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

[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?

[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

[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

[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 ?

[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.                                                            

 

[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

[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

[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

[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.  

[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]

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.

[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 

[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 

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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

[RockIsland52]

Good Mornin, Ya'll, from windy Taxachusetts,

TGIF.....

Overnight high winds and gusts woke me and the dog up around 4am, wife remained in coma, and the pup decided it was time for a pit stop, then wouldn't settle back down.  Reminds me of my days when our children were very young.  Except the children's concept of middle-of-the-night entertainment didn't include vaulting on and off the sofa, jumping like a kangaroo, or biting me.  

VALENTINES DAY T-MINUS ABOUT 12 HOURS AND COUNTING.  IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO SAVE YOURSELF FROM CERTAIN DISASTER!!!!!

Chief......have a good trip.  Still hope you are feeling better despite what you did to Buckeye's boxcar.

D&H......that ridge vent that blew off the peak of your newer home's roof is an omen telling you to dormer out the attic and expand your trains empire upward.

Laz......Hemlocks are usually pretty resilient and flexible.  At least the damage was on the top and you don't have to trim it back now.  They can get somewhat top heavy and susceptible to snow and ice damage when they get to be taller.....mine are over 15 years old and provide a great total screen with the neighbors' properties.  Plus you really never have to prune them.

Ole Timer......if trees were snapping off in my yard, wife would tell me to go out there and see what's going on while she stood by the phone to call the paramedics and tell them to just bring the hearse.

Mitch/Charlie......glad you weren't home and the dog's presence repelled the intruders.  Relieved that the dog wasn't harmed.  I've been a victim twice of home break-ins (b-4 dogs), and the feeling of violation and the concern of a repeat performance remains in the recesses of my brain.  Police told me a house with a dog more often than not creates a dual dilemma for the thief.....their first instinct is all of the racket and risk of discovery, and second, the risk of serious bodily harm if they are desperate enough or wacked out enough to ignore their first instinct.  The bad guys will usually move on to the next house.  Another deterrent.....we have placed stickers provided by the fire department by our entrances.....these tell the firefighters what/whom they should be looking for when entering the house in the event of a fire and have a space for pets.  Same with security system stickers.  I find that my dogs staring out the windows helps keep away the door-to-door nuisances.  And my wife and I always exchange instructions for keeping the dogs under control while the take-out delivery folks nervously hand over the goods at the front door in full earshot.  As I hand over the money, I usually make some comment to the delivery person that Dobermans are really very sweet family dogs.   You never know who they are or who they talk to.  I don't let them inside into the foyer, even if it's -4 and snowing.           

Ray.....now that you and son have the pool filter squared away, should we load our bathing suits and flotation devices in the Tardis to take a quick dip when we drop by to pick you up?  During last night's flight my nose told me some of these guys could have used a bath before boarding.  Need some Tardis etiquette rules for that.

Chuck......don't forget to include the financial value of all those irreplaceable autographs on Buckeye's "I Love Ohio" car Chief purposely and carelessly destroyed.

SJ......congrats on scoring that unrun OC coil car.  You seem to be very patient and stay in the hunt to score your acquisitions. 

Dennis.....keep those prayers coming my way.  I could use all of the help I can get with the ONE upstairs.  I was drawn immediately to your kids update.  Great satisfaction in seeing the little ones embrace learning and school early, then the joy of an exceptional report card and the look on their faces.  I saw those great report cards from our oldest (my daughter) early on but had to wait a decade on the son to accomplish the same.  He's always been a good kid but had trouble early on finding his way early on, but he did it.  I always what I did so right with the first child and so wrong initially with the second.  When your daughter comes to you now and asks you to get her a snake just like the one she handled in school's show-and-tell, consult wife first!  A worm farm would be a better alternative.  My wife has a hard time just entering the reptile house at the zoo, let alone look at the snakes behind the 1" reinforced glass.  Same with the insects exhibits.  Regarding mutts and others' dog castoffs, I'm with you.  Our (R.I.P.) border collie husky mix of 16 years came from an animal shelter.  Her cremated remains are still sitting displayed in an ornate wooden box in our dining room.  I skip the subject with our guests of what is in that wooden box until after dessert and coffee.  Fortunately, the dining room is a useless receptacle for furniture, dust, and junk waiting to be hidden elsewhere except for twice a year family get togethers. 

DougM......Prayers your boy's fracture is healing on schedule.  On taxes, I'm going to have to publicly concede to the guys on this Forum that Cook County may set an unsurpassable standard for taxing the crap out of it's citizenry.  I lived there for 38 years.  The property taxes were no picnic, even on a 1,400 square foot house and a 4,625 square foot lot.  It was fascinating to gas up out in Elgin over the holidays and then see the vaulting gas prices as we travelled from Kane County into Cook County and then into the Chicago city limits as we made our way downtown.  OUCH!!!!!  Nonetheless, MA is about to pass a $.28 per gallon state gas tax increase that will indeed make our state gas taxes the highest in the nation, surpassing even New York.  Did you check out the low(est) Alabama taxes on liquor, beer, and wine, each listed separately?  They may have to create a new state logo down there: "The Happy Hour State."

Rich......prayers the Princess' ex-boyfriend passes quickly and quietly into history.  I wouldn't hesitate if necessary to consult Fife on his advice on how to throw a serious bucket of water on this and nip it in the bud.  Glad to hear she is otherwise happily engaged in school and the extracurriculars.  Maybe the Harley is a distant relative of "Eleanor" in Nicholas Cage's "Gone In Sixty Seconds."  Chief a "bad influence?"  Say it isn't so!

Brent.....you're probably already on the road.  Hope your getaway weekend with Susie-Q is great.  Makes the rest of us look like slugs by comparison this Valentines day.

Brutus.....I take it from your comment that you decided to take a pass on having the MIL stay with you and wife while they recover from their illnesses.

MikeC.....I can't take any credit for the smooth Tardis ride while I was driving.  The air adjustable load levellers and larger anti-sway bars Brutus and Rich installed did the trick.

Don/DougDG/Ray/CA contingent.....yes, that tax table link I provided, while informative, didn't include state income tax % by state.  The other rates were an eyeopener, nonetheless.

Lee.....prayers that your cold doesn't drag you down.  Hope you and the rest of the FL boys remembered your sun screen today.  Where's Mel hiding out?

Jack

[LawsonFarmsRR]

 Good Morning (+ 1 hr) All:

Last night, just before supper, the wind dropped a tree on the power line and we were in the dark. The spaghetti was done but we had to do the garlic bread in a skillet. Fortunately when we remodeled the kitchen 12 Yrs. ago and went electric we made sure one of the stoves had gas top burners. When the power is off we have to light them with a match. The stove manufacture said don't to it - we would ruin the stove and void the warranty. A lot they know.

Spent 20 min. digging out the battery operated DVD player to watch a movie while we ate by candle light. Just as we sat down to eat the lights came back on. Darn the electric company anyway. We turned off the lights and proceeded as planed.

Bid on several Lionel NASCAR items on eBay. Won some, lost some. Got a GP-38 engine, caboose, and Tony Stewart flat car carrier and car. If you can't find the whole train, buy the train part by part.

No post this morning  from RT or fifedog, must be on their way to Daytona. Keep an eye on the 5 and 18.

Patrick

[RRCharlie]

RockIsland52;

Not really hiding. Just like to sit back, read,and inwardly digest all the banter. Bought a RailKing FEC 15" coach at a hobby shop in St. Augustine last week. He is selling off non FEC items and going to sell FEC only, in all gauges. Also started selling guns!!! Go figure on that. Haven't done much with trains. Still teaching 2 nights per week, pick up 2 afternoons a week in March. Glad the Yankee weather has gone back North where it belongs.

I'll be interested in any body's comments on pages 12 and 13 of the February issue of "The Lion Roars".

Keep Dave of our LTS in your prayers.

[ChiefEagles]

Sittting in Charlotte.  Flight goes out at 2:25.  Pretty and sunny day but windy in Charlotte.  Sitting here thinking about the wonderful seafood at restaurant at the hotel.  This is the number rated seafood restaurant in the area.  Later

[SPMan]

Chief, call me lazy, but I did'nt see your post telling where you were going. I'm too lazy to look it up.  I know you are flying somewhere from your recent post.  You must be feeling better.  I hope so for your sake.  That SD90 NS engine sounds impressive.  I got to run one of those babies in my last year before retirement on the Onion Pacific.  The NS black and white colors with the thoroughbred logos kind of grow on you.  I did'nt like them at first but now I'm beginning to. 

Tardis travelers are welcome to swim in the recently prepared swimming pool. However, I recommend wearing a wet suit to stay warm.  Despite rumors of how warm it is here in Winter, lt's not that warm.  My pool is not heated so we don't usually go in until about June.  My cut off is anything below 80 degrees and I'm out of there.

We had our irrregular meeting of our Thursday Night Group here last night at my garage layout.  It was a little cool out here last night but we had on heavy coats so it was'nt too bad.  Ran some trains, ate some snacks and watched videos of Southern Pacific in the 50's.  Good stuff!  Cab forwards, 2-8-0's, 2-6-0's (Valley Malleys) also GS4's and GS5.  Black widow diesels, Daylight and Lark Passenger equipment. 

Been having fun this week watching a lot of You Tube videos of my favorite traditional jazz bands and other stuff now that I have the high speed internet.  Technology is good sometimes. (at least when it works)

Have a good day y'all

 

Later, Ray

 

[fifedog]

Evenin' boys.  Sunny, still breezy and 49 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Those with trescadecaphobia...hang in there.

MichRR - I lost two patio screens last year to someone trying to enter my abode, like to think my pooch sounded them off too.  Were there any similar attempts in your area...like to think it was part of a spree, rather than singled out.

anjdevil - It helps to live on a hill, so that the bodies roll down easier.  Unfortunatley some guys (old and young) don't get the "memo" when it's over.  I've found it's better to try and steer the princesses away from such losers, but tha's not always easy.  Right now, we got a couple good young men courtside.

------------------------------------------------------------

***RED ALERT---------RED ALERT--------RED ALERT***

***WARNING WILL ROBINSON-----WARNING! WARNING!***

***SCRAMBLE THE BOMBERS WE'RE AT DEFCON 5***

***SURRENDER DOROTHY***

Tomorrow is February 14/VALENTINE'S DAY!

-------------------------------------------------------------

[MichRR714]

fifedog

like to think it was part of a spree, rather than singled out.

 

I've heard of 1 other one down the street.. so I do not think I was singled out...none the less upsetting.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts on this.

 

[anjdevil2]

A Hardy TGIF afternoon!!!

Yeah, I was suspicious of this one from the start and found out he is a abuser and told him in no uncertain terms that I would take care of him "Italian style" if he touched her.  Suffice to say, that and a few of her friends convined him to be wary....
Fife - I had considered the cement shoe idea, but i would be such a waste of cement (not to mension the metal tub....)

Is there something going on tomorrow?

It is in the '70's now at almost 5PM.  Will be cold tonight, not sure of what it's gonna be tomorrow, though.  I'll be at the LTS, trying my best to make some sales and hearing some good news.  And I hope it is good news.  We can't lose such a great asset to the community and the hobby.  And I'm just talking about Dave, the owner. 

Sunday may be bike riding day, I have to get it out and do a pre-bike week ride.

Really starting to rethink the layout, may try to eliminate some furniture (mine, of course) and make another 4 foot extension for a 12X5 and a 4X2 "L".  We'll see what happens next...!

Have a great one, I'll be lurking about later.

[LawsonFarmsRR]

 

Good evening Fifedog and all

fifedog, your not in Daytona, so do you you plan to watch NASCAR this weekend? You do you like Sat in Nationwide and Sunday in the 500? Does Mark have a chance?

No word from RT - must be in Daytona.

Patrick

 

[Buckeye Riveter]

Blueberryhill RR

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.

Chuck...... Thank you for providing an honest and forthright appraisal of the damages to my RARE "I LOVE OHIO" boxcar.   I knew an experienced train collector such as yourself would know the true value. 

Now, I need a pit bull of a lawyer to sue the pants off of the Chief and the Town of Roseyville. 

Mmmmmm........The Chief is gone again this weekend.  Don it's your turn this time to turn things upside down in Roseyville.

Hockey tonight.  The Wings are in town. 

 

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Evening all

Buckeye, I can testify how dear your car was to you!

[jonadel]

Buckeye--GREAT NEWS--we are in northern Iowa for the weekend with the kids and the princess, it's been since Christmas that we've been togther and that's TOO long.  But the BIG news is we have about 4" of beautiful snow, no more of this silly 60 degree weather and brown lawns.  Wish you were here to enjoy the euphoria with us!!   Tomorrow we will hit Caboose Stop Hobies, great store and they always like to see us.  Then we get to demo his basement and get it ready for the complete make over so water will never be a problem again.

[ChiefEagles]

Buckeye Riveter

Blueberryhill RR

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.

Chuck...... Thank you for providing an honest and forthright appraisal of the damages to my RARE "I LOVE OHIO" boxcar.   I knew an experienced train collector such as yourself would know the true value. 

Now, I need a pit bull of a lawyer to sue the pants off of the Chief and the Town of Roseyville. 

Mmmmmm........The Chief is gone again this weekend.  Don it's your turn this time to turn things upside down in Roseyville.

Hockey tonight.  The Wings are in town. 

 

In Roseyville, we shoot all pit bulls and lawyers from Ohizo. 

In room but walking to the restaurant and eating a big seafood platter.

Later