New July Coffee Pot. 10 years old For those to visit and chat. Open to all.

[lion88roar]

Mornin' Fellas

Back to work to rest from my workend (what I now call weekends). Saturday TheQ and I took the kiddos outside while we scrubbed the moss off the front of the house. I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY dislike extension ladders, and I dislike moss on rooftops even more! We got it all and the house looks very nice again... and I am sore. We didn't feel like cooking Saturday night so we packed the kids up and went to Red Robin - I had forgotten how good that place is, and Christina liked their onion rings, fried, and mac-n-cheese. Matthew has been eating pureed foods for about a month now, seems to enjoy apple sauce, carrots, and sweet potatoes. We haven't tried bananas yet, or peas. Yesterday while the kids and TheQ were napping, I went into the trainroom to continue my clean-up project. I now have 2/3 of the carpet clear and vacuumed! Went to Wal-Mart and got 3 more bins, filled them with engine boxes. Now I have to pull the other bins and see how much space is in them and get one or two more bins.

I also started wiring the track for the transition between the two levels. Need more wire. After that it is wiring the lower level, then it is building the control panel area. Still not wiring switches, but I am installing the drops as necessary (I think I have 5 more to drop), also started 'planning' the town. I have an area 60 inches deep by 67 inches wide, but kind of conical in shape -  hard to describe. So I'll have to build the frame then install the base before I can really get a feel for how it will all come together. Need to look at the rotary switches I bought some 6+ years ago and see if I can make them work with the current setup. Hope I can because if not finding some that will work will be a pain in the you know what.

I'll refrain from posting my opinion on the whole picture thing... phoeey

[sir james I]

It's 71 stuffy degrees this morning.

Some errands to run then the day is mine.

My first Lionel train came from the 1949 catalog as well. A 2025 with the green and gray passenger cars. Yep I still have mine too.

S.J.

[RockIsland52]

Good Mornin' Y'all From Cape Ann Taxachusetts,

It has been over 90 here five days in a row, but we won't quite hit that today.  For the Boston metro area (North), this goes down as one of the top 4 longest stretches of 90+ on record.ince the 1880s.  That follows a June that went into the record books as one of the top 4 wettest "Junes."  The humidity has been equally high.....like living in Florida.  The electric bill from running the air conditioning is going to be a whopper.

Exterior carpentry repairs continue on my house: soffit, fascia, trim, pediment, and clapboards that have seen better days.  Plus work on the rear deck.  I hope this guy finishes up this week so the painter/stainer can then step in and continue the wallet drain.  And that guy will be followed by the roofers.  No $$$ left over to help fund the Chief's tour of California.

My nine year old granddaughter Victoria is doing fine with her immune system disorder, but I am afraid that her 6 week follow-up blood test to see where here platelet count is at won't be as positive as we had hoped.  She is still bruising far too easily; so we anticipate her platelet count will come in way too low.....better, but still way too low.  The game plan is to stay the course and let the count come back naturally, letting her immune system straighten itself out over time versus the alternative courses of treatment: platelet infusions and drugs.  For you and me that would be no big deal.  But for a nine year old during the Summer, it is like being in jail for her.  She can't afford any bruising/trauma because she will hemhorrage internally, especially to the head.  So all of her activities have to be very muted from a physical standpoint. 

On that note, let me join my fellow POTTERS is extending my sincerest congratulations to Spanky on little Tyler's fantastic comeback and continued progress.  One cannot underestimate the toll this must have taken on your family, Spank.  But you and your wifey hung in there through thick and thin, poured yourself into it, and came out the better for it.  You had Tyler's back, something he (and Corey) will remember every day for the rest of their days. An irreplaceable teaching episode about the paramount importance of family, faith, and togetherness.  And the job? I hope you don't give it a second thought.  I cannot print here what I truly think because this is a family forum.  But let me just say this, based on my decades of experience in corporate America:  you flush the waste as you would a toilet and don't look back.

RaySP.....prayers for your Sis.  I know her health situation is weighing heavily on you.  MikeC.....prayers for your boy; stay strong, for Lucas and the whole family.  Rich, prayers that your time with your daughter can be repeated again this Fall and that you don't have to wear kevlar to Florida.  BOC, I hope your progress continues as well, and I think of you often.  Dennis.....prayers continue for the newest members of your family as I know you have your hands beyond full on more than one front.  KEV.....I hope Blaze is doing OK, or about as good as can be expected. 

Finally, prayers for all who need them.   I have some POT catching up to do and don't mean to leave anyone out.  It is just that my brain is on overload with the busy goings on here.

I will drop by later today as time allows.

Jack

PS:  JoeyD, AF Ray, and HudsonJohn.  It looks like your Yankees are struggling a tad.  I am worried sick about it. This is keeping me awake at nights.   

[Blueberryhill RR]

Dennis..... On the 1949 catalog, I found out that there is no difference between the 2020  and the 671 , other than the numbers and the type of tender  that comes with it.  Just thought I'd share that with you.

Chuck

[blownout cylinder]

Friend sent me this...being as he is a doctor the skeleton here is now used as a perch for Willow....

[jonadel]

Chief--sad deal for the American Legion rider and his family.  I've had one blowout (rear tire) at interstate speed, not enjoyable.

I've been on well over 100 PGR & Legion mission rides and I understand the risks, so much can happen in the blink of the eye that you have very little control over.  The worst fears for me are the distracted drivers or those folks who will not pull over  for a funeral procession.  Even with a strong  LEO presence with lights on some folks just don't get it or don't care.

[cnw1995]

Aloha from a drizzly Chicago. Nice to visit the Pot for a cup. We enjoyed a nice long holiday weekend - got to canoe, go swimming in the lake, watch fireworks from almost underneath them, move a few bedroom sets around for the bride - boy, lugging around a king size mattress by oneself is a lot of work. Found out our pastor could use the bunkbeds I carefully dismantled too. Took my FiL and the youngest to a Cubs game yesterday.

Glad to hear Tyler is doing well and Jack's g'daughter. Happy B-day to Joe's son.

Came across some old Model Builder magazines from the early 1940s in a folder so I have something to read on the train this week.

[dbaker48]

Morning All !

Things kinda falling into place.  Activities beginning to align for the big visit.  TSA been notified, I tried to get them to waive the inbound body inspection but was not able to make any progress with that.  They were rather firm on all inbound persons from that part of the country.  Hope he brings the Dr's approval to travel form with him.  (Suppose to be picking that up today to avoid the 24hr Quarantine.)  So once that is over, things should be OK. 

Thursday evening should be able to hook up with SPMan, and V8Vega, then Friday Doug Notagrump. 

Wife's testing of the TOFU recipes didn't go so good.  There were 14 cats gathered in the backyard as a result of the aroma.  So she dumped everything into the trash can, fortunately was picked up this morning, but they took the entire can.  Said there was hole in the bottom of it, delivering a new one later today.  Did get the cot out and cleaned it up some, it is ready to go.  Did have to use some bricks to level out the "head" end but it should be alright.

Unfortunately, I have a Dr appointment as well this morning.  Wife insisted that I get a tetanus shot to boost up the old immune system.

Weather is heating up a bit for the next few days, but suppose to cool down by the weekend.  The Valley area (V8 Vega, & SPMan), could get into triple digits again.  Beach/OC area suppose to be mid/high 70's.  

Weekend at the "farm" went OK, did have to make one Emergency Stop, an employee crossed the tracks and jumped over a fence in front of the train.  He was "counseled" on his actions, especially regarding the stopping distance 75,000 lbs requires.

Later,  Busy Day ahead!  (Working closing shift AGAIN today.)

[fifedog]

Chief - our weather seems to be circulating from SNOHIZO lately.

jonadel - too many drivers have Imdacenterofdauniverseitis.  It infects all ages and all races.  I want, hence I do.

DJSpanky - Good luck with the new job.

RockIsland - Will keep our collective fingers crossed for Victoria.

Demay - Our closer has hit a rough patch.  Lots of Birdies at the ALL-STAR game though.

[Banks]

Hello all,

Welcome back to all the oldsters, I missed ya.

Spanky....great news!!!!!!!!!!!

Jack.....

Life is good here but the weather sucks. Last year we were praying for rain. This year we need a few days without rain to get hay made, combine barley and spray weeds. Go figure

Got to ask for everyone's help. My daughter-in law's father was recently diagnosed with Lung Cancer. He begins radiation and chemo this week. Please add him to your prayers.

No time for trains. Grandson is now drag racing his quad at the dirt drags, sponsored of course by PAP.  Need to build him a faster machine if he sticks with it.

SS Fund calls

Prayers for those in need

[Blueberryhill RR]

Don,   Don't forget that Chief is bringing his bathing suit.  You'd better add some potent chemicals to the pool.  Also, he's bringing 20 pounds of grits.

Chuck

[SPMan]

Good afternoon all,

Banks, prayers for the in laws father.  I have two sisters that are lung cancer survivors.

Trying to pick things up around here before the Chief arrives.  Put my Honda in the paint shop this morning.  Decided to tough it out with my old Buick with no air while it is gone.  I left the option open to get a rental if the hot weather gets too bad.

Last report on my sister in Virginia who is in the hospital was that she was sitting up and feeling no pain.

Need to do some clean up in the train room when it cools off a little.  Maybe I should tell Chief to bring a fan with him.  You know the kind they used to have in churches with advertising on the back.

My #1 son and his family are leaving today for a few days around Lake Tahoe.  They always say they are leaving in the morning but usually get started about sun down and end up driving all night.  I have given up on saying anything about it.  They are suppose to leave their pet bird (cockatoo) with us but they have not shown up yet and it is afternoon.

I am sitting here with just shorts on and no shirt with the A/C on.  So much for the weather.

later,

Ray

[ChiefEagles]

Banks, prayers.

Blueberryhill RR

Don,   Don't forget that Chief is bringing his bathing suit.  You'd better add some potent chemicals to the pool.  Also, he's bringing 20 pounds of grits.

Chuck

Gosh darn!!!!!  That is like taking a bath.   Next one not due until September.  Last one was in April when I got caught outside in a rain storm.

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Evening........

I just received some good news that reminds me of an old song I liked........

Woooooo....Let's have a party !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Buckeye Riveter]

I drove all the way the Charleston, WV today and did not see one train.    

FIFE, make sure you see the new issue of TRAINS about WV.  

Grandson will be here at the end of month and we are going to Entertrainment Junction.  http://www.entertrainmentjunction.com/

It today again. Saw the  too.

[dwiemer]

Good evening y'all! Chuck, I thought the 2020 was for O-27 and the 671 was for O-guage? I have both as I had at one time worked on getting every piece from the 1949 collection.  I never took the time to take calipers to the two locomotives to see any differences.

that is sad news regarding the Patriot Guard rider. They do a tremendous service for the fallen and their families.

Jack, thanks for the thoughts. Yeah, we have been quite busy. Just put two youngest to sleep with a thunderstorm, it was a challenge. Now we have the two oldest ones to entertain for a few hours.  It is about to get busy as our oldest daughter got a part in the area ballet theater...which will mean many hours per week of practice.

Chief, you think California can handle you?  Hope it is a smooth trip.  We are coming into the modern times in these parts, they opened a Olive Garden and they are in the process of building a Gander Mountain store here.  Too bad you aren't doing Pro mariner visits! 

[Blueberryhill RR]

dwiemer

Good evening y'all! Chuck, I thought the 2020 was for O-27 and the 671 was for O-guage? I have both as I had at one time worked on getting every piece from the 1949 collection.  I never took the time to take calipers to the two locomotives to see any differences.

that is sad news regarding the Patriot Guard rider. They do a tremendous service for the fallen and their families.

Jack, thanks for the thoughts. Yeah, we have been quite busy. Just put two youngest to sleep with a thunderstorm, it was a challenge. Now we have the two oldest ones to entertain for a few hours.  It is about to get busy as our oldest daughter got a part in the area ballet theater...which will mean many hours per week of practice.

Chief, you think California can handle you?  Hope it is a smooth trip.  We are coming into the modern times in these parts, they opened a Olive Garden and they are in the process of building a Gander Mountain store here.  Too bad you aren't doing Pro mariner visits! 

Dennis.....Here is what I found out.....The 2020 was only sold in 0-27 sets. It had a smaller tender.  The 671 was sold in O gauge sets and it was sold by itself. It had the 12 wheel tender.  There was no difference in the engines except for the numbers.

Chuck

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Back to work today.  Ugh!   All sorts of problems.  Will deal with them as they come.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[dwiemer]

Chuck, my set came with the 6020 tender with 12 wheels.  It negotiated O-27 without problem (when I didn't jack the speed up till she flew off), but it also had the twelve wheel Erie crane and 6119 work caboose.  Also had the log car, milk car/platform, coal car with 497 coal loader, though I think that was added.  A mystery?

[Hudson#685]

Good Evening!

Not much new this week onthe train front. Spending my time with the boat and fishing. I have been hooking some nice summer flounder aka fluke, depending where you are from.

Banks: Prayers for your Daughter in laws Father. I wish him the best. Keep us posted.

Chief: Have a Safe and Fun Trip.

John

[anjdevil2]

fifedog

jonadel - too many drivers have Imdacenterofdauniverseitis.  It infects all ages and all races.  I want, hence I do.

It's even more interesting when they do it in front of the BIG RED TRUCK with FLASHING RED LIGHTS>>>>

[wrmcclellan]

Evening all,

Been absent a few days. Dealing with flooding here on the lake. Water is 18 inches over the dock so had to move boat to a neighbors so it wouldn't get stuck in the lift. Had to clear the dock and make sure there was nothing to float away and then cut the power. Neighbors yard is flooded. My yard is about 10 feet higher so only a 500 year flood would come close to me. Lots of trees down due to 1 and a half weeks of rain. Ground has turned to mush. Sun finally came out today. River should peak tomorrow.

LCCA convention starts this coming Sunday. Looking forward to running some trains and seeing some old friends. For some reason my wife is not attending. 

Have a great day tomorrow all!

[Demay]

Ohayō,

I’m home for a quick lunch so I have a moment to post.  It is hot outside today and only going to get hotter as today’s high is the upper-90s.  I need to prepare myself for these temperatures for about the next 60 days. 

Dennis – We are on a three-year tour; October 2014 is the timeframe we are projected to leave; however, we could leave a few months earlier to get back on the summer assignment cycle.  There is no option for me to extend in this position, but I wouldn’t ask for one anyway as we like to frequently move and see new things.

Jack – Perhaps you missed the Yankees recent 6-game winning streak.  They will catch the Sox once the regulars return.  I do appreciate your concern.

Don – Tofu can be tricky to work with and does take come practice and creativity.  It also depends on the quality and type of tofu you use.  The Japanese and Chinese use it very well.

Fife – I am glad to see so many Orioles on the All-Star roster; they deserve it.

Banks – I’ll pray for your DIL’s father.

Sayonara,

Joe

[Brutus]

Banks - prayers for the daughter-in-law's father!  My Mom is getting over her lung cancer treatment and she's doing great now.  Is he a Vietnam vet?  If he was in-country, that's a presumptive disability for Agent Orange and he could be entitled to some help.  He should go online and check it out on eBenefits.  

Chief - thanks for the info.  You have a great trip!

That skeleton is funny with the cat - reminds me of an Edgar Alan Poe story - The Black Cat!

[blownout cylinder]

OK...did we get a few showers here...all of 5" on the rain gauge here and TO got hammered...flash flooding all over the place. Our back yard lake looks more ocean-like tonight... ....the channels are doing their thing though.

Tomorrow promises to be a wet one too...just what we needed...yeeeeaaaaahhh....right.... 

Banks:   for DIL's father!!! Don't need that cancer!!

Brutus:  Willow loves to hang out there...I'm not sure why though!!

[ChiefEagles]

Lots of Tstorms all around.  Then suddenly, one made up over Roseyville and continued on and on.  The heaviest was just outside of Town.  We had 1 1/4 inches but they had about 3 inches.  Buckeye scored a direct hit on the Roseyville Power Station.  Power out for over 3 hours.  Had to go buy more new hamsters.

Not much done as candle light until 10:45.

Sir J, eat your heart out.  Get haircut tomorrow AM.

Off to bed.

Sleep tight.

[dbaker48]

Hey,

Just got home from work, lots to post about, but very tired.  Will try some one liners.

-Most important, prayers for all those in need.   Lots of things to be grateful for as well.  But, when loved ones are down it really hurts.

- Had small incident at work tonight, long story short, had a safety valve lift, lost all water in the sight glass.  Ride was down for an hour!  Fortunately no one hurt, no damage.

- Son arrived at Western Michigan Univ, for 6 week course.  Aunt & Uncle drove him there from Milwaukee.  Their car took a beating, mirror knocked off at a toll booth, they had to visit the Emergency Room at WMU for a foot problem, while there someone backed into their car.

- Did Super Shock the pool as a prep treatment for anticipated usage.  Bad news, when put the cot out (for the Chief), the sun burned a hole in it.  Good news; was able to buy a replacement one at Walmart for $19, it was on sale.  Looks great, Pink with stripes, only down side is it is 42" long.  But it should work.

- Had Dr visit this am, couldn't believe it, she said I was doing great!  Lost 13#'s since last visit, all the lab work has number moving in right direction!

I forgot the other stuff, tired.  Will try to post more tomorrow.

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Mornin' English.  Overcast & 79 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Folks made it back to WV ok.  Quiet at work last night.

Absolutely horrific news out of Quebec, concerning the runaway oil tanker train on the Montreal Maine & Atlantic.  The CSX wreck in Rosedale last month was just a scrape, compared to the death and destruction up north.  There would've been no warning in the early morning hour.

for those in need.

anjdevil - What's your schedule look like over the next week...?

[dwiemer]

Joe, know you can put in for "preference", but still up to command where you go. If you have never been to Italy, friend with chaplain corps there now with his family. They love it.

hope the left coast is ready for a Southern invasion!

fife, that is horrible. Been catching little snippets on it.  It keeps getting worse.

God bless,

dennis

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is still raining. All night. 72 degrees. Going up to 86 today with more rain. Flooding is starting in low areas.

Today is a busy day. I have a bunch of chores to do and a small project to finish. Then, I can relax and have lunch. A nap for sure.

Indians are sunk into second place. They need some energy.

Dining car is here with Cheerios for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Tuesday.

Chuck