Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow travelers waiting for the bar to open!
Yes, 'tis the Larsman once again after an absence of over a month (last appeared on Valentine's Day). Anyway, just wanted to bring the fine "core" of gentlemen who keep this joint rockin' 'n rollin' up to date with some things in my life.
I've been working on this post for a few days, just a bit at a time. Also tried to play some catch up, but that will take much, much longer. Doubt that it will happen . . . msut tell youse guyz up front that my regular participation days are ovAH.
But first, Boris bring over that bottle of CC, I feel a thirst. Yeah, we're CLOSED, but as Manager Emeritus (sounds impressive!) I still have my key to the joint! Anyway, fix the crittAHs their special trays 'n I'll find a LARGE jar of PPF for you, but FIRST you must put me down. Good Grief Charlie Brown - your hugs would crush a Sherman tank.
Of course I've missed this place. Nary a day passed without my thinking of the good times 'round here 'n the interaction amongst the guys. That just can't be replaced 'n you'll never know how much I wanted to 'sign in' - but circumstances haven't allowed. Details have been provided to Cap'n Tom 'n I trust he's passed them on to those with a "need to know."
I have reviewed my email account and want to make special mention to Allan 'n Eric for their heartfelt thoughts. Many thanks. Also went back to the pages right after my "good bye" and found many kind words directed my way. Thanks again to all who have kept me in such esteem. I'm hardly worthy, but it's nice to be well thought of.
Couldn't help but notice the activity from the trolleyMAN Rob up in Ontario where the snow apparently doesn't want to go away. You've done good, but I'm not sure that Da Bossman made a good move with that larger dipper. This will only INCITE the Wolfman who believes he represents the downtrodden few 'round here. Gotta keep him in check, otherwise things can get a bit tough . . . Fill his black bag with soda bottles if he doesn't behave! <ha ha ha ha>
Nick is back and in rare form! Just like old times 'round here. AND who was it that used to tell us "one guy doesn't make a difference" Yeah, and my aunt would be called uncle if she could grow whiskAHs.
I just spoke with Cap'n Tom 'n he requested that I remove my remarks concerning the blast against him 'n the bar. So I have . . . bothers me very much that someone who was given every chance to join us never took the time to figure out what we do 'n why we do it. We're a FUN place for the exchange of CLASSIC TRAINS 'stuff' - don't like it Don't let the door hit ya in the keester. (Sorry Tom - but that's just the way it is! You don't deserve to be trashed that way nor does this bar!!!!)
Some good news from the homefront, at least for me. My sons have INSISTED that I participate in the St. Patrick's Day Parade tomorrow. They just wouldn't take no for an answer, nor would my buddies at the "lodge." So, once again, I'll be in it. Can't break the streak, or something like that. I'm so touched by it all that it's very hard to explain further. Family pitching in is what makes one feel blessed in situations that appear way over the top to handle.
Not sure when I'll get back to youse guyz, but I want to ask a favor of the few around here who keep things going. Let's make April 12th a big affair. It's the 3rd year of "Our" Place's existence in the ether. Send an email to at least one guy who might be persuaded to at least stop by for the day (Doug comes to mind). It shouldn't be that much of a chore to do. C'mon, youse guyz can do it - don't just sit on the sidelines 'n expect someone else to grab hold of the "ring." Go for it!! Hasn't Cap'n Tom earned at least that much in terms of support I think we know that answer!
I'll try my best to be here on Saturday, April 12th . . . even youse guyz who only come by on Monday thru Friday should find a way to be here on that day. Doesn't "count" to do it early - be here! OthAHwise Boris 'n Leon will seek you out.
I see the Larsman Mobile is parked along side the bar, so let's see what I can find to brighten up this day a bit in the form of covAHs - AND - photos!
Always a favorite of mine . . . reminds me of electric trains at Christmastime!
What's NOT to like about this one
You just gotta know Da Bossman loves this one!
Hard to believe those tuscan cars are gone . . .
Here's one for Shane!
For Rob!
For Shane 'n Rob!!
For Allan!
For Pete!
For Eric!
For Nick!
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Let's GO Mets!
Best to youse guyz! Ok Ruth, let's see what we can do to help the new manager with that <ahem> admin work . . . . <grin>
Until the next time!
Lars
Who left those pairs shoes outside the mangers office door,I don't wear gucci pumps and the laofers are two sizes too big oh and a note. Don't worry about the paper work and I can't make out the signature because of what looks like lipstick. Oh well hey Leon lets go shoot some darts I'll even spot you a couple free throws
Tom-Ah the malady with no name eh our critters know when one of us are not at our besta s well.Just a critter thing I suppose.I'll await to see your thoughts reguarding april A couple interesting wiki links and a couple even more interesting movies.I see Sweeny Todd made it in a bit for everyone
I have found that the only way to loose the WPP is to completely start over, it seems one misstep in the highlighting before one does the "cut" can add in all that extra formatting which if left will not remove easily,a learning curve for me, for the most part I've got it down now. I'm still computer illiterate, but I think I can at least give it the ole collage try
Have you got your training regimen for the operator recertification ready for Stealthy Pete and the gang for the upcomming rendezvous All operators need to be safe operators.
Eric-I see you survived the mucsical onslaught from last night.Nick and the gang were 'on' top notch performance and only one death that we know of, but she died happy.
Some interesting photo's again a little bit for everybody which is nice,kind of what this place is about ( no matter what some may think )The shot from Norway is interesting. What type of loco is that looks almost like a UK Deltic.
I guess your interview and some people recognizing you was your fifteen minutes of fame, not too bad and it's still paying of dividends as you will soon get a free lunch as well
Lars-I hope the managers suite was too your likeing the Dom was cold,and of a good vintage.Glad to see you even breifly,thanks for including a speacial cover shot for each and everyone of us
I'm glad that your family is allowing yoru streak to continue, I think that's important. Wehn ever you have the time Boris will have that hug for you and the suite will be kept clean and fee of critters Ragging Boris's will not keep me from the 12th, hopefully we can enjoy a few belts of the good stuff that day
Well no more admin work to do , so I guess I'll head off and make sure there is no further debris left from last night, that and Boris collected a huge bonaza of bottles,we should have some good cash for the return deposits tomorrow
Rob
(courtesy: http://www.rpsi-online.org/)
Good Morning Gents!
St. Patrick's Day is here! Time to start up with a cuppa Joe, some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and of course a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast!
Green beer & green snacks all day!
St. Patrick's Day Wisdom
When told about the election of a Jewish mayor in Dublin, Ireland, Yogi responded, "Only in America!" (Yogi-ism)
Customer Acknowledgements (since my last narrative):
Sunday, March 16th: <all times Central daylite>
Page 199 - Lars <LoveDomes> at 3:56 PM: What's to say Not only an appearance at the bar from our Senior Manager <or Manager Emeritus> but a fone call as well! Double the pleasure on Sunday. Many thanx for thinking ‘bout the joint ‘n crew! Five Salute to our friend, the Larsman! You've been missed . . . .
Very happy to know that you'll be able to keep up with your participation in the St. Paddy's Day festivities in olde New YaWk . . . In all the years of being there, I watched many of ‘em - got to be something that one just didn't want to miss.
Nice touch with the covers ‘n fotos for the gang! Nicely done, Mate!
Fully understand your situation regarding future participation ‘round here. There are some things none of us can overcome and available time is one of ‘em. Not to worry, you'll always be welcome ‘round here. Oh yeah, the KEY - keep it. You're a trusted friend . . .
Page 199 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 11:17 PM: A surprise late Sunday nite visit from our Manager! Keeping up with things ‘round here, eh From the description of the "crime scene," I'd say the best course of action is to . . . . shoot those darts with Leon.
Bad day ‘round here today as the bride is "down" with whatever got me last Sunday . . . first time in 18 years that I've known here that she's missed a day at school for illness. My gal is hurtin' today . . .
Thanx for helping to keep things movin' along both here ‘n over on "my other Thread"!
Menu for St. Patrick's Day: Corned beef 'n cabbage 'n all things Irish! Some fine stew being made, and don't forget the Irish breakfast - so what's wrong with GREEN eggs 'n ham (Dr. Seuss it ain't!)
I've got the bar all day - Cindy will be helping. Ruth and the gals will be working the tables 'n the tent. Leon comes in at 5 PM . . . should be quite a busy time of it.
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" GREEN OJ they can handle!
Top o' the mornin' to ya!
Tom
Top o' the Mornin' Gents!
RAILWAYS of EUROPE #5 - Irish Rail (IE)
<Initially Posted on Page 279 of the original Thread on Mar 17th, 2006>
<Reworked>
Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) (IE) Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources. Material NOT corroborated.Iarnród Éireann (IÉ; in English Irish Rail), is the national passenger railway system in Ireland. Established on 1 February 1987, it is a subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann. It runs all internal intercity, suburban and commuter railway services in the Republic of Ireland and it operates the Enterprise service between Dublin and Belfast jointly with Northern Ireland Railways. In 2006, Iarnród Éireann carried 43.1 million passengers; and this number is expected to rise to 48 million by 2009 and 100+ million by 2016.
In addition to Iarnród Éireann and Northern Ireland Railways, Bord na Móna operates a 3ft-gauge large industrial railway (the largest railway system in Ireland, but it does not carry passengers). Organisation At the time of its establishment IÉ referred to itself as Irish Rail, and introduced the four rails IR logo; however, the initials IR were often defaced as IRA on signage. The company gradually brought the Irish form of its name to the fore, ultimately introducing its current IE corporate branding and logo in 1994. The Irish word iarnród (alternately rendered "bóthar iarainn") translates into English as iron road, or railway. While the name "Irish Rail" was dropped from the logo, it remains part of the official company name ("Iarnród Éireann - Irish Rail") and was revived as the name of the company's online booking service, irishrail.ie, in 2006.
IÉ services are divided across several separate operating areas.
Services Advertising for Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) Intercity in Galway, 2005 IÉ's services are branded under three main names; InterCity, Commuter and DART. InterCity services are long-distance routes radial from Dublin. The Belfast-Dublin service, run in conjunction with Northern Ireland Railways, is branded separately as Enterprise. Diesel multiple unit (DMU) services out of major cities are branded Commuter. The DART brand is used for a north-south high-frequency electric multiple unit (EMU) service on the eastern side of Dublin. Formerly a separate timetable was published for each the two sectors (InterCity and DART /Commuter) annually, but in 2006 these were amalgamated into a single national timetable. Regional services (e.g. Limerick-Rosslare Europort) are sometimes regarded as Commuter services, with fairly new Commuter DMUs being used on the service, although they are listed as InterCity services in the timetable.
Dublin is the hub of Ireland's railway system. The two main Intercity stations are Connolly and Heuston; Intercity services radiate to/from Cork, Limerick, Tralee, Ennis, Galway, Waterford, Rosslare Europort, Sligo, Westport and Ballina. Dublin's third major station, Pearse is the terminus for much of the suburban network in the Greater Dublin area.
The majority of commuter services are based in Dublin, which in 2006 has four commuter routes. These are: Northern (Dundalk), Western (Maynooth/Longford), South Western (Newbridge/Kildare/Portlaoise) and South Eastern (Arklow). Many of the trains commencing on the South Eastern route provide a through service to the Western or Northern commuter line or vice-versa. Additional Urban commuter services include the Cork Suburban Rail, which runs on two lines from Cork (to Mallow and Cóbh) and from Limerick (to Ennis and Limerick Junction). The cork midleton route should reopen april 2009 As the Commuter livery is used on all DMUs, a number of other services also run under the name. These include Mallow-Tralee, Manulla Junction-Ballina and Limerick-Rosslare Europort, as well as the Dublin-Sligo and Dublin-Rosslare "InterCity".
The north-south route along Dublin's eastern coastal side is also host to DART, Ireland's only electrified heavy rail service.
Quality of service is generally good. The Enterprise route (Dublin to Belfast) is well regarded, despite occasional problems with punctuality. These are primarily capacity related. The route is only two track and serves both local and intermediate commuter as well as intercity traffic, hence any delay has knock on effects. This is combined with limited platform availability at Connolly station in Dublin. There is also the persistent problem with engine overloading, due to the fact that Enterprise locos must also supply coach power (unlike the southern and western routes, where power is provided by separate generator vans).
The Cork - Dublin route is also quite well regarded. It was the "premier line" of the Great Southern and Western Railway, one of the biggest pre-CIE operators. Journey time and rolling stock are quite good on this route, with new Mark 4 rolling stock complete with DVTs for faster turn around now in service.
Ireland: Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) No. 206 (IE 201 Class) at Colbert Station, Limerick (2006) (free use)
Dublin is the main hub in Ireland's railway system. The two main intercity stations are Connolly Station and Heuston Station; intercity services radiate to/from Cork, Limerick, Tralee, Galway, Waterford, Rosslare Europort, Sligo, Westport and Ballina. The majority of commuter services are based in Dublin, which has four commuter routes as of 2006. These are: Northern (Dundalk), Western (Maynooth/Longford), South Western (Newbridge/Kildare/Portlaoise) and South Eastern (Arklow). Additional commuter services run from Cork (to Mallow and Cóbh) and from Limerick (to Ennis and Limerick Junction). As the Commuter livery is used on all DMU railcars as of 2006, a number of other services also run under the name. These include Mallow-Tralee, Manulla Junction-Ballina and Limerick-Rosslare Europort, as well as the Dublin-Sligo and Dublin-Rosslare "InterCity". The north-south route along Dublin's eastern coastal side is also host to DART, Ireland's only electrified heavy rail service. Quality of service varies from route to route. The Enterprise is well regarded, despite problems with punctuality. There have been ongoing problems with excess power drain on the locomotives, with one or two locomotives overheating and bursting into flames while in service. Breakdowns are a regular occurrence as a result. The Cork - Dublin route, also quite well regarded, was the "premier line" of the Great Southern and Western Railway, one of the biggest pre-Córas Iompair Éireann operators. Journey time and rolling stock are quite good on this route with brand new rolling stock (mark 4) about to enter service.
Network Catering
IÉ's Network Catering unit provided a trolley service of food and drink, a snack car and (on some routes) a restaurant service. It also operates a restaurant at Dún Laoghaire. According to Irish Rail's annual report, the unit lost €270 000 in 2004.
Early in 2006, IÉ advertised for private catering contractors to take over the operation of its catering services. The service was taken over by RailGourmet in March 2007, who promptly raised prices of most items.
An IÉ commuter train at Tara Street Station, Dublin, 2006
Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources. Material NOT corroborated.
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Enjoy! Tom
Morning Tom , I'll have the BK coffee ( the high octane ) and I've brought a green thermos so it matches the festivities round the joint today.I ahev to say teh darts game with Leon last night was quiet envigorating , that guys got an arm on him. put one right through the dart board. We need to sign him up for this years grudge match I have to say teh aldies look good in their Irish green mini dresses and Boris is sort of "cute" in his leprachaun get up.
I hope that you are wearing a surgical mask as you've already infected one person <uh oh >
Nice read on the Irish Rail , a nice diverse system.
I aggree wiht you whoe heartedly lar's is a class act on any side of the pond or any planet a real trooper. I'm glad he was able to pop in if only briefly.A couple of photo's of locomotives wearing the green. You will have to envision it though as they are all Black and white photo's , but they are black and white photot's of CNR power in the proper green and Yellow paint scheme.
CN RSC 24
CN RSC 13
Oh what the heck one for the bossman in colour
PGE RDC at Quessnal BC ( uncles photo )
G'day Gents!
Back home between visits to the Doc . . . as Rob so "kindly" put it - apparently I've infected my bride! Hmmmmm. Gotta take her back in about 2 hours . . .
Sure appears that if not for Rob, I'd be talkin' to meself . . . 'tis supposed to be a special day 'n yet we're not being visited by the guys who make up the cadre - the core - the regulars! Fortunately I'm still buoyed by yesterday's visit from Lars, which gives me a glimmer of hope that perhaps - just perhaps - we have some life left. So, limping along . . . <aside from Rob's fine contributions!> here's a wee bit more for this St. Pat's Day!
(1) GNRI 85 Goraghwood - 10-06-1957 <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
(2) 85 at Lisburn - 3rd July 2004 <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
(3) GSWR logo from the past
(4) 4 at Drogheda <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
(5) UTA4 YorkRoad - 09-06-1957 <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
(6) IE #202 - class 201 <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
Later . . .
Good afternoon Barkeep and all Present; Irish coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Sorry I'm late today but we took one in the engine room over the weekend which necessitated a new water heater, some rewiring, etc. etc. Hot water is restored and when mom's happy, everyone's happy!
Nick - Sounds like you had a fine time (I think!)
Rob - TH&B Berks - not something we hear about too often.
Eric - The tower shot you got was at Attleboro, MA from an eastbound train. Attleboro is approx ¼ of the way between Providence and Boston.
The line to the right of your picture went SE to Taunton where it was joined by another branch which originated in Lowell, MA and stretched to New Bedford. This branch crossed the old Air Line at Walpole and crossed the Shore Line at Mansfield which is just above Attleboro on the Shore Line.
The branch split at Taunton; one side was east to Middleboro. Back in the long ago the Old Colony ran direct from Boston to Middleboro. Line from Middleboro ran to Buzzards Bay where another branch ran south to woods Hole. The rest of the line ran to Provincetown with a short branch from Yarmouth to Hyannis.
The other line which split off at Taunton was the Lowell-New Bedford Line mentioned above. A branch split from this line at Myricks and operated to Fall River. Back in the day this line continued from Fall River to Newport, RI. A short branch to Watuppa split off from the New Bedford Line between New Bedford and Acushnet.
So you can see that much of SE Massachusetts was honeycombed with branch lines. Employee tts from the time are full of all sorts of special instructions, etc. for operation over these lines.
Lars - Good to hear from you and that you will "keep yopur streak." New Haven book you posted is a keeper.
OSP - Sorry to sound liked Dickens, but, "The disease you have will visit you three times; twice you will be felled, and the third time you will spend 4-6 weeks coughing up body parts" There is no cure. The worst part is that you will also feel like you're draped over the stern sheets of the Nantucket boat; IOW you will have no energy. It does go away after awhile. I got into trouble because I couldn't take time off to kill it the first time. Thanks for the mopvie choices and the Irish Rail material. Enlarge the map, fellow readers, and enjoy!
Work safe
Great to see our WVA Connection make it "in" - gotta take care of the "home front" 'n the engineroom is a most critical element! <yikes>
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Continuing along with the Theme for this St. Pat's Day!
Brews of the Ould ‘n Nua Sod
Narrow gauge locomotive that worked in the Guinness brewery - 1920s. <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
So, whadilyahave??
Cheers!
Hi Tom and all.
HAPPY St. PATRICK'S DAY TO ALL THE REGULARS..I see you are behind the bar TOM so a round please and of course the Corned Beef and Cabbage..
A bit late catching up on the posts from the weekend and we have had Thunderstorms and heavy rain all morning, so I though I would post some photos while there is a break in the weather..
Unfortunatly my notes have gone astray at the moment for some of the locations ,these photos were taken on one of my Irish steam trips.
Great Northern Railway(Ireland) class V 4-4-0 No85 MERLIN built by Beyer Peacock Manchester in 1932.
Another BP locomotive class K2 2-6-0 No 461 built 1922 for the Dublin & South Eastern Railway.
461 does a 'Run Past' at Kilcoole south of Dublin on the line to Rosslaire.
85 and 461 at Mallow I think.
Deffinatly Mallow
Class WT 2-6-4T No4 built by Derby Works of the LMS for their Northern Counties Committee in 1947 at Antrim Northern Ireland.
No 4 at the RPSI base at Whitehead I think.The coach is the buffet car that dispenses the Guinness during the railtour I believe.
Looks like another storm rolling inso I will post this.
Another round please
Pete.
Back from the Doc's <again> . . . yeah, same-ole, same-ole - a virus "thing" . . . <hack> <cough> <choke> <wheeze> Now I gotta hurry up 'n wait for the bride's Rx from the drug store <that sells pretty much everything known to man-kind. Wonder if they have studded snow tires Hmmmmmm.>
I see Wolfman Pete has returned with a spate of eight fine fotos!
Still a far cry from those halcyon days of yore - but as long as I'm able to squeeze in an hour here ‘n there - we'll give it a continuing effort. More from the trains of the Emerald Isle on this day of celebration for the Irish!
(7) Irish CIE engine #011 - 001 class <Public Domain/Wikpeida.com>
(8) IE #081 - class 071 - <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
(9) Irish Rail #077 - class 071 - <GNU Free Documenation/Wikpedia.com>
(10) IE - class 2900 <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
(11) IE #124 - class 121 - <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
(12) IE - class 22000 <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
Later <maybe> . . .
A finale from me for this St. Pat's Day 2008! If this happens to be our last - let it be known that we went out in style . . .
More trains of the Emerald Isle!
(13) CIE Park Royal <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
(14) IE MK1 Craven coach <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
(15) IE MK4 carriage <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
(16) IE MK3 Dining car <Public Domain/Wikipedia.com>
(17) IE MK3 generator van <Public Domain/Wikipedia.com>
(18) Irish Enterprise train <Public Domain/Wikipedia.com>
See y'all in the ‘morrow!
Hi Tom and all,
Leon, it will most definately have to be a round of draft Guinness for all the crew today! Hold on to those Tui`s though!
HAPPY St PATRICK`S DAY TO ONE AND ALL, " TO BE SURE, TO BE SURE!"
Tom. Hope you and your bride are feeling a bit better by now, my Doc always says drink plenty of fluids to help flush the virus away, he does`nt say what type of fluids though! Enjoyed all the Irish orientated pics and posts, we certainly have gone a bit GREEN over here, maybe we can halt global warming a little bit! That was a very nice set of pics of your Toronto trip and some great shots of your Can Am RR and the post of the start of "Our Place". Good choice of flicks for the weekend, have just found out that the latest Sweeney Todd movie is a MUSICAL no less, wonder if Johnny Depp can sing? I agree with you about water being a natural asset and FREELY available to all humankind. Thanks for the heads up on Fergie!
Rob. Glad to read you are`nt affected by the dreaded "cold start" problem at all. Some nice info on your Classic Juice, Steam, and Ad`s postings, very interesting to read. Nice pics from you too!
Eric. Their is a bit of a delay over the NZ governments bid to take back the railways at the moment, they are haggling over the final price! Enjoyed all your pics and writings.
CM3. Never had to use a block heater at all, had a very hard to start Vauxhall Velox [UK GM] once had to pump the gas peddle a lot in the winter! Very interesting info on the Scenic Route named trains.
Pete. A very nice set of shots in Pt 2 of the Rocket 150 at Rainhill parade, and a nice pic of "Hardwicke" with the original L&NWR coaches`, and some nice Irish Rly pics for St Patrick`s day as well. The Toon actually did`nt LOSE last night, they drew 1-1 no less, things are looking up! Some nice pics of you and the gang on the Toronto trip and at Tom`s place.
Nick. It`s amazing what a Kiwi coach can do for a Welsh rugger team, after their poor showing at the World Cup! Interesting song list for your St Patrick`s day gig.
Ron. Very sorry to read that you are leaving us mate, have really enjoyed your very interesting posts and all your info and photo`s and inter-reacting with you. It`s been a real pleasure to have met you. Hope to maybe see the photo`s of your completed electric loco sometime?
Lars. What a very welcome surprise to see you back on board for a visit, it was great to see the covAHS and the nice selection of pics from the Larsman Mobile, thats for sure! Hope you enjoyed the St Patrick`s Day parade over there, and kept those joints well lubricated with a wee drop of draft Guinness now and then. Keep on keeping on!
See ya, Allan
Good evening Leon, I'm glad to see that you are using the green Boondockers and cumberbund that we picked you up for this very day I'm also glad to see that Boris has decided that he's had enough of the Leprechaun outfit as well
I think that in honour of the day I'll have a Guiness and Harps chaser,the Harps is a good brew I've enjoyed it many a time
Tom-A busy day for one who needs to be in sick bay caring for himself and his bride. However the effort is well appreciated.Lots of great Irish loco's ( many painted in shades of green as well ) Just a great effort from dabossman to be sure I'm happy to be your sidekick the two musketeers ( or is that musty steers ) and their happy band of regulars We may not run through three pages a day as in the Halcyon times but I think we still get it.I enjoy the interaction with we the few that give a patoot
I'm happy to see that the Guiness brewery loco was green.How could it be anyway else
CM3-Good to see you pop by ,sorry to hear that you had the problems in the machinery spaces,good to hear it's sorted out and the ships righted again, and that the first mates happy.Hopefully the loss of the warm water did not come with a flood of any proportions epic or otherwise.
The TH&B Berks are a well loved pair,the local railfans loved them to teh extreme.The only other TH&B power that was as equally loved was the other pair of oddballs. The two J1E Hudson's that were ordered on the back of a NYC order and numbered 500 and 501.
Pete-Ah an afternoon visit by the stealthy one who comes bearing gifts of steam locomotives and other's Some of which shot on the Emerald Isle. No Boris Dorothy is not there with her dog ,<sheesh>.So you lost some of your notes did you Have you checked in the Black Bag
Allan-Gday sir I'm glad that you've been enjoying my photo's and write ups, as long as someone enjoys them I'll keep posting them.I'm really glad that I don't have the need of a block heater as our house has no garage. A home with a garage and a nice heated workshop is on teh shortlist of things to do ( eventually )
Well leon another mint donut and another draft of Harps please. Herer's a couple more green loco's for everyone.
A CN C-liner at London Ontario in the early 60's
A BN train ( yes BN as in before the mega merger ) at Aruaura Ill from our july 95 trip to Chicago.
Okay Leon another round of Guiness's for anyone wishing them , here is another Classic repirnt brought forward form the deapths for everyone.
Classic CNR Steam #4 Passenger and Mixed Trains to Niagara Falls These are the passenger and mixed trains that called on Niagara Falls Ontario in the mid to late 50's. As layed out by Ian Wilson's Steam to The Niagara Frontier. Number 86 Hamilton to Niagara Falls section of number 83. Modified schedule on Sunday's. Cars off number 83 in Hamilton formed consist of train 86. Engine came off of number 95 from Niagara Falls. Usually a stream lined 6400 or a 6200 class northern. Number 87 and 84 Fastnight mail train Toronto to Niagara Falls . Did not officially handle passengers: not listed in the public timetable.Most express to Hamilton came in on 87, by the car load. About 90% , if not all express to Niagara Falls came in on 84. Circa december 1957, carried storage car of box baggage or refridgerator type for Hamilton and Hamilton transfer mail, set off in Hamilton and returned on No. 108. circa may 17 1956 at least one (each) Toronto-St Catharines and Toronto-Niagara Falls express reefers, carried mail in authorized space in baggage car between Hamilton and Niagara Falls. At Merriton , the switcher removed at least one express car from 84 and set it behind the station for unloading and transfer to NS&T Red Onion. The consist of train 84 at Niagara falls wa used to make up numbers 95 and 91. Usually powered by a Bullet Nosed betty until mid 1954. After which older mountains or 6400 class streamilined mountain or older Northerns became the norm. Engine would return on afternoon local 91-92 Number 89-90 Toronto to Niagara Falls leg of over night Maple Leaf CN-LV train to New York city. Normal consist was a LV baggage/smoker two LV pullman cars ( for Philadelphia and New York),CN coaches and parlour cars to Niagara Falls,and LV coach to New York.Carried mail in authorized space in baggage car between Toronto and Suspension bridge . Normal power was any variety of Northern or Mountain, with the occastional Hudson. Engine returned to Toronto next morning on 93-94 Number 91-92 Daily afternoon local passenger train,Niagara falls to Toronto. Normal power was a bullet nose betty ( mountain type 6060 series ) , occastionally a northern.Return movement for engine on night train 87/187 - 84/184. Cirac may 17 1956 carried Hamilton/ Toronto express reefer. Did not carry mail,except in baggage during Christmas season. Number 93-94 Niagara Falls to Toronto leg of overnight Maple Leaf from New York city.Engine was off train 89-90. RPO worked between Toronto and Niagara Falls on 83-86 & 93-94. Discharged mail on the fly at Beamsville. Normal consist out of Niagara Falls was RPO LV baggage/smoker , two LV sleepers(pullmans) , CN coaches and parlour car from Niagara Falls and LV coach.Extra express cars on some days. Power was off of 89-90. Number 95 Niagara Falls to Hamilton section of number 6. Carried mail in authorized space in baggage car between Niagara Falls and Hamilton. Normally powered by a Pacific assigned to Niagara Falls ( until april or may 1956 )After that time ,powered by engine off train 102. Number 101-102 Daily passenger train, Toronto to Niagara Falls. Heavy with head end cars. Carried RPO ( not on Sundays ) . Also carried mail in authorized space in baggage car between Toronto and suspension bridge, discharged mail on the fly at Grimsby Beach and Vineland. Circa may 17 1956,carried Toronto - Hamilton express reefer. Consist included parlour car amd Montreal sleeper ( off number 17 at Toronto ); this equiment returned on train 107-108. normal power was bullet nosed betty untill mid 1955,then streamlined northern ( 6400's ). Engine returned to Toronto on 107/108 Mixed Train 218 Originally Stratford- Fort Erie mixed trains aperating as M218-M219,engine making two-day round trip out from Stratford. Express cars were lifted by M218 at places such as Caledonia,Dunnville,St Thomas. On most days , there was a CN reefer behind the tender on arrival at Fort Erie. On the trip home M219 lifted an express reefer of fish at Dunnville,which was handed to M238 at Caledonia for furtherance to New york city via train 90 from Hamilton. On the trip home M219 luifted express casr at Brantford. Effective april 27 1958 , trains operated between Stratford and Brantford as M218/M219 while former London-Fort Erie way freights 510/511 were modified to run between London and Brantford as 510/511 and between Brantford and Fort Erie as M220/M217.Until early 1957.regular power was a light pacific assigned to Stratford, after which Stratford assigned Mikado's took over. From april 1958 onward,Stratford assigned Mikados handled trains between Stratford and Brantford and Mimico assigned Northerns handled trains between London and Fort Erie.Steam last used on this train in april 1959. Fort Erie Race Trains Passenger extras Toronto to Fort Erie and return during the racing season ( spring and summer ). Consist made up of buffer ( non passenegr carriing car ), parlour car and sufficient best available coaches. No stops on Oakville subdivision west of sunnyside. Stopped briefly at Welland in both directions.Returned immediatly following last race. Any suitable passenger power was used including northerns mountains hudsons or heavy pacifics. Picnic Trains Anual picnic trains for big industries in the Hamilton area, went to Crystal Beach. Passengers were dropped at the beach,then engine went to Fort Erie to turn. Picnic trains used commuter coaches laying over. Again any suitable passenger power was used. Enjoy Rob
Good evening Captain Toma and Gentlemen!!
Leon, give me something typical Irish to eat and Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout to drink!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! I know it is late but the party is still going on!Tom – Glad to hear that you are making some progress to get well, even if it is a slow progress. Take good care of your bride!!It was a wild night, Friday night, that’s for sure. I still have a hard time to hear what people are saying. The tower in my photo is from some place between Boston and New London, I know that much. So you have traveled by that tower many times. Just saw that Shane says it is Attleboro, MA.Glad you are familiar with North Freedom now! It isn’t that hard to find. It was military personnel in the winter photo because the locomotive was stuck just outside an Air Force base. I bet it must have been a very interesting way to meet people in the passageway aboard one of those Renaissance sleepers! Hmmm. I agree, we must keep an eye on Pete in May. But we have to be careful so he doesn’t know anything. Hmm, that movie, Sweeney Todd, has an interesting plot. It makes me wonder what one get when you order a Big Mac? I think I’ll stick to the vegetables.Thanks for the article on Irish Rail! It’s kind of isolated (for natural reasons) and I really don’t know much more about it than what Pete and DL has taught me. Kind of different considering the broad gauge. Now I am kind of confused. It is about the photos from Goraghwood, Drogheda and other places. Are they all in Northern Ireland? The locos look very British. That narrow gauge locomotive from Guinness brewery was something else. Never seen anything like it! I can see that more modern Irish locos have headlights! The Irish class 22000 looks very modern. It seems like the coaches don’t have very wide car bodies. Similar to the British ones! Lars – Wow, Manager Emeritus Lars is back!!! No wonder Ruth was singing and dancing! I wonder if the camera is on in the Penthouse Suite? Good to see you again, Sir!! Hope the Parade today was great! We are certainly going to make April 12 a BIG affair! A number of interesting books (New York Central in Color has a nice photo of an Alco) and some nice photos, like the X2000taking off from a station in the old country! Many thanks! Rob – I barely survived Friday night. Lost my hearing on the left side. Are you sure it was only one death? The Norwegian locomotive is a class Di 3. Built in Sweden by Nohab, but it is based on EMD locos. The prime mover is a GM 16-567C/E, 1,775 hp. They were built 1957-69. 15 minutes of fame? No, I think it was close to 20 minutes adding the times I’ve been interviewed on radio and TV (X2000).Green black and white locomotives? Hmmm. #1802 looks kind of strange with six axles on that sze of locomotive. Nice to see a RDC again!Thank you for the info on the passenger and mixed trains to Niagara Falls! CM3 – Thank you for the info on that tower! Attleboro, MA! So it is that close to Boston.How many of all those branch lines are still in service? Pete – A number of interesting photos from Ireland! Seems like Ireland had the same system as UK, no headlights on the locmotives!Hope the approaching storm wasn’t too bad.Allan – The delay you mentioned, is it weeks or months? I guess you don’t buy a complete railway system without some problems.
Here are some green, but not Irish locomotives, streetcars, etc. OKB, Swedish private railroad.U25-BStreetcar in Tucson, AZ, from Kyoto, Japan.Irish???
Eric
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Pete was by with pictures and comments.
Allan stopped by as well; good to hear from you.
Eric - T'aint no Orange Empire U25B, it's an Alco (on steroids). To answer your question about New Haven branch lines. Many of the branch lines that were not abandoned survived into Conrail and then CR spun them off to various short lines. Bay Colony Railroad is an example of one of the lines that picked them up. Other pieces are operated by MBTA for commuter service. Then there is the case of the former Old Colony which was ripped up and then years later rebuilt as, guess what? A railroad - what a concept. This is the MBTA's Greenbush Line.
Rob - No flood, but some "sparkling" electrical issues which went away when I knocked down the power on that circuit - I know Boris likes to mix water and electricity, but I sure don't. Anyway, all is back working - can't wait to get the bill for this one as I am still paying off last fall's four figure serendipitous septic sucking sewer ‘stravaganza! The driveway and a lot of the west side looked like World War I as there were trenches, etc. everywhere. We do have city sewer, but problems never seem to occur on their side of things.
OSP - Hope you are feeling better. The narrow gauge rod engine is certainly unique; it reminded me of some I saw in some underground zinc operations years back. Also enjoyed the pictures of Irish locomotives and cars as well as the adult beverage list. E-mail rec'd and answered.
<personal foto>
Didn't RUTH look MAH-VE-LUS in her green Happy St. Patrick's Day outfit!!
It's the Tuesday following St. Patrick's Day ‘n Nite - Aspirin ‘n Tylenol is "on the house" for those in need <uh oh>. . . coffee ‘n pastries are fresh ‘n the Menu Board selections for our <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfast are ready to cook!
Comments from the Proprietor
No, I wasn't reverting to my old ways on Monday - it was a special occasion at "Our" Place ‘n I KNEW we'd not have the turnouts of years past. Posting numerous times doesn't mean some of us "don't have a life," rather it means we CARE about this place of OURS by TAKING THE TIME ‘n MAKING THE EFFORT to keep things going. Many thanx to those of you who did that very thing yesterday.
There was no call for an extra-effort, but to have 4 of our regulars come through says a lot to me. Sure, it would've been great to have the numbers ‘n on-line interaction we used to get . . . but we takes what we gets at the Tavern by the Tracks!
Perhaps just a bit of bragging on my part, but I FIRMLY BELIEVE in leading by example. Worked for me during all those years that kind of trust was put on my shoulders ‘n I hope some of it shows through with the efforts here. Yesterday was a personally trying day - never fun when your best friend ‘n wife is down - a couple of trips to the Doc - a couple of pharmacy visits - all with taking Juneau out between rain squalls <he got 6 walks "in"!!> means that I too have other things to do. Yeah, even I have a life!
Hard for some to grasp that IF something is important enough to you - the time WILL BE FOUND to do it. I believe that . . .
So, special THANX to those of you working to bring in a pay check who do care about this place ‘n show it by finding the time to participate!
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):
Monday - March 17th: <all times Central daylite>
Page 199 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 9:46 AM: Everything went quite well for our St. Pat's Day weekend. With Nick's band doing their thing for us on Saturday, by Monday the collective was simply for relief! <grin>
Many thanx for the threesome foto spate - ‘n of course the RDC <always> "does it"!
Page 199 - CM3 Shane <coalminer3> at 1:14 PM: Doesn't matter what the time of your visit, it's knowing that you WILL!
Spring monsoons all around us with some major flooding expected. We survived the Great Flood of 1993, so we'll make it through this one. I'm a bit tentative about the basement though. Have done as much as I can to "protect" the weak area. We'll see . . .
That quote of yours may well have summed up precisely what's going on inside my aging body. Still feeling pretty much like a worn out dish rag, but one has to keep on keeping on - ‘specially if others are depending on me. CAN DO, Mate - or better put - MUST DO!
Email received ‘n responded to - very thoughtful.
Thanx for the quarters, visit ‘n ROUND!
Page 199 - Pete <pwolfe> at 2 PM: Good to see the spate of eight from our Resident Brit in Central Missouri . . . had hoped you'd show up earlier rather than later ‘n you didn't disappoint.
Wondered whether it was the rain OR that "other place" keeping you from returning Hmmmmmm. Yes, you are being watched . . . Inspector Clueless ‘n Mr. Doyle were put on your trail ‘n it's your own doing <along with some "help" from Eric . . . so I've heard!>
Those fotos from Ireland <have you checked the "black bag" for your notes??> really added a nice touch to what we try to maintain ‘round here. . . and your taking the time ‘n making the effort to come up with some extra-special for the crew hasn't gone unnoticed!
Appreciate the visit, Pix ‘n ROUND!
Page 199 - Allan <Gunneral> at 8:25 PM: Guinness from the Tui-man! Now that's a bit different - but most appropriate in keeping with our modest efforts to instill some Irish CHEER to our following.
Let's drink to Global COOLING! <grin>
Speaking of drinking - there was a time, Mate, that a stiff belt of JD or something similar would do wonders for what ailed me. Those days <daze> are loooooooooong gone. I can't even look a beer straight on . . . <groan> But, thanx for the well wishes!
Never saw Sweeney Todd as anything other than a musical. Guess once you see something in one form, anything else will always come through "different," eh Anyway, the version appearing now at the Emporium Theatre is really entertaining. We have the DVD ‘n it's a <keeper>. Don't know if we'll purchase the Johnny Depp version . . . while he was quite good in those "Pirates" flicks, he's really not my favorite actor.
Glad to know you're still enjoying the gobs of material provided to one ‘n all by just a handful of contributors. I'm especially directing that comment to ALL who have kept within our guidelines - CLASSIC TRAINS theme with lots of fun thrown in! Just like our friend Lars put it . . . if that bothers anyone, we do have several exits.
Just curious, did you recognize that type of NZ loco that Lars put up for you The guy really knows how to come up with the most interesting assortments, eh
Another fine < I3 > Post along with lots of good CHEER!
Page 199 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 10:52 PM ‘n 11:10 PM: Back with a twofer to keep things rollin' here at the Saloon by the Siding. Heard that Nick ‘n his band were last seen being hauled away by the local Constabulary to the Detention Centre ‘n Aviary atop Mt. Mentor. Efforts to bail ‘em out have been thwarted <that's a nice word, eh?> by the mob scene of adoring fans with pitchforks ‘n torches blocking the road up the "hill" . . . stay tuned! <uh oh>
Really like that C-Liner - bet she looked great "back in the day." I never saw a CN in those colors, aside from in fotos, ‘n would imagine they caught the eye. Nothing like a little "sea sick green" to turn one's head . . . <yikes> Never <barf> INTO the wind, Mate!
All kinds of very interesting ‘n informative "stuff" in your passenger ‘n mixed train piece. Thanx!
Email en route regarding May . . .
Many thanx for helping to keep things alive ‘round here!
Tuesday - March 18th: <all times Central daylite>
Page 199 - Eric <EricX2000> at 1:16 AM: Glad to see that your heart was in the right place even if you couldn't make it in while it was still OH-FISH-UL-LEE St. Pat's Day. Nevertheless, you more than made up for it with a fine GREEN spate of fotos ‘n some good chat . . .
Those places in Ireland most probably may be found by enlarging that IE system map - ‘n I do believe they are all Ireland as opposed to the north. Perhaps Pete will jump in with amplifying info . . .
Perhaps Mountain Man Mike has Irish heritage, but the Second Class Saloon is a protypical model of Wyatt Earp's tavern in Nome, Alaska. No kidding . . .
Many thanx for the innovative effort to come up with fotos in GREEN!
Page 199 - CM3 Shane <coalminer3> at 8:49 AM: Sorry we just missed connecting . . . thanx for the visit, quarters 'n ROUND!
Think I'm heading back to the Doc - had a horrible nite, but this too shall pass! <I hope> Bride's home another day, so Juneau will have his pack-in-tact!
Many thanx for the Email comments 'n support!
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!
Morning Ruth , oh dear younlook a tad tuckeerd out. Well no big deal I'll help myself with the high octane BK coffee and I think just toast today, the eggs and abcon are not doing it for me after having to clean up and wade throught eh debris from last night. At least Boris and the critters are helping out, the three twenty yard garbage skips behind the bar should help as well. remember guys shift teh loads for bodies and body parts
Eric-Wonderfull photo's sir, I think Shanes right that does look like an overgrown RS1 still it's a classic . Thanks for the info on the Norwegian loco, sounds like it has / had a GP9 type power plant inside of it. Any still around
Oh BTW there are no cameras in teh suite. I ahd all teh wiring pulled out and the equipment re-installed in Boris's shed, he needs more watching than anyobne else.Don't make me sick the Inspector on you too,he does have two eyes and two hands so he can carry two maginfying glasses.
Those CN 1800's were built onlyu for CN and only four were built ( none were preserved either) They were built by MLW and they are RSC24's, a little 1000hp 244 motor and the six axle trucks were for light maritime branchlines many with 70lbs rail !Their trucks were re-used in the 70's and puit under modified RS18's when they replaced the worn out 24's ( CN purged the roster of all Alco 244 power in the 80's )Basically it was an S type switcher that had a lenghtened frame to take the 244. You will notice that there was a small shorthood mounted behind the cab as well which carried the electrics for the 244.
Tom-Emails recieved and responded to I didn't figure that you had gone back to teh dark side with all the posts yesterday, but hey wet disrag or not you deserve many a toast and for yesterdays "stravaganza" espeacially with you feeling like well.... Juneau's leavings
Sea Sick green is what the CN Olive green always faded to. I remember two GMD1's that used to switch teh Port Weller dry Docks in St Catharines when I was a kid seemed to never get repainted, they looked more grey with a bit of yellow striping before they finally went to the paint shop for the barricade stripe paint job,I wonder what they look like now as they were likely in the bunch that was sold to Cuba several years ago.
I have to ask was there a secret handshake to meet and pass people with in the renasance sleeper car hallways
Shane-I'm glad no horrible tidal waves of water inundated you,the sparks would ahve been bad enough for me. Here's a thought perhaps you could leave the trenches,teh Mentor Fusiliers need some in field practiceStill joking aside those kind of inconveniances are one's I like to not have to deal with.I've never been a fan of septics. At least up here the city owns the whole run save the piping that's actualy in your house ( which thankfully does not usually casue problems ) Interesting thoughts on the Bay Colony whudathunkit putting a railroad back on a railroad ROW,wow that guy who thought that up must have been a rocket scientist
Okay Ruth I'm more awake now "howboutchewe" I think I need another BK balst though and I thinka bag of the donuts from the mosheen .Well I've started going through the photo's lost from the railimages account, did a bit of rescanning to "the bucket" an I found many more that at the time were unpostable , but that my newscanner and it's software have made them at least "lookatable" so here are some fallen flags found on my various photo trips.
The Rio Grande in Auroura Ill.
This MP15 hasn't quite made it to the paint shop yet. On the CSX at Blue Island Ill.
A bunch of random CNW power lashed together out by the St Charles Ill Airport.
A Conrail train at Marion Ohio. I know can't believe that Conrails a classic just yet, at least it's a fallen flag.
Enjoy
Hello again folks yup an early trifecta from me had the time so why not. Ruth I think around for the house on me this time. This is a bit of stuff from the other thread that Tom thought would be interesting to re-post here,to catch a few discussion points at any rate.I had posted a shot of a CP train in Niagara falls with some Sd40's and 40-2's leading with a C424 in th bunch some of you will remember the shots. We were postualting if indeed the SD40 series should be concidered a classic or not here was my take along with the two shots. What do you guys think
You know Tom I think to answer your question they will.On a strictly date basis they are already. In automotive terms cars are generally concidered a Classic at 25 years of age ( there is a whole new insurance cost at that point ) and at the moment going again by insurance terms over thirty years they are concidered antique ( again more bills in the insurance mans pocket )
Now going by whats in that picture. That series of SD40-2's were built in 1974 and the two C424's were built in 1964 so strictly by automotive age they are by definition both a classic and an antique.
Now in railfan terms any Alco's are Classics, so the C424's are a two fold shoe in, they are from a long dead locmotive builder,are fan favourites , and by the model type they were the first of the Century series of Loco's put out by Alco and MLW so the 424's are truly a Classic train . Now the SD40-2's are going to be a toss up. They are the right age to be a classic, but all things being equal they are not out of the regular service on many roads yet,and I imagine you will see them around for quite a while yet.Mind you there still are a lot of GP9's and some GP7's still in regular service ( over 200 GP9's on the CN alone )and those early GP's are concidered a bonafied classic train,another point is that the SD40 and it's later dash two cousins were the best selling locomotive put out by GM surly will be it's ticket to wide spread acceptance as a classic at some point/ Just my humble " border="0" width="23" height="15" />
Well RUTH a cup of coffee and something light to eat after yesterday. Still raining well here but without the thunderstorms today.
NICK Looks like I missed the band, still it looks like the Mentor Village Radio recorded the gig so no doubt a CD will be available soon, and I will be able to have a listen.
Looks like you had great weather for your trip in Ireland and a great photo of the HST at Dawlish, I could almost smell those fish and chips, what was it about them being wrapped in newspapers that made them smell so good. What a great place Dawlish must have been on a summer Saturday in the mid to late 1950s with a constant procession of Great Western steam hauled trains bringing the holidaymakers in to the resorts of Devon and Cornwall.
ALLAN Glad you enjoyed the photos, the Rocket 150 seemed to have more LMS locomotives.
The station pilot I remember at Newcastle was what became a class 03-diesel shunter, which seemed to be always coupled to a shunter's wagon. I have a photo somewhere of a 03 doing the pilot's job at Norwich. I will have to try to find it.
ROB Really enjoyed reading the Toronto Hamilton & Buffalo Railway encores again and it is good to see #103 looking in such good condition.
Enjoyed the next set of photos from the ‘missing roll of film'.
Sitting on the black bag, mushy peas a mistake what is going on when I'm away methinks the ‘Admin Duties' are taking a toll.
Look on the bright side, if the price of scrap steel and copper keeps going up there may be I profit to be made out of those subs after all.
CM3 Thanks for the Norfolk and Western 1950 copy..
The peas are on order and I have made plans with the chef to have them with the Fish 'n' Chips at the local pub.
ERIC Yes it hard to believe it is now nearer to the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway than the 150th.
Good spot with the lamps of the locomotives at Rainhill. The position of the lamps shows the class of train the locomotives was working, with two lamps above the buffers donating an express passenger train. Most locos in the parade have a single lamp in the center of the buffer beam, which correctly denotes a light engine(s). The one on 7298 could mean ‘Pick up or Branch line freight'. The four lamps on Hardwicke denotes the ‘Royal Train' when a member of the Royal Family is on board the train, not sure if any of them were on the train at the cavalcade though.
Many thanks for the photos. There are two classic locomotives in the photo of Trondheim in 1968 with the North American looking diesel and the steam switcher in the background.
I think the smile on my face at the controls of the S-Capades was that I had thought up a method of the controller dispensing beer as well as running the layout.
LARS Really great to see you in the bar, you are very much missed. Yes Rob is doing a great job but as Rob now as the gold plated dipper I have a plastic one and an ever expanding bar tab, Oh well.
Real pleased your are attending the St Patrick's Day Parade, if the is any footage of it with you in on U Tube etc it would be great to see.
Many thanks for the book covers and photos. I would love that ‘Not to Be Moved' sign in the photo of Burton Agnes Hall to fit on my stool at the bar.
I know it may be quite a while before you are able to call in the bar again but it will be very welcome to me when you can.
TOM Glad you liked the photo of 45110, it was taken at Bridgnorth as the loco was leaving the yard to take over a train to Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway. I'm afraid I am not sure of the date, 45110 has worked many years at the SVR and the main line in between overhauls and I think she is due another overhaul this year.
The Rainhill cavalcade was in 1980 in May it I remember the month right. The line was closed as I think there was major engineering on another part of the line so part of the line where we were clear for the cavalcade that was over three days.
Great selection of Encore photos, from the two rendezvous to the great Canadian Rail Adventure, The last photo is evidence that we only had one can of beer each.
The term ‘Under the Cosh' had a slightly different meaning where I lived than under the thumb. It meant more like having a hard task to do in a short time. I have heard railwaymen use it, like on a steam loco "With the bad coal on a heavy train we were under the cosh to keep the timings."
The is as TV channel from Ireland called Setanta which shows Hurling and Gaelic Football as well as soccer, Rugby etc, the bride signed us up after the free trial last year.
Good movies on at the Emporium this week, unfortunately I think the sale of the Mentor villager meat pies may take a tumble after Sweeny Todd but Major League and the Stooges will cheer us up.
Well Tom I have caught up to yesterday and the post is getting long, so I will post this and read more of the St Patrick's Day posts.
A round please RUTH when everyone feels up to it.
Pete
ONE CONTEST ENDED - ANOTHER CONTINUES!
When will we reach Page 200 Bonus: Who will make that Post
Participants:
(1) Rob sez Mar 15th (Lars)
(2) Pete sez Mar 19th (Rob)
(3) Allan sez Mar 15th (Pete)
(4) Eric sez Mar 1st (Lars)
(5) Mike sez Mar 12th (Tom)
(6) Lars sez Mar 21st (Tom)
(7) CM3 sez Mar 8th (Rob)
(8) Fergie sez Mar 21st (Tom)
(9) Jan sez Mar 23rd (Tom)
NO WINNER! Pete turned the Page today, Mar 18th. A round of CHEER for our Bar Chandler . . .
Thanx to all for participating!
WHO will make the 4,000th reply at the bar AND when
(1) Pete sez Rob on Mar 22nd
(2) Rob sez Pete on Mar 16th
(3) Eric sez Allan on Mar 21st
(4) CM3 Shane sez Rob on Mar 13th
(5) Ron sez Rob on Mar 10th
(6) Allan sez Pete on Mar 15th
Kinda like a morgue 'round here - cold 'n damp too! <brrrrrrrr> Awful weather in mid-continent USA - rain, rain, rain 'n a very wet basement <again>. Fortunately have been able to contain it to a small area with lots of towels 'n rags to sop it up. <arrrrrgggghhhh> Just what I need, feeling the way I do . . . .
Bride is doing better today, but still a long way to go. Doc doesn't want to see me <can't blame him for THAT!> Says "it" has to run its course - so what else is new <cough> <hack> <wheeze> <sneeze> <choke>
All kinds of Email flying 'round - thanx to all for the well wishes 'n support for things at the bar!
Just a few more Irish train fotos . . . then I'm outta here 'til the 'morrow.
(1) IE #175 - class 141 - <Public Domain/Wikipedia.com>
(2) CIE #187 - class 181 <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipeida.com>
(3) IE DVT <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
(4) IE standard class MK2 coach <Public Domain/Wikipedia.com>
(5) IE MK3 coach <GNU Free Documentation/Wikipedia.com>
Feeling better than first thing so I'll try a Holden's Mild please RUTH.
TOM Seems I made the first post on page 200, I don't suppose it would be any good me claiming that is probably March 19th somewhere in the world when I made it. Thought not.
Great post on Irish Rail on St Patrick's Day5X, it as been a few years now since I have ridden the rails in Ireland so the new info in the post was very useful. I will have to find out some more about the Cork to Midleton reopening, I could not see it on the map. Looking at the map it is sad how there are no rails now in north West Ireland
Many thanks for the great Irish photosit is good to see the preserved steam locomotives in their service days. Great selection of the Irish diesels and their coaches both old and ones that have only recently been put in service.
In today's photos that is a marvelous paint job on #187 and the other class 181. I wonder if those plates on the side of the new DVT are just there while the car was shipped or the DVTs will run with them in service.
I only tried three of the beers in your list yesterday plus a mix of two of them. I think I would like to try the Guinness brewed in Canada.
Glad to hear your bride is feeling a bit better today and really hope you are both back to full health real soon.
I guess you have been having the same weather system we have been having here real sorry to hear the water has got in your basement again but at least you have managed to contain it although, as you say, mopping up is the last thing you need to be doing when you are feeling unwell.
CM3 Glad you got the hot water problem fixed OK.
Many thanks for the info on Eric's photo at Attleboro. Did you see the article in the latest Trains magazine about White River Junction VT. I thought it was a very good article on the railroads there past and present.
ALLAN Thanks for the kind words on the photos, yes having the preserved coaches behind some of the locomotives in the cavalcade was a great touch. I think there was a lot more room to keep the stock at Rainhill than there was at Shildon.
The Brum v Toon game was on live and repeated later on Setanta here from what I saw it was nearly all Brum in the first half and the Toon looked a far different team in the second and well deserved the point. If they play like they did in the second half they should be able to get some wins when they play the teams fighting relegation in the coming matches.
They were talking about the Wales coach taking charge of the British Lions.
ROB Brave man playing darts with BORIS he used to practice using Spike's quills.
Many thanks for the photos the C Liner looks very stylish although I guess it was quite old by the time the photo was taken.
Enjoyed reading the encore of the trains that called at Niagara and their consists. I found it very interesting how the locomotives were diagrammed to work the various trains it all must have been worked out but it is not often seen described. I have wondered if locomotives on the freight turns today are diagrammed to take the intermodel trains on the long hauls through here to work the trains all the way through with refueling en-route or the locomotives only work part of the route ans stay in the same area.
I think those photos of the fallen flag locomotives have come out very well. Interesting about what is a ‘classic' locomotive.
ERIC I cannot find Goraghwood on my map but Drogheda in is Eire. Newry is in Northern Ireland and York Road is a locomotive shed in Belfast NI.
Those locomotives at the Guinness Brewery were very novel. The narrow gauge loco could be dropped into a frame and be used on the larger gauge.
http://www.irsociety.co.uk/Archives/22/Guinness.htm
Sorry the link is a bit long but there are some photos of the frame for the narrow gauge loco to haul trins on the broad gauge
I think the Irish coach bodies are the same width as the British ones; some of them look as though they are the standard BR stock fitted with 5' 3" gauge bogies.
Like BR it is in only fairly recent times the Irish Locomotives have been fitted with high-powered headlights.
Many thanks for the photos; surely the Second Class saloon is not an ‘Irish Pub'.
Well LEON I have caught up so a round please..
Good evening Captain Tom and all present!!
Leon, a ham sandwich and a cold Tui, please!
The day after the day before, that was today. A little bit warmer again, that is nice!
CM3 – You are right, I guess I was kind of cross eyed (or bildfolded) when I checked the text. That photo shows an Alco, nothing else. Thanks for the correction! Thanks for the info on the branch lines. I understand several of them are still in service! Tom – Sorry to hear about your wet basement. Always something. Hope the health will improve for both of you!Hmm, Wyatt Earp’s tavern in Nome? Do you think Mountain Man Mike is related to Wyatt? Don’t they look alike? Kind of, I think. Did Wyatt have Irish heritage? Nice photos of the irish locos! Class 181 looks brand new. Does IE use vacuum brakes? It looks like they have air brakes as well. Received mail, thank you. Rob – Shane is absolutely right, the photo shows an Alco. Too much celebration last night on my part. The Norwegian loco is according to my information technically the same as a EMD’s SD locos. No camera in the suite? Thanks for the info on the CN locos! What was the reason CN skipped all Alcos in the 80’s? Nice photos of the classic diesels (incl. Conrail)! I like the one of the two Rio Grande-locos!I consider those Canadian locos classic from all points of view! Thank you for sharing!Pete – Congratulations to the 200th Page!Okay, now I understand your smile when you were at the controls of the S-Capades! Hmmm. Thanks for the info on those signal lights! Four lights for a royal train. I have never had the King of Sweden on any of my trains. Doesn’t make any difference though. No signal lights are used in the old country. Do you think we will be around for the 200th Anniversary? You might, but I don’t know about myself. What year will it be?Goraghwood is in Northern Ireland according to Wikipedia. Interesting info on the Guinness narrow gauge locomotive! Drop it in a frame and run it on broad gauge! Never seen that before. Thanks for the link!
Grand Canyon Railway, Grand Canyon 1992.
Wednesday's Witticism
The hottest fire is made by the wood you copy yourself.
Mid-week in mid-continent USA where it's soggy, soggy, soggy ‘n wet! Need a foto Beginning to think of calling for a boarding of the Ark . . .
Freshly baked pastries have been stocked in The Mentor Village Bakery case. Our special blend coffee is ready ‘n our <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts may be ordered from our Menu Board. So, come dry out with us!
Page 199 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 9:56 AM ‘n 10:12 AM ‘n 10:24 AM: A trifecta to begin the day from our Resident Ontario Connection and Manager!
First things first - Email sent - we're ON!
Appreciate seeing <again> your comments about Classic Trains in terms of whether some should or shouldn't be classified that way. You already know that I agree with you, but it will be interesting to see if any of our very small number picks up on what you've said.
Eric ‘n I have talked about this by fone too. Neither of us agree with what the Forum people seem to think Classic Trains are all about <not the magazine - but the definition of what trains should be included in that term>.
There are many examples of trains running right now that one day will most definitely be included in that term: Classic Trains. Others, of course may not . . . I think that the AeroTrain, as unsuccessful as it was, is indeed a Classic. The Superliners of Amtrak will one day be put into that category as well perhaps only because they were the staple for America's long distance train travel. And so goes the discussion . . .
A very interesting ‘n colorful spate of 4 fotos!
There were times while traveling aboard Renaissance that I wondered, "How did I manage THAT!?!!?" while passing another passenger in those narrow passageways. No, secret handshake, but one definitely had to be aware of hands . . . <uh oh>
A surveillance system in Boris' shed!?!?!? What in the world possessed you to do THAT I man watching him with those inflatables is more than my mental imagery can handle. <yikes>
Page 200 - Pete <pwolfe> at 11:13 AM: A most rare morning appearance by our Resident Brit in mid-Missouri! Perhaps a little guilt showing for not coming back for the festivities last nite
Emails received ‘n glad all's okay in JCity . . .
Pretty much given up on the notion that we have any more PG <periphery guys> for if we did, we'd have seen ‘em by now. So it's now down to this precious few of ours where every Post is meaningful ‘n fits well within what we all enjoy doing. So what's wrong with that, eh
The games people play - so many I never heard of. Before meeting my bride, I had never heard of curling. One of her sisters up in Nova Scotia is a "big time" player - one day I expect she'll be right up there with the best. Always competitive teams that she captains . . .
Pete, you ‘n I are friends. But don't EVER bring mushy peas into my Haus or this bar - ever! <ugh>
With a beer fridge almost within reach of the S-Capades, why in the world would you require a dispenser Anyway, you didn't like the Haus brew! <grin>
Page 200 - Pete <pwolfe> at 7:53 PM: Back again - twice in one day! Yeah, you definitely came CLOSE with your guess. Soooooooooo, be happy with the ROUND! <geesh> BUT, nice job in coming so close . . . You obviously put some thought into it.
There is a map on one of the Wikipedia sites showing the rail routes in Ireland "back in the day" 'n those of now. As you noted, northwestern Ireland had all kinds of links - no more.
One day you'll have to share your insights regarding "mixing" beer . . . That's something I'm totally in the dark about.
The basement situation is really depressing. I just dred the thought of having to rip out all of that work done on the "long wall" - much rather tackle that problem from the outside. But that's quite a lot of digging - quite a lot. I'm going to have to hire a "pro" for this as the water is coming from "somewhere" not visible from above ground. The area against the house is totally dry 'n protected. Maybe some critters have burrowed tunnels where now a pathway to the lower portion of the foundation wall is getting flooded - underground. Don't know - but surely has to be addressed. We've been changing the towels down there every 2 or 3 hours - wringing 'em out - drying 'em 'n repeating the process . . . that gets old in a heartbeat. Fortunately we've got plenty of old towels 'n rags . . .
Nice link on the Guiness Brewery tramway 'n equipment . . .
Thanx for the <I3 > Post ' ROUND!
Wednesday - March 19th: <all times Central daylite>
Page 200 - Eric <EricX2000> at 1:06 AM: Did a bit of searching on the family of Wyatt Earp - saw nothing to indicate Irish heritiage! <grin> Nice try . . . but no cigar!
The Can-Am Trainroom's "long wall" is in trouble. It's such a disappointment to know that after all the work that went into making things the way I wanted them that the "forces" decided to mess with it all. Still raining - some areas around here have received in excess of 10 inches . . . we're probably nearing 5 since it all began, which is plenty.
Sorry, but asking me if IE uses vacuum brakes is kinda like asking Boris to calculate your taxes. <yikes> Perhaps Pete knows . . .
Always enjoy viewing the Grand Canyon RR shot . . . reminds me of my two visits, one by train in 1953 - then my return home from SoCal in 1988 upon retiring . . . the station still stands that we used in 1953. One day I'll have to get A-ROUNDTUIT 'n see if I can digitize those old black 'n white fotos . . .
Appreciate the chat 'n visit - thanx for the well wishes.
It's our OPTIONAL Toy ‘n Model Trains Day! here at the Tavern by the Tracks. And as much as I'd rather sit this one out, figured there's still one or two out there who might enjoy taking a look at the construction of my Polar Express shelf system . . .
So here they come in spates of six . . . BUT only on Wednesday!
(1) If there's anyone out there who hasn't heard of or seen the movie, get a life! <grin> Finally got the Lionel version of that animated train . . .
(2) Trial run on the dining room table <where else?>!
(3) Cool looking Berkshire - all metal!
(4 -6) Construction begins in the Can-Am Trainroom!
Enjoy!
Good Morning Barkeep and all present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Gas is $3.39 and holding this a.m. We have not had any of the rain our friends to the west have received but it looks as though our turn will probably come a bit later today. It is starting to sound like spring in the a.m. as many of our birds have returned.
An additional note on NH branch lines in Massachusetts which we discussed the other day.
Bay Colony picked up a bunch of old NH branches near and around Cape Cod. NOTE to OSP - Did you transit the CC Canal during your travels - I always liked the big New Haven lift bridge.
Old Colony was an ancient and honorable name in New England railroading. It was eventually absorbed into the New Haven. A lot of it was abandoned/torn up as a result of misguided decisions to pave most of the Boston area. People got tired of sitting in traffic and somebody said, "Geez, let's take the old railroad and turn it into a railroad." Then ensued a lot of dealing with politicians. NIMBYs , and similar types. And lo, it came to pass that track was laid, bridges resorted and the trains do runneth again, albeit MBTA.
Peter Lynch's book on the New Haven (part of the MBI Railroad Color History series) does a first-rate job in sorting all of this out.
Rob forwarded some pictures taken at various points. I am so proud of myself (doesn't take much, does it) that I picked up on that D&RG SD40T-2. MP15s I remember well in Nashville; some (in CSX livery) have gone north to the Boston area.
Herewith a few comments triggered by Rob's Ramblings.
I look at Classic rail equipment (diesel locomotives anyway) not only in terms of age, but also of design. First generation power definitely qualifies (regardless of manufacturer) because there were so many out there; each with a different take on how a diesel should be designed, what it should be used for, etc., etc. Fascinating items from this era are the early box cabs, tri-power units, and models produced by steam manufacturers such as Baldwin and Lima. Then we look at second generation power and locomotives such as the GP30 and U25B immediately come to mind; especially the U25 because of all of the new design features. Third generation will doubtless include the SD40 and SD45. Dash-2 is probably third generation, so we will have to have a GP38-2 in our museum. Then we start heading into fourth generation which will include SD70, SD70MAC, and the present GE Genesis line; again because of design. NOTE to the GE backers out there. I am not neglecting them but the U series and then the -8 and -9 lines in many ways worked off the same basic design.
The interesting back story to all of this is how EMD slew Alco and in turn was slain by GE.
OSP - CV used that green scheme was well (kept it in the CN family). I hope you will be able to get the basement situation squared away. Also, enjoyed the construction and the Polar Express pictures - I think we have all had break in runs for new stuff either on the floor or the table - all part of the experience. That's a metal engine - hardly a man is now alive...I will try and remember to bring pictures of the prototype to the Rendezvous.
work safe
Reporting from high ground, here's something most appropriate for what's been happenin' in my neck of the woods - CLICK the LINK - sit back 'n follow along!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qSz6X5NMXnM
Johnny Cash 'n Five Feet High and Rising . . .
How high's the water, mama?Two feet high and risin'How high's the water, papa? Two feet high and risin'We can make it to the road in a homemade boatThat's the only thing we got left that'll floatIt's already over all the wheat and the oats, Two feet high and risin'How high's the water, mama? Three feet high and risin'How high's the water, papa? Three feet high and risin'Well, the hives are gone, I've lost my beesThe chickens are sleepin'In the willow treesCow's in water up past her knees, Three feet high and risin'How high's the water, mama? Four feet high and risin'How high's the water, papa? Four feet high and risin'Hey, come look through the window pane,The bus is comin', gonna take us to the trainLooks like we'll be blessed with a little more rain, 4 feet high and risin'How high's the water, mama? Five feet high and risin'How high's the water, papa? Five feet high and risin'Well, the rails are washed out north of townWe gotta head for higher groundWe can't come back till the water comes down, Five feet high and risin'Well, it's five feet high and risin'
Headlines from 'round the world when trains 'n floods don't mix!
Flood damage put at $300 million - railroads hurt by 1993 Midwest floods <US>
Torrential rain floods towns and halts trains <UK>
Trains have been cancelled and diverted because of breaches caused by floods <US>
Trains stranded as floods hit <UK>
20 trains were halted after floods washed away a rail line <India>
Floods Threaten Future of Train Line <UK>
Flood Strands Amtrak Train <US>
Floods halt sleeper trains <UK>
Buffalo Susquehanna Train Slides Into River When Tracks Give Way <US>
Doubt I'll be back today . . . catch y'all in the 'morrow!
Good Afternoon Captain Tom and Sundry
I'll have a pint of the IPA and i might as well buy all a pint as well!
Might as well order a large order of the daily special as I have been amiss for a week or so as I have just transitted the water of the North Atlantic to arrive once again safe and sound in home port. Missed a couple of really nasty storms. Gives me the willies when I see them on the weather charts!!
I see I missed Lars, Always good to see him in, as it's been a long absence.
Trolley Rob: Did you see Ian Wilson has a new book coming this fall! Yes it's called "Steam Echoes of Hamilton". If it's as good as his past productions it's a definate must.
Tom: Taking the high rail I see. Keep us posted lot's of pics
If anyone has pics of Steam sanding towers and facilities please keep me in mind as I'm currently looking at installing one on the MESS.
Anyway thanks for the meal and here's a schekle for the excellent service!
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
Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!
Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter