Coffee Pot #1 January 2013 SIX years [April 1 is Anniv.] and going strong and its for all to chat. Plenty of coffee and sweet ice tea for all. Come and join us and chat. GRITS for the Yankees

[LawsonFarmsRR]

SPMan

Good morning all,

Bo, re pictures, I still don't know how.  I'm an example of "if you teach a guy to fish etc".  With me it's the other way around.  My son has spoiled me by doing everything I need on the computer.  As a result, I stay computer illiterate.  He has no patience with me as far as teaching goes.  He tells you once, that's it.  I need to do things in repetition in order for it to sink in.

Re wiring and circuit protection, I have been using only my Z4000 which has some built in protection and that has kept my electronics safe so far.  The Z4000 has a fast blow circuit breaker.  The old Lionel ZW would just sit there and cook until the bi metal breaker would heat up enough to trip.  By that time the electronics were history.

My biggest problem right now is voltage drops and poor DCS signal in some places.  I need to put in several more feeders to my two loops to correct and probably do the star wiring method recommended by the DCS guru's.  They recommend two wires out and back to each location, not bus wiring.  I need to check out the best source for buying wire too.  I have a little left to get started which is a pretty heavy gauge. 

Yesterday, I had a turnout switch that decided to break it's throw bar.  It is the lead switch to my engine facility.  I can still throw the points by hand and it's near the control panel so easy to reach.  I might just do that for a while since, I would have to tear up a lot of track to get that bad switch out for repair.  The switch is a Ross Custom switch.  Great switches but the older throw bars wear out with use.  I have some spares that they sent me though.

Weather is warming up nicely.  Warm all week.

Pat, let me know if you find out about "anonymous postings"

Chief, I can just picture you running out in the rain in the middle of the night with your trusty six shooter looking for the bad guys.  Your motion sensor works too good.  Probably a cricket jumping around in there or something.

later,

Ray

 I am trying, but Jeffrey Doesn't give me a strait answer. After several emails I still don't know if we can post  anonymously.

Pat

[LawsonFarmsRR]

railhead53

Jack, MichRR714 and cnw1995,

Followed the link and have been reading a little about Dr. Who and his ship, the TARDIS, which "is bigger on the inside than the outside and, though it should be able to change its outward appearance, is stuck in the form of a blue police telephone box from the mid-20th century."  I don't know if I could keep up with you guys!  I mean I don't even know anything about Yahoo Messenger!  I'll have to check that out as well. 

A ship in the form of a mid-20th century police telephone box.  That is funny.     I'm wondering what the Chief would think about all of that?  I mean, a beacon on the top of his home comes on and one might expect to see him charging out with six shooter ablaz'en! 

Just kidding Chief!   Bo 

The

Cchief has been strangely quiet on the subject of the TARDIS. He doesn't want to participate or he is above it all. He doesn't know the fun we have. Join us Chief!

Pat

[railhead53]

SPMan wrote:

"Bo, re pictures, I still don't know how.  I'm an example of "if you teach a guy to fish etc".  With me it's the other way around.  My son has spoiled me by doing everything I need on the computer.  As a result, I stay computer illiterate."

I understand Ray,  it really is not all that hard though once you've posted pictures a few times.  Heck, Ray, you drove trains for a living.  If you could do that, you can post pictures.  Try it and after a few times I bet you'll have it down.  I made a couple of mistakes trying to post pictures and with the help of others on the POT finally got it down. Sorta, even today I somehow lost part of the instructions I was writing to help Prairietype on how to post pictures.  I had to retype and repost.  It didn't hurt anything though.  Eventually we'll get it down and it will be like ol'hat.  I only wish I knew how to drive a locomotive!  Nothing simple about that I am sure.  Bo 

 

Visit my website Bo's Trains at http://www.bostrains.com

 

 

[railhead53]

Jack, MichRR714 and cnw1995,

Followed the link and have been reading a little about Dr. Who and his ship, the TARDIS, which "is bigger on the inside than the outside and, though it should be able to change its outward appearance, is stuck in the form of a blue police telephone box from the mid-20th century."  I don't know if I could keep up with you guys!  I mean I don't even know anything about Yahoo Messenger!  I'll have to check that out as well. 

A ship in the form of a mid-20th century police telephone box.  That is funny.     I'm wondering what the Chief would think about all of that?  I mean, a beacon on the top of his home comes on and one might expect to see him charging out with six shooter ablaz'en! 

Just kidding Chief!   Bo 

[KRM]

Good evening 

I went to Caterpillar this morning and got lucky, they still sell the frames I have for my two sets of glasses so all I had to order was new lenses and they should be there next week.

Wow, first time back in the plant since I retired 4 years ago,,,,,,strange but I did see some friends and made the best of the visit. I had lunch with my bestest pal Raj at Red Robin then came home and put some stuff together to try to help Bo.

Bo, Not a problem at all. Enjoy

Later.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

fifedog

Tap tap tap.

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me - filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating
`'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door -
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door; -
This it is, and nothing more,'

*

*

Well if I didn't have bad luck I'd have no luck at all. I've been put out of my home -- for today at least. Thanks to all the rain we've had of late a tree fell over onto my electrical service line and arced out the meter base. The offending tree has been removed and has a date with one of my nephews weekend bonfires. But the meter box still must be repaired. The ground cable was yanked and did a good impression of an arc welder before it lost contact. The power company sent a guy out to pull the meter and cut the lines so it can be repaired. Ten years ago I could have done the work myself but getting up on a ladder now is entirely too dangerous! We have an electrician coming out to put a new cable down from the weather head but that won't be until sometime tomorrow. I'll spend the night at my fathers place tonight. At least I'm able to keep my fridge going. I ran a 100 foot heavy extension cord over to my nephews place, with his permission of course.

Tomorrow morning I have to go to DeRidder for a prostate exam. Oh joy! Well I can think of worse ways to waste my time.

At the moment I'm using the computer I keep down here. It's somewhat slower than the one at my home, in fact a lot slower and has a hard time doing several things at once without coming to a near standstill (Ebox board with dual Celeron D processors). Can you say snail? One of the reasons I stopped using it. I just keep it around in case I might need it and to order health stuff for my father. Yeah, he's a vitamin nut! Takes them every day and is healthy as a horse.

[railhead53]

Kev,

Thanks you for the detailed explanation and photos.  I also appreciate your taking the time to talk with me over the phone.  I think I understand things enough to get started laying out some protection for my layout and the train's electronics.    

Somebody could probably say "well it is about time" as I've been working on my railroad for eight years now , but better late than never I guess.  After all this reading and discussion about electrical stuff I think I will go out tonight and  buy a fire extinguisher to keep by the layout.   Should have probably already done that also.  

Thanks again Kev, if I get stuck or have a question, I'll give you a call.  Bo 

[KRM]

fifedog

Tap tap tap.

 Come on in the door is open.

[blownout cylinder]

Good Afternoon

Well, meeting went good..report was received well...Powerpoint handled well..despite the ill-tempered projector..lol.

We just had a dull dull dull cccold day here..only got to 28F all day...tomorrow will be better...so they say...

[fifedog]

Tap tap tap.

[KRM]

Bo,

 PM sent.

DougM, I will send you what I sent Bo.

Here is a link for the auto reset circuit breakers. You can also get them at almost all auto parts stores.

http://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-BP-CB211-10-RP-Circuit-Breaker/dp/B009WQPBYS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358456490&sr=8-1&keywords=BP%2FCB211-10-RP

 

Jack, The pink looking stuff in the Ore cars is Iron Ore.

[cnw1995]

I was able to successfully add some 'drops' to the layout, thanks to SJ, Brutus, Charlie and Kev's guidance. Boy, am I dumb about wiring. Trainstock is a cool name for a show, Rich.  Jack, the troopers still park some cruisers on I-90 to slow people down.There's even a dummy they can put in it. Judging from the sudden brake lights, it seems to work. Bo, Jack explained our inside joke about the TARDIS - some of us get together sometimes in the evening using Yahoo Messenger...

I got another idea to add an airplane over the layout - in some Ivor episode's a skywriter advertises a local circus (hence the elephants).  I have the airplane I picked up at World Market and stole some thread from Kelly's sewing basket...Now any ideas about how to represent the skywriting?  

[Lehigh Valley 2089]

Good afternoon.

Getting cold now. Looks as if it will be clear for the most part.

[SPMan]

Good morning all,

Bo, re pictures, I still don't know how.  I'm an example of "if you teach a guy to fish etc".  With me it's the other way around.  My son has spoiled me by doing everything I need on the computer.  As a result, I stay computer illiterate.  He has no patience with me as far as teaching goes.  He tells you once, that's it.  I need to do things in repetition in order for it to sink in.

Re wiring and circuit protection, I have been using only my Z4000 which has some built in protection and that has kept my electronics safe so far.  The Z4000 has a fast blow circuit breaker.  The old Lionel ZW would just sit there and cook until the bi metal breaker would heat up enough to trip.  By that time the electronics were history.

My biggest problem right now is voltage drops and poor DCS signal in some places.  I need to put in several more feeders to my two loops to correct and probably do the star wiring method recommended by the DCS guru's.  They recommend two wires out and back to each location, not bus wiring.  I need to check out the best source for buying wire too.  I have a little left to get started which is a pretty heavy gauge. 

Yesterday, I had a turnout switch that decided to break it's throw bar.  It is the lead switch to my engine facility.  I can still throw the points by hand and it's near the control panel so easy to reach.  I might just do that for a while since, I would have to tear up a lot of track to get that bad switch out for repair.  The switch is a Ross Custom switch.  Great switches but the older throw bars wear out with use.  I have some spares that they sent me though.

Weather is warming up nicely.  Warm all week.

Pat, let me know if you find out about "anonymous postings"

Chief, I can just picture you running out in the rain in the middle of the night with your trusty six shooter looking for the bad guys.  Your motion sensor works too good.  Probably a cricket jumping around in there or something.

later,

Ray

[anjdevil2]

Happy Afternoon....

Quick stop by to see what's happening.....especially after the brushfire blew through....

At work, still fighting this nonscence.  I've lost my taste buds it seems, due to the meds.  Coffee tastes like sweetened water.  Hopefully this will subside soon.

I have to go to fire drill tonight, just to collate the LOSAP (retirement account) of those who worked the Christmas tree sales.  It's a small amount, but the incentive to volunteer makes is paletable.

Installation Dinner Gala on Saturday.  I'll miss Trainstock in Paterson (NJ Hi-Railers) again.  The trip to get there and back in time for dinner @ 6 is daunting.  Maybe one year I'll go.  Fire stuff just too important right now.  Plus, being VP and all, I guess it's slightly important I show up on time.

Parents return from Mexico on Sunday, so a light house cleaning is in order.  iT'S NOT like I was home partying or anything..

All for now..

 

[railhead53]

Prairietype - well all went well except some how step 5. disappeared on me.  Step 5. is :  Click on the little "Insert Image" icon.   An Insert Image box will up and you will see "Link to Media".  Paste the link you copied from Photobucket in the box beneath "Link to Media" and then click on the "Insert" button.  Immediately your photo should appear in your post.

In my example you see a photo of a Lionel caboose I received for Christmas.  Hope this all helps.  Bo 

 

Visit my website Bo's Trains at http://www.bostrains.com

[railhead53]

Prairietype - There are others on the POT that could probably explain this better, but this is how I was taught to post a picture on the forum.  If I get it right there will be a picture at the bottom of this post.

1.  Download your photo on to Photobucket (there are other photo services you can use, but I use Photobucket)

2.  Once the photo is downloaded, go to your library and click on the picture.  The picture will be enlarged and to the right of your picture you will see a box titled "Image Links".

3.  Look for "Direct Link" and click on the box beside it.  When you do that it will say "copied".

4.  Go back to your post and click on the little picture icon in the header that says "Insert Image" when you put your curser on it.

[ChiefEagles]

HELP!!!  Yankee raid!!!  SNOHIO in the forecast.  Us REBS are working hard to block it.  Actually temps in the mid 40's.  It is one of those "ify" things.  Weatherman said last night, thundersnow.  No such thing.  The thunder is Chuck and the Yankee snow cannon.

Afternoon all.  Went to work out this AM.  Personal trainer made me go through the exercise routine three times.   OH those aching mussels.

Rainy and chilly.

Got to get going.  Sat down to watch two of my hunting shows on DVR.  Ended up with a Yorkie in my lap asleep.  So now I have to shower and get dressed [in my workout uniform].

Then into the Box with the new NS Legacy engines.  BTW: cat woke me up at 5 AM to go out.  Suddenly the Box alarm went off.  Jumped in pants and coat.  Out into the misting rain I ran with pistol in hand.  Nothing.  Alarm reset.  I thing the trains started playing by themselves again.  Something had to have moved inside or fell to set off motion detectors.  All windows and doors secure.

Later 

PS: Jack, must not be BB&T.  BB&T is the "home town" bank.  Maybe they see you are a Yankee.  We stick it to Yankees.  [smart bank]

[MichRR714]

RockIsland52

BO........the TARDIS is a blue telephone phone booth time machine from the British TV show Dr. Who.  Some here have a picture of it near/under their post signature. The boyz here joke each night about turning on the beacon on the top of their home so that the driver that night (one of the POT members) knows to pick them up.  

It's all in good fun.  Bo let us know if you'd like to ride with us.

[RockIsland52]

BO........the TARDIS is a blue telephone phone booth time machine from the British TV show Dr. Who.  Some here have a picture of it near/under their post signature. The boyz here joke each night about turning on the beacon on the top of their home so that the driver that night (one of the POT members) knows to pick them up.  

http://scifi.about.com/od/doctorwho/p/dw_face.htm

BOC........before delivering a presentation, you need to soften up the audience with donuts and pastries.  Better  yet, or .  No one will question anything you present, think you are a genius, and will remember little of what you said afterward.  But they will remember your presentation as the best they ever witnessed!!!  

Chief.........my bank is headquartered in North Carolina and has arguably the highest and expansive fees in the banking industry.  Think they got federal bailout money too.  What's with that?  I thought you said that Southern businesses were well run and customer friendly/focused. 

Jon.......and we are going down to 16 degrees tonight.  Send some of that weather here!  I just received a heating oil delivery and am afraid to retrieve the receipt from the mailbox for fear the amount will cause a heart attack.   

Jack

[jonadel]

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood" --- thank you Fred Rodgers.

Thu		Fri		Sat		Sun
								Clear
								Wind: NE at 5 mph
Humidity: 33%	72°	43°	73°	43°	77°	43°	73°	36°

Life is good winter is good

[railhead53]

Good morning everybody,

Slept in a little this morning.  Yesterday got up early to go have breakfast with a retired Marine buddy.  Yesterday it was the full meal deal including a delicious bowl of Grits, but this morning its just a bowl of Frosted Flakes and a cup of coffee.

The sun is up and while it is a little chilling, it is going to be a great day on the MARS.  Later today Kev is going to work with me on the issue I brought up about installing fuses and all.

V8Vega - glad you were able to get the parts you needed for your Honda del Sol.  I hope one day you'll share a photo or two of that little gem.

Chief - you had better keep a sharp lookout because I keep getting reports that the Yankees have got you in their sights.  Watch for falling snow!

blownout cylinder - good luck with the presentations today.  Hope all goes well!

cnw1995 - Hoping Kev can do the same thing for me later today with regards to protecting my trains on the layout.  By the way, can you explain about the TARDIS?  I see TARDIS used here and there on the POT, but do not really know what it means/represents.  Hope it is ok to ask.

Prairietype - Glad your feeling better.  Liked your work on the 2026.

Jack - "a 40 mile backup on I93 South".  Man, that would driven me crazy.  I don't know if I could handle the traffic congestion you guys face out East on a daily basis.  And yes, Edgar Allen Poe, he only lived to be forty, but he certainly left a legacy of fine work.  Pretty amazing.

Have a good day fellas.  Shortly, I'm going to go to work on the railroad.  Later.  Bo 

[Blueberryhill RR]

Jack,..... I agree

[sir james I]

A sunny 32 this morning. Next week 32 would feel like spring.

Chuck I hope milk was at the top of your grocery list.

A nice chat with some of the guys last night. . . .S.J.

[RockIsland52]

Blueberryhill RR

Good Morning from Blueberryhill RR....

.......Chief...... Are you getting any snow yet?  You are in our sights......

Y'all have a great Thursday.

Chuck

Chuck......I certainly hope the snow cannon coordinates are right this time and we can deliver some direct hits on Roseyville and the Mayor.  The Chief was a little too smug with his warm weather comments.  And he is currently sending more wet weather Northward toward us East Coast guys which usually translates into snow and ice this time of year for me.

 

Good Mornin' Y'all From Crystal Clear (for now) Taxachusetts,

The snow and rain have moved on but the traffic accidents continue from the combo of patches of black ice and dumb Taxachusetts moron drivers.  Six accidents/spinouts this morning reported on the traffic news put two main arteries back into total gridlock yet again.  I wonder if yesterday's accidents causing a 40 mile backup on I93 South was some sort of record.  As stated above, another front is moving in tonight, but we just might get rain as the temps will be slightly above 32.  That gives me until tonight to eradicate any remaining snow and ice in strategic spots I didn't get to yesterday before the cold from BOC and Canada descends on us. 

 

Sounds like most are finally moving in the right direction on the health front as many post they are feeling better.  Lehigh, Roy, Brutus' wife, RT, Jeffrey, the Chief, Rich, BOC.  Sorry if I missed anyone.  I figure looking ahead, the flu shot I got won't cover the strain I get.  That said, I find it curious that the Chief has remained curiously silent about his muscular aches and pains from his workouts with his "personal trainer."  Granted, his vocal cords and digestive track are in superior condition. Hmmmmmm.

 

Re the recent Edgar Allen Poe quotes and comments, he was born in Boston in 1809 and only lived to be 40.   

FIFEY.....game time temperatures for Sunday's NFL Ravens @ Patriots AFC championship game here in Foxboro = about 32 degrees.  Thirty mph winds are expected at gametime, so it will feel like the on-field temps are in the single digits.  You have been very quiet about this game, so I will assume that indeed you are taking the Ravens and giving me the 4 points.

 

JoeyD........your Christmas present arrived yesterday from the States?  I thought it was going to take two months for you to get it.  The selected carrier must have realized who you were when he examined the addressee name on the package and put it in the cockpit on the next plane Japan bound.

 

V8 Dennis.......the kids and the tuners out here pass emissions inspection by having the original parts on the vehicle for the inspection.  After passing, probably within the hour, they swap back in all of the aftermarket stuff (chips, intakes, etc.) until the next time.

 

Ryan......glad to hear you decided to take a few days off to recharge the batteries after the stunning news earlier in the week.

Dr. Brutus, PHD (Chemistry)..........   you also cracked me up with your story of how your daughter, without a key, called you on the cell from feet away to inform you that her skirt was hopelessly caught in your locked front door.

 

KEV......the pink load in your new cars, is that supposed to be coral?  Would be a good color match with the pink flamingoes on Fife's layout.   BTW, re yesterday's escapades on interstate  I90......the Illinois State Police East of Elgin and West of Schaumburg often park trooperless State Police cars on the side of that toll road to surprise and frighten speeders and slow down traffic.  As you may have noticed travelling  West of there near Rockford yesterday, @75-80mph you are probably barely keeping up with traffic.

Later, gang.

Jack

[Prairietype]

jeffrey-wimberly

Good morning. It's 27° with 100% humidity. It'll be sunny with a high of 55°.


No plans for today. Just take it as it comes. Watching some American Gladiators this morning. Still got plenty of other shows to watch later.

Good morning everyone,

After 6 days of influenza B strain I finally feel like participating again rather than just keeping up with the messages.

I need help however, and it is related to posting a message with an image like this.

I inserted pictures of my lionel 2026 last week, following the instructions.

What I ended up with, after clicking on the picture icon and inserting the link was a posted message with a link inside, but no image like I see above.  How do I get to this point, there is a missing step that I kind of remember but I need a clear instruction.

Can anyone help?

[Prairietype]

Now I can't figure out how to delete this post

[cnw1995]

Aloha! Looks like it might be sunny as soon as the sun comes up. Nice TARDIS ride last night with Kev, Charlie, Brutus, and SJ. I learned about ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, TVSes and how to better wire my layout to keep Ivor from 'drooping' in the far corners of the layout. Thanks guys!  May you have a good day today!

[blownout cylinder]

Morning...

Everyone and everything is all up and running 'roun' getting stuff done now..today is going to be my day of presenting all the reports and Powerpointing said mess in two meetings..one today...one tomorrow...

Weatherbeguessers are throwing darts again..we could be looking at upwards of 3" of the whitestuff or none at all...but they all agree on one thing..temperatures are going lower by next week..

Anyhowwho...y'all have a good day!!!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Good morning. It's 27° with 100% humidity. It'll be sunny with a high of 55°.


No plans for today. Just take it as it comes. Watching some American Gladiators this morning. Still got plenty of other shows to watch later.