For those of you following along at home:
CMStPnP_Map by Edmund, on Flickr
I initially selected Billings because it afforded a good connection to the Burlington Route to head south from Billings through Denver and into Texas where we could transfer for a quick run on the Southern Pacific for a shot into El Paso and then into Sunny Mexico for a few days of Siestas and Chimichangas.
I wonder if we can change trains at Fargo and continue west on the Northern Pacific? I'd sure like to take in some of that North Coast Limited action.
Here's a shot of the Empire Builder in "The Rainbow Era"
Empire_Builder by Edmund, on Flickr
Some folks believe the scenery is better along the Empire Builder route?
Builder_Stop by Edmund, on Flickr
I might agree
Builder_Dome by Edmund, on Flickr
Cheers, Ed
[edit]
Something got rearranged and I now find myself at the top of the page
Well, you know the drill by now. Leave your check with Flo and I'll sign the back and charge it to my room
Ed, you can route this train whichever way you want. You've done a great job so far -- I'm along for ride.
York1 John
I asked my doctor if I gave up delicious food and all alcohol, would I live longer? He said, "No, but it will seem longer."
gmpullmanI wonder if we can change trains at Fargo and continue west on the Northern Pacific? I'd sure like to take in some of that North Coast Limited action.
Sure. If we make it to Seattle I will jump off and see my baby!
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SeeYou190Sure. If we make it to Seattle I will jump off and see my baby!
Kevin, we hit Seattle back on the eighth, just before we popped into Vancouver. I'm pretty sure I remember seeing you there?
I heard a request to visit those big, square states in the Wild West so I thought we'd cut across Montana then turn left
gmpullmanKevin, we hit Seattle back on the eighth, just before we popped into Vancouver. I'm pretty sure I remember seeing you there?
Yeah, that's right.
My wife and I have been planning another drive to Seattle, so it has been on my mind today.
Yep, a left turn in Montana sounds good to me.
gmpullmanI heard a request to visit those big, square states in the Wild West so I thought we'd cut across Montana then turn left
Sounds good Ed! And I agree! the scenery is great!
Mike.
My You Tube
The Tampa Bay Bucaneers are going to the Super Bowl, and playing in Tampa!
When Tampa Bay signed Tom Brady and Rob Gronkoski we all joked. We got a quarterback with 2,000,000 miles on him and they threw in a beat up old tight end in the deal.
Well, I guess they did OK, those guys are taking the team to the big game. I never would have guessed this.
The World Is A Beautiful Place.
Evening all, it was a beautiful cloudless day again today. We spent a lot of time outside with all the dogs and our kids today. It felt like when they younger and we did things together more often rather than the University students that they are now.
The tile guys come tomorrow for the backsplash and then the kitchen is done. The wife was going to do the backsplash and then I convinced her to get the guys in to do it. This whole reno has us a little worn out with all the disruption. The restoration guy said that the insurance companies part of the bill was $52,000.00 and we paid for the new cabinets and seven new appliances and some other stuff which was close to that much again. The cabinets are solid maple and beautiful, the wife loves her kitchen, she wanted the kitchen done since she moved in but other things took priority like putting away money for the kid's university education which in the end they did not need any of. They will get it to help pay for a down payment on a house/home at some point but don't tell them.
So Ed is taking us back out West again, I remember Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas from a trip we took in 1966, I was nine. I thought I had gone back in time to the old West when I saw so many guys wearing guns with holsters in the towns we would stop at in those States. It is a vivid memory.
Yep, that's me, chicken legs, new cowboy boots (trying to fit in) and Yellowstone hat and T-shirt. That was a great trip, Dad took nine weeks off work and we hit the road.
My next job is ripping up the floor in the front hall, office and powder room. I may start tomorrow, I may not. I may just sit and drink coffee all day.
Friday is my Birthday and someone has visited PWRS as my Porters Points just increased. I have a standing list of wants there for all that love me and for all that are trying hard to get me to love them. My wife always invites friends and family over on my Birthday and the layout gets some additions and the wine rack ends up getting filled as well. They know what I like. I think it will be very quiet this year for obvious reasons. With so many friends and family working in the medical industry, it takes no convincing people to behave as they should.
I bought the wife a Macbook Air for Christmas and it comes with a free year of Apple TV. Don't know what they have to offer but I guess I'll find out. We get Amazon for free because we order so much, we also get Netflix and Disney and now Apple TV. I'll probably axe Netflix as my son and I don't watch much TV and my Daughter is good with Disney and Amazon. Wife watches very little TV as she still does a lot of writing in the Vet Med areas of her expertise and the dog showing/breeding thing.
Well time to take the dogs out for a last romp. The stars are amazing tonight, I think the colder the air is the brighter they shine. I will likely stay out for a while just to take it all in.
A photographer took this pic in Vancouver last night, a very carefully timed timelapse. I think I'll give it a try, where's my Brownie.
Those two bumps on top of the mountain are known as the Lions. That is where the "Lions Gate Entertainment" you see in movie credits derived its name from.
I have climbed to the top of them several times, nine hours straight up.
This is the view of them from the city.
All the best to all.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
I just went outside and checked the lawn irrigation.
There is some VERY thick fog outside right now. From the backyard I could barely see the motion sensor light on the house, and I could not see the street light out front.
When I came inside, I was damp from the condesation.
I am sure glad I do not need to drive tomorrow morning.
gmpullman richhotrain Geez, I drove down to Alton Junction just to say hello, but the train was gone already. So much for a trip to Chicago. And not one mention of Dearborn Station. I'm trying to be "all-inclusive" here but so far our itinerary has brought us into Chicago on the Century (LaSalle Street) and out on the City of New Orleans (Central Station) and this time in by Michigan Central (Central Station again) and out via The Milwaukee Road (Union Station) I doubt there will be time to get back to Chicago but if there is, maybe we can arrive on the Super Chief?
richhotrain Geez, I drove down to Alton Junction just to say hello, but the train was gone already. So much for a trip to Chicago. And not one mention of Dearborn Station.
I'm trying to be "all-inclusive" here but so far our itinerary has brought us into Chicago on the Century (LaSalle Street) and out on the City of New Orleans (Central Station) and this time in by Michigan Central (Central Station again) and out via The Milwaukee Road (Union Station) I doubt there will be time to get back to Chicago but if there is, maybe we can arrive on the Super Chief?
The only long term solution is to host the Diner in Chicago with emphasis on the near south side. Dearborn Station was the host to five owner roads - - - Wabash, Erie, Monon, GTW and C&EI. Its sole tenant was the revered ATSF. The trackage into and out of Dearborn Station was a four track mainline owned by C&WI which ran commuter trains into and out of the station.
Rich
Alton Junction
Good morning all. No frost today; just rain and more rain.
Ed. Enjoying the journey, thanks. Are we going to Boisie, Idaho on our trip? I could visit some friends if we our.
Some 'goodies' on the table.
Thoughts & Peace to All who Require.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
NorthBritEd. Enjoying the journey, thanks. Are we going to Boisie, Idaho on our trip?
Could your friends head east a bit and meet the train in Thermopolis, Wyoming for a while, David? That's about as close as we'll get to Boise. Then they could ride a few hunderd miles with us and take a return train from Cheyenne back to Boise on the Union Pacific?
UP, Boise, Idaho, 1979 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
UP_960-1980 by Edmund, on Flickr
(What a passenger train should look like)
UP_960_dir-1980a by Edmund, on Flickr
We got switched into the North Coast Limited very early this morning so we will continue west to Billings courtesy the Northern Pacific Railway
It looks like we will be fortunate with the weather through Montana:
BN_9822_Butte-MT by Edmund, on Flickr
https://streamlinermemories.info/?p=1407
There's our Milwaukee Road train passing overhead!
MILW, St. Regis, Montana, 1973 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
—
Speaking of bridges!
CSP, Ferdinand, Idaho, 1988 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
And one more for Rich —
ATSF, Chicago, Illinois, 1970 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
richhotrainLook no further, Mike.
Thanks Rich! Is there a web site where I can go to get a clearer image? This one is great, but when I click on it, it's pretty much unreadable.
I like your idea as a destination for the diner.
On to Billings! I have read that the North Coast has the best views.
mbinsewiIs there a web site where I can go to get a clearer image?
Try this one, Mike
https://railsandtrails.com/Maps/Chicago/C&WI%201953r65%20Chicago%20Dearborn%20Station%20BE-Bc200c.jpg
Good Luck, Ed
mbinsewi Thanks Rich! Is there a web site where I can go to get a clearer image? This one is great, but when I click on it, it's pretty much unreadable.
Good morning
Thanks for the continued Railroad excursion this month Ed
You had mentioned Billings North Dakota in part of our journey. I have only been to Billings once for my Sons first wedding. Unfortunately that marriage didn't keep but we got two beautiful Grandsons out of the deal.
It was a four-day weekend Christmas time wedding. I had this dark gray Italian suit with ghost pinstripes, black shirt and a red tie, looking good. I bought Judy a beautiful red winter coat so we matched.
At our hotel we had this crazy finlander bartender named Lester, the hotel owner's son. He was good people. We would go down there in the evening to eat and have cocktails. We tipped The Living Daylights out of him the first night so the rest of our time there our drinks were frequently free.
Our last day he invited us to his home for homemade venison chili. Judy's sister Kelly and friend Sue missed out on that one as they had to leave a day early.
The way he cooked his chili was lots of hot coals from his fire pit was put in a galvanized farmers bin in his garage over sand. He had some type of seaweed leaves delivered from the coast that he would put over and under the sealable iron containers and cover with more sand. The chili slow cooked for three days before he unburied it. Needless to say that was the best chili I ever had in my life.
My Son' second and final wedding was in Bismarck. There was a deck on the back of the hall with two BNSF railroad lines 20 feet away. I would go out there frequently when I heard the inviting noise. Long multiple locomotive coal drags. Full hoppers going east and empty ones going west. All with pushers and usually an intermediate locomotive. That added to the fun that night
Enjoy your day all
TF
Track fiddlerYou had mentioned Billings North Dakota in part of our journey.
Thanks for the great story, TF! Unfortunately, we're headed to the Billings in The Treasure State of Montana
So how about another bridge just to smooth things over!
Mike Criss by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
The world is a beautiful place!
BN, Terrebonne, Oregon, 1984 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
Good Morning All,
28F with about 2-3" of fluffy white stuff on the ground. Not bad and soft underneath so it shovelled right up. I'll have a nice hot regular coffee, please.
Thanks Ed. I was hoping to see one of the vaunted Little Joes on this trip. The equivalent of the New Haven EF3 freight locomotives they were a gift from Joe Stalin when we refused to ship them. Regauged and sold to Milwaukee they served with distinction.
If we do the left turn and get to Colorado we could do side trips on the Durango and Silverton or Cumbres and Toltec scenic railroads. For about a decade we did a yearly week long 1000 mile tour of Colorado (appropriately named the Colorado Grand). It was for vintage cars and benefited the Colorado State Police Motor Patrol widows and orphans fund. We paid for and were escorted by the motors on the route and every day we toured the most spectacular scenery immaginable. The tour started and ended at the Beaver Creek resort area and the cars were as spectacular as the scenery. My wife and I or my friend Charlie Parmelli and I drove the chase car with spares and tools using the same route map as the cars so we got to see it all. Best part was when the customers would get tired of driving their cars and opt for the comfort (heat or AC) of the Lincoln Town Car we used for chase. With a thousand pounds of tools and spares in the boot it handled the curvey roads well. When they would get tired I would get to drive the cars they'd brought - everything you can imagine from 1908 Fiat 14 litre two seater to Ferrari and Aston Martin Zagato drop head. The open secret was once you got into the sticks you could go as fast as you liked within reason so long as you didn't speed in populated areas so you got to experience the cars as they were intended. Out of all of them my favourite was an Austin Healey 100-4 that I had prepped. It was just impeccable on the twisty bits and there are miles of that out there. Railroads? Oh yeah this is a train site isn't it. Unfortunately we never had the time to do a side trip on the tourist railroads and the event is not one we do anymore.
Oh well, back to the shop - I'll lurk now and then through the day. Ciao
GMTRacingThanks Ed. I was hoping to see one of the vaunted Little Joes on this trip.
I posted one passing over our N. P. line back a few replies, Sir! But, hey, why not? A cuppa Joe for you and another bridge for TF
Milwaukee Road in Montana, by Steve Patterson by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
There's one of these Little Joes in the railroad museum in Erie, Pa. about an hour away from me.
MILW, Loweth, Montana, 1973 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
Another bridge or three to smooth things over is always best Ed and I thank you for that.
A few times in my business I made some mistakes in my Billings through the years. So I guess it's nothing new
As it turns out our North Coast Limited will be passing right through Richardton, North Dakota!
Hello LION!
BN, Richardton, North Dakota, 1980 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
Regards, Ed
I'm retiring on Friday. That does not mean I won't work. On Monday, I start work as a VP/CFO of a community college in Kansas. This has been in the works for a couple of weeks; but was made official at the college's board meeting last night. Which means I am moving. My wife will hold down the fort in Texas until she retires in May; we'll sell the house, and make a semi-permanent move to Kansas.
In the interim, i'll rent a house. I am taking lots of model railroad projects, because I will have something I don't have now; which is time for model railroading.
And Kansas has basements! I can't wait!
richhotrainI think this will work.
Thanks Rich and Ed! I'm comparing it to a Google satellite of current area. Wow, is all I can say!
Happy retirement tin can Good for you
After shelling out a bunch of bucks for my Brother's birthday present.
Twin Cities & Western # 2301 standard DC. And Twin Cities & Western # 2300 DC/DCC with sound, I felt the need to buy me a little something
I have a one-of-a-kind Great Northern fantasy boxcar coming from Blue Caboose custom paint. They custom paint and decal N scale locomotives and rolling stock.
It will be a bit exciting running to the mailbox like a little Kid in 4-5 days
tin canI'm retiring on Friday. That does not mean I won't work. On Monday, I start work as a VP/CFO of a community college in Kansas.
Congratulations, Tin Can! You will enjoy the basement. Kansas is a great state -- not quite Nebraska but close!
Today was the 4th day in a row that I have shoveled snow (or I believe it's shovelled for some of you), although this morning it was just an inch or two.
I love all the pictures of our trip. I traveled the western U.S. by train when I was a kid, but I was so taken with the train I didn't pay attention to the scenery.
I know I'm repeating myself, but this new laptop is like getting a new car. Everything works great. It actually starts in one second. My old laptop sometimes took a minute to start, even with most of the startup programs turned off. I think the solid state drive may help this one start faster. I know next-to-nothing about computers, other than the few things I do with them.
I'm really enjoying the diner's trip.
mbinsewi Thanks Rich and Ed! I'm comparing it to a Google satellite of current area. Wow, is all I can say!
The station closed on May 2, 1971. All of the freight houses were bulldozed shortly thereafter, but the track remained in place for a few more years.
In early 1977, plans were drawn for a housing development early in 1977.The development was to be called Dearborn Park, and Phase I construction began in November of 1977. Residents began moving into Dearborn Park in 1979.
In 1988, Phase II began south of Roosevelt Road between Clark Street and State Street and residents began moving in beginning in 1990.
Today, Dearborn Park is fully developed with a mix of apartments, condominiums, and town homes.
Good morning ....
Ed .... You are doing a great job ! People are suggesting you include more good places, but the month is nearly over. ..... My suggestion: Continue the journey into February. If you don't mind doing the thread two months in row, we could keep moving laong in February. What do you think about this idea?
Speaking of Billings, MT ......... If I could turn back the clock to the 1950's, I would like to ride the Burlington train from Lincoln, NB to Billings. From there, I would ride the Burlington train to Denver. Both trains moved slowly for hundreds of miles of mostly unpopluated areas.
It is winter, and here is the eastbound Denver Zephyr in Lincoln, NB many hours late because of blizzard conditions. Two freight locomotives are leading the usual E-units.
Everybody ..... Have a nice day.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Post Hog!
Man did I screw up! I know you can operate DC/DCC & sound hybrid locomotives on either a DC or DCC set up. The locomotive has a built in sensor that automatically switches to the correct mode.
I just got off the phone with Yankee Dabbler and asked if you can run a standard DC and a DC/DCC in consist at the same time, which for some reason was my understanding. The gentlemen's reply was NO! They will fight one another and you will fry one. The DC one will be pushing or dragging the DCC one while it is still in warm up starting mode. Glad I called and asked.
No harm no foul. I guess I get to keep the DC one and buy my Brother another DC/DCC one. I think I like this end result better anyway, ...
One has to start learning all this stuff somewhere I always pay attention here but I still have a long ways to go with this stuff. I find a lot of it confusing
Track fiddlerPost Hog!
Yup, a post hog for sure.