COFFEE POT Sept 2018. 14 years old. Coffee and lots of breakfast. The more of us that retire, the less of us that know what day or month it is.

[sir james I]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BANKS

Finally got some sun this morning. High of 73 today.

Appointment with hand doctor this PM to get this wrap and stitches out.

Ah the weaather channel loves a good storm and one of these days one of them will get killed with their stupid out in the open broadcasting.

S.J.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Busy day at work.  Good weather for walk.  Every once in a while, maybe once in a lifetime, something occurs that makes everything make sense.  Tonight was one of those nights.  Everything and more we have tried to teach the junior high kids came together tonight.  Although we did not win against a team we never won against, for 50 of the 60 minutes we were either ahead or tied.  Our kids passed, talked, backed each other up and did all the right things you are supposed to do.  Bigger, stronger, faster won, but not without a titanic struggle.  This WAS football, real football, the beautiful game, and it was EPIC!!!!  Did my heart good even though it was 60 minutes of heart attack.  I hope each and everyone of us has had such a day or will have one.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

 

[8ntruck]

Drove 720 miles today, now we are the 'other' place.  Several of the overpasses in Indianapolis had groups with flag and sign displays commerating 9/11.

The amazing thing was that my 5.7 hemi Ram truck was logging 24.3 miles per gallon n the flat lands of Indiana.

Also saw many crews of linemen headed east on I-70.  I'm guessing that they were on their way to meet the storm and help re-assemble things.

I decided that my wife and I need to start a list of places we want to stop and see as we travel.  I've traveled the route I took today many times, but never have taken time to stop and look at the interesting places along the way.  Now that we are retired, we can plan our travels so that we will have some extra time to stop at these places.

Enough for now.

[fifedog]

One day, for no particular reason, it started to rain...

Spent yesterday afternoon in train room, carving foam scenery needed to shore up my AF loop.  FYI, the GREAT STUFF doesn't receive hot knife well, you will wind up grabbing and tearing the stuff.  Using Woodland Scenics foam roadbed under the AF track.  I had a box of it, HO, packed away, and it fits neatly under the old AF, and I cut out splines with a hot knife, 3/4 deep, for curves.

Phish - What do you like using for ties to improve appearance?

Banks - Any left? 

[wrmcclellan]

Morning all!

Cloudy and still misting, rain later, 80's today.

Dealing with a small ordeal in getting new lenses for my glasses...second attempt to get prescription right came in finally...and the optometrist broke my titanium frames installing the lenses...cannot be repaired...sooooo...they were able to stuff the lenses into a really ugly loaner frame so I can at least see if the prescript is correct. I do have a second set of the titanium frames that these lenses can go into - would not let them use them as now my only pair of functioning glasses - so if the prescript is right, we will move the new lenses to my backup frames and they will make new lenses for free to go into new frames I purchase. Not a bad deal, the frames that broke were about 5 years old...but pita...

8n - ain't it sweet!!! Enjoy your trip!

MikeC - ahhh, the teaching reward moment! Savor it!

Phish - I think I have used the same thing but it was 10 years ago. It was touted in one of the model train mags. If I can remember I will post it.

SJ - glad the surgery went OK!

[Sturgeon-Phish]

 

Good late Morning from Southern Ohio

 

Last night after completing supper clean-up I put together an Ertl Farm House for the layout and set it in place.  It is a bigger footprint than the plasticville version I used before but it looks really neat.  At work I’ve been asked to complete another qualification for a higher level of management called a “Nuclear Facility Manager”.  It’s going to involve a lot of reading and studying the regulatory requirements, safety basis for operating and operating parameters. 

 

It sounds like the east coast is going to get pounded with wind and lots of rain.  I’ll keep you all in my prayers.

 

I was doing some research and some layout builders discourage the use of foamboard on the layout.  What do you guys think of using foamboard on top of the OSB?

 

Roy - Thanks.  I saved what was on the old layout and will reuse it but not sure if there will be enough for the new layout and want it to match fairly closely

 

Fife - I used black foam board cut down to the size of the AF ties and glued it to the roadbed between the existing metal ties spaced evenly.  I plan on doing something similar this layout

 

8N - Great plan.  Figure the places to visit ahead of time.

 

Mike - I know what you mean!  The score is only part of a victory.

 

SJ - How’s the stitches?  Keep the site soft with some hand lotion and they will heal faster and not itch as bad

 

Well, back to studying, may God bless

 

Jim

 

[ChiefEagles]

Spent yesterday strapping down camper and securing other things at farms.  Now looks like it will go to RT and we will get the edge of the storm.  40 mph winds and rain forecasted for us.

Later. 

[sir james I]

Stitches are out(yesterday), incision looks good. Just 2 band aides across it to help keep it clean a little longer. Thanks for asking. We have sun and 70s for this week. Rain from the storm might reach here Monday. Chief seems like you got things under control, hope all make it through without issues.

S.J.

[dbaker48]

Quick stop,

SJ, glad the finger repair went well!  You've got to be careful where you poke that thing.

Sure hope Florence doesn't go crazy, and those in the area fair well.  Good luck and prayers for all.

Was informed we are going to the LA County Fair today.  Good news today is Sr's day, free admission!  Parking only $15 !  (I think there is a method to their madness.)

Take care all and be safe!!

[Buckeye Riveter]

Mowing grass today! Finally it is starting to dry out.

Just watched a video of Jim Barrett's Workshop again. Good stuff.

[anjdevil2]

Hey, guys!

Sun was out for 30 minutes.....took me 10 to figure out what that bright orb in the sky really was....getting dark again, looks like rain....

After work, changed the wagon for the bike, ran to Edison to meet up with the group for a little dinner then to Jersey City for Empty Skies and the Tribute Lights.  Light turn out, I did run through a short squall going over the Raritan River in New Brunswick, but for the most part, dry.  having chaps and a leather coat and vest helps.

8N - yeah, that's the plan.....rapid acceleration works every time.....

Off to Wildwood for convention tonight, need 4 days off and a party will work.

 

Might be back later, will copy the mail.....prayers for y'all in the Carolinas....

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Other than a worthless 1.5 hour meeting, pretty good day at work.  Again nice weather for walk.  Soccer boys won 5-2 for 3 wins this season so far.   After getting a quick 2-0 lead, in two minutes they let the other tie it up before rattling off the final 3 scores.  Lucas is having some "issues" with soon-to-be ex-wife.   Sorry to hear no more Tinplate from MTH.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Banks]

Hello there,

Thanks for the birthday wishes. No flanged wheels but I did get the tool cabinet mentioned earlier and I ate my fill of Endless Shrimp at Red Lobster.

Son helped get the old washer out before work, Mrs and I got the new one in and woking that evening.

Talke with cousin in Beaufort NC last evening. He's a short distance from the ocean and decided to board up the house and stay put. He told me about a huricane that hit in '54 and the water didn'tcome close to his house. His parents we there then. Has his Inlaws with him and praying he made the right decision.

Anybody check that thread on testing track voltage with your tongue? An old guy I used to work with checked voltage with his fingers

Best see what the day will bring

RT........looks like you may get a direct hit

 

Prayers for those in need and the path of Flo

[sir james I]

Happy Friday the 13th.

Overcast but going to the high 70s today. Sad to say but signs of fall are begining to appear around here. No it hasnt snowed yet.

S.J.

[KRM]

Hi there,

Yesterday was jam packed. In the morning I drove into Plainfield and hooked up with two guys that worked for me in the mid 80s when I was plant manager for Will Du page Service Co.. Both are now petroleum deliverymen. My main reason to go there was to pick up two empty 55 gallon drums for burn barrels.

 I no sooner got home and my sister called and wanted us to meet her at my uncles to pick up that recliner he had for us and I ended up with the truck packed full of stuff. I also got five RTR Lionel sets and have about four or five more to get that did not fit into the truck. So I go back on Saturday for more. So far they are 6-21785, 6-30109, 7-11020, 6-31990, & 6-31960 And a complete Marx set with original box, 33962

So when we got back we had to re-arrange the living room so I could get that recliner to fit in there. I need more shelves in the basement now to.

Today should be a bit slower.

here are the sets,

Nothing fancy

https://www.ebay.com/itm/382555564549

 

http://www.lionel.com/products/nutcracker-route-christmas-train-set-4-4-0-general-6-30109/

 

I do like this set with the Docksider.

http://www.lionel.com/products/copper-range-mine-set-0-6-0-docksider-194-6-31990/

 

http://www.lionel.com/products/the-polar-expresstrade-o-gauge-set-conv-2-8-4-berkshire-1225-6-31960/

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/O-Gauge-Lionel-Harry-Potter-Hogwarts-Express-Set-7-11020/112246365812?hash=item1a22679e74:g:NaYAAOSwnHZYXYyD

 

I also got this.

 

[rtraincollector]

Well as Banks said, I'm in the projected direct path of Florence, We expect to lose power. I'm hoping for just a day or two. So will let you know if I have power during the next few days. So if no reply by me, will mean no power. We are far enough inland not to get the real bad winds but there still saying where we are could be 50+ MPH winds. 

No other real news going on here, have a good one. 

Kev nice haul

[SPMan]

Good afternoon all, been a while since I posted so trying to read on all the happenings.  I guess the big news is Florence on the East coast.  I have relatives not far from Jacksonville, N.C. who have a hog farm.  They decided to stay because they have too many animals to take care of.  Another niece and her family live on Topsail Island on the coast.  They decided to evacuate and drove to Virginia.  Storm has been downgraded to 2 but they still expect a lot of rain and flooding in some areas.

Dennis, belated condolences for your much loved border Collie.  I know that was hard for you.

Doug not a grump, hope you are doing better.  I know you have been through a lot.

Prayers for all our members who are suffering one way or the other.

I'm still coping with my arthritic knees.  Bad day yesterday after therapy but feeling good today.

Went to TTOS train meet last Sunday but was unable to walk around much.  Did make one pass on the tables and then sat  and talked after ordering breakfast.  Had the world's worse breakfast burrito.  Won't do that again.  Didn't think you could mess up bacon and eggs but they did.

Got an appointment to renew my drivers license on the 24th.  Be glad to get that over with.

Kind of gave up on getting rid of my 87 Buick for a while.  I can't even give it away but it runs good despite some needed things that cost more than the car is worth.  I start it up twice a week and charge the battery.  Had a charger but that went South the last time I used it.  I think the cooling fan in it stuck.  Had some smoke coming out but it was hooked up right.

Good luck and prayers for all our East Coast friends with the storm.

Ray

[wrmcclellan]

Evening all!

Warmer here in the 80's. 90's next week.

RT and Chief - stay safe!

Ray - good to hear from you. Surprised you can't find a buyer for the Buick. An alternative is to donate it to a charity that takes autos (we have a bunch of them here) and list the Blue Book value on your taxes charitable deductions area?

Kev - nice sets! Good runners also!

 

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Fairly good day at work.  Boys lost 7-0 but that was the third game in 3 days.  Really showed in the second half.  Weather good here.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[MartyE]

Morning folks.

Everyone down south stay safe. 

Closing the pool this weekend so I guess that's why it will be in the mid 80s.  Have lots of water to drain first from the rain over the weekend and hoping to beat the remnants of Flo on monday.

Been pulling some engines out and testing them since it's been a while for some of them.

Hope everyone has as good of a weekend as you can.  Again stay safe down south.

[lion88roar]

Mornin' Fellas

RT and Chief keep us posted if you can!

Fife - any word on FifePup?

Got the Durango loaded and am packed for my construction trip to Pittsburgh. Got word from the contractor that he may be at the house tomorrow to do some work too... could get interesting with 3 people working on the porch at the same time... sounds like, if the weather holds, it may be on the market in a week or two. (fingers crossed)

Kev - you're going to need a bigger train room! 

Prayers for those in need.

[ChiefEagles]

Breezy to gusty.  Not a lot of rain.  South and east of us, got it bad.  Sending it to RT.  As long as we keep power, be OK.  Hate running generator.  Just someting to go out in rain and do.  Under big shelter so dry there.

Even Mirra the cat staying in.

Have a good one.    

[rtraincollector]

Afternoon all, A little windy so far but not bad yet. Rain is suppose to start around 3 a.m. Saturday. The winds will grow more thru the day. I believe we're suppose get around 50 mph. That's bad enough but I feel better about that, althou wife is pulling a wade the duck already. 

Take care and I'll come back as I can. 

[Banks]

Hello there,

another cloudy yucky day. Supposed to be the same all week.  Grass needs cut but to soggy.

Went to HS football game this evening. First one since daughter was a cheerleader. Littlest granddaughters were part of the cheerleader squad for the 1st quarter.

Staying awake is a problem. 

 

Prayers for those in the parh of Florence

 

[wrmcclellan]

Evening all!

Muggy here and t-storms this afternoon. Same on tap for tomorrow afternoon. At least I am not having to water the lawn! Tropical depression hitting S Texas, so we are on the rainy side of that.

Brent - good luck on the Philly house repairs this weekend!

Chief and RT -glad you guys doing OK so far. New Bern took it in the shorts...

Banks - get some rest!

[rtraincollector]

Morning all. Not much to say. No rain yet, Some winds but not to bad. 

Roy think you got the wrong end of the state with Brents house repairs. I think it's Pittsburg  

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Humid, grey, and 70 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  The whole family is on Flo-watch, in part for Fifepup (he's fine), and for middle Princess's wedding venue (Ocean Isle).  Hope the Chief and rt come thru unscaved.  

Picked up 6 What-A-Crates from JoAnn's on sale, and I've been setting them up as a bookshelf under the layout.  I was able to dispose of 4 storage boxes in my train closet.

[ChiefEagles]

Morning.  No rain now.  Some biggie storms south of us with flooding.  New Bern which was north of the eye got it bad with wind blowing water up the river.  Flooded town.  Lots of little limbs and tons of leaves here.  Fine as not big limbs or trees down.  

Fifey, Florence may go to see you with lots of rain.  Hope not.

Maybe it will really down grade before RT.

Texicans may get a good soaking.

Have a good one. 

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Busy day at work Friday.  Scrimmaged with junior high kids.  Watched high school girls finally get a win.  Boys lost.  Foyt team terrible at Sonoma.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Enjoying an actual sunrise over the Potomac Highlands.  Fifepup is off this weekend, so hopefully he'll stay put.

Chief - We can't handle the kinda rain NC is suffering.  Perhaps we can turn those worthless wind turbines into fans, and blow Flo towards Snohizo.