Good evening folks. Just back from the date with my wife. Never seem to get enough time alone with her. Kids had fun at the church fund raiser( for a mission to Africa). We had some nice dinner and then a nice trip to a coffee house with some friends. Got a call from a friend who wants to bring some brush over to burn in the morning. Will get permit and start early. Lots of trees and brush to send up. With regard to Oliver, there are a number of them around here. Most of them are parked show pieces, but some are still being used on the farms.
Temps are supposed to adjust back to normal this weekend, so it should be quite chilly first thing in the morning. I will have to dig out my long work pants...first time this year. I would much rather have a 70 degree day.
God bless,
Dennis
TCA#09-63805
Hello all
Finally got caught up on the posts. Couldn't remember where I had got to last Thurs and then last night you guys just keep typing...
Well I am less one vehicle, somewhat "wealthier" due to the sale, found a place to live, and signed the paperwork on the new job. Right now I'll be carrying both places for a bit, until I move and find someone to take over the lease in Tucson. Some financial stress on that but I'm "backed up" for a bit and will just have to hope for the best and turn that one over.
Feels a little strange seeing the empty space for the MG, but it's nice to have that problem dealt with. Next week to focus on the van and now I have some more room in the garage.
Jeffrey - glad to hear you made it through your latest bout ok. David is a true friend. Sounds like a good fix for your electrical problem on the van.
Laz - went down to the big city (Safford) to do some grocery shopping and saw like 6 whitetail on the way back up, and thought of you...
Colin - had one of the early Cummins Dodges. Took me a while to find one w/ a stick. I like to stir my own gears Towed a 38' park model trailer over Hoover Dam twice. It actually was still able to accelerate out of the the canyon bottom and had to step on the brakes for turns. Was like God himself had grabbed hold of the front axle and was pulling me up the hill when the turbo kicked in. And it got 15 mpg WHILE towing that thing. Impressive engines.
The place I found to live is decent and in the right price range and very convenient to work. You guys will love the view!
Bob
Tucson, AZ (aka the Ol' Pueblo)
Home of the Mt. Graham & Arizona Eastern Boiler Shops
All three dogs out and in. Mirra the wild cat that Wifey tamed has been out and is in. Nedles adopted me. She was already spayed and house broken. I have never been a cat person. Always a dog person. Guess that is how the good Lord taught me something. Now fighting with County Officials to save them.
Turned Yankee cold. Will be down to 20 tomorrow night. Think that will be the coldest we have had all winter.
We have decking on the Box deck [got started at 2 PM]. Replacement Craftsman compressor works great with big nailer. Got ready to do the steps. Going to do steps all the way across the front. That wide, 4 stringers. Builders Discount gave us two 10" ones and two 8" ones. We are using 10" ones. Had to stop. Now go to Wendell tomorrow morning and get them exchanged. Hope to have new Box photos with deck tomorrow.
Hope I am not trying to get sick.
Sleep tight.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
Bob - sounds like things are working out, how exciting! Please keep us posted!
Chief - sorry for your loss. Our pets are precious - God Bless!
Banks - prayers for the little guy, hope it clears up fast.
Char's doing well today - she can see a lot better, but still waiting for the near-sight to dial in. TARDIS is ready, so let's hit it guys.
RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.
Good Morning from Blueberryhill RR....
It is a snowy 28 degrees. About 3 inches on the ground and more coming. the snow cannon went off like a shotgun. Going up to 36 today.
Today is an easy day. I have to work on my big desk computer and try to get some new pictures posted. The usual chores come first. A nap is planned for this afternoon.
Dining car is here pulled by a big snow plow and a CSX engine. Beautiful beast. Cheerios for breakfast.
Y'all have a great Saturday.
Chuck
Hi GUYZ,
We got about an inch of SNO HI O. CHUCK you musta fired off a .22 short here? To turn colder. Ran trains last nite and had aPILE UP!!!! A minor one I had left a siding open where I had a few flats with trailors on and as my engine came in I throttled down but momentum smashed them pretty good. Flats and trailors all over the place had to bring in HAZMAT to clean up. No injuries though just my eggo. Gonna run some today for a while as I do the laundry down in LAUNDERTOWN.
BOB, did any of those deer have my name printed on its side? Just wondering?
Stay frosty,
laz57
Good morning all getting ready to start the day. Have to log on and get the burn permit. Also need to get ahold of FedEx to send the paperwork to the Chinese Consulate. It is getting more exciting to get close, but we really are looking forward to the day we get the kids!
Bob, glad things are working out. Hope the job works well for you. I recently read a quote "find a job you love, and you will never Work a day in your life". A lot of wisdom in a short piece.
Brutus, glad things are working for Char. Pray she continues with progress.
14 degrees with bright sun but 3" of the white stuff. Won't be above freezing till Monday so I cleaned off the walk and drive. Tonight is our Detroit 3 Railers club meet, always a good time with good company..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
Chief - sorry for the loss of the cat. I never was a cat person but my wife made pets of the 30 some cats running wild on the farm. A few "made up" to me. We loose some each winter to fox, usually the pets. I guess in taming them we took away their natural fear of the fox.
The dogs I keep chasing away from the cows are mostly wild, but a few belong to neighbors that let there dogs out to run. If I see a repeat offender they get buried. This reaction gos back to when we raised sheep. Sorry Jack, but we can't put up with dogs that run in packs.
Banks - do you have a dog problem?
Pat
RFD-TV --- Rural America's most important network!
Bright sun and 10 degrees. Wind has died down but have some cleanup to do. Bob Things sound good for you. Banks thanks for the Oliver info. My father was into restoring 2 MM before he passed. A U and a Z but somehow my brother ended up with them. For the little guy. Brutus, Glad Char is feeling better. LAZ Pile UP ----- YOU OH NO THAT CAN"T BE. I did okay last night. I was pulling 20 cars with the NS Dash 8-40C around the table with NO pile ups. Dennis, Burn permit ?? we don’t need no stinking burn permits.. But boy do they fine you if you fire up the woods. Chief, looking for those pictures of the Box. Chuck, sounds like the dining car came in style today. You all have a good Saturday, Kev
Bright sun and 10 degrees. Wind has died down but have some cleanup to do.
Bob Things sound good for you.
Banks thanks for the Oliver info. My father was into restoring 2 MM before he passed. A U and a Z but somehow my brother ended up with them. For the little guy.
Brutus, Glad Char is feeling better.
LAZ Pile UP ----- YOU OH NO THAT CAN"T BE. I did okay last night. I was pulling 20 cars with the NS Dash 8-40C around the table with NO pile ups.
Dennis, Burn permit ?? we don’t need no stinking burn permits.. But boy do they fine you if you fire up the woods.
Chief, looking for those pictures of the Box.
Chuck, sounds like the dining car came in style today.
You all have a good Saturday,
Kev
.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
Good morning. It's 34° and sunny with a 10 mph north wind right off the lake giving a wind chill close to the teens. In other words, it's cold! The high is due to be 49°Yesterday I went out between rain showers and took a photo of my vans starter relay. I had tried locating an easy photo online but it seems like there's fifteen types that fit the Dodge B250 Sportsman and they vary between types that fit on the firewall, on the starter, on the fender. Round ones, square ones, rectangular ones, fat ones, skinny ones. My repair manual also shows quite a selection but the contacts all fit within a general plan. Between the photo and the book I was able to deduce the the ignition wire that trips the relay connects to the bottom left contact on the relay. See photo below:I went out this morning and hooked up my meter to the contact indicated then bumped the starter and watched the needle jump to 12 volts. Definitely the one I want. The job now will be getting that wire out of the one piece harness that connects to the relay and replace it with a spade connector and wire that will connect to a rocker switch. Another wire will run from the rocker switch to the existing spade connector on the ignition wire. Once the connections are made and wrapped turning off the switch will cut off any power going to the relay and will put an end to the random starter hits.But you know what? I'm gonna wait for it to warm up a bit cause with that north wind it's too dang cold for my taste.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
BRRR! Morning CTTFans....
It's 9F and Snowing right now
Darren (BLHS & CRRM Lifetime Member)
Delaware and Hudson Virtual Museum (DHVM), Railroad Adventures (RRAdventures)
My Blog
Van starter relay wiring update. I have the wiring under the hood done. Now I have to run the wires into the passenger compartment then up through the dash to where the old police siren and air horn is. I already have the cover off the unit and just have to hook up the wires to the siren switch then put the cover back on.
Good morning all,
Getting frustrated trying to learn how to post pictures on another forum. I'm not too computer savy and my son/teacher tells you how to do something---once! and that's it. I need to have repetition to learn anything.
Regarding typing, I took one semester of typing in high school but that has been enough to get me through a lot of stuff over the years. Never used it much on most of the jobs I had but when I applied to the railroad, I had to pass a typing test for a clerk job. I transferred into the operating department and became an engineer. Never did use the typing but it got me the job. Go figure!
V8, sounds like it's a problem here to use firearms. Some of my train friends were into target shooting but I never had time. Used to fish some but gave up on that here in SoCal for lack of or crowded places to go. Don't like ocean fishing either on those cattle barges (party boats). Too crowded and expensive. Get more fish for less money at the super market.
later,
Ray
SPMan
Cold and we had snow last night, but it's already melting away - YAY!
Goofed off this morning, then went to lunch with the family. My son had a doctor visit and daughter had a school thing this morning. Now I'm doing the taxes - oh joy
LawsonFarmsRR The dogs I keep chasing away from the cows are mostly wild, but a few belong to neighbors that let there dogs out to run. If I see a repeat offender they get buried. This reaction gos back to when we raised sheep. Sorry Jack, but we can't put up with dogs that run in packs. Pat
Pat......I am with you on this one.
We can't tolerate lethal, dangerous, or damagiing situations with dogs, whether they be someones' pet, feral/stray/wild, or a mix. In packs, even with pets, things get ugly or lethal in a hurry when the pack mentality and survival genes take over.
The difference between your locale and mine is that I am not allowed to take matters into my own hands short of protecting myself while I or my dog or family members are being attacked. Must call the dog officer and report things. He/she is overwhelmed. Nothing happens, or the response is a couple of days later.
We call 911 if the situation is dangerous and imminent. Then hide in the house until the danger has passed. But it hasn't really passed, it has just moved on for that moment in time and is likely to return. The same goes for the coyote in our area.
Along with all this, there is the firearms discharge use/sanctions/law issue within the city/municipality limits. What you also will find in any urban area is this: the human dangerousness factor rises exponentially with the population density. AKA nutcases, some with guns, legal or otherwise. Add in the drug trafficking, the armed gangs, and the plethora of thieves who make a living out of taking from others for good measure.
I have a neighbor would just as soon shoot my dog as look at him, just because I choose to own a Doberman. I have never given this family a reason for their fear and severe breed prejudice. This is why it is imperative I keep my dog under my complete control and direct watch no matter what, even in my yard and on my property.
The innocent, sane citizens up here are between a rock and a hard spot. But when in doubt......
Jack
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
At last it is done! And that cold wind didn't help either. I got the wires run through the firewall, up under the dash to the space where the radio used to be and hooked them up to the switch in the siren/airhorn unit. I made sure all the connections were to my liking then wrapped them up with thick electrical tape. One of my neighbors turned up about that time and asked if the connections were twisted or held with crimp connectors. I could've slapped him! Crimp connectors? Crimp connectors! Heck no! They were bathed in acid-free paste flux, twisted together and soldered! The place I brought the wires through the firewall is a rubber drain plug. I punched two holes in it with a screwdriver then passed the wires through. Once I was finished moving the wires I closed the holes up with JB Weld. Now that everything was connected it was time for a test. I had the siren switch set to off. I turned the key and nothing. As I expected. I turned the switch on and turned the key and the relay worked as it should. I started the engine then shifted the tranny to reverse. The relay clacked and the starter gear smacked into the flywheel. I put it back in park. I had expected that. I would've been surprised if it didn't do it. So, this time I turned the siren switch off then shifted the tranny to reverse. No banging, no grinding, everything was normal. So from now on it's turn siren switch on, start engine, turn siren switch off. That's that problem out of the way.
Well, this day didn't turn out as planned. First, no local FedEx place is open to send items to consulate. Second, I got called early this morning to go help the guy who is on call with a case he had been doing since 03:00. Went I and stayed till almost 3pm. Then, had to shop for ingredients to make some cakes for Sundat school tomorrow. Now I have the computer trying to order some tickets for bride to take son to see Star Wars, Episode 1 in 3d, while the daughter and I go to the daddy/daughter dance. Fandango is taking forever to complete the transaction.
Well, as it turned out, too windy today, so they are not issuing burn permits. The permits are free, but you have to sign up for them with the forestry dept. they will tell you all requirements as well as conditions. They are great to deal with, but Lord help you if you cause a forest fire and either didn't have a permit, or didn't follow the rules.
Well, I am going to check fandango's site to see what is going on. Have a blessed night.
Afternoon All.
Finally beginning to feel alive. It was a Very Long Day yesterday. Got to the museum around 5am, a 3:30 alarm clock is the pits, tv crew showed about 6am, about 7am they were done & gone. Tried to take a short snooze in the truck but it was just to chilly out there. All went well but I was pretty much exhausted when we closed and on the way home at 4:30. Of course when you are really tired it seems as though traffic is in the toilet.
Chief, Sorry about the Kitty.
Bob, Sounds as if things are progressing nicely, hopefully you can get out from under the first lease soon.
Jeff, It's always been said "neccessity is the mother of invention".
Munchkin was here last nite so it was Pizza nite and Bacon Waffles and Bacon for breakfast. It was grandma's nite with the munchkin, I was in bed and out like a light at 8pm.
Brutus, Great news on Char.
Gotta run, or is saunter. Later y'all.
Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.
www.sd3r.org
Proud New Member Of The NRA
dougdagrump Jeff, It's always been said "neccessity is the mother of invention".
Aloha . Bitter cold today but sunny, after a snowy, windy evening. Sad to hear about Whitney Houston. What a wild few days; 5 yr. old nephew was admitted into the PICU at a downtown hospital a few days - has underdeveloped lungs, asthma and RSV (a virus). Just as he is ready to get out, his brand-new baby sister, my niece, just 3 weeks old, is admitted with the same virus and lung issues. Kelly drove across the county to sit with their 3rd kid who is also sick. Took her 3 hours to get home - only 25 miles. But we made it to Date Night at our church - they watch the kiddos and we get to go out - in this case, took our pastor and his wife out.Typing was the most useful class i ever had in high school.
Sorry about Needles, Chief. Prayers for Mrs. Bank's student.
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
jeffrey-wimberly At last it is done! And that cold wind didn't help either. I got the wires run through the firewall, up under the dash to the space where the radio used to be and hooked them up to the switch in the siren/airhorn unit. I made sure all the connections were to my liking then wrapped them up with thick electrical tape. One of my neighbors turned up about that time and asked if the connections were twisted or held with crimp connectors. I could've slapped him! Crimp connectors? Crimp connectors! Heck no! They were bathed in acid-free paste flux, twisted together and soldered! The place I brought the wires through the firewall is a rubber drain plug. I punched two holes in it with a screwdriver then passed the wires through. Once I was finished moving the wires I closed the holes up with JB Weld. Now that everything was connected it was time for a test. I had the siren switch set to off. I turned the key and nothing. As I expected. I turned the switch on and turned the key and the relay worked as it should. I started the engine then shifted the tranny to reverse. The relay clacked and the starter gear smacked into the flywheel. I put it back in park. I had expected that. I would've been surprised if it didn't do it. So, this time I turned the siren switch off then shifted the tranny to reverse. No banging, no grinding, everything was normal. So from now on it's turn siren switch on, start engine, turn siren switch off. That's that problem out of the way.
Victory, Jeff!!!!!!!!!!
Konnichiwa,
It's been a few days since my last post. We had an inspection going on this past week so work ended up being a bit busy. We did fine and I still have a job. I have been pretty busy with my MBA schoolwork as well - only 15 more months to go. I just read through the past few days' posts and I believe I am caught up on everything.
Traindood – You got me. It’s good to see you post. I hope all is well.
Brutus – I’m glad Char’s procedure went well. I hope she recovers quickly.
Banks – I’ll pray for the young boy.
Chief – I’m sorry about the loss of your cat.
Bob – I hope your transition continues well.
Doug – I’ll pray your nephew and niece’s health situations improve.
Sayonara,
Joe
YANKEE RAID!!!!!!!!!!!
Those blue bellies have sent their cold and wind.
Well, got the deck done to the box except one down railing on the steps and the cap on that railing. Need some more finishing nails for my new finish nailer. Need one more 2X4 as friend Fred "miscut" on one to the point it is now too short. Really makes the Box look even better. Got so cold I had to put on my gloves. Hardly ever put on winter gloves while working. Wind as blowing in the 30's. Still is. Going down to 20 tonight. High tomorrow around 43. Cold again tomorrow night. Then REB forces will re-enforce us and the temps will warm.
OH, built the "cat house" today. Three sided box for the two stray cats to come and stay in until they get use to their new location. Due to the temps, lady is going to wait until next weekend to bring them.
Sleep tight and warm. I'm crashing [Fred's wifey came for a visit this afternoon and Wifey here made veggie soup and deserts. Had a warming meal]
Evening all!
Sorry for absence but the past week was extremely busy.
Doug M - hope all the relatives kid illnesses get resolved -
Chief - sorry about Nedels the cat.
SubmmBob - congrats on siging up for the new job!
SPRay - good news about your friend!
Banks -
KEV - you have one of the better avatars and be careful about torturing LAZ with those deer photos
Jeffrey - that's good news on the van!
Wife and I went to the boat show today and had a nice time. The dealer that sold me my boat told me that attendance this year at the show is over twice that of last year.
It got really cold here. I do not think it went above 38 today. Winter is trying to make up for lost time?
Have a great day tomorrow all!
Regards, Roy
Time for me to call it a night. It's been a taxing, tiring day. I'm sure many people could have handled the work on the van quite easily. For me it was hard work. Well, see y'all tomorrow.
We made it home. Had a great night at the daddy/daughter dance. Most of the time, I held her up in my arms while we danced. After the dance, we went to iHop for a little dinner as wife had taken the son to see the 3d star wars movie. They enjoyed that as well.
Chief, it sound like the box is coming along. Hope you are able to get some trains running soon.
Tired, hope to check In at some point tomorrow.
Good evening all,
Cold and overcast in SE Indiana with temps in the teens. Feeling better today than yesterday. Friday night watched "Courageous". Surprised at the amount of violence in the film. It was appropriate for the story line, just unexpected. Dennis, I assume the church used in the final scene was the one you attend? Some very powerful messages displayed in the movie and possibly some unintended questions raised as well although equally moving. On IMDB, they show the approximate cost and the gross income in theatres. I noticed this one had the largest budget and the biggest amount of sales. Also, I noticed the Sony association as well. It was probably the best of the 3 I have seen (did not see Flywheel yet). It was cool seeing Dennis' name as an associate producer and thinking, "I know that guy." Appreciated seeing one of the kids in the show wearing a shirt with a soccer ball on it. Spent Saturday doing some chores around the house. Went to see "The Vow". Movie house was packed. Good movie. Ending was not what I expected. Went to Wings and Rings afterward for a late evening meal. It was a good day. Had bran muffins on the dining car for breakfast. Chief, sorry to hear about Needles. Banks, prayers being sent. Brutus, continued good thoughts for Char. TBIL and I can drive. Will be doing some loop de loops. I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
jeffrey-wimberly Time for me to call it a night. It's been a taxing, tiring day. I'm sure many people could have handled the work on the van quite easily. For me it was hard work. Well, see y'all tomorrow.
Jeff..........as you state, I could have handled it quite easily; but your van would be well beyong repair from my "repair."
Spent some wonderful one-on-one, alone time tonight with my 8 y.o. granddaughter this evening while the rest of the family carried on elsewhere in the house without us. I am tutoring her with her math, reading and reading comprehension, spelling, and sentence structure. She will sit with me for hours going over stuff again and again, and I can see how quickly the repetition is making inroads and rapidly boosting her confidence. Since I have an overly fertile imagination, we make games out of learning and spend much of the time smiling and laughing. It may be over five decades since I was in third grade, but the formula for academic progress remains relatively unchanged: there is no substitution for repetition, hard work, and memorization.
Pleasant dreams, y'all. I am nodding off here, trying to catch up on things here on the pot. Guess I have to succumb to the sandman and get back on it later today.
But before I hit the sack I need to offer prayers for DougM and his wifey Kelly as they help tend to matters with very sick little family members, for Brutus' Char on her successful eye surgery, for SP Ray's buddy who has come home following his open heart surgery, for SubmmBob's survival of his move and job change, for Jeff and KEV's podiatric recoveries, and for Dennis and his better half, may this frustrating and seemingly never-ending struggle for their adoptions bear fruit soon. I know I have missed someone........but I am simply out of gas.
Later, gang.
Jack.
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