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

[krapug1]

Good Afternoon All:

We are getting more snow and less rain the forecast here on the North Fork/East End of Long Island.
As I write this it is a combination of snow and sleet.

Tons of early closings and cancellations, and the other half got home early so there is no concern about the roads for us.

My company also shut down early so it was off to the Barn and the trains. I attenpted to hook up a Lionel 155 Ringing Highway Crossing Flasher, and so far just one light works and no bell so far.
A good project for a snow day.

This snow will no doubt mean there will be no LIRR train coming through tonight. Despite a passenger train being considered "all weather" transportation, whenever we have any amount the snow the LIRR will "bustitute" our one evening train, yes this far out east we only have one "rush hour" trip from NYC.
On a day like this, the Hampton Jitney Bus, which also serves the North Fork is a more reliable bet.

Ken

[edw]

Same here JIM, as JON said I was the only reason some kids came to school.  Lots of em went into the construction fields cause of shop class.  And still today kids love my class and want to be there.

laz57

Hey Laz, you know, I never got to take a woodworking class while in high school, but when I was living in the Washington, DC suburbs in my mid-twenties, I heard about an evening shop class being offered for adults at the local high school. The class ran for 8 weeks, with an experienced instructor present to teach us some basic techniques and show us how to use the equipment. The idea was each "student" would choose an individual project to build. The school had even set aside a small storage area where we could leave our projects between classes, although we did have to bring our own lumber to class each week. All of us were novices, and most came to the first class with plans to build a birdhouse or picnic bench. I will never forget the look on my instructor's face when I told him I wanted to build a five-foot long colonial style trestle desk as my very first project, with plans I had cut out of a magazine.

Well, to make a long story short, the instructor was terrific and one of the best teachers I have ever had. However, despite his best efforts, I was the only one who did not finish his project by the end of the course. On the last night of class, I managed to stuff all of the pieces of my half-finished table into my compact car and took them back to my apartment. The unassembled pieces were stored in a closet for several years, and later when I bought a house, I took them with me where they sat in my basement for almost twenty years!

I am not sure what finally inspired me to finish that table, but after all those years, I finally did, and it is the same table I'm sitting at right now as I type this post. While I've built a couple of other things over the years, I am still a rank amateur when it comes to wood working. But, I do love this table, and how many people get to use their very first wood working project every single day?

[dougdagrump]

In the mid 60's when I worked for the B&O, on occaission we would work the yard at the Cincinnatti Union Terminal setting up the trains and they all had at least one REA car with them. Remember this was still in the day when some of the US Mail went by rail.

It would be nice if you could get one switchable sound equipped boxcar that had both steam and diesel, kill two birds with one stone.   

[Anonymous]

lionroar88;

An REA car would be most appropriate. I can remember seeing passenger trains with as many REA cars as there were passenger cars in the consists. (Late 60's as well as in the 40's and 50's).

Mel Hazen; Jax, FL

 Really? Most interesting. Where was this and what road? Thanks for your help.

[ChiefEagles]

Afternoon all.  Was going to post earlier but got busy at the "office".  Got pictures and awards hung on walls.  Got new big desk and two nice visitors chairs.  Couch for big window will be delivered tomorrow [nap couch].  Off to Raleigh to do lifetime license for Grandson.  Then meet wife at mall to buy TV and camera.  No rain as forecasted.  Maybe later.  Was breezy and cool but sun came out and it warmed up.  Chat later. 

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Afternoon from Blueberryhill....

It's a rainy day. 36 degrees. Going up to 40, or something like that. Rain is suppose to stop and then turn colder. Then snow.

Been working around the house on some repairs. Need to finish up , so the wife can finish painting the kitchen. She's good.

No train time today. Maybe tomorrow.

Dining car was here and left. Breakfast of Cheerios.

Y'all have a great Thursday,

Chuck

[laz 57]

Jim--
Hang in there with the percussionist, it get's better :) It teaches them many things that they won't find in a traditional classroom. I still see former students who talk about the good times we had and once in a while I will talk to a parent who said that the only reason there kid stayed in school was because of me, that's humbling to say the least. I'm sure Laz will tell you the same thing. There's at least one person in everyone's life that made a difference.

Same here JIM, as JON said I was the only reason some kids came to school.  Lots of em went into the construction fields cause of shop class.  And still today kids love my class and want to be there.

laz57

[sir james I]

Good Morning from SE Mi.

Lite snow and 34,not much snow expected. Youngest grandson going to be here about 4 hrs. today. Same one who kept crying for momma last time I watched him.Maybe this time will be different. Took him to the LHS tues. and he saw the trains but was more interested in the model cars.(2yrs old)

Chief and chef=breaded road kill. yum.I still won't eat grits with it. a couple of streets could use some grits, good pothole filler.

Allright now listen up....Friday the 13th is on thursday this month so be careful today....Sir James

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Good morning all

Welcome Chef

Colin congrats on the  religion test, prayeers do help.  I got my grades from this past quarter the other day, B+ in Pauline Scripture and an A in Cannon Law.

Cool and wet in Southern Ohio.  The weather has slowed progress on the garage addition.  Between rains yesterday got about 1/3 of the trusses and purlins in place.  Going to try to add more today.  I'd like to get them up soon to get the roof on.  Start night shift tonight so what does not get done won't be worked on till next Monday.

It's quit raining so I need to go!

May God bless

Jim 

 

[Anonymous]

lionroar88;

An REA car would be most appropriate. I can remember seeing passenger trains with as many REA cars as there were passenger cars in the consists. (Late 60's as well as in the 40's and 50's).

Mel Hazen; Jax, FL

Mel,
Thanks!  That is what I thought, but wanted to make sure since I was not old enough to remember REAL passenger rail in the States. That would solve my problem of whistle/bell and would give me some chug chug too!   Now I just have to get one!

BTW - that font color you used for my name hurts!

[anjdevil2]

Thank you Mel, and now for the news....

Those of us that are members of the Lionel Collectors Club may not have noticed Mel's correction on the Florida State Car on the back page.  Though I do not condone nor advocate the use of college sports to add to the "flavor" of sport, his correction is most appropriate.  It seems that small skirmishes and full blown war have come from mis-identifying the college(s) in question!

Major Kudos there, Mel...is that 2 pubs in 2 months?

Be safe my Northern friends, and leave some snow for my Daughter (who will be visiting the GrandParents on Tuesday!)

Rich

[RRCharlie]

Low of 55 in Jacksonville, FL last night, 62 now to go to low 80's before end of the afternoon. Usual fare on the dining car this morning. Legs are sore from standing for the most part of 2 hours in one place last night as our choir was rehearsing Vivaldi's "Gloria" for our Sunday offering. The piece runs about 45 minutes and has 12 sections. 4 solos or duet for women's voices and 8 sections of various lengths for choir. The presentation will be sung at various places during the usual service, bracketing scripture lessons, sermon, offering collection, and prayers. Laundry to sort today and then perhaps some trains!(Had to get that in to keep post on topic. Have to be careful about that.)

Welcome to all the new posters. Hope you get as much out of this group as I have gotten in the past couple of years.

Mel Hazen; Jax, FL 

[jonadel]

Jim--
Hang in there with the percussionist, it get's better :) It teaches them many things that they won't find in a traditional classroom. I still see former students who talk about the good times we had and once in a while I will talk to a parent who said that the only reason there kid stayed in school was because of me, that's humbling to say the least. I'm sure Laz will tell you the same thing. There's at least one person in everyone's life that made a difference.

[RRCharlie]

lionroar88;

An REA car would be most appropriate. I can remember seeing passenger trains with as many REA cars as there were passenger cars in the consists. (Late 60's as well as in the 40's and 50's).

Mel Hazen; Jax, FL

[Anonymous]

so would one of these look appropriate in a passenger car train, behind the tender of course?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170176771073&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:Watchlink:middle:us

[cnw1995]

'Morning from a grey and icy Crystal Lake where I am getting an early start at working-at-home. More sleet heading your way, Mike.

I wonder if Illinois has one of those licenses - Chief, what a fantastic gift!! Since the bride is traveling to Cedar Falls tomorrow, I'm going to start a big crock-pot of chili - you're all welcome to a bowl.

Kurt, didn't AF have that Gabe the Lamplighter accessory? - just what Rolesville needs!!

[kpolak]

Stopped at BestBuy yesterday to do some XMas shopping and a set of BOSE 301s and a set of BOSE 201s ended up in my cart! They sound really nice.  Watched Polar Express last night and when the Berk stopped at the house the first time I thought my house was going to cave in!  Guess I need to adjust the sound levels again.  Have to stop again today to pick up some bannana plugs so I can hook up the rear center speakers (BOSE 161s that used to be rears).

I was very impressed with the audio on the Polar Express movie!  Best sounding trains I have ever heard, and shakes the house with the sub woofer on!  Lionel makes a Polar Express whistle tender for about $75.

Welcome Chef!  We have quite a few 'cookers' here.  Topics of conversation, if you haven't noticed, #1 Trains, and #2 is food!  Sounds like a great menu!

Thanks for the prayers and layout ideas!  Don and I are co-sponsering a website

www.I_Have_A_Great_Idea.com and are seeking both financial and labor support.  Kidding. 

Chief:  Hope you find someone with a ladder to light those streetlights!  You always find helpers, but seldome one that comes with their own ladder.

Kurt

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is raining in SE Indiana with temps in the 30s.  At least it is not snow.  I did some Christmas shopping and finished addressing the Christmas cards.  We also watched "Deal or No Deal".  Tonight I will start going back to the YMCA for workouts.  Ugggh!  I absolutely hate going there, but I know I have to so I can be a better soccer player.  I had the regular fare on the dining car this morning.  Welcome to the new people on the 'pot!  This is a good place to be.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Anonymous]

Morning fellas... made it to work before the freezing rain/sleet/slow drivers hit the roads this morning.

Stopped at BestBuy yesterday to do some XMas shopping and a set of BOSE 301s and a set of BOSE 201s ended up in my cart! They sound really nice.  Watched Polar Express last night and when the Berk stopped at the house the first time I thought my house was going to cave in!  Guess I need to adjust the sound levels again.  Have to stop again today to pick up some bannana plugs so I can hook up the rear center speakers (BOSE 161s that used to be rears).

Set up a single track under the tree last night.  Put the 4-4-0 NPCL General on it with Comet, Dancer, Dasher, Prancer, and Vixen passenger cars, looks really nice.  Chose this one because it 1. Has no sound, 2. Has no whistle, 3. I can easily turn the smoke on and off.  Wish it had a whistle though... anyone know if there is an electronic whistle?  I could mod the trucks on the tender with some pickup rollers and then put the electronic whistle board and a small speaker in the tender (it is a soft rubbery shelled tender).  Powered by my old, reliable, never lets me down, Lionel LW... would have used another engine with Whistle/Bell but the LW doesn't have the bell trigger so figured the General would be nice... plus it just looks awesome pulling 5 passenger cars!

No work on any of the layouts last night.  Have to get the last of the track in first then lay it out on the carpet first to get the right dimensions for the framing.  Then I'll go full bore this weekend since it appears we are in for a long cold winter storm... good thing I split a bunch of firewood last weekend and have it in the garage! May split some more wood tonight so I have a backup supply (probably put it in the shed).

[jmkk]

 Morning all. Just got home from work, only an extra 15 min. thats pretty bad though considering it normaly only takes me about 10min. Lots of freezing rain, roads were a mess. Was a little surprised the school the wife works for didnt call off school or at least delay 2 hours. Its going to change over to rain by 9:00, at least thats what they say. Time for bed. Hope everyone has a great day.

 

 Jason

[laz 57]

HI GIZ,

  Well they called off school today DA!.  Now got to make up, DA!  Oh well got tractor back from principal, I let him use it for mowing I got two of em.  Brownie points. So got to take off deck put on snow blower.  Then run trains later.  Got workout in.

B safe.

laz57

[laz 57]

I could cook some good southern cooking and wild game as well.

Good Southern Cooking = A meal without grits.

How bout CRITTER on DA GRILLE?  For them SOUTHERNERS.

to DA POT, CHEF.

laz57

[CSXect]

British shows(I have no cable tv) Are you being served, Waiting for GOD, Keeping up apperances (gotta love Rose), Last of the summer wine, Chef are all great shows.....pbs had Black adder a few years back kinda funny.

There is one and only one Doctor who TOM Baker

The Red Green show is Canadian but is worth watching.

Oh yea also have seen Blakes 7 scifi series

[Brutus]

Got computer back from wife, but now it's bedtime.  So sorry to hear about Gil Fin/Steve Frame's passing away.  God bless his family and friends. 

Chief, Jon has my sincere admiration if he managed to withstand this for an entire career!  An hour was too long for me.  Oh, Joy, We get to go to another one in April!  My wife was in band and was shocked that they didn't have any "posture" or something.  I dunno, I was going to do band, but my folks talked me into taking an extra science course instead. 

[ChiefEagles]

Welcome Chef.  That meal sounds like a winner.  I like to do a little cooking, just for the wife and myself.

We are going to have to be careful here on the pot with a Chef and a Chief.  Getting a little confusing.

A little nasty weather predicted here also for tomorrow.  Nice part about being retired, I can stay inside and look out the window if it gets nasty.   Unless I have to take the wife to work.

The Chef can cook the Chief a big meal.

Some sprinkles and then rain Saturday evening.  Bring on the rain!!!  With all the leaves that I am going to do for a while, done.  Maybe some trainroom time.  Will probably go to Raleigh tomorrow and get Grandson Carter his Lifetime Sportsman's License.  Lifetime hunting and fishing for NC.  If he grows up and leaves, can come back an hunt and fish in NC without another license.  If he lives in NC, will not have to buy a another license in his Lifetime.  I was the 82nd person in NC to buy one in the early 80's.  Saved me a lot of money.  Then go by Sears and buy a HD 42" flat screen TV with all the bells and whistles.  That is what Pam and I are giving each other for Christmas.

Old man aches from using leaf blower and working.  Goooood night all.

PS: Brutus, Jon Engelhardt is a retired band teacher.  Now he can talk band and music forever.

[jefelectric]

Welcome Chef.  That meal sounds like a winner.  I like to do a little cooking, just for the wife and myself.

We are going to have to be careful here on the pot with a Chef and a Chief.  Getting a little confusing.

A little nasty weather predicted here also for tomorrow.  Nice part about being retired, I can stay inside and look out the window if it gets nasty.   Unless I have to take the wife to work.

[cnw1995]

Speaking of things British, I just rediscovered another book of mine - containing the railway drawings of Emett - among other things, he invented the models in the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

[Brutus]

Doug, for Dos Equis (?) I add a slice of lime - makes it really good!  Black Adder and Mr. Bean are all time favorites along with Dr. Who, Good Neighbors, Rising Damp, To The Manor Born, Are You Being Served (these last 2 are on some cable channel now and I've actually caught a few episodes recently), Rumpole of the Bailey, Monty Python, and many others too.  They even ran a short series based on Blott on the Landscape, which is one of my favorite books.  I'm not sure if they ever did Wilt or any of the other Sharp books.  Very dry and wickedly black humor there.

[cnw1995]

Brutus, I searched for 'Spooks' - looks like an interesting show - have you ever seen Black Adder? - another good one. I had a Dos Eques (sp). It was good, but not as good as Sam Adams.

My, our young guest is still here - I put our son to bed an hour ago. I guess his parent's Christmas party is going late - almost 10 pm for a six-year-old who has school tomorrow - sheesh!

[Brutus]

Just got home a little while ago from my son's first band concert. They
were terrible as expected, but it was fun to watch him in the center at the very back pounding away on his percussion thing (it's not a xylophone(sp?) but it kinda looks like one) and then when the audience applauded at the end of "Hot Cross Buns" and "Mary Had A Little Lamb", he stuck his hands up with the index and little fingers out holding his drumsticks and nodding like Ozzy Ozborne or something (not that he has seen Ozzy - as far as I know) - it was hilarious and he got BIG laughs!

88 - expect to see progress on the layout room then, congrats on so many jobs done (making me look bad man!) 

Nick - I haven't seen Spooks, is it good?  Just now catching up on some old Dr. Who from 2006 and found out there was a spinoff called Torchwood?  Got some episodes of Extras on a tape from a friend and they were very funny - esp the one with Daniel Radcliffe and my favorite (still) Diana Riggs (Emma Peel)!

Chef - [welcome]  When do you find time to run trains!?  That's a lot of food!

Doug - I did enjoy a cool Sam Adams with my sandwich yesterday, yummy!  Winter Wheat Lager.  I heartily recommend one of these.  Two, if you are not driving OR don't mind pile-ups!

Sir James - I'm on the way for Pumpkin Pie!  Chewy says she'd like a lick or two as well!

I had my old Ranger until it was old enough to drive itself and really needed a new engine.  Traded it in and the guy asked if it had FM radio!  LOL  That was a great little truck.

I know I missed some, so God bless us all!