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

[Dr. John]

Morning, all.

Still quiet in the house, everyone else is sleeping in this AM. I got up to feed the dogs and make coffee. Dogs are sitting by me wanting my attention. Down, Misty! Down, Rocky!

Thanks for the prayers for the family that lost the 12 year old boy. We're going by the funeral home this evening.

Going to pick up the truck in a little while, then do some yard work. Have a good day, all! 

[fifedog]

Buckeye - Peeks got suffrage, that's how...

[Buckeye Riveter]

Dr. J--

Prayers sent from Iowa, I think the hardest thing I ever did in 32 years of teaching was to go to student's funerals, so sad for the parents. Pray also that your wife stays well.

Jon

Jon, you are right.  The hardest part of teaching is attending the funerals.  My wife had a little boy murdered last year and two children died in a house fire.  She is normally very upbeat, but it really hit her hard. 

Dr. John, our prayers be with you and your wife. 

Finally, I believe I blew up a TMCC unit.    Several years ago I installed a TAS TMCC/RS unit in a Williams Genesis Engine.  Lately, I noticed that it was not pulling the grade with its normal brute force.  It appears that the motor control unit is not giving the motors full power and then all of a sudden it will trip the circuit breakers on the layout at different points on the layout.  Not good!  Pulled the Genesis off, started up four other TMCC/RS locomotives and turned on all the smoke units and the breakers did not trip. Put the Genesis back on by itself, and we tripped the breakers again.  Tested the motors and they seem to be running great, no binds or funny noises.  RS works perfect.  Couldn't find any loose wires.  (Soldered wires are plus.) Anything else you recommend checking?

Can't wait for the big Tour on Tuesday.  I wonder if I should rent a U-Haul for our stuff.

So Chief had a slumber party?  I can wait to read about it in the Roseyville Twilight Twinkle Newspaper.  Speaking of his Honor, did you ever wonder how he became Mayor?  My theory is that since he is the only one that has ever left town, he has returned and told wonderful stories about places he has visited, like Wheeling, WV, Cincinnati, OH, and Denver, CO.  Needless to say the movie "Pleasantville" seems to be the guide for growth in Roseyville.

fifedog, a coaster surge could get very interesting.  We have one of those at Cedar Point in Ohio.

Laz, if you go deer hunting at the Eagles' estate, I want to see the photos especially of the one of you and the Chief sitting on the front porch sipping your mint julips after the hunt.

It is raining.

[fifedog]

LAZ - It definitely sounds like a problem in the speed control.  Check your MTH instruction book for resetting that function.  You may have to switch to conventional to reset to factory.

[rtraincollector]

rt - Sounds like you enjoy this new job.  Your posts have a positive ring to them.

 

More like just happy I'm getting to go back to work I like work it gives me a break from the sitting at home bordom I don't look forward to retirment retirement. All I do when I'm not working is sit home and watch tv or play on the putor and eat. Don't really have the money to do anything else.

Well not a lot happening to day I'am going to hook up the gas fireplace but that'll only take about an hour (most of it the crawing under the house here. acuall work not that long or hard to do.

 

Take care tal to you all later

[jonadel]

Dr. J--

Prayers sent from Iowa, I think the hardest thing I ever did in 32 years of teaching was to go to student's funerals, so sad for the parents. Pray also that your wife stays well.

You wll enjoy your truck, that's an awfully nice size and your mileage should be good since it's 4 x 2. You will wonder how you got through life without a pick up!

Jon

[laz 57]

Hi GIZ,

  Stopped by to say Hi.  Just got done with morning 2miler.  Easy.  Been doing about 3 miles a day for about a week now, getting the knack of it again.

  Dr JOHN, sorry for your woes but good luck with new truck.

  CHIEF, keep those deer fat ya never know, might come down and steal one from you.

  Ran trains last nite for an hour.  Had a problem with MTH Premier Niagara,  starts up ok, then when I go to pull out I get no chuff the smoke won't come out although it goes in nuetral, and runs as fast as posible at 1 mph.  I tried to reset the engine, and reset the ACC, to no avail.  Any suggestions?  Just don't like going 120 mph even though it stayed on my 0-72 track, the passengers didn't like it.

Have a good one, I'm off to a gun show at the Farm Show today.

laz57

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Sunny, warm, with a Coastal Flooding Warning! here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Something to do with a new moon and sub-tropical storm Gabrielle. Don't worry, I should be fine where I'm at.  Brent/88 on the other hand may have to float to safety on those new tires he just bought...

Chief - How did the "sleep-over" go last night.  Are you cooking breakfast for the ladies...?

rt - Sounds like you enjoy this new job.  Your posts have a positive ring to them.

blueberry - Green flag waves at 7:40.

Dr John - new TACOMA?  I'm jealous.

Got a lot of painting and drop ceiling work to do this weekend.  I would rather be trackside, but that'll have to wait.  All have a good day...

[mitchelr]

Morning to All,

Been busy and have not written in a few days.  I have been keeping up though.  Not much happening around here. Too hot to run trains out in the garage. Can't wait for cooler weather. Will be taking a few days off here and there.  My parent are going away and th Mrs and I will be going to watch my nephew for a few days.  Also hope to go crabbing/fishing with a friend whiel we are in that area.

Dr. John - my prayers go out to the family who lost their child to CF and your wife.  Losing a school age child is very difficult on a school and the faculty. I don't know how some of the high schools do it.  We have some who lose several students a year to accidents and such. 

The Mrs. and I may go a local street fair in one of the towns nearby.  Depends on the weather.  Too hot=stay home.

Take care,

Mitch 

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cloudy 70 degrees. Going up to 82 today, with some sunshine and a possible shower, later.

Today, is a busy day. I have some chores to do around the house and some paperwork to make out for the coming week. I will be outside later, if it doesn't rain. Grass has not grown too much, maybe mowing will be set back a few days. Later, I will spend some time running trains. Need to do some dusting also. Nothing else new here.

Dining Car is here. Breakfast is Cheerios. Be back later.

Y'all have a great Saturday.

Chuck

[dbaker48]

Evening all

Just got back from the movies went to see 3:10 to Yuma.  Pretty good western, had a very brief shot of the engine.  Cow catcher, pilot wheels, and steam, did have a few pictures of the passenger cars and caboose.  I didn't see enough to tell what the enfine configuration was.  But the movie was good.

Got to go.

 

[ChiefEagles]

Evening all.  Trains are running in circles, moving cars into sidings and parking.  The Soundstop is down.  Everything is wired except accessories on left table.  Now I can install wall divider on right table.  Seems good to run trains again.  Drop down works great.  Got visitor.  Pam's boss from DC has moved to Roseyville [well, is in the process].  She's spending the night with us.  Later.

[rtraincollector]

RT : you're making progress !!  One job usually leads to another or better one but you have to get off that semi-train restriction !!

Thanks, John

acually the way I see it this has a lot of possiblieties for advancement as Knowing so much I might even be concidered for asst. Manager trainee in future as I'm so flexable to work anywhere in the store . Thats always a plus for a store. (may have to look into taking some corses at local collage or on line in business management thou I guess lol. Thats down the road thou need to start working first.

 

Got home this afternoon was a questioneer to fill out in my email from another job in the area but I think I would rather stick with this one so sent them a thank-you note and told them if this doesn't work out will contact them first next time and thanks again for there quick response.

[sir james I]

Evening all, dropped by for coffee not many in tonite so just toss in some fresh grounds, right john.there were storms in lower Mich. this PM but we just got a little rain.After reading another post tonite I realized I had not checked the trains, and the entire layout has a common ground.One transformer was plugged in with the a/c switch turned off.which we have learned will not protect from a strong surge.I am happy to say that a/c line was not damaged and the trains check out ok.although it was a quick check I think they are safe. did not test TMCC though.

                      Plesant dreams,      Sir James

[Jumijo]

Good luck with your new truck, Dr. John.

Hot one here today. High 80's and humid. No idea what tomorrow holds, but Sunday we are attending the parish picnic after mass.

Not a whole lot going on here. Maybe I'll go run trains for a while.

Jim

[rtraincollector]

DR. John sorry to hear about the student of your wifes its so hard when there so young you wish you could trade places. Prayers go out to the student and family along with you and your wife.

well not to much happening here kinda boring evening. hope to hook up the gas fire place tomorrow.

Have a good evening all

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good evening, folks.

Well, I closed the deal on a Toyota Tacoma this afternoon.

One of the students where my wife works as school nurse died last night. 12 year old boy with cystic fibrosis. Sheryl knew it was coming but it still hit her hard. She has another CF patient at the school - don't know how he'll react to the news. We're praying for the boy's family - this must be awfully hard.

Don't mean to end on a downer. I know there are some praying folks on this forum and thought you might like to lift up the family.

Prayers are going out for the boy's family. And for your wife. She needs to keep her strength thru this. That is a shame.

Also, Good Luck with your new truck.

[CSXect]

I just got in the mail the other day a catolog for ETS trains Euro stuff did see a couple of locos that got my attention but no price listed or msrp even.

Being that someone brought up cars my Trans Am with ramair engine got to streatch its legs abit need to drive it more often it is a 2000 with 7k miles on it, I drive my Ford f-150 most of the time. Realy want to get a Dodge Charger they look so cool. 

[Dr. John]

Good evening, folks.

Well, I closed the deal on a Toyota Tacoma this afternoon. Actually a fairly pleasant experience with the Toyota dealer in Montgomery. I made an offer on the truck I wanted (4x2 Prerunner Access Cab, V6, 6 speed manual, with TRD Off-road pkg) and they pretty much said, "Okay!" They even went lower with a $750 rebate. I had to haggle a bit on the trade-in value of my old Blazer, but I ended up with a fair amount for it. I'll pick it up tomorrow morning. It'll be kind of bitter-sweet, I've had that Blazer since it was new back in the fall of 1990. 

Very nice weather in Prattville the past few days. Mild with a light breeze and low humidity. More spring-like than fall, but pleasant nonetheless.

One of the students where my wife works as school nurse died last night. 12 year old boy with cystic fibrosis. Sheryl knew it was coming but it still hit her hard. She has another CF patient at the school - don't know how he'll react to the news. We're praying for the boy's family - this must be awfully hard.

Don't mean to end on a downer. I know there are some praying folks on this forum and thought you might like to lift up the family.

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Evening All........

Just watching the Nascar Busch series race from Richmond. Tomorrow night is the Nextel Cup race, also from Richmond. No race on Sunday.

Got up too early this morning and now I can feel it. Busy day. No rain yet, but might get some showers tonite. Did not get to run trains today. I plan on it this weekend. 

Have a nice evening,

Chuck

[Nick12DMC]

Jim F & Dennis- Had a good time. Stayed in a villa on a golf course about 15Km outside Mercia. Played about 5 rounds of golf during our stay. Thats more than I have played in the last 4 years! Visited a friend who owns a penthouse apartment on a Polaris World resort nearby. Stunning view over the 18th hole. But not my cup of tea. I enjoy the odd game of golf with friends but I prefer my hobbies of Classic cars and Toy trains. 

Saw some intresting narrow gauge tracks on a trip out to La Manga, great scenery it would make a good subject for a model. Didn't get chance to take pic.

Hope to resume work on first fix wiring on the gamesroom and painting the garage when work allows.

Have a good weekend all

Nick  

 

[sir james I]

csxjohn- having to buy the newer flat screen tv of course is not covered but the cost of the damaged one is.

better watch those circuit breakers if the chief stops by he will have to choose toast or popcorn.    Sir James

[csxt30]

Hi everyone !!

Forgot to say Jason to the Coffee Pot !!

RT : you're making progress !!  One job usually leads to another or better one but you have to get off that semi-train restriction !!

James : sounds like you're getting all fixed back up too now !! I'm hoping you someday can put a picture of your layout on !!  My layout also goes right by the swith or circuit breaker panel too. I have to make sure not to park a train there cause sometimes the breaker kicks in the kitchen & wife has to come down & flip it back on !! I keep telling her not to use the toaster & microwave & that stuff !! Oh, she really loves my duck under too !!

I used to use Amzoil too !  The two cycle application in my gas powered Extra 300 R/C plane !! Very good verticle performance & a really nice smoke system !!

Well, glad it's Friday !!

Hope everyone has a nice day !!

Thanks, John

[sir james I]

GOOD AFTERNOON to ALL,

RT- hope the job works out for you.

Allstate adjuster called this AM, and if the list reaches me as stated, he is paying me for full value less deductable. Of course these new tv's cost a lot more than the crt type. So I got a new tv but I liked my two year old magnavox.

I'm going to put back my three foot bridge and the RR will be back in service.

75 today, storms expected later, that I could do without right now.

Enjoy your fri afternoon and smile all the way home from work.        Sir James

[jmkk]

 Congrats on job RT. I worked the deli counter for 5 years. Fried chix for 4 years  We did not have a big following so they decided to stop selling it after 4 years. Prefered that over slicing deli meat,too many picky people.  Just picked up a Lionel Lehigh Valley GP-9 $80.00 brand new never run. Just have to swap the MPC era power truck out for a post war Magna traction truck Now I can tripple head a coal train of 40 LV hoppers.

 

  Jason

[ChiefEagles]

Afternoon.  Been in town meeting since early this AM.  Lunch now and then train work.  Synthetic oils, I have been using in everything for years.  Outboard, weedeater, leafblower, lawnmower, farm tractor, chainsaw and vehicles.  We ran a test on Amsoil in our courier vans.  60,000 miles and no oil change.  Changed the filter and added a quart every 5K.  Sent oil to lab.  Lab said don't change yet.  We did not go with it as it was too expensive as we got oil and fliters dirt cheap on State Contract.  I believe in it.  SLICK!!!  Cuts down on friction which reduces heat which reduces wear.  Now for lunch.  Later. 

[Anonymous]

Well went for interview this am and as long as something don't go crazy with drug test (only thing maybe my meds but give them a list should correct that ) I know have a job not best paying but at least a job I'll basicly fry chicken from 9 am to 6 PM but they were inpressed with the knowalege I have in a grocery store that I can just about be put any where and I can do the job so in a pinch they have a pinch hitter you might say. They were impressed that I know cake decorating also. (hard to find them) Did state that with my qualifcations they could start me at the rate I mentioned (this area has low hire rate) and we could discuss more at a later date after I've been here a while and see how we all do together.

Congrats RT!

Being a 'jack of all trades, master of none' does have its advantages at times.  This is why I didn't pigeon hole myself in IT with just knowing one programming language. Now if I can just get a management position I'll be set!  Problem is that knowing multiple languages companies tend to want you to stay in development... but I'm getting burned out with that!

[rtraincollector]

Well went for interview this am and as long as something don't go crazy with drug test (only thing maybe my meds but give them a list should correct that ) I know have a job not best paying but at least a job I'll basicly fry chicken from 9 am to 6 PM but they were inpressed with the knowalege I have in a grocery store that I can just about be put any where and I can do the job so in a pinch they have a pinch hitter you might say. They were impressed that I know cake decorating also. (hard to find them) Did state that with my qualifcations they could start me at the rate I mentioned (this area has low hire rate) and we could discuss more at a later date after I've been here a while and see how we all do together.

[cnw1995]

Good morning from a windy, grey and cool Crystal Lake where fall has suddenly arrived - supposed to be only 70 today. Got a buddy picking me up in a few minutes to go to the eye doc - you sure know who friends are when you need a favor like this... Welcome Jason!! Big HS football game tonight - the daughter is all green and gold - the middle boy wants to go too. He'll be a frosh next year. The bride talked me down from the ledge about the daughter's clothes last night - I don't deserve her!

Sorry for all the mechanical difficulties. Still think fondly of my '73 Dodge Charger SE

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Morning all

The reason I went with a diesel truck was dependibility and economy.  My 6.5 liter turbo diesel 2500 has delivered that and more.  I regularly get 19-21 mpg and on the open road 22-24 is the norm.  I am pretty obsessive compulsive with the mileage so I track it all the time, so you can go to the bank with the milage numbers.  Not bad for a truck that weighs 5800 pounds. Even pulling the camper (10500#) I can get 12 to 14 mpg)

One of the mods I did was switch all fluids to synthetic.  After doing a lot of research I decided to use Amsoil fluids.  I could not find a dealer so I became one myself.  I do sell the oil to others for cost, because I'm not interested in being a dealer as such.  All my vehicles run on Amsoil synthetics.  Each vehicle saw at least a 1 mpg increase.  I am sold on the stuff and highly reccomend it.  Man, I hope that doesn't sound like a commercial.

Vacation oficially started today!  Still have grandkids.  Got them clean and fed and they are playing now.  I'll clean house after they leave.  Then pack for Glacier

Check back later

Jim