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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 Blueberryhill RR on Monday, February 18, 2008 6:22 PM
 jmkk wrote:

edw - I will keep this short. All you have to do is look at the U.S content (parts and labor)of a vehicle. 20-30% of Japanese vehicle parts are imported. Do you remember the Longshoreman strike a few years back and guesss who could not build any cars? It wasnt the (Big Three). The rest of the part content comes from North American facilities owned by Japanese supplier companies. The actual domestic content of transplant vehicles varies and ranges from about 20-55%. The types of jobs provided by transplants are also worth mentioning. As production and sales have grown, these companies have added mostly manufacturing and sales-oriented jobs in the states. Transplant operations tend to focus on assembly and stamping operations. Complex and engineering-intensive elements (high paying, highly-skilled jobs) of manufacturing tend to stay abroad. The (Big Three) have a domestic part content that varies and ranges from about 82-96%. Considering the big three have forcast of about 12 million, and the transplants have a forcast of about 6 million for 2008. Who do think provides more high paying jobs in the U.S. I wont get into the legacy cost, and how many people were able to retire with a good pension and or how many good paying jobs the Big Three provide. And no the transplants would not be paying what they do if it wasnt for the unions. Why do you think the majority are to the south in the right to work states.

 Sorry for the rant guys but this subject really struck a nerve with me.

 Welcome back chief glad they had wallpaper paste (grits) for you on the cruise.

 Jason

You are absolutely right. I could go on and on about the subject, but I won't. I retired from GM, and I get a good pension. I also buy GM.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by RockIsland52 on Monday, February 18, 2008 6:27 PM

 ChiefEagles wrote:
Read through the forum,  Nothing unusual happened while I was gone.  Same old Yankee BS.   

We folks in the Northeast wholeheartedly concur with you, Chief.  Every day we have to  open the sports section of the Boston Globe and read that same old Yankee BS.  This coming season isn't looking any better for them.  Glad the extradition process down in the Carribean moves quickly and you got back without delay.  Sign - Welcome [#welcome] back.

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 ChiefEagles on Monday, February 18, 2008 6:49 PM
 RockIsland52 wrote:

 ChiefEagles wrote:
Read through the forum,  Nothing unusual happened while I was gone.  Same old Yankee BS.   

We folks in the Northeast wholeheartedly concur with you, Chief.  Every day we have to  open the sports section of the Boston Globe and read that same old Yankee BS.  This coming season isn't looking any better for them.  Glad the extradition process down in the Carribean moves quickly and you got back without delay.  Sign - Welcome [#welcome] back.

Jack 

 

Thanks Jack.  Must be why so many on the cruise from up Nawth were talking about moving South and to NC. Laugh [(-D]  BTW: the Yankee ladies just love my Southern talk [make the wife mad Sigh [sigh]]. 

 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 sir james I on Monday, February 18, 2008 6:49 PM

Welcome home Chief

However no ship with any self respect would serve grits. It must have been The S.S.Hamburger Helper.

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

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Monday, February 18, 2008 6:56 PM
 sir james I wrote:

Welcome home Chief

However no ship with any self respect would serve grits. It must have been The S.S.Hamburger Helper.

Laugh [(-D]Laugh [(-D]Laugh [(-D] That was funny.........I wonder how Mrs. Chief enjoyed the cruise ??

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Monday, February 18, 2008 7:16 PM
A Boilermaker wins Daytona!!! Big Smile [:D]

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..

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Posted by magicman710 on Monday, February 18, 2008 7:18 PM
Did yall know that when I first called Chief I though I had the wrong number because he accent sounded so yankee? Laugh [(-D] Wink [;)] Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Monday, February 18, 2008 7:21 PM

 Buckeye Riveter wrote:
A Boilermaker wins Daytona!!! Big Smile [:D]

Did you just wake up???

Chief - welcome back! Of course everything is normal here. We sutherners kept these guys in check while you wuz gone! Wink [;)]

Regards, Roy

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Posted by Manamanah on Monday, February 18, 2008 7:23 PM
Hello.
Im back from a conference and finally had a chance catch up reading the forum. I did not take my laptop, knew I would be to busy. Turns out I ended up snowed in the hotel. There were some old friends of mine I haven't seen in months at the conference though and I had a great time with them. Wife already chewed my butt after checking the credit card statement. I see Chief took a trip down SOUTH, ha, it's all relative. Happy to read all seems well with everyone. Have a Good week,
Mike
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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Monday, February 18, 2008 7:28 PM
 wrmcclellan wrote:

 Buckeye Riveter wrote:
A Boilermaker wins Daytona!!! Big Smile [:D]

Did you just wake up???

Chief - welcome back! Of course everything is normal here. We sutherners kept these guys in check while you wuz gone! Wink [;)]

Since when is Northern Texas in the South?? It was annexed to the North because the South couldn't afford it.

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by cheapclassics on Monday, February 18, 2008 7:30 PM

Good evening all,

It was a mixture of weather in Indiana with sunshine and snow.  We had a family get-together yesterday, and I had a class all day on Saturday.  I took today off and basically took it easy.  I did go out to the YMCA and did a few odd jobs around the house.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

edw
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Posted by edw on Monday, February 18, 2008 8:37 PM

Jmkk, I don't really disagree with anything you have said. One of the points you make is that these foreign companies have added "mostly manufacturing and sales-oriented jobs in the states". How is that a bad thing? And yes, a higher percentage of domestic content would mean even more domestic jobs, but are we really going to turn our noses up at those 35,000 jobs that do exist?

Yes, the golden years for the U.S. auto workers in the fifties and sixties were great, but unfortunately, we both know they aren't coming back. And it's not just the UAW that has taken a hit. Very few U.S. companies, in any industry, offer the same retirement and health insurance benefits that they once did 30 years ago. The challenge we face is making things better in the present.  

Look, I have been a union member for most of my working life, and I drive a Ford Taurus, and I wish everything we consumed was made here in the United States. But, all things considered, I'd rather have those 35,000 Toyota jobs, than not.

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Monday, February 18, 2008 8:52 PM

Hey Chief, welcome back.......!!!

Dr John...You ok?

As far as the car thing goes.  If you hear me rant on occasion, you will know my passions are trains, NJ Devils hockey, NY Yankees & NY/NJ Football Giants.  You'll also know that I am a fan of the MOPAR persuasion.  I was upset and mad when we were bought out by Benz.  I was ecstatic when  Chrysler LLC was born.  The new Challenger is part Benz technology, all American in idea and built in Canada (Northern Americans...Whistling [:-^]).  Yes globalization is what it is.  The only reason the foreign companies are here is because it is cheaper to build here than to ship it here.  I have worked for Acura, Benz, KIA & Toyota (and Toyota quality is a farce..long story/another day).  I know what I speak about.  American quality is alive & well.  Consumers are blind to what is really going on.  American companies are still Ford GM & Chrysler.  AMC is coming online April 1.  The big 3 1/2.  Chrysler is AMERICAN owned. PRIVATLY!!!

Did anyone catch the irony in the 500?  Bob Nardelli of Chrysler gave the winning Dodge team $1 million.  The Irony?  Nardelli used to run......Home Depot!!!!Banged Head [banghead]

Hey Tony...salt in the wound?

Sorry for the rant...Sign - Oops [#oops]Whistling [:-^]

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 CSXect on Monday, February 18, 2008 8:56 PM
 edw wrote:

 

Look, I have been a union member for most of my working life, and I drive a Ford Taurus, and I wish everything we consumed was made here in the United States. But, all things considered, I'd rather have those 35,000 Toyota jobs, than not.

Here in Ohio we have the Honda plant and is a great place to work from what I hear and along with Honda are several small companies that support(make parts for for foriegn and domestic cars)  and other auto makers a few of which are Tigerpoly, Hirschvogale, and TS-trim moved here to save on shipping and handeling of parts. I am glad that they chose to invest in this country but it still is not quite the same as having a ture American owned and operated businessSad [:(] We are in a Global economy and have to rethink the way business is ran and how to best find our niche in the economy. When China ups the cost of manufacturing business will look else where for cheap labour and sometime down the road it may come back to us and I hope we will be ready with educated and skilled workers to reclaim our place as an economic leader.

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, February 18, 2008 9:38 PM

I think I'll just stay out of this debate...

Glad to see you survived the cruise Chief... how long are you going to be shacked up in the dog house?

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Posted by Brutus on Monday, February 18, 2008 10:04 PM
1st Boyscout meeting. They want to go camping this weekend, but it's supposed to snow Thursday/Friday, so we would need a bunch of extra gear we don't own yet.  Oh well, plenty of chips and rootbeer guys, see ya later?

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by rtraincollector on Monday, February 18, 2008 10:05 PM
 lionroar88 wrote:

I think I'll just stay out of this debate...

Glad to see you survived the cruise Chief... how long are you going to be shacked up in the dog house?

 

Sign - Ditto [#ditto]Sign - Ditto [#ditto]

Welcome home chief. Bet the pooch is glad to see you 2 . Tongue [:P]

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

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Monday, February 18, 2008 10:37 PM
 Blueberryhill RR wrote:
 wrmcclellan wrote:

 Buckeye Riveter wrote:
A Boilermaker wins Daytona!!! Big Smile [:D]

Did you just wake up???

Chief - welcome back! Of course everything is normal here. We sutherners kept these guys in check while you wuz gone! Wink [;)]

Since when is Northern Texas in the South?? It was annexed to the North because the South couldn't afford it.

LOL Chuck - so where is my OTTS certificate?

Regards, Roy

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 6:35 AM

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cold and snowy 24 degrees. Going up to only 28 today with about an inch of snow.

Today is a busy day. I have some errands to run and the usual chores around the house. Maybe later, I will get some train running time in. Looks like winter will be with us for awhile. Good to stay inside and work on the layout.

Roy...I will present your application to the OTTS counsel for approval. We need new members.

Dining car is here and it's " All aboard " for breakfast. Later.

Y'all have a great Tuesday.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by cheapclassics on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 6:51 AM

Good morning all,

It is bitterly cold and windy in SE Indiana with temps maybe getting to the teens.  Did watch the end of the Daytona 500.  I see where the IRL-CART war may be coming to a close as well.  Perhaps open wheel racing will survive in the US.  It could be a long day at work.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 7:28 AM
Mornin' Fellas.

Was off from work yesterday and so was Susieq so little work was done on the layout. Funny how when she is off I don't get to do what I really want to do... Whistling [:-^] So I spent a couple hours sitting in a waiting room while she was visiting with her doctor... Confused [%-)]Thumbs Down [tdn] If I had known it was going to take that long I would have gone to the hobby store down the road... also think I saw Fife toaling around the Northern Beltway, but couldn't get a good look since I was in traffic.

Hope to get some work done on the layout tonight...

Hey question for you fellas... when wiring your layouts how did you transition from the thicker main trunk wire to the power drops to the track? I found some 14 gauge house wire I would like to use as the feeders, but can't figure out how to go from that to the 18 gauge power drops... Also, does anyone know where I could get these cheaper? http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103230&cp=2032058.2032231.2032289&parentPage=family
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Posted by sir james I on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 8:01 AM

Morning All

A 10 degree start this morning, with sun trying to peek thru. Going grocery shopping this AM as its not going to the thirtys till Sat. Everyone stay well,,,S.J.

Chuck- Being a grandfather,can I be grandfathered into the OTTS?

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

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Posted by laz 57 on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 8:31 AM
 Blueberryhill RR wrote:

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cold and snowy 24 degrees. Going up to only 28 today with about an inch of snow.

Today is a busy day. I have some errands to run and the usual chores around the house. Maybe later, I will get some train running time in. Looks like winter will be with us for awhile. Good to stay inside and work on the layout.

Roy...I will present your application to the OTTS counsel for approval. We need new members.

Dining car is here and it's " All aboard " for breakfast. Later.

Y'all have a great Tuesday.

Chuck

CHUCK, I'll second the nomination of ROY for consideration of being an OTTS MEMBER.  Being from NARTHERN TEXASSS, of course he can't be that bad?Wink [;)]

laz57

  There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; Robert Service. TCA 03-55991
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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 8:35 AM
 sir james I wrote:

Morning All

A 10 degree start this morning, with sun trying to peek thru. Going grocery shopping this AM as its not going to the thirtys till Sat. Everyone stay well,,,S.J.

Chuck- Being a grandfather,can I be grandfathered into the OTTS?

I will certainly put your name into the OTTS Counsel Meeting. Buckeye doesn't like too many people from Michigan, but he can be persuaded with a beer or two.  Being a grandfather gives you a lot of points.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by cnw1995 on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 8:38 AM
Morning. This sub-zero weather is supposed to last the week - 15 below right now. Ridiculous. Hope the van starts when I get off the train at 10 pm. Stay warm everyone. Nice to see the Chief back.  I second the nominations of Roy and Sir James, and swear they are toy-train-men of high character and great ability, worthy heirs to the continuing legacy of J.L. Cohen.

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

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 8:42 AM

Mornin' boys.  Mornin' English.  Mornin' Skipper (aka Chief).  A well rested fifedog back from West-by-God-Virginia.  Spent lots of time touring the Potomac Highlands, with a little time checking out rail.  Did get to see Santa Fe 512 (still in Warbonntet) parked in the Narrows, which was the highlight as far as rail.  Also CSX 2271 (GP30 slug) was switching over Virginia Ave, and looked fabulous in a new coat of Dark Future.

Watched 500 at the Midtown Cafe, place was desserted.  I really hate the late starting times and all the pre-race friffary.  I liked it better when they dropped the green at 1.  Good race though.

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Posted by laz 57 on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 8:55 AM

BRENT, I ran a 14 gauge stranded wire from transformer to 4 piano hinges that I seperated from each other.  To do this I removed the brass bar that keeps both sides together.  When seperated I moved apart about an inch so now I have one for common and one for hot.  I then drilled a number of holes in each one to use for the power drops I need.  Replace those holes that were drilled with brass screws ans wire connectors to the hinge.  Run them to where ever you want.  Its a cheap inexpensive way to get plenty o power around the layout with just one feed from the transformer.  Hope this helps it worked great for me.  You can also do the same with an thing that MTH sells but with having a bunch of piano hinges at my disposal I used them instead. 

laz57

  There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; Robert Service. TCA 03-55991
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Posted by phillyreading on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 9:30 AM

Morning guys,

Just saw on the net that Fidel Castro is stepping down! We will have to see what happens next!

Been painting the train room over the weekend, when done will have all one color walls, currently walls are three differant colors. The guy who painted before me ran out of one color of paint so he used what he had, white pink and beige.

The weather has been a bit warm, some rain here & there, no tornado activity though.

Still looking for work, may have a bite on a security job with the local newspaer.

Lee F.

Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.
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Posted by anjdevil2 on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:04 AM

Hey boys (and you girls that are sneakin' in..)

About 60 today windy bright sunshine.

Met my daughters boyfriend last night at Maggianos (for dinner) and my daughter's best friend and her boyfriend.  Interesting kid, he's from New Jersey, so I guess he can't be all bad Whistling [:-^].

Very nice dinner had a little fun, he was tired, didn't get in until 2 am, plane trouble in Newark.

Went back to the house ran some trains, (ok Laz, ready?) NO PILE UPS!!   Then jumped into the "car" frey. 

Did anyone watch  My Dad's better than your Dad last night?  What a hoot!! My daughter's too old for that, but it would be kinda cool for us to do that!

OK, later...mucho work to doBanged Head [banghead]

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 laz 57 on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:17 AM
 anjdevil2 wrote:

 

Went back to the house ran some trains, (ok Laz, ready?) NO PILE UPS!!   Then jumped into the "car" frey. 

WOO HOO way to go DEVIL!  Love when theres NO PILE UPS!!! 

BTW hope you gave the daughters BF the good FIRM handshakeWink [;)]?

laz57

  There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; Robert Service. TCA 03-55991

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