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

[Anonymous]

Chief,
Sorry didn't see your correction posts... my computer took the nose dive yesterday so was not on to fix...   I never ignore your posts on purpose!

Just got off the phone with the mechanic... $1,000.00 to fix the bimmer...

needs a new secondary air pump motor, secondary air pump housing, mounting brackets, front facia sheild brackets, coolant thermostat, serpentine belt, s-belt tensioner, new hoses, and a coolant flush.  Car just turned 105,000 miles on Friday so I guess it isn't that bad.  Going to need a tune-up in a month or so...

Fife - I get paid on Wednesday so after paying the bills I'll know where I stand.  I'll email Wednesday when I'll be able to pickup the cow and calf (latest will be the first full week in May when the rent check gets here).

[Anonymous]

cnw1995,  my wife and I are visiting Chicago the first week in May. Can you give us a general idea of what to expect weatherwise?

My tickets to the Museum of Science and Industry are already in hand, but if you know any other good train-related tourist destinations, that would also be great. Thank you.

[fifedog]

Chief - no problemo...

JimF - Got one signature right here.

88 - When you are ready, mon fraire.

[ChiefEagles]

Chief - no problemo...

JimF - Got one signature right here.

88 - When you are ready, mon fraire.

Just like a Yank.  Can't speak English properly [like us Southerners do] and trying to speak a foreign language.

[fifedog]

Chief - Just trying to show that I am multifacelifted....errr something like that...

[dougdagrump]

Mornin Gentlemen & Lisa....

I'll assume that that term applies to some of "yuz giz" as Laz would say.

Jim F._ Check out the Dept 56 site, one of the new items for halloween this year is a radio station. Call letters are HOWL Radio, I didn't get a real good look at the DJ but if they had gotten a license to use the "BeetleJuice" character it would have been better. Kooljock needs one of these for his broadcast studio.

Now for some bad news, I have to make a trip down to Winter Park, Fl for an unknown period of time. My step-mom has been placed in hospice care and we are not sure as to how long she will hold on. Knowing the love and devotion that she and my dad had for each other I think she will not put up much of a fight as she is anxious to join him. It is hard to believe it has been six years since he passed. Really starts to make you feel old when you realize that you are now the eldest generation.  

Now, on a happier note I should be receiving (unfortunately I won't be here) a Lionel Rock Island GP-7 from the 2002 catalog. When I get back I'll find a Williams dummy unit install a Lionel GP-9 upgrade kit for a real nice 3 unit lashup.

Haven't decided about taking a laptop with me, it is just such a pain in the to go thru security anymore. My sympathies to you that have to do it as part of your regular routine.

Later Dudes & Dudettes !!!!!

   

[cnw1995]

Ah, Spring in Chicago! Figuring you'll be by Lake Michigan (where everything is cooler), expect highs in the low 60s, lows in the high 40s or low 50s, with a 50-50% chance of showers for half the week. A light jacket and an umbrella would be appropriate.

The MSI is glorious - see the Zephyr and train layout. You can spend an entire day there. There's a pricey Thomas the Tank Engine store in Water Tower Place. There's two glorious hobby stores in the near suburbs right off the Metra. Ride the El around the Loop or even up to Addison to see the Cubs - they're home that Friday - or just wander that neighborhood. I prefer the Sox but there's nothing by their park. Visit Union Station to see its cavernous waiting area; eat lunch in the former Dearborn Station - there's a neat bookstore by it too.

My office is just by the Art Institute if you want to visit.  Way out in Union, the Illinois Railway Museum is actually open most of that week but no trains are operating - except on May 5th - North Shore Line 714, CTA 3142, BN 5382 (and coaches) are expected to operate. One of the best museums in the country. The Fox Valley Trolley museum isn't open yet.

[Anonymous]

^ Thanks very much for all that great information. My parents lived in Chicago but we left when I was 5 (1973) and have not been back since. I have a dim recollection of the MSI, and my liking for O-gauge actually began by staring, fascinated, at the old and sadly no more O-gauge layout at the Museum. In fact, the MSI is one of the main purposes of the trip.

I tried and failed to interest my wife in a Cubs game. It was almost sold out anyway!

[Dr. John]

Hi all,

Wow, you miss a day on the forum and you miss a lot! Hope everyone is having a good day.

Sunny and breezy in Dixie today. About 80 degrees and low humidity - wish I could be outside to enjoy it. Still need rain, some is expected by Thursday.

Glad to see the York bunch made it with no bail bonds required! One question - to attend York, do you have to be a member of the TCA Eastern Division or can any TCA member attend? Does one have to live in Pennsylvania or the surrounding states to be a member of the Eastern Division? Inquiring minds want to know!

[ChiefEagles]

Hi all,

Wow, you miss a day on the forum and you miss a lot! Hope everyone is having a good day.

Sunny and breezy in Dixie today. About 80 degrees and low humidity - wish I could be outside to enjoy it. Still need rain, some is expected by Thursday.

Glad to see the York bunch made it with no bail bonds required! One question - to attend York, do you have to be a member of the TCA Eastern Division or can any TCA member attend? Does one have to live in Pennsylvania or the surrounding states to be a member of the Eastern Division? Inquiring minds want to know!

Dr. John, I can answer that.  If only PA folks could attend, it would be a failure.  If only Yanks could attend, it would be a failure.  You know that anything with sucess attached to it has to have Southerners involved.  Meet us there this fall.

[MartyE]

You know that anything with sucess attached to it has to have Southerners involved.

How do explain the civil war? 

[dwiemer]

Well, got the tractor fixed....mostly.  I am OFF CALL!, but I am tired.  I need to work on the pulley system as every time I hit the clutch, the drive belt comes off.  Oh well, we will get there.

I am anxiously awaiting my Wabash Hudson.  Supposed to be here today, but we shall see.  I will not be able to get back to the layout till later in the week.

Chief, congrats, he sure is a cute one.  Make sure he grows up with the best, God, Guns, and Trains!

Dennis

[Anonymous]

You know that anything with sucess attached to it has to have Southerners involved.

How do explain the civil war? 

That's a good one!  The South was INVOLVED, they just lost...

[Buckeye Riveter]

^ Thanks very much for all that great information. My parents lived in Chicago but we left when I was 5 (1973) and have not been back since. I have a dim recollection of the MSI, and my liking for O-gauge actually began by staring, fascinated, at the old and sadly no more O-gauge layout at the Museum. In fact, the MSI is one of the main purposes of the trip.

I tried and failed to interest my wife in a Cubs game. It was almost sold out anyway!

RTF, I used to live in Northern Indiana as a kid.  My first visit to Chicago was to the MSI.  They had to drag me out of there.  Doug didn't say anything about the Natural History Museum or the Aquarium, both places I enjoy.   Kids love the dinosaur skeletons.

You know that anything with sucess attached to it has to have Southerners involved.

How do you explain the civil war? 

Marty, Congratulations !!!  Your post just became one of the entrants to the TOP TEN POSTS of 2007. Short and to the point.

[Blueberryhill RR]

^ Thanks very much for all that great information. My parents lived in Chicago but we left when I was 5 (1973) and have not been back since. I have a dim recollection of the MSI, and my liking for O-gauge actually began by staring, fascinated, at the old and sadly no more O-gauge layout at the Museum. In fact, the MSI is one of the main purposes of the trip.

I tried and failed to interest my wife in a Cubs game. It was almost sold out anyway!

RTF, I used to live in Northern Indiana as a kid.  My first visit to Chicago was to the MSI.  They had to drag me out of there.  Doug didn't say anything about the Natural History Museum or the Aquarium, both places I enjoy.   Kids love the dinosaur skeletons.

You know that anything with sucess attached to it has to have Southerners involved.

How do you explain the civil war? 

Marty, Congratulations !!!  Your post just became one of the entrants to the TOP TEN POSTS of 2007. Short and to the point.

Marty....You have my vote. The North won and the South is still whinning about it.

[MartyE]

Boy now I got LAZ and Chief PO'd at me.

[1688torpedo]

 Marty- The Southerners keep forgetting about General Sherman's March to the Sea. Especially Dennis & Roy- Both New Jersey Natives & Traitor's to their Home State "Those who forget History are doomed to repeat it"   Take Care.

[Brutus]

Chief, sounds like you guaranteed me at least 2 signatures for TCA with that one   Thanks Fife, I'll get back to you on that for sure!  Dougdagrump - I saw that one in an email I got the other day, very neat looking!  I really want that laboratory set from last year.  Doug M - I'll second that on the Museum of Science and Industry, the Aquarium and the Natural History Museum.  Next time we're in Chicago, I'll email you and get directions to some other sites.  My favorite two places last time I was in Chicago were the 1950's MacDonalds and Pizzeria Due (across the street from UNO).  Also - thought of you yesterday while my son and I were watching a Harold Lloyd movie I taped.  He was trying to kill himself and so he stood in the road in front of an oncoming street trolley - looked like it was going about 40 MPH, then turn off just before it got him!

[GregM]

Dr. John,

I take it from your question that you are not a TCA member currently.  If that is the case, I would be happy to sign your application form for you.  Once you are a member of TCA, the Eastern Division will send you an invitation each six months to sign up to attend the semi-annual meet in York, PA.  That is not the only reason to become a TCA member but it is a very good one.  The membership application is available online at

http://www.tcamembers.org/membership/application.pdf

If joining the TCA is not for you, you can still attend the York meet one time as a guest of a member. 

Edit:  When I saw Jim's post above mine I went back to see what I had missed.  Jim, in spite of the Chief's directive, I extend the same offer to you regarding signing your membership application.

 

Don, did you find a CTT truck? 

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

It was a beautiful sunny day in SE Indiana with temps in the 70s again.  The first day at the new job was mostly orientation and getting stuff squared away.  The drive in and home was not bad either.  The MSI in Chicago is a must see and the Art Institute is not bad either.  My favorite painting, "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper is there.  I think MR did an article on how to model that scene on a layout one time.  That was a good picture of the CTT bunch at York.  As far as the South being involved in winning, the best race driver did come from Texas, but he did it at a Northern track  (AJ at Indy).   I hope everyone has a good day.  By the way, the dining car will be sending bran muffins to "Points East" tomorrow.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[ChiefEagles]

Boy now I got LAZ and Chief PO'd at me.

Marty, if I were you, I'd stay out of Charlotte and start flying through Philly.   BTW: the war is not over.  See you dumb Yanks think it is and it isn't.  Just like I bunch of Yanks, get things all screwed up.  In fact, there seems to be a great defection rate.  You all are really moving SOUTH.  

Marty, your picture has been extracted from the CTT York photo.  Then it was blown up and posted all over Charlotte Douglas Airport.  

Later

[csxt30]

Boy now I got LAZ and Chief PO'd at me.

Marty, if I were you, I'd stay out of Charlotte and start flying through Philly.   BTW: the war is not over.  See you dumb Yanks think it is and it isn't.  Just like I bunch of Yanks, get things all screwed up.  In fact, there seems to be a great defection rate.  You all are really moving SOUTH.  

Marty, your picture has been extracted from the CTT York photo.  Then it was blown up and posted all over Charlotte Douglas Airport.  

Later

Boy, The Chief sure got that messed up !! Us Yanks only go down there to help the poor Southerners out !!  I can just imagine all the depression they are still suffering from !! (I sure hope he still makes the popcorn now !! )

Thanks, John

[Brutus]

Thanks GregM!  Nighthawks is a terrific painting, Mike.  Sounds like the new job is starting off well, good luck!

Here's a pic of the HOWL station Doug was talking about:

and here's the laboratory I (also) want!

[wrmcclellan]

 Marty- The Southerners keep forgetting about General Sherman's March to the Sea. Especially Dennis & Roy- Both New Jersey Natives & Traitor's to their Home State "Those who forget History are doomed to repeat it"   Take Care.

Whoa-ho-ho-ho Keith! - where did you get that NJ native stuff! I am a native Texan and a native Houstonian - Texas Tea is in my blood!

[rtraincollector]

Well I'm back in VA where I guess I'm supose to be as things didn't work out oh well mabe in Oct I goto the train show and meet you all talk to you all later too late and just got back

[laz 57]

HI GIZ,

  66 and nice again today only to get to 74.

MARTY, with a good cut at the CHIEF, all is forgiven, best line o the year.

Ran the DREYFUSS last nite for half hour works great.  Tonite maybe set up people that I got.

Rock on.

laz57

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a wet 57 degrees. Rained hard last night. Thunder was loud. Going up to 72 today, with cloudy skies.

Today, we are running some errands. Wife is taking her little dog to the groomers. A lot of things to do. Keeping busy is good. Maybe later, I will run trains for awhile. Need to start dusting again.

Well, Dining Car is here. Time for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Tuesday.

Chuck

[Anonymous]

Wife came home early last night so we had a nice dinner together, sat and talked for a few minutes, then she fell asleep.  After watching 15 mintues of boring TV, I headed to the basement and set up a nice little loop... had to see what the 491 looked like going through the new MTH Steel Arch Bridge... pics for this weeks SPF!

Wife woke up, went downstairs to feed the cats, comes back upstairs and says, 'I see you got bored last night.  The basement stinks of smoke.'

-------

Not much going on around these parts for now.  Definitely a nice change of pace from the hectic maniacal mess I had to deal with the last few months.  I get a 6 week break and then the move starts... smoke 'em if ya got 'em, down 'em if ya drinkin' 'em.

[Jumijo]

 Marty- The Southerners keep forgetting about General Sherman's March to the Sea. Especially Dennis & Roy- Both New Jersey Natives & Traitor's to their Home State "Those who forget History are doomed to repeat it"   Take Care.

Roy, I had no idea you were from the nawtheast! That's great! So, you're from New Jersey? Are you "connected"?

Rewired a dead 6026 whistle tender last night. Works great now. So loud, all 3 kids had their hands over their ears! Still have 3 "problem child" tenders to go and then all my post war tenders will be overhauled and in working order. I brandish a mean soldering iron...

Jim 

 

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is another beautiful sunny day in SE Indiana with temps in the 70s again.  I got to work early and helped make ice for the rest of the people.  I saw an UP doubleheader pulling an intermodal unit train past my new parking lot.  I think I will like it here a lot.  I see where "Points East" already made it to the dining car.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana