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

[ChiefEagles]

Man forum hs been busy.  Had a good day.  Ran trains!!!!!   Got reports in and did laundry.  Then watered greenhouse [wife did not do] and fed deer.  Then wife came home.  Spent time with her [she slept on couch and I slept in recliner].  Think she is getting cold.  Think we give it back and forth to each other.  I can't seem to stay awake.   Not on any meds now and still fall asleep in a heart beat.  New storm door come tomorrow [oops, today].  Got to trim grape vines tomorrow.  Goooood night.

[John Bakeer]

Fifedog,

Fredericks Unicorn bitter is 5.2% ABV, so 4 pints is enough when a stove has to be driven responsibly, any way the Britsh pint is bigger than the US one.

Why does Budweiser pass through the body quicker than Robinsons? The Bud doesn't have to stop to change colour.

Laz, Thanks for the bear movie, reminds me of some of my drinking weekends in the Dales 40yrs ago. Thank goodness we have bumped off all our dangerous wild life.  

The spell check button has vanished along with others, is it IE7 up to no good again?

Has any one noticed that Smiley Central has no trains in its transportation section? What sad world we live in!

 

Sorry to hear of the various ills among you guys. Apart from a touch of Arthritis and the drink problem (I can't afford it!),   I'm as fit as a butchers dog. 

  

[Jumijo]

Good morning from New England.

A late day here yesterday. Julia is looking so much better. I'm hoping she will be well enough to attend the father/daughter dance on Friday night. I've also enrolled her in the annual Bring your daughter to work day set for April 18. That should prove mighty interesting for her!!!

No trains last night. Wifey was home and was feeling "fat". So you know how that goes. A lot of reassuring and hand holding. Then I had to sit through Oscar recaps on all those stupid entertainment shows.

I'm going to try a little Williams smoke fluid in a Lionel tonight to see if it makes a difference - unless someone knows better not to.

Jim 

[Anonymous]

lionroar88 thought the wife said no more trains till christmas or is she doing my directions for curing the train aholic.

Bill,
I have no idea how she thought that was going to work... I have to admit though that I need to slow down on purchases until the layout is built.  I think I am nearing the limits on engines as I don't want to have too many (I hate seeing them sit on shelves).  And I am going to need some decent fundage to pay for the layout!

Brent

[Anonymous]

Good morning from New England.

A late day here yesterday. Julia is looking so much better. I'm hoping she will be well enough to attend the father/daughter dance on Friday night. I've also enrolled her in the annual Bring your daughter to work day set for April 18. That should prove mighty interesting for her!!!

No trains last night. Wifey was home and was feeling "fat". So you know how that goes. A lot of reassuring and hand holding. Then I had to sit through Oscar recaps on all those stupid entertainment shows.

I'm going to try a little Williams smoke fluid in a Lionel tonight to see if it makes a difference - unless someone knows better not to.

Jim 

April 18 is 'bring you kid to work so they can annoy everyone around you day'?  Fun... we typically have 20 - 40 kids running around in here on that day, and none of them belong to our group because we are contractors and are not allowed to participate in those 'activities'.

Oh well... Grrr... I could have been moving that day!

J/K Jim!

Well not much has happened in 18 hours so this will be a quick post...

John, I haven't forgotten when York is!  That would be tatamount to saying a 736 is an MPC Era locomotive!

[laz 57]

HI GIZ,

  GREASY on the roads this morning.  Got some rain last nite and turned to ice, wrecks all over the place.  I spun out once.

All have a good one.

laz57

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is sunny and warmer in SE Indiana with temps in the low 40s today.  I played soccer again last night.  I am not nearly as sore today as I was last week.  I did not do much else.  Work has been busy.  I did get some good news.  Scott Speed was confirmed as a F-1 driver again this year so I can wave the American flag at the USGP this year.  John Bakeer and Nick, do you guys follow F-1 over there or are you "footy" fans only?  Glad to hear everyone is on the mend.  Just a regular breakfast in the "dining car".  Sending it to "Points East".  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is 32 degrees and trying to be sunny. Going up to 43 today with a few clouds and maybe a rain shower later.

Today, I have a few errands to run . I need to stop at the Hardware store to look for a couple of small items. Later, I want to do some more cleaning in the train room. I need to finish putting away tools. Maybe, run trains, while I do that. Nice to relax and watch trains.

Well, Dining Car is here and waiting. Time for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Tuesday.  Spring is 20 days away.

Chuck

[dwiemer]

Morning guys (and Lisa), It was a beautiful day yesterday and hopefully will be again today.  I did not get any train work done....again, but did read some other rail magazines.  In one, mostly dedicated to 2rail O, they had several folks write in on a story with photos of a 3 rail layout in a prior issue.  These guys were sooooo mad and threatened to cancel subscriptions.  I guess that would be like saying to OGR, "if you post one more Lionel product, I am taking my ball and leaving".  Anyway, glad that doesn't happen here.

Have a funny story:  A pulmononlogist had borrowed one of my books awhile back and lost it.  Then, he had his office manager order another one for me.  She called and told me to come by to get it.  Anyway, the office had moved, but I was not told.  In the old office is a weight control office.  I go in to find where the pulmonologists office is, but before I can ask, the nurse says "Oh, you must be here for a Lap Band"  Which is a safer method than the "Stomach Staple Proceedure".  Now, I will admit that I could lose a few pounds, but I certainly don't need a Lap Band!    And yes, I did get to the office to get the book.

Dennis

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Mornin English.  Can't recall ever drinking a beer with UNICORN on the label.  Guess you have to be a big watcher of BRAVO television for that stuff.  BUD is just fine by me, but not my preferred bev---MOLSEN CANADIAN is.  Four of those and I'm wearing lampshades.

88 - My friend, you are what I refer to as at a saturation point with your train purchases.  You now know what kind of area your layout will occupy, so get yourself an O gauge template, a pencil, and a stack of paper and start designing.  Then when you go to YORK, you'll have a mental list of items to be on the lookout for (structures, switches, figures, telephone poles, etc.).

[Anonymous]

Mornin' boys.  Mornin English.  Can't recall ever drinking a beer with UNICORN on the label.  Guess you have to be a big watcher of BRAVO television for that stuff.  BUD is just fine by me, but not my preferred bev---MOLSEN CANADIAN is.  Four of those and I'm wearing lampshades.

88 - My friend, you are what I refer to as at a saturation point with your train purchases.  You now know what kind of area your layout will occupy, so get yourself an O gauge template, a pencil, and a stack of paper and start designing.  Then when you go to YORK, you'll have a mental list of items to be on the lookout for (structures, switches, figures, telephone poles, etc.).

Fife, I hear ya!  Problem is I have a load of opperating accessories already!  I need to get a copy of RR-Track and the libraries so I can place things on the layout.  I have a pretty neat design already started...

I want an yard where I can store my engines and rolling stock that are not active on the layout.  So I came up with this:


Then I got to thinking (dangerous sometimes) that I really, really want a turntable and roundhouse, so I came up with this:

Since I'll be at the house tomorrow I am going to take some more accurate measurements so I can better judge where and how things will line up...  Right now there is a large opening providing access to the room (see version 1).  As you approach the room, the right wall sticks out from the foundation by about 8 inches, I'm not sure how wide the wall to the right is...

I am going to have to wall up part of the opening and add a new door, that much is evident.  I'm also hoping to add a 'window' between the basement and the train room so I can run trains and people can enjoy them without the noise and smoke - some people don't like the noise or the smoke , but they do enjoy watching the trains , so I'll compromise and give them a window into my world!

[cnw1995]

Good morning from a grey and cool Chicago where lots of snow is piled about and I'm happy to have a really small car that fits in what's left of a parking space in the Metra lot.

I had a neat commute in this morning. Got to see a new UP Hi-rail truck mounting one of those jet engine snow blowers that they use here to blow out the switches. It drove up over the switch and there suddenly was a huge cloud of snow and then it moved on.  Then we traveled 'neck-and-neck' with a fellow scoot running late - nothing finer than zipping down the four track main line at 60 mph looking out from the 2nd level about five feet from the other train. I gained an appreciation for the UP's track work watching the truck suspensions move up and down a tad.

All this talk about old computers brings back memories of my first Mac - still around here somewhere... it still works fine.

Jim A., glad Julia is on the mend. We don't recognize April 18th as a kid day here at the university.  Well, this is my 'long' day with class tonight. Off to a day of meetings.

[ChiefEagles]

Have a funny story:  A pulmononlogist had borrowed one of my books awhile back and lost it.  Then, he had his office manager order another one for me.  She called and told me to come by to get it.  Anyway, the office had moved, but I was not told.  In the old office is a weight control office.  I go in to find where the pulmonologists office is, but before I can ask, the nurse says "Oh, you must be here for a Lap Band"  Which is a safer method than the "Stomach Staple Proceedure".  Now, I will admit that I could lose a few pounds, but I certainly don't need a Lap Band!    And yes, I did get to the office to get the book.

Dennis

Dennis, you misunderstood her.  She said LAP DANCE.

Now that we have had our laugh for the day.  Morning and welcome to sun and warm weather.  Waiting for Lowe's to deliver storm door.  I usually install but not this one.  Fancy thing wife picked out and may have to do some "build out" as has big brass handle and so does front door.  Let them worry with it.  Also has securtiy latches down the frame.  We haver always worried about door poping open when Burg [lab] hits it when folks come up or a dog is walked by.  Phone just rang, "We are Lowe's installer.  Our vehicle just broke down and has to be towed.  We can't do the install today."  "Sorry but I'm here today and we have an appointment."  "We are a one man shop."  "Not my problem."  [Being hard to get along with. ]  "I'll call store and see what I can do."  "Think you'd better."  Well, appointment had been set for a week.  I have other things on my schedule and then I leave Thursday AM.  Sorry for being so firm.

Well, grape vines to prune.

Later

[ChiefEagles]

Lowe's called, different installer will be here in 30 minutes.

[fifedog]

88 - I really like that second plan with the roundhouse.  Those passing sidings are great.  If you have railside accessories (coal loader, ice platform, barrel loader, etc), why not take out those 2 small loops and make them true sidings.  That's the one thing my current layout lacks, is the ability to drop and pick up loads (but the additions will have them including a brewery and a rotary coal dumper).  You're using MTH track, so you kinda have to use the software for planning.  With K-Line tubular, I didn't have to be exact (certain wiggability).

CHIEF - since you're getting that fancy front door, will you get them tires off the roof?

[Buckeye Riveter]

CHIEF - since you're getting that fancy front door, will you get them tires off the roof?

If he removed the tires from the roof, then he would need to put them back on the cars in the front lawn. 

[CSXect]

CHIEF - since you're getting that fancy front door, will you get them tires off the roof?

If he removed the tires from the roof, then he would need to put them back on the cars in the front lawn. 

In refference to the monitor being on blocks, mine is sitting on top another unused monitor

Have you ever noticed that on the Ohio side of the river signs say falling rocks but on the Kentucky side the signs say fallen rocks???

[ChiefEagles]

CHIEF - since you're getting that fancy front door, will you get them tires off the roof?

If he removed the tires from the roof, then he would need to put them back on the cars in the front lawn. 

In refference to the monitor being on blocks, mine is sitting on top another unused monitor

Have you ever noticed that on the Ohio side of the river signs say falling rocks but on the Kentucky side the signs say fallen rocks???

On the Ohizo side of the river, they have rocks in their heads.

[thatboy37]

low and behold i put everything in the lords hands and he took care of it. i started searching for a job and applied to several different one's and one of the biggest (to be exact 3rd largest) trucking companies in the u.s. called and offered me a truck driving job with them all trainin payed for, and nothing comes out of my pocket. the company is schnieder. i start this weekend in dallas, tx. i went and took all required test, and permit test to get the job and passed them all. like the good book says he might come when you want him to but he's always on time by his schedule. my training last for 4 weeks( 2 in class weeks and 2 on the road weeks) then i get my own truck to drive for them and deliver. i'm as excited as a kid in a candy strore. also i would love to come by any of you guys house's if you will allow me to. to check out and possibly run some trains. if it is ok email or pm me and we can go from there. i will be in dallas for 2 weeks and in class all day from 7am to 6pm, but once i'm done with class i will be free to visit layouts. anyways back to the lecture at hand i have a job now and thanks you guys for keeping me in your prayers and giving me words of encouragement.

 

[fifedog]

REGGIE - you were just meant to be in orange! Congrats.

[Anonymous]

Fife,
I have the following accessories:

Oil Field
Operating Oil Derrick
Operating Oil Pump
Diesel re-fueling station
Barrel Loader
Gantry Crane
Milk Car
Coral Car (cows)
GE Generator Car with Search Light
Road Crew
Water Tank (steamer)
Water Tank (blinking light on top)

Want to get:
Coal Loader
Coal Dump Cars
Fisherman on peir - K-Line
Construction Dump Truck- K-Line
Construction Front-end loader - K-Line by Lionel
Hobo Campfire (building my own with Artista figures)

Thinking about:
Log Loader
Sawmill
Log dump cars

I'm getting the MTH Passenger Station with platforms, and I have 4 Lionel Passenger Platforms.  Was going to put the station inside the lower right loop and the platforms between the inner loop and the leg coming in from the left.  A town would fill the void inside the inner loop, with a couple removable panels to get to the rear track.

The Gantry Crane I was going to put in the yard in the closest siding.  Or put the GC on the 4th siding, and the barrell loader on the 1st.

The placement of the accessories is the hard part... The scenery can be modeled around them...

I removed the inner-most loop on the lower right loop, this allowed me to extend both inner loops a bit...



really need the RR-Track software so I can place the accessories to see if I have enough spacing between the tracks and other scenery...

[Anonymous]

Reggie,
You are free to stop by my place anytime... as long as you are delivering lumber for the layout, trains for the layout, or scenery for the layout, or if you want to stop by and assist with construction... after that anytime to run trains will be fine by me!  May have a hard time finding a place to park the truck though...

Congrats!!!!

Brent

[fifedog]

88 - first off, I really like that last plan.  That being said, you need to decide between the roundhouse and some of your industries.  You just don't have the real estate.  If you go take a look at the MARYLAND MIDLAND engine shop at Union Bridge, you might get an idea or two.  A simple two stall engine facility with a service track for sanding, water, etc. would give you room for your oil facility on the same section (lots of switching - lots of interest).  Take some inspiration from Frank53 in using false fronts for a backdrop in that area.  Then you'll have 2 towns for a point-to-point style layout.  I always thought the MTH passenger station was pretty similar to the WM Union Bridge station, don't you think?  You have a lot of railroad in your present "back yard".  You have to pass the lumber yard right outside Westminster every day, and that is serviced by rail.  Wayne Feeds is in Detour. Go explore some.

[thatboy37]

Reggie,
You are free to stop by my place anytime... as long as you are delivering lumber for the layout, trains for the layout, or scenery for the layout, or if you want to stop by and assist with construction... after that anytime to run trains will be fine by me!  May have a hard time finding a place to park the truck though...

Congrats!!!!

Brent

 

thanks for the invite. i have alot of spare wood from the houses that i collected it from for my layout. if i come that way i will let you know. what you need to tellme is how much you are looking for, and the sizes you need. how about i just bring some trains to run like my acella which has never been run and a 12 pack of corona for me and whatever brand 12 pack you drink. then we just sit back and relax and enjoy the wonderful hobby that we both so love. let me know what you think about that

[ChiefEagles]

Congrats Reggie.  Great news.  Lowe's installer has finished.  Now have fancy storm door with security latches and deadbolt. 

[Buckeye Riveter]

Congratulations Reggie!!  Did you know Schneider is a big player in inter-model transportation?  You may see some real big rail yards. 

[Jumijo]

Congratulations, Reggie!!!! I knew something good would happen for you!

Jim 

[Anonymous]

Sounds good Reggie... but if we have beer Laz's bear may smell it and come a wonderin... so we may have to invite Laz too... that 800lb bear can cause a real ruccous!

Fife,
Yeah I've been doing some travelling and getting some ideas... hate to scrap the turntable, but I think the 3 ft aisle is going to be a bit tight...

I was planning on the false fronts, going to make it look a little like the Conway Yard in Conway, PA... at least that is the plan... had also thought about the coal ramp (on the last siding)... hmmm....

[Blueberryhill RR]

Reggie.....Congratulations. Keep on truckin' !!!!!!!!

Chiefie....Rocks are better than than soggy Cream of Wheat in the head.

[thatboy37]

Sounds good Reggie... but if we have beer Laz's bear may smell it and come a wonderin... so we may have to invite Laz too... that 800lb bear can cause a real ruccous!

 

if he does come a wondering. i have a tool thats spits out little hot metal things that he want like and it might tame him if you know what i mean. so i think he will be ok. he want cause that much trouble if any at all. so warn the bear to be nice at all times while he's around the trains.