The pot of coffee is always on [even after 2 years have passed]. Come on in. Sweet ice tea too.

[ChiefEagles]

Well I see one Yankee buddy is up and going. About time. Off to BPS for a long day of watching. No short shorts and tank tops like Orlando [oh, I'm not suppose to see that]. Hope all have a great day. Buckey, can not believe you did not take buddy's boat and go. I'm sure he would have felt better when you came back and told him the fish stories. God bless all.

[spankybird]

Sorry Buckeye, I did read close enough,

You can try Glenn’s trains in Akron, OH. He usually gives 15 % off list.

Glenn’s Trains, 587 Grant Ave., Akron, Ohio, 330-253-6527
You know they even have a Cleveland Indians car


He is an MTH Maga Store with around 3,000 sq ft. of O gauge trains. I love going to his store.

tom

[Big_Boy_4005]

Still pretty sleepy today. Don't expect too much to happen here with York going on and nice weather in many parts of the country.

I have an interesting day planned, I get to meet Big Girl's dad for the first time. Big Girl and I have been together for a little over a year now.

There is also an outside chance that I could go to the big train store here. I haven't visited that place in almost 2 years!!! I'm not sure why I want to bother, I really don't have any money to spend.

Don't forget that show on HGTV this afternoon, Whistle Stop Gardens 5PM EDT.[:D][8D]

[Buckeye Riveter]

Spanky,
Why would I or for that matter anyone else want a Cleveland Indians boxcar? When people visit my layout I don't want them to pity me or break out in uncontrollable laughter.

[spankybird]

Hi Buckeye,

Well someone has to feel sorry for us. I have been the Jac a few times over the years, back when we had a better team. Now they have all gone and still doing quite well.

Last year we went to the Indian Single A farm team in Eastlake, Ohio. That stadium is less than a mile from my home. It’s a good club and a lot of fun. They have fireworks after every Friday home game which I can see from my back yard.

tom

[Anonymous]

I'd like a Cubs box car, but I'm afraid it would only make it 3/4 of the way around my layout and then fall apart :)

I can say that because I am a HUGE Cubs fan and spent years in the stands at Wrigley in the 1970's.

[Dr. John]

Amtrack Jack,

Sounds kinda like an Atlanta Braves car - runs circles around everyone until October, then it derails. [banghead]

[Big_Boy_4005]

The Minnesota Twins car makes it to the playoffs, but runs out of steam.

My sympathies Jack, but it could be worse. You could be a Red Sox fan.[swg]

[Buckeye Riveter]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Amtrak Jack

I'd like a Cubs box car, but I'm afraid it would only make it 3/4 of the way around my layout and then fall apart :)

I can say that because I am a HUGE Cubs fan and spent years in the stands at Wrigley in the 1970's.

Amtrak Jack, you are in my prayers. [:D][:D][:D][:D] When I worked in Gary, Indiana I used to listen to the Cubbies everyday. Jack Brickhouse was one of the all time greatest announcers.

[ChiefEagles]

Well, getting ready for bed. Power went off in half of Savannah at 7:00PM. Not at BPS. Came to motel at 9 and it was still off. Went to seafood restaurant in edge of Savannah that had lights. Get my sweet tea and orderd and the lights went out there. Finally came on at 11:00 PM. Major phu phu. Sleep late tomorrow as do not have to get in to BPS until 10 or so. Sleep tight and don't let the whisle wake you. OH, Spanky, do you ever stay home? Called this AM and got your wife. Called tonight and got ring ring ring. [:)] God bless you all.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

Still pretty sleepy today. Don't expect too much to happen here with York going on and nice weather in many parts of the country.

I have an interesting day planned, I get to meet Big Girl's dad for the first time. Big Girl and I have been together for a little over a year now.

There is also an outside chance that I could go to the big train store here. I haven't visited that place in almost 2 years!!! I'm not sure why I want to bother, I really don't have any money to spend.

Don't forget that show on HGTV this afternoon, Whistle Stop Gardens 5PM EDT.[:D][8D]

Well both Big Boy and I survived him meeting my dad. All behaved well[^][:P] After an excellent lunch Big Boy took me and my dad to a huge train shop in Coon Rapids.

The place is called III Rail Trains. My dad worked on the railroad in the 50's and walking around looking at all the different locomotives brought back alot of memories for him. He told stories I had never even heard before.

I was amazed at the amount of detail on the locomotives. From the brass bells on the steamers(that was free swinging--i tested it[:D]) to the chain across the bars on the front of a diesel(that moved to).

Now that I have seen several locomotives up close I must confess to dear old Big Boy that I am definitly in love with the steamers. I am sure he recognized the glazed look in my eyes[swg].

Well guys --have a good night.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Now that I have seen several locomotives up close I must confess to dear old Big Boy that I am definitly in love with the steamers. I am sure he recognized the glazed look in my eyes.

I just hope your love is tempered by the price tags!!![banghead][:X][:X][:X][;)][:P][sigh][(-D][(-D][(-D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

QUOTE: Now that I have seen several locomotives up close I must confess to dear old Big Boy that I am definitly in love with the steamers. I am sure he recognized the glazed look in my eyes.

I just hope your love is tempered by the price tags!!![banghead][:X][:X][:X][;)][:P][sigh][(-D][(-D][(-D]

[:p][:p][:p][:p][:p][:p][:p][:p][:p][:p][:p][:p][:p][;)][;)][;)][;)][;)][;)][:p]

[Buckeye Riveter]

Big Girl,
You mean there is really a place called Coon Rapids? [:)][:)] Another good name for a station on a layout. Two others that would be good are: Bean Blossom and Gnaw Bone, both real places in Hoosierland.

[spankybird]

Hey Big Girl,

There is nothing like seeing the smoke coming out the stack and watching the tie rods moving.



You got to have Big Boy do RR when it was in there hay-day and Steam was King.

It’s going to be another great day in NE Ohio. High is going to be 80. Partly Sunny. We cut the grass yesterday.



tom

[ChiefEagles]

Morning from Savannah. Off to BPS. Another day and then hit the road tomorrow morning. Big Boy, sounds like you might have caught a "keeper" in Big Girl [and you don't fish]. Hope all have a great day. One thing, we are missing Jim Duda. He has not been posting for the last couple of days. Last word was email Friday. Anyone know if he is out of town? Spanky, if you or Buckeye have a number, give me an email [I will check tonight at hotel] and I'll call the OLD guy. God bless all.

[spankybird]

Hi all,
Jim is with his son flying model planes this weekend. Modeling is modeling, right[?]
I forgot to ask him if the plane was DCS or TMCC controlled?

tom

[Big_Boy_4005]

Yeah Frank, I think she is a keeper!!!! As a matter of fact we will be taking her first train ride on July 2nd. The train will be pull by Milwaukee Road's northern 261. I saw an ad recently, and Weaver is going to be coming out with this one later this year. I'm not a big steam fan, but this one is special!!! Maybe if I ask my dad nicely for a birthday present.[swg]

I seem to have something stuck in my craw this morning. Looking at the sky out my window there is a storm coming outside. I hope I don't create one in here too!!![;)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Buckeye Riveter

Big Girl,
You mean there is really a place called Coon Rapids? [:)][:)] Another good name for a station on a layout. Two others that would be good are: Bean Blossom and Gnaw Bone, both real places in Hoosierland.

Yeah up here in the land of 10,000 lakes we got lots of cool places. Big Boy even tells me there is a junction called Coon Creek. [:)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by spankybird

Hey Big Girl,

There is nothing like seeing the smoke coming out the stack and watching the tie rods moving.


You got to have Big Boy do RR when it was in there hay-day and Steam was King.



tom

You got it pegged spankybird, the sound the whistles make and watching the movement. I love the beefy look of 'em.

I've thought about going smaller scale( I assume that is would be much more within my price range-but we all know what happens when we assume[;)] ). Seeing so much interesting scenery and buildings at the store yesterday--I have quite a little town imagined already. It would be kind of a tribute to my Mom(she died 2 years ago this summer[V]). She would create the most wonderful scenes on the fireplace mantel -adding a steam train to the mix would complete it.

Big Boy says I can help him with the BIG project but I think eventually I might have to strike out on my own when I have acquired more knowledge--I will have a great tutor.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ChiefEagles

Big Boy, sounds like you might have caught a "keeper" in Big Girl [and you don't fish].

That is what I keep telling him. I DO fish so I know all about using the right bait.[:D][8D][:P][:-,][swg]

[Jim Duda]

Yawn...I hope that coffee is STRONG this morning!!! Just got back from the Houston race - got our TexASSes spanked this time...only wound up with a 3rd place trophy. My e-mail server is down until tomorrow morning so I'm gonna take it easy today and race my trains around the 2 pylons I have set up at each end of the **** ant table. Need to get 'em to go a little faster to compete with his airplane...BUT I have the advantage! My course will be dead-on repeatable for the 10 laps - his won't be. (wink)

WARNING: I'm gonna post some images of those Bush cars from K-line on the Sunday Fun Forum because I don't want anyone who is considering getting them to be surprised like I was. They require AT LEAST a 3 in. clearance from the center rail on BOTH SIDES to allow the figures to move around the car. Mine won't fit through my bridges, trestles, etc., and won't clear the coal loader conveyor and the train stations that I have set up close to the track. On the positive side, they are very well made and detailed, and the drive mechanism that moves them work silky smooth.

Hope everyone has a perfect Sunday!

Jim (Let's race our trains sometime...) Duda

[Anonymous]

Jim:
Around 3:00 p.m. each day, I enjoy a cup of fresh brewed decafe. Just enough caffeine to keep me going.
Thanks for leaving the coffee pot on!
Bill
www.modeltrainjournal.com

[Dr. John]

I'm a confirmed coffeeholic and I don't EVER want to recover! [:D]

Speaking of strange town names, my all time favorite is Toad Suck, Arkansas. There has GOT to be a story behind that!

[Buckeye Riveter]

Toad Suck - Another great name for a location on a layout. [:D][:D][:D] Couldn't you just see an article in CTT with a big beautiful layourt and the name on the station Toad Suck, Arkansas. What a hoot!![:D][:D][:D]

I found out more concerning Toad Suck [:)][:)]

Meanwhile, Toad Suck, Ark., was named for ferryboat captains who sucked down moonshine whisky in between runs until they "swole up like toads."

[Jim Duda]

ChiefMan -

QUOTE: One thing, we are missing Jim Duda. He has not been posting for the last couple of days. Last word was email Friday. Anyone know if he is out of town? Spanky, if you or Buckeye have a number, give me an email [I will check tonight at hotel] and I'll call the OLD guy.

I'm trying to change my phone number to: 1.800.DCS.TMCC

Call anytime!

JD

[Anonymous]

No coffee for me right now almost time to hit the sack.
3 am will be here all to soon for me, but must make a living
somehow. Good night all talk to you later.[zzz]

[ChiefEagles]

Big Girl, I think the fish caught the fisherman. [:D] Now Jimbo, glad you were out flying around and not hold up sick or something. I'm through at BPS for thsi week. Head home tomorrow morning. A few days there and then Charlotte BP on Friday. Poor old retired working man. [;)]

[spankybird]

Good Morning all,

I can't belive it, 72 deg at 5:30am and going up to 78 or so today in NE Ohio. Just think, I week ago we had - what was that white stuff on the ground - oh well, I sure am glad winter is over and spring - heck - summer has come


Hey Jim - I tried that new phone number and it wasn't working yet [?] [?]

Have a safe trip home Chief
Big Girl - I am glad that Big boy and your dad got along OK
Big Boy - I am glad that Big Girl like STEAM Power

Have a great day all
tom

[Buckeye Riveter]

Where's the Chief this morning? I bet he is sleeping in because he had to work so hard yesterday. I wonder if one of his battery chargers would work with MTH engines? Better yet, drop one of those trolling motors into a Williams and watch it pull the house down.