Good afternoon all,
It is sunny and in the 20s today in SE Indiana, which is much better than it has been. Welcome to the "coffeepot", StubbsO, and thank you for doing the job you are doing! I have two nephews who are in the Army Reserve, and one may be called to active duty soon. That is good news to hear about Big Boy as well.
My first car was 1974 Pinto two door with a four speed and AM radio. I raced it for two years in SCCA Showroom Stock (not too successfully). One of the tracks I raced at was near Beloit, Wisconsin on the Illinois side of the line. It was called Blackhawk Farms and I turned the Pinto upside down there. That was an interesting day.
We watched "Close to Home" and "Numb3rs" last night. I did housework today, went to the YMCA and took an afternoon nap. We had bran muffins this morning when the dining car rolled in from "Points East". I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
Kieth, good to see ya checking in. I forgot to get into the motorhead discussion on the Pot. While my first car that I owned was a 75 Pinto Wagon with the 4speed on the floor....a regular street rocket My dad had a 64 Chevelle with a 327 shortblock and a hurst shift. Had positraction and he even had a switch on the dash that would shut the lights out in the back for when the flashing lights would appear. That was a cool car and won many races. It was a sad day when he sold it, but it did have about 250K miles on it. A funny story about when they were kids, if they needed a transmission, they would go to the movie theaters, when some guy would take his date into the movie, they would lift the car, drop the transmission and then lower the car. Guy would come out and have plenty of power in his engine, without the ability to move. Not the most ethical way to obtain car parts. Fortunately, they outgrew that type of behavior before marriage and kids.
Dennis
TCA#09-63805
Finally got the last few stragglers out of the house following my son's 2nd birthday party. 30 people in the house eating my food and drinking my booze! At least my son got some good gifts from everyone so he is happy. Plan to run some trains tonight, and post some pictures of the layout tomorrow on Sunday Photo Fun. Have a good night everyone.
SK
Evening folks,
Sitting here watching the Bud Shootout. Had a good time at the OTTS meeting last night. I have two K-Line K4s engines also, too many K4's for my own good.
Checked out the Batman cars at Diecast Direct. Didn't find any Batmobiles to buy but still managed to spend over $68.00 not including the shipping charges. Bought two little 1/50 scale bulldozers, a 1/50 road grader, and a 1/50 Corgi bus.
Today was tax day here too. Getting a decent refund on federal taxes. The 10% credit for replacing the front door helped along with the $40.00 excise tax credit. Disappointed that there was no rebate for the filing fee this year. Since I live in Ohio there was no way I would buy a state return program and also pay another $15.95 filing fee. For the last couple years I have filed the state taxes using the online service provided by Ohio. Its totally free and if you owe taxes (preliminary calculations indicate a small refund will be coming from the state too) you can designate the day to pay them directly from your bank account up to April 17 for 2007.
I loaded the tax software on my Dell 5150 this year (using my Thinkpad to type this) I had forgot that the Dell doesn't have a parallel port for my laser printer. Went out this afternoon to look for a USB printer, ended up buying a cheap Lexmark color printer at Wally World. It is actually a printer/scanner. Has some photo software included too. Not bad for $40.00 Oh, did I mention the new stove we bought earlier in the afternoon? We have been talking about getting a new stove for a little while and went to the local store where we usually buy our appliances to "look around." The stove was considerably more than the printer. Oh well! Easy come easy go I guess.
Getting tired of typing, but before I go;
Great news about Elliott and glad to hear that Chief's mom is better.
Forgot to mention that my first car was a 1962 or 63 Pontiac Catalina. Bought it for $75.00 in 1972 from a gentleman that I worked with at my first computer job. I have been in IT since way before it was called IT. Back them we just said we worked with computers.
Amazing that today Karen and I have as much as we do considering that we started out with almost nothing.
One last thing, Karen bought me a Precious Moments Christmas ornament today. I know, not usually the time to buy ornaments but she wanted it because it said Grandpa on it. We found out that we will become grandparents sometime in August. Now I have to find one that says Grandma. My daughter isn't into trains at all but I think there is a Polar Express in her future.
Glad to hear about your test results Elliot. I'll keep you and the other intentions on my prayers. Long day in class today, now working till 7 a.m. Lots of coffee between now and then.
Saw on the weather about mid week we are to see more snow. We'll see. I'll be off and it will be a good time to stay inside and work on assignments for class. No class for the next two Saturdays .
Will check in later during the wee hours
Jim
stubbs Welcome to the forum!!!
daan I can ship you all the of snow that you would want!!!
My first car was a 1962 Mercedes 220 Sb, inline six, dual Zenith two barrel carbs, even though it was a four door....it could move pretty good! Bought it in 1984 for $400. It needed some work but in 1992 before it was finished....it was stolen!
underworld
HI GIZ,
Went to train show, really bad paid $4.00 to get in and there was about 50 tables total. Only got a K-line gondola for $8.00. In an out in about 25 minutes, there really wasn't anything there. Then went to Sportsman show and spent the next 5.5 hrs shuffling from place to place. Lots o people and lots to see. Only stuff I bought were 4 new flints for flintlock and a new duffle bag for 16 bucks. Saw lot o stuffed bucks,bears,fish,and any other animal .
Have a good nite.
laz57
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
@underworld, that's a nice car to start with!
My first car was a citroën bx, a french car with hydraulic suspention. Since I know why french cars are worn out after 8 years of normal use
Thank God for Elliott's news! Will keep praying that everything continues to go well.
First car - '72 Monte Carlo, it was a tank but had great pick up and never had trouble in snow or any weather. Was driving along one day and the front engine mounts let go - had rusted through! Engine started bouncing up and down if I drove more than about 40 MPH. Got it to my Uncle's house and he ended up selling it for me to a guy in his town in Ill.
Here is a pic I found on the internet that is a close match:
GregM wrote: One last thing, Karen bought me a Precious Moments Christmas ornament today. I know, not usually the time to buy ornaments but she wanted it because it said Grandpa on it. We found out that we will become grandparents sometime in August. Now I have to find one that says Grandma. My daughter isn't into trains at all but I think there is a Polar Express in her future.
Congratulations Greg!
Hey Daan - I found a Weetabix truck on ebay, but it's an old fashioned step-van, very cool!
RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.
+5C in Stockport and raining, all the snow has gone although the haggis bashers are still up to their hocksters in it.
Just seen the wackiest thing on a TV shopping channel, a wind up electric LED lantern with a phone charger attachment. Don't know if it's any good, I'm not prepared to be a guinea pig.
John Baker
Jim,
My first car and bike.
Greg M congrats on becoming a grand pa in augest
My first car a 68 chevy belair then I bought my mothers 70 mustang. (it had the boss 302 in it lol)
Not much happening trying to decied to buy a 99 ford F-150 for $8000.00 or not only has 69,000 miles on it. (my 95 ranger has 201,000 on it.) The F-150 has a 5.4 Liter engine I believe thats the 302 fuel injected. but they list a 4.6 also not sure what engine is what when you come to the liter sizes why couldn't we just stay with cubic inch we grew up with lol.
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
Good Morning from Blueberryhill....
It is a cold 4 degrees. Cloudy. Going up to only 28 today. Maybe we'll get lucky and get some sunshine.
Today, we have some chores to do and then take it easy the rest of the day. I would like to run trains, this afternoon, and relax a little. I ran the GG1 thru the new reverse loops yesterday, and out the new wall opening and thru the Atlas bridge. Just a test run. Looks good, so far. Need to hook up a couple of track power Lockons in the other room to balance out the power.
Looks like the Dining Car is ready. Breakfast is served.
Y'all have a great Sunday. Looking forward to Sunday Photos.
Chuck
Good Morning Everyone !!
Cogratulations Doug M. on the Grandchild coming !!
RT : I agree, don't like these liters either, rather have cubic inch like we grew up with !! Nothing against our friends across the pond either !!
Well, hope everyone has a nice day !!
Thanks, John
Good Morning All from NE Ohio
where the temp is a Brrrrr 7 deg.
We work on a switch back layout yesterday that was donate to the museum, It is On3. The track is almost 'S' gauge size.
This was a display in a local train store (Willoughby Trains) some 30 years ago
I am a person with a very active inner child. This is why my wife loves me so. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. OTTS Founder www.spankybird.shutterfly.com
spankybird wrote: Good Morning All from NE Ohiowhere the temp is a Brrrrr 7 deg.We work on a switch back layout yesterday that was donate to the museum, It is On3. The track is almost 'S' gauge size. This was a display in a local train store (Willoughby Trains) some 30 years ago
Tom : that's the diarama we were talking about before & I wondered what happened to it !! I used to go there back then & bought tons of HO stuff. He also had a theft back then & they got one of live steam big brass engines, I forgot the name of it now. But it was like about ten grand for that one. That was my favorite hobby shop back then !!
Hi all, Been working away near Nottingham this weekend. Had blizzard conditions there on Sat. Got back home this lunchtime and its bright sunshine.
My first car was a Lada Niva 4x4. (Ok you can stop laughing now)I used to do a lot of caving and rock climbing so it was a great little beast for chucking all the gear in (and very cheap!). Traded it in against a top of the line Vauxhall Frontera 2.8 TDI LWB 4x4. Aquired my '81 DeLorean about 6 years ago. Found I had had enough of 4x4s (after driving the DMC the handling just was not there) so the everyday transport is now a '99 Alfa Romeo 166.
Nice thing about UK law is that a '81 car does not need Cat. converters so the DMC is fitted with a nice bypass pipe in the exhaust system.
Hope everyone has a good Sunday
Nick
Morning all. Off to Mom's as soon as Frankie calls. Running behind as usual. Then back to his house to help him clear a phone static problem.
My first car was a 55 Chevy given to me at age 15 when Mom's folks passed away. Had neighbor that was 16. He drove us to school on it and on dates too. Got learner's permit at 15 1/2 and drove it myself. I had been driving since I was 12 [on the farm] so no big deal for me.
Warmer than yesterday. Sun is out. Ran trains for a while [ones pictured in Sunday Photo Fun]. Chat later when I get back.
I just installed a Z-Stuff semiphore on my layout, NEAT! It operates in slo-mo and holds red for a bit after the train passes, goes to yellow for little bit before going back to green. The best part is I don't have to tear up any track to make an insulated section, it triggers by a built in IR unit. It also has wiring for insulated rail trigger or linking to another signal or device. Think I'll try to find a spot, or two, for more.
First car was an '89 Chrysler, family car, with a 383 Golden Lion. Had 2 barrel with more throat area than most 4's. My nemisis at the track was a turboed Studibaker Golden Eagle? that always took me at top end when I ran out of carboration.
Morning all. 21 degrees here in Coplay right now, going up to 32 possibly. Sunny now, but snow is expected Monday into Tuesday.
My mother is visiting for the weekend due to my sons 2nd birthday party. Me and the Mrs need to figure out what to do with her today. She's is enjoying the time with her grandson a great deal.
My first car was an olive green 1969 Dodge Dart. It had the slant-6 in it, and was the most bulletproof car I ever owned. I always said I could drive that car into a brick wall going 60, and only scratch the fender. Only drawback was it was rear wheel drive so driving in the snow was a little tricky for a 16 year old. I survived though.
Have a great weekend.
Mornin' boys. Just tea for me this morning.
laz57 - I was just curious, any stuffed eagles at that show...?
Bakeer - be sure to keep your hocksters warm and dry...
Morning all!
Tammy - thanks for the update on Elliott! Our prayers continue.
Jim D. - Even with that souped up Stude (not stud) - the girls still wouldn't ride with you would they (as experienced by a buddy of mine when we were in HS)? They didn't ride with me either in the Olds 88!
Off to Scout Sunday church.
Check in later.
Regards, Roy
Very cool diorama, Tom. BTW - Welcome Stubbs - I forgot to include that last night. Well, we got up this morning and Chewy got into a bag of candy. She ate almost a whole bag of Hersey Kissables, which is milk chocolate. She'll be on water the rest of the day to let this work itself out. Milk chocolate is not as bad for dogs as bakers chocolate, which will kill a dog. We forgot and left this on the counter and didn't block it off, so she must have jumped from the back of the couch.
Blue and Gold today, so not done rushing around, but visiting family all left already. My son got an electronic battleship game that is really cool, with tomahawk missiles and surface scans and stuff.
Important stuff first!!
Great news Elliott !! Hope it continues!
Congratulations on news of being a new Grandpa!!
Welcome Stubbs,! My nephew just returned, he will be home in August.
OK Now for the 1st car topic. My first car was a 65 Chevy, only had a 283, but drove the heck out of it. Bought it year before I went in the USAF, car payment was $83, Income was $80. Tough times.
Shortly after I got out, got the Chevy back from my parents and then bought this truck. A 53 Ford Hostess Cake Truck. Painted inside box Competition Orange with a pale Blue Ceiling. Had to have commercial plates, huh! Found a couch at a goodwill box, put it in, took the truck to DMV and registered it as a house car. Had an old school bus accordian type front door. Strictly four speed, had to double clutch it, no syncros. Painted outside forest green, and drove it same day. Looked like it was painted with a pine cone. IT WAS A CHICK MAGNET!
Then bought a 69 MG Midget, drove it to Texas and back, it died. Got back couldn't start it for 3 weeks. Those were the best 2. At one time while I was single I was a 3 car family. The truck, midget, then had a Datsun 610 as a "formal" car.
LOL Good memories
Sorry for the picture quality. That day we were seeing if we could turn it around in a very small area. The truck had a severly limited turning radius, would not negotiate a U turn on 3 lane road.
W
Don
Good morning from a warmer Crystal Lake where it is 19 and feels like 7 - just got back from helping out at the last minute at church: the fellow I substituted for was caring for the family of a neighbor who died suddenly Friday night -- just 43, has three young kids.
Another reminder to focus on what matters these days.
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month