Trains.com

FEBRUARY 2015 COFFEE POT. 11 years running. Sweet ice tea and grits for the southern gents, coffee and donuts for the Yanks Locked

14800 views
272 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Crystal Lake, IL
  • 8,059 posts
Posted by cnw1995 on Monday, February 9, 2015 9:01 AM

Aloha from a grey Monday. There was a bit of freezing rain overnight but nothing too bad on this morning's commute. As Kev mentioned, we go above freezing this weekend for a bit which did bring down the snow-cover a bit. Sure appreciate being here rather than out east where you are getting even more snow. Enjoyed a pleasant weekend serving as video director for church services, then going to a show (La Cage aux Folles) with the bride last night. Looks like a particularly quiet week. I have enjoyed working on a beautiful tinplate aerial tram I hope to hook up over Ivor's layout. 

The new truck sounds like a real winner Brent!

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Monday, February 9, 2015 9:14 AM

Morning all!

Had a beautiful weekend here. Hit 70's and that will continue this week for a few days.

Another busy week on tap here so again will not be posting much. 

Ray - I have the same problem here with the pool. You have to get 'permission' from the water dept to change the water or you will pay a hefty fine. Plus you pay a surcharge for the replacement water. For those without pools. Stay that way. After about 3-5 years the use of chemicals causes the water to get hard and then the chemicals do not work properly. The chlorine spikes and drops and will not stabilize and then you end up with algae blooms and calcium problems. So then you are required to drain about half the water and replace it. Then you go through a bunch of chemicals to re stabilize it. My pool is 36,000 gal. After 10-15 years you have to re plaster it. After 15-20 years you have to replace all the pump/filter/heater equipment. Would love to get rid of it but that costs more than all of the above. Pain in the tookus.

Have a great day all!

Regards, Roy

  • Member since
    January 2013
  • 993 posts
Posted by lion88roar on Monday, February 9, 2015 9:42 AM

KRM

Cold again on the North Bluff. About 23 degrees.
May be heading out for a day or two. Friend slid his 963 bobcat into the side of the 30 acre beaver dam on his property up north and we need to get it out.  May have to blow the dam and drain it to get it out, the water in the dam is about 3’ deep. A lot of water. His logger has a log skidder he will bring out to see if we can pull it out first.



Now this sounds like a fun day!

KRM

Dennis Best of luck on the dating game. I sure hope I never have to get back into that.  Tongue Tied


Amen to that one! I figure if I can't get it right with #2... no sense going for #3! Smile

KRM

Brent enjoy that American steel your driving. There nice but I find all of that lane control stuff an announce. If your driving you should know what is going on around you so what is the point. Guess it helps the distracted drivers.


I agree, the Durango doesn't have it - and I don't need it because I have my mirrors aligned correctly to reduce/eliminate blind spots, and I watch what is behind me regularly so I know what is back there. I will say though that they are nice for those occasions when twiddle dee decides it is time to drive well over the speed limit, or without their lights on at night or in bad weather. Hit the turn signal and if something is where you are thinking of going you get a beep beep - a reminder to check that mirror before heading over! And I think they would be good for shorter folk who can't see over the headrests!

https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Monday, February 9, 2015 10:05 AM

Brent, Some of it is okay. I do like those back up cameras. I still drive for the dealer now and then and these new cars are always freaking me out with bells and whistles going off that I don't know why. Surprise I guess you would get used to it.
I am already on #3 Bang Head

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    May 2007
  • From: Glendora, Calif.
  • 2,672 posts
Posted by SPMan on Monday, February 9, 2015 10:11 AM

Good morning all,

Roy, you know what I am talking about.  Pools are a pain when you no longer need them.

My wife and I took a ride over to Arcadia, California yesterday (12 miles) and put in a brief appearance at the TTOS train meet.  Lots of stuff for sale and a good auction.  I was able to say hello to Don Baker and his friend Bob.  Good to see them there.

Lots of appointments this week.  Got to run.

Ray

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Near Altoona Pa.
  • 1,896 posts
Posted by Banks on Monday, February 9, 2015 5:09 PM

 Hello there, 

Drove Mrs to a meeting in Ebensburg. Really foggy here and freezing rain predicted. Got mom along. We'll eat before going home. Maybe after we get off the mountain. 

 

Kev ....thanks for the update on the light. I've noticed a lot of the LED's concentrate the light in one spot with little spread. How does yours do?

 

 

Prayers for those in need

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Monday, February 9, 2015 6:15 PM

Banks

 

Kev ....thanks for the update on the light. I've noticed a lot of the LED's concentrate the light in one spot with little spread. How does yours do?

 

Banks it has a nice light throw. It is about 16' up on the gable end of the shed. Lets me see well what is going on out there. Sheds light out a good 30' to 40'.

No word from Mark's logger friend so we will hold off on going up north till we know he will show. Go figure?

 

 

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Monday, February 9, 2015 9:12 PM

Good evening all,

Very sllllloooooooowwwww day at work.  Did one case report and some training stuff.  Tomorrow will be better.   Watched last week's Arrow and this week's Jane the Virgin.   Brent, I mostly do the Creator series of LEGOS, where you have 3 building plans.   Sometimes I get 3 sets to make all three items.  Mostly houses, but recently they are expanding the line to include small shops as well.   Goes very well with my standard gauge at much less cost than tinplate buildings.   I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • 1,986 posts
Posted by 8ntruck on Monday, February 9, 2015 9:26 PM

Been really busy lately.  My wife has been having leg pains lately.  The MRI showed that she has a couple of bulging discs that are causing a pinched nerve.  She got an injection this morning that is supposed to help. We'll see in a day or two.

Interesting weather here.  Thursday morning, it was 6 degrees.  Saturday and Sunday, the temps. were in the low 60's.  Today's high was a cloudy 40.  The weather guesser says that it will be colder for the next couple of days.

I don't remember who tipped their Bobcat over into the drink, but did you get a picture and send it off to 4 Wheel Drive magazine as a submission to the 'Worst Stuck' column?

No train news at the moment.

You folks out east in the snow zone - be careful as you shovel it.

All for now.

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, February 9, 2015 11:38 PM

Brent, check my Lionel Customer Service thread.

BTW: as usual, been pouring rain tonight.

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

              

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 7:14 AM

Heading off to the Bobcat retrieve.
Have a good day.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 5:50 PM

Good evening all,

Very busy day at work.  Took much longer to get labs done than usual.  Not sure why.   Going to watch "The Flash" tonight.  Weather supposed to be warmer tomorrow then will crash temperature wise the rest of the week.  Ugh!   I hope everyone has a good day. 

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Near Altoona Pa.
  • 1,896 posts
Posted by Banks on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 7:47 PM

Hello there, 

Quick check in tonight to ask that you pray for Mrs' sister that is battling lung cancer.  Today was not a good day for her

Thank you

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 8:37 PM

Quick stop.

Banks Angel for Ms Banks sister.

Kev - it's late, hope you are not stuck with the Bobcat!

Chief - send rain, snow, sleet, humidity, any moisture at all this way!

Regards, Roy

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Crystal Lake, IL
  • 8,059 posts
Posted by cnw1995 on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 8:43 AM

Aloha. It is moisturing here. I wish I could send it west, Roy, but it wants to head east. Thanks for the interesting tutorial about pools. I was always curious what it would be like to have an inground pool - not that we ever had the space for one. Sounds like there are a lot of extra costs. And of course, here it would be open maybe 2 months a year. Yesterday was a quiet day with a quiet evening. Reading a new book, 50 railroads which changed history. Lots of obscure factoids in it. Like MikeC, it is supposed to get brutally cold for the next few days. Hope they are wrong. Prayers for 8n's wife and Mrs. Bank's sister (and her as well)! 

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

  • Member since
    January 2013
  • 993 posts
Posted by lion88roar on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 9:02 AM

Mornin' Fellas

Was checking to see if there was a map update for the Durango yesterday... there was, but it did not include the new roads around here Bang Head! One new interchange along my commute has been open for over a year and another that connects to a new road alignment has been open since early Fall... frustrating, but it will be inexcusable for those to not be in their next update (Garmin has the first new interchange and so does TomTom)... in checking that I found the sticker for the Durango and it came equipped with the hitch and pre-wired harness! Just have to 1/2 turn two plastic screws under the bumper and the cover pops right off and there it is! Thumbs Up TheQ didn't sound too impressed when I told her. Sigh And because it has the tow group, it came with a full-sized spare (not a donut). Thumbs UpThumbs Up just has a steel rim, not a matching rim.

Banks - Angel for Mrs' sister. My Grandmother passed due to that after smoking a lot for most of her life. Hope her outcome is better.

KRM - hope you made it back OK.

Haven't seen Chuck, Laz, Jack, or Sir Jim lately... hope they are OK?

https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    May 2007
  • From: Glendora, Calif.
  • 2,672 posts
Posted by SPMan on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 12:23 PM

Banks, sorry to hear about your SIL battle with cancer.  Prayers sent.

We went to see my wife's oncologist yesterday for a non hodgkin lymphoma that she has had in the abdoment for several years.  Her lab work was good with no growth showing but she has lost 21 lbs over the last year which is the main concern.  Got order to consult with gastrointerologist about that.  Got another appointment next week for neurological ongoing problem with yet another doctor.  On top of all that we have two appointments each week with a physical therapist for her neck pain. Tilt! Enought already!

later,

Ray

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 2:57 PM

Hi guys I am back and things went just fine.

Roy, the Bobcat is 360+ miles north away from me. Anyway we did not do much but drink beer and drive a lot.. 750+ miles since yesterday morning. By the time we got to Milwaukee yesterday the logger called and said he had it out and sitting by the shed. So I drove from  Milwaukee all the way up so Mark could go on-line and fake work then we went to the bar and ate and had beers before we crashed last night. Never even went into the woods.   Today I drove  from up there to Milwaukee so he could attend a meeting on line. His phone is his wi-fi connection so he could follow the meeting. He took over driving and missed the exit for I294 and we ended up driving through the gut of Chicago on I94 to get to I55. Bang Head

Grandson is sick so I will be watching him tomorrow.

Banks, Prayers sent!

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 8:31 PM

Good evening all,

Busy day at work.  Tolerable weather today, but going to get lousy tomorrow.  Played soccer tonight.  Lots of people tonight.  No goals, but played well.  Watched last half of Arrow.   Hopefully will have barn door fixed tomorrow.   Prayers for all who need them.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Sandy Eggo
  • 5,608 posts
Posted by dougdagrump on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 9:18 PM

Howdy All !

Banks, Prayers for sis-in-law and the Mrs.

The BetterHalf and I went out for dinner tonite, found a place that has great babyback ribs. No pun intended but I was in hog heaven.

Spent most of the day purging old paperwork, to the tune of three garbage bags of shredded paper. It was kinda like a race to see who would crap out first, me or the shredder although I did have to stop a few times when it overheated.

Time to sign off, eye lids are gettin real heavy even it is still early.

Later !  

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

www.sd3r.org

Proud New Member Of The NRA

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Jelloway Creek, OH - Elv. 1100
  • 7,578 posts
Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Thursday, February 12, 2015 5:49 AM

BRRRRRRRRRR.........Keep warm out there.  It is 6:50 am and we hit our high temperature already.  

Stopped yesterday at Pat's Trains in Wheeling.  Great store with plenty of new and used inventory.  

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR

TCA 09-64284

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Sandy Eggo
  • 5,608 posts
Posted by dougdagrump on Thursday, February 12, 2015 11:08 AM

Whistling

OK, we'uns out here in lala land won't say what our temps have been running but with the Santa Ana winds we are battening down the hatches it has been really windy overnite and today.

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

www.sd3r.org

Proud New Member Of The NRA

  • Member since
    May 2007
  • From: Glendora, Calif.
  • 2,672 posts
Posted by SPMan on Thursday, February 12, 2015 12:29 PM

Doug, Ribs sound good.  I got some a while back at the super market where they were cooking them out front on a charcoal fire.  Really good.  Got a Tri Tip last week and cooked it myself.  Got two meals out of it and it was great.  Happy munching!

Ray

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: nomadic--it varies
  • 267 posts
Posted by danrunner on Thursday, February 12, 2015 1:26 PM
It's been a long time since I stopped by. Nice to see I recognize some of the names. Although two months too late, I must report that my nephews are being spoiled with train stuff and their layout looks great. Several loops, several engines and a giant 270 watt transformer from me...an upgrade from thecw80. I'm responsible, but I feel no guilt.
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Thursday, February 12, 2015 6:53 PM

Good evening all,

Quiet but good day at work.  Finished up one project.  Walk outside was brisk, but better than expected.  Barn door is fixed.  Wife is happy, but I wonder about long term quality of rollers.  Door is harder to pull than before.   Time will tell.  Got the wife the usual Valentine "stuff" tonight since we are going out tomorrow night.   It is all good.  Should be quiet day at work tomorrow as well.   I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Thursday, February 12, 2015 8:26 PM

Evening all!

Temps to be reasonable here through Sat and then they drop for Sun. Maybe rain for Mon?

Busy week so far and have a project deadline for Mon that I may be able to complete tomorrow.

Looks like Buckeye and Chuck have completely lost control of the snow cannon. Looks like it is stuck towards the NE. Feel bad for Jack.

Kev, hmmmm, tell the wife we have an emergency Bobcat retrieval, then embark on bar crawl trip - brilliant!

Have a great evening all!

Regards, Roy

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Thursday, February 12, 2015 9:02 PM

wrmcclellan

 

Kev, hmmmm, tell the wife we have an emergency Bobcat retrieval, then embark on bar crawl trip - brilliant!

 

 

 

 

Roy, brilliant is my friend Mark!!!  Wink

 

Wow sure hope RIJack is okay, man you guys up there are getting smashed with the white stuff. Soon if it don't stop,,someone will put a contract out on Chuck.

Thought about Brent today,,,,,,,,,,, 

The little guy played hooky today, Acted sick till his mom left then played all morning and never ran a fever. Katie came home at noon and put him to bed and he slept 3 hours and got up just before I headed home.

Brent,,,,he is harder to watch when he is feeling good than he is when he is sick. He is 18 months old now.

Be good. It is good to be grand-pa!!!!!!   Big Smile

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • 1,986 posts
Posted by 8ntruck on Thursday, February 12, 2015 10:23 PM

KRM - that Bobcat rescue was a pretty good boondogle, I mean business trip. 

Reminds me of the time my boss called me into his office mid-morning one day, saying that we needed to go to a meeting with a customer.  I thought it was kind of odd, as I typically did not go to meetings with our customers.  The meeting was in the pits at Michigan International Speedway on practice day for one of the NASCAR races.  The funny part was calling home to tell my wife I'd be home late - with NASCAR cars at full song in the background.

Cooler here, but not anywhere near as cold as the Great Lakes states.

Some sad news here today.  My wife's great uncle passed away today.  He was 97.

All for now.

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Friday, February 13, 2015 8:52 AM

Mornin' Team!

Buckeye - bridge post looking good! Do I detect from the early underside layout shots that you were going to use straight girders?

8nT - nice business meeting! I need some of those! Angel for your wife's extended family.

Mike C - were the barn door rollers the recent reproduction rollers Or did you rework the old ones?

DougdaG - man have I got paper to go through. Dreading the task. 

Sunny here today and seasonably cool.

 

Regards, Roy

  • Member since
    January 2013
  • 993 posts
Posted by lion88roar on Friday, February 13, 2015 9:47 AM

Kev - that's a good one!

We Skyped with my parents Tuesday and Wednesday night and they couldn't get over how active the kids are between 8pm and 9pm. Well last night I was putting Christina to bed at 7:30pm because "I'm tired being up late last yesterdays"... LOL! She is amazing!

https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month