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.

[johnandjulie13]

Makes you wish you had purchased that whole house generator after all...

Brent:

What happened?  I thought you were in the process of getting a generator?

Wes:

Have you found a house?

Regards,

John

[Anonymous]

John... now now you know what happened... the 'boss' negated the purchase, so we spent the night in the dark. The power came back on around 12:30 so we'll see how long it lasts this time.

We haven't ruled out the purchase, but we need to determine what the most important appliances are and then determine the proper size generator.

I'm thinking a two phase approach. The main generator would be an auto-on that protects the fridge, deep freeze, main water pump, water heater, furnace, and all outlets and switches on the second floor (room lights, and hall lights). Then have another generator that could power 1 TV, Satellite/Cable tv receiver, computer, and internet router/wireless router. When we were discussing it last night, she said, 'I'm surprised you don't want to power the trains.' I told her the trains weren't important during a power outage. Being able to watch the weather and figure out if we would be in the line of severe weather is more important. That way if I have to evacuate I can grab the trains and go. Told her she would be on her own! LOL! She didn't find that too funny... wives don't seem to have much of a sense of humor.

[wrmcclellan]

John, can you imagine the boondoogle if Chicago got the Olympics - how the money would flow - into the wrong pockets. Interesting how resilient the pols are in the face of a decades-long drumroll of federal corruption indictments. At least they got the former Gov. . .

Doug, Doug, Doug, and John, etc...

You are completely missing the benefit of the Olympics being based in Chicago - US athletes would win ALL the competitions. All the IOC judges would have offers they couldn't refuse!

Brent - we almost could buy a new house - but then it would have all the same problems. My sisters brand new home a few years back had more issues than my 30 yr old house - and guess what - no one here ever collects against a builder for damages.

[johnandjulie13]

Hello Brent:

I have put my foot in my mouth more times than I can count!   I am grateful that Julie still loves me.

Instead of a two phase approach you could get a larger transfer switch and have the ability to have the generator power different circuits at different times. (i.e. have the breaker turned on to watch television, use the computer, etc., then at bedtime, turn off that breaker and turn on the breaker for the power on the 2nd floor outlets/lights).

Good luck,

John

[Anonymous]

Roy -

John - I thought of that but here's the dilema... yesterday the power went out mid afternoon before we got home so no one would be there to 'throw the switch', that is where the auto-switch desire comes from. The rest is just to power 'nice-to-haves' and won't be anything major. I'm hoping I can find a generator that stages - only produces the amount of electricity needed at a given time to help conserve fuel (we will have to run off propane since we do not have access to natural gas in our area) I was thinking 30 - 50 gallon propane tank would do the job. But I can't find anything on any of the sites concerning 'fuel consumption'... That's what is taking so long is getting the right size and fit generator. Since this is going to be something permanent - we won't take this with us to the next house, I want to get something that will add value as well as practicality.

[SPMan]

Morning all, moved some used bricks today.  My back does'nt like it.  Going to lunch today with my Thursday night train friends.  I had not heard about the garment district fire down town yet but I have only heard political stuff on the TV this AM.  Nice day hear, high near 82 predicted.  Getting ready to watch LA Lakers and Boston Celtics at 6:00PM.  Ray

[rtraincollector]

Evening all not to much happening here just got done my 8 for the day and looks like I'll be working another 4 so that'll be O.T. . Loves that O.T.

Not to much else happening I'm learning my job and its not hard at all. I take carts up in the am with food on them and deliver to the patients.Then about 45 minutes later go up with a diferent cart and get the dirty dishes and bring them down and help wash them in the dish washer or wrap silverware in napkins.  Or I may have to wash pots and pans all day still not hard at all.

[Wes Whitmore]

Makes you wish you had purchased that whole house generator after all...

Brent:

What happened?  I thought you were in the process of getting a generator?

Wes:

Have you found a house?

Regards,

John

John,

I'm still living in it...I guess we aren't going anywhere afterall.  That's fine with me as I use the commuting excuse to work 4 10hour shifts now, freeing up a day I can spend with the family.  It's nice that the wife is a teacher.  We just keep the kid home one more day a week.

Good luck figuring out what you want to do Brent.  It sounds expensive, regardless of what you do!
Wes

[johnandjulie13]

John - I thought of that but here's the dilema... yesterday the power went out mid afternoon before we got home so no one would be there to 'throw the switch', that is where the auto-switch desire comes from. The rest is just to power 'nice-to-haves' and won't be anything major. I'm hoping I can find a generator that stages - only produces the amount of electricity needed at a given time to help conserve fuel (we will have to run off propane since we do not have access to natural gas in our area) I was thinking 30 - 50 gallon propane tank would do the job. But I can't find anything on any of the sites concerning 'fuel consumption'... That's what is taking so long is getting the right size and fit generator. Since this is going to be something permanent - we won't take this with us to the next house, I want to get something that will add value as well as practicality.

Hello Brent:

The transfer switch does operate automatically.  However, the transfer switch looks just like a circuit panel with breakers for individual circuits.  If the power goes out, the transfer switch automatically kicks in.  However, you could then manually operate specific breakers to allow the generator to power additional circuits, thereby keeping you under the generator limit.

Regards,

John

[cnw1995]

Roy, silly me, how could I forget what happened in Salt Lake City and LA. Windy, very humid and warm here - nice Texas weather. I like to watch the thunderheads keep rolling in from Iowa. Hope you're OK out there, Jon.

With the Janesville (WI) GMC plant closing just announced, looks like that'll take care of most UP freight on my commuter line - it'll be left with only the occasional rock train.

[dougdagrump]

Afternoon All.

Gassed up the wife's car, $4.36/gal.  

Don, Between that and the $12 ahead admission we are skipping the "G" scale train show in Ontario. Saw some preety nice "G" buildings for a really good price, http://cs.trains.com/forums/1455724/ShowPost.aspx . Instead of dropping the money on the show I mite just order them off their website.

Brent, Don't worry about a backup generator, just re-locate to Roseyville. Candles and kerosene lanterns are pretty cheap and you don't need a freezer since you can shoot any of the varmints that wander into or reasonably close to the yard, not to mention some nice fresh roadkill.

           

[Buckeye Riveter]

It is 7:00 pm in Buckeyeland and it is 90 degrees.   

Writing a big proposal for work.  We call it creative writing.

The Chief has not yet thanked me for his gift. 

Roy.....What's a library?

 

[jonadel]

Well, here we go -- we are now under a tornado "watch" and hopefully that's all the further it will go, the bad weather now in SW IA is headed our way and set to arrive after 10:00 PM, wonderful. Our best weather guesser described the current weather as "tropical". We haven't had to go to the basement (for tornadoes) in years, hope that streak holds true tonight. The best reason to go to the basement is for TRAINS :)

Speaking of generators, I always said that if we lived in the country the first thing I would buy is a generator. As of June 1 we have been in the country now for 18 years and I still don't have a generator, in all those years we have had one afternoon without electricity for about two hours and that's it. When we lived in town I can remember two or three times when it was longer but never more than 4-5 hours. I guess I wouldn't mind having one but with our track record I just see it unnecessary at this point, watch-- now we will get hammered! Mid American Energy is our provider and they really do an outstanding job, even in blizzards and ice storms, we are fortunate.

Time to hit the recliner with a good book.

[Brutus]

Buckeye, I think he's talkin' about a li-bary, where they put all them autobiographs by them Washington Politicos. 

Anybody want an old washer?  I have one really cheap, just take it!  Apparently needed a 48 hour lead to have trash guys take it, so then it would have to wait until a week from tomorrow.  I don't want to drive around with it that long, so will call around and find a junk yard that will take it.

Now, I've never done this before - do they pay you for junk, or do you pay them to take it?

I guess I could take it to a recycle place?

Any ideas guy?

Back a little later!

[GregM]

Buckeye, I think he's talkin' about a li-bary, where they put all them autobiographs by them Washington Politicos. 

Anybody want an old washer?  I have one really cheap, just take it!  Apparently needed a 48 hour lead to have trash guys take it, so then it would have to wait until a week from tomorrow.  I don't want to drive around with it that long, so will call around and find a junk yard that will take it.

Now, I've never done this before - do they pay you for junk, or do you pay them to take it?

I guess I could take it to a recycle place?

Any ideas guy?

Back a little later!

 

I would take it to a scrap yard.  Scrap metal is fairly valuable these days.  The local Craig's list has lots of "wanted" ads for scrap appliances.

Just finished cutting the grass a little while ago.  With the rain the last few days, some of it grown quite high.

My one Legacy engine is to be the Lionmaster Big Boy, now delayed until November 2008. 

[sir james I]

Good Evening

We got warm today too. Its 88 right now,expecting 92 tomorrow. We kept the house closed up and it was 6pm before the temp reached 78. Turned on the a/c at that temp. The rain stayed north of us so I got the grass cut this morning before the heat arrived here, so thats done for a week I would guess. Veg. garden finally starting to show some signs of growth and the heat should help. I did not plant much this year but whatever we get sure will taste better than the store bought filled with chemicals. No trains today.  Banilla is ready for those in the mood, and root beer.  S.J.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Evening all

Spent yesterday and today with the grandkids in Cincinnatti.  We spent today at a waterpark.  The kids were great, and I am bushed.

Chief- Happy Birthday

Heading to bed!  Work tomorrow

May God bless

Jim

[Brutus]

Welcome back Sturgeon Phish!  Sounds like a great trip!

GregM - you are a life saver!  I checked craigslist and a guy will pick up for free tomorrow at about 10 AM or so.  I won't be here, so as long as he gets it during the day, I'm good.  I put a sign on it with his name, so there won't be confusion from the trash guys.  Bummer on that delay, but that's the usual thing with preorders....

Doug, sorry for those lost jobs, but commute would be faster now? 

Okay, Sir James - I'll try not to land on the garden again!  Doug, Kurt, Laz, Don, and I will be over in a few minutes, so leave that AC on!  I can tell you aren't married to my wife, as our AC has been on for a month!

[sir james I]

Brutus, it doesn't really matter. She goes from "its cold in here" to "its hot in here". Never just right. To hot-to cold thats all there is.

[ChiefEagles]

Backup generator.  Got one after Fran and Floyd hit this far inland. Got used after massive ice storm [ran 3 days solid].  No more hurricanes [thank God].  Gave them all to FL.  Mowed, sprayed, trimmed, watered and picked.  Went to Italian restaurant for B'day meal.  Now to pack.  Fly to the New Orleans and drive up to near Baton Rouge.  Got big seats from Charlotte to New Orleans.  Chat briefly tomorrow AM.  Buckeye, really enjoyed the gift [???????].  Later      

BTE: was 97 at 6 PM.   

[ChiefEagles]

WAKE UP YOU BUMS!!!   [Yanks only are the bums]

Morning all.  Packed and ready.  A cup of coffee [or maybe two].  Headed way down South to LA.  Goooood foood down there.  Chat later from the SOUTH.  BTW: got big seats all the way back to Charlotte and then RDU.   Only non-first class is US Airways Express to Charlotte this morning [30 minute flight] and got exit row there.  

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a very sunny 65 degrees. Going up to 92 today. It's gonna be hot.

Today is busy. I have to start the mowing and yard work. Still a lot of water in puddles. Taking my time. Looks like a nice weekend. No time for trains today.

Chief....From one " bum" to another..Have a safe trip.

Nascar races and baseball this weekend.

Dining car is here and it's time for breakfast. Later.

Y'all have a great Friday.  Buckeye...TGIF

Chuck

[Buckeye Riveter]

Cut us some slack Chief!  I was up at 5:30 am the day of your birthday helping fifedog get everything set up.  Did you show up?  NO!  You were hobnobbing with the beautiful rich people in the capital eating shrimpies on tiny colored toothpicks.

Isn't it wonderfull to see the Northerner's up and going.  TGIF, Chuck!

[laz 57]

HI GIZ,

  WOO! STICKY here today at 68 then up to 88.  Played GOLF and lost again against BRO, beer and wings were good.

BUCKEYE TGIF.

Bgood or B Gone,

laz57

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

IIABSDISEI with temps in the 90s.  Should have mowed last night as the ground dried out faster than I thought it would.  Did weights at the YMCA and dishes at home.  Picked up sticks outside and filled a trash can.  Going to see latest "Indiana Jones" movie.  It is odd they don't mention the state in those shows.  Some local kid was supposed to be drafted in the first round of the baseball draw, but he had not been selected yet even in the 6th one (according to one paper, it had to do with his "agent").  Oh, well.  I had the usual fare on the dining car.  The IRL is racing in Texas this weekend and for once, Marco is not the fastest Andretti in practice (John is driving for Marty Roth).  One of these days I will post when I get up in the morning.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[anjdevil2]

Mornin' from the Northern Command of Hurricane Central...(thanks, Chief)

Softball last night, went 1 for 2, got 10 run ruled out in the 5th.  Obviously lost (our 1st game). Another scorcher here in Paradise, 98 & 90% relative humididity.  Been like this since Monday, sans the PM storms Wednesday & Thursday.  Tomorrow, work at the LTS and pick up my CNJ Boxcab!!! YEAH!!  Then see what other trouble I can get into...

TGIF...and this Yankee was up at 0600 today, as I slept in.  I'm USUALLY up by 0515!!

Oh, and while I'm thinking about it, today is D-Day +64.   Remember our Veterans!

Later!

Rich

[dbaker48]

Good Morning,

Didn't get to the train room yesterday, spent the day working the land!  Did get the RMA for the Big Boy, shipping it off today, AGAIN !

Busy weekend planned, 2 day computer show, and Big Train show!  They are about 15 miles apart, will go to computer show in am tomorrow get set up, work the morning rush, then to Train Show. 
Wife will run the booth while I'm gone.  Then Sunday give her the day off, and I will do the computer show.

Roy, sure hope they get those doors on and sealed soon, the AC won't be that efficient with the new windows and no doors.  Don't envy you, every time you talk to the contractor, they run off and write up a change order and add a few hundred $.

Hope everyone has a good day, Watch out Louisiana, The Chief is coming !

[dwiemer]

Yes Rich, important day.  Could you imagine if they had a invasion force like that with today's media?  The NY Times would have sent a special edition to Hitler to tell him it was going to happen.  Then, so many other papers would have called for the heads of the leadership of our military and president for so many lives sacrificed "needlesly".  Thank God it happened when it did or John and our other friends...and maybe us, would be speaking German.

Chief, I have tried to tell you several times to check with Miss Edna, she has something for you.  The posts kept going to the Lost.  I have had the most difficult time getting posts to come up here lately.  Takes several attemps.

Well, it is Friday, I know this is a especially good Friday for Laz...enjoy the summer.  Speaking of Laz, I wish I had a brother like him.  He is always willing to play for food and beverages, and always seems to be the one having to pay up!  Glad you two have an especially good relationship.  That is great!

Well, I have some honey do(s) to get to, so I'll check later.  Hope everyone has a great weekend.

God Bless,

Dennis

[sir james I]

Good Morning All

Ok Chief I'm up.  High 70s already But not that southern humidity. I have  Urologest Appointment at 10:30. An Annual event I do not miss, if my PSA is 0 as it has been for ten years I will leave there a happy old man. I'm sure I spelled it wrong but oh well. Not sure about trains today, but maybe. For all of you, have a safe friday so you can enjoy the weekend.  S.J.

[cnw1995]

Morning all from a hot and very humid Chicago where I was complaining about the cold this time last week. Took one of the kid's scooters to work this morning - or rather used it to zip from the station through the Loop - you remember those weird two-wheel scooters that were all the rage a few years ago -now gathering dust in our garage. Got some looks from my fellow commuters - then after settling in here with my first cuppa joe, I'm realizing why did I want to zip to work? I'll try it out in the park later -maybe I can scoot over to visit the lakefront.

Very windy today too - but after a day of storms yesterday - we've supposedly dodged Jon's tornados.  Brutus, the UP's freights were pretty rare here anyway - the commuter scoots far outnumber them. I just liked occasionally the super-large SUV carriers with all the RR markings - Nat de Mex, MKT, etc.

I see my Sox (the real ones - White) picked up a 2nd baseman / SS in the draft - good thing instead of a pitcher. We need hitting.

Remember D-Day! I have a series of spooky radio (in NYC - NBC Blue Network) tapes of the first unofficial flashes through the morning of the first day of the invasion -