Re: FEB EDITION: 2009 #3 Coffee Pot. Here we gather with friends with trains for chats, 4 years of coffee and sweet ice tea.

[sir james I]

Good Morning

Sunny and 12. thats it. Maybe LED's will be the new light bulb. But dimmers are a problem already with what we have now. As for three ways, I just used a 100 watt equivalent in them, course it takes two clicks. I'm not sure what today will bring but it looks nice out just cold

Charlie no problem, your welcome....S.J.

[ChiefEagles]

MOOORING!!!  Could have slept more.  Kurt, not me.  Guess I will have to start a new one tomorrow.    Rain and maybe some T'storms.  Then Monday morning, Buckeye starts his mess.  Wind and snow.  WOOW, some are saying might start tomorrow.  Do I'm heading home.  Got to get going so I can make it to the store.  Later

[kpolak]

Morning all!

Couldn't get any CTT threads to open last night.  I kept getting the oops message.    What was frustrating about it was I coud get to the main page that lists the threads, and see others were able to post.    Chief must have put the kibash on be for the bucket and well comment.

Is this true about banning the incandescents?  All of our lights are on dimmers, except the light over the bathroom mirror, and the exterior lights over the doors.

Brutus:  I'd love to see what you and Doug are planning!  Are you ready to put it on Sunday Photo Fun?

Kurt

[MichRR714]

Off to bed.. Hope everyone has a nice weekend.....

 Just had a nice chat with Brutus and Doug...

Thanks again SJ.. u know for what  :)

[wrmcclellan]

Sturgeon-Phish

I date the bulbs as I install them. 

Good idea Jim. I am going to do that also for the next set.

Gray and colder here. 30's by tomorrow night.

No early morning kid events this weekend! We can sleep in!

Have a great evening all!

[njalb1]

Here is what they are saying in Great Britan ! 

 

Warning: Vacate room when CFL bulb breaks
Energy-saving devices called so dangerous everyone must leave for at least 15 minutes

Thomas Edison must be rolling over in his grave.

Less than a month after the U.S. Congress passed an energy bill banning the incandescent light bulb by 2014, the UK Environment Agency issued guidelines calling for evacuation of any room where an energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulb is broken, releasing toxic mercury.

The warning comes a month before the British government begins its phase-out of tungsten bulbs, scheduled to be completed in 2011. The switchover to CFL bulbs will save at least five million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year, the government said.

Health experts warned this week that people with certain skin ailments will suffer from the new eco-friendly bulbs which cause conditions such as eczema to flare up. Additionally, the bulbs have been linked to migraine headaches in some people.

The Environment Agency's latest advice focuses on the 6 to 8 milligrams of toxic mercury in each bulb.

Users who break a bulb should vacate the room for at least 15 minutes, the new guidelines say. The debris should not be removed with a vacuum cleaner, which could put toxic dust into the air, but with rubber gloves

. The broken glass and all residue is to be placed into a sealed plastic bag and taken to a local official recycling site for proper disposal.

'Because these light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, they could cause a problem if disposed of in a normal bin," environmental scientist Dr David Spurgeon told the London Daily Mail.

"It is possible that the mercury could be released into the air or from land-fill when they are released into the wider environment. That is a concern, because mercury is a well-known toxic substance."

The Environmental Agency noted that neither warnings about the bulbs' toxicity nor directions for proper disposal is printed on any packaging.

Such warnings aren't necessary, said one toxicologist who said a number of bulbs would have to be smashed simultaneously before there was a danger.

"Mercury accumulates in the body – especially the brain," Dr. David Ray, from the University of Nottingham, told the BBC. "The biggest danger is repeated exposure – a one off exposure is not as potentially dangerous compared to working in a light bulb factory.

"If you smash one bulb then that is not too much of a hazard. However, if you broke five bulbs in a small unventilated room then you might be in short term danger."

The most-immediate hazard from the CFL bulbs may be to Brits' pocketbooks. It costs about $1,300 to properly dispose of one municipal recycling bin full of bulbs – a figure that is sure to increase residents' tax bills.

 

SIDE NOTE:

Timers: Most CFLs can be used with a timer, however some timers have parts which are incompatible with CFLs; to check your timer, consult the timer package or manufacturer. Using an incompatible timer can shorten the life of a CFL bulb.

[cnw1995]

 Evening all. Came back from date with the bride to a house full of teen boys with the daughter. So I am hanging around... I've broken two CFLs - one was in the  basement and one in a bedroom. At the time, I didn't realize the effects. Just picked up glass and vacumned the rest  - probably radioactive....

[RockIsland52]

rtraincollector

RockIsland52

 

RT......glad you finally kicked the crud.  Sorry to hear the train room is still occupied by wife's plants......thought you would have accidentally fertilized them with Weed-B-Gone by now.  Don't forget to hide the bottle after the application.

Jack

And she would do one of 2 things if not both 1 spray my trains with trains be gone ( ie put out for trash after I left for work) or she would spray me with husband be gone ( namely the shot gun with buck shot in it)

 

Honey!  Someone broke in and stole the plants!!!!!

 

[Brutus]

Howdy folks!  CFLs - well, I learned a lesson with those.  I bought 3 of them that actually looked like regular bulbs on the outside but had cfls on the inside.  I put them into a globe ceiling fixture in the laundry room - lots of light!  Smelled something - opened it up and the bases of all 3 were starting to melt!  Apparently, these were decorator ones and not meant to be in a globe fixture!  I since replaced that entire fixture with a 4 bulb fluourescent box fixture anyway.  I had good results from one in the kitchen though - we have a little can light with a small spotlight in it that we always left on.  We would replace the bulb about every 3 or 4 months I think.  Anyway, I replaced it with a cfl spot and it has been on for over a year now - we already saved money on that one!

Talked with Rt, then Sir James, and then Doug Murphy tonight - fine gentlemen.  Also talked with Charlie and Rich last night, also fine gentlemen!

Looking at the catalogs, a few intersting things....

Tardis is ready and banilla sounds good, I'll come get you guys earlier, lol!  Mike, I think it's your turn to drive, but Kurt might want to fight you for it!  Doug and I are working on layout plans for when I finish my basement.  Don, Laz, Chief, Jack, Patrick, RT, Jim, Dennis, and of course Rich - we'll be around to get you shortly!  I see a couple others on the scope too, so let's get going

[ChiefEagles]

Tired old man.  Been on feet since 9:15 AM until 9:45 PM with only one break for lunch late in the afternoon.  Sold 18 chargers.  More than the "kid" who thinks he can take my place in Orlando.  Feet are sore.  Might be slow getting up and to the store tomorrow.  Store stayed open until 10 PM tonight with double points after 7 PM.  Brought in a big crowd.  Stayed in the store and did not leave like the rest of the venders did at 5 PM.  Buckeye, bought Naviontics chip for GPS that shows great contours and even 3D of lakes. 

Good night.

[dwiemer]

Good Evening Y'all!  Well, it was a great day.  Went in early and just had to take care of some paperwork and make some rounds.  The new guy is going through the motions and getting oriented to the program.  Will still be a month or so, so when I made up the call schedule, I'll still be on call as much as I have been, but if we have a real case, we'll call in the new guy to get as many cases under his belt as possible.

Roy, we have used some of the CFLs.  I have noticed mixed results.  Varied lengths of service, but nothing like the advertised longevity.  Regarding cost savings, have no idea, it obviously isn't enough to take notice.  Of interest is a speech one of your congressmen made before the congress regarding these.  If you happen to break one, the clean up is quite painful, as all the steps you have to go through.  I doubt in the end, that much energy is saved considering  all the extra effort involved in disposal, etc.  Who knows, before long, we may have some environmental types knocking on our doors threatening to sue us if we don't properly dispose of these.  They might even charge a fee to dispose of them once incandescent lights are outlawed.

Well, getting sleepy.  Will head to bed and check back soon.  Hope everyone has a blessed weekend ahead.

Dennis

[RRCharlie]

I really got adventuresome this afternoon. Last year I acquired the NYC LEGACY GP-7 and dummy GP-7. I was extremely unhappy that the dummy had magnetic couplers, no lights, and no somke. I ordered and finally received the Pennsy LEGACY GP-7 a couple weeks ago. Today I took the plunge, took off both car bodies and began the process to switch them around. Everything went reasonably well until I looked at the headlight and marker light assemblies. I think they are glued in so I left them. I now have 2 powered LEGACY NYC GP-7s and a dummy PRR GP-7. They look good in a lash up but I am disapointed that I couldn't switch out the light assemblies. Does any one on the forum have some thoughts as to what I might try?

[jefelectric]

 fife, a package is on the way to you.

We worked on grandsons HO layout and got some trains running on two mainline loops .

I first tried the CFLs a few years ago with poor results, recently have switched just about everything over to them with mostly good results.  The three way type seem to have a short life, with one of the steps going out rather quickly in most cases.  You can get them enclosed in fake round globes for use in the fancy bath fixtures.  I have not replaced any of my flood lamps as most are on dimmers and I haven't found any of those that are dimmable.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

 

[Buckeye Riveter]

TGIF

[sir james I]

A quiet friday nite. 52 degrees this morning and 15 tonite.  No snow. Banilla is ready if anybody stops by...S.J.

[rtraincollector]

RockIsland52

 

RT......glad you finally kicked the crud.  Sorry to hear the train room is still occupied by wife's plants......thought you would have accidentally fertilized them with Weed-B-Gone by now.  Don't forget to hide the bottle after the application.

Jack

And she would do one of 2 things if not both 1 spray my trains with trains be gone ( ie put out for trash after I left for work) or she would spray me with husband be gone ( namely the shot gun with buck shot in it)

 

[cnw1995]

Almost finished with a fairly pleasant day. Had some conversations with the middle boy's math teacher that I will have to follow on.

We've had CFLs since before they were cool - burned through some - but they've had a tremendous impact on our electric bill. I've never used them outside yet - where I go through 2-3 bulbs a month in winter. Ours are first-gen - bright ugly blue light - you can imagine the howls I got from the women of the house having them in bathroom vanity light fixtures - LOL - I don't see a difference looking at my ugly mug.

I'm unused to this insurance claim thing - now the insur. co. is going to send me what to me is a big check I'm supposed to then turn around and write to the contractor - wonder how that works? And our mortgage holder is involved somehow. Gotta ask more questions. Anyway no one wants to do anything until I get the money... have to break the news to the bride.

Got to wander around the Art Institute the last day they're 'free' for a while. I like the Impressionists who spent lots of time in Paris' train stations... guess they even moved engines for them.

[SPMan]

Jim, thanks for the prayers for BIL and also sending prayers for your daughter and husband.  Thank you for sharing what must be a painfull experience for you.  If you share the load, you only have to carry half the weight.  A close friend of mine went through the same process with his daughter.  She is doing well now and has her kids back.  God has blessed them.

Ray

[ChiefEagles]

Lunch break [first break I have taken since I went in to the store].  Raining and raining.

Jack, Mayor is elected and Town Manager is under contract reporting to the Mayor and Town Board.  Mayor is like CEO of a cooperation and the Town Board is board of directors.  Town Manager playing games behind the Mayor's back will get him FIRED.

Back to the grind. 

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Good Afternoon all from wet Southern Ohio

Just a quick check in before going out of town for a youth retreat.  Thank you for all the prayers, I can see God’s hand moving in this.  The kiddos are with the other grandparents this weekend, they are going to a water park, which will be good for them.

I started replacing the incandesants with CF at church a when they first came out.  My primary objective is long life, so I was using the 130volt incandesants.  I date the bulbs as I install them.  The jury is still out on the longevity.

I am glad folks are getting healthy and repaired!  Continued prayers for all in need

May God bless

Jim

 

[RockIsland52]

Good Mornin', Yall,

Temps heating up today up my way to the lower 50s, so the front lawn melt might reveal  80% lawn.  Back yard faces North with shade most of the day, so I'll be lucky to hit 20%.  Rain and snow forecast through Monday with highs in the low 30s, so Spring will have to wait.

Church get together last night.  Two newcomers and a repeat I didn't think would return.  When times are bad folks find spirituality but all too seldom don't hold on to it.  The latter said she came back because everyone was so kind to her and non judgemental.

Laz.....thanks for the TGIF reminder.

Roy.......something is seriously wrong with your energy efficient bulb scenario.  Like Brent, none of mine have burned out, and its been over two years of heavy use.  The only thing I need to do is monkey with the tints because the bulbs I'm using now throw out too much of a yellow glow.  Three ways are not so easy to find anywhere up my way, and the highest watt output doesen't match the incandescents.  Dimmables are even more scarce.  I'd send your dead ones back for replacements.  The brand/manufacturer I bought I never heard of, and can't remember either.  The electricity savings are palpable, so much so that the only way I can explain the drop in my electricity usage over prior year's month are the bulbs.  Will take Brent's advice and get some spotlights too.  Wife doesn't like the energy efficient bulbs' appearance, like in bathroom fixtures where she likes the fancy ones that burn electricity and burn out too frequently.  SJ.....maybe your electric savings with the curly bulbs are offset by a KWH rate hike.

JimSP......you scored four victories this week with the family.  You should be proud and hopeful.  No, we don't have the final say.  We are the instruments.  I didn't feel that way when I was younger, but I am glad I am moving that way.  Prayers continue.  Hang tough.  Time for patience and a firm grip on the wheel. 

Kurt/Wes/Brent.....checked with SIL.  The 4 piece package was all Frigidaire Professional Series and all of the pieces got past 90 days, no issues.  The dishwasher is so quiet you don't know it's running.  That can be a bad thing with kids and grandkids who like to push the buttons, but with the position of the buttons it is difficult for them to "help" you out.  The appliance dealers are really motivated on package deals, especially when you can bring apples to apples quotes to the table and are ready to pull the trigger.  The dealer SIL purchased from provided free delivery and free disposal (to the curb).  I'm sold on Kenmore until price/performance/longevity proves otherwise.

Charlie.....[tup] on seeing some Hiawatha iron.  Do you or SJ have any?

MikeC.....carpet burns from the YMCA!  Better than a twisted ankle or a pulled hammy.  Your footwork must really be coming along.  Could ballet be next?  You and Dennis can perform a 2 man show with his musical accompanyment.

Fife......a Larry the Cable Guy moment with the layout.  People pay to see him, not sure about you.   Sorry for that wise CRACK.  Glad sidearm didn't fall out of holster, discharge, and nail someone elses freight car.  Chief razzing would be merciless.

DougM.....glad you wore down the SSA and scored.  Hope the interior work meets the wifey's expectations.  When I run into a snag with contractors or repairmen I usually threaten them by saying that failure is not an option because then they will have to deal with her.  They smile, until they see I am not smiling.  They know when wives get involved, satisfaction becomes fleeting if not impossible.

Rich......  congratulations Dad!  Princess must have your talent in her genes.     If you see one on sale, buy your tux now.  Re the bike dilemma, decisions decisions.  How can you go wrong?  You've suffered the HD Blues long enough.  Thought of you last night watching that show where they pretend to steal some guy's vintage but delapidated wheels and do a complete body off restoration.  "Overhaulin'?"  Hemi Challenger.  Are you going to be bikeless for Daytona?

Dennis......if the violin thing doesn't work out for you and your talents, you can always display the violin and use the extra rosin throwing the baseball with your boy.  However, the pressure is now on you from all family sides to succeed.  You can become an eccentric at the hospital and practice there.  Patients will become ultra motivated to recover more quickly and get discharged.         

Chief.....I'm not sure how this Town Manager and Mayor thing works.  Up my way, towns have Town Managers who are appointed while cities elect mayors.  Not a size thing but just the form of government the locale chooses.  But both?  Thanks for the pics!  With all of the stuff that you have going on around the grounds, you could retire and still have trouble keeping up with all of that landscaping and gardening,  Consider stocking the pond with Muskie, Walleyes, and Northern Pike.  Then start a Dude Ranch for the Southern boys and the guys vacationing from Wisconsin.  John L would appreciate it.  Northwoods too. 

DougDG......while reading your Charlie Daniels "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" exhortation to Dennis, my Cherry Coke wound up sprayed all over the keyboard and screen.  Chief does get around quite a bit.

Lee.....prayers things settle down at work.  New honchos are always such a settling influence when the pressure is on.

RT......glad you finally kicked the crud.  Sorry to hear the train room is still occupied by wife's plants......thought you would have accidentally fertilized them with Weed-B-Gone by now.  Don't forget to hide the bottle after the application.

Brutus.....I've got 20+ years on a Casablanca Intellitouch ceiling fan, lighted with home security feature.  They don't seem to ever wear out.  Variable speed whole house fan (36") is Kenmore, also 20 years old and after a zillion hours on the original belt!

Have a good one.  Can't wait for my SPF fix!

Jack

[fifedog]

rt - If it helps your/our cause, tell her my crokuses are blooming outside...

[rtraincollector]

Sturgeon-Phish Prayers to you and your family I know things are already better than they have been for a long time as this isn't something that happens over night as we all know. It will take time to turn around and I hope it does. Glad that things are on the right track right now anyway.

Morning all Hows it going? off today so an easy slow day here for me. Back to work tomorrow thru Monday. Think I finally shook that crud/cold/flu what ever it was. still have a little stuff up nose off and on.

Today I take the last of the penicillin pills I was given. glad of that as it kept me drinking water all day and sweating it out lol.

Hoping to get my new computer ordered Monday or Tuesday. Waiting for refund on one I got. will go with the first one I was looking at it has a 5 year warranty with it and brand new instead of one month and refurbished. and a lot better.

Well guess i'll talk to you all later no train news at the moment maybe soon who knows all ready hinting at wife ain't it time to put the plants out side lol

[sir james I]

Good Morning

Looks like it rained all nite. It was 50 this AM and is already dropping into the 30s. 15 tonite.

I have about a dozen curly bulbs in use with no problems yet, but I saw no difference in my bill at  all. Some are several years old now. We were told to scrap bad ones in a plastic bag. It's friday so that means we eat out this afternoon, wonder what she has in mind for today. No trains yet, maybe later..S.J.

[Anonymous]

Chief - I meant no offense... the 'H' is a HUGE thing up there...

[laz 57]

BUCKEYE,

   TGIF!!!!!

laz57

[anjdevil2]

My Motto:

Never speak or commit to anything until the caffiene kicks in......

Plausible Deniability....works everytime

Guys, thanks for the kudos.  I'd be happy if she got a job she'd be happy with (and the money...), but front row at the Oscars or even the Tonys would rock!

[fifedog]

RRCharlie -

MichRR714 - Wow, how did you angle that shot to omit the third rail...?

*Note to self: try not to post anything until second cup of Joe...

RRCharlie - It is a nice shot of the Hiawatha...just the same...

[Ole Timer]

ChiefEagles

lionroar88

ChiefEagles

Guy with Enterprise who picked me up was from Pittsburg. 

He was from Kansas? Wow! (in PA it is spelled Pittsburgh).

Nice of him to drive all that distance just to drop off a car at your house...

Thanks Mr. Spellcheck.

 

Rich, proud of the Princess. 

Off to Bass Pro Shops  [had scrambled eggs and sausage.  NO grits.   Hotel must be run by Yankees.]

That gave me a good hard laugh chief .... LOL .  I needed that this morning ! I can just see some of these northern waitresses looks if someone orders grits ...   .... yea about like the smiley ... and chief looking like this one ...

[cnw1995]

Morning all. Grey and cold here with a stinging lake effect snow-sleet - but fortunately very light. Got a day of meetings but TGIF anyway! Looks like between a elementary school kid's carnival and serving as vid director, I'll have a busy weekend.

Mel, it's a vid of a Hiawatha Mitch posted.