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

[John Bakeer]

Brent,

We have ready access to the finest continental chocolate(s) in the world, the Swiss are specially good at it, I saw Hershey Bars recently, but as I was under escort (SWMBO) at the time, had to pass them over (sorry, I do not intend to patronise).

The UK has a population of over sixty million (over 600 per square mile), so the chance of knowing more than a few dozen people is remote. Nick and I have only met once. Peterborough and Stockport are nearly a hundred miles apart.

[rtraincollector]

hey red you just heard from the mouth of the south lol. Welcome where in PA. did you live I'm from PA. myself.

[ChiefEagles]

Morning.  Wow, Yankees full of MOUTH this AM.   Especially Jim A.  Burg [lab] back from vet.  All A OK.  Just pay the bill.   Did gain some weight [113 lbs].  Big boy.  Cart-Cart and Youngest due anytime now.  Layout work this PM.  Don't have time to sit and chat with Yankees.  Hey RED, if you can't take the heat, move back up NAWTH [hot there too].  One less Yank down South.  Later.

[Anonymous]

Giz, My home is also full of dolls.  The rare ones are kept behind glass and locked. The ones the kids can play with are in the doll room with all the doll furniture, buggys, toys and doll clothes. My trains are in the garage.  No trains in the house. My wife calls my train room the "Man Cave"

[Anonymous]

Doug, Give me some info about the reunion and I'll see what I can do for you.  I assume your of the class of 2000 or 2001?

[Anonymous]

  The wife feels she had a deprived childhood, so we have almost every doll Madame Alexander ever made--mostly still in the original boxes.  What good are dolls if you don't play with them?

DING DING DING - We have a winner!

My sentiments exactly Doug!  Never could understand why women want to have dolls placed all over the house that no one can touch!  My wife has a few as she is very particular as to which ones she wants (have to be brown hair, brown eyes)... But no one can touch them!  I told her that is like taking a kid to a toy story and telling them to keep their hands off the toys!

[Anonymous]

I see the Red Caboose is from Humboldt, TN.  I just got notified that my class from Milan is having a 50th reunion, but the "Classmates" site is so intent on selling me something that I can't get any information out of them.  Frustrating.

Working on all my hobbies, and it is like running in molasses.  The radios work, but I don't have much of an antenna system, so I can't talk to anybody much.  The wife wanted the pool table out, so the trains are all stored in boxes, and the 4 x 8 layout is vertical against the wall and not on the pool table any more.  The boat hasn't moved in weeks.  And so it goes.  

 The wife feels she had a deprived childhood, so we have almost every doll Madame Alexander ever made--mostly still in the original boxes.  What good are dolls if you don't play with them?

[Anonymous]

I see the Red Caboose is from Humboldt, TN.  I just got notified that my class from Milan is having a 50th reunion, but the "Classmates" site is so intent on selling me something that I can't get any information out of them.  Frustrating.

Working on all my hobbies, and it is like running in molasses.  The radios work, but I don't have much of an antenna system, so I can't talk to anybody much.  The wife wanted the pool table out, so the trains are all stored in boxes, and the 4 x 8 layout is vertical against the wall and not on the pool table any more.  The boat hasn't moved in weeks.  And so it goes.  

 

[Jumijo]

Dennis, you have no idea what a boondoggle the Big Dig is. The new tunnels are all leaking quite badly, and if you ask me, it's only a matter of when, not if, one or more of them collapse and a major tragedy of epic proportions takes place. Yet another reason why I don't like driving in Boston.

Jim 

[cnw1995]

Good morning from a very soggy Chicago where I trotted down on the walk to work over to Marshall Fields nee Macys to see my favorite morning radio team broadcast out of a display window - out of my way but I figured it was a fun way to begin the day, and I got to put faces to the voices I hear (not in my head...)

Brent, the best drive I ever took was with an MG up and down twisty-turny Rt. 1 out of SF up to Bodega Bay (the setting of Hitchcock's movie The Birds) back in the late 80s with the bride - when I was supposed to be at a convention. It was especially more fun after sampling the wineries in Napa.

Speaking of pianos, I work in the old Kimball Piano building in what was known as Chicago's Music Row. This particular building dates from 1928; there's still an old sign along the side of the building showing the Kimball logo. The second floor still has a gigantic display space now classroom.

[dwiemer]

Hey Brent, my wife plays piano too, but hardly the pianist.....she has been away from it for a time.  Quick story:  My great grandfather worked for Steinway and Sons in Brooklyn.  He hand made a baby grand for one of my aunts.  We are trying to get the piano, should one of my cousins get tired of it.

When you head to Boston, you may want to check out that national treasure....the big dig.  So much money spent, it is like a jaguar, spend lots of money and it still spends most of it's time out of service.  Have fun.

Dennis

[laz 57]

I have bought from Marty at Ma & Pa Junction and was very pleased with the prices of Williams. Much cheaper than buying directly from Williams, even with Platinum Club discount.

Chuck

I'll back up Chuck, Marty is a real gentleman.  I've done business with him via Phone, web site and in person at York.  Can't go wrong with Ma & Pa for Williams.  That said, another good source that I have also purchased from is Charles & Janet Phillips.  They don't do internet but go to a lot of shows and do phone orders. Phone [phone], FAX [phone].  They also stock parts.

JOHN JELECTRIC, is CHARLIE LOCATED just outside of Harrisburg?  If so yes I visited his house and he works out of his garage,great guy to deal with, got pickups for Williams diesels and light bulbs.  He is also in the orange hall at YORK.

laz57

[Anonymous]

Brent, My wife is also a pianist.  Last Christmas we went out to buy her a Grande piano and came home with an electric console one.  It does everything but make coffee and alot smaller. It's about the same price as the Grande. It's a Yamaha Cavanova ( not sure of the spelling).  She loves it.  It also records her playing and singing. She's also a soloist at church, so she records her own music before the service she sings at.  That's why I say I'm way behind in spending.  How do you post pictures? I'd like to show you guys my progress as I build my layout if your interested.

[laz 57]

HI GIZ,

  Humid here today to get to 92.  Had last in service day yesterday at school off today then begin with kidos on Monday for another 180 days. 

  JELECTRIC, yes the GW has TMCC and even the dinner has the TMCC with activation of all the sounds of the conductor and food personnel.  Pretty cool.  Ran trains last nite for about an hour all good NO PILE UPS.

  Have a good one.

laz57

[Anonymous]

Red,
No it had nothing to do with being an ex.  Long story and not a nice one when I tell it.

My wife jibes me all the time about my trains... last night I was in the trainroom feeding the fish (far wall) and she came down.  The night before I setup a FasTrack layout on the floor and it spilled over into the basement (where I am standing taking the picture)... she stops and says, 'Explain to me why you have a nice large room over there and you have to use a portion of this room as well?' 'My surveying skills are a bit lacking.  I placed the bridge and by the time I realized I would run out of room it was too late to move everything back 2 feet.' 'It isn't staying like this is it?' 'No. The permanent layout will be much larger.'

I have about $50,000 to go before I match her hobby... she needs a 15' x 24' solarium for her baby grand piano she wants... so I'm set till we get a bigger house with even more land!  LOL!!!

[Anonymous]

Do you think the doll store had anything to do with your wife becoming your EX? I'd hate to loose my honey over dolls.  I will say it's great having the wife involved in her own expensive hobby.  We discuss prices in relation to each others hobby.  She may say her new doll cost her 3 trains or I may say I spent about 4 dolls at the show.  Neither one of us know what either amount means until we see the debit card. Just a game we play. I do know one think, I'm way behind in spending.

[Anonymous]

Greetings from TN and 100 degree weather every day for the past month. Hard on this old Yankee transplant.  What's all this chatter about Boston. Something there I need to see?  I'm headed there with the misses in October.  She wants to see the New England states and I plan on hitting the York Show on the way back or going.  She's a serious doll collector, so I know we'll be visiting several doll stores also. Have a great day folks and make God your focus throughout.

Hey Red! To the pot!  Pull up a chair and we'll pour you a hot one!

There used a Doll Store along Rt 30 just East of Lancaster, PA (About 1 hour East of York).  Took my ex there a couple times... not sure if it still there... some of the local yokels may know more.

If you are going to be at York we usually meet at the CTT table for a photo-op around lunchie time... then we wonder around to some of the eateries to find a good belly buster lunch to refuel for the afternoon.  Some of us stick around for the ice cream social later in the evening (7pm I think).  If you and your wife enjoy deli sandwiches, check out Isaccs while in the area.  They have some of the best deli sandwiches around.  I like the one in Strasburg the most as it is in a refurbished caboose and is right by a train store (same shopping center)...

[Anonymous]

The pizza place is still there, Brent. But I'll tell you right up front, I don't do Boston. They keep changing the one way streets!!! Driving, parking, all a huge hassle in that city, and I'm a white knuckle driver on a small country road. Although the last time Chiefie was here, he let me drive his rental, and I drove it like I stole it while he slept in the passenger seat! What a beat run I gave that car! Hub caps were flying off! I'll leave Boston to you and your hottie. It's a great city for a couple to see together. I'll meet up with you at Charles Ro and take you to North East Trains and maybe lunch if you're amusing to me. Deal?

Hey Chief, remember that honey who wanted to get in the car with us at North East Trains?! She looked like a North Carolina gal!

Jim 

LOL!  Sounds like a deal!  I told Susan we should drive up because I have family friends in Connecticut that I haven't seen in 20 years (last time I was in Boston), that I would like to see again... we could leave the Saturday before and come back after her seminar.  But she wants to stay till 5pm on Wednesday to take some test (get certified in something)... so we're flying... we could have toted around in the Bimmer... should be fixed by then... I HOPE!

Susan drives rental cars like that too... in Minnesota she drove over a parking lot island!  Her Dad was in the backseat and he yells, 'WTF! Where the heck did you learn to drive?!?!'... her response, 'You!'  It was a quiet drive from that point!  LOL!

I love my Bimmer on small country roads, but the best handling car I've ever been in was a 25th anniversary edition MG... friend of mine in the Army had one over in Germany... that was just too much fun!  We'd hit 70 - 80 MpH on some of the roads and never squeal the tires.  Oh to be 18 again and indestructable! Be a lot of scared hotties out there!  LOL!

[Anonymous]

Greetings from TN and 100 degree weather every day for the past month. Hard on this old Yankee transplant.  What's all this chatter about Boston. Something there I need to see?  I'm headed there with the misses in October.  She wants to see the New England states and I plan on hitting the York Show on the way back or going.  She's a serious doll collector, so I know we'll be visiting several doll stores also. Have a great day folks and make God your focus throughout.

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is hot and humid again in SE Indiana with temps and humidity in the 90s again.  Last night was a halfway good night with the girls losing and the boys winning by the same 2-0 score.  The only thing that made the game halfway bearable was a good breeze.  I got my CTT yesterday as well.  I liked the 1953 article.  I am reffing two games this Saturday, and I hope I do not have the controversy of last week.  Just the usual fare on the dining car for breakfast.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[sir james I]

Good Morning to all,

Cloudy,70s now 94 later w/storms. Kurt, good to know your treading water there.

I'm having trouble with netzero, too many disconnects but If I change to cable as you know I would have to change my favorites and not sure I remember all the passwords. what to do,what to do. it disconnected while I was writing this so talk to you later before its gone again.                    Sir James

[Jumijo]

The pizza place is still there, Brent. But I'll tell you right up front, I don't do Boston. They keep changing the one way streets!!! Driving, parking, all a huge hassle in that city, and I'm a white knuckle driver on a small country road. Although the last time Chiefie was here, he let me drive his rental, and I drove it like I stole it while he slept in the passenger seat! What a beat run I gave that car! Hub caps were flying off! I'll leave Boston to you and your hottie. It's a great city for a couple to see together. I'll meet up with you at Charles Ro and take you to North East Trains and maybe lunch if you're amusing to me. Deal?

Hey Chief, remember that honey who wanted to get in the car with us at North East Trains?! She looked like a North Carolina gal!

Jim 

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a clear, blue sky, 70 degrees. Going up to a HOT 94 today. And we will have sunshine all day.  This is shade tree weather.

Today, I am taking it easy. I have a few things to do around the house and then I will find a cool spot to relax. I am usually a little sore from mowing, the following day.  But, I take it slow.

I may spend some time in the train room, this afternoon, when it's the hottest outside. I do a little scenery and run some trains. Makes for a nice afternoon.

Looks like Chicago and parts of the midwest are getting hit with bad storms again. There is some serious flooding in western Ohio, but none around here. Thoughts and prayers go out to all involved.

Dining Car has arrived and it looks like a good breakfast is being served. Be back later.

Y'all have a great Friday.

Chuck

[Anonymous]

Mornin' fellas!

Did some work on the shed last night (it has been on hyatis (sp) for a week).  Got 1/3 of the shingles on!  Hope to finish the roof tonight/tomorrow morning.  Susan wants to go to Lititz to pick up some chocolates for her friend in England (sorry John and Nick, she doesn't know you so your not on the receiving end this time)... Also stopping at Trains Unlimited in Hanover to check out the 1688 Mitch emailed me about.

Fife - Very funny... LOL!  I don't think I need instructional videos, at least not yet...

JimA - She asked me if I want to go and last night she's talking to her father and says, 'He is going to Boston with me next month... can't stand to be without me for more than a day!'  I told her if she didn't want me to go then she shouldn't have asked!  Then she says the ONLY reason I want to go is so that I can go to the train stores up there!  Guess I am pretty easy to read! Actually, I haven't been to Boston in 20 years and I want to go back to check out some of the sites... is the Pizza place still open in the Market?  Can't remember the name of it...

[John Bakeer]

Another fine summers day here in Stockport.

John (Jefelectric), Our Bank Holidays are a bit like your Labour Day or 4th July, there are 9 of them ordained by the state celebrating Christmas, New Year, Easter etc. And I believe were originally the only days of the year that banks and financial institutions could close for business. I have used Day-Timers diaries since 1972 and from just recognising US occasions, it now encompasses significant dates (not Yorkshire Day [1st August] though) around the world.

[Jumijo]

Good morning all.

I've bought Williams trains from MA & PA and was pleased.But the last Williams I bought were from JusTrains and let me tell you, they were super. Free shipping, lowest prices, and it was delivered fast. One or two days tops. Marty took a week or more to deliver on both ocassions. I need to remember this Charlie guy in the unlikely case I ever need parts.

Williams trains are the best thing going in 3 rail if you ask me. They are like brand new post war trains, only they pull better, are quieter, and smoother. If I get another, it will be the GG1. The 773 tempts me too...

Fifey, you say you have some "instructional videos" in your closet? What procedure are you so unclear on that you needed to buy those?

So Brent and his hottie wife are coming to Boston next month. That should be fun. Brent, the Chief can attest to the fact that in person, I'm quite a boring guy to be around. Nothing at all like my suave internet personna.

Gonna be hot this weekend. But I feel for you people who are either getting too much or not enough rain. We are at 1/3 our usual precip level, but I'm not complaining.

I'll be by the pool if any one is looking for me.

Jim 

[mitchelr]

Morning to All.  Made a fresh pot, nice and strong just like you like it. 

Busy with work.  Had to go to Lowe's last night with the Mrs. to return some items. Came home and was too tired to even read the new CTT.  Will enjoy that this evening and over the weekend.  Got a call from our son and it seems he needs us to bring him a few more things (another excuse for Mom & Dad to spring for dinner).  Glad he is now just a little over an hour away as compared to 3+ at WVU.

Hope everyone has a safe and productive day.

Mitch 

[kpolak]

Morning!  Coffee's on! 

I just won a #44 army missle launcher off ebay for less than $50.00 well its a little over $60.00 with shipping and insurance but still happy now if the CFO will be lol been good staying away scince lost job but couldn't resist tonight lol.

RT:  Sounds like there are a lot of us in that boat...Where's Chief and the TTBA?  Off galavanting about the country, and basking in the public spotlight no less.  I just missed on a pair of n-gauge 'Jupiter' locos, by a quarter...  Good thing I didn't win...  No I'm not defecting...I want a narrow gauge ralroad for the kiddies on the Christmas display.

Doug:  Maybe they should play with trains.

Sir James I:  Still afloat!

House chores done for the week!  Hopefully not so hot and humid today.  Bought 2-1/2 YO a Dora fishing pole...She's very excited, keeps calling it a fishing contest.  Pole has a rubber casting weight on now..for practice.  She had more fun trying to catch the weight as I reeled it in past her.  She loves her life jacket!  Now if the 7-MO will actually wear hers???

Vacation in a couple of weeks...restringing my father's reels!  This should be interesting.

Kurt

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Morning all

Burning the midnight shift oil.  Brought my new CTT in.  Great issue, evene if it is a little shy on American Flyer. 

Ordered parts for the coaler, 290 and misc. stuff and a Bachmann House under construction for the layout.  Got some ideas, will post pics as it developes.

Hope all you in the flood zone are safe.  In Southern Ohio, the river is high, but still a long way from flood stage.

All take care and God bless

[Brutus]

Just watching the news a minute ago - hope all are well in Ohizo!  Tom (Spankybird), hope your layout isn't surrounded by water again this year!

Time for bed!  John, the cookie cake is all gone, but still some icecream left over!