A Classic REAL Trains 'n Traction FOTO site!

[siberianmo]

For gbrewer

You might be surprised at just how many of "us" there are who ride regularly scheduled passenger trains just for pleasure.

Interesting that your consist, during summer months, only ran two RDCs .....

The Rocky Mountaineer could institute service between Vancouver and where I live and there's no way that I'd pay the bucks to ride that "thing." As nice as it must be in terms of amenities, it just isn't what many consider to be a "passenger train." Excursion is the name and no thanx!

Appreciate your Post ........ Also noticed your "visit"over at my bar 'n grill! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[gbrewer]

Tom,

I too took the Cariboo Prospector to Lillooet, BC that same summer of 1999. We only had two RDC cars, but the scenery certainly was grand. It made me wish I had continued north to see what is there. (This may be possible agian in the near future -- I believe a new service offered by Rocky Mountaineer Railtours is in the planning).

Makes me wonder: how many other people are crazy enough to take a train ride without any wi***o go somewhere in particular. (Not excursion or tourist trains, but regular, scheduled passenger service),

The first time I did that was to ride on the CNS&M Electroliner, Chicago to Milwaukee and back, the summer before the that line was closed down.

[siberianmo]

Hey Al been wonderin' if you'd stop by this thread! [tup]

I shudda known, when it comes to the talk of "domes" and "RDCs," why there's no stoppin' ya! [swg]

Appreciate the elaboration on those Ads, even if you've seen 'em before over at "Our" Place. [tup]

There doesn't seem to be that much interest in this topic and I'm surprised - given that the Forum is called Classic Trains. Oh well - I'll keep at it until "the well runs dry." [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

And one thing about those Stata Domes of the B&O the forward bulkhead in the dome at the head of the aisle featured a Speedometer Barometer Altimiter and Clock. Only domes I can ever remmeber equipped in this manner. The B&O domes were also the only domes equipped with lights mounted on the roof ahead of the dome to provide lighting of tha passing countryside at night. Only one consist of the Shenandoah operated with a dome so it was every other night eastbound and westbound on the other nights. The other consist of the Shenandoah ran without a dome as the B&O only owned five of these cars . Two P/S built domes were built for the Columbian and the three former C&O domes built for the Chessie were assigned one to each consist of the Capitol Limited and the odd one operated in one of the Shenandoah consists. The two domes originally assigned to the Columbian were 5550 HIGH DOME and 5551 SKY DOME. The three Budd built domes were assigned thusly 7600 MOONLIGHT DOME assigned to Shenandoah and 7601 STARLIGHT DOME and 7602 SUNLIGHT DOME were the ones assigned to the Capitol Limited.

[siberianmo]

Some NOSTALGIA on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B&O) from The Official Guide of the Railways - Aug 1956

Thrilled travelers tell us “There’s nothing like the view from B&O’s STRATA-DOME” ….. Route your passengers via B&O and they’ll sing your praises too

Passengers traveling in a B&O Strata-Dome marvel at the thrilling panorama and natural beauty of the ever-changing scenery.

FLOODLIGHTS AT NIGHT

Powerful floodlight beams provide a novel view of the landscape after dark.

This exclusive B&O service between Washington and Chicago is offered at no charge!

Strata-Dome Dieseliners between

CHICAGO – AKRON – PITTSBURGH – WASHINGTON

The Capitol Limited (All Pullman) – The Columbia (Deluxe-Coach) – The Shenandoah* (Pullman and Coach)

THROUGH SERVICE TO AND FROM BALTIMORE, WILMINGTON, PHILADELPHIA AND NEW YORK.

*On the Shenandoah, Strata-Dome is operated on alternate dates. Available only to Pullman passengers on the Shenandoah.

BALTIMORE & OHIO RAILROAD

***********************************************************



B&O DIESEL-ELECTRIC FEATURE TRAINS

CAPITOL LIMITED – COLUMBIAN – SHENANDOAH
Between Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington and the East

NATIONAL LIMITED – DIPLOMAT – METROPOLITAN
Between St. Louis, Cincinnati, Washington and the East

THE AMBASSADOR
Between Detroit, Washington and Baltimore

THE ROYAL BLUE
Between Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York

STRATA-DOME CARS*
On 3 Fine Trains

CAPITOL LIMITED – COLUMBIAN – SHENANDOAH
Chicago – Akron – Pittsburgh – Washington
Baltimore – Wilmington – Philadelphia – New York

(* In service between Chicago and Washington)

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

For agentatascadero

I haven't thought about those "imprinted" butter patties in decades - for I too remember that being a "thing" that the railroads did "back when." Just taking in the ambiance of the dining car as a youngster was somethng special - atlhough I surely didn't know the word for it back then. It was kinda like Sunday dinner when Mom put out the "good plates" and sliverware and everything was "done up" extra special. Good memories all 'round ......

That car attendant who provide you with a double bedroom will most probably never be forgotten by you. Every now 'n then it's really somethng special to come across someone like that - makes one think about how nice people can be, if only .......

Appreciate your participation - thanx!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[agentatascadero]

Memories? The medical term would be "tntc", too numerous to count. I, too, remember going to sea, on SP 24, the Gold Coast, on the trestle across the great Salt Lake. Also, the first class service in the Pullman lounge, I was about 6, yet the waiter served my White Rock Ginger Ale in the tradidional manner, glass with ice and the soda, on a tray, poured at the seat, $.25, a lot of money in those days, my allowance for a week! The changes of power, diner and lounges at Ogden and Omaha were done with dispatch not seen recently in railroading. How about the table settings and service in the diner? Formal is the word, I still remember the UP logo inprinted on the butter patties for my pancackes. Another time, on SP 6, a late running Argonaut, standing at the back platform, timing a number of miles at the magic 36 seconds, 100 MPH!. That would be a steam powered, non-streamlined, heavyweight train. Then there was a dreamy experience on SP 75, the Lark, in about 1963. My girlfriend and I were travelling in coach, when our attendant came by and said "If you would follow me, I have something more comfortable for you." So we did, and he took us back into the Pullmans, and placed us in a double bedroom for the night. It was probably his assigned space, and what a special treat.

[siberianmo]

For cnw4001

Learn something new every day - I had no idea that those wonderful B&M RDCs wound up being "neutered" for the type service you mentined. When I commuted in from Melrose, Mass. they were fully functional and operated by the B&M. MBTA hadn't factored in yet .......

My favorite RDC experience was aboard a 5-unit consist on a round trip between N. Vancouver and Lillooet, BC. The train was called the "Cariboo Prospector" (yes, that's how they spelled it) and was operated by BC Rail. All the cars were RDC1s and 3s and in fantastic condition. BC Rail had refurbished the interiors and provided on board food service at your seat - all included in the fare. A great trip and one we'll not forget. Alas, BC Rail ain't no more ........ The RDCs have been 'disbursed' and that's that.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[cnw4001]

QUOTE: Originally posted by siberianmo

For cnw4001

RDCs are special indeed, always enjoyed traveling in 'em, short distance or long. [tup]

I used to commute to Boston with the B&M aboard their RDCs back in the late 60s. There was quite a fleet at North Station; South Station too with the NH ....

Appreciate you comments! [tup]

Interesting you should mention the MBTA RDC's. Rode those on a visit to Boston a number of years ago but they were no longer RDCs, the power plants had been removed and they were coaches hauled by locomotives.

Was a handy way to get into the city while staying at a motel out in the suburbs

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #6

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check this poster out regarding the Canadian Pacific from the 1950’s:


Canadian Pacific … by land … across Canada

Now see Canadian Pacific’s spectacular Banff-Lake Louise Route
From the Scenic Domes of the “The Canadian”

Mile-high in the Canadian Rockies, Banff Springs is famous the world over for its scenic surroundings, complete outdoor recreation facilities. Both Banff and nearby Lake Louise are on the route of “The Canadian.”

Treat yourself to the world’s longest, most spectacular Scenic Dome ride as “The Canadian” winds through the Canadian Rockies on its transcontinental route. From high in the Scenic Domes of Canda’s only stainless-steel Scenic Dome streamliner you’ll thrill to the breath-taking view of Canada’s unspoiled natural beauty. And aboard “The Canadian” you’ll find the accommodations superb, the service unexcelled. You may travel tourist or first class – coach seats reserved at no extra fare.

See your travel agent for information about “The Canadian” – in daily service throughout the year between Montreal or Toronto, and Vancouver.

Canadian Pacific
World’s Greatest Travel System

RAILWAYS – STEAMSHIPS – AIRLINES – HOTELS – COMMUNICATIONS – EXPRESS


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

For cnw4001

RDCs are special indeed, always enjoyed traveling in 'em, short distance or long. [tup]

I used to commute to Boston with the B&M aboard their RDCs back in the late 60s. There was quite a fleet at North Station; South Station too with the NH ....

Appreciate you comments! [tup]

[cnw4001]

The mention of a recent RDC trip brings to mind my high school trip to Washington. The evening activies would have involved something which I found to be of little interest so I made my way to Union Station. Bought a round trip ticket to Baltimore and enjoyed a round trip on B & O RDC's.

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #5

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check this poster out regarding the Canadian Pacific from 1886:


A Red Letter DAY

For – Canada

June 28, ‘86

… WHEN THE …

CANADIAN PACIFIC Railway

OPENS to the PACIFIC OCEAN

………. TRAIN LEAVES DAILY: ……….
Toronto, - - - - - - 5.00 p.m.
Montreal - - - - - - 8.00 “
Ottawa, - - - - - - 11.45 “
………. except Sunday ……….

OUR OWN LINE

………. FROM THE ……….
ATLANTIC to the PACIFIC

NO CUSTOMS – NO DELAYS – NO TRANSFERS –
LOW RATES – QUICK TIME

for further particulars apply to any Agent of the Company, or to
W. D. HUGHES, Traveling Passenger Agent
W. R. CALLAWAY, District Passenger Agent
………. 110 King Street West, Toronto ……….

W. C. VAN HORNE, Vice President
GEO. OLDS, Cust. Traffic Manager
D. McNICOLL, General Pass. Agent
………. MONTREAL……….


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

For: glennbob

Wish I had the opportunity some have talked about regarding the California Zephyr of old. It must have been a great experience.

There were many other roads running dome cars in their consists. Did you know that the Wabash ran four domes between St. Louis and Chicago in their "Blue Bird" consist [?] That's quite a few for a short run like that, but still must've been great to travel in.

The only operating trains running those great Budd stainless steel dome cars left in North America are in Canada. VIA Rail's "Canadian" (Toronto-Vancouver) runs three times per week in each direction with an all Budd consist.

The "Ocean" (Montreal-Halifax) has only one trainset left that are all Budd. As I understand it, that equipment comes off the line Jan 1st.

Great cars! [tup]

[Anonymous]

Ya you would get my vote for the california zephor as well

[siberianmo]

G’day!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #4

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check this out (from The Official Guide of the Railways – 1956)

Did you know that the Canadian National Railways also owned and operated hotels in major cities along their main lines Check these out:

:

CANADIAN NATIONAL HOTELS, LTD.

City...…………....…Name..…..……………Rooms..…..Open

Ottawa, ON.………. Chateau Laurier……… 550……… All year
Winnipeg, MN.…… The Fort Garry.………. 265...….... All year
Edmonton, AB.…… The MacDonald……... 480……… All year
Saskatoon, SK...… The Bessborough……. 260……… All year
Vancouver, BC.…... Hotel Vancouver.……. 560...…… All year
Halifax, NS.….…… The Nova Scotian…… 150.……… All year
Charlottetown, PE.. The Charlottetown…... 110……… All year
St. John’s, NL.…… Newfoundland Hotel… 140……… All year
Montreal, QC.……. Queen Elizabeth……... ----……… Under construction

Note: Hotel Vancouver operated jointly by CNR and CPR.


Enjoy!

Tom

[siberianmo]

Stayed tuned ... tomorrow's installment covers the CN hotels! [swg]

[Anonymous]

The Canadian National had a hotel operation too, with hotels in: St. John, Newfoundland; Charlotte, PEI; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Fredericton, New Brunswick (I think); Montreal; Winnipeg; Saskatoon; Edmonton; and Jasper. The Hotel Vancouver was jointly owned by CN and CP.

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #3

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check this out (from The Official Guide of the Railways – 1956)

Perhaps no railroad anywhere rivaled the Canadian Pacific in terms of world wide excellence in serving the traveling public, whether by air, rail or sea. How many of you are aware of the CP’s great hotel and lodge network [?] These proprieties were built by and for CP according to their requirements and were situated at the key rail stops and vacation sites along their main lines

:

CANADIAN PACIFIC HOTELS AND LODGES

City…………....…Name…..………………..Open

Kentville, NS…….Cornwallis, Inn………….All year
McAdam, NS…...McAdam Hotel………….All year
Quebec, QC…....Chateau Frontenac….....All year
Toronto, ON……..Royal York Hotel…….…All year
Winnipeg, MN…..Royal Alexandra Hotel…All year
Regina, SK………Hotel Saskatchewan…..All year
Calgary, AB……..Hotel Palliser……………All year
Victoria, BC….….Empress Hotel………….All year
Kenora, ON….….Devil’s Gap Lodge………June to September
Digby, NS…….…The Digby Pines………...June to September
Yarmouth, NS…..Lakeside Inn………….…June to September
St. Andrews, NB..The Algonquin Hotel……June to September
Banff, AB……..….Banff Springs Hotel..…..June to September
Lake Louise, AB..Chateau Lake Louise…..June to September
Reached from Lake Louise:
…………………..Moraine Lake Lodge…….June to September
Hector, BC……...Lake O’Hara Lodge.…….June to September
Hector, BC……..Lake Wapta Lodge………June to September
Field, BC……….Yoho Valley Lodge……...June to September
Vancouver, BC…Hotel Vancouver….……..All year

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

Great account of your experiences mersenne6 - that's the idea! [tup]

We have a couple of things in common - I was 15 in 1953 when my one and only crossing of the Great Salt Lake took place, however, it was in day light. Your experience sounds much more intersting for sure. Second - the memories of train trips always are uppermost in my mind too!

Appreciate the comments!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[mersenne6]

When I was 15 I took the UP from Sacramento, California to Council Bluffs, Iowa to spend the summer with my Grandmother. I was seated in coach and the trip took a couple of days. As the trip progressed I was befriended by both the conductor and the Pullman Porter who, as far as I know, was in charge of the Pullman sleeper which was the car next in line with my coach. we were scheduled to arrive in Ogden sometime during the night and somewhere west of Ogden I had fallen asleep.

About 1 A.M. I was awakened by the porter who asked me if I'd like to see the Great Salt Lake. When I said I certainly would he nodded and started walking to the end of the car. I stood up and followed. When we were in the vestibule he opened the top part of the passenger car door and the odor of cool salt air blew in. The moon was up and it was a very clear night and the two of us just stood there and watched. Finally, he broke the silence and said, " I've made this run more times than I can remember but this is always my favorite part of the trip, a cool night, salt air, and the sound of the train on the rails." We stood there until we left the lake then he closed the top part of the door and told me I'd better get back to my seat and get some more sleep. He turned back towards his car and I went back into the coach and went back to sleep.

That trip was over 40 years ago but the memory of viewing the Great Salt Lake at night from the vestibule of a passenger car is as fresh as if it happened 10 minutes ago.

[siberianmo]

Hi Dave

Glad the NOSTALGIA #2 "worked" for you! [tup]

Appreciate the comments .......

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[daveklepper]

Road the obs on the California Zephyr on one trip, the California Service on a round trip and the Reio Grande Zephyr over 30 times. Marvelous cars. Mountain View and Tower View on the Broadway Limited were marvelous cars to ride, ditto the obs on the 20th Century and the Silver Meteor. But I remember best my private varnish excursions by being one of Richard Horstman's "Share of Expenses" Guests on Lehigh Valley 353, including a Seattle - New York trip via Salt Lake City and Denver.

Equal was Morie Kliebolt selling me a special ticket for use of the NOMAD between Durango and Silverton and return, and then Tom Long, Leonard Bersntein's predicessor, letting us rent the Wiliiam Jackson Palmer for Durango - Farmington and return. For the return we purchased supplies in a modern Farmington supermarket and cooked our own really guormet dinner on the return. Meanwhile, some coach passsenger kids asked us if they could use the back platform to fly a kite! So here was the 2-8-2, the gondola with fans, several open platform coaches, the William Jackson Palmer with smoke from the stove exiting its chimney, and the smell of steak dinner, and kids on the back platform flying a kite, entering Durgano, summer 1962. A site never repeated yet!

[siberianmo]

Hi Guys!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #2


Here’s a little something taken from the literature associated with the California-Zephyr and its Vista-Dome sleeper observation-lounge:

Rest and Relaxation in the ”Vista-Dome” Lounge-Observation Car

The spacious and luxurious lounge-observation car at the rear of the train and immediately behind the sleeping cars, furnishes congenial lounging facilities on three different levels for as many as fifty passengers.

Modern ingenious designing and expert fabrication combine to make a composite unit of four distinctly separate accommodations in this exquisite car.

The ‘main floor” lounge is located within the gracefully rounded end of the observation car. Here, deeply-cushioned occasionally chairs and settees, in shades of sandalwood and brown in a setting of rose-tan and petal beige, invite complete relaxation.

Carpeted and individually-lighted steps from the lounge lead to the distinctive air-conditioned “Vista-Dome – tastefully decorated in tones of sandalwood. Here, enclosed in shatter-proof, glare-resistant glass, are twenty-four deep-cushioned seats, where passengers may ride in comfort and enjoy a complete view in every direction.

Nestled beneath the Dome is a buffet. Tastefully decorated in rose and gray-green, it provides a delightful rendezvous in which to speed the miles and minutes. At one end of the buffet is a refreshment counter with carved linoleum base and back bar of stainless steel and etched mirrors. Electric refrigeration units assure an ample supply of cool, refreshing beverages at all times. The buffet has a telephone connection with the dining car, over which table reservations can be made.

Forward from the buffet are three bedrooms and a drawing room, each having enclosed toilet facilities. Each room is attractively decorated in harmonious shades of rose-tan, petal beige, taupe and ashes of roses.

This car is completely carpeted and windows are equipped with Venetian blinds – those in the observation-lounge having drapes of gold and white.

From the “American Passenger Train”

Of note: The design of these Budd manufactured cars carries over to day with the VIA Rail Canada fleet of Park Car observation domes. With slight modifications, the literature quoted above could be closely associated with the cars still in use in Canada.

Enjoy!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Thanx for the response ForestRump. [tup]

One of the aspects of Posting on these Forums that I have tried to follow is providing sources for information .... as you can see, I have done that. I'm in no position to defend, argue or refute that which was provided in the book I used. However, I have checked an additional source (Classic American Railroads) and here is what I found:

QUOTE: Formal merger between NYC&HR and LS&MS didn't occur until 1914, and the resulting "new" name was - New York Central Railroad.

I don't doubt for a second that the New York Central has a longer and more storied history than the "one liner" in the run down given.

Appreciate the input ..... and hope you'll stop by again! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

The New York Central names predates 1914. The New York Central was formed in the 19th century by merging 10 shortlines to form an Albany to Buffalo (with some route duplication) line. It became part of the Vanderbilt empire when Commodore Vanderbilt (who died in the 1870s) gained control of it ... through trickery of course ... and merged it with the Hudson River Railroad. For some time it was known as the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad and shared Grand Central Station with the New York and Harlem and the New York and New Haven. All three lines' names graced the facade. I've no idea when "and Hudson River" was dropped.

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #1

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check this out …….

Many of the passenger railroads we’ve heard of and perhaps traveled aboard, had their start up in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. Check out these names of perhaps the best known:

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (1863)
Atlantic Coast Line (1900)
Baltimore & Ohio (1827) #1
Boston & Maine (1835)
Canadian Pacific (1881)
Chesapeake & Ohio (1867)
Chicago & Northwestern (1859)
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (1855)
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul (“The Milwaukee Road,” 1874)
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific (1866)
Erie (1859)
Great Northern (1889)
Illinois Central (1851)
Kansas City Southern (1900)
Lehigh Valley (1855)
Louisville & Nashville (1850)
Missouri Pacific (1879)
New York Central (1914, although the formal adoption of that name came later)
New York, Chicago & St. Louis (“Nickel Plate Road,” 1881)
Norfolk & Western (1881)
Northern Pacific (1864)
Pennsylvania Railroad (1846)
Seaboard Air Line (1900)
Southern Pacific (1884)
Southern Railway (1887)
Union Pacific (1862)
Wabash (1877)
Western Pacific (1903)

[source:] The American Passenger Train

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

(click to enlarge)

Well, it IS Halloween, after all! [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Guys!

Thanx again BK for supporting this idea! Even though I've seen the German "tech" stuff before, it IS an interesting twist on the subject and something not seen on the Forums that often .......

Hey Nick, methinks you are on the WRONG thread! [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Well jeez,-that`s the last time I step into Boris` shed a week before his birthday,by da*n I`ve got aches & pains where I didn`t know I had places---this has been a very rough week,and the worst of it is,the official birthday is tomorrow-We`ve got to do it all again,but next time,could one of the grown-ups please take charge--Our favourite science project will be meeting & greeting guests from 7.30 ( all time zones........) prior to embarcation on the "Our Place" chartered Special-travelling from the back of "Our Place" to the top of the hill,where customers will be presented with a choice of the local home-brews & snacks,prior to experiencing a traditional "Old Country" wedding--those that find that degree of bloodshed upsetting will naturally be excused..............In a desparate attempt to re-introduce the railway theme to the conversation,the news from this side of the water is gloomy-the onset of the rainy season has brought progress on the layout to a halt,the stock has been `boxed up` for the winter-an extensive program of vehicle lettering,weathering and general authenticating ( a made up word ) is called for......stay tuned for pix,scenic development remains a strong possibility-and much needed.
Finally got recording of band into some kind of shape-12 tracks of all your favourites,played in a strange and faintly disturbing way................[^].........................[C=:-)]