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

[FJ and G]

Thanks, Jeff. Maybe the unconceiled knife will decrease the frequencies of complaints about my beagle.

[dougdagrump]

Chief, Just get him to spring for first class, at least you'll get a meal instead of those [censored] snacks.

[jefelectric]

Good evening all,

Chief, I am glad to hear the US Air is still holding up their fine reputation.

Don, The garden railways seem to be growing a lot. Even our area with the hard winters has quite a few of them. More suppliers and products all the time.

Concerning the fire ant discussion of a few days ago, there was an article in the WSJ this morning about them. It seems some of the ranchers in Texas want to bring them back after they all but eliminated them in some areas. Aparently they kept the ear ticks in check. When the fire ants are eradicated the ear ticks are a big problem.

Laz, The goldfish do seem to multiply. How big is your pond(s). Mines is only 11' X 7' and has about 20 fish at the moment.

Have a good evening.

[wrmcclellan]

John,

I saw that article also. Interesting. The article missed the issue that the fire ants chase out or eradicate all the other ants in the area. We'll send you some so you and LAZ can do some research! [}:)] How do 800 lb bears fare against Bazilian Fire Ants?

Roy

[Roger Bielen]

YEA! Finally had some rain this afternoon - A WHOLE 5 MIN. OF IT! - as a front moved through. At this time it looks like the rain from Alberto willn't reach this far north. Dennis might get some if he's not too far west.

Dennis - I've spent my share of time at Palisades Park, though it was pre-high school and I don't remember too many details. By the time I was driving that area was not one I chose to frequent, fraternity parties were more fun.

Had time to test the Hudson with the new receiver board yesterday, all seems back to normal.

[dbaker48]

John - You're right the Garden RR is really growing. With the discussion on this forum regarding them, I've really been surprised with the number of guys in the snow belt that have them!! Dave's pictures looks great, it seems like it could be lots of fun. Here we don't have the space, with a 2500 sq foot house on 5000 sq foot lot. Don't know why so many people live here. Perfect weather but no space.

One guy at the show lives in Tehacapi, and uses the proto UP lines as a backdrop for his garden layout. Even has trackage that lines up with the actual track that was a couple of valleys away. Sure looked interesting with perfect time he has some good pictures.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Laz, Why doesn't the 800 lb bear eat the goldfish? [:D]

Chief, my wife flew east yesterday and U.S. Air lost her luggage in Philly. [:0]

Tom, I was in Akron today and visited Glen's Trains. I sure wished he had a bigger building so you could see everything. [;)] He must be one of the biggest MTH dealers in the country with all that inventory.

Don, I have always heard the the Queen Mary Train Show was really great. When I retire......

Chuck, tomorrow I'll be in Cincy. If you know who did one bit of damage, I'll hear about it.

[dougdagrump]

Buckeye, I left them thar hills in the 67/68 timeframe. Since then the farm lands that I grew up on have been completely paved over by an interstate and what was left has been developed. Whenever I go back to visit family it really brings a tear to the eye to look at what it was and what it has become. [:(]

[Buckeye Riveter]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dougdagrump

Buckeye, I left them thar hills in the 67/68 timeframe. Since then the farm lands that I grew up on have been completely paved over by an interstate and what was left has been developed. Whenever I go back to visit family it really brings a tear to the eye to look at what it was and what it has become. [:(]

Doug, there are still plenty of places in Kentucky and West Virginia that are still pretty wild. I'm heading to Cincy tomorrow to see if the Chief did any damage. If he did, .....................[:-^]

[tschmidt]

Evening guys,

It's been a few days since I've been at the forum. I have been at the Annual Conference of the Church for WNY. It was a lot of meetings and not always very exciting but I since I work with the youth I got to hang out with them most of the time. They kept things fun.

I spent a few days before I left cleaning the track and taking every train car off the track and shelves and dusted them thoroughly. That took quite a bit of time. But it needed to be done.

I hope all you educators who started vacation alredy had a good day off today. We've got kids 2 more weeks before things get quiet.

Have a good evening all.
TomS

[dougdagrump]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Buckeye Riveter

QUOTE: Originally posted by dougdagrump

Buckeye, I left them thar hills in the 67/68 timeframe. Since then the farm lands that I grew up on have been completely paved over by an interstate and what was left has been developed. Whenever I go back to visit family it really brings a tear to the eye to look at what it was and what it has become. [:(]

Doug, there are still plenty of places in Kentucky and West Virginia that are still pretty wild. I'm heading to Cincy tomorrow to see if the Chief did any damage. If he did, .....................[:-^]

Not to mention that the property values and the cost of living is a whole bunch cheaper. [:D]

[mitchelr]

Good evening from Gettysburg. Beautiful day. partly cloudy with sun and cool temps.

Took the day off today and we went to Havre de Grace , Maryland. Walked through some antique stores and had lunch on the waterfront. Havre de Grace is near where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The Amtrak trains and MARC trains come flying across the bridge that crosses the river on a regular basis. We were there for about 3 hours and I know we saw at least a dozen trains, all but one were passenger trains. Saw two or three Acela trains in each direction. They are very slick looking.


This is an Amtrak train headed north toward Philly.


This is the Skipjack Martha Lewis that sails out of Havre de Grace.

Very relaxing beautiful day. Have a great night.

Mitch

[Brutus]

Long day. Finally got my spooky train station - one little spire was broken, but a dab of crzy glue fixed it. Also got 6 spooky houses in one big box. 4 were in perfect shape. One had a little scrape/chip I think I can paint over. One had a big break in the side. Oh well, the whole bunch of buildings was only $20, so I can't quible too much. I won't say I'm happy, but it could have been worse.

[ChiefEagles]

Cincinnati Short Line railroad. [;)]

[Wonderful place to photo trains. Fairfield Business park. Plenty of warning. Crossing way up the tracks on each direction from overpass. Trains about every 20 minutes. Even on Sunday.]



Second bigger train approaches:


You will notice the ditch lights, he "sat down" on his horn for me and then waved.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Chief, Didn't you notice the new MSE walls and the precast prestressed box beams on the bridge? Gee, we go to all that trouble to make something look pretty and you don't even notice.

Notice there is room for one more track? Can you say, "High Speed Rail"?

[cnw1995]

That's neat, Buckeye! May they run the high speed train to Chicago.
When I was a lad, I saw the Queen Mary go through the Panama Canal on her way to San Diego or was it the QE1 on its way to burn at Hong Kong?
I remember Palisades Park too - across the river from NY - and their ads on AM radio were great.
Dennis, where is that railroad museum around Savannah? I want to keep something in mind to do if it rains all next week when we are in Hilton Head. Never been to Savannah all the years we've been going down there.

[Jumijo]

It was great talking with Keith last night. We talked trains for over an hour. I greatly enjoyed our conversation. and wish it could have continued. I think we share a common good feeling about this forum and the people on it. Thanks for calling, Keith!

Jim

[mitchelr]

Good morning from Gettysburg. A beautiful morning here. Blue skies, sunny, and cool temps this AM, highs to be about 74 today.

Another day off. Boy am I lovin it. Also taking off tomorrow. Have to work Thursday, then off Friday, our Anniversary. Saturday, my Mom, Dad and the Mrs. and I are going to Jennerstown, PA for the NASCAR Modified races. I've always wanted to go see the Modifieds run at Jennerstown. They only come once a year. Can't wait. May go to the train store this AM after I go to the Post Office to send the 1688 to Keith for a tune-up. Might cut the grass later.

Have a great day.

Mitch[:D]

[Blueberryhill RR]

[code]Good Morning from Blueberryhill[/code]It is 53 and sunny. Going up to 77 and sunny today.
That's a good start, for a nice day.
Chief...Those are nice pictures of trains.
Buckeye....Beautiful walls. Did you do them ??
Not too much going on today. Have to run a couple of errands, but nothing heavy.
" Cars " movie is at our local theater now. Think we may go to see it soon.
I will talk more later.
Y'all have a great day.
Chuck

[cnw1995]

Beautiful day here too in northeastern Illinois. I'm 'working' from home today as my wife goes to a 2-day arts conference at church. I'll have a house full 'o kids. May cut the grass, shine work shoes, read the paper - amidst work of course. I've experienced a sudden craving for Standard Gauge trolleys. Good thing I can't afford them.

[JeffPo]

Good morning from cloudy central North Carolina.

During soccer practice yesterday, I ventured into the nearby woods and discovered a local Norfolk & Western track that heads through the rural area. I've heard trains back there before, so I knew it had to be close. I also happened upon a copperhead snake laying beside a tie. Scary thing is that I didn't see him the FIRST time I walked past, only about 1 minute before.

[ChiefEagles]

Morning all.
GO CAROLINA CANES

Yanks sure gotten quite over this one. [;)] Southerners beating Yanks at their own game [well the players are from Southern Canada [:0]]

Mowing day here. Got to dry off. Jeff, lots of N&W tracks around Fuquay. Also a line called the Durham Southern [I think that is right] use to run through there and through Angier.

Off to take rain to Dallas/ Ft. Worth later this week. Now if I could hold the rain back from Nu Anglan. [;)]

Have a good day. God bless.

[dwiemer]

Roger B.,
We are getting hit with the outer bands of the storm right now. Winds are around 20-30mph with light misting rain.
Roger and Doug, I went to Palisades Park in my pre teen years also, by then it was on its downfall. Do have the song by the same name. I recently bought my mother the DVD from the historical society.

Doug,
The museum in Savannah is at the end of Martin Luther King BLVD heading towards the river. When you are on the highway, there is a sign for MLK and then you should see signs for Historic Downtown, head in that direction. It is a great place to either start or fini***he day. Should not take too long to see, it is not that big, but it is worth taking in.
Dennis

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is sunny with the temps heading to the low 80s in SE Indiana. It has been a few days since I have been able to post. There has been a lot of activity, but very little train related. Dennis, thanks for the tip on the RFD program. I do not have cable, but I will see if that network is on my parent's system. Perhaps there will be a repeat some time. I have three World Cup games taped and maybe I will get a chance to watch them sometime. JeffPo, what ages are you working with in soccer? Are you coaching or reffing or both? I coached for 16 years (three kids) and now I am going to ref this year.
The weekend was busy as my son and I brought the 1st and 2nd Divisions of the Indiana Armored Lawnmower Corps to my daughter's house to help with the yard work. The grass was high in several spots, but our John Deeres made quick work of it. We had "Weapons of Grass Destruction" :-) We did that on Saturday and on Sunday went to a graduation party for the boss's niece (long story there). We also did some shopping for a crib for the soon-to-be grandson, and I got a new blade for the edger. There were four marks on the new blade to indicate wear and only two were left on the old one. Guess it needed a new blade. Will try to install tonight without killing myself. Finally contacted a person to re-juevnate my 10E and will take it to him tonight.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Roger Bielen]

Doug, I don't know th name of the streets but if you can find the visitor center downtown, a few blocks up from the river, the museum is on that street a little further up. If you stop in the visitor center they can direct you.

[1688torpedo]

Hello All! Jim A- It was nice talking to you last night also. Hope the rain dries up in your area soon. You should Photoshop a Picture of one of my 1688s for your layout to see how it would look.[;)][:)] & submit the photo to Kent Johnson at CTT. Maybe He'll include it in the Magazine?[;)][:)] Chief- Liked your photo's of the Train's in Cincinatti. I noticed they did not belong to a shortline railroad though.[;)][:P] Dennis- Hope the rain ends for you soon also. Doug M- Let the kids cut the grass or shine shoes. Then, you can work on your layout.[;)] Take Care all.

[cnw1995]

Thanks Dennis and Roger. I will do that if it rains in South Carolina next week.
Keith, you're right. Whilst sweating through the midday cutting the grass I thought to myself why is my 12 year old not out here pushing this thing?

[JeffPo]

Mike C,
I'm parenting! :)
My daughter, who turns 11 this week, is on a challenge level team.
My 8 year old son played a couple of years ago, but didn't really get into it as much as my daughter. I help sometimes with the team, but I'm a complete newbie.
I've been thinking about getting some DVDs that demonstrate some footwork. Any suggestions?

Chief,
There was a Durham & Southern, and a Durham & South Carolina in this area of the state. I'm not sure, but I think the Durham & South Carolina (which became part of the New Hope Valley RR) might have been the one closer to Fuquay.

[wrmcclellan]

Afternoon all!

Another hot one here. But predictions are for the low 90's when the Chief gets here Friday! Com'on cold front - bring some rain too! I may have to get a jacket out!

Have a great evening all!
Roy

[Anonymous]

Good afternoon, everyone!

Things have been going good here. It rained all weekend, but now it's quite warm and sunny-almost too warm, actually.

As you may know, besides my vintage O and S gauge toy trains, I also have HO. I've just had the most exciting HO find of my life. However, this isn't really "my" find-the credit goes to my cousin and her husband who live in Calgary. They go to a lot of garage sales and are always on the lookout for train stuff for me. They have turned up some cool train-related things in the past, but haven't come across any actual model trains...until now! I found out that on the weekend they got a lot of HO trains and a 4'x8' layout for FREE at a garage sale! The sale was being put on by a woman who is a single mother with a son. The trains were her boyfriend's and he had brought them over to her house for the son to play with. However, the son was never really very interested in them and since the layout took up so much room, she just wanted to get rid of it and so was giving it all away. As excited as I was, I was expecting cheap Bachmann or Tyco stuff, but when my cousin e-mailed me pictures of the trains, it turned out that most of the stuff is Athearn. There are a total of six engines (five Athearn and one MDC Roundhouse) and twenty-two freight cars (half of them are Athearn and the other half are cheaper brands). There are also a number of containers for hauling on intermodal trains, plus five assembled building kits. The layout is just track on a piece of plywood. I estimate that all in all, there is over $400 (Canadian) worth stuff. I wonder if the boyfriend knew about his girlfriend's intentions for the trains.

This summer I'm going to be doing work for the Regina Plains Museum. It's a historical museum with exhibits concerning Regina's history. I'm going start this Thursday, heading out with a group of people to the museum's warehouse where they store the items in their collection that are not on display. I'm not 100% sure exactly what is entailed, but I imagine that I will enjoy it. I've always been a real museum person and very interested in history and antiques.