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COFFEE POT #3, March 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 Steve W. on Friday, March 5, 2010 8:38 PM

Well I got my first paycheck today and they didn't fire me so I guess they want me back on monday...LOL  Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't trust any employer anymore. Money talks and BS walks(can ya say bs here)...I really hope this works out and the owner of the company seems like a nice guy and more importantly a match with me ( I think)...We'll see....Steve

 

 

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Posted by 8ntruck on Friday, March 5, 2010 8:38 PM

Sunny and about 50 today.  30% chance of rain forcast for the weekend - figures.

Busy week at work.  We've got some politics simmering just under the surface there.  Those always up the stress level a knotch or two.

Upstairs to the trains for some therapy.

Later all.

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Posted by Banks on Friday, March 5, 2010 8:49 PM

 Hello all,

'T was a wonderful week. warm days and cold nights. The snowohio is melting slowly. Only about 8" left where it wasn't drifted.

Brutus, Great news

Both grand kids have the crud. Probably won't get to see them this weekend.

Took my parents, kids and grand kids out Monday evening to celebrate my folks 64th wedding anniversary. They were pleased.

Our Parish Sea food buffet was packed this evening. I fried fish from 3:40 till 7;20. (open from 4 till 7) I'm guessing we had around 800 people.

Last year when I bought my new windows I found a company online that has system of replacement sash. You replace only the sash and the tracks they run in. ( can't remember correct word right now ) measurements are critical because of this. Their website listed Lowes and a local lumber yard as dealers. I went to the local lumber yard and asked for pricing and to confirm measurements with the company. They would get back to me. A week later I called. They still had no info. Five days later they called with pricing. It was good so I said confirm the measurement and I will place the order.

A week went by and no call. I called them. They still can't confirm measurement. Do I want to buy their brand for more money?  I went to Lowe's. While i was there I got a price and measurements confirmed ( they called factory while I stood there). The price was within a few dollars of local store. Long story short , local store lost $1,400.00 sale due to lack of effort.

Not much planned this weekend. Going to try to finish some inside stuff. 

Altoona Train Show next weekend

Back sore, going to bed soon.

Prayers to all who may need them

 

 

 

 

 

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

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Posted by Steve W. on Friday, March 5, 2010 8:52 PM

Chief: I know what ya mean ....the first sales call i went out on I knew I needed a tape measure. I thought "no problem" i'll just get one at home depot or something...well it took me forever to find a hardware store and they were glad to see me. Price was the same as anywhere else but I was supprised tha I didn't find a hardware store every couple miles.  they are all gone...I went through like three towns and thats a long run out here in the bean fields....LOL

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Posted by laz 57 on Friday, March 5, 2010 9:49 PM

Hi GUYZ,

  Ran trains tonite for 3 hrs.  NO PILE UPs!!!!  Great time.  After school ripped off roof and then cleaned up yard.  CUT 3 foot strips with circular saw, NO INJURIES.  The took a madock to the tounge and groove roof, came off real good.  Even got most of the nails.  Got class tomorrow from 9-4.  UGH!  Oh well?  Be happy.

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 laz 57 on Saturday, March 6, 2010 6:40 AM

HI GUYZ,

  First one on the pot today.  Got teachers class today from 9-4.  Then go out to eat, maybe make church?  Then run trains.

If anyone is interested in getting ERR Cruise Commander M or other components here is where I ordered from.

http://mttponline.com/

The fellow OHIOAN name is BILL LEWIS, tell him I recommended you, might give you a discount?

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 navyjack on Saturday, March 6, 2010 7:19 AM

Smilehello friends, need prayers for my wife.  she is burning out, and has chest pains.  i try to put on a stiff appearance, but she is my strength and i could not do without her.  we will have been married 40 years april 4th.  she is a small woman and has normal blood pressure so i hope that it is only stress.  

laz57 do you teach?  what subject and grade?

 

"the older the violin the sweeter the music"
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Posted by ChiefEagles on Saturday, March 6, 2010 7:34 AM

Morning all.  Serious prayers for Navy's wife.  Sunny and warming fast.  Wifey here has my cold now.  Mine still will not go away.   Dr. called yesterday with some info.  Said I needed to exercise more.  Try having Town Board meetings at gym on treadmills. ShockLaugh Will get seeds in tray today.  Had to soak the seed starter soil.  Wife left the bag open and it dried out some.  Then you have to get it damp or it acts as if it is waterproof.  Plant seeds before you get it "soaked" and they float on top.  Then off to Miss Edna's for a visit.  Friend's Mom died and Pam cooked breakfast casserole and blueberry muffins.  I took it over to their house and woke them up.  Well, they will have hot breakfast without his wife having to cook.  LAZ, thanks for the link.  Have been ordering from ERR direct.  Need to order several diesel units.  Still interested in putting sound in the NS Dash 9 Dummy [one with the smoke, directional lighting and electrocouplers].  I think a sound kit will plug right in.  Chat 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 RockIsland52 on Saturday, March 6, 2010 8:04 AM

Navy......prayers for your better half, hopefully stress.  She is beautiful inside and out from what you have written.  Worrying about your kids issues is an exercise in TOTAL futility, and today's ss issue will the grandchild will be fixed and replaced by something else tomorrow.  I could write a book, and the chapters continue with no end.  And Mom's go nuts over the kids.....ultimately to no useful purpose.  Hang in there. 

Jack

IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.

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Posted by sir james I on Saturday, March 6, 2010 8:15 AM

Good Morning All

Sunny and 45 today

Moms and grand moms never change worry worry about the kids. Me, of course I care but they are grown and should handle their own affairs. If they ask for help i'll be there. Of course there are hard times when we need to step in so don't change my meaning. I'm talking moms under normal conditions here. Aah a beautiful day that I plan  to enjoy.

S.J.

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

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Saturday, March 6, 2010 8:31 AM

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a beautiful day. Sunny and 32 degrees. Going up to 44 today with lots of sunshine.

Today is an easy day. The usual chores and then relax. I may spend some time in the train room. Need to work on scenery. I am slow on the scenery subject.  At least, I can run trains while I am doing it.

Buckeye....Good luck with your garden.  Plant succotach.

NavyJack...... Prayers out for your wife.

Dining car was here and we had the usual for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Saturday.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by cnw1995 on Saturday, March 6, 2010 8:56 AM

 Morning from a sunny and cold Chicago where class starts in 5 minutes. I gotta get over there. Oh wait, they can't start without me.  Wink  Watched the home movies I converted to DVD a few weeks ago with the fam last night. Good memories. Prayers for Mrs. NavyJack.

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

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Posted by dougdagrump on Saturday, March 6, 2010 10:32 AM

Mornin' All.

Trying to work up the energy to unpack & service yesterday's stuff. What an exasperating day, gremlins everywhere. Before we even have a chance to open the doors a Z4000 bites the dust, and all kinds of little control issues w/DCS all day. To top it off the TMCC even started acting wonky late in the afternoon with similar types of control issues, was REALLY glad to see 4pm roll around. Lots of kiddos in yesterday, one of the pre-schools form up the coast was in with 75 kids & chaperones. Only had to tell one to not touch the trains, with the look that I got in response he must have never heard "no" before.

We both are still fighting the crud here, this stuff just does not seem to want to give-up. 

Angel to all those in need.

Later All !  

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

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Posted by fifedog on Saturday, March 6, 2010 10:54 AM

Welllllll, became a Grandpop this weekend...sorta.  Middle Princess brought home one of those programmable babies for her High School child developement class.  FLASH BACK to last year, when the oldest princess brought home a collicky baby (I kidded about tossing the varmit out the window...keep this in mind).  Her best friend spent the night with another school baby, then the two "mamas" decided to go out that night to a party, and left the littlest princess (who was only too eager to help) in charge.  Before wifey turned in, she checked on the littlest princess, who, during a crying fit with both babies closed herself (and them) in the closet.Shock  8-year old was so stressed that I would toss the babies out the window. Laugh  Oldest princess was so "questionable" as a parent, I'm pretty sure local Social Services office was alerted. Whistling

Middle Princess seems to have a better grasp on things.

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Posted by Hudson#685 on Saturday, March 6, 2010 11:36 AM

It took me almost all of lunch time to get caught up from the last couple of days thanks to the Chief's and our Southern Pals effects from their Snow Cannon. Back at the shop making repairs to the equipment from the (ab)use of the equipment. They know how to push equipment to the limit.

Navy Jack: Hang in there. Your wife will be fine. Think positive. Thoughts and prayers.

Back to work, later

John

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Posted by SPMan on Saturday, March 6, 2010 12:35 PM

Good morning all.  prayers for Navy Jack's wife.  Stress has to be playing a big roll.  Friend of mine who is terminal with Lou Gerig's  ALS disease has a wife taking care of him 24/7.  She is a saint and I don't know how she is doing it either.  Prayers for both of them.

More rain forcast this weekend but I want to go to train meet tomorrow, rain or not.

Last Thursday night our little group got together for trains and ran two new locos bought by one of the guys.  Both were MTH premier models.  A Southern Railway PS4 and a UP 4-8-4.  Both were proto 2 with all the bells and whistles.  They  both worked great!  I am green with envy over the Southern engine.  Had one once but it was proto 1 and sold it when I should have upgraded.  Maybe I can work out a swap or sell something to buy a new PS4.  My disposable income is too low now to be buying $1000 engines and sleep well but I can do some horse trading or sell something.  I'm sure there are a lot of us in the same boat so I don't feel like the lone ranger.

I'm waiting to hear more about the tomatoes from Chief.  He says he is late getting started this year.  Maybe I should plant some too.  Had one good year and not so good after that.  Soil is adobe and needs sand.  Also manure.  Have to mail order some from Pat's cows. Funny thing is that wild tomatoes do real good behind my garage with no attention at all except a little water once in a while.  They are the cherry tomatoes though so I have to plant the big ones if I want any.

Have a good weekend,

Ray

 

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

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Posted by dwiemer on Saturday, March 6, 2010 1:09 PM

Good afternoon everyone.  Kind of tired about now.  Wife is working today as her second day for the month.  I had to take daughter and son to daughter's ballet practice.  Son and I waited with a bunch of the moms in the waiting room.  Boy can those ladies talk and talk.  Afterwards, took kids to Hobby Lobby and picked up some floquil paint sticks for the tracks.  Also got a bunk bed set for daughter's doll house and a hydraulic science set for the son.

I am a bit wiped, but will check later.  Hope everyone has a blessed weekend.
God Bless,

Dennis

TCA#09-63805

 

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Posted by Ole Timer on Saturday, March 6, 2010 1:19 PM

PAT .... save some of that manure to form into cannon balls but we'll keep the centers of them nice and soft and WET .... we'll give the yanks a surprise in the wee hours of the morning !   Dead  .... LOL .

SPman .... no you're not alone ... I can't see putting $1,000.00 - $1,800.00 out for any engine at the present time .... no matter whether it's extra money or not . They're all past features in a couple years anyway no matter what is newest now anyway . My 2 cents They're all designing a newer version of what's out there and will make those now selling obsolete .... as they say . I'm now searching for a good deal on the MTH DCS system .... 1,000's of new functions and sounds for free ... and their new line of engines are fantastic . Here's just one of their new ones ... MTH ... this sold me ....         ..... click on the pic and it should expand to a full view .

       LIFETIME MEMBER === DAV === DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS STEAM ENGINES RULE ++++ CAB FORWARDS and SHAYS
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Posted by 8ntruck on Saturday, March 6, 2010 2:56 PM

Started out sunny and in the 50's.  Starting to cloud up now.

Out for breakfast this morning.  My wife threw the waitress off by not ordering her 'usual'.  Me, I got my usual double hash browns topped with chili.  Got a hair cut, put a new seat cover on the truck, and hacked a hole in the wall for an outlet that will help tame the tangle of cords around the computer. 

Inadvertantly unpluged the computer, so I am 'testing' it to make sure it works  after the restart.

All for now.

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Posted by cheapclassics on Saturday, March 6, 2010 4:06 PM

Good evening all,

IIABSDISEI with temps in the low 50s.  I went to the Y last night, and played a pickup game with a couple of kids.  That was fun.  Watched "Numb3rs".  Got up fairly early this morning and went to YMCA again for the regular workout.  Came home and washed top layer of crud off all three vehicles.  Tired.  I had the regular fare on the dining car this morning for breakfast.  TBIL anytime. Prayers for Navyjack's wife.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Saturday, March 6, 2010 4:11 PM

Ole Timer

PAT .... save some of that manure to form into cannon balls but we'll keep the centers of them nice and soft and WET .... we'll give the yanks a surprise in the wee hours of the morning !   Dead  .... LOL .

My hero.  Laugh

Fifey, at least they are "fake" babies they are bringing home.  Wait until they bring home the real thing and dump them in GrandPa's lap to baby sit.

Afternoon.  Wet from sweat.  Unloaded 17 bags of lime at pond and 9 here [for garden].  PH meter reads just on the edge of IDEAL.  Needs a "little nudge" with some lime.  Sure was a pretty day here.  Wifey worked outside and now her cold is worse.  Went to Miss Edna's.  Was tempted to buy the Amtrac set and/or the NS Dash 9 Tank Train set [she has several still].  Let it slide.  Got a couple of things on bid in Choochoo [thanks to Dennis].  Did pick up a oil well pump.  My old one finally ran its course.  If tractor had been home, would have disked garden.  Then turned it over with bottom plow Monday.  Folks already planting potatoes and cabbage here.  Rest now.         

 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 sir james I on Saturday, March 6, 2010 5:51 PM

Good Evening All

Sunny and 47  today, snow crystals are giving up.

Did the laundry this morning, no biggie, she sorts it, and its right in the next room. She also fixed me cube steak with brown gravey and mashed potatoes for supper. I also got out a bunch of old legal papers some good some not and have been puting things in order. Then fell asleep on the couch and can't wake up. i guess i'll be awake in time for the thingy. Got banilla too...S.J.

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

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Posted by fifedog on Saturday, March 6, 2010 6:03 PM

Chief - There is some fear and trepidation on the princesses part, about leaving young impressionable ones with Fifepop...Evil

Fifepop...Pirate

Fifepop...Dinner

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Posted by hscsltb on Saturday, March 6, 2010 7:46 PM

Navyjack,sending good thoughts in your wifes direction and will remember her in my prayers.Spman I just preordered the MTH Providence and Worcester RS-3. That is about the most I can justify spending on an engine.Just wish it was conventional.Imgetting a little more of a bonus this year and this is what is allowing me to spend it.

Harold Brown
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Posted by cnw1995 on Saturday, March 6, 2010 8:11 PM

 Back from getting chicken wings with the fam. They went to movies and I took the youngest home for bed. Boy, Fifedad, I remember the daughter getting the 'collicky computer baby' to take home in her H.S. health class. Think it scared her from parenting as it cried all night. Course I was ready to put it in the garage, but the dang thing even recorded if you didn't hold it right. LOL. Off to practice ukelele and play w trains. Can I do both at the same time?

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

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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Saturday, March 6, 2010 9:43 PM

Evening all

Had a busy day.  A quick check in the off to bed.

Chief - take it easy with the sacks of lime.

NAvyJack - prayers and blessings for your bride.  After 40 years of marriage the vows you took of marriage is what is called for with the sacrament of matrimony.  I will keep you bride in mind Sunday during all of the services for healing.

MAy God Bless

Jim

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Posted by laz 57 on Saturday, March 6, 2010 9:56 PM

HI GUYZ,

  Beauty of a day here, hit 50!!!!   Spent all day inside at class, oh well only one more day on the 20th of March.  Came home went to church then out to eat.  Had Cajun Shrimp.  Boy was dat gooood!  Still taste the spice.  Came home called MOM, talked for 30 min.  Took dog for walk then ran trains for 2hrs.  NO PILE UPs!!!  Came upstairs and watched fight on HBO.  Pretty good.

CHIEF, BILL LEWIS has nice prices, tell him I gave you the heads up and maybe get you a better deal.  He's a very good guy for being from OHIOBig SmileWinkWhistling.

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 dbaker48 on Sunday, March 7, 2010 1:32 AM

 Hey Guys!

Been busy, but making progress!  Finished getting my layout re-work completed.  Ended up moving 8 switches, changed the direction of cross overs connecting my two mainlines.  It ended up creating 3 bypass sections, and allows any of the 5 engines coming from the engine shed access to any of the three tracks.  It also provides for some additional "meaning" enabling a "from - to" locations with a purpose.  Will be fun determining how many variations i can create.  Major issues were ensuring that their is adequate clearance accommodating the "engine swings" and clearance  between tracks.  That was a real challenge!  But its working!

Got to brag some!  Chris has been working the Oscars for the past two weeks.  This past week he worked 67 hours, and missed only 1 of his classes.  Yesterday didn't get home till 1 am.  Today was there at 9:00 and is spending the night there at the Hotel.  (Paid for by the Academy)  He has to be there at 7am, and working until midnight tonight.  This morning he was fitted for a tuxedo, to be worn during the show and after.  We had to take toiletries etc., up to him tonight.  He got us each an "official" Academy Sweatshirt and Cap.  They look really cool!  He has to work Monday then its all over.  Funny we was calling us at meal time, and telling us what they were having.  Of course the meals were all catered by Wolfgang Puck.  Needless to say he has been on "Cloud 9".  (He and another guy are responsible for all signage, and ensure they are exchanged/replaced as required.)

Need todo some work on documents for the train layout, updating them to reflect all thechanges while they are fresh in my mind.  Will try to get some pictures posted tomorrow.

Take Care and God Bless !!!

 

Don

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Posted by cnw1995 on Sunday, March 7, 2010 7:28 AM

 Aloha all! Off to church soon with all the kids. Looks like I may have to lead a group of rambunctious teen boys. Uh oh. Wink  Then hopefully home to read the paper. Ran trains last night - just one spectacular pile up in the back of the layout of course.  Yay for Chris!

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

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Sunday, March 7, 2010 7:40 AM

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cold and sunny 19 degrees. Going up to 50 today, with lots of sunshine.

Today is an easy day. I plan on watching the Nascar race from Atlanta. Should be a good one. Junior finally got the Pole.  I may watch it from the train room, while running trains.

Dining car was here for a nice omlet for breakfast. Then, it headed to all " Points West ".

Y'all have a great Sunday.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!

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