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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 RRCharlie on Thursday, December 18, 2008 12:07 PM

Had 2 hour choir rehearsal last night. We are doing Schubert's Mass in G Sunday morning with organ and string quartet. A beautiful piece of music. I have a small solo and am part of a major trio and it all seems to sound pretty good. I just have to stay away from my wife's throat virus until after Sunday. Weather has been beautiful and warm her for quite a while. Am about 70% done with weeding an 8 ft by 30 ft section of weeds and torpedo grass. Sometimes I have to dig down almost 2 feet to find the roots. Looks good when I get the mulch back down. Haven't done much with trains. Did get the Monopoly Mint car last week and am anxiously waiting for the PRR GP-7. I am hoping I can switch bodies and put the NYC dummy body on the powered PRR frame. That way I will have a 2 unit powered Legacy set. Just need to remember not to run the PRR/NYC unit in the lead as the crew talk will not match the engine numbers!

Madge and I leave Christmas afternoon on the Silver Meteor to NYP, then Lakeshore Limited to Chicago and the Blue Water to Kalamazoo, MI to spend nearly a week with family there and in Holland, MI. Then back from Kalamazoo to Chicago, the Capitol Limited to Washington, DC and the Silver Meteor back to Jacksonville on Saturday, January 3rd. Classes at the Junior College start the following Monday night if enrollment reaches whatever their magic number is.

Congratulations to all on their milestone POT numbers and birthdays and prayers and sympathy to all with deaths, illnesses, and other problems.

My doctor sent me a letter asking for a follow up visit as my blood tests showed high cholesterol levels. I told him I liked baked potatoes on my butter and toast on my butter. While not messing with that, what do you suggest? The sound of silence was somewhat deafening!

Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!SmileApproveBig SmileBlush

May or may not post again before the New Year.

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

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Posted by Ole Timer on Thursday, December 18, 2008 1:17 PM

 Glad to be here .... remember Chief ... all of us north of carolina are'nt yankees by no means ... LOL .  Bank got all my funds back that thief tried to rip off ... last I heard F.B.I. was waiting for him to pick up the tickets he tried to order ... his 3-5 day fling on my bank account will cost him 30 years vacation in a federal prison ... LOL . Credit cards from now on ... my bank said paypal and ebay are so full of security breaches they have thousands a year nationwide ripped off there . Disapprove

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Posted by cnw1995 on Thursday, December 18, 2008 2:20 PM

Afternoon all. On a conference call. Not paying attention. Waiting for this terrible forecast to arrive from I-o-way. Hard to take it seriously in brilliant sunshine and bright blue sky. Got a wrestling meet to go to in half-an-hour. Praying for you, Charlie...

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

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Posted by kpolak on Thursday, December 18, 2008 2:35 PM

Afternoon!

Wow Charlie.  Prayers for you and your family.

Santa:  Thanks again for the call!  San-Ta! San-Ta! San-Ta!

Doug:  How about redirecting that Snw and freezing rain back south?  Nice job with the last one....Redirected to Vegas... Ha!

Here's a progress pic of the rails:

Kurt

 

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Thursday, December 18, 2008 2:49 PM

Some sad news from our buddy, Blueberry Chuck this afternoon.  His wife's mother passed away this afternoon.  Our condolances to Chuck's family.

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 anjdevil2 on Thursday, December 18, 2008 3:14 PM

Good afternoon!
Up to 80 again today.  Good to see RRCharlie (How are ya Mel?)  T-3 days and counting....

It's nice again today, but looking forward to possibly a white Christmas!  WoW!! that'd be awesome....Smile,Wink, & Grin


Now making plans for the weeks ahead, Monday and possibly Tuesday in NYC, Wednesday take the daughters BF back
home in the AM, Church at 7 pm then to Washington (Centreville, VA) for Christmas at my brother's place.  Possible getting together with my NorthEast Hemi Owner bretheren over the weekend definetly hanging out with my best friend and his family, 'pecially since my GodDaughter is in town.  New Years at my parents house then MAY get to the GTExpo at Oaks/Valley Forge, PA to wrap up my 2 weeks in heaven.  Fly back Sunday night, touchdown at 11PM.

Charlie - things should get better soon, it's all in God's plan, and only He know what's up. Praying for you and your friend!

Finished under the tree FINALLY, need to put away a lot of stuff and then I can enjoy it.

Harley came back today and it's running, but time will tell and I won't see it until I get back from NJ, so we'll see.

See ya inna bit!
Rich

PS - NOBODY can fix MTH switches  (had 2 come in Saturday...Banged Head)

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 Thursday, December 18, 2008 3:22 PM

Thanks Buckeye for informing us.  Prayers for Chuck and wife.

Now on the lighter side.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1243698098?bctid=1907557218

 

 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 kpolak on Thursday, December 18, 2008 3:58 PM

Chuck:  Sorry to hear of your loss.  Prayers to you and your family.

Kurt

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Posted by fifedog on Thursday, December 18, 2008 4:24 PM

Dateline - Fifedog's house...somewhere in the MD burbs.

At approximately 1500 hours (EST) a small brown box arrived via USPS.  The postage indicated it was mailed from the Wheelersberg, OH post office.  It was not ticking, nor did it have anything seaping out.  Still, not knowing anyone from Wheelersberg, and fearing a possible terror threat, the parcel was promptly submersed in the outside fish pond.  Then it was placed in a field and hit with a burst from my TORO leaf blower.  Then, when thought to be neutralized, the tape was surgically removed, and the  contents were found to be pink, and stuffed.  Further investigation revealed an old shipping label from the Cathedral Book store in Columbus...a quick triangulation on Google Earth revealed Portsmouth is near both these mappoints.

Oh. Dunce Thanks Phish!!! Laugh

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Posted by laz 57 on Thursday, December 18, 2008 4:46 PM

CHUCK,

   Sorry for your loss, prayers for you and your wife.

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 dwiemer on Thursday, December 18, 2008 6:02 PM

Chuck, sorry for the loss.  Will pray for you, your bride and her family.

Laz, SO, I am about to go get my hunting gear out for a Saturday morning hunt on the plantation that a certain VP hunts on, and the temps here are running around 80 degrees.  Hardly hunting temps.  While I have several scoped rifles that I have taken game all the way out to well over 800 meters, I will be bringing a 6.5mm rifle that was made in 1910 and using peep sights.  The fog in the mornings has been incredible.  I doubt I'll have a shot over 100 meters.

Well, was another crazy day.  Did a heart that I came off bypass with, then had to pass off to a partner so I could quickly drive over to daughter's school for her Christmas play, just made it.  I hate to do that, but given the circumstances, it was necessary.  My kids are only young once and I am not going to miss that.  If I had my way, I'd have taken the day off, but without the needed help, we make do.

Well, have some work to take care of.  Hope everyone has a good night. 

God Bless,
Dennis

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Thursday, December 18, 2008 6:46 PM

Good Evening from Blueberryhill....

Well, today was not a good day. Paula's Mom died at 1:07 pm at the age of 93. She had been living at an assisted living home in Cambridge. Paula was with her when she died.  She lived a long life.

Thank you , Guys, for your prayers and thoughts.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by tschmidt on Thursday, December 18, 2008 7:36 PM
I am just waiting to see what the weather is going to bring in the morning. They are calling for up to 12 inches of snow but you can't always count on them being right. Also, it's not supposed to start until after 6AM and the decision to close schools needs to be decided by about 6AM. The last thing I want to happen is to get the kids in school and have to deal with a storm while they are there. I guess I will have to figure it out in the morning.
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Posted by tschmidt on Thursday, December 18, 2008 7:38 PM
Chuck, I just read about your loss and I am very sorry to hear. Your family is in our prayers.
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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Thursday, December 18, 2008 7:52 PM

Chuck you snd your wife and her mother is in my evening prayers

May God bless

Jim

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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Thursday, December 18, 2008 7:56 PM

Fife - WinkSmile,Wink, & GrinLaugh

Jim

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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 18, 2008 8:04 PM

Evenin' Fellas

Chuck God bless you and your family in this tough time. God will see you through.

A few weeks ago Susan's Sister-In-Law's 1/2 brother overdosed, and his brother nearly did the same thing. Even though I didn't know him well it was still tough to see someone 5 years younger than me pass. Kinda puts life into a different perspective.

GregM - I just went back through the pages I've missed and noticed you are still looking... goodness... I will continue to pray for you as well.

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Posted by rtraincollector on Thursday, December 18, 2008 8:19 PM

Chuck sorry to hear of you and your wife's lost prayers out to you all and her family and freinds.

Greg M still keeping you in our prayers that santa brings you a job that you can live with till something better comes along.

Got my train set in tonight ( the one I won from that MA state) anyway for being about 10 years old it doesn't apear it was used much I think it may have gone around the christmas tree a couple of years and that was it. It is missing the truck to the tractor and trailor but other than that it all apears to be there and in excellant condition and it even has 4 extra straight tracks. ( the old O27 typeSmile) Talk to you all later time for bed as 5:00 am come quick

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

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Posted by sir james I on Thursday, December 18, 2008 8:36 PM

GOOD EVENING ALL

Chuck, sorry to read of your family loss. No matter the age it's a difficult time.

Like many others tonite we are waiting for the 6 to 10 inch snow that is forcast. Not suppose to reach here till around 4/5 am which makes it a tough call for the schools. My wife was gone most of the day so I just goofed off, no trains. But I do have banilla and hot fudge to spill in the Tardis if it keeps spinning.  TTFN  S.J.

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

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Posted by dwiemer on Thursday, December 18, 2008 9:04 PM

It is good to see some progress on Brent's layout...good work.  I hope some in the snow belt will post photos...hard to remember all that snow as we have temps in the low 80s.  I still have family facing it, so I empathize for you.  Well, got my hunting gear out and did some odds and ends around the house. 

I had picked up a Georgia Power steam engine for my FIL.  Tonight, he was asking my bride about what kind of track, transformer, etc. it takes.  I got the items out of the Target set I bought last year.  Figure the little "PowerMax" transformer should handle just the engine from the set.  I am looking for the caboose which was released the year before.  (I need two, one for myself and one for FIL).  My FIL had retired from GA Power co., so that is why it is special.  I may have opened a can of worms as he has been retired for a few years, but without any hobby to get into, this may be it.

Have a good night,

Dennis

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Posted by cnw1995 on Thursday, December 18, 2008 9:07 PM

Still no snow here yet after panic-mongering by the media all day. Realize I need a few more lock-ons before making any more progress on the engine house.

Chuck, I'm sorry for your and Paula's loss.

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

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Posted by Brutus on Thursday, December 18, 2008 9:13 PM

Chuck, prayers for your family Sad

Charlie, prayers for your family too Sad

Prayers for all in need, I'm sure there are more of us out there with stuff going on.  Especially, I hope that cholesterol and other problems get fixed as soon as possible.

Freezing rain turned into a downpoor with thunder and lightning even!  Running on battery now.  It seems like it has died down now, so might plug back in soon though.

SP, Kurt and others, I might be calling for info on working on these things a little - mostly looks like everything is okay, but I'm sure a little TLC will be needed.

Kurt - tracks look Great!  You do good work, man!

Dennis - glad you could get to see the show, they are only little once is right.  Mine are not little anymore, how did that happen?

RT went to bed, so no more brownies I guess?  Maybe his wife will take pity on us if we ask pretty please?  SJ, you are on man - I'll be there in about 5 minutes!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 18, 2008 9:13 PM

cnw1995

Still no snow here yet after panic-mongering by the media all day. Realize I need a few more lock-ons before making any more progress on the engine house.



Doug - We were supposed to have 1/2 of ice Monday night before Tuesday morning's commute... we got... wait for it... wait for it.... NOTHING!

I'm telling ya, if I had their track record I would be picking cranberries for a living!
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Posted by anjdevil2 on Thursday, December 18, 2008 9:15 PM

 Chuck - prayers for you Paula and MomAngel

I guess I posted over Buckeye and didn't see it...been hecktic at work, as tomorrow is the last day of the year for me.

Night night time, long day ahead.

Did ride the bike home this evening. was a nice comfortable 5 miles.

C ya 2 morrow!

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 jonadel on Thursday, December 18, 2008 9:34 PM
Dennis-- If I may interject my opinion and only my opinion about transformers: I've had two MTH Z4000 transformers for 10 or 11 years---never have missed a beat. Superior + performance and never a hesitation. Hope this doesn't open up Pandora's box.

Jon

So many roads, so little time. 

 

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Posted by jonadel on Thursday, December 18, 2008 9:42 PM
Rich-- Not to be mean spirited, but hasn't your HD been in the shop more than on the road? Yes, I do ride that other brand but your frustration tolerance is MUCH bigger than mine, I bought the bike to ride & ride & ride, etc. Don't put up with it, life is too short......... it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. You've missed out on way to many riding days. It's not about the ride, it's about riding.

Jon

So many roads, so little time. 

 

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Posted by cnw1995 on Thursday, December 18, 2008 9:46 PM

Brent, I guess the snow is moving s-----l----o----w----l----y.

Jon, did you see the photos of this special boxcar from Iowa running on the layout? They're under the Sunday photo thread.

Gotta go pick up the babysitting daughter. 

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

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Thursday, December 18, 2008 10:27 PM

Snow????  What is snow?  In Ioway, there is nothing but white death.  Brutus, we have a saying here, thunder in the winter means snow in 10 days or less.  Off to bed.  Finally got to see the end of the Christmas Choir on Halmark.  Got to get up and cook three bags of hot wings for Town Hall luncheon.  Good night.  Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite. 

 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 Friday, December 19, 2008 12:05 AM

 Snow??  Heck I don't know what snow is either, I do have some faint recollections of it, is it a Northern form of Grits???  I am getting a little concerned however, there are reports of a lot of it in the local mountains!  The highways are even closed?  What's that all about??  The Grapevine is shut down (I-5), the Cajon Pass (road to Vegas and Barstow), the only way out of here is Phoenix or San Diego.

Polar Express ALERT !  Put ours up the other night and the trailing truck on the engine, has one of the axles that wont stay in position.  Upon investigation, there is a small bushing that fits into the side wheel frame and the bushing is gone.  Where did it go? Lord only knows!!!  I was able to fix it by taking a piece of wire and striping off the insulation, then cutting that piece to the correct length.  The slug worked correctly.  Might want to put a small amount of glue to hold the bushing in place.  NOT ON THE AXLE THOUGH.

Prayers for all those that need them!!  I know the job situation is tuff also!!  Been there.

The legislators out here need to be shot!  With the budget issue -$42b, the democrats are trying to push through a lot of taxes, requires 2/3 vote.  The republicans (minority) are refusing.  So the demos introduced legislation today that initiates new "fees" to be implemented immediately only requires a simple majority.  Ironically, same fees as to what the taxes would be!!  Example: Sales taxes Up 25%, Income Tax filing FEE 2%, Gasoline "Revenue Fee" .31 cents per gallon! (already have an excise tax and sales tax.) Oh, and the sales tax is added AFTER all the other taxes!!  And the list goes on!!  Haircut tax, theatre tax, drink tax, new telephone tax, cable tv tax, more and more and more.   Internet sales tax too!  I WANT TO MOVE TO YORK !

Then there talking coming up again about breaking the state up into 3 states, and even some talk about cession.  Now that would really be interesting.

 If the weather we had here is going to all you folks, and its any indication here what your going to see, then I strongly suggest you get your woolies out and make sure the heater is working.  Cause its GOING TO GET REALLLLL COLD.  Been down in the 30's and 40's, we actually had frost warnings.  So you have been warned.

 

Don

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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Friday, December 19, 2008 4:45 AM

Morning all

Just a quick check in, dayshift starts today.  Almost all the snow has melted off, and currently above freezing, but theoverpasses may be interesting.

GregM - I checked with  our HR people and there wil be jobs posted after first of the year, check back on the site then.  In the meantime, I'll keep you and all those needing work in my prayers.

May God bless

Jim

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