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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 Dr. John on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 10:44 AM
 laz 57 wrote:
 Dr. John wrote:

Good morning from sunny and warm Alabama. Temps to get near 90 degrees today, then cool off a bit the next few days.

Had to put my Snapper riding mower in the shop. Drive belt for blade broke and it was time for an oil change and blade sharpening anyway. Shoulda bought a Deere! Sigh [sigh] Actually, the Snapper is a good mower, but it's too really too small for my yard - only a 30" deck. (Bought it in Mobile before moving to Prattville and bigger yard).

 

DR. JOHN,  didn't FOREST, FOREST GUMP use one of those SNAPPERs.  Cut real good for him?Big Smile [:D]Wink [;)]

I just di the same maintenance on my tractor had to put a drive belt on and change a tension pulley.  Its great when they work, especially with sharpened blades.  Makes the lawn look great.

laz57

Yes, he did! Mine looks very much like the one he used. 

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Posted by bfskinner on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 11:52 AM

[This silly escapade pre-empted by sick dogs. Bless them and those who love them.]

bf
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Posted by Jumijo on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 12:04 PM

I read the post that was deleted. It seemed to me that whoever wrote it had way, way too much cough medicine.

"Time flies" whether you're having fun or not. Life's too short for squabbling.

Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale

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Posted by dbaker48 on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 12:38 PM
 lionroar88 wrote:

Hey California Don Baker... you had posted that you had ordered a couple track cleaning cars... do you by chance have the link to the company?

Thanks!

OH, and Laz... Whistling [:-^]

 

Brent - The web site is http://www.aztectrains.com/

As I indicated earlier, they are a little pricey, but I really like the job they are doing already.  Only have had them running a couple of days.

Roy - Sure hope that situation works out with the house.  Here you are on level ground and we got people out here building them on stilts.  GOOD LUCK 

 Again, I really want to apologize that I didn't spend more time with you guys during the Kodak moment at York.  I was just so completely overwhelmed with everything.  Also I had asked a couple of guys at the CTT booth about a item, and they were running me around checking out placed they had thought they saw it.  (During that brief meeting).  As a matter of fact I had even left a bag at the picture site which was rescued by John F and Roy Dunce [D)]

 Yesterday was MIL's b-day, so out to dinner.  HOPEFULLY tonight get to work in train room.  Have quite a bit of foam wall material that was left over from room construction.  Going to cut it in 4" strips and use it to elevate a second background track on the elevated shelf for my G Scale, around the room perimeter.

 

Later 

 

Don

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Posted by cnw1995 on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 12:39 PM
Roy, why is your house being jacked up and those piers sunk - Is this a Texas thing? Wink [;)]

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

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Posted by jefelectric on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 1:31 PM

Good afternoon,

Zeke, What is the size of your layout? As for HO and O, one of the part time guys at a LHS has a very nice layout using both sizes. He has the HO on the 2nd lever background and the O in the foreground. He does a lot of fantasy things which the kids (and adults ) love.

Roy,  Hope your house porject works well for you.  Doesn't sound like a lot of fun.

Brent, I can vouch for the Aztec track cleaner.  I have the one with two rollers.  John Claudino does a great job on these and he is a nice guy to deal with.  Located out in the Wild West, Carson City, NV.  I just run mine as part of a freight train and rotate it among the loops.

Don, Is that second level a new idea on the G gauge shelf?  That foam cutter should be just the ticket for that project.

Chief, You can always raise your own popcorn, we used to do it some years back.  I don't think they have a variety that grows in microwave bags yet. Big Smile [:D]

Take care,

John Fullerton Home of the BUBB&A  http://www.jeanandjohn.net/trains.html
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 1:37 PM

Don,
Thanks for the link!  That is going to either be a sneak purchase or it will end up on the x-mas list!  With the size of the new layout I think I'm going to need one, or two, of those puppies!

We had a blast in York, can wait for October... what's the countdown at... 5 months?

John,
Thanks for the info on the track cleaner!  I like the looks of them more than the others because it looks like a freight car.  I can park it on a siding and pick it up with a switcher when I need to clean the tracks!

44 days till movin' day! Smile [:)]  I'm starting to get anxious!

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 1:45 PM

Evenin' boys.  Got to do a little boxing today at training.  Partner told me to take it a little easy, packing too much aggression when I swung.

88 - Molsen is chilling in the fridge.  Tom is coming over at 7, you are more than welcome to arrive earlier.

dbaker48 - it sounded like you got a lot accomplished from your YORK visit.  Do let us know when you are coming back.

Dr.John - ...amen.

Chief - So you admit you swim around the shallow end of the pool...?

Buckeye - Your serve.

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 1:56 PM

Roy, if I can use Grits to fix my pond, then I would suggest that you delete the concrete in the piers they are building under your house and use grits.  Chief, will have them delivered to you very cheaply.

Jim,  black duct tape sounds like a good fix, but will the glue handle the small amount of Clorox that I will add to the pond?  I don't raise any fishies in my pond.

Laz, bicycle tube patch .... I have some in the garage.  Thanks.

Chief, what is the name of the product that works underwater.  Is it UNDERWATER GRITS?  Is this what you used to fix that rubber ducky float tube that you use in the shallow end of the pool?

Dr. John..Thank you.

 

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 2:19 PM
Fife,
Sounds good!  Have to stop by FiL's and have dinner with him as I haven't done that in about 1.5 months... he has been asking when I am coming over... he's a great guy, glad I got him as a FiL, too bad MiL isn't alive any longer, she was great as well.

Looking forward to runnin' trains.  Have the 491 in the trunk... didn't have time to grab the passenger cars, so your blue ones will have to do! Wink [;)]  I should be leaving his place around 4:45 - 5:00, which should put at your place sometime around midnight due to inner loop traffic!  LOL... nah should be there around 6 or so.
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 2:29 PM
 jefelectric wrote:

Good afternoon,

Zeke, What is the size of your layout? As for HO and O, one of the part time guys at a LHS has a very nice layout using both sizes. He has the HO on the 2nd lever background and the O in the foreground. He does a lot of fantasy things which the kids (and adults ) love.

 

good morning all...its a nice 62 out with a little rain..its nice..keeps me inside with the trains...lol

 

as far as my layout i am only gonna be working with two 4x8 pieces of plywood...so it will either be 8x8 squared or 4' by 12'  havent decieded that yet...i may use 3 boards but right now its 2)...still trying to find smaller layout designs withing the forum so i can kinda get an idea of what i need to do...i am gonna be laying down the oho and o gauge track that way when my engine is finally fixed it will be radey to go...(if i ever get off my lazy but and fix it)this is all so very exciting for me...i am ready for a slowdown...i have been a huge rc fanatic for 20+ yrs and i am ready to slow it down a bit...i still build rock crawlers and thats my passion really...but i was bitten by the train bug about a yr ago...always loved them but never had the time or couldnt slow down enough for them....lolTongue [:P]

 

but now its on...got some space alot of time and so my journey shall begin....

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Posted by dwiemer on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 3:25 PM

Doug (Chicago), you may want to check out the "Animations" book, I think OGR put it out.  They have a transfer table that the author made.  Well detailed layout he did.  It does not give the directions for building the Transfer table, but does have some photos.  The rest of the book has some neat ideas, but I really wish he included the plans for the table.

I got off the phone with the vet a little while ago....not good news.  Lucky has suffered some brain damage and is blind, and, while the steroids have helped with some of the symptoms, they are only temporary and are masking.  I think the decision is made, but a few issues need to be addressed.  Do we bring the kids?  They are almost 3 and almost 5.  I think this would be too hard on them.....it is almost too hard on my wife and I.  If we are not bringing the kids, only one of us will be able to go.  I hate times like this.Sad [:(]  We have had her for seven good years.

I actually did some wiring on the layout, good therapy. 

Hope everyone has a good day,

Dennis

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 3:34 PM

so sorry to hear about your dog...i went threw a similair situation with my dog cpl yrs ago...and also had two little children who were curious were there dog was going...but i didnt take them and they are non the wiser ..they were 4 and 6 i thought they'd be better off not knowing and they were...that doesnt make it any better or easier...

 your family will be in my thoughts and prayers... 

 

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Posted by cnw1995 on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 3:42 PM

Thanks for the reference, Dennis.

I'd recommend not bringing the kids because of their ages - I did so when my kids were about their ages and they were traumatized.

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

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Posted by Dr. John on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 4:10 PM

Dennis, I'm so sorry to hear the bad news about your dog. I have to agree with Doug, as young as your children are, it is probably best you do not take them. Of course, you must do what seems best to you and your wife.

When my children were about the same age as yours, we lost a dog. Our youngest asked, "Do dogs go to heaven when they die?" My honest answer was, "God loves dogs too and I'm sure He has a very special place for them." Theologically correct? I don't know. But I'm pretty sure I'm right. 

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 4:13 PM
 Dr. John wrote:

Dennis, I'm so sorry to hear the bad news about your dog. I have to agree with Doug, as young as your children are, it is probably best you do not take them. Of course, you must do what seems best to you and your wife.

When my children were about the same age as yours, we lost a dog. Our youngest asked, "Do dogs go to heaven when they die?" My honest answer was, "God loves dogs too and I'm sure He has a very special place for them." Theologically correct? I don't know. But I'm pretty sure I'm right. 

Dr. John, all of my dogs have gone to that special place. 

Roy, package in the mail.

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 6:30 PM
 Buckeye Riveter wrote:
 Dr. John wrote:

Dennis, I'm so sorry to hear the bad news about your dog. I have to agree with Doug, as young as your children are, it is probably best you do not take them. Of course, you must do what seems best to you and your wife.

When my children were about the same age as yours, we lost a dog. Our youngest asked, "Do dogs go to heaven when they die?" My honest answer was, "God loves dogs too and I'm sure He has a very special place for them." Theologically correct? I don't know. But I'm pretty sure I'm right. 

Dr. John, all of my dogs have gone to that special place. 

Roy, package in the mail.

So have all of my dogs. And I know He will love them, as I did.

Dennis....My opinion.....Leave the kids at home.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by laz 57 on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 6:47 PM

DENNIS, sorry for the bad luck with the dog.  I know when my times up I'll see all my pets on that day.  I know that in my heart.

laz57

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Posted by dwiemer on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 6:50 PM

Thanks guys.  We have been leaning toward having the wife stay home with the kids.  Dr. John, I was not sure as you say, but I do believe as you.  We went out for dinner and discussed things a little.  The kids have been exposed to some idea of death, but mostly from a scripture side of things, also, because of what I do, the question does get raised from time to time.

On other things, the neighbor's wife found a baby rattle snake in the pool skimmer.  We will be on the lookout for Momma and brothers and sisters.  We are not sure what caused Lucky's situation as far as neurotoxin/stroke/aneurysm.  I chose not to do a necrotopsy.  It is possible that it was caused by a rattle snake, spider, or it could have been a tumor, we just don't know.

Well, I think that about does it for me tonight.  Have to get some sleep.  Have a case tomorrow and then the vets.

God Bless,

Dennis

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 7:07 PM
 laz 57 wrote:

DENNIS, sorry for the bad luck with the dog.  I know when my times up I'll see all my pets on that day.  I know that in my heart.

laz57

Me too , LAZ.....me too.

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by rtraincollector on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 7:39 PM
 Blueberryhill RR wrote:
 laz 57 wrote:

DENNIS, sorry for the bad luck with the dog.  I know when my times up I'll see all my pets on that day.  I know that in my heart.

laz57

Me too , LAZ.....me too.

Sign - Ditto [#ditto]

You know dennis if there was a way for someone to watch the little ones it probally be better for both of you if you both could be there. And my cfo and I are are also sorry for your lost

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

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Posted by jefelectric on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 7:49 PM

Dennis,  Sorry to hear that your dog will not be getting better, I too would leave the kids at home.  We have been through this six times and fully understand your feelings.

 

John Fullerton Home of the BUBB&A  http://www.jeanandjohn.net/trains.html
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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 8:53 PM

Dennis

Sorry to hear about Lucky.  I too would leave the kids at home, but bring Lucky home to bury.  The kids and you and the wife will all grieve, and that is a good thing as it is the start of healing.  I think one of the value of pets is to effectivly learn how to grieve.  Theologically speaking I don't know if dogs are in heven, but really that is not the big thing here as much as teaching the kids about and experiencing life and death.  When talking to kids about death the death of a loved pet is an oppertunity to do a little faith teaching.  We love our pets, and all love comes from God and God's love is with out limit and beyound our thinking.

Dr. John thanks!  The head of the deaconate program addressed the issue and got back to me.  I figure if it is God's will it will happen, now I just have to do my part! 

Great weather today.  Got a lot of work outside done.  Feels good to work up a sweat.

Going to knock out some reading then to bed.  Tomorow is the National Day of Prayer and I'm going to be reading from the Bible in the County Courthouse.  

Take care and may God your needs

Jim 

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Posted by MartyE on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 9:00 PM

Evening all.  Here in Dallas for the game falling asleep.  Only got 2 hours after last nights game in Houston.  Just ordered a RK C&O Streamlined Hudon from Jim's Train Shop.  Will be heading up there on Thursday to pick it up.  Combination birthday and anniversary present.  Now I just need to get the wife a anniversary present.  

Dennis I too am sorry about your pup.  I would suggest finding a neighbor or friend that could go with you.  It might help.  They are part of the family.  It's amazing how they grow on you.

Hope everyone is safe.  Have a great evening. 

Trying to update my avatar since 2020 Laugh

MartyE and Kodi the Husky Dog! ( 3/31/90-9/28/04 ) www.MartyE.com My O Gauge Web Page and Home of Kodiak Junction!

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 9:24 PM

Dennis,

Sorry for the decisions you have to face on your dog.

 

Regards, Roy

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 9:26 PM

Well the boys have done gone after running trains and drinking my Molson.  My home was the crossroads of commerce, as Brent now is the proud owner of a MTH C&O switcher set, and Tom is the proud recipient of Brent's currency.  Brent's C&O streamlined hudson ran like a brute, chewing up my grades with a full passenger consist.  Also visiting the layout were a PennCentral GP40 and a Canton SW1200.  Probably will be the last operating session 'til after the new section is added.   Went out with the whistle blowin' and the ale flowin'...

Good dog, Lucky.  Gooood dog...

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Posted by thatboy37 on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 9:49 PM
what;s going on guys. haven't been posting alot lately. well i got back today to find out that the rest of my switches have came in and i will get to do a little more work in the train room this weekend, once i get off the road from where ever i have to deliver to. also went up to the room and noticed that one of my supports for the upper level might be a little close to the tracks but i put the acela car on the track that it might be to close to and it past the support by maybe a centimeter. luckily the acela turns as it enters the curve so maybe that might give it a little more room to make it past the support. ? should i go ahead and move the support or just let it stay the way it is. will post pics on my topic when i get more work done. hope it want be as long for the next post as it was this one. hope all is well and my prayers go out to any who need them. take care all
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, May 1, 2007 10:24 PM

Dennis, God bless you and your family.  It's tough, I know.  I agree with everyone else that your children are too young to be there, but also that you should bury Lucky at home if possible.  If not, maybe you could get a little memorial stone or something and still have a ceremony.

Hey Reggie - how's the family and new job?

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 11:29 PM

Dennis, sorry.  It will take a while. Sad [:(]  Chuck just lost one the other week.  Kids will not understand.  They will do better not going.  I think Dr. John has the answer. [he usually does.  Humm, maybe that is why he is good at his job] 

Fell asleep early [reclinerizing].  Now to bed. 

Wanted to tell some good from a bad thing.  Was running my Atlas engines last night.  The first one I bought about 2 years ago suddenly started skipping notes when I blew the horn [speaker was sputtering] but engine sounds were OK.  This AM, even engine sounds sputtered.  Took shell off to see if smoke fluid had leaked on sound board [seen this happen].  Nope, all was well.  Called Atlas.  Guy said ship it to him and gave me a RA number.  I asked, "How much will it cost?"  "We will take care of it."  Told him I had just gotten three new engines yesterday and would be buying more in the future due to his help.  "We're glad to help."  Next:  One of the PW ZW's suddenly dropped to 8 volts [not the mainline the Atlas was on].  Took it out and put in spare KW.  Checked it a few minutes later and it was back up to 14.5 on all 4 terminals.  Green light was out but bulb OK.  Took shell off this AM.  Found nothing.  Tested ti and 21.5 volts on all terminals and light back on.  Guess it could not take 3.5 hours of continous running of engines.  Will put it in on the sidings and see if it does OK.  It does get warmer upstairs [had two fans on] during summer but not that hot.  We discussed adding a new A/C unit upstairs.  Probably will.  Put it in attic and duct down.  Anyway, two happy turn arounds for me.  Also checked the Celetex soundboard.  Works for me.  Post on seperate thread.

Good night all.   

 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 dbaker48 on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 1:14 AM
 jefelectric wrote:

Don, Is that second level a new idea on the G gauge shelf?  That foam cutter should be just the ticket for that project.

 

Yep, new alternative.  Originally I was going to run both tracks at the same level through a crossover so they would alternate between the tracks to accomodate viewing.  But the obvious collision risk, and having both trains run in one direction only.  Decided that I could elevate the rear train and elimante the crossover switch, improve viewing, and run in either direction.  So I have material left from the walls that I can cut into 4" strips to elevate the rear track.

Rather than take up precious pot space, I threw up a thread on it, so as not to bother everyone with all the detail.  The foam cutter will work great on some future tasks I have in mind, but will cut these pieces with a band saw.

 

Dennis - Sorry to hear about Lucky, best wishes to you and your family.  Small blessing but at least it didn't occur during the holidays.

Oh Yeah, I've been wonderin what all the ruckus is been about North vs South ...  Anyone know where this is at?

 

 Have a great day all !

Don

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