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Coffee Pot #5 MAY 2013 TEN 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 Yanks. Locked

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Posted by charliebrown on Thursday, May 23, 2013 8:53 AM

Blueberryhill RR

charliebrown...... Why don't you add an upper level.  I did this and it turned out to be an interesting layout.

Chuck

I was thinking of adding an elevation in now that I have a loco that can pull cars with ease. I like the thought of the upper level. I could put it above the circle. Then I could run three trains! Plus build up a mountain side.

 Question

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Posted by lion88roar on Thursday, May 23, 2013 9:17 AM

RJ - If you raise the track in back up about 6 inches (start the grade just after the bridge in the foreground, then start the down grade just after the span in back (I would make the whole length of the background a hill, you could get a track in a tunnel that could come out just beside the 'bar'. Also, there is enough depth that you could pull the foreground track closer to the edge and put a 'siding' the whole length of the narrows... lots you could do on both 'ends' as well...

https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/

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Posted by sir james I on Thursday, May 23, 2013 9:21 AM

The temp is a cooler 63, still no rain. The guesser says today is our last chance or no rain for at least a week. granny is outside doing yard work which of course is where I Should be..I will get out to help her soon..S.J.

No new toy train news lately. The OGR guys need something new from Lionel to rag about.

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

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Posted by dougdagrump on Thursday, May 23, 2013 10:08 AM

charliebrown

A couple shots of test layout.

Still not happy with layout. Ordered some half curves,straights,and track power lock. Thinking I might route it to the inner circle on the big end. Just need two switches. Still trying to figure out bridge between skinny long sections.

Charlie, For what it's worth how about adding a pair of turnouts at each end of the long straights, essentially creating one long straight connecting two reverse loops and a long parallel siding. Or just one turnout at each end creating a siding between the mainlines, one left & right making it accessable from one side or two left or right making it accessable from both sides. Whichever way you do it just try to minimize tight "S" curves, unless there is at least a half straight between them some loco's and cars don't like them. 

In photo #2 where the bench work appears to be at a right angle, how about adding a triangular shaped piece of plywood in that corner so you could possibly use a larger radius curve. This would help in giving the layout more variety w/o taking up a lot more floor space.

Play time is over, gotta get in gear.

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

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Posted by Lehigh Valley 2089 on Thursday, May 23, 2013 10:35 AM

 Heading to school to take the first part of my trig final.

See you all this evening.

The Lehigh Valley Railroad, the Route of the Black Diamond Express, John Wilkes and Maple Leaf.

-Jake, modeling the Barclay, Towanda & Susquehanna.

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Thursday, May 23, 2013 12:40 PM

Thursday...

Cloudy humid windy....this weekend....60's parade Monday, low 70's...I'll take it.

RJ - Outstanding!!

Fife - Ouch...again....Black Eye rough night in B'more....Laugh

Rags v Bruis tonight...Let's all hope for the BROOM!!! (RI Jack feel free to chime in on this one..)

Sens no match for the Pens.....If I hear anymore about Crosby, I'm gonna puke...seriously...

Therapist gives me the green light, still have some "issues" which will rectify itself in time.  Looks like first full week in June I go back to work.  New manager and all that.

Took bike ride Tuesday night....20 miles...wonderful trip in the cool dusk.  Some deer "almost found" me, scared me more than I scared them, I think.  Some wonder local country near me, I almost had forgotten all of Gods wonders.....looking forward to the next two wheel trip.  Found something for Blueberry I'll post later...

Phone calls to work to make then a walk to the Post Office - a 2 mile round trip, cuz I need to get off my fat a$$....Laugh

See ya shortly

I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.
I am the venom in your skin  --- Breaking Benjamin


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Posted by Lehigh Valley 2089 on Thursday, May 23, 2013 1:03 PM

Will be working this evening. Some more money for those old Lionels, and looking for an Atlas RS-11 decorated for the Valley in N scale.

The Lehigh Valley Railroad, the Route of the Black Diamond Express, John Wilkes and Maple Leaf.

-Jake, modeling the Barclay, Towanda & Susquehanna.

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Posted by Hudson#685 on Thursday, May 23, 2013 2:40 PM

Good Afternoon! 77 now with 73% Humidity. It feels much warmer than that and it feels like it is going to rain.

The news here is that my son John, as Laz nicknamed him, "Johnson", Graduates Ocean County Comunity College today. He will continue on with his education at Monmouth University in September.

Took Mom for her Chemo Treatment yesterday and tomorrow it is a follow up with her primary doctor, then a PET Scan on Tuesday. At 84 she is doing great. I stayed there last night and she came down to the basement and watched me replace a horn relay in a 2046w Tender. I remminded her that it was all her and Dad's fault why i still play with trains. After all if they did not give me my original set in 1953 i would not be doing this now or her Grandson would not be into this hobby. She just laughed as I tested the 2046w behind on of my 685 Hudsons around my loop in her basement on my old train table.

RJ: It is looking GREAT! Good use of the space. I like all of the suggestions.

Rich: Glad that you are doing better and the Reliant is working out for you.

Prayers for all of those affected by the Tornadoes.

Congrats to our resident author, Pat.

Have a Great Day!

John

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Posted by Hudson#685 on Thursday, May 23, 2013 2:44 PM

Hey Charlie Brown, when I was still at the Electric Company we refered to rain days as Lineman Holidays. The motto was:"One Drop We Stop". Unless it was OT and we had to get the lights back on!!!

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Thursday, May 23, 2013 4:25 PM

Quick pass through.  Meetings until now.  Super pour downs this afternoon.  Finn, Lucy and I are on the way to the lake.  Tomorrow, mow and mow and mow.  Back Monday.

Have a great holiday.  

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

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Posted by blownout cylinder on Thursday, May 23, 2013 6:13 PM

lion88roar

RJ - If you raise the track in back up about 6 inches (start the grade just after the bridge in the foreground, then start the down grade just after the span in back (I would make the whole length of the background a hill, you could get a track in a tunnel that could come out just beside the 'bar'. Also, there is enough depth that you could pull the foreground track closer to the edge and put a 'siding' the whole length of the narrows... lots you could do on both 'ends' as well...

Great idea here. 

Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry

I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...

http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/

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Posted by Lehigh Valley 2089 on Thursday, May 23, 2013 6:38 PM

RJ: Could also consider dividing the loop into "blocks" so you could run two trains on the outside loop. More action.

The Lehigh Valley Railroad, the Route of the Black Diamond Express, John Wilkes and Maple Leaf.

-Jake, modeling the Barclay, Towanda & Susquehanna.

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Posted by sir james I on Thursday, May 23, 2013 6:55 PM

The temp is 43 and we finally got a nice slow rain this afternoon.

John congrats to your son, it's good that he wants to continue his education.

CTT arrived today, looks like a good one. I might have to read all of it this time. Some issues with long winded articles I kinda skim over. Banilla will be ready for the thingy crew as usual....S.J.

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

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Thursday, May 23, 2013 7:16 PM

I've been working on the Athearn F7 shell today. It's painted for the most part in the black and gray of the L&A. I still need to get windows and headlight lenses for it. I'll be adding the horn either tonight or tomorrow. I'm not doing too badly considering I have the full use of only five fingers including my thumbs and next to no feeling in them.Talk about handicap modeling. I could probably write a book on it.



Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
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Posted by KRM on Thursday, May 23, 2013 8:18 PM

Uneventful day by the most part. Worked on the layout most of the day so it will be ready to run tomorrow when I pick up Lexi for the weekend. Katie and the someday / maybe SIL are going to a Sox's game tomorrow night  Yes All tracks are running and I did a lot of work on the incline.

This afternoon UPS showed up with the broadcast sprayer attachment I ordered for the chem tank sprayer we use on the Gator to kill weeds. The box said 5 min hook up.  Yeah right that was true but......... it took 2 hr to set it in place and build a new framework to hold it in the back of the gator so it will work correctly.  Bang Head It will be nice. 13' spray pattern with no boom. I will test it out with some 24D LV next week. 

Have a good night guys.

 

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by cheapclassics on Thursday, May 23, 2013 9:08 PM

Good evening all,

Cloudy and cool in SE Indiana.  Work went well today.  Do not have to drive tomorrow.  Played in local league tonight.  My side won 12-7 and I got a goal so it was a good night.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Thursday, May 23, 2013 9:14 PM

Today we got a lot of thunder and lightning but not much rain. One of the neighbors likened it to a visit from his in-laws. A lot of noise and arguing but very little positive result. He always sleeps very well after they leave.

I got the Athearn geep horn mounted on the F7 shell this evening. That means I won't have to do it tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, it's time for me to call it a night.



Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
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Posted by Brutus on Thursday, May 23, 2013 11:07 PM

Howdy guys - another rainy day in Saint Louis.  Temps are back in the 70s and that should last a few days.  A local anchorman for years and years was just fired by the local CBS channel for posting on facebook his feelings about the IRS.  Social websites can be dangerous!  Prayers are out for the victims of the tornados, the bridge collapse and that poor soldier over in England.  Also, prayers for all of us and for our friends and loved ones.  No train stuff today other than a nice chat with the guys including Kevin, SJ, Charlie and Doug (in order of appearance).  Kids are doing well in school and only 16 more days to go and they will be done until next school year.  Char is doing really well, no more bronchitis; but, she decided not to go to KC this coming weekend/holiday.  It's bedtime, so I'll just hope everyone has a great day tomorrow.  Tardis is ready, let's go Mike!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by fifedog on Friday, May 24, 2013 5:45 AM

Mornin' boys.  Wet and 66 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Gonna be a busy day, followed by a busy weekend.  Grandbaby is in the grab-and-chuck phase, which doesn't bode too well in the layout room.

Charlie - It's the guy who can take a limited space and ring the most out of it that get's my admiration.(Frank53's work comes to mind)  Add some triangles at the front edges of each return loop area, so you don't look so "squared" in.  Then, incorporate some O-72 switches for return loops at the entry points, doing away with the continuous loop thing.  Next, intertwine a simple (and separate) upper level, for "long train" operation.  Examples that come to mind are the triple bridges in Kansas City, or Richmond, Va, or the cliff hugging Port Road at Safe Harbor, PA.  You can spend the next 5 years just finishing bridge spans alone, and the results would be awesome.  You could also enclose your radiator piping with 4 of MTH's high power line towers.

Our old buddy Wes Whitmore had a climbing dog-bone layout that I could watch for hours.  It was set up for 2 train operation on continuous loops.

KRM- We were once worried about the Rio Grande General's performance.  How's your sample doing?  Sharp looking outfit.

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Posted by Zero Export on Friday, May 24, 2013 6:00 AM

Fife, not sure what Kev's opinion is, but I thought it preformed well. . 

COLD here today  had to get a flannel shirt out this AM

not sure if were gonna be busy or slow today.  If its as slow as yesterday, I'm closing early. 

either way, I got a three day week end in front of me. 

hoping to do some grilling.  And go see my Grandmother.   other than that, so far theres no invites to go any where.  

chat later

ryan

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Posted by Banks on Friday, May 24, 2013 6:11 AM

Hello all,

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cloudy , breezy & occasional rain & low 50's here  today.

More work problems on Tuesday so it was a very long day as well That turned the rest of the week into a mad dash to meet some deadlines. Bang HeadBang HeadBang Head

More prayers for the tornado victims

That bridge collapse could have been a lot worse

There was a memorial for the fallen drag racer last evening and a "Special Event" at the next drag. Curious to see how that turns out.

I only skimmed the pot this week. Hope I didn't miss any thing special. I'll try to get back over the weekend.

Prayers for those in need.

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

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Posted by Lehigh Valley 2089 on Friday, May 24, 2013 6:22 AM

Good morning.

Same plans as before, but after today, my finals will be finished, and high school for me (on the learing part) will be completely done.......................................................................................................man, that time already?

The Lehigh Valley Railroad, the Route of the Black Diamond Express, John Wilkes and Maple Leaf.

-Jake, modeling the Barclay, Towanda & Susquehanna.

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Friday, May 24, 2013 6:31 AM

Good Morning from Blueberryhill RR....

It is a cold 43 degrees. Cloudy. Going up to 58 today with sunshine.

Today is an easy day. I have some chores to do and a project to finish. Then, I can relax and do some reading. Lunch and a nice nap, later.

Buckeye & LAZ...... TGIF      Where is LAZ ???

Dining car is here with Cheerios for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Friday.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by RockIsland52 on Friday, May 24, 2013 7:36 AM

anjdevil2

............Therapist gives me the green light, still have some "issues" which will rectify itself in time.  Looks like first full week in June I go back to work.  New manager and all that.

.............Took bike ride Tuesday night....20 miles...wonderful trip in the cool dusk.  Some deer "almost found" me, scared me more than I scared them, I think.  Some wonder local country near me, I almost had forgotten all of Gods wonders.....looking forward to the next two wheel trip.  Found something for Blueberry I'll post later...

 
Good Mornin' Y'all From Overcast Taxachusetts,
 
Memorial day weekend is supposed to be an on-again-off-again rain event here with coastal temps approaching 60 for a high..  The good news is that the show will go on and I can just grill in the rain for the family until I get struck by lightening. Laugh
 
I am sorry for being MIA the past couple of weeks.  More detail on that later.  Dog events, "project renewal" planning around the ranch (and figuring out how to pay for it), grandkiddie stuff, car issues, and the dreaded doctor stuff.  Summary:  I am still standing, and all is relatively well. Thumbs Up
 
Rich......I am glad that after all of this time you are feeling better.  But riding a bike 20 miles in New Jersey anytime and anywhere sounds like a health-altering move, for the worse. SurpriseWhistling 
 
Jake......congrats for surviving finals and high school!  Just don't get thrown out before the last day!!! Laugh
 
HudsonJohn.......congrats to "Johnson" too.  Too many finish high school and then "take time off" to ponder their next steps, then never go back to school.  Good for him!!! Thumbs Up
 
RJ......a couple of weeks ago you sounded somewhat discouraged with your layout (benchwork) progress.  Now the opposite!!!!  You are laying track and are inundated with great possibilities, your ideas and those of others!!!!  Love the pictures and all of the advice from the gang!   Thumbs Up
 
SP Ray.......your sisters out East continue to have my prayers.  Even your sis who chooses to remain quite private about health things enjoys hearing from you.  So burn up the phone lines!! Thumbs UpAngel
 
Brutus......glad to hear that Char's bronchitis is behind her and that she has decided to lay a tad lower just to make sure.  Bet you have some celebrations planned for your boy now that high school has been conquered.  I would be interested in knowing what YOUR final grade was in math. Laugh Thumbs UpAngel
 
Fife......I hear ya about the little ones and the hands on curiosity with the trains.  My 3 y/o granddaughter can derail stuff very quickly but seems to grab stuff only when it is stationary.  The throwing part?  That will be next for me. Laugh
 
MikeC.....I am very worried about you.  All of this soccer stuff for an old guy like yourself is dangerous.  Laugh
 
Chief and Jeffrey......please swing by and mow my lawn too. Laugh
 
I am so far behind on the POT that it might be best for me to just stay current and go from there. Bang Head
 
Later, gang.
 
Jack

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

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Friday, May 24, 2013 7:52 AM

fifedog

 

KRM- We were once worried about the Rio Grande General's performance.  How's your sample doing?  Sharp looking outfit.

Fife, So far I am liking it. It has very nice slow speed control for something running conventional and has no issues with the added cars. Smile  The only thing that could be better is if the train sounds had a bit more volume. I have it turned up all of the way but it could use a bit more to me. Heck I am deft anyway from too many years in the Factory. Hmm

The sun is out and they say warmer getting to 70 today on the North Bluff. Paradise

 Nice chat last night on the Tardis, first one in a long time.

 Jack Good to see your back and still in one piece. 

 Well I have to go pick up the munchkin with the broken arm.

 Later guys.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Friday, May 24, 2013 7:53 AM

Good morning. It's 69° with 97% humidity. It'll be cloudy with a small chance of rain. The high will be 88°.


TGIF I guess. Just another day to me. I don't know why but I'm very tired this morning. I think I may just go back to bed. No plans for today.

The word for today is tsisdu which means 'rabbit'.



Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
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Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
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Running Bear Enterprises
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beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


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Posted by Zero Export on Friday, May 24, 2013 7:59 AM

KEV, the low volume was about the only thing that  bothered me about it. when you can hear it, it sounds good, but just too quiet. 

now its not only cold, but its raining here.  

Ryan

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Posted by Lehigh Valley 2089 on Friday, May 24, 2013 8:33 AM

RockIsland52
Jake......congrats for surviving finals and high school!  Just don't get thrown out before the last day!!! Laugh

Don't worry. Besides, they keep us busy by having several small things for us to do.Wink Senior Cruise on the 28th, sports awards on the 29th, and so on and so forth. 

The Lehigh Valley Railroad, the Route of the Black Diamond Express, John Wilkes and Maple Leaf.

-Jake, modeling the Barclay, Towanda & Susquehanna.

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Posted by sir james I on Friday, May 24, 2013 9:30 AM

It's a cold windy 44. Sun but the wind is from the north.

Granny went out to buy more flowers, just like buying clothes, they never know what they want. No choo-choos here yesterday and no news from the toy store so I will just wait and see what today brings us..S.J.

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

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Friday, May 24, 2013 10:19 AM

FRIDAY!!  not like I've been working.....Laugh

Cold and rainy today.

Cleaned firehouse last night for Memorial Day on Monday.  Trucks and house ready to go.

Not much else going on...sister in the hospital for some planned surgery, so I'll be heading out there shortly.  The rest of the family are there now. 

Congas to Johnson and Jake on the graduating...enjoy it, mine was fun (lo, these 40 years ago....Laugh)

Jack - just back roads that skirt the Pine Barrens.....close enough to civilization to go shopping and close enough to get lost in the woods...HudsonJohn and AF-Ray know what I'm talking about...

AND TGIF to Chuck...found this on my Bike ride...almost went looking for ya!!!

I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.
I am the venom in your skin  --- Breaking Benjamin


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