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COFFEE POT #1, January 2010 for all to take a drink and chat. Welcome all posters. 4 yrs old and still going. Sweet ice tea too.

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Posted by LawsonFarmsRR on Sunday, January 10, 2010 8:54 AM
Then the stupid telephone rang.  I never figured the daughter and son-in-law would be dumb enough to brave the snow storm with two little ones in tow for one simple dinner with my wife and me.

 Jack - At least they called first!!WhistlingEvilWhistling

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Posted by cnw1995 on Sunday, January 10, 2010 8:44 AM

Aloha all. Only -1 this morning so it is getting warmer. Off to church in a moment. The bride volunteered us to watch the pastor's kids (ages 1, 2, 6 and 7) tonight so that should be interesting. Condolences on the loss of your friend, Sir J.   Fife, I thought the enemy had antlers and four legs and we could only stalk them with flintlocks at certain times of the  year. Don and Buckeye, oh you made me laugh! It does give me an idea though for the next time I have an electrical question, I'll use a webcam to 'show' it!  Brutus, enjoy your family day today! 

8n, I recommend you get the 'classic' F unit with the Warbonnet scheme. Nothing looks finer.

Jon, I've always wanted to see Lionel's Acela run.

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

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Posted by laz 57 on Sunday, January 10, 2010 8:08 AM

KOOLJOCK,

  You gotta get LEGACY, best thing since ROSEYVILLE HAMSTER, named HERBIE.

laz57

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Posted by laz 57 on Sunday, January 10, 2010 8:05 AM

Hi GUYZ,

  7 degrees and cold one here.  To get to 30.  Well EAGLES (not FRANK) loose.  Maybe next year.

BUCKEYE, LOL SAFETY FIRST!!!!!

CHIEF, what a lucky guy FREE VENISON and NO PILE UPs, U DA MAN!!!!!

FIFE, LOL good letter.  What more is there to life then OL MILs and reading back issues of CTT, and occasionally harassing wifelife?  Life is good.

Stay frosty BOYZ,

laz57

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Posted by fifedog on Sunday, January 10, 2010 7:31 AM

DAY 36.

     Dear Grandmom,  sorry I haven't written to you in awhile.  Things in the field have grown a bit monotonous.  All there is to do is drink Ol' Mils, read back issues of CTT, and fire upon the occasional beaver from time to time.  The PLATOON  has been fragmented right down the middle by two rival factions: SGT Buckeye's Snohizo irregulars, and SGT Eagle's grit-eaters.  I feel like the son, born of two fathers, fighting for the minds and souls of the men.  Poor new guys don't even know what to make of  it.  They'll just have to figure things out on their own.  Tension has gotten to a few lifers, as one tried to cut off his own leg, and another tempted fate by shoveling snow in a blizzard, whereing only his pj's. 

     It seems everyone has forgotten who the enemy is.  But he's out there.  Way, way out there.  You can't see him, but you know he's just waiting...watering his brown grass...cleaning his pool...basking in his warm weather.

     Tell Mom and Dad...well...just tell them.

                                                                                                             Fifey

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Sunday, January 10, 2010 6:34 AM

Don....I'm glad you are taking care of the Chief's electrical questions.  During the construction of his benchwork after he laid down the phone there was the buzz of the circular saw and then it suddenly stopped.  I  then heard a very loud swear word followed with, "Wow!!! That's a lot of blood. Pam! Pam! Call the squad." Then I heard a big thud.  I could now hear Pam in the background saying, "What do you want? I'm busy!!! And don't make a mess on that new carpet again with all your train stuff!!  Do you hear me!!!

I thought it best to hang up the phone.

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

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Posted by Kooljock1 on Sunday, January 10, 2010 4:22 AM

 It's a wee-bit chilly here this morning... as in -3 without the wind-chill.  It'll probably drop another degree or two before the temps rise back up to near 20 above.

I went to my friend Lew's house yesterday and we set up his Legacy system.  I showed him how to program his Daylight, Acela, the new Santa Fe Dash-8, and an Atlas-O Vermont Railway GP-40.  Everything worked, and worked better than with standard TMCC.

Love it when a plan comes together!

Now I want Legacy!

Jon Cool

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Posted by dbaker48 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 11:28 PM

 Ray, Sorry to hear about your wife's brother.  Condolences and prayers for your loss.

 FYI for all......  If the Chief calls and sounds a bit frazzled cause he cant get an engine going, remember IT IS the Chief, therefore a couple of tips.....

1.  If you suggest for him to use a test track........  know that it will be a curved track.

2.  When you ask him to hook up the track with a couple of jumper wires......  MAKE SURE you tell him to ALSO connect the other end to the power source..........  Confirm that he is connecting the test track with one wire to the outside rail and one to the CENTER RAIL !!

 (Note: Dont confuse him with the "outside rail" of the curved track, just have him turn the track 180 deg)

3.  IF he is trying to use a MTH engine, remind him he needs to use the DCS remote, not the TMCC.

4.  Also, ask him how many transformers he has in arm's reach, and which one he is going to use, because he will get frustrated when the engine doesn't respond with the transformers not connected.

5.  DON'T EVEN GET INTO A CONVERSATION; "CONNECT POSITIVE TO CENTER RAIL AND NEUTRAL TO OUTSIDE RAIL" ............... JUST TELL HIM TO CONNECT THE RED WIRE TO THE CENTER RAIL AND THE BLACK WIRE TO THE OUTSIDE RAIL.  (Its also a good idea to check which wire colors he is using !!!!!!!!)

Finally don't get frustrated when he says "Watch This", and lays the telephone down.  Just listen intently for the background comments; "Whooo, that Smarts!!!   It's OK, I'm OK, just tripped on the wires.  OH Lordy!!!  and finally HEY Man!!  It Works!!!

And IF the engine is equipped with a polarity switch (for 2 rail use) and he flips the switch and it works.  Then the switch must be miswired, of course he didn't connect the wire to the wrong outside rail. And if that isn't the case then the DCS board must have had a "flip-flop" circuit that wasn't energized.

In our next lesson the chief and I will discuss fuse and wire polarity default settings.  lol

Glad they are running !!!

Don

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Posted by 8ntruck on Saturday, January 9, 2010 11:26 PM

Mostly sunny today, but still not very warm.  Might have gotten into the teens.

Ray, SJ - condolances for the losses.

Just working on Saturday chores today.  Took the loop of track around the Christmas tree up, then packed the tree and wreaths away until next year.

I've decided that I want to aquire some sort of diesel in Santa Fe warbonnet paint scheme.  I'll want to run whatever I get, so it needs to be one of the better pullers out of all the choices that are out there.  My Lionel reference books list F3's, FA's, and PA's.  The published prices look a little better for the locomotives built in the modern era.

Comments?  Suggestions?

 Later, all.

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Posted by Brutus on Saturday, January 9, 2010 10:36 PM

Howdy guys - Prayers for Ray's family and for SJ on losses Angel  Prayers for us all and all in need.

Well, I started out this morning at -1 degrees.  Snow still on the ground, too.  Worked 5 OT, then had lunch with my daughter and watched an old movie - Dracule, Prince of Darkness Whistling  Later, I took a helicopter toy I got for Christmas back to the LHS and traded it for an Ameritowne built up Melissa's Deli bulding.  Already talking to the kids about how we will modify it - bookstore upstairs and videogames downstairs Thumbs Up

Maybe work on the basement some tomorrow, but I'm not sure what plans Mrs. Brutus has in store for us - if the hospital date sticks, this will be her last Sunday at home for a month or so.  Thanks for all the prayers, please keep them going Smile

I was looking up something for Wes (nice chats with SJ, RT and Wes tonight) and found out Weaver was making British style cars in 2005?  I need to do some more research on this stuff - very neat.

Doug - love the 520 in disguise!

TARDIS is ready - I cleared all the snow out of the entrance as someone left the door open last night!  Ready to fly now, heater is engaged Laugh  Maybe fly over Baker's Field and see if that special beacon next door is on?  Ciao!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by hscsltb on Saturday, January 9, 2010 10:35 PM

Ray and SJ sorry to hear about your losses.I will keep you in my prayers tonight.  

Harold Brown
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Posted by ChiefEagles on Saturday, January 9, 2010 9:55 PM

laz 57

Hi GUYZ,

   Well like wifr said to me tonight,"What NO deer steaks, NO deer sticks, NO deer, chops, NO deer hamburger, NO deer sausage, what are we going to do?  What a wiseguy.  Nope didn't get one, just froze but at least it was a sunny freeze.

Stay frosty,

laz57

Do you want me to ship you some?.  Freezers full [here and lake house] and I don't even hunt.WhistlingLaugh   County Commissioner buddy gave me some ground for chilli and summer sausage.  Buddy that hunts the pond gave me stuffed sausage, ground and some other sliced something.  I'm the only one who eats it except Burg and sometimes Lucy. 

Good night all.

PS: after getting engine to run, I ran two trains for an hour and a half and no pileups. Approve

 

 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 laz 57 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 9:45 PM

Oh yea, almost forgot, after cleaning gun ran trains for 2.5 hours, and you guessd it NO PILE UPs ah life is good.

laz57

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Posted by laz 57 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 9:44 PM

Hi GUYZ,

  RAY so sorry for your loss.  Prayers for your wife and in laws. 

  BUCKEYE, seems like ROGERs CORNERS, ele 936ft., is the MECCA for toy trainism?  Boy I wish I lived closer.  How bout you CHIEF?

  Well like wifr said to me tonight,"What NO deer steaks, NO deer sticks, NO deer, chops, NO deer hamburger, NO deer sausage, what are we going to do?  What a wiseguy.  Nope didn't get one, just froze but at least it was a sunny freeze.

Stay frosty,

laz57

  There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; Robert Service. TCA 03-55991
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Posted by ChiefEagles on Saturday, January 9, 2010 9:33 PM

Evening all.  Fire Dept meal was fried chicken [Southern], blackeyed peas, scalloped potatoes, backed apples, backed ham and cornbread.  Lots of sweet ice tea.  Even the Yankees that moved here and were there drank the sweet ice tea.

Ray, sorry for the loss.  Prayers. 

Now all you Mike's Trash House fans.  Fixed the new NS MTH engine.  Called the MTH lover number one, Shake and Bake.  He had me make up a track on the floor and use jumper cables from TIU over to the track.  Did not work.  Everytime you asked it to add engine, MTH engine, it would say no engine found.  Well, Mikey Boy has gotten so smart he now has them setup for 2 rail as well as 3 rail.  Book said the engine was setup for 3 rail.  Check the switches [2Rail/3Rail and Polarity] and they were in 3 rail position.  Still could not find engine.  Finally after suggestions by Don [don't call him for help Wink] did not work, I reached down and "flipped" the polarity switch and hit the add MTH engine.  She found it and fired up.  Well, Don suggested that I shut it down and "flip" the switch back.  I was telling him that MTh had wired the switch backwards.  Well, he was right.  Flipped it back, hit start up and she fired up.  Running great by itself and in lashups.  Must admit, great sounding  horm and sounds.  Just can not "play" with the horn like a Lionel.  Wanted everyone to know in case you ran into this situation. 

Later. 

 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 Papadiesel on Saturday, January 9, 2010 9:27 PM

Ray,

Prayers from our parish family for your loss. I do know how you feel.

"MAKE A GREAT DAY" ! PapaDiesel
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Posted by submmbob on Saturday, January 9, 2010 9:02 PM

 Another fairly quiet night here at the scope, so far anyway. Just above freezing and the weather is very good for submillimeter astronomy. Something coming in from the coast over the next few days, but most is supposed to go north of us.

Jim - I'm trying to get those photos off to you, but my U email account locked out on me. They changed the password protocols recently, and in order to get something which lasts a while you practically have to stand on your head while typing it in. Burnt part of dinner while on the phone w/ the IT guy. Supposed to unlock in 15 min, otherwise I'll have to wait 'til I get home to find my employee ID # and a letter from my 2nd grade teacher on citizenship.

Doug M - glad to hear the book will get there in time. As his final project he should build an Also RS w/ a Briggs and Stratton engine and run it on the Illinois Live Steamer's tracksBig Smile

Will try and finish up the 258 tonight. At least the engine anyway. The cars just need a cleaning and bulbs. 

Well let see if the email came back.

Bob

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Posted by rtraincollector on Saturday, January 9, 2010 9:01 PM

wrmcclellan

Evening all!

Watching C'boys play the Iggles again. Seem to have control - hope they can pull this one off. Roy Williams finally starting to show something after being non-existant all season.

no problem as they normaly choke at the play-offs or super bowl Iknow I grew up around that area

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

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Posted by RockIsland52 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 8:22 PM

ChiefEagles

Jack, your comment of wife and you "hunkered down" during the big snow storm could be X rated. Whistling

 

Chief and Fifey.......you guys can really read between the lines. 

That was the master plan, or at least mine.  Chilled wine, a crackling fire, soothing soft jazz playing in the background on the surround, a quiet dinner in the pipeline, the 30 year old son finally out of the house (again Thumbs Up), alone at last. 

I was devious enough to even set the mood by doing only stuff all day that she wanted to do and resisted the extreme temptation of watching the Fenway Park bruins Old Timers' outdoor ice hockey game on tv......yup, they played it in the middle of the storm.

Then the stupid telephone rang.  I never figured the daughter and son-in-law would be dumb enough to brave the snow storm with two little ones in tow for one simple dinner with my wife and me.  They see us every week!  Maybe I need to become the father/father-in-law from hell.  Then stuff like this wouldn't happen to me!

On a more serious note......when your kids can grow up, become independent, and actually enjoy being with you, something must have gone right along the way.  I just wish it didn't have to happen last Saturday night! Big Smile

Jack

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Saturday, January 9, 2010 8:17 PM

Evening all!

Ray - sincere condolences for your family's loss.

Watching C'boys play the Iggles again. Seem to have control - hope they can pull this one off. Roy Williams finally starting to show something after being non-existant all season.

Got above freezing here for a little while today. Pool pump running 24/7 - electric company is happy. Angry

Sir James - will be good to have you at York!

Have a great evening all!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by rtraincollector on Saturday, January 9, 2010 7:50 PM

Ray Prayers for you, your wife , and your wifes family

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

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Posted by sir james I on Saturday, January 9, 2010 6:50 PM

Good Evening

Sun all day up to 23. But 10 tonite.

Ray sorry for your family loss. I too lost an ole friend today, known him since the 70s. Lung cancer.

Two grand sons came to visit today, we played for awhile and then the house was nice and quiet again. Banilla is read for the thingy ride....S.J.

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

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Saturday, January 9, 2010 5:34 PM

Ray....  My deepest sympathy to you, your wife and family over your loss.  You may not be there in person, but you folks will be there in spirit.

Chuck

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Saturday, January 9, 2010 4:35 PM

Buckeye Riveter

Jon.....Remember, arguing with an fool makes you look like an fool. Whistling

Two fools arguing over arguing with me. ShockWink

Off to fire dept big meal.

BTW: Mike's Trash House is lame.  Will not find the new engine.  Got it on charge but don't think that is it.  We'll see.

 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 Buckeye Riveter on Saturday, January 9, 2010 4:10 PM

Ray....My sincerest condolences to you and your wife. 

We had a great visit today from Sturgenfish and his lovely bride.  Wes, with a new car, was in attendance.

Jon.....Remember, arguing with an fool makes you look like an fool. Whistling

A sad day in Boilermakerland.

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

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Posted by jonadel on Saturday, January 9, 2010 3:48 PM

ChiefEagles

This is for Jon [the over the hill blow hard band teacher], 

  

National Championship = Alabama.  BTW: they played Texas.  OH, NO Yankee teams made the national championship game. Whistling  So the SOUTH wins again.  Go crawl back in your igloo. Laugh

 

Yup, that's exactly why the IOWA HAWKEYE'S have stomped the suthern teams the last two years in a row.  Fortunately for Alabama that they played against a freshmen quarter back, the Tide won by default.

At least in my Igloo I don't have a dirt floor like y'all do Tongue

Jon

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Posted by cheapclassics on Saturday, January 9, 2010 3:28 PM

Good afternoon all,

It is still lightly Snohioing in SE Indiana with temps in the teens.  It is not heavy snow and it is not accumulating much, but it ....just....does.....not.....stop.  Watched "Dollhouse" and "Numb3rs" last night.  Both were good, but both had plot twists to leave your head shaking.  Went to YMCA last night for soccer drills and weights.  Went to YMCA today for drills (11 touches), weights and a fairly easy one mile on the treadmill.  Grandson will be here tonight while parents go to a meeting/re-union.  I had waffles and ham on the dining car for breakfast this morning before sending it on to "Points East".  TBIL after grandson leaves.  I hope everyone has a good day.  As far as "Grits" discussion is concerned, I think everybody would be better off with bran muffins.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Saturday, January 9, 2010 3:09 PM

This is for Jon [the over the hill blow hard band teacher], 

 

National Championship = Alabama.  BTW: they played Texas.  OH, NO Yankee teams made the national championship game. Whistling  So the SOUTH wins again.  Go crawl back in your igloo. Laugh

 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 dwiemer on Saturday, January 9, 2010 1:46 PM

Ray, Sorry for the news.  Will pray for your wife and her brother's family.  Sad, Both for the news and also that you and your wife will not be able to be there.  I am sure they understand.

Had a good meeting.  It actually was a area wide meeting for "Stop The Violence", but it had a lot of information that we can use in regard to the movie theme.  Unfortunately, we have a big problem in the area of violence.  While it is just about all focused in one area, the affect is felt all around.

Well, now is my last adult thought process as we are about to go see the chipmunk movie.  It is like driving across the river into Alabama....you feel your IQ drop in half (Just kidding Dr. John).

Dennis

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Posted by cnw1995 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 12:54 PM

Oh Ray, please extend my condolences to your wife!

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

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