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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 Monday, March 24, 2008 6:58 AM

Good morning all,

This is certainly an odd situation.  I am replying to my post from yesterday.  Has the forum been down?  IIABSDISEI with temps in the 40s.  It is almost nice to get back to work as the last three days have been busy.  When I was running trains yesterday, the one grandson was a real handful as he kept trying to grab everything in the room!!!  Thirty minutes of that wears a body out.  We found out the son-in-law lost his job in December.  While that is upsetting enough, it bothers me even more they did not tell us until now.  This is the second time this type of event has occurred.  Oh, well, it does make for an interesting day.  I did some more work exploring "Second Life".  It is a weird environment.  The only reason I am checking it out is that my IT boss wants us to try so we can have "virtual meetings".  I would like to make a few comments on that idea and they would not be "virtual" :-) !!!  I had bran muffins on the dining car this morning.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 24, 2008 7:20 AM
Mornin' Fellas.

Hope everyone had a joyous and uneventful Easter. I started working on the under girder bridge (think that is what it is called), used one and a half kits of JB Weld and probably need to get some more. Took a bit of work to get the alignment correct, but it will be worth it in the long run. Now need to get some 1/2" x 1/2" stock to build the risers. Trying to get the some more work done through the valley so I can start on the next portion of the second level. Just jumping around on layout projects as I run into snags... hopefully in the end it will all work out.

Nothing of merit to comment on during the weekend other than it was nice and relaxing. My NCAA tourney bracket (did one for fun) got totaly flumoxed this weekend when Pitt, UConn, and Duke decided to lay eggs.
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Posted by anjdevil2 on Monday, March 24, 2008 7:21 AM

Hey Mike C., Nice Tech Tip in the CTT!Bow [bow]

Saturday was a littel slow at the ol' LHS, did run the NEW PRR AA engines (F7 I think) 1 dummy and 1 powered.  Nice set.  Having problems with my TMCC, it won't pick up the signal from the CAB 1 (yes, it has batteries!)  Works ok with Convential, but not with the TMCC.  CAB1 bad?

Went to Easter Vigil service Saturday night @ 7.  Jim(Phish) can attest, longest service on the Catholic calendar.  Got out at 9:45.  Lots of new members, great choir.  was very entertaining!

Cooked Ham Dinner last night ate, cleaned up and reclinerized!  Watched From here to Eternity last night, another Bert Lancaster Classic, not to mention the Chairman of the Board!

OK, back to work, coffee time...and a belated Happy Easter!

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 RockIsland52 on Monday, March 24, 2008 7:35 AM

MikeC,

I was glad to read your post this am and see I'm not the only one that got worn to the nub yesterday by a grandchild.  Seems like the little ones operate at full throttle until you notice the quiet and see them passed out in the wierdest places and positions.  The UCLA marching band could have blasted through the living room and she wouldn't have stirred.

My FIL and MIL would not be my first choice for sharing the subject of a job loss.  Don't take the silence the wrong way.  Went through that scenario last Fall.  In retrospect, it drew my SIL closer to me as a confidante beyond a job hunt resource.

Jack  

IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, March 24, 2008 7:37 AM
Morning all.  Suppose to rain.  Got County Commissioner's meeting this PM.  Time to cook breakfast.  Chat more later

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

              

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 24, 2008 7:42 AM
 anjdevil2 wrote:

Saturday was a littel slow at the ol' LHS, did run the NEW PRR AA engines (F7 I think) 1 dummy and 1 powered.  Nice set.  Having problems with my TMCC, it won't pick up the signal from the CAB 1 (yes, it has batteries!)  Works ok with Convential, but not with the TMCC.  CAB1 bad?



Rich,
Make sure your wire from the command base is still connected.

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:03 AM

I spent an hour with it whilest my ham was cooking.  Got frustrated, so went back to cookingBanged Head [banghead]

green light was on the base, no red lights though.

IF I read it right, "A" wire goes from track to transformer, "U" wire goes from base to track.  Still no red lights.  Banged Head [banghead]

Think the CAB1 is NFG....reset it multiple times, nothing.... 

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 Anonymous on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:07 AM
Rich,
I'm using the Modern ZW and command base wire goes from the command base to the U post on the ZW, then the wires from the ZW to the track.
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Posted by anjdevil2 on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:15 AM

I'm using the CW80 for now, as soon as I get my control center done, it'll be a KW.

So, if I understand this and remember it's Monday Morning, 2 wires go from the transformer to the track then 1 wire from the base to the U on the track.  Izzat right?

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 Anonymous on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:30 AM
Rich,
You need a TPC if you aren't using the Modern ZW.

Powerhouse Supply (6-22983) or another 18-volt transformer
Power Adapter Cable (6-12893)
TPC 300 (6-14189) or TPC 400 (6-14179)
TMCC Command Set
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Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:31 AM
 anjdevil2 wrote:

I'm using the CW80 for now, as soon as I get my control center done, it'll be a KW.

So, if I understand this and remember it's Monday Morning, 2 wires go from the transformer to the track then 1 wire from the base to the U on the track.  Izzat right?

Yes, one wire from command base to outside rail of track.  If you have any breaks in the outside rail [as separate blocks, mine aren't, all outside rails are bonded] they will have to be connected to the command base.   Check the batteries in command base.  Got command base transformer plugged into a grounded outlet?  If you can check all outlets to see if you have good ground [with an outlet tester]. 

 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 fifedog on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:31 AM

Mornin' boys.  Mornin' English.  Partly sunny & 36 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  It's been a nerve-racking past 24 hours, hosting Easter festivities in fifedom (complete with monster egg-hunt in back yard).  I really missed out on the spiritual end of the spectrum this year...but I won't next year!

Work continues on the CUMBERLAND EXTENSION.  Got the top portion of Haystack Mountain installed, and the town went back into the place as planned.  Need my neighbor's rowter to cut a tunnel bore, and hope to "line" the interior before I finish the topography.

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:34 AM
Fife - If you don't get that router before 4/5 let me know and you can borrow mine... just make sure you have a good grip!
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Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:36 AM

 lionroar88 wrote:
Rich,
You need a TPC if you aren't using the Modern ZW.

Powerhouse Supply (6-22983) or another 18-volt transformer
Power Adapter Cable (6-12893)
TPC 300 (6-14189) or TPC 400 (6-14179)
TMCC Command Set

TPC is for running engines in conventional mode.  If you run TMCC all the time, TPC is not needed.  I run both so I have two TPC's [one for each mainline] and ID them as TR 1 and TR 2.  TPC's will make conventionals run so much smoother. 

 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 Anonymous on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:41 AM
 ChiefEagles wrote:

 lionroar88 wrote:
Rich,
You need a TPC if you aren't using the Modern ZW.

Powerhouse Supply (6-22983) or another 18-volt transformer
Power Adapter Cable (6-12893)
TPC 300 (6-14189) or TPC 400 (6-14179)
TMCC Command Set

TPC is for running engines in conventional mode.  If you run TMCC all the time, TPC is not needed.  I run both so I have two TPC's [one for each mainline] and ID them as TR 1 and TR 2.  TPC's will make conventionals run so much smoother. 



Got that.... he is running both conventional and TMCC, if only running TMCC then he would at least require the TMCC Lockon (which he is missing).
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Posted by cnw1995 on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:47 AM
Morning all. A quiet day but cold in Chicago. I always guess wrong about what coat to wear this time of year. Musing on riding my bike to the train depot - it would be about 6 miles. I'd need a new bike though Wink [;)] Glad everyone had a nice weekend...

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

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:48 AM

I have an "early"(?) base that has a switch from conventional to command.  With it on CONV, the engine runs great.  I can control it from another room.  I was told by Lionel, to run that engine on TMCC, I'd have to buy another base.  Did that Saturday.  Neither bases are recieving signals from CAB1 on command.  Conventional, remote ussage is fabulous.  Red light blinks and all that.  Both gren lights are on.  Just won't recieve in TMCC.  Even had my son the computer/engineer resident genius help me, (gettin' old an confused againSigh [sigh]) verify that it was hooked up right.  Both stumped.  Wired correctly like you guys said.  Really wierd.  May have to go to LHS on Tuesday to check the CAB1, but it works in conventional...Banged Head [banghead]

It's all FasTrack, if that matters...Also the TMCC engine I have is from the Chessie Fast Frieght set.  It's a "cheapie" TMCC engine.  The RUN/PGM switch locks or unlocks it in Forward or F-N-R.  I have run it on TMCC at the LHS and it runs really good.

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 fifedog on Monday, March 24, 2008 9:26 AM

88 - Thanks, B.  If I need your rowter, I'll just bring the wood and I'll cut the bore.  You know what, on second thought, I would like you to perform that task, if you wouldn't mind.  That way, you get to "contribute" to my pike, and say "hey,look, I did that..." BTW, Tom will be joining us;pray for sunshine.

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 24, 2008 9:36 AM

Fife - Sure thing... just let me know what bit I need. She's a DeWalt with 1/2" shank. I haven't been able to locate bits since the move so I'll need to run out and get some.

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Posted by MartyE on Monday, March 24, 2008 9:45 AM
Morning all... made it home safely last evening.  Not much on the docket today,  I'll be in the train room (basement) later.  Have a good day!

Trying to update my avatar since 2020 Laugh

MartyE and Kodi the Husky Dog! ( 3/31/90-9/28/04 ) www.MartyE.com My O Gauge Web Page and Home of Kodiak Junction!

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Posted by fifedog on Monday, March 24, 2008 9:47 AM

88 - It's probably going to be a 3/4 to 1 inch piece of hardwood.  Just need a simple tunnel bore, nothing fancy or dove-tailed needed...just a steady hand.  It's for the MARYLAND JUNCTION side of the WESTERN MARYLAND's Knobley Tunnel.

VERMONT ...come for vacation, leave on probation...

Thanks to Marty, the GREEN Mountain STATE got a little greener.

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 24, 2008 9:53 AM
Fife - OK I'll pick up a couple straight bits, I also have barrel sanders for the drill press that may work as they are bit more forgiving - if you know what I mean?
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Posted by wrmcclellan on Monday, March 24, 2008 10:29 AM

Morning all!

ANJ - I have a question. Exactly which bases do you have? From your posts it sounds like you have a PowerMaster base (6-12867) only? To run a TMCC loco, you must also have a TMCC Command Base (6-12911) attached to the layout outside rails when you use the PowerMasters in Command (CMD) mode.

Beautiful sunny day here today and might be 70's. Supposed to get near 80 by end of the week.

Hope everyone os having a great day today!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Monday, March 24, 2008 11:14 AM

Roy,

Yup, got 'em both.  Even singularly, not ahint of blinking red lights...

I'll just need some quality time with it is all....Whistling [:-^] 

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 Monday, March 24, 2008 11:22 AM

Anjdevil2,

Thank you for noticing the tech tip in the May CTT, and I hear you about the Easter Vigil Mass.  I have done it once or twice and I said never again.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Monday, March 24, 2008 11:39 AM
Mike...Congratulations in getting the tech tip published in CTT!!! Sorry I didn't see it sooner.  Thumbs Up [tup] Now you know that I only look at the pictures. Laugh [(-D]

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

TCA 09-64284

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, March 24, 2008 11:44 AM
ANJ, Roy is one of our number 1 experts on TMCC/DCS and wiring.  Let him talk you through it.   Roy does the Macy's NY and Grand Central Station.  I depend on him a lot.

 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 ChiefEagles on Monday, March 24, 2008 11:46 AM

 Buckeye Riveter wrote:
Mike...Congratulations in getting the tech tip published in CTT!!! Sorry I didn't see it sooner.  Thumbs Up [tup] Now you know that I only look at the pictures. Laugh [(-D]

Being able to read is a secondary requirement to be a certified civil engineer in Ohio. Laugh [(-D]

Mike, will certainly look for it when I get time to read through it. 

 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 fifedog on Monday, March 24, 2008 11:50 AM

cheapclassics - Big CONGRATS on getting tip published! (Thanks for the "heads-up" Rich)

...and the list grows...

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 24, 2008 11:58 AM

Chief - and other Legacy owners - have you noticed an increase in smoke production from TMCC I engines? My 6945 GP-30 and 3044 GP-30 sure seem to like to fill the room with smoke in less than 5 minutes... I'll try to get some pics and post later... also last week the F&R couplers on both engines didn't work, took them off the track and let them sit over the weekend while I was working on a bridge, put them on yesterday morning and now working again... Confused [%-)]

Susieq stopped down yesterday and says, 'Is that the engine I bought you for your birthday?' 'Yes, the one in back.' 'You have two of the same engine?' 'No. The one in front is TMCC I the one in back is Legacy.' 'They look the same to me.' 'They have different numbers, different command control systems, and the one in front is a repainted B&O and the one in back is a repainted C&O' 'I'll repaint you! It's time to go... stop playing with trains and get ready. Did you wrap your niece's Thomas engine?' 'No and it's Molly, not Thomas.' If looks could cook I'd be burnt to a crisp... Big Smile [:D] Oh, and our niece LOVED Molly... she's yellow (or so I was informed).

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