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December COFFEE POT Pancakes and Sausage for all Locked

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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 5:37 AM

Redfire - Thanks Jim.  I did throw it to the left, of course I could be locking it in neutral....?

dbaker - I intended to use sections of the layout as bulkheads in our POD, but ran out of space.  I spent hours trying to trim the Cumberland section down to fit through the basement stairwell.  I also noted that when I released the platforms from their sections of wall framing, they started twisting in a way I knew would be hard to readjust.  I did manage to save the benchwork to the newest section, where the rotary coal dump was.

This is why the new layout is being built in easy to manage modules.  I also had the platform from the bank layout I built, measuring 12'x3' (2 6ft sections).  These 3 "modules", teamed up with our former 4'x6' North Pole layout, have become the corner stones of the new layout.

KRM - Hope the boy rebounds quickly.

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Posted by rtraincollector on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 12:34 AM

Don theres a increase in your V.A. disability check also. ( with what you say as benifits you get I'm guessing you get that too.) 

Morning all. Just woke up. So figured i'd come see whats on the putor. 

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

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Posted by dbaker48 on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 10:23 PM

Good Evening,

Obviously, the major story here is the fires.  The local stations have all had fire coverage all day long.  This will end up being one of the worst fire experiences in history.  No estimates on number of homes lost but it will be in the hundreds, for sure.  Currently the largest fire is just north of Ventura and headed toward the ocean.  Given the wind conditions no doubt it will end up crossing thee 101, and burn itself out at the ocean.  Biggest issue has been the winds carrying embers long distances and starting new startups.  Some have described the embers as big as basketball or a square foot in size.  Scarey!  The 3 other fires are much further east and one as far away as San Bernadino.  Smoke is horrible in most places, but not getting to us yet.  The expectation is this could continue until Friday, when the winds are expected to die down.  Bad, bad situation.

Over the past weekend I went to Vegas and Chris and I went apartment looking.  We checked out somewhere around 14-16 places.  He wants a two bedroom place for the additional space.  As it turns out it is not that more expensive, maybe a $100/month.  I can't believe how many apartments there are, over there.  And they sure are a bit different than the apartments I remember.  These are really luxurious, most of them are 3yrs old or newer.  We didn't pull the trigger on one, probably early January.

I was able to get back to my wiring project, and got another section of the layout wired.  More work on it tomorrow.

Rob, I don't know that frequency range, but none of them buy it. Confused

Kev, Prayers for your family, glad to hear Grandson is doing well.

Ray, Hope the tooth issue worked out.

Roy, Need to give George a nudge on the El Camino.

Banks, Congrats on the Grandaughters competition.  That's a good looking Christmas Tree.

Doug, Peanut Butter hamburger?  Have you had a Mac&Cheese hamburger?

Bruce, That is a huge layout!  I love the large engines, (I have 2) but the space they require can be a real pain.

Anjdevil, Man did you make a score!  That's a lot of stuff.

Jim, Congrats on the new car!

Dennis, Glad you're feeling better.  Which canyon is your house in?  We havn't had much wind down here, maybe a couple 20mph gusts, but that's it.  Will be glad when the Santa Ana's are over.

SJ, I forgot there was going to be a SS increase, hope I get a notice soon.

Fife, I can't imagine you moved and LEFT that layout behind!  It is AWSOME!  Bring a copy of the link over here.

Rob, Heck I'm wearing flip-flops out here everyday, don't need no sandals.

Hope everyone has a great day, and Stay Healthy.

Don

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Posted by cheapclassics on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 9:01 PM

Good evening all,

Monday work was ok.  Today was busy.  Weather dropped in temp from Monday to Tuesday.  Got MR and Trains Monday.  Both good issues.  Got the Marx board down Monday so I can run them under the regular O gauge table.  i hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by RedfireS197 on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 7:54 PM

fifedog

Evenin' boys.  Rain and 47 in the Potomac Highlands.  I've been working on the railroad; mine, that is.  More benchwork up today, hopefully finish the superstructure tomorrrow.  Took the daughters and fiance' to Italian restaurant in Keyser.  I was feeling like Garfield.

Phish - Lights.  Smokes.  E-unit hums.  E-unt clicks when activated.  No movement.  Not sure what position the lever under the tender is supposed to be in.

On the Christmas layout thread, I put on a 15 minute video of the old layout, that my sister prepared for me.

 

Fife,

It should be towards the left side of the tender.

Jim

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 6:01 PM

Evenin' boys.  Rain and 47 in the Potomac Highlands.  I've been working on the railroad; mine, that is.  More benchwork up today, hopefully finish the superstructure tomorrrow.  Took the daughters and fiance' to Italian restaurant in Keyser.  I was feeling like Garfield.

Phish - Lights.  Smokes.  E-unit hums.  E-unt clicks when activated.  No movement.  Not sure what position the lever under the tender is supposed to be in.

On the Christmas layout thread, I put on a 15 minute video of the old layout, that my sister prepared for me.

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Posted by Plate Rail on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 2:37 PM

Hi all,

Windy and warm again but the wind will eventually bring the cold.  Brought in the brass monkeys.

Rob,  It's all about the journey, but I must admit there's a feeling of uneasiness when the mainline is interupted by construction.  As long as I stay commited the layout is back up and running within a day or 2.

Roy,  Sweeping curves abound on the layout.  Only a few stretches are truly straight and all exposed curves have easements and super-elevations.

Bruce

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 11:01 AM

31 heading to 45, the nice temps are already falling. Slept okay considering Jordan was in bed with me. He squirms like a worm in bed.

A trip to Walmart for meds and put up the tree today. Then deliver the kid home around 1:00

 

SJ, thank the kids in DC for that and they are just starting. We will be better off dead and that is how they would like it. Angry Guess we get what asked for. Zip it!

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by sir james I on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 10:43 AM

Windy, temps dropping.

Banks how did you get that tree into the house?...Smile

Got 2018 S.S. notice today. Medicare took all of our 2% COLA.

S.J.

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

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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 8:54 AM

 

Good Morning from a wet 58°F Southern Ohio,

 

What happened to November?!!!  After a crazy busy week at work, had an equally crazy busy weekend at home, most of the time decorating for Christmas.  I think I’m done on the outside except for a couple of sets on a tree out front.  Three new sets had a dead section out of the box so I could not finish them last night. 

 

My bride saw a picture of a mantle she liked on a stone fireplace much like ours so the plans I made are out and the new plan is in.  OK with me because the one she wants is more “rustic” and should be easier to build, hence more feasible to have completed by Christmas.  I have a beam I salvaged years ago and it should do the job.

 

Over the weekend we bought a new car.  Bride has been hinting for a new van.  We went with a 2017 Toyota Sienna, built in Indiana.   Nice car, got a good deal and all the kids fit.  When I was at Lowes the other day I bought two big red ribbons, one for my garage and one for her van!

 

Rob – I also worked at a lumber yard years ago and I agree with you.  It would amaze me what some folks tried to haul in their vehicles. 

 

Fife – Does the 303 even nudge like it may be binding?  Otherwise maybe solder connections?

 

Banks – I’d love to be able to get to daily Mass

 

Don & Roy – I love those El Caminos!

 

May God bless

 

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 8:50 AM

Morning all!

Front hit last night about 10. 50 right now and breezy. 55 high today. Not too bad but cloudy, so a little gloomy.

Got a couple of coats of polyurethane on my toolbox plywood tops. Looks good. Started moving tools while the urethane was drying. Was able to switch some stuff around in the garage to start the reorg.

PlateR - wow, some layout in process there! I like the sweeping curves!

DougM - bundle up!

Banks - great tree, when do you move it into the house?

Kev - Thumbs Up

Rob - sandals in the Great White North in Dec Thumbs Up

 

Regards, Roy

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Posted by cnw1995 on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 8:15 AM

Aloha. What a difference a day makes! Felt like 60 yesterday and 20 today. With ferocious winds. It'll be a real test for the new TV antenna on the roof. That layout is looking good! So is that tree, Banks!

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

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Posted by Banks on Monday, December 4, 2017 8:05 PM

Hello there,

Last warm day. Friend from church came and spent 2 hours helping put the lights on this tree. 32 foot extension ladder just reaches the top.

tree

Shooting to finish the outside stuff this week. Tuckered out. Off to bed.

 

Prayers for those in need

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

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Posted by robmcc on Monday, December 4, 2017 5:57 PM

Hi All,

Low 50's here today.  It was beautiful out yesterday, low 60's. I wore sandals (without socks, I'm still too "young" for that look!) to church and my mother said
"Why sandals?" I said because it's December 3rd and I still can! It looks to start dropping mid week though.

Kev- Thanks for the video. I did remember your Alaska ALCO project from last year. I just couldn't remember what all you had in your Alaska collection. I'll probably get my dad a couple of Menards cars for Christmas.  Also, I had to laugh at your pick-up truck comment to Roy. I know when working at Home Depot, it would never cease to amaze me how many people would pull up with an Explorer or an Avalanche, etc. and wonder why they couldn't get a sheet of plywood to fit. Better yet, were the ones with the Honda Civics..... No problem getting a 4x8 sheet in my Caravan though!! Smile

Bruce - The track/bench work is looking good! Too bad that part wouldn't get done at supersonic speed!

DougM- Mmmm... What doesn't bacon go with?

Have a good one.

Rob

 

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Monday, December 4, 2017 1:33 PM

Happy Monday

National Lionel Train day at Trains and Things in Ewing, NJ netted be an order of the 3rd Train Day car, and for $25 I got a 1665 switcher in good shape, Z stuff for trains crossing gate and signal, Christmas Pine steam fluid and a baggy full of Dept. 56 trees.  Very Satisfied.

 

I did not get the Williams Blue Comet, I'll wait for my pre ordered LionChief Blue Comet as this is more protypical with the correct number and paint, but that Williams, it did impress me.

Tree is up as of 830 last night, got it for $50 at my fire dept.  Looks good so far.

50F on the banks of the Delaware and Raritan canal.  Was a warm nap in the car for lunch....

 

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 Plate Rail on Monday, December 4, 2017 11:20 AM

G-day all.

The term "time flies" is understandable when young.  At what age did it become supersonic?

My buddy got home late last week from his cardiac arrest ordeal.  they installed a pace maker/ defibulator to hopefully prevent another incident.  Told him to get the extended warantee.

Another section of layout is in the reworking stages.  The usage of 072 minimums  in "S" curve configurations caused issues with big motive power.  Repostioning the roadbed and consequently widening the curves has so far been a success.  One line left to lay and then on to adding catenary.

Foggy mornings are taking till noon to lift..we might see some sun later on.  Sure beats the 4 letter S word.

Bruce

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Posted by KRM on Monday, December 4, 2017 9:23 AM

Lots of wind but warm, Going to the Ritchie auction site to walk the place today at noon. Last day of warm but winds up to 50 MPH are bad.

 Roy, Glad to hear you won't be locked up for lack of a pick-up truck. Wink

Poor grand-son,  Jordan has Black and blue personal sacks from his surgery.... Surprise

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by cnw1995 on Monday, December 4, 2017 9:22 AM

Aloha. Like Kev said, it is a beauty of a warm day - probably the last such day of the year -- almost 60 so far. (Tomorrow's high is thirty degrees cooler). Prayers for your g'son and SiL, Kev. Doug, that Prado celebration looks fun! Roy, I second the use of Zinc... I had a nice weekend - saw It's a Wonderful Life as a radio play at a local theatre - tried a peanut-butter-and-bacon hamburger too which was great! -- it looks like a busy week

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

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Posted by Banks on Monday, December 4, 2017 9:08 AM

Hello there,

Busy weekend. Grandaughters twirling competition Saturday. They won 1st place. Finished the day hunting. Spent a little more time walking. Found the reason I've not been seeing deer. They aren't there. Very little sign. Probably going to move to BIL's place (Mrs' homestead) Hunted there a lot before son bought his place.

Sunday some Christmas prep and son and I repaired 2 bad places on the porch roof. As I remember the tin was old when I was little. Well over 60 years old. Gonna have to do the whole place in the next few years.

Weather guessers say the warm weather will end today. Friend from church coming this PM to help me do big tree

Just remembered Farm Report. Son put 8 ton of shelled corn on storage at the mill. Price clear down near $3 (less than break even) bushel so he's going to try and sell for deer corn.

Roy.....forgot you have ElCamino. Hope you get it going soon.

Best move on

 

Prayers for those in need

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Monday, December 4, 2017 9:01 AM

Morning team!

66 this morning, cloudy, maybe some showers, and might hit 80 today. The big front hits tonight late with possible T-storms.

Ray - good luck with the tooth!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, December 4, 2017 8:43 AM

Morning.  Was frosty but warming fast.  Going to 60.  Errands today.  County Commissioners later this afternoon.

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 wrmcclellan on Sunday, December 3, 2017 9:39 PM

Kev - to allay your concern, I own 2 p/u's, but one is not running (84 El Camino, at a shop for repair, but it has been there for 6 months, it's a favor and a long story - in short, the AIR pump blew a gasket and fried the pass side wiring harness) and the other (01 GMC 1500 with rear seat and wing doors) is not here presently. Thus the Tahoe. I am covered on p/u's per state law!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by cheapclassics on Sunday, December 3, 2017 8:53 PM

Good evening all,

Another good day.  Weather warm.  Spent time outside knocking down honeysuckle starts.  They are the only green left so they are easy to identify.   Also replaced LED bulb that was flickering with old incandescent that works with that socket.  Not as bright but it works.  Tree is decorated and Christmas letter written.  Brought down some old buildings mostly for HO but some for O gauge layout.  Cleaned off Marx layout train board, but too tired to bring it down.  Lots of activity today.  Have to go to work to rest tomorrow.  One more warm day and then the bottom falls out.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by SPMan on Sunday, December 3, 2017 7:55 PM

Went to TTOS Christmas meet today and Dixieland Jazz club this afternoon.  My tooth ache go much worse.  Had to go home early.  Taking pain meds now but still hurts.  Have a dentist appointment on Tuesday but I need to see him tomorrow if possible.  It is an anchor tooth for a partial so could be expensive.

Ray

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Sunday, December 3, 2017 6:22 PM

Good evening,

Roy, you need a pick-up truck. You live in Texas for God's sake. Laugh I thought it was the law there that if your a guy you have to have a pick-up truck. Wink

 I have two cheap Craftsman toolboxes I got in 1980, they were bottom of the line then but are still doing the job, I also have my dad's Craftsman toolbox he used at work and I have no idea how old it is but it is great, a MAC box and a large Snap-On tool chest on wheels that was about 3K new empty. It had a dent in the side so I got it for $2,100. Over rated? Yes, nice, you bet!

Weather here was great today, we hit 64, with low wind and lots of sun but it is about to end.

So I did do some stuff today but not much, been kind of under the weather for the last three or four days. Got to deal with Grand-son Jordan Tuesday, he will show up tomorrow night so I am holding off installing the Ranger brake pads and some other work till he is here. He will like being mini mechanic with me. We will also put up the Christmas tree and hang out and run trains in the basement.

 I got to keep him at a low key because of the need for healing from the operation Friday he had.

Be good.

 Other than that the weather of December will show up on Tuesday night.

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Sunday, December 3, 2017 6:03 PM

Evening all!

Warm one today. 70 right now. Squeeters are out. Amazing how fast they can appear.

Warm tomorrow and then the big one tomorrow evening.

Went to Lowes and got a nice sheet of AC 3/4 in plywood. Surprised,only $29, no warping (rare). With all the reconstruction down south in Houston and S Texess, the cost of building materials usually peaks pretty badly. Had them do two cuts so I could get it into the Tahoe. Did the finish cutting at the house. Made nice plywood tops for my 3 new roller tool boxes. Got them a coat of sealer and tomorrow a coat of clear polyurethane. 

Got the outdoor lights up and we finished the indoor tree and stuff last night. SWMBO is pleased!

Dougnotta - glad you made it through the Prado event!

Chief - how's the arm after the parade?

Regards, Roy

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Posted by dougdagrump on Sunday, December 3, 2017 3:11 PM

Good afternoon all !

The Betterhalf and I are declaring today to be a full veg out day. Zzz Between her Rady's Children's Hospital fundraiser and my Christmas on the Prado we both were running from 6am til we got home about 10:30 last night. Aside from both of us being exhausted both events were very successful  but most importantly lots of fun and enjoyable. Already looking forward to next year !  Thumbs Up

Back to the couch for more veg-out time.

Later all.

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Sunday, December 3, 2017 9:47 AM

Morning. Sunny and warmer. Christmas parade today. Got my wave down pat.

Have a great week ahead.

 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 cheapclassics on Sunday, December 3, 2017 12:14 AM

Good evening all,

A good day.  Got tree downstairs (more of an undertaking than one might think), and mulched leaves for the last time.  Weather was nice.  WIfe and I did some running around downtown and went to Mass, much shorter than last week's marathon....   Watched an excellent "footie" contest between Man U and Arsenal with Man U winning 3-1.  Cleaned out another box of stuff.   I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Saturday, December 2, 2017 12:09 PM

Good afternoon, Another nice one on the North Bluff,

 Thanks guys for the well wishes. Grand-son Jordan is doing good.

 Temps here will be above normal till next week 64 on Monday then mid week the bottom will fall out with a high of only 26 on Thursday and 15 at night. Ho ho ho!

 

robmcc

 Kev -   After my folks did the Alaska RR this summer, my dad is looking to add some Alaska stock to his layout. I may pick your brain in the future for your two cents.

Rob, I don't know if you saw this video of the Alaska RR train I made last year. I painted Lionel ALCOs in Alaska colors and used Menards, RMT and lionel cars. One has railsounds the other lionel box car I did a repaint to.

Both ALCOs are powered and run off one e-unit in the front engine.

Hope this helps.

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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