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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 cnw1995 on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 8:35 AM

Morning all. Cold here but sunny. Walked up to the Museum of Contemporary Art during lunch yesterday - hilarifying stuff passing for art - the most bizzaro thing was a wheelbarrow full of popped popcorn - right there in the middle of the space - with a do-nut-touch sign - so I 'borrowed' it for our Tardis run last night - a little stale.  I'll return the barrow - they can pop some more - there was also two upsidedown plastic buckets with spotlights on them... They did have some very cool large-scale moving LED light sculptures. Surprised to have a full train going downtown today.

Don, where did you find the UP Bobber caboose?

Oh wait, almost forgot, in the gift store, the museum offered a plaster cast of a English passenger train car sold in a box with graffiti decals to 'decorate yourself' - I wanted to get it but not for $44.

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

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Posted by dbaker48 on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 8:52 AM

cnw1995


Don, where did you find the UP Bobber caboose?

 

Doug, I looked it up in the MTH catalog, 2008-2, then used the Find It function.  There were quite a few places listed, so I choose the closest one, NE.  Price was $41, but it is a Premier.  Little pricey but it didn't cost me anything, wife is paying for it.

Our big storm is OVER Laugh  We got a total of 2" according to the rain gauge.  No more rain in the forecast. Sad   No reports of any mud flows or slides yet, lot of people relieved.   (Chief a mud flow is a direct result of the rain, occurs usually immediatly.  A slide may occur up to 3-4-5 months later, resulting from an undermining of the hillside from accumulated water and typically a delayed activity.)

Don

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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 9:29 AM

anjdevil - Yeeeeeep; 'bout sums it up...Laugh

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 9:48 AM

dbaker48

[Our big storm is OVER Laugh  We got a total of 2" according to the rain gauge.  No more rain in the forecast. Sad   No reports of any mud flows or slides yet, lot of people relieved.   (Chief a mud flow is a direct result of the rain, occurs usually immediatly.  A slide may occur up to 3-4-5 months later, resulting from an undermining of the hillside from accumulated water and typically a delayed activity.)

I'd call all of CA and its people [except for a few and don't think you are the few] MUD!!!!!

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Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 10:09 AM

Good Morning,   Good Morning Chief

Another gloomy morning @ 36. I was readng a few pages of CTT this morning and I noticed how all the layouts are pro done or pro assist  and wondered what has happened to the average Joe plummer layout. Am I the only one that has not upgraded to the pro look? Granny is already preparing for tomorrow, my job is to toast two loaves of bread and then get out and stay out of the way. Have a great day,and don't forget to pick up Alka Seltzer on the way home tonite...S.J.

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

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Posted by cnw1995 on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 10:39 AM

Thanks Don! I thought MTH made a Railking one too. I'll have to sniff around. I was thinking of finding a 'cheap' one and cutting off the cupola to make a new brake van.  Sir J, I would say most folks have home-made layouts - the pro ones sure make for pretty pictures though.

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

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Posted by Brutus on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 11:11 AM

Took a few minutes to figure this out as my "reply" button was missing.  Had to log out and then back in again. 

Morning everyone!  Doug - I've also heard of people smoking the turkey on the grill using indirect heating.  Just turn on one side at the lowest setting and get a good thermometer too.  People do the deep fryer and also sometimes burn down their house!  I hear they have a new infrared- cooker that is like the deep fryer.  You put some olive oil on the turkey and the device cooks it on a little stand inside - Kind of like that holder thing Yan Can Cook used to sell a lot.

Trainz shipped my Lionel Teddy Bears I preordered, so I can give those to the kids for Christmas.  I was starting to think they would not be here in time!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 11:24 AM

sir james - Most folks are "loners" when it comes to building their layouts.  I certainly wouldn't turn down a "Pro" like Roy if he wouldn't to whip up some electrical magic on  my pike; and I 'd certainly give him all the kudos.  CTT can only print what is submitted, and sometimes it just works out that way.

BTW, Joe Plummer doesn't have time to build a layout this season, for he is very busy getting his records in order for the audit he'll be undergoing mid-January...Whistling

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Posted by dwiemer on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 11:31 AM

Jim, I had to do the same thing.  When I went to log back in, it said the site was down.

 Doug, I would suggest the deep fry for the turkey.  They are very tasty!  Two things to keep in mind, make sure the turkey is completely defrosted, and make sure all water is off it as boiling oil and water are explosive!  You can get marinade to inject at any grocery store.  I like to give a dry rub of spices on the outside prior to putting her in.  Usually, it is about 3.5 minutes per pound.  If your fryer does not have the graduated lines on the outside to judge the amount of oil for the size bird used, you have to measure with water and then use that amount for the oil.  This will save the day as fryers are easy to come by and you will love the taste.

Everyone, hope y'all have a great Thanksgiving.  We are off to Woodstock GA, to return Friday.  I hope to get to Office Depot to pick up a notebook computer for $350 as ours is on the mend.  Anyway, take care and God Bless,

dennis

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Posted by jonadel on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 11:31 AM

SJ--

Our layout is 100% homemade and I wouldn't have it any other way because for us the building is the most enjoyable part of owning and running trains.  PLUS I have yet to see any professionally built layout scenery as good as what my wife can do.

Doug--I have smoked turkey's for years in our smoker and now it's the only way we fix turkey.  It's a lot of work the first time you do it but there is no comparison.  The first year I tried it my wife was so dubious that she prepared another turkey in the conventional oven just to make sure we had turkey for dinner---NO ONE ate hers after one bite of the smoked bird, it was hilarious.  Now she just stays out of the way and gets everything else ready.  It's actually a job I look forward to every year, sadly this year we are away and will have to lower our standards but that's OK, the worst part is not having the wonderful leftovers.

Jon

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Posted by kpolak on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 11:31 AM

Doug'sGrumpyWithoutAnOven:  I've done a turkey on a grill.  It turns out really nice...but the house doesn't smell like turkey.  Allow for a bit of extra time, as the grill doesn't keep a steady temperature.  I agree with Brutus.  Outer burners only.

I forgot to list I finished The Chase by Clive Cussler...good read.  Cops, bank robbers and trains oh my!

Die-cast Porter train w/ 3-position e-unit, at Boscov's with NYC freight...$80 w/ free shipping.  Tempting, but just spent too much...including dishwasher repair...again.  Dopey front panel out again...parts covered under warranty, $120 in labor.

Kurt

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 11:38 AM

I see Dennis and I were typing about the same time [kept getting interrupted by Town staff].

Fry the turkey OUTSIDE.  The problem is folks put too much oil in cooker pot, then when it is hot [about 350], they put the turkey in and over flow the pot.  FIRE!!!!  A turkey displaces a lot of oil in the tall pot.  My frier pot has a scale on the side for oil vs. weight.  Also, use gloves and long sleeves to protect the hands arms in case of splatterig.  Another thing is be sure turkey is completely thawed.  Put turkey in SLOOOOWLY.   Very good when finished.  Ex-wife cooked them in microwave.  Was good.  Put aluminum foil [yes] over wings to protect them and keep them from burning up.  Can't beat the good old turkey in the oven though.  My favorite is the cured country ham boiled.  Good old salty taste.  Especially the fat around the edges.  Then moist [not hard brick like] stuffing and gravy.  A few butter beans and collards on the side and I am fine. DinnerDinnerDinner  OH! Lots of sweet ice tea.

PS: Jon E smokes turkeys because in Ioway, they cook in the fire place like olden times.  He puts it on the spit and rotates it over and over.  They have not gotten to stoves in Ioway yet. Whistling 

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Posted by laz 57 on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 11:55 AM

HI GYZ,

  It was 35 and cool here this morning.  I have a half day to day so I'm homr now.  Got off till Tuesday!!!!  Monday is BUCK SEASON in PA!!!!!   Going to CABELAs on Saturday with BROTHER.  Going to run trains tonite?

  CHARLIE, got the DEER?  Any BUCK?

laz57

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Posted by dougdagrump on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 12:03 PM

Gonna be cookin da'bird on the grille, checked it this morning and it fits with room to spare. SIL offered his smoker but figured what the heck give the grille a shot and see how it turns out. As somewhat of a backup I'll also be doing a boneless pork loin on the rotisserie, always do one anyway.

Now does anybody have a good recipe for doing the dressing in a crockpot ?

It also means no homemade bread ! Sad Grumpy Store bought dinner rolls.... Shock Sigh

Oh well, the best part is just gathering with family & friends. Thumbs Up

Gotta get my butt in gear, lots to do.

Be safe all and enjoy the holiday. Approve

 

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Posted by jonadel on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 12:21 PM

A little known fact:

the State Bird in North Caroliner is the TURKEY in honor of Roseyvilles mayor.  I've also heard that they  stuff the State Bird of North Caroliner with Grits, that way they gum it down easier Laugh 

Jon

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Posted by SPMan on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 12:25 PM

Morning all, Survived the rain last night.  No problems here but we are not in a burn area though.  Chief says we are all mud here in California.  I thought this was suppose to be the land of fruits and nuts.  Anyway, I;m a transplant from Virginia 1n 1958.  I went shopping yesterday for the family turkey.  Just to show how things get out of control here's how it went.  I saw an ad for 12-16 Lb. turkeys for $4.95 with minimum purchase of $25.  When I got to the store, naturally all the 16 pounders were gone.  I spotted a Butterball turkey for $7.95 with the same kind of deal.  The 16 lb were gone there too so it was on to the next catagory.  To make a long story short, I wound up with a 19Lb frozen Butterball turkey that takes 3-4 days to thaw out in the fridge and I only have two days to do it.  Any hints?  I'm thinking of soaking it in cold water.  I started by leaving it out for two hours then put it back in the refrigerator.  Had it out for another hour this morning.  I'm afraid to leave it out too long cause it might spoil.  I guess as long as it stays cold it would be OK.  Y'all have fun tomorrow and Happy Turkey Day!

 

Ray

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Posted by dbaker48 on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 1:01 PM

 Ray,

I'm sure the chief would know how to thaw turkeys, given his job.  But he make take awhile before he responds.  I would suggest, doing a google search "thawing a turkey", I did and their is a lot of information that came up.  Since time is of the essence give that a shot.  BTW, 1 thing is said is if your doing it with cold water change the water every 30 minutes.

 

Don

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Posted by dwiemer on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 2:14 PM

Doug just make sure you have enough propane if that is the type of grilling you are going to do.  Also, you can put a can of water and hickory chips in with the bird and it will add to the flavor and make it more tender.

SP yeah, the water trick does it.  As Don said, just change out the water ever 20-30 minutes.  Personally, I add a good bit of salt to the water for the first 30 minutes...it gets the residual blood out.  You will know when it is thawed as you drain the water, just check the breasts and inside.  If the breasts are hard...still have a way to go. 

For those in a pinch, you can also go to places like "Heavenly Ham" or Cracker Barrel and many sell pre-cooked birds and ham.  Some will even heat it back up for you.  Also, some are pre-sliced.

Chief,  Yeah, I think we were typing the same time...great minds think alike.  Anyway, hope you and the Mrs. have a blessed Thanksgiving. 

I got a call from the bride...we were having a couple with their children over Saturday for lunch....now it has expanded to around 30 peopleBanged Head.  Then, she tells me that her mother's stepdaughter and her boyfriend are coming to our house for the family Christmas.  Well, at least I'm on call....I think I hear my pager going offWhistling  Oh well, it will be a chance to practice humility.

God Bless,

dennis

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Posted by SPMan on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 4:14 PM

Don & Dennis, thank you.  Don, I saw that stuff on google about thawing turkeys.  One thing I found out is do not, repeat, do not thaw at room temperature or you may get bacteria going.  I guess the water trick keeps it cold while thawing.  One place said if you thaw that way, cook immediately after thawing.  That's what we intend to do anyway.  Today is the day for unusual things.  Two tree guys showed up and said they were hired by Edison to trim the tops of my cypress trees that were getting into power lines.  That's fine but it was raining when they came.  They waited a while and finally did the job even though everything was wet.  They must be like the mailman, "neither rain or snow nor dead of night can deter these men from their appointed rounds" or something like that unless you ship by parcel post. then it takes three times as long.

 

Ray

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Posted by rtraincollector on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 4:39 PM

SP i just had a seller only offer parcel post and hes shipping from CT. to me here in SC the only real problem I see is that it has to go thru that northern wanta be state N.C. Whistling

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Posted by Brutus on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 5:29 PM

Man - just caught up on the pot and now I am really really hungry!!!  Doug - I can't wait to hear how it turned out on the grill, be sure to tell us.  Thanks for that info, too Kurt.  I think I might buy one of the post-Tday turkeys on sale and try this on the weekend if the weather is okay.  We are going to my folks house tomorrow (local) so won't really have any leftovers.  Crockpot stuffing - sounds like a good idea!!!  BTW - if you can cook a whole bird on the grill, why not a loaf of homemade bread?  I would think one of those oven stones could go on the grill with indirect heat.  You would definitely want a pan of water in there to give you a good crust on the bread!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 8:20 PM

Good Evening All

I've had turkey cooked on the grill and two boiled in oil But I still like oven best Grill would be a close second. I heard that if the turkey is not thawed completely the water is what makes the hot oil boil over. It stayed cloudy all day and we got 37 out of it. 40 tomorrow. No trains today just lazed. Banilla and half an apple pie is waiting for the Tardis. when Brutus gets around to it.

Happy Thanksgiving to All, I'm ready....S.J.

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

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 8:42 PM

Evening all!

Been busy the last couple of weeks. The Lionel Holiday Layout install at Grand Central Terminal went well. The layout is about 45% new this year and features the new Lionel R-27 and M-7 subway sets. If you are in the area the layout is located in the MTA Museum Annex at Grand Central.

Just wanted to check in and tell everyone Happy Thanksgiving! Best wishes for you and your families this holiday season.

Have a great day tomorrow all!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by magicman710 on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 9:03 PM

Evening Yall!

 Long time no see. School started and I have been busy lately. But, with the colder weather and shorter days, I have now found time to work on my layout in the afternoons. I am laying my cork roadbed now and should be finished by next Wendsday (I wont be working on it until Monday) and perhaps have my track laid by the Monday after that. I will post photos once the track is laid down. I hope to be "finished" on the layout no more than 3 weeks from now. (I also want to make sure I get it done before the AC6000s Sigh arrive.)

Anyway, I hope everyone has a nice and safe Thanksgiving Holiday.

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

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Posted by jefelectric on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 9:32 PM

Welcome back Roy & Grayson.

An enjoyable Thanksgiving to everyone. 

Like Jim, no leftovers for us as we are going to a daughters.

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Posted by laz 57 on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 9:48 PM

HI GYZ,

  Well did all my chores today, paid the bills mailed letters, did the laundry, cleaned the turtle tank, and took dog for walk, also did my 3 miler all after school.  Early dismisal so I had some time.  Me and WIFE watch the taped version of the LAST SHIELD that aired on FX on Tuesday.  GREAT!!! is all I have to say.  BEST ENDING of any show that I ever watched.  FANTASTIC!

  After that ran trains for 2 hrs.  Had MAJOR PILE UP in the MILLERSBURG, PA YARDs.  Had a coupler come open and didn't catch it in time. cars all over.  Looked COOL, but still a JAZZ UP!.  Took about 5 minutes to fix, but all was running great.   1st one in a while. 

  FIFE, I guess I'm out of the running foe the MAJOR AWARD?

STAY FROSTY,

laz57

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Posted by laz 57 on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 9:59 PM

HI again GYZ,

  Probably won't see YUZ GYZ till next Tuesday, on the account of DEER SEASON and my MOM doesn't have a PC.  So I'd like to say have a great THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!!!!   And don't forget after you finished your great meal, GO take a nice walk!!!!!   Get that body moving or otherwise all that food goes SOUTH and you know what that turns into?

  STAY FROSTY,

laz57

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Posted by cnw1995 on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 10:04 PM

 Evening all. Got to come home early today. Watching over the daughter and her friends...  All this turkey talk makes me hungry too - going to a friends house whose guest list started with 4 and has ballooned to 36 - where did these people come from? No leftovers for me either. Sigh.I did whip up some homemade cinnamon rolls that the bride forgot. Never had a fried or grilled turkey... Does Ray have to change out the cold water to thaw his gigantic bird every 30 minutes for 48 hours straight? I remember one year early in our marriage when we didn't quite do things right and I ended up driving like a madman to pick up an entire turkey dinner from our local Dominicks (a Chicago food chain) - speaking of which, I wonder where Jack is hiding.  Going out in the Tardis tonight, Brutus?

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

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Posted by cooltech on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 10:07 PM

Good hunting laz57. I don't hunt but my friend that does brought me some venison steaks and grilled them yesterday with garlic bits and table blend spice. Chowed down a couple pieces and gave a fair share to the cat.

A wonderful Thanksgiving to all!! I baked 3 pumpkin pies and 1 apple crisp pie and the turkey is my to prepare tomorrow. So far all is on sch. Scary isn't it!

cooltechCool

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Posted by RRCharlie on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 10:09 PM

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!!!!!

Madge and I have been cleaning like crazy since I got home from class last night at 9:30 P.M. Hit the recliner and woke up to see parts of Extreme Trains featuring the Noth East Corridor. Drifted off to sleep-woke up at 3:00 A.M. and went to bed. Up at 9:00 and did more cleaning, moving crap, pitching junk. Started in on the turkey about 6:00 tonight. 21.56 pounds, Madge and I and 4 of her family from NYC; Rouen, France; Amsterdam; and Alachua, FL. Giblets cooked, lettuce and onions chopped. Up at 7:00 tomorrow to prepare the dressing and stuff the bird; in the oven by 8:00, peel the potatoes and wait for the family to arrive. I may even get to run a dining room train or two somewhere along the line.

Enjoy the day and count all your blessings, especially the ones that aren't trains! 

 

Mel Hazen; Jax, FL Ride Amtrak. It's the only way to fly!!!

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