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

[jonadel]

Cold?  You wimp, you need to come back when it is cold  Our temps are above average for this time of year and I'm thinking you are getting soft in your old age.  It's to bad you weren't scheduled for the end of January, that's the weather that builds character 

You'd best stay away from those Casino's, there's a reason they look so nice.

Jon

[Blueberryhill RR]

Cold?  You wimp, you need to come back when it is cold  Our temps are above average for this time of year and I'm thinking you are getting soft in your old age.  It's to bad you weren't scheduled for the end of January, that's the weather that builds character 

You'd best stay away from those Casino's, there's a reason they look so nice.

Jon

He must have had a good flight. He finally found something to complain about.......the weather. What a guy !!!!!!!!!

[spankybird]

Good Evening All from NE Ohio

where we had a high of 64 deg today and Snow is coming tomorrow.

We haven't had much time for the forum. Work keeps getting in the way of our hobby. But if we didn't work, then we couldn't have the hobby.

Then we are still working up at the museum when we can. So we just don't have that may hours left in the day. We do try to at lest read it once in a while.

Is Chief out of town again. I saw on the news that NC had some big winds down there, so I just thought he was at a town meeting! ! !

 

tom

[ChiefEagles]

Good Evening All from NE Ohio

where we had a high of 64 deg today and Snow is coming tomorrow.

We haven't had much time for the forum. Work keeps getting in the way of our hobby. But if we didn't work, then we couldn't have the hobby.

Then we are still working up at the museum when we can. So we just don't have that may hours left in the day. We do try to at lest read it once in a while.

Is Chief out of town again. I saw on the news that NC had some big winds down there, so I just thought he was at a town meeting! ! !

 

tom

Tom, glad work is going so good for you.  As for the wind, it was left over from the meeting with the County yesterday afternoon late.   Just had a great meal.  Cabela's knows how to feed you.   Off to room to take some cold meds and SLEEP!!!!   Jim A, I was wrong.  Only three miles from hotel to store.   Flew across the isle with a lady with a UP shirt on.  When she got off, her roller bags had UP hearld.  Wish I could find some tracks.  Think I'm too far out of town.  Did hear a tain horn blowing when I came out of the Mutual of Omaha Dome.   Marty, AA is not much better than Delta.  This crew was LA based.  Came to work late this AM and we left RDU 30 minutes late [they had spent the night [plane too] at RDU].  When they wondered up, they stood and socialized with gate attendents for 5 minutes.  Finally went on plane.  Made us late leaving but pilot must have known what he was doing, got to Dallas on time.   The more I fly them, the better I like US Airways.  They have really improved.  Off to bed.  Good night all.

[dbaker48]

Tom,
Glad to see you back, I know your there on Sundays but still nice to hear.  By the way I'm glad their is only one chief, cause those OHIO guys would be in a heap lot of trouble if there were more.  Four of the Ohio guys still have trouble keeping him in check.  They need your help Tom.

Off to see HS play, You Can't Take it With You.

Later

(Still sorting boxes)

[ChiefEagles]

Tom,
Glad to see you back, I know your there on Sundays but still nice to hear.  By the way I'm glad their is only one chief, cause those OHIO guys would be in a heap lot of trouble if there were more.  Four of the Ohio guys still have trouble keeping him in check.  They need your help Tom.

Off to see HS play, You Can't Take it With You.

Later

(Still sorting boxes)

Don, tell em like it is.

Keith, check out this on ChooChoo Auctions;

http://www.choochooauctions.com/cgi-bin/ua/itemlist.pl?category=K-Line

[Buckeye Riveter]

It sure is quiet and peaceful.

I knew it wouldn't last for long and those airline flights are just another excuse for more noise.

Did some train shopping today.  Called 8 authorized Lionel dealers and asked if they had a 180 watt Powermaster Power Supply (a brick) in stock.  None of the dealers in Central Ohio had the item and neither did Davis in Cincinnati.  Finally found the brick at T&S over near Wheeling.   This is the second time that T&S has come through for me.  A few more successful transactions and they will be on my A listing of stores.  With a Cabela's store nearby, they should move up that list very fast.

It is still raining. 

My Mikado returned from repair.  Put it on the track and guess what?  It didn't work!  It is back in the box and being sent back.  I'm getting tired of paying UPS shipping.  This time the coupler would fire as soon as power was put to the track. I think they mixed up the wiring of the coupler and the smoke unit.

Tom, glad to hear they are keeping you busy. 

See ya down the track,

and  of course,

Go BUCKS! 

[Roger Bielen]

Drew, my old "S" type transformer was/is ideal for this sort of thing.  It has 2 different voltage outputs controlled by the variable voltage knob.  With blocking you could hook up one voltage for up grade and level and the lower tap for the down grade.

Chief - How close were the tornados to your hometown?  I haven't seen any map as to where in NC the town is that they hit.

[Dr. John]

Good evening, all. Busy week with state convention in Birmingham first part of week. Tried to get caught up today at church, then visited some folks in the hospital. Will try to get some leaves mulched tomorrow.

We missed the tornado damage here in Alabama by about 20 miles. It touched down in east Montgomery about 2 miles from my sister-in-law's place (they had no damage). Thankfully no one hurt badly here. My heart goes out to the families that were killed in NC. Seems like November is often a bad month for storms like this.

[jonadel]

Chief--
If you have a rental car you should try and get over to the east side of Omaha on I80 and at least get to the UP museum, VERY interesting plus on I80 just west of the MO river is a fabulous UP Challenger (I think) on the side of a hill on the north side, beautiful.  If you have time from where you are staying you should try and get out to Offuft AF  base for a tour, well worth the time.  Omaha has some fine restaurants in old town, hey if you are on an expense account I could pick you up and you could pay for our lunch or dinner tomorrow  Plus, I could bring a winter coat for you!

Jon

[Brutus]

Heard them talking about the tornado at work - what a shame.

John (jefelectric) - hang in there for the right dog.  Chewy has been a real blessing to us.  She hurt her foot the other day and had to have a shot and has been on puppy advil for a week I guess.  She's getting better though.  My sister-in-law ran out and bought a little white dog too - turned out pretty badly.  Their dog kept messing all over the house and other stuff - they sold it for a song and had to deal with a sad little girl too.

I think I might get that Moe and Joe lumber car for Christmas and maybe a saw mill for my layout too.  I've got the operating lumberjacks and a bunch of hobo stuff.  Watching prices on ebay and stuff right now.

[cooltech]

Good evening everyone,

I went to a friend's house to watch the Eagles game today, and I just finished up my biology homework. Mike C I did watch the game. How about both goals being scored about 10 seconds apart in the second overtime! That was pretty amazing. I wanted Texas to win, and they did.

Hope everyone had a good day.

Hi tmcc man! I live north of Philly in Bucks County. To all others, such a trip reading from the 'coffee pot daily news'

cooltech

[tmcc man]

Nice to meet you cooltech. Welcome to the Pot.

[Jumijo]

Good morning everyone.

I can tell that the Chief is north of the M/D line. It poured rain here last night. It rained so hard that it woke me up from a sound sleep. The ride into work was no picnic either. Still pouring out there. Still, better than snow!

I installed our new train sign last night. The kids should see it for the first time in about 2 hours!

Laz, I meant to ask you how the pheasant soup was. What's in it besides the bird?

Train show this weekend. I'm looking forward to it. Also going to hit Charles Ro to see Jerry Calabrese, then on to Northeast Trains at long last. Dollars to donuts my wallet isn't going to come out of this weekend unscathed! Tommorow night we are having a large family get together at our home. The layout is ready for its public debut.

Buckeye, At first, I hated the new forum software. I even hated the way the forum looked. Now I'm used to both and don't have any complaints.

Have a super weekend everyone. Smoke 'em if ya got 'em!

Jim

[cnw1995]

Good morning from a dark northeastern Illinois where I'm not sure what the weather is like because the sun isn't up yet. I'm taking another day off so I don't lose the hours. I always end up working anyway - remotely. Jim, sounds like a magnificent weekend. I missed out on Trainfest last weekend. I was thinking of taking one of these days off but not telling anyone in the family and going on a marathon LHS visit around the area - did that a few years ago. Maybe its too close to Christmas for the wallet impact. Going to drive the daughter to school now to let the bride sleep in. Why in my day, I walked to school - hers is just over the horizon...easy stroll.  Last eveming I finished my latest round of rewiring to get the new sidings powered. Didn't work. So I have a project for later today.

Hope the kids like Jim's new sign. I need to do something like that.

[Jumijo]

Doug,

You're up early today!

What you need to do is get yourself to a library and take out the following book:

The Big Book of Lionel: The Complete Guide to Owning and Running Americas Favorite Toy Trains by Robert H. Schleicher

If it's not available through the library, by all means, buy it. It's truly worth it in regards to track wiring. Schleicher makes it seem so simple with his clearly marked, easy to understand photos and language. Even the Village Idiot (me) can follow and comprehend it perfectly. I truly think all of your wiring bugaboos will disappear after you read this book.

I've often thought about taking an unannounced vacation day all to myself and hitting all the LHSs in the area. I could literally make a full day out of it.

Get your hands on that book!

Jim

[cnw1995]

Thanks, Jim. I have some pages I've photocopied out of other books from the library. I'll go look for it.  Looks grey and cold today now - big surprise.

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is cold but clear in SE Indiana with temps in the 40s today.  All I did last night was go to the YMCA.  I had to change my routine for the day and it has thrown everything out of kilter.  It never fails.  I have no plans for the weekend except take the mower to get fixed again.  At least it is all under warranty.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It's a cold , gloomy morning of 38 degrees. Only going up to 52 today. We got a little sunshine yesterday. but today is maybe.

Today I will help the wife do a few things around the house and this afternoon, I will work on layout. I have to finish the mountain and town before I start the new addition. Don't want to try too much and get stuck.

Just watching the Weather Channel, on the NC tornado. That's a shame. All those folks lose their homes right before the Holidays. And about 8 people died. I wonder how far from Roseyville it was??

Well, time for breakfast in the Dining Car. Be back later.

Y'all have a great Friday. TGIF for the working folks.

Chuck

[laz 57]

Hi GIZ,

   Big winds and rain here yesterday.  Got 2.32 inches and saw a double rainbow yesterday, COOL.  

JABBAT, pheasant soup was made with following ingredence,  pheasant, carrots, cellery, kholerobi(fresh picked from garden) onion, and teaspoon of garlic for flavor, along with some good Dutch noodles.

TGIF.

Going to play with trains tonite.

Lets be safe out there.

laz57

[ChiefEagles]

The Big Book of Lionel: The Complete Guide to Owning and Running Americas Favorite Toy Trains by Robert H. Schleicher

If it's not available through the library, by all means, buy it. It's truly worth it in regards to track wiring. Schleicher makes it seem so simple with his clearly marked, easy to understand photos and language. Even the Village Idiot (me) can follow and comprehend it perfectly. I truly think all of your wiring bugaboos will disappear after you read this book.


Jim

How true a statement.   The tornado area was quite a distance from Roseyville.  Feel sorry for those folks.

T&S in Bridgeport [near Wheeling] has been a "must stop" for me when I go thorugh there.  Bought some great rolling stock at great prices.  Shipping is unbelievable cheap.

Weather wise, Doug W and Don B have ruined my repietation.  Ever since I visit to them in Sunny CA, I carry nothing but pretty weather.  High near 55 here today and sunny.  Tuning back cold after I leave.  Off to store.

Jon, if you two come today, I'll buy both meals.

[jonadel]

Chief--

Thanks for the offer  I'm waiting for the computer guy to call me right now and hopefully find out what's wrong with my machine.  I think I've got a gremlin hiding inside this computer and I really need some help (and the computer too).
Jon

[thor]

Morning all!  This is just a test, Jon's not the only one with gremlins!  I'm trying to get a picture to post of Asherah in my sidecar, taken when we went 'train hunting' in the city, my wife's packing a saddlebag on the mighty Vulcan, this is our sole means of transport year round.  If this works I've got a bunch more to share but first I've got to take the bike and get Asherah from playschool.

I think you might find the next batch better and more interesting, I hope...

[Jumijo]

Jon, if you two come today, I'll buy both meals.

Old dog, new trick?



Jim

[trainmasterz]

Thanks for the insight guys.

All the pieces are finally coming together now.  I was wonderin what all the fuss was about.  All that trash talk about electronic speed control was over my head before.

Im going to have to do some research now I suppose.

Take care all.

[thor]

So here's Part 2 as promised...don't forget to click on the pictures if you want them bigger!

Here is my wife at TrainLand last weekend, getting me a lot more FasTrack including a manual turnout and a tipping wagon and operating track.

Tam at Trainland

Asherah was totally delighted with the ability to be sent train cars filled with M&M's and dump them. Sure taught her how to position that car precisely and she loved the turnout.

Asherah switching tracks manually

As you can see, we are stuck in a tiny galley right in the corner using a folding table and kitchen table combined but its enough spae for Overscale castle and all her favorite toys

Asherahs Overscale Adventureland

Here comes an unrecognizable 1130. Its a great loco, handles really well and pulls a lot. I like the way it looks now much better though. The shade of green isnt right and it needs better detailing but it was my first attempt.

Anglicised 1130

Well the lads are at work repainting the 8303. I rounded up some homies and put their talents to good use,

8303 In shop for repaint

No dear, you'll never get that K-line gondola full of logs under that arch!

It'll never fit!

So, as you can see, our bigest problem is a really drastic lack of operating space. Something HAS to be done about it but we live in a small very over crowded house and there's no room to swing a cat! However a bit of lateral thinking made me realise that the answer was staring us in the face. We have an alcove that was once a fireplace and it needs shelving and doors to keep Asherahs toys from taking over the living room. I realised that if I made the doors operate in two planes, they could be close, locked and the entire frame could pivot and slide down to the horizontal to create a 5ft x 7' operating table.

The same idea could even be taken a step further but that'll have to wait for now. I estimate the cost of Step 1 will be around $200 and then Asherah and I will FINALLY have a place to setup the trains and play with them without wobbly inconvenient compromises like the kitchen setup shown! I hope these pix of my sketchbook conveys the general idea, well, whaddya think?

Spacesaver 1 - shows alcove with normally open doors

Spacesaver 2 - doors closed in frame which swivels and drops in tracks

Spacesaver 3 - Shows further expansion possibilities

 

[jefelectric]

Good afternoon everyone.

Cooltech,      .  Don't hesitate to join in the discussion.  This thread is not limited to trains, although we are all train lovers.  I am located west of you between Lancaster & Harrisburg.

Thor,  That looks like a plan to me.  Are you going to fasten the track to the panels?  I like the sidecar.  Looks like the little one is pretty well protected from the elements.

I spent the morning helping with the Lodge pie baking.  We sell several thousand Thanksgiving pies every year with proceeds going to a charity.  I was on the pie crust line.

Stopped at Cool Trains after lunch & returned some track that I discovered I didn't need and bought some I did need.  Also picked up a few Santa figures and some MTH bikers as well as an MTH ready to run catalog.  This catalog also has all the track and accessories, which are not in the main catalogs.

Nice day today after an inch and a half of rain yesterday.  We did not get as much as some parts of the county.

I must get working on the doll house.  Finished the porch posts and railings yesterday.  That is a real bear of a job.  Working on baseboards inside right now.

All have a nice weekend.

[cnw1995]

Great photos, Thor - and the plan looks like it would work. Just returned from Christmas shopping at Toys Backward R Us - you'd think they were giving the stuff away. I found an interesting battery powered nearly O scale Caterpillar train set - looks like a cheaper version of the K-Line ones. A few HO sets as well. Went to the library to order the Wiring book - picked up How to Wire Your Toy Train Layout from Kalmbach - maybe it'll help. Came home to a house full of four year olds who want to see the trains run....

Mmmmm, pie.

[Dr. John]

Thor, you have an intriquing plan there. Something like some of the Murphy bed plans I've seen in HO. Looks to be a good use of space. Thanks for posting the pics of your daughter enjoying the trains - as they say, that's priceless!

Had an opportunity to visit one of the few, well-stocked hobby shops in Alabama - Homewood Toy & Hobby in Birmingham is very well-stocked with Lionel and MTH sets, plus a great selection on cars, accessories, Fastrack, tubular and Gargraves track. They also have some interesting items in the display case, one being the transparent Lionel F-3 ABA set. I'm not sure what year that came out. Didn't buy anything, but the Lionel General in North Pole Central colors was tempting at $100.

Much prettier weather today - sunny and a high of about 60. Nice days to mulch leaves. Tomorrow is the Alabama - Auburn Game, known as the "Iron Bowl" since it was played in Birmingham for so many years. I'm pulling for Bama, but my hopes aren't high this year. Looking forward to having the kids home next week for their Thanksgiving break.

[Buckeye Riveter]

“Because I couldn’t go for three.” – OSU Coach Woody Hayes, when asked why the Buckeyes went for a two-point conversion to cement a lopsided 50-14 win over Michigan in 1968.

 

Go Bucks!! Beat Michigan!! Go for Two!!

 

A great coach, Bo, passed away today at age 77.  Bo, with Woody made this game the greatest college football rivalry.  Both are greatly missed by all of the fans in Central Ohio.