The Coffee Shop (a place to chat) Est. 2004

[Hoople]

I already had dinner...

and my Granny made it, so I don't think I'll want anything else...

 

On saturday me and my friend are gonna go to the train show. He says He's gonna bring $60 or so for trains.

 

On other news, I was told to play quieter(SP?) twice yesterday, seeing as I play the drums loud...

 

I only had one bit of homework to do tonight, so I'm happy.

 

Anyone seen Guilford Guy lately? I haven't heard from him in a couple months...

 

I'll stick around for a bit...

 

Mark

[NeO6874]

'morning everyone.... it's COLD and WET here... I'll have a cup of coffee to chase away the cold...

PC - I blame you for this weather

Nothing much happening here.  Just trying to survive another week, although tomorrow night will be fun - get to go to my first meeting of the MRR club up here .

Hey  NeO6874
Are you going up to Willoughby?If so I'll see you on Friday

Hmm... guess I never rightfully intorduced myself here - name's Dan. Though you guys can keep calling me neo if you want....

I'll be there tomorrow... provided my stupid hunk o' junk car decides to not die..again.  Battery was dead last weekend, so I went to the local car parts place & got a new one (wow, they're expensive), replaced* the old one and took it back there.  Drove it for about an hour Saturday just to be sure everything was working OK... and to be sure it was charged up.  Had to run some errands on Sunday - OK everything is fine... went to start it this evening to see a preview of Fast Food Nation (boring movie... good thing it was free)... all i got was a click and the console lights got really dim...

Took a few tries but it finally started..... hope its OK tomorrow... it's going to the dealer on Tuesday for an oil change (if ti starts... stupid car)... hopefully it's nothing major....


*Don't get me started on how stupid the design for the battery compartment is..... if I was of age, there would have been a VERY stiff drink afterwards....

 Didnt we have a conversation about batteries  the other night.!Thats ok My vehicle would not pass the e-check because of the  gas cap.But hey your gas cap is splewing out micro millimeter of gas vapor.Oh well.Well if you can make,We meet in a auto repair shop.

Yeah, I hate E-check... its a 5 minute ordeal, but it's still a pain....  I've been planning on going for... oh, about the last month or so (tom told me of the club like the Saturday AFTER your last meeting... )

[Anonymous]

Good morning





Happy MRRing 

[rtraincollector]

Hi, new here,  Dave from Reading, PA  Back in the 70's or 80's there was a poster print of a train running off either an incomplete or failed bridge circa 1860-80's.  A couple of gents standing around in long coats and stovepipe hats, and one muttering "Oh S*** "  I wonder if this is still available anywhere, or if anyone could make a scan if they have one.  I checked all the big poster shops at the Beach areas, and they think its out of print.  This is not the Photograph of the Engine hitting the streets after crashing through the wall in France.  That is available.  This other one just always made me smile, great for the office or trainroom.  Thanks for any feedback, Dave

 

Can't help you in getting the poster but it sounds like the one that its falling off a clift. seen it had it but sorry not no more will look for you around here . By the way from PA. originally grew up in West Chester brother now lives in Lititz.

[wetidlerjr]

GOOD MORNING ! FROM TIPTON INDIANA.

[GMTRacing]

Good Morning All,

   Still damp but mild here, lots of wind yesterday. I see Luc's got the coffee ready for the ladies to dispense so I'll have a regular please. Been simply going from work to home and sleep the last couple of days so no train news model or otherwise.

   RT - sounds like a nice collection you got. Makes schlepping stoves around worth it, no?

   Jim - Same with your recent acquisitions - nice stuff. I know all about having it all show up at once though. Mostly the mail order stuff I get comes in by US mail and the mailman leaves it for my daughter or me instead of handing it over to the CFO. Less agita that way. The e-bay stuff goes through my oldest sons account so that stays under the radar as well. I now have all the track and switches on hand and most of the buildings kits and senic stuff so the acquisitions have slowed way down and are more filling in locomotives for the roster through e-bay.

   Dan - The battery thing is puzzling. If the car restarts fine after running for a while, and only gives trouble cold you most likely have a drain from a bad switch or broken trunk or underhood light. Before you go nuts, the store that sold you the battery will probably be able to check the voltage with a meter across the battery terminals. Should read 13.5 - 14.5 volts. Too low and you likely have an alternator issue, too high and the voltage regulator (these days usually part of the alternator). Other things to check include belt tension for the alternator pulley, and the condition and cleanliness of the battery terminals and cables themselves. Older Fords use a seperate staarter soleniod that often gives trouble. Cold starts require a lot more amperage than warm restarts and dirty battery connections can catch you out there. Hope that helps - feel free to ask any other questions if you need to.

   Hoople - Have fun at the train show. You can look for the poster and report  if someones got one.

   time to pick up tools and get back to it. CUL,J.R.

[Anonymous]

Morning All, I haven't been in for a while, so much to do, so little time. I'm heading down to Wilmington, MA for the train show in the morning, I can't wait this will be my first and I hope it's as good as some of the shows you guys have gone to. Can't stay things to do, people to see, all that stuff.

[inch53]

mornin, coffee Zoe please,
A cloudy but dry, maybe a little sun in store for here, think god after all the rain and 20- 30 mph wind we've had the few days.

Jim CG,,,, I'm not going to the Collinsvile show, but wish I was. Mothers out of town Sat. ans to much other going on Sun.  It's bout a 2 1/2 hour drive for us over to there on I-70

No school here today,, First day of shotgun season for deer. Don't know how many kids I'll have today.
Hope ya'll has a gooden
inch

[egmurphy]

Morning group,

Just wanted to mention that one of inch's photos made it into the 'best of the week' over on TrainBoard / RailImages again.  It's his shot of the big wreck crane.  You can see it in this thread:

http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=82310

Way to go with the photography and railfanning, inch!  Congrats.

By the way, the harvest is well underway at the orange grove.  The FCVN is shipping fresh oranges and fresh squeezed juice (no preservatives added) north to The Coffee Shop as we speak.

We're headed north of the border for Thanksgiving.  It'll be some time before I have a chance to  post again.

Regards

Ed

[pcarrell]

Hi, new here,  Dave from Reading, PA  Back in the 70's or 80's there was a poster print of a train running off either an incomplete or failed bridge circa 1860-80's.  A couple of gents standing around in long coats and stovepipe hats, and one muttering "Oh S*** "  I wonder if this is still available anywhere, or if anyone could make a scan if they have one.  I checked all the big poster shops at the Beach areas, and they think its out of print.  This is not the Photograph of the Engine hitting the streets after crashing through the wall in France.  That is available.  This other one just always made me smile, great for the office or trainroom.  Thanks for any feedback, Dave

Try a google image search on "train wreck" and maybe you'll hit it.

 

Oh, and Congrats inch!

[NeO6874]

'Morning everone

I'll just have a doughnut and a cup o' hot chocolate.. its COLD this morning

Cleveland, Ohio
Currently: 37°F Cloudy

Wind: West at 10 MPH
Humidity: 85%
Dewpoint: 33°F
Barometer: 29.88 inches and rising
Wind Chill: 30°F

Dan - The battery thing is puzzling. If the car restarts fine after running for a while, and only gives trouble cold you most likely have a drain from a bad switch or broken trunk or underhood light. Before you go nuts, the store that sold you the battery will probably be able to check the voltage with a meter across the battery terminals. Should read 13.5 - 14.5 volts. Too low and you likely have an alternator issue, too high and the voltage regulator (these days usually part of the alternator). Other things to check include belt tension for the alternator pulley, and the condition and cleanliness of the battery terminals and cables themselves. Older Fords use a seperate staarter soleniod that often gives trouble. Cold starts require a lot more amperage than warm restarts and dirty battery connections can catch you out there. Hope that helps - feel free to ask any other questions if you need to.

the contacts are clean - made sure of that before re-attaching them.  It is/was kind of weird how I actually got it to start... i ended up having to run it off battery for about 10 seconds (so the electronics came on) and then I turned the key to the start position... it whined for a few seconds (2-3 maybe) and then the engine caught...  after it started it ran fine, albeit it seemed "unhappy" if it was sitting at a stop light for too long...

Oh well, it has to survive tonight, and then Tuesday it's going to the dealer, maybe they'll have some idea...

[Anonymous]

Wow only had to work a half day today got off at 8am I start at 3:30am thats why i get done at 8am as a half day. Think i'll get some time on the layout today. Proably just end up running my new toys, i got in Milwaukee last week. Its another grey cool day here, just right to be in the basement. I am working with a gent on e-Bay he has a store on there he's got some great prices on a MRC Por Advanced he's putting a package  price together for the pack two ex thottles 4 jack plates.

hope you all have a great day, could i get a diet Dew to go, with some saltless fries, and a grease free burger?

[perry1060]

Happy friday all, from AZ...

[Anonymous]

Good Morning All....We had some sun early but kinda cloudy now....I'll have a ham salad sandwitch and a diet Coke..Thank you...I have started buckling up the layout as I have to fold down the top for Thanksgiving we use it with a table cloth for a buffet table and  I got put all the glue and stuff like that out of site with 20 plus people in the small apartment can't watch the babys all the time or watch little fingers...Just ran trains for awhile last nite one of those times when everthing was running like it should and all seemed to be right in my minature world....Jim...No  thats a little to far for me to go I have to get someone to take me and to load and unload my chair so the show in Febuary at Mattoon Mall is the only one I try to go to anymore...Is that A Great American Show? I went to a couple in INDY years ago and the were great shows Let us know if you pick up any good deals....Perry...Thanks for the pictures I always enjoy your pictures and fine modeling keep the coming....Ed .....Good to hear from you Hope you have a pleasant Thanksgiving..What do you have planned for the layout?...You all have a good day.....Jerry

[sunsetbeachry]

HI ALL.

We thank you'll for all the prayers this past few weeks. Kathy is finally out of the hosp. 18 days with penumina [still can't spell].  I didn't go back to 1236 and stary reading, not much time. Phuninamama screwed up not only her thryoid but also her heart and sugars : all over the place almost lost her twice. She is now much better, she chased me home most days after spending  10 hours each day and told me to go and play with my toys!!!!!!! She is sleeping now 9:30 AM. All signs are very good and Dr. is coming here at about 2:PM this afternoon.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH it works.

We have had a lot of rain 10 in. and wind gusts of 105 mph, but stable blow of 35 to 45 mph. Right now 35 degrees wind south at 15 mph and sunny no clouds at all. Frost on the sand at beach this morning. We didn't get flooded that was mostly south of us,.   Kathy is wakin' up . Gotta go.................

My prayers for all in need. God bless and keep you.

Chuck and Kathy

[grayfox1119]

Good afternoon everyone, all kinds of temperature records being broken in northern New England, Caribou, Maine smashed their record of 47 degrees with 67 yesterday. It is 61F here now, but the cold front is right on our western doorstep, so reality will set in tomorrow.
We took advantage of this late warm spell and put the Christmas wreaths up on the windows, I have had enough of doing that just after Thanksgiving in the snow and ice, or freezing temps.

CHUCK & KATHY: It is gratifying news to hear that Kathy has survived her bout with Pneumonia,. Anyone who had Diabetes and other problems with their health are really in danger when they get Pneumonia. Chuck.....go play with your toys.....LOL We will continue to keep Kathy in our prayers Chuck.

RYAN: We just saw the results of the Tornado that struck NC just west of Wilmington, what a terrible storm, 9 people dead, 4 little kids in critical condition. Trailer parks are really dangerous places to be when any severe wind storms hit, absolutely no protection at all. Glad to see that your area was spared.

MIKE: Congrats on winning the Railfan Pulitzer Prize!!!!! Way to go big guy !!!!!!!!! And, I see the picture is now hanging in the Coffee Shop right next to ED's prize winning Orange!!

ED: Seeing you will be offline as you head north into Texas for the Thanksgiving Holiday, here's wishing you , Fran and your families a very Happy and Safe Thanksgiving holiday. Drive carefully Ed.

Back to work, see you guys later,

[Paul W. Beverung]

Hi Gang: I was able to go easy on Lisa today. We had the shop Thanksgiving lunchon today. Turkey and ham and all the trimings. I'm going to pay for it tomorrow when I check my blood sugar.

Chuck: I'm very happy to hear that Kathy is out of the hospital. Take good care of her and play with your toys some.

Fergie: How about some pictures of those 2-10-2s you got. What brand are they again?

The weather here is sunny and about 60f. It's supposed to stay this way through the weekend.

We lost a cow yesterday. She had been sick and we had the vet out. He gave her some antibiotics and we thought she might make it. Yesterday morning she was up and eating but went down and died sometime yesterday afternoon. I'll have to finish burying her tomorrow.

The mine head frame is coming right along. Just a little touch up to do on the corners and I'll give it another coat of primer and then paint. They use a local gravel for the concrete so it has an iron ore color to it. I'll have to mix up something.

It's almost time to head out the the VA for my appointment with the eye doctor. My vision has been giving me problems for the last 4 months or so. Tuesday Mary Ann has an appointment with her doctor to get a couple of skin cancers removed. These are small and shouldn't be a problem.

Perry: Those are real good pictures. You do some very good work.

I'll see you later, so take care.

[grayfox1119]

Good afternoon gents, I received this today, and want to share it with the CS members. I think all of us know someone who is serving our country, and many of our brothers in other countries are doing the very same this Christmas holiday. I matters not their religion, or country, they serve for freedom for all of us at home. So do the very same for men and women in each country who are serving so unselfishly for the cause of freedom.


>The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
>
>I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
>
>My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
>
>My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
>
>Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
>
>Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
>
>The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
>
>Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
>
>My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
>
>Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
>
>In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
>
>So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
>
>
>
>The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
>
>But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
>
>Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
>
>Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
>
>My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
>
>And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
>
>Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
>
>A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
>
>
>
>A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
>
>Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
>
>Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
>
>Standing watch over me my wife and my child.
>
>"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
>
>"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
>
>Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
>
>You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
>
>
>
>For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
>
>Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.
>
>To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
>
>Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
>
>I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
>
>"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
>
>That separates you from the darkest of times.
>
>No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
>
>I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
>
>My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
>
>Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
>
>My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
>
>And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
>
>I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
>
>But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
>
>
>
>Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
>
>The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
>
>I can live through the cold and the being alone,
>
>Away from my family, my house and my home.
>
>I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
>
>I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
>
>I can carry the weight of killing another,
>
>Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.
>
>Who stand at the front against any and all,
>
>To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
>
>
>
>"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
>
>Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
>
>"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,"
>
>Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
>
>It seems all too little for all that you've done,
>
>For being away from your wife and your son."
>
>Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
>
>"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
>
>To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
>
>To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
>
>For when we come home, either standing or dead,
>
>To know you remember we fought and we bled.
>
>Is payment enough, and with God we will trust,
>
>That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
>
>
>
>
>
>PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people
>as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
>U.S. service men and women for our being able to celebrate these
>festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we
>owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who
>sacrificed themselves for us.
>
>
>
>
>
>LCDR Jeff Giles,SC,USN
>
>30th Naval Construction Regiment
>
>OIC, Logistics Cell One
>
>Al Taqqadum, Iraq

[GMTRacing]

That's beautifully written thanks for sharing it with us Dick. I'll go back to work when my eyes dry a bit. J.R.

[NeO6874]

wow...

that really was nice...

Now, if only the military didnt have that sort of stigma attached to it... which (to me) was brought on by the current conflict....

My brother was about 4-5 months from signing up "for real" when everything just got to him and he decided not to (IMO it was my parents that finally convinced him to not enlist...everyone else seemed pretty supportive of it - grandparents, aunts& uncles, etc)

[Super Chief Rules]

    A very good work of art.  I agree!!!

Have a good weekend!

[pcarrell]

Ummm,.......wow!

 

WOW!

[bjdukert]

Dick Thanks for the reminder of what it can be like to be half way around the world at this time of year. I can say it was one of the hardest times for me and then I got a package(we called them Care Packages) from some women of a church group that I didn’t even know and it did lift the "Spirit of the Season" Remember the TROOPS!!!(All Branches)

Brian Remember, YOU are supported much more than some of us were.

Duke

[JPowell]

Evening all -

  Hope this finds everyone in good health and spirits this evening.

Dick / Ed -

  I see the Sox have signed Cora to a 2 yr deal. I hope this works out for the best of poth parties. What do you 2 think of them being able to sign the Japanese pitcher? Rumors are flying that they are looking at the likes of JD Drew (of) and Julio Lugo (ss) as well. I'd really like to see them sign both.

Brian -

  As a current active duty member of the AF, let me welcome you to the CS. I see you have met everyone, except for me. I'm John! Also, these folks in here are some of the best for everything - Support for every type of issue, as well as the knowledge and history (both military and rr) in here is above all else that I have found. Really great bunch that frequent this shop of ours. I did 6 yrs myself in the Marines from 92-98, as a Postal Clerk. I've been to some places you'll go to (The Gulf region - several times) and to some you may not (Somalia - once) during your time in. I've also done 2 6+ month deployments onboard some USN ships. As for my current unit, I have done 1 tour to the Gulf region a few yrs back. Just remember, we're here for you if you ever need to talk about anything, or seek advice for mr purposes. Good Luck in Boot Camp. Semper Fi!

Well all, I guess I should get back to work, yes I am here till 12 midnight.

Take care and have a good evening!

[Anonymous]

We do appreciate you shareing this with us Dick. Does bring back memories of the days away from families and friends while serving in service. Service does change a person. I beleave to a better person than he or she was before they entered service. Thanks again Dick.

Chuck, glad to hear Kathy is doing better. She will remain in our prayers as well as you. Most times it's harder on the spouse. We don't like to see our loved ones suffering. Take care.

Ryan, hope you faired well with the bad weather in your part. Will try to get you packed up and shipped this week.

Brian, listen to the advise and fill it in the back of your head. Always know that it is more valuable than gold.

Congrats are in order Mike. Well done.

Lisa have a safe trip and enjoy the show. They are all great.

Ed, be careful crossing the border. Need I say moreLOL

Found this and thought this would interest some.

http://www.railroadradio.net/

Went to Hattiesburg Thrusday to check on the property. Had a tornado in Sumerall just outside of Hattiesburg but all was well at the house.

Getting ready for the kids and grandkids for Thanksgiving. We have Christmas on that day because the daughter wants to have Christmas for the grandkids at home alone. I can understand that. That day I do all the cooking and baking. MoM gets to enjoy that day off.

The requested menu for that day:

Grump's world famous fried chicken.

Rice dressing and chicken cornbread dressing.

Potato salid.

Okra and tomatos, corn, green peas.

for desert Lemon icebox pie, Pecan pie, Dunot pudding with koula sauce.

We want to wish every one a Happy Thanksgiving. Know some will be at home and some will be away. God go with all of you.

Neal

 

[rtraincollector]

Perry1060 welcome don't believe I've seen you in here before I use to be the only O gauger in here glad to see another has joined. I mainly collect pre and post war items but have some as new as mid ninties but thats about it lol. I've even adventured to the bigger 3 rail track the one known as standard gauge or gauge one to some.

Very nice poem there also will foward it to some of my freinds.

Got to run will talk to you all later

[Anonymous]

Neal, that menu sounds great but I think I'll skip the food and jump right into the dessert, I can't resist pecan pie always was my favorite. Th family and I have been looking forward to it for quite some time. The boys have been driving me nuts with "when's the train show..when's the train show...ect."

[Attaboy]

Evening all, decided to brave the dialup tonight and check in.  Okay, Dick, no fair.  I had to dry my eyes and blow my nose before logging in after reading that.  I remember the care packages I got for Christmas while in West Germany in 1974.  It included the best shoofly cake I ever ate.  And I had it almost all to myself, those city folks I was stationed with wouldn't eat it just because of the name.

RT, I knew you would be happy when I saw Perry's pics.  Even with three rail, that's some nice modeling work.

Congrats on the pic of the week, Mike.

Hope everyone that was under the weather is feeling better. 

I spent the last couple evenings cleaning up the mess in my train room.  Its been so long since I worked on the trains it felt good just to see the benchwork cleared off.  I think I'm going to Tommy Gilbert's in Gettysburg tomorrow to pick up some supplies then the plan is to work on trains all weekend.  It'll be nice to get out of the house for something besides work.  The repairs in the basement aren't completely finished yet but I'm taking a break from it for a couple days at least.  The rest of it won't be as hard as the train room was, no bench work to worry about while doing it. 

Not much else going on around here lately so I'll see you all later.

[Anonymous]

Good morning





Happy MRRing 

[LSWrr]

Good morning everyone.

I’m glad to see we have some Veterans in the group and the rest seem to be very supportive to those of us on Active Duty. As we near the holiday season it causes me to reflect back on my deployment to Kuwait in 2003. The one thing that showed the support of the American (and other countries) people was the Gee-Dunk tent. Gee-dunk is the sound a candy bar makes when it hits the bottom of a vending machine. The Gee-dunk tent was where all the care packages came to rest. There wasn’t a PX/BX available to us and mail from home was sporadic at best. If you needed deodorant, chap stick, sunscreen, bar of soap, or even toilet paper you could stop in at the gee-dunk tent and find it for free from someone back in the States that cared. Right now the troops should be coming to the end of the 99.9% humidity and 125 degree Fahrenheit temperatures that started in August and the sandstorms should have reduced intensity. Soap, shampoo, baby wipes, sunscreen SPF-30+, tooth paste, razors, and those little powered packets that change the flavor of water (1-2 liter servings). Powdered detergent is good if you double wrap it. The USO or your local military unit should be able to provide you with an address to ship your items.

Remember the troops now and remember the politicians when you vote.

Lee

I hope I didn't drag that out too far...