Trains.com

2009 Coffee Pot. Here we gather with friends with trains for chats, 4 years of coffee and sweet ice tea. Locked

23865 views
486 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Duluth, Minnesota
  • 1,962 posts
Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Sunday, January 4, 2009 11:31 PM

Chief,

I have been wondering what happened to Jack - RockIsland 52 also.  I sent him an email through the forum a few days ago, but have not heard anything back.  Of course I never know if those things work anyway.    I miss his entries.  Does anyone know how to contact him?

Northwoods Flyer

The Northwoods Flyer Collection

of

American Flyer Trains

"The Toy For the Boy"

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Monday, January 5, 2009 6:50 AM

Good morning all,

IIABSDISEI with temps in the 20s.  Dennis, thanks for your answer about the the movie.  Back to work today.  Lots of e-mails to answer.  I had the usual fare on the dining car this morning for breakfast.  After my workout at the YMCA tonight, I will light the beacon for the Tardis.  I hope everyone has a good day. 

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, January 5, 2009 7:30 AM

Morning all.  No sleeping late with Lucy in the house.  Cloudy and warm.  Town Board tonight [no County Commissioners meeting Smile].

Mike C, what is WORK? Confused Whistling  Lucas back at college?

Time for breakfast.  How about some fried side meat [good for the BP] and grits [good for everything].  Hope all have a great week.  God bless all. 

 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
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Monday, January 5, 2009 8:21 AM

Good Morning

Sunny but cold 22. No breakfast yet so memory banks not ready to function, had coffee though. Chief we need those grits the potholes are getting deep. Have a great day all..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
    March 2006
  • From: Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • 2,306 posts
Posted by kpolak on Monday, January 5, 2009 8:33 AM

Morning all!

Back to the daily grind.  Bride working from home...still sick with that cold, kids too.

Was able to spend some quality time talking to Doug, (cnw1995) last as I finished the poly on the window frames.  Nice to finally get a chance to talk.  LED in mail today!

Laundreary, and groceries today.

Received a great Christmas gift from BiL, and Sil...A branding iron with my initials for branding BBQ meats!  Very cool.

Kurt

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Crystal Lake, IL
  • 8,059 posts
Posted by cnw1995 on Monday, January 5, 2009 8:36 AM

Morning all. Grey and pretty darn cold on my walk through the Loop to the office. I hope I remember how everything works after such a glorious break Wink. Enjoyed talking with Kurt yesterday. Glad Brutus' swing by in the Tardis went well. Screwed up an attempt at block wiring into the engine house tracks. I'll try again tonight.

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Hightstown, NJ
  • 2,886 posts
Posted by anjdevil2 on Monday, January 5, 2009 8:40 AM

Hey guys! Back home again from NJ.  Did NOT get to the WGH show in Oaks, PA.  DID get to the Greenberg Show in Somerset..  WOW!!!!  Took some pictures and did a littel buying.  That will be shipped later this week, as I had NO room in my bag.  Great time being in my real home for 2 weeks.  Got 2 hours sleepy time and took the little one to school then I went to work to face 172 e-mails and sort out numerous issues.  Seems like no one here can do anything without me here (job security?)  'Sposed to get to 79 today and yesterday I was in 30 degree weather. 

Can't say it's great to be be back at work, but I'll be nice when I get caught up on the new pot.  Hope youse giz had a wonderful New Year.  We'll see ya in a few!

Rich

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
    November 2015
  • 3,584 posts
Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Monday, January 5, 2009 8:41 AM

Good Morning all from overcast Southern Ohio,

I went to see my train buddy yesterday.  His broken leg is healing well, but I look for a year of changes coming.  He and his wife are in their late 80’s and I worry about them. 

I am off today and going to take down more decorations.  Got a few repairs to knock out at church, (yes it is in the job description).  I got tired of taking down decorations last night and ran trains instead.  I think there is something in train smoke that is addictive.ShockSmile,Wink, & Grin

SJ – Thanks for the reply, I think I understand the electronics.  The AF 314 worked in a similar fashion.

Buckeye – You doing OK?

Chuck – Is all well?

Time to get going.  May God bless

Jim

 

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Jacksonville, FL
  • 493 posts
Posted by RRCharlie on Monday, January 5, 2009 9:59 AM

Happy New Year everyone!!! Just getting caught up on all the postings I missed while in the cold country.

Laz57; Happy belated Birthday! Also prayers for you and your Bro.

Madge and I left Jax Christmas afternoon on the Silver Meteor, laid over at NYP, had (expensive) lunch at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central with sister-in-law, Lake Shore Limited to Chicago and Blue Water to Kalamazoo. Got to Chicago the day after the big warm up and rain so did not see much snow. Two nights in Kalamazoo, visited family and then drove to Holland, MI for a couple of nights. Night before New Years Eve it snowed so I had a chance to practice driving in snow. Drove back to Kalamazoo on New Years Eve. Missed a turn and drove down US31 to I-94. Had light lake effect snow all the way but NO PILEUPS! Left Kalamazoo New Years morning back to Chicago, Capitol Limited to DC and Silver Meteor home to Jax on Saturday morning. I know why I still live in Florida-20 degrees witha 9 degree windchill are only fun for just so long(2 minutes max). Sang in Choir at Church in St. Augustine yesterday and reclinerized rest of day.

Enrollment at Junior College down a bit so classes keep getting shuffled around. At least I don't have to work on Monday nights. Start tomorrow night at 7:30 with a 2 night a week class. Two more potential classes start later-maybe. 

Hope all have a great New Year-for many I hope it is a better year!

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

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Sandy Eggo
  • 5,608 posts
Posted by dougdagrump on Monday, January 5, 2009 11:26 AM

Mornin' Dudes & Dudettes !

Someone must have left their freezer door open last nite, woke up to 33* this morning. At least it's brite blue skies and sunshine so it should warm up nicely. Approve 

Trying an experiment with a bunch of my boxcars, it worked for the MTH coal hoppers. Taking them apart and using some scrapbooking tape to semi-permanently close the doors and stuffing them full of cotton batting. It should get rid of the hollow echoing sound as they make their way around the tracks. Chef

I have a few stock cars that I want to put some livestock in but what can I use to replicate the hay/straw on the decking ?Zzz

Spank, If he isn't to keen on adding some extra cars how about adding a little extra weight to the existing ones, after he goes to sleep for the nite of course.

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

www.sd3r.org

Proud New Member Of The NRA

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Southwest Georgia
  • 5,028 posts
Posted by dwiemer on Monday, January 5, 2009 11:52 AM

Charlie, I agree with Chief in that Michigan has some beautiful places.  One of my other hobbies is photography.  I took a course with Rod Plank who is from the upper peninsula.  Saw some of his work all done in the area...stunning.

Chief, who are you kidding?  You work harder now than most folks who have not retired yet!  Sometimes, I think you must have about as much energy as my 4 and 6 year olds.

Doug, What about using some trimmings off of fake fur that they often use in the scenery books for "prairies?"  You would have to make sure they were secured to whatever surface you were modelling, but I would think some golden colored fur trimmings would make a good hay/livestock vignette.

Well, had some more tests today.  This one I couldn't eat since last night, nor could I take any pain medication.  Laying on a table for two hours just about killed my back and shoulders.  Now I have a monster of a headache and I think I will stop by the OR's pharmacy and get something to get rid of this.  Hope everyone has a blessed week ahead.

Dennis

TCA#09-63805

 

Charter BTTs.jpg

  • Member since
    March 2006
  • From: Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • 2,306 posts
Posted by kpolak on Monday, January 5, 2009 12:15 PM

Afternoon All!

The John Deere Boxcar arrived in Ann Arbor, Michigan on time!  This is the first MTH car I have seen up close...Nice car!  I typically buy Lionel.  Atlas currently has my attention.  Can't wait to run it with all the scale stuff...too bad I packed all that already...  It will be out in time for Sunday Photo fun!

Kurt

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: South Carolina
  • 9,713 posts
Posted by rtraincollector on Monday, January 5, 2009 1:42 PM

Well my 3 Nascar expansion packs ( jimmey Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart) arrived today seeing they where supose to be here Friday but ups man had a problem. So maybe if they still have them I'll get one of the acuall train sets in about 3 weeks one site has the nascat for $117+ shipping another has the dale earnhart jr set for $139.00 + shipping and tax We'll see how it all works out.

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

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    May 2007
  • From: Glendora, Calif.
  • 2,672 posts
Posted by SPMan on Monday, January 5, 2009 3:14 PM

Good afternoon all,  My fight with the AT&T phone company continues.  It has been a week now since I lost one of my phone lines and no fix in sight.  Talked to a guy this morning.  Told him I would pay the $65 to hook me back up with a new number if necessary even though it's not my fault.  He took all my information and assured me that all would be taken care of.  He told me to hold then he put me on hold forever.  I finally hung up.  Have not heard from him since nor has my phone been restored.  I;m making myself sick over this.  My blood pressure is up 20 points from 124 over 60 to 144 over 62.  Will see the doc this week and ask about that.  During the past week, I have probably talked to at least 10 different people at the phone company, all of which assure me that all will be taken care of.  Bottom line--no phone service.  I give up!  Just tell me where to surrender.

 Ray

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Adel, Iowa
  • 2,292 posts
Posted by jonadel on Monday, January 5, 2009 3:50 PM

 I'll bet that AT&T shares the same office bldg. w/DirecTV Smile  With that said however, they have followed up with me and made many things right Wink  I guess when you get stood up 3 times that get's their attention, customer service does matter, their problem is the sub contractors.

Jon

So many roads, so little time. 

 

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, January 5, 2009 4:42 PM

jonadel

 I'll bet that AT&T shares the same office bldg. w/DirecTV Smile  With that said however, they have followed up with me and made many things right Wink  I guess when you get stood up 3 times that get's their attention, customer service does matter, their problem is the sub contractors.

I finally got things straight with Direct-TV [I hope].  Took lots of talking and emailing.  Think they would try and get around their discount agreements if you are not persistant.  Time Warner here in town is easier.  Stll 60 degrees and cloudy.  Might get some Tstorms.  If so, snow in 10 days. Dinner and then Town Board.   

 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 2006
  • From: Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • 2,306 posts
Posted by kpolak on Monday, January 5, 2009 5:00 PM

Evening all!

Boy I hope the Michigan branch of Direct TV is different.  Bride asked if I wanted to get HD...I said I was thinking of cancelling the TV since no one watches it...She ended up calling up and getting HD.  I was on the outside as she was explaing the fees, after 4-variations I asker her to speak to someone else, that knew what they were talking about.  That didn't sit well.  So I have no idea what this is going to cost, but I'll be able to DVR the train shows.  I hope.

Kurt

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: South Carolina
  • 9,713 posts
Posted by rtraincollector on Monday, January 5, 2009 5:27 PM

Kurt don't ask me as Its all greek to me too.

Hey chief while were talking TV's I got your popcorn vendor here lol

 

 

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

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Adel, Iowa
  • 2,292 posts
Posted by jonadel on Monday, January 5, 2009 5:28 PM

Kurt--

When I was having the problem of getting the new dish and receiver installed I talked to DirecTV reps in 5 states--all very nice and helpful.  The problem was the "dispatch" center which is in CA and they arrange for all of the installs nation wide.  It goes like this:

DirecTV call centers in 5 states and you never know which one your are talking with.

Dispatch center (2nd party) in CA which arranges all installations.

Local installers (3rd party) in whatever area you live in.

So you see that's why there are glitches.  If I had it to do over again and I would pay extra and have the local TV shop in Adel do it.  DirecTV will install free but you are at their mercy plus you have to be relentless with them about comps.  I do know this, HD is not over rated--we love it. 

Jon

So many roads, so little time. 

 

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Monday, January 5, 2009 8:38 PM

Evening all!

Watching OSU vs Texas - may the best southern team win!

Some freezing rain here this morning but no pile ups for me!

I also tweaked my back on Sat - simply reaching down into a cabinet. Never did that before - wife says once it happens the first time it happens more often. Unfortunately she is an expert on that!

Hope everyone is well.

Have a great evening all!

Regards, Roy

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Monday, January 5, 2009 8:41 PM

Good Evening All

A decent day for Jan. in Mich. sun and 30 degrees. And we have grass until tomorrow nite when it snows again. I'm doing this but watching the Buckeye/Texas game. Hard to do both.

I ran two engines today, A scale Lionel Hudson #785, gave it about a thirty minute run. And installed the BCR in my Railking Royal Hudson. So that got a little run time. Just one at a time so no pileups.

Banilla is ready but  we will need a tv in the thingy tonite...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 Monday, January 5, 2009 9:20 PM

Home from Town Board.  Speaking of Direct-TV, went ot pay my bill electronicly.  SECU had a list of centers to mail your payment.  Long list all over the country with electronic payments.  Mine was in PA and had to have a electronic check cut.  What a mess.

Cloudy and warm.  Suppose to rain hard after midnight.  Then cold air comes in to the VA line [yes the lake house] but not south.  Then rains from now till Friday.  Good night.  Popcorn time [thanks to RT and his vender].     

 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
    December 2005
  • From: Sunny So. Cal.
  • 3,784 posts
Posted by dbaker48 on Monday, January 5, 2009 9:21 PM

 Evening All.....

Boy am I ever glad that that radio infomercial is over!  I've known the show host for a number of years, and he really looks like Jabba the Hut, especially sitting at the desk in the studio.  And, he isn't the most upstanding person I've ever met.  Off air, he is really something else, BELIEVE ME!  So anyway, my wife goes with me and before we enter the studio ANOTHER person joins us.  Well SHE is about 5'4, slendor build maybe 35 yrs, and whoa!!  Wearing this scoop neck sweater, and a push-up bra.  Now, I'm a telling you there was a LOT being served on that platter!  She is introduced as the "Fashion Designer"???  (on a radio show???).  So, I have Jabba sitting across from me, Lady Sheeba on my left, and my right side is my wife.  AND I'M SUPPOSE TO TALK ABOUT PRINTERS ???? TO ALL OF LA ????  Now this was a real challenge!!  I know there was alot of stammering and laughing going on and it was all WITHIN ME!!!  I would try not to look straight ahead, cause I would hear in my mind all this gurgling and slim sounds, If I looked to my left, my mind went blank, and my blood pressure would soar!  If I looked right, then I was totally without a word, and my face would turn red and I didn't want to make any eye contact with my wife.  And that went on for a 1/2 hour.

Yesterday, went to train show in Anahiem (wife didn't want to go, don't know why), obviously didn't by anything.

Today, after 4 days off, work was a bear!!  People calling with all kinds of questions, like I moved my printer and the computer cant find it, what should I do?   I tell them simply put it back where it was! etc..  Then go to process orders and do shipping and Fedex insists on upgrading the software.  Do so and now it won't run, the computer is too old !!  URGGGG!!!

The best thing of the day was John's Exchange car arrived !  So looking forward doing pictures with that.

So I'm going to go and read up on what you all have been doing!  Hope everyone has a good day tomorrow!

 

Don

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: St. Louis, MO
  • 4,913 posts
Posted by Brutus on Monday, January 5, 2009 9:53 PM

Don - WhistlingWink  Better keep your mind on printers!  RT - glad your stuff finally showed up!  Something like that happened to me when I bought a tablesaw once.  The rails, wheels, and side-table all showed up on one truck.  Jeff and I said hey - something is missing.  Huh?  Guy had to go back for the BIG box, lol - I think he was hoping nobody would be home, but we were waiting for him all day!  Guess he wanted somebody else to bring that big box!

Watching Extreme Trains on the DVR from the History Channel.  This show is growing on me!

Tardis is ready and Mike said he wants to drive.  The big screen is in the atrium room, near the snack bar and Mike fixed the satellite dish for us a while back so we are good to go! 

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Jelloway Creek, OH - Elv. 1100
  • 7,578 posts
Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Monday, January 5, 2009 10:06 PM

Phish....UPS will be on your doorstep tomorrow. 

Brutus.....I thought extreme trains dvd would be a great gift for a nephew into train, but when the history channel is charging $25 per episode, I passed.

Dennis.........You mentioned the beauty of Michigan.  Let me tell you there are places in Michigan where the the scenery is stunning.   I have been fortunate to have seen almost the whole state.  In 1969, I rode my bicycle the length of the entire state crossing into Canada at the Soo.   It was also my first trip to Mackinac Island, where there are automobiles are not allowed, only horses and bicycles.  Six years later, I took Mrs. Buckeye back to the Island for our honeymoon.  We could not afford to stay on the Island, but I promised her we would someday stay at the Grand.  For our twentieth anniversary in 1995, we were at the Grand.

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

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: SE MI
  • 915 posts
Posted by MichRR714 on Monday, January 5, 2009 11:05 PM

Chief-  It was funny that you mentioned Lake Charlevoix.  I placed in the trout tournament up there a couple times. 

My cabin is on the shores of Houghton Lake, Michigan's largest inland lake.  Houghton Lake is about 20,000 acres.  My parents have taken me to the area for vacations on and off since I was a kid.  In 2005 my wife and I purchased the cabin, its a small 950 sq foot two bedroom place, has a nice big country kitchen with a table for 10.  The cabin also has a detached garage where I keep all my toys, boat, golf cart and snowmobiles.  The Garage is finished with its own kitchen and even a 3/4 bathroom.  In the summer I have little reason to leave my garage......all the garage "Up Nawth" needs is some trains.....

SJ-  Last time you were over at WB's do you recall if they have any of the TMCC cranes with boom cars?  Can't decide if I want to put in a 282 or one of the TMCC Cranes on the layout...I think the TMCC Crane would be more fun as you can move it about the layout.

 Buckeye- I enjoyed your Michigan story.. My sister got married on Mackinac Island last July.

Brutus-  Stop by and pick me up.. feel better today then I have in weeks... Lets go for a ride on that machine.....

 

 

Charlie a.k.a. MichiganRailRoad714 (Charter Member TTC)      

 

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Monday, January 5, 2009 11:07 PM

Everyone be respectful of Buckeye and keep him in your prayers as dark clouds cover and cries of woe emanate from Buckeyeland.

Regards, Roy

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 5, 2009 11:11 PM

I'm a bit late...

Happy New Year fellas.

I forgot to Jack this evening. I'll try tomorrow on my way home from work.

As for the Buckeyes... I can't say much... The Nittany Lions laid a massive turd in Southern California last Thursday! Angry

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: Lemuria ( Mt. Shasta, CA )
  • 132 posts
Posted by bogaziddy on Monday, January 5, 2009 11:33 PM

Wow ! What a late comeback victory for the Longhorns.

I still can't get over Utah's victory against 'Bama. Upset you say? I say no way - Utah clearly was the better team coming in and going away. It was particularly gratifying seeing Barry Switzer eating crow at halftime easpecially after he spoke disparagingly of the Utah players at the top of the broadcast. Who's your daddy now, Barry? And how about the Pac-10 teams in post season play? 5 wins and no losses to lead all other conferences in the post season bowl bonanza. We out here on the left coast are busting.

The 'Bog'

The High Bogaziddy Mahesh Maserati - Top Ramen  I don't practice what I preach because I'm not the kinda' guy I'm preaching to.
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Sandy Eggo
  • 5,608 posts
Posted by dougdagrump on Monday, January 5, 2009 11:45 PM

Didn't have a dog in the fight as they say, but it was a GOOD game !

Kinda like the Bolts & Colts last saturday. Whistling  Thumbs Up

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

www.sd3r.org

Proud New Member Of The NRA

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