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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 Anonymous on Thursday, January 31, 2008 6:35 AM

Mornin' Fellas.

I decided to move the power drops to the other side of the layout (side where the command center will be - not sure why I didn't think of this before, but I was working on the far side of the layout and thought 'hey this would be a good place to put the command center, it is close to the power outlet, is out of the way, and will not restrict the walkway when you enter the room, and will not require the power lines to be as long'). After that was done I realized I didn't need all the power drops I was using so I now have enough to do the entire yard and get started on the second level. Thumbs Up [tup] Have to order 9 rotary switches today, 3 track switches, and some patience. Shock [:O] Also got the gingerbread for the first level to second level cut last night, tonight I have to install the risers, run power to it, and that will be ready. Looks like I need to get some ceiling tiles to start the sound deadening layer. What sucks is I have a lot of this stuff in Pittsburgh and I didn't pick it up when I was up there at the beginning of January because I didn't think I would be this far into the project... no plans to go back till July and family not coming down till March and they won't have enough room in their car to bring any, and it doesn't make sense to pay $100 in gas and tolls to drive all the way back to get it... oh well, that will just be used for scenic material.  Need to get the tiles down and the foam roadbed installed to I can figure out how much I have to shim the carpet padding under the mountains... then I can get the first section of the second level built. Hope to have that done by April York.

Chief - sounds like a nice TV. Susan is after me to sell my rear project 55" set so we can get a 61" DLP and an entertainment center for the family room.

Collin - post some pics of your basement redo. I like seeing how others have done their entertainment areas. I'll post a pic of what the previous owners had done in the basement. When you see it you will wonder 'Now why did they do THAT?!?!?!'

Brutus - Sounds like your are enjoying your 'training session' in FL... getting caught up on your reading and DVD watching I see. Wink [;)] Have fun with the family this weekend.

JohnF - Yes we need to get started on the York itinerary...

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Posted by dbaker48 on Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:21 AM

Good evening guys (know you are all asleep).  Had a good day, even though today was bill paying day, gotem done.  Spent some time in the train room, put 3 more switches on control panel.  Every little bit helps.

Had a train DVD playing while I was working on the CP, interesting stuff!  I think I will start another thread.  Here's the situation, this guy (same person that did the N gauge layout, who simulates actual train operation, and I created a thread on yesterday).  Anyway this guy RECOMMENDS, making a 3D model of his train room!  To scale none the less.  His idea is that you should do that BEFORE you do anything about a layout.  He did say however, that the layout portion of your 3D model didn't actually need to be detailed.  But you do need to make structures to represent your layout.  Also had scale people to see if there was adequate space.  UNBELIEVABLE, he has too much free time.

BTW Chief, think you got out of Washington just in time, there was an avalanche on one of the interstates up there today. 

Don

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Posted by njalb1 on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:44 PM

Hi to all !

  See your back Chief. Hope you had a good trip and your felling better !

  Al

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:34 PM
Jim F, glad you got to Dennis.  Now you see how great a SOUTHERN family is. Big Smile [:D]  Been reclinerizing after a bag of microwave popcorn.  Read some new CTT.  Always makes me sleepy. Whistling [:-^]Wink [;)]  Good night to all.

 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 Brutus on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 9:06 PM
I had an outstanding visit with Dennis. Really a nice guy and his wife and kids were just wonderful. He is really blessed! Then I got back to my room and called to say good night to my kids and my wife asked me if I got a good pic on my cell phone.  Uh, nope - comletely forgot, even though I told her I was going to do it when I talked to her earlier!  They had a happy hour at our hotel tonight and while I was waiting for Dennis and his family, a few of the guys from the training who were "happy" came out and filled me in on a lot of stuff.  Who needs gossip, when you have a grapevine of "happy" workers?  It's okay, though - I don't work in their offices, Confused [%-)]  This is one reason I don't mix alcohol and co-workers.  It's not a good thing.  Better to hang out and talk about toy trains!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 8:50 PM
Just got home from 2 hours of Physics followed by 3 hours of Calculus II. It is always a very long 5 hours. I'll have to finish taking the Christmas layout down this weekend.

Colin,

I just bought Burnout Paradise for the 360. Great game. The crashes and level of detail are amazing.
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 7:48 PM
 ChiefEagles wrote:
Got to run trains as they have been sitting almost a week now.


Better get them lubed up... sitting for a week... some proud owner you are! Wink [;)]
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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 7:11 PM
Panasonic 1080p 42" HD.  My SIL has the 42" Visio and loves it.  Good to hear from Lisa.  Busy day doing a deal for school land for Roseyville Middle School.  Got to run trains as they have been sitting almost a week now.  Got some things I am working on in the train line [upgrades and etc].  Going to try and get spare room painted.  Now wife is behind in her part of the deal.  Off to run trains for a while.  Later.

 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 Anonymous on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 6:57 PM

Just dropping in to say Hello.  Haven't had much time for the forum or trains lately but do read a few posts once in a while.  Hope everyone is well. Seems like everyone is being good.  Glad to see that. 

Looking forward to warmer weather so I can get back to my layout.  Had too much time away from it.  Hoping the break will give me a new perspective - kinda got lost in my direction.  The first layout was easy for me to see what I wanted to model but having a hard time with this one.

Take care!

Lisa

 

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Posted by rtraincollector on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 6:16 PM
csx is having problems getting on I told him maybe they didn't want him here anymore lol I also gave him a direct link in so maybe he'll be in

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

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Posted by tmcc man on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 5:13 PM

Good evening everyone,

Yes, I am alive and better than before. The knee is still not in the best shape, but there has been a vast improvement over these few weeks.

Chief, what TV did you buy? My dad and I re-did the basement this past weekend. We took my 42'' Vizio to the basement and bought a new unit, from which the TV hangs. We didn't want to hang it on the wall, so we just got a unit. I paid $950 total (including taxes). It has 2 HD component inputs, 2 HDMI inputs, a VGA input for my computer, a regular coaxial input, and a sound output. I love the TV, and since we got Verizon FiOS, I have my XBOX360 connected to the internet so I can play people live. I have to call Verizon tomorrow and order an HD box to take full advantage of the TV's features. (I'm glad you got home safe, too.)

I am very happy with my grades as of now. I think I may get second honors.

CSX, congrats on the weight dropping btw.

Have a good evening everyone.

Colin from prr.railfan.net
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Posted by cnw1995 on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 4:52 PM
Wow, it's 29 degrees at home and instead you're lounging by the pool - well done, Brutus!

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

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Posted by Brutus on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 4:06 PM
Hey guys - took a sandwich out to sit by the pool at lunch today and talk to some of my fellow trainees about work and such, nice visits.  They let us out about 1/2 hour early with maybe 300 pages to "skim", LOL.  Okay, thanks....  Left a message for Dennis and had some pretzels so should be good to go until they can come pick me up for dinner trip.  Oh, and my wife is bringing my CTT magazine with her and the kiddos on the flight tomorrow night, so I'll finally get to see it!  It was really nice out earlier, but a little hazy now?  Apparently they had their primary yesterday and there is a big headline that Hillary won on votes but gets no delegates for Dems?  How does that work?  Anyway, TTFN!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by jefelectric on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 3:40 PM

Good afternoon, We are getting the same wind and cold as are most of you.  A bit under the weather, got the bug that is going around.

Chief, Don't let that TV sit around to long before you install it.  The warranty will run out before you try it out.

Mailed my check for York badge today.  Closer to the time we will have to set up a meeting at the CTT booth.

sailorjon, It would take me more than 5 years to build a layout that size.  Mine is less than half that size and still isn't done after 7 years.  Sounds like the planing is done so you can jump right in. And Sign - Welcome [#welcome] to the pot.

John Fullerton Home of the BUBB&A  http://www.jeanandjohn.net/trains.html
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Posted by cnw1995 on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 3:37 PM

Afternoon all. Welcome Sailor! Great to be planning ahead. Sounds like a modular layout is the way to go.

Fierce storm last evening. Could barely open the door on the van in the teeth of the wind and snow. Fortunately, it started after being out in the station lot for 16 hrs. Wind is dying down now - bitterly cold though - 9 without the wind. Why am I living here, instead of in balmy Dallas, with Roy or San Diego with Don. Oh well - glad to be working from home today.
 

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

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Posted by switchme on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 2:36 PM

I'm planning my first large layout to go in my garage approx. 15x29 (large for me anyway) and plan having grades to one of three levels. I say this so that you understand it will not be just a flat board. I know that in about 5 years we will be retiring to N. Carolina so I have planned the layout so that it can be taken apart in sections. This will mean mountains and tunnels will have joints in the middle of them. I plan to handle this by having two pieces of 1/2" ply (cut of course to the contour of the mountain with cut outs for track), one on each side of the joint and wire connectors for all the wiring at each joint.

Has anyone else ever tried this or have any helpful ideas to assist me. I've been planning this for quite some time.......I have all the track, switches, buildings etc.......just haven't had the guts yet to start it.

I've even gone so far as to lay out the framing I would need in a 26' rental truck to fit all the sections in the truck so I don't think that will be a problem but.......as they say.....the best laid plans of men & mice......................

Thanks for any help.

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 1:18 PM

Wes,

        I have been looking around, and I think that anything larger than 32" would be too big for the space that I have.  The Vizio I've been looking at goes from $542 to $700 depending on the store.  I am not sure how much I will be able to get for my Probe, so that is also a factor.

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Posted by Wes Whitmore on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:03 PM
You can get the 42" Panasonic for $999 now.  The Superbowl would look great on it!  It lacks on some of the extra features, but makes up for it in picture quality.
Wes
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:02 AM
 ChiefEagles wrote:

 Bought a 42" flat screen HD TV yesterday.  Got to get it installed when wife sells big entertainment center.  Later. 

Chief,

           What brand did you buy?  I have my eye on a Vizio 32" LCD, but with my car payment now, I'll have to wait several months.  Right now, I am trying to decide what to do with my old car.  That may be my TV money!

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Posted by jmkk on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 10:38 AM

 Morning all. I think I finally have my sleep schedule back in order, just in time to mess it up this weekend. Florida was a ton of fun. Friday we hung out with our friends and went to dinner at a local Bar-B-Que joint. Sat I helped my buddy run some speaker wire then we went to Disney and then back to there house for some Beer and a steak dinner. Did beer's around the world Sun. at Epcot. Mischief [:-,] Almost had too much fun. Left the nice weather there for Brutus and  Dougie. Ithink I will head to the basement for some train time now

Jason

Jason   

 B&O  =  Best & Only

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 10:24 AM

Morning all!

Sunny and cold here - nice - 30's going to 50 or low 50's today.

Wife's fever broke - now it has turned into a stomach problem.

Fifer - We will see how my son's homework comes out. Told him if he did not get a good grade on it the PS2 gets sequestered for a few days. He has some study hall time today to finish it up.

Chief - glad you are feeling better and home safe - however - we know you use the LazY Susan RR everytime you eat Laugh [(-D]

Have a great day all!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by jmkk on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 10:09 AM
 lionroar88 wrote:



GregM - Keep forgetting to measure the drive wheels on the Allegheny (check out my thread concerning the engine).  As for the economic stimulus package, the Fed needs to just stay out of it and leave it alone, if they really want to help they would make the tax reductions from a couple years ago permanent - or better yet go to a flat rate sales tax (tax consumption, anything bought or sold - including stocks, drugs, adult services, anything) and eliminate income tax (tax on productivity).

 Brent- I measured the Dia. of the drive wheels on my K-Line Allegheny. They are 1.075" in dia. and there cir. is 3.377" I.D.. If you happen to find some let me know I need a spare set. If I find some I will let you Know.

 Jason

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 8:58 AM

Morning all.  Slept late.  Feel a lot better.  Time for grits.  Fife, is that is a link, did not work.  I guess the Lazy Susan RR goes in a tight circle.  [A lazy Susan is a round wheel like thing that goes in the middle of the table.  Put the food on it and you just spin it around and you do not have to pass the bowls.]

Mike is getting to be too healthy.  

Gas here is $2.87.

Sun is out.  Showers during the early morning hours.  Got to get upstairs to spare room.  Painting is in store.  Bought a 42" flat screen HD TV yesterday.  Got to get it installed when wife sells big entertainment center.  Later. 

 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 dbaker48 on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 8:57 AM

Good Morning !    Having a cool spell supposedly only go to get to low 60's today, and possible showers this weekend.

Got some more power drops done yesterday, sure helps a lot.  Getting feeling of real progress being made.  Neighbors had tree trimmer out also, they did a good job.  Cut some cypress trees that were about 30' down to about 14' and did a decent job shaping them.  Now we will have sunlight in yard.

Glad Chief made it home safely, only a few more guys out traveling around.

Got mouth mechanic appointment today, (he hates that reference) dentist.  Not looking forward to it at all!!!  I'm really disappointed, haven't been able to find an excuse not to go, ugh.

Political BS is ramping up here, lots of phone calls. Using that ###### (rapidly enter into phone, messes up the computer generating the automatic calls).

Received some DVD's yesterday, going to spend a lot of time checking them out. 

Mitch, et al, - Do they still  do the Kuder Preferrance Test in your area?   Trying to find something that may help son a little.



Have a great day !

Don

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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 8:06 AM
88 - Yeeeeeeeeep...we'll be looking thru the March 09 CTT and see The Magnificent Lazy Susan River Railroad (see how the author built this 8 x 15 masterpiece in just 10 months...)
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 7:47 AM
 fifedog wrote:

88 - 1 year, my butt....



Seriously... that is how long it will take to get to the town section of the layout. I want to get the track laid so I can run trains, and I still haven't determined how I am going to do the pop-out for the town as there is going to be quite a bit of weight on that area and I want to be able to work the pop-out myself.

I also have to acquire 90% of the buildings for the town as well, then set them up and see how they look.

Trust me. I have LOTS of other things to keep me busy on this beast! The mountains themselves are going to be a challenge, and I have to build a lasercut wood coal mine too (looking forward to that project).  So honestly the town is probably going to be the last thing that gets completed...
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Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 7:40 AM

GOOD MORNING

Its good to be here this morning, howling winds all nite and expected for all day. It sounds like a lot of us are having the same type of weather. 46 last nite, got up to 10 degrees this morning. I have no plans  at this time so maybe some trains  today. Everyone stay safe..S.J.

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

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Posted by Wes Whitmore on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 7:31 AM
 CSXect wrote:

 

 Cool Chipotle and trainsDinner [dinner] I used to eat there twice a week part of why I am on a dietBlack Eye [B)] My favorite combo is black beans, pinto beans,rice, peppers and onions, tomato, green chili sour cream and cheese and some lettuce

What, no meat???

hipotle is actually my diet food.  I eat it every day.  I've been there 29 times this month...a BOWL with double rice, no beans, half Chicken, half carnitas, cheese and a little lettuce.  I've lost 9 lbs since new years with no exercise.   I have a friend that I meet up with almost everyday that lost 50 lbs a couple of years ago, and has kept it off eating Chipotle.  Staying away from the sour cream and guac is the key, and not eating the chips or the 300 calorie tortilla shell.  But at $8 a day with the Iced Tea, it adds up.

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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 7:14 AM

Mornin' boys.  BLUSTERY...which may not be all bad (those Christmas decorations needed to come down next weekend anyway).

mitchie - Thanks for the fresh pot.  Does your school have a mascot name yet?  Something railroady,perhaps?

Manamanah - Now you need a mile marker on your railraod with No. VI.  (cool story)

Chief - keep your day job.  Keep - both - of -your - day jobs...Whistling [:-^]

88 - 1 year, my butt....

Roy - The children do this to help us accept our mortality, even more readily.Sigh [sigh]

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 7:02 AM

Whistling [:-^]Hey all

a quick check in b4 I run up to the main office for JAVA time....

Brent:Thumbs Up [tup] on the layout & Thumbs Up [tup] on the politcal observations...keep OUT Uncle Sam!!!!

CSXect..good job on the weight loss...

Laz..Pride don't hurt as much as bad back...good u r ok!

Brutus & Dougie..Have a great time downstate, lots of stuff to do there.  Too bad RaceRock is closed, it was right next to the train display & helicopter tour.

Rain in the AM, then cool @ 61 with a little sunshine later in the PM.  Still waiting for my 1666 parts to arrive.  Working at LHS on Saturday, my TMCC stuff should be in, then to look for a TMCC engine (yeah, like I need another engine..but it will be my FIRST TMCC engine...)

Lost the cord for my camera, waiting on the replacement, then I can post pics of the layout and Dad's Lionel stuff.  Some cool stuff, and maybe I'll have the 1666 up and running...first time in almost 30 years!!

Chief, glad yer home safe...wouldn't want you to be snow bound....Whistling [:-^]

Rich

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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