Good evening all,
It is cloudy and cold in SE Indiana with very little Snohio. Welcome Back, Chuck!!!! So glad to see you posting again! Please take the advice of your fellow forumites and lay off the smokes!!! Smoke off steam engines...good, smoke off people....bad. Big upsets in Premier League this weekend... Portsmouth defeated Liverpool and West Ham tied Chelsea. Did not sleep well at all last night as upper left thigh was aching from either soccer scrimage or climbing in and out of attic too much (or both). Did take it easy today, but we did get tree and house decorated. May run trains tomorrow. "Saucy wench" and I watched "Ernest Saves Christmas", a family tradition. I had bacon and biscuits on the dining car for breakfast before sending it on "Points East". TBIL, and I can drive again. Glad to hear Doug M. made it back east. I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
Evening all
Chuck - Great to have you back!
Wow what a day. Services this morning a pancake breakfast put on by the Knights of Columbus, decorated church for Christmas the the youth group Christmas party. I'm beat! Just finished off a Sam Adams, and going to chill.
Good night and may God bless
Jim
Welcome back Chuck.
Sunny and low 40's today.
Made beef & barley soup in the crock pot today with the left over pot roast. Did a batch of bread in the bread machine too. Enjoyed the wonderful cooking smells coming out of the kitchen all day.
97 Probe - The catalog lists O31 as the minimum radius for the Aerotrain. I don't have any O31 track, so I can't tell you first hand how well it would run. Mine is not happy with slow speeds and the O36 Fastrack curves. If I carry some speed around the corners, it is OK. With slow speed, there is severe wheel spin on the locomotive. The coaches are unique in that they only have two axels. Neither one pivots, so the wheel flanges start binding in the tighter turns. The coaches are quote heavy too, so that adds into the mix some too.
Just two more days to work this year.
Later all.
Hello all,I haven’t kept up to well this past week, Busy at work and busy at home. Good news is we won a 2.6 million contract. A great way to lead in to the New Year. It's a tight bid but I think we will do OK with it.
Oh I do miss Jack’s cliff notes of the POT. What’s up with him?
Welcome Tom
I recall a birthday early on in trying to catch up.
Condolences to Doug on the passing of his father.
Congratulations Brutus, will continue prayers.
Dennis, Way to go, helping him do his work. Band of Brothers DVD set is on my wish list
Laz, our tree is seldom up until the weekend before Christmas, Sometimes it goes up Christmas Eve day. Decorations are up and lit until after Epiphany
Glad to see Chuck is home from the Hospital. He has quit smoking hasn’t he? I gave up two packs a day ‘bout 20 years ago.
Christmas preparations are qetting more intense. I did refurbish the 021 swtches on Dad’s platform. The lanterns will light once again.
Spent yesterday afternoon putting snowplow on the Massey Ferguson and plowing snow. We had about 8 inches
Today was Christmas preparations and decorating a Christmas tree at the Church. Our tree will probably be Wednesday.
In case I don't get back before MERRY CHRISTMAS
Prayers for all who may need them
Banks, Proud member of the OTTS TCA 12-67310
Good night all. Seems all I can do is reclinerized. Did get through one western tonight. Seen most of the Christmas movies twice now. Off to bed. Another video shoot at the gym tomorrow AM. Then Mayors' Assoc. Christmas party tomorrow night [a biggie].
Banks, have you got the crops in? Everyone still trying to combine soybeans here. Some were combining every day it does not rain. Saw the back side to the field next to the "pond woods" and the combine almost went down [as it looks] and left some beans [for the wildlife].
Sleep tight.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
Glad to see your back Chuck!
Kurt
HI GYZ,
29 and cold here, to get to 34. Another big SNO HI O event for Christmas Eve into Christmas is on the way, stay tuned?
BANKs, enjoy the tree, Merry Christmas.
FIFE, BEARS STUNK again.
laz57
Hello All,
Chief, our crops are all in and next years beef are in the barn. Some local farmers still have corn standing. Due to the screwed up summer and fall it didn't mature correctly and now has so much moisture it would mold if put in a corn crib. Some is molding in the field. Too expensive to dry it. We were lucky, planted a low day count variety and got it in early. Ours has been in for weeks. I haven't seen any 'beans still in the field.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
CHUCK - Great to see the blueberry colors flying again!
Steve - We wound up with about 21", but the drifting made it 3'-4' in places. Good we have the tractor and front end loader. Only way we can feed the cows hay.
Banks - Good substitute post for Jack's cliff notes. BTW, I hope you have your hip boots on, with all that stuff you are throwing around!
Brutus - Can we send you some snow? TBIL No snow bothers the Tardis. Lets go visit Chuck.
Pat
RFD-TV --- Rural America's most important network!
Morning all. Getting ready to go to the gym. Will need to go after this AM's breakfast. Fried side meat [country bacon]. Salty and crisp. Not good for the BP either. Do some mailing and maybe shopping. Got Mayors' Assoc. party early so not much can be done. Hope all the "snow bound" are doing OK. When I was a kid, use to love the snow. My Granddaddy did not. Asked him why??? He said that when it is hot, people can find shade. When it is cold and snowy, some folks can't find a warm place to stay. [that was in the lake 50's] As I think now, I understand what he was saying. More that can not find a place to be warm today than back then.
Later
Jon
So many roads, so little time.
CHUCK !!! Great to hear you're back buddy !
Got all suited up ... boots to knees ... walked out with the snow shovel ... neighbor came up the lane with his tractor and plowed everything out for us ... what a Xmas present . Wrestled some cash in his pocket ... he kept refusing it . He then went and plowed our whole lane and mailbox out .
Don't know now whether it was a good thing or not .. wife made me go shopping all day and evening .... ....
8n,
Thanks for the info.
Jon,
I had myself talked out of it after reading 8n's reply, but now I am back where I started. I still might pick it up after Christmas when I have the money. The only thing I don't like about it is how the cars look like a section of an old bus.
Well, I was up until 1:30 this morning doing repairs. I fixed the broken coupler lead on the MTH Silver Bullet, then moved on to the 332. The fingers, harness, plug, and all the wiring inside the tender was replaced. I probably could have reused the original harness and plug, but I feel better knowing that they have been replaced. I cleaned and polished the drum as well. I still ned to check the wiring to the panel in the 332 because something didn't look quite right there.
Jon:
Sent you a PM about your terrific Smoked Turkey Recipe.
Because of this thread I now have the luxury of also trying a second recipe from Dougdg.
Gourmet Heaven.
Good morning
Overcast and cloudy 29.
I am running late this morning, to lazy to get going. We fixed coffee and sat in bed with the paper and TV news. As you can see, no plans for the day. Granny is making chocolate covered peanuts for me. Love em but just a few each day...TTFN,,,,,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
Happy Monday Morning
Well we had freeze warnings until 10am, was into the low 30’s. Now it’s 42F. Starting to feel like Christmas!! First day of Winter today. Had 2 blankets last night and was fine.
Another load of cars this morning, so I may not take off next week as I had planned. Too much work, and I can’t trust those sales people to handle the work load.
Went around and dropped off the Princess’s friends presents, did a little shopping, had dinner and went to Mass. Planning on Christmas Eve service, not sure what time, however. Monsignor told us to get there early, as you may find someone else in your regular pew, someone that you knew, and didn’t know they were Catholic, and you may not be thinking about peace and joy. I thought that was funny.
I’ve just about finished cleaning out the house, a few more boxes to the attic and the house will be clean for Santa’s arrival.
I’m back on “real” food, and I’m down to 175lbs. This is NOT a recommended diet.
I’ve lost almost 13lbs since last week. WOW!! I haven’t been this light since high school some 35 years ago..my wife is very jealous.
Tonight will food shop, a small turkey, spiral cut ham and the rest of the trimmings, including Pumpkin & Pecan Pie!! YUM!! I’ll start cooking about 10 or 11 AM for an afternoon feast.
That’s all from “Paradise”. Youse snow bound guys be careful...and don’t shovel too much!!
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
Good afternoon all
Just a quick check in during lunch.
Letting you all know that I am thinking of you all and your needs are in my prayers.
May God bless
Good Afternoon Y'all! Was a nice day at work as only one minor case early on and then went to visit a friend's house for lunch. Came home to a house full of too many toys and kids so involved in their fun that they have not bothered my wife all day. Son has already completed several boxes of Lego sets. They both got the Nintendo DS which should be good for them to use while driving up north. Also picked up some movies that we hope will keep their attention for the drive.
Really liking my Lionel Consolidation. Have yet to put her on the tracks, but she sure does look good. Will do a little scenery tonight, but have to do some packing too. Oh well.
Have a good night.
Dennis
TCA#09-63805
I have been playing around with the spacing of the five tracks on the Christmas layout all day. It should get done tonight. I received the partial 755 talking station that I bought, and the only clean parts are the motor and wiring. I was thinking of buying the needed parts to complete it, but it needs too much to be practical IMHO. It needs the roof, reproducer/speaker horn, record, and turntable. The base on this one also suffers from the paint adhesion problem that my complete station has, and there is some rust starting on the bare spots. I mainly bought it to have a parts source, but I can't bring myself to part it out. I hate to see that happen to these things. I always stop and think that these things were likely Christmas presents for lucky kids long ago, and I can't get past that.
Jim--
It's funny you mentioned that the Aero Train passenger cars looked like busses, that's exactly what they were and produced by GM. They weren't exactly a big hit but still unique. I said it before and I'll say it again, that train gets more comments than any of my others ..... I just don't get it.
Thanks Pat, that recipe is a keeper and I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm going to have to find some new recipes to try and recommend I believe cooking is just as much fun as toy trains, everyone wins
Wow everybody must be out shopping. I will just get a coffee and wait for the thingy. Hope the banilla does not melt. Oh and granny made me some homemade chocolate covered peanuts today. You can each have just one cause I am greedy.....S.J.
It is cloudy and cold in SE Indiana. I had bacon and biscuits on the dining car before sending it on to "Points East". Lucas and I went to the YMCA. We did weights, soccer drills and some soccer scrimmage. I was more tired after 15 minutes of scrimage than 15 minutes of treadmill. There is all sorts of tired, but the best kind of tired is "socce tired". All four of us went to see "Avatar". It was very good. I recommend it. TBIL, and I can drive again. I hope everyone has a good day.
I finally got the Christmas layout done tonight. I had to eliminate the 718 mail car and 760 highway flasher for now due to space constraints. I might remove the PW Lionel loop to make room for them though. It was tough to get five trains running in a 6x8 space. I also opened the Sager Place observation car that I have had sealed since its release. It is nice, but I am not real fond of the bluish white light produced by the LED in the drumhead.
Sunny and about 50 today.
I agree with Jonadel on the Aerotrain - great sounding horn, interesting station sequence, but not a smooth runner. What attracted my attention was the 'modern' GM styling. The cab has the flavor of a '59 Olds or Pontiac, the observation car borrows heavily from a '55 or '56 Nomad, and the oval theme on the front of the locomotive reminds me of a '57 Olds.
Got new traction tires on my P.E. Berkshire tonight - big improvement. For what it is worth, these traction tires are the same ones used on diesels.
One more day left at work this year. Ought to be interesting, as there is a high school junor that will be in to shadow me in the afternoon. He is considering going to college for an engineering degree and would like to know what engineers of various types do. Guess I'll have to behave.
All for now.
Reclinerized too long. Wifey and I were watching Holiday Inn on AMC [movie that White Christmas was first introduced, so popular a song, they then made the movie White Christmas]. Made it 3/4 of the way through but wifey on the couch only made it through the first 15 minutes. She's off tomorrow and rest of the week [OH NO!!! there goes my routine]. She is snoring on the couch [don't let her know I said that]. Also the video of me at the gym went great. Washed the outside of the greenhouse as some of it had turned green. Mayors' Christmas party was great. Now off to bed.
You will remember Frankie and his Shar Peis. Sheriff was 5 when he got cancer and was "put to sleep". Then they got Ming who was just a little over a year old when the freak post surgery [simple leg surgery] death. Well a month ago he went to SC and came home with a brown Shar Pei [like Sheriff]. He was named Twix [chocolate bar due to color]. Well Ming's breeder who was a email buddy of Frankie insisted on giving him a blue female [rare color] who was sister and the same color of Ming. Frankie drove to AL. this past weekend and picked her up. Her are photos of my newest Grandkids.
Wrinkley little kids.
Good night.
Good Morning!
Three days till Christmas. Went to Walmart last night and picked up stocking stuffers for my bride. Came home and worked on a couple restoration projects. Got a really nice 774 Flood Light tower. The kids are going to giveit to me for Christmas.
Chief - cute pups. Are they wearing oversized sweaters?
Hi GYZ,
32 and brisk here. To get to 36? Had my hose on the power stearing break yesterday, felt like I was back in the 60s again driving a real car.
CHIEF, gotta get the iron out and get those wrinkles out of them dogs.
All stay frosty,
Good Morning,
The basement is almost ready for Christmas. Will complete carpeting today. Had help from my two sons and grandson Zack (6yrsand what a worker). Made it to the TTOS Sunday. Talked more than shopped. Left my cash home also.
Probably going to Christmas eve Mass with our daughter son-in-law, Josh and triplets (Kaylee, Brandon, Jeremy).
In case I don't get on-line prior to Christmas, as always you, your families, the military, lonley etc are in my prayers.
A blessed, safe, and healthy Christmas.
32 today. still cloudy though.
Chief nice picture of the grandkids, good family resemblence with the wrinkles. They will fit right in. Got Chet Atkins christmas album playing. Granny has gone with daughter to get her van fixed someone busted the side window out while she was at work. Nothing taken as police think the alarm scared them off. Got a hair cut this morning so I will see what the rest of the day brings. S.J.
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