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

[railhead53]

Good morning all.  Got up a little early this morning as I have some things I need to get done.

laz57 - You're right this is a pretty chatty group.  I was away for aday and it took me awhile to get caught up.

Jack - Yes, I'm good with the teasing.  I've been known to do a little bit of it myself.  Can't fault the Chief for liking grits though, it's a breakfast staple at my home as well.  Grits, Oh so good!  Now I'm hungry!

Going to get some work done on the railroad today.  Have to order some relays for some MTH signals that need to be installed.  I'm using the "isolated rail" approach for train detection and it seems to work pretty well.

Retirement has proven to be a good thing.  Let's me do the things I seldom had time for before retirement. Highly recommended when you are ready.  Bo    

 

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

 

 

[RockIsland52]

Good Mornin' Y'all From Frigid Taxachusetts,

It is a balmy 6 degrees out there right now and time to take the dog out.  The smart money is on Maximus emptying the tanks in record time.  I may need a stopwatch just to make it official.

Later, gang.

Jack

[submmbob]

Hello all

Happy New Year!

Back up at work. A brisk 20 deg F out there right now. We are open for business. Still getting over my cold, but much better than I was a couple days ago.

Laz - happy birthday!

BOC - that's great news!

SPRay - I like the fusee story. Sounds like something I would do

DougD - got to check out the layouts at McCormick Park this past year. N, HO, and O. They are great!

Kev - magazines can be funny folk. Can take years for something to appear in print and then it's all subjective to the editors whims. Maybe we should start our own magazine and call it 'Model Railroads from the Other Side of the Tracks'

Speaking of which, I guess I can add January and February to the missing issues list along w/ December. Either someone in the postal system has taken a liking to them or the magazine staff is miffed I didn't renew my subscription. Changed my address right away when I moved, so who knows

So I'm surrounded by all kinds of projects this week: bicycle parts, smoke units, Marx switches, and docksiders!

Was someone asking about the availability of one of these?

(the Corvair, not the docksider chassis)

$12.35 including shipping off the bay. Available in a least 2 colors. And yes, it's my first O-scale die-cast car. You just know it had to be. Even has fairly accurate rear engine detail w/ dual exhaust. Thinking of making any future layout w/ Corvairs only

Dug the Lionel 4060 transformer out of storage and was surprised to find it puts out only 15A, compared to the unit that came w/ the Amtrak Lionel set @ 25A. I bought this around 1988 - 1990 when I was in college and paid a whopping $64.99 from a local train store that is no longer in business. Since I still have the original instructions and box I may try putting this puppy on the bay just to see what happens. Was made in Mt. Clemens, MI unlike the one w/ the 1995 set that was made in China. In the meantime I will keep looking for a Marx 1049.

The roomates did some sleuthing w/ their smart phones this afternoon before I went to work. Turns out our unit is pretty much a dead zone on the property for the current wifi units. We are looking into getting a booster for our unit, so I may not have to go down to the coffee shop to get internet.

Any ways, Happy New Year again everybody!

[8ntruck]

Got cold enough to freeze the partial Diet Coke solid that I left in the car last night.  Fortunately, it all remained in the container.

Still waiting on a reply from the USPS inisurance claim on the MKT GP7 that was damaged in shipment.

All for now.

[Brutus]

So at a little after 9 we told my son get ready for bed, school tomorrow after a long vacation. Oh - he just remembered he has homework due tomorrow - some video thing I've never used on my computer must publish his video? Hmmm - well I just learned how to use 3 different versions of move maker from MS and my son just learned that he is grounded from even thinking of videogames until next Monday morning at 12:01AM. Win win.

TARDIS - take me away!

[AF53]

SJ & Kev - When I built my layout I wanted to create the same layout, or as close to, the same one I had as a child. Today, many would consider that "Classic". Also, many might not be impressed by it. I don't care, as I did it for me to enjoy. It's my hobby. Someday, I'm sure, I will change things around. It may happen this year or next as I get a lot of ideas seen here and other sites. 

Point is that we are all into this hobby for many different reasons and that's OK. Just sit back and listen the the sound of those heavyweight passenger cars being pulled by your favorite locomotive, whether it goes "chuff chuff" or not, and smell the aroma of the smoke and enjoy!

[ChiefEagles]

YANKS, never got below freezing here in REB country.

Evening all.  Busy day.  Slept late for a change.  Took old Burg to vet for checkup.  Doing good for his age.  Had a meeting at Town Hall.  Took down and up from yard Chritmas decorations that was scheduled to do yesterday but rained.  Wifey suddenly wanted to go out to eat early.  Came home and watched Christmas Lodge on Netflix.  Now she is sleeping.  I was in and out with the gang who still wants to be nosiy.  Think we have deer over the fence [they know season is out as seen lots in the fields all day].

Speaking of gremlins, one of my Legacy engines started cutting up last night.  Ran great the night before for a long time.  Was not getting signal good and stopped smoking.  Took shell off and checked everything.  Nothing.  Put shell back on and ran out of lashup.  Fine.  Smoked great.  Put it back in lashup, runs fine but suddenly stopped smoking.  Just shut it all down and closed the Box.  ???? 

Haircut tomorrow AM [SJ, take note].  Errands tomorrow.  My go to lake house tomorrow night or Friday morning.  Got Property Owners Assoc. Board meeting Friday night.

KEV, Wifey will not allow wild animal meet in freezer.  7 pointer was the first deer I had killed in 15 years as I had stopped deer hunting.  Gave it all away except for a little in the lake house chest freezer [she does not know it is there].  Why I gave up shots this year.  Hunting only the trophy deer.     

I am now afraid the sinus thing has turned into a cold.  Just about the whole town staff has been sick.

Got back my Smith and Wesson .22 target air pistol [uses CO2 cylinders].  Guy in NY state rebuilt it for me.  Actually a collectors item as S&W does not make them anymore.  In excellent shape.

Sleep tight.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Well I got a bit accomplished today. Changed the oil in the van, new filter installed, bought gas for the beast, paid bills, got the first half of the groceries, perishables mostly.

No work on the layout today. I did however change out the A unit on the F unit trio. I took off the patched Santa Fe F7A and put on the L&A F7A #1525, a Bowser/Stewart shell on a chassis consisting of Athearn and Proto 2000 parts driven by a PPW motor.

We got rain today when it wasn't in the forecast. It didn't rain long, just long enough to leave egg on the weather guessers face. It's 39 now. We're expecting a low of 32 and no rain according to the weather guesser. He already missed once today so the umbrella is by the door.

[sir james I]

Joe I really didn't mind, we didn't use a $2000.00 camera either.  And Kevin has done a lot in a short time. His hidden talents are beginning to show...Sayonara

[Demay]

Ohayō,

The second day back to work is progressing nicely.  I’m just starting my lunch break.  I have plenty of paperwork to review but it is not overwhelming.  The wife made a Mexican-style chicken for dinner last that was great.  We are trying some healthier recipes this year, which is something I definitely need as I can stand to lose about 10 pounds.  While doing some schoolwork last night on the new laptop I discovered one aspect of my school’s classroom website does not support IE10 yet.  It’s not too big of a deal as I have two other laptops in the house to use. 

Mike C. – I’m sorry about the loss of your BIL.

Hudson John – Your mom is in my prayers. 

Fife – Oh, I believe you.

Laz – No kielbasa sent out this way; I’m not sure how it would hold up or if it is even allowed.  The base commissary (grocery store) sells kielbasa.  I believe it is made by Johnsonville or Hillshire Farms, but it’s just not the same to me. 

Jack – Pasties?    What kind of party did you throw?

D. Baker – It’s nice to see you again.  I’m glad you moved up one rung on the seniority ladder. 

RT – Thanks again for serving our vets.  It takes selfless dedication and a big heart to do what you do. 

Kev/SJ – Every time I see photos of Kev’s layout I wonder when it is going to be published.  It has a developed into a great layout and it demonstrates what can be done on a modest budget and over a fair amount of time – and it looks professionally done to me.  I find it odd SJ’s layout is excluded since the current CTT project layout is a retro Lionel layout and the magazine has featured Lionel dealer layouts quite a few times recently. 

Sayonara,

Joe

[sir james I]

Kevin, Roger didn't like my layout either. Said it looked to much like a 50s layout. Can you imagine that idea, a toy train layout in Classic Toy Trains.

It's 27 degrees and the furnace is running quiet often, Yes I'm very thankful that it's working. Granny made progress today packaging decorations  but still not done. I worked my way into CTT, Relaxing on the couch of course. Had a banilla cone and saved some for the guys. Now we just got word that a long time friend of #1 son passed away. That's 3 since Christmas eve. catch you on the Tardis.S.J.

[KRM]

Just for the record.

I got a request from a mag whose forum I visit ( and I only visit 2 ) about 6 or 8 months ago about pictures of some of my layout. Sent them everything they wanted. Nothing happened. So I sent them some new pictures and well I guess if you don't have a $2,000 camera and a $10,000 layout your out.   I tend to think all of the layouts, be they on the floor, dinning room table, hardwood floor, a door, up around the ceiling, Ivor the engine or in the garage, all of them have something to contribute and they are, after all toy trains. JMHO. End of rant.

 Good night. 

[blownout cylinder]

Good Morning

It was a very busy day for me...had to run to the office first thing this morning and get some paperwork together so that I could start on our final year report...talk about a mess of paperwork...3 boxes full....

Weather here be cccold and dreary...with little tiny snowflurries around and abouts...

Have a good evening!!

[Hudson#685]

I hope everyone as has recovered from the Holiday.

I spent most of the day taking Mom for her radiation and doctor's visit. She is doing well and in a couple of weeks she will get her second chemo treatment. Next week she is getting a mediport installed. She just wants it over.

Jack, I have a 2046 on my roster. Looks and runs GREAT. A 1950 773 is my next quest.

Ryan, a quick oval on a piece of plywood and a couple of horses may be what you need to kick back and be the "balm" for the burnout.

Laz, AF53 is keeping an eye out o that we do not run out!

Prayers and Thoughts for all in need.

John

 

[wrconstruction]

Almost got the main line down. one loop around is about 160 feet, times 3 tracks. I like the three track concept, although, now I feel it was a bit too much. Ohh well, too late. 

Gonna try to start wiring this weekend.  I have had to push myself to get this mainline done. I am on the verge of serious burn out on all this. I am defiantly ready to work on something else such as the wiring. 

I really need to get some trains running.  sorta a "balm" for a burnout

Surprisingly, considering I started this with no plan, everything has lined up rather well.   I am a little disappointed in that I may not be able to use ALL my operating Accessories and some of the Post war ones need way more work than I anticipated. Guess that is all in the fun of it. The restorations will be a refreshing break. 

I am glad to see everyone had a good new year

Ryan

[LawsonFarmsRR]

sir james I

It is 19 degrees now with a clear sky. It was around 14 when we got up this morning. A trip to Walmart this AM was canceled as granny Is still putting holiday decorations away, To be honest I don't think it will get done today either. Well it's all over and the only thing we have to look forward to now is snow and cold till June or July...S.J.

SJ - Happy hump day! Remember the apple and inchworm. Summer will be here before you know it.

Pat

[rtraincollector]

RockIsland52

Good Afternoon Ya'll.

RT.......sorry I missed your call.  We were up in New Hampshire and we didn't check the answering device until new Years Eve.  Wifey Pam noted that you got the dog's name right but then asked me "Who is Pat?"  

Later, gang.

Jack

Is there a smiley with foot in your mouth Sorry Pam.

Well I won a TPC300 the other day so waiting for that to come in so I have a way to run all these conventional engines I now have and the one I'm still waiting for it suppose to be here tomorrow and no Jack it will not make a northern run.

Not much else going on. They asked me to work Friday so that means I will be working 8 days straight. Will take it as it helps cut down on some bills.

Well now time to relax made some ham salad tonight from scratch. Wife loved it ( brownie points ) Talk to you all later

 

P.S. Well lost another veteran today that I got kidding with and looked forward to delivering his meals to him. I was expecting it as Monday he was in bad shape think he had another stroke. Well now he can rest in peace I will miss him as I do a lot of them.

[LawsonFarmsRR]

Buckeye Riveter

Laz,

Isn't it ironic that I remember your birthday every year and Pat can never remember mine. 

Buckeye - And which birthday are you referring?

Pat

[Anonymous]

Afternoon Fellas

Happy New Years (belated) to all!

Happy Birthday (belated) to Laz!

I'm finding myself further and further behind... wonder why!?!?! You know it has only been 17 months since we adopted Christina and I am finding that I have forgotten A LOT of what we did! Making flight arrangements and rental car arrangements for next Wednesday (first flight with Christina since she was 4 months old), ordered the new crib and changing table (and associated matresses, pads, and covers) yesterday, got the new nursery emptied - somewhat - made room for crib and emptied closet of unnecessary junk, emptied dresser, fixed dresser in other spare room (had been needing done for 5 years), and emptied dresser in other spare room... and started de-Christmasing the house... I'm beat! Have lots to do tonight (finish de-Christmasing) and hopefully start fixing the sunroom ceiling from the leak this past fall, and do more adoption planning... sure I'll be beat tomorrow too... but... I am all for it!

Hope everyone is doing well.

[SPMan]

jeffrey-wimberly

SPMan

Jeffrey, what is hoppin john?  Sounds like a Southern thing but I never heard of it in Virginia or North Carolina.  I know it was mentioned in the movie "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".

Black eye peas and ham hocks. My sister puts rice in hers. Here's some information on it. Hoppin' John

Wow, I've been eating it all my life and didn't know it.  We just called it ham hocks and black eye peas.

P.S.  Jeffrey, never put rice in mine but it sounds good.  Also after reading your information page, I found out that I ate "Skippin' Jenny" today.  That's what they called leftover hoppin john eaten on the day after New Years.  The story about bringing luck also included greens such as collards, kale, turnip greens etc and corn bread for extra luck and riches.  The greens represented money and the cornbread represented gold.

Happy New Year,

Ray

[jeffrey-wimberly]

dougdagrump

Jeffrey, Hope you didn't have any beer with those deviled eggs ?

Not on your life! Been there and done that before.

RockIsland52

Jeffrey........hope you don't run out of gas today.  Re the derailment, I can just picture you going over 22 freight cars one by one until you found the offending one.

No danger of running out. I took three gallons from the gas supply for the tractors for insurance. Turns out I didn't need it. Filled it up in town. $45.766 for fourteen gallons. Add the three gallons to that, that's seventeen gallons. That means it had seven gallons initially, a gallon over a quarter tank. The gas gauge is as flaky as a hatter on Friday night. Fill the tank and the gauge reads 3/4's. It never does go to full.

The weather guesser strikes out. Again. This morning there was no rain in the forecast. Take a wild guess what's happening now. That's right. It's raining. Thankfully the oil change on the van was done this morning when it was dry. One thing I hate is working in mud! Got the bill paying and the first half of the grocery shopping done. Got a letter saying I should take out a mortgage on my home. Guess they don't know it's a sixty-two year old mobile home! It's not much but it's paid for.

[Lehigh Valley 2089]

Hello again.

Still cold. Plan on working on some freight cars if I can get the chance.

[dbaker48]

SPMan

Don, do the cars have air brakes?   Yep, as you know the brakes are a "negative pressure", (positive pressure holds the brakes open, when pressure is applied (say 5 lbs), the brakes close A Bit.  The brakes STAY applied unless they are "recharged" to release them.  So the train continues with that amount of brakes applied.  (That is the most difficult to get used to, not like applying and releasing, they don't release unless they are recharged.)  Then the other issue to avoid is with the "G6", (Brake valve and handle), if when apply go a "little" too far with the handle, then Emergency Stop occurs, (Big Hole) and the full 90 lbs of air is applied and will almost blow out the Engineer and Fireman's ear drums.  Extremely loud!!

Do you stop the train stretched using the car braking as well as the engine or is it all engine brake? Use car brakes ONLY, the engine brake is to only be used in case of emergency or when nothing is attached to the tender.  (Avoid slamming the cars forward for passengers, prevent flat spots on the drivers, and preserving the couplers (?).   Use of the engine brake would definetly make it easier but no can do.  AND, once the train has slowed to a stop, cannot reopen the throttle for passenger safety, assumption is they are already out of their seat.

I only ran Amtrak a couple of times as an engineer and I just dragged it to a stop using the car brakes and allowing the engine brakes to set up at the final stop.  As for freight trains, they were lucky if I stopped in the same town sometimes.  Can understand that!

Ray

[jeffrey-wimberly]

SPMan

Jeffrey, what is hoppin john?  Sounds like a Southern thing but I never heard of it in Virginia or North Carolina.  I know it was mentioned in the movie "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".

Black eye peas and ham hocks. My sister puts rice in hers. Here's some information on it. Hoppin' John

[SPMan]

dbaker48

Happy New Year You All !   A little late, but sincere just the same!

Been awhile since I posted, but like everyone else just been busy.

Life still seems to be consumed by Knott's, and some time for family affairs.  Sure enjoyed reading your post Jack, seems like the perfect holiday, one to remember!

Things at Knott's have certainly been interesting!  Not only is the Windseeker Ride still down, but a Stagecoach lost a wheel and tipped over with guests on board!  Three people were injured fortunately the most severe was a broken collar bone and dislocated shoulder.  (A man, fortunately no child was hurt.)  Apparently the axle actually broke, it was sheared just inside the frame mounting.  I am surprised it wasn't prevented from the daily inspections that are required.

The schedule will slow down there next week, I had to work both New Year's Eve, and New Year 's Day.  Have 2 days off then work Fri,Sat,&Sun.  Next week 3 days off!

A new person has been added to the Railroad, (transfer from Stage Coach), but we lost one as well.  At least I am not the "Newbie" anymore.  The Steam Engine goes down next Monday and will only be used on weekends, until Spring Break.  So the Goose comes back on-line.  I have been in training for Engineering the Steam Engine, requirement is a minimum of 100 trips, and a "OMG Moment" at the throttle.  I have completed 86 trips, and not had the OMG Moment yet.  So, my certification will be put off for awhile.  The most difficult thing is stopping the train at the prescribed location for a "Water Stop".  A real challenge to get 70,000 lbs to stop inside a 8" window on demand!  Getting better hit the mark 60% of the time. (If overshoot "The Mark", the pedestrian crossing gate is 6' away.  Touching that gate is an automatic write-up and a "Stage 1" warning.  A second incident within 90 days is dismissal.)

It is interesting how many people refer to the engineering staff as Conductors, pretty much only position most people realize.  (Must be from Thomas influence). 

Buckeye's video and picture is absolutely fantastic!!

Take care and enjoy the New Year!  (Going to take down outside Christmas decorations, think we have Santa Ana winds forecasted for the next day or two.)

Don, do the cars have air brakes?  Do you stop the train stretched using the car braking as well as the engine or is it all engine brake?  I only ran Amtrak a couple of times as an engineer and I just dragged it to a stop using the car brakes and allowing the engine brakes to set up at the final stop.  As for freight trains, they were lucky if I stopped in the same town sometimes.

Jeffrey, what is hoppin john?  Sounds like a Southern thing but I never heard of it in Virginia or North Carolina.  I know it was mentioned in the movie "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".

Ray

[RockIsland52]

Good Afternoon Ya'll.

The temps here have risen/levelled off @ 25 and single digits are approaching the next day or two!!!!  The son spent the weekend and New Years in Philly, driving down with a buddy to attend a wedding et al.  You know the pre-departure drill.  "Ya got any washer fluid, Dad?  Can I borrow your toll transponder?  Do you have a suit bag for my suit?  I don't have a snow brush/ice scraper, can I borrow yours?"  Next I was expecting he would ask to borrow some of my clothes!!!!  The good news.....he got back safe and sound and actually returned my toll transponder and snow brush without being asked!!!

MikeC......I was sorry to read that your wife's brother-in-law did not make it.  He has my prayers as does your whole family.  He was far too young. 

BOC........that was very encouraging news on the medical front, and I sincerely hope things stay on this positive path.  It has been a tough 2012 for you and your family.  You are one tough son-of-a-gun!

SubmmBob......hope that cold you caught Christmas Day is well behind you.

DougM......hope you are over whatever ailed you yesterday.  Rest and trains.  Must have been sticker shock from the holidays.

Jeffrey........hope you don't run out of gas today.  Re the derailment, I can just picture you going over 22 freight cars one by one until you found the offending one.

Fife and DougDG........re railroad gremlins.  I have not had time to sit down and figure out my own, the stuttering on start upwhen the engine is cold.  The pickup springs are new, the pickup is aligned, the brushes don't have but 20 hours on them, and there is no sparking coming from underneath the 2046 engine.  The e-unit is cycling beautifully.  And all of the other engines I have been running.....no issues.  The Hudson was not doing this the last time I ran it either.

JimmyT........was thinking of you yesterday when we were over at my SIL's family's place for the New Years Day food fest.  The host and I got to talking trains and he is interested in resurrecting his humble set and starting a layout.  He has an American flyer 302 Atlantic Class 4-4-2 with the Baldwin drivers and the Reading tender.  Is that S-gauge?  Anyway, it is in beautiful cosmetic shape but hasn't been run in like 50+ years, think it is from 1947.  It has been sitting in a display case for many years.  Anyway, his wife did not look too happy when I suggested he dormer his attic, insulate/heat/ac it, and start his empire up there.   He lives about 5 minutes from Charles Ro in Malden MA, think we NEED to make a trip over there to do some browsing.

RT.......sorry I missed your call.  We were up in New Hampshire and we didn't check the answering device until new Years Eve.  Wifey Pam noted that you got the dog's name right but then asked me "Who is Pat?"  

LAZ........hope you did not take offense about my birthday teasing about your being delivered by a veterinarian.  I meant to say you were delivered by a master brewer of OleMils.  

BO........hope you are settling into the teasing that goes on here on the POT.  Everyone loves to get on the Chief about his Southern ways, his passion for eating plaster grits (yuk!) and his revisionist sense with history. 

HudsonJohn.....ya mean ya don't have a 2046 or a 773 in your stable?  What's with that?   Hope you, AF Ray, and JoeyD are not overwrought with the changes the Yankers are making this off season.  Or the acquisitions the Boston Red Sox are making.  On second thought, I hope you three are worried sick!!!

Dennis........glad to see that you are back posting.  We missed you a lot, but I imagine that you are up to your ears in dirty diapers and related equipment.  Every time one takes their eyes off the little ones for just a second, something "amusing" is bound to happen.  Our three year old granddaughter is now in the independent phase of toilet traing.  She wants to do everything herself and is beginning to become a bit more modest about things.....wants to close the bathroom door and manage matters on her own.  She doesn't mind if Maximus is in there with her to help her pass the time.  But there is one drawback.  My wife found soiled #1 training pants stuffed under the sofa last night.

Don........I get worn out looking at what retirement brings.  More recently you, LAZ, and HudsonJohn have convinced me that the pace gets quicker and more demanding, not less.

SJ and Don......I think we are going to kick back and enjoy the Christmas decorations for a few more days and try to tackle the dismantling this coming weekend.  It took so long to put everything together.  And around these here parts, folks keep the lights burning after New Years. 

Well, I just got a call from the dentist's office to remind me I have my second and last deep scaling appointment with the oral hygienist this Friday morning along with full xrays.  They are bound and determined to find something wrong.

On the things to be thankful for looking back at 2012 and out into 2013, I have to mention health.  My wife and I are doing fine, but between us have 7 aging relatives ranging in age from 80 to 91.  So I will leave you all for now with this:  carpe diem, and don't put off until tomorrow what needs being done or said today.

Later, gang.

Jack

[dbaker48]

Happy New Year You All !   A little late, but sincere just the same!

Been awhile since I posted, but like everyone else just been busy.

Life still seems to be consumed by Knott's, and some time for family affairs.  Sure enjoyed reading your post Jack, seems like the perfect holiday, one to remember!

Things at Knott's have certainly been interesting!  Not only is the Windseeker Ride still down, but a Stagecoach lost a wheel and tipped over with guests on board!  Three people were injured fortunately the most severe was a broken collar bone and dislocated shoulder.  (A man, fortunately no child was hurt.)  Apparently the axle actually broke, it was sheared just inside the frame mounting.  I am surprised it wasn't prevented from the daily inspections that are required.

The schedule will slow down there next week, I had to work both New Year's Eve, and New Year 's Day.  Have 2 days off then work Fri,Sat,&Sun.  Next week 3 days off!

A new person has been added to the Railroad, (transfer from Stage Coach), but we lost one as well.  At least I am not the "Newbie" anymore.  The Steam Engine goes down next Monday and will only be used on weekends, until Spring Break.  So the Goose comes back on-line.  I have been in training for Engineering the Steam Engine, requirement is a minimum of 100 trips, and a "OMG Moment" at the throttle.  I have completed 86 trips, and not had the OMG Moment yet.  So, my certification will be put off for awhile.  The most difficult thing is stopping the train at the prescribed location for a "Water Stop".  A real challenge to get 70,000 lbs to stop inside a 8" window on demand!  Getting better hit the mark 60% of the time. (If overshoot "The Mark", the pedestrian crossing gate is 6' away.  Touching that gate is an automatic write-up and a "Stage 1" warning.  A second incident within 90 days is dismissal.)

It is interesting how many people refer to the engineering staff as Conductors, pretty much only position most people realize.  (Must be from Thomas influence). 

Buckeye's video and picture is absolutely fantastic!!

Take care and enjoy the New Year!  (Going to take down outside Christmas decorations, think we have Santa Ana winds forecasted for the next day or two.)

[RockIsland52]

Good Mornin' Y'all From Chilly Cape Ann Taxachusetts,

The wifey and I survived New Years Eve at our place.  We had 15 over for our traditional New Years Eve get together......a huge assortment of finger foods and hot hors deuvres,  pasties, and the requisite cookies and candies.  The little ones were wired to the hilt (I wonder why).  But we had some families that had to cancel due to the crud.  No matter. 

The trains were a runnin' with a single freight consist and we just kept swapping out engines.  The NW2 Navy switcher, the Doc Express steamer, my 2046 Hudson, and my buddy's 271RR S2.  My Hudson was a tad balky, would stutter start but then smooth right out, no symptoms when warm.  Don't know what was wrong there since everything had been lubed and then thoroughly cleaned, so I'll have to check that out later.  Smoke, ozone, and whistles driving some of the ladies nuts!!!  Champage toasts and watching the ball drop at midnight (RIP Dick Clark), short phone calls to my wife's folks and to some friends.  

The massive cleanup then commenced (dishwashers rock!), and by 1:30AM just my daughter and SIL, wifey and I, and the two grandbumpkins were sprawled out enjoying the fire.  The little ones were having so much fun with the latter that the daughter and SIL decided to play "camping;" and the four of them settled down for the night right there in the family room while the wifey and I staggered off to bed.  Needless to say, the little ones were up and at it yesterday morning way too early while Maximus the dog joined in.......declaring that the Inn's cooks better hop to it.  Wifey and I set to cooking a breakfast of French toast and 2 pounds of bacon (my contribution) along with pastries.  Gallons of coffee were required to kick start the adults!!!  High test, of course.

Then yesterday afternoon we drove to Melrose MA. to join the SIL's family for their traditional New Years Day get-together, had to be 30+ folks at that one.  Needless to say, the self-service spread (main courses, hors deuvres, desserts and pasties, etc.) was well over-the-top extensive.....and yours truly proceeded to pig out yet again.  BURP!  On the way home last night we took the scenic route home through Lynnfield MA. to take in all of the Christmas lights.  Many of these folks start setting up their Christmas decorations in August/September and make the local news every year.  Labors of love and one more spectacular than the next.....as ARE their electric bills I imagine.  Yup, the residential streets were packed with folks with the same idea we had the finale to another holiday season.

I gotta catch up on the POT.  At the risk of sounding redundant, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.  I hope each and every one of you health and happiness for the coming year.

Jack

[sir james I]

It is 19 degrees now with a clear sky. It was around 14 when we got up this morning. A trip to Walmart this AM was canceled as granny Is still putting holiday decorations away, To be honest I don't think it will get done today either. Well it's all over and the only thing we have to look forward to now is snow and cold till June or July...S.J.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Good morning. It's 40° with 100% humidity. It'll be cloudy with a high of 48°.


Looks like it's going to be a nice day despite the cloudiness. The weather guesser said nothing about rain. It should be a good day for running about paying bills and getting groceries. The trip in this morning could be a little dicey though. The vans gas gauge is on 'E' meaning it could be near empty or there could still be as much as half a tank left. Guess I could dump in a few gallons of the tractor gas as a safe guard.

Later I may work on the layout a bit.