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.

[robmcc]

Evening All!

Still disgusting outside! Ugh..... Marty, I wish I would have got my pool up and running this year!

Dennis - So sorry about your dog.

Rich - Great sounding car show location! Hemis and GEVO-12s together. Lots of horsepower!

Buckeye - Great checklist. Awesome idea!

Brent - You have a few great vacation ideas. Mine are all late teens, so I know it can be tricky to plan family vacations. We're looking to go California this November. I like it because there's something for everybody there. We'll stay in Anaheim as in the past, and do Disneyland, Hollywood/Warner Bros and the Hop On/Hop Off bus tour throughout greater L.A. San Diego was a nice day trip. We took the Pacific Surfliner from Anaheim to San Diego and did the zoo and Midway. Seeing the old Santa Fe station was a nice bonus for me. Mackinac Island is beautiful, but for my two cents, that is something better suited for you and the Mrs. Niagara Falls is nice, but it can quickly become a tourist trap if you're not careful. Make sure you "bundle" the attractions to save a few bucks. I'll still vote for Cali. I'm sure Don, Dennis, DougDG and Ray can offer further advice.

Have a good one and prayers,

Rob

 

[Buckeye Riveter]

Dennis -- Very sorry about the loss of your dog. They do become a major player in our lives.

RT--Good idea. I didn't put it on the list, but this video explains how to make a grade very easy. Now, the odd thing about the video; the telephone poles are identical to several that were on my layout. I know the guy that made the poles and he used my layout in is advertising.

 

Here is my old layout

[MichRR714]

Thanks Fife.

Brent, I'll be driving over the Mackinac Bridge in my antique tractor Friday morning :)

[anjdevil2]

Happy September and it feels like a Monday......

Dennis - sorry on the loss of your collie.  They are like children.

Had a great time at Bethlehem.  Another member bought, in no small measure because of my convertible.  So there were 2 of 179 1970 road runner convertibles, 383 4 speed cars in 1 place.  Hugh Moore park was at the trail head of the Delaware and Lackawanna Canal, great location for a picnic/barbeque and train watching!!  Several NS and UP engines came through going east.....

Had a great time with my Hemi car club friends, getting back into the grind sucks.

Fife - I wish I had been riding through, definitely would stop by, thanks for thinking of me.....

Brent - Disney World and Universal in O-town would be cool, Blizzard Beach is awesome.....

Softball season is over, lost in the 3rd Playoff game, are primary pitcher was on vacation and we walked in 10 runs, lost 17-16, went 2 for 3 with a single, a double and 3 RBIs.  Can't do more than that......

Check back soon, still working....

[Sturgeon-Phish]

 

Good Afternoon from sunny hot 97°F Southern Ohio,

 

I hope all had a safe holiday weekend.  I spent most of Labor Day, doing just that.  Helped bride clean house the cut her mom’s and our daughter’s grass, changed oil on the mower, worked in the train room and washed the truck.

 

I believe I’m getting closer to how I want to place the accessories on the layout.  Buckeye’s list is going to be handy for me.

 

Dennis - My condolences on the loss of your dog.  Dogs may not have a soul but they can teach us unconditional love.

 

 Brent - They all sound great, and if their stamina and concentration hold out it will be enjoyable for you and the Q.  We often made the mistake of packing too much structured activity into too little time just to play. 

 

Fife - The AF will look great on the layout!

 

May God bless

 

Jim

 

 

 

[rtraincollector]

Buckeye Riveter

As I tore down the Baltimore, Ohio and Wabash RR, I made some notes:

Train layout notes

1.        6” tunnel and bridge clearances.
2.       Overkill on screwed connections.
3.       Overkill on braces
4.       Add castors
5.       Sections with window locks and pins
6.       Electrical wiring in front
7.       The top of the L girder is to face the front.
8.       Drill 1/4 holes in center of L girder for  electrical
9.       Two control shelves – Power and accessories
10.   Do the water like they say.
11.   Terminal connectors for accessories.
12.   More power drops in curves
13.   14ga wire
14.   All Philips head screws. No flats.
15.   Small deck screws.
16.   Use paper clips to anchor water towers on foam
17.   Clay for road crossings
18.   Clay with basswood strips for passenger platforms between tracks
19.    Melt insulation off of very fine wire
20.   Paint before track – mud & green
21.   Dye the rubber ballast the same color as Realtrax
22.   Grind rubber ballast to make it finer
23.   Use 1x6  (1”, 2”, 3”…) with 1/16” & ¼” basswood to make grades
24.   Add tunnel wings for scenery
25.   Make my own skewed bridges and abutments
26.   Make steel looking bents for approach to Hell Gate Bridge
27.   Auxiliary power for switches
28.   Add power blocks to run TMCC and Conv at same time
29.   Reverse loop sidings configured correctly
30.   No hidden switches
31.   Add hatches underneath with lights
32.   Buy headband flashlight
33.   Add LED Christmas lights underneath
34.   Mixed track must be soldered
35.   Don't bury screw heads into the wood
36.   16" spacing for 2" foam will work
37.   Construct a depressed area for the river - all the way to floor?
38.   Use 8”’ width increments for easy foam construction.
39.   Sharpen a metal putty knife to cut foam

Your additional suggestions welcome. 

 

Great list, but I would prefer star tip screws over Phillips head screw. you get a much better grip. Just a suggestion. ( and my ) 

[ChiefEagles]

Morning.  Hot and humid as usual.  Really not September weather.

Errands to run.  SIL's birthday dinner and then Town Board.

Walleye, you lucky guy, Banks.

Have a good one. 

[lion88roar]

Mornin' Fellas

Banks - that midget switcher is cool! Interesting history to it as well.

MartyE - Not sure why DougM hasn't been posting, he's on FB.

Sent Christina off to her 1st day of Second Grade today... can't believe how grown-up she has become at only 7 years of age. She has her first U9 soccer game on Saturday and she is stoked! Matthew starts Kindergarten tomorrow and he asked to play soccer as well, unfortunately he can't since the season has started and teams are locked... maybe in Spring.

Started looking at places to go for vacation next year. We're trying to keep it low key due to the housing situation. Wondering if any of you fellas have done any of the following with young kids... or other recommendations?

1. A combined trip to Las Angeles and Las Vegas (thought was to flying into LAX, day trip to San Diego Zoo, a day at the beach, DisneyLand, fly to Vegas, trip to Hoover Dam, visit the desert, home) would be 7 days
2. A trip to South Dakota to Black Hills National Forrest (Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Wind Cave) trip to the Badlands to see the dinosaur dig site and the massive sink hole where they've found mamoth remains.
3. Trip to Nigara Falls (this would only be a 3 or 4 day trip, so would like to add something else but wasn't sure)
4. Trip to Mackinac Island, MI - after researching this we decided to do this when Matthew is 10 or 11. The Grand Hotel has some really cool stuff, but we want the kids to be a bit older so they can really appreciate the experience.
5. Stay at The Greenbrier - this one we may do as a long weekend trip for Matthew's birthday in February (take Amtrack from Rockville, MD to The Greenbrier may be an option)... if we did this in Feb, or took Amtrack we would be limited on what we could go and see (scenic train rides).

[MartyE]

Hi all

Hope everyone had a good and safe holiday.  Everyone here was good.  Spent the weekend in the pool.  Saturday helped out at the LHS for a few hours.

It's supposed to be hot all week here so the pool gets a reprive from closing for at least 2 weeks.  If you want me to extend summer longer I could close it up next weekend and that will garuntee 90s for the following week.

Take care!

 

[Banks]

Hello there,

Hope everyone had a good Labor day   

should be sleeping but wide awake .   

Dennis. ...condolences on the loss of your dog.

Had a great time at daughters last evening. Walleye  from Lake Erie was the staple along with corn on the cob, french fries, fried cauliflowe, onion rings, and  beverages, some adult.

Friday evening  SIL, grandson and I went and bought an 05 Yamaha Blaster. He's going to age out of the mini class next year and this is the next step. It's a class that limits modification to pipe and reed valve so it shouldn't take a lot of money to be competitive.

Yesterday at the flea market I scored a vintage Penn Line Midget Switcher.

 

 

From HOSEEKER.NET

In an effort to demonstrate the potential of HO, Penn Line's Abe Mercer built what he called "the world's smallest layout."  This consisted of Penn Line's diesel switcher turning on a track where the inside rail was a silver dollar.

It's in rough shape but at  $12 I couldn't pass it up. There's one on the bay now with a  $60 starting bid. Also got a  $35 Gilbert HO car for  $5.

Not much today. Bought a Craftsman 5 drawer tool cabinet and a 4 drawer top at the local Ace hardware store. Mrs b day present to me. Got tools everywhere. Time to get em in one place.

Mowed the grass too. Used son's zero turn. It's too hot and humid to use the walk behind. Should've been cut a week ago

Best try  to  sleep.

Prayers for those in need

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Did not sleep last night.  Cough all night long.  Did puzzle with the wife today.  That was it.  Dennis, sorry to hear of the loss of the pet.  One does grow attached to them.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

 

[lion88roar]

fifedog

Mornin' boys.  Train this AM.  Cookout this PM.  NASCAR/Darlington on DVR.

V8Vega -  for Cooper; and you.

Buckeye - I embraced lightweight construction, and discovered Pergoo (foam side up) works well for subroadbed.  I even incorporated a loop of AF to stay in Phish's good graces.

88 - Good luck with home sale.  Too bad I can't get you out on the Panhandle; what your money can buy...

Chief - Yep, dealt with hoaxes over my 30 years.  Yet, creates the opportunity to observe responses and develop strategies in the event the worst does happen.

Anjdevil - A lot of cruises lately in WM, always think of you.

MichiganRR - Congrats on the photo credit in this month's CTT.

I wouldn't have an issue with the panhandle... TheVPQ would hate the commute even more than she does her current!

Got a few small projects done around the abode today, taking a break now. Thinking about loading the family into the car and going to a park this evening to play soccer with Christina, and maybe get some snow cones for dessert. I may melt in the process due to the insane humidity today.

[wrmcclellan]

Dennis - so sorry about the loss of your pup. it is good that he passed peacefully

[rtraincollector]

Dennis so sorry to hear. They become part of the family, that is why it hurts so much. It's like there a son or daughter to a lot of us. 

[Northwoods Flyer]

So sorry for your loss Dennis.  Cooper sounds like he was well loved.

Northwoods Flyer

Greg

[KRM]

Remember guys,,,,,,,,,NO labor on Labor Day!!!!

Got everything made and ready to go for the cook out and now they pushed back the time till 2:00 PM, Glad I made breakfast.

We had a blast rain of .1" in about 3 minutes. Now the sun is out and the steamer is on. Going to 90 today.. At least it will be a start on the new grass seed I put down up by the road.

Enjoy the holiday.

Dennis, so sorry about the dog.   It hurts so much because they get to be such a big part of your life. Why I have not been able to replace our last one.

[ChiefEagles]

Dennis, so sorry.

Hot and humid.  Wifey was whinning about her feeling bad but has been on the phone 75% of the morning. 

Going to Lowes for mulch which is on sale.  About it.

Have a good one.

[robmcc]

Morning All!

It's been a few days, so I figured I'd check in and see what's up. I hope all is well.

Looks fairly decent out today. Nice to be off for Labor Day (for those of us here who are still working!!)

We had our big football season opener tailgate/BBQ bash at my brother-in-law's for the Michigan-Notre Dame game on Saturday. My Wolverines aren't off to a good start.....

Yesterday, my niece got married and it was another big party. Her husband's family is Portugese, so the food and beverages were flowing a plenty! After this weekend, I'm not even getting into the whole weight conversation!

Have a good one and prayers.

Rob

 

 

[sir james I]

Another 90 day with chance of heat storms this afternoon.

Y'all stay safe today.

S.J.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Michigan RR, yes, congrats on the pic.  Hot today.  Daughter and grandkids helped pick up sticks in the yard.  Played Monopoly Empire.  Had a nice visit.  Talked to Lucas and other daughter as well.  Foyt team did better than expected but still no top 10.  HAAS moved into tie for 4th in F-1 Constructor's points, which is about as good as they can do.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[ChiefEagles]

Afternoon.  Hot and humid.  Wifey has vertigo but is now medicated and asleep.

R&R this afternoon.

[KRM]

Good morning,

The rain they were clamoring about never happened so it ain't bad out. Someone to the south of us musta had a big bonfire because the deck is covered with ash?? Looks like it snowed some.

No plans today but I am going to prepare some of those Bali Maki Chinese steak on a stick for tomorrow's cook out later today as long as all I got to do is get the flank steak. Already have everything else.

Watching mom and Bambi in the front yard eating acorns. Not much else planned for the day.

Good idea Buckeye, taking notes of the could have, should have items.

Dennis, for the dog! Our last one was Border collie, Husky, and coyote mix. Had the coolest blue eyes.  

Don't forget, no labor on Labor day!! Enjoy!

[Banks]

Hello there,

back from Mass and breakfast over. Not sure what the day will bring. Fish fry at the daughters place this evening.

Grandaughters were here till 915 last evening. They had a good time with no problems. Took them for a long ride in the trailer behind the Gravely, they loved it.

Best see what the rest of the day holds.

 

Prayers for those in need

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Train this AM.  Cookout this PM.  NASCAR/Darlington on DVR.

V8Vega -  for Cooper; and you.

Buckeye - I embraced lightweight construction, and discovered Pergoo (foam side up) works well for subroadbed.  I even incorporated a loop of AF to stay in Phish's good graces.

88 - Good luck with home sale.  Too bad I can't get you out on the Panhandle; what your money can buy...

Chief - Yep, dealt with hoaxes over my 30 years.  Yet, creates the opportunity to observe responses and develop strategies in the event the worst does happen.

Anjdevil - A lot of cruises lately in WM, always think of you.

MichiganRR - Congrats on the photo credit in this month's CTT.

 

[wrmcclellan]

Evening folks!

Really nice day today. Lotta time on the river/lake with friends. About 30 of us for the weekend. Ended the day will all floating and enjoying company and beverages! More on tap for tomorrow. 

Kev - neat layout photos from '65! And a good caption for this month!

Buckeye - good list!

SJ - hope the hand is healing well!

MikeC - enjoy the family visit tomorrow!

Chief - find a good punishment for the hoaxter!

Phish - busy busy!

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Hot and then rainy and then hot.  Got yard mowed.  Went to Mass and then to Frisch's for supper.  Oldest daughter and grandkids are visiting tomorrow.  Foyt team did terrible in qualifying today.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

 

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Good Evening from Sunny / Rainy 85°F Southern Ohio 

Off nightshift until December, yea! 

The boys lost the football game last night 36 20.  Good game.  I was working the yard markers again this year for home games.  I get in free and have the best “seat” in the house. 

Gabriel and I cut grass today.  The mower threw a drive belt but after towing the mower to the garage we were able to get the belt back on without dropping the drive pulley.  

While waiting for the grass to dry I detailed the motor on the truck.  Yes, there are some things I am really OCD about. 

Weight wise I’ve been fortunate.  At 6’2” I was 230 at graduation from high school in 1974.  Stayed active and I stay around 200 now.  I weighed myself today and I was 194 after working all day.  Need to rehydrate.  Maybe another Sam Adams.  

Buckeye – I really like your list.  A lot of the items are applicable to my layout plan.  

 Watching Notre Dame and the team from up north  

Good night and may God bless 

Jim 

 

[Buckeye Riveter]

As I tore down the Baltimore, Ohio and Wabash RR, I made some notes:

Train layout notes

1.        6” tunnel and bridge clearances.
2.       Overkill on screwed connections.
3.       Overkill on braces
4.       Add castors
5.       Sections with window locks and pins
6.       Electrical wiring in front
7.       The top of the L girder is to face the front.
8.       Drill 1/4 holes in center of L girder for  electrical
9.       Two control shelves – Power and accessories
10.   Do the water like they say.
11.   Terminal connectors for accessories.
12.   More power drops in curves
13.   14ga wire
14.   All Philips head screws. No flats.
15.   Small deck screws.
16.   Use paper clips to anchor water towers on foam
17.   Clay for road crossings
18.   Clay with basswood strips for passenger platforms between tracks
19.    Melt insulation off of very fine wire
20.   Paint before track – mud & green
21.   Dye the rubber ballast the same color as Realtrax
22.   Grind rubber ballast to make it finer
23.   Use 1x6  (1”, 2”, 3”…) with 1/16” & ¼” basswood to make grades
24.   Add tunnel wings for scenery
25.   Make my own skewed bridges and abutments
26.   Make steel looking bents for approach to Hell Gate Bridge
27.   Auxiliary power for switches
28.   Add power blocks to run TMCC and Conv at same time
29.   Reverse loop sidings configured correctly
30.   No hidden switches
31.   Add hatches underneath with lights
32.   Buy headband flashlight
33.   Add LED Christmas lights underneath
34.   Mixed track must be soldered
35.   Don't bury screw heads into the wood
36.   16" spacing for 2" foam will work
37.   Construct a depressed area for the river - all the way to floor?
38.   Use 8”’ width increments for easy foam construction.
39.   Sharpen a metal putty knife to cut foam

Your additional suggestions welcome.

 

[sir james I]

Wow rain everywhere but here. 90 90 90 that's the forecast.

No holiday travel plans, it will be a weekend near home.

[Banks]

Posted this in last month before I found this.

ChiefEagles

Morning.  Mow and spray.  Get cleaned up and run errands.

Have a good one.

Hello there, Chief musta forgot it's the 1st.

Another rainy day Watching 2 littlest grandkids this PM/evening. Mom has a wedding. May take them to see other grandaughter in a parade.

Kev.......I was 120 pounds at HS graduation. Got married 2 years later and a slow steady rise began. Been up and down a few lb's the last couple of years but pretty steady at 250 lately. Great old pictures.

best get on with the day

 

Prayers for those in need.