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

[dougdagrump]

Evenin' All,

Roger, The guy's name is Dale Manquen, hope the spelling is correct. He was at the club friday before last doing research for an article on camera cars. I wanted the club to do an upside down Christmas tree for the park's Christmas on the Prado event. However it will be something to think about for next year since there wouldn't be enuff time this year when other things need to be done.

Don, I didn't make it to Cal-Stewart, wasn't feeling up to it. After my pills in the morning I am not up to going out and running around, gets a little embarassing tripping up steps and walking into walls.  

[jefelectric]

Good evening,

Chief, Are you sure you can't get 1" foam?  Did you try local lumber yards / building supply yards?  Not the big box stores but the places that contractors buy their supplies.  That should be lots of fun wiring a layout with only 20" clear under the benchwork.  Hope you have a comfortable creeper.   Or a very short helper.

Don, Some time ago there was a lot of discussion about the upside down trains on the other forum.

Got to send my VO-1000 back to Weaver again.  It lost its voice.  They think it is the speaker again, they replaced it once before.  They must have gotten a bad batch.

 

[Brutus]

Don - that's cool, thanks for the pic!

[mitchelr]

GOT IT!!!!!!!!  The benchwork legs will be 24" high.  Got about  1" to screw in and out on the adjustment [using wide screw type adjusters like used to level desks and etc.].  Doing that to insure I get a good level as floor is covered with carpet.  This will give Pam's decorations tubs [17" tall] a little over 20" clearance for storage.  Another 1 1/2" with benchwork top and foam.  Can only get 1/2" foam in NC and it is $10+ per sheet = $20+ to make it 1" thick.  Now this height will allow for tall tunnel portals [I was figuring them too high] and room for the upper level with same tunnel portal heights.  This will get me through the walls on both sides of the walkin door.  Wind blowing hard [bad gusts] and raining as well as cold.  If it was not raining, I'd be cutting legs and framing this afternoon.   

Yanks, get out the snowblowers!!!!!!!!!!!!  

I just was watching the Weather Channel - Headline - major snow in the Carolinas.  Maybe Chief really is going to build some benchwork.

Mitch

[Blueberryhill RR]

GOT IT!!!!!!!!  The benchwork legs will be 24" high.  Got about  1" to screw in and out on the adjustment [using wide screw type adjusters like used to level desks and etc.].  Doing that to insure I get a good level as floor is covered with carpet.  This will give Pam's decorations tubs [17" tall] a little over 20" clearance for storage.  Another 1 1/2" with benchwork top and foam.  Can only get 1/2" foam in NC and it is $10+ per sheet = $20+ to make it 1" thick.  Now this height will allow for tall tunnel portals [I was figuring them too high] and room for the upper level with same tunnel portal heights.  This will get me through the walls on both sides of the walkin door.  Wind blowing hard [bad gusts] and raining as well as cold.  If it was not raining, I'd be cutting legs and framing this afternoon.   

Yanks, get out the snowblowers!!!!!!!!!!!!  

I just was watching the Weather Channel - Headline - major snow in the Carolinas.  Maybe Chief really is going to build some benchwork.

Mitch

Mitch, you are right. We have sunny days ahead. I think something backfired on Chief. He's getting the snow. I'll bet you a buck, he doesn't start until after the New Year.

Chuck

[mitchelr]

GOT IT!!!!!!!!  The benchwork legs will be 24" high.  Got about  1" to screw in and out on the adjustment [using wide screw type adjusters like used to level desks and etc.].  Doing that to insure I get a good level as floor is covered with carpet.  This will give Pam's decorations tubs [17" tall] a little over 20" clearance for storage.  Another 1 1/2" with benchwork top and foam.  Can only get 1/2" foam in NC and it is $10+ per sheet = $20+ to make it 1" thick.  Now this height will allow for tall tunnel portals [I was figuring them too high] and room for the upper level with same tunnel portal heights.  This will get me through the walls on both sides of the walkin door.  Wind blowing hard [bad gusts] and raining as well as cold.  If it was not raining, I'd be cutting legs and framing this afternoon.   

Yanks, get out the snowblowers!!!!!!!!!!!!  

I just was watching the Weather Channel - Headline - major snow in the Carolinas.  Maybe Chief really is going to build some benchwork.

Mitch

Mitch, you are right. We have sunny days ahead. I think something backfired on Chief. He's getting the snow. I'll bet you a buck, he doesn't start until after the New Year.

Chuck

Chuck - That would be like taking candy from a baby...my questions is which New Year... 2008, 2009.....

[Buckeye Riveter]

GOT IT!!!!!!!!  The benchwork legs will be 24" high.  Got about  1" to screw in and out on the adjustment [using wide screw type adjusters like used to level desks and etc.].  Doing that to insure I get a good level as floor is covered with carpet.  This will give Pam's decorations tubs [17" tall] a little over 20" clearance for storage.  Another 1 1/2" with benchwork top and foam.  Can only get 1/2" foam in NC and it is $10+ per sheet = $20+ to make it 1" thick.  Now this height will allow for tall tunnel portals [I was figuring them too high] and room for the upper level with same tunnel portal heights.  This will get me through the walls on both sides of the walkin door.  Wind blowing hard [bad gusts] and raining as well as cold.  If it was not raining, I'd be cutting legs and framing this afternoon.   

Yanks, get out the snowblowers!!!!!!!!!!!!  

I just was watching the Weather Channel - Headline - major snow in the Carolinas.  Maybe Chief really is going to build some benchwork.

Mitch

Mitch, you are right. We have sunny days ahead. I think something backfired on Chief. He's getting the snow. I'll bet you a buck, he doesn't start until after the New Year.

Chuck

Chuck - That would be like taking candy from a baby...my questions is which New Year... 2008, 2009.....

LOL

[ChiefEagles]

Goooood night.  Track plan has changed to more operation than just running circles.  Three main line loops but lots of sidings and hidden yard underneith [due to John S's suggestion].  Raising the table higher.  Dropping the upper loop as it was just a circle and no sidings.      Gentlemen with snowblowers, START YOUR ENGINES! 

[John Bakeer]

Cheif,
Thanks for your praise of my English, well, we did start it. You should hear my Yorkshire accent though. I must confess to a little cheating,this thing (Google) has a spell check, trouble is it's US english and we spell some words differently ie colo(u)r, but you should try reading 16th century english!
Don,
Thanks for your pointer to ADS. They do have suppliers in UK and I have e-mailed a request for a full spec.
Ah! Rowan & Martin (anyone remember them) and the news from beautiful down town Burbank. Sorry Don I just have to smile when I hear/see that word.
I live in a sheltered housing complex and due to my big mouth got into assembling some flat packed furniture for the common room. Left my electric screwdriver at my dear ladies, so had to use the mark one variety. Yes split my stitches. I never realised that a small thing like a pinky could pose so many problems.
Looking foreward to receiving my first copy of CTT.
I have decided that I shall start my O guage collection with a Big Boy (I already have No 4005 in HO & N) and then work down.

[dbaker48]

Good evening,

Chief, Are you sure you can't get 1" foam?  Did you try local lumber yards / building supply yards?  Not the big box stores but the places that contractors buy their supplies.  That should be lots of fun wiring a layout with only 20" clear under the benchwork.  Hope you have a comfortable creeper.   Or a very short heler.

John - I was wondering about that height my self.  I thought the layout would only end up about 24" high maximum.  But thinking about it more and how everything is relative, I just thought that the Chief has opperated on the floor for so long, that 21" high would seem gigantic in perspective.  Or, maybe that the significant height increase was planned to be incremental, floor height, then knee hight, and a subsequent waist level high layout.  Or possibly as long as the "knee" height has been in the planning stages that maybe as we age you know there is a shrinking affect.  So maybe was planing on that height being the optimum for the future.  Wasn't sure.

But, appears he has decided to add a couple of inches overall.  To each his own. 


Seriously, Congratulations Chief on the anticipated accomplishment !!!

Don, Some time ago there was a lot of discussion about the upside down trains on the other forum.

I recall seing the article and tree in a previous article, but didn't seriously consider it thinking it would probably be very expensive.  So when I saw it at the meet, and talked with Dale about it and how relatively inexpensive it was I was surprised.  A $110 including the Beep didn't seem to bad, the track cost may be expensive but an interesting novely.  Certainly would be interesting regarding the detail of design.  s Also any comment from anyone who may have purchased a engine or train.

  

John Baker - Glad you could find the audio box locally.  Can't believe the traffic from our office to Burbank tonight  - 2 1/2 hours for 46 miles, unbelievable!!  Don't appreciate the advantage I have 3 miles from house to office.  A lot of the people here, especially the younger ones commute everyday 60 to 70 miles one way, due to housing/real estate costs.  Commutes as long as 2-3 hours every morning and evening.  Anyway, Burbank is not very exciting other than the ABC studios.

Good Evening all!

[AKKevinT]

Wow — 2.5 hour commute to go 46 miles all in traffic. My hat is off to you Don I do not think I would be able to handle that. Two and half hours from fairbanks by car puts me inside Denali National Park and great hiking. If I go the other direction I am halfway to Valdez and salmon fishing. Driving north that far would put me up around the Yukon River bridge and close to caribou hunting area. THose are on heavy traffic days.

I get bummed if I have to sit at a stop light for more than one cycle. You guys outside that have to deal with traffic are pretty darn tough In my opinion! Give me cold and snow any day over that kind of traffic.

LAZ: is your bear hunting by lottery or can any old Joe buy a bear tag and go hunt? Is there an over all harvest limit? How many bears are there in the area where you hunt- thin or thick? Do they bait bears down there? We have bears here of course some blacks and mostly browns (grizzly). When I lived in Grand Marais MN over 20 years ago the woods around my cabin were crawling with black bears! They are a testy lot. Good luck on your hunt keep your eyes open.

Dropping down to -35°F tonight and looking like we are going to have a cool Thanksgiving in the Northland this year. I am sure the low lying areas around town and farther away will be -40° to -45°F in the morning.

Regards from the land of the Northern Lights

Kevin T.

[ChiefEagles]

Morning all.  Dem Yanks are trying to over run us with a NORTHeasterner.  40 to 50 mph winds, hard rain and cold.  Been in the 30's but will reach a toasty high of 44.  Flash flood warnings.  Some trees down due to saturated ground and winds.  So far, Roseyville is OK.  Going to repel dem and send it Nawth.  Highs will be around 70 by weekend. 

Up early.  Want to finish new track plan after a big bowl of GRITS.  Nothing like grits to get the mind working.   Think I will also have one of my famous sausage and egg sandwiches [big sausage patty like a hamburger, two egg omelet on top with lots of mustard]. Lots of coffee and a big OJ. 

I'm hungry, LATER!!!!!!

[thor]

Absolutely John! me too! Specs and English school teasing I mean. But trains teach you so much more than almost any other hobby, stick at it long enough, you'll be up on all sorts of other subjects not the least of which is elecronics, the basics of control systems, woodwork, metalwork if you go 1:1  live steam at some time (a lot of us do), heck too much to list. Almost everything I know I learned through playing trains.

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is sunny and cold in SE Indiana with temps hitting the 50s today.  I went to the YMCA and watched "Veronica Mars" last night.  Lucas went to the basketball game with his girlfriend.  We spend tomorrow at my sister's home.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[laz 57]

Hi GIZ,

   27 and frosty here today to get to 49.  We are to get the CHIEFs rain tomorrow into friday.

AK KEVIN,  in Pa the bear season runs the first three days before Thanksgiving and then in spacific counties all of deer season(2weeks) starting next Monday.  We have a real good population of black bears here last year they got over 4000 for the year.  Yes anyone can get a bear licence here in the state. No no bait or dogs.  In NJ the Gov. just outlawed bear season for 4 yrs.  Big anti hunter there.  I don't hunt them I only go for small game and deer.  I am big into flintlock muzzleloaders, you don't know if it will go off or not.  Got the last 4 deer this way.  3buck and a doe.

All have a good one.

I'm running trains tonite.

laz57

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a sunny 29 degrees. Going up to 52 today with lots of sunshine. I hear it's snowing in SC.

Today, I have a few projects to finish around the house. Maybe get a chance , later, to run trains for awhile. Tomorrow, we will travel to Zanesville, for Thanksgiving with Niece. Nice day planned.

Well, there's the call to the Dining Car. Breakfast.

Y'all have a great Wednesday.

Chuck

[Buckeye Riveter]

Chuck,

I think this is what we should get the Chief for Christmas. 

[cnw1995]

Good morning from a sunny and warm northeastern Illinois where we must've been send North Carolina's weather by mistake. I am unexpectedly working from home this morning because last night was one of those nights where something seemed to happen every hour up until 0430 - child falls out of bed; cat fighting; other child feels ill; more cat fighting... that sort of thing.

Jim F, there is a real sense of desperation about the Cubs wanting to win this year. Fortunately for the balance of the cosmos and the delight of the White Sox, they'll fail again. Chief picking up foam board? I thought I felt the earth quake...

Don, 2 1/2 hours for 46 miles? - that's about rush hour here for me if I have to drive into Chicago. Too many cars, not enough road. Thank goodness for Metra - can make it in an hour express going home on the train.

[jonadel]

My rush hour drive was 2 1/2 miles and took about 5-6 minues if the light was red............ I'll never regret living and raising our kids in a community of about 3500.

Jon

[laz 57]

GIZ,

  Just read in the paper that the biggest bear shot in Pa. on Monday was 693 lbs.  So my 800 lber is still out there somewhere?

laz57

[dwiemer]

Laz, I used to live in NJ.  Anti hunters would rather deer get hit by cars than bullets.  At least with bullets, you can still eat the deer.  Our season goes from Sept into Jan. 

We got hit with a cold front, rain and in the 40's.  Hearing Kevin's report, I have no complaints.

I am on call tomorrow and through the next ten days, so I hope they leave me alone long enough to get my foam board down and the wiring.  My dad sent a large box of wire, quick blow breakers, shrink tubing and several other items.  Hope to use them this weekend.

I emailed the folks at Z-stuff for trains, they are sending some information for wiring my layout.  Good service they provide and very nice folks.  If you are looking at getting your layout going, I suggest a call to them.

Have a great day and a blessed Thanksgiving.

Dennis

[AKKevinT]

Warming trend news alert! Clouds moved in last night and temps have warmed to -13°f instead of dropping. We are not breaking out the shorts just yet but glad it is warmer rather than cooler!

Regards from the freezer!

Kevin T.

[Brutus]

Off until next Monday.  It's a temperate 68 degrees Fahrenheit here in the living room with bright sunlight outside.  My wife has bronchitis and having trouble with a really bad cough and my ears are still plugged up, but getting better little by little.  Kids watched Wizard of Oz this morning and now making them watch Forbidden Planet.  I also picked up Emperor of the North, but will watch it later without the kiddos - they are still too young for that sort of movie, I think.

John Baker - Whan that April with his Showres Sote, The droot of March hath perced to the rote (etc) - not sure on the spelling, but I had to memorize the prologue to the Canterbury Tales once upon a time and I find that I still remember it.  I liked Middle English right well, but also took German around that same time, which I felt helped quite a bit.  A friend of mine is into geneology and since he retired he's been running backgrounds on people left and right.  He got started on my Dad and found my great grandmother was a Tipsword, which took him back to MacKenzies and in very short order back to 1650 when our family "came over".  We had relatives at some major battles including Sherrifmour (sp?), but no direct ancestors.  For some interesting reading on a daily basis, there is a website that posts each morning the corresponding diary entry from Samuel Pepys - sometimes pretty hilarious reading!  Let me know if you want a link to check it out.  Sorry to heart about your pinky and hope it heal up soon!

Doug - with my many relatives from Illinois, I would never say a disparaging word about the Cubbies!  However, I believe that Chief will succeed in making it snow in H-E-Double Toothpicks (maybe after a visit?) before they win!!!! 

Going to Michaels later - I'm going to buy some of this Fimo clay to make some stone walls for my layout.  TTFN

[dbaker48]

WE'RE  LEGAL !!!!!!

Just got the final buy off on our train room.  Everything painted, grounded as required !!!!
Even the rain gutters passed....
Last permit I'm gettin !!

YAHOO !!!!! 
Buying Lumber this weekend.

(Hope I didn't offend anyone about the layout height comment !)

[Dr. John]

We're about ready to close the church office early today. I thought I'd take the opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. We will drive over to Montgomery and share a meal with my SIL's family. It's nice having the children home from college for a few days, also to have FIL visit a while.

On Friday, while wife and daughters do battle in the retail arena, I'll begin work on the 2006 version of "Christmas in Dixie." I'm using a 36" by 80" hollow core door mounted on folding banquet table legs for the base. It's all ready to go. Just need to add the "snow" blanket, track, buildings, etc. If I can find my stash of Realtrax, I'll use it. Otherwise I'll go with O-27 tubular. No switches this year. I want to run some prewar Lionel and Marx.

Anyone else starting their Christmas layout this week? I guess someone needs to start a Christmas layout thread.

[Blueberryhill RR]

WE'RE  LEGAL !!!!!!

Just got the final buy off on our train room.  Everything painted, grounded as required !!!!
Even the rain gutters passed....
Last permit I'm gettin !!

YAHOO !!!!! 
Buying Lumber this weekend.

(Hope I didn't offend anyone about the layout height comment !)

Congratulations , Don.

Don't worry about the height. At least, you have height. Some people are trying to figure out how to put legs on carpeting.

Chuck

[dbaker48]

Received the following email today from NCL,  (Norewegian Cruise Line), I'm sure Kevin T.  is not responsible for this I'm sure,  but it kinda stinks.

"Please be aware that voters in the State of Alaska recently approved a citizen's initiative assesing a new tax for all cruise ship guests entering Alaska waters, regardless of the port of call, beginning 2007.  The tax will be applied to all existing and new reservations once the the state advises all affected cruise lines as to how the law will be implemented.

The tax is $50 per guest for the first and second guest sharing a stateroom and $46 for the third through eighth guest sharing a stateroom.  NCL is required by law to collect this tax from all guests as an agent for the State of Alaska.  The tax is fully refundable in the event of cancellation of the cruise.

If there is any develpment that changes this situation and result in either a reduction of the tax, all affected reservations will be re-priced."

I didn't realize a state could impose a tax for simply entering that state, muchless tax a ship entering from international waters.  I would think this would become a Federal Issue.  Or will we see state agriculture inspection stations become tax collection centers as well.

Anyone know where I can get a good deal on some TEA ???



  I think I'm wrong on this!!!!!  After thinking about it a bit, with so many parks, and they are so huge, someone has to help pay for the maintenance and upkeep.  After all the tourists are reaping the benefit of all the natural beauty.   And one state wide fee is not unreasonable, it certainly is still a great value. 

[ChiefEagles]

Afternoon.  Only had 2 3/4 inches of rain.  Seems to have stopped.  Water got up on the road around the pond.  Did not go over the emergency runaround [like earlier this year].  Hope it is over.  Still windy and cloudy.  Water running out of springs in the big rocks around the pond.  One of the boys that lives above the pond is on intesive probation.  I've caught him twice hunting [can't carry a weapon].  Last time was Sunday PM [no hunting on Sunday in NC].  Police Chief just came by and told me they have more warrants on him.  He's probably off to prison for a year.  They are waiting until next week so he will not be in jail during Thanksgiving.  I'm sure the younger brother will be next. Sad.  No one cares [lives with Grandparents who don't care].   Wired buddy's greenhouse heater.  Trainroom time.

Don, glad you got the OK on the room.  Talked to Jim A today.  Whinning about having to buy a TV.  Wife in the background saying buy a computer too.

[csxt30]

Good Afternoon Everyone !!  Here's wishing everyone here a Happy Thanksgiving !!  We will be here at home for it. Already had some cherry cheezecake & a piece of pumpkin pie last night !! I just got home from working all night & day. Had a 31 car derailment & now afraid I may fall asleep early tonight !!

Did I see where Buckeye might try some gritts ? !!    ( NO !! )

I'm excited that The Chief likes my plan for a staging or storage tracks under his ( real) BENCHWORK !!    

Oh, my Grandaughter & daughter sure liked Jim's Hippy-potomus joke !!

Glad Don is done with the permits & has an approval !!

Well, all have a nice Thanksgiving !!

Thanks, John

[wrmcclellan]

Another beautiful day here - 70 and sunny. Nice and cool at night.

Wishing you guys (giz in PA speak) a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow.

Now I need some advice (Buckeye). I just got the upgrade message for IE7. So - does it work or not? I know a few weeks back several of you were struggling with it and someone even said they reverted back to IE6. So what is the scoop today?

AK Kevin - You have not spent much time on the Anchorage to Seward highway in the summer (hwy 9) recently, particularly on Friday  night or Sunday. 46 miles in 2.5 hours is clipping right along. I think everyone in AK owns a travel trailer (or maybe it is so they have a place to sleep when on hwy 9!).