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

[spankybird]

Good Morning All from NE Ohio

where the temp is 62 deg and heading to 74 with Blue Clear Skies.

Laz = great job so far. Chief did you take any notes ! ! ! !

Well today is our last day of Holiday. Next Monday we start our new Job. It will be great to have extra money to spend on trains again, Oh and food too! !

tom

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a nice 70 degrees outside. Sunny. Going up to 80 and sunny. That's a very pleasant day. Not too hot.

I may cut the back grass today, as it will be cooler. The rest is cut and looks pretty good. It's nice to mow it myself, although I sure appreciate my neighbors helping me when I was down. I told them that too.

We had a nice day yesterday. Marietta was busy. River looked clean. A lot of folks from W. Va. were in town. Had a great lunch. It was nice to get out, even though the price of gasoline is restricting people.

Good luck to all you folks, who are planning or building your layouts. I spent about 2 years planning mine. I drew it up a dozen times on graph paper. That was fun. It's more fun now running trains.

Well, I'm off to the Dining car for breakfast.

Y'all have a great day.

Chuck

[danrunner]

   

Chuck,

A great day to cut grass, indeed.  Recent rains have been a blessing in W Lafayette.  We're showing our house and GREEN grass will help.  Still looking for a nice house in Cambridge , OH,  but that's an odd market.  Not a lot of newer homes, some of the older ones available right now are not that great or are beautiful and are down over on the side of a hill and look like they'd have flooding issues...and and the prices are fantastic.  Our house would sell for double there.  We'd kill for an old colonial in decent  shape or a newer house that's efficient and fits the wife's style.  I defer most of the house hunting to her--she's the one that needs to be happy w/ it.  I could live in a fifth wheel.  What's going on in Guernsey county house prices?  Expensive. Wish we could expand our options, but wife has time constraint--20 mins--to hospital.  Zanesville is out.

Good morning and Happy Friday to all.  My layout is down and packed away, so only pics of your layouts and train DVDs to keep me happy.

ONE QUESTION:  Some guys here use 2 in styrofoam underlayment.  My question is this:  Can you use a 1/4 inch plywood atop a 2 in styro base and have a good layout?  I figure if the benchwork is good,  it would be rigid enough and VERY light. 

Also,  how do you attach plywood to styrofoam?  Screws, glue, what?

Hey, all...have a great weekend.

Dan

[Jumijo]

Tom,
Congratulations! Best of luck with your new job!

Laz,
That is one OUTSTANDING ball field!! I realy like it. You did an incredible job! The trees in the outfield, the pallet backstops, just perfect! I used to play on a field very much like that.

Dan,
Why would you want to put plywood on top of the 2" foam?! Put the foam on top.

Jim

[ChiefEagles]

Morning all.  Moving slow this AM.  The 6X6's lugged a half a mile and the two holes dug in the hard soil has me a little stiff.   Real cloudy.  Rain????  Got County meetings from 11:30 [have to leave around 10:45] until some time this afternoon.  Wife is trying to get her middle sister to stay and keep the boys.  If so, I'm off to Wilmington to Youngest's for several days.  If not, will put them in the back fence for tomorrow [suppose to be cloudy and high of 78 [!!!!]].  neighbor [who I baby sit her cats when she is gone], will come and let them in tomorrow night.  Let them out Sunday and I'll come home Sunday.  Who knows.  As you have seen, wife does everything at the last moment.   Sure was a nice box I got from the Yankee in New England. Let me get moving.  Got the emailed pictures of John's Grandsons and the steers.  Looks like champions [both the boys and steers ].  About time that lazy Yankee up in Ohio went back to work.  Chuck, go mow the grass.  You've ridden that "surgery horse" to death.  Have a great day.

[jefelectric]

Good morning,

Tom, Congratulations on the new job.

Dan, Don, & anyone else planning a new layout.  There is a long running thread on the other forum on this subject that is worth a read.  Is it bad form to insert a link on this forum to the other forum?  If anyone wants the link, send me an email & include your email address and I will send it to you.

Just found out the expected 8th grandchild will be a girl, Dr. said 90% sure.  That makes Dad not so happy as he already has 2 girls, but he has accepted it & only hopes for a healthy girl.  Of course that means that grandpa has another doll house to build some time in the future.

Will be leaving shortly for the 4H show to watch grandsons show their livestock.  Wife went to work for an hour or so first so we will leave when she gets home.

Laz, What you need is a football field not a soccer field, right?

Weather here is nice, but we do need some rain.  I think it has been about 3 weeks since we had any rain to speak of.

Could someone take a look at my post on page 970 & let me know if the pictures are visable?

That's it for now.

[laz 57]

Hi GIZ,

   Just a perfect day here.  Right now its in the 60s and only to go up to 80 for a high.

A BIG THANK YOU for the kudos of the ballfield.  Even as I put it together it took me back to my youth and I was laughing a lot when I put up the backstop.  We used lots of different things for the backstop.  Probably the best was a almost full sheet of plywood that a contractor gave us while he was building a house next to the field.  That lasted a few years.  As DON said lots of things used for the bases, cardboard boxes, stones,trashcan lids.  Ah the days of yore?

Heel still alittle tender, might try running later tonight.  Or maybe a bike ride?

TGIF!

All have a good one.

laz57

[laz 57]

Oh almost forgot,

KEITH, Scenic Express just came out  with a black bear set and a deer set. So mabe you'll see my bruin in the CTT booth?   Also I just might bag a deer this year?

laz57

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good morning,

Tom, Congratulations on the new job.

Dan, Don, & anyone else planning a new layout.  There is a long running thread on the other forum on this subject that is worth a read.  Is it bad form to insert a link on this forum to the other forum?  If anyone wants the link, send me an email & include your email address and I will send it to you.

Just found out the expected 8th grandchild will be a girl, Dr. said 90% sure.  That makes Dad not so happy as he already has 2 girls, but he has accepted it & only hopes for a healthy girl.  Of course that means that grandpa has another doll house to build some time in the future.

Will be leaving shortly for the 4H show to watch grandsons show their livestock.  Wife went to work for an hour or so first so we will leave when she gets home.

Laz, What you need is a football field not a soccer field, right?

Weather here is nice, but we do need some rain.  I think it has been about 3 weeks since we had any rain to speak of.

Could someone take a look at my post on page 970 & let me know if the pictures are visable?

That's it for now.

John,

I can see the pictures. They are good. Nice looking boys.  I could NOT see them when you first posted them. Whatever you did....worked.

Chuck

[FJ and G]

More money TOm? Now you will have enough to put food on the table and trains in the basement! :-)

(I had Bob K delete a post I put b/c it revealed some security information; just in case you're wondering about a disappearing post)

[wrmcclellan]

Morning all!

Tom - Congrats on the new job!!!!! Food huh? Maybe it's just more money for trains. Gotta keep those priorities right!

Dan - I think 1/4 inch ply with 2 inch foam that is glued will work quite well for you. I couldn't find 2 inch foam when I built my layout so I laminated 1/2 inch foam board. I used Liquid Nails for Projects -Foam (important to use the latex based adhesive vs their other petroleum based adhesives or the foam will be attacked by the solvents in the adhesive). I used a tile adhesive spreader (comb) to apply the Liquid Nails and then covered the laminated sections with a lot of weight (weights and encyclopedias).

Hot here as usual. Chaperoned the HS band pool party last night for their end of "summer marching practice" event. They had a talent show which was very entertaining. Lots of skits, great singing, and general silliness.

Chuck - all mowing here is very early in the morning! The good news is the grass does not grow much in this heat and minimal watering.

Have a great day all!

[wrmcclellan]

Trying to catch up a bit.

John - I can see the photos just fine. Nice looking kids! Nice to see them doing something as wholesome as 4H/FFA.

Mike C - Our prayers are with you and your family.

Don - layout planning is always fun.

Chief - I am a bit behind - you put up posts and cables to prevent something (the horses?) and then cut a bypass path for the horses??

Marty just wants to drive the truck!

[cnw1995]

Good morning from a grey northeastern Illinois. I don't ever want to see O'Hare airport again - ever: Chief and Marty, i was thinking about your traveling and glad I never have to fly for work. At home today because my mom has come out to visit us from the east for the week- lots of family issues related to this visit. Maybe home Monday too.
Jim, your post of coming home from a few pages back reminded me of a country music song.
Tom, congrats on the new position.
Mike C. - keeping Lucas in my prayers.
Dan, I hope your bride finds the right house in OH or rather the right basement with a house atop it - I always liked going through W. Lafayette.
John, those are prize cattle! They look great.
Laz, more kudos for the ballyard - I like the sandlot approach - I've only seen those Woodland Scenics figures used in a 'real' ballpark setting. Can you share where you found them again?

[laz 57]

DOUG,

  Go to http://www.woodlandscenics.com and then hit their speacials.

They have em listed at $29.99 but then give another 10-15 % off.

laz57

[laz 57]

TOM, CONGA on the new job, hope you like it?

laz57

[kblester]

(I had Bob K delete a post I put b/c it revealed some security information; just in case you're wondering about a disappearing post)

Dave,

I had deleted a second reply I made to that thread b/c of a photo link which accessed my account. I hope the first reply helped with the information you needed to complete your transaction. If I can be of any help let me know.

Ken

[Dr. John]

Tom, congrats on the new job!    We got some good news this week too. Our son got a job on campus at UAB in the rec center, so he'll have money for books, etc. My wife just received a significant raise in her job as a school nurse.

Still very much summer time here in Dixie. Our church is hosting a men's conference tonight and tomorrow, so I'm about to make a run up to Birmingham to pick up the speaker from the airport. Shouldn't be a problem today but he may have problems tomorrow with the tighter security. Told him he should have allowed more time, but that was his call.

Hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend!

[tmcc man]

Afternoon everyone,

I just got in from a World Cup Soccer Tournament in my friend's backyard. Good weather here today, not too hot, and really not humid.

Mike C, glad to hear that Lucas was enjoying some company last night, and I agree with you, Laz should put a soccer field on his layout. That is what I am going to do.

I have to finish packing for the shore. If I can, I will try to get to the comp. when I go down.

[dbaker48]

Mike - Glad Lucas had some fun, that's a tough age to have so many restrictions.  Thank God for friends. 

John - The pictures are great!  How tall are the boys?  The 13 year old looks like he is pushing 6', really nice looking kids.  Regarding the suspended track, I actually plan on it being suspended from the ceiling.  It is going to be interesting, the room is a prefab, patio enclosure.  The ceiling is supported by aluminum beams on 4' centers is standard.  They will hold ceiling fans, and are strong enough to walk on.  I am having the beams installed at 2' centers to accomodate the ceiling tracks.  My biggest concern is given a 3" wide beam and having enough "meat" to securely attach to.  Might require a 4 or 6" plate that is secured to ceiling, then the hangers secured to the plate.  Probably do some type of a J hook, or maybe two threaded rods with a cross piece at the bottom that the track rests on.  (Forming a U bracket)  Then using Lexan from bracket to bracket and mount track on Lexan.  WHAT WE DON'T DO FOR THE SILLY TRAINS   ( My better half thought the expense of the prefab would be OK,   I would prefer saving the money, leaves one to wonder what other reason she may have, certainly not questioning my skill   I would be interested in the thread you were refferring to, I did a search but didn't come up with a whole lot.

I can't believe the referance material the Chief must have.  I have never heard of anyone with so many reasons or tasks to do that keep him from building a train layout.  I think he should consider a garden layout down at the pond, instead of dancing with poles and snakes in the dark. 

Tom - Congrats on the new job, hope it doesn't interfere with posting of photos.

Chuck - I enjoy the planning especially with the software, I to did the graph paper bit in the early 80's and 90's, the software really works well.  As a matter of fact I talked to the developer and recommended that they put a couple of train icons in the package so that when you do a 3D view of the layout it can make even more realistic looking.

Dr. John - Your son working to pay for books?    My son (17), is working at Knotts Berry Farm, and wants to spend $300 on paint ball guns and stuff.  I'm trying to convince him to spend his money more wisely on trains, and other important things.  Hmmmm  maybe I may need to change my habits, not setting a good example.


Welcome Back  ROY  !!!

Off to San Diego tomorrow for a presentation, maybe try to see a few shops in the PM, still looking for the new catalog.

Have a great day all

[FJ and G]

Thanks, Ken

[danrunner]

    Jaabat & wrmc,

Thanks for the advice.
J--So the ply goes on the bottom...shows how little I know.  The styro is firm enough to work with directly on top, eh?  Sounds good.  I've only worked w/  3/4 ply and my back can't take it any more. What a beast to work with.  I respect y'all who work w/ the heavy stuff, but  if I can go light or ultralight,  that's for me. 

Remember the first time wou held a new graphite fishing  rod(ugly stick) or club?  Tech can be helpful.  I am sick of waddling around with heavy plywood.

WRMC--thanks for your input.

Dan

[csxt30]

Good Afternoon Everyone !!

Great news Tom, & congratulations on the new position !!  I was getting a little nervous myself lately, wondering about our trips to the train shows just around the corner !! I wouldn't have the collection of 1/43rd. scale cars I have if it wasn't for Tom's keen eye at the train shows & hobby shops!! Ha! Just mention an item you want to Tom & he'll show you who has it !! Oh, boy, come on winter !!    ( that should get some comments !! )

Thanks, John

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Afternoon Everyone !!

Great news Tom, & congratulations on the new position !!  I was getting a little nervous myself lately, wondering about our trips to the train shows just around the corner !! I wouldn't have the collection of 1/43rd. scale cars I have if it wasn't for Tom's keen eye at the train shows & hobby shops!! Ha! Just mention an item you want to Tom & he'll show you who has it !! Oh, boy, come on winter !!    ( that should get some comments !! )

Thanks, John

WINTER ????????

John, you have been in the SUN too long today.

Chuck

[ChiefEagles]

Off to Wilmington to Youngest's.  Wanted to stay only 1 night.  Wife is insisting I stay 2.  She is really trying to get me to stay until Tuesday.  Not me.  I will be BORED unless Son-in-law carries me fishing.  I'm coming home Sunday.  Then peace and quite until Tuesday.    Neighbor is looking after the boys.  They can stay out all of tomorrow as high is only to be in the 70's!!!!!  She will let them in and out tonight and tomorrow.  Put them in tomorrow PM and out Sunday AM.

ROY, its 4 wheelers.  Horses calmed down when I cabled the dam off so they could not ride up and down it.  They want to mountain climb, go to the mountains.   4 wheeler showed up and likes to run down into the pond and destroy the bank.   

Got to go.  By for now.

[csxt30]

Good Afternoon Everyone !!

Great news Tom, & congratulations on the new position !!  I was getting a little nervous myself lately, wondering about our trips to the train shows just around the corner !! I wouldn't have the collection of 1/43rd. scale cars I have if it wasn't for Tom's keen eye at the train shows & hobby shops!! Ha! Just mention an item you want to Tom & he'll show you who has it !! Oh, boy, come on winter !!    ( that should get some comments !! )

Thanks, John

WINTER ????????

John, you have been in the SUN too long today.

Chuck

I knew that would get some ones attention !! Yes, out trying to work as hard as our Chief !! 

Hey Chuck, start savin' now for the train show !! LOL !!! 

Thanks , John 

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Afternoon Everyone !!

Great news Tom, & congratulations on the new position !!  I was getting a little nervous myself lately, wondering about our trips to the train shows just around the corner !! I wouldn't have the collection of 1/43rd. scale cars I have if it wasn't for Tom's keen eye at the train shows & hobby shops!! Ha! Just mention an item you want to Tom & he'll show you who has it !! Oh, boy, come on winter !!    ( that should get some comments !! )

Thanks, John

WINTER ????????

John, you have been in the SUN too long today.

Chuck

I knew that would get some ones attention !! Yes, out trying to work as hard as our Chief !! 

Hey Chuck, start savin' now for the train show !! LOL !!! 

Thanks , John 

John,  I have been saving for the train show since the day I came home from the hospital. A buck a day.  LOL.

Chuck

[csxt30]

Chuck !! That is a great idea !! I think I'll borrow it !!

Thanks, John

[1688torpedo]

Hello All!   Tom- Congrats on the new job.Hope its lasts for many years. Laz- I should buy some of those Bears for the OTTS Layout as a added attraction.Neat Idea! Don- I thought your son enjoyed trains? Paintballs! Bah Humbug!  At least if he bought a Corvair I could understand,Not Paintballs. John(jefelectric)- The Photo's of your Grandsons & their Cattle show up on our Computer Screen. Looks like champs to me. I'll be leaving early Monday at 4:30 am to drive to Connecticut to visit my Father's Cousin & Wife.Plus, a visit to my father's hometown in Pennsylvania as well. Will be back on Tuesday Aug 22nd. Will be plenty of fun & I'm looking forward to it.Take Care all.

[GregM]

Dang, miss a day or so and it takes a long time to catch up.

Tom,  Great news on the new job but the museum will miss you.

Went to a nearby town festival tonight,  Karen has wanted an elephant ear for a while.  Amazing sights, some funny, some great, some not so good.  Small car show was interesting but local parking lot show is a lot bigger most any Sunday.

Former son-in-law was into paint ball, bought him a special "quiet" barrel one year for Christmas.

Been a long week, up early all week to cover for person on vacation.

Had to have new brakes installed on car.  Needed four new rotors, pads, and calipers on front.  Total bill was just under $700.00. 

 

[Brutus]

Tom - congrats on the job!

A lot cooler here today after it rained this morning.  Went to lunch at Houlihans with 2 friends and had the pot roast, which was great.  Got to Michaels tonight and picked up the Pirate Ship (Pillager) and The Mausoleum Lemax Halloween sets.  Very cool action.  Got the Dead Man's Mine 2 weeks ago.  Still want the Pirate Island (?) set and a couple of the smaller sets like the cemetery and the hungry tree house.  Need to get some foam and some felt or something to use for groundcover.  I think I'll buy a couple fastrack switches as well before Halloween.  Not going to the air show at Scott AFB until Sunday now, so probably work on the lawn tomorrow morning and then on the basement in the afternoon.  Need to run wire and put in outlet and switch boxes.  I've got all the boxes and wire, just need to get on the job again.  Should take lessons from Chief.

Really glad to hear you are doing so well Chuck!