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MERRY CHRISTMAS. Come join us for Hot Coffee, Tea and cookies. All are welcome Locked

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  • Member since
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  • From: Rolesville, NC
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Posted by ChiefEagles on Saturday, December 15, 2018 1:32 PM

Foggy and 50 degrees.

Had to go buy new refrigerator.  LG 4 years old and worked on 3 times under warranty [which is worthless].  Had problems with LG washer and drier [it was delivered dead].  Wifey wanted all "matching" appliances.  Well, now she is getting Samsung frig.  Maybe it will last more than 4 years.

Dumping most all my MTH.  About as bad.

Later 

 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 8ntruck on Saturday, December 15, 2018 2:03 PM

We are at our 'alternate location'.  Gray day just above freezing here.

Visited our lawyer last week and got the leagleze portion of our estate set up.  Need to contact our real estate agent today.  If all went well, closing should have happened yesterday on the 20 acres in Ky. we have been working to purchase.

No train related news.

Anybody out there have a GPS unit (Garmen or similar)?  I'm considering buying one, and am curious about the accuracey on location and altitude.

All for now.

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Saturday, December 15, 2018 3:31 PM

I always used Garmin.  Lowrance depthfinders and Garmin GPS on boats.  Pickup has Garmin I got on discount when working Bass Pro several years ago. 

 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 Banks on Saturday, December 15, 2018 8:02 PM

Hello there,

went to cut your own tree place and got a 6.5 foot Fraser Fir this morning. Just finished setting it on the platform. Lights on Monday.

Tomorrow is a day trip to Dumfries VA  to visit an old neighbor. A 96 year old WW2 army combat vet. He was recalled for Korea and inlisted in the Air Force. Retired from there in the 70s a full Colonel.

GPS says 3 hour. His son said allow 5 to 6. Hope GPS is right.

8N. If you have a smart phone don't waste your money on a GPS. Phone with the right app will get you latitude, longitude and elevation. Garmin's etc need constantly updated and don't have real time traffic info.

Bed is calling. 0dark30 alarm.

Prayers for those in need

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

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Posted by cheapclassics on Saturday, December 15, 2018 9:59 PM

Good evening all,

Went to granddaughter's ballet show.  Very good. Weather rainy all day.  Got some more shopping done.  On the road to Louisville tomorrow.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by fifedog on Sunday, December 16, 2018 6:35 AM

Mornin' boys.  7 more Christmas trains, and I'm trying not to "elf" destruct.  If I see one more chocolate chip cookie I'm gonna yak.  A nice garden salad would be nice to leave, accompanied with some moscato.  Frostburg's Mayor was on hand last night, and enjoyed the light display.

Chief - What's going on with your MTH fleet.  I had to have the circuit boards replaced on most of mine...

anjdevil - Congrats on the election.  Congrats on the pp table.

Where is the Phish man?  Did the AlienAlien return for more "exploratory" procedures...?

Banks - Dumfries = I95 = 5 to 6.

 

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Posted by sir james I on Sunday, December 16, 2018 8:45 AM

Got to check in and tell you the sun's shining. Don't remember the last time we saw it. 40s for today. Our Christmas club meet was last night. Lot's of chit-chat. The meet was at "Train Wreck Bob Shaws" who had a recent feature article in CTT.

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

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Sunday, December 16, 2018 11:42 AM

Morning folks!

Been awol last day or so. Had a good friend's retirement party (BNSF) to attend in downtown Ft Worth Fri night, so we booked a room just a block away. Got back to hotel around 1am Sat. Glad we were walkin'.

Ran home Sat morning, cleaned up, and then headed to Denton TX for nieces wedding at the old Denton county courthouse. Nice ceremony and then we retired to a local Mexican food restaurant for the reception. Dress code for the wedding was ugly Christmas sweaters! Had a great time but after two nights of overeating/partying, we are bushed....

Repaired an AF 1953 301 loco for a neighbor. Had it since it was new. Wouldn't run. The set was the 'The Crusader' and listed for $17.50. Purchased in Sudbury Canada where he is from. 

As the set has been in one family, the loco obviously had never been disassembled. A problem was with the Bakelite brush plate housing. it has 'shrunk' and when one properly tightens it, the armature binds. So I need to fabricate a spacer for between the field plates and the brush housing. I might consider a thinner brass armature/frame washer, but prefer to leave the original in there. I will make the spacer out of some brass .010 or .016 shim stock. Love the 'chugger'! Impressed with the AF brush holders and how one can insert the brushes (which were in perfect shape) and springs from the back.

Also had to superglue one of the driver tires back to the plastic insulator. Runs good for now by lightly tightening the brush housing. Will give it back to them for the holiday and make the spacer next year when I have more time.

SJ - glad the meet was a good one and most of your gang was there!

Brent, my first house in Dallas was built in 1922 and had a mix of knob and tube wiring and romex. Original fuse box (4 circuits for the entire house) was tapped into a new box. The old circuits handled the lighting and new circuits outlets, kitchen, laundry room. Was fun finding the old screw in fuses.

Back to working on the rearranging rooms after the plumbing repairs. Son plans to move back in while he goes back to school full time. He aced his night classes he was taking this past semester. What a change from the first time he went to college!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by Banks on Sunday, December 16, 2018 5:15 PM

Hello there.

Back from Virginia. Was glad to see Bill. Afraid he's not going to be with us much longer. Pretty frail.

Fife......36, 26, 30 to Breezewood. Then 70, 270,495. Three hours twenty five minutes to Belvoir  Woods retirement community including 2 pee stops. A crash on 495 added 25 minutes to the return . 

Best move on.

Prayers for those in need

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

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Posted by cheapclassics on Sunday, December 16, 2018 9:24 PM

Good evening all,

Roy, do you need screw in fuses?  I think I may have some from when we replaced the first fuse box.  I still have a couple of old fuse boxes in the out buildings but I am sure I have some to spare.   Let me know.   Went to see wife's brother probably for the last time.  Travel is almost impossible for him any more and they live in the Phillipines.   Weather was good, but a long day.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Monday, December 17, 2018 10:11 AM

Morning folks!

Gray day staring in the low 40's and headed to maybe 62 today. 

Still bushed from moving/sorting/tossing stuff in two 7' bookcases and two 4 drawer legal file cabinets. It is all part of the juggling of 3 rooms for recarpeting after the water leak repair and son moving back in to finish school fulltime.

As a result, put 4 big bags of paper out for recycling pickup today in addition to a double bed box spring and mattress for bulk trash pickup.

Today have to unload and move a full size office desk and credenza from the room my son will occupy (he is coming over to help). Then we will refurbish/repaint the room.

MikeC - thanks for the offer but that the 1922 home was two houses ago. Current abode is 1977 vintage - with a breaker panel that needs to be replaced - but that is a project for another day! Assume your BIL was in town or in the area?

Banks - sounds like a nice visit and I am sure he appreciated it!

DJ - nice layout under the tree!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Monday, December 17, 2018 3:40 PM

Hey good afternoon!

Had to rent a truck to get the table. Usually, at these auctions, the items are in the garage. Not so this time. In the basement through the flooded side yard out a patio door. His unfinished basement was to die for!
I had to disassemble and load this this by myself. 
Ultimately had to saw it in half to get it up in the attic. I got it reassembled and reinforced and ran out of time and energy. 
Had to re vacuum the house cuz there was sawdust everywhere and had to vacuum the house twice - so much dust - lol....
I hope to get the legs on this beast soon.  This thing weighs a ton, 3/4" particle board with a 8'  2X4 spine and some 2X4s crossways.  I could hardly pick it up last night, of course at that point, I was a whupped puppy.  Still picking the saw dust out of my eyes. 


No track plan, but here is a YouTube video, actually 2....
Part 1: youtu.be/BA3UggzduLI

Part 2: youtu.be/lqZ_ZOSYt3s

Still have to do Christmas shopping, probably Wednesday night. 

Getting busy again....did 18(!) on Friday.....I'm beat, lol!! Up to 13 already.....

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 cheapclassics on Monday, December 17, 2018 9:44 PM

Good evening all,

Quiet day at work.  Pain 1 waited until late in the day to give me more cases to enter.  Nice......not.   At least she is retiring soon.   Weather was nice.   I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 8:02 AM

dbaker - Thanks for sharing the Lloyd's Layouts vid.  The reporter was certainly enthusiastic.

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 9:36 AM

Morning.  47 and sunny.  Suppose to hit mid  to upper 50;s today and tomorrow.  May hunt tomorrow.  Should go today and stay over night.  Got a sinus thingy.  Should wear off in a few. 

Fifey, not having that problem.  Just don't run them [along with some others].  Mostly all Lionel now.  Got several and maybe Atlas or two.  Trying to get them gone.  Why let them sit on shelf.  Let someone who wants to run them, enjoy them.  Call or email me if interested.  Cheap.  Most very low mileage. 

On GPS, I use Google Maps.  They update faster for free.  When we were having folks drive the wrong way on newly opened bypass, it was GPS's telling them to turn and go into on coming traffic due to the old traffic pattern went that way.  Google Maps undated faster that GPS's. 

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 Tuesday, December 18, 2018 9:40 AM

Morning all!

Some sun finally! 60+ today! Cool

Son came over yesterday evening and helped move the desk and credenza. So all the big stuff is moved and work can start on the last room refurb. Hope/need to get that done this week. He is going to start moving stuff here this coming weekend.

Sister and BIL arrive Monday for Christmas with us. Another incentive to get 'er done!

Anj - excellent on the train table and plans! Your attic looks like my rooms I am juggling - lots o' stuff lying around - yeow!

MikeC - Pain1 retiring - something to look forward to!!!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by Banks on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 11:33 AM

Hello there, Christmas prep continues.

Pre op yesterday for Roto rooter on the 27th. Can't say I'm looking forward to it but looking forward to peeing normal again.

Best get back to it.

 

Prayers for those in need

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

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Posted by 8ntruck on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 9:47 PM

MusicI'm workin on a Maytag, workin on a MaytagMusic. The dryer shucked the drive belt on Sunday.  Found a replacement belt today and got it installed.  Not too bad a job.

I'm wanting a GPS unit for hiking use more than for driving.  I'm also trying to determine how useful one would be for surveying.  I plan on stopping at a Pro Bass shop or equivelant in the near future to see about a demo on one.

About all for now.

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Posted by cheapclassics on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 10:59 PM

Good evening all,

Busy day at work, but got caught up.  Short day tomorrow.  Weather was good for walk.  Lucas stopped by on way home tonight to get some preview Christmas cookies.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 8:46 AM

Chilly but warming fast.  headed east to hunt the afternoon.  Back tonight.  Rain tomorrow into Friday [what's new]. 

 

 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 dbaker48 on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 10:04 AM

Good Morning,

Been awhile, but lots going on...

- Got an assisted living location for FIL, moving furniture today, him tomorrow.  Boy, this has been a long road, and I know its not over yet! 

- Made a couple of trips to Vegas, helping Chris get set-up in his new residence.  (He is renting a Master Bedroom Suite from a co-worker.  The co-worker is never at the house so he has the whole place to himself.  A really sweet deal.)

- Work at the Nixon library has been spuradic, keeping engines running, and resolving minor damage by waundering hands.  Nothing really unexpected.  UNTIL, yesterday!  There is the possibility we may have to relocate 3 of the layouts IF the gov't ends up shutting down!  Apparently the room they are in is funded by the Fed, including Security.  And then it it goes down, they have to be moved.  Sure hope that doesn't happen!

Haven't gone back and reviewed prior posts, sure hope everyone is doing well.  

Take care all and be Safe!!

Don

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 11:41 AM

Morning all!

60, gray, drizzle, rain later, front tonight, just a few degrees cooler tomorrow. High 50's.

Still shuffling stuff between rooms but as noted previously, all the heavy stuff is moved thanks to son's help yesterday. We grilled out salmon last night for the 3 of us. Even though it was high 40's it was pretty pleasant out last night.

DonB - nice to hear this is finally happening for your FIL, big help for you and Kay.

Regards, Roy

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Posted by cheapclassics on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 7:55 PM

Good evening all,

Work holiday event today.  Same old, same old.  Two more work days until end of work year.  Hopefully year end goes smoothly.   Do not know much else.  Weather was good here.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Thursday, December 20, 2018 3:16 PM

Afternoon folks!

Day started quite chilly in the low 40's, nice, crisp, and sunny. Wind screaming from the NW due to the front passing last night - but for a NW wind it is surprisingly warm - 50's now - out in shirtsleeves cleaning a couple of the front windows.

Well - have come to a conclusion for now regarding the rooms shuffle. Got the walls touched up (fantastic that the Sherwin Williams paint mixed 2 weeks ago is a perfect match for the SW paint that was applied in 1995 - this final room has never been repainted or abused by the kids since we moved in - and thus did not need a complete repaint), the windows recaulked, the carpet cleaned up (for time being until the recarpet after the holidays), and everything out - ready for the son's furniture from his apartment. He has a buddy with a pickup that will help move his big items this weekend. Everything looks very nice/fresh - SWMBO is pleased.

Son has started moving clothes and boxes of stuff. My time moves towards cleaning up my new office area, which was my work area off the garage (originally what some might call a bonus room with bath, functioned over the years as a 1. guest room, 2. my wife's office, 3. the 8 x 12 train layout room, 4. kids TV/gaming/hangout room when in JH/HS, and recently my work area for garage/shop projects). Looking forward to the final sorting/trashing/cleanup. This is a room that will eventually need a complete rework as it has terrible ugly gray tile, ugly wall texturing, and is beat from the years as the kids hangout,

DJ - certainly a miracle re Tyler. We are all thankful for that!

Banks - good luck for the upcoming procedure.

Regards, Roy

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Thursday, December 20, 2018 4:51 PM

Raining!!!!!!!!!!  Had early out and busy day.  Spectrum showed at 3 and left at 5:30.  Street full of trucks.  House full of techs and 2 supervisors.  We'll see.

Later.

 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 Thursday, December 20, 2018 5:37 PM

Hi guys, just been watching. Not much going on here, Like DJ, just having a hard time getting into it. But he is right about Tyler, I remember all they were going through back then. Thank God for the outcome!
Weather has been gloom and doom so wife and I went kicking tires and looking at Polaris UTVs today.  Looking at options to going with Green John Deere.  Polaris sure makes a great unit. But back when I was working it was easy to pull the trigger on this kind of stuff because I was making money. Now trying to live on a small pension and a 401K that is doing nothing in the positive numbers makes it very stressful.  The stock market hates uncertainty and boy oh boy we sure have plenty of that today with this government! So, we will just keep looking and hoping something breaks with the situation at hand. I sure miss the days of silent government for weeks at a time.
 Hope you all have a good Christmas and happy new year, from Sandra and I.
 
Why is this software showing three post from Bob Keller in the last 20 days?????????? Is he back or is it just sos with this web site???
 

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Thursday, December 20, 2018 9:07 PM

Hey Kev!

Bob has been doing some free lance part time stuff as I understand it.

Regards, Roy

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Posted by dbaker48 on Thursday, December 20, 2018 9:55 PM

Good Evening,

First and foremost, Soooo glad to hear Tyler is doing so well.  Hopefully he  won't have a lot of early childhood memories, of what he went through.  And, your entire family went through living hell.  I don't know how you could NOT feel that way on that day.  Just try to concentrate on how things are and not what they could have been.

Got my FIL situated in his new room, hopefully we have the right person there.  She is really loosing it mentally, I don't think she is far behind, but it will be worse.

We have done very little in preparation for Christmas, haven't done any shopping to speak of.   And no baking, minimal decorations.  But it is what it is.  Minor sacrifice on our part.

Lloyd called me today, and it looks like they are going to want all 4 of the layouts relocated.  AND, they think it could be done between Friday night and Saturday morning!!!!  That just AIN'T gonna happen.  Lloyd of course see the $$$, but its unrealistic.  At best it might be completed by the end of the week-end.  I don't really understand why closing down the gov't, would affect the access to the rooms the layouts are in.  Worse case for us would be they want them out as a result of the shut-down, then if it lasts a couple of days then want them back for the closing ceremonies etc.  Then we take them down on the 8th.  Should be interesting.

Sounds like I'm really negative, but I'm not!  Know things will get better soon, and I may get my wife back.  Were hoping the MIL well get envious of all the activity and sociallizing he is receiving.  And want to be there.

Anyway, Chief you know you could just move a TV in the crawl space.  

In the event I don't get back here before Christmas, sure hope ALL of you have a Merry one!

Don

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Posted by cheapclassics on Thursday, December 20, 2018 10:14 PM

Good evening all,

DJ's post reminds me of all the support the forum has given each of us at various times over the years.  Quiet day at work.  Ready to close the year tomorrow.  Helped wife by doing the dishes again.  Hope the baking is done soon.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Friday, December 21, 2018 9:18 AM

cheapclassics
DJ's post reminds me of all the support the forum has given each of us at various times over the years. 

Ditto Thumbs Up

Bright, sunny, low 40's, only about 5* cooler than yesterday. 40-45 mph gusts yesterday piled all the neighbors leaves in our yard Grumpy

Finally taking it easy here. Been a hard road since the plumbing leak the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. Cool

DonB - moving those layouts for a couple of days is simply crazy. 

Regards, Roy

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