Trains.com

"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment! Locked

975122 views
4001 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: mid mo
  • 1,054 posts
Posted by pwolfe on Friday, June 15, 2007 3:56 PM

Hi Tom and all.

I see TOM as taken over from RUTH for a while and as a tribute to the TrainWreck Saloon photos I will have a pint of O'Fallons 5-Day pleaseApprove [^], with some treats for the Mascots as well.Thumbs Up [tup]

ERIC I see on this morning's weather it is going to be very hot in your part of the country todayShock [:O], hopefully you wont have to go out in it.Yeah!! [yeah]

It will be good when the volunteers at the MOT in St Louis can get their DD-40AX looking as good as # 6915 doesApprove [^]Thumbs Up [tup]

Many thanks for the very interesting link to the streetcar conduit systemThumbs Up [tup]. It is good the photographer in the link was able to find examples of the conduit and covers still in existence.Approve [^]

As I am not too keen on snakesShock [:O] I think I will leave the ones in that tunnel alone.Yeah!! [yeah]

DL I hear the Midlands of England are getting some really heavy rain at the momentThumbs Down [tdn] hope it does not spoil your trip to Little Bytham and LincolnshireYeah!! [yeah]. I have not been through Little Bytham by road but I have seen photos, which show the Mallard pub very close to the bridge carrying the East Coast Main Line, at least I think that is in Little Bytham.

March was indeed an important marshalling yard and locomotive depot although out of sight from the main Peterborough to Ely lineSad [:(]. In steam days in Rugby there was a lot of goods traffic that used the ex L&NWR Peterborough to Rugby line, no doubt many of the freights had started from March yard.

I will have to look into the British bus building industry a bit more, I must admit I had not thought of Double- Decker's, although I thought London Buses were going over to single -deck ‘Flexi buses' Thumbs Down [tdn]

FERGIE Great to hear from you aboard shipApprove [^]Thumbs Up [tup]. I hope the weather continues to be as calm as it is now.Yeah!! [yeah]

Thanks for the info on the Coast Guard vessels in HalifaxThumbs Up [tup]. Do you know anything about the HMCS OnondagaQuestion [?]

TOM Many thanks for the link to the HMCS SubmarinesThumbs Up [tup]. It is very interesting there certainly were problems with the subs, including a dent the size of a pizza.Oops [oops]Shock [:O]

There was some great links some showing photos of three Oberon Class Subs in Bedford Basin, it seems the Oberon class were good boats dating from 1967.One link said Oberon class HMCS Onondaga is to preserved at the ‘Musee De La Mer at Rimouski. I could not find if the sub had moved there from Halifax yet. I wonder if the HMCS Onondaga is the sub we saw.

 I see the motto on the badge is ‘Ready Aye Ready' from ‘Hearts Of Oak' naval song a great motto I thought.Approve [^]

 The more you see of Kirkwood station the more you realize what a great building it is.Yeah!! [yeah]

I think the Train Wreck Saloon would be a great place to spend this sunny Missouri afternoon.Yeah!! [yeah] Thanks for sharing the photos from there and our train in Halifax.Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup]. I think it is a better photo of me when I am in the shadeSmile [:)]. I think it is deffinatly BORIS first into that old tunnel at the MOT.Shock [:O]

I have let the puter do its weekly virus check and it seems a little faster now, so I will post this and have another go at my photo albumBanged Head [banghead]

I have received your e-mail Thumbs Up [tup]and will check with the bride about the May dates and let you know.

I will get a round in and have the Steak Dinner [dinner]in a while. We are off to the bride's mom this weekend so if I don't get back in tonight I will see you all Monday.  

Pete.

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Along the old Milwaukee Road.
  • 1,152 posts
Posted by CMSTPP on Friday, June 15, 2007 7:19 PM

G-day Captain [4:-)] Tom and all present!

Well, I am awaiting the arrival of my new camera, and YES, I will be taking a lot of pictures with it, so there won't be anymore trips without pics.Wink [;)] And I am going to be starting on a new project here soon in the wonderful world of model railroading. I will be explaining that in my article later in the post.Thumbs Up [tup]

Leon- I believe I am in need of a little something to eat and drink.. Okay, may I have a coffee and a turkey sandwich, please. Thanks. Oh and a round for the guys too. Thanks again.Thumbs Up [tup]

Tom- You certainly took a lot of pics on the rendezvous. I will soon match you in pictures. But I must say some these have been quite good. So your going to let the guys answer my question, eh..Approve [^] Well then I'm going to take a "wild" guess and say they were made by the same company/ manufacturer. Since some of that rail buses characteristics match the galloping gooses. Some neat stuff indeed.Smile [:)]

Some more shots of the Kirkwood station and hey! A model with an uncanny resemblance of the Kirkwood station.. I wonder where they got the idea.Wink [;)] Who ever did that model has some talent backing his hands up. He did an unbelievable job. Thanks for the pics. Also some more pics from the train wreck saloon. It looks to me like you guys were having some fun. Also, thank for all of the great photos of the Via rail train. It certainly looks really nice.Thumbs Up [tup] 

And now on to the TC&W

Formally none as the TWIN CITIES & WESTERN RAILROAD!  

Twin Cities and Western Railroad (AAR reporting marks TCWR) is a railroad operating in the U.S. state of Minnesota which started operations on July 27, 1991. Trackage includes the former Soo Line Railroad "Ortonville Line" which extends from Hopkins, Minnesota (a Western suburb of the Twin Cities) to Appleton, Minnesota. The TCWR also has trackage rights over the BNSF Railway and the Canadian Pacific Railway. The line was originally built as the first part of the Pacific extension of the Milwaukee Road.

Image:TCWR Map.png

Map of the Twin Cities and Western Railroad. Solid lines are TCWR track; dotted lines are track over which TCWR has trackage rights.

Picture and article from: http://www.wikipedia.org/

TC&W has 9 Caterpillar Generation II locomotives (7 GP20C's and 2 GP15C's) and one CF7 slug unit. The car fleet consists of approximately 450 owned and leased covered hoppers, (primarily 4,750 cu. ft. capacity), and 15 Airslide cars (4,180 cu. ft. capacity). TC&W also has 60 RBL boxcars. Additional equipment is brought on line as needed for connecting carriers.

TC&W has access to the Mississippi River through the Minneapolis River Terminal at Camden Place, MN in north Minneapolis, and through facilities on the Minnesota River at Savage, MN. Through other carriers, TC&W also has access to all other major river facilities in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area.

Picture and article from: http://www.tciswr.net/index.html

This is one of my all time favorite short lines in the U.S.A. I would like to build a shelf layout so I can model the TC&W. I also plan on having a sperate layout for the Milwaukee Road. The project I am going to be working is one of the TC&Ws locomotives. It is called a GP30C. Originally built as a GP30, they were rebuilt in the early 80s and now resemble a GP35 with a Catepillar primemover. About two weeks ago I saw the TC&W doing it's rounds and the locomotives are so shinney, the sun shines right back at you. They keep there locomotives in top notch condition. It's a neat little railroad. 

A GP30C switching out one of the many grain elevators along the line.

A GP20C leads three other locomotives and it's train a cold day in Minnesota.

See the current roster at: http://www1.webng.com/tcwr/roster-c.html

Enjoy!!

Happy railroadingLaugh [(-D]

James

The Milwaukee Road From Miles City, Montana, to Avery, Idaho. The Mighty Milwaukee's Rocky Mountain Division. Visit: http://www.sd45.com/milwaukeeroad/index.htm
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, June 15, 2007 10:02 PM

Good evening Leon and friends. I'll have a bottomless draught and buy a round for the house. Just wanted to set-up my photo submission for tomorrow, so for 1,000 points, can anyone identify this building?

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Phoenix, AZ
  • 683 posts
Posted by EricX2000 on Saturday, June 16, 2007 1:26 AM

Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!

Finally! Yes, Leon, I am back at normal time! No, just a ham sandwich and coffee, please!

Tom –  Snakes don’t bother me, I just keep my eyes open and don’t step on them. Wink [;)]

I checked the museum’s website, but they did not have any information on Barret Station or the NP sleeper. Grumpy [|(]

Received email and responded. Thank you!Thumbs Up [tup]

How did that happened? I’m in four of your pictures.Confused [%-)] I really should be in none. I like Kirkwood Station! The design and how nice it has been restored! The Trainwreck Saloon is also a very nice place! Nice pictures!Thumbs Up [tup]

Did you have the same locomotives going back to Montreal as the ones you had going to Halifax? Or maybe they have more than one locomotive with the Spiderman advertising.Question [?]

DL –  Thank you for the round!Thumbs Up [tup] I am looking forward to a report and an explanation about the importance of ‘March’! Smile [:)]

I think Volvo also has a plant in the UK where they build buses! As a former bus driver myself I prefer Scania buses. I’ll see what I can find out about those bus builders.

Fergie –  Thank you for the answer on my question about the Canadian Coast Guard vessels!Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup] 4 kts? That must give a feeling of not moving at all in a good size vessel!

Pete –  We had 110° again today and will have the same tomorrow, Saturday. By the end of next week it will probably be warmer. It will cool off in October.Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

I think you are right about London Buses going over to single-deck buses. That is at least what I have heard.Smile [:)]

Received email today, thank you!Thumbs Up [tup]

James –  New camera!? Sounds interesting. What did you get?Question [?]

TC&W is a pretty new shortline. I think that should be a perfect railroad to model!Yeah!! [yeah] What do they transport? Nice looking locomotives, well kept! Thanks for the info!

Doug –  I could not identify that building even for 10,000 points! Looks like a former railroad station to me.Confused [%-)]

Received email, thank you! And thanks for the round!Thumbs Up [tup]

Per  was the first to come up with the correct answer Bow [bow] to my question about the truck below.

It is sitting under this UP Rotary Plow.




Eric

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, June 16, 2007 7:41 AM

Good morning Tom and gents! I'll have a light breakfast please and award 100 points to Eric for attempting to identify the Pullman Administration and Clock Tower Building.

My Saturday pix submission is all about the town of Pullman, which I visited last Thursday. This will our Friday morning stop for the Our Place 2008 Chicago Rendezvous. By the way ... as you look at these pictures, imagine yourselves touring the inside of the buildings, because that's what we're going to do! Here's a little background:

Built in 1890-94 for Pullman's Palace Car Company, Pullman was one of America's first planned model industrial towns. Nearly 1,000 of the town's original rowhouses and several major buildings and spaces are still intact and in various stages of restoration. At the Historic Pullman Visitor Center, you can view a short history of the town, exhibits of original artifacts, Pullman railroad memorabilia and items from the Pullman family.

1879 - George Pullman purchased 4,000 acres to build the first planned American model industrial town. Solon S. Beman and Nathan F. Barrett, architects

1880 - Construction of factory shops and town begins

1881 - First residents move to Pullman. Hotel Florence opens

1882 - Population 3,500 (will reach 9,000 in 1885)

1893 - World's Fair Columbian Exposition takes place in Chicago with Pullman as a major attraction. Pullman Land Association manages over 1,740 units built

1894 - Railroad strike caused by nationwide depression and growing labor movement; Federal troops dispatched

1896 - Pullman wins international awards as the "World's Most Perfect Town" for fourteen years

1897 - George Pullman dies; Robert Todd Lincoln becomes president of the Pullman Company

1898 - Illinois Supreme Court rules that all Pullman property not used for manufacturing to be sold. Population 8,000

1907 - Pullman houses and facility are sold between 1907-1909, all are now individually owned

1960 - Pullman designated a "blighted" area. A study of the Roseland Chamber of Commerce recommends clearing the area from 111th to 115th Streets for an industrial park. Civil Defense Organization from WWII is reactivated to fight demolition; the study is defeated. Pullman Civic Organization (PCO) formed

1973 - Historic Pullman Foundation (HPF)is formed to do preservation work in Pullman Historic District

1975 - HPF purchases Hotel Florence. Restoration begins

1991 - Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) purchases Pullman factory shops and Hotel Florence to become Pullman State Historic Site.

1993 - HPF opens Pullman Visitor Center on original Arcade Building site. Five original blocks in North Pullman (104th to 108th St.) receive Chicago landmark status.

1994 - HPF showcases new exhibit: Pullman .. The Man, The Car, The Company, The Model Town, The Strike, The Landmark Community in Chicago.

1996 - HPF expands Tourism Enhancement Program and secures City grant for Market Hall stabilization

1998 - Factory and Clock Tower damaged by fire Dec 1.

1999 - HPF & PCO lead vigorous campaign to save the original Pullman factories; Pullman Factory Task Force is formed to rebuild factory as museum complex

2001 - IHPA begins a complete restoration of Hotel Florence

Present - HPF continues operating the Pullman Visitor Center and its year-round tour and educational programs. Work accelerates on Market Hall restoration project. Pullman remains viable community of residents and friends preserving the past and committed to the future.

Here is a picture of a picture inside Hotel Florence

Here are the buildings as of last Thursday

Hotel Florence, built in 1881. Still undergoing major 1st floor renovation

Some of the row houses. Did you know they were built with indoor pumbing? That was unheard of at the time!

The back of the new Visitor Center

Greenstone Church

Market Hall is presently getting all the streets replaced, which should be done in a month

That's all I plan to show ya'll today. Come see it all in person at the 2008 Chicago Rendezvous!

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
  • 7,214 posts
"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment!
Posted by siberianmo on Saturday, June 16, 2007 7:44 AM

This is ENCORE! Saturday - and - Photo Posting Day!

Remember: "Our" Place is CLOSED on Sundays.

 

<w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/>

 

G'day Gents!

Saturday at the Bar by the Ballast - a normally slow day for us, so for the few who stop by, don't forget the morning "treats" from The Mentor Village Bakery, our freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee and <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts from the Menu Board! Thumbs Up [tup]

 

Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):

DL at 11:12 AM ‘n 11:20 AM Friday - June 15th: Great to see our Brit Connection again! Sorry that this inability to view the Pix is keeping you from fully enjoying our offerings at the bar. Nevertheless, the narratives get through and hopefully we'll be seeing more of them as the "stock" of recent Pix reaches exhaustion.

Thanx for the round! Thumbs Up [tup]

 

Fergie at 11:12 AM Friday - June 15th: Yo Ho - the sailor returns! Thumbs Up [tup] Now all we have to do is get you to ORDER something from the bar. C'mon - this isn't rocket science - it's easy - greet the barkeep (which you do!) then order something - ANYTHING will do - even coffee (five bucks a mug if one doesn't order food!) <grin> Gotta pay the staff, ya know! Thumbs Up [tup]

We know you're not a regular ‘round here and have the "coffee shop mentality" Shock [:O] - but this is a cyber bar ‘n grill and in the Ether, the sky's the limit - so to speak! Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

Glad you're enjoying the foto spreads - Fair winds and following seas, Mate! Thumbs Up [tup]

 

Pete at 3:56 PM Friday - June 15th: "Off" two days this week - AND two Saturday's in a row -  AND you moan ‘n groan about a pay raise!?!?! <geesh> Wait 'til Manager Lars reads THIS! Shock [:O]

Can't provide any more info other than what I have regarding Canada's subs. The guy who "knows" all about Canada's Navy  is our long departed trolleyMAN Rob - thought for sure he'd be viewing the fotos and making comments. But I'm sad to say, he's really history insofar as being a "regular" is concerned.

You surely pick up on "things" - nice work with the motto! Thumbs Up [tup]

Round ‘n treats for the critters appreciated! - Enjoy the weekend! Thumbs Up [tup]

 

James at 7:19 PM Friday - June 15th: So, you think you'll soon "match" me in pictures, eh Question [?] Better rethink that one . . . the good part is you'll be coming ‘round for YEARS to "match"! But of course, the idea ‘round here isn't to do anything more than provide relevant Classic Trains material along with "stuff" for the guys at "Our" Place. The Rendezvous Pix are relevant to "Our" Place - and the Canada rail adventure has Classic Trains overtones - especially when the ones from ExpoRail come up (later) . . .

The Kirkwood Station is and has been a historical landmark. The people involved with maintaining it, conducting events, and keeping it open all are very much "into" the place. The model I took fotos of is of a "period" long before my time in this area. As with anyone who models - the "idea" is sparked by that little "something" inside a creative mind. Model railroaders surely understand that, eh Question [?]

Thanx for the TC&W spread - very much in keeping with the idea of Classic Trains at the bar! Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup]

Round appreciated! Thumbs Up [tup]

 

Doug at 10:02 PM Friday - June 15th: So what are the POINTS "good" for Question [?]

 

Eric at 1:26 AM today - June 16th: The VIA Rail train was the SAME in motive power ‘n consist both ways.

Some snakes are of the aggressive variety - don't believe for a second that "if you don't bother them, they won't bother you." <yeah right!>

That UP rotary snow plow is one huge beast, eh Question [?]

Visit most welcome, as always! Thumbs Up [tup]

 

Doug at 7:41 AM today - June 16th: A fine spate of Pix and "stuff" from the town of Pullman! Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup]

You still haven't said what the "points" get's anyone!?!?! <grin>

Hope you've been able to enjoy what's been provided over these several days at the bar!

Good to see ya again . . .  

 

Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.

Thursday is Fish ‘ Chips Nite!

Friday is Pizza ‘n Beer Nite! - and - Steak ‘n Fries Nite!

Saturday is Steak ‘n All The Trimmings Nite!

Dinner begins at 5 PM Dinner [dinner] so come early ‘n often! Yeah!! [yeah]

 

Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
  • 7,214 posts
"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment!
Posted by siberianmo on Saturday, June 16, 2007 9:26 AM

This is ENCORE! Saturday - and - Photo Posting Day!

Remember: "Our" Place is CLOSED on Sundays.

 

G'day Gents!

Figured that since it is ENCORE! Saturday, a couple of reminders are in order:

From Page One - January 1st, 2007

History: "Our" Place began on April 12th, 2005 on the General Discussion (Classic Trains) Forum.

Concept: An adult bar & grill for all who are interested in and familiar with "Classic Trains."

The conversations are as they would be in a neighborhood bar, where people know one another and share stories, photos and other information relevant to the idea of the Forum - Classic Trains.

All of this with some humor thrown in and the rest is simple.

Objective: Have fun!

Ground rules: Leave ALL emotional baggage and "attitudes" on the front porch.

Be inclusive with your comments through the acknowledgment of the other guy's efforts. Hit ‘n run Posts are not welcome.

Greet the bartender upon entering and order a drink or food. Pretty easy, eh Question [?]

Final "stats" for the "old" Thread at mid-night!

Replies: 9,013

Views: 163,151

Pages: 451

For those who may require it, the link to the "old" Thread is:

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/451/991587/ShowPost.aspx#991587

 

-AND - from numerous Posts . . .

Be sure to use the RELOAD/REFRESH feature on your browser. Doing so permits the viewing of THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION POSTED. Far too many times we see Posts that omit reference to previous submissions because they haven't been in view  . . . it's a 'glitch' with the system and something we can work around! Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup]

See ya later . . .

Tom Captain [4:-)] Pirate [oX)]

Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Phoenix, AZ
  • 683 posts
Posted by EricX2000 on Saturday, June 16, 2007 2:53 PM

Good afternoon Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!

Ruth! Good to see you! I think I would like a late breakfast. A couple of Cheese Danish and strong, fresh, coffee! He hasn't? Kind of strange, don't you think? Well I am sure he will be here soon.

Kind of slow day here at the Bar by the siding. I am afraid I can't stay for long either.

Tom –  I think the points you can win from Doug is good for next year’s Rendezvous. The guy with most points will get a free ride on the back of his horse!! Yeah!! [yeah] I'll bring my camera to take pictures of you, a sailor on a horse!!Wow!! [wow]

You pobably already wrote about it, but is the connection from Montreal to Halifax a daily one or a limited times per week?Question [?]

You should have my mail response now, just 12 hours late! Smile [:)]

Since it is Saturday I’ll post some photos before heading out into the heat again. A lot of things to do today.

 

I'll start with a new question. Under what locomotive can this bell be found?



Inside Kirkwood Station. Doug takinga picture.

St. Louis light rail.

 

Amtrak's Texas Eagle about to depart from St. Louis.

 

Missouri Pacific's #750. Ridden by president Truman when he was Senator, Vice President, and retired President.

 

In the sky above St. Louis. Which way is the airport??

 

 

Have a nice weekend!

Eric 

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
  • 7,214 posts
"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment!
Posted by siberianmo on Saturday, June 16, 2007 4:01 PM

This is ENCORE! Saturday - and - Photo Posting Day!

Remember: "Our" Place is CLOSED on Sundays.

 

G'day Gents!

Good to see Eric in the daylight - almost didn't recognize ya, Mate! Have one on me . . .

Email #2 sent regarding our 3rd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in Chicago 2008!

Here's an ENCORE! from way back on Page 15 of the Original Thread . . . .

Canadian Rail Journey, Part III

The trip back to Montreal on Monday, May 9th 2005, was aboard a similar VIA Rail consist to the one that brought me to Ottawa (4 LRC coaches powered by a Genesis P42 loco). The car was only 1/3rd full, whereas the morning train was packed. My only gripe with the outbound train to Montreal is that there was no opportunity to snap off a few pix .... Boarding call, followed by a "march" to the cars, very structured and organized to say the least.

Departing the Ottawa station at 3:10 PM, Train #34 began the scheduled nearly 2 hour trip to Montreal. The ride was smooth and comfortable. Before I knew it, we were approaching Place Bonaventure and Montreal's Central Station. Our early arrival (10 minutes) provided me with a little over an hour before boarding call for the "Ocean" and my return trip to Halifax.

One thing of note on the way back from Ottawa was my observance of a N. de M. electrified locomotive sitting at one of the shops near downtown, on the south side of the mainline. This loco didn't look "well" and my guess (since corroborated) is that it was there for maintenance. I didn't have the time to snap off a photo, for before I knew it, there it was - and there it went! I still have to look twice when I see the N. de M. markings on rail cars - seeing more of ‘em these days as CP's and CN's empires expand.

Once again, sitting within Montreal's Central Station, listening to the sounds of the train announcements - chimes - bilingual announcements - the hustle and bustle of a real live train station all around me. Yes - this was and remains a special place for me and those of us who appreciate all aspects of passenger rail travel.

The boarding for the Ocean took place precisely at 6 PM for those holding Easterly Class tickets (bedrooms). Proceeding down the escalator to the awaiting train, gleaming in the station lights, I found myself mesmerized once again with just how great those Budd stainless steel cars look and how well VIA Rail has maintained them. (Sure, some may find fault here and there, but my take on that is these very same people probably have "issues" with most things in life - perhaps even Santa Claus!)

My single bedroom (Roomette) this time was at floor level and once getting my gear stowed, I proceeded to the next car, the Evangeline Park observation dome. The 11 car train was the same that brought me to Montreal in the morning - 2 FP40's (#6441 & 6405) - one baggage, two coaches, one Skyline dome car, one dining car, five Chateau series bedroom cars and the Evangeline Park observation dome car. Car attendants were the same as well, "Joanne" in the Park car and "Al" in the Chateau Brule bedroom car adjacent to the Park car.

Sitting up in the dome - front seat on the right side, I engaged in my familiar "routine" of watching the procession of commuter trains leaving with their cars full, heading off to their suburban destinations. On the right side were the electrified loco's (out of sight as they had backed in) and on the far left were the trains powered by F40PH's of Montreal commuter rail system, "AMT" - translated: Montreal Agency of Transportation. During my time in the dome, I did see on LRC consist arrive, powered by a Genesis P42 in that great VIA Rail livery.

6:30 PM arrived and the Ocean slowly left the station behind as once again daylight enveloped the train, giving new perspective to it all. Crossing the St. Lawrence on the Victoria Jubilee Bridge is always special. The Seaway below, with the ships heading off to their destinations, the automobiles, trucks and buses on the bridge, a passing commuter train to the left and of course the structure itself with a turnout to the right, over the water no less. Really is interesting to take it all in.

On this evening, I decided to forgo the dining car experience for two reasons. First, the menu was the same as our Thursday, May 5th trip to Halifax and my Sunday, May 8th trip to Montreal. Enough! Second, I just wasn't all that hungry - so a sandwich in the Park car dome, with a couple of Alexander Keith's pale ales "worked" well for me.

VIA Rail is about to undergo several changes to what many of their regular passengers have taken for granted. I posted a separate thread regarding these changes on two forums, and provided Email's to several people who requested this insight. So, for anyone interested in what these changes are all about - check the previous posts on this thread, and you'll find them.]

Remaining in the Park car's dome until about 10:30 PM, I finally gave in to the urge to sleep, and called it a day - a long, enjoyable day. I had accomplished that which was to be done - once again enjoyed the "light show" of the loco's headlight playing games with the shadows of the night along with the assorted reflections of color bouncing off the rooflines of the cars before me. The signal lights changing, the illumination within the structures within view of the tracks and the occasional highway vehicle racing along in the night. Always captivates my interests .......

Tuesday morning, May 10th and the last leg of my "solo" rail trip would be coming to and end this day. The day began a bit on the overcast side, no rain, just somewhat gloomy. Up at 6:30 AM Atlantic Daylight Savings Time, and directly to the Park car dome. A couple of "shots" of juice, coffee and cookies (purchased at one of the shops within Montreal's Central Station), provided me with the "start" I needed. "Joanne" was provided with her remuneration in the form of a new cookie supply for being so kind to me the day before.] More than one passenger asked about the "Continental breakfast," only to be told it no longer is offered (as explained in one of my previous trip reports.) Unfortunately, it appears VIA Rail didn't do a good job in keeping the passengers informed, especially those accustomed to this particular feature.

Breakfast in the dining car was enjoyable, as always. Several people were commenting aloud with regard to the "missing" continental breakfast in the Park Car's bullet lounge. It appears that good public relations was not enhanced by this move.

At Campbellton, New Brunswick - about a 15 minute stop - two VIA Rail engineers boarded the train as passenger. They were operating Train #15 on Monday night heading towards Montreal when, according to the senior Engineer, a woman apparently committed suicide right in front of their locomotive. A 42 year old woman stopped her vehicle on the tracks at Nigadoo, NB and waited for the train to hit her. The Engineers were taken off the train for return to Moncton on our train, somewh
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
  • 7,214 posts
"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment!
Posted by siberianmo on Saturday, June 16, 2007 4:09 PM

ENCORE! Saturday ‘n Photo Posting Day!

at "Our" Place!

We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs!


Starting Sunday at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!

 

. . . June 17th thru 23rd:  The Dirty Dozen (1967) Starring: Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, Jim Brown & John Cassavetes - and - FEATURE: The Three Stooges: Time Out For Rhythm (1941). CARTOON: Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner in Fast and Furry- ous (1949)

 

 

 

The Dirty Dozen (1967)

 

PLOT SUMMARY:

A model for dozens of action films to follow, this box-office hit from 1967 refined a die-hard formula that has become overly familiar, but it's rarely been handled better than it was in this action-packed World War II thriller. Lee Marvin is perfectly cast as a down-but-not-out army major who is offered a shot at personal and professional redemption. If he can successfully train and discipline a squad of army rejects, misfits, killers, prisoners, and psychopaths into a first-rate unit of specialized soldiers, they'll earn a second chance to make up for their woeful misdeeds. Of course, there's a catch: to obtain their pardons, Marvin's band of badmen must agree to a suicide mission that will parachute them into the danger zone of Nazi-occupied France. It's a hazardous path to glory, but the men have no other choice than to accept and regain their lost honor. What makes The Dirty Dozen special is its phenomenal cast including Charles Bronson, Donald Sutherland, Telly Savalas, George Kennedy, Ernest Borgnine, John Cassavetes, Richard Jaeckel, Jim Brown, Clint Walker, Trini Lopez, Robert Ryan, and others. Cassavetes is the Oscar-nominated standout as one of Marvin's most rebellious yet heroic men, but it's the whole ensemble--combined with the hard-as-nails direction of Robert Aldrich--that makes this such a high-velocity crowd pleaser. The script by Nunnally Johnson and Lukas Heller (from the novel by E.M. Nathanson) is strong enough to support the all-star lineup with ample humor and military grit, so if you're in need of a mainline jolt of testosterone, The Dirty Dozen is the movie for you. --Jeff Shannon

from: amazon.com

 

 

FEATURE: Time Out For Rhythm (1941)


PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry & Curly

Harvard educated Danny Collins (Rudy Vallee) and street-wise Mike Armstrong (Richard Lane) team up to form the most successful talent agency in New York. Armstrong is in love with nightclub and Broadway songstress Frances Lewis (Rosemary Lane), determined to make her nationally famous with his and Danny's help. Collins sees her, correctly, as a self-centered opportunist willing to capitalize on Mike's affections to further her career. Eventually, she causes Danny and Mike to split. Danny and his assistant 'Off-Beat' Davis (Allen Jenkins) meet Frances' maid Kitty Brown (Ann Miller), a shy tap-dancing wonder, and try to find her work... but without Mike, their new agency can't get going successfully. Mike is in the same bind.

When Danny has the opportunity to produce a New York television variety show with Kitty and Joan Merrill (as herself), he and Mike make amends. But Frances blackmails Danny, threatening to break Mike's heart if she isn't cast as the star.

Moe, Larry and Curly costar as out-of-work actors trying to find jobs thru Danny's and Mike's agency. They perform the "Maharaja" routine, the "Melodrama" sketch, disguise themselves as inept Western Union messengers to invade the agency, and masquerade as gangsters to trick Frances. The film's musical finale begins with the Stooges and 'Brenda & Cobina' performing a hilarious rumba number, with Curly costumed as Carmen Miranda *. An early showcase for Ann Miller's dancing talent, she closes the film with an energetic tap performance, as good as anything she later became famous for at MGM. Look closely and don't blink if you'd like to see Alan Hale Jr. (GILLIGAN's "Skipper") in one of his first acting roles, a small cameo in the opening minutes.

 

from: threestooges.net

 

See y'all on Monday - Happy Father's Day!

Tom Captain [4:-)] Pirate [oX)]

Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
  • 7,214 posts
"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment!
Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, June 17, 2007 7:50 AM

"Our" Place is CLOSED on Sundays - however . . .

 

1949 Lionel Catalog

 

 

 

 

1954 Lionel Catalog

 

Enjoy! Thumbs Up [tup]

Tom Captain [4:-)] Pirate [oX)]

Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • 901 posts
Posted by nickinwestwales on Sunday, June 17, 2007 8:23 PM
If memory serves James,the Ontario Northland has (had ) 3 CAT engined FP7a`s #2000,2001,2002 formerly used on the "Northlander" Toronto-North Bay -Cochrane train (#697 &698 ) now retired and stored on the dump track at nrth bay and relaced by G.P.38-2`s
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • 901 posts
Posted by nickinwestwales on Sunday, June 17, 2007 9:14 PM
  Good evening Captain Tom and gentlemen of the house-has been an interesting and somewhat eventful few months in this part of the world (believe me,you don`t want to know) and assuming that the ever faithful Leon and the always lovely ladies are prepared to accept sterling currency,I feel that a week of rounds of beers on my account would be a minimum re-entrance fee to the most exclusive club in cyberspace-----gentlemen,I cast myself upon your mercy....................................................................................................................
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Phoenix, AZ
  • 683 posts
Posted by EricX2000 on Monday, June 18, 2007 1:22 AM

So, there it is, the slot. Put this in and back home to get some sleep before the new work week starts.

Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!! 

Doug –  I don’t know how I managed to miss your post Saturday!Question [?] But I certainly did.Grumpy [|(] Now I have read it and looked at the pictures.Thumbs Up [tup] I should have checked about Pullman trying to identify the building in your picture, but I didn’t even though I knew it was from the Chicago area. I have a book about Pullman and I am sure there are some pictures of it in that book. Smile [:)]

Anyway, the facts about Pullman are very interesting. Too sad they are no longer around. But I guess the market for passenger cars are not that big anymore. I think Pullman State Historic Site would be an interesting place to see next year.Smile [:)]

Tom –  Organized march to the train doesn’t sound like any fun at all. Was it the same procedure this year? Question [?]

Obviously the same rules in Canada as in the old country for engineers operating a train involved in an accident (or suicide), immediately taken out of service. It is not a good experience. Nice trip report!Thumbs Up [tup]

Good movies on the Emporium Theahtre this week!Thumbs Up [tup] One of my favorite cartoons, the Roadrunner, and a good war movie, the Dirty Dozen! I have seen them both and I actually believe I have seen Time Out for Rhytm as well! I’ll be happy to see all three again!Smile [:)]

Thanks for the Happy Father’s Day wishes and a belated Happy Father’s Day to you!

Nick –  Nice to see you again, Sir! I am sure Leon and the ladies are prepared to accept sterling currency! Looking forward to more visits in the near future!

 

Clear!

 

 

Eric 

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
  • 7,214 posts
"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment!
Posted by siberianmo on Monday, June 18, 2007 8:18 AM

<w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/>

 

A smile to begin the week!

I'm so hungry right now I can't even look at food.

<A Yogi-ism!>

 

G'day Gents!

It's that day again <groan> Monday! However, brighten up your spirits a bit with a selection of a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board, freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee and a pastry or two from The Mentor Village Bakery! Yeah!! [yeah]

Hope all of you Dad's out there enjoyed "your day" and also if you're fortunate enough to have YOUR Dad in the world, had the chance to visit or chat . . . Thumbs Up [tup]

Having major access problems to the Forums . . . began at 5:30 AM (Central) and it's been over 2 hours trying . . . Both ‘puters . . . all other web sites "work" fine. <geesh>

WHAT!?!?! Nick has returned . . . Wow!! [wow] See below . . .

 

 

Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):

 

Eric at 2:53 PM Saturday - June 16th: A daylight visit from our Resident Desert Swede! Wow!! [wow]

 

Ruth was "in"???? Hmmmmm, Cindy works on Saturdays! Thought I heard some "rustling ‘round" up in the Penthouse Suite - perhaps I should've checked . . . <grin>

 

IF what you said holds true regarding those "points" from Doug - YOU may have my turn on the horse! <uh oh> I love animals, but for some reasons, hosses and Moi - welllllll, I'll ride trains thanx! Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

 

VIA Rail operates the Ocean between Montreal ‘n Halifax 6 days per week, both ways. No departures either way on Tuesdays. Given the ridership on that route, a 7th day would appear to be warranted, but I think it's more of an equipment and personnel situation than anything else - plus, funding is dwindling, dwindling, dwindling in terms of the government subsidy. Been that way for well over a decade or more . . .

 

Email received - many thanx! Thumbs Up [tup]

 

An interesting spate of fotos, fer sure, fer sure! Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup]

 

Bell??? Why that's the "world famous" girder bell in St. Louis!

 

Where was the MoPac Pix taken Question [?] If that was at the StL MoT, I missed it!!

 

And the direction to the airport is DOWN! <grin>

 

By the by, I got through Disc #1 of your Rendezvous Pix - really appreciate the effort you put into the "project" - all look fine to me and rounds out the experience, fer sure, fer sure! In stark contrast to the 2006 Rendezvous where the foto exchange just didn't materialize. Nicely done, Eric! Yeah!! [yeah]

 

 

Nick at 8:23 PM ‘n 9:14 PM Sunday - June 17th: What?!?!?! Is it REALLY our man from West Wales Question [?] I'll believe it when I see another visit. Wow!! [wow]

 

The welcome mat is always out for you, Mate - but I warn you, things have changed a bit since your last "regular" attendance. But then again, what or who hasn't, eh Question [?] <grin>

 

 

Eric at 1:22 AM Monday - June 18th: The "All Eric Show" continues as the mid-June doldrums have set in. Weekends are getting longer, the guys are getting "scarcer" but thanx to our Nocturnal Resident Desert Swede, there's still life on them thar stools! <grin>

 

No, the "organized march" was in Ottawa, not Montreal. The "organized pandemonium" worked well in Montreal! <grin>

 

Those mystery Pix are mind benders! Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

 

Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.

Thursday is Fish ‘ Chips Nite!

Friday is Pizza ‘n Beer Nite! - and - Steak ‘n Fries Nite!

Saturday is Steak ‘n All The Trimmings Nite!

Dinner begins at 5 PM Dinner [dinner] so come early ‘n often! Yeah!! [yeah]

  

Cindy is now our Saturday bartender! Yeah!! [yeah]

Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle! Thumbs Up [tup]

Tom Captain [4:-)] Pirate [oX)]

Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: WV
  • 1,251 posts
Posted by coalminer3 on Monday, June 18, 2007 10:26 AM

Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house, and $ for the jukebox.  Very warm here today with humidity to go with the heat.  I will be around this week so will try and cover the a.m. as best as I can.

Nick's back?  As Capt. Jack once said, "Why is the rum always gone?" 

OSP sent tons of pictures and a good movie choice.  I ran the table on Father's day; "Man for all Seasons," "Becket," and 1 4-DVD set of "Return of Sherlock Homes," with Jeremy Bret.  Incidentally, "Dirty Dozen" reminds me of some of my classes "back in the day."  Also, I remember those Lionel catalogs- wore the covers off of 'em!

Pete - Yes, I do remember the "Frost Report."

Eric  Thanks for the pictures.  You are correct re the DC streetcars.  We have snakes around here; mostly nonpoisonous, but we do have rattlers and copperheads, so one must be careful when out and about by the tracks.  Guess in the bell - DD40? 

DL stopped by - good to hear from you.

Fergie also stopped by good to hear from you as well.

James sent some most interesting TC&W material.  The shortlines or regionals have a lot to recommend them as they are small enough to understand, yet large enough to have some variety.  The TC&W color scheme is very similar to that of the Ohio Central.  We must find out more about a couple of those modified units.

Barndad - I guessed the Pullman Bldg. but your answer was posted way before this reply.  Anyway, as a "Captain of Industry," I'm ready to go - I assume we travel there by office car?

A couple of general comments.  The sign for the GG1 was pretty comprehensive, although folks often forget that they ran as far west as Harrisburg and also to Amboy on Jersey Coast trains.  If you can find a copy of Don Wood's excellent book I Remember Pennsy, you will find a good selection of pictures taken around Amboy - that's another place on my time machine list, folks.

Last, Boris helped me (thanks for holding the light, buddy) to find the C&O steam file(s) in the east wing. 

Now we can add a little more to Mike's Union Station shot of C&O 485.  This was a class F-18 Pacific.  It was part of a group (C&O 480-485) built at Alco- Richmond in 1923.  It had 46,900 pound tractive effort.  Incidentally C&O got a bunch of locomotives in 1923.  These included, in addition to the F18s, C&O 1495-1519 Class H-6, 2-6-6-2s, all built at Alco-Schenectady, and a p[air of Class J-2 4-8-2s (C&O 548-549 which came from Alco-Richmond. 

Incidentally, did anyone happen to see the most excellent piece, "Hll of Fame Dad" which ran on ESPN - every so often they cut through all of the usual bull and do something decent.

Also, for those of you who get ALTV on cable, they are running episodes of "Hill Street Blues," the last network-produced show that I would make plans to watch.

work safe

 

 

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
  • 7,214 posts
"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment!
Posted by siberianmo on Monday, June 18, 2007 11:03 AM

G'day Gents!

Good to see CM3 Shane on board this morning!  Email received 'n responded to - thanx! Thumbs Up [tup]

MORE Pix from the

2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis:

Saturday - May 19, 2007  

Grant's Farm - home of the Budweiser Clydesdales!

The Barn Weevil at Grant's Farm

Eric found a friend!

Da Boyz

Different hoss, same pose! <grin>

 

More later . . .

Tom Captain [4:-)] Pirate [oX)]

Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Along the old Milwaukee Road.
  • 1,152 posts
Posted by CMSTPP on Monday, June 18, 2007 11:36 AM

G-day Captain [4:-)] Tom and all present!

Ruth- Good to see you even if the weather is a little rainy. Could I get an OJ and a something Apple pastry! Thanks.

Well, I don't have a lot going on at the moment, so I decided to stop by and see how people are doing.

Doug- Well I think I lost that 1000 points.... It doesn't even spark a single thought in my mind. I think it's an old station of some kind but I'm not all too sure. It certainly has a bit of architecture stuck into it and that clock tower adds a bit of history to it.. ....... Oh so it's the Pullman administration and clock tower building..... I don't think I would have guessed that.. Well I tried to answer it above but I was not very close...... oh well.Big Smile [:D] Thanks for the history behind that building and the surrounding grounds. Now I see why you would give a 1000 points.. There were nearly 1000 rowhouses... So you gave a clue with the amount of points. Smart.Thumbs Up [tup] It looks like to me the clock tower burned and then was restored to its original state. Did it catch on fireQuestion [?] Thanks for the rest of the neat photos. Thumbs Up [tup]

Eric- Well the camera I got is Canon Rebel digital. I should be able to take some pretty nice pics with it. It should be here with in the next couple of days too!!!Wink [;)]

The TC&W is located down in southern Minnesota. It's headquarters are out of Glencoe. So they pretty much hall anything from corn, beans, Alcohol/ E85 which is making them a huge amount of money!!, gravel, and other mixed goods. There just a neat little short line that I thought would be fun to model.Approve [^]

That bell.... Hmmmm, I'm going to take a guess and say it's under one of Amtrak's Genesis units... But that's not for sure. Also thanks for all of the neat pics from St. Louis.Thumbs Up [tup] I see that the Missouri Pacific car is in need of a little help. She's starting to rust. Need to take it in and get it painted again. Then it will be back to it's original glory.Yeah!! [yeah] Also your pic of the airplanes was funny.Laugh [(-D] I don't think I would have thought of it that way. Thanks for all of the pics. Now I know the sight of in cab signals. Now lets see that train cruise along!!Thumbs Up [tup]

Tom- Your words are very true. As long as it's inclusive and ummm.. keeps guys out of "trouble," it works for me. But I should get some nice looking pics. I am quite excited about that. Big Smile [:D]

When it comes to model railroading there are no limits on creativity and artistic ability. It's whatever and wherever you want it. That's the beauty about modeling. If you can think of it, you can add it. I always liked this saying, "I wish my model railroad could be as diverse as my knowledge of trains." And I don't remember were I heard that from either. But I like it.Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

Also thanks for the article of the Canadian rail journey. You certainly saw some land changes while on your trip in Canada. You could be seeing mountains one day and a sea the next. That's what makes traveling by train so exciting. By plane you miss it all and by car... well I guess you could go by car but the train seems a little more inviting to me. That way you can sit back and enjoy the ride.Thumbs Up [tup]

Ah yes, And fathers day was here on Sunday. My dad was happy to come home and enjoy the little token presents we got him and of course a couple of steaks. It was fun. It's a little late but Happy fathers day to all those out there.Approve [^]

I see horses!! And some nice horses too... "Hay" wait one darn minute.. Is that a Budweiser sign.. So went to see the horses and see the beer too.Mischief [:-,] Maybe Leon and Ruth should look into this!!Wink [;)]

CM3- Well I know that the GP30C came from the SOO Line and then was painted into the TC&W scheme. They were originally built from GP30s but mostly resemble a GP35. I also know that the GP20C was rebuilt in the early 80s for the TC&W. Yet I cannot find a locomotive that matches this loco. I have looked at many locos and this GP20C has a GP20 with a GP38 stuck in with it. I suppose they put a locomotive together so it could  handle the CAT engine in it. The GP15C they have doesn't really resemble much. The loco sits on a GP35 walkway and cab with a mix loco parts and pieces to make the body of the GP15C. But I plan on tackling the GP15C next, after I have finished painting the GP30C I just built. I will have pics of it for you guys on Wednesday.Thumbs Up [tup]

Nick- Is that you!!!???Wow!! [wow] I can't remember the last time I talked to you!! It's good to see you back.Wink [;)] But like Tom said, I will also be waiting for your next post. But glad you popped in.Thumbs Up [tup]

Happy railroadingLaugh [(-D]

James  

The Milwaukee Road From Miles City, Montana, to Avery, Idaho. The Mighty Milwaukee's Rocky Mountain Division. Visit: http://www.sd45.com/milwaukeeroad/index.htm
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
  • 7,214 posts
"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment!
Posted by siberianmo on Monday, June 18, 2007 3:25 PM

G'day Gents!

I see James was in this morning . . . Thumbs Up [tup]

Continuing on with Pix from Day Three: Saturday - May 26th, 2007 - departing Halifax, Nova Scotia

 

Inside the VIA Rail Station at Halifax - waiting to board the Ocean

There's Pete!

 

The Ocean thru the glass doors

 

Now boarding!

 

Underway in the Renaissance service car - just leaving the station area

 

Farewell Halifax!

 

Of what used to be

 

To be continued . . .

 

Tom Captain [4:-)] Pirate [oX)]

Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: mid mo
  • 1,054 posts
Posted by pwolfe on Monday, June 18, 2007 5:49 PM

Hi Tom and all.

A round please RUTH to celebrate the return of NICKThumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup]. Sign - Welcome [#welcome]Back mate.

We are getting a fair amount of thundershowers through here most of the afternoonThumbs Down [tdn] so sorry this is a bit late.

JAMES.I enjoyed the details maps and photos of the Twin Cities & Western Railroad short line. Thumbs Up [tup]Those diesels look great in that deep red livery,Approve [^] they will make good looking models.Yeah!! [yeah] Many thanks for the link to the locomotive rosterThumbs Up [tup]. I see the line was visited by some UP power, the first for some time it said.

We have had some different companies locomotives through here lately with CSX and NS power on some auto racks, making a change from the usual UP locos.Approve [^]

That is a good saying about model railroads there are so many diverse aspects of our hobby of Classic Trains.

DOUG The Pullman town is indeed something to look forward to on the 3rd Rendezvous.Approve [^]Thumbs Up [tup]

Many thanks for the Town history and the photos. Yeah!! [yeah]

ERIC. Tom has answered the question about the locos we had on the Halifax run. If I recall correctly VIA Rail locos # 6400 and 6401, which passed us, were in Spiderman livery as well.

Many thanks for the Rendezvous photosApprove [^]Thumbs Up [tup]. The ones with the aircraft trails was a great shot.Wow!! [wow]

I will be interested to learn of which locomotive that bell is from; I think the DD 40 AX suggested by CM3 is a good bet.Yeah!! [yeah]

CM3 They were some great DVDs for father's day.Thumbs Up [tup] To me Jeremy Brett was the Sherlock Holmes I pictured many many years ago when I first read the books from the libraryYeah!! [yeah], although I read that playing the part had an adverse effect on Mr. Brett's health.Sad [:(]

Hill Street Blues was another programme that was never missed at my home in England; it was on at 10PM on a Monday night. I wonder why they do not make programmes like Sherlock Holmes or Hill Street Blues anymore.Question [?]Sad [:(]

An easy Quiz Question. ‘Which actor, who played a Lieutenant in Hill Street Blues played a Captain in a different profession'.Question [?]Smile [:)]

TOM I think it is OK with LARS for me to have the last weekends off as, if I am not at the bar, I cannot tell if RUTH is there when CINDY has the bar duties.Evil [}:)]

Enjoyed reading the Canadian Part III again Approve [^]and many thanks for the Rendezvous and the Halifax photos.Thumbs Up [tup] The horse in the first pic is the only one I think I would feel remotely safe onSmile [:)] and I don't look to be up to any good in the waiting room at Halifax Station.

Don't like the sound of "Aggressive Snakes" at all.Shock [:O]Thumbs Down [tdn]

Very good image for Father's Day.Approve [^]Thumbs Up [tup]

Another must see week at the EmporiumYeah!! [yeah]. No doubt there will be a lot of ACME products in the Roadrunner cartoon Big Smile [:D](I remember in one there was a crate and on the lid it said "Contents 1 ACME Wildcat")Shock [:O]. The Dirty Dozen is a classic with a very strong cast indeed.Yeah!! [yeah] Some of the film, if I recall correctly, was filmed on the BlueBell railway in Sussex England.

Perhaps with the return of NICK we will have a Head Chef [C=:-)]again.It is great to see NICK againThumbs Up [tup]

I hope you avoid the T-Storms we are havingYeah!! [yeah], if they do head that way it could well effect the Cards-Royals game tonight.

Well LEON another round please.

Pete. 

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: NZ
  • 242 posts
Posted by Gunneral on Monday, June 18, 2007 8:40 PM

Pete,

Try the "Alexander Dennis" website, they make double decker buses for London Transport.  Also the "London Transport Buses" site, they are currently trialing an electro-diesel bus similar to the petro-electric buses that were operated in the early 1900`s.  Flexi-buses take up too much road space and are not very successful.

Hope you find that info helpful, 

Allan

 

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Phoenix, AZ
  • 683 posts
Posted by EricX2000 on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 12:43 AM

Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!

Leon, tonight it is time for my Rumpsteak Café de Paris! Medium, please!

Monday again! Well, it's past Monday, one day closer to Friday!

Tom –  No, no, I would never take any points from you!Angel [angel] I’ll stay on the ground, you ride the horse! Mischief [:-,]

The MoPac picture was taken at the museum! You better put it on your list to see for your next visit!
Your are right about the direction to the airport. Straight down!Wink [;)]

Glad you like the discs. I was thinking about putting all pictures on a DVD instead of three CDs, but I was not sure everyone had a DVD-drive in their computer so I played it safe.

Ooops, I guess I was reading too fast or something. I was sure it was in Halifax you did the “organized march”. It must be the heat!Confused [%-)]

Nice and beautiful pictures from Grant’s Farm!Thumbs Up [tup] Good looking horses and a lot of green!

Another batch of pictures from Halifax!Thumbs Up [tup] I found Stealthy Pete in that picture, but I had to look twice.Wink [;)] Not too many passengers. I understand there is one daily train to and from Halifax. Nice pictures, and the march doesn’t look organized at all!

CM3 –  We have rattlers here as well and we have Diamondbacks! Doing so and so this season.Wink [;)]

The bell in the picture is not sitting on or under the DD40. It’s located under the front of the Aerotrain.

ALTV stands for what? I don’t think we have it on our cable. Too bad, because “Hill Street Blues” is one of my top favorite TV-shows!

James –  Rain? You should come here, we haven’t had any rain since mid April and then it was only .05”. I’ll be happy for some rain.

Canon Rebel is a very good camera!Smile [:)] Which one did you buy, the XTi? With 10.1 MP you will get pictures with very high resolution. Congratulations! What lens did you pick?

Thanks for the info on TC&W! Thumbs Up [tup]

No, the bell is under the front of the Aerotrain! No points today. The cab signal was from the X2000.

Pete –  Sorry to say, but DD40 is not a good bet when it comes to that bell. The correct answer is the Aerotrain. Smile [:)]

The picture below is showing the location of the bell on a DD40.

 

I took the picture of the contrails from Texas Eagle when we were approaching St. Louis. 

 

Eric 

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
  • 7,214 posts
"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment!
Posted by siberianmo on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 7:54 AM

<w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/>

G'day Gents!

Tuesday and the bar is open! Begin the day with some freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and a <light> or <traditional> breakfast too! Thumbs Up [tup]

So, the man called NICK has returned. Now we need to figure out just what's been going on. Perhaps a CONTEST is in order. Ya know, WHERE HAS HE BEEN ‘n WHAT HAS HE BEEN DOING Question [?] Could have a bit of fun with it. Hmmmmm, let's see - maybe a multiple "guess" would be appropriate:

Nick has been IN (a) spired (b) furiated (c) fatuated (d) jail

Nick has been DOING (a) naughty things (b) nice things (c) naughty-but nice things (d) the easy ones twice

Get the idea Question [?] <grin>

 

Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):

 

CM3 Shane at 10:26 AM Monday - June 18th: Back with a fine compilation of this ‘n that - also great to have you aboard for our 3rd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in Chicago 2008! Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup]

Thanx for the DVD ‘n TV rundown . . . ‘round these parts, a DQ ice cream-log roll was the hi-lite for Moi! Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

Filling the AM "slot" is of significant help ‘round here - makes for time to do other things! Round, quarters ‘n chat most welcome! Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup]

 

James at 11:36 AM Monday - June 18th: Covered lots of ground with that inclusive Post of yours - well done! Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup]

Somewhere not all that far back on the Pages is the agenda for our 2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis - those hosses were featured for Saturday. Couldn't have had our Barn Weevil in St. Louis without making time to view ‘em. Good Gawd Gertie, don't wanna see ‘n hear a grown man cry! Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

Good luck with your new camera - I recall doing some research on the Rebel and it's indeed has a lot of capability. Thumbs Up [tup]

 

Pete at 5:49 PM Monday - June 18th: Had a "doozy" of a thunderstorm roar through here about 4 PM - but all's settled down. Cards-Royals game is presently underway . . . not sure we'll make it through it, two poor teams playing a game with little or no meaning tonight. ‘Tis a long season. <groan>

Are you certain that BOTH of those F40PHs were in Spiderman livery Question [?] I should know better than to doubt the word of Eagle Eye Pete - but I'd be surprised that they'd run two of ‘em together.

This may come as a surprise to ya, but I've watched so few Hill Street Blues episodes that my guess would be far off, fer sure, fer sure.

Nice thought regarding Nick and the Chief Chef situation, but we've a long way to go before the man declares he's ready to resume such a responsible position! Wow!! [wow]

Regarding the movie, "The Dirty Dozen," here's the UK film locations:

Aldbury, Hertfordshire, England, UK (Devon village - Red Force Division 1 HQ)

Ashridge Management College, Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire, England, UK  (Marston-Tyne Military Prison - recruitment of the dirty dozen)

Ashridge Park, Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire, England, UK (near)

Beachwood Park School, Markyate, Hertfordshire, England, UK (exteriors)

Chenies, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Hendon Aerodrome, Hendon, London, England, UK (airbase)

Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire, England, UK

MGM British Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK (Borehamwood, England) (studio)

Markyate, Hertfordshire, England, UK (exteriors)

<source: imdb.com>

"Roadrunner" cartoons have become a "cult" thing with so many . . . Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: WV
  • 1,251 posts
Posted by coalminer3 on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 9:21 AM

Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.

We'll begin with OSPs postings.

Good information re the Dirty Dozen locations.

Let's see - a contest for Nick.  O.K. (Circle appropriate answer)

He was

On the road

On the train

On the bus

Under the road (culvert crawling)

Under the train

Under the bus

I really enjoyed the pictures of the Clydesdales.  They have them at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg as well.  Many of the farmers in my father-in-law's part of the world keep work horses; Belgians, Percherons, etc. They are, indeed, magnificent beasts.  He had horses as well b4 he got out of the farming side of things (age has a way of doing that).  Barndad will appreciate this as he had Arabians and Morgans. 

I truly enjoyed working with and around the Morgans as they have a real sense of humor.  BTW, a great horse book for the younger set (or for those who like horses in general) is Justin Morgan Had a Horse.  A lot of small logging operations up home use them as well as they selectively cut, and a horses are a lot less destructive than cutting a tote road and running heavy equipment.  You can go see Morgans either at UNH or UVM if you are ever in New England.

James - Ultimate kitbashing for locomotives. 

Pete - You have to remember that most audiences have the attention span of a fruit fly.  Also, it's all about the $ - reality show production costs are a lot less.  My guess is Daniel J. Travanti.

Eric - Missed the bell quiz (by a long way) - oh well, that's why we play.  ALTV is, I think, the logo for Alternate TV.  Anyway they do all kinds of old shows.

TVLAND is another good place for old shows.  Wants watch "Mr. Ed?"  Go there - I can hear Boris and the Mentor Pro Musica singing "A horse is a horse..." at their summer pops concert.  They are still, I understand, clearing the area of unexploded ordnance from last year's Christmas Concert - but we may get to hear soemthing a little later this season.  The Second Class Glee Club may be out on work-release after all - brush needs cut along the Mentor and Sounthern Narrow Gauge ROW.

Work safe

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: northeast U.S.
  • 1,225 posts
Posted by LoveDomes on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 10:32 AM

Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!

Ruth, my deAH, you are as radiant this fine day as the sun itself! Wow!! [wow] A round on me for the gang, treats for the crittAHs - tray of seed for Awk, bucket of cubes for Frostbite, saucer of brine for Tex and a LARGE jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris! For me, I think a tankard of Rheingold will do along with one of those snack trays. The change is yours, you sweet thang you! <blush>

And so, back where it all began for me. Home again and it has taken no time at all to find ourselves back in the routine of life on "the island." Hope that father's day was as pleasant for you as it was in my digs. Each year it simply gets bettAH at the Larsman hut. Don't know if we were being "prepped" for another trip AWAY, or . . . but to be serious, it was a fine day and really enjoyed being in and amongst the family once again. Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup]

Wow!! [wow] Was I surprised to see the emergence of one named nickinwestwales - Nick! Bow [bow] Thumbs Up [tup] Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg] Where in the world have you been, mate??? Ah, but I see there's a "contest" of sorts brewing . . . pretty good stuff I see from our Cap'n and also Shane. Well, wherever Nick has been AND whatever he's been doing, my guess is we'll be let in on it - bit by bit. Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg] Good to see ya again and hope that you'll find a way to rejoin this energetic, but small, group of earstwhile bar flies at the best of the cyber bars! Yeah!! [yeah]

I see we have a WEEK of rounds on our friend from Wales - but paying for it in Sterling, hmmmmmm. Hey wait a minute! "Their" money is worth a heckuvalot more than ours! Go for it, mate - go for it! Don't let the exchange rate get in the way - just "do it" without regard to differences! <grin>

That Lionel Poster post on Father's Day was terrific! Really "said" it all. 5-Thumbs Up [tup] Salute to our Cap'n!

Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup]

A visit from a guy half a world away and in New Zealand at that! Wow!! [wow] I think that's a first for us and in keeping with a "wish" our Cap'n has had for a long time. Get an Aussie and a Kiwi on board . . . that would be great fun! Thumbs Up [tup] Well, as the policy is to refrain from doing "back flips" based on one visit and one post - let's see if our visitor returns . . .

Needless to say I've enjoyed ALL of the pix provided by our leader. The rendezvous shots are terrific and those from the Canadian trip have been "right there" as well. Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup] Honestly don't know how you do it, Cap'n Tom, but you've really been putting forth lots of energy in getting those pix to us. Many thanks, mate and always know that your efforts are what keeps me coming back.

Got the rendezvous emails and surely looks great to see things falling into place so quickly. Thanks for providing them for me as "info" and I'm hoping that as the time moves on, perhaps I can be moved up to "To" which would mean I'm coming. Yeah!! [yeah] We'll see . . . . Long range thinking ‘n planning would have us away in May, down in the Keys is my guess. Another guess is we WON'T be in California!! Yeah!! [yeah] <groan>

On the sports front, I'm at a loss for words with what's happened to the World Champs! Good grief Charlie Brown! This surely can't be the same bunch that destroyed my Mets in the playoffs and embarrassed the Tigers in the series. Unbelievable what a new season can bring, huh??

So, we're in mid June and the Red Sox are looking strong in the AL east, in spite of some PP play and games lately. Yanks should shoot for the wild card. Mets looking like, well the Mets! Couldn't believe their last few series, but there's quite a ways to go. As long as they finish AHEAD of those Hotlanta guys, that'll satisfy me. Thumbs Up [tup]

Don't like inter league play any more. Getting really old and the ‘special' nature of it has been lost on the routine of Mets-Yanks, Cubs-White Sox, Cards-Royals, Giants-As, Dodgers-Angels, etc. Time to get back to separate leagues in all respects. Yeah!! [yeah]

Saw where the Spurs wrapped up another NBA title. Awesome group for the round ball fans. Don't get much media attention, do they?? Not the dynasty of the Celtics of old, but when you look at the past 9 years, well, they've been "in it" more than not. Thumbs Up [tup]

So the Ducks are the champs in hockey! Wow!! [wow] I am 100% in agreement with those who feel that the NHL shouldn't be in places like SoCal, Arizona, Florida, Texas and places where shorts are worn by other than the players! Thumbs Down [tdn] Anyway, I must admit my surprise at how easily they dispatched the Senators from Ottawa. Really figured it to be a tough series. Anyone but me notice just how many games throughout the NHL playoffs and finals were decided by 1 goal??? A record, I'd think.

And then there's the football camps! Ah, not that far off for the sweat, tears and torn muscles of July-August. <groan>

For Pete: I'd say that YOU are in deep <doo doo> when it comes to the hours you put in versus the "scoop" taken out! No sympathy from me, mate. Work hard, play hard is the mantra for the galley slaves crew ‘round here! <grin>

For Eric: You'

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
  • 7,214 posts
"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment!
Posted by siberianmo on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 12:56 PM

G'day Gents!

Thanx to Shane 'n Lars for the AM visits! Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup]

 

FINAL Pix from the

2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis:

Saturday - May 19, 2007  

 

Plaques for Da Boyz!

 

Plaque for Da Bride! <from Da Boyz!>

 

Carol ‘n Pete at Erio's Italian Ristorante - St. Peter's MO

 

Doug ‘n Eric

 

Tom

 

Sunday - May 20, 2007  

 

Farewell to Eric at the hotel in Chesterfield

 

Farewell to Doug at the St. Louis Amtrak "station"

 

That's it!

Tom Captain [4:-)] Pirate [oX)]

Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: mid mo
  • 1,054 posts
Posted by pwolfe on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 3:43 PM

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of Felin Foel please RUTHThumbs Up [tup] as NICK as buying the weeks beer.Approve [^]

Gunneral ALLAN Many thanks for the info to Alexander DennisThumbs Up [tup]. It is good to see a UK bus builder is alive and doing well.Approve [^] I well recall the name Dennis, as they have been building Fire Engines and equipment for many years. 

I do hope you take up TOM's advice to have a look at us here at Our Place as it is a great place to discuss classic railway matters and it would be good to hear of things in NZ.Yeah!! [yeah]

ERIC. I was going to say Aerotrain for the bell (HONEST)Angel [angel] but I had a look back of the photo of her at St Louis and decided the nose was too big as the bell seems pretty near the front of the cowling,Sad [:(] great photo.Thumbs Up [tup]

CM3 Liked the competition.Thumbs Up [tup]

The answer to the Hill Street Blues quiz is James B. Sikking, he played Lt Howard Hunter in the Blues and Captain Stiles of the U.S.S. Excelsior in Star Trek III movie.

You are right about TV shows; it was cookery programmes then no end of DIY shows I tremble to think what the next craze will be.Shock [:O]Thumbs Down [tdn] Luckily we have Turner Classic Movies.Thumbs Up [tup]

Looking forward to the report of the Menta Pro Musical Summer Pops Concert starring BORIS,Thumbs Up [tup] that will have the critters in the Can-Am gorge howling.Shock [:O]Smile [:)]

LARS Thanks for the round,Thumbs Up [tup] glad you made it back home OK and you had a great Father's Day.Thumbs Up [tup]

Sign - Oops [#oops]Looks like you have caught me out with my weekend dalliances; it is mainly Michigan Quarters in the pay tub anyway.Sigh [sigh]Smile [:)]

I won't say anything about the Dollar-Pound exchange rate, as when I do it sinks faster than a lead balloon.Shock [:O]

Enjoyed the round up of the North American sportThumbs Up [tup], talking of football, it is just over a month before the English football (soccer) starts again (August 11th). The team I Support, Shrewsbury Town F.C. has even got a picture of a match in the latest (British) Railway Magazine as they are moving to a new ground, and the old ground, was adjacent to the railway line. You could watch trains and football at the same timeApprove [^]. The line was quite popular with steam specials a few years ago, but they are not so many run on that line today.

TOM I will have to give the "Nick" competition some thought.Yeah!! [yeah] When Nick says in his post "You wouldn't want to know where I have been", Oh yes we would.Smile [:)]

I have had a look at some photos and although I cannot find a list of the VIA class 64XXs liveries. The photo of loco 6401 is in Spiderman livery but the only photos of 6400 are in VIA rail colors.Confused [%-)] I wonder if a locomotive was painted for the latest Spiderman film.Question [?]

Thanks for the list of the Dirty Dozen film locations.Thumbs Up [tup] It is a fair time since I have seen the film so the scene where the soldiers were training on a railway line may be from another film.Confused [%-)]

We had quite a few heavy showers through here yesterday; no doubt ERIC could have done with one in Arizona.Yeah!! [yeah] The bride likes the Cards to win providing they are not playing the Royals, the owner of Pat's Place is a big Cards fan and we may have to go down there if the Royals take a big lead tonightEvil [}:)]. (I know any excuse)Whistling [:-^]

Great photos from the great dinner we had at Erio'sThumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup], and we look no worse for wear after the Rendezvous. The plaque is by my puter.Yeah!! [yeah] Attended, Participated, Survived and Thoroughly Enjoyed the Festivities.Approve [^]Thumbs Up [tup]Yeah!! [yeah]

Another brew from the Llanelli South Wales Brewery please RUTHThumbs Up [tup]

Pete.

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: NZ
  • 242 posts
Posted by Gunneral on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 5:21 PM

Hi Pete, Tom and all of "Our' Place reborn! members,

Will take your advice and peruse the site more thoroughly, was just having a "nosey" through the forums and the bit about the London buses hit me.

I am an expat from Newcastle-on-Tyne, migrated from there in 1969, now retired and am trying to emulate David Haines superb model RR of the Raton Pass of the 50`s in N gauge.

If I can be of any help to you all regarding NZ railways info I will do my best to help.

Regards to you all,  Allan

 

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
  • 7,214 posts
"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment!
Posted by siberianmo on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 6:30 PM

SPECIAL for GUNNERAL - Allan

Sign - Welcome [#welcome] Aboard! This cyber bar 'n grill is home to an international crew! We'd be proud to have you join the gang from Sweden - Canada - England - Wales - and the U.S. We've got ex-pats and home growns. We've got railroad aficionados and those who simply enjoy the subject of Classic Trains!

So, should your time permit - feel free to join us at the bar. We have a cast of characters who will soon make you feel at home along with an atmosphere hard to match here in the Ether!

Boris - ring the bell and let's toast our newfound friend from New Zealand! Yeah!! [yeah] Leon - set up the bar! Thumbs Up [tup]

Looking forward to some Classic Trains info from your part of the world! Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup] Thumbs Up [tup]

Tom Captain [4:-)] Pirate [oX)]

Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • 901 posts
Posted by nickinwestwales on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 8:21 PM

Gentlemen All !! - A very good evening from the West Welsh end of the bar-I am truly touched by the warmth of your collective welcome back-so much so that even the mild trauma of being met at the Zeppelin field by the redoubtable Leon and held up by the ankles and shaken until all the loose currency about my person was released has immediately faded ...............

So-as we are all in comfortable surroundings once again,let the merriment proceed-A round of the Felinfoel Brewery`s finest Double Dragon ale for the house if you please Leon with chasers of the extra special rum (additional bottles are concealed beneath the floorboards of Boris`s shed ) with an accompaniment of that most British of bar snacks ,cheese & onion flavour crisps (chips) --PETE-you will have to explain this one.........

Right-to business:--

 Starting at the top--Capt TOM--Love the quiz idea (although in--corrigable was my first thought),some smashing pix from the recent get together -Your good lady looks as lovely as ever--would love to see some pix of the Can-Am operating session......R.E Spiderman livery,there are some good shots on the web of VIA F40`s working round To in that scheme....try tapping in " Canadiantrains " or similar-there is a huge library out there

CM3--A double edged sword on the Captain Jack reference-(what happened to all the rum--whooah-THATS what happened to all the rum )-both my favoured spirit AND the upcoming guest cameo of my favourite rock star (another rum drinker over a game of dominoes with his old dad -)-Also I was a great fan of Hill St Blues (be careful out there)-also on my list is heavy horses-little known fact-the origin of Londons Hackney carriages is Horses and carts from Archeney in Belgium which were brought over to London to provide the first coach-for-hire service in the British capital ..............The name became corrupted to Hackneys and history was made-my own family have a link here-my grandfather was one of the founders of the London General cab company,the largest black cab company in the capitol

PETE-awright mate ?--sit back and have a few beers on me-off to Devon this coming weekend -should be able to get pix from the Dart Valley & the crew up at Buckfastleigh-may also get across to Torrington and see whats happening over there plus maybe some main lin shots from the beach at Dawlish Warren--another pint of Dragon dear ??

LARS--You saw right through my little plan-still,surely a round of drinks works at whatever price ( Leon,leave me alone--I CAN pay,honestly   )

ERIC--How is the world with you   ?-still enduring that awful west coast sunshine -is not good for the skin they tell me.................

JAMES--How is the world with you ?--what progress on the layout-was looking good last I saw-have to admit,no progress at all on the South Ontario Bridge Line ,other than chasing away various rodents and spiders.............

Well gents,bedtime approaches-enjoy a drink or three at my expense-----what news of Trolleyboy ROB ????????

Hope to speak soon,regards to all,NICK  

SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter