COFFEE POT #5 May 2010 for all to take a drink and chat. Welcome all posters. 5 yrs old and still going. Sweet ice tea too.

[rtraincollector]

Morning all not much going on here. Getting ready to goto P.O. and a haircut finally. Need a hair cut bad.

nothing planned for today as suppose to be getting storms.

Have a good one

 

[RockIsland52]

Good Mornin', Yall, From Rainy Taxachusetts,

Still trying to catch up from things after the road trip.  I keep making the same mistake......call a refrigerator repair service and within a month something else even more expensive quits on it.  This time it was a thermostat that didn't keep the defrost heating elements on long enough, had it replaced in late March, and it worked fine.  Then when we got back from the road trip the frige wasn't cooling.  There is never situation a wife can't rectify with a checkbook!  Wife researched for hours on the net (ya gotta get the right features) and found just 3 that floated her boat and fit the space (height and width constraints).  Delivery isn't for 16 days.  Backup frige, the beer and beverage frige, commandeered by wife to hold us over. 

DougDG......that homeless person from Texas looked pretty rough. 

OleTimer......thanks for the jokes.  Good stuff.  Wife doesn't share my sense of humor but liked these.

Brent.....the best thing is to give no advice to the wife on such things as dry wall spackle.  Then the wife comes to appreciate just how difficult, or at least frustrating, messy, and time consuming these things can be to do them right.  Just encourage her......it's the safest approach.

Dennis......still dragging?  What's up with that?  You should always take out some tools and leave them where the wife can see them so when she returns and she'll assume you were fixing something in her absence.  Bring her frosties while she's working.

Rich....prayers for your wife.  She must be disappointed and at least a tad depressed.  Don't assume otherwise.  The loss of a job, at the least, causes financial angst or worse, a "what's wrong with me" thought.

Fife......congratulations on 25 years of service.  I admire and respect you for serving and protecting others.  Stay safe, that last one was unsettling for the rest of us.  I can imagine what it was for you and the wife.  It IS a big deal.  My nephew does not tell his wife about his harrowing experiences and close calls.  The gang problem in the Chicago area is worse than ever.  Some years back he was working a detail at the Rosemont Horizon near DougM for a concert.......the gangs used the parking lot for a battlefield.

Navyjack......prayers for your cousin with MS.  Renew that old connection.  I've had a similar experience within my family, and the right doctor with the right meds can make light years difference in the management of the symptoms.

Chief.....welcome home for the moment.  Hope you get rains.  I need my tomatoes.  $3.37 per pound for the good ones up this way.

JimSP......sweet looking 350.  Perfection.  What a looker.  How does it run?

JimT......congratulations on wrapping things up.  A long road travelled with the destination achieved.

MikeC.......congratulations on Lucas' 20th b-day.  It seems like yesterday he was in high school.  He's really cranking.

DJ......S_L_O_W!  You don't want a set back.  Lots of work was done and you aren't going to be participating in the Olympics this summer.  Glad you are feeling good and the knee is cooperating.

Charlie......a 500 pound bear!  Wow.  We give our dog these: http://www.charleebear.com/  Don't become a snack.

Bob......wasn't there a Monza Spyder that was supercharged?  I can't recall the displacement and horsepower differences from the base.

Later, gang.

Jack

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Morning all from wet Southern Ohio

Several roads are flooded around here now the rains have stopped.

Thanks for kudus on the 350.  It runs and smokes real nice.  Both my 350 have the indented tender which is pretty cool.  Not as many of them around.

 

Don’t forget Mother’d day is coming up if you are planning.

Got to go

May God bless

Jim

 

[cnw1995]

 Aloha all. Sunny and warm today. No need for the jacket I wore. Got a free little box of cereal stepping off the train so I have breakfast too. A pretty good start. Congratulations on 25 years, Fife! Any ideas what you'd like to do 'next'? besides sail the briney.  Jack, the gangs (and wanna-bees) are way out here too. Been there, done that, with the fridge. Have to figure out Mother's Day too. Thanks for the reminder, Jim, need to take all hands out to prepare.

[ChiefEagles]

Morning.  Hot and humid but cloudy.  ON THE RUN AGAIN!!!  Like a hampster in a cage with a exercise wheel he jumps in and runs.  MEETINGS AND MEETINGS [only good thing is one is lunch with two pretty ladies from Wake Med.].  Later

[dbaker48]

 Good Morning,

Made it through the weekend, yesterday was not one of the better days, but that's OK.  Did have a very interesting conversation with a guy.  He is a commercial pilot with US Airways, and we were talking about trains, (AF, and Lionel), anyway conversation ended up about aircraft, etc..  He asked if I remembered the incident regarding the aircraft that landed in the Hudson River last year.  Of course, so asked if I would like to "know" the rest of the story.  According to him, "Sully" the pilot of that flight was "new" to that aircraft and somewhat unfamiliar with its capability.  He indicated that when the aircraft took off the computer controls the power and angle of attack.  When the plane struck the birds some of the sensors had indicated there was a problem with the right engine.  Sully then put the aircraft in a down nose attitude.  And that IF he would have increased the throttle the aircraft would have continued the climb and been able to land at ANY airport, even the destination at Charlotte.  Some of the other information he provided really substantiated his comments.  Overall, he was complimentary of Sully, and indicated that even though their was a loss of an aircraft, the positive PR was more valuable.  (Insurance covers aircraft.)   Definetly,  an interesting perspective.

On a sad note, I missed the Railroad Days this past weekend, held in Brea.  (Formerly they were located in Fullerton.)  Always have been a fun event, plenty of memorabilla, and lot of train displays and activity.

Hope everyone has a great day, the weather is getting better, not so windy and pleasant temperatures.  So hopefully in 2 to 3 days this will also migrate across the continent.

When I submitted my application for Social Security application, there is a feature to "check" the status of your application, it said to wait 4 or 5 days before checking.  So go back to check, enter all the super secret codes and passwords, then get a message. "Your application has been received, Your elgibility has been determined, You will be notified by mail."  That seemed a bit peculiar to me, after the big hoopla about checking on line, then saying Determination has been made, result by mail.  Seemed odd.  Any way got the notification in the mail, approved!  Now I have 3 months to complete the training for retirement.

Take care and have a great day!

 

[sir james I]

Good Morning

We have bright sun and everythings wet. 70s today.

Grocery shopping done and now some goof off time..

S.J.

[SPMan]

Good morning all,

Don welcome to the club on Social Security.  Regarding the "Brea Railroad Days", I was unable to make that either due to other commitments.  I saw some pictures of the event posted by Herb (last name escapes me) on line.  Looks like the only railroad equipment on display was a Union Pacific Switch engine.  It was one of the new Genset models.  I used to run local trains over that line sometimes and the track is probably only good for 10 miles per hour by now.  I doubt if the other railroads would want to send equipment over that track and certainly not the 3751 steam engine.  It was on a round trip to San Diego this weekend anyway.

Went to birthday party yesterday for friend from church.  Party was held in a very exclusive neighborhood with gated entrances.  Beautiful homes in the Chino Hills area.  Returned home to my little cottage but I thought, at least mine is paid for.

I also went to TTOS train meet in Arcadia for about an hour yesterday morning.  Picked up a used book like new about the Union Pacific California Division that runs from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles.  Book is all in color with lot of history text.  Beautiful book with list price of $75 and went for $30.  The book is meaningful to me because it covers a lot of places that I have either visited or worked at over the years.

Prayers that they will be able to stop that oil leak soon in the gulf.  I haven't heard the caribou barbie yelling drill baby drill much lately.  I hope the United States owns BP when this is over.  We will need it to pay for the damage.

Regarding the story about the plane in the Hudson, it's easy to be a Monday morning quarterback.  This kind of story used to go around on the railroad after an accident.  Everyone else knew they could have done it better.  I think Sully did an outstanding job or to put it another way, "it's hard to remember that the original problem was to drain the swamp when you're up to your neck in alligators."

Have a good week,

Ray 

 

 

[cheapclassics]

Good afternoon all,

IIABSDISEI with temps in the 70s.  Went and got a new Toro mower.  It has a five year warranty and an aluminum deck so I should be ok for a while.  I traded in the green JD and the snowblower from my "manicure" days so it did not cost too terribly much.. If this new mower lasts as long as the silver JD, I will be happy.  I had donuts and cereal on the dining car for breakfast today.  TBIL any time tonight.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[phillyreading]

Good Afternoon,

From sunny and hot south Florida, the way it should be for this time of year. Guess I missed anjdevil's rainstorm!

Heard that Amtrac might be running on FEC tracks if the Fed's give-up some money. Straight from Jacksonville to Miami FL on Florida East Coast RR, sure would shorten the trip! Currently Amtrac runs on CSX tracks down the center of the state(a few miles west of the center) then back to the eastern side of FL.

Worked on generator this morning, repaired the carb.(bad gas, new gas has alcohol in it and eats the gaskets and needle seat). Also cut the weeds after repairing the generator. Friday I overhauled the carb. on my John Deere riding mower.

Applied for the NACA program, what a sham that is!! You have to be late in payments and almost ready to be kicked out of your house to apply. There goes any & all hope of buying any new or used trains for a almost a year or better.

Lee F.

 

[sir james I]

Good Evening

74 and sunny, rain on the radar though.

It's early but grannys b/sitting so james is just sitting here, I shoud be reading my model mags as i'm two behind but just don't have the interest. Yet when I let the script lapse I missed them. So I'm ready for the thingy but might have my banilla early...S.J.

[MichRR714]

laz 57

CHARLIE, WOW!!!!  Must be some site.  Can you get a pic?  He's going to be well over 600 by the time fall gets here.  Hopwe you got enough bird feed?

 

I'll get ahold of a pic for you this week.. My friend is still north and  has the memory cards.. I'll see if he can send me something.

 

[Anonymous]

Charlie,

           Is that the same bear that was causing trouble before?

Jack,

          Thanks.  I just finished this morning, but I won't feel better until I get  a job with the degree.  My goal is to make the sunfire disappear and get a 05-10 Mustang GT Premium.

Jim,

        That 350 looks great!  So much so that I am waiting for an auction to end at the moment...

[Buckeye Riveter]

Talked to cousin in Nashville, Tennessee....what a mess.  

I don't think I could be any busier.  I now have a new job, correcting mistakes of others.

Has anyone checked out CABIN magazine by Kalmbach?  Saw an issue in the barbershop and it is really a good mag.

Picked up new Wabash piggy back car this weekend.  The new Lionel cars are sweet but pricey.   

[fifedog]

Evenin' boys.  Evenin' English.  Thanks for the well wishes. cnw1995 My dream job would be to work for the South Branch Valley RR in some capacity (preferably in the cab).  RockIsland, no end-arounds wifey, she reads me too well.  Unless I see something funny or really stupid, the family really doesnt hear a whole lot about the job.  Kids don't know about last week.

Report card day and everyone doing good.

[8ntruck]

Monday.  Bright sunshine and mid 70's.  Figures.....

The Corvair Monza Spyder was turbocharged.  I don't rememer the horsepower numbers, though.  I do remember one of my friend's older brother had one.  I think it was a '62.  He had quite a number of trophys from Onendega Dragway that he had won with it in the late 60's.

One more undercurrent at work.  The Director of Product Engineering has now moved his office from corporate into the plant.  He got here today.  Already asking if I think my office is in the right location in the plant. 

Let's see - that is boss #4 now - two production manager types,  a plant superintendant type, and now a director of engineering.  Task #1 tomorrow is to publish a list of projects and priorities to these guys and let them hash out my work list .

All for now.

 

[Banks]

 Hello all,

busy busy, No trains since last post.

Got most of Dad's foundation knocked out this evening. The mason who was going to lay the blocks didn't show this afternoon. Left him a voice mail and he called back shortly and said I'm sorry I'm not going to be able to help you after all. I had an emergency appendectomy on Saturday. I did find someone to help you. He'll be stopping for a look tomorrow at 4:00. Can't wait to get this project complete.

Rained all through the Hillclimb yesterday. Wasn't to bad.  The first round was just about complete when the clouds opened. They called it after round one. I did lousy

Pat, how's the farming going this spring. Do you  grow any crops?

Well I'm off to join my lovely Mrs in bed, to much swinging a sledge hammer. My arms hurt allready. They'll probably feel real good about Wednesday.

 

Prayers to all who may need them 

[ChiefEagles]

Finally home.  Meetings over.  Now early trip to Mom's to meet with Hospice.  We'll discuss her care giving.  One of the main care giver's ladies quit.  Puts a bind on her.  Also Mom's mind has gone.  She know folks but is now getting up and wandering through the house all night long.  Lady fixed Mom's dinner and Mom asked, "What am I suppose to do with that?"  Got a busy week after I get back from Mom's.  Got Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Thursday [National Day of Prayer].  Off to get some popcorn and relax [unwind]. 

Prayers for the Tenn. folks.

Also one Spyder had two two barrel carbs instead of turbo.

Listening to BBC tonight.  Guy was "drilling" [no pun intended] BP executive.  BP executive said it was not their rig and was not drilled by them.  Was American and was contracted by BP.  That they are responsible for clean up but not responsible for the safety devices that did not work when rig burned. 

Good night.

[wrmcclellan]

Evening all!

Back from a long trip. Made it by the San Diego 3 Railers Friday afternoon on way to the airport (5 min away) and was treated to some of Doug daG's chili. Excellent. So Doug is now Doug daCook! Doug and the SD3R's are great hosts. I got to see the layout in action Friday and man is it smooth and quiet.

I took some more pics but do not have time to post them until after I get back from trips this week. I am headed out dark thrity in the AM to Wash DC to meet with the DC office Tues and Wed and "da Govmnt" on Thursday. Late Thurs night flight home.

Buckeye Riveter

I don't think I could be any busier.  I now have a new job, correcting mistakes of others.

Buckeye - what is new about that???

One of our guys in Nashville TN took some flooding in his house. Have not heard the extent yet. News said Nashville got 13 inches - yeow!

We got some gentle rain this evening and one lightning crack that took the house off the foundation.

Have a great evening and rest of the week all!

[dbaker48]

 Good Evening,  (Will try this again, last attempt just disappeared, must have hit the wrong key.)

Fought with a couple of printers most of the day, finally won, but it was a hassle.  Then in the morning have the cable guy coming out.  We lost everything for a couple of days, then when it came back the quality was significantly less.  I'm sure that its going to be "poor quality internal wiring" that suddenly went south overnight.  Going to try and see if I can get them to measure the signal strength.

Ray,  I couldn't agree with you more.  I feel that Sully was in the cockpit at the time, and there was time for reaction only.  Unquestionably he did the right thing and deserves all the credit he gets.  Just the ability of landing that airplane in the Hudson says it all !   I just thought it was interesting that the other perspective was even possible.   And Monday morning quarterbacking is always easy.

 S.J., don't feel alone, I too have a stack of train mags, setting next to my chair.  When they arrive, I'm quick to open them and see if I recognize any names on the photos or in the letters.  Then set it down, before i know it, I have a stack of 3 or 4, and realize I must look through them before I take them out to the train room, because they will never get looked out then.  Or at least, it will be awhile.

Saw some of the flooding going on in Nashville, can't believe all that water.  And I'm afraid we have more bad weather on the way.  Forecast not looking good.  More storms off the coast and headed inland.  Summer has got to get here soon.  Then all those people down along the coast.  I just can't believe what those people are going through.  Katrina, now this, that region of the country has sure had its fill.  And a lot of those people didn't have a whole lot to begin with.  Sure hope it doesn't get as bad as predicted.

Havn't heard much from Jon, hope he is doing OK.

Everyone stay well !

Regards

Was hoping to have tomorrow off, but that changed.  Didn't get what I had planned done today, so maybe Wednesday or Thursday.  

[submmbob]

 A pretty good day here in the Ol' Pueblo. Weather is very pleasant, was even a little cool tonight after the meeting when I was outside.

Had another follow up w/ the Doc. She is happy w/ my progress. Forgot to mention podiatrist took a couple of lesions off my left foot on Friday. The topical treatment wasn't working. Think her office is trying to kidnap me..a few pieces at a time. 

On the way home I went past the largest Ace in the city and remembered they had a big hobby area. Guess what? They still carry O-27 track and a few other items. They even had the Badger adapter I was going to have to order from HobbyTown. Right here in Tucson and at my favorite brand of hardware store. 

JimT - congrats on being finished w/ school!

Jack - our friend 8N told you about the turbocharged Spyder. Had the same sidedraft carb on the old motorhome. The guys at the parts store thought I was nuts when I said that "there might be a chance of finding a kit since it was used on a much more common vehicle". Less common than a turbocharged Corvair? "What the heck to you have?!"

The van sits ready for the pull. Just the 3 castle nuts holding the drivetrain in. Finished the removal cart and hit w/ a first coat of paint. I'll paint it again in the morning and then out she comes in the afternoon. 

Bob

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cloudy 52 degrees. Going up to 74 today with , maybe, some sunshine. No rain needed.

Today is a busy day. I have an appointment this morning. Then, the usual chores around the house. Not much new. PT went well, yesterday. I am a little stiff today.

Dining car is here with the usual for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Tuesday.

Chuck

[laz 57]

Hi GUYZ,

  51 here going to get to 79.  Getting some good runs in after school, now to break out the mountain bike.

Stay frosty,

laz57

[navyjack]

morning guys, hope that everyone is ok.  sbmmbob, i think that it is cool that you are working on a corvair.  it must be a rare car by now.  anybody have any experience with the hyundai sonata?  i need to replace wifes elantra (96) this year, and the sonata looks like a pretty low priced car that gets good gas mileage.  our elantra has been very reliable.  have a bid in on a few corgi items on ebay.  british vehicles that look neat.  i would like to buy the grandson some chuggington toys.  anyone know if someone makes them?  still have not put in the garden.  will have to soon.  wife has been real busy.  burning oil rig stinks.  there is more to it than we are being told.  pat dont work to hard man, rest as much as you can, and thanks again rt for taking care of those vets.  live in boone county, (after dan'l), county has filed lawsuit in gangs in area, so the police can arrest any known gang-members if they are associating together.  god.....when wife and i bought this home 15 years ago, it was peaceful.  navyjack

[ChiefEagles]

Morning all.  Out the door to Mom's.  Back later today. 

[cnw1995]

 Aloha all. Sunny and pleasant for my long day in Chicago. Long conversation last evening with the daughter who wants to take an amusement park job 350 miles away. Got to fiddle with the 248 a bit. Still haven't hooked up my latest acquisitions. Need to share a birthday wish list with the bride so I don't get new socks or a tie.

[Ole Timer]

NAVYJACK ..... the hundai sonata is a great car .... have had mine 3 years .. going on 4 .... fabulous gas mileage ... alot of room ... very dependable ... everyone here loves it . You get every luxury of a mercedes ... BMW or cadillac without the high upkeep they have . I've owned them all ... and would'nt trade mine for 2 of any of the others ! Plus they're a beautiful car ...   .... at a lot less price .... and the warranty can't be beat . 

[anjdevil2]

NavyJack - We sell Sonatas like nobody does and has a 6 year/60,000 mile warranty.  If you buy new the powertrain warranty is 10/100K.  So, I like and recommend them!  (check enterprisecarsales.com and tell ‘em Rich in Group 43 sales referred you!)

 

It’s Tuesday and back at the grind.....  Another wonderful day at the AutoPalace...

Caught 1 train at Folkston, kinda short, but worth 45 minutes of my waiting time.  Sun was blistering and there was a small group there.  Need to get back for BBQ and a prolonged stay.  I always wanted to go to the Okeefenokee.....

 

Not much on the train front, still can’t pay for my Choochoo auction win...called and nothing.  I’ll have to call again....

 

I have AIR CONDITIONING in my office!!!! Was up to 95 inside before I left, now a cooooool 75!  Will get up to 86 again with withering humidity and rain later..I have the Harley so I’m thinking I’ll get wet later....need a shower anyway...

 

– for our ailing friends, Spanky, Dennis, Chief’s Mom, Char...anyone else?

 

Make it a great day...

 

[sir james I]

Good morning

Sunny but a little cooler than yesterday.

I should cut the grass, oh well maybe tomorrow. We went out this morning and got plants for the veg. garden, prices up, no suprise there. But they taste better when their from the garden.

Have a great day...S.J.

[LawsonFarmsRR]

Banks

 Pat, how's the farming going this spring. Do you  grow any crops?

 

Banks, my spring farming is easier now that I stopped putting up hay, sold the hay making equipment, and buy hay locally. Discovered it is cheaper to let others put their machinery and labor into the hay.

The cow/calf operation is our only operation now. I fenced and cross fenced the pastures with electric and rotationally graze about 9 months of the year.

I carry spring born calves over the following winter and get about $200.00 extra per head over selling them in the fall after figuring the cost of the hay. Looks like prices for the 6-8 weights are up this year. I have a group going to market next week so we shall see.

What little corn I feed I buy from the local co-op.

I haven't had much time to run trains ether, usually only when NASCAR has day races. Watch them in the train room.

Pat