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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 magicman710 on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 9:44 PM
 Brutus wrote:

Did anybody see this story about the girls beating up a classmate until they knocked her out and she has ear and eye damage?  What in the world?!

Video and story here: 

http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=60657&provider=top

"Lionel trains are the standard of the world" - Jousha Lionel Cowen

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Posted by magicman710 on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 9:45 PM
 Brutus wrote:

Did anybody see this story about the girls beating up a classmate until they knocked her out and she has ear and eye damage?  What in the world?!

Video and story here: 

http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=60657&provider=top

"Lionel trains are the standard of the world" - Jousha Lionel Cowen

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Posted by cooltech on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 9:58 PM
 magicman710 wrote:
 Brutus wrote:

Did anybody see this story about the girls beating up a classmate until they knocked her out and she has ear and eye damage?  What in the world?!

Video and story here: 

http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=60657&provider=top

 These are disturbing events. Several yrs ago I was held at gunpoint, and carjacked, (this would also constitute kidnapping). The whole event took about 30 minutes. (long story short), I faked having chest pains and was released safely. Perp. was caught with help of a survailance camera and is now spending 12 yrs. in prison.

Be careful in stores malls and in general going from place to place. Be wary of people asking for directions, time, and any seamingly harmless questions.

 cooltechCool [8D]

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 10:16 PM
 fifedog wrote:

Buckeye - there are a handfull of yards from Hershey to Harrisburg, Enola is the big mamma-jamma in the region.  It sits across the Susquehanna from Harrisburg, and the Rockville Bridge sits just west of town. 

Fife,

  Isn't it called Shock Mills bridge?  Built during 1902-04, it has 28 stone arch spans over the Susquehanna, a number of which were destroyed during hurricane Agnes in 1972 and replaced with steel.

 Us CN guys like to know the territory we're conquering Wink [;)]

Bruce Webster

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 12:11 AM

Yes, I did it again [reclinerized too long].  Was watchign the 11 PM new and suddenly Late Show was on. 

Cooltech, glad to have you around.  Hope neck does OK.

Sir J, don't worry, everything will be OK.  Been there and done that several times.  Last one, A OK. [will not tell you about the one that ended in 6 by-passes]

Sure gald I don't live in CA.  Could never pronounce the names of the towns.  They sure aren't Suttern.

Grayson, go sit in the corner in time out. Tongue [:P]

Suppose to be warm and sunny for a few days and then might drop below freezing!!!!  What, it is past frost time for this part of NC.  Did that last year and killed all the peaches in NC.  Big crop loss.  My peach tree has little peaches forming and apple tree is in full bloom.  Better not.

Off to the real bed.  

 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, April 9, 2008 12:13 AM
 jefelectric wrote:

Buckeye,

If you visit the Strasburg Railroad, which is a privately owned for profit operation, if at all possible be sure to take the shop tour.  As an engineer you would find that very interesting.  Don Baker and I did that last year.  Well worth the time and cost.

The two museums in Strasburg are the Pennsylvania Railroad Musuem, Owned by the State of PA and one of the best in the country and the Toy Train Musuem owned by the TCA (that is where I volunteer).

There is also the privately owned Cho-Cho barn and train shop and there is another train shop (different ownership) on the railroad property. 

 

Giz, I copied a section of John's post to bring it forward, so you older giz will know what I'm refferring to.  Anyway, some of the fellas on the this forum are quite modest!  (JOHN F)As he said we visited those places when I was back there for York.  John and I visited the PRR museum what he didn't mention is that his company did all the electrical wiring for the museum.  And, also on one of the walls are plaques of various people who had worked on the railroad during the golden years, and John's uncle is among them.  (I don't remember the specific accomplishment he had wether or not it was tenure or what.)  Then there is the switching tower located at the Strausburg RR, I believe John has another family member who worked that tower.  If any of you get a chance to visit those museums, its definetly worth the time, especially if John is available as a tour guide.  (In the PRR museum I think they have one of those engines with that little black horse on it that you can drive.)

Will be back soon and update about our Operating Session.

Don

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Posted by kpolak on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 2:28 AM

Morning!

Sir James:  Prayers for you on your test.

Kurt

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 6:50 AM

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cloudy 44 degrees. Going up to 56 today, with a chance of rain, later.

Today is a busy day. Driving up to Cambridge for the weekly grocery shopping. Prices are still high. Gas is at $3.29 a gallon. Nothing is being done about that.  No time for trains. Darn. I will need some relaxing time after today is done.

Dining car is here and breakfast is served. Later.

Y'all have a great Wednesday.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 7:09 AM
 dbaker48 wrote:

Will be back soon and update about our Operating Session.



No update from Don... wonder if he survived the Operating Session!

Last night I headed to the trainroom to get some construction done, have everything mocked up now (including the missing gorge line), but having problems with the 18" Williams Passenger cars lifting their trucks at the grade transition point, so I may have to rethink things. This is why I haven't started scenicing yet, just in case I had a problem like this and need to change things up... we'll see. I tried a couple tests and may have it fixed, but won't know for sure till I get trains running one the second level.

Wanted to see how the GP-30s pulled the transition grade... WOW! I have a test train of my heaviest scale cars, I think there are 14 or 15 cars in this consist, well my MTH B&O RS-1 with PS2.0 requires a full 20 volts to pull that grade, the Lionel GP-30s pulled the grade at a scale 10mph no problem. Double-headed it was even cooler! Have to get some painting done on the one bridge abutement, install the ceiling tile and carpet padding, then I can start running power to the second level. All the drops are in place, but I need to drill holes and run the wires so they are hidden. Should have that done by the weekend. Hope to get the control panel wired this weekend and through next Thursday.
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Posted by cheapclassics on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 7:16 AM

Good morning all,

It is another interesting weather day in SE Indiana with rain, wind, and sun all in the forecast and temps maybe in the 60s.  Buckeye, that is neat that Graham Rahal lives so close to you.  I would assume he lives with his mom as she and Bobby were divorced some time ago.  Have you ever met him around town?  I have met Sarah Fisher on a couple of occasions and at Mid-Ohio I got to met AJ.  Still have not made it to the sanctum sanctorum of racing (AJ's garage at Indy).  I watched the tape of the IRL race from Sunday and read the race report from AJ.  Manning was doing so well until the tranny went dumpers.  Could have had a top five.  I did weights and got the blades off the mowers so they can be sharpened.  No TV, but did some Second Life last night.  Going to be busy the next few days with the Lucas' musical coming up.  I had the usual fare on the dining car this morning.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana 

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Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 7:42 AM

GOOD MORNING

The temp. was 61 when I got up at 6 AM, its 57 now and windy. I can't have my morning coffee no caffene before the test at 1130. Not in a good mood today maybe better later, when I can have some coffee. time will tell.  Have a great day....S.J.

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

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Posted by johnandjulie13 on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 7:55 AM

Good Morning All:

Just a quick note to let you guys know that I am still alive and kicking.  My back surgery went well, although there was a minor complication that will make the recovery take a little longer. The unfortunate thing is that the day after the surgery I came down with a stomach virus and, needless to say, made the first few days of recovery that much more challenging.  In the past, I have not been a big believer in karma.  But from a karmic perspective, I must have done something really bad to deserve the pain and suffering I am currently experiencing.  Sad [:(] 

Thanks for the kind words.  I hope to catch up with the coffee pot thread as the day goes on, so you may hear more from me.  Wink [;)]

Regards,

John

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Posted by RockIsland52 on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 8:13 AM
 johnandjulie13 wrote:

Good Morning All:

Just a quick note to let you guys know that I am still alive and kicking........... 

Regards,

John

 

He's alive ! crawling on floor....."Must get to train room.  Must run trains.  Must get smoke fix."

Welcome back.  Run trains slowly, no pileups.  Wife will get tired running back and forth putting the stuff back on the tracks, unless it coincides with bringing you chow and beer.  Remind her she's got to spread that 10 cubic yards of bark mulch in the gardens.

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 anjdevil2 on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 8:16 AM

John & James --- Good luck & get better soon!!

RRCharlie -- Yup, Rose runs the store, for sure!

Up to 70 today, TMCC runs like it should, I'm dense, glad that's done.  Next project, Making a GP38 (NASCAR) a regular GP38 (Lionel Lines? Black River & Western?  LOOK THAT ONE UP IN YER FUNK "N WAGNALS---!)  Decisions, decisions...Sigh [sigh]

Gotta go, work (blah) beckons..again!

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 ChiefEagles on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 8:33 AM
Morning all.  Cloudy but suppose to be sunny and extra warm.  J&J, glad you are back.  Sir J, good luck.  Off to Town Hall in a few.  Some trains today as got grass mowed and trimmed yesterday.  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 cnw1995 on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 8:43 AM
Morning all. Good to hear from John. Grey and cooler today - supposed to stay in the 50s in Chicago through Friday then plunge below freezing with possible snow. Ugh. Serves me right for putting away the snow-blower. Should make my excusion into the city for the bride's birthday on Sat. all the more interesting. Good luck, Sir J.

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

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 9:39 AM

Well good morning all!

Last weekend and through yesterday were extremely busy times for our household. Robotics tournament went well Saturday. The Thomas event went well Sunday and we were able to tear down and load the 12 x 28 modular layout in 2 hours - including the false deck we put down under it. A new world record for us!

Mon and Tues were spent cleaning up after the Robotics and Thomas event as I had accumulated a lot of stuff related to the events that I had to get returned. This included one hot dog roller cooker that had to be cleaned and repaired.

Found out Monday that our HS Robotics team made it to nationals in Atlanta next week and one of the students could not afford to go so I am making arrangements to sponsor him. Good kid. Got a really nice call from his father thanking us for helping them out.

Then we had Band trip meetings and updates to the student account books (which my wife and I keep - but since she is busy with tax season it fell to me for everything this week).

So hopefully everyone is doing well. I see John is "back" Wink [;)] and all's well.

Looking forward to the York trip next week - I need a break.

Regards, Roy

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Posted by cnw1995 on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 11:17 AM
Well done, Roy. That was kind.

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

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 11:36 AM
J&J is back! (loud clapping inserted here).

Forgot to mention we've been having another round of mice catching at the house. 3 mornings in a row now and today we (cat and I) did away with two. She (the cat) likes to bring them into the room at about 3am and proceeds to play with them causing quite a ruckus. Over the last three mornings I've subsequently lost 6 hours sleep... Zzz [zzz]Zzz [zzz]Zzz [zzz]Zzz [zzz]Zzz [zzz]Zzz [zzz]

Edit: Roy - we need photographic evidence of this modular layout to verify it's existence. Whistling [:-^]
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Posted by RockIsland52 on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 12:18 PM

 lionroar88 wrote:
J&J is back! (loud clapping inserted here).

Forgot to mention we've been having another round of mice catching at the house. 3 mornings in a row now and today we (cat and I) did away with two. She (the cat) likes to bring them into the room at about 3am and proceeds to play with them causing quite a ruckus. Over the last three mornings I've subsequently lost 6 hours sleep... Zzz [zzz]Zzz [zzz]Zzz [zzz]Zzz [zzz]Zzz [zzz]Zzz [zzz]

Edit: Roy - we need photographic evidence of this modular layout to verify it's existence. Whistling [:-^]

Brent.....We had a thread on this, but I think it was titled "cleaning your layout" or something like that.  Evil [}:)]

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 kpolak on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 12:31 PM

J&J:  Great news your surgery was successful!

Roy:  Nice that you were able to keep the team together!

Kurt

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Posted by dwiemer on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 1:13 PM

J&J, best wishes regarding your recovery. Back surgery is something you only do when you just can't take it anymore.

John, I knew you were special, but not that special!  I am sure you have put in plenty of work at the museum and that thousands have enjoyed it because you did.

Roy, are you coming to Atlanta with the Robotics team?  I am not sure if the timing will conflict with York.  If you do come, Atlanta is 3 hours drive for me, but if my schedule permits, I could come up and catch up with you. 

Well, it has been a busy day for me.  Lots of cases done, with only follow-ups to do.  I hope to get done at a reasonable hour so I can actually spend some time with the family.  Wife told me that our daughter didn't want to go to school this morning, but she was so happy to go the day before.  Oh well, she'll get used to it. 

God Bless,

Dennis

TCA#09-63805

 

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Posted by phillyreading on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 1:20 PM

Got back a bit late last night from Orlando FL, a 3.5 hour trip by car. Tired from all the walking around at Sea World. No train related stuff this time, oh well!

Got new cable for the MTH DCS download and I hope that it works!!

J&J, get well! Back surgery is something that you do ONLY as an absolute last resort, try a chiropractor first!!

Lee F.

 

Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.
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Posted by dbaker48 on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 1:47 PM

 Well here is an update on our Operating Session.  It was really a lot of fun, didn't have the turn-out that was threatened.  But we had a great time.  Total of 7 guys participated.  We had two mainline tracks East Bound, and West Bound.  Divided up into two groups an then ran the following exercise.  Prior to running the exercise, we did some speed calibration on measured distances, identified and made temporary markers for bypass tracks.  Had 1 priority passenger train on each track, and 2 freight trains.

The exercise we ran was to determine which group could complete a specified distance (21.5 miles), in a specified time.  A passenger train was designated as a priority train in each group, with a smph of 40 mph.  The passenger was required to stop at two stations in route with a 5 second delay at each station.  The two freight trains were assigned speed of 20 smph, and 30 smph.  The time required to complete the exercise was 34 minutes.

The results were the West bound group's time was 41 minutes, the East bound group's time was 38 minutes.  (West bound required to do 7 laps, East bound was required to complete 8 laps, for equivalent distance.)  NOTE: As a result of the speed, each group was required to yield the main line to the passenger train as required.  It was up to the group to determine where and when passing would take place.

The exercise started off a little shaky with a collision in the staging area at the very beginning.  Soon that was cleared, and the operations were underway.  There was a lot of laughter going on and a GREAT deal of strategy being formed.  After about two laps the East bound group lost one train due to a subsequent collision/breakdown.  The East bound group then had minimal traffic on their route.  At the very end the West bound trains ran into a track maintence problem just before the last stop of the passenger train, resulting in a fouled track at the station.  This created a delay for them to complete there trip.  There was another "incident" where the West bound passenger train ran off on a unauthorized siding, due to a switch that was inadvertently left in the wrong position.

Overall Everyone seemed to enjoy the activity !

We have another session scheduled, in which we are going to introduce the classification yard.  Then each group will have to Drop off a train, resort, and pick-up a train.  While running the above exercise. 

We will also be changing the assignments as to who has which train.  As we go we plan on continue to add more complexity and realism.  But, will "Cherry Pick" the type of activities we want to replicate.  None of us are crazy about creating a lot of paperwork and stuff.  But, we are really having a great time so far.

Great to hear that J&J, is home recuperating........ God Speed

 

Don

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Posted by trainmasterz on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 2:00 PM

Hey all,

 Just checking in.  Good to see most still here (glancing through half the pages in this thread).  Many new faces, I guess thats what I get for not being here for the last couple months I guess, wow time flys.  I didnt notice Ohio John or Jim posting???

Wow about Reggie leaving!!!!!  I hope he stays in touch.

Talk at ya all later,

Drew
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 2:07 PM

Don,
That sounds like a load of fun, and you recreated realworld collisions too!

WHOA WHOA WHOA! Watch out for train Number 9!

HEY get off my track!

I'm not on yer track!

WHOOOO WHOOOO!!!

Hey that's not supposed to be there! CRASH!

Hey Harry, Doc get your perscription wrong?

Nope! I was taking a sip of Diet Coke and let the throttle slip! My bad!

WHOOOOO WHOOOOOO!!!!

Hey give a toot to the passenger station on your way by!

Will do!

Ummm Don, this doesn't look like the Encino Line.

Sure doesn't. Did we make a wrong turn at Albuquerque??

This would explain why the Captial Limited was 3 hours late on Saturday... Whistling [:-^]

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Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 2:31 PM

Thats a long post to follow but,

PASSED this 68 year old heart did a fine job.Everything normal,strong and no blockage found.

Thanks to all for your good thoughts and support......S.J.

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

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 2:42 PM
Congrats SJ!

So I decided to check to see how long it would take to get from Baltimore to Chicago via Amtrak... I could walk there faster! It takes 40 minutes to get from Baltimore to Washington D.C. then 17 hours 35 minutes to get to Chicago... It takes 11 hours 24 minutes by car... 702 miles. That is just insane for Amtrak to take that much longer... I'm not even going to mention the cost...
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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 3:07 PM

Evenin' boys.  Partly cloudy & 61 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Gotta do some walkin' tonight to tone my calves for YORK!

brwebster - Shocks Mills Bridge is between Columbia and Harrisburg, and is part of the PORT ROAD (I originally was going to build a layout of this line).  It was severely damaged by a flood and rebuilt some years ago.  Rockville Bridge has stood the test of time, with just a little mishap here and there.

88 - I actually would like to know the cost of a ticket on the Capitol Limited.  Anyway, you don't take this train if you are on a schedule.  We plan to do a round-robbin trip one of these days: Baltimore-Philadelphia, Philadelphia-Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh-DC.  This way you get to ride over the Horseshoe Curve westbound, then over SandPatch Grade and the Magnolia Cutoff eastbound.

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 4:20 PM
 dwiemer wrote:

Roy, are you coming to Atlanta with the Robotics team?  I am not sure if the timing will conflict with York.  If you do come, Atlanta is 3 hours drive for me, but if my schedule permits, I could come up and catch up with you. 

Dennis - wish I could. Very kind of you on the offer. It does conflict with York and if I wasn't scheduled to work York I would go to Atlanta with the team.

SJ - good news!

Regards, Roy

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