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

[danrunner]

    Chuck,

Heading out to Cambridge today and on to Pittsburgh this pm.  I e-mailed you my Cell # about that house thing you told me about.  Call me on the phone with the details if possible.

Thanks,

Dan

[Dr. John]

Off to Muscle Shoals, AL to lead a conference later today. Glad our nasty weather passed through yesterday. We had some golf ball sized hail in the area. Thankfully, none at our house.

Beautiful morning today, about 52 degrees and clear. Leaves on some trees beginning to change. Got the yard mowed and some brush cleared in the woods yesterday. Won't be long before the leaves start coming down.

Have a good day, everyone!

[dwiemer]

Morning all,  Jim, I have the 6400 series cars and would love to have a set of 2400s.  If you don't want them, let me know and I would be interested, I think you have a good deal there.  I am on call, again and will be going in later.  I have to make a stop at the bank and then off to the gym for the first time this week.  Unless they have me doing cases this weekend, I will be doing some benchwork.  It has been a long time coming (but not as long as the Chief).

Take care,

Dennis

[Jumijo]

I just saw on the Hobo RR web site that tommorow is the last tour of the season for the Flying Yankee. I'll have to make sure to get in on that. The Flying Yankee was an articulated streamliner that looked exactly like the Burlington Zephyr. It is being restored at the Hobo shops to like new condition.

Sounds to me like you guys think those cars are a good deal? 2421 Maplewood, 2422 Chatham, and 2423 Hillside. All are early silver versions with coil couplers and no black trim. He had an Irvington car too, but sold it.

This post war stuff is starting to pile up!

Jim

[cnw1995]

Good morning from a sunny and cool Chicago. Wow, there's a lot to catch up on - I love this thread. Took an early train in this morning to get some work done after spending half the day replacing rotten wood on the trim of the house. Of course the part that wasn't rotten was a real pain to remove but I'm very proud of myself for fixing it. Gas in our area is $2.26 and thirty cents higher in the city. Don't think it's going down any more. Going to Notre Dame tomorrow come what may weatherwise. What will we talk about when Chief's train room is done? 

Don, I'm sorry about the inspector. That's why I tell the bride we're never doing anything requiring a permit on this house...

Jon, our towns are racing toward one another gobbling up all that's left 'unincorporated' in our part of Illinois - part of its suburbanization; talk about 'edge city': the echo of Chicago suburban growth has almost reached Rockford: 90 miles away - too many sub-divisions now that housing is slowing down so much. The costs to annex to city sewer and water for these folks are breathtaking. Although I'm glad we don't have fires like California or fire ants like Carolina.

Jim, soldering is fun - I've burnt myself many a time and am still learning how to do it with my radio shack 25 watt iron - my only advice - run a fan and don't breath in the fumes - oh yeah, don't ever solder something when you're wearing shorts and there's a remote possibility that solder will drip on you.  I would buy those cars - not only because they are seemingly a good deal but why turn down the opportunity to purchase anything related to this great hobby of ours. You can always trade or resell them. Glad your anniversary was nice. Hope you remembered to tip the mule driver towing the Chevy.

Mike C., what jazz singer from the 30s were you helping to impersonate. I like that era of music.

Laz, I'd love to see a photo of your new reefers.

 

[laz 57]

DOUG,

  I'll try and take some pics and get YUZ GIZ the address if you want to order some.

laz57

[cnw1995]

Thanks, Laz. Forgot to mention I finally opened the pantograph I ordered from Olsens - they included a wonderful 32 pp. newsprint catalog - I will be spending hours perusing this looking at parts that just look interesting.  They seemingly have everything!

[Jumijo]

Aren't you glad that you ordered that pantograph, Doug? How's the 520 run?

Jim

[cnw1995]

Yes, I am, Jim. I just have to figure out how to attach it - forgot that little detail. I must have some small screw lying around. It runs like a coffee grinder and is a real puller - just four powered wheels like a  gang-car but with a pony truck. I've been experimenting with it. The bright red color really catches the eye.

[ChiefEagles]

I just saw on the Hobo RR web site that tommorow is the last tour of the season for the Flying Yankee. I'll have to make sure to get in on that. The Flying Yankee was an articulated streamliner that looked exactly like the Burlington Zephyr. It is being restored at the Hobo shops to like new condition.

Sounds to me like you guys think those cars are a good deal? 2421 Maplewood, 2422 Chatham, and 2423 Hillside. All are early silver versions with coil couplers and no black trim. He had an Irvington car too, but sold it.

This post war stuff is starting to pile up!

Jim

Hope the Flying Yankee flies away and takes all the New England Yankees with it.   Then I can go up Nawth and dig up all that gold in one certain one's back yard [he had the backhoe burying some more the other week].   Now if the keeps buying PW like lately, he'll be digggin it up himself.

Morning all.  Coooool here.  Got to get going.  Slept late.  Seemed good.  Oldest dog had me up at 3:30, 5:30 and 6:30.  Now he is sleeping.  Train room wood to trim today.  Buckeye is putting up the boat.  Never heard of such.  Must be a Yankee thing.   OH, it will soon be Snohio time.  God bless.

[weldman87]

dbaker48 your welcome for the help. hope you can get a better explination from your electrician when he gets there to do the work. your right this is a great forum with a lot of nowledge about trains and everthing else. Have a great friday everyone.

[cheapclassics]

CNW1995,

It was a lady by the name of Mildred Bailey.  She was associated with the Red Novro band if that helps.

Mike C. from Indiana

[dwiemer]

Jim,  if all that post war stuff starts cluttering the hallways, or if the bride gets a bit tired of seeing the UPS man drive up, you can always send it my way.  I will store it for you and I won't even charge.  I do know what you mean though, I caught post war fever and thanks to my wife, I am kinda in recovery (read that: I haven't bought anything lately). 

On a serious note, one of our anesthatists lost her husband last night in a roll over accident.  He was not wearing his seat belt and the truck rolled over him and crushed his pelvis, etc.  I say this only as a warning to wear the belt.  I used to be against it, but having had to deal with a number of trauma cases, I don't move the car without it on.

God Bless,

Dennis

[Roger Bielen]

Spent the day wiring the layout I've contracted for, the owner was happy.  I was able to hook up one of his old ZW's just befor leaving and power up the tracks.  We pushed a caboose around to make sure eveything was connected.  I brought home the instruction book for his TMCC ZW to learn how it works, next week we run a TMCC engine and get started on wiring the switches.  At this rate I should be able to get my Nikon D70s in a few weeks.

[csxt30]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is 42 degrees and partly sunny. Going only to 59 and sunny. I saw a bad phrase  on the Weather Channel this morning...." wind chill ".

Today, I may get outside for awhile. It rained all day yesterday. And one of these days I will have to cut grass again. I want to run trains today and dust them off. Then, I will have to clean track too. Time to get busy with those maint. things.

One more week to the Oct. 7th Show. Scrapping up all my train savings and wrapping coins for the bank. Now the fun starts.

Jim..( jaabat )..Buy the set for 75 bucks. They clean up.

Off to the Dining Car for breakfast. Later.

Y'all have a great day.

Chuck

Hey Chuck !!  I'm taking all my alluminum cans in this week !! That should bring in some train show money !! 

Well, it's Friday !! Glad & off the whole weekend !!  I might work on the rest of my new section & even go visit Spankybird, I hope !!  Boy has he been busy lately !!

Hope we get our new CTT Divcos soon !! A great idea Dennis & looks like everyone on the Coffee Pot is ordering some !! I'm gonna keep pushing for them !! This is important !! We need those !!  I think it's a done deal !!

Hope everyone has a nice night !!

Thanks, John

[Brutus]

Go for that deal, Jim - it's trains!  A lady at work was telling me about her dad's trains.  He had all these Lionel trains from when he was a kid and they're all in boxes now and stuff since they had to move (sounds like into a retirement community).  She's not sure what he had, just that they were all from that one company that's been around since like the 30's or something.  I told her she needs to get them and have her kids play with them, not let them rust away in a pole barn somewhere.

My daughter's got a little cold going and has a Girl Scout outing tomorrow, so hope she feels better.  How is Lucas doing?  Others?  Seems like I've lost track of stuff - sorry, but I used to be able to read the 'pot a few times a day and post as it went, can't do it in the office.  I heard a rumor we will be able to go back to working at home in a couple months - hope it's before we get snow.  I do like working in the office though, since I can visit with my buddies Jeff and Ron on break and at lunch.

I'm pretty sure someone recommended straight Simple Green to soak my gondola to remove paint and decals.  I've got a jug of concentrate SG and a bucket, so I'll try it tomorrow.  I thought we had some before, but we were out, so had to buy some the other night.  If it doesn't work, I've got an old jug of brake fluid in the garage.  Then need to buy a foam board and start laying track for the Halloween layout.

[Anonymous]

Jim,

        It may take a day or so in the Simple Green to remove the paint, but it will come off eventually.  The Simple Green will not burn you like paint stripper can.  I would be reluctant to use brake fluid, because it may melt plastic.  Can't wait to see pics of the Halloween layout!

[jefelectric]

Good evening all,

Got home from the HS football game a little while ago.  Left with about 5 minutes to go, couldn't stand to watch any more.  score was 46 to 13 when we left, yes we were losing, after wining 41-7 last week.

John, I hope CTT does another run of Divcos, they could mark them 2nd edition or change the style a little if they are worried about the collectors being upset.

Jim Fortner, let me know how you make out with the paint removal.  As soon as I remember to pick up a jug of simple green I am going to try it on an old work caboose.

Jim Trumpie, the brake fluid was suggested on the Atlas forum by someone who has used it with good results.

I picked up three of the Indian motorcycles at Walmart today.  Pretty close to O scale, maybe a little big.  Also three Model B, John Deeres in 1/50 scale.  I should now have enough of them to make up a flat car load.  Al I need is a little time.  Retirement sure doesn't leave much time for trains.

Wish everyone a great weekend, the weather here was fabulous today and should last the weekend.

[ChiefEagles]

No train room work done today.  Interruptions.  Painted big sign for the Sheriff [campaign time], painted neighbors pickets in front of house and worked on Pensey Flier [wire off of smoke unit].  Then had to run to airport to pick up wife.  Tomorrow, Miss Edna's and then a wedding to attend with wife [a must ].  Turnip greens are getting so big.  Neighbors are cutting them.  Think I'll cook a big pot Sunday.  Good night.

[dbaker48]

Evening all, probably too late you all done gone to bed. 

Just got back from HS football game, we too lost  9-0, I think the zebras made more yardage than either team.  Good news no one got hurt!

Frustrating local news today, 90 yr old woman ran red light  - broadsided a school bus with handicapped elementary children.  Bus flipped one child in critical cond, all the others with minor injury.  Probably won't help this other case going on where a 87 yr old drove through an open air market and killed 10 people and injured many last year.  His case just coming up for trial.

Then the fire that has been going on since Labor Day, they are projecting it will be contained by Monday.  However, the smoke is expected to be around until early December due to smoldering.  What a mess!  Of course the fire was created as a result of a rubbish fire getting out of control.

Waiting for the electrician regarding our room, but no big rush.  I won't be able to do anything for a month anyway.  Working on Saturday, then Sunday go to Phoenix for 3 weeks on a extended speaking tour.   But gotta do whatcha gotta do!

So, have a great weekend, best wishes to all. 

Miss not having the daily pictures that Tom posted.  But glad he's doing well!

[dwiemer]

Morning all.  Had to go back to work last night for a little emergency.  Didn't get any dinner, just a quick ice cream  bar in the docs lounge.  I need a good breakfast.  If all goes well today, I plan to get some benchwork started this afternoon.

Hey Chief, came home last night to find a armadillo in the front yard.  Didn't want to startle the neighborhood with gunfire, so I chased him down with a machettie, missed, should have shot him.  I hope to trap him and finish him off soon.

I think I have stirred up some strong feelings to get a new CTT Divco delivery truck.  I hope they can come through.  Perhaps Bob or Neil will get the ball rolling and make some available.

Have a great day, God BLess,

Dennis

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a rainy 46 degrees right now. Going up to 67 and more rain. This is a good day to spend time with trains. I will do that.

I have a few inside things to do first, and then I think I will do that train dusting that I put off. Needs it. 

It's a good thing that I cut the grass yesterday. The leaves are really turning on the trees. Pretty soon, they will be falling. Don'y like that.

Well, one week from today, the Train Show. It has been a long time coming. Didn't make the one in March. It's been a long road since then. But, it's been a good road. Getting better all the time.

Off to the Dining Car for Breakfast.

Y'all have a great day.

Chuck

[ChiefEagles]

Morning all.  46 degrees!!!!!!   Well, we were suppose to go to 49 but bouncing back up and into the high 50's as lows and mid 80's as highs next week.  Off to Miss Edna's.  Don, hope you have a good trip to AZ.  Wedding I HAVE to attend this afternoon.  Dennis, get that dillo.  We don't have them.  We now have your coyotes and your fire ants.  Don't need them.   Got to plan my training for GA real soon.  Will let you know in advance and be sure you are home then.  Have a great day.

[csxt30]

Good Morning Everyone !! 

Looks like a good day to get some things done on the layout & run some errends !

I haven't seen any Armadillos around here yet !! Us Yanks would probably train em" & make pets out of them !! They wouldn't scare us !!

Chuck : I'm headed to the dining car !!

Hope everyone has a nice weekend !!

Thanks, John 

[jonadel]

The true fish story about Chief yesterday.

The old Tarheel loved to fish and he went out about everyday.  And everyday he would bring in quite a mess of fish.  The last couple of days a man would watch him as he brought in his stringers of fish.  He asked the Chief if he could go along with him the nest day as he hadn't been having much lick.  The Chief said sure; so the next morning they met up and out in the lake they went.  When they got out to the fishing spot, he turned off the motor.  Then he opened his tackle box and took out a stick of dynamite, lit it and threw it overboard.  After the explosion, he took his landing net and scooped up all the fish.
 
Then the guy pulled out his wallet and flashed his Game Warden badge and said he was under arrest.  The old Tarheel didn't pay much attention, but calmly reached into his tackle box, took out another stick of dynamite, lit it and handed it to the game warden.  He then said to the game warden, "Are you going to fish--or are you going to just sit there?"

[MartyE]

Well everyone looks like a cool day here in SW PA.  Trying to keep up on the news coming out of Kodiak Junction.  Lots of activuty there last night.  Rumors of a crater or sink hole opening up but since all communication has been cut we can be sure.

Chief enjoy the wedding and Dennis...what did that Armadilla evr do to you?

Hope everyone has a good day.  Got up late this AM...felt good.

[Brutus]

G'morning men!  Son has a friend over, daughter is out playing with horses with the Girl Scouts, and I'm playing on my Nintendo DS, surfing the internet and watching Shaolin Master Killer all at the same time - gotta take advantage of my few minutes of guy time!  Cub scout leader is supposed to be here about 11AM to drop off some forms for my son, he changed up his mind and decided to join after all.  Once she's been and gone, I'm taking a shower and get started soaking my gondola, then head up to Lowes for some basement supplies.  Turns out you can only have about 7 or 8 outlets per circuit breaker, so I have to rerun wire for one outlet and then start a new run from that one.  No big deal.  Also turns out I need a separate 20 amp breaker for the bathroom, which can control one outlet, a light fixture and a lighted fan per my reading of the NEC.  I'm also going to put in a single 15 amp outlet for my future train set and also the computer, which will be in the basement once it's finished.  We were going to go apple picking tomorrow, but my sister the Opera singer from Boston is in town with her fiance and we have mandatory family time at my folks so she can tell us all about her wedding plans for a year from now.  I said just wait until the rehearsal and tell us what to do, but my wife says since the kids will be in the wedding, especially the daughter, that this is a girl thing and I need to just shut my pie hole or words to that effect.  Oh well, free lunch anyway....  Hope to leave in time to get some stuff done at home - need to do laundry tomorrow anyway.  We have armadillos here in Missouri - I've seen some dead ones on the road around Arnold and the Imperial and Pevely area.  Never saw a live one before, though.  With reminds me, I'll be getting a couple mole traps at Lowes as well - I've got an "illegal immigration" problem on the border of my lawn, down by the woods.  Varmint Cong sneaking in through the wire! 

[ChiefEagles]

We have armadillos here in Missouri - I've seen some dead ones on the road around Arnold and the Imperial and Pevely area.  Never saw a live one before, though.  With reminds me, I'll be getting a couple mole traps at Lowes as well - I've got an "illegal immigration" problem on the border of my lawn, down by the woods.  Varmint Cong sneaking in through the wire! 

You know it.  They smell like Yankees anyway.   Why, because they don't eat GRITS.

Everything cool at Miss Edna's.  Good visit.  She is getting in some Lionel 2006 catalog stuff.   Getting ready to go to wedding.    Then reception.

[jefelectric]

Good afternoon,

Chief, I don't envy you this afternoon.  Weddings & receptions are not very high on my favorite things to do list.

Did some yard and garden work this morning, with grandson & wife's help.  Getting ready for winter.  Cleaned up the garden as the tomatos & peppers were about done for and that was all that was left.  It is raining now.

Going to the Fall Company Picnic tomorrow afternoon.  Been almost 6 years since I retired but Jean still works.  Know less and less of the employees every year.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

[Roger Bielen]

ARMADILLO = POSSUM ON THE HALF SHELL

I've seen a few road kills within a 100 yds. of our driveway.  Haven't seen any signs of them digging, though wo'nt be taking a walk in the woods until after first frost.  Too many leaves and ticks, no-see-ums, mosquitos, etc.

Been doing some homework for the contract project.  Owner wanted a Lionel water tower, the one with only a flashing light, modified.  Steel structure repainted gray, light stay on w/o flashing, and modify the base to concrete bases only.

 Also had a caboose that wasn't making good rail contact.  Its a Lionel O27 he has, talk about a cheap roller pick-up, no spring to maintain pressure just a bent piece of copper.  I bent it a little more but it'll eventually bend back up.