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

[sir james I]

Good Evening All

A gloomy 36 today but no rain or snow. Forecast for ice this morning did not happen here. Sounds like Charlie had fun getting home fron up North though.

Phish, you need one of our electronics experts to explain what happens when the DC is applied,I just know thats how it works. And if you have whistle only and the track wires are reversed it will not blow. thats with the electronic board stuff.

I had a phone chat with Brutus this morning, we talked potluck just a little of everything and no world problems resolved.

Banilla is waiting for anyone headed this way, otherwise get ready for monday...S.J.

[dwiemer]

Mike, No, all the actors in "Facing the Giants" were just church members.  So far, the only professional in any of the three movies has been Kirk Cameron in our latest.

Jim, the DVD release for "Fireproof" is January 27th.  I suspect our church will get it a bit sooner than that.  Incidently, today we had Mark Harris lead our worship services as our usual music director was on vacation.  Lots of talent.   Service went over a hour and fourty minutes and then the majority of the congregation stood around singing along till 8pm.

Well, hope that the week ahead is a good one for everyone here.  Seems we have had more than our share of troubles lately.

BTW, for those interested, "Workin' on the Railroad" has started again on DIY.  so far, it has been repeats of last years shows, but if enough watch and contact them, then perhaps we can get the show to be a constant with even more O gauge shown.

Dennis

[ChiefEagles]

MichRR714

 I'm back from the north.  Cabin was still in one piece thank goodness.  Lots of snow and icy roads today though. 

Yankee, you are the Nawth. 

Yes, when you own a place away from home, you always wonder.

[MichRR714]

 I'm back from the north.  Cabin was still in one piece thank goodness.  Lots of snow and icy roads today though. 

[ChiefEagles]

Wow, just did get back across the enemy lines.  Been on secret mission into Buckeyeland.  Took my secret REB sniper up there.  I know where Buckeye lives and had to get sniper setup.

http://uk.youtube.com:80/watch?v=9ieWrWLjii0

Buckeye, did your little remedy cure the arcing?  I do not have derailments on my MTH switches.  Must be a Yankee thing.  I will do your fix though as anything to help is better than Mikes Trash House telling us they never heard of such.

Rained good here this AM and at the lake too.  Got all the fixtures for additional bath.  Plastic under house stopped the sweating.  House is completley dry inside now.  Can not believe the idoit I bought it from.  Lived there three years with outlets not working and house sweating like crazy.  A few dollars [$120 worth of heavy clear plastic] and all is fixed.  Glad he was like that.  That is why I got it so cheap. 

Ordered aux antenna for Legacy.   Did not come and did not come.  Sent emails after emails.  Customer Service claimed they had to do a thing through FedEx.  Then they claimed it was taking FedEx longer due to hoildays.  I finally got the tracking number.  Shipped Dec 1 and delivered Dec 2.  TO NY CITY, NY.  I called and got a very nice guy [guess one nice Yankee in Chicago] in orders.  Shipped Firday afternoon and should be here tomorrow or Tuesday.  Person in Customer got butt chewed as I understand it. 

Later.       

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

It is a cloudy and getting cooler today in SE Indiana with temps dropping to the 20s.  Went looking for a washer and dryer today.  Wife settled on a nice set.  I just whip out the charge card.  Delievery is in two weeks.  I went to the YMCA today.  Did weights, 15 minutes of track work (walking), and practiced with the soccer ball.  Tonight may be spent running trains.  I had home made bread toasted and Cap'n Crunch for breakfast on the dining car.  Back to work tomorrow and thankful I have a job.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[fifedog]

Phish - Shopping yesterday.   Decorations today.   Dayshift tomorrow.

Dougnotta - Funny how you can adopt certain shades under the right circumstances...

[Roger Bielen]

For the PE's Lionel uses a fairly "heavy" resistor to reduce the potential for burnout at higher voltages.

[cnw1995]

Morning all. Good grief, it's 2 pm. Just got back from video-directing at church. The whole family seemed to be doing something at church this morning so the youngest had to stay go through Promiseland - the children's church - twice.  Picked up some tax software on the way home - got to do it early to get what I need to apply for the FAFSA. Those with kids in college know what I mean. Just about finished the elevated track on my buddy's layout yesterday. I ended up squeezed in a little corner atop everything trying to nail some stanchions. Hope to share layout photos later today, 

[dougdagrump]

Spank, If you increase the load, bigger consist consequently higher voltage, they smoke a little bit better. Try going thru the "sticky listing"  for How To's, etc., I think there were some ideas in there.

[jonadel]

My PE barely smokes and it's been that way from day one and I guess I'm OK with that.  The only time I can get any smoke at all is if I really crank up the power.  It's only one month out of the year under the tree, if folks want to see smoke I take them downstairs and show them the permanent layout and what smoke is all about  

[Sturgeon-Phish]

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

Happy Epiphany! Just got home from services at both churches, lots of people at all three services this weekend, I guess it is where the kids are still home from college and saw a lot of extended family in town still.  Bride still in Florida with her mom, so hope to be quiet day.  I want to go up and see my train friend later today, and take some more decorations down.

Fife – was it decorations or shopping?

SJ – Thanks for the info on how the whistle works.  Does the DC just get imposed on the AC?

Buckeye – I will let you know when the TTCE (Toy Train Car Exchange) car arrives

Dennis – Did I hear they are releasing Fireproof for sale soon?

I think I will put on a fresh pot of Joe myself.

May God bless

Jim

 

[dougdagrump]

fifedog

As for my RAVENS, hope they knock the fish around early and often today.  Got my 8 foot inflatable lineman up already (neighbors just luuuuv that), a row of mini flags across the flower boxes, and a big purple bow on my lamppost...so I've done my part.

Fife, The inflatable lineman, etc. is O.K. but the "Big Purple Bow". Wouldn't want people to get confused and think they were in San Francisco.  

Looks as though I have some serious work to do on the outdoor track. Grandson was out earlier this week and wanted to run it so I replaced the section of pretzel shaped track and "gerry-rigged" the trestle but the poor trains looked like an inch worm going thru the section where the ballast got all boogered up from the tree limb falling.

gotta go refill the mug ! Back shortly.

[sir james I]

Good Morning All

It's just above freezing and we have had some drizzle, which is probably better than rain,as it might have froze.

Kurt I looked for that part again last nite, not to be found. Mayhaps it landed in the Tardis and is out there somewhere in time.

I don't have plans for today so I guess I will wait till my wife gets home and she can tell me what my plans are...TTFN...S.J.

 

[blownout cylinder]

Good morning from mixfused London---we have a freezing rain warning for our area today--we have sun now and -6C then comes the f.r. then showers then wind as we go up to 5C then thunderstorm(s) then back to more wind and a low at -8C with a high tomrrow at -5C -----great pothole weather innit?

I'm expecting the RAVENS to do a number on the finns.

[Brutus]

Laz, I'll watch for it....

Trip was good - good to see all the family and had a good but short visit with my Aunt.  Nothing planned today but taking it easy.  Back to work tomorrow.  May get downstairs and run trains in a little while....

[laz 57]

FIFE,

  Since I got the Rotary Tipple been checking all the LHS around here and nobody has it.  I just e mailed GRYZBOSKIS to see if they have any?  BARRY told me its like gold on e bay?

I'll let you know if I find a stash.

laz57

[laz 57]

fifedog

laz - I'm always looking for those slim orange boxes of coal myself.  Don't see them at YORK, and not too many dealers pack them up to go to the shows.  Gonna be one of those items you "happen upon" at a local hobby shop, me thinks.

As for my RAVENS, hope they knock the fish around early and often today.  Got my 8 foot inflatable lineman up already (neighbors just luuuuv that), a row of mini flags across the flower boxes, and a big purple bow on my lamppost...so I've done my part.

U DA MAN!!!!  Love the big infatables.  All U need is DA GOOSE to show up. 

GO RAVENS!!!!

laz57

[fifedog]

laz - I'm always looking for those slim orange boxes of coal myself.  Don't see them at YORK, and not too many dealers pack them up to go to the shows.  Gonna be one of those items you "happen upon" at a local hobby shop, me thinks.

As for my RAVENS, hope they knock the fish around early and often today.  Got my 8 foot inflatable lineman up already (neighbors just luuuuv that), a row of mini flags across the flower boxes, and a big purple bow on my lamppost...so I've done my part.

[laz 57]

HI GYZ again,

  When I was down at BARRYs the other day I asked about getting the Lionel Tipple Coal.  The stuff as DA CHIEF stated looks like "rat turds".  He told me that Lionel was not going to make anymore of this coal.  Was wondering if anyone knows where I can purchase this.  In an older catelog it # is 6-24148. I have bought 2 bags years ago but would like to get a few more.  It works great for the Gantry crane with clam bucket too.

laz57

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Mornin' NU GUYZ.  Sunny & a crisp 29 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Shopping was fun yesterday (as Gump put it, "Dat's all I got to say 'bout dat"...)

Wow, COLTS fell.

Kooljock - Trappe Family Lodge keeps sending us emails to come back.  For someone that only spent a week there, wifey sure is homesick for VERMONT!

Buckeye - nice job on the remedy.  Chief will probably prefer the black electrical tape version.  Maybe you could send him the prototype so he can make copies...

88 - Susie-Q is at fifedom.

[laz 57]

 

HI GYZ,

  25 and nice here today going up to 38.  Watched the Chargers last quarter of the game, pretty good.

Going to sink the Lionel Rotary Tipple into layout today.  Hope it works?

KOOLJOCK, thanks for the compliment.  We gotta take care of our family, first then all else will fall in place.

FIFE, GO RAVENS!!!!!!

BUCKEYE, great fix on the MTH switches.  One would think that MTH would give you a MAJOR AWARD?  It should be sent to ROGERS CORNER in a BIG BOX with FRAGILE on the side.

Stay Frosty,

laz57

 

[Buckeye Riveter]

Good morning!  It is a beautiful day in Ohio where it is raining, cloudy and 36 degrees.  Freezing rain would make it perfect. 

Can't wait until the Chief returns to see that I have been hard at work while he was goofing off.   Thanks for the compliments about the switch posting.  Toy switches are what they are, but they should work.

Roy....Did you see the poster who was trying to run his layout with a TPC 400 and a CW-80?  I swear by my two bricks and TPC-300 that you recommended.

Everyone have a good day.

[Kooljock1]

Morning Gentlemen!  It's a crisp 11 degrees here in the Great White North.  If this keeps up without a break or too much wind we should have the ice-fishing shanties trailering past our place soon!  Some of those guys have satellite TV and a fully stocked kitchen in there!

Soon I'll yank the kids outta bed for church.  There will be much wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Mike C.: congratulations  on purchasing the Inside The Fun Factory book!  Now I dare you to put it down!  One of the best books of any kind I have ever read.

Laz: I just hope that if the time ever comes, that I can be half as good a brother as you.  You and he are still in my prayers.

Jon

[laz 57]

HI GYZ,

  Great day here today, helped BRO with lots o replies for his deceased wife.  He's doing ok.

Got to run my small working layout of the coaling operation.  Ran 6 rotary coupler cars and NS caboose all ran goood save for one switch had to clean it up a bit but then ran great.

BUCKEYE, I think my legs are ready for the trip back from CHUCKS.  Thanks for putting it there saved me a hundred miles or so.  Should be no problem getting home save for DA BEAR spotting a PICANIC BASKET or something?

DOUG DA GRUMP, TANKS for DA B DAY wishes.  SISTER was just in for funeral as was heading back to sunny ESCONDIDO on Friday.

Stay FROSTY,

laz57

[cheapclassics]

Good Evening all,

Good day just got better.  Not that I care about pro football much (if any), but the Bolts beat the Colts.  As I said before, American football means little to me, but when it did, I followed San Diego and Detroit to a certain extent.  Obviously the Lions won't be in the playoffs any time soon and the Chargers made it in by the skin of their teeth, but....

 Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

It was a cloudy but mild day in SE Indiana.  Last night was a long evening as grandson was here until almost 11.  Wife gave him bath and had him ready for bed when parents finally showed.  They should have stayed overnight and then we would have the grandson in bed at a decent time.  Today made up for it as it was an extremely successful day.  Went to a Great Train Show at Indy today.  Good crowd there and good layouts. Bought the Lionel Fun Factory book and a restored 513 Cattle car.  Went to Train Express to get two pieces of odd sized Fasttrack that I needed.  Also went to the Speedway Museum to get something there.  Very good day except that the heating element on the dryer went out and I had to take the clothes over to dad's to get them dry.  Dennis, have seen most of "Facing the Giants" on one of the religious channels here recently.  Wife said the "championship" game was held on a field just like our high school's.  She said it made it look more authentic.  I have to admit the action scenes were done pretty well.  Were there any "name" actors in that show?  I had toasted home bread and Cap'n Crunch for breakfast on the dining car this morning.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[sir james I]

Good evening All

A day that had a little of this and that but nothing of value, except a nice phone chat with Kurt. Yes we did talk about trains. Granny is watching her Red Wings but I am not into hockey like I am with football. So I guess I will look for a movie. Have a great sunday..S.J.

[dwiemer]

Well, tree is taken care of, buildings are upstairs, but I still have to put them all in the boxes.  Also put the Polar Express up.  Did notice the smoke switch was still on, but I did not run it much at all this year.  I turned it off for next year ( hope the element is not burned out).

Picked up "Eagle Eye" at the mart the other day.   We may watch that when the kids get to bed.  The movie came out the same time as Fireproof, so I was too busy with that.  The Fireproof DVD comes out January 27th for those interested.  I will be buying a bunch to share with family/friends, etc.  The plan in the release was for Valentine's Day.  From what I have read, it is still in a few theaters, but they will probably end soon.

Wife asked me what I want for my birthday.  I am thinking one of those "20th Century Limited" Diners and perhaps some Model Power figures with lighting effects.  I am looking more at scenery these days and waiting for some Legacy items for down the road to pick up.

Well, I have the main camera for both morning and evening services tomorrow.  Better get going so we can get these crumb snatchers to bed.

God Bless,
Dennis

 

[wrmcclellan]

Afternoon all!

Somewhat busy today. Got the outside decorations taken down and packed. Inside ones are tomorrow. Cleaning up the house this afternoon.

Nice post Buckeye on the 072 MTH switch cure!

Have a friends 50th B-Day party to go to tonight. Seems like just years and years ago I turned 50.

Hope everyone has a great evening!