<approaching Montéal's Central Station - personal foto>
A smile to begin the week!
Seated in the backseat of a car when the rains began to fall, Yogi said, "Where's that coming from?"
<A Yogi-ism!>
G'day Gents!
Ever notice the difference in some calendars where the beginning of a week is concerned Here in the states it begins with Sunday, whereas in many other places, it's Monday. Hmmmm, wonder why the difference Hmmmm. Well, no matter - ‘round here, "it" all starts anew on MONDAY! Sooooooooo, fill up the mugs, check out the pastries, ‘n order yourself a breakfast in order to jump start the work week <for many>!
Doom ‘n Gloom here in the land of the Clydesdales as St. Louis' cornerstone industry has been gobbled up by the Belgian-Brazilian behemoth, INBEV. RIP, Anheuser-Busch you "done good" for this area. They closed the deal on Sunday in the AB hangar out at our local airport here in Chesterfield . . . lots of private jets ‘n helicopters with all kinds of security. You'd have "thunk" there was something going on in a national-security-like sense. <barf> Anyway, it's done ‘n I don't envision any changes to the beer, which of course is the bottom line to the guys at the bars across the landscape.
Also noted that Bombardier of Canada has decided to keep the production of their new-generation regional jet up there, rather than in KCity . . . a wise decision, in my humble OH-PIN-YUN. As a Missouri resident 'n taxpayer, I'm <censored> sick 'n tired over these "tax concessions" constantly being thrown hither 'n yon, whilst those of us with homes keep paying more, more 'n more. Wise decision, indeed! so, Boris - ring the bell 'n give 'em doubles on the 'spiked OJ' . . .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):
Sunday - July 13th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 54 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 7:44 PM <1:44 AM Monday GMT>: And our Chief Chef has found reason to pay a call on Sunday evening at the Tavern by the Tracks. We know how much you enjoy the atmosphere of an after hours gin mill . . .
Videos of those early Brit flicks may be found in the drawer beneath the largest of our big screen consoles - always good for a view, eh And of course they were shown at the Emporium Theatre a time or two . . .
Regarding your thoughts on track plans for our OP-SHUN-UL Toy ‘n Model Trains Day <aka: Pike Perspective's Day> - probably wudda been better-er when we had model railroaders participating ‘round here. Far as I know, you ‘n I are the only ones' with a pike. However, any contribution along those lines would be a PLUS at the Bar by the Ballast. I'm just not sure we'll see it go the way you'd like . . . BUT - keep on thinking, Mate - never let the "flies" take roost! <yikes>
Much appreciation for keeping us in your thoughts ‘n sparing a bit of your time with the chat!
Page 54 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 10:43 PM: A weekend stop by our Manager!
Was a rather "civil" SELL-A-BRAY-SHUN on Saturday, but with a surprise or two to keep the day festive as Lars, Pete ‘n Eric provided the daylite Posts followed by the "usual suspects" in the evening!
Weekends were "made" for doing the things we can't get A-ROUNDTUIT ‘tween work days . . . A round trip aboard the train - a day in Toronto - sounds just fine to Moi!
Precisely my point, who knows what the Earth may be known as for other inhabitants of things thing we call a Universe
Enjoying your keeping the "thumb" on our Bar Chandler . . . he's slicker ‘n snot on a door knob! <ugh> Yeah, go ahead ‘n steal that one too!
Thanx for the visit ‘n chat . . .
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 so come early ‘n often!
Cindy is our Saturday bartender!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Tom
Good morning Ruth.you look <ahem> rested after a busy weekend ( at least Friday and Saturday )Just the usual a number three and the extra large "splashed" thermos of coffee.I see that Boris has puit a few pounds on with Lars aloowing the two jars of large ppf ( his perrogitive of coarse )Sooo Boris a day of romping in the canyon for you and only a small ppf today once of coarse you've seen to the critters
Tom-Yes it twas a good day in Toronto,lots to see and do ran teh full lenght of teh ahrbour front streetcar route as the condcert was out at the Molson Ampatheater at Ontario Place,got two or three round trips in on the Yonge subway as well.We went by GO this time as we knew the concert would run alter than VIA's return sched to Brantford would allow,it was nice though as the ten minute drive to teh Aldershot GO station and it's free parking was much better than the alternative of driving all the way to Toronto.
I'd have to say that I would not like to have to touch any slippery snot ( that's what Boris is for ) He has a collection don't you know. I'm sure that Pete found it in his last cleaning of the shed.
Any waya few photo's before I'm off like a herd of turtles. No Boris ,turtle soup in not on tonights menue.Perhaps on the half shell though, hmmm we need to talk to Nick.
CLRV on Parliament street
Small Witt 2766 ( still owned and chartered by the TTC ) on Bloor street during it's 1970's tour tram service.
Bombardiers HR412 demo train when it was being flogged to the CP,it's numbered in CP's demo num,bering scheme.
One of those seldom scene things a Sperry rail services track inspection truck in Wood stock Ontario. ( No Boris the big concert was not held there )
Sperry track car in Toronto.
enjoy folks
Rob
Rob, our Manager made it "in" during the AM, which of course frees me up to provide a little something - ‘n takes the "heat off" Pete too! <We KNOW how much he detests early Monday "anything"!!>
Now Arriving on Track Number One
Hi-Speed Rail ‘round the World
#1 - United States - United Kingdom - Sweden
United States
Development of high-speed rail in the United States can be traced back to the streamliners in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. These systems, in turn, can be traced further back to the competing companies operating different routes between London and Scotland, and to railways in Germany and France. Several factors, including a blanket 79 speed limit set by the FRA in the 1940s, as well as the easy availability of national air travel, contributed to the stagnation of rail passenger transport in the U.S. just as Europe and Japan were pushing forward. However, high jet fuel prices, congested airports and highways, and increasing airport security rules regarding liquids and electronics that force most travelers to check baggage make high-speed rail options more attractive. There has been a resurgence of interest in recent decades, with many plans being examined for high-speed rail across the country, but current service remains relatively limited. <from: wikipedia.com>
For remainder of narrative, click the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_rail_in_the_United_States
Acela #2000 at BWI station - 16 Sep 2003 <foto credit: Chao-Hwa Chen/Public Domain>
Designated hi-speed corridors <GNU Free Documentation>
Caveat: These corridors "won" designation as part of the process for funding from federal ‘n state tax dollars. It is noteworthy that all of the mid-west corridors ("spoking" out from Chicago) have been approved by the respective states with the EXCEPTION of Missouri. So, there is no need to get excited - Pete - it ain't coming here!
United Kingdom
Following the successful opening of the first phase of High Speed 1 in 2003 there has been much debate in the British national media and specialist rail circles on the merits of constructing further high-speed rail routes in the United Kingdom. The international definition of high-speed rail for new lines is those with a speed of at least 250 kilometres per hour (160 mph) and for existing lines those with a speed of around 200 kilometres per hour (120 mph).
The fastest current UK domestic services operate at 125mph (201km/h) on the West Coast Main Line (WCML), East Coast Main Line (ECML) and Great Western Main Line. Attempts to increase these speeds to 140mph (225km/h) on both the WCML and ECML have failed for various reasons, principally because speeds over 125 mph (201km/h) require in-cab signalling. (See the lines' respective articles for further details). However, trains capable of 225 kilometres per hour (140 mph) will be introduced on domestic services between London and Kent along the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) in 2009 - although this is technically not high speed rail by the accepted definition described above.
Perhaps because of the continuing growth of high-speed services across continental Europe and the frustrations encountered by domestic rail projects in the UK, there has been a growing movement within industry and latterly government circles for the inclusion of a new North-South line in transport policy. <from wikipedia.com>
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_rail_in_the_United_Kingdom
The Advanced Passenger Train was Britain's first attempt at a stopgap towards a true high-speed line, which was cancelled due to financial constraints. <foto credit: Max Battan/Wikimedia Commons>
A Virgin Trains Pendolino and an EWS freight train pass each other on the West Coast Main Line near Shilton in Warwickshire, England. On the left can be seen the Oxford Canal. <Foto credit: G-Man, March 2006 Public Domain>
Sweden
Sweden today runs many trains at 200 km/h. Train types include the X2 tilting trains for long distances, the Regina widebody trains, the X40 double-decker regional trains, and the Arlanda Airport Express X3. Since both the X2 and X3 are allowed to run at 205 in case of delay, they can technically be considered as high-speed trains. The X2 runs between many cities in Sweden including Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö. The Arlanda Express trains connect Stockholm and Stockholm-Arlanda Airport. <from: wikipedia.com>
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_rail_in_Sweden
X2 train used by SJ AB of Sweden <foto credit: SJ AB w/auth to use>
2008 map of 200 km/h hi-speed rail <GNU Free Documentation>
Enjoy!
Here's some trivia regarding "Our" Place III . . . good for lining bird cages <Awk 'n Artie comes to mind!> . . . Anyway, if we still ran the Mentor Village Gazette, this is the "meaningful stuff" you'd find following the obits . . .
"Our" Place III Special Day Posts <all dates ‘n times recorded in Central time zone>
3rd Year Anniversary - 12 Apr 2008 <begins on Page 10>
Eric - Dan - Tom - Dan - Lars - Tom - Pete - Eric - Tom - Eric - Tom - Eric - Lars - Eric - Pete - Tom - Dan - Lars - Pete - Tom - Pete - Eric - Tom - Lars - Pete - Tom - Eric - Mike - Nick - Pete - Nick - Allan - Nick
Monthly Anniversary - 12 May 2008 <Page 25>
Tom - CM3 Shane - Tom - Fergie - Pete - Tom - Rob - Nick - Nick - Nick
Monthly Anniversary - 12 Jun 2008 <Page 39>
Eric - Tom - Tom - CM3 Shane - Tom - Pete - Rob - Nick - Nick - Tom - Nick - Rob
Canada Day - 01 July 2008 <begins on Page 48>
Dan - Tom - Pete - Rob - Tom - Tom - Tom - Pete - Tom - Tom - Rob
U.S. Independence Day - 04 July 2008 <begins on Page 50>
Eric - Dan - Tom - Rob - Tom -Fergie - Tom - Eric - Nick - Nick - Tom - Nick - Allan
Monthly Anniversary - 12 July 2008 <Page 54>
Tom - Pete - Tom - Lars - Tom - Pete - Eric - Nick - Allan
"Our" Place III "Page Turners" of note
Page 10 - Tom - 11 Apr 2008
Page 20 - Rob - 30 Apr 2008
Page 30 - Tom - 23 May 2008
Page 40 - Rob - 13 June 2008
Page 50 - Pete - 03 July 2008
We now return to our regularly scheduled programming - entitled: Waiting for Pete's Monday Posting! <geesh!!> Hmmmm, maybe - just maybe he'll drop off a foto over on my lonely Thread . . . Nah. <triple geesh!!!> C'mon, Bar Chandler - we need a ROUND!
Good afternoon/evening Captain Tom and all present!!
Leon, my friend, a ham sandwich would be just perfect this Monday afternoon and a cold Tui!
At least it is still afternoon here in the desert! Can report that I am now able to get to my photos again but I can't add any new ones yet.
Nick – I agree with your observations! "Our" Place is a good place to learn the history of different railroads around the world! Every day there is something new to learn! Good to hear that the rain stayed away when Hannah was in the folk dancing festival! I bet she loved it!You did a great job fixing this place after that wild Anniversary Party! You are right, it was a wild night!!! Allan – We haven’t been that hot here the last week but it is going to warm up this week so you’ll soon have a package of heat at your door step. Tom – Who is putting up all those crazy signs? Vito? No, I am just trying to help Senior Manager Lars so he doesn’t get into any trouble. Who do you think throw away those photos from the Penthouse Suite? Made a copy for the archive though, just in case.Alaska is on my list! Whenever I get a chance, off I go. Not this year though. Two good movies at the Emporium this week! Lonesome Dove and Bound for Glory! I have seen the first one many years ago, but I’ll be happy to see it again! You wonder why weeks in calendars in other countries start with Monday? I guess they learned that Sunday is the seventh day when God rested and I don’t think he rested the first day of the week. I heard the sad news about Anheuser-Busch. Don’t know what to say, but I don’t like it. High Speed Rail, interesting topic. Somewhere I have a pretty detailed map with all High-Speed Rail corridors in the US. I’ll see if I can find it. I saw that St. Louis – Jefferson City – Kansas City is included! But not Los Angeles – Las Vegas. The X2000 is geared for 210 km/h (130 mph) as of today. The reason they haven’t increased the speed to 220 or 250 km/h (155 mph) is because there are still a number of grade crossings and grade crossings are not allowed at speeds faster than 200 km/h. I have to have a closer look at “Our” PLace III Special Posts! Rob – No, I don’t think people got too confused seeing all the mud last Thursday night and last night (more rain). Mud is just another word for juicy sand. An interesting mix of photos! I am kind of surprised that the HR412 locomotive doesn’t have any ditch lights. I guess the CLRV is a pretty modern streetcar in Toronto.Just a few old photos today.
Track for the light rail line in Phoenix. Service will start Dec 27 this year.
X2000, track 16, Union Station, Washington D.C. 1992.
Eric
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams please RUTH well it was RUTH when I started but had to go to the dentists this afternoon as the temporary crown was too temporary. I have caught up to the bottom of Page 54 and it is getting a bit long so I will post this and put my comments for page 55 tomorrow.
ERIC Really hope you are able to get all the photos that have been messed up straightened out and I hope you are OK from that heavy rain, in your area, they were talking about on the news today.
Many thanks for the photo of Durango, the bride and I had just arrived in Durango and after checking in to a motel near the station went for a walk in the town. We heard a train whistle and just as we reached that road crossing the train was returning from Cascade. It was the first locomotive I had seen in steam in the United States.
Yes when we rode the train the next day it only ran to Cascade Wye. There was no snow at all when we went to bed but a good snowfall stared in the morning.
NICK Very good words indeed about the bar, yes I too sometimes feel as the bar is a magazine, but with a lot more humour than in railway magazines in general. Looking in the first Bound volumes of the Railway Magazine from 1897, at the Barriger Library, in the early issues they featured a fictional story with a railway connection and those Railroad Magazines which covers Tom features, have articles written in a style that seems to have disappeared nowadays.
I feel the same way about the letters page, one of the best parts of any railway magazine or a newspaper for that matter.
Sounds a great day at the Folk Dancing Festival you must be very proud of Hannah taking part.
I must admit I could watch Hey Mr. Porter and the Titfield Thunderbolt at any time. I think Titfield was one of the first ‘Ealing Comedies' filmed in colour and inspired by the Talylyn preservation. A gentle comedy with some truly classic moments like the Steam Roller v Locomotive joust and the loco running through the streets.
ALLAN Glad you liked the photos, the Durango and Silverton really is a very scenic line and to be hauled by steam as well.
I wonder if the folks in England will detect any part of an American accent in me when I go back there.
Yes it was a great game of Rugby; we got to watch it at Pat's on one TV while Baseball was on the other. I thought that the ABs was going to win after the BOK's captain was yellow carded and missed the last of the match. The bride is getting to like Rugby but is not impressed when it is all forward play and backs don't get the ball but Saturday's game was how Rugby is meant to be played I thought.
ROB Glad you had a great time in Toronto and had a good time at the concert.
Glad you enjoyed the Durango photos, I have never understood why calendar makers never show snowy scenes for the hot summer months to make us feel cool and pictures of hot summer days in the winter instead of the other way about.
I did not get much of a chance to read the fine print on my chandler's contract, Guido said it was ether my signature or my pint of Bathams on the contract, can't waste a pint of Bathams so I signed.
The bride, who saw the beaver incident, said it shot out of the verge alongside the Katy Trail and headed straight for a cyclist fetching him off his bike, luckily at slow speed.
How I wish there was a shop here that sold British railway magazines.
TOM It was a really good weekend at the bar I thought.
Many thanks for the kind words and I am glad you enjoyed the Durango photos.
There must be a difference in the law concerning abandoned railway track beds in the UK and the USA and how the way the Right of Way was obtained in the first place. It is an interesting subject.I know I read, but did not fully understand, how the old KATY Bridge at Boonville could affect the whole trail if it was removed.
It seems that you get great weather for your adventures on the rails, like Alaska your Canadian trips and the Rendezvous, long may it continue.
Many thanks for the link to the Branson Scenic Railway; I really must see if we can take the Bride's mom on a trip on the line.
Two good films on at the Emporium this week and two films I would very much like to see. A Western with Robert Duvall in it is bound to be good and Woody Guthrie's story, of course the Stooges. .
Well LEON it will have to be drinks on me for the rest of the evening for my late post.
Pete.
Hi Tom and all,
The usual round of Tui`s for all the guys` please Leon.
Pete. Agree with you about the AB`s/Boks game, it was a pretty free flowing spectacle, that last try was a beauty! Nice to hear your bride is picking up on the rugby, are you getting her interested in the cricket at all?
Nick. From my memories of the flicks, "Oh, Mr. Porter" a good belly laugh with Will Hay playing a bumbling Station Master in Ireland mixed up with a group of crims. The " Titfield Thunderbolt" another good belly laugh with Stanley Holloway and a village taking on running a local branch line to prevent closure versus the local bus company, the real star of the flick was the live appearance of "Lion" the second oldest running steam loco.
Rob. Will have to keep on hoping that the Lotto win turns up. Another fine selection of trolley, loco and Sperry cars` pix from you.
Eric. Send as much of that dessert heat as you like. Some nice pix of the signal with caboose, Pheonix light rail track work, and your X2000.
Tom. That's not a bad gas mileage for a 5 cylinder Volvo, I was quoting my mileage in UK gallons which are a tad larger than the US gallon. Nice choice of flicks for the weekend, especially the Woody Guthrie one, as he spent a lot of time riding the rails, which showed up in his songs. A nice link to the Branson Scenic RR and a very interesting write up on the Hi Speed trains in the USA, UK and Sweden with the pix and the links. We eventualy found that the pasting shortcut "Ctrl+v" was`nt working properly which was causing the dial up to cut out for some reason! Very interesting break down of all the posts on our special days`.
See ya, Allan
Just a nite cap for the boyz, Leon . . . figured I'd stop by to letchano that there's a probability of my being scarce for most of tomorrow morning 'n early afternoon. Have THREE appointments to keep . . . <yikes>
Appreciate the "early" Post from Eric 'n the fotos! Saw on the TV that Phoenix got inundated with a monsoon! Hope the flooding didn't adversely impact you 'n yours.
Pete, I hate to tell ya this, but you've lost two days at the bar due to that tooth problem AND you're NOT on our dental plan! <uh oh> Probably time for you to pay a call on our Village Dentist - Toofs 'r Us <A Vito Enterprise, LLC> <grin> . . . Email regarding "trip" received 'n responded to, by the by!
Allan - don't know what we'd do without ya, Mate - keep that Tui coming to us from downunder . . .
I'll compile more detailed commentaries for my next 'round of acknowledgments . . .
Drink up - sleep tight!
Good evening gents. Leon a round of the best for all those concerned
Tom-Thanks for the heads up we shall endeavour to fill your conciderable shoes. No Boris you won't need your garden gloves and wheelbarrow. great info on the high speed rail,the links made for some interesting reads.To bad your state has yet to approve the plan.I know you ahve been there , done that , tried your best so no further comment is required.
Interesting trivia answers as well,been doing a little research Is see.E-mail heading your way tonight as well BTW.
Eric-I further Tom's concern re the monsoon. Hopfully the wet squishy mud dosen't become quicksand great photo's as always. I like the ROW for the new light rail, looks like they have tried to make it blend in with the area as much as possible,which shows some class.The CLRV's are the most modern cars in toronto and the first bacth is quickly approaching their 30th birthdays. Mind you they are very well maintained and have been updated several times.
Allan-Keep buying those tics, just don't get them from the little shop outside of the second class saloon.
Pete-Oh dear more tooth work eh. Hmmm I told you not to miss payments on your tab.For a moderate premium we can get you on the corporate plan,thast or you could always go to teh teaching clinic where the work is done free by the students I hear that H&H are concidering becomming dental hygenists
So let me get this straight the beaver darted out and tackled the guy on the bike.Sounds more like a mugger than a beaver.
The day after Monday has rolled ‘round - best thing I can come up with is, the coffee, pastries ‘n breakfasts are ready! tup]
<Note: prepared on Monday nite . . . >
Monday - July 14th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 55 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 9:38 AM: Morning visit from our Manager with some fine fotos! Nice selection across the spectrum on interests for steel wheels rolling on steel rails! Bombardier livery "way cool"!
Way too gross for me, regarding Boris' "collection" - some things are better not being known. <yikes>
Appreciate the visit, fotos ‘n chat!
Page 55 - Eric <EricX2000> at 6:55 PM <4:55 PM Sandbox time>: Just check the times between your arrival ‘n the one above from Rob - a drought at the bar, fer sure, fer sure <aside from the two I put "up"> . . . we surely can do better ‘n that. Anyway, appreciate the "early" arrival - came at the right time, fer sure, fer sure!
Now that the world's largest brewer has been "made," only time will tell of the impact all of this will have on this area ‘n others in the U.S. where AB has a total of 12 breweries, counting the one here. InBev has stated they are going to leave the breweries in tact - keep the Clydesdales ‘n continue the grants to the community. I guess that's an encouraging ‘sign.'
I think what makes this acquisition so hard to take is that AB has been a "home grown" outfit that made it's way to the top by NOT destroying smaller breweries through hostile takeovers ‘n the like. They became the #1 in the U.S. by being competitive ‘n providing a product that the consuming public wanted. That's the "old fashioned way," eh They surely will be missed ‘round these parts . . .
Presuming the calendar makers believed in God . . . I concur with you!
That Hi-Speed Rail Corridor map supposedly is the latest . . . it's from the Dept. of Transportation <via Wikipedia of course>. . . don't know how much more detailed it needs to be.
Work had begun in earnest from Chicago south to St. Louis a few years ago. They made great progress, as I understand it - got just a bit north of Springfield ‘til funding ran out and/or infrastructure nightmares cropped up. Haven't any facts to back that up - all anecdotal - I'm out of the loop.
Missouri isn't going to see anything like that in the foreseeable future as the last time I was involved in the discussions in JCity - they couldn't agree on whether to run the line where it is or go north of the Missouri River where there'd be fewer grade crossings. That's the major obstacle - redirecting ‘n re-engineering those things - jacks up the costs quantum fold.
Clarity ‘n detail in your foto spread is simply fantastic - many thanx!
Page 55 - Pete <pwolfe> at 7:47 PM: Figured it had to be something on the order of an "emergency" to keep you from the bar . . . then again, being Monday - who knows!!?? Sorry ‘bout the toof problem . . . <ouch>
Saw you logged in earlier in the day - also saw Fergie ‘n Eric. Hoped at least one of you would come through so that I wouldn't have to Post to myself. <groan>
Didja see where Amtrak was "up" 83% in Missouri for May travel Now if only something could be worked out to get Ups freights outta the way! <groan>
Suggestion: when catching up - try the most current to oldest - that way you'll know what is going on NOW. At least do that to catch the AM summary and anything else I may have put up . . . otherwise you'll be way behind the curve in knowing what's going on. Just a thought . . .
Email response received ‘n replied to . . . thanx!
ROUND, visit ‘n catch-up effort most appreciated!
Page 55 - Allan <Gunneral> at 9:21 PM <4:21 PM Tuesday NZ time>: Amazing how something as ‘simple' as a keyboard function could <and did> screw up your internet connection! Only a ‘puter Geek would understand such things . . . hmmmmm, maybe we should send you to Molly Throttlebottoms Adult Learning Centre for the late summer session on Troubleshooting Computers or Shoot the Computer - take your pick! <grin>
These are tuition free courses, with the tab picked up by our slush fund - all expenses to/from including after class ‘wind down' session at the bar included!
I was wondering ‘bout that great gas mileage ‘n figured it had to do with the "measurement" of the gallon. Now it makes sense! Still good though, especially in these times.
Break down on the Posts ‘n stuff was simply a "filler" while waiting for our Bar Chandler. Kinda like treading water!
Email received ‘n responded to - thanx!
Many thanx for the continuing support for this joint ‘n the ROUND of Tui!
Page 55 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 11:01 PM: Way past my bed time, but wanted to get as many of the acknowledgments compiled before hitting the sack. Morning is going to begin in a hurry! Juneau first - breakfast - then "it" begins . . . <arrrrrgggggghhhhh>
Actually, I had very little to do with the hi-speed rail project. Just happened to interact with those who did. My efforts were more aligned with keeping Amtrak running and trying to get light-rail to our community. Amtrak is still running <success!> and the light-rail is light years away <failure>. That's batting .500 - in baseball I'd be a super star!
Many thanx for the visit, chat ‘n ROUND!
A cup of coffee and a bacon sarnie please RUTH.
I thought I would drop off a couple of photos as Tom said he would be away in the morning.
Ex LMS class 5 4-6-0 No 45337 at Keighley at the start of the preserved branch to Oxenhope, as can be seen it is a sharp climb out of the station which is a junction to BR' s Leeds to Carlisle/ Carnforth line.
A couple from the Museum of Transportation at Kirkwood.
I can't find this interesting vehicle in the guide book.
FEED ME Firebox of the Big Boy.
.
Back later with my post.
Morning Ruth. In for a quick top up. A number three and a large thermos of the good stuff.Keep the change as always.I see that Boris ahs fed the critters so let him have the small jar of ppf ( gotta watch his girlish or is that gorrillaish figure )herer'a twenty for the slush fund as it looks like Molly is getting a new student. Plenty of room for Allan though Pete and I will keep him on the straight and narrow.
Tom-Got the e-mail thanks,verything is dually noted.Lets see a .500 batting average is pretty good. You should ask for A-Rod type compensation,( with ALL the fringe benefits )
It's good that you got as much done as you did when you had your talks in J city.Most people would have thrown up their hands and tossed the towel in. which is sad.I imagine if the Amtrak numbers hold steady over the long haul those new lines may yet materialize,prices are kind of dictatiiong that anyway. hatever tehy do try to make sure they make it surface transit,beyond grade crossings and river crossings etc.It's far cheaper to build above ground than under.
No worries about the gas miliage we get a good 37- 40 to a gallon on the highway with both cars ( US gallon )I have a back up anyway we aquired a large hamster and hamster ball which we will cut into the back axle,we've been feeding "killer" ots of high protien muscle building powders and potions and he gets his final injections tomorrow. Just don't put your fingers through the cage as he's not exactly friendly( once they get the taste of meat <uh oh > )
Pete-I hope your new crown is to your liking and comfort.(hopefully we don't have to refer to you as yoru majesty from now on ) Boris was confused at this when you mentioned the crown he started shopping for an ermine cover and purple velvet for your stool
Great photo's today,love the Big Boy firebox. You could roast a pig or two in there. Hmmm Our Places corn and pig roast may now have an appropriate cooker.
Lets see a few random shots for this morning.
A PCC on the Harbour front route in Toronto
TTC's lone Peter Witt 2766 by the Hillcrest shops
Snow sweeper S37 at the museum.
Our open car 327
enjoy
A pint of Bathams please RUTH
TOM Interesting about the calendars. I have two from England here and one starts the week on Sunday and the other Monday.
Yes bad news about the INBEV take over, I only hope they keep their promise about the Clydesdales and all the other good things that link Anheuser-Busch to the St Louis area.
Another great new series many thanks. I must admit I did get excited when I saw St Louis to Kansas City as a high speed line until I saw Missouri had not approved the designation, still if it was built I guess it would roughly follow I 70 and not come through here anyway. I was surprised to see there was not a high-speed line from Chicago to the East Coast to a city like New York. But Boston to Montreal could be interesting if it ever got built.
In the British part I had not realized there was that many studies on a new north and west of London high speed lines. I guess what could really push for a new line was if the amount of freight carried on British railways was to dramatically increase, although with amount of money being spent on the West Coast upgrade presently it seems a new line would be a long way off in the future.
It was a shame the APT project was not carried on with, it was certainly ahead of its time when it came out. Great photo at Shildon, about 10 miles from my old house, showing a class 66 and a Pendelino.
The Swedish X2s are classy trains. It will interesting to see if the new Stockholm to Gothenburg LGV style line does get built.
Enjoyed the trivia that would have appeared in the much-missed Mentor Village Gazette. I think I am right in saying you are the only one to have been at every anniversary, although a couple of us as missed just one. I had fun looking through them.
I am sure the cement VITO uses for his galoshes is a lot stronger than the dentists use.
I had not seen that the Missouri travel on Amtrak was up 83%, although it has been evident that a lot more people are using it lately on my travels, I just hope that no one gets in a jam by using it and being very late getting where they want to go, like that lady with a plane to catch last time I traveled to Kirkwood.
ROB We had a bit of live theatre on Sunday, our friend's daughter was in a production of Big the Musical a very good show it was too.
Many thanks for the great photos. I like the Small Witt car and the HR 412 demo locomotive is in an interesting livery. Do you know if the Sperry Track car #147 was converted from an earlier car.
Yes at one time I believe BORIS served at the Transylvanian Court as keeper of the Privy Dragon or something similar although he does not seem to want to talk about it much.
H&H as dental technicians not a thought to dwell on, the saying No Pain No Gain would have a whole new meaning
Apparently the beavers in Missouri are like that.
That's a good idea for the Big Boy; the pig roast would be safe from AUK's Stuka impression, while it was cooking.
Many thanks for today's trolley photos. The trolleys look in wonderful condition and it is great to see No 327 again.
There was a very brief clip from the Farnbourough Air Show on BBC World this morning, so it must be going on now.
ERIC Glad you have got your photos back today's selection are great, thanks. Hopefully you will be able to post new ones soon to your site. I just wonder though, if was not those ‘archive' photos from the Penthouse Suite; that crashed the system, the timing seems about right.
With the West Coast modernization a lot of grade crossings have been eliminated, a few with the road being closed but most with a new bridge or underpass for the road, no doubt very expensive to do.
ALLAN The match was on again tonight and caught the last 15 minutes of it, it is the sort of match well worth watching again.
I think getting the bride interested in Cricket may be harder, someone must have told her about it and put her off saying it can go on for 5 days and still end in a draw. To me though, there is nothing quite like the sound of ball on the willow especially the village cricket club on a summer evening..
Well RUTH a round please.
I'm baaaaaaaaaack ‘n happy to have that round of places to go over with! <phew> Hot out there - summer has come back! <groan>
Really a treat to see Pete - Rob ‘n Pete <again> answering the call! Means a lot, guys - thanx! Have a fill-up on Moi! <clink>
Now to something not seen at the bar before . . . another threesome from my series of Heralds - Drumheads - Ads - Covers ‘n Stuff!
Heralds - Drumheads - Ads - Covers ‘n Stuff #5
Boston and Maine Railroad
The Boston and Maine Railroad (AAR reporting marks BM), also known by the abbreviation B&M, was the dominant railroad of the northern New England region of the United States for a century. It is now part of the Pan Am Railways network.
The B&M flourished with the growth of New England's mill towns in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but still faced financial struggles. It came under the control of J. P. Morgan and his New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad around 1910, but anti-trust forces wrested control back. Later it faced heavy debt problems from track construction and from the cost of acquiring the Fitchburg Railroad, causing a reorganization in 1919.
Beginning in the 1930s, freight business was hurt by the leveling off of New England manufacturing growth, and by new competition from trucking.
The popularization of the automobile doomed B&M as a passenger carrier. It cut its Troy, NY to Boston passenger service back to Williamstown, MA in January 1958 and gave up on long distance passenger service completely by 1965. It was able to continue Boston commuter service only by the aid of subsidies from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. In 1973 the MBTA bought the rolling stock and tracks near Boston from the ailing B&M. The B&M filed for bankruptcy in December 1970. During bankruptcy, the B&M reorganized, rebuilding its existing fleet of locomotives, leasing new locomotives and rolling stock, and securing funds to upgrade its track and signal systems. It limped along through the 1970s, and reportedly was on the brink of liquidation during 1973-1974. The B&M was offered to merge its properties into the new Conrail but opted out.
By 1980, though still a sick company, the B&M started turning around thanks to aggressive marketing and its purchase of a cluster of branch lines in Connecticut. The addition of coal traffic and piggyback service also helped. In 1983 the B&M emerged from bankruptcy when it was purchased by Timothy Mellon's Guilford Transportation Industries for $24 million. This was the beginning of the end of the Boston & Maine corporate image, and the start of major changes, such as the labor issues which caused the strikes of 1986 and 1987, and drastic cost cutting such as the 1990 closure of B&M's Mechanicville, NY site, the largest rail yard and shop facilities on the B&M system.
<from: wikipedia.com>
Maine Central Railroad
The Maine Central Railroad (AAR reporting marks MEC) was a railroad in central and southern Maine. It was chartered in 1856 and began operations in 1862. It operated between South Portland, Maine, east to the Canada-U.S. border with New Brunswick, west to Vermont and north to Quebec.
The Maine Central was created initially through the merger of the Androscoggin and Kennebec Railroad and the Penobscot and Kennebec Railroad, resulting in a line from Danville (now Auburn) to Bangor. The line connected with the Grand Trunk Railway on its Portland-Chicago mainline at Danville and with the Bangor and Piscataquis Railroad in Bangor. As a result of its connection with the Grand Trunk, the Maine Central initially operated on a track gauge of 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) known as "Canadian" or "Portland" gauge.
Following World War I, Maine Central began retracting. It sold or abandoned lines such as the narrow gauge logging systems, as well as its ferries and steamships. In the 1930s it began to change its locomotives from steam powered to diesel powered. Beginning in 1933, Maine Central entered into a "joint management" agreement with the Boston and Maine Railroad, with which it shared the Portland Terminal Railroad (a switching railroad in Portland).
In 1955, Maine Central completed a purchase of the E&NA line from Bangor to Vanceboro which it had leased in 1882. The deal consisted of $125 per share or $3,114,500 payable in cash or bonds at the election of the E&NA shareholders.
Faced with increased competition from cars, trucks and buses, Maine Central operated its last passenger train on September 5, 1960, and continued to reduce its freight business to reflect changing traffic. On December 17, 1974, Maine Central sold its trackage between Mattawamkeag and Vanceboro to Canadian Pacific for $5.4 million while retaining trackage rights from CPR over the section of line.
Central Vermont Railway
The Central Vermont Railway (AAR reporting marks CV) was a railroad that operated in the New England states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, as well as the Canadian province of Quebec.
It connected Montreal, Quebec, with New London, Connecticut, using a route along the shores of Lake Champlain, through the Green Mountains and along the Connecticut River valley, as well as Montreal to Boston, Massachusetts, through a connection with the Boston and Maine Railroad at White River Junction, Vermont.
On December 12, 1927, the Central Vermont Railway entered receivership (again), and was reorganized January 31, 1930, to form a new company of the same name.
Under the Grand Trunk and later the Canadian National, the Central Vermont system saw many of its unprofitable branch lines abandoned. The CN continued to operate the CV as a modestly successful system, however in the process leading up to the privatization of the CN, which took place on November 28, 1995, several non-core routes were identified for sale - one of these being the CV.
On February 3, 1995, the CN sold the CV mainline from New London, Connecticut, to East Alburg, Vermont, to shortline operating company RailTex, which renamed the property New England Central Railroad and continued to operate the line much as before.
On February 4, 2000, RailTex was merged into RailAmerica. Operations have continued to present as before.
Good afternoon Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Ruth, my dear, how nice to see you this sunny day! A 34 special would be perfect. Yes, a Tuborg Gold, please!
Stopped by to get a good lunch. Kind of a slow day today in this part of the world. Not too hot but very humid so it feels pretty bad outside.
Pete – I am sure I will get things about my photos straightened out but it will probably take a few more days. Where we live we got about 2” of rain last Thursday night and the backyard was kind of flooded (couple of inches) for a couple of hours but it never reached the house. Last dump of rain did not hit our area, it was east/southeast of where we live. We just got maybe 1/10 of an inch. So Durango was where you saw the first steam locomotive in steam in the US? Not a bad place for that event. I have some video of the train coming in to Durango and also from Silverton. I am going to transfer it to DVD’s. A good snowfall? How can a snowfall be good? Hmmm, you have listening to Tom too much when he is talking about snow and ice. The vehicle you can’t find in the guide book is at the bottom of page #23. It is a steam inspection locomotive built by Baldwin 1889. You tok a picture of its rear end, in the guide book the front end is shown. I guess it was a good thing Big Boy was fed by a stoker. Nice photos! Ah, I never thought about it! But now when you mentioned it I checked and those archived photos from the Penthouse Suite are gone!! Hmmm, that is strange, isn’t it? Where is Vito? You are right, it is expansive to eliminate grade crossings. That is why it has taken so long in Sweden to get rid of them. They are still working on it.I am sure the new high speed line between Stockholm and Gothenburg will be built.Email received, will respond later tonight.Allan – I’ll see what I can do about sending the heat. The postage went up recently, but I’ll send what I can get. Tom – As I mentioned to Pete, we got 2” inches of rain last Thursday, but since then we have been on the edge of the storms. I saw on the news this morning how the cities in the valley are cleaning up all the mud deposited on roads and streets. Let’s hope AB will continue opeating the same way it always has under the new ownership. But I still don’t like it. Calendar makers and God? I don’t know, but I remember when I grow up calendars in Sweden all had Sunday as the first day of the week. I think it was in the 60’s they changed to having Monday as the first day. We’ll see if the high gas price will help creating any high speed corridor through Missouri and other states. I am afraind the gas price is not going to drop much in the future, maybe down to about $3/gallon. Rob – A flooded backyard for a few hours was not too bad, so we are not complaining. At least the house is still dry inside. Too bad I can’t show any new photos right now, we went to an event last weekend where they celebrated that the construction phase of our new light rail system is almost completed. In August they will start training operators. The first light rail vehicle made it to downtown Phoenix with some invited passengers a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for the info on the CLRV’s! If they are maintained properly and updated they will last forever. Any PCC’s still in operation or are they used only on special occasions? The good thing is that they will start building an extension early next year less than a mile from our house. A couple of photos.
A few years apart!!
`Scuse the quick hit`n`run guys....urgent heads up for PETE:-got an E-Mail from U.P.S earlier about some delivery that they were unable to make `cos of a problem with the senders address,assume this must be the book relay-problem is,when I tried to open the attachment with details my anti-virus program tripped and locked the whole thing out-If it was the book,you will need to trace it from your end-but BEWARE OF GREMLINS make sure you are protected before opening anything--good luck,
Back in a bit
QUICK HIT for Nick!
An Email has been sent to you, Pete 'n Eric regarding the RR BOOK RELAY 2008!
Let's continue this by Email . . . THANX! Unless of course you've lost the capability <yikes> . . .
Well good evening gentlemen all-I trust the week is dealing kindly with you (esp. PETE,the new crown prince of Mentor ).
Leon-set `em up for the boys please old thing-there`s a keg of Brains S.A under that cloth at the end of the back counter that should be just about perfect by now,so lets have a look at it.....
Right,am several days behind again so straight to catch-up:-
ALLAN-Sounds like the rugby was a mighty battle-shame the wrong team won -interested to learn that the X.P.T`s have different coaches-only examples I have seen are the LIMA models,which are obviously just repaints for the export market.....
ROB-The only `shots` which could make Steve socially acceptable are hollow-point .45`s-and I speak as a dear friend,fellow musician and best man at his wedding.........Delighted to hear that Heather is a Brownie-friendly person-my sis was pretty tight with the Metro district commissioner at one time-in fact I think she might hold some sort of honourary post still-was involved with organising some exchange visits with the local troupe-various links here too complex to address.....Must admit I enjoyed my time as a scout hugely-the only uniform I have ever taken pride in-was not only senior patrol leader but the only one in the troop to attain any badges ( orienteering,hand axe & knife,fire lighting & camp cooking-nothing to do with Graham Kerr...)--Small Hannah is off to her first Brownie camp this weekend-much excitement-not least `cos it means I can have a few drinks at our C&W gig on sat.pm then go onto an all-night loony party with some old friends of ours that we see far too rarely....hubba hubba oink !!!!
ERIC-Appreciate your thoughts R.E cameras-I suspect that an upgrade might be in order-not sure if this will require new software or not-currently we are using a FUJI finepix A34-would prefer to stay with the same basic `house` system and just upgrade the camera if poss.-we shall see............
TOM-Trust me my friend-your daughter was playing her clarinet perfectly in key-it was the rest of the band that were out-As a parent I know these things -whilst on this theme-Small Hannahs school have just released a disc of all the kids and teachers singing everything from `Mama Mia`to various Welsh language chapel songs-lovely-my mum plays it constantly-imagine my gall-30 years in the business and my daughter gets an album out before I do -and doesn`t she let me know it...........
Jumping out of sequence-your post on high-speed trains--watched a prog. last week about the A.P.T-gist of it was,was killed by the media-explanation:-whole project was underfunded from day 1-no suprises so far-was pushed into launching before full testing carried out (if I have it right,the design team for the original tilting mechanism were kicked into touch and a new system brought in at the last moment-perhaps the boys can comment here)-the early tests revealed a phenomenon known as `tilt-sickness`-a variant on sea sickness,related to the middle ear-B.R were desperate for some good P.R and pushed for public trials-these took place in extremely cold weather,the tilting mechanism worked-but very jerkily-all the journalists had been wined & dined (with the emphasis on the former) the previous night and were all sick as dogs -the resultant bad write-ups pretty much killed the project.........Now we have loads of tilting trains-all built in Italy to more or less the original design-the guys who first came up with it are suprisingly sanguine about it all.........I would be mad enough to stomp kittens,but thats just me...........
DAN-Footpaths-there`s a clue in the title really-fully agree with the `right to roam` act but I don`t think it included bloody great 4x4`s really-have a note here about Mk 2`s & 3`s but is several days old so will have to refer back........
FERGIE-The matter of the 2nd hand subs is no place for levity on my part,after all,good people died for no good reason--shame on us Brits is my take here-we let you down after all you have done for us.........On the matter of Euro stock that hasn`t made the grade over there-how about the Ontario Northlands use of the former T.E.E sets-not exactly a conspicuous success.....P.S-Have a safe trip mate
PETE-Lovely pics of the Duchess -just imagine what she would have looked like leading a Bournemouth-Bath summer saturday excursion through the Mendips.......It just so happens I have one in my model fleet and she will take the first up express on the re-opening day gala (and the Bulleid pacific will take the first one down )...........
AND HERE IS OUR MANAGER EMERITUS AND ALL ROUND GOOD-EGG-----SIR LARS(cacophony of trumpets etc) Delighted to see you dear boy-glad the boys have prevailed on you to take some time for yourself-is most important-carers need time to care for themselves-is not selfish -is just recharging the batteries ready to dive back into the fray--Our thoughts remain with you mate -hold the line my friend...
Right-here my notes get a little vague...
I have:- PETE-freight,M.O.W (anything),Durango------free beer for anyone who can put context to that.............
Also TOM-LAR`s private bar and `signs`-well that makes a bit more sense -I do remember the wonderful assortment of contradictory signs and a vision of a softly lit cocktail bar-although for some reason all the waitresses are dressed as beavers-not at all sure about that bit.................
HMMMMMMMMMMMM....................................
Well Leon-please give these good people another drink on my tab-I must away since I have 7 new songs to learn ready for practice tomorrow in advance of saturdays show (an afternoon performance at Ferryside carnival )-will be taking the camera as this is one of the places where the main line runs along the side of the sea in dramatic style and also still has a lever-frame box controlling semaphore signals-will take the timetable and try and catch a train or two,if possible.....Also,will chance my arm and try the track plan idea tomorrow-just to see if anybody bites-will start with 3 prototype examples:- Seaton in Devon,Ashburton,also in Devon & Bled Jezero in Slovenia for contrast-
Right then me darlins`-be lucky and/or happy-ideally both,see you tomorrow
Good evening Leon. Looks like I have a couple drinks to <hic> enjoy as Nick's bought us a round and Tom did earlier as well. At any rate I shall buy a round for the gang as well so a good evening should be had by all <hic>.
Tom-Loved today's hearalds. I have to say that I ahve always liked the area of New england at it's many colourfull RR's. The B&M and MEC are two favourites. I have a wonderfull ahrdbound book called RR's of The Pine tree state which covers all the Maine roads major and minor worth a buy if you can find it.
Good to hear that things went well for you today,and no worries about us pitching in it's what friends and loyal,barflies do.
Pete-remind me to bring beaver repellant ( courier de bois outfit ) if I ever make it to your neck of the woods,I don't think I want to deal with the derranged kamikaze versions of the rodents you guys seem to be growing down there.
I ahve a feeling that the Sperry car was liely converted from an old gas/electric of some kind. They have a lot of self propelled vehicles some purpose built and others are conversions. I'm guessing that their website may shed some light on their fleet.Glad you approve of 327 it's a fan favourite to be sure. If you get up here ever again we'll make sure that you get several rides on both our large and small witt's and 327
I would always check at the dentist office before they put you under as to who is hiding under the face mask it may indeed be one of our teutonic wonders. You know how they like their form fitting leather nurse outfits
Eric-Good to hear you weren't washed away or sucked down to the deapths by the sandI liked the two photo's from today one nice old arch bar truck and a modern roller bearing one.There's a good possibility that both were built buy the same factory decades apart.
Toornto has two PCC's used for charters only,they do have a couple that got changed to subway profile wheelsets with third rail pickup that are used for maintenance crews and rail grinding in the tubes.
Good to hear that extentions are already in the works for your light rail.Maybe you could take on a third career as an operator,seeing as you are only 27++
Nick-Uh-Oh the young one's carrer as an entertainer might just eclipse yours.Still if she hits it big she can keep you in the life that youa re acustomed to.
The scouting movement both boys and girls is one of the more rewarding things and good building blocks for normalcy in kids as far as social skills go. It's too bad that there seems to be less and less kids doing it anymore. Heather stopped her leader chores because the troops kept shutting down for lack of kids.Unfortunalty vodeo games and cell phones and shopping are more important to the kids of today <barf>
Well folks I'm off and running again.Catch you in the daylight.
Wednesday's Witticism
Never pack a 6-gun with 6 pills in the wheel. If you can't do the job with 5 shots, it's time to get the hell out of there.
It's Wednesday - half-way mark of the work week <for many> ‘n a great time to begin the day with us! Fill up those mugs with our freshly ground ‘n brewed special blend coffee - check out The Mentor Village Bakery Case ‘n of course order a selection from our Menu Board's <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts!
Comments from the Proprietor
HEAD's UP!
I'm scarce from Thursday mid-morning ‘til Friday afternoon of this week . . .
Also, our Manager sez he'll be gone from the bar from Saturday the 19th thru Wednesday the 22nd . . .
CM3 Shane should be back at the bar on Thursday the 17th or Friday the 18th . . . I think!
Tuesday - July 15th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 55 - Pete <pwolfe> at 9:23 AM: Gotta be a "first" to have the Wolfman begin our day for us <during daylite!> He CAN do it, eh <grin>
Smart looking tender behind that 4-6-0 in your foto! Always impressed with the great looking condition of the equipment in your country - speaks highly for those who give a Rat's Patoot about <aboot for Rob> those maintaining the trains.
That IS an odd-looking "farkle" in your 2nd foto - hmmmm, there's a descriptive sign - hmmmm, we'll have to make an effort to find it ‘n foto the SIGN!
Now #3 could be something for the family room of the man who has EVERYTHING - what a "conversation starter" with a fireplace like that, eh
Many thanx for the early AM visit <for you> ‘n fotos!
Page 55 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 10:49 AM: A-Rod compensation, hmmmmmm Does that include some "quality" time with the babes he's purportedly runnin' with <uh oh> Nah, I'll "stick" with the Tui Brewery Gals . . . now THOSE are much more to my liking! <pant> <pant>
You are right on the money when it comes to at grade right-of-way . . . unfortunately, that cannot always be accommodated, especially in urban areas where infrastructure sets up a nightmare in construction costs, etc. I've told the story <too many times> of our less than 8 mile extension of MetroLink that was projected at $404 million, coming close to doubling that figure at project completion. Most cost overruns had to do with infrastructure obstacles . . . and tunnels cost a bunch. <yikes>
Carnivorous hamsters on a ball connected to the axle . . . hmmmm, only a sick-o could n would come up with something like that! <grin>
Random shots most pleasing to the eye - thanx!
Appreciate the AM visit, twenty for the "fund" ‘n chat to help keep things on a roll during the daylite hours!
Page 55 - Pete <pwolfe> at 2:04 PM: Consider your calendars as "secular" ‘n "non secular" . . .
Well, you know the saying, "If wishes were horses . . . " - we'd be able to connect all the major cities across the land with modern, safe, reliable ‘n fast trains! It's way past due to rid ourselves of the technology of back in the day ‘n really get into the 21st Century. How many horse drawn carriages are there for hire these days <daze>
I've seen the MoDot maps of the highways ‘n "possible" right-of-way for hi-speed rail in our state. Admittedly it's been several years - but sure appeared that we have a bunch o' problems called grade crossings that would make the costs simply astronomical. Even using Interstate 70 isn't as "simple" as one might think - after all, that highway is antiquated as we speak. Didjano there's a plan gathering dust to construct an east-west toll road across the state Now that would be an idea for inclusion of an easement for hi-speed rail. But, what do I know . . . <grimace> <groan> <bratzafratz>
Figured you'd get a lot out of that hi-speed series I ran on Monday . . . some good stuff, fer sure, fer sure!
Our local paper <aka: bird cage liner> ran an article <with fotos!> of Amtrak's trains to KCity from here. I'll give you the section when we get together later this week . . . it's interesting. Been awhile since that paper ran anything even close to positive regarding passenger rail service in Missouri!
Every now ‘n then I think it's time to bring back The Mentor Village Gazette - then quickly put it aside, as it takes far too much effort for the return gained. ‘nuf said . . .
Many thanx for your fine < I3 > Post, 2nd visit o' the day ‘n ROUND!
Page 55 - Eric <EricX2000> at 3:12 PM <1:12 PM Sandbox time>: And along comes the Sandman with another of his < I3 > Posts ‘n good cheer! But this time, for LUNCH! How unusually, but how nice for us, eh
Rain, mud, humidity Doesn't sound like the desert to Moi! This old world is full of suprises, eh I'm always astounded at how little the nations of the world DO with regard to sending water to where it's needed. We have the technology to convert sea water to drinking water <ask any sailor!> - aqueducts are as innovative as the mind permits - so why aren't the parched portions of our landscape provided with water No PROFIT in it for the desalinization ‘n aqueduct people, that's why! Government is too bogged down in their never ending game of <gotcha> to come up with sustainable remedies to really HELP people. <bratzafratz> <barf> <arrrrggggghhhh> Yeah, yeah, I know Boris, I'm - ring the bell ‘n let's give ‘em all a ROUND on the Proprietor! <groan>
Odd how we associate our businesses with "belonging" to this or that country, eh It's as natural to do that as breathing, I suspect. I'm sure the Swedes weren't tickled over Ford acquiring the Volvo car division anymore than the UK was thrilled with losing Jaguar or other fine cars to foreign interests. But through it all, seems to come down to a reality - it's business, plain ‘n simple - just business. That's what is going on in sports - that's what is happening all ‘round us - business. It's their money <and the shareholders> I suppose the rest of us simply have to "take what we gets," eh But, I don't like it either! What Who rang that bell Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, not again, Boris!! Awwwwright, one more ROUND - I did it again. <geesh>
I recall hearing that when gasoline reached the five dollar mark, Congress would finally get a move on with regard to improving our dilapidated railroad system in this land. If what they've shown the past 10 years has any bearing on tomorrow - I'd say petrol will have to reach 25 bucks before they even recognize the problem. <arrrrrggggghhhh> No, no, no - don't touch that bell, Boris or you'll be a sorry Cyclops! <grrrrrrrr>
Thanx for your visit - those two fotos are quite interesting. Care to let us know where they were taken ‘n what the differences are Hmmmmm.
Page 55 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 4:33 PM <10:33 PM GMT>: RR BOOK RELAY 2008! Urgent Message for Pete . . .
Page 55 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 7:49 PM <1:49 AM Wednesday GMT>: Back with a Nick Special - super-fine < > Post in Nick-Speak!
Utterly amazing story regarding the tilting sickness - all "news" to me. Yeah, I'd be ‘spittin' mad, to say the least at the way it all unfolded to resolve. <geesh> So, the guys who wrote all of this up were wined, dined ‘n feated - got themselves a snoot full - wound up heaving into the wind ‘n blamed it on the TRAIN!!!! <censored>
Surely sounds to me as you ‘n Missinick are in "that" stage of your young ‘uns life where it is ALL a joy to behold. Yeah - you hit it on the head, my little girl was doing her level best, whereas the rest of her orchestra fell just a tad short! Kinda like when marching - it's "them-uns" who are outta step, Sarge - not me! <grin>
Brief comment on the Scouting program <Boy Scouts for me ‘n my sons; Girl Scouts for my daughter>. It was a "trip" - all of it. Best memories of my youth are entwined ‘round Scouting. Won't "brag" on merit badges ‘n ranks - suffice it to say, it was good for me ‘n mine!
Far to much to digest all in one nite for Moi - as "catch ups" generally are - but surely appreciate having you with us ‘n many thanx for the ROUND!
Page 55 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 11:39 PM: A nite-cap from our Manager along with a chat full o' good cheer!
Quite surprised ‘n pleased that things are still perking along - especially during daylite. We've got a few more "tests" ahead with Eric ‘n Pete scheduled for looooooooong absences in the months ahead . . .
Very admirable characteristic of those who take the time ‘n make the effort to volunteer their time for the benefit of our youth . . . Been there, done that with youth baseball, Cub ‘n Boy Scouts . . . Had a couple of baseball teams 'n was Assistant Scoutmaster for a couple of troops along with being a male "Den Mother" . . . Couldn't find even ONE mom to oversee the den . . . happens.
At this writing <early AM> the baseball All-Star game FINALLY ended - it was a loooong nite for Moi - AL did it again. Both sides had their chances. Quite a good game in many respects ‘n this one had all kinds of good things to take in with the festivities before the game. Not bad . . . next year it is here. Just try ‘n get a ticket! Yeah, sure.
A ROUND for the boyz along with a fine < I3 > Post - what's better ‘n that, eh
A bacon sarnie and a cup of coffee please RUTH
Own up time, Despite DL's great description of seeing the 70th anniversary runs of Mallard run on July 3rd 1938 I forgot to post these photos on the date.. Anyway these photos were taken on July 3rd 1988 when A4 Mallard first a ran only a few main line tours to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her world record speed run on Stoke Bank.
The photos are a bit simular but I thought I would share them with you.
Mallard get ready to take over the special train. Note the first generation and one of the then fairly new Sprinter class 150/2 DMUs in the sidings of Doncaster Works, Mallard's birthplace.
I think this was Mallards first passenger train since she was withdrawn for Preservation around 1964.
These photos were taken just north of Doncaster station.
Back later.
Pete
<our first RR BOOK RELAY!>
Good to see our Bar Chandler "in" a bit on the early side - two days running where he's begun the daylite for us! Also noted a Page turned to 56!
AND you Posted the 1100th REPLY here at "Our" Place III! Now THAT's worthy of note . . . by the power invested in me as Proprietor of this Bar by the Ballast, I hereby proclaim this day as Wolfman Pete Day, with all drinks on HIM! <grin> Ring the bell LOUD 'n OFTEN, Boris! <cheers> <clink>
It's Wednesday which means: OP-SHUN-UL Toy ‘n Model Trains Day!
Thought I'd drop off some RANDOM FOTOs of my toys ‘n models . . .
(1) A beautiful LIONEL Berkshire on the O-gauge Polar Express Shelf System in my Can-Am Trainroom!
(2) Motive power of the S-Capades ceiling suspended S-gauge layout in the Can-Am Trainroom "annex" <aka: storage room!>
(3) Generations of trains called "The Canadian" ‘n "Canadian" on the HO Can-Am Railway!
(4) Three generations of Park Cars <obs domes> on the HO Can-AM Ralway at Can-Am City's Union Station!
(5) Retired passenger railroads from previous pikes in the Can-Am Trainroom!
(6) Northbound BC Rail RDCs beneath majestic Mt. Mentor on the HO Can-Am Railway - mountain division!
Good afternoon Ruth my dear. Looks like business is a bit slow,however since it's Wolfman's day and the tab is his for the day lets abuse it somewhat shall we. I think we will break out the vintage CR and celebrate with several rounds <kaching kaching> oh and some of that fine Czech pilsner that just got brought in as well <kaching kaching > looks like the ole bar tab is resembling a very full and fat roll of paper toweling again,so much for it not resembling a mortgage. Vito is pleased
Tom-Great reminicences of the days of yore and the various scouting and baseball activities.Nice to know that even with your busy job you were able to spend that much with your kids.That's the diference between the generations,your kids got it and appreciated what they had and what you did for them.Today they just expect it <barf> I know Boris I'm too ring up a round on me as well.
Nice shots from the trainroom as well. Nice looking retired equipment in the place of honour
I've been hearing more and more about our local and provincial polititions have been seriously concidering tolling all the 400 series highways again,in effort to reduce the cars too and from Toronto.No clear plan on extending the GO and VIA sched's though.
Pete-Great shots of the Mallard.Looks better in your pictures than teh one I've got on a coffee mug does. Hopefully the second national bank does not want instant payback on today's additions to your tab.
Let see since it's Wednesday,lets put up some of the club shots that you have seen before.
Ahhhh, a visit from our Manager on this hot, hot, hot day in mid-continent USA - but not bad in Mentor Village, Can-AM County! <grin> Thanx for the mid-day "boost" ‘n helping to "abuse" Wolfman Day at the bar!
Just returned from filling up 3 gas cans for the mowers ($52) 'n top off the buggy for tomorrow's trip ($32 for 4 gallons). Now that'll put a dent in most men's wallets, eh Yeah, I know -it's bad all over - except in those places on the receiving end of the payments for that black gold . . . <geesh>
On to better thoughts . . . now that an hour has elapsed 'n it's safe to go back "in" <grin>
Here's one from the not-too-distant past found in the sub-basement archives . . .
Now Arriving on Track #1
Six Pack Special Number Six
RR advertisements from the Classic Era
<Initially Posted on 05 Nov 2007, Page 136 at "Our" Place II>
Montserrat - Euro
Orient Express - Euro
Main Line Flake - Euro <this one ALWAYS gins up some conversation!>
Pullman - Euro
Etoile du Nord - Euro
Exactitude - Euro
A pint of Bathams please RUTH, I see I am getting all the beers today so drink up lads.
TOM Many thanks for the new edition of the Heralds, Drumheads, Ads, Covers and Stuff featuring three New England Railroads. It seems the Maine Central did not suffer the dire financial problems of the other two. Interesting motive power on the Boston & Maine Volume 3 book cover. It is amazing the number of lines there were in the Central Vermont area in that 1901 timetable map.
Glad you liked the photos, Eric has come up with that vehicle at the MOT. What's the betting that somewhere someone has a locomotive firebox door as a fireplace.
I think with a high-speed line it almost has to be a complete new construction with no grade crossings at all.
I shall look forward to seeing that article from the St Louis paper, perhaps the tide is turning a bit with the attitude to the Amtrak service here.
I will have to stop tuning pages and clocking up the 100 number replies at the bar, my poor bar tab at least the paper industry are happy about it.
Many thanks for the photos from your layouts, with the great Berkshire and the S-Capades to the snowy scenes on the Can-Am. Great photo of the line of Canadian diesels in their different liveries, two trains with dome cars and the VIA Rail F units waiting to take over the next incoming train. Noticed the RDCs passing Mentor Mountain.
Really enjoyed those RR Ads from the classic era. Those ones from mainland Europe really have that classic 1930s feel to them, but the favorite as to be the Wills one. It will be interesting to see what Nick and DL think to the train. To me it could resemble the 800 Maeve class of Ireland or a LB&SCR locomotive hauling Great Western coaches.
ERIC Real glad you house was OK after that very heavy rain you had.
I bet that is some good video footage you are going to transfer to DVD. Some day in the future I am hoping to travel the full length of the line to Silverton, it sounds an interesting town to visit.
Thanks for the info on the Baldwin Inspection locomotive, trust me to get a photo of the rear end. I see in the guidebook it is the only surviving steam inspection locomotive and dates from 1889.
It seems VITO's empire is growing by the day, which is a bit worrying.
It is good news a light rail system is being built not too far from your house.
Many thanks for the photos showing the difference in bogie design over the years, is the second one under a tank wagon.
NICK Many thanks for the warning about the virus.
Yes the Brains SA was on top form thanks.
The county across the river here was known as the Kingdom of Callaway, as during the Civil War they declared independence from the state of Missouri. I believe they have an annual festival with a King And Queen; perhaps I could get the job
I think DL knows quite a lot of details on the APT. I think at the time as well there was some reason why there had to be the power car in the center of the train, meaning basically it was two trains, each needing its own food facilities etc. I recall one press run from Glasgow the APT only reached Carstairs, about 20 mile south of Glasgow when the brakes froze on, but it was a very cold day and the older trains were having problems that day.
Yes a Duchess on the Pines Express. I can almost hear her climbing the Mendips now, with 14 on without the aid of a pilot engine.
I dare say in BR days the Duchesses were banned from the S&D on weight grounds, but seeing today locomotives venturing where they were not allowed in steam days, EG Kings and Castles to Carlisle, I am sure if the S&D had survived it would have been possible to see one on the line. Quite possibly there would have been a regular steam hauled train over the S&D in the summer months, like of the West Highland Line in Scotland and for the last couple of years on the Cambrian Coast.
I shall very much look forward to your photos of the Duchess on the re opening day gala. Do they still do those miniature named train headboards to fit to locomotives, that I think Hornby done in the 1960s
Waitresses dressed as beavers, H&H have taken that to heart I can hear the sound of sewing machines now.
ROB That Sperry cars does have the look of an older vehicle about it I will check their web-site and see if there is some info on it.
If I ever do get to your area, a trip on 327 and the other cars would certainly be a treat. I will have to make an effort a see if I can travel on the tramcars and take some photos in Blackpool when I am over in England.
Luckily they have not put me under at the dentists yet but I will bear in mind about H&H if they ever try to.
Thanks for the kind words on the Mallard photos; it was a good bright day to take the photos.
Many thanks for the great photos of the club layout, that is a great model trestle it must have taken a lot of work to construct.
Glad you are enjoying the beers, it seems as though the track gang have wind of the free day so I will be busy tonight.
Well RUTH a bit more of that Brains SA that Nick brought please.
The usual round of Tui`s for all the guys` please Leon!
Pete. Watched that drawn 1st cricket test England versus South Africa, the pitch at Lords was really flat, the last six games there have ended in draws`. Some fine shots of LMS 4-6-0 No 45337, the two Kirkwood museum ones`, and the superb Mallard pix were top notch, definite "keepers for sure!
Rob. Some very fine trolley and club layout shots from you. Bought an extra Lotto ticket today!
Eric. Thanks for sending all that heat at no extra charge! All of our NZ postal rates` went up last month as well. Interesting comparison shots of those two bogies`.
Nick. Best of luck with your rehearsals of the seven new songs. Those were some nice Welsh Rly pix of yours over on the other thread. The Kiwi fans were not impressed at the AB`s losing to the Boks, at least the Ref was`nt blamed for their loss this time.
Tom. The brewery company that is the parent of the Tui brand was taken over by Heineken a few years ago, they have`nt changed any of our favorite local brews, YET! We can give them a big THANK YOU for the introduction of our famous Tui gals` at least! A really fine lot of Heralds, Drumheads, Ad`s, Covers n` Stuff on the three New England RR`s in Part #5 and also all the RR Ad`s of the Classic Era, and a mighty fine selection of pix from your train layouts. I think i`ll take up that free offer of the computer course at Molly Throttlebottoms Adult Learning Centre ASAP, will Boris be around to Chaperone at all?
Good evening Leon, I see that Pete's tab is still intact ( thouhg a little battered ) so I'll hit it for another Keith's.
Tom-Nice re-run on those Euro ads. I aggree with Pete they have that classic look to them.They have that 1930's Art deco kind of feel to them I think. ( but then I'm not an art afficiando )
Those prices you paid at the pump would certainly gag a healthy maggot,whatchagonnado though. Best not to look it will only PO you. I switched to a B&D rechargable battery mower a couple years back when the last gas mower died,I have a small B&D corded electric as well but with my back forty you need 200" of wire so it's only used in rare circumstances( ie when I forgot to plug in the rechargeable
Pete-It's a good thing that you aera good sport about us abusing your tab. ( it was too close to being paid off anyway ) More reason for you to keep those old UK coins comming at any rate.
I do hope that H&H used some chloroform before they started sewing the beavers together to make their costumes.That tressel took the one member the better part of a year to build.We used a piece of plywood with track spiked to it until it was ready to be installed. The track on it was handlaid to wooden ties as the whole structure is balsa wood.Several thousand plastic nut ,bolt and washer castings were glued to the various support lumber on it tio make it look authentic as well.
Allan-Good to see you in again this evening Goodluck on the latest lotto.Hopefully NZ is the same as here and if you win you are not taxed on the winings.I'll gladly bottle and send you some of our heat and humididty if you would like as well. A real dripper today. Should spawn some T-storms tonight or tomorrow,there was lots of heat lightening around this evening. Usually H&H are the Chaperone's for the school enjoy
Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, it's time for my Rumpsteak Café de Paris! A cold Keith's, please.
Back to my "normal" hours tonight! I ca tell there has been some kind of celebrations here today. Must be Pete, celebrating the 1100th reply!
Nick – I am afraid you can’t upgrade the camera to get rid of the shutter delay. My bride complained the other day about her Olympus being slow and she never takes any action photos. Rob – The reason I showed the photos of the two different trucks was just to show the difference between an old one and a modern one. The old one is under a tank car at the Museum of Transportation, Kirkwood, MO, and the modern one is under a hopper in Phoenix, AZ. I have actuallu been thinking about working for the transit company but decided against it. We young guys need somt time off. The club shots we have seen before are always welcome! I love to study all the details in them! Tom – Rain, mud, humidity is the desert during the monsoon in the summer. There are canals crossing Arizona, bringing water from the Colorado River to Phoenix and other places. Ford bought Volvo and GM bought SAAB. Volvo trucks and buses are still Swedish though and doing very well. The photos of the trucks show an old arch bar truck from the Museum of Transportation, Kirkwood, and the modern truck is photographed in Phoenix, AZ. Just to show the difference between old and new. I am afraid you are right about the gas prize forcing the Congress to recognize the railroad problem. A good collection of model photos! I especially like the one with the parade of “The Canadian” and “Canadian” trains! Very good shot! The same about the view of the RDCs rolling by beneath Mt Mentor! I can feel the cold, icy, air hit me. Some classic ads! My French is not so good but I remember some words.Pete – Congratulations to posting the 1100th reply!!! Wolfman Pete Day!!!?!! Wow!!!Mallard, a good looking locmotive. Nice photos! It would be interesting to know what kind of pre-cautions were taken for her record speed run in 1938. I am thinking about if there were any grade crossings, any stations along that stretch of track, etc. Some of the video footage is okay, the problem is time. Time to do it. The second shot of the trucks is showing a modern truck under a hopper. Here are two photos from Silverton. One from where the train stops in the middle of the street and the other one is the station building.
Allan – As promised it is going to be kind of hot the next few days, 110-112 degrees, so Friday will be a good day to ship some heat. But I am sure you don't have any snow on the ground, do you?
Hello Tom and all in
I'll have a light breakfast - sorry for my absence for a few days - bit busy with one thing and another. Anyway - now I've got a teak trimmed stool I need to make use of it! Many thanks for the privilege.
By the way, bad luck on the Bud takeover - I have no desire to order a bud but if InBev says that they will keep it all open - well - I wouldn't believe a word of it. I think they knocked UK breweries on the head and I doubt you will be treated differently. They always say that on takeover ‘no change' etc etc - 10 years down the line and the bean counters come in big style....
Lars - enjoyed the book cover with the great central - the line used to run right through the centre of my home town.
Some interesting links at the bottom of this page that I think Pete will also enjoy.
http://www.leverton.org/tunnels/notts-gcr/index.html
The link to the You tube video of Nottm vic station being demolished is superb - amazing that someone filmed this on home cine, retained it for nearly 40 years, it got digitised and now anyone can watch it - very poignant.
Reminds me that when you consider the KATY right of way this could have been the same - a trail right up the spine of England from the Chiltern hills in the south east to Sheffield and Manchester - would have been superb - instead much of the line that survived was ploughed up or where there were cuttings used for dumping colliery landfill in and removing any trace from the face of the earth. Of course some exists - like that Catesby Tunnel book cover, but the whole thing could have been a great trail (all ready fro re-opening as a rail line).
Pete - Batemans - yes - you can still tour the brewery and go by train - well worth you thinking about when you are in England with your mates. Better to chose a weekday when you can have the full brewery tour too. Some nice pubs in the village of Wainfleet as well.
Nice to see your pics of Durango and Silverton - let me get this straight you just went there for a holiday and by chance it just happened to have one of the USA's most famous preserved steam lines there?
Nice additional pics too from Eric
Great Mallard pics - shame it was not in steam for the 70th anniversary recently - I guess Boiler Cert is now out of validity.
"How I wish there was a shop here that sold British railway magazines" - incidentally I was at Derby market a month ago - newsstand there sold all the US rail magazine titles I'd ever heard of - as well as the Brit ones! That was nice to see!
Eric - you asked "were those rail fan idiots who drove on the foot path ever told to get out of there?" - well yes, by my Bride - who went to have a word with them (quite a strong word I should add) and they happily moved their vehicles - problem is why did they think it was OK to start with.
Nice shot of the Phoenix Light Rail rt of way. When it is open no doubt you will treat us to more shots and a trip report!
ALLAN - Great Western slip coaches, I was reading about this a year or so ago and I read the last one was early 1950s and was on, I think a Bicester Coach on a Birmingham Route train. The year in question was one I had an old timetable for so I looked it up and indeed there it was with a special footnote to show that it was slip coach. I think they should do some slip coach working on a preserved railway - that would be an experience!
Thanks for the further info on the NZ Mk2 refurb programme.
Rob - yes, comfort levels in Nightstar stock would be different than North American's would be used to - but pretty standard for anyone used to a UK sleeper car where the loading gauge necessitates smaller compartments than you would be familiar with. Nice streetcar pics (again) by the way.
Nick - quite agree with you about APT - underfunded and govt not willing to put the development funds in when Mrs Thatcher hated railways and hated railway staff and their unions. My other half's father worked at BR research centre at the time and worked on APT project a little bit. Things he says confirm this approach. A project ahead of its time. Also of course IT software to control the tilt system not as developed as now which permits tilt on Pendolinos. I think there were errors too though - Pete is right about the 2 power cars - I think they were to be walk through then it was found that the magnetic fields generated could be dangerous to anyone with heart pacemaker so that meant they could not be gangwayed for general use - requiring 2 buffet cars, 2 restaurant cooking areas etc. It is sad there is not a whole set preserved, just a short version at Crewe.
I went on an APT test run when they were running them as supplementary services (not widely advertised to the public) and enjoyed the run - I was a young teenager at the time. We went London to Preston then back on a ‘normal' train.
All the best
DL
Get-away-day here . . . so I'll join you with some coffee, pastries ‘n a breakfast. Then I'm heading out . . .
Hope this is the day we see the return of CM3 Shane . . . been too long without him, eh
Expect things to be sloooooooooow in the morning, as I'll be away from the bar. Perhaps we'll find someone to step up for our "opening" . . . Ruth will be handling things behind the bar!
Wednesday - July 16th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 56 - Pete <pwolfe> at 10:13 AM: Quite an achievement for our Bar Chandler, as Wolfman Pete not only turned the Page to 56, but wound up with the 1100th REPLY as well! For being such a good sport about footing the bill at the bar, let me drop the other shoe . . . you, Sir are entitled to all the food ‘n drink you can handle ‘til Monday . . .
A super-fine spate of fotos with all kinds of details to peruse . . . yes, the DMUs stand out quite well ‘n it's easy to denote the new from the old . . . nice clarity, fer sure, fer sure! Also that distinctive steamer is surely a <keeper> - would be terrific as a model, eh
Bet it doesn't seem like 20 years have passed since you took those fotos, eh Time passes, Mate . . . I've been retired for that amount of time ‘n it surely doesn't seem like it. <geesh>
Many thanx for the visit!
Page 56 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 1:20 PM: And our Manager swung on by with some good cheer, chat ‘n fotos for the gang!
Really am impressed with the details in those Pix of the model railway - especially that retaining wall and the fantastic wooden trestle. Now that's <top drawer> in my OH-PIN-YUN - guyz who have that kinda know-how are serious modelers, fer sure, fer sure! Very nicely done for our OP-SHUN-UL Toy ‘n Model Trains Day! [yeah]
Parents can only hope their offspring hold appreciation for the things done for them along the way. At the time they are being done, my guess is there's no thought directed that way- it's only later on in life, in retrospect, that it hits ya. I'm sure I was guilty of that kinda thing back in my day . . . Anyway, I suppose because there are so many more of us in society with so much more to "give" the kids, appreciation may very well have become a watered down thing . . .
My observations of the young in these parts pretty much sums up your feelings on the subject. Don't know, don't really wanna know - but it surely seems to me that there's a bunch of ‘expectations' for this ‘n that ‘n very little on the side of thank you. A far different way of raising kids, fer sure, fer sure. The ONLY time I received toys, for example, was at Christmas ‘n birthdays . . . kinda makes one wonder how the toy ‘n hobby shops "made it" back then . . .
I seem to have my ankles wrapped in reams of what appears to be adding MoSheen paper! <yikes> It's the bar tab from Wolfman Day! <grin>
Thanx for the visit!
Page 56 - Pete <pwolfe> at 3:32 PM: Back with the 2nd installment of the day ‘n a fine one at that! We seem to be a bit over due lately for a visit from a couple of others - like where's Fergie ‘n Dan Hmmmmmm. You'd think just the "smell" of FREE lager would get ‘em out of hiding! <grin>
Glad you liked those ads - here's a link that you'll find near ‘n dear to your heart, m'lad . . .
http://www.collectorcafe.com/article_archive.asp?article=710&id=1211
Yes, in an ideal setting, hi-speed rail should have a clear right-of-way from start to finish with no grade crossings at all . . . but that's a hard order to fill when there's so much development between centers of population.
Foto spreads are easy to compile from the Can-Am Trainroom ‘n I enjoy putting ‘em together. So much to look at, eh Much better than "lifting" stuff from other places . . .
I recall when we had an active Wednesday ‘round this joint when it came to the old Pike Perspectives Day . . . I was sooooooo busy putting up fotos for several of the guys who hadn't either tried or mastered the technique of uploading/download to a "host" foto site. Now, many of those fotos are gone-zo from the Ether as one of the "hosts" is no longer <RailImages> - I lost a bunch of ‘em on that one. <groan>
Noticed that you dropped by "my other Thread" - thanx! Helps to keep it going when there's been hours ‘n hours of inactivity.
Really having 2nd thoughts regarding that site . . . surely not getting the "referrals" to the bar I had hoped for. But we shouldn't give up, eh I mean, WHO is going to pick up the slack you when you're gone for a month or for Eric or for . . .
Every guy who is in our <GoR> should be TRYING to attract newcomers - that's the idea behind it all. We'll not survive otherwise, just a matter of time ‘til the sand runs out of the hour glass. <profound, eh??> Anyway, appreciate your participation . . .
Ruth ‘n Cindy in beaver outfits, sure! <pant> <pant> H&H - head for the hills! <yikes>
Read somewhere that the Brains, S.A. is some mighty potent brew . . . some say the S.A. means Skull Attack for the super headache one gets after a few pints! Is that so <grin>
Always appreciate the good cheer ‘n < I3 > Posts from our Resident Brit in mid-Missouri!
Page 56 - Allan <Gunneral> at 10:08 PM <5:08 PM Thursday NZ time>: I've lost track of the brewery buy outs ‘round the world. Was a time I was pretty knowledgeable regarding who the major "players" were . . . no more. So, Heinekin gobbles up breweries, eh Why not!
Do believe Rob addressed your question regarding your "escort" at the Adult Learning Centre! <grin> One of ‘em is just a tad LARGER than the other, but oh soooooooo alluring in their stretch-leather outfits. <yikes>
Always a treat to have our Resident Downunder Kiwi on board, especially when the visit is accompanied by a ROUND of Tui!
Page 56 Rob <trolleyboy> at - 11:52 PM: I spent a bit of time researching electric lawn mowers ‘n came to the conclusion that in these parts, they just can't handle the growth, especially in the spring. Don't see ‘em at all . . . <yet> With cutting at least twice weekly in the spring - and thick grass at that - they stall out too much. Plus, mulching <which we prefer> requires much more power than most batteries can handle in a sustained mode. We've got near ¾ of an acre an it's not level, which makes for yet another obstacle. Can't even imagine having to mess with an electric cord <or cords> - I'd have ‘em sliced to pieces in no time flat. <groan> Anyway, my guess is the technology will one day get to a point where there will be "stronger" batteries, etc. Until then, it's fill up the gas cans . . . <triple groan> OR buy a bunch o' goats! Ahhhhhhh, just the thought of fall . . . when I have to pick up leaves at a rate of thrice weekly! <arrrrggggghhhhh> Bring on the SNOW!
Yes, yes - we HAD to come up with "something" to keep those olde tyme Brit coins ‘n currency coming in! <grin> And from what I understand, Wolfman has loads of it stored away in a "secret" place . . . still hoping for the return of the Farthing, or something like that!
You are correct, Boris does not provide escort service at Molly Throttlebottom's Adult Learning Centre ‘n Mud Wrestling Emporium. Rather, he's one of the students - most times! He ‘n Pete are in the "tag team" events in the "pool" . . . actually, the mud is chocolate pudding ‘n Boris thinks it's "finger lickin' gud"!!
Good seeing you again ‘n appreciate all the good cheer!
Thursday - July 17th:
Page 56 - Eric <EricX2000> at 1:16 AM <11:16 PM Wednesday Sandbox time>: If the Colorado River runs out of water - youse guyz are in big time trouble in the desert! <uh oh> Most unnatural of settings for so many people to settle - but such is life, eh I'd take the frigid north with temps in the frigid-digits, anytime! <grin>
While I don't doubt <doot for Rob> what you say, I'm thinking that it won't be long before bus ‘n truck manufacturers will all be feeling the pinch - UNLESS they come up with super-efficient engines. We're seeing a major shift in the technology - wonder how many people really understand this
Thanx for the info on those railroad car trucks . . . thought the older one was from MoT, but wasn't sure.
Congress was DESIGNED to be deliberate <aka: slow> when it comes to making decisions - dot every "i," cross every "t." However, there are times when it surely seems that those sent there just can't <or won't> see the forest for the trees! Unbelievable, incredible ‘n downright fool hardy in the way "things" get stalled ‘n soon forgotten. <barf>
Yes, there is something about <aboot for Rob> the Can-Am Railway's snow country that gives one a feeling of winter. Luv it!
Nice shots at Silverton - still on my "list" of places to visit . . .
Many thanx for your fine < > Post, fotos ‘n good cheer!
Page 56 - Dan <DL-UK> at 6:03 AM <12:03 PM GMT>: Many thanx for starting our day for us with a super-fine < I3 > Post!
There's lots of concern in these parts regarding the long-term for AB <Anheuser Busch>. However, it is the largest brewer in the states ‘n hugely popular. I'd be amazed if InBev screwed up that - they'd be cutting their throats in this market. Just as Euro folks don't care for American beer, many here have a similar bent regarding brews from the continent ‘n your Isles . . . so, it surely would be in InBev's interests to maintain ‘n improve upon the distribution of the products that were once hauled by the great-grand dads of those wonderful Clydesdales.
Covered lots of ground with your offering ‘n it was a gud-un to eavesdrop. Haven't devoted the time to fully check out that link - but will upon my return.
TODAY is Fish ‘ Chips Nite!
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