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

[FJ and G]

about 19 more hours until I can eat solids. There's some salty fluids I need to consume; the things I must do for a simple exam!

 

I hope you get rain down in Deep South. I hear the alligators are drying out. 

[Jumijo]

Wow, that's quite a blaze. Nothing like that here in Chicago - we burned the town down once already.

We had a molasses flood in Boston once. No kidding. The whole city was feet deep in the stuff. That's why we are so sweet today! Look it up!

Jim 

[Anonymous]

Lionroar,As Nick said 00 is strictly a UK scale of 4mm=foot, H0 is the main scale across western europe as in US, there is a good deal of 3mm=foot in the east of europe (the old soviet satalites) and there is a small following in UK. To further complicate scale matters N scale is 2mm=foot all over the world but in UK it's 2.1mm=foot, so UK stuff looks like it's on 3'-6" gauge track.

Black Currants grow on low bushes and are generally cultivated, the fruit is a blue/black colour quite shiny skinned and about 3mm/1/8" dia. It is widely used in jam making.

Brett, Stockport is roughly 65 miles NNW of Nottingham. You are welcome to come and try a pint or ten of Robinsons Exellent Elixir, It's the only thing we have worth bothering about.

Damn-Blast-Thud and Blunder!! Cheif!! What have you done? Your Gremlin/Grits has/have got into my ERNI. Ive lost all my task bars, no smiley, no nothing.

I know why it's called an ENDoscope, OOOOHHH!!!-painful! 

Thanks John!  Waiting to hear back from the wife... Nick has offered to supply tea and you have offered to supply beer... LOL!  I like them both, but the wife prefers beer... so who knows!  LOL!  We were talking last night and she said that her friend's husband has been thinking about renovating a space in their attic for his trains... I said 'Just thinking?  He needs to get busy!  I want to see trains when I'm over there!'  She just rolled her eyes and laughed... said something about 'Not everyone is a big a train geek as you are...' or something along those lines... hmmmm...

She like the cow smiley you posted last week too...

[cnw1995]

Jon, great suggestion; I had also just made reservations at Rhapsody for 615 pm.

Wow, that's quite a blaze. Nothing like that here in Chicago - we burned the town down once already.

John, I love browsing British outline websites to see the work done in 2 rail that is the equivalent of our O gauge.

[John Bakeer]

Lionroar,As Nick said 00 is strictly a UK scale of 4mm=foot, H0 is the main scale across western europe as in US, there is a good deal of 3mm=foot in the east of europe (the old soviet satalites) and there is a small following in UK. To further complicate scale matters N scale is 2mm=foot all over the world but in UK it's 2.1mm=foot, so UK stuff looks like it's on 3'-6" gauge track.

Black Currants grow on low bushes and are generally cultivated, the fruit is a blue/black colour quite shiny skinned and about 3mm/1/8" dia. It is widely used in jam making.

Brett, Stockport is roughly 65 miles NNW of Nottingham. You are welcome to come and try a pint or ten of Robinsons Exellent Elixir, It's the only thing we have worth bothering about.

Damn-Blast-Thud and Blunder!! Cheif!! What have you done? Your Gremlin/Grits has/have got into my ERNI. Ive lost all my task bars, no smiley, no nothing.

I know why it's called an ENDoscope, OOOOHHH!!!-painful! 

[Jumijo]

 

Is Alabama on fire? What's going on down there? 

There are two huge fires, one in south Georgia and another in the Florida panhandle. The smoke pretty much covers the southeast U.S. because of a lingering high pressure system. Plus no rain to wash the smoke out of the air (or help put out the fires.)

I'd know that if I didn't have to watch kiddie tv shows every day. I hope it rains for all of you down South!

[Jumijo]

No colonoscopy for me. I'm afraid they'll find a brain tumor!!!

There you go again.  I have you scheduled for a colonoscopy the next time the Chief is in the neighborhood.   He will bring his own hose.

It's going to be hard to do a colonoscopy on me. I'm so full of ! It's a wonder my eyes aren't brown!

I'm not going to comment on the Chief's hose... 

[Dr. John]

No colonoscopy for me. I'm afraid they'll find a brain tumor!!!

There you go again.  I have you scheduled for a colonoscopy the next time the Chief is in the neighborhood.   He will bring his own hose.

Dr. Ben Dover, paging Dr. Ben Dover . . . 

[Dr. John]

 

Is Alabama on fire? What's going on down there? 

There are two huge fires, one in south Georgia and another in the Florida panhandle. The smoke pretty much covers the southeast U.S. because of a lingering high pressure system. Plus no rain to wash the smoke out of the air (or help put out the fires.)

Don, I don't know what's being done to fight the fires or what equipment has been brought in. Maybe Dennis knows. 

Laz, yeah, I remember that game very well. I was on my feet in front of the TV that series. It was a special game as it was also the Bear's last national championship. He retired in January 1983 and died less than a month later. 

[Buckeye Riveter]

No colonoscopy for me. I'm afraid they'll find a brain tumor!!!

There you go again.  I have you scheduled for a colonoscopy the next time the Chief is in the neighborhood.   He will bring his own hose.

[jonadel]

Doug,

There's only one restaurant to go to now that Berghoff's is closed, Rhapsody--you will score many points with that selection. Are you going today? I see that the CSO is playing all Brahm's tomorrow, very Romantic music, maybe you should plan on staying at the Palmer House.

Jon

[laz 57]

Dr. John - I think Bear Bryant was the only coach Joe Paterno has faced that he never beat?

I believe you are correct. Of course, they have seldom played each other. The most memorable for me was their meeting in the 1979 Sugar Bowl. Alabama held Penn State when they had first and goal on the one yard line. Today, that series is simply known as "The Stand." Here's an excerpt from the January 2, 1979 "The Huntsville Times" :

Alabama and Penn State were playing for the national championship in the Sugar Bowl at New Orleans on Jan. 1, 1979. Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions were unbeaten; Bryant's Alabama team had lost only once, a 24-14 setback in Birmingham against Southern California.

With six minutes remaining and Alabama leading 14-7, Penn State faced fourth down-and-inches on the Tide goal line.

As the story goes, Lyons raised up from his defensive tackle position, stared across the line of scrimmage and told Fusina, the Penn State quarterback: "You better pass.''

Instead, Fusina handed the ball to tailback Mike Guman ... and every living Alabama fan knows what happened next.

Barry Krauss, No. 77 in the crimson jersey, met Guman head-on, standing him straight up at the top of a pile. Defensive back Murray Legg streaked in from the left side and helped push Guman backward. Linebacker Rich Wingo did the same from the right side. Underneath the pile, linemen David Hannah and Byron Braggs and Lyons had done their part, submarining at the point of attack and neutralizing the Penn State blockers.

Guman needed only seven or eight inches to break the plane of the goal. He got nary an inch. Alabama took over, held on to win, and was proclaimed national champion by the Associated Press two days later.

Aren't you glad I didn't give you a L O N G answer to your question!

 

DR JOHN,

  That was the last time I rooted for STATE PENN.  As I recall they had the ball on the 5 yrd . line and went 4 times up the middle on dive plays.  Was very upset with them, then thought that any team that can hold them on four downs inside the five well I take my hat off to them.  They won me over that day and now I always check to see if they won.  As  for STATE PENN, I always root against em.

laz57

[dbaker48]

I don't understand why Alabama/Florida havn't gotton the Super Scooper from the National Forest Service.  California typically rents them during the fire season.  That fire has been going on for weeks, why are they just letting it burn?

 

[Jumijo]

 

Is Alabama on fire? What's going on down there? 

[Dr. John]

Dr. John: It is really bad hear.  Last night, while I was doing an emergency heart case, the warning system went into effect for the area "Smoke Alert".  You could smell the heavy smoke in the OR, even with the filters.  Ended up with a good headache.  Do us a favor, when you are through with the rain, please send it this way!

Dennis

Dennis, yeah, I've got one of those headaches myself. Not too bad in the house or in my office, but outside - Wow! My eyes are burning and sinus drainage is on overtime.

IF we get rain, I'll try to forward it to you. Hang in there and keep praying for rain!

[Jumijo]

I here ya, Dennis!

[dwiemer]

Dave: Hope all goes well for you.  The worst part about Colonoscopy is the prep.  Nothing nice about "Go Lightly"...yeah right!

Dr. John: It is really bad hear.  Last night, while I was doing an emergency heart case, the warning system went into effect for the area "Smoke Alert".  You could smell the heavy smoke in the OR, even with the filters.  Ended up with a good headache.  Do us a favor, when you are through with the rain, please send it this way!

Chief: Hope all is well with Pam's car.  I have one of our cars at the dealer for a AC issue.  It needs a regulator ($800.00) for the part alone, with labor, almost $1200.00.  They get ya.

I really hope this forum returns to the civility that keeps me coming back.  It is alright to correct spelling of a child's schoolwork, or even be critical of an applicant's grammer, but to do it on a forum who's purpose is to join Toy Train enthusiasts is just RUDE!

May Y'all be blessed today,

Dennis

[cnw1995]

Good morning from a sunny and warm Chicago - my last day in the office before vacation. I am taking my new trolley book and the latest CTT and Classic Trains to read. My bride is driving downtown a bit later today and we are going to the symphony! I am told I have to be quiet and not snore through all the slow parts.  Hmmm, maybe she expects me to take her to dinner too - the hot dog stand outside the Art Institute probably isn't good enough. I should think more about that later today. 

The daughter was caught lying last evening: a big no-no. So she is on double-secret probation. May you all have a great day today...

[Anonymous]

Dr. John - I think Bear Bryant was the only coach Joe Paterno has faced that he never beat?

I believe you are correct. Of course, they have seldom played each other. The most memorable for me was their meeting in the 1979 Sugar Bowl. Alabama held Penn State when they had first and goal on the one yard line. Today, that series is simply known as "The Stand." Here's an excerpt from the January 2, 1979 "The Huntsville Times" :

Alabama and Penn State were playing for the national championship in the Sugar Bowl at New Orleans on Jan. 1, 1979. Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions were unbeaten; Bryant's Alabama team had lost only once, a 24-14 setback in Birmingham against Southern California.

With six minutes remaining and Alabama leading 14-7, Penn State faced fourth down-and-inches on the Tide goal line.

As the story goes, Lyons raised up from his defensive tackle position, stared across the line of scrimmage and told Fusina, the Penn State quarterback: "You better pass.''

Instead, Fusina handed the ball to tailback Mike Guman ... and every living Alabama fan knows what happened next.

Barry Krauss, No. 77 in the crimson jersey, met Guman head-on, standing him straight up at the top of a pile. Defensive back Murray Legg streaked in from the left side and helped push Guman backward. Linebacker Rich Wingo did the same from the right side. Underneath the pile, linemen David Hannah and Byron Braggs and Lyons had done their part, submarining at the point of attack and neutralizing the Penn State blockers.

Guman needed only seven or eight inches to break the plane of the goal. He got nary an inch. Alabama took over, held on to win, and was proclaimed national champion by the Associated Press two days later.

Aren't you glad I didn't give you a L O N G answer to your question!

LOL!  The MOST talked about series of crappy play calling in PSU History!  I don't remember watching that game, although I am sure I did, the first game I remember watching with my father was 1982 Sugar Bowl where PSU held Hershal Walker to under 100yds rushing...

[Dr. John]

Morning, all! Smoke is really bad in the south today. Visibility is less than a mile here in Prattville. One of our church members was involved in an accident this A.M. Someone did not see her and pulled out in front of her. Thankfully, no one hurt badly but both vehicles messed up. May get some rain this evening which will help. Smoke has affected a lot of people with respiratory problems. Dennis, not sure how you are standing it being much closer to the fires than we are!

Chief, it's a good thing I didn't plant a garden with our drought. Maybe try next year. Nothing beats home-grown vegetables! I like to plant squash, okra, pole beans, potatos and tomatoes. Been buying from a local farmer instead.

Not doing much with trains this time of year. Already into the summer train slump. Seems like this happens to me every year. Interest wanes when warm weather arrives, then interest is rekindled as we approach the fall. About all I do is read the forums and the CTT when it arrives.

Have a good Wednesday, everyone!

[ChiefEagles]

Morning all.  Had a shower of rain lat night.  Probably less than a tenth but I will take it.  Got my first squash and cooked them last night.  Usually have squash by first of May.  Crazy growing season.  Tomatoes have started growing.  Got some the size of baseballs on plants started early in greenhouse.  Really need a good rain event.  None in sight per weatherpersons.  We'll see.  

So you don't have to go to the libary on weekends and holidays to get on line.

I do that to get away from my wife!

Jim has a very smart wife.  She knows how to get rid of him.   He usually takes the kids so she is really smart.

Off to Lowes to get some things and then to Frankie's to plant tomato plants for him.  Wife reports car ran good and no check engine light [so far].  Thank you Lord.

Have a good one and God bless. 

BTW: can not believe I find myself agreeing with Yankee Brent on a thing.

[Dr. John]

Dr. John - I think Bear Bryant was the only coach Joe Paterno has faced that he never beat?

I believe you are correct. Of course, they have seldom played each other. The most memorable for me was their meeting in the 1979 Sugar Bowl. Alabama held Penn State when they had first and goal on the one yard line. Today, that series is simply known as "The Stand." Here's an excerpt from the January 2, 1979 "The Huntsville Times" :

Alabama and Penn State were playing for the national championship in the Sugar Bowl at New Orleans on Jan. 1, 1979. Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions were unbeaten; Bryant's Alabama team had lost only once, a 24-14 setback in Birmingham against Southern California.

With six minutes remaining and Alabama leading 14-7, Penn State faced fourth down-and-inches on the Tide goal line.

As the story goes, Lyons raised up from his defensive tackle position, stared across the line of scrimmage and told Fusina, the Penn State quarterback: "You better pass.''

Instead, Fusina handed the ball to tailback Mike Guman ... and every living Alabama fan knows what happened next.

Barry Krauss, No. 77 in the crimson jersey, met Guman head-on, standing him straight up at the top of a pile. Defensive back Murray Legg streaked in from the left side and helped push Guman backward. Linebacker Rich Wingo did the same from the right side. Underneath the pile, linemen David Hannah and Byron Braggs and Lyons had done their part, submarining at the point of attack and neutralizing the Penn State blockers.

Guman needed only seven or eight inches to break the plane of the goal. He got nary an inch. Alabama took over, held on to win, and was proclaimed national champion by the Associated Press two days later.

Aren't you glad I didn't give you a L O N G answer to your question!

[Jumijo]

No colonoscopy for me. I'm afraid they'll find a brain tumor!!!

[Buckeye Riveter]

Good morning from beautiful Ohio, where it is currently 70 degrees.  We should see a high of 89 degrees today. 

Mike, "pert near" is a Hoosier term used mainly below US 40. In fact, below 40, is also only a Hoosier term.  There are some terms they use in Ohio that I still don't understand due to the influence from WV.

Dave,  I am overjoyed in some respects that you are getting a colonoscopy.   I get to do mine again this fall, but after seeing a buddy being treated recently for colon cancer for almost a full year,  a colonoscopy is just a minor inconvenience.   Make sure you ask for the extra long hose and the color TV.

Jim, I have the K-Line Mikado and I believe the Pacific is similar inside.  Be careful with the little tiny wires.  Get some tape and tape then together before putting the shell back on to help keep them in place.  GOOD LUCK!

Chuck, you need to plan a trip to Columbus for some train shopping and sit on my deck in the shade and watch the trains.  I am starting to see out from under the bridge, so maybe I need a trip east.

Chief, you screwed up again.  It is not invisable, it is inadvisable.  BTW, when are you heading to Ohio again?  I have new place to take you to lunch over looking a beautiful lake where you can see the big bass down below in the water.  Isn't Cabela's opening a store in Hammond, Indiana? 

And Don, if I am in L.A., I will take you up on that invitation and then I will go and visit Doug in San Diego.  In fact, that would be one great trip.  Take AMTRAK around the country and stop and see the great layouts of America.  Only one problem, since I live in the largest city in the Western Hemisphere without passenger rail service, I might have trouble getting on the train. 

See ya down the tracks, the freight rails that is.

[Anonymous]

Morning all... sorry for the rukus last night...

Jim... You kill me...

Mike, what she doesn't realize is that by 'restricting' their time together she will be alienating her daughter which could make her act out and stay out longer with Lucas.  Which will only have the effect of appearing that Lucas is responsible for keeping her out longer and that will only exaserbate the problem.  I'm sure you've already told him this (in more appropriate fatherly fashion), so he should just 'obey' her mother and make certain to have her home on time, no matter the daughter's objections.  Been there, done that, realized that controlling mothers = daughters to stay away from , if they don't trust their daughter then they will never trust him.  It is unfortunate, but true.  And for those parents that say 'We trust our child, we just don't trust the other kid.'  I say to you, 'Think on that a minute.  It takes two to tango.'

Off my


Now for some train related talk...

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is another hot sunny day in SE Indiana with temps in the 90s.  At least I have the late game for soccer tonight (7 PM) so it will be marginally cooler.  I see where the dining car already arrived at "Points East". 

My son is getting grief from his girl friend's mom about seeing her this summer.  She is "allowing" them only two hours per week to see each other.  Lucas is pretty upset over the situation.  He does not expect to see her every day or even every other day, but two hours a week is ridiculous.  She would let her spend three or four hours on a weekend at our place during the school year.  No offense intended to ladies who post here, but there are times when I can just figure that gender out and I have been married "pert near" 29 years (Hoosier phrase for the benefit of Buckeye).  Off my soapbox for now.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[FJ and G]

This will be a week of firsts. First time watched Sopranos, first time colonoscopy tomorrow (now that I'm 50 they recommend it, but I'm dreading it; on liquid diet now). Also, did my first complete axle:

 

I’m overcome with joy, as my first wheels emerge from the RTV mold and get attached to axles (nails). One of the wheels contains BBs (gun shot, see first photo) covered with resin and another wheel contains a copper plumbing pipe thin section covered with epoxy. While not substantial, this metal adds plenty of weight or heft, as does the thick nail (forgot type of nail but large one used to nail studs).

For the sleeve, I’ll be using copper gas lines, which fit nicely with the nail.

 

Pin vice aids the drill, which otherwise would slip around and be off center, resulting in wheel wobble.

Next step is building a bunch of cars.

also, built a concrete pond:

 

 

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a clear, sunny 65 degrees. Going up to 88, today, with a few clouds.

Today, I have a few things to do around the house. Small chores to keep busy. Maybe later, I will go run trains, when it gets really hot. Sat outside in the shade last night. Beautiful evening.

Yes, Jim, the Indians are in Boston. Getting beat up badly. They must have a problem with the Sox, as they do the Yankees.

Well, here comes the Dining car. Time for breakfast. Later.

Y'all have a great Wednesday.

Chuck

[Jumijo]

So you don't have to go to the libary on weekends and holidays to get on line.

I do that to get away from my wife!

[Jumijo]

Good morning from New England. Another fine day ahead of us here. Seems there's an Ohio ball team in town for one more game with the Red Sox.

I snapped a few photos of my "restored" 736, 2671W, and Julia's still unfinished girl's train last night. I'll post the photos tomorrow.

Lots of train runnin' last night. Santa Fe passenger trains on both tracks taking in the fall foliage on the Jumijo.

I brought my K-Line Pacific in to work today. Just in case I got up the courage to take it apart.

Time for breakfast.

Jim