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

[laz 57]

HEY GIZ,
WOA you got me there. Characters.
laz57

[cnw1995]

Highlight of my week so far: hearing from the Chief. Lots of train stuff to do in Cincy. Sunny and warm today in northeastern Illinois. One year anniversary for our church in its building tonight. My wife's in the service and I have to do video and cameras: little time for trains - one of the kids is apparently sick too. Son had a big game last night in Little League - they won 18-3... Managed to make it to Stuff-Mart before closing to get the 1908 Indian motorcycle to go with the 1906 I had for the layout. I got just the plastic figure - one of the 'masons' pack - to cut up so he can be riding it.
Mitch, that is just the same way my 248 runs. It's a pre-war thing. It takes a lot of juice.
Marty, well done!
Dennis, what's a fire ant? I don't think I really want to know - I picture an ant carrying a torch - a mini-arsonist.
Jon, do not get me started on dance recitals... been going for 12 years - sit for three hours for 1 minute. And I have to pay for tickets to the recital - in addition to the lessons. We only let our kids do one thing a season. Ah well.

[dbaker48]

Jon (jeffelectric) - Your video train sounds great! That will be a real crowd pleaser. I'll bet Roy probably has some ideas on how to get the signal in the computer.

Hope all the travellers fair well, good weather and all.

Our son is on varsity football, lot more enjoyable than a dance recital. All the action, nervousness regarding injury is always paramount. I'm am SOOOO releieved when the season is over! One of our customers sons sustained a brain injury as a result of football, was in a coma for 18mths. Has some capabilities today, even though he has had to learn everything all over again, starting from 2-3 year old level. Really tragic situation!

Roy - sounded like a great trip to NY. Glad it was so enjoyable, I'm sure the subways were a little nerve racking.

I'm trying to come up with some vacation plans for this summer, inexpensive and flexible due to the pending room addition, (still waiting approval), maybe go to San Diego. Really their isn't a lot of choices here without having to drive 400-500 miles before you can even START a vacation.

Have a great day all, off to work. We have our normal June Gloom, might see the sun for a 1/2 hour or 45min all day.

Doug - These are real pesky creatures and can ruin your day. Their sting is very painful, and can be dangerous. They are extremely aggressive and of course multiply rapidly. Don't know how they got here but it is ONE of the things we have to have a inspection for to secure our building permit. Of course if they are detected you have to take steps to eradicate them, which only sends them to the neighbors.

[wrmcclellan]

Morning all!

Aha - Chief is running rampant in Ohizo and Buckeye is sauntering around VA. [:-,]

No rain in sight and temps will vary from 98 to 100 for the next 5 days.

Mitch and Doug - I have seen the same thing with my pre-war trains - keep in mind the prewar Z transformer went to 24 volts - must have been a good reason for that!

John and Chuck - forum is a little slow in loading here today also.

Have a great day all!

[Jumijo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cnw1995

Highlight of my week so far: hearing from the Chief. . . .

I have to agree with you, Doug. I really enjoy talking to the Chief.

Jim

[wrmcclellan]

Doug,

Fire ants got the nickname because their bite is like FIRE. They also like to eat electrical insulation. Apparently they are attracted to magnetic fields. Many here unwittingly open an electrical box outdoors (and sometimes indoors) to have them FLOOD out and viciously attack.

One of my dogs got nailed in the back yard years ago. She almost didn't make it.

Roy

[jefelectric]

Fire ants are indeed nasty. I had an encounter with them in Florida about 10 years ago. Not anxious to repeat it. [:(]

[jefelectric]

By the way, what happened to Colin? Did he go back to Disneyland?

[dbaker48]

Patience is not one of my virtues......

In January I talked with our local MTH dealer about the DCS, and was convinced I had to have it. So he has ordered it for me, as well as, being extremely supportive and helpful since. At the time he indicated it would probably be April or May before it came in, OK no problem. So it is June and still not available. Even thought many other stores have it on the East and Midwest. I really want to support my local guy so I have been calling weekly and its still not here. He too was frustrated that when hardware comes in it is shippped to the East coast first, and West coast last. His concern was why not ship West coast first so all the dealers get the products at the same time. (Legitimate concern, in my opinion).

So being concerned about ultimate availability I called MTH sales. WOW, what good service! They checked records and indicated my dealer is really a Great Guy, and the MTH sales rep was going to be at his store tomorrow. (Preparation for the Garden Train show on the Queen Mary, this weekend). And, that the dealer buys both from a regional distributor as well as direct. The MTH sales rep indicated he would personnaly see that a DCS system was available, with my name on it in a matter of a few days! Can't beat that! So, I better go see him today and let him know of my conversation so he isn't blindsided by the whole thing. (Anyway, another excuse to go to the store.)

Still surprised that the rep has time to take care of 1 little customer, the day before he is flying to a show.


The only bad thing is, I asked, if MTH was going to be at the TTOS Convention in Costa Mesa in the fall., or the Cal-Stewart meet in November at Pasadena.

Can't do the TTOS National Convention due to a conflict with a show on the EAST coast. [V][V]

Probably will do the Cal Stewart Meet. [^][^]

The other problem they had is due to shipping distance for the displays and time and costs, west coast shows are difficult. They are trying to find a location to "store" the display etc.. Of course I volunteerd to store all the display stock they could send this way, and I would even make sure that it was well broken in, and there wouldn't be any DOA issues. [}:)][;)] Some reason he didn't jump at my offer.[?]

[dougdagrump]

Chief, If you get a chance be sure to stop by the old C.U.T. ( Cin Union Terminal). They are supposed to have a Very Nice "S" gauge display depicting the Cinncy area. If you get down that way that would also put you real close to Camp Washington Chili, they have THE BEST Cincinnatti Chili in the state. I try to stop there whenever I'm in.

[JeffPo]

Good afternoon from cloudy central North Carolina.

Fireants are evil! We have them in our area, but even more so in my hometown which is about 100 miles south.

Speaking of evil, I discovered a yellow jacket nest while mowing the grass this week. Or rather, they discovered me! The stings hurt all night and the next morning. But alas, those critters are no more....I nuked them! :) This is about the 5th yellow jacket nest I've had to zap over the years. The first one was the size of a volleyball!

[FJ and G]

shhhhh. It's afternoon and the forum is napping. SNORE!!!!!

[cnw1995]

I'm awake - replaced a garage door and put a new valve on the outdoor grill. - bought myself my first Dremel tool kit with some of my 'anniversary' $ from DePaul - they gave me a gift card of $75 for being there 15 years. Can't wait to play with it.

[cnw1995]

Those fire ants / yellow jackets, etc. sure look nasty. Glad we only have nasty 'ol wasps to deal with. Guess it gets too cold for the others.

[wrmcclellan]

[zzz] Huh? [|)] What? [:O] snork - snort ....awake now.

Hey Dave - just noticed a quiet milestone for you - 5000 posts and counting!

[bow] Congrats buddy! [bow]

Roy

[dwiemer]

Roy, glad you got to taste some great food. Only problem with manhattan when it comes to the good food, they think it's gold they are serving$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. It does sound like you had a great time. If you ever make the trip again, over on the Jersey side, if you go to Liberty State Park, the old Erie terminal is right there and you can see all the old trackage and old station.

Doug, Fire Ants As you can see from the post above, they are nasty little vermin that cause lots of pain. While I was doing some finishing touches on the swing set the other night, I was using a drill flat on the ground. It was about 9pm and could hardly see. These things climb on you and you don't know it, then they all seem to bite at one time. I have about half a dozen bites on my fingers. Causes those pustules that swell and break open, lots of pain and lots of itching. I once shot a deer and dusk, great shot, fell right down and did not move. I waited for about a half hour, and then went to get my deer. I proceeded to gut the deer and as I started to lift it on my shoulders, it soon became apparent that the deer had landed in a fire ant mound. I had about 200 bites on my arms and upper torso. So, long story short, you don't want to meet them.

Have a great night everyone.
Dennis

[dougdagrump]

Chief, There is also a pretty darn B-B-Q place in Cincy, Montgomery Inn, can be a little pricey if you go to the fancy one but my sources tell me they also have a few neighborhood type outlets. YumYum Pork Ribs Rule !!!!!! [^] [dinner] [swg]
Now there is also one other regional classic that if you don't mind continuing to taste them for several hours later grab some WhiteCastle Burgers. [:)]

[dbaker48]

Just had to post an update to my earlier post, regarding my call to MTH....

I went to the local shop, just to advise the owner of my call and that MTH rep was planning on visiting his shop tomorrow.

Never guess what happened (of course not) As I walked in, he yells from a ladder near the back of the store... Hey Don , guess what arrived last night......

Well now I have the DCS system and a extra remote !! [^][yeah]

Can you believe it? Should have known!

Now off to a football team, Hot Dog Feed....

And then to the community playhouse to see the dress rehersal for the play being released this weekend for a 6 week run. (Son is the Stage Manager, and wife does volunteer work for the setup crew) Their performances are always good! And they draw a pretty good crowd. Like watch AAA teams play without paying for a $50 ticket.

Good evening all !!!

[ChiefEagles]

Afternoon all. Beating up on these Ohizoens. [}:)][;)] Big wreck up the street from the hotel. 3 killed, saw helicopter [we call it Life Flight] take off. Street is still closed after 5 hours. I guess it takes the team of horses a while to clear things up. [;)] Bass Prop is eay to get too. Got to find address to Davis Trains. No telephone book in the room. ???? CSX has big very big tracks near the hotel. I hear train horns all the time. No holes in the bushes to take pictures. May go up the street where I could see a long train of CSX coil cars going by. Hate to take a picture of a short line like CSX. [;)]

Fire ants. We don't have but a very few of them around Roseyville. Had two nests [hills] in my back yard this fall. Town came and gassed them with some special spray. No signs of them. Think they got there by the farm equipment the farmer used to plant soybeans earler last year, Found a couple of nest in the field. They were gassed too. Blame the Texicans for fire ants. [:)]

Off to the room for a while. Later


BTW: Golden Coral here so I can get sweet ice tea. [:D] There goes another train!!! Every few minutes!!!!

[Roger Bielen]

We've our share of fire ants down here. When I weed whack out along the fence by the road I wear rubber knee boots that I wipe down with kerosen, seems to help keep them off. There's a lot of mounds that develope on the strip between my fence and the road. I only treat in the area around the house and where the girls are likely to play. Amdro works best in getting rid of a colony but has gotten quite expensive.

[FJ and G]

Roy,

Thanks. I don't add up numbers but hey, thanks anyways.

Chief,

Firetrucks, fire ants, what the heck is goin on in Roseyville, aka Rolesville, may I ADD, named after one Mister Roles, who is all bones by now, if that!

[wrmcclellan]

Don,

Glad to hear the DCS finally arrived. You'll have fun with it!

Roy

[Brutus]

Howdy - can't get on here from my work computer and can't access my personal PC while working now, so there you go - have to check in at night for a while until they get the computer problem fixed.

QUOTE: HI GIZ,
Best day o the year!
Last day just gave out my Golden Hammer Awrds to the best shop students in 7th and 8th grades. Its a nice award and the kids really try and outdo everyone else.
A golden hammer attached to a piece of oak and then I have their names etched on a brass plate.

laz57

Just noted the above, sorry I missed it - that's a way cool idea! Hope all you teachers out there have a great break!

White Castle Burgers are the best - in fact, I've been a little "backed up" for a couple days... Might have to swing by there for a couple belly bombers.

Deepdiscountdvd just shipped The Wild Wild West Season One. I forgot about the Emporor - have to get that one asap!

Fireants are the worst - I wonder how long it will take them to get to my area. Driving down to Sikeston, we saw about 4 dead Armadillos on the side of the highway.

Got an email from the lady I bought those Spooky Hollow houses and the Spooky Train Station from - apparently things got mixed up and she was holding my order thinking I was going to add something to it? Anyway, she's gonna ship them asap. Can't wait to get my Halloween Docksider, maybe that BEEP too, and start working on my next Halloween layout.

PS - David, I hope AL Z died in a lot of pain and very slowly. Man, this is big - it's like getting Himmler or Goerring!

[GregM]

Question for someone familiar with Minute Maid Park. Just a couple minutes ago while watching the Braves/Astros game saw a steam engine outside the stadium I think. What is it?

[Anonymous]

Think fire ants are bad? Years ago my late grandfather had alot of old-time cars on his lot. Well one day my mom went and cut the grass in that area and moments later a swarm of bumblebees swarmed out and were all over the place. Of course, I had to run and before you know it, I got stung several times in both legs. Result...had a hard time walking for several days, my legs were in such pain.

[mitchelr]

Good morning from Gettysburg. We had rain for a while last night. Supposed to cloudy today.

Well it's over for students. Today's the last day for teachers. They will be cleaning and packing. We have a luncheon planned. It should be nice time.

LAZ - enjoy day 2 of character ed. You know you are a hard core character when it takes 2 days to train you....[;)]

No train time last night. Went out with my son for wing night at a local place. 35 cent wings and dollar drafts. Had a nice time. Not as young as I once was (or foolish either), only had one draft and would have fallen asleep on the table if I had another. The Mrs. did not go as she had dental work done yesterday. They pulled a wisdom tooth that had cracked in half. Ouch.

Have a great day.

Mitch[:D]

[laz 57]

HI GIZ,
60 and nice again.
T storms this after?

DON, fire ants OUCH!
That pic looks nasty.

MITCH its all down hill for you now.
Relax and run some trains. I plan on that tonite.

JIM, yes its one of the most prized awards given in the school.
Everyone else gives a nice print out, but I got the shop and the materials so what the heck.

No golf rain and a tournament so we couldn't play oh well the beer tasted good last nite.
Last day o character training, YUCK.
After todat every day is a Saturday and every nite is a Friday nite till late August.

Have a good one.
TGIF!
laz57

[Blueberryhill RR]

[code]Good Morning from Blueberryhill[/code]It is a cool 59 degrees out, going up to 77 with a
chance of afternoon showers. Yesterday was a beautiful day. No rain.
Looks like the teachers are wrapping it up for the school year. One more day for
LAZ and he will be free. HooRah.
Not much doing today. I will go for my walk this afternoon and maybe run some
trains for awhile. Tomorrow we are driving up to the Cleveland area ( Brunswick ) to
celebrate the granddaughter's birthday. She will be 4. She is my train buddy.
Talk later.
Y'all have a great day.
Chuck

[ChiefEagles]

Morning all. Here I am running free in Yankeeland. [;)] Off tot he BPs store. Plan on having an extended lunch at Davis Trains [if all goes well]. Got it mapped out and will run around I-275 to the other side but only driving. Fire ants, town has some aersol cans with long rod and it will wipe them out but cost $$$$$$. There goes another train. Got to do some train photoing too. Later.

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is sunny and in the 70s today in SE Indiana. If the Chief wants to see some unusual sights on his Northern raid, he could come up to Greensburg and see the "Tree in the Courthouse" on the town square. It is not too far from Cincinnati on I-74. There is still a railroad running thru the town, but there is not much traffic on it. If we get the rumored Honda plant, freight traffic may pick up. CSX or NS may be interested in the line again. The soccer game Wednesday was cancelled due to lightning although by the time I got there, the skies were clear. My son and I mowed the yard last night. We take the show on the road Saturday down to my daughter's place as she is 7 months pregnant and should not be mowing and her husband is working 70-80 hours a week after she lost her job. It could be a busy weekend.
I can believe those fire ants would be nasty. I have had a few encounters with bees, but that was about it. Usually they try to avoid you instead of attacking.
World Cup starts this weekend! Woo-hoo! There is an IRL race as well.

I hope everyone has a good weekend.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana