Trains.com

JANUARY 2017 COFFEE POT Hot coffee with grits for the good Southerners and oatmeal for the Yanks. Locked

24871 views
352 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 11:18 AM

Thanks RT but I am good for now, I already got a newer one that matches the operation of the first one for the twin gate operation and I placed yours on the action corner where it will activate with the Gate man and Banjo signal. Big Smile

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: SE MI
  • 915 posts
Posted by MichRR714 on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 11:14 AM
Fife, I've built a couple laser cut kits. Shoot me an email if you'd like to discuss some of the pitfalls.

Charlie a.k.a. MichiganRailRoad714 (Charter Member TTC)      

 

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: South Carolina
  • 9,713 posts
Posted by rtraincollector on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 9:47 AM

Morning all. Not much planned for today. Raining ( Again ) 60* going up to 69* before it's all over but suppose to be getting a cold front coming in starting Sunday thru Tuesday we are looking at lows below freezing and highs from high 30's to mid 40's then we warm up again. 

I have to figure a few things out before I move forward on any plans. 1 Do I want to put all this money into this place or look for a place that might have at least some of what I want to offer. Ie more room in the house. lol. I have time as need to save up for what I want any way and want this house paid off first ( planning on Christmas this year or real close to be) Yes I'am putting myself in a accelerated pay off mode but which is very feasible. Who knows.

Trying to straighten this room up some to get things organized for the end of the month when everything is coming back from wife's booth. we weren't losing money there but we were not making money either. And I definitely was spending more trying to keep it filled. No one to blame but me but now I have a lot of trains I might not have bought as I was looking for low price trains that I could sell for a little over my cost. Anyway I'll just keep them. I'll put them up on the bay little by little as they sell. I also have over 100 loose items with no box, a few engines and a bunch of cars, now to be fair I have about 1/3 of them more or less junker cars ( my definition of junker car missing parts or so common it ain't funny.)  Some are decent car but you can't find parts for them or at least at a decent price. ( ie I can buy a 3665 car for $40 but there's a guy selling just one of the two roof pieces for $120. My car needs both halves so It's a junk/parts car for someone. 

Any way time to jump off and make something to eat. Kinda late for breakfast but a little to early for lunch for me so will see what I come up with. Probably some type of Brunch.

Talk to you all later

P.S. Kevin I think I have another crossing gate if I do and you want it you can have it. It's probably a better match in speed as the one I sent you. It's in Donna Booth in the Vintage mall. If it hasn't sold. 

 

Later all

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

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 3,584 posts
Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 9:32 AM

Good Morning from foggy & wet 56°F Southern Ohio,

The kids are back in school and I’m back to work and working on more qualification signatures and study for the next round.  Bride still has the crud hacking and coughing. 

Kev – the banjo is a neat accessory.  I enjoy the accessories as much as the trains.

Later, may God bless

Jim

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 9:14 AM

Rain overnight, 40 for the day, then down she goes.

I watched the Rose parade and then the game. One of the best football games of the season. The win could've gone either way.

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

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 9:03 AM

Morning guys,

39 will be the high and that is what it is right now, Very dense fog, can barley see the shed from the house. Temps falling down to 10 tonight. Ugh!

The Banjo signal I got to add to the action corner of the layout for the three year old shows out for delivery today.I should be able to finish that project.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 8:56 AM

Rainy good morning.  Big pour down earlier.  More to come untill afternoon.  County Commissioners and then Town Board.  Tomorrow, nothing Mayor wise [as planned but who knows].  Go get deer processed for DIL and Frankie.

Great chat with Shake and Bake last night.

Hope all OK.

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

              

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Crystal Lake, IL
  • 8,059 posts
Posted by cnw1995 on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 8:16 AM

Aloha and Happy New Year. Back in the office today - didn't figure on Metra running a Sunday schedule yesterday which would've gotten me into the city at 11 am at the earliest. Fife, I've built a BTS kit of a open garage a few years ago. I got it second-hand and found it was very nicely done- beautifully cut with neat extras to 'hang' on the walls. I used wood glue and enjoyed the build  - as a ten-thumbed wonder.  It would be neat to see the Colorado 'Geese' - glad you had a good trip, Bob. That was a pretty fun Rose Bowl to watch last night. Didn't see too much of the Sugar Bowl. I wonder how they put those Rose Parade floats together...

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

  • Member since
    May 2007
  • From: Glendora, Calif.
  • 2,672 posts
Posted by SPMan on Monday, January 2, 2017 10:28 PM

Cold day, for Southern California that is, for the Rose Parade.  I know a couple of guys who drove floats.  They used to be engineers on the SP railroad when I was there.  Rose Bowl game between SC and Penn State was a squeaker with SC winning in the final seconds with a field goal to break a tie.  Had my traditional Southern black eye peas and corn bread yesterday for good luck.  Man, those things will blow your head off.  I can't take it anymore.  Had a breakfast burrito for dinner tonight.  Weather still cool for the week ahead.

Ray

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Sunny So. Cal.
  • 3,784 posts
Posted by dbaker48 on Monday, January 2, 2017 10:26 PM

Good Evening All,

This has been the loooongest New Year's Day in a long time!  Enjoyed it though.  Didn't do much the past two days, been feeling a little down like Iam getting a cold or something.  Did replace a speaker on my MTH Mikado today, sure sounds better.

Seems like the guy trying to install the layout I delivered is running into issues.  He has experience with DCC on 2 Rail O Gauge, not familiar with DCS and 3 rail.  Spent the better part of an hour on the phone with him this am, but I think that is going to be just the begining.  I suggested to Lloyd that it might be a good idea to try and find someone in the Chicago area that could help him as a consultant.  So will see what happens.

Bob - I'm hoping to get to Colorado possibly this summer, so will see.  Would definetly like to see all the other Geese!  I found an O Scale DRG "Chama" passenger car this weekend, got it for less than $10.  What makes it so special to me, is that the original is at Knotts.  I cleaned it every day!  All of the restrooms were locked and used for storage.  As a result they were never cleaned.  That bothered me given the history of the cars, so I cleaned them, thought I was like Gomer Pyle.  

Got a date with a dentist tomorrow, going to get a partial.  Be glad when that is over. 

You all take care, stay warm and talk with you later.

 

 

Don

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Monday, January 2, 2017 10:02 PM

Evening all!

Long day. Spent the last 2 days dealing with the repartitioning and rebuilding of my home network to work with the ATT Uverse modem for Internet (vs Time Warner - and had to physically move the modem from one room to another). 6 PCs (2 from kids when they visit), 2 iPads, up to 4 iPhones (kids), 4 printers, 1 Blu-Ray, and 1 CCTV/DVR security system in various states of wired or wireless connections. It was quite a challenge to get the ATT modem into a mode to allow external internet access for just the security system without endangering the entire network to invasion due to stupid issues with how ATT Uverse modems work ( or better to say do not follow standard convention for modem/gateway firewalls). Had to add a special router for just the security system. Argh....

Summbob - glad your trip went well.

Chief - how many helpings of black eyed peas have you had? The wife made a pot of them here with bacon. Yum!

Sturg - I toss them also. I keep a few sets just so we can power our older Hallmark animated and lighted ornaments. They will not work with LED strings.

Regards, Roy

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Monday, January 2, 2017 8:54 PM

Good evening all,

Added some switches to both the standard gauge and O-gauge.  The O-gauge addition looks perfect, the jury is still out on the Standard gauge one.  Back to work tomorrow....ugh.  Will carpool for at least 2 days.  Worked on the puzzle some more.  Long, slow process.  About half the pieces are just black.  Hmmm.  Weather was warm today.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Jelloway Creek, OH - Elv. 1100
  • 7,578 posts
Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Monday, January 2, 2017 8:01 PM

Don Baker... Big Smile

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 2015
  • 3,584 posts
Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Monday, January 2, 2017 6:22 PM

Good Evening from overcast 47°F Southern Ohio, 

I took down the outside decorations requiring getting on the roof taking advantage of the weather.  The rest will stay up until next Epiphany Sunday and we'll start taking them down then.  I did get some of the mess in the garage cleaned up.   

Ole Timer – Which Jim? 

Chief – My grandson Gabriel is a dye hard Ohio State fan and he was saying that Clemson was a real good team and would be surprised if OSU won.  Seeing the game and the stats, it was real lopsided.  The Alabama Clemson game should be a better game.` 

Roy – Some of the strands of lights were not working and I pitched them.  Between the post Christmas sales of lights it was too cheap not just to replace them.  It struck against my nature to not fix the sets, but I judged I have enough challenges right now. 

Good Night and may God bless 

Jim  

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: USA
  • 1,247 posts
Posted by Ole Timer on Monday, January 2, 2017 2:46 PM

thanks for the welome backs guys ..... Wink ..... been shopping for engines .... where's jim ??????????????????

       LIFETIME MEMBER === DAV === DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS STEAM ENGINES RULE ++++ CAB FORWARDS and SHAYS
KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Monday, January 2, 2017 1:34 PM

Wife got in the mood yesterday and started taking down the tree, So I got myself lost till she was done. So now it is all over.

Overcast and cold with light rain. Dull!

Edit:

Good evening,

I have been looking for replacement O42R ,,,O27 profile Lionel remote control switches and it looks like they are going golden since Lionel quiet making them. I have checked a bunch of dealers and most are out of stock and those that are not know they have gold.
I got a heavy bid on E-bay for a pair because I need a right one now and would like to have a left on hand but they look used,,,,,,,crap shoot at best, I all ready have used ones.  Tongue Tied Hate to think I will have to buck up for Ross to replace them$$$$$$$$$$$$$  Surprise

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, January 2, 2017 1:03 PM

Afternoon all.  Raining yesterday off and on.  Last night and today almost constant.  1.68 inches per my weather station.  50 degrees out.  Rain tomorrow.  Maybe a T'storm.  Hope no thunder.  12 days, snohio. Surprise

Where is Buckeye?  Hiding in shame.  Did Ohio State play a football game?  No, they just showed up. Whistling 

Tournament of Roses Parade looked chilly in CA.

Firelock, agree with you on Christmas decorations.  Wifey insists get them down.  All packed and stored here as of this AM.  Outside was done Saturday.

Have a great week.  

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

              

  • Member since
    August 2010
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 8,955 posts
Posted by Firelock76 on Monday, January 2, 2017 8:56 AM

submmbob's post reminded me of something I haven't thought about in a while.

About ten or so years ago I was in an antiques mall in Pottstown PA.  There was a militaria dealer in said mall, and he had a display case of some interesting Navy artefacts.  Well-lit, and central to the display was what World War Two American sailors used to call a "Donald Duck" hat (which they all HATED, by the way), and on the hats base was a ship's name ribbon.

"USS Arizona."

To say the sight of that hat was heart-stopping was putting it mildly.  Turns out the shop's proprietor had an uncle who served on the ship and had been re-assigned several months before the Pearl Harbor attack.  Among the artefacts were other pieces of ship's memorabilia like coffee cups, cruise books, and the like.

All were prominantly marked  "NOT-FOR-SALE."   Good for him!

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,049 posts
Posted by fifedog on Monday, January 2, 2017 7:21 AM

Mornin' boys.  Rain and 42 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  I will probably be "sent" out for breakfast in a while... 

So Wifey and I were talking about the new layout.  I have already purchased the paint for the walls, "Flyway" blue (SW6794), with my 30% off coupon, and hope to apply it this week.  Got to talking about structures, as I've been spending a great deal of time on da bay trying to find the closest buildings to fit my 1911-1913 time frame.  When I was modelling early winter, there rarely was an issue, but try finding Dept 56, Lemax,etc without snow on the roofs...  And it is hard to "blend" the ceramic structures with plastic offerings from the big manufacturers, even Ameri-town.  She suggested that I stop buying plug-and-pay (pun intended), and build my own.   

Then I came across B.T.S. kits, which is based here in WV.  The further I researched, the more products I found would be perfect for the location and time I'm looking at.  My question is, has anyone here attempted to build one of these laser cut kits, and what was your impression? (Realy didn't want to start a thread because the usual "hi-jacking" will occur.)

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • 1,029 posts
Posted by submmbob on Monday, January 2, 2017 6:34 AM

Hello all

Back in AZ and back at work. Trip to CO was good, but way too much travel in too short a time. But this is prob the last time family will be in one place (except for me) for the holidays, so I went ahead and went this year.

CO RR Museum was great. They have a nice collection there. Circle track around the property w/ several operating steam locomotives standard and narrow gauge.

Don - I saw 3 of the 7 D&RG Geese! I really like the #6 which is the flatbed work goose. They are the crazyiest combo of auto and rail. Like something I would work on!:)

Kev - that was prob original post-war dust and to remove it would lessen the value...:)

I think Don's mystery train was the prototype for Lionel's Area 51 set...

Was very sad to hear about Carrie Fisher. In addition to working in a crazy industry she was bi-polar, a product of a Hollywood marriage, and had trouble w/ various substances over an extended period. She managed to deal w/ some of her demons in recent years. As one her of co-actors once said, 'it's not the years, it's the mileage'. A troubled, but talented and forthright individual w/ a great sense of humor. May she rest in peace.

On the way to work today to pick up the truck, I walked by the new USS Arizona memorial on campus and decided to look at the display of medallions representing all 1177 crew members who died. I found Gordon Eddy Moulton, Fireman from CA. He was 19 at the time. I had seen the name before and have no idea if there is any relation. The U did a very nice job w/ this. The flagpole which is lit at night is supposed to be like the foremast of the ship from which the original bell was mounted which now hangs in the student union.

Bob

Tucson, AZ (aka the Ol' Pueblo)

Home of the Mt. Graham & Arizona Eastern Boiler Shops

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Monday, January 2, 2017 12:11 AM

Good evening all,

Did 3 miles in 45:02 today outside.  Not a bad run.  Worked on a Nighthawks puzzle wife got me for Christmas.  1000 pieces.  Ugh.  Only one available.   RT, I echo your sentiments on William Christopher.  CTT did a piece on him years ago about the time he worked for Lionel in the postwar era.   Amazing how people can touch so many other people's lives.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

  • Member since
    August 2010
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 8,955 posts
Posted by Firelock76 on Sunday, January 1, 2017 9:26 PM

Ah, Lady Firestorm and I are traditionalists, the Christmas decorations are staying up until Twelfth Night, or January 6th, when according to Christmas lore the Three Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem to pay their respects.

January 6th is a Friday this year, so it works out well to take the lights n' stuff down Saturday.  And isn't it strange the stuff always comes down a lot faster than it goes up?

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Sunday, January 1, 2017 7:58 PM

Evening all and again Happy New Year!

Had a lazy morning with mimosas, waffles, and bacon. 

As it was unusually warm today (65), I broke out the ladder and took the outside decorations down and stowed them in the attic over the garage. Then the wife joined in and we attacked the indoors. Watched football and packed stuff. Got it all done and stowed in the attic over the house just a few minutes ago. Whew!

I have conceived an effective punishment for those incarcerated. They have to repack artificial Christmas trees into their original packing. And then troubleshoot 100 lights strings of Christmas tree lights. They will either go straight or go mad....

Regards, Roy

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • 1,986 posts
Posted by 8ntruck on Sunday, January 1, 2017 7:43 PM

Happy New Year, all.

My wife and I have been on a Star Wars marathon this weekend.  Watched I and II Friday night, III on Saturday morning, went and saw Rouge One Saturday afternoon, then watched IV and V last night.  Got through VI this afternoon and will finish up with VII tonight.

Added a ground bar to the breaker box.  Driving that 8' ground rod into the ground with a 3 pound hammer was quite a job.

All for now.

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Sunday, January 1, 2017 4:56 PM

Well it is a new year and as with every one, another chance to improve.
 Glad I have some friends here and can get some advice, whether or not I listen,,,well you know.  Smile, Wink & Grin
Hauled and stacked 3 Gator loads of wood from the wood-shed to the front porch before it rains and the temps fall out later in the week. The yard will be a mess so I figured do it now.
I did order up post war axles and wheels to fix the slop jobs Lionel put in those celebration series blue stripe passenger cars and I also bought a ALCO frame and front truck so I can re-build the one I cannibalized to make the powered A- unit for the four-motor set. So, I am tapped out but will be able to keep working the hobby. Yes
V8 what are the clips for??? I bet you can sell them if you wanted to as long as it is not to someone in CA or New Jersey. Tongue Tied

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    August 2010
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 8,955 posts
Posted by Firelock76 on Sunday, January 1, 2017 2:17 PM

V8Vega, I feel your pain, somewhat.  I've got a friend who lives in New Jersey who's M1 Carbine and Ruger Mini-14 GB have taken up residence here in Virginia for the same reason, at least until things take a turn for the better.

But he's not holding his breath.

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 3,584 posts
Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Sunday, January 1, 2017 6:42 AM

Good Morning from foggy 37°F Southern Ohio, 

After Mass watched Clemson whack Ohio State then went to bed.  Two of the kids stayed overnight with friends and the oldest came home after being with friends.  My bride still has the crud.  It acts like it's going into bronchitis maybe she'll go to the doctor.  Nurses make lousy patients. 

Don – When I come across the pictures of the car exchange it brings back fond memories. 

Got to go 

May God bless  

Jim 

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,049 posts
Posted by fifedog on Sunday, January 1, 2017 5:51 AM

Mornin' boys.  Damp and 42 in the Potomac Valley.  Wound up staying in last night, binge watching House of Cards.  Called Mom as is customary.

Happy New Year!

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Sunny So. Cal.
  • 3,784 posts
Posted by dbaker48 on Sunday, January 1, 2017 12:43 AM

Good Evening All !!!  HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!  I've had no problem staying up its already the New Year for you all, and I'm wide awake.  Probably wont go to bed for a couple hours yet.  Went to the movie LA-LA-Land.  It was pretty good dragged in a couple of parts.  But Kay really liked it so that is all that matters.

Been kinda wild out here the past couple of days, Knotts issues with the Sky Cabin, (people stuck for 8 or 9 hours.)  36 car pile up on Interstate 5 near the bottom of the "Grapevine", then tonight the "Grapevine" is closed due to snow storm.

That OHIO car caused havoc when it was here, (06 2009). 

 

Going to see what I can find on TV.  Happy New Year!!

Don (GMT-8)DrinksParadise

 

Don

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: South Carolina
  • 9,713 posts
Posted by rtraincollector on Saturday, December 31, 2016 10:10 PM

May you rest in peace Father Mulcahy You where great actor. 

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

http://rtssite.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