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April Coffee Pot 2016. 12 YEARS OLD APRIL 1. Wonderful grits and sweet ice tea for the southern gents. Coffee and oatmeal for the Yanks. Locked

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KRM
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Posted by KRM on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 8:09 PM

Very nice Don!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for posting those pictures.

Been gone most of the day, Just got home and ate, One big stump is gone. It was good to see Bud but three hours almost to get there. I left my stump grinder with Mark to do a few he needs to get done in Plainfield. So not much else to say about the day other than I hate driving into Peopleville. So glad to get 3 miles west of Plainfield back into the fields.

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 7:16 PM

Howdy, gang!!

First softball game was a success!! Went 1 for 3 and scored....geez, I beat out 2 throws....I'm like the fastest guy on the team...LMAO!!!

3 fire calls today, a couple more applications and set up 1 interview for tomorrow.  Registered for unemployment last week.  And so it goes....

Yeah, I'm not really all that upset.  I need to get back my life.  I'm much happier for the short term....

Fife....Yeah, next time, I'll take a knee for ya.....anything for a buddy!!

I did register for America's 9/11 Ride in August.  Schenksville to Pentagon to Ground Zero.  Bike is ready.  It's the last ride, so this is one off the bucket list.

Mom going in for a new shoulder and socket next Thursday, so at least I can make that trip to Philly with her.

Cooking dinner...hot dogs!!

Check ya later!!

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 cheapclassics on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 6:17 PM

Good evening all,

Another quiet day at home.  Having some drama getting the truck fixed.  Parts are hard to find for a 17 year old truck.  Weather is nice.  Foot is better.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by dbaker48 on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 8:37 AM

Good Morning!

Think I have it figured out, something on my laptop is preventing me from sending files to Shutterfly, log in and everything is fine.  Anyway that's a problem for another day.

Here is a couple of pictures of the layout;

Track Plan:

 

I guess I'm limited to 2 photos, had a 3rd but not working.

A little background info,

The Dr has been collecting stuff since the 70's, and believe me there isn't any method to his desires.  He has been working on a layout concept for the last 10 years, and focused on maximizing trackage.  His SIL convinced him to use Ross track and switches, even though he has all switches and track from Lionel.  Some of the inherent problems I've encountered.

  • Power drops were randomly installed irregardless to specific track, (Tracks 1,2,& 3 all comingled.)
  • He has two ZW transformers a ZW-L, and ZW-C, want to use both to justify cost to his wife.  (Approx 1500 watts!)
  • Only wants TMCC/Legacy & Conventional, probably 80% conventional.
  • Track is in 3 layers, outside track has about a 7.5 to 8.0 degree incline.
  • ENTIRE layout is covered with 1" thick foam.  Track was secured with 1" track screws.  (After going through the track tie, roadbed, doesn't leave anything to grab unto.)
  • Under the layout fixed shelving has been built around 3 sides, approx 24" high and 30" deep.
  • The underside is jam packed with totes and train boxes.
  • The aisle way is 14" wide!
  • All track was previously layed down.
  • Two bridges have to be moved for access.  (A Hellgate bridge that is hinged, and a 3-Way switch on a cutom bult platform that lifts out.)
  • 34 Switches, and over 30 accessories, 6 unload/uncouple tracks.
  • And more!

I'm not complaining but sure didn't realize what I was getting into!  The outside grade is completly enclosed making it double difficult to access wiring for switches or power drops and isolation.  The son and daughter started wiring but gave up, so that is how I got involved.  I am almost finished with it, I have moved and removed the stuff under the layout so many times I'm wearing groves in the plastic totes.  The biggest problem is the switches a lot of them are almost floating and very unstable so the motor operation is difficult.  Also as each switch requires 6 wires it has  been a pain.  I also built a Control Panel with LEDs and toggles which adds a lot of wiring.  The only thing left is trying to get the switches to work reliably and a few clean up items.  Just to add more he is a novice regarding operation so there is a lot of training involved as well.  The biggest issue as I didn't look before I leaped when I accepted this job.  The good news is he is a real nice guy, so trying to do the best for him.  (Finished hooking up the turntable yesterday so not to go start on the switches.)

Thanks for letting me rant.

Hope you all have a great day!

 

 

Don

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Posted by rtraincollector on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 8:33 AM

Morning all

Laugh Fife

No real big plans at present. 

Need to make some important decisions around here about a few things ( insurance company, how far to go with the roof? etc) 

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 8:19 AM

Morning all.  Cold front came through.  Only 65 degrees out.  Going to the mid 70's today.  Need to jab you Yanks.  88 high yesterday was not normal for this time of the year.  Chores today. 

 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 fifedog on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 7:12 AM

Mornin' boys.  Sunny & 51 in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Mow the lawn and finishing the yatchett on the docket today.

anjdevil - Thanks for reporting in.  Going to the gym after retirement is overrated.  Case in point;  Laz and I both needed equal amounts of help getting up from our kneeling positions at the CTT photo...

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Posted by cheapclassics on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 10:12 PM

Good evening all,

Day two of staying at home.  Did very little.  Foot is healing and I can walk without pain, but it just takes time.  AJ's team did get a fifth at Long Beach and Sato is 6th in points.  I have been going thru paperwork at home and taking care of odds and ends.  Anjdevil2, sorry about the job loss, but you do not seem too broken up over it.   Something will turn up.  As far as CTT is concerned, if it keeps getting published, all is good.  We just have to savor the fewer pages more.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 7:59 PM

Oh, Hey......

Yeah, still kicking.........How y'all been??

It'll take me a few to get caught up, but I'll try.......now that I have the time...

Got laid off last Tuesday.   Don't cry for me, the timing is incredibly bad, since the Princess and the BF are coming up soon...yup, I sealed that deal over Easter.  Drove down to visit them in ol' Jax, FLA USA....had a great time.

SOOOOOO....I won't be working every other Saturday and 66+ hours a week, being subjected to customers that act like 2 year olds, I've been threatened with death, slow torture and the like....not to mention the customer surveys....OY VEY!!

I took the recent down time to finish the 'ol road runner, she is streetable and runs well.  If I have the funds, will be taking her to Sterling, VA for Memorial Day Weekend.

Had 3 interviews since, my blood pressure is down, I'm at the gym 2X a week and now softball 2X a week, plus fire calls and all that.  Almost like I was retired...LMAO!!!

Hopefully will be checking in more, if this software allows...

See ya soon!!

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


KRM
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  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
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Posted by KRM on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 7:33 PM

Busy day, My friend Mark came over and we replaced the AC compressor on his 07 Dodge diesel 1 ton and also fixed the right front ABS sender that had the line cut, then we hooked up to a Old Yellowstone camper he is getting from my neighbor Brian down the lane to use as a hunting shed. Checked the air in the tires and lights and sent him on his way. Tomorrow I will go to Plainfield and ride with him to his dads in Indianan to grind out some stumps with my stump grinder. Then maybe Monday I will get out of here and go North to Mark's place in northerner WI. He plans on dragging the camper up there on Friday.
Wife said her new tires are nice.

Getting ready to do Brats, steamed beans and potatoes for din din.
have a good one.

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 5:43 PM

I agree, I use Shutterflyand once it is in Shutterf, just cut and paste.

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 1:21 PM

lion88roar




Still looking for a site to host my photos from. The one I was using is no longer free... Sigh Any recommendations?

 

I've been using Shutterfly for over 10 years - and its still free.  I have Windows 7 on my computer and I don't  have problems.  I have even started using the camera in my phone and uploading directly to Shutterfly and so far no problems.

 

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

The Northwoods Flyer Collection

of

American Flyer Trains

"The Toy For the Boy"

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Posted by rtraincollector on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 12:47 PM

Brent I use www.photobucket.com and have not had a problem but then again depends how many pictures you have.

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

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Posted by dougdagrump on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 11:37 AM

lion88roar



Still looking for a site to host my photos from. The one I was using is no longer free... Sigh Any recommendations?

 

I have been using Shutterfly for years with no complaints, at least til Chrome trashed Java.

Did you guys see the nasa timelapse spacestation photos of the Northern lights ?  Wow Thumbs Up Thumbs Up

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

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Posted by lion88roar on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 11:27 AM

Afternoon fellas

Been under the weather since late Sunday and I can't shake this for whatnot.

Doug - If your computer is old enough for Vista, then definitely go with a new computer with Win10 built-in. I've upgraded all the home machines to 10 and we love it, 1,000,000x better than 8!

Still looking for a site to host my photos from. The one I was using is no longer free... Sigh Any recommendations?

https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/

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Posted by dougdagrump on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 11:05 AM

Mornin' Y'all.

Fife, Thumbs UpThumbs Up on passing on the indoctronation Thomas videos.

Chief, Not sure if that publicity is good or bad. Especially when you look at some of the other cities in the top 10.

After I got the train set-up at Relay For Life the BetterHalf said it ran almost all day and all night, only a few short periods of down time. Took it apart yesterday and and cleaned and regreased the gears, it sounds better but not good. Any of you Yorkies see any Beeps at a good price ?

Will be a long week+, the BetterHalf will be staying with a friend while she recovers from Knee replacement surgery and I will be Doggy Daycare for her MaltiPoo who is a 24hr bundle of energy. But she is a good walking partner. 

Don, I haven't been able to post any photos for quite a while. Since nobody is supporting Vista /IE-9 anymore I tried using Google Chrome and the first thing it did was totally screw up Java and haven't been able to correct it since. Still debating on either upgrading to W-7 or a new computer /W-10.

Tried W-8 on my desk topThumbs Down ,  tried the BetterHalf's laptop W-8.1 Thumbs Down, W-10 Thumbs Down. Guess it's difficult to teach an old dog new tricks. Dunce

Later all.

 

 

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

www.sd3r.org

Proud New Member Of The NRA

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 10:19 AM

V8Vega

Tue. 87 Wed. 85

KRM you can let your cat out at night in the woods? A coyote would get it right away here even in the city if your on the outskirts.

Dennis, He must have it figured out he is 8 years old and not dead yet. He has all of his claws so he can fight and climb trees. He pretty much does as he wants. He has no cat box and stays in when he wants and stays out when he wants. We have just had some warm nights and moon is close to full so he decided he would be out the last two nights. He is sleeping on the couch now. Run all night sleep all day.  Laugh The coyotes seem to stay back of the woods in the fields but we can hear them at night. We had a deer down in the back woods behind the house this winter and they had it gone in a few days. Surprise

Will be glad to see the pictures when you can post them Don!

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by dbaker48 on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 9:21 AM

Good Morning!  Didn't mean not to post for a week, but had some priorities get in the way.  But all is well.

Kev, Been working on some pictures of the Dr's layout to post, have the pics but GEEZ I've never had so much of an issue getting them posted.  Don't give up on me will get it done.

Lots of Congrats in order, and more, but late as usual.  Got to go get blood work done, then off to the Doc's.

Later,

Best of all to everyone!!

Don

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Posted by rtraincollector on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 8:49 AM

Morning all. Not much planned for today. Bought a electric Chainsaw to cut some small to medium size limbs as I can't use a Gas power one because of the location of the spark-plug as I have a difibrillator and possible chance of shock could effect it. 

I'm waiting for 2 packages coming in today one from Menards and one from Trainz the one from trainz is my set of Brown post war passenger cars. Mennards is two of the Grampa's house to give me a couple of houses when I start building I also ordered from menards but coming in tomorrow is the Gas Station and the barn. Smile my reaction now this may be the wife's reaction before the week is over as I do have a box of trains coming in that is getting shipped today I think from CA. so it could be early next week even Angry lol. 

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

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KRM
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Posted by KRM on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 8:26 AM

Good morning, Same here SJ, and Doug.

Looks like yesterday was the last 80 degree day for awhile.  58 right now, Mid 70s today then lower the rest of the week. I tested the house AC yesterday just to be sure it is all good. Heat is on now. I got four of the five areas cut  before today's rain and I don't need to do around the house yet. For some reason it never grows well. It has to be something with the forest clay. Only thing the seems to do good is moss. Wife went to work and the cat just came from running in the woods all night.

Have a good one.

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by sir james I on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 8:21 AM

After three days of seventy eight it's chilly this morning. Hi of 60 for the day. I talked to Bob K while at York about the shrinking size of CTT. He says advertizing is down. Wont be long before a dozen of anything goes from twelve to ten.Sad

S.J.

"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

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Posted by cnw1995 on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 7:59 AM

Aloha. More seasonal today. White Sox have lost three straight. Going to Town Council tonight to chat about their budget - if they let me. Smile Buying a home is never fun, Kev. Hope it works out for them. Atlanta GA terminal.

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

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Posted by cheapclassics on Monday, April 18, 2016 10:59 PM

Good evening all,

Went to foot doctor to get blisters taken care of.  Feel better already, but have to stay off feet this week.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Monday, April 18, 2016 7:37 PM

Chief, may God be with you,,,,,,,,,,,. I lived in a Boom town once. It was never that as I grew up but when it came it was something to run like He)) from.

I hate going there today. Plainfield IL. I spent 50 years of my life,,,,,1,300 when I was a kid  to 45,000, yeah that ain't good. If you add up the area around it it is well over 100,000. Crying

$294.81 latter wife is driving again. She never cleans her car so as long as it was beached in the shed and it is 85 degrees and the floor was dirty anyhow I hand washed the thing. Still looks good under all that road muck she picked up this winter. Last time it was washed is when I did it over Xmas break.

Dan the some-day-maybe SIL called and said the the assessment on the house they were going to buy came in 10K less than the price they had agreed to so they called the seller and told them it was all off because FHA won't loan on anymore than the apprised price and by going with FHA they get a 7K grant. I told them to go conventional but they wanted to try for the grant money. Lots of loop holes attached but I think it will work out. So things were tense but it seems the selled is already tied to a new place so they caved in and agreed to the apprised price and everything is a go for May 16th close. Only thing is now they may get stuck with the closing cost that the sellers was going to pay for before. I will just be glad they are not paying rent anymore.

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by SPMan on Monday, April 18, 2016 4:06 PM

Congratulations Chief, I'm surprised Los Angeles made the list.  Most people I know are leaving here as fast as they can.  The new arrivals must be all immigrants from other countries.  Rolesville sounds like a good place.  Wish I was there or somewhere like it but I'm nailed down taking care of the Mrs. these days as you know.  She is currently in a convelescent hospital and we are looking for a long term care facility.  Got an appointment with a good one tomorrow not far from where we live.

Ray

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, April 18, 2016 10:16 AM

fifedog

Congrats Chief!

Now, hopefully success won't lead to what happened to Eagle Rock, IA...

 

Yes.  Along with growth comes problems.

 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 fifedog on Monday, April 18, 2016 9:45 AM

Congrats Chief!

Now, hopefully success won't lead to what happened to Eagle Rock, IA...

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Posted by fifedog on Monday, April 18, 2016 9:39 AM

Mornin' boys.  Sunny & 71 in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Roy may need me to send the yatchett for trips to the Piggly-Wiggly...  The weather has been rather dry; actually too dry for applying bottom paint.  Gotta get back down to the marina, for a 3rd time, to finish up the gallon.  Apply the boot stripe, then splash.

cnw1995 - W by B got it right with this mechanism.  Their demonstrator ran for 3 years before needing servicing.  They even numbered the B&O correctly under Class B8 (Built in 1891).  Similar 10-wheelers ran on my South Branch Valley (nee Hampshire Southern).  The headlamp on this model is the best of all my engines, and as I said, it handles grades smoother and slower than any other steamers I've seen.

dougnotta - Passed that CD collection on to Brent.  Thanks.

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, April 18, 2016 9:38 AM

 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 cnw1995 on Monday, April 18, 2016 8:31 AM

Aloha. Sunny and gorgeous - mid-June weather! Yard is sprouting dandelions - they grow so well and I hate to deprive the neighbors of their beautiful seeds. Glad to hear about York and look forward to seeing the photo. Congrats to Mitch on his planned retirement. Quiet weekend - bride started an online class for work and is really worried about it so that took / will take a fair amount of our time for the next five weeks. I don't mind being her go-to technologist and sounding board. Glad you are feeling better, Chief. Fife, I have seen those engines and they are real runners - a great buy!  Washington County, Maryland, circa 1905. "Buena Vista Springs station at Pen-Mar."

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

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