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CLOSED////////The Coffee Pot is still on and over 3 years. Here we gather as friends with trains.

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Posted by Roger Bielen on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 11:06 AM

Big change in the weather today.  47F at 11:00 a.m. with wind gusting to 20 mph.  The one good side is a bright blue sky.

Been spending time trying to find a good matching black paint to use on a Lionel Mikado.  I've spraid a few stipes on a piece of metal for comparison and after they dry I try some clear oversprays.  I found a semi-gloss clear and want to test how it affects decals as an over coating.  If I use Dullcoat I'll neet to do the total engine, not just the number areas.

Of all the bowl games how many SEC teams played and how many won?

Roger B.
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Posted by Jumijo on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 11:50 AM

A beauty of a day up here. Sunny and mid to upper 40s. Got to stop by Radio Shack this afternoon and buy some tip tinner/cleaner.

Has any one else looked at Lionel's web site today? A sneak peak at what's coming in the new catalogs! Very nice K-Line Alcos with diaphragms. Only trouble is, they are black bonnet Santa Fe's.

Jim 

Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale

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Posted by Nick12DMC on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 11:50 AM
 John Bakeer wrote:

1500 GMT here in a very mild Stockport, +12, Just been on news +22 (72 F to you Luddites) in NY and NJ. Shouldn't you be under a metre of snow? The Greenies are saying "global warming", I won't be around much longer but I bet our great grand children will be saying what a gullible lot we were to believe all that rubbish.

Going to bite the bullet and actually order the train set. Been home all day waiting for the decorator, he hasn't turned up, so he's lost the job and Lionel have sold some more trains.

Late lunch; Crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, crinkle cut chips (sorry fries) and red onion mayonnaise, washed down with a pint of hot sweet tea. Aah! bliss and sod the cholesterol.

 NurseGoing to the hospital tomorrow for a liver scan. Vet misread my blood test result as 777 instead of 111, it's usually between 50 and 150 depending on the Scottish product consumed.

Better finish before this thing times out AGAIN!! 




Afternoon All, 

You can't beat crinkle cut chips (fries). Best served with HP sauce. Someone told me they hold more  oil than normal chips (fries). This just makes them nicerSmile [:)].

John B, 

Hope it goes well at the vet's. hmmm 777 have you been at the Wild turkey??Wink [;)]

 I wonder if our friends over the pond have heard of those other scottish specialities, deep fried battered Mars bar and deep fried battered Cadbury's Cream Egg. If your ever in a fish & chip shop in Scotland check the menu. I can't bring myself to try them. Maybe I am missing out.

 

 Nick

 

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Posted by Roger Bielen on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 12:23 PM

Nick, I've seen those goodies you mentioned on a travel program I enjoy that's on Public Broadcasting called "Globetreker".  They also have a lot stranger foods shown when they've been in Asia or Africa.

 Won a CB&Q box car on e-bay yesterday, actually a buy-it-now.  It brings my Lionel CB&Q freight car collection up to date.  It is a 6464 series car that was in a 3 car set so it took a while till I got one at a reasonible price.  I say collection, but I'm an operator and most all items in my collection are run at one time or another.

Roger B.
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Posted by Jumijo on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 12:47 PM

College football barely gets any recognition at all up here. It seems to border on being a religion down south. I could never understand that. I don't even know what SEC stands for!

Jim 

Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale

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Posted by Dr. John on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:13 PM
Jim, SEC stands for South Eastern Conference. It includes the University of Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Florida, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU, Tennessee, South Carolina and Vanderbilt.
 
And yes, it does border on being a religion. (Sometimes I'm afraid it crosses the border! Shock [:O] )
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Posted by dougdagrump on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:25 PM

Dr John, How could you !!!!!!

You left out the University of Kentucky !!!!!!!!

And they actually won a bowl game this year, in FOOTBALL no less..Shock [:O]

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

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Posted by phillyreading on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:25 PM

Hey Sturgeon-Phish,

I got the sister locomotive to your 282, mine is a 283 and looks just like the 282.  Also have a 295 A.F, a 4-6-2 Pacific with American Flyer on the tender.

Lee F.

Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.
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Posted by Dr. John on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:32 PM
 dougdagrump wrote:

Dr John, How could you !!!!!!

You left out the University of Kentucky !!!!!!!!

And they actually won a bowl game this year, in FOOTBALL no less..Shock [:O]

Sorry Doug! Shock [:O]Blush [:I]

When it comes to football, I always tend to overlook Kentucky.Big Smile [:D] My sincere apologies to the fans from the Bluegrass state.

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Posted by phillyreading on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:37 PM

jefelectric,

Good job on the catenary system, however I am wondering what does it take to install the caternary system by MTH?   Do you buy just the 8 piece catenary system or do you need the hardware kit offered by MTH?

By the way it is rather warm down here in south Florida again today near 75.

Lee F.

Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.
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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 2:41 PM
jefelectric - love that stockyard!  I hope to model the modest stockyard in Moorefield,WV in the future.  When I saw the MSRP on the MTH cat, I figured it would be cost prohibitive on my part.  I hope you got a good deal.
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Posted by ChiefEagles on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 2:46 PM
 

HELP, HELP  they are trying to make a maple syrup addic of me!!!!!  South good Southerner come Nawth and pull me back across the Mason-Dixon!!!! Work over for a while.  Then dinner meeting and I'm through.  Hope to go to Mountain Trains with Apitz tomorrow before my flight out. 

John B, good luck on the test.

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 Anonymous on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 3:14 PM

Judging by the noise emanating from my neighbor's house at midnight, the University of Florida Gators did pretty well against Ohio last night.  Aren't they an SEC team?

Lay off the Maple Syrup Chief.  It wreaks havoc with your Blood Sugar, normally abbreviated BG for relatively obvious reasons.

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Posted by jefelectric on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 3:38 PM
 phillyreading wrote:

jefelectric,

Good job on the catenary system, however I am wondering what does it take to install the caternary system by MTH?   Do you buy just the 8 piece catenary system or do you need the hardware kit offered by MTH?

By the way it is rather warm down here in south Florida again today near 75.

Lee F.

Lee, The catenary system is actually pretty well engineered, everything is put together with screws.  The 8 piece set gives you eight poles and 8 - 20" sections of wire + one 2" extender piece & screws to mount the poles.  You also get screws and nuts for the extender piece and a blank for the power pole.  The power pole has terminal nuts & a plug in connection for Realtrax.  You can take out that connector and blank off the opening in the pole.  I bought two 8 pole sets some years ago, about 3 I think, and just got around to installing it.  At that time it would have been enough for the main loop.  Since that time I added the 12 foot shelf layout and the loop in the other room so I am going to have to order more if I want to run electics with the pantographs up.  I am going to finish the old loop first and see how it look and works and if no problems go ahead and do the reast.  It is not cheap but what is about trains.  My LHS gives me a break on the list price.

One thing that makes it go slow for me is the I/O carpet that I used on the layout.  I have to lay out the pole location and fasten it temporarily, then cut the carpet around the pole with and exacto knife, unscrew the pole, and remove the piece of carpet, then remount the pole.  I tried mounting them on top of the carpet but it was impossible to get them straight.  The spacing is critical between poles as there is no adjustment in the catenary wire.  You have to do it one pole at a time.  If there is an imovable object where a pole should go, you can use one or more of the 2" extender pieces to change the pole location.

Neil Besougloff wrote a nice article about installing this system in the December 2002 CTT, which I highly recommend that anyone thinking of this system read.  It is much better than the limited instructions that come with the set.  I cut 3" off the tops of the poles and about 1-1/2" off of the arms.  This varies with the spacing from the track.  The arms are adjustable on the poles and the support is adjustable on the arm.  The poles are 3/8" aluminum H sections and the arms are 1/4" aluminum H sections.  Some of the fittings are metal and some plastic.  In the article Neil painted his poles tuscan red, I left mine natural since the ones I was used to seeing on the PRR were painted aluminum.  Now that Amtrak owns them they are rust colored. Sad [:(]

The hardware set contains more extender pieces, 8 I think.  It doesn't tell you what is in it in the catalog, but it does on the web site.

Well I think I am done with this long winded post.

John Fullerton Home of the BUBB&A  http://www.jeanandjohn.net/trains.html
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Posted by rtraincollector on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 5:27 PM

Evening all Just got in from my LHS and with a little arm twisting (wasn't much ) I picked upp the (Williams ) Virginian Set (new for 2007) It comes with 2322 Trainmaster,6462 NYC Gondola, 6464-275 State Of Maine Boxcar, 6536 M&SL Covered Hopper With inter changeable loads, 6464-375 Central of GA. Boxcar, 6415 Sunoco Triple Dome Tankcar, & a 6427 Virginian N5c Caboose.

Then if that wasn't enough (this is what I really went for) My MTH Rail King 60' Santa - Fe Passenger cars came in (I ordered the whole 8 cars back in Augest ( glad I already paid for them because of the above mentioned) there going to hook up to my 2343 & 2243 sets I have. Now just need to get somewhere to run them as my layout is still in the planning staged. Have to get room finished first but now I'm motivated.

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

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Posted by csxt30 on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 5:28 PM

Good Evening Everyone!!

Here's some important news that not very many people are aware of !! Yep, there's no way The Buckeyes could go down there & play last night & win !!  Here's the scoop !! There's no way we can  go down South & give away our winning secrets !! See how simple it is ? !! Laugh [(-D]Laugh [(-D]Laugh [(-D]

John : nice catenary & nice layout !!

All have a nice night !!

Thanks, John

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Posted by c50truck on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 6:34 PM

Evening all.

Don't know a thing about bowl games, but do know it’s gotten really quiet here at the old homestead. My daughter, who loves the trains, flew back to school today. It’s her senior year at college, in the state of Tennessee. She’s not a fan of grits, but is a fan of Sonics, and I’m not talking basketball. Hope to get back there this spring and visit her, and possibly find a great “O” gauge train store to visit as well in the Nashville/Memphis area. Oh, and for the wife, a night at the Opry.

Tonight we have batten down the hatches here in the Inland Northwest. Expecting heavy winds, followed by the northern artic express.

Rod L.

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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 6:35 PM

Lee, I got a couple 283's also, they are very similar to the 282.  The 283 have knuckle couplers and traction bands where the 282's don't, but I really like them, real work horses.  Very reliable and easy to work on.   I may post some of the fleet later.

Got another bookcase put together today, drying overnight for final sanding tomorrow, one of these days I'll make something and get to keep it!

Grandkids stopped by tonight and wanted to run Papa's trains instead of the kids test track.  I got some pictures of the next generation running the trains, probably post them Sunday.  Going to work on the gas station area of the layout, got some ideas, like junk laying around and the like, any ideas? 

I'll keep all in my prayers for good health

Jim 

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Posted by dwiemer on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 6:39 PM

CSX John, et al,

Just heard a news report that a track crew was killed while working on the rails when a commuter train hit them.  I believe it was a train heading for Boston.  Anyway, it is a dangerous job and all too often we are reminded of it.

On a lighter note, got word that a tressle and that Hudson that I won will be here Friday.  I will be taking Thursday (my B'day), and Friday off to relax and now I will have the pleasure of playing with some new trains.

Take care and God Bless.

dennis

TCA#09-63805

 

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Posted by rtraincollector on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 6:44 PM
 c50truck wrote:

“O” gauge train store to visit as well in the Nashville/Memphis area. Oh, and for the wife, a night at the Opry.

Rod L.

 

Use to be a great one on sycamore drive but I haven't been there in 18 years (Memphis)

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

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Posted by csxt30 on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 7:22 PM
 dwiemer wrote:

CSX John, et al,

Just heard a news report that a track crew was killed while working on the rails when a commuter train hit them.  I believe it was a train heading for Boston.  Anyway, it is a dangerous job and all too often we are reminded of it.

On a lighter note, got word that a tressle and that Hudson that I won will be here Friday.  I will be taking Thursday (my B'day), and Friday off to relax and now I will have the pleasure of playing with some new trains.

Take care and God Bless.

dennis

Dennis :we also just had two carman,( freight car repairman) killed in yards up in N.Y. One drove a truck over a crossing in the yard & was struck by an eng. & same with another guy one week after that other guy. This guy was in one of those JD gators. Seems like they come in spurts. That's the bad part of these jobs. Worse years ago.

Oh, & have fun on your day off & Happy B-Day [bday] !! Smile [:)]

Thanks, John

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Posted by thatboy37 on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 7:41 PM
 rtraincollector wrote:
 c50truck wrote:

“O” gauge train store to visit as well in the Nashville/Memphis area. Oh, and for the wife, a night at the Opry.

Rod L.

 

Use to be a great one on sycamore drive but I haven't been there in 18 years (Memphis)

 

still is thats where i go to for all my train supplies. ask for richard wolfe tell him reggie sent you. this one is in memphis as i dont know of any in nashiville. these 2 cities are about 190 miles away from each other or 3 1/2 hours.

LIVE LIFE AS IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE LIFE TO LIVE ! UNTIL NEXT TIME PEACE !!! REGGIE thatboy37@hotmail.com
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Posted by Brutus on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 7:43 PM

Dennis, Happy Birthday! Happy B-Day [bday]

John Baker - good luck on your test! 

My "allowance" doesn't come until Friday and all these cars I was watching on Ebay are going going gone without me :(  Oh well, more where they came from.  I am thinking of getting that making an O gauge layout dvd and a toy train layout wiring book, too.  if anybody has seen that new dvd that they were advertising around here, let me know if it's any good.  Apparently it includes a bonus video from their old vhs video?

Anybody else see the toy train set on Robot Chicken the other night?Shock [:O]  Unspeakable!

Couldn't get on yesterday.  Had to update Norton Internet Security and Systemworks on 2 computers and it took until 11PM just to get to a stopping place so I could go to bed.  I hate Norton, but they are the best product so - oh well, get over that!

Jefelectric - I am super impressed with your layout - you need to post (or repost if I missed it) your plan and more pics!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 7:51 PM
 
 
 csxt30 wrote:

Good Evening Everyone!!

Here's some important news that not very many people are aware of !! Yep, there's no way The Buckeyes could go down there & play last night & win !!  Here's the scoop !! There's no way we can  go down South & give away our winning secrets !! See how simple it is ? !! Laugh [(-D]Laugh [(-D]Laugh [(-D]

Thanks, John

"Yep, there's no way The Buckeyes could go down there & play last night & win !!"  Yanks can never win in the SOUTH. Wink [;)]

Happy B-Day [bday] Dennis.  All of 30 years old???Wink [;)]

Bed time.  Tired of meeting.

 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 Dr. John on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 8:12 PM
Good evening, all! Temps are dropping fast - should be a hard freeze tonight. Nice to see so many people posting. Smile [:)]
 
Picked up a couple of freight cars here in the "off season" - an MTH C&O Bobber Caboose and another Univ. of Alabama boxcar. Not planning much more in the way of purchases for now. Not 'til I can get a layout started. Sigh [sigh]
 
Have a good night, everyone! Zzz [zzz]
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Posted by laz 57 on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 8:23 PM

HI GIZ,

  Dis more wiring.  Got the 64 log loader up and working, along with the 787 log loader, hooked up a few unloading pieces of track, and hooked up magnetic gantry crane.  All working good.

JELECTRIC, nice job on the "cat system", looks great.  Did you get that at YORK?

Have agood nite.

laz57

  There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; Robert Service. TCA 03-55991
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Posted by jefelectric on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 8:49 PM

Happy birthday Dennis!  Happy B-Day [bday]     Happy B-Day [bday]     Happy B-Day [bday]

Jim Fortner, Never posted a layout plan, I keep changing things.  Will try to update it. 

 

John Fullerton Home of the BUBB&A  http://www.jeanandjohn.net/trains.html
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Posted by mitchelr on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 8:57 PM

 tschmidt wrote:
Hello everyone,

It seems like forever since I've been here...or at least a few months. I haven't taken much time with the trains lately and that includes being on line. The new job started in September and just seems to occupy all my time. ....

Tom Schmidt - good to see you back on the forum.  I had looked for you and thought maybe the new job was consuming much of your time.  How is the new job?  Sounds like a great trip to South Africa.

Work for me has been pretty busy too, not much time for the forum other than reading the Coffee Pot.  Sometimes on the weekend I'll catch up on the other threads. 

Take care,

Mitch

Bob Mitchell Gettysburg, PA TCA # 98-47956 LCCA# RM22839

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Posted by Brutus on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 11:29 PM
did i mention i hate Norton?  on hold....  snnnnnnnnrrrrrrrzzzzzzzz

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 11:42 PM

Another day done in Mesa, AZ and another day closer to getting home.

Dennis - Happy B-Day [bday]

Glad to see Buckeye posted after last night. We were a bit worried...

Meetings from 8 am until 8 pm today and same for the next two days Dead [xx(]

At least things are going well.

Have a great day all tomorrow!

John - be careful out there.

Good news is there is a pretty good train show in Plano TX at the Plano Civic Center this weekend. Some good operating layouts and toy train venders typically there. Good show for kids

Regards, Roy

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