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COFFEE POT #9 [July], for all to take a drink and chat. Welcome all posters. 4 yrs old and still going. Locked

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 8:00 PM
Bob, I'll second Jim S.'s recommendation of RFG. Their quality is top notch. I haven't received my order from Port Lines yet, so I can't comment on them. Flyer steamers are very easy to work on. I love the smoke fluid that RFG makes. It smells just like the original Gilbert fluid. Is there any way you can post a link to pictures of your 302? If you need help or have questions about repairing your 302, just let me know. I could even walk you through servicing over the phone if you'd like.
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 7:53 PM
Ray, When a Proto 2 loco does that, that usually means that the tach reader has failed. The tach reader is the small optical sensor that sits above the flywheel. From what I understand, it is a cheap and easy part to replace.
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Posted by jonadel on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 5:54 PM

Fife--you are welcome!  Cling and treasure those times.

 

Jon

So many roads, so little time. 

 

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 5:45 PM

88 - That's a big 10-4 on both counts, Kitty-kat. Thumbs Up

I would recommend this HUNTER 216 for Deep Creek.

SPMan - We are in the upper Chesapeake.  I had the "fortune" of working thru ISABEL a few years ago.  Our marina is in somewhat of a protected creek.  Other than the storm surge filling things up like a runaway bathtub, not much fear of a good battering where we are docked.  If tidal issues got too bad, would just anchor her outside the channel with a good rode.

 

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Posted by SPMan on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 4:00 PM

Fifey, Don't mean to bring up an unpleasant subject but it occured to me that you might have a problem with a boat where you live during hurricane season.  Do you leave it in the water all the time or trailer it?  I used to live near the Southern end of the Chesapeake Bay and remember the small boat problem with those big storms.  A lot would break loose and cause damage.  I hope you have figured all that stuff out by now.

Chief, you are one hard working guy.  I tried clearing some overgrowth from some of my yucca plants today before the trash man came.  That was a mistake.  It's too hot today heading for 100.  I was soaking wet when I got through.  Too hot now for running trains.

Had breakfast out this AM after wife went for blood work after fasting.  I had a good size peice of ham and eggs with home fries.  They don't have grits here.  Anyway it was good even if I had to cheat on my diet a little.  Now it's back to the straight and narrow again.

Trying to figure out a mystery with my MTH VO1000 Baldwin switch engine with Proto 2.  It runs too fast in forward.  If you get over 6 or 7 scale miles per hour on the hand held controller, it takes off like a rocket.  It works fine in reverse however with gradual speed increases with throttle.  I suspect a loose fly wheel on the motor but I can't confirm it.  I tried putting a drop of crazy glue on the motor shaft end at the flywheel in case it was loose but that did no good.  If it has a set screw on the shaft, it must be under the tac tape on the flywheel because I can't see it.  I tried doing an engine reset and also adjusted acceleration rate.  Nothing seems to work.  Maybe someone here might have had experience with this kind of problem.

Ray

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

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Posted by jonadel on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:53 PM
Kurt--that may be a blessing in disguise, we are getting to that point in the riding season where bike sales begin to drop off dramatically.  I had lunch Friday with a gentleman that uses the internet to his advantage when buying cars & bikes and he told me about some great buys if you are willing to travel just a little or wait on a seller who has an overpriced item.  You are certainly in the drivers seat on this one, if it were early spring it would be a different matter entirely.

Jon

So many roads, so little time. 

 

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:23 PM
I've been busy making plans for the new layout last night and today. I am scaling back from 12'x16' to 10'x14', but I will incorporate the second level better this time. I also decided not to build against a wall again, so that is why I took two feet off of the width. I had to take two feet off of the length due to complaints from "upper management" about not being able to get appliances in and out of the basement when necessary. The layout will also be higher this time. I plan to run eight O gauge trains on the lower level, and two or three S gauge trains on the second level. I might be able to squeeze more in though.
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Posted by submmbob on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:18 PM

 Some clouds, maybe more rain on the schedule today. Just waitng for the doc's office to call. We may be adding some things to some of the tests. She is probably rolling her eyes when she gets messages from me, but I guess there is nothing like being pro-active about stuff like this.

Ole Timer - the Jeep is a 2002 TJ, built in June 2001. Pretty much the very basic option. Have worked on and driven just about every 4WD in the western world, and out of the box it takes the cake. The combo of the quad-coil suspension and solid axles is very nice. It's been pretty reliable as well. I just don't use it that much offroad anymore and would really like something w/ roll up windows and a hardtop. At a mere 27,500 miles someone is going to get a pretty good deal.

Chief - Took me a couple seconds to realize where you were going w/ the Apollo 11 quote, but then laughed like crazy. Be sure to keep using that one!

Jim - thanks for the parts vendor info

Jim - not quite sure what it needs yet. From the pics one of the tender trucks is off and it may need some wiring replaced and brushes and what not. Will prob be my first repaint as well. Not sure when I will get to it, but given it's project nature and the right price was too good a deal to pass up. Having something else to smile at around here lately is also a good thing. 

Just ate and therfore time to go fall down again. Check back in later.

Bob

 

Bob

Tucson, AZ (aka the Ol' Pueblo)

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Posted by kpolak on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 12:27 PM

Afternoon all!

Tried to buy a Yamaha over the weekend and didn't get it...not even an e-mail back.  I made an offer before I read your note...With that said, I will heed your advice, Jon, and Rich, and wait until after I complete the class.

Charlie:  Finally able to spend some quality time with Rockland Station...Base trim is in, and siding is going up!

Doug:  My father said the same thing...He'd rather have me at the range shooting, than riding a 2-wheeler.

Ole Timer:  I was aiming for a HD Fat Boy, but all the research I did said to stay from a big bike until you've ridden a smaller one (under 600 ci) for a while.  Getting used to the high HP, agility thru slow turns, and stops being the main issues.

Kurt

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Posted by dwiemer on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 12:23 PM

Was a long day yesterday, I'm on call this week, and wife is working today.  Going to be a little long as I have some things to take care of.  Getting ready for the fishing trip next week.  Going for some Red Fish and scallops.  May also take in some fish of opportunity.  Have a friend with a nice place on the beach that we may visit with our bounty.  Be nice to have a good 'ol pan fry over a fire.

I have been a good boy in not making any purchases lately.  Wife would be proud....yeah, whatever.  Actually, I hope to catch some more Legacy engines.  Kids are looking forward to working on scenery...just something about playing with plaster and paint that they are wanting to get into.  I do need to run some ground wire to prevent some signal issues with Legacy.  That is about it.

Chief, you are still the busiest retired guy I know!  Not sure how you keep up with what you have now, never mind when doing the store stops!  Just remember to take the time to relax and enjoy.

God Bless,
Dennis

TCA#09-63805

 

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Posted by Ole Timer on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 10:58 AM

 Lionroar .... that scenic mystery train ride sounds great ! My bro-inlaw is still in Chicago remoldeling my sis-in-law's uncle's house so my screened in porch is WAY beyond backed up on construction . My sister-next door neighbor came over screaming about my deer I watch .... ate all the tops off their plants in their garden ... LOL . As if I caused it ... Clown .

 Submmbob .... what year and type is your jeep ? I'm still hoding onto my 87 YJ .... love that rascal .

 Kurt .... before you grab that bike .... look around for a sporty - HD - they can be had darn cheap sometimes and well worth going for instead . Still miss my 1968 FL ... smooth side shovel I sold to my son .... full dresser . Everytime I hear my neighbors roar out the road on their harleys I get an anxious feeling .... Sigh . Want a chopper ... wife really loves that idea .... LOL ..... yea right . 

 Sis -in - law from the Keys coming up next month ... big swim/pool party planned .... hope all her friends in their bikini's come again like last time ..... Whistling .... not that I look .... and wish ..... Tongue My battery could use a jumpstart/recharge .... believe me they do it .   

 All 3 cab forwards packed in their boxes ... I feel ashamed I have'nt finished anything lately ... gotta kick myself in the rear and get trains started . Miss the tardis .... gotta get on ... miss everyone .... Yeah!!

       LIFETIME MEMBER === DAV === DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS STEAM ENGINES RULE ++++ CAB FORWARDS and SHAYS
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Posted by anjdevil2 on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 10:46 AM

LaughSmile,Wink, & Grin

I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.
I am the venom in your skin  --- Breaking Benjamin


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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 10:43 AM

Fife,
Whistling#1 = IF we buy a vacation property on DCL then I will DEFINITELY be buying a boat. Wink
Whistling#2 = IF you and Mrs Fife are free and would like to play tour guide, we would be honored if you would make the excursion with us.

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 10:36 AM

88 --> Confused ... Whistling = Pirate ?

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 10:22 AM

Mornin' Fellas.

Back to work after a nice relaxing weekend. I hadn't realized how stressed I was until I got back to work. Friday we met my parents at the Bed and Breakfast, had dinner, and then played cards for a few hours. Saturday we got up and took a scenic byway to Deep Creek, MD. Simply love that area and I think eventually The 'Q' is going to want to buy a vacation property there, one can only hope and dream! Saw some very nice houses, right on the lake, for sale, many with boat slips... Whistling Had lunch at the Cassleman Inn, very good food. Then we headed out to Cumberland for our Murder Mystery Dinner Train Ride. Not sure if we got there late, but we didn't find much to do - need a tour guide when we go next time Whistling, so we took a trip down MD 51 along the C&O Canal. Pretty nice trip.

Scenic Railroad Murder Mystery Dinner Train Ride - WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!!
This was so beyond cool. The acting troupe did a wonderful job and the food was very good. The scenery was stellar although I would have liked to have been on the valley side of the train instead of the mountain side. No pictures of the scenery because of this. I do have some nice shots of the inside of the dinning car, and many of the engine turning on the turntable.

Screened Porch/Sunroom Update:
The footing and deck framing inspections were yesterday and they both passed, so last night I got the footing poured and 2/3rds of the screen installed under the screened porch decking. Tonight I hope to get most of the screened porch decking down and then start ripping the insulation base for the sunroom floor. Tomorrow I should have the insulation base installed and be ready for the house wrap and insulation. I need to coordinate that with the insulation blow-in and sub-floor installation so the insulation doesn't get wet if it rains. Stopped by Home Depot last night and placed the next lumber order.

1 week from today we should have a decked and roofed screened porch (minus the railing and screens), framed and roofed sunroom, french door from the kitchen to the screened porch, and the exterior door to the sunroom installed. Then it will be a couple weeks before the windows are installed and the exterior finish boards go up. Then the electrician comes for his rough in, then two inspections, then finish the interior. If everything goes according to plan the project should wrap up the last weekend of September or the first weekend in October.

Our budget has had a few issues with cost overruns, but we'll manage. We've discussed the modifications to the plans and adjusted our cost estimates so the sticker price isn't as bad. Original estimate was $11,000 - $13,000... as of yesterday we're up to $13,000 - $16,000. We are still well below the additional value to the house estimate of $45,000 - $60,000.

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 9:52 AM

Mornin' boys.  Mornin' English.  Cloudy and 75 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  S'posed to rain off & on along the coastline all week, which won't bode well for our travels.  Oh well.  Just happy we were able to lock-in our favorite sea-side shanty.  Boy and I went down to the dock to check out the new cabin cushions, and installed a new padlock to protect the interior.  After two months of boat ownership, still very happy.  Thanks again, jonadel.

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 9:43 AM

Morning.  One inch of rain.  Got to go get 4 Runner alignment and rotation.  Sears is the cheapest.  Then probably drive east to Mom's for a visit.  Moving slow this AM.  Was watching hunting on Outdoor Channel and went to sleep.  Was hunting muleys in Wyoming and woke up to coyotes in Kansas.  Oh well. 

BPS and Cabela's are not doing much now due to economy.  I also cut back when I became Mayor as time was limited to be gone.  Also got tired of flying and staying in hotels.  Was fun for a while.

Have a great day. 

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

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Posted by rtraincollector on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 9:24 AM

Morning all. Great chat last night with Brutus,CNW,charlie and SJ. No train work yesterday have to build a short bridge for where the train cuts across where the 2 boards meet. ( training for when I finally start building my layout).

Not to much going on today as relax day next day off is sunday. A/c in house is on the brink I have repair man coming out friday afternoon.

Wife has some plants she wants me to plant in the ground ( which she has had for about 6 months now in containers)

other than that not much going on today will stop in later

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

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Posted by cnw1995 on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 8:35 AM
Aloha. Nice morning here. Nice evening running trains virtually with Sir J, Brutus, Charlie and RT. Interesting how 520 tolerates rough trackwork without a care that stops Thomas. Boy is the former a speed demon. Even ran the 248 before realizing it, like me, needed lubrication. Hope to find that steamer when it comes back through Chicago next week.

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

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Posted by sir james I on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 8:18 AM

Good Morning

Well we went from early morning sunshine to clouds real quick like. We may get some rain from the east which is unusal as Doug M. way out west sends it our way.Diner is here so TTFN.

S.J.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

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Posted by cheapclassics on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 6:53 AM

Good morning all,

IIABSDISEI (for all the new people and those using the home version of the 'pot, that stands for "It is another beautiful sunny day in south east Indiana) with temps in the 70s.  Practiced with "my" soccer girls and did weights at the YMCA.  Got trash together and went to bed early.  Slept well.  I had streusel and cereal for breakfast on the dining car this morning.  Beacon is lit for after soccer practice tonight.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 6:45 AM

Morning all

Just a quick check.

Bob - I've used both Doug at Port Lines Hobbies and RFGCO with success.

May God bless

Jim

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Posted by strogey on Monday, July 20, 2009 11:35 PM

ChiefEagles

In all my travels all over the USA to Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's,

Chief, you still travel for them guys? When I lived in CT, I was HEAVY into Bass fishing. Had a Skeeter with a 140 on it. Back then BASS limit was 140. Ah, the good old days. Plus there was only ONE Bass Pro Shops (Springfield)! Now they are opening a new one in the next couple years up in my hometown area, Buffalo! Sold my rig when I moved to Oregon since Salmon and Sturgeon plus Trout far out wiegh Bass, Crappie, Perch and all the other East of the Rockies favorites! Hard to teach a kid to fish when there are no "Panfish" around to feed worms too!Sigh

Chief, you ever hear of a guy named Rich Zaleski? He was a good aqaintance of mine back in CT. Used to write for In Fisherman Magazine alot back then.

Hope everyone has a GREAT Tuesday!

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Posted by Brutus on Monday, July 20, 2009 10:16 PM

Chief - love it - that is too cool!  Thumbs UpThumbs Up

8nt - Good news, can't wait to see that movie anyway but this will just make it all the better.  They had a shot of the station at Hogwarts in the last movie too, and I think you saw the engineer for a second?

Read all the posts today, but it's just a blur now, lol!

Prayers for all, always!

No trains today, but did have nice talks with RT, SJ, Doug and Charlie Thumbs Up  Doug has a speed demon 520 that was chasing Percy around!  Did not get to Thomas again today - hope to do so tomorrow though.  Just had a blah day.  Glad it is over - on to the next one Smile

Beacons are on the screen and I've got the controls, so here we go Laugh

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, July 20, 2009 9:42 PM

submmbob

 "Houston, the Eagle has landed."

Bob

In all my travels all over the USA to Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's, my wife has always insisted that I call her the minute the plane landed at each airport.  I always said, "Tranquility Base to Houston, the Eagle has landed."  People sitting next to me, not knowing my last name, would always look. 

Meetings over and home for rest.  Have a good night and sleep tight.

 

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

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Posted by cnw1995 on Monday, July 20, 2009 8:58 PM

Evening all. Going to run trains for a while. Watched the moon landing re-done at 300ish CST. It was cool listening and watching to it again in real time. I don't remember the original. Kurt, enjoy your bike search! My bride would die before I got one. They're expensive to insure here and of course, the driving season is relatively short. Maybe someday I'll talk her into a Vespa Wink

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

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Posted by sir james I on Monday, July 20, 2009 8:20 PM

Good Evening

70s and about thirty minutes of a nice rain. Not near enough but we will take it. No big day just a little dabs of things. Also ran some trains,everyone ran without a battery, just turned them on and off they went. Banilla is ready all we need is Brutus and the Tardis..S.J.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

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Posted by 8ntruck on Monday, July 20, 2009 7:55 PM

Low 80's headed for mid 90's later in the week.  Rain heading in from the west too.  Not dissapointed 'cause we could use a little.

There are some better scenes of the Hogwarts Express in the new Harry Potter movie.  Finally determined that it has five coaches.  Good footage of it pulling into the station too.  The theater we saw the movie in had a great sound system.  As the locomotive pulled through the frame, the sound continued into the rear of the theater.  Neat effect.

Doug - interesting comment that the buildings on the Chicago model you had pictures of recently were made on a rapid prototype machine.  I recently discovered that my company has one of these machines in the corporate office.  I've been using it on a regular basis to check the 3d surface work I'm doing on some of my more complex pieces of tooling.  Sure is quicker and cheaper than finding an oops while carving on a chunck of tool steel! 

That is it for now. 

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 20, 2009 7:55 PM

Bob,

       What parts do you need?

 

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Posted by submmbob on Monday, July 20, 2009 7:05 PM

 Looks like more rain is headed our way tonight. Went to the Monday staff meeting. And yes, the engineer who has my pressure gauge is on vacation.

cnwdoug - my internet connection at home is a little slow to really appreciate the wechoosethemoon site, but from what I've seen it looks pretty neat. Hard to believe that when this happened the MGB was rolling down the production line. 

Jim and Jim - you might be interested to know that I found a 302 on fleaBay for a very good price. It needs a little help (kind of like me recently:), but that's the way I seem to like 'em. Who's a good source for parts for AF?

Put a new battery in the Jeep today. My long term battery test came to an end. Was fine this morning and then acted up on me later, a lot like when I had to clean up the terminals a few months ago. Should have replaced it then, but the battery has gone so long (came from the factory in June 2001) I was curious to see how long it would go. So the end result is 8 years, 1 month. Guess I shouldn't yell at the jeep too much then. The guys at British Car Service carry Interstates, so I was able to R & R it myself in a short time. I think that was my exercise for the day though. 

"Houston, the Eagle has landed."

Bob

 

Bob

Tucson, AZ (aka the Ol' Pueblo)

Home of the Mt. Graham & Arizona Eastern Boiler Shops

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