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COFFEE POT for February 2018. Sharing the LOVE of toy trains. Fresh croissants and yummy hot cocoa served in bed. Locked

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Posted by dbaker48 on Monday, February 19, 2018 11:23 AM

Good Morning,

Everything great here!  Kay and I took a trip to Vegas to get a tour of the mine Chris works at.  Extremely interesting, the mine is actually in CA., about 60 miles SW of Vegas.  It is an open pit mine, and they mine "Rare Earth Minerals", only 2 in the world, here and in China.  This mine has the highest grade of ore.  The mine was originally opened in the 50's, and has had many ownership changes since.

Chris is still living in various hotels 4 days a week, and drives back here on the weekends.  While we were there we stayed at the Plaza Hotel, downtown Vegas, right at Freemont Street.  For those not familiar, Freemont is a non-traffic street that has various sidewalk vendors and entertainment stages, about 3/4 of a mile long.  The street is lined by Casinos & Hotels.  And has always been a fun place to go, and "family friendly" for years.  NOT the case anymore it is really "slutty"  many women of ALL ages performing wearing pasties and bikinni bottoms.  Then even men wearing thongs, or pouches only.  I WAS APPALLED!  Actually was embarrassed for unsuspecting families.

We also visited the "MOB Museum.  It is relativily new, and very well done!  Its located in the former Vegas court house, a 4 story building.  Really great! There was even a whole room with photos and memorbilia from Roseyville.  Included local political figures and historicaly significant events.  Interesting!

 

Got home Friday, and one of Kays friend has been asking if we would want a portable generator, (already have one), they want to get rid of.  It is free, and 5,550 watts.  Wish I knew someone that has a farm or something, would give it to them.

Chris made it back here Friday night, but spent Saturday, Sunday, and today working at the Academy Awards.  He is driving back tonight.

Well looks like the weather has broken somewhat, suppose to be windy and cool, high today 60, tonight low 40's.

We purchased the 4 ft LED lights about 6 months ago.  Been waiting for the florescent to go out.  Installed the LED lights this weekend, WOW talk about turning on the light, super bright.

Take Care All, and have a great day. 

Don

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Posted by KRM on Monday, February 19, 2018 12:50 PM

Don what is the name of the mine your son works at?

 At Aurora IL. Cat we built wheel loaders used in LARGE mines. 988s  992s and 994s Cat's largest open pit mine wheel loader machines. They built the trucks in Decatur IL.

 I worked on wheel loaders for more than 22 years, and ran the 988 test cell for more than 3 years. Would think they would have something in that mine I worked on.

https://s7d2.scene7.com/is/content/Caterpillar/C752253

 

 

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Monday, February 19, 2018 5:44 PM

Evening all,

75 right now. Cloudy and damp - light rain on and off. Front tomorrow night will take us to low 40's for a high Wed.

Ray - luckily we get good oysters here from the Gulf. 

Dennis - glad your retirement financials worked well. I think retirement for our children is going to be a huge challenge.

Don - that was a cool trip to the mine! 

OK - this is crazy - a Russian curler is suspected of doping? What dummy uses steroids for curling???? Did it help him/her drink more beer after the match??

Regards, Roy

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Posted by KRM on Monday, February 19, 2018 6:43 PM

Good evening,

Well we took the kids home around 3:00 and WOW the fog is bad out in the country side. Lots of thick cold snow with 56 degree air blowing over the top makes for a mess out in the open of the rural areas. In town you would not have a clue there was anything going on.

 

Boy those two kids together are a handful,,, apart they are easy. Sibling stuff I guess. Anyhow we lived through it. Going to do the rest of the leftover Moose shrimp and appetizers for dinner. We had burgers and fries for a late lunch so that will hit the spot.  

Be good!

 

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by cheapclassics on Monday, February 19, 2018 8:37 PM

Good evening all,

Semi quiet day at work.  Was miserable walking outside today even though it was warm.  Just rainy and windy enough to make me cut the walk short.  Ugh.  Wife and I did another puzzle tonight.  Have got it down to a system now and can do 300 pieces in about 2 hours.  I still do taxes on paper.  Call me old school, but do not trust the bits and bytes when it comes to my refund.  Been in IT long enough to know what can go wrong......Funn thing is that federal only takes 3 pieces of paper while the state takes a bunch.   Go figure.   LED lights are really nice and really light up the place.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

 

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Posted by Banks on Monday, February 19, 2018 8:45 PM

Hello there,

Had a lazy weekend. Saturday ran some errands and plowed snow. We got about 5" of heavy wet stuff. Most of it was gone by the end of the day Sunday. Sunday afternoon was a get together for Mom's 97th Birthday.

birthday

 

Today I spent a few hours welding together a weight rack for BIL's tractor.

Phish..........Nope not a member of the Kof C.Presently have too many irons in the fire. Maybe as retirement settles in I'll reconsider

Off to bed soon

 

Prayers for those in need

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

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Posted by dbaker48 on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 12:12 AM

Kev,

Chris works at the former MolyCorp mine, it is under new ownership MP Materials.

 

 

 

More info is at their website, MolyCorp Mine, or Google search.

 

Don

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 8:20 AM

Morning all!

66 and raining on and off.

Don - neat! Did you get a tour of the pit?

Banks - congrats on your mom's bday!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 9:29 AM

Foggy and 61 degrees out.  Not as busy today as yesterday. 

Don, looks like our rock quarries.  Exception, our walls are rock.  Water pumped out until they hit an underground river.  That is what happened to the Rolesville quarry.  Couldn't pump water out fast enough.  Some equipment left and at the bottom.

Banks, good looking group of folks. 

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       

              

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 9:41 AM

Melting here,

What is with this site putting in these small fonts when you paste? Tired of having to re-set the font so you guys will have to squint to read this. Smile, Wink & Grin

Don That is neat about that mine how it was closed and now re-opened because of China taxing REEs. I bet there is something there I helped build for sure.

Banks. Yes

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 1:52 PM

Quick Check in here outside of Philly......

68F right now with bright sun.  Depending on the fuel situation, maybe time to drive the roadrunner to work to get it out of it's mid-winter slumber.  Top down and crusin'

Trying to make plans for the summer, have a 50th anniversary show in Carlisle for the 1968 roadrunner....room is ready and I put in for my credentials.  2019 the car will be 50 years old on the 19th of August....

Will try to get some bike time in tonight but we will see.....

Back to the mayhem....

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 sir james I on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 4:18 PM

Rain lots of rain and 61 degrees in February.....

S.J.

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

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 5:43 PM

Evenin' boys.  Sunny & eeeeiiiiiggghhhhty-twooooo along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  Did my first hike of '18 along the C&O canal today.  Windows either down or open.  

dbaker - That quarry looks good enough to model.  However, I would be tempted to put Fred Flintstone on a Brontasaurus somewhere, working.

anjdevil - The love you have for your Mopar...  For some reason I've been lusting after the '17 "Trans Am"/Bandit edition as of late.  I don't need (nor want) 840 hp, but that car is bad-a$$!

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 6:03 PM

fifedog

 anjdevil - The love you have for your Mopar...  For some reason I've been lusting after the '17 "Trans Am"/Bandit edition as of late.  I don't need (nor want) 840 hp, but that car is bad-a$$!

 

Fife,

I've been lusting after at least one picture of said Road Runner and asked for one for years but one never seems to show. Must be a rust bucket MOPAR like most of them. Done asking. What did they say back in the day??? Put up, or shut up! 

At least Hudson John knew his was a project and not a show car. WTH, who cares anyway? We are old guys and I would be glad to have an old rusty car. Shame on me for the ones I let get away. 

At least Rich still has what is left. If we ever get to see it. Laugh

 

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by Banks on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 8:02 PM

Hello there,

58* on the patio at 830PM. It was 74* at 230 when I left to pick up Mrs.

Thanks for the kind words about the family photo.

Spent most of the day rounding up the stuff to fix the front porch banister where it's rotted and the post is pushing down through it. Gonna try to tree Son to help me fix it tomorrow.

Still have my '70 El Camino I bought in '74. Got some putty (duraglass) in it but still in pretty good shape

Off to bed soon

 

Prayers for those in need

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

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Posted by cheapclassics on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 9:47 PM

Good evening all,

Weather was good for a walk.  Late to work due to wreck on I-74.  Got my Lionel catalog today.  Stuff way too expensive.  Watched some Olympics tonight.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by rtraincollector on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 9:53 PM

KRM
 

 

Fife,

I've been lusting after at least one picture of said Road Runner and asked for one for years but one never seems to show. Must be a rust bucket MOPAR like most of them. Done asking. What did they say back in the day??? Put up, or shut up! 

At least Hudson John knew his was a project and not a show car. WTH, who cares anyway? We are old guys and I would be glad to have an old rusty car. Shame on me for the ones I let get away. 

At least Rich still has what is left. If we ever get to see it. Laugh

 

 

 

He has posted it many times. I guess not on here thou. With remarks like you make about something you don't know anything about I don't blame him. 

 

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

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 9:47 AM

Fife - There is nothing like walking out to the garage and driving something just for the pure joy of driving.  It really isn't the horsepower or torque, God Knows that my 49 year old has now an estimated 400 HP plus about 350 to 375 torque (selective and descreet modifications) and I just love to take it out and see the reactions.  A friend of mine is looking for a 79 T/A, just because I took him for a ride in my car, and missed the joy and excitement of just driving.

Kev - I haven't posted here because it is a PITA to post photos.  I more like drag and drop.  There is something to be said about a car that was built when I was 14.

  " alt="" /> " target="">

So here it is, from 2017 in Carlisle, PA during the Chryslers at Carlisle show.

I DRIVE it, not towed or trailered and have driven it to Syracuse, Rochester, from Florida to Delaware and back and as of late, Washington, DC, Carlisle, PA nad Wildwood, NJ

Drove it to Ann Arbor, MI as well.  It ain't perfect, but it is MINE and 1 of 179 like it, 824 that were built that year.

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 anjdevil2 on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 9:58 AM

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 dbaker48 on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 10:00 AM

Good Morning,

Weather still cold here, got to low 30's at night.  And VERY little snow in the local mountains, they are making snow.  But lightest year I've seen in a long time.

Anj, That is an awesome picture!  I share your enjoyment of just driving!  Mine is not anywhere as cool as your RR, but everytime I take the El Camino out I get compliments.  (I use Shutterfly it works but still requires an effort to post).

Kev, I have no doubt that there is equipment at the mine that you helped build.  They just got back in production in the past 45 days.  When Chris hired in, they had less than 100 people on site, suppose to be over 300 before summer.  They have done about four blastings since the 1st of the year.  But are in production, and have made revenue shipment.

Roy, I've been on 2 tours so far, haven't been to the bottom of the pit.  Have been down about 2 levels.  The magnitude of everything going on there is massive.  Many new requirements today, they have to test dust levels, to ensure that they are NOT creating too much dust.  The water that fills in the bottom of the pit is constantly being tested and pumped to evaporation pits, which are also constantly being monitored.  There are over 150 water wells in the area that are active.  I believe the water is used in the ore processing, they also have a water purification  facility.  (They supply water for a CHP facility nearby, and a Desert Tortose Refuge.)  Lots of intersting stuff going on.  And the mines history is very interesting.

Take Care All, and have a great day.

Don

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 2:25 PM

anjdevil2

 

Mopars At Englishtown August 2017

So, as you can see it is NOT a "rust bucket" but it is a nice restoration/modified tastefully roadrunner.  It is painted to suit ME and the original FF4 Ivy Green Metallic has given way to a nice X9 Black.

Numbers do match, just so you know......

 

 

 

Thanks Rich,

Glad I taunted you into posting some pictures. It is nice! Did you do the restore? If so how long ago? Looks to be holding up nice. Having to have to use a third party for pictures is a PITA.

My Uncle bought a new one when I was 17 back in 1969. His was yellow with a black top. I drove it to DC from Il most of the way on US Rt 50.

 It was a great trip. His was only a 383 with a 4V carb.

 The MOPAR I liked the best was the 1969 CUDA 440 Six Pack my friend Reddog had. 

On something else, I did my own taxes for the first time in my life. Bought a program from H&R Block, went good. Will see if they kick them back on me. Bang Head

 

Don, Aurora was World Source for 988,990,992,& 994 wheel loaders. So yeah Part of me is there in that pit. Laugh

 

 

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 3:26 PM

I've had it since 1980 or so, it's gone through 2 tops, a front seat recover and new carpet.  I think it's been repainted 3 times.  Body work maybe the same.

It isn't and will never be a 100 point resto, unless I hit the lottery, I'm happy with it as is.  I did just replace the complete front and rear suspension to get rid of the air shocks in the back and replaced them with KYBs, better tie rods to get rid of the flex and stiffer rubber bushings.

It won't handle like a new car, but for going fast in straight lines, it's more than adequate for that.  

One of my buddies ran the numbers on the car and it's actually 1 of 15, 383 4 speed cars painted FF4 green.  Like I said, that green is hidious......and it is one of the earliest 1970 roadrunners made - built 8/19/1969, I haven't seen one earlier than that up to now.  

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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Posted by KRM on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 4:15 PM

Glad I got to see it Rich before photobucket cut it off. I thought it was a hemi? Nothing wrong with those 838s. I had a 1972 Charger in gold with a 383. My dad used to ask to use it all the time. Laugh I think he liked it. 

Reddog's CUDA was a green. I liked it but don't know what green it was, kind of dark but not too much.

It looked like this one.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=2nC8C7%2bn&id=E0EA52E0B79ADDA0A2265A2EB68EE5C9657EEF1A&thid=OIP.2nC8C7-nP3DEQ76bst-XPgHaFj&mediaurl=http%3a%2f%2fcar-from-uk.com%2febay%2fcarphotos%2ffull%2febay424382.jpg&exph=800&expw=1066&q=mopar+1970+cuda+440+six+pack+in++ff4+green&simid=607988318347661024&selectedIndex=0

 

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 5:31 PM

Evening all!

35 and still raining. 6-8 in in some areas last couple of days. cold and nasty out.

I had a '70 Plymouth Satellite with the 383. 6-9 mpg. Really liked that car but it was totalled when a kid drag racing another kid ran into the back of the car while my old man was driving it - flipped the car onto its side and collapsed the trunk into the back seat. Luckily my dad was not seriously hurt.

The father of the kid drove the kid to our house and made the kid apologize face-to-face to my dad.

Regards, Roy

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Posted by robmcc on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 5:53 PM

Evening all!

I'm glad it's done snowing but with all of this rain, I'm surprised Noah hasn't gone by the house! Big Smile

Rich-  Stupid Photobucket!! I was hoping to see your Roadrunner. I can just imagine by your description, it's a beast! Can't wait to get my Camaro on the road this spring. My "Mopar' is a Grand Caravan. However, with 300hp and a few "mods" , I can still smoke the tires. Just not right with a minivan!! Laugh

Don - Cool mine pics! I'd love to take one those big trucks for a spin sometime.

Banks- Great family picture.

Have a good one.

Rob

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Posted by rtraincollector on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 6:28 PM

Rob I don't think Rich will mind but here it is 

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

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Posted by Banks on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 6:38 PM

Hello there,

58 degrees at 7AM, 71 at 230 when i left to get Mrs. Currently still 60.

The front porch post repair turned out to be way worse than anticipated. The bees and water got down into the structural members. Upon tearing them out discovered the carpet had held the water and allowed the floor under it all to rot and ants to add to the damage. It is repairable just way more than hoped for

My El Camino has a 307 and a two speed "Torque Flite" tranny. I convereted to dual pipes with turbo mufflers and added a Quadra jet intake and carb from a '67 Impalla. The quadrajet actualy improved mileage as long as you keep your foot out of the carb. Hasen't beenout of the garage in 3 years.

wrmcclellan

 

The father of the kid drove the kid to our house and made the kid apologize face-to-face to my dad.

 

 

Thats the kind of parenting thats missing today
 
Best move on
 
 
Prayers for those in need.

 

 

 

 

 

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 6:43 PM

rtraincollector

 

 
KRM
 

 

Fife,

I've been lusting after at least one picture of said Road Runner and asked for one for years but one never seems to show. Must be a rust bucket MOPAR like most of them. Done asking. What did they say back in the day??? Put up, or shut up! 

At least Hudson John knew his was a project and not a show car. WTH, who cares anyway? We are old guys and I would be glad to have an old rusty car. Shame on me for the ones I let get away. 

At least Rich still has what is left. If we ever get to see it. Laugh

 

 

 

 

 

He has posted it many times. I guess not on here thou. With remarks like you make about something you don't know anything about I don't blame him. 

 

 

RT,

Thanks for your My 2 CentsLaughSmile, Wink & GrinWink  

I got to give it to these high school kids today after what has gone down. Good for them to stand up!
We did it for stop the war, segregation, and many other issues of the day. In the end our world was better. It is good for the kids and the country for them to get involved. I wish them the best and look forward to their votes getting counted. God Bless them and America.

JMHO   Wink

    

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by cheapclassics on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 9:14 PM

Good evening all,

Too wet and cold to go for a walk today.  Traffic was horrible this AM.  Quiet day at work.  Got to play soccer with the kids tonight.  Any thoughts of trying to do a "speed" run like last year went poof tonight as I could only manage a 14:59:20 mile and that was jogging half the distance.  Not good.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by rtraincollector on Thursday, February 22, 2018 9:56 AM

Morning all

Kevin: Glad to help, figured someone needed to Big Smile Wink Whistling

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

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

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