue around the country.

Not much else new here.

[mitchelr]

Evening to all,

Glad to hear most of you guys have the Valentine's Day gifts taken care of.  I stopped and got the Mrs. a card and several of her favorite candy bars on my way home.  I also stopped and got a Starbucks gift card for our son.  It will be a little late, but better late than never.

No train time tonight, lots of work to do.  I am also taking an online class and have stuff to complete for that too. It never ends.

Have a great night.

Mitch 

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Evening all

Brent I am glad you have a good mouser.  Our cat will just sit at the stove and stare.  That is how we can tell when we have a mouse.  I do not think our cat would know what to do with a mouse if it ran into it

Got a card and had flowers sent to my bride at work for Valentines Day.  I will also “give” her a 913 Great Northern boxcar I got.  She is still crazy about Glacier National Park and it has “visit Glacier National Park” on the boxcar.  Shrewd huh?

 

Way to go Dennis, I hope my bride does not get any ideas as to what others are doing!

A diamond ring!!!! Oh my!

Well I worked in the garage some closing it up to make it warmer.  I took OSB and laid between the truss webs on the sides earlier.  For the opening that remained in the middle. I took furring strips and screwed them to the trusses ¾ inch down from the cord then cut OSB to slide like a drawer to close up the opening.  It closes it up pretty good but still allows easy access to the loft.

Need to go back to reading so I will check back later

May God bless

Jim

[dbaker48]

Regarding  "V" day, I DID send my wife an e-mail card.       Then she had free tickets to see a performance a the Community Playhouse for this evening.  OK, I'll go, I mean it is Valentines Day.    Then she said it WAS a long play, intermission AND a 5 minute "leg stretcher".  And didn't think I would enjoy it.   Soooooooo, I thought about it and she is right.  So since it is Valentines Day, I called her Mom and Dad, and they are going with her, and I'll have to stay at  home, (to dust trains, somebody's gotta do it).

[wrmcclellan]

Afternoon all!

Warming here with temps supposed to be 70 but I think just 65. Strong breeze from the south - might be kite flying weather. Supposed to cool off to 40's and rain for Friday and Saturday. Might make for good indoor train time.

Cleaned off more of the layout last night. Took off most modern and PW stuff and replaced it with my prewar tinplate. Cleared out the yard area and filled it with tinplate - looks good. Ran my 249E with a string of 800 boxcars and my Prewar Celebration 261E set for about an hour. Lots o' noise and fun. Those boxcars are heavy enough one gets just the right amount of wheel slip when trying to start up. As LAZ says - no pileups - but I did stay up too late.

Mitch - sorry about your uncle.

Don and Doug d' G - you should let those giz up nawth know you are freezing your you know whats off at 40 degrees. It just invites harsh commentary Sir JAmes is already a little snippy about the Chief being in tropical climes

Doug - a tie?? - must have been a very important meeting eh?

Hope the Chief is keeping hiz own self on the straight and narrow on that cruz.

Well - Valentines dinner out tonight - Texas Land & Cattle (of course). Cards are in place, flowers are staged. The only glitch is our daughter has to work tonight, so we are going to plan a desert at home for when she gets off.

Have a great evening all!

[dbaker48]

Doug  -  Your right!!   I'm frezzing my asp off here.  I went out and adjusted the thermostat, it will get warmer within the next day.  Tomorrow afternoon will be fine.  

 

Sorry.......  Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[dougdagrump]

Don, It's your fault by talking about the A/C, it is raining like along with lots of pea size hail and this dummy had to go out to clean a clogged downspout. The temp has dropped to 40*, so much for the Santa Ana we were supposed to get. Brrrrrrrr, I know it ain't much compred to what some of you have had but for mid-day in SoCal this is COLD.

[anjdevil2]

2 cards, 1 red rose and an inexpensive dining room set......

well...that's what she wanted.

[edw]

I got my bride some plantable flowers, Hiacinth, two dozen roses, two boxes of chocolates (Dove is her favorite), and a few cards, as well as proper presents for the kids and presents to Mom from the kids.....It made for a happy bride.

 

For my special someone, I sent roses, candy, and I even threw in a diamond ring!

We are talking about those virtual Valentines Day cards you send on the Internet, aren't we?

 

 

 

[dougdagrump]

Gee ! Thanks Dennis for setting the bar kinda high, have to make sure that the better half doesn't see that.

What a difference a day makes, better part of the past week 70's and 80's today is rainy and 40's brrrr. Still beats dealing with snohio though.

Sent off a couple of e-mails, one each to Lionel and MTH. For Lionel want to find out if there are any interchangeable motor trucks for a magnetraction GP7, need some with traction tires. For MTH I need some help on my Galloping Goose, after it was derailed by some museum visitor it has been locked into reverse and will not un-lock. I have tried every reset imaginable with no luck, even tried a re-set chip with no success. Oh well, they joys of our toys.

[Anonymous]

Dennis,
Looks like you spend a wad!

Had two dozen roses delivered to Susieq's place of business and taking her to her favorite restaurant on Saturday (it is 1 hour away and taking her tonight is out of the question because we wouldn't get home till after 11pm). We're dining in their newly renovated wine cellar.

[dwiemer]

Roger, when you mentioned Jesup, I of course thought you ment Jesup, GA.  Anyway, it is a good place to catch the trains.  If you go to Trains.com, I think they have a listing of train watching places.

Chief, have a great trip.

to the ladies here, Happy Valentine's Day.  Hopefully your husbands have prepared properly for you.  I got my bride some plantable flowers, Hiacinth, two dozen roses, two boxes of chocolates (Dove is her favorite), and a few cards, as well as proper presents for the kids and presents to Mom from the kids.....It made for a happy bride.

I hope to catch up on the rest of the threads here, but time is short.  We are heading to Atlanta tomorrow after I finish the morning cases.  Hope to get some train time in tonight as I won't get any over the weekend.

God Bless,

dennis