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Last coffee pot for 2021. Been a bittersweet year of the 17-year run. So many gone yet many newcomers. Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! Locked

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Posted by fifedog on Sunday, December 19, 2021 7:41 AM

Had some special visitors yesterday. Brent (88) and the Q and kids too, stopped by the new Fifedom. They were on their way to ride behind 1309 on it's first revenue trip. Showed them our new digs, and the North Pole village, and then the layout in the train room. It was great to see them, and look forward to future visits.

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Sunday, December 19, 2021 8:53 AM

8ntruck

Flintlock76 - check the foam spacers under the SOS board.  If they are deteriorated, the bottom of the board could contact the tender chassis, short the board and kill it.

I'll agree that the SOS was an advancement in its day, but the current crop of electronics is several quantum levels more advanced.

 

I've had the shell off, the foam spacer's OK, it's just the sound itself and the volume I find annoying.  WAY too loud!  On the back side of the layout it's not too bad but coming past me it rattles my eardrums.

A good whistle and bell combo's all I need.    

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Posted by lion88roar on Sunday, December 19, 2021 10:49 PM

fifedog

Had some special visitors yesterday. Brent (88) and the Q and kids too, stopped by the new Fifedom. They were on their way to ride behind 1309 on it's first revenue trip. Showed them our new digs, and the North Pole village, and then the layout in the train room. It was great to see them, and look forward to future visits.



Always a gracious host! It sure was an awesome trip and thanks for the tour. Matthew was in awe of your train garden and is pressing to get ours started now.

1309 did not disappoint. It was really neat to she her and the cool weather helped her put on a show. Got a really neat video of the smoke passing overhead through the Vista Dome glass ceiling. Yes we sprung for the Northern Pacific Stampede Pass Vista Dome car, and man was it worth every penny. We are already planning a Spring ride and possibly a Fall trip as well.

Apparently Matthew heard you mention the February photo shoot and when I told the family about standing close to the track everyone was really interested, but after an awesome meal at City Lights we were all rather beat and ready to get home. lol

This evening TheQ and Christina had a girl scout meeting, so Matthew talked me into putting another loop around the tree. We were test running The North Pole Central Christmas Zepher when they got home, both kids were in awe... TheQ not so much... at least that was the act she was putting on.

https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 6:39 AM

Mornin' guys and gal(s). Cloudy and 21 in the Potomac Highlands. 3 more nights of trains, and whoa are me dogs barkin'...

Here's a pic the Q took of Brent and me...

Frosty actually "shivers" and lights up.

PS - I have a pic of the kids, but will leave that to 88. Smile, Wink & Grin

 

 

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 8:36 AM

You handsome devils you!

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 10:24 AM

Fife and LionRoar - Looking' GOOD, guys!!

Flint - I will tell him!!  His Dad was a Marine and 2 of my brothers as well.  The 3rd brother  was an Army Colonel....We are a Navy house, lol.

I got some Christmas shopping done - I'm just trying to finish up Jenni's presents and I'll be done.  Secret Santa gifts finished.....

I've been contracted to do the stuffing for Christmas dinner, so that will be started Thursday night.

Christmas tree at Jenni's is done - Z scale layout is about done, she is working on her N scale stuff - I finally found my rock molds so I can make rocks and snow piles - so maybe tonight.  

I'll bring another one of my modules to Jenni's and maybe get that completed - my layout will not be done for Christmas, which sucks.

My brother and my nephew are both here, so the house is full of activity - lol

OK, back 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


HCF
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Posted by HCF on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 2:49 PM

Just got my booster shot today.

Last night we decorated the Christmas tree. Today I put a ring of O27 track around the base and set up the 2055 Hudson and a couple of cars.

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Posted by 8ntruck on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 6:42 PM

Another sunny day near 50 degrees here in mid Mo.  Cleaned more bricks for the porch today.  I think I'm about 2/3 of the way done.

Swapped over to a knot type wire brush on my angle grinder.  Cleaned about 150  bricks with the $20 DeWalt brush.  Stopped by Harbor Freight and picked up a $8 brush.  Had about 150 bricks on that one today when my back informed me it was quitting time.  Got probably 30 or 40 more bricks worth of life in it.

Finally heard back from my concrete contractor today.  We are now on the same page as to what needs to be done before he can start.  Progress, I guess.

An HO layout is being donated to the KATY Depot Museum.  It is supposed to be delivered tomorrow.  Think I'll try to be there to help unload it.  I expect I'll be involved in the installation in the museum somehow. 

Wandering through the Lionel listings in e-bay,  I see a lot of "auction ended, 0 bids" notices.  Got me wondering, prices too high?  Intrest in collecting dropping?  Venues other than e-bay taking over?

Just like this forum. I've not been active here for a few years, and I notice that it now seems quieter than it used to be.

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Posted by Leverettrailfan on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 12:39 AM

8ntruck

Wandering through the Lionel listings in e-bay,  I see a lot of "auction ended, 0 bids" notices.  Got me wondering, prices too high?  Intrest in collecting dropping?  Venues other than e-bay taking over?


Perhaps folks are all "spent out" from christmas shopping?

-Ellie

"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, assume every train for sale requires servicing before use"

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 8:05 AM

Good Morning

We made rocks last night - finally - as I found my rock molds - we used plaster of paris, though I think there are other things we can use.  They came out pretty good.  Jenni will use some for her layout(s) and the others I'll cover in snow for my plowed snow effect.  I did paint the sidewalk on the one module I have at Jenni's.  

Tonight we will wrap presents.  I have to get Aspen chips to clean the piggy cage and then attend to my module.  I need tro grab my K4s from my house - I think it need to run around Jenni's tree.  Then maybe bed before 11.  A couple more presents and I'll be done.

Rained last night, 37F now 45F later.  Looks like rain the rest of the day.

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


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Posted by Flintlock76 on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 8:27 AM

Leverettrailfan

 

 
8ntruck

Wandering through the Lionel listings in e-bay,  I see a lot of "auction ended, 0 bids" notices.  Got me wondering, prices too high?  Intrest in collecting dropping?  Venues other than e-bay taking over?

 


Perhaps folks are all "spent out" from christmas shopping?

-Ellie

 

 

No bids?  Now that is interesting.  I can understand auctions ending if no-one meets a "reserve" attached to an item, but no bids at all is a little strange. 

Maybe e-Bay needs a test track?

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Posted by smokey1 on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 8:35 AM

Lots of items end with no bids, not necessarily price, can be a lot of things to play in the factor, condition, not really what someone wanted, ETC. it's very common for items not to have a bid on it when ended. I have items up there right now that probably will end with no bids. And it isn't because of the price. Sometimes items end because someone doesn't have enough to buy what you selling even though it is definitely worth your asking price. When you put something up there at a price or best offer and get no offers, does not mean the price is too high either. 

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Posted by Waynestrains on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 2:17 PM

It may just be me , but I am regularly on ebay and buy quite often, I find the shipping costs to be totally out of whack. Often I find items I am very comfortable with the price and then I see shipping cost and quickly back off. Again this is just my view of it.  Also a Merry Christmas to everyone.   Wayne in Indiana but once from NJ

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Posted by smokey1 on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 4:00 PM

Welcome to the craziness ebay. it seems if its from CA. you can not even get a boxcar for less than $45 in shipping cost

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Posted by lion88roar on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 8:50 PM

Fife go ahead and post it... still struggling with photos. lol

https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/

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Posted by smokey1 on Thursday, December 23, 2021 10:45 AM

Morning all.

Started out at 27* here this a.m. Going to 56* today

Already got some running around done this a.m.

Made a mess of the train room yesterday, trying to dig out and see everything I want to sell, or want to keep.

Hope all have a good Christmas

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Friday, December 24, 2021 2:25 PM

Merry Christmas

Jenni is sick and has banished me from the house - late last night she showed a positive quick test.  As of this morning, she has a low grade fever (99) and it's a little difficult to breathe.  I left her Vitamin D and Zinc and her parents dropped off the rapid test and Vitamin C.  Our Christmas will be later than most.

Last night was the anniversary of our 2nd Line of Duty death (8 years), a small group congregated at the cemetery to commemorate his death, we moved on to our 1st LODD and one of our long time members and chief.  We toasted all 3 and laid Fire Dept. handmade grave blankets on each. 

Afterwards did some shopping then brought chicken noodle soup, mac and cheese and a pretzel to Jenni.  Our Christmas will be delayed - there are no tests available and Christmas makes it more difficult.  We'll have to wait until either Sunday of Monday for another test.  

Hope to bolt outta work early, need to make stuffing, get a table and chairs to my house and help the Princess with food and house prep.  Maybe hit church at 10 PM.

I check on Jenni every few hours to make sure she is ok.  I have nothing going on with me.  Everyone but Jenni, Mom and myself were vaccinated.  Personal choice, that's all.

Work is slow - and that's fine

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 Flintlock76 on Friday, December 24, 2021 2:34 PM

Sorry to hear about Jenni 'Devil, I hope what she's got is of short duration!  Remember, there's a lot of other things out there besides "The Pestilance," so it might not be anything serious. 

And a Merry Christmas to you and yours, even if it's delayed a bit!

Wayne

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Posted by fifedog on Friday, December 24, 2021 2:52 PM

Happy Christmas Eve guys and gal(s). Sunny and 62, sixty-two, in the Potomac Highlands. Waiting for the oldest princess to arrive with her family. The grandsons will be awakening up in Fifedom tomorrow morning. I'm feeling a little under the weather, as I just couldn't keep warm on the train on yesterday's final NPX runs.

anjdevil - Hope Ms Jenni bounces back soon.

I hope everyone has a peaceful and happy day.

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Posted by 8ntruck on Friday, December 24, 2021 4:05 PM

Drove to our Michigan quarters yesterday.  Woke up to 32 degrees, fog and about an inch of snow on the ground.  The snow melted by mid afternoon.   Looks like it won't be a white Christmas this year.

Instead of walking the dog on the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail today, we went out for a stroll in the woods in the nearby State Game area. Bushwacked for about a mile and a half.

Merry Christmas.

Prayers of healing for those in need. 

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Posted by smokey1 on Friday, December 24, 2021 11:03 PM

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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Posted by Kens std gauge on Saturday, December 25, 2021 9:13 AM

Merry Christmas everyone! I got the newest Greenberg standard gauge book (430 pages!) and I'm looking forward to starting it today.

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Saturday, December 25, 2021 9:35 AM

Merry Christmas all!  Have a wonderful day!  

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Saturday, December 25, 2021 1:04 PM

Merry Christmas gang!

Did our thing last night with those we love, Just chilling today watching old Mecum auctions.

Prayers for those in need.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by 8ntruck on Saturday, December 25, 2021 3:25 PM

Merry Christmas all.

Sunny, in the 40's here in mid Michigan.  Quiet Christmas here. Just my wife and me.  Small roast in the oven, about 20 degrees from being done.  Salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary rub, with a beacon wrap.  Squash, broccoli, baked potatoes to go with it.

Didn't get any train related items this year.  Santa did leave a Daisy model 25 pump action BB gun.

We will continue the Daniel Craig James Bond marathon that we started last night.  Watched Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace last night.  Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die yet to go.

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Saturday, December 25, 2021 4:29 PM

8ntruck
Didn't get any train related items this year.  Santa did leave a Daisy model 25 pump action BB gun.

Don't shoot your eye out kid!  Wink

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Posted by 8ntruck on Saturday, December 25, 2021 5:49 PM

Does that impact star in my glasses lens count?

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Saturday, December 25, 2021 9:31 PM

8ntruck

Does that impact star in my glasses lens count?

 

Yes.  Chalk it up to experience and blame it on a fallen icicle!

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Posted by fifedog on Sunday, December 26, 2021 8:08 AM

Mornin' guys and gal(s). Sunny and 50 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Will get Fifedom back in ship shape today, as the families departed after 6 last night (I was in bed by 7!). Some of my layout gifts were a 3434 (modern) poultry car that has sound, an AF Beth Steel gon with pipe load, a 1919 Wilcox flower truck (D56/Bachman), and a couple O scale baggage cart kits. Ms. Kelly made a wonderful crab cake dinner, and no one had room for dessert...

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Posted by fifedog on Monday, December 27, 2021 6:39 AM

Here's the pic of Matthew and Christina that Brent sent me. They rode the Polar Express/WMSR behind C&O 1309, and I was told the experience was excellent.

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