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

[wrmcclellan]

Evening all!

Watched NASCAR and IRL today while trying to clean up my home office. I emphasize trying.

Keith - hope you have a great vacation!

NSTrackman - I think you have the right idea!

Kids are home from church camp. They had a great time. The missus and I also had a great time!

Will watch the NFL tonight while trying to make a dent in the office mess I have created.

Have a great evening all!

[FJ and G]

I saved about $4,000 over the weekend, by staining my own deck (THompson water seal). Used a brush and electric sprayer.

To celebrate, I did my first bid on eBay for a Mamod O gauge live steam engine:

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?satitle=mamod+O+live+steam&catref=C3&from=R2

Hope I am making a wise choice and don't get ripped off. I'm still awaiting my Lionel docksider which was my first eBay order last week.

[dwiemer]

Keith,  Hope you have a great vacation.  Take lots of train photos to post on Sunday photo fun when you return.  You are heading into some prime areas for train stores and for viewing some 12 inch to the foot scale.

Been a busy day between church and getting my son set up for pre-school.  We went to dinner with some friends and now I can finally settle down while the tripple chocolate brownies bake. 

Doug, and all the other trolley lovers out there, tomorrow, on RFD, they have a show on Trains and Locomotives on Trolley lines of the South.  Watched a show on History Channel this morning on Lost and Found about the original Lionel train car.  Gave a nice discussion of the business and how popular the trains are/have been.

Take care and have a great night.

Dennis

    

[cnw1995]

Oh drat, wish we got RFD here on our TV. Paced a nice CP hopper train rambling along Rt. 16 on my five hour sojourn to Wisconsin Dells and back yesterday, led by a bright Soo-colored GP20

[FJ and G]

Just made my day. 2 neighbor kids, maybe 8 or 9, spotted my layout from their house. Invited them over and they were in the garden running the toy trains. You should have seen the enthusiasm, esp. when I got the river flowing. They're coming over tomorrow for a steamup with my railking consolidation.

If I win the Mamod live steam, that would be icing!!!!

[Brutus]

Don't get RFDTV anymore - I watched a lot of shows on that channel, but we switched back to cable for tv/internet and phone for a good price.  I do get DIY now -- did anyone see the episode of Ultimate Workshops that was on yesterday?  They showed an O gauge (I am pretty sure) layout in a basement - I think I read about it in CTT one time?  I missed seeing who's layout it was.

[wrmcclellan]

If you have a high speed connection, check out my post on Sunday Photo Fun. I took a long video (20 MB - ouch) of the Lionel Grand Central Terminal MTA Museum Christmas Layout and posted it a little while ago.

[ChiefEagles]

Well home.  This stupid software does not like Mazoola [however you spell it]!!!!!  Treats it like a popup when I tried to reply.  Could read everything fine but could not get curser to go into the box!!!!  Had Trains.com setup in the software but still did not like it.  I did the same for nc.rr.comn and it worked for it.  Then the AH SIL started griping about me doing things to his computer.  That is when I bit my tongue or I would have upset the Youngest.  He gets on mine and screws it up and I have to straighten it out.  He thinks he is some software brain because his Dad runs a software company.  Glad to be home.  If I'd have stayed longer, might have been in jail from busting his head.  Idiot has all rooms wired for cable and only has two TV's in his monster 4,000+ sq ft house.  Offered him one of our old ones and he says. "I only allow 2 TV's in my house."   Things will change next year.  Youngets says I will be a Grandpa in April. HUMM  Kids will get him straight or come live with me.  Dn civil engineer!!!!  Buckeye, you are one of the few [there are a few others] CE's that has common sense.  OH, the AH has teek floors all over the house.  No carpet or rugs.  You have to leave your shoes outside and not walk on his floors with shoes.  I mean, all floors including bathrooms [5 of them], stairs and kitchen.  OH, big windows in upstairs and almost all glass down stairs.  NO blinds or drapes in entire house.  Yes, you read that right. 

Had to water eveything.  No rain.  All the garden and Pam's flowers.  Even put the sprinkler on the front yard.  Don't think I have done that in the 20 years I've lived here.  Hey, Pam's in Wilmington so maybe I can get some things done until Tuesday evening. 

Later [I'm hungry]

[wrmcclellan]

Chief,

After a couple of years with kids he will not notice if you drag a plow through the house as the damage will blend right in.

[dbaker48]

Hoping Lucas had a great day, and weekend.

John - Thanks for the email!  That is really some cool brackets and will really help on my suspended tracks. 

Jim - You're right regarding the concern of keeping the tracks clean.  I have been concerned about that amoung a few other issues.  I can't say that my preferrance is suspended that's for sure!  But the alternative is  they are left in the box, and I figure they  might as well be on a shelf display,,,,,,,then  obviously electrify the shelf and put a curve on the shelf.  And there you have it.  The visitors then see how eccentric I really am,  with trains running around the ceiling !!

Keith - Hope you have a GREAT vacation! 

Our family use to have the big family picnics they were great!  Now my closest relative is 400 miles,  cousins havn't seen in 15 or 20 years.  Last summer I looked up a cousin in New Mexico, found out he was a General working for AF, on laser weapons.  Go Figure.  Then left there and visited another cousin in Arkansas that works part time at a gas station.  But they are all family and enjoyed reminissing with both of them.

Chief sorry your trip was not too great, unfortunately as they say.....Friends you can pick, relatives your stuck with.

Had a great weekend, worked Saturday in San Diego, but managed to get away and visited the Anderson outdoor G-Scale layout, it is really awesome.  I could put some pics up on the photo thread but they don't really belong on this forum I guess.  I'm sure Doug has been there a number of times.

Our room project is progressing well, Got the a/c moved, plumbing moved, pool protection railings.  Only thing left is a small amount of electrical and some outside speakers.  Still looking for a Labor Day completion.

Best wishes all.....

[mitchelr]

Good morning from Gettysburg.  It is a beautiful morning about 59 degrees.  I could live with weather like we've had the last few days all year long. 

I got lots of little projects accomplished yesterday.  Trimmed some bushes, which is really a pain to do.  Also serviced both vehicles, oil changes, etc.  I helped my son load his big furniture pieces on his truck.  He heads back to WVU today for his senior year.  Tomorrow the Mrs, my parents and I will head to Morgantown with  the rest of his stuff in our car and my Dad's truck.  Probably spend the rest of the day helping him get his new place put together.

Today is the first day new teachers report to school.  We will have lunch with them and then meet with them for a while.

Chief - sounds like you had a delightful weekend.  I have a sister-in-law like that one you deal with.  Makes for some great family gatherings.  Roy is correct that after kids, things just might change.

Don - so glad to hear the room project is progressing.  Post some photos when you get a chance.  I don't think folks would mind some G-scale photos after all they are still toy trains right??

Mike C = hope Lucas had a restful weekend.

Have a great day.

Mitch

[Jumijo]

Now I understand why the Chief sounded upset yesterday when I called him. Son-in Law troubles!

We had a spectacular weekend here in Massachusetts. On Saturday, the kids and I went to visit a garden railroad and had a wonderful time. Now they are all over me to build one!

After that, we went to the train store and found a pair of Lionel GP-9's for $30 each. How can you hate that?

Yesterday we went to a family cookout/birthday party and had another fun day. I was pitching in a ballgame and took a line drive square in the nose. Thought for sure it was broken, but shook it off and kept playing. Still hurts like heck today, but I had a good time.

I konked out early last night. Must have been all the activities and nice weather. I was sleeping by 9PM. Maybe I need to start taking Geritol.

Good luck to Tom on his first day at his new job!!!


Jim

[spankybird]

Good Morning All from NE Ohio

where the temp is 64 deg and headed to 89 with partly cloudy skies.

 

Keith - have fun on your vacation. Take a train ride ! ! !

 

Well we our heading out the door to the first day of our new job.

 

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cloudy 65 degrees. Sun is trying to come out. Going up to 87 today. We may get some rain tonite.

Tom..Good luck with that new job.

Today is a normal Monday. Starting the week. I have a few things to do today. Have to set things up to shampoo carpets in kichen and hall. Then the inside should be done. Catching up on small projects. Then the wife will have a new list.

Yes, Jim, I talked to Chief  yesterday, also, and he was not in his usual good mood. Some one set him off. Hope today is better.

Well, I'm off to the Dining Car. Talk more later.

Y'all have a great day.

Chuck

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is cloudy and mild in SE Indiana with temps in the 70s or 80s today and rain likely sometime today.  For those of you of a certain age and musical preference, you may recall the "Grateful Dead".  Some of you may even know about people who used to travel from show to show without tickets for the performance looking for a "miracle ticket".  I had a similar experience Sunday.  I was standing in line at the IRL race in Kentucky waiting to buy a $40 ticket.  There was only one window open and the line was moving slowly.  A person comes up to me and asks me if I could use this ticket.  He hands me a $60 ticket and says he and his kids will be sitting next to me during the race.  His name and address were on the ticket and so he will be getting a very nice "thank you" note from me.  In view of all that has been going on, it was a very nice surprise.  They talk in church about seeing the face of God in people, and I think I did on Sunday.

Tom, good luck with the new job.  Chief, I share your son-in-law pain, but congrats on the latest addition to the family in April.  Buckeye, welcome back from your vacation.  It sounds like it was a good one. 

To all, Lucas had a good weekend.  He starts the five day routine this week again and he is really not looking forward to it.  Last time he did not know what to expect, and this time he does.  He told my wife he can feel the change in his body as soon as the injections begin.  They are going to do more tests on my mom this week.  My sister talked to the doctor for some time Saturday, and basically they are pretty sure what it is, but they want to make sure and to what degree it is.  I told my sister this is the hardest part, not knowing what we are facing.  Once we know, we can deal with it and plan accordingly.  Having been thru all this with Lucas, this is not hitting me as hard right now.  I thank you all again for your support.

I hope everyone has a good day.

Mike C. from Indiana

 

[danrunner]

    Chief,

I'm still laughing about your frustration with realtives.  My mother-in-law has a historic house that is so full of antiques (I call it clutter) that you have to walk through the house sideways.  Four bedrooms and no guest bed bigger than a twin..Antiques piled on every flat surface and floor so that I have to push things around to set a glass down.  I have to push things around to fit baby crib in room with me.  AND SHE WONDERS WHY I HATE VISITING.  I am so darn claustrophobic in there I can't breathe...and I'm not normally claustrophobic......and she's a snobby know-it-all who never shuts up to boot.  Suggested my father-in-law go to a shelter for battered spouses. 

I'm sure we all have funny stories about relatives. 

I'm the only person I know who prays my wife has to work holidays so we don't have to visit her pain in the (*&(*&^&%  parents.

[wrmcclellan]

Good morning all!

Forecast here for next 7 days - 102 high/80 low (repeat 7 times).

Another busy day. Kids off to first day of new school year. This morning getting them up and out was less than fun.

Have a great day all - esp Tom in the new job!

[Brutus]

Got some sunburn at the show and so did my son - I guess we're real rednecks now!  Playing with RR Track today, figuring out a layout for Halloween - my first try would cost about $500 for new track, which would be well worth it to me!  Nice thing about Fastrack is you can keep reusing it, like the old track I had as a kid.

Thinking of getting another Hobo Depot and kitbashing it a little into a Haunted Depot - Hello LIONEL!  Here is a great idea for you to modify an existing accessory and make some more $$$ off me!  Ditto the water tower.  Maybe some bats and skeletons versus hobos?

[ChiefEagles]

Morning all.  Just paid all the bills [by computer, saves writing checks and do envelope and no postage as no charge for doing it this way ].  Makes spending money a little more pleasant.  Some folks dread doing that.  I am always thankful to be able to pay them. 

Jim A, I'm sure you were asleep when I called last night.  Man, there is going to be a shortage of maple syrup in MA.   Those GP9's are real tempting.  May call the guy today.  Some of us should jump on them.

Got to service my truck and rotate tires.  Got to get going.  Later

OH, got the book Legendary Lionel Trains free when I reupped for CTT magazine for three years.  Got the book and some savings too. 

[jefelectric]

Good morning all,

 Babysitting this morning a while, with the 3 & 5 year olds.  Put new slides on the computer desk keyboard drawer, which the 3 year old had destroyed by hanging on it. (Chief, This is what the SIL has to look forward to! )

Chief, I used to have a problem with the youngest SIL, but he has matured a lot and we get along just fine now. Of course it might help that they now lives in Colorado and we live in PA.

Well, got to go.

[wrmcclellan]

OTTS boys - prepare for a RAID!

I will be flying into Cleveland Friday Sept 1st. I have a family reunion in Akron Sunday Sept 3rd.

I assume there will be an OTTS event at the museum Saturday?

[MartyE]

Ah got the workout in and now getting ready for a conference call for my company's 401k plan.  Stayed up a bit last night to watch the meteor shower...more like a sprinkle.  saw 2 in about a half hour.  Oh well.  Hope everyone has a good day.  After the conference call I got some errands to run.  The family get together went well.  Everyone is getting older. 

[Jumijo]

Glad your family get together went well, Marty. I got a bashed in nose at mine yesterday. Had fun getting it though. 401K? Spend that money on trains. You could croak tomorrow!

Spent the last hour outside walking. another gem out there. Very pleasant. High around 80 with low humidity. Didn't find any trains in the trash during my walk (like Chuck), but I keep hoping.

Chief, what's all this about maple syrup?! If you think it's good on your pancakes, try putting some on your sausage.

Jim

[ChiefEagles]

Glad your family get together went well, Marty. I got a bashed in nose at mine yesterday. Had fun getting it though. 401K? Spend that money on trains. You could croak tomorrow!   Jim

From MR. PENNY PINCER himself!!!!!!!!!!

Chief, what's all this about maple syrup?! If you think it's good on your pancakes, try putting some on your sausage.Jim

That is exactly what you have been doing.

Just bought an Alberta grain hopper on OGR Buy and Sell.  Think that might get me the whole Canidian set.   Lunch time.

[Buckeye Riveter]

OTTS boys - prepare for a RAID!

I will be flying into Cleveland Friday Sept 1st. I have a family reunion in Akron Sunday Sept 3rd.

I assume there will be an OTTS event at the museum Saturday?

Roy,

When the Chief shows up in Ohio, it only takes two of us to keep track of him.  In the Cleveland area there are about 1,000 OTTS members to keep track of you since you are from Texas.  Make sure you wear a Dallas Cowboys shirt so they can easily tell you apart from the Pittsburgh fans.  Steeler fans have been known to disappear in Cleveland.

[dwiemer]

Afternoon guys,

     Not much going on, I am on call and so I am waiting in "Ready Reserve".  I can't wait to retire and not be on call anymore.  Just something about not having an idea of when your day will end.  Of course, retirement is still 14 years away.

     Got to watch some good train shows on TV today, between "I Love Toy Trains" and Trains and Locomotives, I guess I saw enough to tide me over till I can actually run some trains.

Dennis

[Blueberryhill RR]

OTTS boys - prepare for a RAID!

I will be flying into Cleveland Friday Sept 1st. I have a family reunion in Akron Sunday Sept 3rd.

I assume there will be an OTTS event at the museum Saturday?

I thought we swore this Texan into the Sacred O.T.T.S.  He is on the records as an " Honorary Member ".  

Chuck

[laz 57]

HI GIZ,

   Internet giving me problems here.  ARG hate this thing when that happens.

  Ran today for the first time since Wednesday.  Felt great to run but heel still smarts.  Oh well hope it gets better?

  MARTY watched the meteor showers also last nite only saw two too.  Not that great this year.  The best that I ever saw them was in '87 at Yosemite National park at Glacier Point.  Dark sky no light polution and we were seeing about 40-50 an hour.  Fantastic.

  ROY, hope you stop by the OTTS Boys and check out there layout?  At least maybe you"ll bring the TRIBE some luck?  We need something?

  CHIEF, bet you can't run your trains on the son-in-laws teak floors?

 Have a good one?

laz57

[dbaker48]

Don, glad you are getting the patio thing going.  Slip around those requirments and inspections.

I took the Chiefs advice, and with the help of some neighbors, we put up the room over the garage this weekend.

We will probably start laying track tonight, if we don't run out of Bud.

[csxt30]

OTTS boys - prepare for a RAID!

I will be flying into Cleveland Friday Sept 1st. I have a family reunion in Akron Sunday Sept 3rd.

I assume there will be an OTTS event at the museum Saturday?

I thought we swore this Texan into the Sacred O.T.T.S.  He is on the records as an " Honorary Member ".  

Chuck

That's right Chuck !!   Roy is one of us !!    I sure hope I'm able to get to the museum when Roy comes !! I better email Buckeye & Chuck & get them there too !! Hope Tom doesn't have to start working Saturdays now !!  Wow !! What a Wing Ding we're gonna' have !!

Well, can't wait to hear how Toms' first day went !!  I'm sure, very well !!

Also, I can't wait to see Jims new Garden RR he will be constructing !! Hope he gets started before the snow flies !!

Hope everyone has a nice night !!

Thanks, John