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

[Birds]

Afternoon,

This showed up on the doorstep today. [:)]



I would not have known about the opportunity had it not been for the folks on the forum.

[dwiemer]

Doug,
404 is Atlanta area, so could be either a southern gent or a carpetbagger. Birds, those GG1s are great. I was suprised by the weight. I think a great deal to be had.
Dennis

[laz 57]

HI GIZ,
Talked to CHUCK on the phone this morning. He sounded very happy and felt the best he did in a while. Says he might be discharged tomorrow?

JELECTRIC, sounds like the spring fever has hit you too. I got the oil changed on both tractors, sharpened the blades took off the snow blower and took one tractor over to my principal for brownie points. He was happy.

TOM, sorry to hear that your not going to YORK. Have to get a list of the OTTS BOYS and get together for a team pic?

Have a good one.
THANKS CHIEF for posting CHUCKS number.
laz57

[ChiefEagles]

Garden is done. [:D] Beds made and row run. Planted some corn. Will set out the tomatoes, zucs and squash on Friday. Cucs are coming up in the cups in the greenhouse. More "maters" and squa***oo. Now I have to get the peppers and cantalopes started. Might do okra this year. I am known for my okra, onion and tomato soup. Put in some hot peppers and it will make you sweat. Rest time. Wife at choir practice. Train running time. Talked to Chuck. Busy day bet he was tickled when I told him I had put his number on the forum. Call him. He said he had some calls today and wondered how they knew his number. Later.

[tschmidt]

Birds - That is a nice looking engine. I would like to have one like that some day.

Buckeye - I stand corrected. I should never doubt the government.

Laz and Mitch - Enjoy your vacation.

TomS

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone, morning out here started out cloudy and rained most of the morning, now its sunny and bright outside in the mid-60's.

These gas prices are really ridiculous....I personally think the greedy oil companies are gouging us for their own profit. And it's hitting trucking companies just as hard. If every semi truck in this country stopped rolling for at least 24-48 hours, this country would be in serious trouble. High fuel prices are really putting the pinch on smaller companies, and many smaller companies going out of business.

Would you believe how much it took to fill my tractor up on my return trip from VA? It costed $500! [:O] And I had ran the fuel card I had to its limit too, which was $500. Really sad.

It just makes it harder to make roadtrips because I simply hate lining the greedy oil companies pockets. As soon as alternative energy sources are found, I hope they all go out of business. My next car I am not going to buy anything over six cylinders.

Anyway, I am glad to hear that Chuck is doing much better. I hope those going to York will have a nice time. I have never been to York in my life so I hope to go someday. Of course since Im not a TCA member pretty much out of luck anyway.

On future agendas, I am working to see if I can make a trip to TX late next month for my brother's 16th birthday. Normally I always drive down there and back with my car, but this time I may consider flying this time. Only problem is I am not much of an airliner traveler and getting on a plane makes me really nervous. The last time I was on a plane was 13 years ago. With my car being 21 years old I have always taken it on long road trips, but this time the gas prices may make me reconsider this time around. And, due to my car's age I am not sure how many more road trips like that it can take, though it has done very well over the years. Will have to see.

Hope everyone has a great evening.

[tschmidt]

Chris - I can't believe what it costs to fill your tractor. How far does that much fuel take you? It's crazy.

TomS

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tschmidt

Chris - I can't believe what it costs to fill your tractor. How far does that much fuel take you? It's crazy.

TomS

Yeah it's quite crazy alright. Thankfully, I don't own the truck since it belongs to the company I drove for. That tractor took on 206 gallons at $2.47 price once it was filled. But I do have to say with dual 150g tanks, it was enough to get me from MI to VA, done all 11 stops including the two in NC, and to get to Richmond before I had to stop and fuel. By that time I had done 1,100 miles one way before I got near to E.

Now you see why alot of transportation companies have to charge a fuel surcharge to alot of the shippers, because of the costs. It eats up the profits badly.

You have to realize that the diesel engines in the semi's dont get very much to the gallon, at most 5-6 miles per gallon. That's why they're so expensive to fuel, especially at the current prices. I am very thankful that I am not an owner-operator, because at those prices one would not last very long.

[csxt30]

Good Evening Everyone !! I just talked to Chuck, too !! Boy, he sounded good on the phone ! Didn't talk too long, as he had lots of company. He can't wait to go to a train with us guys down the road !!
Thought I might visit him in the hospital Friday, then swing up to the OTTS meeting, but he may go home then, plus I may have to work on Friday, 2nd. trick. I can't win !!
Now, we hope for the best with TSchmidts' eye surgery. I got to meet him a while back !!
Well hope everyone has a nice evening !
Thanks,

[tmcc man]

Hey, anyone want to hear some live train "talk?"

Here are some sites


http://railaudio2.railroadradio.net:7110/

http://www.fwarailfan.net

http://www.railroadradio.net

[jefelectric]

Hello,

Been a busy day with the daughter and grandkids. Hope to give Chuck a call tomorrow.

Chris A. Why not try Amtrak? It may cost a little more than flying & take longer but it will be a lot more fun. No security checks and you can get up and move around all you want. Don't know what connections are available between your home and your destination, but they run the Texas Eagle out of Chicago. You could check it out on the Amtrak site or call them. Their site is not the easiest to use but I purchase my tickets there.
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage

I got a new engine today. I wanted a Pennsy consolidation that would run on DCS. Talked to my dealer and decided to buy the MTH freight set. It runs and looks great, doesn't have all the detail of the expensive ones but good enough for me. I'll keep it and pass the track & transfomer on to my grandson, since his 1033 is giving him problems.

A good evening to all,

[tschmidt]

John - Thanks for your good wishes. The eye surgery went well. They injected this medicine that they use as part of the laser surgery. It causes me to have to stay out of sunshine, florescent and halogen lights for 5 days. They say that I would get a burn from the inside if I go out. So I am sitting around in low level light here at the house. They said the computer light is not a problem.

Colin - Thanks for those links. I tried one and it worked well. I will try to give the rest a try.

TomS

[tmcc man]

tschmidt, I have been listening to them for a while, and they are really interesting. I saved them in my "Favorites" section on my computer.

[ChiefEagles]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TheTrainMaster


On future agendas, I am working to see if I can make a trip to TX late next month for my brother's 16th birthday. Normally I always drive down there and back with my car, but this time I may consider flying this time. Only problem is I am not much of an airliner traveler and getting on a plane makes me really nervous. The last time I was on a plane was 13 years ago. With my car being 21 years old I have always taken it on long road trips, but this time the gas prices may make me reconsider this time around. And, due to my car's age I am not sure how many more road trips like that it can take, though it has done very well over the years. Will have to see.

Hope everyone has a great evening.

I spend more time on a plane than on the highway during the late winter and thru the spring. At first [2 years ago] it was exciting but now it is boring. John, I'd take the train but it is never on time and never gets you where you want to go.

Off to bed. Too much shoveling and raking garden beds. Goood night.

[mitchelr]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tschmidt

John - Thanks for your good wishes. The eye surgery went well. They injected this medicine that they use as part of the laser surgery. It causes me to have to stay out of sunshine, florescent and halogen lights for 5 days. They say that I would get a burn from the inside if I go out. So I am sitting around in low level light here at the house. They said the computer light is not a problem.

Colin - Thanks for those links. I tried one and it worked well. I will try to give the rest a try.

TomS

Colin - Thanks for the links I have been listenting to the NS Harrisburg for about an hour. Pretty cool.

TomS - So glad to hear that the eye surgery went well. One of my buddies from college has Macular Degeneration. His dad has it too. He's in law enforcement and is getting ready to retire in August. He's had several procedures.

Glad to hear that Chuck is getting better.

LAZ - Getting anxious to get to York next Friday and Saturday. Are you planning a Forum meet up time for Friday? Wish I could go Thursday. Maybe I can take both Thursday and Friday in the Fall.

Hope everyone has a blessed and joyous Easter.

Good night.

Mitch[|)]

[tmcc man]

Well, you are welcome for those links. They are very interesting, and I am gonna tune in tomorrow morning (school is out for Easter Vacation)

Gooooood night everyone.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jefelectric

Hello,


Chris A. Why not try Amtrak? It may cost a little more than flying & take longer but it will be a lot more fun. No security checks and you can get up and move around all you want. Don't know what connections are available between your home and your destination, but they run the Texas Eagle out of Chicago. You could check it out on the Amtrak site or call them. Their site is not the easiest to use but I purchase my tickets there.
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage

My Mother In law takes the Amtrak twice a year from Sandpoint, Idaho... through Chicago and on to NYC. The Empire Builder.. I don't think it has ever been more than 30 minutes late, and she says the service is first class. Might go with her next trip to NYC to see my daughter.

Occasionally I take the Amtrak to Portland from here, has always been on time for me. That is one fantastic view going through the Columbia River Basin. Would take the train more often, but like all of us...time is a factor......Tim

[Buckeye Riveter]

Tom, glad everything went well with the eyes today. Keep out of the light. Run the trains in the dark.

[dwiemer]

Morning gang,
Seems I am the only one on at present. Anyway, spoke to Chuck last night while I was still at work, he does sound good and I just wanted to let him know that he was in our thoughts and prayers.
Got to see a program on "Voyages" in History International Channel yesterday, it was on War Trains, very cool. It was only by chance that I checked out the program as the wife and kids were out and I was actually able to watch a channel that does not have cartoons. Also, got to watch "I Love Toy Trains" , Lionel pt. 2. Can't get enough of it.
Well, have a great day. Hope y'all get to enjoy some train time.
Dennis

[dwiemer]

Funny thing this morning, I got several messages when I tried to post the first post of the day for me. It said that it was flood control and that I was not allowed to post more than once in 60 seconds. Then, it posted the same message twice. Oh well. Still, have a good one.
Dennis

[Jumijo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dwiemer

Funny thing this morning, I got several messages when I tried to post the first post of the day for me. It said that it was flood control and that I was not allowed to post more than once in 60 seconds. Then, it posted the same message twice. Oh well. Still, have a good one.
Dennis

I have a good one, Dennis. Looking for a longer one.

Work has progressed nicely on our layout's centerpiece. A fieldstone platform with a welcome sign and flagpoles. The platform was painted last night and right now it's sitting on my dest right next to me. Looks pretty good. I completed the welcome sign this morning using the old Boston and Maine maroon, gold and black color scheme. All that's left to do is to draw up the flags. American in the middle, Lionel on one side, Williams on the other.

Jim

[spankybird]

Good Morning All from NE Ohio

where the temp is 44 and going up to 76 with Blue Clear Skies


OTTS Meeting this Friday, April 14, at the Museum. Anyone wishing to join us can e-mail me for directions, or see www.wrmrrm.shutterfly.com Note date change

Construction has started on the big layout at the museum.


Boy Chuck must have been on the phone all day. We also called him yesterday and yes he sounded great. Should be going home today or tomorrow.

Chief – have you given up on your ‘O’ gauge layout and now working on a garden layout [?] At least they do run on the floor, more or less. So you should be right at home ! !


Pick of the Day


All be safe
Tom

[Jumijo]

Tom's Pick of the Day reminds me of that old song "When Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".

[tschmidt]

Good morning everyone,

It looks like a nice morning out there today. It seems funny having to stay in low light. You don't realize just how much you want to go out ill you can't.

Tom - It's nice seeing the pic of the day especially after seeing your layout. Thanks for posting them.

Dennis - Where do you find that show "I love toy trains?"

I think this post moves me to 3 stars. Have a good day everyone!

TomS

[Anonymous]

Hello to all in the POT[:)][:)].
dropped in back during the week and seen the Pot nearing 800 pages.
and WOW 800+ and STILL rolling.
great place to be in the Coffee Pot.
from what i have been told Ice Tea and Grits too.
Congrats. to Chief Eagle for starting the never ending Pot of Coffee.
Week went well. starting to get somewhat boring. but weekend now get day off for
Holiday.
back at it monday. next week the dealers will get counter copies of the new MTH catalog.
iam sort of burnt out. gas is in my hip pocket and so far just eat my train monies.
was going to sell off some surplus rolling stock and motive power but no body has the
funds . Hey CSXT 30 get up here and fix this boxcar.
have a good day all

Nstrackman
MP-N-369

[Jumijo]

TomS,

Check your local library. I check out the I Love Toy Train videos from the library all the time. My kids love them. And they're FREE!

Jim

[cnw1995]

Glad the surgery went well, Tom. "Stay away from the light..." - quoth Donkey in the Shrek movie - you gotta have young ones around to know this one - I have that movie practically memorized....
Spoke to Chuck this morning while he was waiting for breakfast and he sounds great.
Jim is right. The local library is a great resource - I'm pulling the Thomas and ILTT videos all the time - and they'll even order other ones through inter-library loan: especially prototype ones from academic libraries - I get them out for the children of course. The modeling in Thomas is superb.
Today's a beautiful day in Chicago - might hit 80 - in Chicago - in April. I can't believe it. I can't wait for the proverbial other shoe to drop and for it to go back into the 50s. Gave my wife her gifts and will take her to breakfast now. Got up super-early and cleaned the house up... oh oh, the daughter left her iPod here - she doesn't go anywhere without it - a consequence of running late this morning... Have a good day all.

[laz 57]

HI GIZ.
Another great day here to get to 74.
Spring training day for us hackers today, gonna play golf with my brother today.

MITCH, I think we should all get together and meet at the CTT Booth on Friday at about noon. Then take a pic or two. How bout it GIZ that are going to YORK?

Happy Friday EVE!
Have a good one.
laz57

[wrmcclellan]

Morning all!

Great to hear Chuck is getting better! Thanks for the update. I was out all day yesterday and din't have time to check the Pot.

Warm here. Wish it would stay a bit cooler longer. Supposed to get to 89 Sat and no rain in sight. It is all going morth of us. One advantage is not having to wa***o car until it gets too dusty.

Gearing up for York. I leave on Tuesday. Want to hit some of the parking lot sales this time. I will be there Thurs and Friday. Have to leave Sat morning. Flying via Baltimore and staying in Harrisburg area.

LAZ - I will be in the Orange Hall quite a bit, but I usually hit all the halls. I say all the CTT forum members get funnel cakes and then go shake the powdered sugar off at the CTT booth and let them write it up as another alternative to snow!

Have a great dayy all!
Roy

[johnandjulie13]

Good Morning Everyone:

Another beautiful day in Chicagoland. Despite being a White Sox fan, I was able to get away to see the Cubs play yesterday. What a gorgeous day! Typically, the weather here goes from too cold to too hot. As a result, we have to take advantage of days like these.

I am envious of all of you that are going to York. Being a newbie, it has been interesting to read about the build up to this show. I am looking forward to all of the post show reports.

Regards,

John