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

[Anonymous]

Still no Dec CTT... last month I was near the top of the list and now this.... ????

Spent the night picking up Susan's B-Day gift from Pier One... she saw a Wine Cage she liked, so one is now happily at home in our Dining Room, now she has space for 48 bottles of wine.  Went to Home Depot tonight and picked up a new set of fireplace tools, two bundles of wood (nothing is dry here in MD so I had to buy wood for the weekend), light bulbs, and some kindling.  Then hit Lowes to return some plumbing supplies I don't need, and to get some tile I need to finish the bathroom, and some fireplace gloves. Then we stopped at WaldoWorld so we could get the Halloween Candy for the kids... now we ONLY get some 20 - 30 kids and we brought home 8 bags of candy... WHY???  I have no idea.

OH... forgot about the new programmable thermostat from Home Depot!  Got home and installed it... Susan asked if the Furnace blew up... ha ha... we'll see how the electric bill respondes.

Cold and Rainy tonight and tomorrow... 8 month drought and we get over 3 inches in less than two days... someone upstairs has a warped sense of humor...

Chief - You're going to check out Miss Edna's Big Boys????  First it was Beavers now its Big Boys... hmmm... anyone else notice a trend here?

[ChiefEagles]

Sir James and CSX John, I've got key lime pie (WW) in the freezer - ymmy! 

Now Key Lime pie is enough to make me take a trip to Yankeeland.

Now I'm getting excitied.  Got email that Miss Edna is expecting her Big Boys next week.

Off to bed.  Got to hit the road tomorrow AM for Hamlet and Train Days.

GOOOOOD NIGHT.

[Brutus]

CSXect - they kept some prisoners in St Louis.  True story, they had a huge pile of "canonballs" on an old base there and my Dad used to work there.  These were left from the Civil War.  They would go out and smoke around them and put their cigs out on them etc.  One day some guy was nosing around and the next thing they know they take them all out on flatbed trucks - very carefully!  These weren't solid canonballs, they were high explosives left over all those years.  They took them out to a field here and exploded them - it was on the news, too!

[Brutus]

Thx Laz - a little early but I'll keep it!  Hogwarts Express was my birthday present to me from the kids and wife!  Kids are excited too!

Doug M - "Whispers" was very good and creepy.  Next up I have a recent dvd purchase - The Mario Bava Collection vol 2 (bought it preorder on a buy 2 get 1 free sale) which includes several great old Italian movies and and a couple clunkers, all by MB, one of my favorite directors.  I guess it's Italian night at the F's!

BTW - we had a thread a long time ago about toy trains in movies and tv shows.  Found a new one to add.  Kids were watching Casper the live action movie from a couple years ago and at one point they find Casper's old toy room and Casper flies up and lets the toy train drive through his mouth - interesting special effects, but the movie dealing with the issues of dead kids with unfinished business etc was just wrongheaded for "casper" in my mind.  I like the old time Casper cartoons ---  It's a g-g-g-g-ghost!!!  LOL

Sir James, thanks for that great icecream - beats the weighwatchers stuff entirely.

PS - I see VP Cheney will be hunting in New York soon.  I guess Hillary is doing well in the polls???    I don't care who you are, dat der is funny!

[cnw1995]

Greetings from a rainy and cool evening in Crystal Lake. Went out to a local bistro to drink a glass of vino and catch up with the bride. Now we've returned and she wants help editing photos for her blog. Vino not conducive to editing. Going to run trolleys for a while instead whilst she watches TV. Reading one of my new books about 'firing' on the Great Western in the 50s. Even though it's in English, I can't understand half the words. LOL.

Jim F, "Whisper" is a great flick. You have most excellent taste.

Misty, glad you're OK - OT is good sometimes. Saw those Walmart items. They're a little above scale but when you're looking down on them around the Christmas tree, it is not noticeable.

[mistyk11]

Hello everyone, just a quick note to say that things are starting to return to normal (as normal as California can be). The smoke is terrible out here. Several school districts have cancelled school the last several days due to the air quality. At least they are starting to let some of the residents of our mountain communities go home to what is left. Thanks for everyone's good wishes. Now if they could only get these stubborn fires put out.

Fife glad to hear that you are doing ok after your accident. Sorry, its hard for me to keep up with everyone anymore since I've been working so much overtime. Maybe I'll finally be able to afford the new BNSF or Santa Fe engines my son has been asking for for Christmas! Speaking of Christmas, does anyone here use the christmas village buildings that they sell at Walmart? I saw some of them and I actually bought some of the lighted bushes and fencing however the fencing seems pretty big (larger than scale) and I wondered if the buildings would be too large for the layout we are going to use for under the tree.

[laz 57]

HI GIZ,

  Just got done running trains for two hours, NO PILE UPS.  Great nite!!!  Had a few beers watch em go, as DA OLD MIL comercial once said" It doesn't get any better then this.  They were right.

  HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRUTUS!!!!  Hope you get something with flanged wheels?

laz57

[CSXect]

Fifedog, hope you are feeling better!  My Bday is still about 2 weeks off, so HP train will be here in good time, but thanks!  Hope they are taking good care of your whiplash or whatever is ailing you man.

Great joke with the nurses 88! 

Doug and Jumijo, I think it would be really cool to have the Thomas train, but it's got to wait its turn. 

Sir James and CSX John, I've got key lime pie (WW) in the freezer - ymmy!  Chewy got a piece of my roast beef sandwish at dinner and she is just laying over my head on the back of the couch, guarding me in case Sir James is still in ChewyMan mode   Reminds me of one of grandad's few jokes.  Many man smoke, but Fu Manchu!

Rained off and on for 2 days and we were in the low 50's today.  Worked an hour of OT and got home after wife and kids went to a Fall fest at school, so I'm watching an old Italian flick I picked up on ebay - A Whisper in the Dark. 

Pretty scary, kind of like A Turn of the Screw.  At least 1 "real" ghost though, not just imagination.  I think the 3 kids in this one had an older sibling who died before their mom and dad met up together - but just a guess at this point. 

Booga Booga!!!

Columbus is full of haunted areas. There is the thurber House, the old pen area where you guessed it Rebs were inprisoned and the very top of the linconLevec tower(modeled after the empire state building only much smaller.) there is even a wreck of a confederate iron clad that was on a mission to "free" prisoners of war it faild of course pretty sure it is in the Scioto river.

[sir james I]

Evening Brutus- Wife let me stay indoors tonite, Chewy curse can't get me no moon light rain. That roast beef sandmich sounds good though. saved you some butter pecan or as my grandson would say banilla.

[Brutus]

Fifedog, hope you are feeling better!  My Bday is still about 2 weeks off, so HP train will be here in good time, but thanks!  Hope they are taking good care of your whiplash or whatever is ailing you man.

Great joke with the nurses 88! 

Doug and Jumijo, I think it would be really cool to have the Thomas train, but it's got to wait its turn. 

Sir James and CSX John, I've got key lime pie (WW) in the freezer - ymmy!  Chewy got a piece of my roast beef sandwish at dinner and she is just laying over my head on the back of the couch, guarding me in case Sir James is still in ChewyMan mode   Reminds me of one of grandad's few jokes.  Many man smoke, but Fu Manchu!

Rained off and on for 2 days and we were in the low 50's today.  Worked an hour of OT and got home after wife and kids went to a Fall fest at school, so I'm watching an old Italian flick I picked up on ebay - A Whisper in the Dark. 

Pretty scary, kind of like A Turn of the Screw.  At least 1 "real" ghost though, not just imagination.  I think the 3 kids in this one had an older sibling who died before their mom and dad met up together - but just a guess at this point. 

Booga Booga!!!

[ChiefEagles]

No Toyato visit.  Raining too hard.  Pond has now covered the structure I put in while it was low.  Still rising but will need another 4 or more inches to go over spillway.  Something down in the islands is brewing and might filler up.  Off to Hamlet for Train Days [unless pouring] early tomorrow AM.  Back tomorrow afternoon.  So Big Boys are ariving.  Finally.  Will see if Miss Edna has mine.  Our secret agents have their eyes on Buckeye.  Later.

[sir james I]

fifedog-remember what Bill Cosby said about tightie-whities"first you say it, then you do it"

[fifedog]

88 - 2 things that if I lose it's "all over" 1) sense of humor, 2) contents of tightie-whities...and not necessarily in that order

So as I see it, if you lose 1)your laughter and 2) your skid marks, it's "all over" for you. Here's hoping you never lose either! 

Man's gotta have standards.

[jefelectric]

Good evening,

Spent the morning baby sitting the one year old granddaughter, a little angel.  The HS football game for this evening has been postponed till Monday night.  Hope it dries out a little by then.  Spent the afternoon editing pictures from the latest trip.  About to leave to visit FIL at assisted living facility.  Great guy, just a little forgetfull. 

RT, Fife & Sir James, Best to you on your health problems.

Take care,

[Jumijo]

88 - 2 things that if I lose it's "all over" 1) sense of humor, 2) contents of tightie-whities...and not necessarily in that order

So as I see it, if you lose 1)your laughter and 2) your skid marks, it's "all over" for you. Here's hoping you never lose either! 

[fifedog]

Evenin' boys.  Still soggy and chilly in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Still haven't heard from the auto adjuster for the good/bad news.  Haven't heard anything good/bad from the radiologist.  One thing I do notice is that I can't sit in front of the computer for any long period of time.

Jumijo -  I'm gonna hold off on Dewey, Cheetum & Howel for the time being.

Chief - Hope the YANK didn't get YANKED too hard.  Enjoy those Canadian engines when you can.

Laz -  I was thinking I might have  THE Halloween costume for this year.  Black socks, tightie-whities...and EARS! BTW, when you tee off on wet grass that little white ball must go into the next zipcode.

cnw1995 - my boy is gettting an Ep3 bass guitar for Christmas.  GUITAR CENTER is his favorite store lately.

Buckeye/kpolak - Staff took one look at my face and said it was far worse than I explained on the phone...

Mitchie - Unfortunately this has slowed up my CUMBERLAND EXTENSION progress.

88 - 2 things that if I lose it's "all over" 1) sense of humor, 2) contents of tightie-whities...and not necessarily in that order

RRCharlie - Kudos on your literary triumph.

BRUTUS--->

 

[Jumijo]

 

Just back from my lunchtime walk. It's a little chilly out there, but clear and bright. The leaves are beginning to change colors, but there is still a lot of green out there that haven't. A pleasant day for walking.

Hope to clean out the train room this weekend. There are wooden and plastic trains all over the floor. Might also make some more shelves for storage.

I got about 1/2 way through the current CTT last night before I dropped off. The Christmas layout in the Florida mall was impressive. And it was all built in a matter of months. Wow!

 

[ChiefEagles]

Morning.  Still light rain.  Hope for some heavy stuff this afternoon [forecasted].  Been busy this AM.

Most important: Fifey, good luck [even though you are a Yank ].

John S, thanks for the info on the long line of engines.  Funny, train was headed South so the CN engine was on its way to the great land.   

Going to look at the new 4 Runner that is at dealer's.  This sorry d--- software keeps changing font sizes as I type.

Later 

[laz 57]

FIFE, must ta been some site you running around in socks and wears, SHHESS?

Fife - all kidding aside I really hope you are OK.  When you first posted about the accident I thought you said all was fine, just some bumps and bruises... now you're at the hospital for an MRI???  Good to see you haven't lost your sense of humor though!  I'm sure you put on quite a show for the ladies!

When I went for my MRI a few months back the nurse was asking questions and before she could ask if it was my first MRI I looked at her and said, 'It my first time... be gentle.'  She burst out laughing.  We had a good time after that, she made sure I was comfortable and wasn't freeking out in the machine... it did make some pretty interesting noises...

Laz - glad to hear you pulled out a victory over your BRO.  If my memory serves me correct, isn't this your first victory this year?   Maybe he let you win?   I see you also failed to bring cheesesteaks for the room...

RT - Susan says to tell you, 'Dr. Susan says NO MORE TRAINS!'  All I am permitted to purchase right now are supplies for the layout construction, no more rolling stock, engines, accessories, etc.  Just track, wire, boards, etc.

After York I realized I now have 16 engines...

1688 - being faithfully restored somewhere in Ohio
681
2020
Great Northern U-38 (I think that is it)
C&O 0-8-0
C&O S-9 Switcher with calf
C&O Berkshire
C&O Streamlined Hudson
B&O Mikado
B&O RS3
B&O Baldwin Sharks A-B-A
Chessie F-3 A-B-A
Western Maryland GP-7
Western Maryland BEEP
Western Maryland Plymouth
Napa Valley F-3 A-A

I also have the #50 Gang Car, #60 Trolley, and a CSX Ballast Tamper

I would like to get the B&O Triplex, and maybe a Chessie GP-9 or something along those lines.  Just have wait and see how much the layout can support from an operating stand point.

 

BRENT for DA RECORD of THE PGA (PITZA GOLF ASSOCIATION)  ME 7-6-2  BRO 6-7-2.  Also had 4 spring training games that don't count.

Also nice size roster your starting to amass.  Keep em coming.

laz57

[cnw1995]

Good morning from a sunny and cool Chicago where it is supposed to rain later. Looks like lots of fellows around the table need healing... Jim A is right. The daughter went in to the ortho yesterday from her car accident last Fri. I'll let Blue Cross sort out who will pay for what.

Just got my CTT for Dec. Apparently it came in a week ago and was buried under catalogs. Humph! I love the AceTrains ads.

Waited an hour-and-a-half in line outside a local guitar store yesterday afternoon with the middle boy who is guitar-obsessed. At least I got to watch a short UP freight go by. Bought him one to put away for Christmas. Funny how I price everything in my head in terms of how much it would buy in trains...

The best pizza in the nation is in Chicago.

[sir james I]

MORNING ALL,

A fall day,50s and slow rain showers, lots of leaves.I just wait for a dry day and run over them with the lawn mower. A very good train running day. also need to think about what to take to train show on the 4th. I was thinking while writing this, that for the size of this group of regulars, we seem to have a lot of ailments. It's got to be the age thing. Not counting accidents of course. And we have those folks too. Everyone have a great Friday.  Sir James

[rtraincollector]

RT - Susan says to tell you, 'Dr. Susan says NO MORE TRAINS!'  All I am permitted to purchase right now are supplies for the layout construction, no more rolling stock, engines, accessories, etc.  Just track, wire, boards, etc.

Tell Susan the Doctor ment to play with nothin but trains for the next week not go buy more thats the following week

[Jumijo]

 

Sometimes auto accident injuries and associated pain don't become evident for a few days. That happened to me once. Hope you're ok, Fifey. But the mental image of you in tighty whiteys is too much for me to take. I just may go blind!

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is cloudy and slightly warmer in SE Indiana today.  Lucas brought home a report card that matched our expectations.  If he can maintain these grades for the semester, that would be great, but he has a history of tailing off as time goes by.  Maybe his concern about college will motivate him.  Good luck, Buckeye, on your southern invasion.  It was just the usual fare on the dining car today.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Anonymous]

FIFE, must ta been some site you running around in socks and wears, SHHESS?

Fife - all kidding aside I really hope you are OK.  When you first posted about the accident I thought you said all was fine, just some bumps and bruises... now you're at the hospital for an MRI???  Good to see you haven't lost your sense of humor though!  I'm sure you put on quite a show for the ladies!

When I went for my MRI a few months back the nurse was asking questions and before she could ask if it was my first MRI I looked at her and said, 'It my first time... be gentle.'  She burst out laughing.  We had a good time after that, she made sure I was comfortable and wasn't freeking out in the machine... it did make some pretty interesting noises...

Laz - glad to hear you pulled out a victory over your BRO.  If my memory serves me correct, isn't this your first victory this year?   Maybe he let you win?   I see you also failed to bring cheesesteaks for the room...

RT - Susan says to tell you, 'Dr. Susan says NO MORE TRAINS!'  All I am permitted to purchase right now are supplies for the layout construction, no more rolling stock, engines, accessories, etc.  Just track, wire, boards, etc.

After York I realized I now have 16 engines...

1688 - being faithfully restored somewhere in Ohio
681
2020
Great Northern U-38 (I think that is it)
C&O 0-8-0
C&O S-9 Switcher with calf
C&O Berkshire
C&O Streamlined Hudson
B&O Mikado
B&O RS3
B&O Baldwin Sharks A-B-A
Chessie F-3 A-B-A
Western Maryland GP-7
Western Maryland BEEP
Western Maryland Plymouth
Napa Valley F-3 A-A

I also have the #50 Gang Car, #60 Trolley, and a CSX Ballast Tamper

I would like to get the B&O Triplex, and maybe a Chessie GP-9 or something along those lines.  Just have wait and see how much the layout can support from an operating stand point.

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It's a dark 62 degrees. Suppose to get rain today. Going up to 68.

Today is another busy day. Wife out of town until Saturday on business. Have a bunch of chores to do around the house. No time for trains again. Have a few phone calls to make. Nothing else going on.

Buckeye.....Have a safe trip. Watch out for the southern law.

Dining car is here. Self serve again. Breakfast.

Y'all have a great Friday.

Chuck

[laz 57]

HI GIZ,

  RAIN AGAIN, doesn't rain for 2 months then we get 5 inches in a week?  DA!

Well one good thing about this rain is get to run trains tonite.

FIFE, must ta been some site you running around in socks and wears, SHHESS?

All B SAFE.

laz57

[Jumijo]

 

Get yourself a lawyer, Fifey! You won't regret it!

No Thomas photos today as Jim has told me he won't be buying one. But I think Dougie is pretty certain to get one, seeing as he had an N scale version. Jim, please give us a review of the HE when you get it. If I wasn't on double secret train restriction, I'd have ordered one. Although I am giving serious thought to selling some of my post war train$, and old, collectible Corgi Batmobile$. 

[kpolak]

Evenin' boys.  Just got back from x-rays, where the gals were having a little too much fun with me posing in my dark socks and tightie-whities...

Sorry Fife:  I thought I was all caught up...Prayers for you too...  Hhhmmm...I thought the problem was at the base of your neck...

Kurt

[Buckeye Riveter]

Good morning from a overcast and rainy Buckeyeland. 

Today is the day for the great raid to North Carolina.   I can't wait to meet all of the great peace officers the Chief has rounded up for my welcoming committee.

rt - you take care of yourself.  Do exactly as ordered by your doctor.

Sir James - it sounds like your wife received good news if I am reading your post correctly.

fifedog - how do you get yourself into these situations?  I thought you were mended as well as could be expected.

Colin - you're too young to wear out, but if you want to follow in my footsteps; the steel pins in my leg seemed to have worked really good for the last 40 years.  I only feel them when it is real cold.  (Yes, I was an experimental surgery.)

Glad to hear that the gang living on the left coast have seen the worst of the fires.  Our news is reporting that the head of California's Forest Fire Service had some rule that a plane could not be used without a fire spotter on board.  The planes from the Navy, Guard, etc. were ready and waiting, but because of this requirement sat on the ground while houses burned.  

CSX John - We many times see more locomotives heading south and your explanation makes sense.  Hauling coal out of WV to points north takes more horsepower than taking the empties back. 

Let's see for today, haircut, bank, pack, clean litter box and fly to Charlotte.  Another boring day.