Aloha. Nice cool day in Chicago. Still plotting what to do in Ohio this weekend. Maybe drive to Dayton for the air force museum. Got a lot of looks carrying a 3 ft round ceramic plate across the city - it's art I guess. Part of our ever-continuing move. Nice ride home last night, joined by Charlies, Sir J and Brutus. Look what I found to ride in: an ancient bi-level car. The real old ones - by Pullman-Standard - are on another line.
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
Good Morning
Sun and clouds this morning. expecting showers all week with temps in the 70s. A/C has not been on for maybe ten days or more.
I had a nice chat ride with some of the guys including Doug M. riding home on the train. Poor Doug is attending summer school, oh but he's the teacher, guess he should be there.
Enjoy your Wednesday..S.J.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
Kpolak .... the person teaching you ... his first name is'nt TOM is it ? My niece's husband teaches motorcycle classes around your area ? That's a myth on getting a smaller bike ... no harder to control or balance than a 650 ... if you keep your hand light on the throttle . Take it from an old 30 + year biker/rider .... started racing mountain/motocross bikes and graduated to full dressed harleys . Yea I've got the twisted joints and minor limp .... LOL .... as they say no ole harley rider does'nt have .... .... but 99.9 % of my wrecks and injuries came from the smaller ones .... not the bigguns .
Hello SJ .... Brutus .... miss ya guys ! # 3 son takes over my computer playing games every night since I put this 37" monitor/tv on it and I keep missing the tardis .... gonna throw his rear off no matter how much he whines .... miss getting on the tardis and chatting ....
Morning all. From Town Hall. Had early meeting. All is well at the Town. All chickens are laying, cows giving milk and goats are not complaining. Did have one horse and wagon accident. Wagon was overloaded with GRITS. Axle broke. Now to run some errnads and then Lucy and I are off to the lake for a night. Grass to mow up there. Have a great day.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
Kinda hazy today. I can barely see the Catalina Mts. Was a bit windy last night, hope we don't have a fire going somewhere.Hanging around the house most of the day, as I have to "collect".
cnwDoug - if you haven't been to the Air Force museum it's well worth it. They have some stuff there that you won't see anywhere else. If you go, be sure to check out the B-70 and the XF-85 which are two of my favorites. One is the supersonic bomber and the other a parasite fighter. Both very unique in their own way. We have the 3rd largest air museum here due to the presence of the boneyard. You'll be interested to know that one of their most unique aircraft is an all stainless steel cargo plane built during WWII known as the Budd Conestoga. Manufacturer sound familiar?
Jim - I've had my brother's AF apart once or twice and I believe it is a diecast shell, but one piece. Pretty sure it doesn't have the handrails. I understand that the early ones had the sound mechanism in the tender.
Chief - grits are definitely off the diet, but I'd love a big bowl w/ a cup of coffee right now. Coffee is out too for the moment because of the test. Eventually I may be down to just water and lettuce w/ the way things are going
Brutus - Any more news on your wife's situation?
Going to try and get a few things done around the house depending on how I feel today. If I can get some more stuff organized in the garage, I'll have more room to set up the train in the house
Bob
Tucson, AZ (aka the Ol' Pueblo)
Home of the Mt. Graham & Arizona Eastern Boiler Shops
Good Afternoon From Cloudy Taxachusetts,
Miss a couple of days on the Pot and you return to 2 hours of reading!
Maximus the Monster puppy earned his American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (CGC) this past weekend. Youngest dog tested. Almost "puppied" himself out of the certificate but held it together just enough to pull it off. It's mostly confidence and temperament stuff.
The whole family took a day off and went down to the Boston Childrens Museum for the day. Seafood dinner after. Then home for b-day cake. Constant rain could not dampen our spirits as we were celebrating the older granddaughter's 6th B-day.
On Friday night I asked a young clerk at a local convenience store if she remembered what she was doing when Apollo 11 landed on the moon. She had that "deer frozen in the headlights" look on her face while her mother who was standing there got a good laugh out of it.
Pat.......can't wait for each day's farmer's pearl of wisdom. Keep them coming.
SJ/Fife.......our rabbits are bold little suckers. The recent overpopulation of local coyotes doesn't seem to be putting a dent in the population. Chipmunk damage continues, bigger hole now in the asphalt front walkway. And excavated to boot. They must have borrowed my shop vac to clean up because there are no telltale signs of their project other than the hole waiting to break someone's neck.
Chief......you are back! And teaching Sunday school? Even I would attend just to see and hear that! Why did you sell the boat?
Fife......glad to hear you are getting a lot of sailing time in. Our protected harbor areas are jammed, super expensive for a mooring, and there is a waiting list years long despite the economy. "Sail on, sail on, sailor." Beach Boys.
RT.......gotta love those train shelves, and what's now sitting on them.
Jon......I can't remember what brewery is located in LaCrosse WI. Your advice was sound re Kurt's venture into bikedom. First patience on the timing of the purchase and second on the safety program. Every person I know who rides has "underpurchase" regrets but seldom the overpurchase blues . Personally, I would look for something to keep me happy for a few seasons rather than have to be dissatisfied and/or disappointed within a season or two. When you miss one bike, another one comes along that's usually a better "fit." Prayers that your DIL and son have a beautiful baby boy and no issues this time around. Yours and those of the rest of the gang worked for my daughter and SIL.
Dennis.....I read somewhere that the tooth fairy's protocol in Georgia is a new electric train under the bed, not cash under the pillow. Any truth to that?
Kurt......sorry to hear about the dishwasher death. Ouch! I'm picturing you riding something close to 1000CCs. Wifey will enjoy shopping for the leathers.
Charlie.......the SP 4449 video was superb and well worth the delay. The slow passage was excellent. And the condition of the train exceptional.
Rich.......what did the HD folks say was the cause of the hp and torque drop-off?
Brent......what a great and timely road trip. Sounds like you are picking up some serious momentum on the porch/sunroom project. And like you may be lounging and enjoying it pretty soon. Will it become your new "dog" house?
Laz......where are you?
DougM.......have you got a vehicle large enough to haul all of the stuff for that college bound youngster? This is a major milestone in your lives. Congratulations. You and wifey must be feeling pretty happy. Get ready for the wife's tears and separation anxiety which will dissipate as soon as the phone calls "financial" assistance commence.
Later gang,
Jack
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
Bob,
I think that the O gauge counterpart to the 302 that Gilbert made prior to WW2 had the chugger mechanism in the tender. It is too bad that most diecast Gilbert pieces made prior to WW2 fell victim to zinc pest.
Jim S.,
If you get an envelope from me in the mail, it will be a bill for this Flyer addiction. I thought PW Lionel was addictive, but this is much stronger.
Not much planned for today. I need to finish the plans for the layout, then I might go to Lowes to look at a 10" table saw and a 10" compound mitter saw. I can't decide which one would be better for building benchwork. Any thoughts? I received a Flyer 631 T&P gondola and a 628 log car in the mail today. Both are in great shape. I also found a box of Flyer freight cars in the basement that I had forgotten about.
Jim: I have a Craftsman 10" combination table saw and router table...great combination! Only one side is without a cast shelf. They are a little higher compared to the other saws, but if you need a router the table the saw fence is great to have. Also, Sears may clearance the larger power equipment soon, and you could pick-up a floor model, a little cheaper.
Jack: The dishwasher was a ticking bomb. We were expecting it to go out again....Stay away from the Frigidare with the top mount controls. The water condensed on the top, got into the panel, and shorted out the controls, and circuit bd. $500 for a new cuircuit bd, and control panel. Yup, 1000cc + ... and loud.
Kurt
Kurt,
Lowes has a Skil 10" table saw that I am interested in. It is only $114, so it won't be a major expense for me.
Out the door to the lake. Back tomorrow PM.
Rock, boat sold at cost to me of $100 [two cranking batteries].
Table saw is a great aid for building layout. Set guide for length of legs, all come out the same length. Was a great help to me.
Later
Chief,
Thanks. That is what I wanted to hear. I just have to take the cargo tray out of the hatch in the Probe, then I'll go to Lowes and buy it.
Jim: Thats a good buy for that price, even comes with the stand. If ya have the room for one they are the most handy tool to own, and it will be invaluable building a layout.......Steve
Evenin' Fellas.Jack - No the sunroom will not be the doghouse - that is the shed. I was informed of this prior to construction as the sunroom is 'her space'... I got another 16 Trex boards laid tonight. Have 12 to go. Not looking like I will have every prepped prior to the carpenter arriving on Saturday... these 87 degree temps are killer. I can only work for about an hour then I have to stop and rest.This is what we started with:Deck without decking:Expansion:Screening over joists, under decking:New Decking:
Trains are running! Wired up a KW and had a Susie Q RS3 hauling a Susie Q boxcar around all trackage. Only one problem turnout that I need to address. Seems I have power at the pickups, but turnout acts like there is none. Probably a wire pulled down from where it connects into the bottom. Since it is Fastrack, they throw regardless of having power or not. Will have to check things when I get some time. Certainly have to get it taken care of prior to scenery.
Jack, if that had been the rule, I'd have dentures by now. Since it is not, the kid gets money. He is excited to be getting onto scenery. Since I would not let him use the soldering gun, he was kind of bored with the electrical aspect.
Gotta run, but I do hope that everyone has a great night and wonderful day tomorrow.
God Bless,Dennis
TCA#09-63805
Dennis--
How about some pics with that new Nikon?
Jon
So many roads, so little time.
Good Evening
A strange day weather wise. sun/clouds low 70s, humid felt like 80s. At the moment I am angry, tried to help someone on another post and someone else goes off topic attacking me. I/we are all entitled to an opinion. I suggested with all the trouble he was having he should try a different brand. Oh my I stepped on some toes. Waiting for the Tardis, banilla in hand.
S.J.
Evening all
All is quiet. Kids in bed and bride at work. Just had some oreos. Check in here, evening prayer and off to bed.
Jim T – The Flyer stuff has a feel to it. I really like the older stuff. Lately I have been going after accessories and operating cars. Too Cool!
Bob – The chugger was in the boiler. As the piston stroked back and forth off an eccentric gear it would force air through a small orifice making a chuffing noise, and pushing the smoke from the wick cavity. There were some like the 314 AW that had a whistle in the tender that worked off an imposed DC current. Very neat. Very expensive, no I don’t have one . . . yet!
Brent – Nice deck!
Trying to talk the bride into camping Friday, we’ll see.
May God bless
Jim
Trainfestival starts tomorrow....I'll get there on Friday...can't wait!
Charlie a.k.a. MichiganRailRoad714 (Charter Member TTC)
Good evening from New Hampshire. Finally a nice summer day, however that is short lived as mother nature is throwing more rain/cool weather at us. At least the weekend is supposed to be dry/sunny.
Just got a nice downpour here. Really helps to cool things off. We've been hitting the 100+'s for several weeks now during the day. Think I figured out why we were playing so much phone tag. Ringer was going out in the phone. Skipped out to the Shack for a new one. Was worthwhile as I finally caught up w/ the doc's office today. Going to add some more test's to my "collection" and concurs on checking in w/ the gastroenterologist. Also now scheduled for diabetic class, but not til Aug 11. They were having me wait on getting a glucose meter 'til the class, but I went ahead and picked one up. We definitely need more data.
Jim & Jim - so it sounds like all the PW Flyer had the chugger in the boiler. That's the classic one I remember from my brother's. Should be interesting to see it when it gets here. And I'll post some pics of it for you guys to see. And score on finding a box of cars!
Dennis - really getting to like using the cast iron pan. With all the diet changes I'm kinda relearning how to cook.
The Owosso, MI Train Festival sounds pretty cool. Like 8 steam locos fired off. Any of you guys up that way attending?
Think I might watch some Norfolk and Western action and then head to bed. Hope everyone is having a good week.
Morning all!
Happy Trainfest Eve!
Planning to get to Trainfest when it opens in the am so I can see everything before the girls fade at nap time.
Girls came back with a few Christmas gifts, necklases, and an ankle bracelet...?
Watched Wild Hogs on TV last night...not a good movie.
Wet and still raining here. Maybe a movie today.
Good morning all,
It is cloudy in SE Indiana. Game postponed until tonight. Went shopping with wife. Did weights at YMCA. Had regular fare on dining car. Beacon is lit. I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
Good morning fellas. I have a general construction question for you guys. I have a bedroom walk-in closet that has a small door to an uninsulated dormer section that already has some subfloor down. It is above one of the garage bays, and faces west on the outside wall. I want to finish this area off like many people finish off their attics and put the trains up there. The roof has a ridge vent at the peak of the rafters, power is available from at least 3 circuits in that area, and airconditioning/heating vents are right there as well. What precautions do I need to take to make sure that I don't disrupt the airflow that currently exists? Roughly, I was going to extend out more subfloor to the low corners of the trusses if needed, build 3' tall stub walls on top of that to meet the roof truss, then hang drywall on the stub wall and trusses after insulating everything. I was going to put a flat ceiling 2 feet lower than the peak to allow the roof vent to breath still. I hadn't planned on removing the wall with the door in it, but thats always an option. Has anyone done anything like this? I attached some pics...
Thanks,Wes
Happy Friday Eve – as this is MY Friday...
Off to Orlando tonight, a little rest & relaxation is in order ( insert Elmer Fudd voice) and a couple of train shop visits.
Purchased a replacement Microwave (Thermo-nuclear food warming device) for over the store as the old one (7 years old) took a dive. $500 GE unit, scratch & dent (very minor) for $95 out the door. Installed last night & works great!!! Then headed out for Orange Creamslushs at Sonic.
Wes – Can’t help ya on the construction advice – looks promising, though
Brent – Very nice – I’d stop up & give ya a hand (80 temps? Cold front in Florida), but the commute is killer...
You Michiganders are lucky to be so close to such a great event – wow, wish I could be there.
Was informed by the power that be last night, that on the 15th we’re going to Orlando until the 18th, then flying out to Vegas for our 20th and back here on the 20th. Flying by way of.......Saint Paul, Minnesota????
You flyer guys, ya I thought about it, especially after I saw the Blue Comet in S by Lionel – very cool and great detail. Me likes!
Jack-as for the HD – found nothing, but retarded the timing a bit to prevent pinging, even though I was using 93+ octane. All is good in the Harley neighborhood,
Check in later!
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
Lite rain, humid and sticky. Yuck.
Guess I will just go somewhere indoors for my walk.
Good Morning from Blueberryhill....
It is a cloudy 62 degrees. It rained all night. Suppose to get more rain this afternoon. Grass is mowed and green.
Today is busy. Wife is grocery shopping. She loves that job. Gas is still at $2.39 a gallon. I heard it may drop more. Not much else new here.
Dining car was here for the usual breakfast.
Y'all have a great Thursday.
Chuck
Aloha. Sunny and cool. I hope this means winter will be warm. Paid $2.53 a gallon just a few moments ago. Arguing gently about how fast we need to get to Ohio which means leaving tomorrow or super-super-early Sat. morn. Got a list of things to do before leaving anyway. Have to find someone to care for the dog. Love leaving these things to last minute...
WOW !!!! That trainfest looks fabulous ! You lucky rascals up there don't know how lucky you are . Just found out about it last night .... if I had known earlier my niece would have had a boarder this week in Michigan ! Man that's a once in a lifetime extravaganza ! Yea ... I'm JEALOUS ..... and feel dumb for not finding out sooner . Have fun and take it all in with pics and movies if possible .
Wes: Install Durovent or similar product between the rafters before you insulate the roof rafters. It can be attached with a hammer stapler. This will keep an airspace open for the air to flow. Make sure the vent extends well past the insulation, so it doesn't get blocked by insulation, at the ceiling or at the floor.
I'm not sure about your location, but here in Michigan, Kraft paper faced insulation (kraft paper facing the interior of the house) will provide a good vapor retarder.
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