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

[Buckeye Riveter]

 How about the Railroad ? ! They'll all be hiring for quite a few years to come & don't forget RR Retirement, a very good retirement they have.

A very good suggestion!    

[Wes Whitmore]

No, I don't walk in those shoes beyond just my daily activitity to get the car, work, train room, etc.  This was the first pair of shoes that were fitted to my foot and stride.  They feel very good. 

Wes

[Buckeye Riveter]

Good morning from frozen foggy Buckeyeland.  We are sliding around this morning.  

Ride a bike and stop those knee problems. 

Reggie, I'm glad that something I wrote had some meaning.  Often my incoherent dribble does not have any merit. 

LAZ, are you going to invite any of us Buckeyes to the Harrisburg Party?  We have invited you to all of our parties.  Fair is fair, but leave the bear at home.

Heading to Indiana in a few weeks. 

See ya down the tracks,

 

 

 

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Sunny & milder in the Mid-Atlantic today.  Guess I'll take Phil down off the pike now.

Chief - I'll take your old new door.  Mine is 40 years old.

jefelectric - need directions to Doc's.

Laz57 - ummm, your bear was in my garbage last night...can you speak to him?

REGGIE - while you are running them big diesels on your layout, imagine yourself in the cab of a new DASH 9, GEVO, or SD70ACe.  NS and CSX are hiring, and this may be the opportunity.  Heck, you're already willing to drive long distances in a truck, why not the railroad?

88 - so where is this BRENTwood mansion?

[csxt30]

Good Morning Everyone !!  Be working on a new track I started putting in yesterday after a trip to the hobby shop to get a new switch !! Also got a new set of traction tires for my Budd rail cars, & got them on with no problem, just had to remove the truck from the car to get them on. Boy, does it run smooth now !!

Well, almost 30 degrees here already !!

Hope The Chief isn't too sick & gets over whatever he has soon.

Hope everyone has a nice day !!

Thanks, John 

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a foggy 32 degrees. Going up to a sunny 44 today.

Today, is a grocery shopping day. Yuk job. I will drive to Cambridge and hopefully, enjoy the ride. Later, I would like to run trains, for a while. I did some wiring yesterday and am slowly getting the upper level done. I hope to run a train on the entire system, before long. Then I need to work on the scenery. When the weather warms up, I will take the steel bridge outside and spray paint it. Looking forward to that.

Well, the Dining car is calling " All Aboard " . Time for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Wednesday.

Chuck

[Anonymous]

Wes,
I hope you aren't walking in running shoes???  Big mistake!  I didn't understand the physiology of shoes till I went looking for running shoes.  I must have spoken with 10 different people about shoes, how they are designed, manufactured, etc.  A running shoes is not the same as a walking shoes, and they are not the same as a cross training shoes (which by the way is the worst shoe you can buy).  And not all shoes are designed for all people.  They have to look at how you walk, run, jog, etc.  Your stance and gait is very important to what type of shoe you need to purchase.  I was fortunate that I actually had a range of shoes to choose from, but I opted for the more expensive because it felt better on my foot.

BTW - Yes I am a bit obsessive when it comes to making a major purchase...

Brent

[Jumijo]

Good morning from a warming New England!

The kids and I ran a long coal train last night. Then it was time for Thomas, Percy, and James to stretch their legs.

Not much new here. Arthritis is flaring up today. My hands hurt pretty good.

Sorry to see that the Chief is ill. I hope you feel better before your trip, Chief!

Reggie, you still have your whole future ahead of you.

I will take some photos of those coal loads.  

Have a great day all!

Jim 

[Wes Whitmore]

Thanks for the info guys.  I have a mountain bike. .  I always preferred running, but things have changed.  I'll get it out in the spring and see what happens.  My physical therapy wasn't much help at all.  I also purchased the $120 Mizuno shoes when i got the treadmill.  They have turned into the most expensive pair of walking shoes I have ever had...

Have a great day!

Wes

[Anonymous]

Wes,
Been there done that... all I can say is ouch!  I went into physical therapy for two years to strengthen my MCL and ACL (running in boots in the Army for Ops Training really wreaks havoc on the knees and shins).  Any how, after two years I gave up because it wasn't doing a thing.  I bought a home gym that used free weights instead of those blocks of iron so I could use bars as well.  I focused more on lower body exercises, starting with low weights and working up to heavier.  After 6 months I was pain free.  I also changed my diet every month to help stabilize my weight (ok that part failed), I was also drinking a lot of milk and eating a lot of cheese.

5 years later and still no joint pain when I walk or run, I also bought a very nice pair of running shoes (I think they were $120+).  I'll be 36 in less than a month and need to lose some 20 lbs before Spring... I want to get the Mt Bike serviced in April so I can start riding again...

OH, biking is an excellent low impact exercise, running on roads, sidewalks, or on treadmills is very hard on your knees.  If you have a High School track you may try that.

Brent

[laz 57]

Laz,

I was a runner up until last year.  I ran 3+ miles every day, and even purchased a really nice comerical treadmill to run on during the winter.  Not 2 weeks after I got it, my knees started hurting pretty bad.  X-ray showed that I had worn ridges in both of my kneecaps because my MCL and ACL weren't holding my kneecap in the correct place, and I sanded down a new groove in the cap.  Now they creak when I go up and down stairs. 

Since stopping, I have gained 20 lbs.  I need to get back into something.

Wes

 

WES,

  I know what you mean.  Had 3 operations on knees, 2 from running and one from college football days.  No fun I plod along not fast but try and do it 5-6 days a week.  Also take the dogs for walk 2-3 miles aday.  Try biking different workout,sometimes fun.

laz57

[Anonymous]

JElectric, Mitch, Chief, and Laz, March 24 looks good for me!  I'll need some directions to Doc's, or I could redevous with Mitch and car pool?

Things are warming up South of the Mason Dixon Line... and melting too!

House Update - Looks like we may have landed the big one!

Laz Bear Siting - According to the wife the bear was somewhere in the vicinity of our house two nights ago... I think he was sleeping under our deck.

Reggie - The NFL and Nashville Kats loss is our gain!  And a very appreciated gain it is!  The Pot wouldn't be the same without your CP Rail pics!  I agree with the rest of the gang that you are a great person and it will only take you a short while to land on your feet!  To have played in the NFL you had to have good balance, so that says something.  You are never down and out till you throw in the towel, and no one here is going to let you do that!  We've got your back, and you are welcome at my place (old or new) any time!

Brent

[Wes Whitmore]

Laz,

I was a runner up until last year.  I ran 3+ miles every day, and even purchased a really nice comerical treadmill to run on during the winter.  Not 2 weeks after I got it, my knees started hurting pretty bad.  X-ray showed that I had worn ridges in both of my kneecaps because my MCL and ACL weren't holding my kneecap in the correct place, and I sanded down a new groove in the cap.  Now they creak when I go up and down stairs. 

Since stopping, I have gained 20 lbs.  I need to get back into something.

Wes

[laz 57]

Hi GIZ,

   36 and nice had some rain last nite and going to be a nice day today to get to 44?  Ran a nice 4 miler outside yesterday and felt good to run outdoors sure beats the treadmill.

JELECTRIC and MITCH, and CHIEF, so far March 24 ok with me at Doc Holidays for lunch.

Anyone else?

All have a good one.

laz57

[mitchelr]

As for the Harrisburg meeting.  March 24th suits me, I would prefer lunch, say 1:00 or 1:30.  Never been to Dukes.  If you want something close to Bass Pro, I would suggest Doc Hollidays which is just around the corner.  May be more convenient for the Chief.  How do the rest of you feel.  Who all is comming.

Take care,

 

I hope to make it.

Mitch 

[John Bakeer]

Reggie,

When I was in my early 40s (1982) I found myself unemployed (ever heard of M Thatcher?), I was always 'over qualified' for the post. This in fact meant 'too old' and we in UK are only just beginning to tackle the ageism in the work place syndrome which is an offence in the USA. I eventually got an independent consultants job with an agency and finally climbed out of the hole. I went to college in my spare time and improved my (paper) qualifications, the odd thing was that on numerous occasions I knew more than the tutor. I am now retired with enough to live on and a bit left over for toys. I am sure you have a good attitude and stand to make it good. GOOD LUCK TO YOU. 

  
Chief, get well soon as I say the same to all of you suffering at the hands of outrageous fortune.

Lionel's on ice until April 5th (new financial year) my poor wallet has had a seizure and needs a large dose of funds. debating purchase of new car, but this has only 25K on. It'll cost $2,000.00  for a 2 year warranty extension as against $6-8,000.00 to replace with this years model. No brainer really!

Taking beloved to Blackburn market this morning, probably end up bringing her back.

Fine mild day here in Stockport +12 that's 6 above average for time of year.  

[Frank53]

Reggie:

Sorry to hear of your setback. Give it some thought before you dive into anything. You're setting the course for the rest of your life. Explore all your options.

[ChiefEagles]

Good luck Reggie.  God will take care of you.

Got the flu or something.  Sinus infection that makes the teeth hurt, sore throat, right ear hurts and nose is runny.  Got some fever.    Been asleep in the recliner.

Seriously thinking about suing Mike Wolf for pretending to be a toy train manufacturer.  Worked 2 1/2 hours on the two cross over switches on the left side of the layout.  Suddenly [original switches installed first in layout] they quit working [throwing together to turn out].  They would not allow turn out to switch over but had done it twice earlier within a few minutes.  Could manuall turn them and they would throw back with controler.  Could short across the control rails and they would trip for turnout.  Move the controller to red and the lights would go out and no attempt for switch motor to throw.  Exchanged switch motors with other switches.  No help.  Replaced controler.  No help.  Checked wiring.  No go.  Since I have had a lot of trouble with control rails suddenly making contact with the track rail, I removed the switches and gapped the control rails with Dremel tool.  Would work sometimes and then stopped.  Took them apart.  Moved some close wires and, on one, rounded off the nylon "Stop" that the bar locks the switch in place.  Isolated it to one switch.  Kept working on it.  Finally exchanged switch motor with another switch again and went to work. ????? Reinstalled switches which ment lots of track too.  Working fine now.  For a reputation of trouble free switches, the ones I have purchased have not been good at all.  Wasted a lot of my time.   Never had any trouble with the old 1970's cheap 027 remote switches and they are working on someone else's layout today. 

Took wife to Lowes and we purchased a high $$$$ storm door for the front door [nothing wrong with the high $$$ one we have now????].  New guy and took forever to do "write up" in computer.  When I got home was really feeling bad. 

Goood night all. 

[csxt30]

Good to see you back on Reggie !! what Jim said above & remember, "when God guides, God provides " !!  How about the Railroad ? ! They'll all be hiring for quite a few years to come & don't forget RR Retirement, a very good retirement they have. I don't know about where you live though. Wishing you & the family the very best !!

Thanks, John 

[thatboy37]

thanks for the support guys. i guess i can look at it as i have accomplished alot in a short time being here on this earth. i played in the nfl which was a life long dream of mine. i also got retirement out of it to, but i dont get the benifits until i turn 55. you guys are very supportive and uplifting to any and all who are having/going through a rough time in their life. as i say that BUCKEYE sent me a story about his past via e-mail, and it put a few more things about life in perspective as his sports career was ended early due to a hip injury (hope you dont mind me saying this) that he had to alter the path in life he wanted to take to something else. the great thing about it seems like he he made the best of what was thrown at him and he turned his life into something that he likes. i guess i will have to do the same, and look at it as if my life doesn't stop here but it has barely begun and to keep pushing until my clock expires. not only can i turn to my wife, daughter, and family for support. i can turn to you guys for support also to get me through, and thats what i like about this forum. like i said in some of my first post on this site if you are ever in my are memphis, tn please let me know as you guys are welcome to stop by my place and visit my layout and run trains if i have any up and running, or maybe just give me pointers on how i can make my layout better. again thanks and hope all is well with everybody on this forum.

[Brutus]

Reggie, I'm very sorry to hear that that deal didn't work out for you.  I know if you pray about this, God will send you a good job.  Truck driving will take you away from home a lot, but you guys might be used to that.  Be sure to look at the healthcare and other benefits involved. God bless you and your family and I pray that you get some good help from friends and family. 

[anjdevil2]

Reggie, sorry it didn't work out for you.  You got to part of the dream at least.  It does take a wife and a precious daughter to ground you.  Good luck in your endevours, what ever it may be. Just too bad you counldn't play for Big Blue in NY.  You would have been awesome for sure!!

Welcome back to the forum! 

[jefelectric]

REGGIE,

   Tough blow for you at Nashville.  Oh well, go into truck driving wide eyed and learn all you can.  You got good work ethics and that counts for a lot.  Keep your mind open and do your best.  And if you come to central PA. you are welcome here at my place anytime.

laz57

Ditto here Reggie, And Welcome back to the forum.

As for the Harrisburg meeting.  March 24th suits me, I would prefer lunch, say 1:00 or 1:30.  Never been to Dukes.  If you want something close to Bass Pro, I would suggest Doc Hollidays which is just around the corner.  May be more convenient for the Chief.  How do the rest of you feel.  Who all is comming.

Take care,

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Photos!!!

I want to see those coal loads.

Hi all,

Reggie, good to hear from you again.  Good to keep your options open, you will succeed.

Very warm high 40's and wet.  Washing the salt off the cars. 

Wired up the two coalers on the same switch with a SPDP selector switch, didn't work just right so a little more work there.  I made some coal loads for my 640 hoppers similar to the one's I've got in my gons.  They are made from packing foam and painted black.  Here is what they look like in the gons;

I took several pics of the process and if you're interested I'll post them.

Recieved the new to me Franklin 21088 and the 20 30 & 40 passenger cars today I won on the bay.  Very nice; minimum to do to them to bring them to 100%.  I was thinking of truning them in a Washington (different color scheme), but these are too nice!

Prayers to those who need them (and who doesn't!)

Jim

[laz 57]

DOUG, hope he is not a BOAR?  Could be looking for alcohol?  Might be starting early this week, cause he had to "TIE" one on Sunday?  Send him east, could be my only way to get him in CTT?

laz57

[laz 57]

THANKS RT, I'll be on da look out.

laz57

[rtraincollector]

told him to go right not left he must of mixed it up.

[cnw1995]

Greetings from my classroom lab where all my students are busy working and I swear I hear Laz' bear shuffling down the hall.

 Reggie, sounds like a good decision about your future.

[rtraincollector]

 

KEITH, I don't know where my bruin is?  Last seen going to church on Sunday with a tie on?

laz57

 

I sent him north to get home he kept moaning LAAZZZZZZZZ I showed him the way and he started stumbling that way that moonshine he got into must have been strong. Give him a couple of days

[laz 57]

REGGIE,

   Tough blow for you at Nashville.  Oh well, go into truck driving wide eyed and learn all you can.  You got good work ethics and that counts for a lot.  Keep your mind open and do your best.  And if you come to central PA. you are welcome here at my place anytime.

laz57