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

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Posted by 8ntruck on Monday, January 9, 2017 11:08 PM

Last week was cold - single digits at night, and maybe low 20's during the day.  Springtime again today - high of about 50.

Those cold temperatures are bothering me more this year than in years past.  Not sure why.

The local high school's robotic team season started Saturday.  We got this year's game manual and are starting to brainstorm the robot for this year.  Will be mentoring during the build for the next six weeks.

Got to finish up a progress report for the freight office project at the KATY depot for one of the grants that we have applied for.

And, just for grins, I'm in the middle of a bathroom remodel here at home.

Won't lack for anything to do for a while.

The Great Lakes Express set got here the middle of last week.  It is a 1990 service station outfit that is pulled by a 2-6-4, has a combo car, two coaches, and an observation car.  It is brand new, never been on the track - all of the original packaging is still in place on the bottom of the cars.  Won't be there for long though - I'm going to run the thing.  Suprisingly, it has smoke, but no whistle.  The selling point for me was that one of the coaches is named Lansing, my home town.

Prayers for healing.

All for now.

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 6:00 AM

Mornin' boys.  Snohizo and 21 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  Might take a ride up to folks to chop some wood for them.  Thanks for the continued prayers everyone.

8ntruck - My aunt was a teacher in Lansing, and her husband was a Lutheran Pastor there as well.

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Posted by Banks on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 7:27 AM

Hello there from a snowy central PA

Quick check in.

Did I mention the funeral procession for the fallen State Trooper was still passing thru Newry(where I live) when the beginning of it reached the cemetary in Martinsburg, a little over 9 miles away!!!

fifedog

Banks - It's embarrassingly close.  The trouble is the access panel (ceiling mounted) closest to the fireplace was designed with tall slender types in mind...  But if you'd like to tackle it in the near future, I'm in no hurry. Wink

Fife...I'm any thing but tall and slender(see below)Perhaps we could have one of the princesses do it with guidance from us. Thats how I learned to fish wire.

 

York Photo

Best move on

 

Prayers for those in need

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

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Posted by lion88roar on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 8:10 AM

Mornin' Fellas

So much to say, but would end up being banned. Sick and Tired of reading/hearing about police officers being shot. The media in this country is a complete and total mess.

Banks - I'm a bit taller, but not much less 'rotund' as you. LOL. Not sure how much of a 'squeeze' this project is, but maybe a 'trip' is in order? I need to get out to Deep Creek soon, or maybe when the snow breaks?

So the saga with the refridgerator in my rental continues. If Sears would just hire delivery people and service techs that would actually trouble shoot a situation we wouldn't be where we are today. Seems the second fridge they delivered in October WOULD fit the opening IF their manufacturing plant hadn't put too much insulation around the freezer! Now the case is bulging over 3/8 of an inch on BOTH sides causing the fridge not to slide into place. Since it wouldn't go in easy, they forced it in and there now a nice profile of the upper cabinet crushed into the side. Called 10 people yesterday till I finally got an english speaking gentleman on the phone and when I explained it to him he was PISSED. I couldn't help but think I was speaking with one of you guys! LOL. His comments on our latest generations weren't very flattering... hope that wasn't a call they recorded for training purposes!

Banks - that is one of my favorite forum meeting pics! Too bad I couldn't make it. Love the look on Mitch's face! Wonder if HudsonJohn is goosing him! LOL!!!

https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 10:06 AM

Morning, slept in, Why not?  43, rain, heading to almost 50. A heat wave over the last few weeks.

Got two switchs yesterday from the Bay and both have issues. Bang Head

This sucks for both of us, me and the seller.
You know e-bay should not allow someone to put not tested in their add then tell you "oh I am sorry".  If you can't test it and be sure it works then they should force them to sell them as Parts or Repair. JMHO. and a good one.

So I can get the right switch to work but it falls short on closing all the way swinging to straight, plunger is not pushing far enough. The other left hand, will switch off auto derail but not off the remote posts. Must be a wire issue. They are riveted together so I would need to drill them out to see what is wrong. If I have to pay shipping again then I am out half the cost of the total order. So I may as well just make a project out of the darn things and right it off as a lesson learned. Bang Head Bang Head SoapBox

Any of you had Lionel O27 modern switches apart?

 

 

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by sir james I on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 10:29 AM

Kev anytime I see not tested to me it means doesn't work.

Snow overnight, 40s for the next few days.

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
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Posted by KRM on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 11:18 AM

It is a problem with E-bay policy if you ask me.

 

Here is some pictures of what was wrong with the switch I had.

 I got the right hand to work and adjusted it. So I replaced the worn out one with it and it is way better.

 

Bad switch point.

A good one.

 

 

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 2:56 PM

 

Afternoon All from windy 50°F Southern Ohio,

 

It is to start raining this evening and be heavy with the wind gusts. 

 

I’ve bought “not tested” on Ebay but the statement does lower what I’ll spend.

 

Banks – That is a great picture.  It would be great if someone would put names real and forum names to it.

 

May God bless,

 

Jim

 

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 4:23 PM

Over the weekend our grandson wanted to play with this on the layout. I had to say no. But I told him he could use it on the cat. Boy did the cat go nuts. Thought about RT's cats.  Laugh Can’t think of what it would do to the scenery on the table.  Surprise

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by Ole Timer on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 5:46 PM

cleaned and lubed the 1932  lionel and cars today. Waiting on that local online lionel auction to end tomorrow evening.  Ugly outside ... 4 doctor appointments at the v a med center tomorrow ... oh my will  it ever end ..... Crying

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Posted by Ole Timer on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 5:50 PM

Kev ... untested on ebay means  buyer beware ... buy at your own risk ......   Zip it!

       LIFETIME MEMBER === DAV === DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS STEAM ENGINES RULE ++++ CAB FORWARDS and SHAYS
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Posted by Banks on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 9:14 PM

york

 

back row from left AF Ray, Roy, Hudson John, Laz and Jeffelectric

Middle row  mitchelr, CTT staffer Carl Swanson and Buckeye

Down in front Banks and Fife

This is from the Oct'14 York Meet. Posted originally Oct 19 of 14

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 9:37 PM

Evening all!

Think it hit high 70's today. Haven't seen the news yet. Supposed to be the same tomorrow.

Still fighting the email server issue. Spent time with online help to no avail. Sent some screen shots to them. Maybe they'll think of something tomorrow.

Fixed some std ga motors today.

Banks - great photo. Hope to be there in the spring!

Tired. Calling it.

Regards, Roy

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Posted by cheapclassics on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 10:22 PM

Good evening all,

Good day at work.  Went to see "Sing" tonight.  Good movie.  Warmer day for a walk.  Gave up on puzzle last night.  Pieces not fitting.  I think 2 sets got mixed up.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 6:19 AM

Its BLACK ICE Wednesday!!!  Whoo-hoo!!! We are piling them up on the freeways this morning.  Blindfold

 

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..

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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 6:31 AM

Mornin' boys.  Clear and a balmy 34 along the Patterson Creek cut-off, and schools on 2 hour delay (overnight re-freeze).  S'posed to rain after noon.  Didn't get up to folks, as was pretty spent after clearing snow off fifedom.  In a related note, their town's mayor was caught with his hand in the cookie jar, and was indicted along with the former town manager.  This headline is a frequent one here in WV...

That picture reminds me; dump stock in NutriSystem...

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Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 8:41 AM

Just checking in.

Monday night snow has melted, 40 degrees with howling winds and rain erased it all. No train news till the weekend.

S.J.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 8:58 AM

Morning.  Sunny [guesers said rain sprinkles???] and 47 degrees.  Temps rising fast.  Snow is almost a goner.

Hope all are well.  Errands today.

Have a good one.

 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 KRM on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 9:36 AM

Good morning.

It has quieted down outside and there is almost no wind. Sent it to SJ.  A 35' dead ash fell across the yard and just missed the house sometime last night so I got to clean that up.

It is 31 and heading to 45 so it may be too sloppy to do it today.

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by Banks on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 12:42 PM

fifedog

That picture reminds me; dump stock in NutriSystem...

 

Never noticed. ....the skinny guys are out numbered and hidden in back

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 4:40 PM

Banks

 

 
fifedog

That picture reminds me; dump stock in NutriSystem...

 

 

Never noticed. ....the skinny guys are out numbered and hidden in back
 

What skinny guys???   Laugh

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 7:38 PM

KRM
 
Banks
fifedog

That picture reminds me; dump stock in NutriSystem...

Never noticed. ....the skinny guys are out numbered and hidden in back 

What skinny guys???   Laugh

Hey! I take offense to that remark! Cool

High 70's today and some areas hit low 80's. High 70's tomorrow. Rain predicted this weekend.

Spent afternoon cleaning up my work room in the back of the house. Big mess from completed and in-progress train projects. 

No progress on the email issue. Response from help guy suggested something I already did and had sent him a screen shot of...ugh!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by KRM on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 7:54 PM

Funny Roy but I can't see you!!  Wink

 I was a 5'10" 126 LB wire kid when I hired into Cat in 1973 at 20 years old. Now I am a fat and happy 186 LB and 5' 9" 64 year old. ??? I felt best at 160 LB

I spent most of my life trying to gain weight. Smile, Wink & Grin  Now I would like to get rid of 20 LB. Laugh

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by cheapclassics on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 10:46 PM

Good evening all,

Kevin, your story is similar to mine.  Weighed 120 end of high school.  Now a good day is when I am less than 240.  Horrible long day.  Left twice from home, second time at 7:40, got back home at 6:40.  Slept all evening.  Going to bed now.  Problems all day at work.  Supposed to be junk tomorrow.  May take Friday off to avoid repeat of today.  A day to forget.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by SPMan on Thursday, January 12, 2017 12:24 AM

Good evening all,  I have been out of action since Monday night.  Came down with some kind of gastric upset.  Been running at both ends for a couple of days.  Was up most of the night on Monday night, slept all day Tuesday and nothing to eat, just a little water, tried a little food today but still can't find the right combination.  Almost went to the ER last night but I was just there a couple of weeks ago for a different problem.  Hope for a better day tomorrow.  Haven't been able to visit my wife since Monday.  Later,

Ray

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

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Posted by lion88roar on Thursday, January 12, 2017 8:12 AM

Banks

 

 
fifedog

That picture reminds me; dump stock in NutriSystem...

 

 

Never noticed. ....the skinny guys are out numbered and hidden in back
 



They don't want to be commandiered into projects requiring tall skinny guys! LOL!

Finally got the flooring install scheduled. They'll be here Tuesday. Man I can't wait! Not only to see the finished product, but so I can get the house back in order. Still have to finish painting the baseboards and pillars between the living and dinning rooms. Almost done with the dinning room (and also painted the chair rail in the dinning room). Hope to have the painting done Sunday so I can take the paint back to TheQ's Father's so I can continue painting the trim (he got all new windows, doors, soffit, facia, gutters, and roof so I have to paint the new trim indoors).

Still no progress on the layout deconstruction......

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Posted by dbaker48 on Thursday, January 12, 2017 11:53 AM

Hey guys,

Still hanging in there.  Can't believe all the rain, its fantastic!  (Here anyway.)  Just wish we were getting more benefit from it as nature planned it, it all just runs off to the ocean.  Especially down the flood channel outside of our back yard!

SPRay, Sure hope your issues clear up soon!  Know its got to be miserable especially when your alone.  Prayers my friend!

Hope everyone else having issues sees relief as well

MIL came home from hospital on Monday evening, Kay stayed at their house Monday night as well, in case they needed assistance.  And ended up staying Tuesday as well, in case her Dad had any issues, cause MIL couldn't tend to him.  So she's been there over a week, watching over both of them.  FIL had an appointment at VA on Wednesday, just as they were getting ready to leave for VA, he felt real dizzy and lightheaded.  So Paramedics were called, and he was taken to hospital.  Paramedics could NOT take him to VA Emerg, so he was at a small hosp which does not have  a very good reputation.  After he was stabilized we transferred him to the VA.  Stayed there until midnight and he was admitted.  Needed to get MIL back home so she could rest, and I took Kay and her home.  So Kay is still at there house so MIL is not alone, as she is pretty shook up re FIL.  So not sure which way this is all going, but you gotta do, what you gotta do. 

In the mean time, the Chicago layout not going real well.  It was all operating great when it left here, but now both DCS TIU's have lost the Variable Outputs!  So made arrangements to have them repaired by GGG, and in the interium purchased a new one, which will be installed on Friday.  (Fortunately, Joe was able to get the layout functioning in conventional, so the family is happy.)  Then Larry (the customers guy, who is not all that familiar with layouts, determined that a number of the switch motors are not working.  (Joe, the guy I hired is not familiar with Ross switches.)  So I contacted Dennis of Z-Stuff, and he is meeting up with Joe on Friday to resolve those issues.  Fortunately, Z-Stuff is only about 20 minutes away from where layout is.  (Larry, is absent from the scene for two weeks as he has to go to Jersey to fix a layout that he built but didn't test before delivery just before Christmas.)  So dependant upon what Dennis and Joe determine Friday, I may need to go back there next week and try to resolve the any remaining issues.  Want to have it done BEFORE Larry gets back.

So all in all, life goes on.  But it all seems under control.  Biggest concern is that Kay isn't getting overwhelmed, but she seems to be holding together.

Take Care ALL and Stay Healthy!

Don

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Thursday, January 12, 2017 1:31 PM

Good afternoon,

 Ray, prayers for all you are dealing with, you to Don,

 The weather is not looking better anytime soon. Woke up to a ice feild for a yard and the tree was still down in the yard from the high winds two days ago. So I  cleaned up that tree fall after we had Brunch. 1 Gator load of no need to split 4" to 6" logs. 1 oversized load of over 6" that I had to split and 3 loads of trash under 3" on the burn pile. It is sure hard to try to light ice covered wood. Laugh

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by phillyreading on Thursday, January 12, 2017 4:40 PM

Guten Abend or Good Evening,

Warm again up to the high 70's during the day might get to 80 again in a day or two. 

Sorry to hear that a lot of people or relatives on here have health issues. Some of my health issues(back problems) started almost 30 years ago when I worked at Sears Tire & Auto center in south Miami FL.

Working on my H.O. train table in the rec room. Installed the 2 by 4's on the wall for the drop down sheet of plywood and painted them.

Had to go to Ft. Lauderdale today to see about cabinets I ordered for the back bathroom. Could not get anbody on the phone or contact anybody by email so I drove. Was told the cabinets are still in transit.

Lee Fritz

Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.
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Posted by wrmcclellan on Thursday, January 12, 2017 6:37 PM

78 today with temps dropping to 48 tonight. Still predicting rain for the weekend.

Got the email working but it was a less than satisfactory solution but I can live with it. Allows me to cut the separate cable (vs new ATT Uverse) and save $60 per month.

88 - you be "busy" - and holding a real job too!

Ray - take care of yourself! Prayers for you and the missus!

Don - ouch! Hang in there! 

KEV - good thing I wasn't standing sideways...

Regards, Roy

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