Good Morning from Blueberryhill..............
Good Morning, Joe...........
It is a very cloudy 34 degrees. No rain. No snow, yet.
Today is an easy day. I have a few chores to do and some paperwork. Not much else new here.
Buckeye & LAZ.................TGIF
Dining car is here with Cheerios for breakfast.
Y'all have a great Friday.
Chuck
Mornin' boys. rt --> . Mornin' English. Raining and 54 here in the Mid-Atlantic region. Gotta get to the bank to work on their train garden, before work.
Finished the North Pole display. Looks great. Need to tweek the O-31 curvature to allow the front truck of the Santa (Hogwarts) Flyer to keep from "walking" off. Just for grins, placed my new TEXAS General (the one I call GINGER) on the rails, and low and behold it looks right at home, and runs and sounds great. I love the feel and retro-glow of the LIONEL LW transformer, but I have discovered the whistle button won't activate the whistles of either the new edition of the General or the Hogwarts steamer. Any suggestions?
Roy - for Mrs.
SPMan - for sister.
Good Morning! 56 and Rain on and off at the Jersey Shore.
Getting ready for the Holidays here. The outside lights are up and now for the outside decorations. They have to wait because of the rain and I am going to help my wife get ready for the Christmas Bazaar at Church. Mom is doing good with the cancer but she had a setback. Last week was supposed to be her last chemo treatment but she did not have it because the MUGA scan she had the weeks before showed a minor heart abnormality. She has a doctor's appointment on Tuesday so we will learn more. The layout that started as a test loop in my Mom's basement has evolved into a 4x8 50's retro layout with Plasticville and an Atlas O trolley. It works as therapy for her because she comes down to talk as I work on my repairs and we run the trains. She said that it brings back great memories of us kids growing up.
Roy: Prayers for your wife.
Don: Sounds like a great get together. Good luck with therapy.
Brent: Good luck with the Train Garden.
Chief: I agree with you on Lionel's Service and Warranty Policies. I was told by my LHS that Lionel goes by build date not purchase date on warranty work. That is ridiculous.
SPMan, Ray: Prayers for your sister.
Fife: I like the look and feel of the LW transformer also. In fact I am using on on my layout at Mom's that I call the Branchline. I run postwar there but try adding the Horn Activation Button. I had to use that with my ZW with "Modern Lionel".
Have a Great Day!
John
Good morning all, cold morning at least for here around 38 degrees. Rain or showers forcast for tomorrow and a little snow in the mountains.
Made some succatash corn and lima beans to go with ham last night but did not set too well. I think the corn was too tough. It was frozen called petit corn and the limas were canned. I think canned corn works best because it is more tender or fresh corn from the cob and frozen baby limas are better than canned too.
My friend Larry called last night after getting home from his jazz band gig in Sandy Eggo over the holiday weekend. Said they had a good frestival and attendance was as good as last year. He says they will go on for at least another year down there which is good to hear. I think the whole thing is on life support because the audience is all getting old and younger people have no interest in the music.
later,
Ray
SPMan
Hudson - Thanks. I shall see if I can locate one this weekend at the Greenberg Show.
Fifepup helped me with the bank layout. Up and running in a little over an hour. So much easier since they agreed to store it there.
Off to the people mill.....
fifedog Mornin' boys. rt --> . Mornin' English. Raining and 54 here in the Mid-Atlantic region. Gotta get to the bank to work on their train garden, before work. Finished the North Pole display. Looks great. Need to tweek the O-31 curvature to allow the front truck of the Santa (Hogwarts) Flyer to keep from "walking" off. Just for grins, placed my new TEXAS General (the one I call GINGER) on the rails, and low and behold it looks right at home, and runs and sounds great. I love the feel and retro-glow of the LIONEL LW transformer, but I have discovered the whistle button won't activate the whistles of either the new edition of the General or the Hogwarts steamer. Any suggestions? Roy - for Mrs. SPMan - for sister.
Fife,
For conventional running of newer equipment, I prefer MTH's Z1000. The whistle issue is one thing, but relying on a postwar transformer's circuit breaker (which is designed to protect the transformer itself from overheating) is not something I like to do. Circuit boards cook long before the breaker in postwar transformer opens.
Jim
fife, trying moving the whistle handle slowly to the middle instead of all the way. That's the only spot my HW whistle will blow.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
Good evening all,
It is still snowing in SE Indiana!! 24 hours. Fine powdery stuff with not much accumulation, but we did get over 6 inches of the white stuff at least. Stayed home today. Good thing. Did do some shopping and went to see "Frozen". Excellent movies with excellent songs. A movie you can take the kids or grand kids to. Watched "Grimm" tonight. Definitely not for kids. I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
Hey Y'all.
Don, I'm not going to the train show tomorrow, this #$%#@ jury duty has my meds and diet kinda screwed up so I plan on using Saturday and Sunday to try to get things back in order. Hoping that Monday will be the final day.
Popped in on the webcam at the museum, someone goofed and didn't turn on the public link, they appear to be rather crowded tonite for "Christmas on the Prado".
Roy/Ray/John, for family members as well as for all our friends and family.
Buckeye, I plan on using it, Cab-1L, only at the museum since we already have a Legacy base installed. If it works out well I might go for the new base unit as well for home use.
Supposed to a bit wet and cold out here but at least it will be staying above freezing(not by much). Stay safe and warm all you Easties.
Nite all !
Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.
www.sd3r.org
Proud New Member Of The NRA
Mornin' boys. Chile today, icee tomorrow. Have to rework my weekend plans, so going to Greenberg Show today. Brent, I'll send you a text.
Redfire - Good advice. Not placing anything high-tec on the loop.
SirJames - This LW doesn't have a whistle throttle, just two red buttons for direction and whistle. Thanks.
[View:http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=lionel+lw+transformer&qpvt=lionel+lw+transformer&FORM=IGRE#view=detail&id=001E3FBF7D4CF1774DAD27DBD43F2F52D2AC8F12&selectedIndex=6:600:0]
A little research revealed that Bob Nelson offered advice concerning a ZENER diode, but I ain't going under the hood to install one....
Good Morning from Blueberryhill...........
It is a cold 23 degrees. Got about 3 inches of snow last night. Going up to 27 today. Big deal.
Today is an easy day. We are not going out today. A few chores and then, relax and do some reading. Lunch and a nap, later.
Usual breakfast on the dining car.
Y'all have a great Saturday.
Morning. Yesterday was 79. Today high was already 63 and diving. Yankee raid of cold rain. Some icing west and north of us.
LAZ, one buck at processor's.
Now to run errands and Hunters Haven.
Big birthday party for Wifey's cousin tonight [where there will be REAL moonshine].
Lets not forget. Today was a date that will live for infinity. After 9-11 we seem to forget Pearl Harbor Day. Lets don't forget.
Later.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
fifedog Mornin' boys. Chile today, icee tomorrow. Have to rework my weekend plans, so going to Greenberg Show today. Brent, I'll send you a text. Redfire - Good advice. Not placing anything high-tec on the loop. SirJames - This LW doesn't have a whistle throttle, just two red buttons for direction and whistle. Thanks. [View:http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=lionel+lw+transformer&qpvt=lionel+lw+transformer&FORM=IGRE#view=detail&id=001E3FBF7D4CF1774DAD27DBD43F2F52D2AC8F12&selectedIndex=6:600:0] A little research revealed that Bob Nelson offered advice concerning a ZENER diode, but I ain't going under the hood to install one....
What SJ said should still work. I've never had an LW on the bench, but the whistle controller in every other PW Lionel transformer that I've worked on has has a pickup and holding position.
As the lever/button is moved, it contacts the pickup position (halfway point that SJ mentioned, and then the holding position at the end of it's travel. You'll get more DC output in the pickup position, but it can shorten the lifespan of the copper oxide rectifier disc.
The purpose of a Zener diode (aka Transient Voltage Suppressor) is to absorb voltage spikes that can damage sensitive electronics. They can be placed across the output terminals, or across the center and outside rails. No need to open the case if you don't want to.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could open the case and install a modern diode in place of the oxide rectifier, but that can be tough on the smaller transformers like the RW and 1033.
Good morning all,
Chief, FDR said it was a " date that will live in infamy." I will never forget even though I was only 5 years old at the time. How many points was the buck you got?
We're getting a little rain here this morning and probably snow in the mountains. Temp. was 42 when I got up.
Son is visiting a friend this weekend in Oregon. Called yesterday and said it was snowing in Portland.
TTOS Christmas meet and open house tomorrow. Will probably go.
Turning colder. Back from a busy day of shopping, partying and then visit In-laws. Good to be home. Rest and TV.
Snow finally stopped. Sunny day in SE Indiana, but cold. Did some Christmas shopping. Went to lunch at Frisch's Big Boy. Wife finished decorating. I worked on standard gauge layout. Got buildings arranged. Set up some of the lights. Hope to finish tomorrow. I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,,
Konbanwa,
Yesterday was too busy for me to have a moment to post. We had a flag football game in the morning, the princess had a volleyball game at noon, and then we raked some leaves. The flag football team lost 14-12; we missed some easy passes and tackles that would have given us the win. The princess’s team played well and won. Today has been more relaxed as usual for our Sundays. I was able to watch the second half of the OSU-MSU game; that’s it for OSU’s title hopes. The wife is making fudge right now so I know it is definitely Christmas time.
Sayonara,
Joe
Good Morning from Blueberryhill..........
Good Morning, Joe........
It is a cold 23 degrees. Going up to 31 with a little snow flurries.
Today is an easy day. A few chores and then I will run trains for a few hours. I have recorded the latest episode of Railroad Alaska and I have that to watch. Lunch and a nap.
Cheerios on the dining car for breakfast.
Y'all have a great Sunday.
Morning all. Misty and cold. Not freezing but close to it. Some up in VA and way west of the Triangle. Probably Pat is getting some ice or snow.
Big question????? Did Ohio State play a football game???
Got to run an early morning errand. Then stay inside or get in the Box and do some wiring on some sidings I want to toggle on and off.
Great Christmas Movies on TCM and Hallmark.
Have a great week.
ChiefEagles LAZ, one buck at processor's.
Way to go CHIEF!!!!!
I have been out everyday this week save Friday. rained all day. I have seen 3 bucks, all small two four pointers and a spike. We have antler restrictions and cannot take anything less then 3 points per side. Been working so we have bigger racks. Saw 24 deer this past week, got all next week yet so it is hopeful?
CHUCK, got that SNO HI O coming this way for today then turn to freezing rain tonite.
BUCKEYE, OSU????????
RT nice pic of FIFEs car got a chuckle out of that one.
JOEY D, OOOOOO FUUUUDDDGGGGE!!!!!!! Enjoy!
RAY, any news on the BB?
Stay frosty my friends,
laz57
Mornin' boys. The Vikings are in town today, and apparently brought their weather with them.
Wifey and I met up with Brent and his little ones at the Greenberg Show. Wifey enjoyed playing "Mom" while she pushed the stroller around. The little one was gettin' fussy, so Brent made an early exit. There weren't enough 3-rail tables to my liking, but we did purchase the Gingerbread Junction set (just delivered this week).
Lionel did a nice job with set #6-30219. We got the pleasure of getting one still sealed in it's shipping carton, so got the added excitement of carefully slicing open the packaging tape, revealing a marvelously illustrated set box. As Wifey put it, "How freaking cute is this!" Set comes with the standard transformer, and a nice loop of fasttrack. The brown and white paint and graphics are first rate. the 0-6-0 docksider has forward and reverse lighting, as well as cab interior lighting. It is a strong puller, BUT its coupler kept springing open under the load of the train. The set's freight cars are light as ether, maybe so do the engine's sensitive coupler. The whistle (I temporarily hooked up the CW80) made a chalkboard scratching "Ehhhhhhhhh!" Haven't seen a hint of smoke out of the stack either. Other than these 3 drawbacks, quite pleased. Under the LW, it rolls off steadily at 6 volts, pulling 6 cars. In short, the set is perfect for our Dept 56 North Pole village.
Redfire- I did try to manipulate the button, just couldn't find the sweet spot. Thanks.
laz 57 ChiefEagles LAZ, one buck at processor's. We have antler restrictions and cannot take anything less then 3 points per side. Been working so we have bigger racks. laz57
We have antler restrictions and cannot take anything less then 3 points per side. Been working so we have bigger racks.
This just in....
DATELINE: Baltimore. Severe wintery weather has struck the Mid-Atlantic region. Motorists are stranded on Fifey's hillside. Youngest Princess declaring she doesn't have to finish her homework. Wifey demanding to go to supermarket for bread, milk, eggs, and toilet paper. Source of the weather system seems to coming from Ohio. Drones near Blueberry Hill picked up a communication to Rogers Corners "SCORE! A direct hit!" That is all.
WHOOPS............I think your co-ordinates were wrong, Buckeye.
Good afternoon all, went to TTOS Christmas meet today and picked up a nice musical carrousel for Christmas.. It plays either Christmas music or ordinary music for the rest of the year with a selection switch. It has horses with riders, overhead lights and surrounding platform with ticket booth and railings. Also has figures watching the merry go round. Thought the price was right at $25. Works good.
Did not buy any trains but they had a lot of them. Just didn't see any that struck my fancy.
Saw my friend larry there. He is going in for a hernia operation tomorrow. Says he may have to stay one night in the hospital.
Chief, thanks for the animal biology lesson. Didn't know anything about those long horns. Do they every have a season on Does? Seems like you hunters see a lot of them.
Son still in Salem Oregon but will be home tomorrow. Says it was pretty cold overnight up there with low about 8 degrees one night.. Says his friend brings in all their pets when it gets that cold. They have two cats and a dog who call a truce when they have to be together inside. Pet rabbit stays in the garage.
Laz, no recent news about the Big Boy. Right now it is sitting next to the Metrolink line at the North End of the fairground waiting to be towed away. Union Pacific is donating an SD40 Diesel and caboose which are being repainted to the museum in Pomona. They won't move the Big Boy unitl those are delivered. Last estimate I heard from the U.P. steam crew said the move will be around December 22nd. I will post it whenever I hear anything about it.
It is 34 degrees and cloudy. No snow, no rain, yet. Going up to 36 today.
Today is a busy day. I have a bunch of chores to do and an errand to run. I will be busy most of the morning. Lunch and a nap, for sure.
Cheerios for breakfast on the dining car.
Y'all have a great Monday.
fifedog Mornin' boys. The Vikings are in town today, and apparently brought their weather with them. Wifey and I met up with Brent and his little ones at the Greenberg Show. Wifey enjoyed playing "Mom" while she pushed the stroller around. The little one was gettin' fussy, so Brent made an early exit. There weren't enough 3-rail tables to my liking, but we did purchase the Gingerbread Junction set (just delivered this week). Lionel did a nice job with set #6-30219. We got the pleasure of getting one still sealed in it's shipping carton, so got the added excitement of carefully slicing open the packaging tape, revealing a marvelously illustrated set box. As Wifey put it, "How freaking cute is this!" Set comes with the standard transformer, and a nice loop of fasttrack. The brown and white paint and graphics are first rate. the 0-6-0 docksider has forward and reverse lighting, as well as cab interior lighting. It is a strong puller, BUT its coupler kept springing open under the load of the train. The set's freight cars are light as ether, maybe so do the engine's sensitive coupler. The whistle (I temporarily hooked up the CW80) made a chalkboard scratching "Ehhhhhhhhh!" Haven't seen a hint of smoke out of the stack either. Other than these 3 drawbacks, quite pleased. Under the LW, it rolls off steadily at 6 volts, pulling 6 cars. In short, the set is perfect for our Dept 56 North Pole village. Redfire- I did try to manipulate the button, just couldn't find the sweet spot. Thanks.
Mornin' FellasHad a great time at the show with Fife and Wifey. Christina got to pick out her train car (she chose the reindeer transport, it operates similar to the old horse cars where the horses bob out the windows). Matthew was getting fussy (he needed a bottle and a dry diaper) so I had to leave a bit early as did not want to bother any of the other guests. As Fife noted, there wasn't as much OGauge as in the past and none of the operating layouts were OGauge either. Was going to stop by Kenilworth Mall to see their train garden, but the kiddos fell asleep before the tires hit the beltway so it off to home for us. When TheQ returned home from her proctoring engagement we loaded up the car and headed out for dinner, groceries, and a quick stop by WalMart to get some last minute stocking stuffers. Just about done shopping (yeah)!Yesterday we got the trees decorated and the rest of the decorations out. Just as we were finishing the second tree I noticed we had a lot more snow than the 1-3 inches our incapable weather people predicted! So I had to trudge through the snow to the shed to retrieve the snow thrower! We ended up with about 8 inches of white stuff! Christina was disappointed she couldn't go outside and play, but by the time I was done clearing the driveway and walk I was beat, and by the time I recovered it had started with freezing rain. Felt bad because this is the first real snow we have had since she could walk and she was so excited to see 'Christmas'. We are due for another 2 - 4 of the mess tomorrow so maybe I will be able to take her out for a little while when I get home.Got the trains setup under the tree last night, and yes Christina helped get them out. She even tried to put them on the tracks but she couldn't quite get it. So she ended up just lining them up on the floor. She really LOVES 'her trains', after we got them setup Christina, Matthew and I sat down and watched them for a while. Matthew seems to enjoy the whistle and he would bounce up and down and clap his hands when the trains would go by. I got a big hug, kiss, smile, and 'Thank you Daddy' from Christina when the choo-choos had to go to bed. Going to bring the Legacy GP35 out tonight and see how it does under TMCC. I put my TMCC caboose on the track last night so I'll play with that too - don't remember what precisely it does.
https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/
Brent,
Sounds like you're having better luck with the Christmas layout than I am. Every piece of Gilbert that I try to run has some issue. Right now I've got a 293 steamer and 474/475 Rocket Alco set probably destined for the chopping block.
Thanks for the continued help with that project BTW.
Aloha. Grey and cold today. Got maybe 5-6 inches overnight. The youngest has his first band concert tonight. Everything should be clear by then. I'll have to go straight there from the station to make it.Doug - every home needs a TARDIS. Ray - praying for your sister. Fife, looks like you have some solutions. Years ago, SJ and Laz helped me with a similar issue - one of Lionel's 'buttons' wired in worked since my R transformer didn't have a whistle button.Brent, what is your tree layout like? What are your ideas for next year?
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
Doug - this year is the same as last year - unsceniced two loops under the tree. Next year I need an O72 loop for a Christmas gift I am getting this year (NPC Zephyr) so I'll be doing the O72 loop and inside that a layout that was in CTT a couple years ago slightly modified) I hope to be able to post pictures of the plan soon.
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