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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 jefelectric on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:00 AM

Good morning,

Baby sitting the three granddaughters this morning.  Didn't get a chance to catch up on the posts as the 3 month old is starting to get fussy and needs her midmornig fix of formula.\

 Be back later.

John Fullerton Home of the BUBB&A  http://www.jeanandjohn.net/trains.html
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Posted by Wes Whitmore on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 9:48 AM
I have seen some vintage TVs converted into fishtanks too...
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 9:28 AM

Good Morning all,

  Cloudy with light snow this AM. 

Don:  Now I see ... Two layouts in the same room.  Do I understand that you're going to mount the LGB on an aluminum shelf structure?  You should find a marked noise reduction that way as opposed to running on wood shelving.  My 8' steel and aluminum bridge is the quietest portion of the layout.

You guys need a vintage TV to watch all those old TV shows on.  I recently tried fixing an old B&W Philco Predicta but gave up on saving it with original workings since the chassis was too badly corroded.  Luckily I was able to retrofit it with a new 20" LCD unit, giving me all the modern conveniences for about the same price as repairing the original.   I'd love to find more Predictas with unsaveable workings at reasonable prices and see if there's a market for ones with modern upgrades.  The problem is high shipping costs and availability.  I need to find them here in Canada for it to be economical.

Have a great day all.

Bruce Webster

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Posted by laz 57 on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 9:02 AM

DOUG, read the article about the guy that uses lizard liter for balast.  I am going to pick up some of that stuff next time I go to pet shop then spread it out and lightly spray paint lite grey.  Guy said that it is ground up walnut shells and works great accepts paint good. Was gonna use kitty liter but this sounds better.

I'll let you know what happens.

laz57

  There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; Robert Service. TCA 03-55991
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Posted by Jumijo on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 9:00 AM

Brent,
I think Jim F. is just milking it! He's squeezing those big pink utters as we speak! Laugh [(-D]

I'll take chocolate, Jim!!! 

Jim 

Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 8:55 AM
 Jim Fortner wrote:
Morning guys, took off today - still feeling down and back hurts bad too (too much sitting around?  When it gets really bad I get pain in the legs, which is a bad sign I know).  Playing with RR Track software some more.  Fifedog, I've got a Mach 5, but it's about HO scale (matchbox car size) - came with one of the dvd sets.  Also the Chariot from Lost in Space.  Time to check out the Lionel website!


Goodness it is what 3 days now?  Hope you feel better soon, but if you aren't feeling better this afternoon you may want to call the Doc... sounds like you may have a bad case of food poisoning!
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Posted by Brutus on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 8:48 AM
Morning guys, took off today - still feeling down and back hurts bad too (too much sitting around?  When it gets really bad I get pain in the legs, which is a bad sign I know).  Playing with RR Track software some more.  Fifedog, I've got a Mach 5, but it's about HO scale (matchbox car size) - came with one of the dvd sets.  Also the Chariot from Lost in Space.  Time to check out the Lionel website!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by cnw1995 on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 8:39 AM
Good morning from a windy and chilly Chicago where I have yet to get into the Lionel website to see the new stuff. Hopefully there are more electrics - I want to see the boxcab Jim A referenced. I pulled more wires from Mt. Seaman last eve. Then reinstalled the beacon light as the sole accessory hooked up to this Bachman HO trainset transformer. It's too bright. I hooked it up to the accessory connections and I'm not sure what's coming out of that. Maybe I'll try the other connections and dial it down. Must've done something wrong.

Ran the Birneys and trolleys and 520 too. Nothing on the main line though. Added more trees to the Apitz Forest. Tried a new layout for Eagles Ridge too. Put the new CTT in the shoulderbag to read on the long ride home late tonight.

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

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Posted by Jumijo on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 8:09 AM

 lionroar88 wrote:
. . . Wife is going to be rather irrate when she sees the $10,000 wish list from the Lionel 2007 Vol 1 Catalog! Cool [8D]   . . . Approve [^]

Ditto that here, Brent. I could go broke buying everything I want to from these catalogs!

Jim 

Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale

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Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 7:49 AM

HOLY HAMBURGLAR, BATMAN!  THE JOKER HAS RAISED THE SIDEWALKS IN TOWN!  Actually, there were two cars every kid wanted in my youth, the batmobile and the mach 5.  I have the latter in 1:18 scale.

dbaker48 - forgot you were in earthquake country.  Maybe you could install some shocks and struts for a one-of-a-kind benchwork article...

Oh, "mornin' boys."

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 7:46 AM
 ChiefEagles wrote:
 Roger Bielen wrote:

Chief, I've found a good way to keep switch control wires sorted is to use multi-wire lawn sprinkler cable.  Another, but it is solid core wire is thermostat wire.

Roger, using colored door bell wire.  Not the wiring but the switch is the problem.

Morning all.  Got to get ready to go see my Dermatologist.  This affair is getting sticky. Wink [;)]  I fed her one Lionel catalog for her kid and it is return and return.  I think it is my money [good health ins. Shock [:O]].  Chat later.  



Chief it's your PostWar Magnatracktion she is after!  Better be careful!  Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

Good luck... don't scratch that itch!
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 7:45 AM
30 degrees this morning when I fired up the bimmer for the trek into work...

Car doesn't like cold mornings... I think it is a female car... complains alot...

Forgot the flashcards this morning, so no pics of the 0-8-0 and Berk Upgrade. Disapprove [V]

Wife is going to be rather irrate when she sees the $10,000 wish list from the Lionel 2007 Vol 1 Catalog! Cool [8D]  They are making 2 F-19s this year and I would really like both of them and the passenger cars to go along with The George.  Also the B&O E7 AA Set and the B&O Diesel set... and the B&O Heavyweights to go behind the E7s... loads of rolling stock too!

Well I better get some work done... may have to stop at the LHS today and see about a job! Approve [^]
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Posted by ChiefEagles on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 7:42 AM
 Roger Bielen wrote:

Chief, I've found a good way to keep switch control wires sorted is to use multi-wire lawn sprinkler cable.  Another, but it is solid core wire is thermostat wire.

Roger, using colored door bell wire.  Not the wiring but the switch is the problem.

Morning all.  Got to get ready to go see my Dermatologist.  This affair is getting sticky. Wink [;)]  I fed her one Lionel catalog for her kid and it is return and return.  I think it is my money [good health ins. Shock [:O]].  Chat later.  

 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 cheapclassics on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 7:02 AM

Good morning all,

It is cloudy and cold in SE Indiana with temps in the 30s.  As my son would say, "SS..DD" at least as far as the weather is concerned.  I got up a little bit early and logged onto the Lionel website to look at the new catalogs.  Some interesting items are there.  There is a new Alaska set, and a new tinplate O set.  The K-line book is an odd mix of some low priced Lionel and the old Marx/Kusan/K-line material.  There is the old Lionel 520 with lights, and the updated Marx 333/K-line Pacific (which is a nice engine), and a lot of the old K-line accessories as well.  It will be intriguing to see how all this is received.  There is over 250 pages of material in the two books combined.  I went to the Y, got the trash together and ran the 318E last night.  I see where I am late for breakfast again.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 6:40 AM

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cool 29 degrees. Misty snow fall. Going up to 36 today with some snow flurries. Still about 3 inches on the ground.

Today, I have to run some errands. Going into town to stop at a few stores. Wife is taking her little dog to the groomer. Later, will run some trains and work on the next step of the expansion area.

I heard that some guy was cruising around, up North, in a Batmobile, honking at all the " fast food places ". Wonder if he is hungry ??

Well, time for the Dining Car. Breakfast is served. Later.

Y'all have a great Tuesday.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by Roger Bielen on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 6:31 AM

Chief, I've found a good way to keep switch control wires sorted is to use multi-wire lawn sprinkler cable.  Another, but it is solid core wire is thermostat wire.

Roger B.
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Posted by laz 57 on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 6:15 AM

HI GIZ,

   28 and not to bad to get to 37 today.

RTRAINCOLLECTO, I'll have to check out that listing tonite, here at school they won't let me see pics.

 MITCH, nice lamp, maybe next year they get you the big LEG LAMP, "Its a major award", for your bday.  Then you can place it in the front window.Wink [;)]

Have agood one.

laz57

  There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; Robert Service. TCA 03-55991
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Posted by Jumijo on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 6:14 AM

Good morning, everyone!

A light dusting of snow greeted me this morning as I drove out of the garage and waved goodbye to my daughter.

Ran a mess of trains last night. Steamer freights and passenger trains!!! And just as I was shutting everything down the phone rang. It was John S. calling from Ohio. Seems that someone using my name sent him a Corgi Batmobile??? I don't know a thing about it, John, but enjoy that Batmobile! I like it parked at the fast food joints!! It was great to talk with John. What a genuine good guy. Too bad his schedule doesn't allow him to post more frequently. John, stay off those naughty internet sites, you dirty bird!!  Wink [;)]

Holy underwear, Batman! It's time for breakfast!! Have a great day, everyone.

Jim 

Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale

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Posted by dbaker48 on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 12:23 AM
 Sturgeon-Phish wrote:

What about window tint for the poolside train room?  They have came a long way with protective films, and not obsceure view of the pool.  Between tint and shades, you may be able to protect your layout.

Later

Jim

Actually, the sunlight won't be a problem.  The room is actually an almond color, and more importantly the majority of the layout will be in the middle to the back side of the room.  The elevated section of course is above the windows.  Now the house faces north, so we get the morning sun coming in, (train room not exposed.)  And on our west side the neighbor has Cypress tress that are between 20 and 25 feet high, they form a literal hedge, (terrible for the pool).   By 3:00 that part of the yard is completely shaded, as is the pool.  So with the mini blinds, don't think there will be an issue.  My biggest concern is getting it all built.

Regarding the scenery, eventually will have something behind the upper portion, be it landscape, or buildings, not sure yet.  A local restaurant has an elevated track and uses various national monuments as a backdrop, Rushmore, St. Louis and Arch, Golden Gate, NY and Manhattan skyline, etc.. 

The other issue will be sound dampening.  That's where I'm really concerned about Doug Murphy's Laws,  I'm sure that there must be a postulate or theorm there abouts, that say something to the affect of a moving vehicle circulating around in an aluminum encased enclosure, and the subsequent amplification of sound.  Who knows the blinds may act as a synthesier causing a reverberating clickity clickity clack clack sound.  Which could could be subsequently resonated through the double pane windows creating harmonic swells in the pool, which could generate an inverted seismic wave, that could flood the house.  LOL  (Actually, a few years ago an earthquake did cause water "sloushing" out of the pool, no damage but did make for conversation.  The bigger concern regarding the pool is encroaching roots from the Cypress trees.) 

The picture below is the "current" layout I have planned.  The elevated section is in light blue, only visible from the right side.  The bench top (green) will be about 39".

 

Don

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Posted by mitchelr on Monday, January 22, 2007 10:03 PM

Thanks for the birthday wishes folks.  Not an exciting, milestone birthday, turned 53 yesterday.  I did get this nice lamp.

I will be away from the forum for a few days.  We are going to Vegas and then to ride the Grand Canyon Railway.  There will probably be over 100 or more new posts by the time I get back to the forum and it will take me forever to get caught up on the activities here in the Coffee Pot.

Take care,

Mitch 

Bob Mitchell Gettysburg, PA TCA # 98-47956 LCCA# RM22839

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, January 22, 2007 9:18 PM

Tired.  Been wiring switches in the walk-in.  Had to pull all the wires.  Ran a number 12 buss type common and hot around the benchwork.  Then removed enough insulation to solder on jumpers to feed to each switch.  Running them on aux power.  Then had to extend all the controller wires and hook them up.  Wired one inner loop with off/on switch.  Can run trains in there and shut them down without shutting down the inner loop.  Can build trains in there too.  Notice the switch was causing the TMCC and engine to shut down when backed out slowly.  Ran tow trains out and suddenly it wants to act as if a car is tripping it to the siding.  Then the switch motor shut down. Traded with another one, does the same.  Not the switch motor but the switch.  Will mess with it later.  If it does not staighten out, take it back.  Chalk it up to MTH quality. Disapprove [V]  Removed the aux power wire and manual move it now.  Its real close to me standing in the door.  Will be some trouble to remove as it is tied to the main line and etc.

Microwave Popcorn time.  Later.

BTW: our buddy Don Baker set me up with a new and upgraded printer.  He didn't make a dime off of it.  Told me where to find it and order it.  THANKS 

 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 jefelectric on Monday, January 22, 2007 8:50 PM

Evening all,

 Can't believe the number of posts since I last posted.

Happy B-Day [bday]  Mitch!

Don, Us Northeasterners would love to have your problem, glare from the pool. Big Smile [:D]Wink [;)]

John, Love the batmobile.

Can't remember 1/10 of the posts so will call it a night.

John Fullerton Home of the BUBB&A  http://www.jeanandjohn.net/trains.html
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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Monday, January 22, 2007 7:54 PM

What about window tint for the poolside train room?  They have came a long way with protective films, and not obsceure view of the pool.  Between tint and shades, you may be able to protect your layout.

Later

Jim

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Posted by cheapclassics on Monday, January 22, 2007 7:29 PM

Good evening all,

Allow me to join in the general congratulations.  Happy birthday, Mitch.  May you have many more!

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by rtraincollector on Monday, January 22, 2007 7:19 PM

This is the engine its very strong (2 cam motors All wheel drive 4 wheels with traction tires

Next is the tank car

And finally the Boxcar

all 3 for about $65.00 including shipping got it in today there great the boxcar has a fake doors (Plug) but looks like its on 6464 frame?

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

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

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Posted by rtraincollector on Monday, January 22, 2007 7:11 PM

question bought a tank car on ebay (well an engine (K-Line) a boxcar and atankcar) on the bottom of the tank car is says IDM by UMD, inc.  Made In China . Ever heard of this company and who are they ?

Pics to follow

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

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Posted by Brutus on Monday, January 22, 2007 7:08 PM

Cool Batmobile!  Also, missed it before, but welcome back Roy - sounds like a successful show and teardown.  Don - sounds like it will be a cool shelf layout!  Keith - I used to love the Archies cartoon, as well as Josie and the Pussycats, then J and PCs in Space, The Hair Bears, Hong Kong Phooey (I think this came out on dvd), and on and on.  I remember watching the old Spiderman cartoon as a kid before they took them off the air as well as Johnny Quest, too.  We counted one time and we had over 1200 dvds (no including multiples - like we would have counted a season of Wild Wild West as a single dvd).  I'd bet we're at about 1800 now.  BTW - There are 3 Doris Day movies coming out in about 10 days, including Move Over, Darling, which is a family favorite.

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by dbaker48 on Monday, January 22, 2007 6:48 PM
 brwebster wrote:

Looks more like a 22.5 degree crossing but then Doug's law still applies. 

Don,

Weren't you doing O gauge originally?  Did you do a 180 and go LGB or is this a second layout?

Yep, you guys are all correct, Great opportunity for Murphys Law.  However this, is what I was thinking.  (It is a 22 degree crossing)

I have 2 LGB trains that will be up there.  The primary advantage is that they alternate from front to rear track, adding a little variance for viewing.  Secondly, the obvious cost differential as compared to four switches.  

As I was thinking one would have to be cautious with the switches, of course there would be less risk, assuming that the non-derailing feature is operational.  Now with only two trains running there is 70 linear feet between the two, assuming that they are they make a complete revolution.  Now if I make the entry point into the crossing a seperate block with a toggle switch control, I can stop either train prior to entry.  Also if one is running faster than the other I could stop it for distance allowance.  And all that is based upon two trains being on the track.  With one train no issue.

Regarding the question about O gauge, yes that is the majority of the inventory, but do have the LGB General, a Heisler log train, a LGB Christmas train, and a 32 Ford truck that runs on the G Scale.  The Track height is 6' 10" high.

Finally, I thought if I was having a issue with disastors, I can come back in with the switches 

Don

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Posted by Frank53 on Monday, January 22, 2007 6:43 PM
 csxt30 wrote:

Now taking Center Stage at the Eagleville McDonalds !! Laugh [(-D]

Also, they paid a visit to The Diner, too !!

If those superheros don't steer clear of the fast food joints are your layout, they're going to be renamed FatMan and Blobin.

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Posted by rtraincollector on Monday, January 22, 2007 6:23 PM

LAZ 57 Check out this auction goto pics and read the description in the pics its a NYC ALCO A

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230079232048&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=013

They say nonpower in titled but box says powered I think they used the titled from the other NYC alco a they also have listed which is a dummy

This is a K-Line K2114 New York Central Alco A Non-Powered Diesel Locomotive. Features include dual motors, quadra grip, metal chassis, portholes with lenses, full front coupler cowlings, 2 operating couplers, an operating headlight, roller pickups, accurately detailed AAR type B trucks, 3 position forward, neutral, reverse controlled from the transformer and it operates on AC power.

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

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