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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 cheapclassics on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 7:21 AM

Good morning all,

It is dry and cooler in SE Indiana with temps in the 30s.  Worked on Christmas cards last night.  Not quite done, but made progress.  Did some more shopping.  My dad said the kids enjoyed the train exhibit yesterday.  The standard gauge ran well, but the HO was not a consistent runner.  Not enough testing time to get the bugs worked out.  Did not forget my work badge today.  Some interesting discussions going on here about the political and economic situation.  My two cents is this:  even with 10% unemployment (and I hope it does not get that high), there are 90% of us still working, still getting an income and hopefully still purchasing items (preferably needed ones).  Despite what is being said and portrayed, this is not the Great Depression...yet.  Doug M, congrats on your new position(s)!  It was back to the regular fare on the dining car for breakfast this morning.  Brutus, the beacon is lit and the Hoosier pork tenderloins are ready.  If we get tired of running trains, I have the euchre (Hoosier bridge) decks for some card playing.  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, December 10, 2008 7:22 AM

Good Morning

Paper came late so I am up early. Just enough snow to cause the usual  amount of accidents this morning. Not going above freezing till saturday.

I have said in the past and things haven't changed, If we had a Pearl Harbor today we would lose the war. We have no industry left here to build anything. We have a Jeep plant in Toledo Oh. but our army is buying Jeeps built in Italy. And on and on it goes.    S.J.

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

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Posted by dwiemer on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 7:37 AM

Good Morning everyone.  Still on call, had a couple of cases having to cancel, so i'll go in a little later.  Partner in crime is going in early as his daughter is getting her knee scoped.  I'd much rather go in and do cases, but paperwork still must be done. 

Had a great time with the Sunday School crowd last night.  Got invited to a private plantation to do some hunting later in the month.  This is one of those places that many would love to go to, but have no access.  A certain vice president hunts there, but I'll not be going when he goes.....don't have a bullet proof vest! 

I thing I will be getting the outside lights up and going.  That'd make the bride happy for when her family comes to visit.  We also have some musical bells that I have to figure out where to hang them.  They are real neat and sound great, but will get anoying after the first hour or so. 

It is currently in the mid 60s and going to the 70s later.  Should be nice, I'll be wearing some shorts in to the hospital. 

Chief, yeah, we have felt a lot of the same problems here.  Bob's Candies moved to Mexico, Proctor&Gamble has cut a number of jobs, Cooper Tire has forced the entire plant to take a vacation, then cut jobs (and may close the plant), Merk has all but shut down the local factory, one of the furniture manufacturing plants shut it's doors, and the timber industry and metal roof manufacturing industry is in bad shape with the housing industry on the downside.  As I have said in the past, we live in the 9th poorest congressional district in the country.  Better than 70% of my cases are indigent (they don't pay a dime).  So, we have felt the pain that other parts of the country is starting to feel.

I too will continue to pray for the country.

God Bless,

Dennis

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Posted by jonadel on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 8:07 AM

Doug--don't you even think about being the next Governator in the Land Of Lincoln, the track record of those buffoons is horrible Clown  I'm glad my traveling boxcar is safely in your home, I'd be VERY worried if it was at the Governators mansion  Dunce

Youngest son turns 30 on Saturday, big birthday bash planned for him.  This was the son that I kicked out of class in junior high!  It's amazing how age and being on your own can work out, he's now (and always has been) my best riding partner--he gives up a week of personal vacation to travel with Dad on the bikes every summer.  He made us super proud in Oct. when he ran and completed his first marathon in under 4 hours Thumbs Up  With lots of patience and very little advice things do work out.

Jon

So many roads, so little time. 

 

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Posted by cnw1995 on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 8:18 AM

Morning all. I can see the ice coating everything this morning in the sunshine - it's only 0 degrees - just like in that Christmas morning scene from 'A Christmas Story'. Sure happy to be viewing it from the inside. Hope to work on the new layout scheme later. Thanks to the generosity of a certain mayor, I have some 027 track and switches to use!   As a dad who's oldest kids are only teens, it's sure encouraging to hear about sons and daughters who are 'making it' as adults.  I'm actually pretty sad about the state of things in this great state...  it sure is entrenched. 


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

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Posted by dbaker48 on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 8:37 AM

cnw1995

 I'm actually pretty sad about the state of things in this great state...  it sure is entrenched. 

 

I am too also Doug, it seems once you get into suburbia or the rural areas, things are really different.   People actually care about one another, and morality and ethics are the call of the day.

 

(Im getting close)

Don

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Posted by laz 57 on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 9:41 AM

HI GYZ,

  46 and wet and lots o rain here  to get to 55?  Then bottom falls out and to get big sno-hio?

BUCKEYE-3 PILE UPS WAAA!!!!  Must be a record?

CHIEF, guy on HISTORY, for extreme trains is from somewhere in COLUMBUS? 

DOUG, what seat of OBAMAs was DA GOV. trying to sell?  His recliner or rocking chair?Big Smile

STAY FROSTY?

laz57

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Posted by laz 57 on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 9:47 AM

I too taped EXTREME TRAINs and will watch it tonite.  Did anyone see it last nite?  Any good?

laz57

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 9:49 AM

laz 57

HI GYZ,

  46 and wet and lots o rain here  to get to 55?  Then bottom falls out and to get big sno-hio?

BUCKEYE-3 PILE UPS WAAA!!!!  Must be a record?

CHIEF, guy on HISTORY, for extreme trains is from somewhere in COLUMBUS? 

DOUG, what seat of OBAMAs was DA GOV. trying to sell?  His recliner or rocking chair?Big Smile

STAY FROSTY?

laz57

I knew it!!!!!  LaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaugh

Sir. J, you are right on about all our industry being gone and not being able to make anything. 

Greenhouse to water.  Later 

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Posted by GregM on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 10:22 AM

Made a point to watch Extreme Trains last night since it was about UP 844.  Parts of the show were okay, but other parts were hard to watch.  The rapid jumping from scene to scene gets old "real fast."  I would never buy these shows nor recommend that anyone else buy them.  I sometimes think the reason the host speaks so fast is he is under pressure to say what needs to be said before the camera moves on.  Overall, from what I have seen so far, this show gets a D+ at best.

Sent resumes to a few more places this morning.  Totally convinced my working days are over, too bad I can't "retire" officially.

GregM
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Posted by anjdevil2 on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 10:35 AM

Actually, I think that guy on Extreme Trains is from......MAINE!!! (Hey Jack, can you calm this guy down?  You're closer than me).

"Extreme Trains host Matt Bown, a native of central Maine, has always loved trains. He collects everything from model trains to train fan magazines, and for the last ten years, he's been a conductor for Pan Am Railways, formerly known as the Maine Central, which has been around since the 1860s."

Funny, he don'r sound like he's from the Pine Tree State..... 

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 cheapclassics on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 10:48 AM

Good morning all,

If this works, I will have some links for you to look at concerning my dad and the train display at the local musem:

http://www.greensburgdailynews.com/local/local_story_344191336.html   This one is about him but has also has a nice picture of the standard gauge layout.

 http://www.greensburgdailynews.com/youth2/local_story_344190849.html?keyword=topstory  This one also has a nice picture of the layout and a litte bit about what we do.

I was very surprised and pleased to see this much in the paper about the trains.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by Wes Whitmore on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 11:33 AM

He's from Maine...says it every show...

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Posted by kpolak on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 1:25 PM

Afternoon all!

Sorry to get so twisted up...I need to lay off the news again.  I just start yelling at the TV.

Well, new motive power arrived at the Christmas Lines...The dockside switcher is now making the rounds with the MOW crew.  I really love this little engine!  I wish the whistle was a bit louder, but it smokes perfectly!

Running sound for the first dress rehersal with the kids tonight.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Looks like our kids will have to miss the Christmas program...Bride seems to be bothered she has to take them to rehersal tonight, and wants to attend a Work Christmas party next Wednesday, instead of taking them to rehersal...I'm not happy to say the least.  I'm still trying to get them there...

Kurt

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Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 2:32 PM

Kurt- you were watching the noon news, weren't you.Did you notice the more that senator talked about not protecting his states foriegn auto plants, the longer his nose grew. snow melting, trains to run.

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

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Posted by rtraincollector on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 2:50 PM

sir james I

Kurt- you were watching the noon news, weren't you.Did you notice the more that senator talked about not protecting his states foriegn auto plants, the longer his nose grew. snow melting, trains to run.

Oh thats who's nose was shown reaching all the way down Pennsylvania Ave. Whistling

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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 3:00 PM

Evenin' boys.  Evenin' Gov-a-roo.

Concerning EXTREME TRAINS...yes, Matt is a bit over-the-top at times (especially in the first episodes).  Maybe that's why his regional granted him a leave-of-abscence to do the series...Whistling  I actually feel the editing if pretty good, and keeps the subject "fresh".  I've been watching train videos for over 2 decades, and usually fall asleep after 10 minutes.  Last night's show on 844 was interesting, and I made it over 30 before...Zzz

Good to see B!

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 4:05 PM

I, too, saw the whole program, finished watching the repeat from last Tuesday (the Produce Express) on Sunday.  Maybe it was because I was sick, though I fell asleep shortly after it was over.

I went to the History Channel website and there are not too many people really likin' the host and his "Christmas Morning"excitment during the program.  Some positivly skewered him.  Matt's probably a great guy, but geeez, tone it down a bit huh?

 Saw my PA, got some drugs and refills, so may be I can kick this thing.

Later!

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 rtraincollector on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 4:12 PM

AngryBanged HeadDisapproveBanged Head UPS just showed up ( my new 22" monitor) after digging in truck "sorry must be on other truck". GGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Been sitting here all day waiting for it needed to goto store but didn't want to miss this idiot . Grumpy

Today isn't going any better than yesterday it was one thing after another yesterday. I stayed home today figuring everything would be fine if I stayed home. lol yeah right .

Hope all having a better day than I lol

Oh extreme trains I don't even watch it any more after first 2 shows I said enough is enough no need to torcher myself any more, they need to give him and the director and producer a bottle of Valium each .

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

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 4:34 PM

Extreme Trains is my favorite show on TV.   I drink about a pint of Canadian Club or Jack Daniels, then watch the show.  I can't believe you guys don't like the show.  Last night's show featuring the Yugoslavia's steam trains pulling two thousand yellow cattle cars through the winding mountains of eastern Siberia was great.  What's wrong with you guys!!!  The interview with the lady that changes the headlight on the engines was great.  Can't wait until next episode, but need to get to the Brew Thru beforehand. Laugh 

Speaking of Yugoslavia, any new news from Illinois?

Laz.......I don't know what happened.  I watched Extreme Trains and then went upstairs to run trains and had all those pile ups. 

Anybody seen Blueberry Chuck?  

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 rtraincollector on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 4:53 PM

Wow ( the Ups guy found my monitor at his next stop said it was on the wrong side) any way back to WOW the difference it use to be kinda on dark side in here looking at the photos now I can see everything that monitor was dieing lol. Big Smile

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 4:56 PM

Guys, OK to yell at the TV.  Gets all your frustrations out.  Now shooting the TV can get expensive and could get you arrested if you live in a town [they usually have a no discharge of firearm law].  In the 60's right now. Errie feeling.  No storm clouds around but is very thin layer of clouds.  STill saying might have severe weather tonight and then again tomorrow before dropping to real cold by tomorrow night.  Bad thing is, I am heading Nawth to DC.  Usually when I go to DC, it turns real cold.  Dinner time.  Deer fed and happy [seven tonight].

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Posted by jonadel on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 5:28 PM

RT--

You did better than I did with your delivery, re: DirecTV.  As you remember I was stood up twice---third time the guy doesn't show up in the AM as scheduled.  I got right on the phone and stayed calm on the surface, inside it was a volcano.  I made sure all the reps stayed on the phone with me and was assured he would call me in 10 minutes, never happened.  I call again, same song/2nd verse.  Finally at 3:00 I drive into Adel to get scrips for my wife and who do you think calls---yup, the tech.  I see all  kinds of good friends I haven't seen in months but I have to hurry back home.  Long story short, it's installed and working great.  Hi def is not over rated, it's incredible, of course the new TV makes all the difference.  There will be no trains in the near future and that's OK, I have some trains I haven't run in a long time.  The old TV is now downstairs in the trainroom and will be a nice addition.

 

Jon

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Posted by dwiemer on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 5:40 PM

Good evening everyone.  Well, they added another case on for me, so I may be here till tomorrow....then again, we have a full day of some tough cases starting early in the morning.

Raining like crazy here.  They tell us we may be getting 5" or more tonight.  Glad I brought the truck here.  Just hope I don't really need the extra clearance to make it home.

Have not had a chance to check out "Extreme Trains", latest episode.  It is on DVR, but I just need the time to sit down and watch.  Perhaps when I've taken some Nyquill, I can stand the guy.  Regardless, it is trains, so I'll watch, but with the sound off.  I also tune it out when they show ancillary things only slightly part of railroading.

Had a long talk with someone who needed to vent some frustration.  Learned some disappointing things about some folks, but I will try to keep to the high road.  Just another example that if you put your faith in people, they will let you down.

Doug, when I see all the news about the political types in your state...well, I just have that image of Al Pachino in "Scent of a Woman", when he is at the school and says "If I was half the man I was, I'd take a flamethrower to this place", I am sure many good people in your state would like to do similar, or just flush all the politicians and start over.  Perhaps there are some good ones, but we don't hear about them.  Hope they get things straightened out.  Too many good folks up your way to have such fools representing them.

Well, have to head on.  I hope that everyone has a good night. 

God Bless,

Dennis

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 6:28 PM

RT, I ordered some shirts from BPS.  They were shipped from MO to WI.  From WI to MO.  From MO to Charlotte.  From Charlotte to Greensboro.  From Greensboro to Charlotte.  Then finally to RDU distribution center and to me.  All by USPS [FEDX helping].  LaughLaughLaughLaugh

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 7:36 PM

Evenin' Fellas.

Told you I would be back! Smile

I FINALLY shipped my CPI car off to John today... only 10 days late... but who's counting?

hope everyone is doing well.

Chief - when are you coming to DC? Give me a call...

Off to the train room!

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 7:43 PM

Good Evening from Blueberryhill....

Busy day today. 80 degrees and sunny. I had to mow the grass before tonite's rain. Finally got it done. ( Don't I wish ).

Seriously, spent the day turning the heat on and off for the furnace repairman. The circuit board went bad in the heat pump. Had a new one put in. Now, the heating process is perfect. Rained , lightly, all day.

I need to run trains again. Maybe Friday.

Dining car has been here on time.

Y'all have a great evening.

Chuck

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Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 8:37 PM

Good Evening

I just came in from the garage, wife's rear car door would not latch.  I messed with it for awhile tried WD40 still would not stay closed,so I started moving the latch inside the door up and down and it finally stayed down so i opened it pushed against the door real hard and it latched. I have no idea how it works inside the door but its locked now and I could not push it open from within so it should stay closed. It rained yesterday and its 20 degrees now so that may be part of the problem. No big day today, not that much going on so I just roam around the house going through my daily rounds.  Brutus we have banilla and fixins, fire the thingy up and lets go some place warm...S.J.

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

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Posted by Brutus on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 8:42 PM

Chuck, glad you are nice and warm!  Mike C - nice articles/pics - those big trains are BIG!  Lots of posts today and no way to keep up, but I did read them all.  Hope something goes right for all those in the auto and other industries that are taking it on the chin now.  All the news here has been about the senate-seat-gate since yesterday morning.  Today was the IL governor's birthday too, lol!  Extreme Trains - I liked the show overall, but they should tone it down a little.  I think that it's an attempt to get people into the whole thing and so I'm all for that.  Some of the wrenches and tools on that repair car were pretty cool!  This guy reminds me of the guy on Cool Tools.  Doug - best way to watch the snow is from inside Smile

Okay - Tardis is ready, we've got lots of beacons and some good treats!  Watching some stuff on ebay, but the wifi on the Tardis should keep me in the loop!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by SPMan on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 8:46 PM

Good evening all, Got the Christmas outdoor lights up a couple of days ago and the tree into the house but not decorated yet.  Weather is nice here with cool days and a high around 70 with sunshine.  I feel lucky when I hear about the nasty weather back East. We have smog sometimes but you don't have to shovel it.  Picked up a new CD today featuring the ATSF 3751 steam engine on an excusion with all private cars from Los Angeles to San Diego and return.  Cost about 10.95 from Pentrex at my LHS.  Time runs about 45 minutes.  I decided to let my wife give it to me for Christmas along with my Disney World Train Station from E Bay.  Now all I have to do is figure out what to get her.  Went to another Christmas get together at friends house last night for chuch social group.  Pot luck and  lots of food.  Had cheesecake, two kinds for desert.  I'll pay for that on the waist line.  My problem is I never met a desert I did'nt like.  Ran trains a llittle bit today with SPSD45T-2, two units on freight and an ATSF two unit set of GP20's on a piggy back train.  Both engines from MTH but piggy backs are new PS2 trailers on flatcars from Lionel.  Have to see the dental hygentist tomorrow AM.  Be glad to get that over with.  Got to run now to peel potatos for dinner.  Have a pleasant evening.

 

Ray

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

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