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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 ChiefEagles on Friday, January 4, 2008 8:05 AM
Morning all.  Still cold but suppose to be warming .  Back into the 60's next week.  Did notice that the days it was right at freezing, middle of the day it was 80+ in the greenhouse.  Too expensive to cover the whole lot in greenhouse.  Then in the summer, without the fans, it would be well over 100.  Off to Town Hall in a few. 

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Posted by sir james I on Friday, January 4, 2008 8:25 AM

Good Morning All,

Cold Cold Cold, it's 23 but feels just like yesterdays 8,maybe 33 today. Reg. gas yesterday $3.09. I'm afraid to go see what todays might be. The trains are waiting, wish I could post pic. but no equpt. Maybe some day. Have a safe weekend,,,,,,,,Sir James

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Posted by cnw1995 on Friday, January 4, 2008 8:42 AM
Morning all. Cold here again. It is like that in Jan. Supposed to warm up today with all of Iowa's escaping hot air flowing this way as all the pols leave.

Brent, LOL, been there, buddy. Good luck with the project.

Spent the eve in a nursing home near Rockford with a buddy whose mom is close to passing. Sad [:(]Read Railway Modeller and Jan CTT together as a distraction.

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

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Posted by mistyk11 on Friday, January 4, 2008 9:20 AM

 mistyk11 wrote:

 I just don't know a lot about trains to feel like I can write about them.

Misty, just name one character on this forum that can write about trains.  Tough isn't it. Big Smile [:D]  Next year, you and your son are invited to the great neighborhood train party. See photo below.

 

Thanks Buckeye, it would be an honor to see your layout.....I think it's great that you open it up every year to the neighbors and their kids. Most of the kids probably have never seen a train layout before. You have an awesome setup there!

 

Brutus- I would love to post a review of the RMT if I new what to look for. I love the look of it-very nicely detailed in my opinion but it runs a little rough. Honestly, I was a little concerned because, at the risk of sounding like I don't know squat about trains (which I don't)- the wheels don't turn on it when it is off of the track. I did watch and they are turning when they  are on the track but won't turn manually. I didn't know if this was normal for RMT since I have only had Lionel engines and the wheels move manually on them. If somebody could help me I with that info, I would greatly appreciate it.....

Misty
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Posted by dwiemer on Friday, January 4, 2008 11:26 AM

quick stop by in between cases.  Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Blessings,

Dennis

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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 4, 2008 11:42 AM

Misty,

         On most worm driven locomotives, the wheels won't turn manually.  However on spur gear diven locomotives the wheels can be turned manually.

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Posted by Train Memories on Friday, January 4, 2008 12:16 PM

 

Folks,  Checking in from San Jose, CA. (Help) We're getting hit hard by the storms. In the low 50's, but the wind 60 - 70 mph and heavy rain. Can't remember It being this bad and I been living here since 1953! Can't even concentrate on my trains.

                                                 Reuben

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Posted by Wes Whitmore on Friday, January 4, 2008 12:31 PM

All-

The new MTH Ohio State University tank cars are in...just in time for Monday.  Disregard if you are not from Ohio...

Wes

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Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Friday, January 4, 2008 1:03 PM
 Sturgeon-Phish wrote:

 

Glad to see new posters to the pot.  Looks like Greg is an American Flyer fan!!!!

Yes Jim, I have to admit it, I am a dyed in the wool American Flyer Fan.  I have pre-war Wide Gauge (that's Standard Gauge to those who only speak Lionelese), pre-war Narrow Gauge (O gauge) and a whole lot of the Gilbert productions in S gauge from 1947-1957.  I have been at this for about 25 years now (yikes, I can't be that old), so its been a surprise to realize how much I have actually accumulated - its all those boxes that have been stuffed under the train table and in closets over the years.  My interests have expanded over the years and therefore the collection grows in different areas at different times. 

Thanks to those of you who have been helpful with information about how to post pictures.  I will be working on that over the weekend.

Have a great afternoon,

Greg

 

 

 

 

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Posted by dbaker48 on Friday, January 4, 2008 2:36 PM
 dbaker48 wrote:
New Topic --

I am really ticked, I will explain tomorrow, need to check some information before I go off half cocked. 

OK, here's the situation -

Received my Feb 2008, issue of CTT yesterday.  (I think the post office had it, BTW as you would guess I called CTT Customer Service yesterday, and they put a replacement in the mail.  Then the mail carrier comes and I get mine.  Wouldn't you know).

Anyway, I get to see the letter in the Correspondence Section with my name on it.  I was livid  ! (pg 12)

NO WAY DID I THINK THAT ARTICLE WAS FANTASTIC !  So before I started ranting, thought I better check to see what I "actually" wrote.

Here is what had happened.  (my version)

After the Dec. 07, issue came out, we had a discussion on the Pot, as to it "overcomplicating things" with the toggle switches.  So I thought rather than just complain, send a response to CTT.   And I did so.  Emphasizing how much banter there was about it here, and other forums.  (But after all, I don't think they can be responsible for every technicality in articles submitted to them, its just not possible.) 

So Carl Swanson responded to me regarding the comment I submitted to them, on there website. Indicating he wasn't sure there was a real problem.  And the writer did understand dual operation of TMCC and DCS.

I THEN, responded back, that in my opinon something should be said, and suggested a possible half way point.  "In MY opinion you have an opportunity here.  It could easily enough be indicated that "Yes, the author is aware of the popular connection capability of the the TIU directly to Command Base, affording system compatibilty and operation.  But the author's article defines an alternative to achieve FULL utilization of ALL features of both systems.

(Even though the benefit of that, is hardly worth the trouble !   My opinon)"

Mr. Swanson, then responded back that he may print a letter in Feb., and would I mind if he used my response.   

I responded back with the following:

Mr. Swanson,
I think that is fantastic, a lot of new people will benefit.  Its tough trying to figure out which system to buy.
..........

<>So this morning I called him, and expressed my displeasure.  After an amicable conversation, WE agreed that it was a "misunderstanding", and he offerred me the opportunity to submit a correction statement. 

SO ALL IN ALL, I AM TOTALLY DISARMED, AND NOT TICKED, ANYMORE.  I CAN SEE HOW THE MISUNDERSTANDING CAN OCCUR.  I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY OF HAVING MY OPINION CLARIFIED, AND FEEL THAT MR SWANSON, DID EVERYTHING IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER.

(BTW - I submitted today, a new statement) 

SoapBox [soapbox] OVER

I hope the staff at CTT see's THIS post as a "Positive", not a bashing rant. 

 

 

Don

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Posted by PostwarMan07 on Friday, January 4, 2008 2:50 PM

Good afternoon everyone.  Weather is a lot better than yesterday around here.  Well, I know I said I was taking the entire christmas layout down, but I decided to leave a small loop under the tree until that is put away as well.

Don - Good to hear everything got cleared up.

Buckeye - 700.00?  Thats a lot of money for one game.  I remember seeing 50 yard line tickets for the 06 michigan game going for over 3,000 a ticket online!!!  I love the bucks but I dont think Id be able to ever spend that much.  Although I would have no issues with taking that much for tickets Im selling.

Fife - Like the nerf idea for the cats.  I have 2 of them.  The older one is real smart and will run before I fire the first shot.  I think he can sense that Im pissed.  The other one is dumb as bricks and has a big pair of "buckeyes".  He'll run, but will come back in 30 seconds like nothing ever happened.  Love them both to death.

Greg - I am a postwar lionel fanatic who speaks "lionelese" fluently, but I have always thought about getting one of those nice diesel passenger sets.  Also like that accessory where the guy climbs the ladder and turns on the spotlight.  My grandpa had flyer as a kid and I love hearing him tell me about his childhood layout (3 4x8 tables!!!)  Welcome to the forum!!! Sign - Welcome [#welcome]

John W
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Posted by Nick12DMC on Friday, January 4, 2008 3:51 PM

Hi all,

Had the day off today. Been busy....

Plywood top going on

9mm Sundella (Homosote) in place

Close up off drawers/tray for contols

Legs with adjustable feet

Not far away from running some trainsSmile [:)]

Have a good one folks

Nick

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Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Friday, January 4, 2008 4:07 PM
 PostwarMan07 wrote:

 

Greg - I am a postwar lionel fanatic who speaks "lionelese" fluently, but I have always thought about getting one of those nice diesel passenger sets.  Also like that accessory where the guy climbs the ladder and turns on the spotlight.  My grandpa had flyer as a kid and I love hearing him tell me about his childhood layout (3 4x8 tables!!!)  Welcome to the forum!!! Sign - Welcome [#welcome]

Thanks for the welcome Jim. Its always good when Lionel and Flyer devotees can speak peacefully to one another.  None of this two rail vs three rail argument.  Afterall, if the Flyer people look at their roots we have three rails in our background too.  It all depends on which era of Flyer you are talking about.

The tower climbing guy is Gabe the Lamplighter.  I have always gotten a kick out of the fact that all of the people on Flyer accesories have names. I'm not sure if the guys on the track gang have names or not.  Original versions of Gabe are very pricey, but there is a reproduction out there that is priced about what you would expect for a current operating accesory.

S gauge diesel sets are indeed beauties.  I liked to turn off the lights and watch the lighted coaches slide along the tracks, with the engine growling along. Although I have to admit watching the rods on a steamer can get my blood flowing too.

Greg

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Posted by dbaker48 on Friday, January 4, 2008 4:32 PM

Greg - Do you have or have you seen a set of Missouri Pacific diesels, circa 55-59 I think

 

Don

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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 4, 2008 5:04 PM

Greg,

         I also collect PW Lionel and Flyer.  I like them both equally.  I just bought a second 312 this morning.  Do your Flyer diesels run slower when they are cold, then speed up when they warm up?  My 490 and 21927 both do this, and I can't determine the cause.  All of the motors were cleaned and lubed, but the problem continues.

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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Friday, January 4, 2008 5:14 PM

Evening all

In Columbus for a formation weekend.  Bride with me, just in from Florida.  

The track gang guys have names too, Peg leg Pete, is the foreman but I can't remember the other three.  I'll see if I can find it when I get home Saturday.

Here are shots of the repro Track and and Gabe the Lamplighter

Don-Thanks for the info.  I've not recieved FebCTT so I'll contact them

Got to go 

May God bless

Jim 

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Posted by sir james I on Friday, January 4, 2008 5:35 PM

Question for you flyer guys,How do you keep the track and wheels clean enough to keep the trains running? I have some flyer I have tried to run for the g.kids but it's stop and go, clean this spot .stops somewhere else etc. what do you do? I have used a Brite boy still wont stay running.    

I know this question could go somewhere else but I have more faith in the "pot",,Sir james

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Friday, January 4, 2008 6:01 PM

Evening all!

Started out cold here and warming up fast. Low tonight might be 50's.

Welcome to our new posters! Sign - Welcome [#welcome] Just be wary of the Chief and Buckeye and you will be OK. Laugh [(-D] Be particularly cautious of any invoices for CTT Forum dues or Nigerian style bank schemes from Ohio and North Carolina! Mischief [:-,]

Nick - great job on the table  - you have built a room and a layout base in less time than it took the Chief to get off the floor!

Have a great evening all!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Friday, January 4, 2008 6:09 PM

My Goodness, I had no idea there were this many Flyer guys on this thread. It warms my heart. to know that there are so many other "tender thumpers" on here.

Don,

Yes I have seen the Missouri Pacific diesels.  There are very few paint schemes that don't look good on the PA units.  I don't own a set of the originals myself, but I do have one of the reproduction sets that Lionel put out a number of years ago.  I actually like some of the sets that Gilbert made in the 50's that were not based on specific prototypes, like the Flash and the Comet.

Jim,

The same thing has happened to me with my diesels, and sometimes my steamers too, particularly if they haven't been run for while.  My guess is that it is about them warming up with the lubricant doing its job more efficiently. I'm no expert though. Congratulations on the new aquisitions. The 312's, 302's and 322's are some of the best runners and were pretty much included in a lot of the starter sets. Well I guess the 322's were probably more high end.  Some of my favorites are the 307's.

Sturgeon,

I had never heard the names of the guys on the track gang, I will be interested to hear the others.  Thanks for the photos

Sir James,

I always use a Brite Boy on the track and the wheels.  Do they stop in the same place? Do they just stop or do they cycle into neutral? It could be the track or the connections, any of the issues that interfer with good electrical connections.  And as always good lubrication is important too.  I have also found that some Flyer track just has gremlins that live in it, and I've had to replace the offending piece of track, even if it looks like it is ok.

I hope the pot doesn't mind the emphasis on Flyer here. 

Greg

 

 

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Posted by jmkk on Friday, January 4, 2008 6:34 PM

Just thought I would stop in for some coffee. Been real busy wiyh the TMCC I got for Christmas. Boy do I love it, I already ordered 3 upgrade kits! I think tonight I will be Changing one of my mains that has no switches to automatic train controll. I bought 3 infrered controllers so I can run 2 trains at once.

Chief- I ordered a fuse block from scotts odds-n-ends

 Thanks for all the help guys.

 Jason

Jason   

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Posted by mistyk11 on Friday, January 4, 2008 7:06 PM
 jimtrumpie wrote:

Misty,

         On most worm driven locomotives, the wheels won't turn manually.  However on spur gear diven locomotives the wheels can be turned manually.

Thanks for that info, that eases my mind about it. It still runs kind of rough however its a keeper for me.

Misty
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Posted by CSXect on Friday, January 4, 2008 7:06 PM

Sir James I typed up a reply but when I hit the post button the site crashed on me and lost my post See cheif is not the only one who gets dumped on by the software maybe it is windows ME thats the problem.

Anyway it could be that the reverse units contacts and drum need cleaning.

As for the speed up and down that is a property of the analog components(motor and transformer changing in electrical value slightly I have some fairley recent lionel 4-4-2's that do that sometimes.

YeS there'S alot S gaugers here just not that talkative all the time. S is BestThumbs Up [tup]

I am a diehard S gauger with a serious O gauge habit

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Posted by MartyE on Friday, January 4, 2008 7:17 PM

Well another interesting day here in Seattle.  Watched the trains go by the stadium some today.  With the actors boycotting the SAG awards so far next weeks work schedule is unsure. 

Hope everyone is having a good day so far.  Can't say that I read back too far.  Just too many pages in a short amount of time.  Looking forward to getting home and cranking the legacy up again! 

Trying to update my avatar since 2020 Laugh

MartyE and Kodi the Husky Dog! ( 3/31/90-9/28/04 ) www.MartyE.com My O Gauge Web Page and Home of Kodiak Junction!

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Posted by PostwarMan07 on Friday, January 4, 2008 7:42 PM
 Northwoods Flyer wrote:

Thanks for the welcome Jim. Its always good when Lionel and Flyer devotees can speak peacefully to one another.  None of this two rail vs three rail argument.  Afterall, if the Flyer people look at their roots we have three rails in our background too.  It all depends on which era of Flyer you are talking about.

The tower climbing guy is Gabe the Lamplighter.  I have always gotten a kick out of the fact that all of the people on Flyer accesories have names. I'm not sure if the guys on the track gang have names or not.  Original versions of Gabe are very pricey, but there is a reproduction out there that is priced about what you would expect for a current operating accesory.

S gauge diesel sets are indeed beauties.  I liked to turn off the lights and watch the lighted coaches slide along the tracks, with the engine growling along. Although I have to admit watching the rods on a steamer can get my blood flowing too.

Greg

I think the days of the flyer / lionel civil war are over.  I don't hear much of that stuff anymore.  Nowadays the hip thing to do is pick a side in the MTH vs Lionel battle royal.  I wonder what side flyer guys would take in this?  Lionel was their arch enemy in the 50's but now they produce S gauge trains.

I think flyer had it right when they produced longer passenger trains than lionel.  Im all for lionels operationg cars, engines and accessories, but a majority of their passenger outfits were lacking IMO.  Cogressional and Super Chief are exceptions.

John W
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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Friday, January 4, 2008 7:42 PM
 wrmcclellan wrote:

Welcome to our new posters! Sign - Welcome [#welcome] Just be wary of the Chief and Buckeye and you will be OK. Laugh [(-D] Be particularly cautious of any invoices for CTT Forum dues or Nigerian style bank schemes from Ohio and North Carolina! Mischief [:-,]

Roy...Thanks for reminding me.  I went and looked at your OTTS dues and they are past due by six months. Shock [:O] After extensive calculations, you now owe $326.37 in back dues and interest.  Please send your check to us tomorrow so that your membership will not be cancelled.  You wouldn't want to miss all the benefits of OTTS membership.

Don...I always wondered about your letter to CTT.  I thought they had edited it so badly that it didn't make sense.  Thank you for clearing that up. I have now ceased worrying about your sanity.  Smile [:)]

fifedog...NERF CANNON, Wow!!! I believe you have just solved an age old problem for all modelers.  Bow [bow] A video would be appropriate.

Wes...Tank Car - Unfortunately I understand.

Misty....Check out Sky Bus.  You and the kids could all get to Columbus for $60 plus tax and fees.   Just let that BEEP run solid for about an hour, then reverse for an hour.  I will loosen up considerably.

Jon....No wonder Iowans want those caucuses.  Free Beer and Brats.

Sparky....Love your mountains and trains.  Do you do Caboose Hobbies in Denver?  One great train store.

Doug...Like I have always said you can't have a better friend than a ND guy. Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup]

Postwarman...If you end up in Buckeyeland, Wes and I will give you the tour of the train shops. 

Nick...Putting the controls under the layout is smart.  It gives you more room on the layout.

Northwoods...If you have a Dremel Tool, they make a Scotchbrite type wheel that works great cleaning just about everything, wheels, track, couplers, etc.+

Marty...Did you see the green cascade Amtrak train?  You would know it you saw it.

Chuck...Looking forward to getting that package from you.  I can't wait to see what you have sent me.  Smile [:)]

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

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Posted by magicman710 on Friday, January 4, 2008 7:47 PM
Evening all. Been getting warmer here. Hows everyone's day gone?

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Posted by Brutus on Friday, January 4, 2008 8:08 PM

Good evening, Grayson.  Warmer in St. Louis today too.  Got a $20 gift cert to LHS burning a hole in my pocket, but will wait another week so I can get my "allowance" and really go to town!  LOL  Misty, glad to hear you like it.  RMT has a great reputation.  Roy -- too funny!

Welcome to all the newer guys!  Lots of great friends and info here!

Had a couple pieces of pepperoni pizza for dinner and I'm stuffed.  Guess the diet is working, 'cause in the day I could eat a medium by myself if I wanted!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by cnw1995 on Friday, January 4, 2008 8:16 PM
My buddy's not too interested in running trains tonight...

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

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Posted by sir james I on Friday, January 4, 2008 8:19 PM

Good Evening

Csx and Flyer-it's a contact between rail and wheel problem. Sparks and netural,clean that spot, same thing over again, usually just give up. track appears to be in good condition but I do have enough to try different sections. That would be a place to start,thanks. no I have nothing of value.a 350,307 w/smoke and chuff added and another 6 driver.I'm a three railer thats why I ask for help. Three rail trains would run through an oil slick.   Later Sir James

 

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Posted by Brutus on Friday, January 4, 2008 9:09 PM

I had a flyer - my HWX combine car!  It flew out of my hands and into the concrete floor!  Laugh [(-D]

Rudy is a good boy, I can tell.  I hear he's a good watch dog!  Wink [;)]

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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