Trains.com

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.

283420 views
8456 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: North of Philadelphia
  • 2,372 posts
Posted by tmcc man on Friday, December 26, 2008 11:25 AM

Good morning everyone,

I see everyone got what they wanted for Christmas, and even a few extra suprises.

Fife sounds like a very nice set you got there, and 88, I bet you were floored when you opened those boxes. I wouldn't know what to do first, set up the tv or run the boom and tender.

I had a very unexpected gift. I knew I was geting the Canon fisheye lens, and it is awesome, I love it. Well anyway, my mom handed me a box, and what was inside was something completely unexpected. It was a Bulova watch! I was looking at it for quite some time, probably since early June. It has 34 diamonds in it, and is absolutley beautiful. I was floored when I saw it. I got it fitted properly today so it doesn't move up and down my wrist uncontrolably. I'll post a picture if you guys want me to.

Talk to you guys later, and have a good day!  

Colin from prr.railfan.net
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Friday, December 26, 2008 2:26 PM

Colin, way to go young man.

my new years wish is 88 will have to shovel snow.  [notice it is in REB gray]

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    May 2007
  • From: Glendora, Calif.
  • 2,672 posts
Posted by SPMan on Friday, December 26, 2008 3:22 PM

Good afternoon all, it is a beautiful day after Christmas here in Southern California.  Cold and clear with sunshine.  Lots of snow on the mountain tops.  We had a nice Christmas with family yesterday but wound up giving grandson a duplicate gift.  Have to go back for exchange but he was less upset than me.  Got my old tape player back from the repair shop on Christmas eve but one of the two tape decks is dragging.  The other one is OK but will try to take it back when they reopen.  Would'nt care about the thing ex cept that is part of my entertainment center package and I would like to keep it working.  I don't keep up with latest technology.  I don't know a Blue Ray from an X Ray or a Blackberry from a Huckleberry and I know that tape players are almost obsolete now.  My philosophy is:  If it works, don't fix it or replace it.  Same is true for my 20 and 12 year old cars.  They still run great.  Got a haircut this morning and getting ready to run some trains this afternoon when it warms up in the garage a little.  I got some Pentrex DVD's of ATSF 3751 trips from L.A. to San Diego this year for Christmas.  First trip shot from a helicopter and ground was great.  Second trip shot from ground only not too good.  Poor picture quality as well.  It was only 42 minutes long.  They filled out the tape with a video shot from the rear platform of a private car on a train between Oakland and San Luis Obispo, California just watching track behind train.  Kind of boring after a while.  Have a good day y'all.

 

Ray

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Hightstown, NJ
  • 2,886 posts
Posted by anjdevil2 on Friday, December 26, 2008 4:44 PM

Hey Boys!
A Belated Merry Christmas!  I'm here in New Jerey.  Got here on Sunday and relaxed most of the day.  Monday We went to Macys and no, didn't get to see the BIG layout as the wait to see Santa was 2hours long.  And that was the ONLY way to see it.  Then walked to Grand Central, shopped and had lunch, then to the museum!!  WOW!!  Nice job, Roy!!!  I'll post pictures when I return.  Walked to Times Square then to Macys (Line still long), took the train back home.  Tuesday went to Central Park and walked around for 3 hours.  Walked to the Astro Restaurant and had a late (4PM) lunch.  Then on to 30 Rock took pictures of the tree, then in to the NBC experience where the were more Lionel TRAINS!!!  Off to Macys once again and another LOOOONG wait (nope, didn't see 'em) and home.  Spent Christmas at my Brother's in VA and today just gooofed off. 

We'll see you all later, the DSL here is just so slow...Hope Santa dropped off what you wanted (seems like Fife and 88 got way they wanted..)  could read all the posts but, I'll catch up!

Rich IN NEW JERSEY!!!

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


  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Southwest Georgia
  • 5,028 posts
Posted by dwiemer on Friday, December 26, 2008 7:13 PM

Good evening.  Well, just got a call, have a case to do in the morning.  This is not shaping up to be a peaceful weekend.  HOpe everyone has a good one.
Dennis

TCA#09-63805

 

Charter BTTs.jpg

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Friday, December 26, 2008 8:21 PM

Good Evening

Ok no big day here.Just kind of lazed around. My biggest project of the day was to assemble the parts on the eight inch bench grinder I got yesterday. I requested a six inch that was on sale but H.D. was out of them so my gift giver was allowed to buy the larger one for $19.95. A Ryobi. Toy train running today was the one under the tree. The rest of the day just slipped away. Have a great weekend and I will enjoy our 57  degrees tomorrow as it is only a one day event.

Brutus, banilla is ready, how about some hot fudge....S.J.

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

  Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC)   - Detroit3railers-  Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: St. Louis, MO
  • 4,913 posts
Posted by Brutus on Friday, December 26, 2008 8:34 PM

Hi Sir James - sent you an email.  Tummy is bothering me so I'll pass on the banilla, but I'll have some rootbeer.  RT sent me a $10 off card for Lowes.  My son and I ran up there looking for drywall, but the green mold-resistant boards were stored outside in the weather????  Yuck, whea a mess.  NO way was I buying any of those.  They were dirty and probably already full of mold and bugs.  This stuff isn't for outside use guys, d'oh!  Picked up some 2x4's, a couple lights for the workshop area, and a couple odds and ends.  I actually have another of these cards that my wife found in our pile o' mail, so I'll stop and get a couple more light fixtures on the way home tomorrow from work - doing 6 OT and then off for 9 days more.  I plan to play with my new train tomorrow after I get home and just relax.  Got a haircut tonight and picked up a train mag at Borders, ate out with the family at a favorite roast beef sandwich place (Lion's Choice).

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,027 posts
Posted by fifedog on Friday, December 26, 2008 8:35 PM

sir james - When I read you had the "blues" this AM, it got my wheels a -rolling.  Spent a couple hours putting together a "care package".  When my picture poster wakes up tomorrow morn, I'll have a little something extra for your coffee...

anjdevil - Glad you made it up nawth safe and sound.  Have a good time.

...and still no RI52...

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Friday, December 26, 2008 9:05 PM

fife, very kind of you, I'll be waiting, coffee in hand.

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

  Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC)   - Detroit3railers-  Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Friday, December 26, 2008 10:00 PM

Good evening all,

It is a warm rainy day in SE Indiana.  Did not do much today.  Assembled one of the Nerf guns my wife got me.  It is so cool!  Can fire off 25 shots in a hurry.  Just pull the trigger and lay down a suppression fire in a hurry :-)  Wife and I went to see Will Smith movie, Seven Pounds.  All the reviews say it is a tear jerker, and I guess it is sad in a way, but considering his state of mind, I think it had a good ending.  I had streusel again for breakfast on the dining car.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: St. Louis, MO
  • 4,913 posts
Posted by Brutus on Friday, December 26, 2008 11:04 PM

Streussel = yummy!  Tardis is lifting off in 5 minutes, just gotta double check all these changes KoolJock made to things with his new screwdriver? Laugh

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Friday, December 26, 2008 11:25 PM

fifedog
When I read you had the "blues" this AM, it got my wheels a -rolling.  Spent a couple hours putting together a "care package". 

GRITS!!!!!

Carter ran trains.  As soon as he got here, he wanted to go upstairs and was saying choochooo.  Now he has not been here in months.  He remembered.  After the meal and presents, he kept saying choochoo and wanting to go upstairs.  We went upstairs and ran the Big Boy and the SD-40-2's.  Let him blow the whistle and horns.  Also did some switching with a switcher and moved the traveling tank car to another siding.  Came back down and got ready to go and he kept insisting to go back up and saying, "Choochoo."   He is hooked. 

Good night all and God bless all [Yanks too]. 

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Southwest Georgia
  • 5,028 posts
Posted by dwiemer on Saturday, December 27, 2008 6:28 AM

Good Morning Y'all!  Well, I am here...again, waiting for the patient to arrive for surgery.  One of the guys here at work whom I had deep fried a turkey for this week is here and just told me how his son really enjoyed coming over and playing with the train while we cooked the turkey....we may have another addition to the hobby.

I hope to get some work done on the layout, if we get done in a timely manner.  I also have a trampoline to assemble.  Yes, we have the enclosure for it.  Not sure when to put it together, I doubt it will be today as it is wet outside.  Was in the mid 60s at 0430 when I came in. 

I see a good number of folks with questions on new train sets they are getting for the kids.  It is a good thing to see.

Well, better run.  Hope everyone has a good weekend.

God Bless,
Dennis

TCA#09-63805

 

Charter BTTs.jpg

  • Member since
    March 2006
  • From: Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • 2,306 posts
Posted by kpolak on Saturday, December 27, 2008 6:33 AM

Morning all!

Chief:  Congratulationa Gramp$$

Sir James:  Snap out of it man....Bride is off next week.  Mind if I stop by and run some trains?

Sounds like everyone had a great Christmas!  Colin...Woo Hoo!  Shiney!

Well Post war and Pre war trains both running last night with the in-laws.  Big smile on FiL's face when the uncoupling track worked!  That made my Christmas!  4-yo was running the trains, another happy daddy Christmas moment!  In-Laws are re-thinking selling the trains.  I told them if they keep them I'll buy track for around their tree next year!

Ok...getting the pre war running was a bad idea for me...I'm hooked.  I was genuinely suprised how smooth and quiet the pre war motors ran, and the tin cars are really cool.  ...and I was done buying trains....until I finished the scenery and buildings.

Kurt

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Ohio
  • 607 posts
Posted by GregM on Saturday, December 27, 2008 6:53 AM

Spent some time catching up on the Coffe Pot this morning.  Been away from computer for two days, was starting to get withdrawl symptoms.

Karen and I spent Christmas day and yesterday with daughter, SIL, and grandson.  SIL's family was also visiting.  Was nice to be part of the commotion of a large gift exchange.  Grandson had been up for a while and was taking a nap when the adults were exchanging gifts so he had a number of presents to open when he woke up.  Took a while as he wanted to play with everything.  Of course, there was packaging to deal with so he got a little frustrated now and then.  The range of toys available is incredible.

Friday we went to the local mall to let SIL exchange a duplicate item and to check out some sales.    Some stores were very busy, others not quite so much.  Karen got a pair of slippers.  Zachary was out of his stroller in one store and decided to make a run for it.  He ran out the door at full speed with grandma in hot pursuit.  Priceless!

Before heading back home Friday evening, we went to visit nephew that also lives near Columbus.  My sister and the rest of their family were there too.  Think we interrupted their gift exchange, but they seemed glad to see us.  We wanted to stop to see nephew's three month old son that we had not got to see yet.  We also met sister's older son's bride-to-be.  Niece (sister's daughter) is pregnant.  Family gets bigger and bigger all the time.

Was a wonder couple of days.  Forgot completely about our situation for a while.  

I will end this by saying I hope everyone else had as wonderful a Christmas. 

GregM
  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Saturday, December 27, 2008 9:10 AM

GOOD MORNING

What a way to start my morning, seeing "grits" in giant letters. We got 52 degrees this morning going towards 60 before it nosedives tomorrow. Wind and heavy rain forcast but I'm not sure where the water will go as most side street sewer covers have snow blocking them.

Kurt= you know you are welcome anytime you want to come over. Bring your toys or we can play with mine. I promise to share. Everyone have a great day.

S.J.

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

  Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC)   - Detroit3railers-  Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Crystal Lake, IL
  • 8,059 posts
Posted by cnw1995 on Saturday, December 27, 2008 9:44 AM

Morning all. Warm here too. Raining occasionally. Foggy with all this snow melting. Good day to be indoors. My bride is taking the youngest to the movies later so I can work on the layout for a while without his 'help.' Made plans to help my buddy next week finish his L track on his layout.  Watching the new animated Thomas - it's now on our PBS channel. Not bad...

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

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 3,584 posts
Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Saturday, December 27, 2008 9:49 AM

Good Morning from warm (50°F) Southern Ohio,

All are still in Christmas mood.  Grandkids coming up again, they really like youngest daughter’s boyfriend.  He is the best boyfriend yet.  Level headed, works, and likes trains.  We put the new Polar Express under the Tree with the AF 21088 and cars on the outside track.  It was neat to see two trains running under the tree.

I need to prepare for services tonight.  I am giving the homily and it is prepared, now just get it in my head and heart...

All take care and may God bless

Jim

 

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,027 posts
Posted by fifedog on Saturday, December 27, 2008 11:06 AM

sir james - SPF (Early Edition) for your viewing pleasure.

Phish - Is it homily grits, or hominy grits...or howmany grits? Dunce

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Southwest Georgia
  • 5,028 posts
Posted by dwiemer on Saturday, December 27, 2008 11:10 AM

Good late morning.  Finished one case and now I have a second to do...hey, it is a Saturday, isn't it?  Called bride, kids are still sick, but when they are not sleeping, they are playing with all their stuff.  I will stop and pick up some food for dinner when I get out of here.  Looks like layout plans will not be done today.Sigh

Greg, I have seen some of those older Pre-war standard gauge engines running, like you say...smooth!  When the current plans are completed on the layout, I hope to run a standard gauge train on a elevated track in one of the rooms in our house. 

God Bless,

dennis

TCA#09-63805

 

Charter BTTs.jpg

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: S.E. Ohio
  • 5,434 posts
Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Saturday, December 27, 2008 11:25 AM

Good Afternoon from Blueberryhill....

It is a beautiful day in Ohio. Sunny and 65 degrees. Come on, Spring.

Today is a lazy day. Wife has been quiet for a few days. I just leave her alone, as I know she is thinking.  At least, she isn't depressed.

I'll be glad when baseball season starts. Nascar starts on Feb. 19th at the Daytona Speedway. 

Well, Dining car has been here and we had breakfast.

Y'all have a great Saturday.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: US
  • 1,304 posts
Posted by mitchelr on Saturday, December 27, 2008 11:42 AM

 Hello Friends,

Been away for a day or two. Lots to catch up on here on the Pot.  Go the best present of all yesterday when son submitted his thesis.  I know it is a load off of his mind and off ours too.  He has been "in progress" for almost a year.   Hopefully this finishes up all requirement for his diploma (even though he " participated in commencement last May.) 

Nephew loved his trains, although the 1033 transformer that worked great here seems to have picked up an intermittent short.  Will have to pick up another transformer on eBay or at local trains show. While my son was helping set up the loop of track for nephew he piped up about how he had never gotten a train set for a gift (which isn't entirely true, he did get some HO SanteFe passenger trains that he showed an interest in).  When he was very little we had no $$$ for trains and when he was a bit older, I couldn't get him interested in trains at all.  Oh well I know waht Santa will bring him next year.

Glad to see 88 and Fife got some great gifts.  Also exciting to hear that Chief will be a Grandpa again.  Sorry to hear about others who are under the weather.

Just got February CTT in mail today will have to sit down and peruse it later today.     Wife wants to go shopping later so we will see.  Perhaps we will go and have some dinner out after we return some items and check for bargains.

Take care,

 Mitch

Bob Mitchell Gettysburg, PA TCA # 98-47956 LCCA# RM22839

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Sandy Eggo
  • 5,608 posts
Posted by dougdagrump on Saturday, December 27, 2008 12:38 PM

Mornin' All.

Kids Klub Fun Run went well yesterday, the usual "controlled chaos" with a new set of runners taking over every hour. Some with their own trains others making use of club equipment. But boy was I pooped when I got home, sat down to watch the news and that was all she wrote. Result = a nice hour and a half nap. The only real disappointment was that we didn't have any no-shows, was hoping to test out a Polar Express & Hogwarts Express that a club member had just gotten back from a TMCC upgrade. I was able to get the eng number assignments done but the chaos crews arrived prior to being able to do some test runs. I will say that the whistle choice for the Hogwarts was really good. Monday the insanity will start again so maybe I can get some runs with them.

Sounds as though it was a very good Christmas for most, my biggest enjoyment is just being with family and friends, especially my grandson.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and the remainder of the holiday season.

Buckeye, Looks as if the weather pattern is changing so maybe your friend will have some decent weather to enjoy, staying pretty cool/cold at nite but very pleasant & sunny during the day. 

 

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

www.sd3r.org

Proud New Member Of The NRA

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: St. Louis, MO
  • 4,913 posts
Posted by Brutus on Saturday, December 27, 2008 2:23 PM

Doug, on that Hogwarts upgrade, did they get a coil coupler on the back of the tender?  I had this priced out a few months ago thinking I might get it done for my Birthday and it seemed pretty reasonable considering the overall cost of the locomotive involved.

Worked 6 hours of OT today and that's it through next Sunday.  Big rain here today, but the temps are warm.  Will spend some time on my prewar stuff I won.  Kurt - what did you get, I forgot, sorry!  Sir James thinks I might be able to buff out the goof on the repaint on my torpedo - that would be great.  I love this hopper, very cool!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

  • Member since
    March 2006
  • From: Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • 2,306 posts
Posted by kpolak on Saturday, December 27, 2008 3:15 PM

Afternoon all!

Tried to take the family ice skating, but the weather had the outdoor rink closed...Really really cold, then 25F today.  Too bad...good day to teach 4-yo to skate....We went to an indoor playground instead.

Brutus:  4-yo was bought some work gloves at school Christmas sale, and Bride bought a wallet, while her and I were shopping together.  She said she wanted to make sure it was what I wanted...Sigh  We still have a gift exchange with close friends, so there's still hope for some train stuff.

The local museum is running night trains tonight...Over breakfast, a visit to the night trains and dinner at mongolian BBQ, was discussed.  Bride stepped out to try to work on In-laws computer, so I'm not confident she'll be back by dinner.

Kurt

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: South Carolina
  • 9,713 posts
Posted by rtraincollector on Saturday, December 27, 2008 6:01 PM

Evening all not to much happening.  Haven't been sleeping right the past few nights take a nap then wake up early bright eyed and then get sleepy again about time to get up for work. Trying to stay up till 9 then goto bed tonight and see what happens( tired now but know what will happen even if I try to go to bed for the night. )

Hope spring gets here soon ( get rid of plants in my to be train room) They have a few opening coming up at work one would include a 3 pay levels jump in pay or about $3.00 an hour jump guess I will try for that and see what happens I have just as good chance as anybody else and in fact my supervisor told me to put in for it. Not going to count on it but would be nice could use an extra $480.00 a month. Man that could buy me some nice trains Whistling

Talk to you all later time to go see if I can put my big foot in my giant mouth again as did earlier today. Whistling

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

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Saturday, December 27, 2008 8:39 PM

Good evening All

fifedog, I saw the pictures and feel humble,thank you very much.

We had a record breaking 62 today, got rid of SOME snow but still have plenty. We are good till tomorrow afternoon when the temp is suppose to go down to what is about normal. expecting high winds also. Just had a nice chat with Brutus on the phone, train talk tonite, no world problems solved. We usually do those on sunday. So Brutus fire up the thingy and lets go find the guys. I will wear the Ohio State beat Michigan shirt I got for christmas.  S.J.

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

  Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC)   - Detroit3railers-  Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Saturday, December 27, 2008 8:54 PM

Not a lot of drinkers today.  I was busy.  Did get by Miss Edna's for a while.  Invited a guy to come visit us.  He is a subscriber but did not know about forum.  Had been visiting that other thing.  Hope to see him on the "Pot".  Rainy and warm.  Spit off and on.  Been real sleepy lately.  Think it could be a med I am taking.  Will reduce the size [Dr. prescribed 1/2 to one pill per 24 as needed, been taking whole pill].  Pam is not taking it so why does she nap all the time?  I reclinerized [slept] from 5 to 9 tonight.   Hope all are doing well.  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       

              

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Southwest Georgia
  • 5,028 posts
Posted by dwiemer on Saturday, December 27, 2008 8:56 PM

RT, that is the trouble of email....you can read the words, but without the voice and seeing the face of the person behind the words, it is easy to convey a meaning not intended.

Well, I am tired.  Watched Batman Begins tonight and a DVRed taping of History of Model Trains.  Kids are getting read to and it is time I hit the sheets.  Wish I had the February CTT, but I will just have to do a little scenery  reading.

Have to work light board for church services tomorrow.  Will be a somber time as we have had  a number of folks in mourning, but hey, we serve a mighty God and turn things over to Him.

God Bless,

Dennis

TCA#09-63805

 

Charter BTTs.jpg

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Saturday, December 27, 2008 9:37 PM

dwiemer

RT, that is the trouble of email....you can read the words, but without the voice and seeing the face of the person behind the words, it is easy to convey a meaning not intended.

Dennis

How true that is.  Email and the typed word is cold and sometimes I totally "miss it".  RT, I would not feel bad.  As for spelling and grammar, I am the worse so I really do not care.  Do not think I have read a post on CTT that I could not understand due to spelling and grammar.  If we are going to be that formal, I suggest a forum [but can not say its name Whistling].

 

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month