Trains.com

July Coffee Pot - Celebrating with red tomatoes, white grits, and blue crabs for 17 years! Locked

14363 views
203 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Sunday, July 18, 2021 3:22 PM

Sorry about your wife's poodle Banks.  We've had eight Basset Hounds over the past 44 years, and when the time comes to let them go it never gets any easier. 

I'd never have the effrontery to accuse God of making mistakes, but I wish He'd  have given dogs longer lifespans.  Wonderful animals. 

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Sunday, July 18, 2021 6:43 PM

Busy day. 84 and suppose to be raining. Missed it here.

Started off real slow. Showered and it took all my O2. Did eat my two pieces of cheese toast. Frankie called and bringing Carolina Bar-B-q, fried chicken and works.

Sat and ate the largest meal since hospital. Doing great this afternoon. Had biggie visitor from WakeMed [even thought she is petite]. She raided that tomatoes and peppers. Pharmacist walked in as I started to post. Our friend Gail came by and Wifey went with her to a house she has made offer on. Finally Wifey, dogs and self.

Early out tomorrow. Chest CT at Duke/Raleigh at 8:20. 

Think I am selling my 97 Silverado [can't drive for months] to a guy begging for it and Wifey's CVR. Why not. Only one driver and guys offers good $$$. After this is all over, buy a Colorado.

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, July 19, 2021 12:36 PM

73 and raining. Good pour downs but not as bad as doom and gloom TV station is saying.

CT was fast and out the door. Wifey went shopping at several places and I sat in car.

Leftover gizzards and a thigh.

Now TV and rest. Arnold palmer to drink [miss one good ingredient].

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
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Monday, July 19, 2021 1:15 PM

Flintlock76

Your own personal airshow, and the admission's free!  Can't beat that!

 Yeah but you got to stay up-wind, that stuff is death they are spraying. Surprise

Sorry about the dog Banks.Tongue Tied

We saw Rocko yesterday at SIL's dad's b-day party. He is got a long way to go but in good spirits, may of been the NARCOs or beer, or both. Smile, Wink & Grin

House guest grand-pup is back home and the cat is happy. Not much else.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Monday, July 19, 2021 3:58 PM

Afternoon all!

Cloudy and rained all morning. Nice gentle rain. Going over to daughter and SIL's for dinner tonight.

Test install on the El Cam instrument pod and everything works! In the process I repainted the needles/indicators with fluorescent orange as they has all faded to a dull tan color. Look nice! Pulled the dash loose to see how I can reroute (or properly route - maybe I reset it wrong) the wiring harness as it is not letting the instrument pod set without pinching the harness into the A/C ducts. Still working on that. 

Meanwhile back at the laundry room - our fairly new but out of warranty Kenmore electric clothes dryer had quit working correctly. What made this a PITA is the dryer ran (without heat) on just one phase of the 220. Originally thought the heating unit had gone out. Our daughter and SIL had an extra Whirlpool (yeah - they look the same and as we all know are made at the same place), so son and I went and grabbed it. Worked fine for a couple of weeks - then it stopped heating and timer inoperative - Whaaaat? - the Mrs realized it ran for over 2 hrs and it had not shut off (timer is 1 hr max) - and clothes were damp.

So realizing two fairly new dryers cannot have the same failure I finally suspected the socket. Wiggled it and it worked. First thought it was a loose wire (only 44 yrs old) on the socket. Pulled it out and the neutral was slightly loose. Tightened and it seemed ok - so swapped the dryers to return the daughter's - until after a bit the Kenmore quit again with no heat - so back to the socket - ultimately determined internally one of the hot leg socket contacts has "separated" from the wire clamp on the back. Off to Lowes for a new socket. Installed and so far so good.

That design is absolutely STUPID. If ya drop a phase/leg it should not work at all! So many dumb dumbs in this world. It's exhausting...

Banks - sorry about the pup. 

Regards, Roy

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,049 posts
Posted by fifedog on Monday, July 19, 2021 7:35 PM

Been fiddling' around in the train room all day. Picked up the grandsons' carpet central, and boxed their cars back up. Swapped out the 19th century choo-choos with Chessie era diesels. Even put a new AA battery in the wall clock (hey, it was right twice a day...).

FifeMax got a bath today. He's pretty good with the process, but it still takes two of us.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
  • 1,429 posts
Posted by MartyE on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 7:35 AM

Morning all

Seems like eveyone is doing OK.  Banks sorry about the pup.  Dogs are the best.

Roy must have been hell wearing damp drawers.  LOL!  Hope you found the culprit.

Take care everyone.  Nothing new at Kodiak Junctions.

Trying to update my avatar since 2020 Laugh

MartyE and Kodi the Husky Dog! ( 3/31/90-9/28/04 ) www.MartyE.com My O Gauge Web Page and Home of Kodiak Junction!

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 9:53 AM

77 and sunny. Been lazy this AM. Slept so much between dinner and actual bedtime, figured would not sleep well. Signed off here and went right to sleep. Woke at 6:50.

Shave and shower main things on agenda. Shower is when I get so tired.

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Hightstown, NJ
  • 2,886 posts
Posted by anjdevil2 on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 10:55 AM

Good Morning!!

Saturday after work, we cleaned the piggy cage and a few household chores, then ran off to Moe's for dinner.  At that point the weather turns and it was raining sideways, thunder and lightning, all that.  It let up a little and we headed to my house, as we were cat sitting Smurf the Wonder Cat.  We watched Step Brothers, which was mildly amusing and then settled in for sleepy time.

Sunday we got up to take care of Jenni's frog, had breakfast at IHOP and previewed our trip to Strasberg.  We saw the 611 and the MARIAN car we will be travelling in and she is excited.  
Did some errands and picked up Mom and met everyone at Cranbury Pizza to celebrate Jenni's Birthday on Tuesday (Today).  Afterwards, went to Mom's for Carvel Ice Cream Cake and coffee.

Yesterday, I cleaned house and ran over to get started on the Super Bee.  I had it running, got the cooling system back intact with the charging system and then nothing.  I'm thinking of finding a points type distributor and going from there.  Spent the better part of the day working on this.

Stopped for "Lunch" and had a nice chat with RT - sat outside of Quick Check while the local freight passed by about 1/4 mile away.

Was about to collapse at home when my softball manager texted me.   Ran off and played 2nd base - got there in the 2nd inning.  0 for 2. Scored.  We won the game.  Next game is tomorrow night.  

Will finish work and head to Jenni's for her birthday.  Might take her out to dinner.  Up in the air right now.  Have to stop for a card and flowers.  

Weather is in the 70s now and up in the 80s later.  Sun is out and getting humid.

Slow and steady, Chief!!

Banks - we run a Golf Outing and Christmas tree sales.  Once things open up, then we can rent the ballroom upstairs and catering can continue.  Yes, we spend a lot of time trying to raise funds.  Prayers on your doggie.... :'(

Off to work 

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


  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 11:45 AM

Afternoon folks!

A little hazy, to hit 87 or so, with possibility of showers later. Not setting any records but really enjoying another cooler than normal summer so far.

Watched Bezos' launch this morning - very cool to watch a rocket land upright.

Back to figuring out the wiring harness routing on the El Cam - shoulda taken some detail photos when I pulled it loose - but thought the original clip locations would define it. Not so - my mistake.

Anj - cool about the Super Bee project. Good luck with the distributor issue.

Regards, Roy

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 9:28 AM

89 hot and sunny degrees.

Doing good today. Morning's are always a little slow due to sleep meds wearing off. Still a good morning.

Two County Commissioners bringing lunch. Ordered fried catfish.

Tomorrow is early Human Services Board followed by blood draw at 9 AM. Then Chemo around 11.

Hope all have a great day.

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,049 posts
Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 10:42 AM

chief - Good to read that you're getting some appetite during this time.Dinner

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 10:59 AM

Morning folks!

Sunny and 91 on tap. Hooomidity on the way up Cool

Good day yesterday with the El Cam. Figured out (with an assist from G-Body web forum, YT videos, and the manual) where the dash harness was supposed to route over the instrument pod. Success! Everything works as it should excepting the speedo which I left disconnected (PITA to connect and disconnect). Moved on to installing all the little bits like the bracket for the ODB1 connector, parking brake cable, radio rear support bracket, A/C controls, etc.

The radio was not working and part of the issue is the dash speakers are shot. Bought a couple Pioneer 3.5" speakers from www.buyitfrombezossoIcangointospace.com and although they fit into the holes - they are thicker than the stock speakers. So rigged up the radio/cassette player, one speaker on clip leads, and attached the antenna. Nothing. Determined there was no fuse in the fuse block. Found a fuse and radio worked great! Today I will pull its cover and lube the cassette mechanism and cross fingers it still works (yes I have a ton of cassettes with music I recorded from vinyls). 

The plastic headlight switch bracket is of course busted - but useable - and the dimmer control for dash interior lights is not functioning. Found a metal repo bracket and new switch on OPGI - they also have repo speakers (but very pricey). After I check to see if I can make the Pioneer speakers fit I will place the order with OPGI (inc speakers if I need them).

Regards, Roy

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,049 posts
Posted by fifedog on Thursday, July 22, 2021 4:59 AM

Mornin' boys. Clear and 57 along the Patterson Creek cut-off, where I woke up to a malfunctioning water pump. Was making an electrical humming noise, and the pressure switch contacts wouldn't open. Will call our plumber guys in a bit. Woof.

At least we didn't have this strike us for last nights chapter cookout at Fifedom. Wifey was the hostess with the mostest, once again. Lots of train running, and some engines not behaving... Everyone had a good time.

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Thursday, July 22, 2021 6:14 AM

69 and sunny. Big air quality warning. Smoke from western states is actually making it look cloudy.

Out the door to blood work and chemo after a quick attendance to Human Services Board meeting by computer.

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       

              

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Thursday, July 22, 2021 7:42 AM

Good morning all!

Sunny and gonna get warm today - N TX toasty!

Made a spacer - about 1/4" for the Pioneer speakers yesterday - test fit looks like it will work. So ordered the other parts for the El Cam headlight switch. Son and I procured some wood at Lowes and we built a plant stand/shelf unit (approx 4' x 4') similar to one he saw on the interweb. It was a nice afternoon with pleasant breezes. We worked on the back porch. We had a nice time building together.

Getting a carport installed (garage faces alley so it is in rear of the house). Just too many hailstorms we have had to dodge in recent years and with the El Cam in the garage for the time being, the '09 Tahoe sits out all time. Sun does a number on older vehicle plastics. They started this am with the holes for the posts and city inspection. Should be up early next week.

Fife - all trains on track right?

Chief - glad you are getting about!

Regards, Roy

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Thursday, July 22, 2021 7:46 AM

68 On the North Bluff heading to 90.

 Planted my second seeding of grass and feterlizer at the creak and other spots that need some yesterday. Now it won't rain for sure. Laugh

Same here Chief with the smoke from the fires even maks the moon orange at night?

Time for a new switch Fife, if it has not cooked the pump, try breaking the contacts open to see if that does it. If so then you know the contacts are getting bad.

Krogers is the only plan for today.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Near Altoona Pa.
  • 1,896 posts
Posted by Banks on Thursday, July 22, 2021 8:43 AM

fifedog

Mornin' boys. Clear and 57 along the Patterson Creek cut-off, where I woke up to a malfunctioning water pump. Was making an electrical humming noise, and the pressure switch contacts wouldn't open. Will call our plumber guys in a bit. Woof.

At least we didn't have this strike us for last nights chapter cookout at Fifedom. Wifey was the hostess with the mostest, once again. Lots of train running, and some engines not behaving... Everyone had a good time.

 

I recommend a low pressure  cut  out on the new switch. Protects the pump if it runs out of water or if a pipe breaks and can't build pressure it will shut down.

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

  • Member since
    July 2020
  • 1,623 posts
Posted by pennytrains on Thursday, July 22, 2021 5:35 PM

V8Vega

Thur. 97 Fri. 95

I have cassett tapes and VCR tapes too, never use them.

 

I use my VHS.  Lotsa stuff that I only have on tape.  Music cassettes I only kept what's irreplacable.  Like demo tapes of my band.

Big Smile  Same me, different spelling!  Big Smile

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Thursday, July 22, 2021 9:27 PM

V8Vega
Last year I had a stop and the 1st plane was late causing me to miss the 2nd plane and I had to spend the night and go the next day.

Transfers.  Oh brother.

There's a joke here in Virginia, "You could book a flight on Delta from Richmond to Norfolk and STILL have to transfer through Atlanta!"

You know, I used to love flying but it's no fun anymore, for a variety of reasons. If where I want to be is in practical driving distance, i.e. two days or less, I'll drive. 

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,049 posts
Posted by fifedog on Friday, July 23, 2021 8:32 AM

...still waiting on plumbing doodles...SnailSnailSnail

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Friday, July 23, 2021 9:00 AM

74 and sunny. No hazy smoke.

Thick Egos with real maple syrup.

Slept OK. Little slow today but Ok since chemo yesterday.

SisterIL bringing Chinese takeout for dinner.

Off ozy. Doing Tylenol.

Hope all have a great day.

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Friday, July 23, 2021 10:54 AM

Morning folks!

Partly cloudy today, high 90's, hoomid, it's summertime! Cool

Spent the afternoon on the El Cam radio/tape player. Fabricated the speaker spacers with some 3" PVC, painted them black. Then made a couple of spacers for the speaker screws as the new speakers have a plastic frame and the plastic would distort or break when cinching them down. Then made a couple of 6" adapter cables to go between the wiring harness speaker connectors and the new speakers. Installed the speakers and connected the radio - nada - wiggled the wires - something. After a lot of fiddling finally figured out the crimps on the pins for the radio power connector (which looked fine) must have oxidized. Extracted the pins and soldered them. All good! Radio, volume, L-R fade, treble/bass, station controls all work smoothly.

Took the covers off the radio to try and access the tape player mechanism - no luck. This thing is packed. Did not want to mess with it at this time. Found a YT video on disassembling one of these vintage guys and filed that for a future project. Amazing what one can find on YT.

Chief - keep on keepin' on!

I still have a bunch of cassettes and VCR stuff. Amazingly our adult kids use the VCR more often. They just did a VCR handoff at last weekend's family dinner.

DFW as a hub made fying direct available most of the time when I was working. I avoided Chicago and Atlanta as anytime a bird flies over those airports and tinkles they shut down operations for hours. Man - I clocked over 2M miles combined on all the airlines...glad that is over.

Regards, Roy

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Friday, July 23, 2021 12:00 PM

fifedog

...still waiting on plumbing doodles...SnailSnailSnail

 

Fife, why not DIY? Most those guys you hire are dumb as a box of rocks anyway. Laugh

I had my fill of air travel working for Cat. Good thing almost all were direct flights in and out of Chicago. I have no want to fly today.

Hot and humid for the next week. 90s with dew points in the 70s, sucks!

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    July 2020
  • 1,623 posts
Posted by pennytrains on Friday, July 23, 2021 5:24 PM

Tore my old layout table down today....dang yankee craftsmanship!  Bang Head

Big Smile  Same me, different spelling!  Big Smile

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,049 posts
Posted by fifedog on Friday, July 23, 2021 5:35 PM

Two things Fifey don't tangle with: plumbing & electrical. I can change a light switch, or install a sink strainer, but that's it. Our plumbers installed a new jet pump and pressure switch. The old pump was toast. We've been dealing with the same outfit since moving to WV. They were in and out in a little over an hour. We're happy.

Even had some time to railfan up in Cumberland with my buddy Tom.

  • Member since
    June 2013
  • 643 posts
Posted by smokey1 on Saturday, July 24, 2021 6:26 AM

No real plans for today different than the past week or so. Packing and continuing taking down the shelves in the train room. 

72* going to 91*

Hope all have a good weekend. 

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Saturday, July 24, 2021 8:42 AM

Hot, Hot, Hot and Humid on The North Bluff. UGH!

Watering the new grass seed. I also have it covered with some old hay. Should halp it take in this heat. Yes

Fife, yeah, you got to stay in your comfort zone with that stuff. I just figured if you can wire a layout you got it covered. Yes

For me, pneumatics, hydraulics, electrical, and plumbing are all about the same in theory. If you can do one the others are not that far off.  Flow, switches, and valves but then I grew up on hydraulics at Cat. Smile, Wink & Grin
Well on with the day, Prayers for those in need!

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Saturday, July 24, 2021 8:56 AM

76 and sunny. Trying to convert from opioids to Tylenol. Neck hurts. A little slow today. I'm sure I'll bounce back soon.

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Saturday, July 24, 2021 2:36 PM

Good afternoon all!

Sunny, hooomid, and high 90's today! Cool

Got the AC and radio back into the El Cam dash yesterday. The radio was a chore and when I finally got it in and all the screws attached I spotted the antenna cable hanging - ugh. All electrical and AC vacuum controls function properly. The new headlight switch/interior lights/dimmer scheduled via FedEx later today (tested with the old one). Just need to get the last items attached - new headlight switch, refasten steering column, lower SC valance/ac duct, radio/AC bezel (will need some edge grinding/shaping to fit), glove box door, and fabricate some fasteners for the pass side dash bezel/trim piece (the plastic snap tabs broke off as expected). I somehow misplaced the 4 screws for the dash speaker grills. I modified some screws that I picked up at the auto parts store but they do not look right and I cannot find them on the web or elsewhere. Will have to compromise - they are hard to get to once the windshield is installed. Regardless - barring unforeseen events - I plan to schedule the new windshield next week if possible.

Olympic binge watching started...Laugh

Regards, Roy

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month