Trains.com

Coffee Pot #12 December 2011 5+ years and going strong and its for all to chat. Plenty of coffee and ice tea for all. Come and join us and chat.

67178 views
957 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 9:09 PM

Good Evening

34 degrees now, the snow has melted. I did some errands yesterday so just goofed off and stayed in today. Finished Jan. CTT and ran some trains for a short time. I forgot this morning, had a long chat with Brutus Charlie and RT last night. I got banilla so I'll see who show's up tonight...S.J.

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

  Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC)   - Detroit3railers-  Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • 1,029 posts
Posted by submmbob on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 12:35 AM

Clear and cold again tonight, but not nearly so cold as last night. My co-worker took advantage of the chains I put on the truck last night and made it down safely after his shift ended.

Dennis - I try to be neighborly up here as you never know when you might need help.

Kev- thanks for the info on the smoke unit, sounds like it might do the trick

Welcome MononFlyer!

More fun w/ the engineers tonight. We are doing some testing looking into various issues. Is it 6AM yet?

Bob

P.S. figured out the problem w/ the cycling reversing unit on the 2026. Worked just fine w/ the boiler shell off. Hmmm...Turns out the wire to the smoke unit was grounding out when the shell was on. Unsoldered it from the e-unit and rerouted it and voila! The Mt. Graham and Arizona Eastern rides again!Big Smile

 

Bob

Tucson, AZ (aka the Ol' Pueblo)

Home of the Mt. Graham & Arizona Eastern Boiler Shops

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: S.E. Ohio
  • 5,434 posts
Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 5:39 AM

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is dark and early. I am using my wife's old computer. Mine is sick. Changed wireless router and my computer doesn't like it. It was probably made in NC.

Today is a busy day. I have to get an oil change on the car and have the tires rotated. Then, I can relax.

Thanks Buckeye, for letting the guys know about my computer problem.

Dining car is on the way with a big omlet for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Wednesday.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Millersburg, Pa.
  • 7,607 posts
Posted by laz 57 on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 5:57 AM

Hi GUYZ,

  REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR today and prayers for the 2400+ that lost their lives.

CHUCK say it ain't SNOW!!!!!  Appose to get 3+ inches tonite into Thursday.  CHUCKS computer must be on the bink?  NO CHUCK NOT HERE RECALC and move it down SOUTH!

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
  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,050 posts
Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 6:31 AM

Mornin' boys.  Mornin' English.  Raining and 60 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Mild temps are about to change, so the weather doodles say.

Made some progress on the bank layout yesterday.  Hope to have it up and running by Saturday afternoon.  One of the tellers donated a bunch of ceramic houses for this year's effort.

Wifey asked me what I might do layout-wise when we move to West Virginia.  I mentioned that I'd offer to work with the students at WV School for Deaf and Blind, to build a layout.

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: Cape Ann Taxachusetts
  • 3,780 posts
Posted by RockIsland52 on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 6:44 AM

laz 57

..........CHUCK say it ain't SNOW!!!!!  Appose to get 3+ inches tonite into Thursday.  CHUCKS computer must be on the bink?  NO CHUCK NOT HERE RECALC and move it down SOUTH!

Stay frosty,

laz57

Chuck, help!!!!!!!!!!  You've got the coordinates set to hit me too, 4+ inches due just West of here.  A slight adjustment, please, about 47 degrees to the Southeast?  Rain will be OK.

Jack

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

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: S.E. Ohio
  • 5,434 posts
Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 6:59 AM

Guys,

The snow cannon has gone crazy. Fired a volley of shots all over the place. Get your snow brushes out. Trying to get a south bound coordinate.

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: S.E. Ohio
  • 5,434 posts
Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 7:03 AM

No e-mail yet. Working on it.

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: South Carolina
  • 9,713 posts
Posted by rtraincollector on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 7:49 AM

Blueberryhill RR

Guys,

The snow cannon has gone crazy. Fired a volley of shots all over the place. Get your snow brushes out. Trying to get a south bound coordinate.

No Chuck its set perfect the snow is going where its suppose to go Pats snow deflector shield is working right it jamming your signals and sending it north and east and west of you

All we get is rain which is fine .

66 here this morning calling for a high of 69. That is fine just a little muggy as overcast and humidity is up some. Had to run the AC a little last-night to break the humidity in the house.

No big plans for today. other than clean up the den all the paper and stuff from the box that the train set came in. They really over-sized that box could of gotten two of those sets in there and about another 1/2 dozen cars also all safely.

well you all take it easy will talk to you all later.

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

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 8:04 AM

Dec.07,1941.Pearl Harbor.

Good morning

It's 30 degrees and sunny.

We had a nice chat group last night,Brutus, Charlie, RT and new to the Tardis crew Kev/KRM. Welcome aboard. Granny's just starting breakfast but I think it's gonna be a good one. Better than anything I could do..lol..Wed. is Hump day so go to it....S.J.


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

  Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC)   - Detroit3railers-  Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Maryville, TN
  • 1,701 posts
Posted by Demay on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 8:07 AM

Konbanwa,

Today was a fantastic day.  After a short run this morning I received a phone call from the boss's secretary telling me not to come to work.  The bomb squad was planning to detonate that old WWII bomb discovered yesterday and they needed to widen the safe zone.  Our office needed to remain empty.  I didn't argue and took advantage of the day by having fun (raking leaves) with the two older kids, finishing the Christmas lights, and placing the ceramic buildings under the tree.  The wife picked up our new grill today so I also put that together.  It is an infrared grill and I cannot wait to use it.  It’s time to do some schoolwork now and then get some sleep. 

Dennis and Chief - I tried switching the wires last night; that didn't work.  I had two lighted passenger cars hooked up as well.  Based on my research, I don't believe Trainsounds equipped engines like 50 Hz.  I found a thread from 2005 where some folks in Europe were having the same issues.  I don't think my CW-80s are the issue as both of them have the 50 Hz OK stickers on them.  Plus, they run the non-Trainsounds engines properly.  Chief - A while back, Brutus or RT told me you informed someone about a device which will convert 50 Hz to 60 Hz.  What can you tell me about it?

Chuck - Please aim the cannon towards Japan.

Lee - It's good to see you check in.  I hope all is well.

Monon

Sayonara,

Joe

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 8:45 AM

Dec 7th PEARL HARBOR my we never forget.

Good morning, cold but sunny.

 It was fun trying to figure out how to use the chat last night with S.J., Brutus, Charlie, and RT. But got to figure out who is who with their IM addresses. Somebody send me a list, okay?

Task for today is trying to find out what the gas smell is in the house. Been smelling something very light now and then in the basement stairs, and both upstairs bathrooms. Dead

This morning at 4:30 I could smell something in the bedroom and wife even smelled it and she smokes. Walked all through the house with a gas detector and could not get any strong hits. It did click the most in the two bathrooms and around the tub drain but no increases by any of the LP gas fittings. So I went back to bed. I think it may be a sewer vent clogged with leaves. I will need to go on the roof and take a look. I hate 8-12 pitch roofs. Wife don’t want me to go up there alone so got to see who I can round up to pick me up if I fall. Surprise

Roy, take care of that nerve,

DougM get better,

And prayers for anyone else in need.

Kev.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    October 2010
  • From: Centennial, CO
  • 3,218 posts
Posted by Stourbridge Lion on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 9:38 AM

Good Morning CTT!

Been working on getting all my old Trip Videos on Tape converted to AVI files before I don't have access to a camcorder that can still read the tapes.  Man talk about chewing up disk space quickly but I will later get these burned off to multiple DVD's and/or BR's disks and stored in different locations.  You got to protect these digital copies like negatives in case things get damaged and have another copy in a safe place!

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 9:39 AM

Good morning. It's 33° and mostly sunny. The high is due to be 47° and it will be variably cloudy.

It's on the cool side here this morning and my computer still sounds like a presenter on the BBC, rather like a cross between Graham Norton and Richard Hammond. Nothing planned for today. I just need to let my eyes rest. The right one isnt hurting this morning but the left one is. Both are quite bloodshot so please excuse me if I don't make another appearance today.

Here's something that's super rusty!

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Southwest Georgia
  • 5,028 posts
Posted by dwiemer on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 9:56 AM

Bob, that is a good way to live.  Well, we do not have any snow down these parts, but it has been raining since this morning.  Temps in the high sixties, but supposed to drop to the mid four ties by this afternoon.  I am supposed to go visit my son for lunch at school today, but the schools are on lockdown because someone was seen in the woods nearby with a knife or gun, depending on which news reports you believe.  

Joe, I hope you are able to figure that out.  One person who may be able to help is Bob Nelson from the forum.  He used to live in Japan and is an electrical engineer.

Fife, that would be a noble cause.  Being that the girl we are adopting will at best be legally blind, I have a warm spot in my heart for taking care of folks who are visually impaired.  I also have been toying with the idea of setting up my Polar Express set at one of the schools here as they were telling us that the Polar Express is a favorite of the students for this time of year.

Better get going.  Have a blessed day everyone.

Dennis

TCA#09-63805

 

Charter BTTs.jpg

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,050 posts
Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 10:43 AM

dwiemer - Being that WVSB is such an important part of Hampshire County, it would be a nice place to build ties with our new home.  Plus, wifey's late mother was blind.  I'd like to think my best "work" is still ahead of me...

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 3,584 posts
Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 10:49 AM

Afternoon all from cold wet Southern Ohio

The boy still has a fever.  Bride taking him to the Dr.  Hung more sheetrock last night.  Going pretty good.  Glad I’m not doing it for a living anymore.

 

Jack – I too cringe at what the bride does to the cars.  My biggest beef is the sucker sticks and candy wrappers.  ARRRUGG!

 

Moonflyer – Welcome, by your tag are you into American Flyer?

 

Joe – How is Pearl Harbor day recognized in Japan?

 

May God bless

Jim

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 3,584 posts
Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 10:49 AM

Afternoon all from cold wet Southern Ohio

The boy still has a fever.  Bride taking him to the Dr.  Hung more sheetrock last night.  Going pretty good.  Glad I’m not doing it for a living anymore.

 

Jack – I too cringe at what the bride does to the cars.  My biggest beef is the sucker sticks and candy wrappers.  ARRRUGG!

 

Moonflyer – Welcome, by your tag are you into American Flyer?

 

Joe – How is Pearl Harbor day recognized in Japan?

 

May God bless

Jim

  • Member since
    October 2010
  • From: Centennial, CO
  • 3,218 posts
Posted by Stourbridge Lion on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 11:19 AM

V8Vega

I saw a new Chevy Volt yesterday. It is safe to say it wont be condidered a classic car 25 years from now.

I saw the Tesla (http://www.teslamotors.com/goelectric) and you might like it better Cool

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Near Altoona Pa.
  • 1,896 posts
Posted by Banks on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 11:20 AM

Hello all

Pearl Harbor Day............. Johnstown TV station had a nice piece on it this AM  

Looks like I need to put Snow Plow on tractor.....Thanks Chuck . We've been lucky so far.

Not much else  going on. Slowly preparing for Christmas. Probably go hunting again on Saturday.

Sir james I agree...........

Stoubridge Lion. do you know a way to put VHS tapes on DVD ????   I'd like to do it with my "home movies"

SS fund calls

 

Prayers for those in need

 

 

 

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 11:27 AM

Good morning all,

It is cloudy in SE Indiana.  Welcome, Mononflyer, to the pot!  It is good to see another Hoosier posting her. Also good to see someone interested in the Monon as well.  If you have any interest in soccer (a great American sport) or in the Indy 500, that would be a bonus as well.  I had bran muffins on the dining car for breakfast before sending it "Points East".  TBIL and I can drive.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 11:35 AM

Morning all!

Hit 26 early this morning - both furnaces doin' the job. Should hit 45 today? Then warming to 50's later this week.

Chuck - note there is a network of SNOWHIZO deflectors all along the M-D line and points south. Yuz guz have to really load 'er up to get past the network!

Have a great day all!

 

Regards, Roy

  • Member since
    October 2010
  • From: Centennial, CO
  • 3,218 posts
Posted by Stourbridge Lion on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 11:49 AM

Banks

Stoubridge Lion. do you know a way to put VHS tapes on DVD ????   I'd like to do it with my "home movies"

The biggest trick is having some method to get the video off the VCR and onto the PC/MAC; after that is having the software/hardware to write to the DVD based on how you use your DVD player.

What I have been doing is hooking my Camcorder to the VCR as if it was the TV and tell it to record what the VCR is playing.  From there I can use my Camcorder to upload the video to the PC and turn it into a DVD video.  If the VCR recording is longer then the what your Camcorder can record you break it up into parts with enough overlap to get a good place the splice it digitally on the PC using video editing software.

My brother is fighting even a worse issue, getting his old 8mm over to his PC.  He is trying to do it cheaply by playing the 8mm movie onto a screen while his Camcorder records what it sees on the screen.  It's either that or take it to a place that can convert 8mm to digital which can be some $$$'s.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 12:41 PM

RockIsland52

So at 6 this morning my dear wifey gently informs me that she has to drive some business associates to a meeting today.  She wants me to run out with the vacuum cleaner to do a quick pass on the interior of her car. 

Why she didn't tell me this last night, I don't know, nor did I ask.  How tough can that be, I ask myself?  I just detailed the car inside and out not too long ago and had been keeping up with things, down to the last pebble or scrap of paper.  I am somewhat anal about maintaining the condition of my vehicles.  But I am also practical, recognizing that with grandkids and dogs that everything can't be perfect.

It seems that when she went out Sunday and bought the real balsam Christmas wreath and the real balsam garland, she had the lot guy just throw the stuff on the front passenger seat......... INSTEAD OF in the trunk that had an OEM, factory- fitted removable mat I bought on purpose, for THIS purpose.  Bang HeadBang HeadBang Head  Pine needles everywhere, including in all of the nearly impossible places to reach, even with the crevice tool !!!!!

Finished.  Came back into the house hauling the "real" cannister vacuum cleaner and attachments.  Then I hear "What took you so long?"  Bang HeadBang HeadBang Head

Jack.  Laugh



Jack - This put a smile on my face. When TheQ says things like this I look at her with that sly look and say 'bend over'. SurpriseCoolDevil

So I get home last night and the lights on the bushes out front are off... should have been on. So I go inside (with Christina as TheQ was at a Board of Trustees meeting) and start to trouble shoot while holding a 4mo and feeding her a bottle. Go downstairs and check the circuit box, nothing tripped. Go upstairs looking through the house for the GFI circuits... can't find a single one that is tripped (the little light on the recepticle would be off)... none are out. So I give up as Christina decided it was time to test Daddy's hearing! Big Smile

After she fell asleep I decide to start looking into this again... so back through the house with a desk lamp. Plug into EVERY GFI circuit... seems the GFI receptical in the MASTER BATHROOM is the GFI receptical for ALL the bathrooms AND the exterior recepticals (yeah THAT makes 100% sense). This receptical is THE ONLY ONE that the light is ON when the GFI trips and OFF when the GFI circuit is complete (yeah THAT makes 100% sense). So I reset the GFI, go downstairs and plug in the lights... trip. Back upstairs, reset the GFI, back downstairs, lights are off... Bang Head. Unplug the lights, back upstairs, reset the GFI. Go into garage, grab the 100ft 10gauge extension cord, plug it into a 20A dedicated circuit in the garage, run the extension cord to the front porch, plug in the timer, and lights come on! Reset the timer to Dusk + 5 hours. Realize I forgot to put my shoes back on, so now my socks are soaking wet because it was raining.

I tell you... sometimes I wonder what I would do if my brain worked at 100% capacity!

Tonight I have to work late... again... so no trains.

Need to get the curved concrete arch bridge done so I can start scenicing the layout. Need to get the mountain behind the bridge done prior to setting the bridge in place. Hope to get that all done over the next few weeks so I can run trains Christmas day. Gonna be a challenge.

RT - sending you an email

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: Cape Ann Taxachusetts
  • 3,780 posts
Posted by RockIsland52 on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 12:53 PM

sir james I

Dec.07,1941.Pearl Harbor.

...........We had a nice chat group last night,Brutus, Charlie, RT and new to the Tardis crew Kev/KRM. Welcome aboard. ....S.J.

SJ........At long last........a crewmember who is an Illini, Kevin, who will keep us on course for a change. Whistling

Jack.

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

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 12:59 PM

Well I gotta teach Kev how to loop-d-loop before he can drive the thingy.

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

  Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC)   - Detroit3railers-  Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 1:26 PM

sir james I

Well I gotta teach Kev how to loop-d-loop before he can drive the thingy.



That's what SHE said! Smile

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: Cape Ann Taxachusetts
  • 3,780 posts
Posted by RockIsland52 on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 1:26 PM

KRM

.........Thanks Dougdagrump for the link but out of $$$$$$$$ till after the holidays.

.........Don't let the Dr reprimand you to much it is aftre all the holidays.

Welcome  Mononflyer

DougM hope you get better soon.

Kev

After watching the movie the other night, I was thinking of buying just some Polar Express passenger cars (for my granddaughter of course Whistling) and creating my own engine with consist and using my 2046 Hudson until I got a look at the current asking prices for the passenger cars on Evilbay.  It's cheaper to buy the whole set and pick up a Berk in the process!!!!  There!  Cost/benefit analysis is complete and my purchase will be been justified. Big Smile 

Welcome Mononflyer............earlier this year we had quite the exchange on your namesake, and Buckeye was a font of info on this rail line.

Kev.........what money?  There's none left here either. Our bank called to see if my wife (or her ATM card) and the purchases were legit.  Their computer crashed processing her spending frenzy.  Re the lights, I use ceiling-mounted floodlights/spotlights in my garage so I can see what I am doing out there.

BTW........who would be dumb enough to schedule a routine Doctor's appointment this time of year.  You shedule them BEFORE the holidays so your numbers all look OK and escape the wrath. Laugh 

RaySP........don't you wind up accidentally stomping on the train tracks while trimming your tree?  Come to think of it, if my wife did that, it would be a perfect excuse reason to run down to my train store to replace what she broke and see what they have in their glass consignment cases.  Whistling.

DougM........don't try to wait this thing out too long.  One of my friends tried, wound up with something viral in his weakened condition, couldn't get a Doc appointment, and then had to drop a bundle at the emergency room.  Bronchitis I believe.

Lee...........good to hear from you.  My sister called lat Friday, same problem as you, PC is defunct (again), and she ialso has to hit the library until she gets things squared away.

Dennis.........re helping your son with homework, are you sure you are the right parent to be doing that.  We want him to get ahead, not behind.  Whistling

SubmmBob......[tup] on your reference to the Mt Graham and Arizona Eastern.

Jeff.........how long did it take you to build your layout to that level of meticulous detail?  Wow

Chuck........you just reminded me I have to get it in gear and find some tires for my car before I find myself slipping, sliding, smashing, and stuck.

JohnBaker............you must have monkeyed with something there in your new digs across the pond because we actually got a post out of you!!!! Thumbs Up

LAZ.........Minnie will be easier to see at night as soon as you get some snow.  Smile, Wink & Grin

Later, gang.

Jack

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

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: South Carolina
  • 9,713 posts
Posted by rtraincollector on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 1:29 PM

brent sent you a reply with my best answer lol. also recieved your reply your welcome

Well I presently have to circles of track on a table here in the den one is O-34 and the other is O-42 and I put the PA-1 with PB-1 on it ( the O-42) yes it will do it but looking at it I realize that that setup really needs O-54 track So I guess as time permitts it will be time to make a jig for O-54 and make some O-54 out of Gargraves track. I want some for the shelf layout anyway so will do that first so I can make that loop befor I try adding a O-42 inner loop. I still think I can get 2 loops up there but 1 may be the best option as won't have to elevate the O-54 and won't have to have it that far back will be able to center it. will see as I get to things like that.

Not much else going on here today got a Pizza in the ovenDinner talk to you all later

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

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: Cape Ann Taxachusetts
  • 3,780 posts
Posted by RockIsland52 on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 2:00 PM

lionroar88

Jack - This put a smile on my face. When TheQ says things like this I look at her with that sly look and say 'bend over'. SurpriseCoolDevil

So I get home last night and the lights on the bushes out front are off... should have been on. So I go inside (with Christina as TheQ was at a Board of Trustees meeting) and start to trouble shoot while holding a 4mo and feeding her a bottle. Go downstairs and check the circuit box, nothing tripped. Go upstairs looking through the house for the GFI circuits... can't find a single one that is tripped (the little light on the recepticle would be off)... none are out. So I give up as Christina decided it was time to test Daddy's hearing! Big Smile

After she fell asleep I decide to start looking into this again... so back through the house with a desk lamp. Plug into EVERY GFI circuit... seems the GFI receptical in the MASTER BATHROOM is the GFI receptical for ALL the bathrooms AND the exterior recepticals (yeah THAT makes 100% sense). This receptical is THE ONLY ONE that the light is ON when the GFI trips and OFF when the GFI circuit is complete (yeah THAT makes 100% sense). So I reset the GFI, go downstairs and plug in the lights... trip. Back upstairs, reset the GFI, back downstairs, lights are off... Bang Head. Unplug the lights, back upstairs, reset the GFI. Go into garage, grab the 100ft 10gauge extension cord, plug it into a 20A dedicated circuit in the garage, run the extension cord to the front porch, plug in the timer, and lights come on! Reset the timer to Dusk + 5 hours. Realize I forgot to put my shoes back on, so now my socks are soaking wet because it was raining.

I tell you... sometimes I wonder what I would do if my brain worked at 100% capacity!

Brent........

I think your story has mine beat.  I posted last week that I believed waterboarding as a form of prisoner torture should be outlawed AND severely punished, to be replaced by making the incarcerated put up Christmas lights.  THAT would indeed be cruel and inhumane torture.

In your defense, a number of points.  First, taking care of a child and getting something practical done are mutually exclusive activities.

Second, when taking care of said child without the benefit of the other half around to assist, you get caught in a lose-lose position. 

If you do manage to get the lights fixed while trying to watch said child by yourself, you will get hammered when the wifey gets home : "What on earth were you thinking?  Have you lost your mind?  What if my precious needed a diaper change, got hungry, or stuck her tongue in a light socket while you were monkeying around, trying to fix what you blundered in the first place?" 

Or, if you don't get the lights fixed......

"What is so tough about multi-tasking, watching our child AND fixing the lights at the same time?  I multitask with the baby all of the time and don't look to you for help."

Or a third possible retort.....

"I don't understand why you turn the simplest of matters I ask you to do into a major project?" 

This third reaction is most common when the wife has never done said project herself.  In my house, putting up Christmas lights is one of them.  Or troubleshooting them when they mysteriously stop working the very next day is another. 

Some of the younger single guys on the POT may not yet understand this stuff.  I'm going through it a second time around with the grandchildren. Bang Head

Jack Big Smile

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

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month