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real 3-rail tracks

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Posted by 1688torpedo on Monday, June 20, 2005 8:56 AM
Dave. Looks like you took a photo of real life Super "O" In Manassas. Maybe you found the prototype of Super "O" That Lionel used.[;)][:)]
Keith Woodworth........Seat Belts save lives,Please drive safely.
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Posted by lionelsoni on Saturday, June 18, 2005 8:42 PM
There have been instances of a prototype third rail in the middle; but the idea never seemed to catch on. The tiny pantographs on early Lionel boxcabs are prototypical and were meant to run on an overhead third rail--not a wire--in the tunnels around Manhatten. The London Underground (subway) uses four rails, two to run on and one in the middle and one at the side for power.

Bob Nelson

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Posted by FJ and G on Thursday, June 16, 2005 1:50 PM
Thanks Chief, but I've gotten the hang of using it mostly from Tom.

Doug,

Not a problem. I don't look quite as suspicious as you (just pulling your leg :-)).

Truly tho, in the photo biz, to get the great shots, you need to follow this line of reasoning:

"It's always preferrable to ask forgiveness than to ask permission."
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Posted by ChiefEagles on Thursday, June 16, 2005 1:29 PM
Really doing some good work with that camera. I am going to have to take lessons from you and Tom.

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

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Posted by cnw1995 on Thursday, June 16, 2005 12:39 PM
I've seen '3-rail' years ago when I was but a lad at the Cog Railway on Mt. Washington NH. (Not quite the same thing) but the ride was neat. ;)

David, does anyone on VRE ever comment on your picture taking? I used to shoot out the window at the RoW but Metra's a bit paranoid.

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

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Posted by FJ and G on Thursday, June 16, 2005 12:28 PM
daan,

Hard to see from those pictures but appeared to be oil or coal spil. But at train speed from my vantage, looked to be Gargraves.

Downtown Manassas has some interesting structures dating to the 19th century. It was an important junction during the Civil War, and in fact still is.

Not as picturesque (Lionelesque) perhaps as most of Holland, but nonetheless is our USA real, live version of Plasticville.
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Posted by daan on Thursday, June 16, 2005 10:13 AM
Well, if the track gets a rebuild with new rails, they always put the new trackparts between the old rails. it also looks like a 3rd rail.
What really suprises me on the last picture is that it really looks like a picture of lionelville or something. The same streetfurniture, laterns, houses etc..
Daan. I'm Dutch, but only by country...
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real 3-rail tracks
Posted by FJ and G on Thursday, June 16, 2005 10:08 AM
Real 3-rail track

Spotted some this morning on the way in to work via VRE





some bonus pictures taken this morning at and near Manassas, Va.




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