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

[Blueberryhill RR]

[code]Good Morning from Blueberryhill[/code]It is sunny and 56 right now. Going up to 84 today and
staying sunny all day.
Today is Saturday and I am looking forward to hearing from some members.
I have to cut the back grass today and do a few small projects outside. Don't mind it
when the weather is nice.
Had a good day yesterday in Walnut Creek. Ate too much. Got a locomotive wind decoration
for the yard. Wheels spin in the wind. I'll post a picture of it.
Time for breakfast. Be back later.
Y'all have a great day.
Chuck

[luther_stanton]

Good morning from Georgia everyone. I have been “lurking” around the forum for a year or so and finally decided to take the plunge in the coffee pot.

I finally got trains running again this morning – after about a month of absence. My layout is still in the very young stage and I decided to re-run some wiring and build out a control panel. It was nice to see everything come together and be able to have some fun again! The layout work always proceeds slower than I like, as Friday evenings and weekends are the only train time I can find – unfortunately the job takes up way too much time [:(]

I have a few projects underway – the rewiring for the control panel continues, I need to integrate in a Fueling Station which is mounted but not wired, I am building out some additional track for a water tower, and I am working on my first piece of scenery – a small hill with a few orange trees on one side and some generic deciduous trees on the other side.

Looks to be a fine day here – high in the mid 80s. Have to run up to the local Target for a few things. The yard is looking like it wants a bit of attention. I hope to be back in the train room this evening.

Have a great day.....

[mickey4479]

Good morning all. I have been pretty busy doing the summer thing, lawn care, sailing, fishing, visiting parents and enjoying time with my son when he gets a chance to visit. He went to South Africa a second time in late May, then to Germany in the middle of June during a good deal of the World Cup. I did run a few trains this week. I have a few more buildings to build/complete this fall. Hope all is well with each of you and I will probably visit more in the fall and winter months. Regards.

[dwiemer]

I see in the thread about "No Stars" that some take offense to the topics typically discussed and posted here on the Pot. This is the first that I have seen of this attitude here and I hope it is short lived. I have heard that that goes on on the other forum, but it should not happen here. This is a great bunch of folks and it is good that we can kid, joke, and share our lives with those of a common interest. I hope y'all feel as I do. So Take care, have a great day, and God Bless.
Dennis

[zwbob]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jaabat



Any of you Ohio boys ever visit the Hobby House when it was open in Cleveland? I've heard that was a great store at one time.

The Hobby House also had a store in Maple Heights. Not much trains there, they always said to go to the store downtown. We used to go there for model car kits. They closed the Maple Heights store in the mid 70's. I remember going to a place called Pappy Jayes. I think it was on Euclid then he moved to Lakeshore blvd around E 222st.

[jefelectric]

Good morning all,

Dennis, I agree with you completely. This thread is used for a general conversation thread as I see it. For a specific topic another thread is best.

[Blueberryhill RR]

John, I agree with you and Dennis. I like the coffee pot and feel that we should
be able to continue to say, as we please. If someone doesn't like it, then they don't
have to be here.
Chuck

[Blueberryhill RR]

My new lawn decoration. Wheels spin from wind.

[Anonymous]

HI Luther and welcome.

Sounds like you are well organized. Have any pics?

Steve

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Dennis, I agree with you completely. This thread is used for a general conversation thread as I see it. For a specific topic another thread is best.

I dont understand that exactly. If you want to talk about the weather and green tomatos that is OK.

If you want to talk about your trains is that not? Being that there are other forums here for trains then shoukld we not dicuss in detail here problems or indepth topics on train issues?

[Brutus]

I think the pot is just general fellowship, with trains more in the background sometimes. If you have technical questions and want someone to help you on something, posting a topic is the way to go, because otherwise it will get lost in this thread and folks who'd be glad to help you or just ooh and ahh at something you did will miss it. Still, there are tons of posts on this thread about train issues etc.

PS - HOT in Arnold this morning - mowed the lawn with the new mower. I like the fact that it is lighter than the old one and they moved the self-propelled actuator from a plastic lever on the side that you had to reach down for to a metal bar just under the main grip that you can work with your fingertips -- good progress in engineering.

Yesterday I heard on the radio that a car tried to cut around in front of a train at Geyer and Big Bend in Kirkwood, which is very near where I grew up. The car didn't make it. Luckily the train did not derail, but at least some of the cars did uncouple.

Are they made to do that so that the cars won't twist and derail each other like dominoes, or was this just luck?

[ChiefEagles]

Afternoon. Busy moring. Went to pond and horses had been through but not on the dam. I waitied and they came back but saw my truck had gone in and ran away. ????? Now I know who was the guilty party. [:0] Mowed the grass and picked the garden. As for the folks that do not like the Coffee Pot, I think they can go somewhere else. We don't need them. The "stuffy forum" is just right for them. I think that is why there is more than one forum. Each to his own. Don't like ours, go somewhere else and SHUT UP!! [that is nicer than what I really want to say]. Sure is a great bunch of guys that visit here each day. With 18,313+ posts in two + years, we must be doing something right. [^] Later.

[ChiefEagles]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jim Fortner

PS - HOT in Arnold this morning - mowed the lawn with the new mower. I like the fact that it is lighter than the old one and they moved the self-propelled actuator from a plastic lever on the side that you had to reach down for to a metal bar just under the main grip that you can work with your fingertips -- good progress in engineering.

What??? A new mower. Pictures. Congrats on the purchase. Gives you more time to run trains [since we need to talk about trains [;)]].

The Coffee Pot has given me a chance to meet [in person, email or on the phone] some mighty outstanding guys. Sure would have been lonely traveling around the country without meeting some of the gang. Wish I could travel to everyone of your towns. Hope to visit more of you in the future. God bless.

[csxt30]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Blueberryhill RR


My new lawn decoration. Wheels spin from wind.

Now there's a lawn ornament !! That's really neat Chuck !! [:D][:D]
Hey, The Coffee Pot is the neatest thing since sliced bread !! [:D][:D]
Look at all the Hobby shops we are able to find out about too !! I'll be able to link my son-in-law up with people down by him in Ky. The good of it just goes on & on !! Take a look at how the OTTS grew !! Remember, & watch me get blasted for this one, we live in a day where we call good evil & evil good. ( that will probably make some of the other forums !) I think The Chief has made the most friends on his Fact Finding Missions !! [:D][:D] Thought he would be in my area, but not yet !!
Well, worked today & my wife brought my Grandson down & I got some pictures of him.
Hope everyone has a nice weekend !!
Thanks,

[Anonymous]

Hello folks...

This is my first post to this thread. I read it every so often and with some of the
comments elsewhere on this site I thought I would weigh in. First, I hope the
site owners keep this feature when they re-do the site. It's nice. Second, a bit
about my activities of late. Been updating my layouts (yup, two of 'em) to more
modern technology. Getting rid of the old Type "B" transformers and rheostats
(I actually use these things as mine are in excellent condition) and replacing
with ZW transformers. Have already split wiring service for layout light and
accessories for feeding by a ZW instead of a bank of "steppers". The main pow-
er for each layout is a 250 ZW each. Each of my layouts run up to 6 pre-war
trains each (one "O" gauge layout and one Standard layout). The main reason for
the "upgrades" is to simplify wiring and power distribution. The old transformers
and rheostats will now be retired to display shelves with accompanying photos
of when they were in use. These items came to me through my grandfather,
great uncle, father and uncle. They were always maintained in excellent shape
as the previous owners were professional engineers and knew how to keep
this type of equipment up. My background, while not engineering, is in fire pro-
tection/suppression/prevention and building construction. So I have a good
idea how to safely operate this vintage stuff. Wish I had a way to post photos.
Have photos of my trains from as far back as the 1920's when the previous
owners operated them. Like the "bunny" they are still going and going...hope
to give them to my grandchildren when I'm through with them. (Got 4 grandkids)

My other big project that has almost come to completion is the restoration
and operation of an antique fire engine. The wife and I bought it last year and
I've spent countless hours and dollars and busted knuckles bringing it back
from the dead. Sort of like restoring giant tinplate!

Weather here in Virginia is sunny and HOT! Supposed to get showers later
this coming week.

Nice meeting you all. Have probably seen some of you at York over the years
and not known it. Now that I'm retired, I'm happy just playing with my toys!

[dougdagrump]

Chessie, [#welcome] Now that you're here, drop in and sit a spell.
Chuck, You know that lawn decoration just ain't gonna make it, where's the tender ?

[swg]

[Anonymous]

KW&ZW, I dont know much about that lectric stuff but post your question here :
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=95

Hell Chief, I just ask. Gezzee.[B)]

[ChiefEagles]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Steve Frame


Hell Chief, I just ask. Gezzee.[B)]

[?][?]

Where in WV do you live? I'm flying to Columbus OH Tuesday AM [lots of GRITS in my bag] and then driving to the Cabela's east of Wheeling. Driving back Wednesday morning [hope to hook up with Chuck and maybe Buckeye] and flying home Tuesday afternoon.

Think the "No Stars" thing might get into a shouting contest. Got my dander up but now I'm cool. [;)] Sure glad we get the privilege to post a Coffee Pot here. One other forum has asked for us to post more in that section. In fact, they started a Caboose section for chatting and the Coffee Pot is part of that section.

ChesBchRy, welcome. What part of good ole Virginy are you located? We go to Roanoke and Lexington. Going to Lexington [through Roanoke] in the near future. Spending a few days in Lexington. We've wondered all through those hills and back to Kerr [Buggs Island for you folks]. I fish Kerr a lot. The Bass Pro Shops in Hampton is one of "my" stores to work and train. Glad to have you join us.

Later

[Anonymous]

Live near Morgan's Landing on the Kanawha River. That is where we sent all them Ohio and indiana Yankees head over heals back across the great Ohio River, we kept the river by the way, in 1861.

Google it up and see if I aint telling the truch. The Battle of Scarry Creek.

Put stars in signature. ???

I live for the day get get to the Yankee part of W Va and see Cabelas.

[1688torpedo]

Hello All! Chuck -That is a nice lawn ornament you've got there. Now you can say you've got a Train in your Yard![;)][:P][:o)]. Cannot believe anyone would complain about the Coffee Pot Forum here. Even when I do not post I will read what is going on & have a couple of laughs or learn a thing or two. I hope Bergie does not do away with the Coffee Pot. Almost forgot [#welcome] To Luther & Cheasapeake here. Hope you guys enjoy it here also. ZWBob- The Train Shop you are thinking about is Jaye & Jaye on Lakeshore in Euclid. That was another excellent train shop & is where I bought my First ZW in 1981 for $125.00 & I also Bought a Lionel 8002 Union Pacific Berkshire there that same year. As a Teen before I started to drive I used to ride my Bicycle from Willoughby to Euclid over to Jaye & Jaye about every other month in the summer to see what was new in old or new Lionel Trains. They also sold Bikes there & whenever you bought a train there & brought it home it would smell like Bicycle Tires for at least a year after you purchased it.[;)][:)] Jaye & Jaye was originally owned by a fellow named Frank Jaye & was located in E.Cleveland on the intersection of Ivanhoe & Euclid Avenue & in 1974 it was moved to Lakeshore Blvd in Euclid. At that time it was owned by a Gent named Ron Galob who bought the business from Frank Jaye in 1966 with a SBA Loan( Small Business Administration) The Fellow who restores my 1688s used to be Jaye & Jayes Lionel Repair Man & now works for Stewart's Hobbies here in Willoughby. He told me some Horror Stories of the Business from the early 70s when the Market was not hot for Toy Trains. He told me that Ron had many Whistle Relays & would sma***hem up with a Hammer to reclaim the Copper inside as Copper was valuable in those days & the other thing Ron used to do was to smash up the Cattle Car Platforms for scrap as he had many of them & felt he would not sell all of them. So, he tried to get their scrap value by scrapping them. Fred( Ron's Lionel Repairman) would try to talk Ron out of doing these crazy things. & Ron would not listen. It was not until the early 80s when the Market for Lionel was starting to get hot again & Ron finally realized his mistake. Especially when it came to finding hard to get Lionel Parts for customers who wanted their old trains fixed.[:O][:(] Fred also told me that Jaye & Jaye used to have quantities of old #153 & 151signals in their mint original boxes as they would order huge numbers of them for the Christmas season way back in the 50s & the same applied for ZWs also. Eventually. These got sold, not destoyed! I told Fred that it was too bad he did not have enough $$$$ to buy out Ron's Lionel Parts supply so that the Cattle car platforms or Whistle Relays would not have been destroyed at all & Fred wishes that he did have the financial resources in those days to do such a thing. The Irony of it all is that Fred did buy out Jaye & Jayes Parts supply after the shop closed down in 1993 after Ron got tired of the business & decided to move to a Farm in Missouri. The reason for the huge supply of Whistle Relays,Cattle Car Platforms, etc was that Omar, Frank Jayes Lionel man in the 40s & 50s would order huge numbers of parts to keep him stocked. Not knowing what he would need or run out of as they had a very good business back in those times.(the 50s) According to Fred, Those were the days & they sure sound like it. Take Care all.[:)]

[Brutus]

Welcome ChesBchRy! [#welcome]

Chuck - I love that lawn ornament![bow]

Chief - here's a link to the mower I bought. For some reason the picture wouldn't come through.[:-,]

www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Lawn+Mowers&pid=07137550000&vertical=LAWN&subcat=Side+Discharge+Mowers
&BV_SessionID=@@@@1232798992.1152417449@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccddaddifdkdiglcegecegjdghldfoo.0

Sorry - you'll have to copy and paste - I had to split it up to keep from blowing the margins.

Just finished a pint of Karamel Sutra - I think I can feel the butterfat coursing through my veins. Also, just finished watching Psych (taped it last night) - It's not as great as Monk, but it is very very good!

Counting down the days until my new docksider and caboose ship - I hope Lionel doesn't delay them!

Was checking out the new Department 56 stuff at the mall - I like some of the train theme stuff they had from 2005(?) with the caboose cafe etc. I really want the new Halloween set with Dr. Lunatic and what looks like the Frankenstein monster for my Halloween layout.

[dbaker48]

Greetings....

I don't mention the weather in So. CAL very often cause its pretty much the same everyday.

But just had to throw that in. Since I am the guilty person of starting that thread about the stars, thought I would tell you my motive. I really hoped they would continue, because it is another topic for joking around. Free subscriptions, coffee, & beer for 5 stars, or more complimentary items, OOOOKKKKKK, and sending in the payments etc.. I just thought and still do that they are cool. What really confuses me, is that the stars are nothing more than graphic icon of the number of posts. If you were to apply the "quality vs quantity" why wouldn't the number of posts be eliminate?

I almost came to the pot to ask for some assistance the other day when the content of the coffee pot was brought up, but I thought why bother, the pot is good, provides a means of friendly conversation, and why stir the pot?

So anyway, I think I better keep my future no technical questions to myself, it seems I start too many arguements.

By the way Doug, how was the Busch race in Chicagoland? Do they sell hat pins there for that race? They use to here but stopped about 2 years ago.

So long for now....... 2 star Don ... Never to see 3

Would be very interesting to see a roll call of all the 5 star generals before they disappear. Maybe I could start a 5 star roll call thread [}:)][;)]

[Blueberryhill RR]

[code]Good Morning from Blueberryhill[/code]It is 60 degrees and cloudy, going up to 82 today. No rain.
We are suppose to get rain all of next week. I wonder why???
Not doing too much today. I will take a walk later and sit under the shade trees with the " Boys ".
I might run trains this afternoon. When it gets hot outside.
Thanks for the comments on my lawn ornament. I like it.
This is gonna be very interesting, with the NEW forum. It's a good thing we have a back up.
I don't see many guys over on the " Guage ". Hope to.
Well, I am going to the " Diner " for breakfast, then to the " Club " car. See ya later.
Y'all have a great day.
Chuck

[ChiefEagles]

Jim F's new lawnmower:


Morning all. Off to Sunday School [teaching this month as
teacher is on vacation and I am in town for a change. Could
not get Pam up for early Church. She was suppose to sing
in the choir [if that is what you call it, early Church is held in
the Family Life Center and very informal].

Don, don't fret over that. Some folks just appear to cause problems
and that is all they do. You just keep on keeping on. [;)]

Have a good one and God bless.

BTW: the reason it is going to rain in Ohio, I'm flying there Tuesday and will be there over 24 hours. [;)][:D]

[dwiemer]

Morning guys, Been a long crazy ride. Was going to respond one more time on the stars thing, but thought it better to let that thread pass into oblivion and not bring it to the top. Don, don't worry, I have no idea how is got out of hand, but it was not your fault. Family got back to the house last night, the kids were on high energy as they slept all the way home. That kept us up late and we all slept too late to make church. We are lucky that we will catch it on tv this morning.
Have a great day and God Bless,
Dennis

PS: weather is clear with a few clouds and going into the upper 80"s and we are having grits with breakfast.[}:)]

[csxt30]

Good Morning Everyone !! Took my Grandson to McDonalds this morning, he liked that !!
Don: You do a lot better than I do on those other topics ! I still haven't figured out that email one !! I'm sticking to the Coffe Pot mostly now, except some topic I really know about ! They'll gobble us up over there in those real cotroversial topics. Whew !!
Well, since my Grandson is here today, I think we're going to the train museum ! He'll like that big Berkshire I think.
Hope everyone has a nice day !!
Thanks,

[dougdagrump]

Hey guys don't let'em get you down.
Just remember what some wise old sage once said:
Very difficult to soar like Eagle,
When surrounded by Turkeys. [:o)]
Don, Don't sweat the small stuff (being PC here) somebody has to stir up the stuff every now an then.
Gonna be a couple of crazy days here, the wife's turn to host her "Bunco" group. She will drive me absolutely bonkers today and tomorrow. Then on tuesday it will be back to normal. [:(] [|(] [tup]

[ChiefEagles]

Was watching something on TV this morning and it was about Blogs. I guess the Coffee Pot
was the original Blog. [;)] With the Blog, you talk about the weather, your new kittens and so on. [:)]
Says you can get attacked on your Blog. [:0] That is why the Blog and the Coffee Pot is so popular.
We just have fun.
Dennis, wise thought there. [;)]

Time to run trains. Then off to a movie. Later

BTW: since this is going to drop tomorrow, we willb e meeting here until this one comes back up.

http://www.the-gauge.com/showthread.php?p=203318#post203318

[wrmcclellan]

Afternoon all!

Back from beautiful Tennessee. Made the drive back yesterday in 12 hours [xx(]. Only stopped three times.

Pretty much got our fix of boating, skiing, swimming, fishing, etc., for a few days. My son learned how to wakeboard, so he was excited about that. He also won the fishing tournament (but the largest fish he caught was an 11 inch smallmouth bass - fishing not too good this year). My daughter will be legal to drive the Waverunner next year and she is ready for that. I got back up on a slalom ski again this year. Each year I wonder if it will be my last for that. Took two tries each time I got up and one of the last failed tries really put the hurt on my right elbow.

Tired - watching the World Cup.

Chief - if I get your message correctly - the CTT forum goes down tomorrow for the software upgrade?

Have a great afternoon all!
Roy

[ChiefEagles]

Roy, glad you had a good and a safe trip. The way I understand it [10th thru part of the 12th]. Be down a couple of days or so. Back from the movie, The Lakehouse. Later.