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2008 [PART 2] and the Coffee Pot is still on and now 4 years old. Here we gather as friends with trains. Sweet ice tea too.

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Sunday, March 30, 2008 12:35 PM
Afternoon all.  40's and raining.  Homemade veggie soup time.  Been busy.  Went to Walmart and got plastic big Radio Flyer wagon for Carter [his Mom will not let him have metal Censored [censored]].  His birthday party is Saturday.  G'Mom going Thursday to cook cake and etc.  Did see John Deere tractor [battery operated] for him when he gets big enough to drive it and a Gator too.  Big Smile [:D]  Tractor has a front end loader too.  OH boy.  Going to shoot photos of K-Line switcher I converted to TMCC for Sunday Photo.  Was trying to post some photos for 3Railguy and suddenly would not paste from Shutterfly.  Had to go through the image thing at the top.  HUMMM   Chat 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 cooltech on Sunday, March 30, 2008 1:18 PM

Fortunately us eastern Pennsylvanians got vertually no snow. Did shovel some mix of ice and snowso I wouldn't have to do it if it froze.

Last nights concert went well and looks like two summer event invites have been accomplished. One is attended by some hundreds of Harley riders, (bible totin' folks), that have a big festival in the summer at the Jersey shore. 

cooltechCool [8D]

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Posted by cnw1995 on Sunday, March 30, 2008 2:09 PM
Afternoon all. Back from a busy morning video-directing at church - like an 8 hr. day already. Roy, I love that Thomas / Rushmore - how clever. Youngest saw Thomas and can't wait to ride him this summer. Hope your daughter has some nice gfs to cheer her up. My daughter uncovered some cash she saved from her trip - all set to spend it here - not quite, LOL.

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

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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 30, 2008 4:17 PM
 laz 57 wrote:

BRUCE,

  Had to be the BEAR ( hibernation usually they loose 50 lbs.) not me.

laz57

LOL, Laz,

  Come to think of it, I seem to gain weight during hibernation season.  Must be the extra food I pack in during the winter months.  Or maybe I'm not getting as much excersise during winter run sessions now that I have Legacy....yeah, that's it!  Gonna have to go back to conventional running and manual switches just to get back in shape.  Naaaah!  Wink [;)]

Bruce Webster

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Posted by cheapclassics on Sunday, March 30, 2008 6:19 PM

Good evening all,

It was a cloudy rainy day in SE Indiana with the temps in the low 50s.  We took the grandson to church today and he was quite good, and he slept thru the night as well.  My daughter came to pick him up today.  We had cinnamon rolls for breakfast on the dining car this morning.  I did some slow track work at the YMCA (really did not want to go) and watched the end of the NASCAR race.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by jefelectric on Sunday, March 30, 2008 6:55 PM
 phillyreading wrote:

Hey cnw1995,

Down here people steel your catalytic convertor from your car and take it to scrap metal place for the money!!  How to tell if your convertor is missing; simple just listen for the DEEP roar of the exhaust!

Other news; the DCS downloadSoapBox [soapbox]Banged Head [banghead] won't work on my computer to my DCS unit! There must be a better way to get an update!!!

Lee F.

 Lee,  From all of the discussion that has gone on over on the OGR - DCS board that downloader is not on of MTH's better inventions. Banged Head [banghead]

If you haven't already checked there, it might be something to try.  A lot of it has to do with having a computer with a serial port, which a lot of the new ones do not have.  Also everything must be done in a particular order.  Although I have quite a few DCS engines, I have never used the downloader to date.  Haven't needed to.  May try to download the new verison, once I am sure it has been debuged by others. Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

John Fullerton Home of the BUBB&A  http://www.jeanandjohn.net/trains.html
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Posted by GregM on Sunday, March 30, 2008 7:35 PM

Sitting here reading the pot while waiting for the Sunday night baseball game to start.   

I have been painting the master bedroom bathroom this weekend.  Still need to put second coat on walls.  Lots and lots of trim which takes me a long time to get painted.  I have lots of things I have to take care of tomorrow, so I hope I get the painting done and all the masking tape off. 

Karen is giving me the business because we are talking about probably needing to relocate and here I am painting the bathroom.  Something she has wanted me to do for a while

GregM
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 30, 2008 7:57 PM

Made loads of progress on the SFSRR this past week, but had to leave early today for more errand running... then at FiL's house I started to shiver and shake, so going to head off to la la land and get some rest.

Fife - How was Horton?

Roy - Back in the day my father did a lot of traveling so when he was home I tried to spend as much time with him as possible. So take it from a son's point-of-view, even though he may not want to spend every day with you, he does appreciate the time he does spend with you.

I can't remember everything else that was said... Oh Greg, that would drive Susieq nuts as well. Good job! Thumbs Up [tup]Laugh [(-D]

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Posted by sir james I on Sunday, March 30, 2008 8:45 PM

Howdy,

We had a quiet day, still to cold to mess with the yard and now we have lite sprinkles @ 39 deg

Oldest son and family home safe from week in Fla. so the clan is accounted for. No trains today just goofed off, you working folks, its time to get ready for Monday. Good nite Chewy,,S.J.

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

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Posted by fifedog on Sunday, March 30, 2008 9:00 PM
Horton = Zzz [zzz]
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 30, 2008 9:45 PM

 fifedog wrote:
Horton = Zzz [zzz]

I think he did not like the show,

and so advises not to go.

Yet through it all he had to sit,

and did not like it, not one bit!

 

With appologies to the good doctor  Wink [;)]

Bruce Webster

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Sunday, March 30, 2008 10:50 PM
Bedtime folks.  Think I will call Shake and Bake [3 hours earlier].  Think I have apt with CPA to do taxes tomorrow. Disapprove [V]  Rainy and still rainy.  Not big pour downs but light soaking showers.  May do this all week.  Fine with me.  Chat later.  Sleep tight.  God bless. 

 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 wrmcclellan on Sunday, March 30, 2008 10:57 PM

Another late evening all!

Got back a while ago from covering up the modular layout as Thomas does not run again until next Fri - Sun. I spent most of my spare weekend time building a ladder frame to clamp to the sides of the layout to support the tarps we laid over it. Might storm here tomorrow so it is good it has extra cover. The tent over it has lots of bright spots shining down which indicates it might leak a bit in a storm. I work the event next weekend and the weather is supposed to be cooler than today (85 and VERY humid). 70's for next weekend - but that is 5 days away and a lot will change by then I'm sure.

BR - good one on Horton! Poor Fifer!

Son's soccer team had a make up game today and they won one finally 3-0. The other team got worn out due to having only 2 subs and it was very warm and humid at game time. My son had an assist that resulted in a solid score.

Hope eveyone has a great day tomorrow!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 31, 2008 6:26 AM
Mornin' Fellas.

Feeling much better this morning. Was running a temp of 101.3 so took some ibu and Susieq gave me some OJ, they wrapped myself in a couple layers of sweats and sweated it out! Thumbs Up [tup] Temp back to normal this morning, wanted to stay home and rest, but with PTO be negative since last year I thought it best to come in.

Fife - sorry to hear Horton was a snoozer.
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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Monday, March 31, 2008 6:35 AM

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cloudy 44 degrees. Light rain. Going up to 65 today, with rain at times.  That's better than freezing.

Today is a busy day. I have to do the weekly grocery shopping today. The wife is going on a business trip on Wednesday and won't be back until Thursday. It's gonna be a busy week. No time for trains today. But I'll have plenty of time in a few days.

Dining car has arrived and it's time for breakfast. Later.

Y'allhave a great Monday.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by laz 57 on Monday, March 31, 2008 6:46 AM

HI GIZ,

  39 here today and spitting a littler.  To get into the 60s tomorrow?

Ran trains a little last nite NO PILE UPs.

Took off the netting over the ponds yesterday and raked leaves and cut back butterfly bushes.  No fishing yesterday, feet still not thawed out.

CHUCK, going to be a bachlor again for a day?Wink [;)]

All have a good one.

B GOOD or B GONE,

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 cheapclassics on Monday, March 31, 2008 6:54 AM

Good morning all,

It is warm but rainy in SE Indiana with temps in the 60s.  I spent some time with the Second Life last night.  It is potentially work related, but I am not seeing much pratical use for it.   I also had a good conversation with Lucas last night about his relationship with his girl friend.  I do not want them moving too fast or getting too involved.  We shall see.  Roy, glad to hear to your son's team won and that he got an assist.  Any soccer news will always get my attention:-)!  I had an extra cinnamon roll on the dining car this morning in addition to the usual fare.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by johnandjulie13 on Monday, March 31, 2008 7:06 AM

Good Morning:

We have rain coming down here in Chicagoland today.  It looks to be a dreary day, which matches how I feel.  Two days before surgery and I still need to get into the office for a big meeting today, I hope my leg cooperates.

Roy:  I liked the train pictures.  How was that mountain made?

Chief:  Nice job on the switcher.  One question, do you have any non NS engines on your layout?

Jefelectric:  I had been trying to help Lee get through the DCS update trauma but I do not think his computer is cooperating.  Do not let his experience deter you from updating.  I was able to get it done in under 10 minutes and the additional play value of the upgrades is more than worth it.  Give it a try.

Brent:  Glad to hear that you are feeling better.

Fife: My wife took our four year old to see Horton.  She would agree with you but our son liked it.  From the way she described it, if you are over seven years old you would come to the same conclusion. Zzz [zzz]

Laz:  You seem to have accumulated a good record of no pile ups.  How many days in a row has it been?  BTW, did you catch anything on your fishing excursion?

Mike C:  What is Second Life?

Everyone have a good day.

Regards,

John 

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Posted by sir james I on Monday, March 31, 2008 7:37 AM

Good Morning All

It's still too early to think about my day so the  weather is:45 overcast with rain expected. Tiger opener today  with temps. in the high 50s. They are hoping the rain will stay away long enough to get the game played. I usually fall asleep watching a ball game on tv, so if I'm lucky I can get an easy nap today. Dr. tomorrow AM for heart Echogram,a once a year thing, not a special reason. He has to pay for vacations don't you know. Enjoy your monday and I will drop bye  later to  see what news can be found.....S.J.

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

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Posted by laz 57 on Monday, March 31, 2008 7:50 AM

JOHN,

  I think its about 10 days with NO PILE UPs.  Seems everything is working all right so no need to change things.  Just every now and then a coupler will open up unexpectedly and I'll get a smash up but nothing serious.

  Caught and released 3 brownies and a brookie on saturday.  BROTHER caught and released a brownie.

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 laz 57 on Monday, March 31, 2008 8:02 AM

OH YEAH almost  forgot today is the opening day of BASEBALL SEASON!

GO TRIBE!

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 cheapclassics on Monday, March 31, 2008 8:18 AM

JohnandJulie13,

Second Life is some sort of virtual reality online program.  My IT boss thinks we may be able to use it to hold meetings on-line.  Eventually the idea is that we could work at home and if we were needed for a meeting, we could appear in Second Life.   It sounds a little like "Max Headroom" if you ask me.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by cnw1995 on Monday, March 31, 2008 8:39 AM

Morning all from a dark and drizzly Chicago. Nice thunderstorm last night. First of the year. Ran trains and fiddled with track instead of watching an umpteenth repeat of Law and Order with the bride. Then suddenly woke up and joined her for the 2nd episode.  LOL.

Also watched the NASCAR race and Davidson game.

Mike and John, we've experimented with 2nd Life for a sort of virtual campus - too complicated to set up avatars; too grabby of computer / vid / bandwidth; expensive to build something; and empty -overhyped in my opine. Search Wimba for a good simple tool for virtual mtgs. White board, sound, camera if you wish.

Brent - hope you feel better. Had a guy hack up a lung behind me the whole way in on the train this morn.

Opening Day! Looking forward to good battles between my Sox and the Tigers and Indians

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

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 31, 2008 9:03 AM
John and Doug,
Feeling much better. This is the first time in my life that I have run a temp for less than 1 day. I honestly thought I was going to be laid up for a few days because ALL of my joints were cramping yesterday (good sign of long term illness - long term for me is 48 hrs +). I'm very happy that I am back to work today as I really don't want to miss any more work for a few months as I'm trying to build up some reserve so Susieq and I can do some sort of vacation this year.
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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Monday, March 31, 2008 9:48 AM

Morning all from cloudy Southern Ohio

Looks like it could rain any time but I'm going to mess around laying the slate walk I had planned.  Might trim the crab apple tree later then get rid of all tree trimmings at one time.  Then need to find some topsoil for the new beds behind the stack wall.  I have 12 days till class starts again and I want to knock out a few projects beforehand.

I hope everyone is healthy or at least getting better.  The crud you all are describing is going around at work.  Unfortunately a lot of the personnel have not been with the company long and as such they don't have a lot of sick leave, so they come to work sick.  You would look a little strange wearing anti-Cs all day but it is tempting.

Take care and may God bless

Jim

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, March 31, 2008 9:52 AM
Morning all.  Rainy and chilly.  Tax day. Grumpy [|(]  Brent, glad you are feeling better.  J&J, only a few roadnames have slipped under the radar.  Mostly NS.   Got to get going.  Just finished breakfast of bacon and waffles.  Drinking last cup of coffee.  Have a good one.

 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 RockIsland52 on Monday, March 31, 2008 2:07 PM
 Brutus wrote:

Baberuth73 - your wife made a new account, sounds like....  Welcome (back)!

TTYL

Brutus....that one can't be topped!  Coca cola out my nose again and all over the monitor. Big Smile [:D] and Sign - Welcome [#welcome] back the trainmaster formerly known as Baberuth73, albeit belatedly.

Same Sign - Welcome [#welcome] to you, Cooltech.

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 fifedog on Monday, March 31, 2008 2:31 PM

Happy O'pnin' Day boys.  Back on daywork for two weeks.  YORK is closing in fast, and still no one has submitted a battle plan.Blindfold [X-)]  Guess yaw got a tawrence for GRITS...

BRwebby - Short and sweet was my review;

                 enjoyed your post, kudos to you.Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

*** Chipmunk Movie comes out on DVD tomorrow--->Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup]

88 - better be better by S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y!!!

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Posted by phillyreading on Monday, March 31, 2008 4:01 PM

Going to a train show on saturday to sell some things and hopefully it won't rain on the way there or back. Should be warming up by the weekend to around 83.

Next monday going to Orlando with the wife, not going to the Mouse as he is too expensive!

Still trying to figure out how to upgrade my DCS TIU!! Computer won't let info flow to TIU!! Looks like computer is going to take flying lesson from second story windowDead [xx(]!  There are other reasons for computer flying lesson, RAM needs update as well!

Lee F.

Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 31, 2008 4:31 PM

Good Afternoon all,

  Foggy and rainy today....great for stayin' in and runnin' trains.  I did discover a few surpises with my first lashup ever and listed them below.  Happily, when it's 2 identical engines it's bound to be the easiest senario.  Legacy made it pretty simple too.  I hear it's a bit more complicated to make a lashup under TMCC. 

When I first tested this pair of Atlas F2/3's, A units at the hobby shop it was astounding how equally matched they ran.   You'd have sworn they were somehow physically connected as they kept an exact equal distance from each other when running.  They're a curious pair of early F's indeed, with 6 portholes each and tiny front number boards.  There's not many pics about to compare with.  Altas supplies separate number panels for the nose that you must attach with glue.  Why not just do it at the factory?  I dunno!

Anyhow, it's curious how certain characteristics of the engines electronics are deleted when lashed.  The red markers for reverse are no longer operational yet the headlights become directional.  Mating the two A's also gives you a rear remote controled electro coupler since the real rears on each unit are permanently non-operating.   This requires manhandling to join or separate the units, a proceedure I'd rather avoid if possible and could have been remedied with the addition of at least one automatic coupler.   Also, it's too bad there's no sound from the trailing engine in lashup mode.  Where's the fun in having dual engines without dual noise?  The partial solution for the last two annoyances would be a new dummy Lionel B unit with Legacy RS 5.5.   

I'm not complaining here....well....OK, it's a low moan.  I really do like the individual performance on Atlas' latest.  Save your bucks though and just buy one power unit if that's all you need.

Bruce Webster

 

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