G'day Gents!
We really only require 3 guyz to keep things movin' during daylite - an AM - Noon ‘n mid-late afternoon customer. Given that I'm here - you Post - I Post - You Post - I Post, etc. Keeps things active . . .
Thanx to CM3 Shane for coming by at the noon hour . . .
Now Arriving on Track Number Two!
Hard Cover Classic Train Books for the Can-Am Library!
Number One
AMTRAK - Color History Series <A 2007 Christmas present!>
Book DescriptionThis pictorial history is only the second of its kind to trace the 30-plus-year history of Amtrak, beginning with a look at the rise and fall of privately run passenger train service followed by a look at Amtrak's infant stage from 1971 through 1976. Also examined is the period from 1976 to 1991, when Amtrak finally established an image, buying new equipment and refurbished old and grew its ridership despite a severely limited budget. Modern and period color photos illustrate such aspects of Amtrak as its motive power, including the high-speed Acela Express; its diverse array of rolling stock and equipment, famous long-distance trains past and present; short-haul corridors. Against all odds, the passenger train survives in the United States. The formation of Amtrak in 1971 heralded the end of privately operated passenger train service and ushered in an era of intercity train travel financed on a budget that has vacillated between the virtually non-existent and the barely adequate.- The only extant pictorial history of America's only passenger rail network- Amtrak ridership in 2001 topped 24 million, the highest in its history- Passenger rail travel may be a concept whose time has come in this country, considering the woeful state of the airline industry and the efforts of prominent belt way politicians like Tom Harkin to make Amtrak a viable national passenger railway About the Author Brian Solomon has authored several books about railroads and motive power, including MBI's recent Modern Locomotives and GE Locomotives. His writing and photography have been featured in the world's most prominent railfan publications, including TRAINS and RailNews. He splits his time between Monson, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland. <from: amazon.com>
Book DescriptionThis pictorial history is only the second of its kind to trace the 30-plus-year history of Amtrak, beginning with a look at the rise and fall of privately run passenger train service followed by a look at Amtrak's infant stage from 1971 through 1976. Also examined is the period from 1976 to 1991, when Amtrak finally established an image, buying new equipment and refurbished old and grew its ridership despite a severely limited budget. Modern and period color photos illustrate such aspects of Amtrak as its motive power, including the high-speed Acela Express; its diverse array of rolling stock and equipment, famous long-distance trains past and present; short-haul corridors. Against all odds, the passenger train survives in the United States. The formation of Amtrak in 1971 heralded the end of privately operated passenger train service and ushered in an era of intercity train travel financed on a budget that has vacillated between the virtually non-existent and the barely adequate.- The only extant pictorial history of America's only passenger rail network- Amtrak ridership in 2001 topped 24 million, the highest in its history- Passenger rail travel may be a concept whose time has come in this country, considering the woeful state of the airline industry and the efforts of prominent belt way politicians like Tom Harkin to make Amtrak a viable national passenger railway About the Author Brian Solomon has authored several books about railroads and motive power, including MBI's recent Modern Locomotives and GE Locomotives. His writing and photography have been featured in the world's most prominent railfan publications, including TRAINS and RailNews. He splits his time between Monson, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland.
VIA Rail - Color History Series <A 2007 Christmas present!>
Book DescriptionGo VIA Rail and see Canada: Here is Canada's national railway, covering 14,000 kilometers of track from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay. This illustrated history tells the story of how, starting in the early 1970s, VIA Rail became a separate Crown corporation, once and for all relieving the old Canadian National and Canadian Pacific railways of their beleaguered passenger operations. It is a story rich in history-and marked with failures and misfortunes right up to our day, when a need for convenient, fuel-efficient mass transportation holds out hope for a renaissance. Archival and modern photography, route maps, and print ads help detail the history of VIA Rail's motive power and passenger cars from the likes of General Motors, Bombardier, Montreal Locomotive Works, and Budd Company, as well such passenger trains as The Canadian, The Atlantic, The Ocean, and The Super Continental. Chris Greenlaw also explains all of the political machinations that have inevitably shaped the railroad, and delves into its connection with Amtrak via The Maple Leaf. <from: amazon.com>
Book DescriptionGo VIA Rail and see Canada: Here is Canada's national railway, covering 14,000 kilometers of track from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay. This illustrated history tells the story of how, starting in the early 1970s, VIA Rail became a separate Crown corporation, once and for all relieving the old Canadian National and Canadian Pacific railways of their beleaguered passenger operations. It is a story rich in history-and marked with failures and misfortunes right up to our day, when a need for convenient, fuel-efficient mass transportation holds out hope for a renaissance. Archival and modern photography, route maps, and print ads help detail the history of VIA Rail's motive power and passenger cars from the likes of General Motors, Bombardier, Montreal Locomotive Works, and Budd Company, as well such passenger trains as The Canadian, The Atlantic, The Ocean, and The Super Continental. Chris Greenlaw also explains all of the political machinations that have inevitably shaped the railroad, and delves into its connection with Amtrak via The Maple Leaf.
RDC - The Budd Rail Diesel Car <A "fixture" in my library!>
Definitive history of Budd's self-propelled passenger rail cars
Passing Trains <Another "fixture" in my library!>
Book DescriptionPassing Trains examines the changing face of Canadian railroading over the past 50 years and features the work of more than two dozen of North America's finest railroad photographers. With over 200 color photographs, as well as gallery-quality black-and-whites, this book takes us back in time for an intimate view of old-order railroading and how it has evolved. <from: amazon.com>
Book DescriptionPassing Trains examines the changing face of Canadian railroading over the past 50 years and features the work of more than two dozen of North America's finest railroad photographers. With over 200 color photographs, as well as gallery-quality black-and-whites, this book takes us back in time for an intimate view of old-order railroading and how it has evolved.
Passing Trains examines the changing face of Canadian railroading over the past 50 years and features the work of more than two dozen of North America's finest railroad photographers. With over 200 color photographs, as well as gallery-quality black-and-whites, this book takes us back in time for an intimate view of old-order railroading and how it has evolved.
Canadian Pacific: Stand Fast Craigellachie! <Another "fixture" in my library!>
Paul Brown, Branchline [Bytown Railway Society], February 2004This is a truly spectacular volume. ReviewGlobe and Mail : An oversized volume of fabulous train photos.Bill Robertson Saskatoon Star Phoenix : A gorgeous book, with photos of old and new trains and some wonderful Canadian landscape.Don Denton Victoria Times-Colonist : Jammed full of technical and historical details... many enjoyable and interesting photographs.Lynn Crothers Winnipeg Free Press : Enough details and facts to satisfy any true railroad historian, while the pictures show the beauty of those trains.Bryce Lee RailPace Magazine : As if McDonnell asked his best friends to supply their favorites [photographs] for publication in this special tribute volume.Globe and Mail : The trains are pretty and the scenery is lovely. What more is needed?PhotoLife : A magnificent collection of photography... the book captures the magic that is the Canadian Pacific Railway.Canadian Camera : The attention to detail is superb... MacDonnell has given life to the photos.Paul Brown Branchline [Bytown Railway Society] : This is a truly spectacular volume.David J. Mrozek Michigan Railfan : Insightful text and splendid illustrations.Macleans : A train aficionado's dream collection of archival and current photos.Robert S. McGonigal Trains : Recommended reading... Beautiful work is a tribute in words and photographs from Greg McDonnell, who writes with knowledge and affection. <from: amazon.com>
Paul Brown, Branchline [Bytown Railway Society], February 2004This is a truly spectacular volume. ReviewGlobe and Mail : An oversized volume of fabulous train photos.Bill Robertson Saskatoon Star Phoenix : A gorgeous book, with photos of old and new trains and some wonderful Canadian landscape.Don Denton Victoria Times-Colonist : Jammed full of technical and historical details... many enjoyable and interesting photographs.Lynn Crothers Winnipeg Free Press : Enough details and facts to satisfy any true railroad historian, while the pictures show the beauty of those trains.Bryce Lee RailPace Magazine : As if McDonnell asked his best friends to supply their favorites [photographs] for publication in this special tribute volume.Globe and Mail : The trains are pretty and the scenery is lovely. What more is needed?PhotoLife : A magnificent collection of photography... the book captures the magic that is the Canadian Pacific Railway.Canadian Camera : The attention to detail is superb... MacDonnell has given life to the photos.Paul Brown Branchline [Bytown Railway Society] : This is a truly spectacular volume.David J. Mrozek Michigan Railfan : Insightful text and splendid illustrations.Macleans : A train aficionado's dream collection of archival and current photos.Robert S. McGonigal Trains : Recommended reading... Beautiful work is a tribute in words and photographs from Greg McDonnell, who writes with knowledge and affection.
New Haven Passenger Trains <"wanted" for my library!>
Book DescriptionDay and night for well over 100 years, the New Haven Railroad plied the rails between New York City and Boston, its mere 1,800 miles of track carrying more passengers than any other railroad in the history of the U.S. rail industry. This illustrated history revisits the days when New Englands fortunes were inseparable from the New Havenswhen trains like the Merchants Limited, Yankee Clipper, Cranberry, and Quaker carried tourists and commuters to the great cities of the East Coast, and to destinations like Cape Cod, Hyannis, and Woods Hole, boat connections to Marthas Vineyard, and ski slopes in the Berkshires. Black-and-white archival images and period color photographs, along with Peter E. Lynchs authoritative text, chronicle the trains and routesin particular, the signature South Shore Line detailing the various forms of motive power, rolling stock, and services that made the railroads passenger network unparalleled in its day. With pictures of ephemera, stations, and terminals including Grand Central Terminal and Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan advertisements, route maps, timetables, and interior views of cars, this book provides a dramatic visual account of train travel in its heyday, and an elegiac view of its subsequent decline. <from: amazon.com>
Book DescriptionDay and night for well over 100 years, the New Haven Railroad plied the rails between New York City and Boston, its mere 1,800 miles of track carrying more passengers than any other railroad in the history of the U.S. rail industry. This illustrated history revisits the days when New Englands fortunes were inseparable from the New Havenswhen trains like the Merchants Limited, Yankee Clipper, Cranberry, and Quaker carried tourists and commuters to the great cities of the East Coast, and to destinations like Cape Cod, Hyannis, and Woods Hole, boat connections to Marthas Vineyard, and ski slopes in the Berkshires. Black-and-white archival images and period color photographs, along with Peter E. Lynchs authoritative text, chronicle the trains and routesin particular, the signature South Shore Line detailing the various forms of motive power, rolling stock, and services that made the railroads passenger network unparalleled in its day. With pictures of ephemera, stations, and terminals including Grand Central Terminal and Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan advertisements, route maps, timetables, and interior views of cars, this book provides a dramatic visual account of train travel in its heyday, and an elegiac view of its subsequent decline.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Enjoy!
Tom
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams please RUTH.
TOM It was real good to see the conversation between NICK, ROB and you last evening, just like old times. On turning page 62, page 61 flew by.
Many thanks for the Passenger Train Nostalgia from the Official Guide for 1956 on the NPR North Coast Limited. It does sound a wonderful train to ride, when not in one of the four Vista Domes the time could be spent in the Traveler's Rest car.
Glad you liked the re-built Royal Scot photo.6115 only ran two main tours in the 1970s and, I am sure,it will be a very popular engine when she runs main line tours later this year.
Yes the PHS is lonely without Senior Manager Lars, although I am not allowed anywhere near it, I hear BORIS is keeping it in top order for his master.
Enjoyed the great artwork on those Canadian Pacific advertisements
Many thanks for the book covers and descriptions. It seems the Amtrak and Via Rail books have very knowledgeable authors to supply details to the photos and the critics sure liked the Canadian Pacific one.
NICK Glad you enjoyed the DMU photos. Looking forward to the Terriers on the WC&P pics.
Lots of good advice on your layout it seems.
ROB Thanks for the kind words on the photos. I guess LEON's gain is our loss.
Talking of fences back out my old house I was responsible for the left side (or port for Tom) looking back from the house and the neigbour was responsible for the other side, luckily I had real good neighbours so it was never a problem.
Many thanks for the photos. I hope the F units do have some kind of future. That looks suspiciously like a soccer goal in the 2nd photo.
ALLAN I'm glad you enjoyed the named trains I used to see in my youth through Rugby.
It was not long after that year the express trains on our line had their schedules made longer due the engineering works connected to the electrification of the WCML as it extended southwards from Crewe to London.
It is good to know they sell good beer at NZ cricket matches.
Glad you liked the photo of the Royal Scot There was a member of the Royal Scot class named The Royal Artilleryman with the number 46157.
ERIC Yes it was a bit strange I guess, that even when the diesels and electric locomotives came in on British Railways there were not fitted with headlights and it is fairly recently that locomotives and units have to be fitted with them. Trying to think, but I thought I read about a short branch line in Scotland where the locomotive had an American style headlight. For some reason the line was not fenced unlike the lines in Britain had to be by law, perhaps it was on private property and did not require an Act of Parliament to be built.
I am due to go over to England at the start of October.
Many thanks for the snowy photo, it is supposed by get even warmer here this weekend with very high humidity as well, think I will hibernate until it cools down.
CM3 The PPR main line must have been a wonderful place to watch trains in the late 1950s I guess there was not much steam about then but the GG1s would be ruling the roost. Was it 4 tracks all the way from Washington DC to New York or perhaps more.
I wonder if the frieght on that section of line as increased in the last few years and is causing any problems with line capacity.
Love the though of a deer gun on rails in Tom's garden, sort of like one of those photos in the RR book relay of the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.
Thanks for clearing up the Silverton to Durango train time.
Now for some photos. These are some preserved industrail locomotives both diesel and steam, not sure of some of the locations though.
The diesel in this photo I am pretty sure was never a BR loco dispite the BR livery or the 02 101 number.
Two steam locos at the former Great Western Southall shed near London.
I think this last photo was taken at the Rutland Railway Museum perhaps DL may reconise the location there..
Well RUTH around please.
Pete.
It's been a good day at the bar with visits from Rob - CM3 Shane 'n Pete to round out the daylite hours. Nice conversational piece from the Wolfman along with fotos!
My definition of a bad day is when I see some of our crew logged in, but not visiting the bar . . . a good day is when that doesn't happen!
In a month or so, we're going to lose Eric for a 3-week period, then a month or so after that, Pete leaves for a longer absence. So, it's time to begin thinking about WHO is going to keep up the pace.
Oh yes, Eric - I've gotten confused regarding your retirement date. Is it Oct 30th Meaning - is that your last day you'll be in the office doing what they pay you to do Never to early to begin thinking about planning a Bash for YOU!
Enuf - let me get to something else from the sub-basement archives, not seen at "Our" Place III . . .
Now Arriving on Track #2
Classic Drumheads by the Dozen - #5
(1) Nickel Plate Limited
(2) N&W Cavalier
(3) NP - North Coast Limited
(4) PRR Broadway Limited <variation>
(5) CRI&P <Rock Island> Corn Belt Rocket
(6) Soo Line
(7) Sou - The Crescent
(8) SP - Daylight
(9) SP&S - Columbia River Express
(10) UP - Streamliner
(11) Wabash - Banner Blue
(12) WP - Exposition Flyer
Tom [4:-)]
Good evening captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, just a #1 today. A Tuborg Gold, please!
Still daylite! A quick stop to relax for a while. Kind of warm today, managed to save a bird from a certain death.
Tom – Don’t get any ideas listening to Pete about my future! Slave? Geesh. Just send the brunette to me and I’l take care of her. Grand Canyon (the Rim country) can be pretty cold in the winter. Maybe Juneau would like it. Very nice ads! The Canadian ad shows a classic view! Beautiful country! Just like Banff!The Amtrak book is a good one! I have it in my book case. A lot of interesting reading. On page 156 former Amtrak president Gunn says about the Acela, and all the trouble with it, that — If you talk with Amtrak’s operating people, they would agree that the Swedish X2000 was the train they should have bought. Gunn noted, “It was reliable, simple, proven” and “The reason we got into this mess is because the Canadian government is great at providing financing.”I am still looking for the RDC book. One of these days...A bunch of good books!!My retirement date? Officially I retired in January this year but I’m working 1/2 time since then and my very last day at the office will be October 30th. Good looking drumheads! I don’t think I have seen the Exposition Flyer drumhead before. Western Pacific. Where did it run? Rob – Ahh, Mooseanee! You have written about that train service before, if I remember right. Interesting. Thanks for the info! Is ONR still using thse F-units in their daily services?The Northbay station looks very nice. Don’t they use any part of it as a station or is it 100% a flea market now? CM3 – I didn’t take any good pictures of the private cars (2 of them) we had in the consist during our Canadian Tour. Which I certainly regret today. I just noticed that one of them had SKF roller bearings. I actually took a picture of the truck, hmm I wonder where that is?
Here it is:
Pete – To England in early October? That will be about one month after I return from Sweden. We hit 106 degrees today and it will get up to 111-112 on Thursday and Friday. Nice photos of the old tank locomotives and the diesels. Why don’t you think that diesel ever was a BR loco?
Eric
<personal foto from Rendezvous I>
Time for a catch-up on the acknowledgments just in case the morning gets away from me . . . never know! Anyway - here goes!
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):
Tuesday - July 29th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 62 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 8:46 AM: Now that's one fine structure in your last foto! They sure knew how to build ‘em back in the day, eh
Your mention of places depending on the railroads for lack of highways reminded me of some of the places in Alaska that we were told about heading up to Fairbanks. Lots of pretty sparsely settled ‘n wild territory up that-a-way. I'm sure they aren't kidding when saying that the bear population outnumbers the people in some places. <yikes>
Many thanx for the ROUND ‘n fotos!
Page 62 - CM3 Shane <coalminer3> at 12:18 PM: A link to enjoy for enthusiasts who appreciate "bangs" of the large kind!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railway_gun
We've noticed that with the higher temps, Juneau's tolerance for noise has changed. He seems to want quiet wherever ‘n whenever possible. One of the reasons we shy away from summertime trips is to avoid putting him in a kennel where the noise is 24/7 . . . ahhhhh, the things we do for our dogs, eh Youbetcha!
Cards are coming off a couple of disastrous series, but are looking better against HOTlanta. Of course, the Braves are hurtin; - but that's all "part of the game," eh Kick ‘em when they're down! <grin> Still not overly excited about this season . . . kinda looking forward to football . . . ‘n can hockey be THAT far off
Thanx for the ROUND, quarters ‘n good chat!
By the by - stay near shelter at this time of year - the storms that have raged thru here are killers, fer sure.
Page 62 - Pete <pwolfe> at 4:03 PM: Yes, having a "three-way" going on was a throwback to when we had a larger group. Was fun . . .
Glad you recognize that the PHS is still OFF-LIMITS to not only YOU, but the Sandman as well. A promise made to our Senior Manager <Emeritus> . . . <uh oh>
As much as those deer are annoyances, I couldn't <'n wouldn't> harm ‘em at all. Chase ‘em off, perhaps, but without any injury. Just not in my make-up - I'd much prefer to put the hurt on a two-legged critter than four.
A garden railway would be GREAT - we surely have the room. Hmmmmmmm. And I've already got two LGB sets . . . . Hmmmmmmmm. Nah - I couldn't handle summertime operating sessions in this oppressive blast furnace we live it. <ugh>
One of the terrific facets of traveling aboard the Canadian or the Ocean with an all Budd-consist is having several places to enjoy the train. Whereas aboard the rather sterile Renaissance . . . well, you know what I mean. Even the Chaleur had options that were far more favorable.
As always, enjoyed your chat ‘n spate of fotos - ROUND too!
Page 62 - Eric <EricX2000> at 7:12 PM <5:12 PM Sandbox time>: A rare, but appreciated, daylite visit from our Sandman!
Not to worry, Wolfman Pete is very transparent when it comes to "planting seeds" . . . but must admit - he is onto something . . . <grin> I do believe had you seen the brunette in the play we saw, you'd willingly give up your freedom. <pant> <pant>
I recall your telling us about Amtrak's wrong-headed decision to go with Acela rather than X2000. <groan> As our friend CM3 Shane likes to point out, "It's always about the money!" <grumble> <mumble> <bratzafratz>
One of these days we ARE coming to Arizona - Carol's not seen the GC ‘n I definitely want to ride the dome car to/from . . . oh yeah, here's the link!
http://www.thetrain.com/
Been seriously looking at a long weekend before Thanksgiving . . . we'll see. Should be nice ‘n "comfortable" by then in terms of temps . . . <grin> Saw that Southwest flies non-stop to Phoenix . . . so we'd rent a car, etc. All very preliminary, of course . . . Last time for me was 1988 - first was in 1953.
Click for info on the Exposition Flyer, a joint venture between Chicago ‘n San Francisco!
http://calzephyr.railfan.net/expoflyer.html
Okay - October 30th it IS! Let the countdown begin . . .
Much appreciation for your daylite visit, good cheer ‘n WHAT, no ROUND <geesh>
Good evening Leon,just winding out the day.I think just a nice glass of wine as a bedtime treat tonight,the dry white,but not the barefoot stomped one that Boris and the girls made.<ugh>
Tom-Lots of good stuff inserted between the rest of us today.Loved seeing those ad's again they are a nice collection,most of those books are keepers as well and drumheadas galore too,a busy day for you ( what else you goanna do these triple H days daze )
Good to know that you are keeping yup your end of the bargain in keeping the PHS sacred The large snarling dogs posted at the door help too By the way nice pic of the PCC in our yard two from rendezvous 1.
I have to say it's a good thing that Moose factory island is separate from the rest of Ontario.The native population ( mostly Swampy Cree yes that's the bands name.) allow the kids to drive the few functional motor vehicles on the Island and by kids I'm talking ten and twelve year olds. Which is fine as it's just band police on the island so it's an anything goes kinda place.
Pete-More fine photo's sir. I do like those little tea kettles and the side rod deisel switcher.
Shane-Ah yes fine words from the bard You amy want to keep your head down,I imagine the strom front we had the last few days headed south and may or amy not reach your neck of the woods.
Eric-neat truck shot from that passenger car. Looks like the car itself was painted in CPR Maroon.All the trackage is gone from the CPR line in North Bay.The entire structure is shops and offices.But it was stone by stone refurbished as was the old Canadian Northern / CNR station which is now a seniors centre.
Rob
<Nickel Plate #170 at MoT, Kirkwood, MO - personal foto>
Wednesday's Witticism
You'll sure get out-pointed if you pick a fight with a porcupine.
Mid-week in mid-continent as we near the end of the month! Can you believe it's almost the 8th month of the year <geesh>
Coffee's been freshly ground ‘n brewed - pastries stocked in The Mentor Village Bakery case ‘n our <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts are ready to be ordered from the Menu Board!
Page 62 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 11:24 PM: Ten ‘n twelve year olds driving vehicles meant for adults - hmmmmmmm, a place to avoid! <yikes> I recall meeting a kid in Cheyenne, Wyoming back in '53 who was driving a pick up truck. At the time, I was also a 15 year old, still interested in electric toy trains - his blew my mind, fer sure, fer sure.
Figured you'd like that trolley shot from Rendezvous I! Seems just like yesterday . . .
Juneau has objected, quite vigorously to those two snarling ‘n snapping K9s outside the PHS - so they've been "dismissed" ‘n relegated to patrolling the back forty picnic ground area. <yikes>
Weather patterns have been rather weird in these parts with the real severe stuff remaining just a bit north of us - although we've had more than a few roar thru with light shows ‘n noise to wake the dead. <triple yikes>
In the "Are you kidding dept." the basement wall is still leaking . . . whenever we get an appreciable rainfall, the water flow resumes. The Diaper Patrol continues. Once I've mended sufficiently to do what I've planned - I'm going to find that water source or die doing it! The idea is to alter or eliminate that source - not simply put a bandaid on the cracked area. Absolutely disgusted with not being able to get a professional out here to do what I want - rather than what they want. <grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr>
Oh yeah, be sure that is WHITE wine ‘n not the "sample" Boris put "somewhere" behind the bar in advance of his quarterly trip to the doc . . .
Glad you made it in - puts a nice cap on the day. Yeah, I don't mind being busy when there's activity at the bar. Ya know - you Post - I Post - he Posts - I post - etc.
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!
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Good weather continues although we may get some thunderstorms later today. Gas is at $4.04 today.
I passed this sign today on the way to work. "Now Hiring Ice Cream Cone Meatloaf Dinner." Can't wait to see who applies for the job!
Pete was in with comments and a fine set of delightful little critters. In answer to your question, steam was gone from the PRR by 1957, IIRC, and in any case the last stand for P Company steam was on Jersey Coast trains. That being said, there were lots of G motors and all kinds of other things as well in the electric and diesel departments. Not much freight along their today as it is Amtrak's Northeast Corridor route. Oh, almost forgot - at least four tracks.
Eric - The Exposition Flyer was the direct ancestor of the California Zephyr. Following link will tell you more http://calzephyr.railfan.net/expoflyer.html
If the link won't work from this page, just type it in and you'll get there. The Expo. Flyer was supposed to have a short life span, but it hung around from 1939 until the CZ went into service.
OSP was in with drumheads (see Exposition Flyer link above) and reading material. I was looking at the New Haven book last night as a matter of fact - reread the sections on Springfield-Hartford service and the line to the Berkshires. The latter would make an interesting layout as you have electrification as well as other types of power. Don't tell Nick - he'll start all over again (lol).
Still sopping the basement? Yuck! Old People's MTV has been wrong all week with their forecasts - trust me, we do not need rain right now!
Just as a heads up - I may not be around on Friday as my graduate class has its project presentations that day. I get to see what they have been up to most of the summer.
Work safe
Ahhhh, I see CM3 Shane has dropped by with a morning Epistle-ette ‘n a warning for Friday. Appreciate the chat - thanx for the head's up - you'll definitely be missed in these rather weird times . . . Figures that when I "laud" the <GoR> that's when we have one or more become scarce . . . <puzzlement>.
"Our" Place Passenger <'n freight> RR Fallen Flags - Number Four
(1) Atlantic Coast Line
(2) Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe
(3) Bangor & Aroostook
(4) Chicago, Great Western
(5) Central of New Jersey
(6) Delaware & Hudson
Afternoon gents,just a quick pint please Ruth-and take for a round of course-
Just a quick post ahead of my main epistle-specifically for the WOLFMAN regarding the mystery pics you posted-well,after anexhaustive trawl through the sub-basement I finally found my old Gwili rly stockbook and lo & behold :-
img{}/img
This looks to be either `Dylan Thomas` or #114-North British B.1956/62 respectively,28.5/30 tons resp. ,225/300 H.P resp.N.B.L/M.A.N engine,Voith transmission
Dylan worked at Landore foundry,Swansea and #114 at East Moor steel in Cardiff,later Velindre nr Swansea.
Here we have,on the left,`Olwen`,R.S.H b.1942,worked at Earley power station nr Reading until `76 arrived at the Gwili `78.
Has been the train engine on a couple of visits (pix later)
On the right,`Nellie`,York. Eng.Co,1960,30 tons,230 H.P. Rolls-Royce engine Worked at Whitehead steelworks,Newport,Gwent Arrived Gwili `82-now fitted with Vacuum brakes for passenger work
Painted in corporate blue in `90-which gives one end of the pic date range-picture taken standing in the car park
O.K back with a full post later,cheers!!
A pint of Holden's Golden Glow on this damp day please RUTH.
TOM Many thanks for those great Classic Drumheads by the Dozen. All good, I think my favorites of the selection are the Wabash Banner Blue and the WP Exposition Flyer.
Liked the photo of the trolley, it looks great in that livery.
Thanks for the URL to the railway guns; I bet they had to have the brakes well on when they fired them.
Yes a garden railway would be great, but as you say it would be better stored in the heat of the summer.
I agree about the Budd cars versus the Renaissance cars the new cars are just a train trip but the Budds are a real experience.
Many thanks for the link to the Grand Canyon Railway; it is a great web site with that great slide show of photos.
That was an interesting link to the Exposition Flyer; it seems to have been an unlucky train with the number of wrecks it was involved in.
Real sorry to hear the basement is still giving problems in the heavy rain we have had lately. I must admit I can't recall the people who do basement repairs around here advertising on the local TV lately.
Many thanks for the Fallen Flag Heralds, some famous and no doubt much missed companies.
ERIC Good for you saving that bird.
Thanks for the insight into the Amtrak book and the Acela and X2000 information.
Good photo of the 6-Wheel bogie on the Canadian car. Am I right in thinking that 12 -wheel passenger cars are not built nowadays.
They say the temperatures are going to be in the mid 90sF this weekend and it is going to be the high humidity that is going to give us a heat index in the mid 100s.
Glad you liked the photos. I had a look in one of my books and there was no BR shunter numbered 02 101, although there were some of the class that run on BR preserved. To my surprise I found a link to the 02 switchers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_02
One Shunter that I believe was a BR owned locomotive was this class 06 No 06003. The class were built by Barclay and worked in Scotland in BR days.
A link to 06003, a loco I did not see in BR service although I saw some of the class, in another words a cop
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_06
It appears that Hornby have produced a model of 06003
http://www.hornby.com/railroad-145/r2676/product.html
ROB Glad you enjoyed the photos, I feel the industrial locomotives were often the unsung heroes of the railscene, many preserved lines that run pacifics and big engines today started with industrial engines.
The PCC in Tom's photo looks in really great condition.
CM3 Glad you enjoyed the industrial locomotives, there is a lot of interesting designs of industrial locos produced by the different manufacturers both steam and diesel.
There sounds a good variety of power on the PRR main line, did most of the freights have electric power with the electric locomotive changed from the diesel where the electrification ended or were most trains diesel hauled throughout.
Really hope the rain stays away from your area, it as been a steady rain here all day.
Alan has just sent me some more photos, hopefully I will get some notes on them but I would like to share one today for model day. A line Nick and I talked about at the bar, the Rhyl Miniature Railway. Would not these look great running around the garden
Well RUTH had a bit of trouble getting this togther for the site, three cheers and a round please for the Word Processor.
Pete has turned yet another Page - this time to 63! Sooooooo, head on down to the beer cellar 'n take your pick of imported brews by the Pony Keg!
Getting back in the swing o' things for Wednesday ‘n our OP-SHUN-UL Toy ‘n Model Trains Day! with some RANDOM FOTOs of my toys ‘n models in the Can-Am Trainroom . . .
(1) Amtrak on feeder en route Union Station - VIA RDCs waiting to depart - VIA F40PH waiting to depart maintenance area
(2) Just out of the box for the then-to-be-completed S-Capades!
(3) Two iterations of "The Canadian" at "Our" Place!
(4) Polar Express inaugural run on dining room table!
(5) The Second Class Saloon in Can-Am's Mountain Village
(6) Ambassador Hotel in Can-Am City
A pint of Brains SA for Nick Tom and I please RUTH.
NICK Just caught your post, I pressed post instead of preview but that is how it is going on the computer today.
Many thanks for the information on the locomotives at the Gwili Railway that I posted in the photos yesterday.Unfortunatly the notes on the photos did not survive my trip here.Now you have given me a rough date of the photos I will have a look in my notebooks and see which date I visited the Gwili.
The photo of 06003 I posted today was taken at the Battlefield Line at Shackerstone I believe.
TOM Thanks for the Pony Keg and many thanks for the great photos of the Can-Am, S-Capades and the Polar Express's inaurgural run.It is a busy scene by the Amtrak maintenance area and doesn't the folks outside the Mentor Inn look a lot more classy than those two shady characters by the Second Class Saloon
Well RUTH another round please.
Hey PETE-welcome to the shot in foot department-having checked my own pix,I discover a bad case of too much smugness-`Olwen` faces south & `Nellie` north so I was completely a*se about face with the pic shooting position
Just off to the hall of shame for a short howl,brb.....
Appears Pete 'n Nick may be having a bit o' live chat . . . Also Nick appears to be "visiting" the Threads today . . . Must be a raining in west Wales! <grin>
A little something in keeping with the "you Post, I Post, you Post, I Post, etc."
Now Arriving on Track #1
Back in the Day - Number Six
The GM Train of Tomorrow
<Initially Posted on 30 Oct 2007, Page 133 of "Our" Place II>
Caveat: The following material is from http://www.trainweb.org/ and in absence of any prohibition for use is provided solely for the enjoyment of those who frequent "Our" Place. There is no intent to misuse or profit from the use of this material.
The central idea for this train originated with General Motors in 1944, (read about it here) and subsequent practical suggestions from railway officers and transportation experts were combined in a four-car Astra Dome train which included an Electro-Motive 2,000-hp. Diesel locomotive, one chair car, one sleeper, one dining car and one observation-lounge car. Electro-Motive engineers of the Pullman-Standard Car Manufacturing Company developed detail engineering designs with the help of GM stylists and built the cars.The EM 2,000-hp. Diesel locomotive was 71 ft. long and had a loaded weight of 318,000 lb. Each of the cars was 85 ft. long. The chair car had a weight of 147,000 lb. and a seating capacity of 72, including the Astra Dome. The dining car had a weight of 160,000 lb. and seating capacity of 52, including 18 in the Astra Dome and 10 in the private dining room. The total refrigeration space supplied in the car was 111 cu. ft., and had ice-making capacity of 225 lbs of ice cubes in 24 hr.The sleeping car had a weight of 150,000 lb. and passenger capacity of 24 sitting and 20 sleeping, exclusive of 24 seats in the Astra Dome. This car was designed with two three-berth drawing rooms, eight duplex roomettes for single occupancy, and, under the dome, 3 compartments, each with 2 lengthwise lower berths. The observation car had a weight of 141,000 lb. and seating capacity of 68. The car was designed with a rear main lounge, cocktail lounge, lower bar and Astra Dome.The total length of the train, including the locomotive, was 411 ft.; car heights, rail to Astra Dome roofs, 15 ft. 6 in.; empty weight, 920,000 lb.; loaded weight, 977,000 lb.; exterior finish, steel and glass, blue and silver; interior finish, metals, wood plastics and fabrics in 37 colors; total passenger capacity, 216.
GM Train of Tomorrow <foto credit: unknown>
The exterior of the train was finished with a glistening blue-green on its sides and roof, punctuated by decorative moldings and sheathing below the windows which had a bright, silver finish.Finally, after the war, General Motors ordered the four-car demonstrator set from Pullman. The all-dome train was delivered in May 1947 and toured the country as the GM "Train of Tomorrow". The consist went on exhibition tours totalling 65,000 miles. After the tour ended in 1950, the Union Pacific purchased the equipment for it's contribution to pool service in the Seattle-Portland run with NP & GN.
Train of Tomorrow <model>
<GM Train of Tomorrow - foto credit: unknown>
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Well good evening Gentlemen all -Ruth I will try that pint of Brains from PETE please my dear and anything from the bottom shelf..........................................AHHH you`ve made an old man very happy....-enough already..
Right-to business-no new model stuff today I`m afraid-have been on Sprocket patrol all day,but will be up there with the camera as soon as.....there is some new stuff to record,which may be of interest....
TOM-Some grand model pix from you there Sir-The shot of the 2nd class is proof that you don`t need a train to make a brilliant pic and the one of the Berkshire in it`s natural environment (on a table top ) would make a perfect Xmas day advert-likewise the Escapades stock...........
Right-now to more sequential posts..
ALLAN-Yes indeed mate,was a fine evening running the layout-even just a part of it -and might I infer from your response that you have a layout yourself-?--Care to share ,or have I missed it ( I blame the drink-every time...)....Thanks for the heads up on the old Riley,several of our more prosperous neighbours had Cambridges ,although I always felt superior getting driven round in dads Austin FX4 taxi ( a very similar vehicle but diesel powered ) -a crossover here-I understand the Cambridge plant was exported to India where they built them to be used as taxi`s-they also have the plant for the Royal Enfield 350 single & 600 twin bikes I believe....
The Indian connection takes us North West into the Khyber pass-a great bit of railroading there-trains of 3 or 4 coaches and a few vans with North British 2-8-2`s on each end working up through the zig-zags and switchbacks...fine stuff.............
ERIC-It was indeed a busy monday-sorry I couldn`t stay around but remember the time difference.....Thanks for the heads up on the Riley-was definately a `68 registration (I know `cos I used to have a B.S.A Barracuda with a `68 plate) but could well be a `60 model-there were far fewer cars in those days and they didn`t exactly rush off the shelves.....
Now O.N.R matters-As ROB has noted,there are still passenger workings :- Train #697/698 `The Northlander`(G.P38/2,2 coach cars,food service car,H.E.P car) works between Toronto and Cochrane and meets up with the Little Bear( a mixed train running daily-although this may have changed) 2 engines,loads of freight and 3 or 4 passenger cars or the Polar Bear Express (summer season only,2 engines, dome cars-the works) which will take you up to Moosonee......
As to the `F` units-there are only 2 left,they havn`t hauled a train in years-they are sitting on the dump road at North Bay-my best guess would be that they might be sold as H.E.P/driving trailer units like several before them (to GO transit) although as CAT powered units they should get some special treatment....I feel a rant coming on.........
Now steady lad-there might be people listening....
TOM...A quick note on auto designs,-I rather think that you have the right of it there mate-at this time the U.K was following the American dream,but in a smaller way-we were hanging on the coat tails of American design practice-we had rationing, you guys didn`t-at this time you were the most prosperous nation on the planet,we were getting used to eating meat again.....naturally we followed your lead-is about that time that British cars first started showing up with bench seats and column shifts...we just didn`t have the drive-in movie theatres or burger houses .....Anyway,enough of that
A fine selection of C.P.R stuff today -sorry to hear that the `water problem` is STILL ongoing -where is the `banghead `icon when you need it....... A fine selection of midweek drumheads and such -delightful look at the library-hope there is room for me to put down a sleeping bag there when I come to visit....wont be able to read everything there and still get all the STUFF done otherwise...(btw-I dont use a lot of sleep when on tour and sounds like we have a lot of digging to do......before we lay out the roadbed for the garden line...)
ROB-So whats the story with the Bay..?-I thought the C.P.R tracks were taken over by the O.V.R-or has that gone to the wall ?...explanations please ...
SHANE-Now then Sir !-The other car we had when I was a nipper was a Morris 1000
This is a `71 soft-top version-in immaculate condition I might add,the Harry Potter car is the Ford equivalent-the Anglia-about the same size and engine capacity-sorry I dont have a pic,but think this size but with sharper edges -more like the Riley pictured earlier-were both in the same market........although they eclipsed the Riley `Elf` ...
Incidentally -I applied for that `ice cream meat loaf` job earlier-I think it went well-nobody giggled out loud anyway
Now then-electric current-I feel a moment coming on-are we talking 750 volts D.C third rail or 25 kv overhead.......
PETE-at last -a voice of sanity--now I too can see a pair of L.G.B loco`s pushing a .22 caliber LEOPOLD gun around the garden-Actually-I am with TOM on this one-you wanna try hunting,come and hunt ME-now thats calling it sporting-I`ll sit in the bushes with a pump action 5-shot Beretta loaded with rock salt and lets rock and roll...........
Leave the deer alone..remember Bambi...
Sorry-had a bit of a moment there.....Right then PETE-the other pix of yours there-the blue engine(is that the same engine in both pix ? ) looks like a Peckett-the other one is without doubt an Andrew Barclay-same as Rosyth #1 in the pix to follow....
Right,first up we have some pix for ALLAN-here is a selection of Barmouth-both bridge and station-hope it evokes some pleasant memories
Here we are on a cold spring morning.........
Here we are back at Bronwyth arms stn with a selection
O.K guys-wil provide a full explanation tomorrow-a bit p*ssed tonight
be happy ,
Mmmmmm
Evening Capt Tom and crew... Mmmmmmm
"All Fast Forward all Daft Aft" called the Captain. Just keep the kieth's a'flowing. In port and all secured.
Read the riot report and found it rather daunting so I will return tomorrow to deal with the Retortes! Press gangs a com'n!
Rob: Quick question for ya! How many cities in North America are still using Street Cars or equivalent today? My dear wife, emphatic she is! say's there is only two cities in N.A. with them. Toronto and San Franscisco. Can you shed some light on this?!?
Later All
Fergie
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
Got very bored watch the tube - so thought I'd get a leg up on the acknowledgments . . . So, here they come!
Wednesday - July 30th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 62 - CM3 Shane <coalminer3> at 8:31 AM: Filled up the wagon at Collusion Corner - price was $3.67 <rounded>. Noted that someone bumped the baby buggy over in the mid-east again, so there's been another spike in world oil prices. What's new, eh
Last day of summer classes for the bride was yesterday <Wednesday> - today is grading day - then she's off ‘til the fall semester begins on Aug 18th. Yeah, Aug 18th . . . don't even try to "logic" that one out . . . <groan>
That sign you saw must've been an illusion - makes absolutely no sense! <grin> Then again - Nick <later on> said he applied for the job! <uh oh>
Many thanx for the ROUND, visit ‘n quarters . . . hope you'll be able to drop by on Friday, even if for only a "howdy"!
Page 62 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 2:21 PM <6:21 GMT>: Directed Post for Pete - but some fine fotos for the rest of us to enjoy! A ROUND as well . . .
Page 63 - Pete <pwolfe> at 2:43 PM ‘n 3:09 PM: Well put regarding the Budd vs Renaissance cars . . . One is truly an experience to be logged in long-term-memory. The other . . . nothing to write home about. <grin>
A round trip aboard the GCR in the dome costs about as much as we used to pay for a bedroom aboard the Ocean from Montréal to Halifax ‘n return! I'm NOT kidding! <geesh> The Grand Canyon round trip is under 5 hours, whereas the Halifax run gets you about 38 hours for both legs. Figure that, eh Ridiculous!
Rains have been predicted to be long ‘n hard, but we've only gotten brief "hits" - Juneau hasn't missed his walks <yet>! Expecting the hit the century mark with the temps over the week end . . .
I'm not much on that "heat index" thing, unless of course one wants to run around in the buff, which is when the temp is "supposed to feel like . . . ." Same with the "chill factor" . . . people fall for that crap ‘n it makes me wonder just how very little many seem to know <or care> about what they are listening to. Same with the statistics in sports, especially baseball. "They've" come up with categories within categories, as if that is going to make a difference in throwing, hitting or catching the <censored> ball. But we're "into" it anyway. Hmmmm. Rant over! <grin>
Those "shady characters" at The Second Class Saloon surely remind me of . . . <grin>
Always staggers my mind to think about the collapse of the passenger rail industry in America. Not only the industry itself, but all of the satellite business that bit the dust when the trains no longer ran. Such a shame - such a <censored> shame . . .
All kinds of stuff for the boyz - links for real ‘n model trains - a fine foto - good cheer ‘n ROUNDS! <A round for the word processor?? - You must've had a bad time of it!>
Page 63 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 3:55 PM <9:55 PM GMT>: Directed Post to Pete.
Page 63 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 7:33 PM <1:33 AM Thursday GMT>: Wonder how many hunters would be as willing if the animals shot back Hmmmm.
Not a problem putting you "up" in the guest room with Missinick - lil' one can use the sewing room with a rather comfortable inflatable mattress <endorsed by Boris, of course!>
Lawd knows that leaking basement wall problem better be fixed by then! <yikes> I'm more inclined to believe that the solution is right before my beedy little eyes - once I find the SOURCE of the water - then the matter can be corrected. No point in digging a 22 ft long trench against the foundation ‘n down to the center of the earth - first find the SOURCE.
That contractor ‘friend' of mine has disappeared from the radar . . . so, this is MY project. I've got a couple of ideas to put to use - but first must get the "okay" for that kinda exertion. ‘til then - it's the Diaper Patrol each time we have substantial rains . . . the reason we cancelled out on our Empire Builder trip was because we were uneasy about leaving home with no one to watch the situation . . . didn't want to return to a flooded basement. <yikes>
Interesting thoughts you put forth regarding the evolution of the Brit cars . . . good ole American influence in the UK, eh Reminds me of the WWII saying about our troops in the Isles - they're overpaid - oversexed - ‘n over here! <grin>
All kinds of comments for the boyz along with an excellent spate o' fotos!
Many thanx for stopping by on this rainy night . . . good company, good cheer ‘n the ROUND makes for a warm glow ‘round here!
Page 63 - Fergie <Fergmiester> at 8:03 PM <10:03 PM ADT>: In port ‘n secured is the word from our Most-irregular, irregular-Part-time Resident Canadian Maritime Mariner! <phew> Anyway, surprised - but pleased - to see him climb aboard that "guest stool" over at the far end of the bar . . .
Riot report Hmmmmmm. This should be interesting . . . Keep in mind that there's been lots of stuff Posted since you last interacted - so provide some background, wudja <geesh>
Tell Lisa that she left out New Orleans! That system is back up ‘n running since Katrina.
The question may be difficult to answer with regard to operating trolley systems in North America. Why Because the term has been morphed into light rail, LRVs, etc. Did a preliminary search - because of curiosity - ‘n determined this would be a mind bender to sort through. It'll be interesting to see what Rob comes up with - hope he provides some reference material too.
Flowing Keiths appreciated . . .
Hi Tom and all,
Leon, the usual round of Tui`s for all the guys` please!
Nick. Some good sleuthing to find that info on the industrial locos` Pete posted the pix of. I have an N guage layout of the Santa Fe Raton Pass area of the early 50`s in(SLOWWWW) progress, have it installed in an 8ft by 10ft metal garden shed which I`ve lined and insulated. Many thanks for those pix of Barmouth Bridge, the harbour and station areas, they brought back some really happy memories of my youth there, I still cannot see how we used to walk over the estuary bridge, after all those beers`, in the pitch dark so often and not trip on all the sleepers, good job not many trains ran over the line during the night. Nice pix of the Morris 1000 soft top and those cold spring morning and Bronwyth Arms station ones too.
Tom. A fine collection of colourful Ads in your #7 RR Ads from the Classic Era featuring the Canadian Pacific Rly, a really interesting selection of Hard Cover books for your Can-Am library , a great selection of Drumheads in #5 of your Classic series, some good info in the #4 of the Fallen Flags series and the BITD on the GM Train of tomorrow. A very nice selection of pix of your Can Am trainroom layouts, you have certainly got some great results from all of your hard work on it all. Very interesting link to that Railway Gun site as well. My old man was stationed in India from 1923 to 1930 , in those days regiments did a seven year tour in India and the Far East regions, probably due to the costs. In my day they cut this down to three year tours of duty in the Far East. See we were in around the same time again, was going to post this, and their you were, nice to see you mate! Hope you get that basement water problem cleared up soon.
Eric. It`s really amazing how the time flies when you`re your own boss. Another nice snowy pic, you really know the way to Tom`s heart, and an interesting pic of that 6 wheel truck. On that passenger car. We could do with some of your heat here at the moment, the 2nd big winter storm is just passing over at the moment.
CM3. Small world, my old man took part in the desert campaign as well, he was with the Desert Rats at El Alamien and then the Italy campaign afterwards.
Pete. A fine set of industrial loco pix. A really nice shot of the Rhyl Miniture Rly, you and Nick are really taking me back to the days of my youth, many thanks. A nice selection of links you posted, nice one to the Hornby model of 06003. Only a couple of months to go till you get back to the old country, you will be getting excited about the upcoming trip now. Looking forward to seeing the latest crop of pix from Alan.
Rob. Hope you`ve rested up after all your fence work . Would love to get a chance to visit those areas you have featured just lately, looks as if you may be seeing Dan over there one day by all accounts.
Fergie. Good to see you in again.
See ya, Allan
Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
No, Leon, I am not hungry tonite. Just a Keith's, that's all!
Nice to sit down for a little while before hitting the sack.
Tom – Hmm, she must have been very good looking. It takes a lot if I am going to give up my freedom though. I better keep an eye on Pete. I know Shane is right, it is always about money. But sometimes it comes back and bite you, it is going to cost more in the long run. Looking forward to see you in Arizona! I’ve been to Grand Canyon a number of times but I don’t remember last time I was there. Some years ago. Thanks for the links, especially the one to the Explosion Flyer! Kind of scary when a train get that kind of nick name. A lot of interesting info. I understand that you are still having problems with the leaking wall. That must be very frustrating.Very nice looking emblems! Santa Fe’s emblem is still going strong! Some well known views from the Can-Am Railway! I can see the snow is still on the ground around the Second Class Saloon, brrrrrr. The Train of Tomorrow! That is what is needed today, something for our next Rendezvous! Interesting info! I wonder if UP still has that train set? Rob – Both private/business cars had the same color. You can barely see them at the far end in this photo from Windsor 1993. Thanks for the info on North Bay station, or maybe I should say former station?CM3 – Thanks for the link to the Exposition Flyer! It’s the same one Tom provided. It obviously had quite a few accidents. Nick – Wow, you found all the facts on those diesels! How about “Nellie”, did it belong to BR or Whitehead Steelworks?Thanks for the ONR info. Kind of sad that those F-units aren’t being used for any train service. Interesting pictures. I can see 02101 again! Like an old friend! Very short, compact loco. Hope you will feel better tomorrow!Pete – The link to Class 02 diesels made me kind of confused. I couldn’t find the number that’s on the loco in your picture, 02101, as you mentioned. Hmm, that is kind of strange. There is a lot of reasearch to be done! We are supposed to get 114˚ on Friday, we had 109˚ today.Fergie – Street cars? Including light rail? Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Diego, Boston, you better check this link:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streetcars_in_North_AmericaAllan – Winter storm? It sounds bad, not for me. You are right about time, it just goes faster and faster. Your N gauge Raton Pass layout sounds very interesting! Interstate 25 goes basically the same way. Do you have any pictures of it? I guess these two picture could be from your neighborhood today.Mountain Village a snowy day in July!
And suddenly it's that day before Friday again! Last day of July as well . . . So, let's kick off this day with some freshly brewed coffee, a pastry or three ‘n an order from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast!
Saw Chris <MoPacBarrettTunnel> logged on early last evening - checked his Posts by doing a search, ‘n he hasn't put one "up" since his last at "Our" Place II on 29 Jan 2008 - after we had wished him B'day Greetings. Left without so much as a fair-thee-well; gotta wonder. Enjoyed his enthusiasm ‘n having him with us, even if it was a brief experience. Kinda like a Roman Candle, started off with a flash, then gone-zo.
Page 63 - Allan <Gunneral> at 9:37 PM <4:37 PM Thursday NZ time>: And our Resident Downunder NZ Kiwi Connection didn't disappoint!
Seven year tour of duty is a loooooooong one, fer sure, fer sure. Three years is long enuf . . . sometimes even a year can be an eternity. <groan>
Wouldn't it be interesting to eavesdrop a conversation amongst those who served in WWII The Africa campaign - the convoys of the north Atlantic - the retaking of the continent - island hopping in the Pacific - jungle warfare, all of that which those guys never seemed to want to talk about. Can you blame ‘em Amongst their "own kind" though, the tongues loosened up . . .
Many thanx for your fine < I3 > Post along with that ROUND of Tui!
Thursday - July 31st:
Page 63 - Eric <EricX2000> at 2:16 AM <12:16 AM Sandbox time>: You are oh so correct when talking about things coming back to bite you. VIA Rail should know that by now with their purchase of those Night Star <Renaissance> cars . . . given all the money they've put into making them "fit" north American standards ‘n the handicapped issue - well, I'd say they've been bitten! <yikes>
One of the most frustrating aspects of our basement dilemma is when we have pouring down - hard - rain, it most times is at night. I've wanted to get outdoors to see if I could locate any signs of water "source" during rains like that. The surface area next to the foundation is always dry - which says the path is beneath the ground. As you know, our property is on an incline - as are all of the homes on this street - we're mid-way up the hill - anyway, things like underground streams, broken water main and the like have been ruled out since the leak is a recent phenom and it stops when the rains do. Yeah, it's frustrating, but I'm "onto" some serious investigation - I'll FIND the SOURCE <or else!> <grin>
It's amazing how many innovative offerings in passenger rail occurred "back in the day" - all designed to keep the flow of passengers on the rails rather than in the air or on the highways. They lost. <groan>
Those CNW cars look good - AND that tent is very similar to ours back in the picnic area! Hmmmmmm.
Thanx for the Can-Am Mountain Village shots - always look good when someone else snaps ‘em! <grin>
I see you omitted St. Louis in your light rail list. Hmmmmm. But not to worry, it is difficult sorting out streetcars from light-rail - just the way things are in these times, eh
Arizona trip still in the preliminary stages - I'll ship you an Email when we get closer to finalizing . . . we'll surely have to get together for an evening.
And finally, no one said you had to give up your freedom - forever. Perhaps in increments of an hour here ‘n there! <grin>
Appreciate the < I3 > Post in your fine offering!
TODAY is Fish ‘ Chips Nite!
Hello Tom and all in
Breakfast for me please.
Tom, nice varied selection of pics, posters, drumheads etc - up to your usual standards and appreciated.
Rob - nice ONR pics, interesting to see the shops photos and of course your further comments on the Ontario North Country. I think the state is lucky to have that line up the highway 11 corridor. I enjoyed my journey immensely.
Eric - you would certainly enjoy dome car travel - I hope you can make a journey some time!
Pete - Cathiron looks a great place to watch WCML trains - as good as the spot I found on Stoke bank on the east Coast route near Burton Le Coggles I mentioned recently.
Nick - Jagger Close - nice one! Nice BMC motor - I think from the radiator style that is the Riley version not sure what it was called probably a 16/60 if that was the right classification. That basic car was badge engineered into every BMC option as I recall - even MG - so that is Austin, Morris, Riley, Wolsely and MG I guess. I expect the Riley was slightly sporty and with a higher class interior than the Austin. The seats were still leather though. I recall it being a heavy car with an underpowered BMC B series engine. As a kid I helped my grandfather strip down the engine top and change the head gasket - that was the first time I graduated from fixing mower engines up to real cars! I might have been about 11 or 12 then. It was ‘Dove Grey' with a red leather interior. Cream stripe at mid body side height!
Allan - good to read your comments about Dinky and Dublo - very much what my dad says (he was 10 - 11 then) about that period. He regrets that all the sales and dealer literature his father got sent got chucked out when the shop was sold - highly collectable today. He was lucky - but only had enough pocket money to buy the occasional item. Kids must have been desperate for those toys - good quality too and not made in China!
CM3 - thanks for your comments on that article link I posted which Tom also appreciated (Pete I take your point about the journalistic comments - I saw that and thought it was strange as Mr Glancey is a confirmed spotter and enthusiast himself - he did a great programme about the GCR a couple of years back on channel 4)
Anyway - as luck would have it a short notice opportunity has arisen for me to take the new high speed line to Paris this weekend - booked tickets at short notice in August so not cheap but there we are - off on sat, back on Monday. I look forward to experiencing the whole 186 mph journey and will report back - I got 1st class (maggott choking cost) tickets so will get meals included and got allocated to the famed 'Seat 61' on my reservation on one leg. (see www.seat61.co.uk ) I'll report back when I can next week. I expect the train will be busy. Just hope my car is a peacefull one.
Hope I've not missed anyone.
Here's a round for the house whilst I'm away.
DL
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please (New England Full City Roast will be fine), round for the house and $ for the jukebox. The rains got here about 6 a.m. and are supposed to continue for awhile.
Pete - Turned another page indeed! How were you able to fit that keg into the black bag?
Six wheel trucks were used on some postwar cars (relying on memory here) including ATSF high-level cars, some full dome cars, and on some New Haven diners. I am sure there are more but my passenger pictures are far from where I am now.
PRR question is a good one - P Company electrification ran between New York and Washington and as far west as Harrisburg, PA. Electric power would be changed out for diesel on westbound trains at that point and vice versa eastbound. You would see electric on most passenger operations (either locomotive hauled or mu), depending on route and end point cities. Electric ran on through freight and diesel on some through freight and local freight as well (for obvious reasons - kind of difficult to use a G motor in confined spaces).
Nick - Nice critter shots and a fine photograph of the Morris - it enlarged very nicely. BTW, I hope you get the job (lol). That fails you can try out as a sign shaker at Little Caesars.
Fergie - Eric added cities to the streetcar list. I understand that the discussion can get theological very quickly. But, Boston does operate PCCs and I believe that qualifies as a streetcar.
Eric - Good to hear from you - See my comment above.
Allan - another N scale person. Good man!
OSP has been by with heralds and layout pictures and all sorts of stuff. Train of tomorrow is of interest to anyone who is a fan of dome cars. BTW, the sign re ice-cream cone meat loaf was neither an illusion nor an allusion. A little off topic, but how did we ever survive winter where we grew up w/o knowing about chill factor. It was either "cold" or !@#$ cold.
BTW, remember the converse to your WW2 slogan?
Incidentally, got my new Classic Trains yesterday - lovely two-page color spread of DL&W tugboats (anthracite powered, yet!) and a couple of pictures of NEW York terminal facilities back in the day. Shot of West Shore at Weehawken has always been one of my favorites, just because of all the different cars and equipment portrayed.
I will try and stop by tomorrow but it may not be until late.
Work safe.
P.S. I mash "refresh" before I post (just to see if anyone else is around) and look who's here - DL. Good to hear from you. Know what you mean about automotive literarature - it's very popular over here as well. Have a safe trip. I'm looking forward to your report. Can only guess what the price is in our currency - probably several of those "crooked numbers."
Good to see the return of Dan to his stool . . . noticed CM3 Shane over on "my other Thread" . . . AND he just made it over here! . . .
Dan has a splendid rail experience coming up! Fotos - we want fotos! <grin>
Of course, BahStun 'n the PCCs! <yes> Looks as if I'll have to research the "rules" to determine if wives of Irregular-irregular Part-time customers "qualify" for <tweetings>! <yikes> The "list" grows . . . <grin> But alas, Shane my friend, remains to be seen if our wayward Maritime Mariner will pick up on these goings on . . . <groan>
Looks like Manny may be heading elsewhere . . . no candidate for Beau Brummel Award in my OH-PIN-YUN!
And for those who may have missed it: WE ARE GOING TO NEED SOMEONE TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE on FRIDAY MORNING during DAYLITE as Shane will be gone. HELP!!
A new series!
Now Arriving on Track Number One
Passenger Trains from Around the World
Number One - EuroStar
EuroStar
Eurostar is a train service in Western Europe connecting London and Kent in the United Kingdom, with Paris and Lille in France, and Brussels in Belgium. In addition, there are limited services from London to Disneyland (Gare de Marne-la-Vallée - Chessy) and seasonal destinations in France. Trains cross the English Channel through the Channel Tunnel.
The service is operated by 18-carriage Class 373 trains at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on a network of high-speed lines. Since Eurostar began in 1994, new lines have been built in Belgium (HSL 1) and Southern England (High Speed 1) to the same standard as the LGV Nord line originally used in France, enabling journey times to be reduced. The two-stage High Speed 1 project was completed on November 14, 2007, when the London terminus of Eurostar transferred from Waterloo International to St Pancras International station.
<from: wikipedia.com>
For remainder of article, click: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurostar
Eurostar soon entering the city of Chambéry, in Savoie, France, April 8, 2006 <Public Domain/Wikipedia.com>
Two Eurostars at Waterloo International, Dec 4, 2005 (GNU Free Documentation - wikipedia.com)
A Eurostar on the CTRL going through the Medway Towns, Aug 25, 2005 (Creative Commons - Wikipedia.com)
Hi Guys,
Time to start a new edition. This one is getting rather large for the forum to be dragging around.
Thanks,Bergie
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