Good Evening & Morning From Fairbanks,
With an almost full moon and clear skies the night here in Alaska is great! Just read through several days worth of postings, wow what a busy group.
So here it goes, congratulation to everyone who is: making progress on their Christmas plans; hanging Christmas lights; chasing, spoiling and then returning grandkids; pampering their wives; chasing the wildlife (clothing optional I guess); shoveling snow; navigating on ice; building benchwork & influencing weather; traveling for work; hitting the books and making the grades in school; working overtime; and anything else I may have missed.
Don: Still no CTT, wow if it holds off a little longer I'll have one of my kids wrap it and put it under the tree! Maybe tomorrow.
I worked on our Christmas layout a little more last night. I will start a post with a few more pictures following this entry.
WEATHER ALERT: The bad news it is still very warm here in Fairbanks, weather guys are calling for temprature to reach 20°F again on Weds! Heat wave baby ya have to love it. So I guess you folks Outside (what Alaskans call everyplace besides Alaska), will be getting somemore bum weather courtesy of the Arctic. So throw another log on the fire and put out the dogs for the night.
Roy: I had a meeting today with some fellows from Texas. This was their first time to Alaska, they were freezing while we were digging the warmer temps. They were very thankful for the weather they got when they heard that last week the tempratures were 45 - 50 degrees cooler! They said they enjoyed the experience but were looking forward to getting back to Texas and some, what they called, "real warm weather".
Good night all!
Warm Regards from the Freezer,
Kevin T.
Good morning everyone.
I said we were going to do it, and we did. The kids and I set up a loop of brand new O27 tubular track on the den carpet last night and had a ball. It's a pretty large loop and goes roughly all around the room. A CW-80 and one lockon power the loop. No areas of slow down either! My favorite area is the canyon. That is the space between the arm chair and ottoman. Then there's the tunnel. Where the track goes under the coffee table. The tubular track was a pain in the you know what to put together, but let me tell you, the trains are so quiet! We ran a post war 2037 and a bunch of post war frieght cars. I was amazed at how quiet the train was. Just a faint clickety clack of the wheels on the rails. 42" curves and 35" straights with a couple of small filler pieces did the trick. I'm apoplectic all over again! I might even go buy a styrofoam tunnel tonight! Do it, Doug. You'll love it!
Have a nice day, all!
Jim
Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale
Good morning all,
It is cloudy and warmer in SE Indiana with temps in the 30s today. It was a busy night as we set equipment for the train exhibit at the local historical society this weekend. We had my dad over for supper and my wife is working all the rest of the week. I also went to the YMCA. I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
jefelectric wrote:As usual I forgot to mention that I stopped at Barry's today to pick up two packs of Atlas track screws. I'm not laying track, just find them handy for many uses on the layout, such as fastening accessories and buildings. More to the point, as usual I came out with more than I planned on buying. Got a Lionel hot box reefer for 49.00 (list is 149.00) and a K-line PRR business car for 42.00 (list was I think also 149.00) Just could not resist. Laz, He had quite a pile of the hot box cars, if you are interested. I got the last of the PRR business cars. Some other roads still on the bargain table. also K-line buildings and Lionel operating accessories.
As usual I forgot to mention that I stopped at Barry's today to pick up two packs of Atlas track screws. I'm not laying track, just find them handy for many uses on the layout, such as fastening accessories and buildings. More to the point, as usual I came out with more than I planned on buying. Got a Lionel hot box reefer for 49.00 (list is 149.00) and a K-line PRR business car for 42.00 (list was I think also 149.00) Just could not resist.
Laz, He had quite a pile of the hot box cars, if you are interested. I got the last of the PRR business cars. Some other roads still on the bargain table. also K-line buildings and Lionel operating accessories.
John,
How did you manage to get those cars so inexpensively?!
Kevin from Alaska,
I enjoy reading you posts and seeing photos of your holiday layout. It's a pleasure having you as a member of our forum. My CTT never arrived either. Neither has the replacement copy they sent. I finally went to the store and bought one.
HI GIZ,
27 and cool here today to get to 45? Ran outside last nite, easy 4 miles quite cold.
JELECTRIC, good for your son and DIL. Wish I could hook up with a deer. Maybe this weekend?
DBAKER, thanks for the update on the BIG BOY. I figure it will be March or April on getting it, cause I just got my Cab Forward in Nov. and was due in July.
JAABAT, BARRYs TRAINS in ELIZABETHTOWN is a great place to get lots of good buys. He will get these Hot Boxes at a bblow out sale, pick up a few hundred sell them and not gouge the customer. Smart businessman. Makes a good go of it.
All have a good one.
laz57
Good Morning from Blueberryhill....
It is 32 degrees and sunny. Going up to a sunny 48 today. That isn't too bad.
Today, I am doing a few things around the house and then working in the train room. I have to take a few pictures and figure out how to install the new bridge I got by UPS yesterday. It is a 47 1/2 inch, steel truss bridge made by The Hundred Year Old Bridge Co. Very nice. Double track width. Now, I have to paint it, as it comes in mill finish. This will be serious fun.
I haven't seen any new benchwork pics from the Southern fella.
All Aboard for the Dining Car. Breakfast.
Y'all have a great Wednesday.
Chuck
tmcc man wrote: Good evening everyone, I finished putting the lights in the tree in the front yard, and it looks pretty good. I had no homework tonight, so I was able to relax and take a break from a hectic half week. Tomorrow is my last day for the week. I found this on the TRAINS forum and thought I would share it with everyone.http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/968212/ShowPost.aspx
Good evening everyone,
I finished putting the lights in the tree in the front yard, and it looks pretty good. I had no homework tonight, so I was able to relax and take a break from a hectic half week. Tomorrow is my last day for the week.
I found this on the TRAINS forum and thought I would share it with everyone.
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/968212/ShowPost.aspx
Thanks Colin, I have unfortunately had a number of humbling experiences that can really change your outlook. As the guy says, "I have no problems"
God Bless,
Dennis
TCA#09-63805
Good morning from a gradually warming Chicago where it is a balmy 34. Last night we went over to our neighbors for a little impromptu gathering. It was nice to see some people we'd otherwise not see until the weather warms again. Hope to run some trains tonight. Plotting to go to the hobby stores on Fri.
Great buy, Laz. I've seen the Statue in some layout articles and it looks sharp.Jim A., you're inspiring me...Congratulate me on being published in CTT. I was re-reading the Jan. issue and there in Neil's editorial is a quote (from an unidentified forumite) that I thought looked familiar - 'cause I wrote it. Now accepting compliments...
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
Morning all. Is there a way to set up your font size and save it with this new software. Don't like the tiny stuff. Hey, off to Frankie's and Cathy's [oldest]. She lives right up the street from Frankie [poor guy]. Back later today. Probably no work on the RR today. Did some measuring and etc to get the liftout right.
Marty, hope you get the big chairs for that fight[s] and back.
Kevin, you can close the door now. The cold air to freeze those Yanks is getting into REBEL territory. Tomorrow the winds are to blow and temps drop. Friday, the high is suppose to reach 30!!!!! Warm back up for weekend.
Later
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
tmcc man wrote:I found this on the TRAINS forum and thought I would share it with everyone.http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/968212/ShowPost.aspx
Colin
Thanks for sharing that post!! It is truly inspirational, I am equally impressed with you for the time and effort not to mention your values for, you are quite an impressive young man.
I think it would be a worthy post to have its own thread, to be shared by many more. If just 1 person had a second thought the result could be quite positive.
Again thanks for sharing.
Kevin,
Sure will be glad when you close that door, we are suffering from all the backdraft of the cold weather going east. The temp wont go below 76, but the relative humidity is 10, sure is dry. This dryness is just terrible...
- static electricty up
- nose dries out
- have to water christmas tree 3 times a day
- Christmas tree lots don't have a Santa on site, noone can stand the hot clothing
- fire risk high
- balmy evenings
- cloudless skies (no contrast)
Man this is getting unbearable, and projected at least 3 more days before any relief in sight. Might have to consider relocating.
Don
Jim, (jaabat) Laz is correct. Barry always has his bargain table well stocked. He is very knowledgable about the business and seems to always know who is overstocked or more importantly short of cash. He makes some great buys and sells a ton of stuff, both retail and to other dealers. Also attends all the major shows in the area.
Getting colder here, was 20 degrees this morning. To be cold all week with the low point on Friday.
Finally finished the dollhouse. Will post a picture or two later. Now working on adding the brick and second TIU along with panel meters and fuses for the brick and postwar ZW. David posted a picture of my panel a while back. Just need to get it all wired and mounted.
Kevin, glad to hear you are having a heat wave.
Chief, like you, I wish we could set up some defaults on the software but don't think it will happen. I have to change font size and default color everytime I post. Also the link insertion is a little flaky.
All have a good one, I'm off to lunch with the bride.
Can anyone see all the smiley's?
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
Buckeye,
Let me first find my magnifying glass so I can read
Jon
So many roads, so little time.
Good afternoon everyone,
Today was the final day of school for the week. I have to add a few more strands of lights on the tall tree out front, and then the decorations will be complete.
Now, about that story: My eyes started to become wet. That is one of the saddest stories I have ever read.
I will talk to everyone later.
Ditto Dr. John's weather report, for our area. I think they just said tonight will be the coldest in 15 yrs., I find that hard to believe.
Nothing new on the train front, still working on the contract layout.
Hello all from sunny Phoenix again.
Get to go home tomorrow and might get out of here early so I can try and make my son's first B-Ball game tomorrow night. He is not first string but he sure was happy he made the team. He will definitely play in what they call the "zero" quarter, which does not count, but makes sure all the boys get to play as I understand it.
Kevin - tell those TX boys they should also be happy they got to sleep since the sun was not out all night like when I was there. Nice layout pics you posted!
Chief - I see that you have not even got tops on your layout tables and you have already started filling the underside with junk and trash.
A buddy of mine in NYC sent me a mail re the Cowboys vs Dallas game simply stating "oh the humanity". Think he meant the inhumanity but it was funny anyway.
Blueberry - those are nice bridges. I saw one at York painted a bright fire engine red and it sure looked nice. Wish I had a place for a big bridge on my layout. But I am happy that I have a layout at all.
Dennis - I forgot to mention it a few days back, but I was happy to see your note that your son was out with some friends after all he has been through.
BTW - I have not had any problems with the new forum software (other than the smiley window not showing all of them) but I still have not converted to IE7. Anyone convert yet and can say how this is working?
Later - have a great evening all!
Regards, Roy
Dr. John wrote: Hope everyone has a good evening! I'll eat supper at the church tonight, attend a Bible study, then head home to run some trains (when I'm not watching "Criminal Minds" or CSI:New York).
Never seen a Baptist Preacher miss a meal yet.
Evening all. Took all afternoon to get oldest lawnmower service and stored [but ready to go] until next spring. Got that old bed out and in her garage until she can use it. Was my GreatGrandMothers. No tain work today. Tomorrow, even with the wind chills. Want to get that corner with the chimney boxed off and ready for lift out. Then cut teh big sheets up so I can get them up stairs. Then cut holes in the wall for tunnels. Since that is a double wall, I am going to put cardboard inside the walls. Then spray foam in the holes. Once dry, carve it out and paint black. Watching Little Women now and then Miracle on 34th Street again [every night this week, wife is possessed]. Later.
BTW: Keith, thinking of something to drive the fornt back up and hold it over Ohizo.
I have been watching the Military Channel for a while. Very interesting programs on the Luftwaffe. The show is called "World War 2 Battlefront." I don't know if you all know this, but my other hobby is WWII. I love reading about it, watching programs on it, and hearing my grandfather talk about when he was forced into the Youth. He has many badges from different officers. As a matter of fact, I will be going to his house tomorrow to look at them. Anyway, last night's two episodes were on the Winter tank battles in the Ardennes, and also about how the American's crossed the last remaining bridge across the Rhine. Very interesting stuff, but the Ardenne episode was a little sad.
tmcc man wrote: I have been watching the Military Channel for a while. Very interesting programs on the Luftwaffe. The show is called "World War 2 Battlefront." I don't know if you all know this, but my other hobby is WWII. I love reading about it, watching programs on it, and hearing my grandfather talk about when he was forced into the Youth. He has many badges from different officers. As a matter of fact, I will be going to his house tomorrow to look at them. Anyway, last night's two episodes were on the Winter tank battles in the Ardennes, and also about how the American's crossed the last remaining bridge across the Rhine. Very interesting stuff, but the Ardenne episode was a little sad.
Colin, I, too, am a follower of the Second World War. I watch those Battlefront programs too. Watch the one of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. My Dad was in that Invasion. When McArthur went back into the Phillipines. He was in the Invasion on Japan, and aboard ship to Japan, when they dropped the Atom Bombs. He landed in Nagasaki , 3 weeks after the Bomb. He was discharged in Nov. 1945. I have his Army uniform hanging in my closet. Just thought you'd like to know.
Roy - I have been using the laptop, which has not updated to IE7, so can't comment. Will try the desktop again this weekend probably and let you know what I think.
Warmed up to about 40 today. I threw some ice melter on the front walk, which was still mostly solid ice this morning before dropping the kiddos at school. When I got home tonight, I got out my shovels and cleared it off. Supposed to get about 1 inch of snow tonight. I got all Excellents on my year end appraisal with an overall grade of Outstanding. This means I could get a little bonus money or a step increase - I'll take the step in a heart beat over a bonus, because that effects your pay for the rest of your federal career! Keeping my fingers crossed. Thinking up a wish list for Christmas. Have been so busy with family stuff, that I haven't touched my train in about a week. Never had a 3461 log dump car before - is the drop rail supposed to kind of lean out all the time? They are at about 70 degrees...?
TMCCMAN - my uncle was a mechanic on a bomber in WWII - he would have to try and splice the wires and cables that controlled the plane when they got hit by shrapnel and junk - The Luftwaffe would actually drop stuff on them like chains and stuff from above as well. He's got a ton of photographs that were taken during their bomb flights showing the patterns of the bombs etc. He had a buddy who helped him and they saved them from being destroyed or thrown away.
RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.
Roy,
I upgraded to IE7 the other night, and I have not had any problems whatsoever. The hardest part for me was getting adjusted to the new look. I am happy with IE7 so far.
Chuck, thanks for sharing that. I am also interested in the Phillipines. It must have been something to see, when going to the site of one of the bombs. I think the battles in France are interesting too. Especially since almost everything was close quarters combat.
Here is a question for anyone interested in WWII here. What was the Black Baron's real name? He was part of a German Tiger division after moving up from a Panzer division. He had many tank kills. I will have a few more question&answer quizzes if you guys want.
Jim Fortner wrote: Roy - I have been using the laptop, which has not updated to IE7, so can't comment. Will try the desktop again this weekend probably and let you know what I think.Warmed up to about 40 today. I threw some ice melter on the front walk, which was still mostly solid ice this morning before dropping the kiddos at school. When I got home tonight, I got out my shovels and cleared it off. Supposed to get about 1 inch of snow tonight. I got all Excellents on my year end appraisal with an overall grade of Outstanding. This means I could get a little bonus money or a step increase - I'll take the step in a heart beat over a bonus, because that effects your pay for the rest of your federal career! Keeping my fingers crossed. Thinking up a wish list for Christmas. Have been so busy with family stuff, that I haven't touched my train in about a week. Never had a 3461 log dump car before - is the drop rail supposed to kind of lean out all the time? They are at about 70 degrees...?TMCCMAN - my uncle was a mechanic on a bomber in WWII - he would have to try and splice the wires and cables that controlled the plane when they got hit by shrapnel and junk - The Luftwaffe would actually drop stuff on them like chains and stuff from above as well. He's got a ton of photographs that were taken during their bomb flights showing the patterns of the bombs etc. He had a buddy who helped him and they saved them from being destroyed or thrown away.
Jim, I don't know how some people did what they did. I would be so scared. I knew that the Luftwaffe would drop anything that would create casualties, but I didn't know they would actually drop chains.
Buckeye Riveter wrote: Can anyone see all the smiley's?
It can be viewed with too many clicks and mouse moves to make it worth doing. I had written a long explanation only to have it vanish while posting. They will appear (in your post) if you click on the top half of the boxes in the bottom row
Ken
Jim T and Don - thanks for the feedback. Based on Jim's comment, I may let IE7 install proceed.
More carpet running last night. I think the kids like it more than our layout. Most likely because it's something different. My wife wants it relocated to under the tree. I like that idea, but the boys have complete access to that room. A scary thought! Since we don't even have a tree yet, I'll keep running where it is for now.
Not much to chat about today. Looks like a busy one ahead of me.
Today is Pearl Harbor Day. Remember with respect those who served.
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