FEB EDITION: 2009 #2 Coffee Pot. Here we gather with friends with trains for chats, 4 years of coffee and sweet ice tea.

[dwiemer]

 

Well, I'm done. Early out so I will swing by the barber shop and get the hair cropped.  By this point, they may need to use the hedge trimmers as I have let it go too long....wife has informed me of such.

Chief, glad you are feeling better.  With regard to that money the Ohio gang is putting a claim in for, just add it to the "stimulus fund", why not, they are adding everything else in. 

I was planning on making some T-bones for the bride tomorrow, but she will be working tomorrow night, so I may have to take the gang out for some lobster tonight. (wife's favorite)

I was talking to some of the plant operations folks here.  Asked them about cutting the Lexan that I have for the control panel, they said no problem, so I will go that route as it beats a circular saw and whatever attempt I may have at setting up a propper rest and clamp deal.  Things seem to be coming together.  Lots of nice folks out there, just have to ask.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.  Seems some folks have had a few issues with wind, hope all is well. 

God Bless,
Dennis

[sir james I]

Good Morning

Happy Friday the 13th. Overcast and 33 this morning, 50s are just a memory now. I did get to run some trains early last nite and repaired a coupler that liked to pop open. No plans for today, so I will just see how it goes. I smell breakfast coming from the kitchen.TTFN..S.J.

[phillyreading]

Good Morning,

Getting back to sunny south Florida weather, around 82 for a daytime high. I think that the Pittsburg Steelers took the cold weather back with them when they left Tampa FL the other week, may have been a slight delay as they had to wrestle with Jack Frost and send him back to the North Pole.

Been fighting a terrible cold or something like that, since it's snow bird country you can get any kind of illness down here. Haven't been doing much with my trains this week as I was watching TV and resting in between work and sleep. May work with trains on tuesday.

Lee F.

[cnw1995]

Morning all. Glad you are all-right and missing nothing, Charlie. Hope Tom doesn't live anywhere near where that plane went down yesterday. Last night, I was very proud to have cobbled together a coupler with parts from an old clock - an arm to extend it from the pivot point, and a nut/bolt, so I can connect the MTH 'Fred' truck to the last car in any train - in this case, a visiting Chessie high-cube box car. I'll try to get a photo this weekend.  Hope to find some free museum to visit at lunch today. TGIF!

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a clear blue sky, sunny, 40 degrees. Going up to 50 today, with sunshine.

Today, is a busy day. I have some errands to run and some chores around the house. I may get to the train room later.

Buckeye..... TGIF....The total damage to your beloved box car is an amount that will have to be compensated to you from Chief...$ 1,678,314.27. This includes the punitive damages, emotional trama and bad handling. The cost of cleanup will be the responsibility of Chief since his layout is a mess anyway.

Dining car was here and we had the usual for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Friday.

Chuck 

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

IIABSDISEI with temps in the 40s.  Just did weights and soccer juggling last night.  Worked on bills and finances as well.  Ran the Alaska set on the Tardis last night with No pileups.  That Tardis sure does ride steady when Jack is driving.  I am sure glad all the damage that occurred on the Roseyville division did not affect any of the Indiana lines.  Now that would be a tragedy!  Some early good news for the Foyt racing team.  Larry Foyt qualified for the truck race tonight despite turning in a bad run.  The prospects for making the Nationwide (ex-Busch) race are much dimmer.  Two TV shows tonight to watch.  Numb3rs as usual and a new Joss Whedon show with Angel and Buffy hottie, Elisha Dushku, as the lead actress.  It may be worth a look.  Even the "saucy wench" is interested in the concept.  Have to get weights done early.  The beacon will be lit, but please pick me up last after the shows.  I had the regular fare on the dining car this morning.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana 

[ChiefEagles]

Buckeye Riveter

I wonder what type of settlement check I will be receiving from Roseyville for the destruction of my RARE, I LOVE OHIO boxcar.  Chuck would you care to propose a price for this RARE Lionel rolling stock.  It is one of a kind with the autographs of many notable celebrities and now it has been destroyed.

Reminds me, a bill is on the way to you for cleaning up an inferior train car.   The hazmat costs are outstanding.  Anything with Ohio on it is hazzardous waste.

[Buckeye Riveter]

TGIF

I saw that the Chief was pontificating about something this morning. Of course I ignored it as usual. 

I wonder what type of settlement check I will be receiving from Roseyville for the destruction of my RARE, I LOVE OHIO boxcar.  Chuck would you care to propose a price for this RARE Lionel rolling stock.  It is one of a kind with the autographs of many notable celebrities and now it has been destroyed.

Hockey tonight with the Red Wings.

VDAY tomorrow.  Don't be cheap!!

[ChiefEagles]

Morning.  Packing up to go.  Will do some coffee and breakfast.  No big seats going but big seats coming back.  Figured that.  We use to go on Thursdays but due to the economy, we cut it one day short on the front end.  Friday afternoons are always busy and especically before a holiday.  Actually feel better.  Take my meds and inhaler and should be OK.  Get to hotel this afternoon and rest.  Chat later.  

[laz 57]

HI GYZ,

  Still windy here today and cooler.  Had WING and Yuengs last nite.  Going to run trains tonite.  Have some fun!!!!

CHARLIE, sorry to hear about your encounter.  Better get FIFE on it to catch those GOBBLINS.

Stay Frosty,

laz57

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Good Morning from beautiful Southern Ohio

Our internet was down due to the high winds Wednesday, a day at home without internet!!!!  It was difficult but I survived.  I'll catch up on posts later.

May God bless

Jim

[dwiemer]

Don, that is too funny.  Chief doesn't need that last one has he has both his "Reserved for Mayor" parking sign and also "Grand Pubah" parking sign.  The latest one is "Director of MOW, NS Roseyville Div.".  So, I think he has enough parking signs.  Besides, if he can't find a place to park, he just has the police chief have a car or two towed!  As one of the guys has "It's Good To Be the King!"

Well, early morning again.  Was getting ready this morning, had shower, did readings/prayers, and then was cleaning the pizza stone from last night's meal....turn to see wife rubbing her eyes asking what the noise was.(When cleaning a pizza stone, you are supposed to use one of those teflon scrapers...makes a loud noise).  Oh well, when the flowers are delivered, all will be forgotten.

I have a question regarding LEDs in NW2 engines.  What size should I order?  I have a 621 JC and a 8569 Soo that I will be doing.  I want to connect them to the brush leads as Bob N. has spoken of for directional lighting .  I also plan on putting "glass" in the cabs and figures with backlighting.  Will have to take photos for the forum.

Well, patient is here, so I gotta run.

God Bless,

Dennis

[dbaker48]

 Good Evening All !!

Talked to the Chief a bit tonight, sure hope he gets to feeling better especially for the trip.  I think he must have been out to late cleaning up the NS mess.  BTW it must have been fate that he ended up with a purple boxed engine, instead of an orange boxed one.  Obviously, to his advantage.

I've been playing around with a "camera" car, got a couple of wireless cameras that will mount on a car and been doing various experiments.  I think I have gone full circle regarding method of mountain and using track power or 9v.  (BTW, the Glue Dots work real well for mounting the camera.  So the jury is still out on how it will end up.

Some of you may be aware we sell paper, we have been providing the Acadmy Awards (Oscars), for the past few years.  During that time I have tried on numerous occasions to get some of signs, etc., that they print for the awards.  I have never been successful, they have very strict rules, and policies regarding ANY material that has the Oscar symbol.  So this year I again asked and to my surprise they said sure, no problem!  I was really surprised, waited for 45 minutes, and they came back with 3 different signs for me.  -  They were all 19 x22

1st one ----      White, w/red letters,     EXIT  ---->                            (That was it, nothing more)

2nd one ---      White, w/black letters,               NO ADMITTANCE

                                                                     By Order of LAPD

                                                                   (Mun. Ordance 24-34987j)

3rd one ---  More Graphic, was a Reserved Parking sign, which contained a smaller reduced size image of the publicity poster used for the event.

Needless to say it wasn't quite as I expected, but I DID get exactly what I asked for

So I think I will donate them to the to the Chief for his train room.  Except #3 will use that here for Tardis landing zone.                                                            

 

[dougdagrump]

Jack, The stat that would really tell the tale would be the property tax rates.   They should have also included the federal rates on those items as well.

Have you decided how you are going to be spending your $13/wk tax cut ?

[RockIsland52]

DougM......by state as of 01/01/09: Sales tax, gasoline tax, cigarette tax, hard stuff tax, beer tax, and wine tax.  This should get things going.

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=gasoline+taxes+by+state&page=1&qsrc=178&zoom=Production+Cost+of+%3CKW%3EGasoline%3C%2FKW%3E%7C%3CKW%3EGasoline+Tax%3C%2FKW%3E+in+USA%7CWhat+Are+%3CKW%3EGasoline+Taxes%3C%2FKW%3E+Used+for&ab=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.taxfoundation.org%2Fpublications%2Fshow%2F245.html

Jack

[kpolak]

Evening all!

Charlie:  Glad you and your family are ok!  Scary stuff.

Well can't sleep.  Went out to Olive Garden for dinner...We made it thru the first half of the month and didn't spend our 'Dining Out' portion, so we decided to go out.  I think the espresso, and finishing the chocolate gelatto the Bride and kids didn't eat did me in.

Great hearing about all the new toys!  My train budget has been cut, so I'll live vicariously.  Been concentrating on scratch buildings.

Gotta go... must be Jack driving the Tardis...I can hear him comming a mile away.  Off we go!

Kurt

[Brutus]

Wow Charlie, glad you are okay!  And the trains of course!  It was probably some kids that live on your street.  That's what a police officer told me is the usual pattern.  They want quick money - something to grab.  Glad the dogs scared them off!

Got a British Steam dvd set on ebay for $5 with 3 s/h - arrived today in a giant box, lol!  Thought - what in the world did I get?  WIfe said, it must be ebay!  Well, she was right as usual.  She is feeling better now - meds are working.  Went to see the doc today and he's treating it like a cold for now.  Fever has gone, so maybe he's right.  But, the asthma and allergy meds seem to be helping.

Rich - AHA!  I wondered who that Handsome Devil was on Facebook, so it's you?!

Jack - just for that, you have to drive tonight!  Laz, Rich and Mike and I are gonna run the trains while Kurt and Sir James play golf on the bigscreen.  Chewy said that your dog can come, but also is pining for Rudy!  Doug, we'll catch you first as you are closest.  Charlie, Don, Dennis, Ray, we'll be along shortly.   I see a couple other beacons, so we'll swing around and get you as we pass, okay?

[MichRR714]

Came home from work tonight to learn from the wife that someone had broken in the house through the doorwall on the patio.   Would seem that they made it into the kitchen but must have had an encounter with my dog at that point.  Could not find anything stolen or out of place.  I repaired the striker plate and latch, and remounted the plate with some 3" screws.  Called the police and made a report. 

I realized after this experience that there is something wrong with me....the first thing I was worried about was my trains!

 

 

[edw]

Thank you Chief. And thank you Dennis.

I appreciate the kind and gentlemanly remarks from each of you.

[sir james I]

Good Evening All

Just spent some great chat time with Brutus and Charlie talking trains. But I'm running a little late. Windy today but not real bad, we have no problems from the wind except some ice  flows jamming the rivers. temps in the 30s.

So Brutus banilla is ready fire up the thingy and let's get started...S.J.

[ChiefEagles]

Ice cream eaten.  Rich, Choochoo is real addictive.  But great buys and good service.  I have registered my CC with them.  If I win something, they ship right on.

Well, I hve a tale to tell.  It is really funny and cute.  RT sends me this email that I can buy a LIONEL SD80 MAC from one of his VA hobby shops for a great price.  So he gives me the number and the guy's name.  Call, "Lionel SD80 MAC scale?"  "YES".  Got an answering machine message, when he went to get the box, its a SD90 and if I want it, let him know.  Call the number and get his machine [closed].  Said fine with me.  Shipped out yesterday and arrive today.   Cut open the shipping box [that was a box for a steamer].  This purple engine box is inside.  Yes, it an MTH Premier NS SD90 MAC with new paint scheme.  Beautiful engine.  Later

 

[dwiemer]

Thanks for the kind words Chief and the rest off forum....means a lot.  Tis a nice place to come sit for awhile.  If this was 50 years ago, we'd all be sitting around some tables at an old Mom and Pop breakfast joint just having some fun.  While the technology has made the world smaller, it is not always for the better when we lose that personal face to face.  Hmmm, I wonder how many times a good bowl of Grits would get air born if we were all actually sitting at the same table?

Chief, hope you have a good trip.  Don't spread all that sickness on the plane!  I know, you have to go.  Just hope you are able to get to feeling better soon.  Enjoy your trip and be safe.

We were blessed today (like everyday), but we had a lot of fun with the kids.  Son made top honors with school and daughter had a lot of fun as one of the teachers brought in a pet snake.  They sent photos of her holding the snake which was about 5 feet long.  Asked her if she was scared..."No, but he did feel funny".  I made home made Pizza tonight.  We all seem to like it and at this age, anything the kids will eat is a plus (so long as it is not candy).

Regarding Honda making cars at the old motorcycle plant, I think a lot of that has to go back to the quality Honda is known for and the good price/products they have.  They were the only ones in the black recently, and the dealers couldn't keep the cars on the lot.  I guess they will catch up with demand soon, but the fact that the motorcycles were pushed off shore for the time being is a good sign for their corporate structure and name.

Jack, I don't get the whole dog show thing either.  We have had it on at the house for a short while with the kids...kind of like when we go to the mall and they have to walk through the pet store.  Otherwise, it is not for me.  Have had it on in the doctor's lounge while I was eating....not sure who put it on...they won't admit it.  Anyway, I'd take a good mutt over just about any pure breed.  Only exception would be bird dogs and coon hounds.  around these parts, they are very valuable.  Lots of plantations here and if you go to one, they warn about not shooting at low birds because of the dogs.  I asked one time about the guides, why don;t they warn about shooting a guide.  The answer....a good bird dog is hard to find, guides, we have plenty of 'em.

Well, I am heading to bed.  Ordered some more parts from Lionel.  I was on hold for about 40 minutes this afternoon to actually speak to someone.  When I first called, it said I was number 6 in line.  Not a lot of folks to be waiting on, unless only one person was answering the phones.  anyway, got the parts coming, so I should have more projects done soon.  Perhaps I can get a tiny MOW crew to pick up that mess on the Roseyville NS main.

God Bless,
Dennis

[ChiefEagles]

edw

dwiemer

EDW, I, and I am sure the rest of the folks here would rather return to the nice discussions and fun jabs at each other that this thread is known for. 

Dennis,

We've had some good times along the way, too.

Why, I can recall one of our very first forum conversations, I believe I was giving you some advice about how to go about getting a patent for an idea that you had come up with.

Hey man, what do you say, you wanna hug it out.

 

Nice comments from both MEN.  My hand is held out.  That is what is wrong with typed messages.  Don Baker and I were discussing this very thing last night [between coughs ].  If someone new dropped in "off the street" to the Pot, they would think we were the worse bunch of guys in the world.  You can not see the laughs, smiles and body language of the typer.  Buckeye and I pick all the time [so does Jon and I].  If I needed anyone to "watch my back" I know they would be right there [along with the rest of the forum].  Dennis knows he is welcome here so I want to make sure edw knows the same. 

Got all grades of meds this afternoon.  Samples for now but backed up by prescription. 

Think I want a bowl of ice cream.  Got to pack too.

[Buckeye Riveter]

SPMan

The best money I spent was getting a personal guide to take us all over the battlefields.  Well worth the price. 

SP....You just gave everyone on this forum the same advice I give people visiting Gettysburg.  We have had the guides twice.  During the off season the "seasoned" guides still are working for the park.  During our last visit, our guide explained to us how the next week he would be giving the tour of the battlefield to the Cadets from West Point.  We inquired as to the differences in public and military tours.  He replied that on the military tours they discuss the mindset and past experiences of the officers on the field.

Jon....Marysville is the county seat of Union County, but the plant is really at East Liberty, a crossroads similar to Roger's Corners. Yes, the motorcycles are back overseas so Honda can make more cars in Union County, but I bet that they will return when Honda builds a new facility.  Shipping is so easy from Central Ohio via the CSX for Honda.   In fact, NS, CSX, air freight and the truck lines have made Central Ohio a big logistics hub.  (I think CSX is used by Toyota for shipping out of Lexington, KY., too.)

Chief.....Since you are sick, I'm gonna go easy on you today even though you wrecked my rare "I Love Ohio" boxcar, called me a bunch of names, made fun of my buzzard photos,  laughed at us as we drove on the ice,  questioned my fishing ability and what ever else you have done behind my back in the last 24 hours.

No wind damage last night.  Of course it was only clocked at 60 MPH and our September hurricane was 74 MPH.

 

[laz 57]

D&H 702

 LAZ:   Talk about wind.  The Ridge Vent from the roof is now in my drive way, House is only three months old, Guess they don' t build them like they used to.  Don't forget to take the bricks out of your pocket's before you get on the scale.

Stay Cool.

Lew.

 

I hear ya LEW.  I came home after school and found 6 feet of my 40 foot hemlock in our patio, i guess its only about 34 feet now.  Thanks for the tip I almost forgot to take em out.  Hope tonite isn't your garbage nite?

laz57

[D&H 702]

 LAZ:   Talk about wind.  The Ridge Vent from the roof is now in my drive way, House is only three months old, Guess they don' t build them like they used to.  Don't forget to take the bricks out of your pocket's before you get on the scale.

Stay Cool.

Lew.

[LawsonFarmsRR]

 Sorry about no "I Love Toy Trains" on RFD-TV today. They through in a cattle auction right at 4:00 PM show time.

I guess they go where the money is.

Patrick

[Anonymous]

mitchelr

Great to hear that Dennis may make it to York, maybe that will get the Chief motivated to visit the world famous Eastern Division TCA Meet.  Been looking at an MTH Flying Yankee set with PS 2.0. Has anyone here on the Pot got one, seen one or run one?  Saw one that sold for $260 on eBay. I was thinking about the Lionel Repro that they just issued,  but there's a new thread that mentioned runability issues.  The originals are either too much $$$ or their condition is shaky best, plus the fact that I am very cheap.  

Mitch - I called Tom at the Train Depot in Mt Airy. He had one on the shelf but he sold it this past Saturday. Guy came in, they put it on the track, started her up, smoke came out of the 4 stacks, chatter started, guy whipped out his credit card. Seems if you're into that type of unit it will basically sell itself. I haven't heard anything about the Lionel re-release. He said if you are interested in one, give him a call and he will look into it. He wasn't sure if they are still available through MTH (they do weekly runs to Columbia to pickup new stock). Another closer option for you would be Cotoctin Mt Trains...

[anjdevil2]

Afternoon, Boys!
Listening to the Dual @ Daytona, door to the office is open and 78F and a slight breeze....wish I stayed hope and took off with the Harley...

Another case of drama with the daughter...ex-boyfriend is making trouble, but most of her friends are going to "speak" to him...and of course if THAT dosen't work, then I'll step in...and you don't mess with the Italian Father...

Went to the car auction this AM to inspect some prospects...a couple of good ones, sent the recommendations to my boss and we'll see...

Doug notta - a belated !

Chief - I won that tanker on choochoo you referred to me....you're are a bad influence

Didn't sleep well again last night - 3rd times the charm?

Brutus - yup that's me on Facebook (something my sister told me to do!) it's very interesting for sure.

Dennis - Thanks!

OK gonna be a late night again, Princess has late rehersals then homework, I have to cook dinner then put my feet up in the train room for a while and relax.

See yuz giz inna while..

[cnw1995]

Sounds like a nice purchase, Sir James. There's a lot of coil cars in storage these days...Back from ortho with the middle boy - 'course he wants an MRI - so I'll go back for that in a bit.

Flowers for the bride arrived today - they shorted me a few - like I wouldn't notice. So she's getting more tomorrow...

Doug - did I miss wishing you a ? !

Not windy here - strange, given it's Chicago. Glad you're OK, Ole Timer.

Jack,  no way MA has higher taxes than IL. Cook County has the highest sales tax in the country - gas taxes are highest too. New governator is making noises about raising the income tax. We're number 1! We're number 1! Uh, oh, why am I cheering?