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

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

IIABSDISEI with temps in the 70s.  Got to scrimmage with "my" soccer girls tonight.  The old man showed them he still had a few tricks up his sleeve as he scored a goal as they were hollering , "Who is marking him???"   Great fun.   Forgot to mention highlight of Wednesday night was seeing two Louisville and Indiana locomotives painted in PRR colors making a run with a long consist behind them.  Way cool.  Work was ok.  Finished the year on one project.  Nice to have that off my plate.   I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[jonadel]

Ray -- great story about the circus, be sure to fill us in on you reaction.  I would enjoy having a circus scene on my layout but at this point I simply don't have the room, it would have to be a big area to look good.  The circus colors are always inviting and makes one smile.

The other area I REALLY want is a floor to ceiling logging scene.  That could happen if I stay persistent with my scenery expert (my wife) but it would involve a big make over on one end of the layout.  I do have more room than most folks (for which I'm grateful) but just a little more room would be fun

[dwiemer]

Good evening everyone! Chief, glad you made it.....but California may never be the same!  Hope Y'all have a great time out there.

been busy at work, and our hospital has purchased several others, so I currently have two to do cases at. A bit more work, but the pain is having to go back and forth.  Can't complain, there are many who wished they had half the work I do.

Brent, I am hardly the electrical guru for layouts, but take it for what it is worth. You need to figure how much power you will need first. This must include: how big the layout is, do you have any grades?, how many trains do you intend to run at one time?, how much power do the engines in your stable pull?(older AC may require more than modern DC), will you be running long consists?, or lighted passenger cars?  After you figure that out, you have to reasonably look at your plan. In my case, I have several loops that do have cross overs. What I have done is use several KWs where one power take off for each loop, with isolated track between the cross overs.  I have also isolated the yard and have the power to the individual yard tracks going through toggle switches. This allows me to park equipment and power down as needed.  I run all turnouts to a separate power take off of a KW.  All common runs are joined via feeds to a main panel block that is where my signal goes too. Then, I have power feeders every six feet that return to a panel of fast blow circuit breakers and then to the KW pick up for each loop.  I also have two more levels that are not connected to the other levels. On these, I just have BUSS wiring with feeders every six feet and then to their own KW.  While this is how I did it, Roy and others can certainly give more expertise.  Good luck,

dennis

[Demay]

Konnichiwa,

I’m taking advantage of the lunch hour to write a quick post.  It’s uncomfortably hot and humid outside.  Much to SJ’s dismay, I long for winter.  The wife and I will have a quieter dinner tonight as we will only have the youngest child at home during those hours; the Princess will be at a friend’s house for a sleepover and the older boy will be at a church club event.  We have no other plans for the evening, but the weekend to-do list is increasing.

John – I hope your mom had a nice birthday.

Sayonara,

Joe

[wrmcclellan]

Evening all,

Sounds like the CA trip is going well 

We finally got some sun today and were able to go to a nice restaurant on the river for dinner. Enjoyed some fried catfish and after we got home it poured rain. Ugh.

Forum still acting weird. Clicked on "latest post" and again got a blank page. 

Brent - give me a shout and I will be happy to discuss wiring.

Late so cutting this post short tonight. Glad tomorrow is Friday. LCCA next week.

[dbaker48]

Good Evening !
(Notice the greeting, yes this is me!)
Didn't realize that scondrel hijacked my own computer!  However, I will get everything set straight, began working on it today. 
Phase 1 - Lull into a state of relaxation and non-expectation.  Get him to feel that everything is very low key and relaxed, where he can get into the comfort zone as being in Roseyville.   Status: It worked, right away he started out barking out these orders lets go here, lets see this, what about going there?  etc.,etc..  So planned a low key day, leisurely drive, low key museum tour, and a couple of train stores.  At the same time I needed to preserve the security and safety of our local points of interests.  Soooo, I ensured that the route would not be duplicated by performing numerous U Turns, and various other means of causing the sense of direction to be compromised.  (I almost got dizzy, more turn arounds and driving in circles than I do at Knotts.  Additionally, I had his attention diverted by using a GPS system that has all the longitudinal vectors functioning through a reciprocal interpreter prior to display.  Totally misguided him, (so much to the point he was confusing neon signs as images of the moon.)
The Grits detection and abeyance program has worked well.  What has been perceived by most to be light rain, was actually Grits Neutrilizer.  Unfortunately I wish I would have been able to divert the grits dust to the San Andreas Fault as suggested, it would have been ideal.  (Thanks for the suggestion.)
The disarmament and evaluation activites that were performed at Rays, went off as planned.  The overt activities planned for San Diego have been completely neutralized.  The only expectations that remain, are the plea for assistance that may be forth coming for assistance from Forum sympathizers.  And possibly a mild elaboration of dreams he may be having of gaining local control.

Again as a member of OTTS, I will ensure that the Grits Marauder, will be kept in check. 

[Banks]

Hello all,

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. But.......... I'll be here tomorrow too.

Looks like finally a few days without rain

Terry, (DIL's father) is in Pittsburgh beginning treatments. No word on how it went. Please keep him in you prayers

Seems like the Californians are keeping the Chief in check

Gotta run soooooooo much to do

Prayers for those in need

[Buckeye Riveter]

TGIF

Brent, make sure you take Roy up on his kind offer of assistance.  He assisted me in the selection of the correct electrical components and I have never had even a hiccup compared to many who complain that this doesn't work and this  won't run.  I can run TMCC and conventionals and my accessories are powered perfectly.  I can run five to six locomotives at a time, too.  

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a sunny and CLEAR 68 degrees.  Going up to 84 with sunshine.

Today is an easy day. I have a few chores to do and then I will relax and enjoy the nice weather.  Lunch and a nap will be nice. Fish fry for supper from a little place down the road. Great home cooked food.

Dining car is here with Cheerios for breakfast.

Buckeye & LAZ..........  TGIF

Y'all have a great Friday.

Chuck

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Rain in the Mid-Atlantic region, which is turning the driveway repaving into a weekend event.  Oh, didn't I tell you?  My neighbor and poker buddy researched a contractor to repave his, then the boss's son came over to give me an estimate, and before I knew it, zim-zim-zalabim!  $3400 later, but will help with the sale of fifedom in a year or so.

anjdevil - Perhaps next weekend (Sat 20-Sun 21) at the Nauti-Goose.  Maybe Hudson and you can share a ride?

[lion88roar]

Morning Fellas

I'm beat, tired, exhausted, achy, sore, itchy, stuffed up, and all around miserable. And I am NOT sick! I really, really, really, hate allergies (and I am not allergic to very much). I think I am just not getting enough rest and not enough exercise, and probably not eating well... UGH

Well last night I headed down to the train room to run a few tests. I found that no matter what 'COMMON' post I connect the drops to I get signal from the LCS to all 'variable' posts... that is cool. So I think my plan will work (Roy I will call to confirm, but I would first need your number - will email after I hit 'post' on this).

Here is my plan:
From the 'A' Common post, run a wire to a 'block' and from there run a single wire to each power drop.
For each ZW Output (A, B, C, D), connect a wire that has a U connector on one end and a wire nut on the other, from there feed a wire to each of 9 rotary switches (I bought 12 stop switches years ago but now only need 4 stops, but will use these instead of buying new), A to 1, B to 2, C to 3, D to 4. From the output post of the RS to a lighted toggle switch, from there to a 'block' and run a wire from the block to each drop in the corresponding 'track block'.

I plan to use PC Power Supply for powering lights, and either a PC Power Supply or a Kline transformer I have for powering the accessories.

Once I figure out my power needs and what I will be using to supply that power, I'll start designing the command center.

----
Doug & Dennis - thanks for the input. I have run all of my engines on the layout along with the rolling stock I plan to run behind them. I have been able to run two trains on the upper level off one ZW output. I run combinations of the following trains:

1: 2 powered GP30s, 1 dummy GP30, and over 15 PS1 boxcars (quite impressive)
2: Challenger pulling 10+ coal cars of various weights (some all metal, come plastic)
3. Powered & Dummy E7s pulling 7 18" lighted passenger cars
4. Scale Mikado pulling 7 18" lighted passenger cars

I must say any combination of the above looks really cool. Wish I had about 3 times the space I have now as it would be neat to be able to run the passenger trains a bit faster and be able to see them fully on a long straight section, or even two passing each other on a long straight section... but those are plans for the next house...

The lower level has two independent level tracks, so running long trains down there isn't much of an issue.

[sir james I]

We have sun and 64.

Roy same thing here, last post, blank page.

Some things to do this morning. A nice chat with some of the Tardis crew.

S.J.

[blownout cylinder]

Good Morning

Sunny with a high near 74F today

Got some...ermm...'interesting'...news yesterday.  Doctor appointment on Monday morning for the possibility of getting something like a 'tummy tuck'. ..ermmm...well, due to the huge weight loss I now have some extra baggy skin around the ol' mid-section...it is most bizarre. ...:chuckgrudenface:

Today I'm heading to the LHS to find some Lionel Boxcars for the Xmas layout... 

Roy, James...happened again this morning...last post/blank page...

[lion88roar]

Just found out that a guy I grew up with (he is about 6 years younger than me) is dying, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Long story short, he got into alcohol and drugs and obliterated his liver. Not expected to live through the weekend. Tough and sad. Please pray for Eddie and his family - they really need it.

I'll chose to remember him as the young, vibrant, fun, loving, tough kid I used to play football with. Really don't feel like doing much of anything right now.

[dbaker48]

Captured Don's machine again.  So he thought, the ruse is working! Morning from the CA palace.  I keep telling him that 4 or more rooms within one building is a house.  His constant referance to a signal room building is novel, apparently the building code in Roseyville is under review. Heading south to capture the grumpy old man.  Got photos of me capturing with Don, Ray and Dennis.  Had great fun at Rays.  Friend Larry showed up too.  Ray has 90% southern engines and rolling stock.  [Ray is really a spy for us REBs, born Southern and South at heart]  I knew that but was waiting for proof. Now to harass my prisoner.  Constant state of confusion is creating false sense of security.

Later, the Big REB. 

PS: Concrete rivers?????  Unbelievable.  Difficulty decifering difference between highways and parking lots.  Trying to convince him a "flow" of traffic is a freeway, he also has the notion of concrete lakes, parking lots.

[blownout cylinder]

lion88roar

Just found out that a guy I grew up with (he is about 6 years younger than me) is dying, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Long story short, he got into alcohol and drugs and obliterated his liver. Not expected to live through the weekend. Tough and sad. Please pray for Eddie and his family - they really need it.

I'll chose to remember him as the young, vibrant, fun, loving, tough kid I used to play football with. Really don't feel like doing much of anything right now.

Will do......

[fifedog]

Why am I getting the mental image of Erik Estrada pulling over Sorrell Booke...?

Buckeye - Had already picked up the WV Trains. Very eerie article on page 6. Thanks.

[fifedog]

88 - for your friend.

Okay, now I'm conjuring up images of John Belushi flying towards the Pomona alfalfa fields...

H O L L Y WOOOOOOOD!   

[Banks]

fifedog

88 - for your friend.

More from here

[SPMan]

dbaker48

Captured Don's machine again.  Morning from the CA palace.  Heading south to capture the grumpy old man.  Got photos of me capturing Don, Ray and Dennis.  Had great fun at Rays.  Friend Larry showed up too.  Ray has 90% southern engines and rolling stock.  [Ray is really a spy for us REBs, born Southern and South at heart]  Now to harass my prisoner.

Later, the Big REB. 

PS: Concrete rivers?????  Unbelievable.

Good morning all,  Had a delightful get together with our man from Roseyville.  It was a great pleasure to finally meet the Chief in person.  So much to talk about and so many questions but so little time.  I think his honor was still suffering a little bit from jet lag or something.  His bed time is still set on the East Coast clock.  Weather cooperated enough so that we could run the trains at my layout without roasting.  Yes Chief, I confess.  You caught me spying for the South.  I am still a Southerner at heart.  All of my rolling stock and locomotive road names gave me away.  Glad V8 Dennis could come too so our guest could connect all the names and faces on the West Coast part of the Coffee Pot.  I played a Dixieland Jazz tune for the Chief with a song called "Hey Engineer is this train going South".  My friend Larry who was with us last night was the drummer on the recording.  One of the lyrics said "Hey engineer if this train's going South, for God's sake turn it around".  I told the Chief that, that part was obviously written by a Yankee.  I wanted to play some Ward Kimball stuff too but did not want to overload the Chief who was showing signs of being weary by then.  Hope you guys have a good visit today with Dougnotagrump.  I know you will like their club layout.

My car is suppose to be ready today at the paint shop.  Was hoping to get it yesterday so I could impress Frank with a shiny new car but drove my old wreck back up car 87 Buick instead to meet him and D.Baker for dinner last night.  Frank, I'm still feeling a litlle bummed out by that Chinese food I had earlier before you came.  Probably should have had a bowl of grits for a cure.

Well hope you sunshine boys have a good day in Sandy Eggo.

later,

Ray

 

[SPMan]

V8Vega

We all had a wonderful time at SP Rays garage layout last night. I Got to meet the Chief and Don Baker, and Ray and a friend of Rays, Larry.  I think most garages are 20 x 20 and Rays is at least that big and his layout fills the whole garage. A very nice layout arranged so he can park numerous full trains and pull different ones out on the main lines. He has mostly scale equipment and it ran quietly and smooth. Ray has a lot of 1:43 autos scattered around his layout I enjoyed looking at. I've just started my collection of cars. It was really nice to see the guys and Ray is a great host. Chief it was great to meet you and I hope you have a wonderful time in California.

  Dennis, thank you for the kind words.  Wish you and I had had more time to talk.  There are still two more guys in my circle that didn't come last night.   Just as well or would have been a little close in there.  P.S.  The garage is 24 X 20.

Ray

[Buckeye Riveter]

SPMan

dbaker48

Captured Don's machine again.  Morning from the CA palace.  Heading south to capture the grumpy old man.  Got photos of me capturing Don, Ray and Dennis.  Had great fun at Rays.  Friend Larry showed up too.  Ray has 90% southern engines and rolling stock.  [Ray is really a spy for us REBs, born Southern and South at heart]  Now to harass my prisoner.

Later, the Big REB. 

PS: Concrete rivers?????  Unbelievable.

Good morning all,  Had a delightful get together with our man from Roseyville.  It was a great pleasure to finally meet the Chief in person.  So much to talk about and so many questions but so little time.  I think his honor was still suffering a little bit from jet lag or something.  His bed time is still set on the East Coast clock.  Weather cooperated enough so that we could run the trains at my layout without roasting.  Yes Chief, I confess.  You caught me spying for the South.  I am still a Southerner at heart.  All of my rolling stock and locomotive road names gave me away.  Glad V8 Dennis could come too so our guest could connect all the names and faces on the West Coast part of the Coffee Pot.  I played a Dixieland Jazz tune for the Chief with a song called "Hey Engineer is this train going South".  My friend Larry who was with us last night was the drummer on the recording.  One of the lyrics said "Hey engineer if this train's going South, for God's sake turn it around".  I told the Chief that, that part was obviously written by a Yankee.  I wanted to play some Ward Kimball stuff too but did not want to overload the Chief who was showing signs of being weary by then.  Hope you guys have a good visit today with Dougnotagrump.  I know you will like their club layout.

My car is suppose to be ready today at the paint shop.  Was hoping to get it yesterday so I could impress Frank with a shiny new car but drove my old wreck back up car 87 Buick instead to meet him and D.Baker for dinner last night.  Frank, I'm still feeling a litlle bummed out by that Chinese food I had earlier before you came.  Probably should have had a bowl of grits for a cure.

Well hope you sunshine boys have a good day in Sandy Eggo.

later,

Ray

 

Any group of words used by the Chief before or after my name should be taken as lies , downright dirty lies. 

[cnw1995]

Aloha. Just getting to the computer. Another beautiful day for outside work... more painting, more cutting back brush, finished cutting the grass and took the youngest to the beach. Now babysitting a one-year-old so her young mom can get out of the house. I forgot how active the littlest ones can be. Prayers for Eddie, Brent. Nice ride on the TARDIS last night with RT, Brutus and SJ. Working at church this weekend. May take the youngest out to the Illinois Railway Museum afterwards.  Glad to hear about the Chief's trip. Brent, those passenger trains can take a lot of juice.  

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

IIABSDISEI with temps in the 70s again.  Went to a very nice Irish fiddle band show at noon.  Watched "The Princess Bride" with the wife tonight.   The rest of the day......  Good to hear all are enjoying California.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[dwiemer]

Good evening everyone. Been a long day...and it isn't over yet. Just as I was getting ready to leave the hospital, I got called about a young patient in bad shape who was on their way to another place...can't really give more details, but the weather is causing problems in getting them where they need to be.

Brent, will ask God to meet Eddie at his need and to bring peace and comfort to him and his family.

glad to hear the folks in California are enjoying some time of trains and hi jinx.  Just don't go lighting fires on the beach!

glad "the trial" is done, just hope the verdict is just and those who would cause problems if the verdict reached does not match their opinion would think better of things.  I have a friend who is a deputy sheriff there and they are all on call because they are ejecting problems.

i must say that the new forum is a much nicer place. Thanks to CTT and the guys who keep it the good natured place it needs to be.

[8ntruck]

High 80's and reasonable humidity today.

Work wise, my trip to Spain next month got approved today.  Got to finalize the travel arrangements.

We spent the evening setting up at the depot for another Thomas the Train day kids program tomorrow.  One of the Brio layouts we put together starts at a round house,then leads into three different loops that will always lead back into the roundhouse.  Ought to see some interesting reactions to that one from the kids.

Tomorrow is going to be busy, with the kid's program in the morning, then do more painting in the spare bedroom, then finally lug the new elliptical upstairs and get it assembled.  That thing is some work out machine.  That thing will have given me two workouts even before it is operational!  One workout was getting it from the car into the house, the second will be getting it upstairs.  I sure hope it fits through the door of the room it will be assembled in.  If not, it could be a real job to move in the future. 

About all for now.

[AF53]

Good Morning All!

After a long day yesterday my daughter, Carrie, gave birth at 7:49pm to a 9lbs 1oz, 20.5 inches baby boy, Patrick. Mom and dad are doing well.

Other than that it was a boring day.

Later

[blownout cylinder]

Good Really Early Morning

Congratulations RAY!! 

Interesting night tonight...played with a few other musos in a pick up band...had a good turn out..might make this one stick, if at all possible ...heeheehee

Well better turn in myself..need the sleep...

[RockIsland52]

Grampy Ray.....has a nice ring to it!!!  Congratulations!!!  And I am glad Carrie and Patrick are hale and hearty.  You and your family are blessed.  Prayers that they will be home soon.  Let the train buying begin.  ooops, I think it already has!!!   :-)   JACK.

[dougdagrump]

Evening All !

Big Conga's to Gramps & Granny and especially Carrie.

After a busy afternoon and evening Chief and Don are on their way back to Cerritos, thankfully the weather is very pleasant so the windows can be open. We stopped at a Mexican Restaurant for supper, those re-fried beans can be troublesome. Spent some time at the museum, the Santa Fe Depot and did a bit of sight-seeing before coming back to Escondido for supper and a visit to Cruising Grand (hoping to walk off some of that meal).

Thursday nites special event went extremely well with the exception of some traction tire issues on my Lionmaster Challenger, a pair of C-420's came thru like troopers for the rest of the evening. Between 5pm and 10 pm I would guess at least 2.5 to 3k visitors.

Time to say goodnite.