Good Morning!!34F going up to 55F laterWas in the middle of picking up the last LED Christmas tree lights when we got a fire call. I had a pruner in my hand and checked out, picked up my pre ordered lights and headed off to the FD. A wrecker was totally engulfed - I missed the truck but passed the incident. I was there for about 45 minutes and I requested to leave prior to the truck coming back.I headed to Shop Rite for some supplies and Jenni finished making dinner when I got there . Dinner at 8. Chicken and Taters au graten. Cleaned the piggie cage and then finished the lighting on tree, so that is done. Jenni plans on decorating this weekend. She is making great progress on her layout. I'll be back over there tonight.
I will be in the Train Attic Thursday as I am taking time to try to finish my layout. I have more wiring and street lights to do. I need to clear the Summer/Spring section and get that planned. I may wind up setting the structures on there and wiring later.For those that may remember - Jeff Wimberly passed today in 2014 - I can't believe it's been 7 years --
off to work - much to do, again.
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
8ntruckWorked on the 2026 repair job I've got. One of the pivot pins on the e unit was broken. Since I don't have an e unit spreader, I replaced the e unit. Mechanically, this loco is in pretty good shape. Cleaning and lube was all it needed there. The smoke unit was caked full of unburned smoke pills. I ended up replacing the smoke box, packing, and smoke element. In test runs, it is not a prodigeous smoker
Now, it's really not the best way to do it, but if you have nothing else, it will work. You take a pair of needle nose pliers, and carefully spread them so that each jaw is pushing outwards right next to the pin/rivet that holds the sides together. Once you feel you have them where you want them, pull the pliers open until you get your E-Unit to spread! Longer handles help of course. The reason I don't feel it is the best, is the lack of control you have over the pressure you're applying to the E-Unit walls. You don't get a nice, gentle levering action that you can stop as soon as the rivet lets go, and I don't like the way that feels. None the less, I've found it does the job, and have opened up several units this way by now.If I remember correct, the correct procedure if a smoke unit is lacking in output but there's nothing wrong with it otherwise, is to remove one or two turns on the heating element in the smoke unit. I'm planning to do that to my 646 Hudson, since it's been a notoriously bad smoker for me. It may also be due for a smoke unit rebuild.
8ntruckCould not get the whistle working. Something is making the motor bind. That will require more surgery than I am willing to do without contracting the owner.
"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, assume every train for sale requires servicing before use"
Good Morning!!Twas a long trip to VA - we left late, traffic was a nightmare in NJ, DE and Washington - just ridiculous....We met everybody at the restaurant, it was very nice, we did not sit together, which was strange since that was the reservation.....got checked in about 1030 and off to sleep.I ran out and got breakfast for Jenni and I - we ate downstairs with some of the family - we took the kids to Target as we needed to get cash and a Wedding card.Had some down time until the shuttle picked us up at 515. We all had a nice time, food was good, we danced until we left. We left Sunday about 11, the kids went with my BIL and my sister, we took Mom to Waffle House for breakfast. Got home about 420 PM.Yesterday got the brakes working on the Super Bee - it will be moving to my house after Christmas so I have better access to it, still lots to do, the 45 minute trip to the storage is a killer and wastes a lot of time. Plus all my tools are here.Afterwards, I ran home to clean up the 2nd floor as my brother and nephew are coming in Monday. I had a Fireman's Relief Meeting then to Jenni's for Chicken Dinner. She is working on the Z scale portion of her layout for Christmas and took up a lot of her time. Tonight will be more decorating and cleaning the piggie cage-the tree trimming will be this weekend when her niece and nephew come over. Santa is allegedly going to make an appearance by fire truck.....Jenni has decided to go with the Winter Wonderland Railroad- the one I just repaired - for under the tree - she want's to leave the Mopar Express sets in the boxes for now. As for the 2187WS set - I have managed to figure out what this set is comprised of and will make an offer of $400. I have a friend that wants it - I can't do it, not after this last venture into DC. I still have Christmas shopping to do....It's cold 37F hitting 50 later ---
Warm here in mid Mo. Sunny and almost 60 today. Checked with our son and a few friends in Bowling Green, Ky. the last day or two. All are OK. I think our 20 acres of woods there are OK too. If not, we will have plenty of firewood!
Worked on the 2026 repair job I've got. One of the pivot pins on the e unit was broken. Since I don't have an e unit spreader, I replaced the e unit. Mechanically, this loco is in pretty good shape. Cleaning and lube was all it needed there. The smoke unit was caked full of unburned smoke pills. I ended up replacing the smoke box, packing, and smoke element. In test runs, it is not a prodigeous smoker.
Got everything back together, and found that something in the puffer piston was jamming up and stalling the loco. Turns out that the piston was coming out of the cylinder. Stretching the spring inside the piston seems to have stopped that issue.
Could not get the whistle working. Something is making the motor bind. That will require more surgery than I am willing to do without contracting the owner.
Unusually warm again here on The North Bluff. Looks like it will be most of the week. I will take it. So sad the storm damage that ripped through the other night. The number of those lost and missing is shocking. There is nothing like Tornado damage that takes everything in minutes and years to replace if ever.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
Mornin' guys and gal(s). Sunny and 28 in the Potomac Highlands. Temps were mild this weekend, which helped working on the trains while getting over this cold that swept thru the staff. Next week, all day, every day. Youngest Princess is home from college for the break. Did finish North Pole village, so Ms. Kelly is happy. Today, grocery shopping and dry cleaners.
Still dealing with this sinus thingy. Slowly getting the North Pole layout up around the tree. All the buildings have lights, and all the D56 and Lemax lamps are hooked up. Just need the loop of FasTrack, elves, deer, and the Claws. Will be working on the 1:1 NPX the next two nights.
Good Afternoon!
Mom's house is finished, need to get the boxes in the attic. My brother and my nephew are coming for Christmas, so I can't store the boxes in the bedroom like I usually do. Might be able to do that tomorrow, as I am off. We leave for my niece's delayed wedding reception tomorrow afternoon, in VA.During the decorating, more politicking - elections are tonight and "accommodations" are being made for 2 candidates and I'm pushing for a third, as it's only fair. So that went up to 10ish.....I hate politics. Yet, I'm in 2 political positions.....go figure.Need to go find a suit, my pinstripe suit is too small - so, I'll need to run over to my house for lunch and grab all my suits - then figure out my next move....Fife - Prayers for you and the Mrs - hope you guys get better soon!!! That RR party sounded like a nice Christmas Bash.....
That's all from here
Mornin' guys and gal(s). Sunny and 27 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Nasty cold has Fifey down today. Thank God for Puffs Plus. Woof.
Did attend the Scenic RR Christmas Party last night. The owners really put out a great spread, live band, and they worked the room greeting everyone. Wifey (also under the weather) stayed home, so I danced with our 80-something narrator.
Will try to finish up our North Pole Village/Gingerbread Junction today...sometime...
Here's an interesting thought for Pearl Harbor day.
It's 80 years since the Japanese attack that brought the US into WW2, but 1941 was 80 years after the attack on Fort Sumter that began the American Civil War.
Just think of the astounding progress that was made in those 80 years!
fifedog Evenin' guys and gal(s). Overcast and 40 along the Allegany front range, where we might get some white stuff overnight. As I quietly ate dinner with Ms. Kelly, I thought about Mr.&Mrs. America sitting down to eat 80 years ago. How scary the world suddenly became. How unsure of the future they must've felt. The fear they felt for their children, and for family in the armed forces. What sacrifices would they face at home, and would they even be safe in their homes, work, and places of worship. How quiet that meal must've been, waiting for voices on the radio to deliver more news and any information concerning the day's events, and how would the nation's leaders meet the challenges ahead...
Evenin' guys and gal(s). Overcast and 40 along the Allegany front range, where we might get some white stuff overnight.
As I quietly ate dinner with Ms. Kelly, I thought about Mr.&Mrs. America sitting down to eat 80 years ago. How scary the world suddenly became. How unsure of the future they must've felt. The fear they felt for their children, and for family in the armed forces. What sacrifices would they face at home, and would they even be safe in their homes, work, and places of worship. How quiet that meal must've been, waiting for voices on the radio to deliver more news and any information concerning the day's events, and how would the nation's leaders meet the challenges ahead...
So Well Put Bruce! Or have I forgot your name? Have always thought the same about my parents in their late teens and my grand parents and their thoughts on that day. We have had it made and don't have a clue.
Hey there! I appreciate the welcome! I'm going to Central Jersey, Edison.
I had never heard of the Colebrookdale RR but it looks really nice and pretty. It is definitely a bit pricey but it looks like a lot of fun. Might have plan a lunch train date.
Good MorningDecember 7th, 1941 - the Greatest Generations's 9/11........Never Forget --------------Sold trees after work, then the skies opened up about 8, then wind followed. It was blustery and brutal. Did some food shopping for Mom and had Taco Bell afterwards. The 4 AM fire Call for an MVA on the NJTP didn't help my sleepy time....Sun is trying to break through it's now 34 going to 43.Line/Exec meeting at the FD tonight. If early enough, may run over to Jenni's for a bit.Tomorrow I'll finish off decorating the house for Mom.
Fife - I/we opt for a live tree, it's what I grew up with and Jenni loves it. I buy the kids their tree, and I supply the trains that go under it. My future SIL is a sucker for the Remote Polar Express.... . I think I have him hooked, lol.I'm most likely going to opt out of the 671 set, I want to be fair to the owner and I don't have the money. A friend is interested in it, so he'll give him the money that's fair and I'll keep the cheapy set. HCF - welcome to the forum...WHERE in Jersey you goin'? Flemington has the Black River and Western, Phillipsberg has the Belvidere and Delaware (the Bel Del Line). Also, the Whippany Railway runs excursions.
Also the New Hope and Ivyland in New Hope, PA (In between the Bel Del and BR&W)
In Delaware, there is the Brandywine railroad and in PA (both about an hour from Central NJ) is the Colebrookdale Railway. Those are the ones that I know. Hope that helps (I'm off of Exit 8 - NJTP, for reference...)
Not much else - back later
I just acted as Oberon, King of the Fairies, in a production of Midsummer's Night Dream at my university. It was a lovely time and I've made new friends.
I'm about to enter two weeks of exam. The good news is I have an interesting research paper to work on. I'm nervous but I'm excited for a long winter break soon.
There will be lots of work on the layout at home I imagine but I'll also have to figure out gifts for my family members. I'm visiting my girlfriend in New Jersey too which I'm looking forward to. (Mmm Wawa) I'm looking to see if there's any fun excursion train rides in or near New Jersey in January. I've been to Strasburg recently, so I'm looking for something else (hopefully that runs a little longer than 45 mins.) If anyone knows any good train excursions in that area let me know! :) I'm also excited to see New York City at Christmas time.
On the layout front I need to get working on my second level so that I can finally get the scenery going. Gotta figure out what material to use for the track to go on and to figure out how to cut that material in a round way for the curve bits.
I'm also excited to keep working on my project to put a Marx 666 metal shell on a Marx 1829 motor. The shell transfer was a success, now I've gotta get the motor running. No idea how much of a project that will be, I haven't taken a good look at the motor. Cosmetically I think I want to dress it up like Southern Pacific 4-6-2 from the Commute Service in the SF Bay Area. Might even build a vanderbilt tender for it with one of my spare tenders as a donor.
The NdeM Niagara project is also swirling in my mind. Sometimes distant, sometimes at the front. I found a clip of a Niágara whistle on Youtube and it really gives me chills listening to it. I'm really a fan of these steam locomotives. They're pretty modest, in steam locomotive terms, but still unique looking. They're 4-8-4s (my favorite kind) so they have both power and speed. They have a nice symettry to them too. Very beautiful beasts. The clip of the whistle is below for those interested.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVQsQrPr3kg
anjdevil - Nice booty haul.
As to Tree settin' up....I cheat. We have a 7.5' Essex Fir,pre-lit,tapered bottom. We also have several additional sets of sugar-globe color lights, zip-tied to the branches. Because it has that faux snow look, we didn't want to pack it up each January. So I simply carry it outside, to the store room, and we cover it up with a disposable Xmas tree bag. Keeps the dust off, and the branches relaxed. Work smarter,not harder.
Good Afternoon!!So, Saturday afternoon, I did get to Trains and Things, picked up 6 O-48 Fastrack curves ($30), he had a ton of O-60 and O-72 curves.... I had to forage through the boxes to get what I was looking for....got my Lionel Train Day car - #7. Bought a box full of stuff which included a 1110 engine and tender, flat car, NYC gondola, hopper and caboose. Quite a bit of tubular tack, however, the surprise was at the bottom of the box. 4 brand new MPC 4 pack of straight track, 1 brand new 4 pack of curves and 1 brand new 45 degree crossing. ON SALE! for a $1.59 from Two Guys (a local department store that went out of business 30 years ago). I suspect it'll go on either the bay or f-book market place for a collector.We went and picked up the trees, the kids got theirs in the house and were happy with the selection, Jenni and I plopped our tree in the back seat of the road runner and went to her house, the road runner was topless, with a 7' tree in the back. We stopped for hot chocolate at Wawa half way back (yeah, it was cold) we had sugar and peppermint bark cookies with our hot chocolate. We got the tree in the house and watered. Dominoes for dinner.Sunday we went to a friend's house and picked up a lighted wreath and garland set for Jenni's mantel, then headed over to my house to meet up with the cat sitter, which went well. We then hit Home Depot, Cracker Barrel, Dairy Queen (for some drinks) Michael's and then Acme (or Acca Me for those in the Philly area). Chicken and Mashed Potatoes for dinner, strung up some lights on the tree and looked over the 2187WS set.
The 671RR is in BEAUTIFUL shape as is the PRR tender. I have boxes for the gondola, the engine and tender the lighted caboose and the milk car...which is still very white!! There is an RW transformer which needs a cord, O scale track and a UCS track - the wires are toast but the controller is like brandy new. There was also a 1110 engine with a Lionel Lines slope back tender, Baby Ruth Orange box car, dump car and a 6017 caboose with an 1103(?) transformer and uncoupling track - again the wires are crap, and some O-27 track - that I may give him $50 for as a recent sale was for $50 with the boxes.I have no clue if any of this runs, it was getting late, I'm assuming it all will. Later in the week, I may get some track up and a CW 80 and get it up. I have a friend that will give my guy $300 for the set if I pass, but I'm thinking more like $350-400 - it is that clean. All with the boxes and the master case. At work today. crappy night, not much sleep, but I'm off Friday, Saturday and Sunday ----maybe I'll sleep Saturday as we have to be in VA for my niece's wedding reception....
off to work.......
KRMWife wants to put the tree up tomorrow and I want to find a reason to not be here.
I kinda know how you feel, but you know what? I'm the one who sets the tree up and strings the lights on it, one hand I say to myself "What a PITA!" but after it's done I tell myself, "Man! I did GOOD!"
Not bothering with a regular Christmas tree this year, the tree shortage has hit the area. Trees were for sale the week prior to Thanksgiving but we never get one that early. Even with watering we can't shake the feeling that after a month indoors the thing wouldn't be a Christmas tree anymore, it'd be a Christmas bomb!
So it's back to running the trains around our fall-back fiber-optic "Robo-Tree." Works for us!
Hello, Well winter is trying hard to break into the North Bluff. Will be down to 12 tonight won't get over 33 today and the wind is pushing over 30 mph. Still not a flake of snow but we are ready if it happens.
Waiting on gifts we have on order and almost done with the shopping. Wife wants to put the tree up tomorrow and I want to find a reason to not be here.
Would be nice to hear from Roy, and Shake and Bake and the two Dougs but I understand why they have ditched. Can't say I blame then either.
Neighbor got a visit from the IL. DNR yesterday. Walked right into his shed. Seems they changed the rules on bating back in 2014 because of CWD in deer and he found out the hard way. $195.00 for the state coffers. When they left his house they went to the house of one of his friends that hunts on his land and gave him a ticket as well. No feeding of whitetail of any kind any more but food plots. Good to know.
I think it is all about the revenue more than the deer?
About it from here.
Evenin' guys and gal(s). Overcast and 50 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Worked on the real train all day yesterday, and brought up ol' tanenbum today. Been a-trimmin' all afternoon, and had to "rassel" the angel on top, with the help of a step ladder. She had me so frustrated that it almost turned into a ladder match. Neck sore now.
Good Afternoon - Got some lights up at Jenni's, then went Christmas shopping last night - I wasn't ready for that - stopped at TGI Fridays for dinner - food was good, ribs didn't agree with me later on.We now have 2 N&W 746 J Class ornaments - will probably give one to Jenni's Dad. Spent the morning setting up another heated cat house for the ferals, I have one more to do. Decorated the tree for Mom, she'll put more on it then I need to get 1 more box out and finish off the house.Off to Lionel Train Day at Trains and Things, then getting a tree with the kids and Jenni - I found the moving blankets so I can install the tree in the back seat.Mostly cloudy and 45 now. Probably spend the evening moving furniture and getting the tree set up. Jenni is getting excited to get the trains up and running.Work on Monday, then off Friday to Sunday for my niece's delayed reception - she got married last year - 12/5.Fife - start 'em off young, that's the best way to do it.....
Back when I can,,,,,,,,,,,,
Just returned home from babysitting youngest grandson. FifePops handed him the LionChief remote to his folks' Hogwarts Express. He did fine for 10 minutes, until trying to put in his mouth (he is only ten months after all). Still, no pile-ups during his first trick.
Good Morning and Happy Friday!!!I am off for Lionel Train Day tomorrow, I'll put a couple of hours in for trees and then run over to Trains and Things in Ewing. They have the Train Day Box Car, so it will be coming home with me. I have the "green light" to find and buy a Blue Comet engine. Now, here is the rub: I can try to find an MPC era engine or find a TMCC Blue Comet. If I can get an MPC, I was considering moving the electronics from my LionChief to the MPC. The TMCC will be expensive.Last night was another 4 hours at the FD selling trees. I got 1 run in for a "burnt offerings" in a motel. Damn microwaves, always burning things......We sold 10 trees, I have 2 on hold so we can check them and take them home. Jenni wants to use the road runner to bring the tree home, so that's what we will do. Home by 10.Will try to get some ornaments on Mom's tree today and tomorrow, I put out more outside lights at Mom's.43F here and it got windy last night 46F later with Sun.
88-
fifedog Mornin' guys and gal(s). Partly sunny and 38 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. NRHS chapter meeting tonight, which is the only event on my slate. Ms Kelly's slate may MAY have more scripture... Greenberg Show at Timonium, MD this weekend. Not going, working on the NPX. Thanks for starting a new Coffee Pot, Kevin.
Mornin' guys and gal(s). Partly sunny and 38 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. NRHS chapter meeting tonight, which is the only event on my slate. Ms Kelly's slate may MAY have more scripture...
Greenberg Show at Timonium, MD this weekend. Not going, working on the NPX.
Thanks for starting a new Coffee Pot, Kevin.
https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/
So far so good here, Chanukah has been going well. Video call the siblings off in college every night to celebrate together as a family. My 2321 Lackawanna quit on me when I needed her during Thanksgiving, and the other day I decided to see what was up with one of my most reliable locomotives. The yellow wire from the E-Unit had broken from the brush plate. I realized preserving original wiring wasn't an option, as this had happened before. The E-unit wires were all far too stiff, and I had to tear into it. Rebuilt the E-Unit while I was in there to do the rewiring, since I didn't want to have to be in there again any time soon. Runs like a champ once more, but the bearings on the brush plate are looking very worn so I may be looking at doing more work on her in the near future.The layout at the trolley museum has been doing well, I finished my rewiring for the time being and it runs like a charm. The voltage drops are gone, and the train can maintain a much more even speed now. Also ended up helping with a little of the 1:1 scale work, it was fun but very chilly towards the end of the day.Looking forwards to seeing more of the family around this weekend, hopefully I can set up some trains to wow the little ones (and my grandfather, who might love them even more than the kids do!)Hope all is well, take care and stay warm-Ellie
pennytrains I (your name here) will do my best, to do my duty, to train collectors, operators, enthusiasts and fans, both great and small, regardless of gauge, brand affiliations or personal preferences, to foster peace between toy lovers and rivet counters, to engage future generations at every chance, to not run off the rails to smell the buttercups, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, so help me (enter name of favorite manufacturer here)!
I (your name here) will do my best, to do my duty, to train collectors, operators, enthusiasts and fans, both great and small, regardless of gauge, brand affiliations or personal preferences, to foster peace between toy lovers and rivet counters, to engage future generations at every chance, to not run off the rails to smell the buttercups, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, so help me (enter name of favorite manufacturer here)!
Very strange to be December second and not to need a jacket to go outside. 58 by 2:00pm. I will take it.
Checked out the train selection at Menards and it is very low. Just some military flat car loads and several other hopper cars, lots of very big buildings, nothing I want.
Got news that one of the gifts I ordered will not get here till after December 25th, go figure! Granddaughter's last cheerleader game tonight, pizza after that.
I got one of those un-contested titled seats at the Moose once, decided after the fact, that the position sucked and I was the sucker who got it.
Good Morning - Meeting went well, the president showed up - he is getting around, slowly. Great to have him back. I am now the President Elect of the Association.Had meatballs and salad for dinner at Princeton/Mercer Engine 3 (where the meeting was). Conte's has the best pizza and Italian food....Spent the night with Jenni, and now back at work.The interview with Monsignor (for the annulment) went well, my ex is contesting it. She has already re-married, so I have no idea what her problem is.Rain last night, 50's today, colder tonight. One of the association members is stopping by at the FD while I'm selling trees to have me look at some 40's era Lionels. THIS could be interesting....That's all for now, check back later
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