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COFFEE POT #8 August 2010 for all to take a drink and chat. Welcome all posters. 5 yrs old and still going. Sweet ice tea too.

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Posted by LawsonFarmsRR on Monday, August 23, 2010 6:27 PM

fifedog

Picture, if you will, a long lonely stretch of desert highway...

Steady Santa Anna winds with the occasional dust devil...

...a piece of sage brush rolling across...

 

Sounds like JJ 48's future!

Fifedog, I have to brag while I can. I do remember how the chase went last year for Kyle. Thumbs Down

Pat

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Posted by fifedog on Monday, August 23, 2010 5:36 PM

Picture, if you will, a long lonely stretch of desert highway...

Steady Santa Anna winds with the occasional dust devil...

...a piece of sage brush rolling across...

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Posted by LawsonFarmsRR on Monday, August 23, 2010 4:23 PM

fifedog

Evenin' boys. Lonnnnnng weekend.  Hit the outlets at Hagerstown, and then I short hop over South Mtn to Thurmont, where my brand new, just delivered (don't get ahead of me) MTH Premier Western Maryland GP-35 Proto 2.0 was awaiting my arrival.  Had the family in wait in the car, as I ran in with an older MTH Proto 1 SD70 that lost its sound (runs, smokes, no sound).  Moments later, I emerge with my prize.  Didn't take time to test run it as family was waiting to go eat.

...you all know where this is going. Don't weSign - Dots

Finally got home after 7, put my new GP35 on the tracks fired her up with wifey and children in audience; sounds good, smokes good, forward ---> SHORT! 

Disapprove

"Children, let's leave Daddy alone..."

Called up Catoctin. No muss - no fuss -send it to us.  "We gotta nuther one and will ship it right to you." 

I'm sure there will be a happy ending.

 

Just like the weekend ended happily for KYLE BUSH! First NASCAR driver in history to win all three top races in the same weekend. I had to repeat that - no response to my earlier post. Whistling

Pat

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Posted by fifedog on Monday, August 23, 2010 2:45 PM

Evenin' boys. Lonnnnnng weekend.  Hit the outlets at Hagerstown, and then I short hop over South Mtn to Thurmont, where my brand new, just delivered (don't get ahead of me) MTH Premier Western Maryland GP-35 Proto 2.0 was awaiting my arrival.  Had the family in wait in the car, as I ran in with an older MTH Proto 1 SD70 that lost its sound (runs, smokes, no sound).  Moments later, I emerge with my prize.  Didn't take time to test run it as family was waiting to go eat.

...you all know where this is going. Don't weSign - Dots

Finally got home after 7, put my new GP35 on the tracks fired her up with wifey and children in audience; sounds good, smokes good, forward ---> SHORT! 

Disapprove

"Children, let's leave Daddy alone..."

Called up Catoctin. No muss - no fuss -send it to us.  "We gotta nuther one and will ship it right to you." 

I'm sure there will be a happy ending.

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Posted by dougdagrump on Monday, August 23, 2010 1:35 PM

Mornin All,

Yardwork done for today, started early so I could get as much done as possible before the heat starts. Just think of the noisey lawnmower as a new style alarm clock, besides it's monday need all still working to contribute to SS. Whistling

Mike, Don't know which model PT you have but we had a big problem with the multi-function light switch malfunctioning, fog lamps in particular. They turned on or off whenever they felt like it, ended up pulling the foglamp fuse since Chrysler had no switches in stock and no production release yet. There were some on the net, assuming you were willing to pay $400 to 500 for one. Still haven't replaced it, been w/o it this long.

Joe, Since you are a "garage layout operator" this could be a good time of year in preparation for next year. Was in Lowes the other day and it looks like they are getting ready for some pretty serious closeouts on A/C. What about one of those portable units, make it comfortable enuff to run trains during summer heat & humidity. Fortunately ours stays pretty comfy, even though we face due east, until SWMBO pulls her car into the garage. Glad I opted for the insulated panels when we installed the new door.

How is it dealing with Little League parents & some coaches now, I was only able to tolerate the Oops for two seasons many years back and finally threw in the towel.

Time to jump in the shower, plan on dropping by Michael's since they have their Lemax stuff at 30% off. Kinda looking for some small accent pieces to fill in with for halloween.

 BowBow  To Cal Fire and the air crews, had a nasty one break out saturday and get into a very rugged area. Between the choppers and fixed wing acft the hand crews should have it contained tonight, fingers crossed. Sheriffs chopper pulled two hikers off the mountain top, one at a time, second hiker didn't even have time to get inside just hang on to the skid. Either that or be a krispy kritter.

Later guys & gals.

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

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Posted by SPMan on Monday, August 23, 2010 1:09 PM

Good morning all, hot weather continues this week with triple digits predicted for the next few days.  People used to tell me that the "dry heat" here was not as bad as where it is humid.  Maybe so but anything over 100 is too hot for me either way.

Still coping with dental problems today.  One right front tooth came out of upper denture over the week end.  OK but I looked like Huck Finn for a while.  Went to see dentist this AM and he tried to put it back in with super glue but that only lasted about 5 minutes after I tried it again.  So back to dentist again and they sent it out to the lab.  Suppose to be back late today.  Meanwhile, I'm toothless in L.A.

Dennis, thanks for the picture of your lovely daughter.  You are lucky to have a girl.  I only had two boys who are helpful to us old folks now but they lack the feminine touch.  I do have a lovely daughter in law though who is quite helpful when we need it.  She is from China.

Navy Jack, sorry to hear about all the red tape for vets.  Sounds like good advise from Dennis.  Being a professional, I'm sure he knows more than we do about getting help.

New next door neighbors are moving in today.  They have been moving all their furniture etc all week end.  They have two little boys with the oldest about to start kindergarden.  It has been a long time since we heard the patter of little feet next door.   They seem like nice people.  Husband is a firefighter and wife is a school teacher.

Gave up on fixing my MTH proto 1 F3 myself and took it to the shop to be repaired.  If I have any more trouble with this old proto 1 stuff, I will try to find someone who can install a reverse unit or learn to do it myself and then rip out all the electronics and just run conventional on those models.  Probably have to sacrafice horns and bells if I did that but that is OK if I can keep them running.  Spending too much good train money on this stuff.  I would rather buy something new.

Have a good week y'all.

Ray

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Posted by Hudson#685 on Monday, August 23, 2010 11:32 AM

Lunch Time in Central Jersey, 78 and Raining

Dining car was here and the special was Newark Style Italian Hot Dogs. Was delicous. I have not had one in a while.

Demay, Joe, Good luckto your son with the Little League.

Navyjack, I hate when I hear about Vets getting the run around. The Red Tape stinks.

Mke C, Good luck with the PT Cruiser. If I remember, Rich help me out if I am wrong, there is a timing belt issue with them.

Chuck, Afternoon Nap, Must be NICE.

Dennis, when my son and daughter were younger, they could not get enough of the trains. My daughter sets up a loop around her Christmas Tree each year. My son still ,17 going on 18, is working on the new layout. Planning stage with temp tracks.

SJ, Add the price of the gas for 2 trips to Lowes.

Have a Great Day,

John

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Posted by Demay on Monday, August 23, 2010 11:08 AM

Good morning all,

Just taking a quick break from work to catch up on the posts.  Today's high is 101, but it looks like the heat will subside the next few days.  Supposed to rain tomorrow and be in the mid-80s for about three days.  I am looking forward to cooler days.

S.J. - I guess it has been a while since you built your benchwork.  When I purchased all my wood earlier this year I quickly learned how much 2 x 4 x 8s cost.  I went to Lowe's once yesterday: bought some paint and sandpaper for use on the layout.

Navyjack - You obviously made the right and noble decision to keep the promise to your mom and take care of your dad.  With a few exceptions (Chief stands out here), most Americans are too busy nowadays to take care of their parents; I think it's selfishness.  Years ago it was a no brainer: the kids always took care of their ageing parents.  I think European and Eastern cultures beat us out on this issue as they seem to revere their elders more than we do ours.  I'll get off my SoapBox now.  I'm glad you found some friends here and where you're at to ease your suffering.

CNW - Whoever was one of the Axis powers when we played Axis and Allies felt like a traitor if they won the game. 

Back to work for now.

Joe

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Posted by sir james I on Monday, August 23, 2010 9:53 AM

Good Morning

Sun and 80s today.

Dennis, nice picture, they save memories.

2 trips to Lowes this morning, bought a board for a window sill, got it home didn't like it so back I went. Don't know when I'll actually do the work though and was shocked at how much one nice piece of wood cost. Enjoy your monday....S.J.

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

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Posted by navyjack on Monday, August 23, 2010 9:53 AM

Smilehello dennis.  your daughter is real cute.  my wife is asian also.  we have been married 40 years.  she still looks 35.  have 3 boys each  half and half.  did not know some girls had round eyes till i got back to the states.  ha..ha..well time to read my ctt which is great as usual.  navyjack

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Posted by dwiemer on Monday, August 23, 2010 8:54 AM

Good morning everyone.  Hope it is a good week ahead for each of you.  I am on call and currently, no scheduled cases, so I will head in a bit later.  Worked camera again last night as the guy who was supposed to do so had a brush canopy from a tractor fall on his foot.  Hate when that happens. 

When we went to Disney a few months ago, we visited the Lego store.  Well, I found something I liked and so my son and I put it together.  Here is a shot of my daughter playing with the built locomotive.

Both kids get into the trains, so I will have to dig up some of them involved with the trains on the rails!  We really enjoy spending time with the kids where we all have fun.

God Bless,
Dennis

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Posted by cnw1995 on Monday, August 23, 2010 8:25 AM

 Aloha all. Back to it for our high schooler. The little guy starts Wed and the daughter goes back to college Sat. (Can't wait). Catching up a bit - Joe, it was the board-game version of Axis and Allies. I got a million of more complicated 'war games' - have been paring back 'millions' of miniatures too.  Hope the daughter had a good b-day, Brutus.

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

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Monday, August 23, 2010 6:16 AM

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cloudy 70 degrees. Going up to 82 today with cloudy skies. Looks like it might rain.

Today is a busy day. I have a few chores to do and a project to work on. Need to make some phone calls and do some paperwork. No time for trains today. Hope I get time for a nap this afternoon.

Dining car is here from "Points West". I will have  the usual Cheerios breakfast.

Y'all have a great Monday.

Chuck

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Posted by cheapclassics on Monday, August 23, 2010 5:03 AM

Good morning all,

IIABSDISEI with temps a little cooler.  Engine light came on in the PT Cruiser so will have to get that checked.  Could be same problem as the van, which is to say nothing that can be found.  I had the regular fare on the dining car before sending on to "Points East".  Did have an extra donut.  TBIL anytime tonight.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by navyjack on Monday, August 23, 2010 2:51 AM

Smilesee joe, my wife promised my mom that when i retired, we would move back here to take care of my dad(mom was dying), and then my condition got worse and i cant walk and am stranded here.  otherwise i would live in northern virginia. people here think veterans should be seen and not heard. maybe it is just this town. we have a va clinic in rockford, illinois, and when i could no longer walk or leave my bed, i could not go there and my wife tried to get help from them, the social worker, quoted(if the vet does not see a dr. , then there can be no help.) i had no help for about eight years and was just ready to die, then i lit her up with several polititicians.  now a dr. from wisconsin comes here once a year so i can get my meds.  i have had no luck getting my percentage of disability increased.  i presently sit at 30 percent, the trains help me forget this. as does your kind friendship  navyjack

"the older the violin the sweeter the music"
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Posted by Demay on Sunday, August 22, 2010 10:58 PM

Good evening all,

About to retire for the night.  My 7y/o son had his first practice with his new baseball team.  He is now in a machine-pitch league with some good players.  It looks like he'll be playing left field so we need to start strengthening his arm.  The team plays most of the year and might have a tournament next weekend.  After practice we did some work on the layout airport.  I won a Lionel Hanger on eBay which should be here this week.  I need to pick up an airpot terminal (I believe Plasticville is the only one on the market) now; those will be the only two buildings for the airport.  We already have the runway (very coarse sandpaper) down so once the buildings are in place we can scenic the rest of it.

Brutus - Hope your daughter had a great birthday.

Navyjack - I know there are not many Tricare providers out there; I guess that's why most retirees end up living close to bases. 

S.J. - Since I was busy with the layout this evening I skipped dinner; however, that freed up calories which allowed me to have a huge rootbeer float instead.

Good night,

Joe

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Posted by sir james I on Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:31 PM

Good Evening

Summers going fast, it's just not fair. Brutus I hope your daughter had a happy 12th birthday.

Yep the new Tardis is warming up and will have it's shake down cruise tonite. Banilla and root beer usually don't go well with loop-d-loops, but we will find out tonight...S.J.

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

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Posted by cheapclassics on Sunday, August 22, 2010 7:53 PM

Good evening all,

It is cooling off a little in SE Indiana.  Will Power won at Sonoma with Team Red taking the first five positions.  Vitor was 15th.  Princess was running ahead of Swiss Miss after the Swiss Miss was tagged from behind, but got caught in a tangle herself and finished 16th behind the Swiss Miss who was 13th.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by rtraincollector on Sunday, August 22, 2010 7:01 PM

Suffer jim suffer its so gooood Chef

Not to much going on having a relaxing day

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

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Posted by Brutus on Sunday, August 22, 2010 6:52 PM

Had a nice family dinner at Olive Garden.  I had the Eggplant Parm, which was great!  We'll have some cookie cake in a little while.  Other than that, I just relaxed all day.  Played some video games with my son, took him to the store, and then dinner and tv.  Nice chats with RT this morning and this evening, although he is taunting me with his yellow cake and chocolate icing - my favorite!

Tardis should be ready soon, I have my beacon on for it.  SJ has it at his house, so I expect some loop-d-loops!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by cheapclassics on Sunday, August 22, 2010 4:10 PM

Good afternoon all,

IIABSDISEI with temps in the 80s.  Going over to Dad's to watch IRL race.  Went to Mass and then up to local historical sociey museum to see exhibit of military uniforms and assorted items.  Very impressive for a local display.  I had cereal and donuts on the dining car for breakfast.  Did free weights at YMCA.  That is a workout.  TBIL after the race.  I hope everyone (especially AJ's team) has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by dwiemer on Sunday, August 22, 2010 2:21 PM

Good Afternoon everyone!  Church was great, but my back and legs are hurting from being on camera again.  I was asked to fill in as the person who was scheduled was also scheduled for security.  Wife is off shopping with daughter, son and I are watching Tank Overhaul on the Military Channel.

John, I was long out of the fire service when 9-11 happened.  Many guys I worked with went over to work the piles.  Also, some equipment.  When we lost the 5 guys in 1988, FDNY offered to work all the stations and bring their own equipment too.  Class act.

Rich, sorry for your friend.... a horrible loss.  We had a guy get his foot mostly amputated when a van cut him off and his heal was caught in the bumper.  They were able to save the foot, but the recovery was a long one.

Brutus, we have a couple of videos from John Walsh on child safety.  We watched them last night.  One is on internet safety.  The series is called On The Safe Side.  It is a good thing for kids to know.  We are going to share this with our kids' school.

NavyJack,  we get Tricare patients from all over the state.  Many places will not take these patients because of the way the system works and the reduced payment, I am glad I am with a group who believes in taking care of all patients.  At least in the case of military, it is a way to give back.  The VA hospitals are many miles away and then it is a matter of getting there and on the list for whatever operation.  They opened a VA clinic here that allows the folks to get the care they deserve and with a group who knows the best way to get it to them and take care of them afterwards.  Certainly follow up with advocates who know the system and can get you what you need in a timely manner.  Also, stay on top of things to see if you can get your % disability raised.

God Bless,
Dennis

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Posted by navyjack on Sunday, August 22, 2010 2:05 PM

Smilesorry mr mcclellan, i must have missed your posts. i tried to answer them but i noticed now that i cant answer them somehow on the system.  my regular e  mail is gvirgin1@frontier.com.  thanks navyjack 

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Posted by Hudson#685 on Sunday, August 22, 2010 1:16 PM

Good Afternoon from the Jersey Shore,

Struck out what I thought could be the culprit for the well, a splice that I made 16 years ago when I ran the city water and sewer hook ups and hit the well line with the backhoe. Time to call a pro.

Joe, I have Horizon HMO and ran into problems with them making payments and approvals with specialists that were in network. They have gotten better. I used to get collection notices and when I called up Horizon they would tell me that they were paid and the provider saying they were still owed. Lucky enough at the time I was still in the union and they took it from there and resolved the problem.

Rich, I made a mistake on my post this morning about the Rescue Unit that we sent to NYC. I posted the wrong number, it is 2027, 2029 is a Brush Truck.

Navyjack, have fun with the grandson, he will be running the trains soon.

John

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Posted by navyjack on Sunday, August 22, 2010 11:14 AM

fifedog....

good luck on tour wm gp-35.  i love the color scheme.  i have a gp-7 that color. 

demay...on tricare, i am retired and wife does not qualify for ss yet.  only one dr. in this area(100 miles) accepts tricare patients.  when i retired we had champus.  many changes were made and it is not as good as it used to be.  maybe this is just an anti-military area.

have grandson over.  he is a real lot of fun.  he is crawling now army style.  got to keep stuff out of his reach.  nice quiet day ahead.  pat i tried to copy your posts. ha..ha.. navyjack

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Posted by Demay on Sunday, August 22, 2010 9:36 AM

Good morning all,

Looks like another sunny, warm day.  We're getting ready for church so this will be short.

S.J. - Our initial plan was to have peach-blueberry, but the peaches went bad sooner than we thought, so we improvised.  Either way, it was very tasty.

CNW - Are you referring to the board game Axis and Allies.  A couple friends and I use to play that game for days when we were kids.  We even took photographs of the board before we stopped for the night to make sure the game wasn't tampered with. 

Hudson - I'm not sure I follow you; we have Tricare.

More later,

Joe

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Posted by Brutus on Sunday, August 22, 2010 9:17 AM

Doug - agreed, but as good old King L said, "Question not the need!"  I think the wife has set her hat against it, and so I'm out.  It's between them.  Also, it appears my daughter, who is 12 today, thought that you bought the reader and then the books were free.  I told her some books are free if they are old books, but the newer books and especially the series she likes to read would all cost her money.  I think that changed her mind.  Her earlier request was for a portable dvd player, but one that would play bluray discs.  That is out because of the cost - we were willing to buy a dvd only one, but she wants the bluray feature.  It would be cheaper to get a small hd tv and a regular bluray player.  So, I'm not sure what she wants for her birthday and it's too late now!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by cnw1995 on Sunday, August 22, 2010 9:07 AM

 Aloha all. Full day here: I've been volunteered to work with the kids at church, then there's a lake baptism, finally watching the pastor's four little kids. Then school starts for everyone tomorrow. LOL.

8n, I have Axis and Allies, and the myriad expansions - a fun game.  Brutus, she doesn't need an e-reader. Though candidly, Borders has the Sony and off-brand ones with no web-access and they're very inexpensive.

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

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Posted by LawsonFarmsRR on Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:51 AM

fifedog

LawsonFarms - 18 Bandwagon Whistling  Not in this lifetime.

        

 

fifedog:

Are you a step or two closer to jumping on the Kyle Bush Bandwagon?

First driver in history to win all three top races in the same weekend!! Thumbs UpThumbs Up

Pat

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Posted by Hudson#685 on Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:50 AM

Good Morning from the Jersey Shore, 75 going to the 80's, 95% humidity and rain on the way.

I am glad to see everyone on the mend. That is always good news.

I feel real sorry  for missing the get together at Fife's. My well still is not fixed, but I hooked the outside water and sprinkler system to the city water so the garden and grass are watered. Something else came up and I had to postpone the "dig".

Jim and Pat, nice layouts. Pat, my son collects John Deere and other diecast farm, construction equipment and trucks.

Demay, Joe, Good luck with the healthcare co-pay. Been there.

Dennis, Thanks for sharing the tribute to the 9/11 FDNY fallen heroes. Our Vol. Fire Company was called to send our Technical/Heavy Rescue Unit, 2029 with crew on the first wave from NJ. We are part of the Task Force. I was taking a welding recert test during the attack. Our shop is not far from NYC and it was an erie feeling for days.

Rich, Thoughts and Prayers go out to our fallen brother firefighter. I gave up bikes over 35 years ago when a friend of mine almost lost his foot. He still limps. Good to hear that you stiil have it as a firefighter.

Chief, Watch those eggs. My condolences to the family. Suicide is sometimes hard to cope with. There is always the question why.

Thoughts and Prayers to all in need and may everyone be on the road to recovery.

John

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